Alphonse de LAMARTINE (1790-1869). 2 L.A.S., 1855 and n.d., to Mme Isaure Garre; 3 and 1 pages in-8. To the sister of Delphine de Girardin, who died on June 29, 1855 [Delphine had wished in her will that Lamartine complete his poem of Madeleine]. July 29, 1855, declining this wish: "I have neither the age, nor the inspiration, nor even the suitability of beautiful verses. I would wither what I would have the temerity to touch. [...] It seems to me that an entire biography of the unique woman that France has lost, written with the cult of her memory and warmed by gratitude to her friendship would be better at the head of this volume than the posthumous songs of a poet who no longer has a voice. If you judge thus I will accomplish with a real happiness this pious duty "... - He thanks her for her communication: " To satisfy friendship it is the best proof that one feels it oneself for a beloved memory "... We join a l.a.s. from Valentine de Lamartine to Émile de Girardin, May 4, 1874, about Lamartine's correspondence with Delphine de Girardin (4 p. in-8); plus 3 circular letters from Lamartine in facsimile.