Charles-Augustin SAINTE-BEUVE (1804-1869). L.A.S. November 18 [1859], to Princess Carolyne of Sayn-Wittgenstein; 1 1/2 pages in-8. Beautiful letter to the Princess, companion of the composer Franz Liszt, who had charged him with a request to the Academy of Fine Arts in favor of Liszt. "Fromental Halévy, secretary of the Academy, informed him that "it is a vacant position [...] not of associate, but of Correspondent of the Institute" and that Liszt, whose candidacy he would support, would have all his chances if he presented himself... ". It is therefore to be hoped that our friend will once again become in part the Frenchman and the desired Parisian that we once had in him. He regrets having spoken to him about "this ignoble book of his [Louise Colet's]... The book of poems by our great lyricist [Victor Hugo's Légende des Siècles] leaves very contrary impressions in the mind, very crushing at times. One is offended by the genius as by an enormity. Is this the effect that Genius, this divine thing which is made to raise and to console humanity must produce. You are too good a source to believe it. Oh! the gods of Weymar; I honor them, although barbaric "... He greets her, and offers Liszt his " tenderness "... [Liszt was elected corresponding member of the Academy of Fine Arts of Paris in 1881].