Camille SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921). L.A.S., Saint-Cyr-sur-Morin September 4, 1917, to concert organizer Paul Boquel; 2 pages in-4, address at top Château de la Brosse St-Ouen (one edge slightly frayed). Amusing letter from the countryside. He is in the country [at the home of Aline Chazal, widow of his friend Léon Chazal (1821-1898), Comptroller General of the Banque de France]. There's an old piano here that doesn't offer much resistance, but it will prevent my fingers from getting completely rusty. I've started working on the R[hapsodie] d'Auvergne again, so as to play it not only to your satisfaction, but to my own, which is less easy. You'll see! We sleep much better here than in Paris, because of the complete silence, impossible in the city. Unfortunately, the time has passed when the birds give their concerts; all that's left are the roosters, with their ridiculous and amusing crowing. And roosters go hand in hand with hens, which provide fresh eggs. There are beautiful cows, too, so there's plenty of pure milk and cream cheese. For not only is there a huge park here, there are also meadows and fields. It's a magnificent estate; and it would be mine, if I'd wanted it. The previous owner was a great music lover, especially of the organ; he had taken a great liking to me, and wanted me to marry his niece and become her heir. But the niece, alas! had no charm; she was insignificant, a nullity in every way. I lacked courage... If the niece had been attractive, I'd be rich, and my operas would be performed all over the world. And I wouldn't know the humiliation of bowing to the idolatrous crowd, after making false notes, with the eight-tenths of a century on my head...