The Confessions of Paul VERLAINE a few days before his death.

Paul Verlaine (1844.1896)

Autograph card signed to Edouard Dujardin.

An oblong octavo page. Collection stamp crossed out on the back.

Autograph address and postmarks. Paris. December 20, 1895.

“I have reflected on your proposals relating to my second part of my Confessions . »

A few days before his death, Verlaine was still negotiating his remuneration for the continuation of his Confessions.

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“My dear friend, I have reflected on your proposals relating to my second part of my Confessions . They seem very petty to me. Instead of 10 under the line – reasonable price for a current volume ( reasonable? YAY ) it is hardly the price of an article for a beginner who would start to earn money . So, let me know of other intentions, come see me, we will talk in good faith and good friendship. And where is the first edition of the book which can become boring? I keep the room. And you ? I hope your jaundice is cured. Your Father Verlaine. »

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In 1885, Edouard Dujardin and Téodor de Wyzewa founded the Revue Wagnerienne. The following year, Dujardin became publishing director of the Revue Indépendante ; In 1887 he published his first short story, Les Lauriers sont coupes.

Attentive to the wandering life of poor Verlaine, Dujardin became the publisher of his Confessions , which Louis Anquetin illustrates in a striking profile.

A few days after this letter, Verlaine died on January 8, 1896, in his apartment at 39 rue Descartes in Paris.