THEATRE AT PARIS. &0'$- 



of morality and practical philofophy, were caught up 

 and clapped with enthuiiafm. The parterre here knows 

 how to fet a juft value on whatever is good and excel- 

 lent of every kind ; and the fame nicer fenfe of the 

 becoming, which rendered the Athenians of old the 

 models of tafte, was here difplayed in all its luftre. In 

 this capital, it is no ungrateful talk to write well for 

 the public. 



On the dropping of the curtain a frefh volley of claps 

 arofe, intermixed with the name of Monvel, Monvel, 

 which re-echoed from all parts of the houfe with great 

 vociferation. The actor was fummoned to appear, 

 once more to receive the full meafure of applaufe for 

 his talents and affiduity. 



It was a long while before he came. The cry re- 

 doubled. The curtain at length was flowly drawn up. 

 I was witnefs to one of the fmeft fcenes that ever ftruck 

 my light, and which will fill me with unalterable re- 

 gard for a people, who, with all their frivolity, pofTefs 

 fentiment, tafle, and affection-, to fo high a degree. 



It was the author himfelf who was endeavouring to 

 pull the modefl: actor upon the liage. This latter* 

 quite fatigued by his exertions, and exhaufted of breath,, 

 funk in the arms of his tranfported friend, who with 

 the left hand held him his -bread, while he. wiped! 

 his eyes with the right ; and at length, when, upon his 

 repeated motions, the acclamations and clappings had 

 fbmewhat abated, with a countenance pale as death, 

 he flam mere d out : " The man was too modefl: to come- 

 forward ! He fays he is unworthy of the approbation 

 with which an indulgent public is difpofed to honour 

 ki$u L was, obliged to drag. hirn out What a day 



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