The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-03-02


has celebrated In his poems under the name of |
ElvHa--the Laura of this French Petrarch. Toe |
love songs and other reflective LYRICS after
wards Published In a collected form under the
Title Of "Meditations Poetiques," we're the work
ofthis period. These poems we're very success.
tul, end gained the poet many illustrious
lends. who introduced him into diplomatic
life. He was first sent as an oaacy,e TO the
French Embassy at Florence, and then after
Few months residence In London as Secretary
OF the Embassy, he was cent back again TO the
Tuscan capital in tho same capacity Daring
his second diplomatic residence az Florence he
married young English lady. who brou ght
him q cor siderable fortune; and with whom
he lived on the most af1eotionRte terms down
to her death in l'66
In the year 1923 appeared the "Nouvelles
Meditstlons Poetiques" which we're quite
worthy of their predecessors, though they we're
rather more ffDgmentary. This volume of
lyrics was followed in the course of the same
year by a didactic poem, en- ittled LA Mort do
Socrete," and lie Chant du Sacre," an ode on
the coronation Of Charles X. which were both
worthy of the authors reputation. After the
death Of the poet Byron. it occurred to Lamar.
tine TO make the dangerous attempt TO oom.
plete "Chide Harold" and in the course of the
year 1925 the result appeared under tho title OF
lie DeInier Chant du Pelerlnage d'H srold''
Though this poem has great merit yet even the
poets most ardent admirers were com pelled TO
admit that b o failed TO attain TO the I'M petuous
flow of Byron's verse. The unoomp plimentary
manner ip which he spoke of Italy In this
poem, however, aroused the wrath OF one Colo.
mel Pepe. an officer Ia the army OF the King of
Naplee, and the Colonel threa ened the poet
with challenge unless he consented to remove
the obnoxious verses from the poem. The poet
replied that he was not to be Influenced by
threats and In the duel " hich thereupon enBued
be was severely wounded.
On the 1st of April 1880, Lamartine entered
the Academy, and In his speech on that occa-
sion gave signs Of the oratoricsl ability which
he was destined afterwards to display 30 bril-.
liantly during his short political career A few
weeks later he increased his poetical fame
considerably by the publication of two volumes
OF lyrics, entitled "Harmoneis Poetiques ct
Religieuses." About this time Lamartine. who
had long wished to visit Greece, obtained from
the King the appointment of Ambassador TO
that country, but Charles KS fall took place
before he had set ont, and though the new king
offeie ed him,the same post, he thought himself
in loyalty bound to decline 1t. 30 ended the
poets di plomatic career.
LsmsIJ tine had an intense desire to distin-
guish himself in politics, and he therefore
offered himself as a candidate for the represen
tation Of Dunkirk and Toulon. He was rel ected
IN both towns, however, and to hide his oha-
grin he resolved to make journey to the East
which he had long contemplated. In June,
1887, he set sail with his wife and daughter. He
travelled through Greece and SYRIA but the
death of his daughter caused him to return to
France sooner than he had contem plated
Duiing hisabsen ce the canvassing OF his friends
had been successful, and he Was elected deputy
for Bersues by the Legiiimist party. On the
4th of January, 1884, he made his first parlia-
mentary speech.
The chief fruit of Lamartine's visit to the
East was one of the most delightful books Of
travel which has ever been written. 1t ap.
pea1ed in 1885. In four volumes, under the
straggling G title of Lies Souvenirs Impressions,
Pensees et Paysages. pendant un Voyage en-
Orient; ou, Notes dun Voyageur."
In the following year Lamartine's most IA
NOUS poem, "Jocelyn." was published, and at
trac,ed q great deal of attention. His next
poetical work was an epic sketch entitled LA
Chute dun Ange, which appeared 10 1888, and
with its striking beauties and startling faults
| excited great deal OF favorable and adverse
| criticism. In the following year Lamartine's
| last great poetical work was published under
| the title of Lies Recueillements Poetiques."
| with q remaI kable preface on the then position
| of poetry in France.
soon after Lamartine's entrance into politi-
| cal life, the Chamber was dissolved. and In the
| ensuing elections he was returned by Bergues
and Macon. He decided in favor OF his native
| town. and being re elected in 1887, he continued
| TO represent that town till 1913. After having
| distinguished himself for some years as an In
! dependent member Of the Chamber, he aspired
| In lS4l, to become the President. Being opposed
| IN this by the Government, he then aban-
| doned his Independent tactics, and endeavored
TO gain for himselfa prominent position In the
ranks OF the opposition; and some years later, ON
| the death OF the Duke of Orleans, when there
| was contest on the Regency question, he op-
! posed the Government, and contended in favor
| of the Regency of the Duchess of Orleans. with
| the hope it Is said, OF becoming Prime Mintste
| In case her SON should come to the throne
| during his minority. Shortly before this he
| had published his famous "Histoire des Giron.
dinsD-a work in which he shed all the
| charms Of romance over the terrible scenes OF
| the Revolution, and Is reproached with having
| gilded the guillotine. The admiration which
| this romantic narrative created for the revolu-
| tionists OF 1889 did much to prepare for the
| Revolution of lS4S.
| After the flight of Louis Philippe, when. on
| the 23d of February, 1888, the Duchess of Or
| leans entered the Chamber with her two young
| sons, Lamartine had 1t in his power, By word,
| to put the Regents crown on the head Of the
| Duchess.
| He sided with the Republicans, however,
| and IN q short time he found himself the most
| Important and influential member OF the Gov
eminent. In the very first days of his power
he had grand opportunity of displaying his
courage. The populRce assembled in angry
| rnasaaa M, fha Place la GraVa and wildly cried