Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 982

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

2 volumes

Preferred Citation:

Mes vers by Herminie Delavault, 1840-1879, Ms. Coll. 982, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1840-1879 (inclusive)

Creator:

Delavault, Herminie

Form:

Poetry, Ballads, Poems, Manuscripts, French -- 19th century, and Translations (documents)

Abstract:

This collection contains two volumes of poems and ballads titled Mes vers by Herminie Delavault spanning the years 1840 to 1879. Written in French, the works also include verse created for the musical compositions by Delavault's husband Germain-Eugène Delavault (1814-1892). In addition, volume two contains a French translation of John Gay's libretto for Handel's Acis and Galatea.

Born in Noirt, France, Herminie was the daughter of stockbroker Louis-François Vauguyon. She was writing poems from at least the age of seventeen. A ballad entitled "La Fileuse," published in 1889, won critical acclaim. In 1850 Herminie married musician and mathematics teacher Germain-Eugène Delavault. Known as Eugène, he was born in Noirt in 1814. Herminie Delavault supplied verse for Eugène's musical compositions. Eugène was a member of the Conseil général de Duex-Sèvres and president of the Société philharmonique de Niort. He died in 1892. Eugène and Herminie Delavault had no children.

Comprises two green, leather-bound volumes spanning the years from 1840 to 1879. The first page of volume one is titled Mes vers and the first page of volume two is titled Les grains de sable. Some poems and ballads have quotations by writers following the title. A parenthetical note next to the title indicates the number of lines in the work. Each volume has a table of contents and numbered pages. Volume one contains the earliest poems, beginning in 1840 and ending in 1863. Works in this volume prior to Herminie's marriage are signed Herminie Vauguyon or H. V. There are many marginal notes made by the author and editorial changes in pencil are throughout. There are ballads to friends such as Caroline B. and Camille P. and poems on the occasion of marriages of friends. There is an ode to Victor Hugo on death of his daughter in 1843. Volume two spanning from 1860 to 1879 contains a translation of John Gay's libretto for Handel's Acis and Galatea with notes by Herminie indicating a well-received performance of the work in June 1870. She notes the city where poems were written when she traveled. Musical compositions written by Herminie's husband Eugène Delavault are noted by the author.