Пьер-Жан Беранже. Избранные песни

Beranger Pierre Jean de (Beranger) (1780-1857) - the famous French poet, author of songs, most of which became quite popular. At the time of the First Empire (1804-14), Beranger's songs are distinguished by epicureanism, good-natured humor, political satire is found only occasionally - for example, the song 'King Yveto' (1813), allegorically ridiculing Napoleon I. The tone of Beranger's songs changes dramatically during the years of the Restoration: the poet becomes as a spokesman for popular enmity against the Bourbons, against the reaction of the nobility and Catholicism, his political satire reaches its peak. With caustic mockery, with plebeian directness, Beranger castigates the royal power ('Infinitesimal'), self-serving stupids of noble emigration ('Marquis de Caraba', 'White Cockade'), the Catholic clergy and the Jesuits ('Holy Fathers', 'Death of Satan') , contrasting them with images of Napoleonic soldiers ('Old Sergeant', 'Old Corporal'). Twice B. was brought to trial (1821 and 1828) for collections of songs and went to prison. The leaders of the official opposition, the bourgeois liberals, betrayed him more than once. However, Béranger was steadfast in his struggle and firmly believed in the fall of the Restoration regime ('July 14th').