Struck with poverty, Paul VERLAINE lived in bohemian times. 1887.

Paul Verlaine (1844.1896)

Autograph letter signed to his publisher Léon Vanier.

Four pages in-12° in pencil. Scattered freckles.

[Tenon Hospital. Paris] August 3, 1887.

“It’s high time this misery ended!” I'm dying of boredom! what a destiny! »

Stricken with poverty, Paul Verlaine moved from hospitals to asylums. Without resources and even in search of clothes, the poet takes refuge in literary creation hoping to be able to reap some financial rewards from his publisher.

Very moving letter from the poet, perfect testimony to Verlainian bohemia.

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“My dear Vanier, True to my word, I have come to inform you that I am not yet in Vincennes. It will probably be for Tuesday, unless they send me back before, because there is a lot of congestion in this castle, but I hope not, otherwise what a bore! or rather what a misfortune! but, on to serious matters.

I am sending you under this envelope 1 poem for: Love and No. IX of Happiness . I always have the Heredia . Ponchon undergoes a pause, but as soon as I am sure that Ponchon agrees like Sénéchal, I seem to remember it, made me hope, it will soon be over . For the moment I am finishing my short story and continuing the novel which was intended for Dujardin and still is for him, if he knows it.

Do you have the photo of me from the photographer on rue Castiglione? [Alcide Allevy] Ghil paid it in front of me and I have the right to 1 test. But what happens to the Writings ?

Michel didn't find my pants.  It will be so much to buy a very common one , very dark gray for 3 francs and send it to me or bring it to Heredia . Is not it ? before Tuesday if possible (a thousand apologies for all these inconveniences). Take measurements on my new black one, rather wide and long, because of the washing which shrinks. I'm going to write again to Mendès who promised to take care of me.

Also write in detail to Ms. Delporte's lawyer. It is high time that this misery ended! I'm dying of boredom! what a destiny!

Romances? Is there any article? – Ah, if you sometimes go to the countryside, don’t forget to “fade” me a little beforehand. Could you come Thursday or Sunday. [Edmond] Thomas, my hat, linen, portrait?  Do you have anything new? If letter for me (perhaps important) send it quickly. Finally, be mine as I am sincerely and most affectionately yours. PV.

How many verses make up the first 8 numbers ^of Bonheur ? Are you sure, however, that I did not, leaving Vincennes, leave you with a package other than that of the manuscripts? then the pants would be in. However, I doubt it. »

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Expelled from the Broussais Hospital on March 13, 1887, Verlaine was penniless and moved from garni to garni for several weeks, before being granted – on the recommendation of Doctor Nélaton – a first convalescent stay at the Vincennes National Asylum. which he left on July 11, 1887. Refugee at the Tenon Hospital, desperate, beggar, and writing about his suicidal bohemianism to those around him, the poet returned to Vincennes on August 9 for only one month: on September 9, 1887, he found himself on the streets, miserable, with seventy-five centimes in his pocket.