151 - VERLAINE, Paul (1844–1896).

VERLAINE, Paul (1844–1896). Autograph MANUSCRIPT of 7 POEMS; 5 pages, in-8 format (including 3 on administrative paper from the Public Assistance Office), “window” mounts (a split sheet). Working manuscript of five poems from *Dans les limbes* and two other poems. Description: With *Dans les limbes*, composed from October 1892 to January 1893, Verlaine sought to evoke his life in the hospital, alongside his faithful visitor, his mistress Philomène Boudin. The collection was published by Léon Vanier in 1894. These sheets are covered with cross-outs and corrections, with additions scrawled in every direction; plus two other poems that have been crossed out. VII “To the guts of a hanged dog / You sometimes liken me”… (28 lines). Above this poem is a crossed-out draft of the last 3 quatrains (out of 4) of the poem “Opportet hæreses esse” from *Liturgies intimes*. On the reverse side, the poem “To Bibi-Purée,” included in *Dédicaces*, with crossed-out and corrected lines, has been struck through with two crossed pen strokes. VIII “This is indeed the umpteenth day of the year / That you see me here”… (20 lines). IX “The wicked, or, if they prefer, the indiscreet / Or else the envious, whom I would forgive”… (20 lines). X “They have crawled all the way here, / Into this limbo where I sigh”… (16 lines). XI “Oh, you are no scholar / And I congratulate you heartily on that”… (6 quatrains).