The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-11-11
ALFRED DE xussET.

THE BIOGRAPHY OF ALFRED DIX MussEr. Translated
IRON the French OF Paul de Mussct, by Harriet W.
Preston. Boston: Roberts Brothers.
The transator's preface Is rather a damper to our
enjoyment OF this book for II are told that It Is
anything "but sober and truthful piece Of portrait
ure In reading the book therefore. we feel OF every
statement ooh this Is not true; the biographer IS
only whitewasning his brotberl' We would much
prefer swallowing the pill well sugar coated with
out being remipded that the sugar was only on the
outside Certainly NJ. Paul de Musset has given us
more agreeable idea OF his brother than the one con-
vcyed by Paul Llndau, Of Berlin. Paul dc Mus
set treats his brother as a hero aud pulls
tho mantle Of genius HIS weak points. He treats
him as a spoiled child, petted darling. who need
obey master Dut Impulse Alfred de Musset was
full Of faai,s, but agree with his brother that he
was not as responsible great many other men. dc
not only had the pecuiartes oil genius, and French
genius at that, but he had the genus ITSELF From
bsbyhood he a wonder. His genius Tor failing in
love, Ike that Tor writing, developed before ne put on
knic9erbockers His childhood did not differ greatly
from that OF other sensitive children; he was tor
mented by big boys ana had many good cry In
secret As no grew older and his writings gained
him q place tho salons OF Paris he be-
came q great iavorte, particularly with the
ladies' His brother deals with his aairs' Ike true
Frenchman, In each instance blaming the lady and
sympathizina with Alfred OF the memorable flight TO
Italy with George sand the writer says:--"Afred de
Mussct felt that this Italian journey must remain but
. half-iormed purpose until he had attained his
mothers consent. One morning. ut the family break
fast, he appeared preoccupcd l knew what was on
his mind, and was hardly less occupied than ho. On
rising from the table he sauntered ABOUT with OF
hesitation. Al last he plucked up courage and made
q cautious official announcement of his Intentions
adding that bis plans were subject to his
mothers appreciation His request was received like
piece OF undeniably bad news Never said our
mother. will consent 10 journey which regard as
dangerous and fatal thing. know that my opposi-
tion will be ovorrulod and that you will 60 but IL will
be against my wishes and without my sanction"
For short time he hoped to overcome this resistance
by explaining what condition the trip was to be
made; but when he saw that his pcrtinacity served
but TO excite food OF toars he Immediately altered
his determination and sacrificed his project. Re-
assure yourself said TO mis- mother; 4 will not 60
Ift absolutely necessary that somebody should weep
It shall not you And he actually went out to
termand the preparatory orders which ne had given
The same evening about nine O'Clock mother was
sitting with her daughter by the are when word was
brought her that lazy was waiting outside In hack.
ney coach and very anxious 70 speak to her Our
mother went down, accompanied ny servant, and
the lady gave her name. She then entreated
the anxious mother ntrusther to her, promis-
ing that she would herself show him mothers care
and tenderness Promises not proving sufficient she
proceeded to vows She employed all her eloqucnce,
ana it have been great, to have secured her sue
cess In such enterprise. In moment
OF emotion consent was exlorted, and for
all Alfred had said mother was the one
TO weep" The trip TO Italy was made. Weeks
passed. and Alfred returned alone and H. He wrote
verses and burned all his books and pictures that
there would be nothing to remind HIM OF the past.
This lesson did do him any good Tor It not long
before he was again In the are. and again his wings
were burned. This biography relates the circum-
stances under which the most Of HIS poems and prose
works were written, and tells OF his tribuatons
playwright; for the most popular playwriter since
Moliere Kissed from the stage before ne was
ceived Whatever may BIO NJ. Paul de Mussot's faults
as biographer he has certainly made fascinating
volume, which has lost none OF It's charms al the
translator's hands.