Fábulas—folhas cahidas

First published in the early 19th century, this collection brings together the poet’s early verses, later lyrical outpourings, and a handful of fables and sonnets that were never before gathered in a single volume. The work reflects a long, winding publishing history—initially appearing in a modest London edition, then disappearing for years before being painstakingly reassembled by the author himself. In revisiting his youthful drafts, he burned away countless sheets, preserving only those he felt still resonated, resulting in three distinct sections that trace his artistic development.

Readers will find tender love poems, sharp social observations, and whimsical tales that blend moral instruction with gentle humor. The fables, though brief, reveal the poet’s keen eye for human folly and his affection for classical storytelling. Together, the verses and stories offer a window into the mind of a writer torn between political duties and a lifelong passion for literature, making the collection both historically intriguing and emotionally immediate.