THE DRAMA. 



words and music. These two ancient pieces, as well as the famous Farce 

 de Pathelin (Figs. 383 and 384), which dates from the second half of the 

 fifteenth century, and which long enjoyed a universal reputation, are in all 

 respects very remarkable productions. If the author of the Farce do Pathelin 

 were known, his name would rank beside that of Moliere. 



The comic pieces of the Middle Ages, which were called jeur, soties, or 

 farces, are for the most part notable for their fund of humour and gaiety. 



Fig. 383. Pathelin taking the Piece of Cloth 

 which he steals from the Draper. 



Fig. 384. Pathelin pleading for the Shepherd 

 before the Judge. 



Fac-similes of Wood Engravings of the "Farce de Pathelin" (Gothic Edition, Paris, Germain 



Beneaut, 1490, in 4to). 



They may be considered, according to the taste of the present day, rather too 

 broad, but we must make allowance for the time, as these crude expressions 

 did not offend the taste of the age, and passed muster with the most polished 

 court in Europe. The Moralites stand midway between the farces, of which 

 they possess the satirical spirit, and the mysteries, of which they imitate to a 

 certain extent the moral and religious tendencies. They were not more than 



