Lot 168
Harte, Bret (1836-1902) American author and poet. AMsS of the poem, "Por El Rey (Northern Mexico) 1640," n.p., n.d., 13pp, 8¼" x 6½". Written in purple ink on rectos only, bound by Riviere and Son in bright green crushed leather morocco gilt, turn-ins richly gilt. With a frontispiece photo of Bret Harte. The 177-line poem is probably a fair copy, although Harte has changed "three hundred" to "two hundred" on pages 3 and 10.The poem recounts a tale of love between a young bride and the King's Viceroy of Monterey, who is invited to enjoy the "droit de Seigneur."
"'…Por el Rey,' well, the King is gone,
Ages ago, and the Hapsburg one
Shot. But the rock of the Church lives on.
'Por el Rey,' What matters, indeed,
If King or President succeed
To a country haggard with sloth and greed…."
Estimated Value $7,500 - 10,000.
Originally from the Doheny Libray.
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| Realized $4,560 |
