272 - SCARRON (Paul), 1610–1660.

SCARRON (Paul), 1610–1660. Autograph letter, “Scarron,” 1 p. and 1/3 in-4, undated, addressed to Paul PÉLISSON, mounted on a tab, traces of a red wax seal bearing a coat of arms. An interesting literary letter: “I am sending you my four Epistles, revised and corrected.” It was at the request of his friends, Alexandre d’Elbène and M. du Rincy, that he decided to send them, while feigning modesty: “I am not sufficiently convinced of the merit of my works.” But these epistles are not yet final: “I’m revising them after letting them rest.” He continues in a playful tone: “You haven’t had much rest yourselves, while my epistolary verve has endured, and I have no doubt that you found it quite impetuous.” This is a valuable insight into Scarron’s working method, which shows us the back-and-forth between rereading, letting the text rest, and revising. It is also a fine example of his “epistolary verve,” blending self-deprecation and informality. Includes his original certificate of export for cultural property issued by the Ministry of Culture.