[341] Mélanie Villenave, Dame Waldor (1796-1871), author of some volumes of poems, of which the principal, entitled _Poésies du cœur_, had appeared in 1835. Her novels include _André le Vendéen_ (1843) and the _Moulin en deuil_ (1849).--B. [342] Marceline Josèphe Félicité Desbordes, Dame Desbordes-Valmore (1786-1859) had appeared, with some success, at the Opéra-Comique, when, in 1817, she married François Prosper Lanchantin, known as Valmore, the actor, and left the stage. Her poetry is distinguished for sweetness and pathos, without affectation. That published before the time in which Chateaubriand is writing includes _Élégies et romances_ (1818), _Élégies et poésies nouvelles_ (1824) and the _Pleurs_ (1833). _Pauvres fleurs_ appeared in 1839 and _Bouquets et prières_ in 1843.--T. [343] Anaïs Ménard, Dame Ségalas (_b._ 1814), published the _Algériennes_ in 1831, when only seventeen years of age. Next came the _Oiseaux de passage_ (1836) and, later, _Enfantines: poésies à ma fille_ (1844), the _Femme_ (1847) and _Nos bons Parisiens_ (1865). To these must be added a number of novels and plays of various descriptions. Madame Ségalas will, however, remain known mainly as the author of the _Enfantines_, a collection of verse that has had no less than ten editions.--B. [344] Louise Révoil, Dame Colet (1815-1876), published her first volume, _Fleurs du Midi_, accompanied by two kindly letters from Chateaubriand, in 1836. From that year till the year of her death she did not cease writing in prose and verse. The list of her works, which include poems, novels, dramatic essays, travels and works on history and politics, would exceed the space of these notes. She obtained the prize for poetry at the French Academy four times between 1839 and 1854. For the rest, Madame Colet mixed romance with her life in such proportions that it is best to keep silence upon both the lady and her career.--B. [345] Elisa Mercœur (1809-1835), the girl poet, died before the above lines were written. The first edition of her _Poésies_ appeared in 1827, when Mademoiselle Mercœur was only eighteen years old. Her Complete Works were published in 1843, in three volumes 8vo.--T.