"If later you could read my third volume you would see in it, on death or rather on this discord between the survival of the being that we no longer find near us and its apparent radiation from the universe, pages that may cause you pain and good. »
Sold
Marcel Proust (1871.1922)
Autographed letter signed to Baroness Aimery Harty de Pierrebourg.
Four pages in-8°. Slnd. [early November 1916]
Kolb, Volume XV, pages 319 to 321.
"If later you could read my third volume you would see in it, on death or rather on this discord between the survival of the being that we no longer find near us and its apparent radiation from the universe, pages that may cause you pain and good. »
Proust was delighted by the article published on Paul Hervieu by Madame de Pierrebourg, a true manifesto of life beyond death.
____________________________________________________________
“Madam, does a being truly cease to exist that arouses such burning pain? No, your cry is the most powerful affirmation of life, the most powerful protest against death. If later you could read my third volume, you would find there, on death, or rather on this discord between the survival of the being we no longer find near us and its apparent radiation from the universe, pages that may perhaps cause you both sorrow and comfort.”
And I only dare to speak of "books" here because there may be literature that is nothing but a deeper exploration of life and death, and which is therefore suitable for the afflicted. I was very touched that you took the trouble to reply, and very sorry for the effort it must have been for you; I wasn't expecting it; finding it all too natural to share with you from time to time a fragment of my thoughts, which are so frequent for you; and thinking that it was understood that I was adding, as one says aloud to those who are weeping and toward whom one leans gently: "Don't answer me."
My admiration for your daughter and for Georges, my respectful sympathy for her, my tenderness for him, are further increased by this magnificent understanding, sharing, and assistance in your grief. Please tell them how deeply moved I am, and accept, Madam, my most respectful and sorrowful sentiments. Marcel Proust
____________________________________________________________
Paul Hervieu, who died in October 1915, was the lover of Madame de Pierrebourg. The couple are buried in the same grave in the Passy cemetery.