Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-09-25
From the Life Of Prince Talleyrand.
TALLEYRAND AND MADAME DE
STAEI,

laneyranuS lnEratltude toward Madame dc
Stael, may appear inexcusable-it certainly was
not in any way crcditabe. But in extenuation,
it may well be borne in mind, that she possess
ed an excess Of that susceptibility which made
her overvalue her success, and never cease bring
ing her services to the memory of the person
obliged. lie had never the same high opinion
of her which the world professed. He thought
her style pedantic and affected, and would COM
plain, when any of her compositions 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 mightfait boast fknow-
ing the writer, for that nothing could more re-
scnlble Madame dc Stael herself than the false,
exaggerated sentiments and superficial erudition
of her compositions
Of her mother, Madame Necker, he once re-
marked, "Snc has every virtue, and but one
fault, and that is, she is nsupportable :" The
good lady never forgave his comparing her "to a
frlgate riding at anchor, and receiving n salute
from friendly power" when she stood upon
her own hearthrug at the Hotel Necker, upon
the occasion of her weekly receptions her am
pie proportions obscuring the light of the fire,
as with pinched up features and prudish smile,
She listened to the compliments Of the academi-
clans whom She assembled but for the delight
of her own vanity.
lie related to his friends an amusing adven-
was party. l. occurred upon her first entrance
into Partisan society. before the Revolution, at
a rural fcte, given by Madame llelvetius in the
garden of her chateau. His account is thus re-
peated by one OF these friends -
"On her first appearance at the reunion, Mad
anne Helvetius had, Of course, with well bred
courtesy, paid her most particular attention, but
having other guests to welcome, had left her af
ter awhile to superintcnd the distribution of the
amusements about the grounds. Once or twice
she had passed Madame de Stael sitting gloom
iv on the bench where she had left her, and at
last sent Talleyrand to keep her company; but
Talleyrand had tact enough to know chat, being
himself 10 literary lion, he was no company for
Madame de Stael, and so Immediately went in
quest Of society more congenial to her TASTE
He soon returned, in company with the Able
Monu. whose poems were ut that time the rage
all over Europe. and whose coming put the fair
authores> in the best of humors. Iallcyrand sat
down on the bench beside them, in silence feel
ing himself quite cxtingushcd by so much tai
ent, and remained passive listener, anxious for
improvement. 1heconversatiouwas overwhelm-
ing with erudiion, and then the compliments
were poured forth like rain from an April sky
the able had never reckoned upon so great an
honor as that of meeting the first writer of the
age;' madame little dreamed when she arose
that morning, that the day would be marked by
so suspicious an event as the meeting with the
abbe
al have deyoured every word that has cs-
capped from Sapphos pen,' said the able.
81 cannot sleep until read the charming
odes from the Italian Tyrteus,' said the lady
"Haye you seen my last cndeavor? !? said the
abbe
".ilas not yet sighed the lady, although
report speaks of it more highly than of any
which preceded it,
81 have it here" " exclaimed the able, eagerly
drawing small volume from his pocket. AL
low me to present it to you, madame a poor
homage, indeed to so much genius, but it may
success in heroic? poetry"
Thanks, thanks, cried Madame de Stael,
sezing the little volume with every demonstra-
ton of oyerpowering gratitude This is indeed
treasure, and will be priced by me far beyond
gold or Jewels
"Shc turned over the leaves slowly, while the
delighted abbe watched her with charming
self-compaccncy- suddenly dropping it in
to her lap, she exclaimed turning on the ahbe
a languid glance, you were talking of heroic
| poetry, dear abbe; have YOU seen my last att
| tempt--a dramatic scene, "rExile'-a Slight and
! poor imitation OF some of your own?
"I have not been so blessed as to obtain a
copy replied the able.
"liow fortunate that ! should have one in my
reticule " said madame, hurredly seizing the
strings of the bag suspended from her arm. and
drawing forth thin volume in boards. The
abhe bent low over it as she presented it, and
kissing it with reverence, placed it by his side
and the conyersation-that is to say, the COM
! piimenting-was continued with redoubled Wig
| or.
"Talleyrand then departed, and did not re-
turn till the company broke up, when he found
that they had both left the bench whereon they
had been seated long together leaving how
ever, the precious treasures which they had
received from each other with so much gratitude
behind them! Talleyrand seized upon then
with inexpressble delight, thinking that the!
would furnish matter for innocent jeering wher
the loss came to be remembered by either party
But the thing was complete-they acere aereI
sought and Rerey asked. for, and he has them nov
in his library, and loves to show them as he tell
the story OF their coming into his possession"