Roger Bontemps
Encyclopedia
Roger Bontemps is semi-mythical French figure who personifies a state of leisure and freedom from care. According to Pierre-Jean de Béranger
, Roger Bontemps is the epitome of "Never say die".
. He was famous for his jovial personality, and presided over a convivial society at Auxerre, earning the facetious title the "Mad Abbot". He left some writings in prose and verse, which are known from 1536 and were reprinted in 1856 by Charles Héricault.
. The figure also appears in a poem by William Makepeace Thackeray
, first published in his 1852
anthology, The Paris Sketchbook.
Pierre-Jean de Béranger
Pierre-Jean de Béranger was a prolific French poet and chansonnier , who enjoyed great popularity and influence in France during his lifetime, but faded into obscurity in the decades following his death...
, Roger Bontemps is the epitome of "Never say die".
Literary origins
The figure first appears as a literary character in Le Livre du Cuers d'Amours Espris (The Book of the Love-Smitten Heart) attributed to René of Anjou (1409–1480), also known as "Good King René". In this allegory of love, written ca. 1457–77, "Rogier Bon Temps" is the only character who refuses to surrender his heart to the God of Love.Roger de Collery
"Roger Bontemps" is said to have been the nickname of Roger de Collery (c. 1470–1540), who was a priest and secretary of the Bishop of AuxerreAuxerre
Auxerre is a commune in the Bourgogne region in north-central France, between Paris and Dijon. It is the capital of the Yonne department.Auxerre's population today is about 45,000...
. He was famous for his jovial personality, and presided over a convivial society at Auxerre, earning the facetious title the "Mad Abbot". He left some writings in prose and verse, which are known from 1536 and were reprinted in 1856 by Charles Héricault.
Later literature
Roger Bontemps appears several times in French literature, such as in a play by André RivoireAndré Rivoire
André Rivoire was a French poet and playwright whose work was defined by the delicate precision of his observation.-Life and work:...
. The figure also appears in a poem by William Makepeace Thackeray
William Makepeace Thackeray
William Makepeace Thackeray was an English novelist of the 19th century. He was famous for his satirical works, particularly Vanity Fair, a panoramic portrait of English society.-Biography:...
, first published in his 1852
1852 in literature
The year 1852 in literature involved some significant new books.-New books:*Manuel Antônio de Almeida - Memoirs of a Police Sergeant*Wilkie Collins - Basil: A Story of Modern Life...
anthology, The Paris Sketchbook.
- Vous riches, desireux;
- Vous, dont le char dévie
- Après un cours heureux;
- Vous, qui perdrez peut-être
- Des titres éclatans,
- Eh! gai! prenez pour mâitre
- Le gros Roger Bontemps.
- Ye poor, with envy goaded;
- Ye rich, for more who long;
- Ye who by fortune loaded,
- Find all things going wrong
- Ye who by some disaster
- See all your cables break,
- From henceforth for your master
- Bluff Roger Bontemps take.