Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1857-08-12
BERANGER.

The following account of Beranger, which we trans
late from Paris paper, is from an old neighbor OF
the distinguished poet, who was intimately acquainted
with him for many years:
"Beranger has always sought seclusion, especially
during the latter years of his life. Passy, Fontain-
bleau, Tours and quiet Beauon have sheltered his
tirement; and he was constantly changing bis resi-
dence to escape popular importantly. The names
of the English and Americans who daily besege the
poet of Lisette, and the sums Of money which they
offer his housekeeper to be admitted would fill vol
ume The poor, dear, mani said one of his SER
wants, they want me to show him for money
"The clergy, among the rest, applied several times
with great reserve, during the latter part of his So
journ at Passy. In 1s49, Sbour, Archbishop of
Paris, accompanied by his Wears and the curate of
Passy, visited the poet who received him politely,
but in such manner that he had desire of renew
ing the visit.
"After the death of David d. Anglers he only wish
ed to walk upon the Bouevards to take the morning
air. He loved to walk without being recognized in
this thronged quarter, and whenever he could walk
to the Bastile without seeing the cap Of an ar
tisan raised before his white locks he seemed more
pleased than when some ndiscreet promenade attrac
ted popular ovation. last, he would say, with
a satisfied smile, Il am to be left quie: for day
"They were always trying to make politician
Of Beranger, but he would never be one. He was
favore with all the governments, and independent
Of all parties. Liberal under the Restoration,
publican under the government of July, moderate
under the republic he has passed peaceful life, un-
swayed by ambition enthusiasm.
"The politics of BeTanger, / should say, have al
ways consisted in keeping clear of politics. In 1888
he said that the sanderers declared that he did this
from virtue, but the truth he did it from axi-
ness.
"In resigning his seat in the Constitutional As
sembly Of 1S4S, he wrote: 1t is not the Of q
philosopher much less of sase it is the VOW Of an
old rhymer who thought If he lost amid the clamor
of public affairs his independence Of soul, he should
survive the only blessing of which he was ever am-
| bitious.'
"In spite of all the efforts of Beranger to avoid
and the conflict of opinions, he has always
stood as the most popular type Of the Repub-
| lican party in France. This is due to his steady
fame, his independence, his poverty, and his poit
cal integrity, which were always above suspicion.
| They might attack his sceptcisms, even his lite
rary genius but his noble private character is above
| all criticism.
"The following authentic incident illustrates his
| character.
who was banker. Here said he, ARE three thou.
sand francs, which do not know how to use. /
know nothing of the bourse, of stocks or of bonds.
Use it for me as you choose; will let you have it.
"His friend took charge of the money, and for
several years paid him interest upon it regularly.
But finally, one day he called upon him and offered
him the amount.
| "Why do you return me this money! have not
demanded it"
al do not wish to keep it, replied the banker
Il am about to retire from business" :
"What does that sgnifyF replied the poet. ]
gave you the money as friend-not as banker.
"I do not wish to do any more business"
I" 1t is not business; it is favor which ask"
at is absolutely impossible"
"Ah well, responded Beranger, I have no fear
you conceal something. Tell me, is there not som'
hidden motivef -r. ~ .-~
"Ths friend denied that he had any concealed
motive. Beranger insisted; the friend became agi
tated and finally declared that his position had beei
compromised, and that he upon the verge o
bankruptcy. He added: Ny rich creditors cal
lose little money without injury to their business
speculator; you have nothing to risk; you mus
take back your money"
"My dear friead,' said Beranger,1 'to cursor
observer you have done act just and legal which
in truth, is reprehensible, and one to which car
not become an accompFcet You have acted 10 goo
faith, and are without reproach. Butt cannot cor