Letter 034 Paris, August 1875
Dear Theo,
Thanks for your last letter and the poem by R眉ckert.
Last Sunday, I again went to hear M. Bercier. He had chosen this text: 鈥淚l ne vous est pas permis鈥?[It is not permitted] and he concluded with 鈥淗eureaux ceux pour qui la vie a toutes ses 茅pines鈥?[Happy is he whose life is all thorns]
I know that uncle Vincent really likes this phrase, 鈥淵oung man, rejoice in your youth and that your heart is made content by the days of your youth, and live like your heart guides itself according to your eyes, but understand that for everything God will make judgment. Take away the chagrin of your heart, and put away malice, for youth and adolescence is not in vain. But remember your Creator during the days of your youth,
before the bad days come and the years arrive when you will say 鈥業 don鈥檛 have any pleasure鈥?鈥?p style="line-height:25px;text-indent:32px"> For me, I find the following phrase better:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this will give pleasure for all men, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Enclosed is a note for Mr. Tersteeg. It is to ask him if he will have two engravings framed for me, 鈥淕ood Friday鈥?and 鈥淪t. Augustine.鈥?You will find them in the next box I send you. And will you be so kind as to have them sent to Helvoirt by September 10? I should like it to be a present [for his mother鈥檚 birthday]
from both of us, so will you pay 2.50 towards the frames? I told Mr. Tersteeg that you would write me how much it cost and that I would then remit the money to him; the 2.50 you can give me when we meet. That will probably be before Christmas; I think it would be better not to ask for leave before that time.
Tonight I am invited to dine at Mr. Hamman鈥檚 1. 脌 Dieu, write me soon and believe me,
Your affectionate brother, Vincent
1. A French painter, friend of Uncle Vincent鈥檚.