Pompidou's Anthology

Under Charles de "Gaulle, the press conference was something of an art form, with questions submitted in advance and answers carefully wrought and as carefully rehearsed. Georges Pompidou is no match for his predecessor when it comes to turning a phrase, but he has proved quite a whiz at rummaging through his mind and producing an apt quotation or literary reference. The result may not be original literature, but it is nonetheless a rich anthology. At his most recent press conference Pompidou, a former teacher, editor of a collection of French poetry and longtime literary raconteur, casually served up a classical melange. Samples:

> To underscore France's improving relations with Britain, he recited a line from the 19th century poet Arthur Rimbaud: "Ah, for the time when [our] hearts entwine."

> Denying complaints that his government is spending too little on cultural affairs, Pompidou answered a newsman who urged him to be "a prince who loves the arts" with a paraphrased riposte from Moliere's Tartuffe: "I am a prince who hates deceit."

> Asked to explain the central government's role in regionalization, he replied: "Like Saint-Just. I believe that the first law is the preservation of the Republic." Le Monde's skeptical editor looked up the reference, found that Louis-Antoine-Leon de Saint-Just, a leader of the Revolution, had indeed said that on February 26, 1794.

> When a British correspondent raised his hand, Pompidou repeated the Count d'Anterroches' proverbial invitation at the battle of Fontenoy in 1745: "Your turn to fire, Englishmen!" (The English did, but the French won the day.)

> Asked if he expected to stay in office until 1983. the year a presumptive second seven-year term would end. Pompidou tossed off a double allusion when he replied: "As you like it." He may have been referring to Shakespeare's comedy. But as a Frenchman, he might also have had in mind a 19th century play of the same name by Alfred de Musset.

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