LETTER–To Pierre de Ronsard (Prince of Poets)

In this letter to Pierre de Ronsard, the writer expresses deep admiration for Ronsard’s poetry and his choice of eternal rest among the natural beauty and ancient heroes of the Elysian fields, contrasting it with the unfortunate fate of his tomb and memory through the ages. Ronsard’s longing for a simple grave near the Loire, adorned only by laurel and nature, is highlighted against the reality of his tomb’s destruction during the religious and revolutionary turmoil in France. The letter delves into the decline of Ronsard’s reputation, overshadowed by later poets and critics who could not appreciate his lyrical innovation and classical influences. Yet, the author observes a revival of Ronsard’s legacy, crediting poets like Theophile Gautier and Alfred de Musset with rediscovering the beauty in Ronsard’s work, emphasizing a return to the natural and lyrical that Ronsard himself cherished.

The narrative also paints a vivid picture of Ronsard’s life and inspirations, imagining him wandering through various landscapes, engaged with the natural world and ancient literature. Ronsard’s poetry is celebrated for encapsulating the beauty of nature, love, and the fleeting nature of life, symbolized by his frequent references to roses. The author reflects on the rich, albeit often sorrowful, offerings of Ronsard’s verses, filled with wisdom on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging.

Towards the letter’s conclusion, the author touches on the financial struggles Ronsard faced later in life, challenging the misconception of him as a neglected, envious figure. Instead, he is praised for his rich contribution to poetry and his enduring influence despite the hardships. The author’s respect and longing to connect with Ronsard’s spirit and legacy, admiring his ability to blend the beauty of the natural world with the complexities of human emotion and the classical past, culminate the epistle. This homage to Ronsard serves as a testament to the timeless resonance of his work and the renewed appreciation for his poetic genius in the face of previous neglect and misunderstanding.