The cairn

Chapter 283: Lisez et Croyez.

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About This Book

A compact miscellany of short essays, anecdotes, prayers, poems, and biographical sketches that collects reflections on grief, maternal love, benevolence, virtue, taste, and historical episodes. The pieces alternate personal memories, moral aphorisms, humorous and touching anecdotes, and brief portraits of public figures, often framed as letters, epitaphs, or short narratives. Recurring themes include the effects of sorrow and joy, domestic affection, charity, the vicissitudes of fortune, and the consolations of faith and art. The tone moves between intimate recollection and light moralizing, presenting varied, self-contained vignettes meant to instruct, console, and amuse.

Lisez et Croyez.

“Lisez et Croyez.”
A Device on a Lady’s Seal.

Quelques censeurs peu délicats,

Oubliant ce qu’on doit aux femmes,

Ont dit, en parlant de ces dames,

“Lisez-les, ne les croyez pas.”

Ces messieurs ont fait leur histoire:

Jugeons-les par ce qu’ils ont dit.

Pour vous, Iris, quand on vous lit,

On admire autant votre esprit

Qu’on a de plaisir à vous croire.