CHAPTER X.JASMIN AT TOULOUSE.
It had hitherto been the custom of Jasmin to dedicate his poems to one of his friends; but in the case of Franconnette he dedicated the poem to the city of Toulouse.

His object in making the dedication was to express his gratitude for the banquet given to him in 1836 by the leading men of the city, at which the President had given the toast of "Jasmin, the adopted son of Toulouse." Toulouse was the most wealthy and prosperous city in the South of France.

Among its citizens were many men of literature, art, and science.

Jasmin was at first disposed to dedicate Franconnette to the city of Bordeaux, where he had been so graciously received and feted on the recitation of his Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille; but he eventually decided to dedicate the new poem to the city of Toulouse, where he had already achieved a considerable reputation.
Jasmin was received with every honour by the city which had adopted him.

It was his intention to read the poem at Toulouse before its publication.