It has been remarked by a French critic that the further we recede from the time of the Declaration of Independence the worse the poetry. The expressions become less exact, the phraseology common, the style incorrect, with less cadence in the verses. The versification is seldom accurate throughout any of these poems. It is but another proof of what I have elsewhere stated, that Hayti is in a state of decay. I may mention a few pieces that have struck a French friend as being among the best. I prefer his judgment to my own, as I am one of those who believe that no one can appreciate fully the poetry of another nation; but as, in this case, my own opinion agrees with that of my friend, I can take the responsibility of the judgment. Coriolan Ardouin (mulatto) has written a very charming piece called “Alaïda,” beginning thus:-- “Sur la natte de jonc qu’aucun souci ne ronge, Ses petits bras croisés sur un cœur de cinq ans, Alaïda someille, heureuse, et pas un songe Qui tourmente ses jeunes sens.” There is no local colour in this sonnet beyond, perhaps, the _natte de jonc_. Only in the tropics are children to be seen sleeping on mats. Dupré has written a patriotic hymn which might pass muster among many others of the same kind. It closes with the following ferocious sentiment:-- “Si, quelque jour, sur tes rives Osent venir nos tyrans, Que leurs hordes fugitives Servent d’engrais à nos champs.” Pierre Faubert (mulatto) has written several pieces which might be quoted:-- LA NEGRESSE. Le suis fier de te dire, O négresse, je t’aime, Et la noir couleur me plaît, sais-tu pourquoi? C’est que nobles vertus, chaste cœur, beauté même Sont ce qui charme enfin, le ciel a mis en toi. These lines might have been addressed to the pretty negress of Pétionville of whom I have elsewhere spoken. Another, “Aux Haïtiens,” is an appeal to union among blacks and coloured. There is a pretty song by Milscent (mulatto), in the style of Béranger, commencing:-- “J’entends en mainte occasion Prêcher contre l’ambition; Mon âme en est ravie--(_bis_.) Mais ceux qui nous parlent si bien Regorgent d’honneurs et de biens Cela me contrarie”--(_bis_.) Ignace Nau (mulatto) contributes a very attractive piece called “Le ‘Ttchit’ et l’Orage:”-- “Voici, voici l’orage, Là bas dans le nuage; Voici le vent, le vent Tourbillonnant au champ, Et disant au feuillage Repliez votre ombrage. Au lac, à ses bambous, ‘Roulez, agitez vous.’ Au parfum ses délices ‘Refermez vos calices;’ Au palmier haut dans l’air, ‘Gardez-vous de l’éclair.’ Pauvre tchit égaré, chétif oiseau des champs! Le mont a disparu sous les rideaux de pluie. Hâte-toi, cher oiseau; viens t’abriter du temps, Déjà l’eau du lac est ternie.” And many more verses equally good.