"I am happy," said M.Villemain, "to bear witness to the merit of your writings, and the originality of your poetry, as well as to the loyalty of your sentiments." The minister was not, however, satisfied with conferring this favour.
It was ordered that Jasmin should be made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, at the same time that Balzac, Frederick Soulie, and Alfred de Musset, were advanced to the same role of honour.

The minister, in conveying the insignia to Jasmin, said: "Your actions are equal to your works; you build churches; you succour indigence; you are a powerful benefactor; and your muse is the sister of Charity." These unexpected honours made no difference in the poet's daily life.
He shaved and curled hair as before.

He lived in the same humble shop on the Gravier.

He was not in the least puffed up.

His additional income merely enabled him to defray his expenses while on his charitable journeys on behalf of his poorer neighbours.