There was something that struck us as studied in this, and we began to think the reputation of the poet might be altogether a _got-up_ thing.

I was obliged to repeat to myself the pretty song of "Mi cal mouri," to prevent incredulous doubts from intruding; but as I recollected the sweet voice that gave the words effect, I feared that it was that charm which had misled me.
His wife, meantime, took the advantage of his absence, which had, of course, been arranged _artistically_, to tell us of Jasmin's triumphs.
She exhibited to us a _laurel crown of gold_ of delicate workmanship, sent from the city of Clemence Isaure, Toulouse, to the poet; who will probably one day take his place in the _capitoul_.

Next came a golden cup, with an inscription in his honour, given by the citizens of Auch; a gold watch, chain, and seals, sent by the King, Louis-Philippe; an emerald ring worn and presented by the lamented Duke of Orleans; a pearl pin, by the graceful duchess, who, on the poet's visit to Paris accompanied by his son, received him in the words he puts into the mouth of Henri Quatre.[19]-- "Brabes Gascous! A moun amou per bous aou dibes creyre: Benes! benes! ey plaze de bous beyre: Aproucha bous!" A fine service of linen, the offering of the town of Pau, after its citizens had given fetes in his honour, and loaded him with caresses and praises; and nick-nacks and jewels of all descriptions offered to him by lady-ambassadresses, and great lords; English "_misses_" and "_miladis_;" and French, and foreigners of all nations who did or did not understand Gascon.
[Footnote 19: On his statue at Nerac.] All this, though startling, was not convincing; Jasmin, the barber, might only be a fashion, a _furor_, a _caprice_, after all; and it was evident that he knew how to get up a scene well.

When we had become nearly tired of looking over these tributes to his genius, the door opened, and the poet himself appeared.

His manner was free and unembarrassed, well-bred, and lively; he received our compliments naturally, and like one accustomed to homage; said he was ill, and unfortunately too hoarse to read anything to us, or should have been delighted to do so.