Poem for Robert de Billy1
Dedicated to Robert de Billy
Sardoux is so, so kind. He has kept a place for me!
Your spirit, divine chrysanthemum
In majestic grief
Will one day reveal the themes
Of Sadness, of Beauty
Pride vanquished chrysanthemums
That bow with majesty
Vary to infinity the themes
Of Sadness, of Beauty
Oh Mistress human chrysanthemum
Thus your sumptuous charm
Imprisons my unfortunate heart
Oh autumnal flower, I love you
Your spirit, divine chrysanthemum
In majestic grief
Will one day reveal the themes
Of Sadness, of Beauty.
1. Proust was
perhaps inspired by some chrysanthemums that he had sent to Mme
Straus to scribble these verses to Billy in his exercise book.
21? November 1890.
Billy explained: Shortly after my return from my regiment, I
received or rather my parents saw arrive to their astonishment
three giant chrysanthemums [...] They were white, yellow and
copper. Attached to this superb present were some verses that
compared my spirit to chrysanthemums.