TO MONSIEUR DE LA MOTHE LE VAYER

(Upon the death of his son)

by: Molière (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, 1622-1673)

ET thy tears, Le Vayer, let them flow;

None of scant cause thy sorrowing can accuse,

Since, losing that which thou for aye dost lose,

E'en the most wise might find a ground for woe.

 

Vainly we strive with precepts to forego

The drops of pity that are Pity's dues;

And Nature's self, indignant, doth refuse

To count for fortitude that heartless show.

 

No grief, alas! can now bring back again

The son too dear, by Death untimely ta'en;

Yet, not the less, his loss is hard to bear,

Graced as he was by all the world reveres,

Large heart, keen wit, a lofty soul and rare,

--Surely these claim eternity of tears!

• Death of Molière - An account of Molière's last days and of his last comedy--"The Imaginary Invalid."
• The Misanthrope - Analysis of the play.
• The Misanthrope - A synopsis of the play.
• Molière - A biography of the French dramatist and analysis of his works.
• Molière - A biography of the French dramatist.
• Molière (1622-1673) - A biography, plus links to purchase all of his works currently in print.
• Molière Index - An index of articles on the French dramatist.
• Molière at Court - An account of Molière's first performance before Louis XIV, king of France, and his resulting assignment to the Hotel du Petit Bourbon.
• Molière: Monologues - A collection of monologues by Molière.
• Molière Quotes - Famous quotations from his plays.
• Molière's Boyhood and Education - A biographical account of Molière's early years.
• Moliere's Early Plays and Mdlle. Debrie - A brief overview of Molière's early farces, and an account of five new players who joined his troupe at Lyons.
• Molière's Marriage - A biographical account of Molière's marriage to the actress Armande Béjart.
• The Pretentious Young Ladies - An introductory note on the play.
• The School for Husbands - A summary of the play.
• The School for Husbands - An introductory note on the play.
• The School for Wives - A history and analysis of the play.
• The School for Wives - An introductory note on the play.
• Tartuffe - A history of the play.
• Tartuffe - A synopsis of the play.
• Purchase books by Molière