we should feel under the greatest obligation
to you if you would be so kind as to do this for us; for it is
certain one must be acquainted with all those gentlemen in order
to belong to society.
to you if you would be so kind as to do this for us; for it is
certain one must be acquainted with all those gentlemen in order
to belong to society.
Warner - World's Best Literature - v17 - Mai to Mom
Let us go forthwith to draw up
the
deed, and then let envy burst with rage!
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE FATE OF DON JUAN
From Don Juan: or, The Feast of the Statue)
[The stage represents a solitary country spot in Sicily, not remote from
the tomb (crowned by a statue) of the commandant whom Don Juan has
slain in a duel. Don Juan and his servant Sganarelle enter, with Don Louis,
the father of the dissolute hero. Don Louis has heard that his son has de-
cided on a complete moral reformation. ]
OUIS
- What! my son, is it possible that merciful Heaven has
heard my prayers ? Is what you tell me true? Are you
not deceiving me with false hopes ? And inay I trust the
surprising news of such a conversion ?
Juan — Yes, you see me reclaimed from all my sins; I am no
longer the same man I was yesterday, and Heaven Hias suddenly
wrought in me a change which will be the wonder of every one.
It has touched my heart and opened my eyes, and I look back
with horror on my long time of blindness, and on the criminal
disorders of the life I have led. My mind dwells up bn all its
abominations; and I am astonished that Heaven has borne them
## p. 10193 (#621) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10193
>
so long, and has not made me feel its vengeance.
I feel the
mercy that has been shown me in my not being punished for my
crimes, and I am ready to profit by it as I ought; to show to
the world the sudden change in my life; thus to make up for
the scandal of my past actions, and try to obtain a full pardon.
Towards this will all my endeavors tend in future; and in order
to help me in the new life I have chosen, I beseech you, sir,
to choose for me a person who can help me, and under whose
guidance I may be enabled to walk safely in the new path
opened before me.
Louis — Ah! how easily the love of a father is recalled, and
how quickly forgotten are the faults of a son at the mention of
the word repentance! After what I have just heard, I remember
no more all the sorrow you have caused me; everything is oblit-
erated from my memory. My happiness is extreme; I weep for
joy; all my dearest wishes are granted, and I have nothing else
to ask of Heaven. Let us embrace each other, my son. Persist,
I beseech you, in this praiseworthy resolution. I will go at once
and carry this good news to your mother, share with her my
joy, and thank Heaven for the holy thoughts with which it has
inspired you.
[Erit.
Sganarolle — Ah, sir, how happy I am to see you converted!
I have been a long time looking forward for this; and thank
Heaven, all my wishes are satisfied.
Juan — Plague take the booby!
Sganarelle -- How, the booby?
Juan - What! you take for ready money what I have just
said, and fancy that my lips agree with my heart ?
Sganarelle — Why! it is not — you do not — your – [Aside. ]
Oh, what a man! what a man! what a man!
Juan — Oh dear, no; I am not changed in the least, and all
my thoughts are the same.
Sganarelle — You do not yield, after the marvelous miracle of
that moving and speaking statue ?
Juan — There certainly is something about it which I do not
understand; but whatever it may be, it can neither convince my
judgment nor stagger my heart: and if I said that I wanted to
reform my conduct and to lead an exemplary life, it is because
of a plan I have formed out of pure policy, a useful stratagem,
a necessary grimace to which I am willing to submit, in order
not to give offense to a father I have need of, and to screen
XV11–638
## p. 10194 (#622) ##########################################
10194
MOLIÈRE
myself in respect to men from a hundred troublesome adventures
which might happen to me. I am glad to take you into my
confidence, Sganarelle, for I like to have a witness of what I
feel, and of the real motives which oblige me to act as I do.
Sganarelle — What! you believe in nothing, and yet you mean
to pass for a God-fearing man?
Juan — And why not? There are plenty of others besides me
who borrow the same feathers, and who use the same mask to
deceive the world.
Sganarelle [aside] - Ah, what a man! what a man!
Juan — There is no longer any shame in hypocrisy: it is a
fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtues. To
act the part of a good man is the best part one can act. The
profession of hypocrisy has wonderful advantages. It is an art
the imposture of which is always looked upon with respect; and
although the world may see through the deceit, it dares say
nothing against it. All the other vices of mankind are open to
censure, and every one is at liberty to attack them boldly; but
hypocrisy is a privileged vice, which closes the mouth of every
one, and enjoys in peace a sovereign impunity. By dint of cant
we enter into a kind of league with those of the same party, and
whoever falls out with one of us has the whole set against him;
whilst those who are really sincere, and who are known to be
in earnest, are always the dupes of the others, are caught in
the net of the hypocrites, and blindly lend their support to those
who ape their conduct. You could hardly believe what a num-
ber of these people I know, who with the help of such stratagem
have put a decent veil over the disorders of their youth, have
sought shelter under the cloak of religion, and under its vener-
ated dress are allowed to be as wicked as they please. Although
people are aware of their intrigues, and know them for what they
are, their influence is none the less real. They are well received
everywhere; and a low bending of the head, deep sighs, and
rolling eyes, make up for all they can be guilty of. It is under
this convenient dress that I mean to take refuge and put my
affairs to rights. I shall not give up my dear habits, but will
carefully hide them, and avoid all show in my pleasures. If I
am discovered, the whole cabal will take up my interests of their
own accord, and will defend me against everybody. In short, it
,
is the only safe way of doing all I like with impunity. I shall
set up for a censor of other people's actions. I shall speak evil
## p. 10195 (#623) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10195
of everybody. If I am but ever so slightly offended, I shall
never forgive, but bear an irreconcilable hatred. I shall make
myself the avenger of the interests of Heaven; and under this
convenient shelter I will pursue my enemies, will accuse them of
impiety, and know how to let loose against them the officious
zealots who, without understanding how the truth stands, will heap
abuse upon them and damn them boldly on their own private
authority. It is thus that we can profit by the weaknesses of
men, and that a wise man can accommodate himself to the vices
of his age.
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! what do I hear? You only lacked
hypocrisy to make you perfectly bad; and this is the height of
abomination. Sir, this last thing is too much for me, and I
cannot help speaking. Do to me all you please; beat me, break
every bone in my body, kill me if you like: but I must speak
out my thoughts, and like a faithful servant say what I ought.
Know, sir, that the pitcher goes once too often to the well: and
as that author, whose name I do not recollect, truly said, man is
in this world like the bird on the branch; the branch is attached
to the tree; whoever is attached to the tree follows good pre-
cepts; good precepts are better than fine words; fine words are
found at court; at court are the courtiers; courtiers are followers
of fashion; fashion comes from fancy; fancy is a faculty of the
mind; the mind is life to us; life ends in death; death makes
us think of heaven; the sky is above the earth; the earth is not
the sea; the sea is subject to tempests; tempests endanger ships;
ships require pilots; a good pilot has prudence; prudence is not
the gift of young men; young men ought to obey their elders;
old men love riches; riches make people rich; the rich are not
poor; the poor know what want is; necessity has no law; those
who have no law live like the brute; and consequently you will
be damned with all the devils.
Juan - A noble argument.
Sganarelle — After this if you do not change, so much the
worse for you.
Enter Don Carlos
Carlos — Don Juan, I meet with you opportunely; and I am
glad to ask you in this place rather than in your house what
resolutions you have taken. You know that this duty belongs to
me, that I took it upon myself in your presence. I cannot hide
## p. 10196 (#624) ##########################################
10196
MOLIÈRE
from you that I should like the difficulty to be settled by gentle
means; there is nothing I would not do to prevail upon you to
choose the right path, and to see you publicly confirm your mar-
riage with my sister.
Juan [in a hypocritical tone) — Alas! I wish with all my heart
that I could give you the satisfaction you ask for: but Heaven
is directly opposed to it; it has inspired me with the design of
reforming my mode of life, and I have now no other thoughts
than to leave all earthly engagements, to forsake all vanities,
to atone by an austere life for all the criminal disorders into
which the heat of passion and blind youth have carried me.
Carlos – Your intentions, Don Juan, do not clash with what
I propose: the company of a legitimate wife and the laudable
thoughts Heaven has inspired you with, can well agree.
Juan — Alas! no. It is a decision which your sister herself
has taken, for she has retired to a convent. Both our hearts
were touched at the same time.
Carlos — Her retreat cannot satisfy us, for it might be imputed
to the contempt you had thrown on her and her family: our
honor requires that she should live openly with you.
Juan — I assure you that the thing is not possible. I had the
greatest wish to do so, and even to-day I asked advice of Heaven
about it; but when I consulted it, I heard a voice saying that I
was not to think of your sister, and that with her for my com-
panion I should certainly not work out my salvation.
Carlos - Do you think you will impose upon me with those
-
fine excuses ?
Juan - I obey Heaven's voice.
Carlos - What! you imagine that I can be satisfied with such
stories as these ?
Juan — Such is the will of Heaven.
Carlos – You make my sister leave her convent, and abandon
her afterwards?
Juan- Heaven orders it should be so.
Carlos - We must bear such a disgrace ?
Juan - Seek redress from Heaven.
Carlos - What! always Heaven?
Juan — It is the will of Heaven.
Carlos - Enough, Don Juan: I understand you. It is not
here that I will attack you, - the place will not admit of it, - but
I will soon find you out.
## p. 10197 (#625) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10197
Juan – You will do as you please. You know that I do not
lack courage, and that I can use my sword when it is necessary.
I will go in a few minutes through this narrow lane by the side
of the convent: but I declare to you that I do not wish to fight;
Heaven forbid I should think of such a thing: but if you attack
me, we will see what will ensue.
Carlos — We shall indeed see.
[Exit.
Sganarelle — Sir, what is this new style you adopt? This is
worse than all the rest put together; I had much rather see you
as you were before. I always looked forward to your salvation
before; but from henceforth I give up all hope, and I believe
that Heaven, which has borne with you to this day, will never
tolerate this last abomination.
Juan Come, come: Heaven is not so strict as you think, and
if each time that men
Enter a Spectre in the form of a veiled woman
Sganarelle (seeing the Spectre]— Ah, sir, Heaven speaks to and
warns you!
Juan — This may be a warning from Heaven; but it must be
expressed more clearly if I am to understand it.
Spectre - Don Juan has but a moment longer to profit by the
mercy of Heaven; if he does not repent now, his destruction is
certain.
Sganarelle — Sir, do you hear?
Juan — Who dares speak such words to me? I think I know
this voice.
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, it is a ghost! I know it by its way of
walking.
Juan - Ghost, phantom, or devil, I will see what it is.
[The Spectre changes shape, and represents Time with his scythe in his
hand. )
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! Do you see, sir, this change of
shape?
Juan — No, no: nothing can terrify me, and my sword will
tell me whether this is body or spirit.
[The Spectre disappears when Don Juan tries to strike it. ]
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, yield to such repeated proofs!
Juan - No: whatever may happen, it shall never be said that
I could repent. Cone, follow me.
## p. 10198 (#626) ##########################################
10198
MOLIÈRE
Enter The Statue of the Commandant
Statue - Stop, Don Juan: you promised me yesterday to come
and have supper with me.
Juan - Yes: where shall we go?
Sganarelle - Give me your hand.
Juan — Here it is.
Statue - Don Juan, obstinacy in sin brings after it a fearful
death, and by rejecting the mercy of Heaven we open a way for
its wrath.
Juan - Oh, heavens! what do I feel? An invisible fire con-
sumes me! I can bear it no longer. My whole body is one ardent
flame - Oh! - Oh! -
[ The lightning flashes around Don Juan, and loud claps of thunder are
heard. The earth opens and swallows him up. From the spot where
he has disappeared burst forth flames of fire. )
Sganarelle — Ah! my wages! my wages! His death is a rep-
aration to all. Heaven offended, laws violated, families dishon-
ored, girls ruined, wives led astray, husbands driven to despair,
everybody is satisfied. I am the only one to suffer. My wages,
my wages, my wages!
[The curtain falls. ]
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE SHAM MARQUIS AND THE AFFECTED LADIES
From (Les Précieuses Ridicules)
[The scene is the drawing-room of the provincial but ambitious ladies
Mademoiselle Madelon and her cousin Mademoiselle Cathos, visiting Paris.
Both are dressed in the height of fashionable absurdity. To them enters
Mascarille, a clever valet, disguised by his master as a marquis and Parisian
gentleman, for the purpose of tricking the silly young women and making them
more sensible through the humiliation of their discovery. He plays his part
with much gusto. ]
M
ASCARILLE (after having bowed to them]- Ladies, you will
be surprised, no doubt, at the boldness of my visit, but
your reputation brings this troublesome incident upon you:
merit has for me such powerful attractions, that I run after it
wherever it is to be found.
Madelon - If you pursue merit, it is not in our grounds that
you should hunt after it.
## p. 10199 (#627) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10199
Cathos — If you find merit among us, you must have brought
it here yourself.
Mascarille - I refuse assent to such an assertion. Fame tells
the truth in speaking of your worth; and you will pique, repique,
and capot * all the fashionable world of Paris.
Madelon — Your courtesy carries you somewhat too far in the
liberality of your praises; and we must take care, my cousin and
I, not to trust too much to the sweetness of your flattery.
Cathos — My dear, we should call for chairs.
,
Madelon [to servant]— Almanzor!
Almansor - Madame.
Madelon — Quick! convey us hither at once the appliances of
conversation.
>
(Almanzor brings chairs. ]
Mascarille — But stay, is there any security for me here?
Cathos What can you fear?
Mascarille — Some robbery of my heart, some assassination of
my freedom.
I see before me two eyes which seem to me to be
very dangerous fellows; they abuse liberty and give no quarter,
The deuce! no sooner is any one near, but they are up in arms,
and ready for their murderous attack! Ah! upon my word I
mistrust them! I shall either run away, or require good security
that they will do me no harm.
Madelon — What playfulness, my dear.
Cathos — Yes, I see he is an Amilcar.
Madelon — Do not fear: our eyes have no evil intentions; your
heart may sleep in peace, and may rest assured of their innocence.
Cathos - But for pity's sake, sir, do not be inexorable to that
arm-chair, which for the last quarter of an hour has stretched
out its arms to you: satisfy the desire it has of embracing you.
Mascarille [after having combed himself and adjusted his can-
ions] – Well, ladies, what is your opinion of Paris ?
Madelon — Alas! can there be two opinions? It would be the
antipodes of reason not to confess that Paris is the great museum
of wonders, the centre of good taste, of wit and gallantry.
Mascarille — I think for my part that out of Paris, people of
position cannot exist.
Cathos - That is a never-to-be-disputed truth.
* Terms in piquet, a then fashionable game of cards.
## p. 10200 (#628) ##########################################
IO200
MOLIÈRE
Mascarille — It is somewhat muddy, but then we have sedan.
chairs.
Madelon - Yes, a chair is a wonderful safeguard against the
insults of mud and bad weather.
Mascarille - You must have many visitors ? What great wit
belongs to your circle ?
Madelon Alas! we are not known yet; but we have every
hope of being so before long, and a great friend of ours has
promised to bring us all the gentlemen who have written in the
Elegant Extracts. '
Cathos As well as some others, who, we are told, are the
sovereign judges in matters of taste.
Mascarille — Leave that to me! I can manage that for you
better than any one else. They all visit me, and I can truly say
that I never get up in the morning without having half a dozen
wits about me.
Madclon -- Ah!
we should feel under the greatest obligation
to you if you would be so kind as to do this for us; for it is
certain one must be acquainted with all those gentlemen in order
to belong to society. By them reputations are made in Paris;
and you know that it is quite sufficient to be seen with some
of them to acquire the reputation of a connoisseur, even though
there should be no other foundation for the distinction. But for
my part, what I value most is, that in such society we learn a
hundred things which it is one's duty to know, and which are the
quintessence of wit: the scandal of the day; the latest things out
in prose or verse. We hear exactly and punctually that a M. A
has composed the most beautiful piece in the world on such-and-
such a subject; that Madame B has adapted words to such-and-
such an air; that M. C has composed a madrigal on the fidelity
of his lady-love, and M. D upon the faithlessness of his; that
yesterday evening the Sieur E wrote a sixain to Mademoiselle F,
to which she sent an answer this morning at eight o'clock; that
M. G has such-and-such a project in his head; that M. His
occupied with the third volume of his romance; and that M. J
has his work in the press. By knowledge like this we acquire
consideration in every society; whereas if we are left in ignor-
ance of such matters, all the wit we may possess is a thing of
naught and as dust in the balance.
Cathos - Indeed, I think it is carrying the ridiculous to the
extreme, for any one who makes the least pretense to wit, not
## p. 10201 (#629) ##########################################
MOLIERE
I0201
to know even the last little quatrain that has been written. For
my part, I should feel greatly ashamed if some were by
chance to ask me if I had seen some new thing which I had not
one
seen.
Mascarille — It is true that it is disgraceful not to be one
of the very first to know what is going on. But do not make
yourself anxious about it; I will establish an academy of wits in
your house, and I promise you that not a single line shall be
written in all Paris which you shall not know by heart before
anybody else. I, your humble servant, indulge a little in writing
poetry when I feel in the vein; and you will find handed about
in all the ruelles of Paris two hundred songs, as many sonnets,
four hundred epigrams, and more than a thousand madrigals,
without reckoning enigmas and portraits.
Madelon — I must acknowledge that I am madly fond of por-
traits: there is nothing more elegant, according to my opin-
ion.
Mascarille — Portraits are difficult, and require a deep insight
into character; but you shall see some of mine which will please
you.
Cathos — I must say that for my part I am appallingly fond of
enigmas.
Mascarille — They form a good occupation for the mind; and
I have already written four this morning, which I will give you
to guess.
Madelon — Madrigals are charming when they are neatly
turned.
Mascarille -- I have a special gift that way, and I am engaged
in turning the whole Roman History into madrigals.
Madelon — Ah! that will be exquisite. Pray let me have a
copy, if you publish it.
Mascarille - I promise you each a copy beautifully bound. It
is beneath my rank to occupy myself in that fashion; but I do it
· for the benefit of the publishers, who leave me no peace.
Madelon — I should think that it must be a most pleasant
thing to see one's name in print.
Mascarille - Undoubtedly. By-the-by, let me repeat to you
some extempore verses I made yesterday at the house of a friend
of mine, a duchess, whom I went to see. You must know that
I'm a wonderful hand at impromptus.
Cathos – An impromptu is the touchstone of genius.
## p. 10202 (#630) ##########################################
IO202
MOLIÈRE
Mascarille - Listen.
Madelon We are all ears.
Mascarille
Oh! oh! I was not taking care.
While thinking not of harm, I watch my fair.
Your lurking eye my heart doth steal away.
Stop thief! Stop thief! Stop thief! - I say.
Cathos -- Ah me! It is gallant to the last degree.
Mascarille — Yes, all I do has a certain easy air about it.
There is a total absence of the pedant about all my writings.
Madelon — They are thousands and thousands of miles from
that.
Mascarille -- Did you notice the beginning? Oh! oh! ” There
“
is something exceptional in that “Oh! oh! ” like a man who
bethinks himself all of a sudden – “Oh! oh! ” Surprise is well
-!
depicted, is it not? «Oh! oh! ”
Madelon - Yes, I think that “Oh! oh! ” admirable.
Nascarille — At first sight it does not seem much.
Cathos
Ah! what do you say? These things cannot be too
highly valued.
Madelon — Certainly; and I would rather have composed that
«Oh! oh! » than an epic poem.
Mascarille - Upon my word now, you have good taste.
Madelon — Why, yes, perhaps it's not altogether bad.
Mascarille — But do you not admire also “I was not taking
care " ? "I was not taking care. ”
I did not notice it; quite
a natural way of speaking, you know: "I was not taking care. ”
“While thinking not of harm ”— whilst innocently, without fore-
thought, like a poor sheep, "I watch my fair ” — that is to say,
I amuse myself by considering, observing, contemplating you.
“Your lurking eye ”what do you think of this word “lurking "?
Do you not think it well chosen ?
Cathos — Perfectly well.
Mascarille – "Lurking,” hiding: you would say, a cat just
going to catch a mouse _“lurking. ”
Madelon - Nothing could be better.
Mascarille — “My heart doth steal away ” — snatch it away;
carries it off from me. «Stop thief! stop thief! stop thief ! ”
Would you not imagine it to be a man shouting and running
after a robber? "Stop thief! stop thief! stop thief! ”
»
## p. 10203 (#631) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10203
Madelon - It must be acknowledged that it is witty and gal-
lant.
Mascarille — I must sing you the tune I made to it.
Cathos — Ah! you have learnt music ?
Mascarille Not a bit of it!
Cathos — Then how can you have set it to music ?
Mascarille - People of my position know everything without
ever having learnt.
Madelon Of course it is so, my dear.
Mascarille — Just listen, and see if the tune is to your taste:
hem, hem, la, la, la, la, la. The brutality of the season has
greatly injured the delicacy of my voice: but it is of no conse-
quence; permit me, without ceremony (he sings]:-
Oh! oh! I was not taking care.
While thinking not of harm, I watch my fair.
Your lurking eye my heart doth steal away.
Stop thief! Stop thief! Stop thief! -I say.
»
Cathos - What soul-subduing music! One would willingly die
while listening
Madelon — What soft languor creeps over one's heart.
Mascarille - Do you not find the thought clearly expressed in
the song? «Stop thief! stop thief! ” And then as if one suddenly
cried out, “Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop thief! ” Then all at once,
like a person out of breath - "Stop thief ! ”
Madelon - It shows a knowledge of perfect beauty; every part
is inimitable; both the words and the air enchant me.
Cathos — I never yet met with anything worthy of being com-
pared to it.
Mascarille — All I do comes naturally to me. I do it without
study.
Madelon Nature has treated you like a fond mother: you
are her spoiled child.
Mascarille — How do you spend your time, ladies ?
Cathos — Oh! in doing nothing at all.
Madelon · Until now, we have been in a dreadful dearth of
amusements.
Mascarille — I should be happy to take you to the play one
of these days, if you would permit me; the more so as there is
a new piece going to be acted which I should be glad to see in
your company.
## p. 10204 (#632) ##########################################
10204
MOLIÈRE
(
Madelon There is no refusing such an offer,
Mascarille — But I must beg of you to applaud it well when
we are there, for I have promised my help to praise up the
piece; and the author came to me again this morning to beg my
assistance. It is the custom for authors to come and read their
new plays to us people of rank, so that they may persuade us to
approve their work, and to give them a reputation. I leave you
to imagine if, when we say anything, the pit dare contradict us.
As for me, I am most scrupulous; and when once I have prom-
ised my assistance to a poet, I always call out “Splendid! beau-
tiful! ” even before the candles are lighted.
Madelon — Do not speak of it: Paris is a most wonderful
place; a hundred things happen every day there of which coun-
try people, however clever they may be, have no idea.
Cathos — It is sufficient: now we understand this, we shall
consider ourselves under the obligation of praising all that is
said.
Mascarille — I do not know whether I am mistaken; but you
seem to me to have written some play yourselves.
Madelon Ah! there may be some truth in what you say.
Mascarille — Upon my word, we must see it. Between our-
selves, I have composed one which I intend shortly to bring out.
Cathos — Indeed! and to what actors do you mean to give it?
Mascarille — What a question! Why, to the actors of the
Hôtel de Bourgogne, of course: they alone can give a proper
value to a piece. The others are a pack of ignoramuses, who
recite their parts just as one speaks every day of one's life; they
have no idea of thundering out verses, or of pausing at a fine
passage. How can one make out where the fine lines are, if the
actor does not stop at them and thus tell you when you are to
applaud ?
Cathos — Certainly, there is always a way of making an audi-
ence feel the beauties of a play; and things are valued according
to the way they are put before you.
Mascarille — How do you like my lace, feathers, and etcet.
eras? Do you find any incongruity between them and my coat ?
Cathos - Not the slightest.
Mascarille --The ribbon is well chosen, you think?
Madelon — Astonishingly well. It is real Perdrigeon.
Mascarille — What do you say of my canions ?
Madelon — They look very fashionable.
## p. 10205 (#633) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10205
Mascarille — I can at least boast that they are a whole quarter
of a yard wider than those usually worn.
Madelon -I must acknowledge that I have never yet seen the
elegance of the adjustment carried to such perfection.
Mascarille — May I beg of you to direct your olfactory senses
to these gloves?
Madelon — They smell terribly sweet.
Cathos – I never inhaled a better-made perfume.
Mascarille — And this ? [He bends forward for them to smell
his powdered wig. ]
Madelon — It has the true aristocratic odor. One's finest senses
are exquisitely affected by it.
Mascarille – You say nothing of my plumes! What do you
think of them?
Cathos — Astonishingly beautiful!
Mascarille - Do you know that every tip cost me a louis d'or ?
It is my way to prefer indiscriminately everything of the best.
Madelon - I assure you that I greatly sympathize with you. I
am furiously delicate about everything I wear, and even my socks
must come from the best hands.
Mascarille [crying out suddenly] — Oh, oh, oh! gently, gently,
ladies; ladies, this is unkind: I have good reason to complain of
your behavior; it is not fair,
Cathos — What is it? What is the matter?
Mascarille — Matter? What, both of you against my heart,
and at the same time too! attacking me right and left! Ah! it
is contrary to fair play; I shall cry out murder.
Cathos [to Madelon] - It must be acknowledged that he says
things in a manner altogether his own.
Madelon - His way of putting things is exquisitely admirable.
Cathos [to Mascarille] - You are more afraid than hurt, and
your heart cries out before it is touched.
Mascarille — The deuce! why, it is sore from head to foot.
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
## p. 10206 (#634) ##########################################
10206
THEODOR MOMMSEN
(1817-)
BY WILLIAM CRANSTON LAWTON
DHE popular conception of a learned German professor is of
a short-sighted, spectacled, absent-minded recluse buried
among his books, absorbed in some narrow and remote line
of research for which a single lifetime is all too brief, or preparing a
ponderous book which perhaps ten men in the world can read. The
type is not wholly imaginary, though like the buffalo it is already near
extinction.
Above all others in our time, however, Theodor Mommsen is an
illustration of patriotic and civic usefulness, not merely combined
with the most learned research, but illuminated and strengthened in-
calculably by those very studies. His political sympathies, his open
affiliations in the national legislature, have been with the extreme
radical wing of that great “Liberal movement which made the
new German empire possible. Thoroughly believing that democratic
freedom of discussion is the firmest final basis for a strong central
government, he has often offended those in high office by his fear-
less criticisms. Once indeed he was actually brought to trial (1882)
for sharp words directed against Prince Bismarck. His triumphant
acquittal revealed and strengthened the popular pride in the brave
citizen and the most illustrious of German scholars.
Mommsen is primarily interested in the life and growth of politi-
cal institutions. All his manifold activity is centred about this chief
study. It was natural, then, that the Roman State, the greatest organ-
ization in all human history, should have engaged his lifelong devo-
tion.
Professor Mommsen is most widely known to the general reading
public, in and out of Germany, as the author of a “popular” Roman
history. This great work indeed put forth with little citation of
authorities. The solid pages usually run calmly on without any array
of polemic or pedantic foot-notes.
the
deed, and then let envy burst with rage!
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE FATE OF DON JUAN
From Don Juan: or, The Feast of the Statue)
[The stage represents a solitary country spot in Sicily, not remote from
the tomb (crowned by a statue) of the commandant whom Don Juan has
slain in a duel. Don Juan and his servant Sganarelle enter, with Don Louis,
the father of the dissolute hero. Don Louis has heard that his son has de-
cided on a complete moral reformation. ]
OUIS
- What! my son, is it possible that merciful Heaven has
heard my prayers ? Is what you tell me true? Are you
not deceiving me with false hopes ? And inay I trust the
surprising news of such a conversion ?
Juan — Yes, you see me reclaimed from all my sins; I am no
longer the same man I was yesterday, and Heaven Hias suddenly
wrought in me a change which will be the wonder of every one.
It has touched my heart and opened my eyes, and I look back
with horror on my long time of blindness, and on the criminal
disorders of the life I have led. My mind dwells up bn all its
abominations; and I am astonished that Heaven has borne them
## p. 10193 (#621) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10193
>
so long, and has not made me feel its vengeance.
I feel the
mercy that has been shown me in my not being punished for my
crimes, and I am ready to profit by it as I ought; to show to
the world the sudden change in my life; thus to make up for
the scandal of my past actions, and try to obtain a full pardon.
Towards this will all my endeavors tend in future; and in order
to help me in the new life I have chosen, I beseech you, sir,
to choose for me a person who can help me, and under whose
guidance I may be enabled to walk safely in the new path
opened before me.
Louis — Ah! how easily the love of a father is recalled, and
how quickly forgotten are the faults of a son at the mention of
the word repentance! After what I have just heard, I remember
no more all the sorrow you have caused me; everything is oblit-
erated from my memory. My happiness is extreme; I weep for
joy; all my dearest wishes are granted, and I have nothing else
to ask of Heaven. Let us embrace each other, my son. Persist,
I beseech you, in this praiseworthy resolution. I will go at once
and carry this good news to your mother, share with her my
joy, and thank Heaven for the holy thoughts with which it has
inspired you.
[Erit.
Sganarolle — Ah, sir, how happy I am to see you converted!
I have been a long time looking forward for this; and thank
Heaven, all my wishes are satisfied.
Juan — Plague take the booby!
Sganarelle -- How, the booby?
Juan - What! you take for ready money what I have just
said, and fancy that my lips agree with my heart ?
Sganarelle — Why! it is not — you do not — your – [Aside. ]
Oh, what a man! what a man! what a man!
Juan — Oh dear, no; I am not changed in the least, and all
my thoughts are the same.
Sganarelle — You do not yield, after the marvelous miracle of
that moving and speaking statue ?
Juan — There certainly is something about it which I do not
understand; but whatever it may be, it can neither convince my
judgment nor stagger my heart: and if I said that I wanted to
reform my conduct and to lead an exemplary life, it is because
of a plan I have formed out of pure policy, a useful stratagem,
a necessary grimace to which I am willing to submit, in order
not to give offense to a father I have need of, and to screen
XV11–638
## p. 10194 (#622) ##########################################
10194
MOLIÈRE
myself in respect to men from a hundred troublesome adventures
which might happen to me. I am glad to take you into my
confidence, Sganarelle, for I like to have a witness of what I
feel, and of the real motives which oblige me to act as I do.
Sganarelle — What! you believe in nothing, and yet you mean
to pass for a God-fearing man?
Juan — And why not? There are plenty of others besides me
who borrow the same feathers, and who use the same mask to
deceive the world.
Sganarelle [aside] - Ah, what a man! what a man!
Juan — There is no longer any shame in hypocrisy: it is a
fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtues. To
act the part of a good man is the best part one can act. The
profession of hypocrisy has wonderful advantages. It is an art
the imposture of which is always looked upon with respect; and
although the world may see through the deceit, it dares say
nothing against it. All the other vices of mankind are open to
censure, and every one is at liberty to attack them boldly; but
hypocrisy is a privileged vice, which closes the mouth of every
one, and enjoys in peace a sovereign impunity. By dint of cant
we enter into a kind of league with those of the same party, and
whoever falls out with one of us has the whole set against him;
whilst those who are really sincere, and who are known to be
in earnest, are always the dupes of the others, are caught in
the net of the hypocrites, and blindly lend their support to those
who ape their conduct. You could hardly believe what a num-
ber of these people I know, who with the help of such stratagem
have put a decent veil over the disorders of their youth, have
sought shelter under the cloak of religion, and under its vener-
ated dress are allowed to be as wicked as they please. Although
people are aware of their intrigues, and know them for what they
are, their influence is none the less real. They are well received
everywhere; and a low bending of the head, deep sighs, and
rolling eyes, make up for all they can be guilty of. It is under
this convenient dress that I mean to take refuge and put my
affairs to rights. I shall not give up my dear habits, but will
carefully hide them, and avoid all show in my pleasures. If I
am discovered, the whole cabal will take up my interests of their
own accord, and will defend me against everybody. In short, it
,
is the only safe way of doing all I like with impunity. I shall
set up for a censor of other people's actions. I shall speak evil
## p. 10195 (#623) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10195
of everybody. If I am but ever so slightly offended, I shall
never forgive, but bear an irreconcilable hatred. I shall make
myself the avenger of the interests of Heaven; and under this
convenient shelter I will pursue my enemies, will accuse them of
impiety, and know how to let loose against them the officious
zealots who, without understanding how the truth stands, will heap
abuse upon them and damn them boldly on their own private
authority. It is thus that we can profit by the weaknesses of
men, and that a wise man can accommodate himself to the vices
of his age.
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! what do I hear? You only lacked
hypocrisy to make you perfectly bad; and this is the height of
abomination. Sir, this last thing is too much for me, and I
cannot help speaking. Do to me all you please; beat me, break
every bone in my body, kill me if you like: but I must speak
out my thoughts, and like a faithful servant say what I ought.
Know, sir, that the pitcher goes once too often to the well: and
as that author, whose name I do not recollect, truly said, man is
in this world like the bird on the branch; the branch is attached
to the tree; whoever is attached to the tree follows good pre-
cepts; good precepts are better than fine words; fine words are
found at court; at court are the courtiers; courtiers are followers
of fashion; fashion comes from fancy; fancy is a faculty of the
mind; the mind is life to us; life ends in death; death makes
us think of heaven; the sky is above the earth; the earth is not
the sea; the sea is subject to tempests; tempests endanger ships;
ships require pilots; a good pilot has prudence; prudence is not
the gift of young men; young men ought to obey their elders;
old men love riches; riches make people rich; the rich are not
poor; the poor know what want is; necessity has no law; those
who have no law live like the brute; and consequently you will
be damned with all the devils.
Juan - A noble argument.
Sganarelle — After this if you do not change, so much the
worse for you.
Enter Don Carlos
Carlos — Don Juan, I meet with you opportunely; and I am
glad to ask you in this place rather than in your house what
resolutions you have taken. You know that this duty belongs to
me, that I took it upon myself in your presence. I cannot hide
## p. 10196 (#624) ##########################################
10196
MOLIÈRE
from you that I should like the difficulty to be settled by gentle
means; there is nothing I would not do to prevail upon you to
choose the right path, and to see you publicly confirm your mar-
riage with my sister.
Juan [in a hypocritical tone) — Alas! I wish with all my heart
that I could give you the satisfaction you ask for: but Heaven
is directly opposed to it; it has inspired me with the design of
reforming my mode of life, and I have now no other thoughts
than to leave all earthly engagements, to forsake all vanities,
to atone by an austere life for all the criminal disorders into
which the heat of passion and blind youth have carried me.
Carlos – Your intentions, Don Juan, do not clash with what
I propose: the company of a legitimate wife and the laudable
thoughts Heaven has inspired you with, can well agree.
Juan — Alas! no. It is a decision which your sister herself
has taken, for she has retired to a convent. Both our hearts
were touched at the same time.
Carlos — Her retreat cannot satisfy us, for it might be imputed
to the contempt you had thrown on her and her family: our
honor requires that she should live openly with you.
Juan — I assure you that the thing is not possible. I had the
greatest wish to do so, and even to-day I asked advice of Heaven
about it; but when I consulted it, I heard a voice saying that I
was not to think of your sister, and that with her for my com-
panion I should certainly not work out my salvation.
Carlos - Do you think you will impose upon me with those
-
fine excuses ?
Juan - I obey Heaven's voice.
Carlos - What! you imagine that I can be satisfied with such
stories as these ?
Juan — Such is the will of Heaven.
Carlos – You make my sister leave her convent, and abandon
her afterwards?
Juan- Heaven orders it should be so.
Carlos - We must bear such a disgrace ?
Juan - Seek redress from Heaven.
Carlos - What! always Heaven?
Juan — It is the will of Heaven.
Carlos - Enough, Don Juan: I understand you. It is not
here that I will attack you, - the place will not admit of it, - but
I will soon find you out.
## p. 10197 (#625) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10197
Juan – You will do as you please. You know that I do not
lack courage, and that I can use my sword when it is necessary.
I will go in a few minutes through this narrow lane by the side
of the convent: but I declare to you that I do not wish to fight;
Heaven forbid I should think of such a thing: but if you attack
me, we will see what will ensue.
Carlos — We shall indeed see.
[Exit.
Sganarelle — Sir, what is this new style you adopt? This is
worse than all the rest put together; I had much rather see you
as you were before. I always looked forward to your salvation
before; but from henceforth I give up all hope, and I believe
that Heaven, which has borne with you to this day, will never
tolerate this last abomination.
Juan Come, come: Heaven is not so strict as you think, and
if each time that men
Enter a Spectre in the form of a veiled woman
Sganarelle (seeing the Spectre]— Ah, sir, Heaven speaks to and
warns you!
Juan — This may be a warning from Heaven; but it must be
expressed more clearly if I am to understand it.
Spectre - Don Juan has but a moment longer to profit by the
mercy of Heaven; if he does not repent now, his destruction is
certain.
Sganarelle — Sir, do you hear?
Juan — Who dares speak such words to me? I think I know
this voice.
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, it is a ghost! I know it by its way of
walking.
Juan - Ghost, phantom, or devil, I will see what it is.
[The Spectre changes shape, and represents Time with his scythe in his
hand. )
Sganarelle — Oh, heavens! Do you see, sir, this change of
shape?
Juan — No, no: nothing can terrify me, and my sword will
tell me whether this is body or spirit.
[The Spectre disappears when Don Juan tries to strike it. ]
Sganarelle — Ah, sir, yield to such repeated proofs!
Juan - No: whatever may happen, it shall never be said that
I could repent. Cone, follow me.
## p. 10198 (#626) ##########################################
10198
MOLIÈRE
Enter The Statue of the Commandant
Statue - Stop, Don Juan: you promised me yesterday to come
and have supper with me.
Juan - Yes: where shall we go?
Sganarelle - Give me your hand.
Juan — Here it is.
Statue - Don Juan, obstinacy in sin brings after it a fearful
death, and by rejecting the mercy of Heaven we open a way for
its wrath.
Juan - Oh, heavens! what do I feel? An invisible fire con-
sumes me! I can bear it no longer. My whole body is one ardent
flame - Oh! - Oh! -
[ The lightning flashes around Don Juan, and loud claps of thunder are
heard. The earth opens and swallows him up. From the spot where
he has disappeared burst forth flames of fire. )
Sganarelle — Ah! my wages! my wages! His death is a rep-
aration to all. Heaven offended, laws violated, families dishon-
ored, girls ruined, wives led astray, husbands driven to despair,
everybody is satisfied. I am the only one to suffer. My wages,
my wages, my wages!
[The curtain falls. ]
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
THE SHAM MARQUIS AND THE AFFECTED LADIES
From (Les Précieuses Ridicules)
[The scene is the drawing-room of the provincial but ambitious ladies
Mademoiselle Madelon and her cousin Mademoiselle Cathos, visiting Paris.
Both are dressed in the height of fashionable absurdity. To them enters
Mascarille, a clever valet, disguised by his master as a marquis and Parisian
gentleman, for the purpose of tricking the silly young women and making them
more sensible through the humiliation of their discovery. He plays his part
with much gusto. ]
M
ASCARILLE (after having bowed to them]- Ladies, you will
be surprised, no doubt, at the boldness of my visit, but
your reputation brings this troublesome incident upon you:
merit has for me such powerful attractions, that I run after it
wherever it is to be found.
Madelon - If you pursue merit, it is not in our grounds that
you should hunt after it.
## p. 10199 (#627) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10199
Cathos — If you find merit among us, you must have brought
it here yourself.
Mascarille - I refuse assent to such an assertion. Fame tells
the truth in speaking of your worth; and you will pique, repique,
and capot * all the fashionable world of Paris.
Madelon — Your courtesy carries you somewhat too far in the
liberality of your praises; and we must take care, my cousin and
I, not to trust too much to the sweetness of your flattery.
Cathos — My dear, we should call for chairs.
,
Madelon [to servant]— Almanzor!
Almansor - Madame.
Madelon — Quick! convey us hither at once the appliances of
conversation.
>
(Almanzor brings chairs. ]
Mascarille — But stay, is there any security for me here?
Cathos What can you fear?
Mascarille — Some robbery of my heart, some assassination of
my freedom.
I see before me two eyes which seem to me to be
very dangerous fellows; they abuse liberty and give no quarter,
The deuce! no sooner is any one near, but they are up in arms,
and ready for their murderous attack! Ah! upon my word I
mistrust them! I shall either run away, or require good security
that they will do me no harm.
Madelon — What playfulness, my dear.
Cathos — Yes, I see he is an Amilcar.
Madelon — Do not fear: our eyes have no evil intentions; your
heart may sleep in peace, and may rest assured of their innocence.
Cathos - But for pity's sake, sir, do not be inexorable to that
arm-chair, which for the last quarter of an hour has stretched
out its arms to you: satisfy the desire it has of embracing you.
Mascarille [after having combed himself and adjusted his can-
ions] – Well, ladies, what is your opinion of Paris ?
Madelon — Alas! can there be two opinions? It would be the
antipodes of reason not to confess that Paris is the great museum
of wonders, the centre of good taste, of wit and gallantry.
Mascarille — I think for my part that out of Paris, people of
position cannot exist.
Cathos - That is a never-to-be-disputed truth.
* Terms in piquet, a then fashionable game of cards.
## p. 10200 (#628) ##########################################
IO200
MOLIÈRE
Mascarille — It is somewhat muddy, but then we have sedan.
chairs.
Madelon - Yes, a chair is a wonderful safeguard against the
insults of mud and bad weather.
Mascarille - You must have many visitors ? What great wit
belongs to your circle ?
Madelon Alas! we are not known yet; but we have every
hope of being so before long, and a great friend of ours has
promised to bring us all the gentlemen who have written in the
Elegant Extracts. '
Cathos As well as some others, who, we are told, are the
sovereign judges in matters of taste.
Mascarille — Leave that to me! I can manage that for you
better than any one else. They all visit me, and I can truly say
that I never get up in the morning without having half a dozen
wits about me.
Madclon -- Ah!
we should feel under the greatest obligation
to you if you would be so kind as to do this for us; for it is
certain one must be acquainted with all those gentlemen in order
to belong to society. By them reputations are made in Paris;
and you know that it is quite sufficient to be seen with some
of them to acquire the reputation of a connoisseur, even though
there should be no other foundation for the distinction. But for
my part, what I value most is, that in such society we learn a
hundred things which it is one's duty to know, and which are the
quintessence of wit: the scandal of the day; the latest things out
in prose or verse. We hear exactly and punctually that a M. A
has composed the most beautiful piece in the world on such-and-
such a subject; that Madame B has adapted words to such-and-
such an air; that M. C has composed a madrigal on the fidelity
of his lady-love, and M. D upon the faithlessness of his; that
yesterday evening the Sieur E wrote a sixain to Mademoiselle F,
to which she sent an answer this morning at eight o'clock; that
M. G has such-and-such a project in his head; that M. His
occupied with the third volume of his romance; and that M. J
has his work in the press. By knowledge like this we acquire
consideration in every society; whereas if we are left in ignor-
ance of such matters, all the wit we may possess is a thing of
naught and as dust in the balance.
Cathos - Indeed, I think it is carrying the ridiculous to the
extreme, for any one who makes the least pretense to wit, not
## p. 10201 (#629) ##########################################
MOLIERE
I0201
to know even the last little quatrain that has been written. For
my part, I should feel greatly ashamed if some were by
chance to ask me if I had seen some new thing which I had not
one
seen.
Mascarille — It is true that it is disgraceful not to be one
of the very first to know what is going on. But do not make
yourself anxious about it; I will establish an academy of wits in
your house, and I promise you that not a single line shall be
written in all Paris which you shall not know by heart before
anybody else. I, your humble servant, indulge a little in writing
poetry when I feel in the vein; and you will find handed about
in all the ruelles of Paris two hundred songs, as many sonnets,
four hundred epigrams, and more than a thousand madrigals,
without reckoning enigmas and portraits.
Madelon — I must acknowledge that I am madly fond of por-
traits: there is nothing more elegant, according to my opin-
ion.
Mascarille — Portraits are difficult, and require a deep insight
into character; but you shall see some of mine which will please
you.
Cathos — I must say that for my part I am appallingly fond of
enigmas.
Mascarille — They form a good occupation for the mind; and
I have already written four this morning, which I will give you
to guess.
Madelon — Madrigals are charming when they are neatly
turned.
Mascarille -- I have a special gift that way, and I am engaged
in turning the whole Roman History into madrigals.
Madelon — Ah! that will be exquisite. Pray let me have a
copy, if you publish it.
Mascarille - I promise you each a copy beautifully bound. It
is beneath my rank to occupy myself in that fashion; but I do it
· for the benefit of the publishers, who leave me no peace.
Madelon — I should think that it must be a most pleasant
thing to see one's name in print.
Mascarille - Undoubtedly. By-the-by, let me repeat to you
some extempore verses I made yesterday at the house of a friend
of mine, a duchess, whom I went to see. You must know that
I'm a wonderful hand at impromptus.
Cathos – An impromptu is the touchstone of genius.
## p. 10202 (#630) ##########################################
IO202
MOLIÈRE
Mascarille - Listen.
Madelon We are all ears.
Mascarille
Oh! oh! I was not taking care.
While thinking not of harm, I watch my fair.
Your lurking eye my heart doth steal away.
Stop thief! Stop thief! Stop thief! - I say.
Cathos -- Ah me! It is gallant to the last degree.
Mascarille — Yes, all I do has a certain easy air about it.
There is a total absence of the pedant about all my writings.
Madelon — They are thousands and thousands of miles from
that.
Mascarille -- Did you notice the beginning? Oh! oh! ” There
“
is something exceptional in that “Oh! oh! ” like a man who
bethinks himself all of a sudden – “Oh! oh! ” Surprise is well
-!
depicted, is it not? «Oh! oh! ”
Madelon - Yes, I think that “Oh! oh! ” admirable.
Nascarille — At first sight it does not seem much.
Cathos
Ah! what do you say? These things cannot be too
highly valued.
Madelon — Certainly; and I would rather have composed that
«Oh! oh! » than an epic poem.
Mascarille - Upon my word now, you have good taste.
Madelon — Why, yes, perhaps it's not altogether bad.
Mascarille — But do you not admire also “I was not taking
care " ? "I was not taking care. ”
I did not notice it; quite
a natural way of speaking, you know: "I was not taking care. ”
“While thinking not of harm ”— whilst innocently, without fore-
thought, like a poor sheep, "I watch my fair ” — that is to say,
I amuse myself by considering, observing, contemplating you.
“Your lurking eye ”what do you think of this word “lurking "?
Do you not think it well chosen ?
Cathos — Perfectly well.
Mascarille – "Lurking,” hiding: you would say, a cat just
going to catch a mouse _“lurking. ”
Madelon - Nothing could be better.
Mascarille — “My heart doth steal away ” — snatch it away;
carries it off from me. «Stop thief! stop thief! stop thief ! ”
Would you not imagine it to be a man shouting and running
after a robber? "Stop thief! stop thief! stop thief! ”
»
## p. 10203 (#631) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10203
Madelon - It must be acknowledged that it is witty and gal-
lant.
Mascarille — I must sing you the tune I made to it.
Cathos — Ah! you have learnt music ?
Mascarille Not a bit of it!
Cathos — Then how can you have set it to music ?
Mascarille - People of my position know everything without
ever having learnt.
Madelon Of course it is so, my dear.
Mascarille — Just listen, and see if the tune is to your taste:
hem, hem, la, la, la, la, la. The brutality of the season has
greatly injured the delicacy of my voice: but it is of no conse-
quence; permit me, without ceremony (he sings]:-
Oh! oh! I was not taking care.
While thinking not of harm, I watch my fair.
Your lurking eye my heart doth steal away.
Stop thief! Stop thief! Stop thief! -I say.
»
Cathos - What soul-subduing music! One would willingly die
while listening
Madelon — What soft languor creeps over one's heart.
Mascarille - Do you not find the thought clearly expressed in
the song? «Stop thief! stop thief! ” And then as if one suddenly
cried out, “Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop thief! ” Then all at once,
like a person out of breath - "Stop thief ! ”
Madelon - It shows a knowledge of perfect beauty; every part
is inimitable; both the words and the air enchant me.
Cathos — I never yet met with anything worthy of being com-
pared to it.
Mascarille — All I do comes naturally to me. I do it without
study.
Madelon Nature has treated you like a fond mother: you
are her spoiled child.
Mascarille — How do you spend your time, ladies ?
Cathos — Oh! in doing nothing at all.
Madelon · Until now, we have been in a dreadful dearth of
amusements.
Mascarille — I should be happy to take you to the play one
of these days, if you would permit me; the more so as there is
a new piece going to be acted which I should be glad to see in
your company.
## p. 10204 (#632) ##########################################
10204
MOLIÈRE
(
Madelon There is no refusing such an offer,
Mascarille — But I must beg of you to applaud it well when
we are there, for I have promised my help to praise up the
piece; and the author came to me again this morning to beg my
assistance. It is the custom for authors to come and read their
new plays to us people of rank, so that they may persuade us to
approve their work, and to give them a reputation. I leave you
to imagine if, when we say anything, the pit dare contradict us.
As for me, I am most scrupulous; and when once I have prom-
ised my assistance to a poet, I always call out “Splendid! beau-
tiful! ” even before the candles are lighted.
Madelon — Do not speak of it: Paris is a most wonderful
place; a hundred things happen every day there of which coun-
try people, however clever they may be, have no idea.
Cathos — It is sufficient: now we understand this, we shall
consider ourselves under the obligation of praising all that is
said.
Mascarille — I do not know whether I am mistaken; but you
seem to me to have written some play yourselves.
Madelon Ah! there may be some truth in what you say.
Mascarille — Upon my word, we must see it. Between our-
selves, I have composed one which I intend shortly to bring out.
Cathos — Indeed! and to what actors do you mean to give it?
Mascarille — What a question! Why, to the actors of the
Hôtel de Bourgogne, of course: they alone can give a proper
value to a piece. The others are a pack of ignoramuses, who
recite their parts just as one speaks every day of one's life; they
have no idea of thundering out verses, or of pausing at a fine
passage. How can one make out where the fine lines are, if the
actor does not stop at them and thus tell you when you are to
applaud ?
Cathos — Certainly, there is always a way of making an audi-
ence feel the beauties of a play; and things are valued according
to the way they are put before you.
Mascarille — How do you like my lace, feathers, and etcet.
eras? Do you find any incongruity between them and my coat ?
Cathos - Not the slightest.
Mascarille --The ribbon is well chosen, you think?
Madelon — Astonishingly well. It is real Perdrigeon.
Mascarille — What do you say of my canions ?
Madelon — They look very fashionable.
## p. 10205 (#633) ##########################################
MOLIÈRE
10205
Mascarille — I can at least boast that they are a whole quarter
of a yard wider than those usually worn.
Madelon -I must acknowledge that I have never yet seen the
elegance of the adjustment carried to such perfection.
Mascarille — May I beg of you to direct your olfactory senses
to these gloves?
Madelon — They smell terribly sweet.
Cathos – I never inhaled a better-made perfume.
Mascarille — And this ? [He bends forward for them to smell
his powdered wig. ]
Madelon — It has the true aristocratic odor. One's finest senses
are exquisitely affected by it.
Mascarille – You say nothing of my plumes! What do you
think of them?
Cathos — Astonishingly beautiful!
Mascarille - Do you know that every tip cost me a louis d'or ?
It is my way to prefer indiscriminately everything of the best.
Madelon - I assure you that I greatly sympathize with you. I
am furiously delicate about everything I wear, and even my socks
must come from the best hands.
Mascarille [crying out suddenly] — Oh, oh, oh! gently, gently,
ladies; ladies, this is unkind: I have good reason to complain of
your behavior; it is not fair,
Cathos — What is it? What is the matter?
Mascarille — Matter? What, both of you against my heart,
and at the same time too! attacking me right and left! Ah! it
is contrary to fair play; I shall cry out murder.
Cathos [to Madelon] - It must be acknowledged that he says
things in a manner altogether his own.
Madelon - His way of putting things is exquisitely admirable.
Cathos [to Mascarille] - You are more afraid than hurt, and
your heart cries out before it is touched.
Mascarille — The deuce! why, it is sore from head to foot.
Translation of Charles Heron Wall.
## p. 10206 (#634) ##########################################
10206
THEODOR MOMMSEN
(1817-)
BY WILLIAM CRANSTON LAWTON
DHE popular conception of a learned German professor is of
a short-sighted, spectacled, absent-minded recluse buried
among his books, absorbed in some narrow and remote line
of research for which a single lifetime is all too brief, or preparing a
ponderous book which perhaps ten men in the world can read. The
type is not wholly imaginary, though like the buffalo it is already near
extinction.
Above all others in our time, however, Theodor Mommsen is an
illustration of patriotic and civic usefulness, not merely combined
with the most learned research, but illuminated and strengthened in-
calculably by those very studies. His political sympathies, his open
affiliations in the national legislature, have been with the extreme
radical wing of that great “Liberal movement which made the
new German empire possible. Thoroughly believing that democratic
freedom of discussion is the firmest final basis for a strong central
government, he has often offended those in high office by his fear-
less criticisms. Once indeed he was actually brought to trial (1882)
for sharp words directed against Prince Bismarck. His triumphant
acquittal revealed and strengthened the popular pride in the brave
citizen and the most illustrious of German scholars.
Mommsen is primarily interested in the life and growth of politi-
cal institutions. All his manifold activity is centred about this chief
study. It was natural, then, that the Roman State, the greatest organ-
ization in all human history, should have engaged his lifelong devo-
tion.
Professor Mommsen is most widely known to the general reading
public, in and out of Germany, as the author of a “popular” Roman
history. This great work indeed put forth with little citation of
authorities. The solid pages usually run calmly on without any array
of polemic or pedantic foot-notes.
