Max Jacob
Metempsychosis and Memories
After so many centuries, I who most often live in my past souls…
It is true that one was not supposed to show any emotion in the presence of King Louis. The avenue of trees worthy of Poussin at St Cloud perhaps or elsewhere…I can still see the faces of my two enemies when I happened to break one of the porcelains that had been placed between Pous sin’s trees on the bank alongside his walk because he liked them. I was even forbidden to confess my misdeed or express my regret. Such was the King’s greatness that it was my two enemies who were in disgrace and not I. People talk today about the injustice of despots without knowing the secret of their conduct. After so many centuries, I who most often live in my past souls, I remember the faces of my two enemies among Poussin’s trees better than the just King’s.
Translated by Michael Bullock
Page(s) 16
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