Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Classic Love Letter: Juliette Drouet to Victor Hugo



Born
Julienne Josephine Gauvain
10 April 1806
Fougères, Brittany, France
Died
11 May 1883 (aged 77)
Paris, France
Nationality
French
Ethnicity
Breton
Occupation
Actress
Known for
Mistress of writer Victor Hugo
Juliette Drouet to Victor Hugo

Friday 8 p.m

If only I were a clever woman, I could describe to you my gorgeous bird, how you unite in yourself the beauties of form, plumage and song!

I would tell you that you are the greatest marvel of all ages, and I should only be speaking the simple truth. But to put all this into suitable words, my superb one, I should require a voice far more harmonious than that which is bestowed upon my species - for I am the humble owl that you mocked at only lately, therefore, it cannot be.

I will not tell you to what degree you are dazzling and to the birds of sweet song who, as you know, are non the less beautiful and appreciative. I am content to delegate them the duty of watching, listening and admiring, while to myself I reserve the right of loving; this may be less attractive to the ear, but it is sweeter far to the heart.

I love you, I love you. My Victor; I cannot reiterate it too often; I can never express it as much as I feel it.

I recognize you in all the beauty that surrounds me in form, in colour, in perfume, in harmonious sound: all of these mean you to me. You are superior to all. I see and admire - you are all!

You are not only the solar spectrum with the seven luminous colours, but the sun himself, that illumines, warms and revivifies! This is what you are, and I am the lowly woman that adores you.

Juliette


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