
To Lamartine.
Preface to the English Edition.
CANTO I. Lotus Farm.
CANTO II. The Leaf-picking.
CANTO III. The Cocooning.
CANTO IV. The Suitors.
CANTO V. The Battle.
CANTO VI. The Witch.
CANTO VII. The Old Men.
CANTO VIII. La Crau.
A sun‑kissed landscape of the Provençal countryside opens the story, where the scent of wild grapes and the hum of rustling olive trees set a vivid backdrop. The narrator speaks in the lilting, dialect‑rich verse of the region, offering a heartfelt tribute that feels both intimate and timeless. From the first lines, listeners sense a deep connection between the land and its people, with a gentle rhythm that carries the poetry forward.
At the heart of the tale is a young woman named Mirèio, whose love and devotion are tested by tradition, pride, and the promise of a future beyond the hills. As she prepares for the annual poetic contest that could secure her happiness, the narrative weaves together romance, folklore, and a celebration of rural life. The early chapters balance tender affection with vivid descriptions of festivals, market stalls, and the rugged beauty of the Alpilles.
The work’s musical cadence and lush imagery invite listeners into a world where language itself becomes a living, breathing character. Its lyrical storytelling and deep sense of place make it an engaging listen, especially for those who cherish poetry that sings of love and the land.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (236K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif, ellinora, Bryan Ness and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2017-11-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1830–1914
A leading voice in the revival of Provençal literature, this Nobel Prize–winning poet devoted his life to the language, landscapes, and traditions of southern France. His work helped turn a regional culture into a lasting literary force.
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