Later she abandoned the stage to become editor of “La Fronde.” She has written many parodies, this gamine, this bonne femme; many of her verses are in the memory to-day of thousands.
Later in life she came as a chansonnière and récitateuse to the cabarets. It was at Eugénie Buffet’s cabaret “La Purée” that I heard her recite her verses.
From an Etching
Photo by F. Berkeley Smith
LOUISE FRANCE
Many of these her brain had created years ago, before her gray hairs came. Some were new and all of them were true. Within the heart of Louise France lie tenderness and pity. Hear her recite “Les Grues,” and you will realize how human she is and how much she knows of life and forgives.
To-day she seems happy among her old comrades in Bohemia whom she has been with so many years.
Dear old soul, would that the whole world had been as human and understanding as you, and as free from meanness, pettiness, and the haggling over that which in the end counts for naught! All through your life your brain has been busy producing much that is beautiful and pure. Come, then, give us “Les Petits Soldats,” we will listen quietly to the very end. Some of us, I fear, will cry, and when your song is ended, all of us will give you a double-ban of applause and drink your health.
To Pierre Trimouillat is due a whole volume of clever parodies and satires. He is a modest little man with no enemies and a host of friends who know that back of his satires lies kindly good-fellowship. From year to year, ever since his success as a singing satirist was assured among the founders of the “Chat Noir,” he has sung in a quiet voice the words which his satirical wit has invented.