I am too happy to expostulate with you seriously as to the gracious things you have said to me; my name will pass to posterity in the works of my friends; the glory of having been loved by you goes for a great deal." The time at length arrived for the presentation of the testimonial of Toulouse to Jasmin.

It consisted of a branch of laurel in gold.

The artist who fashioned it was charged to put his best work into the golden laurel, so that it might be a chef d'oeuvre worthy of the city which conferred it, and of being treasured in the museum of their adopted poet.

The work was indeed admirably executed.

The stem was rough, as in nature, though the leaves were beautifully polished.