To Victor Hugo

Poem by Gérard De Nerval Period 19th century

who had given me his book on the Rhine

Of your friendship, master, carrying away this proof,
I therefore hold “The Rhine” under my arm. — I look like a river
And I feel myself grow greater by the comparison.

But does the River know, poor savage god,
What gives it a name, a source, a shore,
And if it flows for all, what the reason is.

Seated on the knoll of immense nature,
Perhaps it does not know, like the creature,
Whence comes that blessing it owes to the Immortals:

I know that from you, sweet and holy habit,
Come Enthusiasm and Love and Study,
And that my little fire is kindled at your altars.

Gérard de Nerval

Text published on Poésies 123: https://www.poesies123.com/en/poem-to-victor-hugo-gerard-de-nerval/