VERLAINE Paul (1844-1896). Romances sans paroles. Paris, chez tous les libraires, Sens, typographie de Maurice L'Hermitte, 1874; in-12 paperback, red chagrin spine folder, edged slipcase. This first edition marks Verlaine's transition from Parnassus to Symbolism. The poet was detained in Mons at the time the book was printed. He wanted to dedicate these verses to Rimbaud, who "had pushed him hard to write them", but his friends managed to persuade him to avoid scandal and no dedication was made. Verlaine received a copy in prison and declared himself "very satisfied" with it. The collection contains some of Verlaine's most touching poems, some written in Rimbaud's presence: "Il pleure dans mon cœur..." and "Voici des fruits, des fleurs". ☞ One of 300 copies on tinted vellum. There was no large paper. - On the cover is the address of Paris, chez tous les libraires and on the title that of Sens. Ex-libris Maurice Ulmann. 📖 Galantaris, Verlaine, Rimbaud, Mallarmé, n° 39.