François MITTERRAND in search of eternal love.

François Mitterrand (1916.1996)

Autograph letter signed to Marie-Louise Terrasse, known as Catherine Langeais.

Two pages in 4°. [Fort d’Ivry]. November 22, 1938.

“Happiness must not become our reason for being: Love and not happiness.

I would rather suffer all my life and love you than live without pain and no longer love you. »

In full military service, Mitterrand confides his love.

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“My dearest, I have just returned from the canteen where I drowned my sorrows (at not having seen you) in wine! Rest assured: only one glass, having refused to drink more due to the ravages of alcoholism: cretinism, rickets, premature debility, and early senility! This morning, we made the little tour planned, armed and equipped on a war footing. Villejuif, Gargan, Chevilly, Vitry, L'Haÿ-les-Roses, I walked through their streets without loitering, a can on my hip, a haversack on my back, and the bayonet lost in the folds of my greatcoat. I saw the sun rise and the suburban houses wake up in the light: their leprous facades seemed surprised by such a celebration. I drank fresh water “a la regalade” and sang La Madelon. And then, I had the leisure to dream to the rhythm of my steps : I imagined a Béatrice with her dog, still asleep between her dolls, heavy with sleep, but still with a peachy freshness, that peach which I cannot then lose the taste. My little girl whom I adore, how I would like you to always be with me as you were yesterday: my fiancée all to me, whose total agreement I felt, perfectly united to everything I desire.

This morning I received your letter, which I was very happy with. She proved to me, once again, your love, and a love to which I hold more than anything in the world. My dearest, everything is very simple when you love each other. Didn't you feel a sovereign simplicity between us while we spoke, while we were totally with each other, during those too quick minutes we lived last night?

Tomorrow I plan to see you at the appointed time. My permission will likely be signed. So probably at 4 p.m. and, in any case, certainly at 6-6:15 p.m. Let's not waste these moments that we can experience together. It may not always be this way until the day we are forever .

For starters, I'll probably be stung with a bunch of illnesses at the end of this week. We may also be detained on Saturday, because of the strikes that may take place. Well, we'll see. Sure of our love, if any separation is hard, we know that it in no way shakes our feelings. Our happiness, my beloved, is to live together. But happiness must not become our reason for being: Love and not happiness. I would rather suffer all my life and love you than live without pain and no longer love you.

My little girl, I am finishing these lines at full speed, I am being asked for a bridge. As I am absent every evening, I do not want to show ill will this evening. It bothers me a little! Because my only pleasure is to have you near me, to recreate your presence. My very, very darling, my beloved little girl, listen to me: I tell you that I adore you, as I whispered to you yesterday so close to you. Good night Marie-Louise darling. I love you. Francis

If by some extraordinary coincidence, I don't see you tomorrow: it would be for Thursday 6 p.m.-6:15 p.m., but this coincidence will not happen! »

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Catherine Langeais (1923.1998), whose real name is Marie-Louise Terrasse, met François Mitterrand on January 28, 1938, during the École Normale Supérieure ball, with whom, although only 15 years old, she became engaged. Mitterrand wrote more than 300 letters to the woman he nicknamed Zou.