Jehan RICTUS (1867-1933) Lot n° 48

Autograph manuscript signed "JR", Le Bel Enfant, with L.A.S d'envoi, Paris December 27, 1928, to Léon DAUDET; title and 5 pages small in-4, and 3 pages small in-4 (fold marks). The title page alludes to the death of Philippe Daudet: "I have copied the enclosed Poem for Léon Daudet, in order to thank him for the praise he bestowed on me in his Paris Vécu and, if possible, to console him a little for his great Sorrow. - To a Father who has lost a Child, a Father who has had none, and to whom the "Mouïse" has forbidden to have any. "How sweet, how beautiful / to see, / in the evening, / in some modest family, / the beautiful child being undressed"... In his letter, addressed to Brussels (where he was in exile), he thanked Daudet for his praise in Paris vécu, which may have saved him some embarrassment: "at 61 years of age, my life is still extremely difficult". His book Le Coeur populaire was overwhelmed by the events of the war: "It is the old destiny of true Poets to be always unfortunate and unlucky". He wishes Daudet an end to exile by 1929. "And if the King ever returns, I beg you to ask him for a pension for me"... Enclosed is a photograph (by P. Christidès) with an a.s. bill of dispatch: "Pour Léon Daudet ma plus récente photo faite en 1928"...