The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-26
O s. Z II u a r X.
Emile Deschamps.

Our special correspondent in Paris reports the
death, at Versailles on Sunday last, of Deschamps,
the French poet We are somewhat uncertain
whether the deceased is Emile or his brother
Antoine, as both are or were poets Of eminence
Nevertheless we venture to suppose that Emile is
the referred to, his reputation far exceeds
and overshadows that OF his brother that he is the
one generally referred to when "Deschamps the
poet" is spoken OF.
Emile Deschamps was born In Bourges on the
Goth OF February, 1901. He received a brilliant edu-
cation at Paris, and on terminating his studies at
the early age OF fourteen gave evidence of possess
ing the genius which, in alter years, made his name
famous. In 1912 he composed patriotic ode, ell.
titled Ga Paix Conquse," which attracted the
attention OF the first Napoleon, About this time he
employed his time In aiding his father In the
management of his property. On the return of the
Bouroons the young man, who hated them intensely,
manifested his anmos,ty, not only by his verses,
but by bringing down the police upon him for gong
TO the Notifications Of Vincennes and Offering, In
the name OF the people, poem In honor or General
Damuesnil. The annoyance to which he was SUBJ
jected he revenged with some sharp verses. 1t was
not, however till 1878 that Deschamps really began
his literary career. He had, up to that time made
little reputation The prose articles he had written
were not OF any importance and his verses were scat
tered IN the pages OF the periodicals, admired each
by little circle OF readers, but unnoticed by the
crazy partnership with M. Lalounche, two comedies
emitted "Selmours dc Florian" and lie Tour
than one hundred times, and when rave to Uasi.
mir Deavigne his idea OF the "Comediens."
soon after Deschamps took part in the great strug.
gle between the classical and the romantic sciols Of
literature, standing IN the front rank among the
novators He founded ana directed, with Victor
Hugo, de V1gny, Nodier and Others La Muse IRAN
Cause, In winch he inserted several ya0rcea,Gr or
poetry, remarkable for their grace Of expression.
ana some literary prose articles, which he signed
"A ga
that their wit did not destroy their reasoning. These
articles were collected IN 1916 and published under
the title OF lie Jeune Moraiise du Xixme Siecle.u
HIS "Etudes FRANCHISES ct Etrangeres,' ap-
peared in 1920. one OF his most noteworthy per-
foIinanceS was his translation OF ''Ihe Dell,n Of
Schiller which had been declared untranslatable,
and the piece OF the "Romances sur Rodriguez NJ.
Deschamps also made ms name popular by mis- at
lacks on the reviews anu by some novels and some
criticisms all OF which were lavoraDly received by
the pnplc. Among these were "AppaItement
louer,n "une MATINEE aux Invaiides,n Paul Rene,u
.Mea Cupa,r &c.
He gave equally to all the journals his literary
productions. All OF MS writings are noticeable for
their nnisn and elegance He also did much work
in ene way OF writing pre,aces to the lives Of
authors aud the most kind hearted and SER
viceable Of French men oI letters, extending a
helping hand TO young debutanrs In literature.
In prose, and the hbretto OF "Stradea,n written
Tor Niedermayer, a great number OF Descnamps'
poetical compositions have been set to music nv
the masters OF his day, sach as Rossn Beliinl. In
Malbran, &C. In 1854 lie translated, with NJ. Baze,
the poem of Don juan" ana II rs sad that he aided
M. scribe in writing the 'Huguenots."
Among his other works are TRANSACTIONS OF ''Rcme0
and Julict'' aud "MacUetn," these two dramas,
with preaces and commentaries forming the first
volume OF the edition OF his works HIS apo sizes
des Creches, published IN 1852. contains collection
OF fugitive verses. One OF his finest pieces Is That
composed on the occasion Of the birth VI the Prince
Imperial. re also made numerous TRANSACTIONS from
Sir WAFER Scott, Shakespeare and other English
authors.
II NJ. Deschamps cannot rank among the great
poets OF the world his position IL very little behind
them. His verses are notably sweet and elegant,
displaying true poetic genius combined with
mental culture. or late years he seldom wrote.
Age hau crept upon him, and though his mind
manned as clear as ever and could grasp the beaut-
rul and weave II INTO charming verses, his pnvslca
strength was almost broken anu lie was compelled TO
avoid the iatiaues oi labor much as possible.
But the works he has left behind VIII i've many years
alter him ana VIII hold no obscure place in the
literature OF L. ance.