£2$ THSATRfr AT PAfclS* 



The faithful foldkr again fuddenly makes his en* 

 trance, and tells that all is betrayed. The two ladies 

 retire, probably through the wall, fince the rattling of 

 the key in the dungeon door is heard on the other fide 

 of the ftage, which inftantly flies open to let in the ge- 

 neral von Bork, who fpeaks to Trenck in much the 

 fame tone as is related by the latter .in his hiftory. 

 With the anfwer which the french poet has put into his 

 mouth, herr von Trenck may be very well fatisfied : it 

 breathes german franknefs and german magnanimity, 

 with french- modifications, refinements and national 

 expreffion. 



Trenck learns that the prince of Brunfwic is in Mag- 

 deburg, is defirous of fpeaking with him, and to afk 

 him for his deliverance and freedom ; i. e. he makes a 

 difcovery of his fecret paffage, his implements, and 

 the moment of his intended efcape. Such a blunder 

 does not fail of its effect even with this parterre. 

 Without sefie cling on the pleafure they had already 

 received from the truly magnanimous fentiments of the 

 prifoner, they now, by fome very fignificant hints, 

 gave it to be feen that this- was a bravado, which no 

 man, who had a greater value for his underflanding 

 than for the reputation of being lingular, would be 

 guilty of. This is another trait in evidence of the 

 quick and accurate feeling of a parifian parterre ; and 

 yet this was none of the choiceft. I heard the words- 

 ridicule and fou pronounced with emphafis on all fides. 



What Trenck muft have known, and the parterre 

 better knew than he, actually happened. His capti- 

 vity was rendered more fevere. What he now fays 

 produces no effect whatever on the audience, fince 

 1 every 



