Fitzgerald, F. Scott

Two autograph manuscript poems signed ("F Scott Fitzgerald"). 2 pages (8 1/8 x 6 7/8 in; 206 x 175 mm), in green ink. The first: n.p., 1931, the second: Nyack, New York, 1937. Rough edge on one side, a few very small and light stains and fingerprints.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Poems 1911 - 1940, ed. Matthew J. Bruccoli (Bloomfield Hills and Columbis: Bruccoli Clark, 1981), pp. 143 and 148-9; Helen Hayes and Lewis Funke, A Gift of Joy (New York: Evans, 1965), pp. 193 and 194-5

Rough edge on one side, a few very small and light stains and fingerprints.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Two charming poems dedicated to the daughter of Dick Diver and the First Lady of American Theater. Fitzgerald wrote this first poem in 1931 "For Mary MacArthur." She was the daughter of playwrite and friend Charles MacArthur, who served as one of the models for Dick Diver in Tender is the Night, and the famous actress Helen Hayes. This sing-song of a verse reads in full:

"'Oh papa -- / My papa -- / Say papa' -- So! /  'Is papa / Your papa / My papa' / No! / So spoke you -- / Why joke you? / Just for to-day / Our word is / (Like birdie's) / Plenty to say.'" Boldly signed and dated Feb 13, 1931.

Years later, Fitzgerald visits his old friends at their home in the suburbs of New York City and jots down "Addenda (seven years later)." This second poem to the young MacArthur offspring is penned on the verso of the same sheet, although much longer at three stanzas of eight lines each:

"What shall I do with this bundle of stuff / Mass of ingredients, handful of grist / Tenderest evidence, thumb-print of lust / Kindly advise me, O psychologist / She shall have music -- we pray for the kiss / Of the God's on her forehead, the necking of fate / How in the hell shall we guide her to this / ' -- Just name her Mary and age her till eight.'

What of the book? Do we feed her our bread / of the dead, that was left in their tombs long ago / Or should all the fervor and freshness be wed / To next year's inventions/ Can anyone know? /How shall we give her that je ne sais quoi - / Portions of mama that seem to be right / Salted with dashes of questionable pa? / ' -- Age her till eight and then save me a bite.'

Solve me this dither, O wisest of lamas, / Pediatrician - beneficent buddy / Tell me the name of a madhouse for mammas / Or give me the nursery - let her have the study / How can i pay back this heavenly loan / Answer my question and name your own fee / Plan me a mixture of Eve and St. Jona / '-- Put her in pigtails and give her to me.'"

Signed at the bottom "F Scott Fitzgerald, Nyack 1937." Fitzgerald maintained his relationship with Hayes and MacArthur, and his daughter Scottie vacationed with the couple later in 1937. A lovely pair of poems for the daughter of close friends.