Houma Ceres. [volume] (Houma, Parish of Terrebonne, La.) 1855-18??, 1857-03-07
T.lleyr.>a and Madame de st.el,

Talleyrand's ingratitude towards Ma.
dame do Stael may appear inexcusable-
It certainly was not in any way creditable.
But in extenuation it may be well borne
in mind that she possessed an excess Of
that susceptibility which made her over
rule her success, and never cease bringing
her services to the memory Of the person
obliged. He had never the same high
opinion Of her which the world profe.sed.
He thought her style pedantic and affect.
ed, and would complain when any of her
were read to him, Of their
total want of nature and Of true coloring.
He was accustomed to say that those who
read the writings might fairly boast of
knowing the writer, for that nothing could
more resemble Madame de Stael herself,
than the false, exaggerated sentiments and
superficial eruditions Of her compositions.
Of her mother, Madame Necker. he once
remarked, IS She has every virtue, and but
one fault, and that is, that she is insup-
portable :" The good lady never forgave
bis comparing her TO frigate riding at
anchor, and receiving a salute from
friendly power" when she stood upon her
own hearth rug at the Hotel Necker, upon
the occasion Of her weekly receptions !;
her ample proportions obscuring the light
Of the fire, as with pinched.uP features
and prudish smile, she listened to the COM
pliments of the academicans, whom she
assembled but for the delight Of her own
vanity.
He related to bis friends an amusing
adventure Of Madame de Stael hirsel, in
which be was 4 party. 1t occurred upon
her first entrance into Parisian society,
before the revolution, at rural fete given
by Madame Helvetius in the garden Of her
chateau. His account Is thus repeated by
ono Of these friends:
"On her first appearance At the reunion,
Madame Helvitius had, Of course, with
well-bred courtesy. paid her most particu-
lar attention, but having other guests to
welcome, had left her after awhile, to su-
perintend the distribution of the amuse.
ments about the grounds. e@E
Once or twice she had passed Nine. de
Stael sitting gloomily on the bench where
shs had LEFT her, and 1t last sent TalIey-
rand to keep her company; but Talleyrand
had tact enough TO know that, being him.
self no literary lion, he was no company
for Madame do Stael, and 80 Immediately
wont in quest Of society more congenial
to her taste. He soon returned, in COM
pany with the Abbe Monti, whose poems
were at that times the rage Of all Europe.
and whose coming put the fair suthoress
10 tho best Of humors. Talleyrand sat
down on the bench beside them in silence,
feeling himsef quite extinguished by SO
much talent, and remained a passive lis
tener, anxious for improvement. The con-
vereation was overwhelming with erudi-
iion, and then the compliments were
poured forth like rain from an April sky,
the Able had never reckone6 upon 90
great an honor rs that Of meeting the first
writer Of tho age Madame little dreamed
when she arose that morning, that the day
would bs marked by so suspicious IN
event ~ the meeting with the Abbe.'
II have deyoured every word that has
escaped from Sappho's pen," said the
Able. q aaeasEaa s8a sazs.zs saes asa. 2.
l cannot sleep until / read the charm.
ing odes from the Italian Tyrtaeus, said
the lady. s. lssEa ias aee sHaf so sd9sa
Have you seen my last endesvor r
said tho abbe. tssf tssl - ssss 5assgH1
r. "Alas! not yet" sighed the lady, "al.
though report speaks Of it more highly
than Of any which preceded it. = a 3ai
!. / have il here I" exclaimed the Able,
eagerly drawing . small volume from hi.
pocket. " Allow mo to present It to YOU
madame poor homage. indeed, to %
much genius, but it may prove interesting
to one who has had 20 much success ID
heroic poetry Eszs eslf es
. Thanks, thanks" cried Madame d.
Saael, seizing the little volume with every
demonstration Of overpowering gratitude
IS This IL indeed treasure, and will bt
prized BY me far beyond gold or jewels.
3 She turned over the leaves slowly, whilt
the delighted Abbe watched her with
charming selfcoqplacency-then sudden
" dropping it into her lap, she exclaimed
turning on the Able . languid glance
:. Yoa were talking Of heroic poetry, dea
Able; have you seen my last atiempt-'
dramatic scene, Exile "a slight an
poor imitation Of some Of your own I" s..
"I have not been % blessed - to OBJ
tain . copy" replied The sbbe. g
How lofsnnate that 1 should havl
n.n In nav rafie,,la ~ ea;d sna1an,eG hur