C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Antoine Clesse (1816–1889)
Clesse, Antoine (kles’e). A Belgian popular poet (1816–89); born at The Hague. To the day of his death he followed his trade of armorer. His first ballad, ‘Godfrey de Bouillon,’ won for him a gold medal. His popular songs ‘Beer’ and ‘The Family Name’ (meaning Belgian, including Fleming, Walloon, etc.), came into great favor with the people. He wrote also a comedy, ‘A Poet.’ Two volumes of ‘Songs’ (1866–88) contain all his popular ballads, with the music.