VERLAINE, Paul (1844-1896). A.L.S., s.l., 16 January 1889, to [Léon] Deschamps.
1 page In-8.

A charming letter from Verlaine, in which he complains about seeing his portrait published by his friend Frédéric-Auguste Cazals without his prior agreement: "Does he take my face for a living?"

Verlaine wrote, in part, 'I hope your ‘reasons’ are not as serious as you imagine them to be. In any case, mine are too real to be true. Take care of yourself a little... I intend to show you around Monday at the latest. Try to get some gold for such beautiful worms!
Why on earth this 1 franc entry, so oddly placed? I find Cazals unkind in this, as in the publication in a book of a portrait that I did not authorise him to publish: does he take my face for a living?
And would you be so kind as to give (for me) the book in question Congrès des Paroles to Mrs Sacher.
You're still doing that, aren't you? Looking after my pension? I think it's time to strike the iron'.

Tiny tear at edge of centrefold, otherwise very fine letter in good condition.
Léon Deschamps (1863-1899) is best known for founding the literary magazine La Plume.
Frédéric-Auguste Cazals (1865-1941), whom Verlaine mentions in the letter, was none other than one of his greatest friends, who produced almost 150 illustrations of our poet.