"fortune is oblivious, and glory may parch hearts"
2 autograph letters signed.
8vo, and 4to. (1+2 =) 3 pp. on bifolia and single leaf. One of which with autogr. address verso.
€ 800.00
To the lawyer and painter Edmond Hédouin in Boulogne-sur-Mer about several problems that have arisen concerning the engraving of a musical publication which, with Duchambge's care, will hopefully be effected as planned, and she promises that Hédouin will receive his copies soon. Furthermore, Duchambge begs Hédouin's forgiveness for not having used his pretty verses because they did not appear sufficiently musical to be set to a song. Instead she promises to publish some of his poems in her annual album. Hédouin should suggest texts for a ballad of no more than four verses, and Monsieur Merle will take care of the matter: "Enfin, Monsieur, demain, vos exemplaires partiront - et j'espère que vous les recevrez promptemens - ce n'est pas ma faute je vous assure si les graveurs y ont mis tant de négligence [...]" (12 May 1835). Duchambge has severe financial problems, which she hopes the recipient - through the good offices of a Monsieur Merle - might help to ease by means of a recommendation to the Duke of Bassano, Hugues-Bernard Maret. Although Duchambge knows Maret as a generous man, she notes the fickleness of human nature, of which Montaigne was so well aware: "Je connais le duc de Bassano [...] mais, l'homme est ondoyant dit Montaigne - moi, j'ajoute que la fortune est oublieuse, et que les honneurs dessèchent par fois les coeurs [...]" (dated "Wednesday evening").
One letter with blindstamped monogram and tear due to opening of the letter. The other letter with a small clipping.
