Alfred de Musset defies the fair sex and Madame de Girardin. 1845.

Alfred de Musset (1810.1857)

Autographed letter signed to Delphine de Girardin.

Two pages in-8° – Autograph address.

Tuesday [January 7, 1845] according to the postmark.

"I'm currently barricaded in my room, grumpy, stupid, and annoyed."

Musset's witty letter defying the fair sex and Madame de Girardin with a cynical romanticism.

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“ Madam, you must be quite certain of being recognized before writing an anonymous letter to a romantic during the masked ball season. Nevertheless, I thank you for it, though I hardly deserve it, given my ill-bred nature, letting a New Year's Day pass without a word. I am currently barricaded in my room, grumpy, stupid, and vexed, thoroughly loathing everything belonging to that sex which is called beautiful . That is why I would never, under any circumstances, go to see a pretty woman, not even on the pretext that she is as charming and witty as an ugly one. If you ever find yourself with a bad cold, feeling very gloomy, with a truly hideous cap pulled down over your eyes, please let me know; I will immediately come to pay you court, with all the clumsiness I am capable of. Your respectful servant, Alf. de Musset.”