Named in memory of Pierre de Ronsard (1524–1585), the most important member of the group of poets known as “La Pléiade”. Much inspired by Greek and Roman poetry, following Horatius’ {see planet  (4294)} example he composed the Odes (1550). He is most remembered for his Amours de Marie and the Sonnets pour Hélène. A reflection on the brevity of youth and beauty, his Mignonne, allons voir si la rose has been set to music half a dozen times since the sixteenth century. (M 35493) _ _.