Butwhetherthesesuspicionsareabsurdornot，hitormiss，itistheadvocate’sduty，asitappears，tourgethem。HewantstomakeasunfavorableanimpressionaspossiblewithregardtoPeytel’scharacter。he，therefore，must，forcontrast’ssake，giveallsortsofpraisetohisvictim，andawakeneverysympathyinthepoorfellow’sfavor。Havingdonethis，asfarasliesinhispower，havingexaggeratedeverycircumstancethatcanbeunfavorabletoPeytel，andgivenhisowntaleinthebaldestmannerpossible——
havingdeclaredthatPeytelisthemurdererofhiswifeandservant，theCrownnowproceedstobackthisassertion，byshowingwhatinterestedmotiveshehad，andbyrelating，afteritsownfashion，thecircumstancesofhismarriage。
Theymaybetoldbrieflyhere。Peytelwasofagoodfamily，ofMacon，andentitled，athismother’sdeath，toaconsiderableproperty。Hehadbeeneducatedasanotary，andhadlatelypurchasedabusiness，inthatline，inBelley，forwhichhehadpaidalargesumofmoney。partofthesum，15，000francs，forwhichhehadgivenbills，wasstilldue。
NearBelley，PeytelfirstmetFeliciteAlcazar，whowasresidingwithherbrother-in-law，MonsieurdeMontrichard。and，knowingthattheyounglady’sfortunewasconsiderable，hemadeanofferofmarriagetothebrother-in-law，whothoughtthematchadvantageous，andcommunicatedonthesubjectwithFelicite’smother，MadameAlcazar，atParis。AfteratimePeytelwenttoParis，topresshissuit，andwasaccepted。Thereseemstohavebeennoaffectationofloveonhisside。andsomelittlerepugnanceonthepartofthelady，whoyielded，however，tothewishesofherparents，andwasmarried。Thepartiesbegantoquarrelontheverydayofthemarriage，andcontinuedtheirdisputesalmosttothecloseoftheunhappyconnection。Felicitewashalfblind，passionate，sarcastic，clumsyinherpersonandmanners，andilleducated。Peytel，amanofconsiderableintellectandpretensions，whohadlivedforsometimeatParis，wherehehadmingledwithgoodliterarysociety。Theladywas，infact，asdisagreeableapersonascouldwellbe，andtheevidencedescribessomesceneswhichtookplacebetweenherandherhusband，showinghowdeeplyshemusthavemortifiedandenragedhim。
AchargeveryclearlymadeoutagainstPeytel，isthatofdishonesty。
heprocuredfromthenotaryofwhomheboughthisplaceanacquittanceinfull，whereastherewere15，000francsowing，aswehaveseen。Healso，inthecontractofmarriage，whichwastohaveresembled，inallrespects，thatbetweenMonsieurBroussaisandanotherDemoiselleAlcazar，causedanalterationtobemadeinhisfavor，whichgavehimcommandoverhiswife’sfundedproperty，withoutfurnishingtheguaranteesbywhichtheotherson-in-lawwasbound。And，almostimmediatelyafterhismarriage，Peytelsoldoutofthefundsasumof50，000francs，thatbelongedtohiswife，anduseditforhisownpurposes。
Abouttwomonthsafterhismarriage，PEYTELPRESSEDHISWIFETO
MAKEHERWILL。Hehadmadehis，hesaid，leavingeverythingtoher，incaseofhisdeath：aftersomeparley，thepoorthingconsented。*Thisisacruelsuspicionagainsthim。andMr。
Substitutehasnoneedtoenlargeuponit。Asforthepreviousfact，thedishoneststatementaboutthe15，000francs，thereisnothingmurderousinthat——nothingwhichamanveryeagertomakeagoodmarriagemightnotdo。Thesamemaybesaidofthesuppression，inPeytel’smarriagecontract，oftheclausetobefoundinBroussais’s，placingrestrictionsupontheuseofthewife’smoney。Mademoiselled’Alcazar’sfriendsreadthecontractbeforetheysignedit，andmighthaverefusedit，hadtheysopleased。
*Peytel，saystheactofaccusation，didnotfailtoseethedangerwhichwouldmenacehim，ifthiswillwhichhadescapedthemagistratesintheirsearchofPeytel’spaperswasdiscovered。
He，therefore，instructedhisagenttotakepossessionofit，whichhedid，andthefactwasnotmentionedforseveralmonthsafterwards。Peytelandhisagentwerecalledupontoexplainthecircumstance，butrefused，andtheirsilenceforalongtimeinterruptedthe’instruction’gettingupoftheevidence。Allthatcouldbeobtainedfromthemwasanavowal，thatsuchawillexisted，constitutingPeytelhiswife’ssolelegatee。andapromise，ontheirparts，toproduceitbeforethecourtgaveitssentence。Butwhykeepthewillsecret？Theanxietyaboutitwassurelyabsurdandunnecessary：thewholeofMadamePeytel’sfamilyknewthatsuchawillwasmade。Shehadconsultedhersisterconcerningit，whosaid——Ifthereisnootherwayofsatisfyinghim，makethewill。andthemother，whensheheardofit，criedout——Doesheintendtopoisonher？
Aftersomedisputes，whichtookplacebetweenPeytelandhiswifetherewerecontinualquarrels，andcontinualletterspassingbetweenthemfromroomtoroom，thelatterwasinducedtowritehimacoupleofexaggeratedletters，swearingbytheashesofherfatherthatshewouldbeanobedientwifetohim，andentreatinghimtocounselanddirecther。Theseletterswereseenbymembersofthelady’sfamily，who，inthequarrelsbetweenthecouple，alwaystookthehusband’spart。TheywerefoundinPeytel’scabinet，afterhehadbeenarrestedforthemurder，andafterhehadhadfullaccesstoallhispapers，ofwhichhedestroyedorleftasmanyashepleased。TheaccusationmakesitamatterofsuspicionagainstPeytel，thatheshouldhavelefttheselettersofhiswife’sinaconspicuoussituation。
Allthesecircumstances，saystheaccusation，throwafrightfullightuponPeytel’splans。ThelettersandwillofMadamePeytelareinthehandsofherhusband。Threemonthspassaway，andthispoorwomanisbroughttoherhome，inthemiddleofthenight，withtwoballsinherhead，stretchedatthebottomofhercarriage，bythesideofapeasant。
WhatotherthanSebastianPeytelcouldhavecommittedthismurder？——whomcoulditprofit？——whobuthimselfhadanodiouschaintobreak，andaninheritancetoreceive？Whyspeakoftheservant’sprojectedrobbery？ThepistolsfoundbythesideofLouis’sbody，theballsboughtbyhimatMacon，andthosediscoveredatBelleyamonghiseffects，wereonlytheresultofaperfidiouscombination。Thepistol，indeed，whichwasfoundonthehillofDarde，onthenightofthe1stofNovember，couldonlyhavebelongedtoPeytel，andmusthavebeenthrownbyhim，nearthebodyofhisdomestic，withthepaperwhichhadbeforeenvelopedit。
WhohadseenthispistolinthehandsofLouis？Amongallthegendarmes，work-women，domestics，employedbyPeytelandhisbrother-in-law，isthereonesinglewitnesswhohadseenthisweaponinLouis’spossession？ItistruethatMadamePeyteldid，ononeoccasion，speaktoM。deMontrichardofapistol。whichhadnothingtodo，however，withthatfoundnearLouisRey。
Isthisjustice，orgoodreason？Justreversetheargument，andapplyittoRey。WhobutReycouldhavecommittedthismurder？——
whobutReyhadalargesumofmoneytoseizeupon？——apistolisfoundbyhisside，ballsandpowderinhispocket，otherballsinhistrunksathome。Thepistolfoundnearhisbodycouldnot，indeed，havebelongedtoPeytel：didanymaneverseeitinhispossession？Theverygunsmithwhosoldit，andwhoknewPeytel，wouldhenothaveknownthathehadsoldhimthispistol？Athisownhouse，Peytelhasacollectionofweaponsofallkinds。
everybodyhasseenthem——amanwhomakessuchcollectionsisanxioustodisplaythem。Didanyoneeverseethisweapon？——Notone。AndMadamePeyteldid，inherlifetime，remarkapistolinthevalet’spossession。Shewasshort-sighted，andcouldnotparticularizewhatkindofpistolitwas。butshespokeofittoherhusbandandherbrother-in-law。Thisisnotsatisfactory，ifyouplease。but，atleast，itisassatisfactoryastheothersetofsuppositions。ItistheverychainofargumentwhichwouldhavebeenbroughtagainstLouisReybythisverysamecompileroftheactofaccusation，hadReysurvived，insteadofPeytel，andhadhe，asmostundoubtedlywouldhavebeenthecase，beentriedforthemurder。
ThisargumentwasshortlyputbyPeytel’scounsel：——ifPeytelhadbeenkilledbyReyinthestruggle，wouldyounothavefoundReyguiltyofthemurderofhismasterandmistress？Itissuchadreadfuldilemma，thatIwonderhowjudgesandlawyerscouldhavedaredtopersecutePeytelinthemannerwhichtheydid。
Aftertheactofaccusation，whichlaysdownallthesuppositionsagainstPeytelasfacts，whichwillnotadmitthetruthofoneoftheprisoner’sallegationsinhisowndefence，comesthetrial。
Thejudgeisquiteasimpartialastheprepareroftheindictment，aswillbeseenbythefollowingspecimensofhisinterrogatories：——
Judge。Theactofaccusationfindsinyourstatementcontradictions，improbabilities，impossibilities。Thusyourdomestic，whohaddeterminedtoassassinateyou，inordertorobyou，andwhoMUSTHAVECALCULATEDUPONTHECONSEQUENCEOFA
FAILURE，hadneitherpassportnormoneyuponhim。Thisisveryunlikely。becausehecouldnothavegonefarwithonlyasinglehalfpenny，whichwasallhehad。
Prisoner。Myservantwasknown，andoftenpassedthefrontierwithoutapassport。
Judge。YOURDOMESTICHADTOASSASSINATETWOPERSONS，andhadnoweaponbutasinglepistol。Hehadnodagger。andtheonlythingfoundonhimwasaknife。
Prisoner。Inthecartherewereseveralturner’simplements，whichhemighthaveused。
Judge。Buthehadnotthosearmsuponhim，becauseyoupursuedhimimmediately。Hehad，accordingtoyou，onlythisoldpistol。
Prisoner。Ihavenothingtosay。
Judge。Yourdomestic，insteadofflyingintowoods，whichskirttheroad，ranstraightforwardontheroaditself：THIS，AGAIN，IS
VERYUNLIKELY。
Prisoner。ThisisaconjectureIcouldanswerbyanotherconjecture。Icanonlyreasononthefacts。
Judge。Howfardidyoupursuehim？
Prisoner。Idon’tknowexactly。
Judge。Yousaid’twohundredpaces。’
Noanswerfromtheprisoner。
Judge。Yourdomesticwasyoung，active，robust，andtall。Hewasaheadofyou。Youwereinacarriage，fromwhichyouhadtodescend：youhadtotakeyourpistolsfromacushion，andTHENyourhammer——howarewetobelievethatyoucouldhavecaughthim，ifheran？ItisIMPOSSIBLE。
Prisoner。Ican’texplainit：IthinkthatReyhadsomedefectinoneleg。I，formypart，runtolerablyfast。
Judge。Atwhatdistancefromhimdidyoufireyourfirstshot？
Prisoner。Ican’ttell。
Judge。Perhapshewasnotrunningwhenyoufired。
Prisoner。Isawhimrunning。
Judge。Inwhatpositionwasyourwife？
Prisoner。Shewasleaningonmyleftarm，andthemanwasontherightsideofthecarriage。
Judge。Theshotmusthavebeenfiredaboutportant，becauseitburnedtheeyebrowsandlashesentirely。Theassassinmusthavepassedhispistolacrossyourbreast。
Prisoner。Theshotwasnotfiredsoclose。Iamconvincedofit：
professionalgentlemenwillproveit。
Judge。Thatiswhatyoupretend，becauseyouunderstandperfectlytheconsequencesofadmittingthefact。Yourwifewashitwithtwoballs——onestrikingdownwards，totheright，bythenose，theothergoinghorizontallythroughthecheek，totheleft。
Prisoner。Thecontrarywillbeshownbythewitnessescalledforthepurpose。
Judge。ITISAVERYUNLUCKYCOMBINATIONFORYOUthattheseballs，whichwent，yousay，fromthesamepistol，shouldhavetakentwodifferentdirections。
Prisoner。Ican’tdisputeaboutthevariouscombinationsoffire-
arms——professionalpersonswillbeheard。
Judge。Accordingtoyourstatement，yourwifesaidtoyou，’Mypoorhusband，takeyourpistols。’
Prisoner。Shedid。
Judge。Inamannerquitedistinct。
Prisoner。Yes。
Judge。Sodistinctthatyoudidnotfancyshewashit？
Prisoner。Yes。thatisthefact。
Judge。HERE，AGAIN，ISANIMPOSSIBILITY。andnothingismoreprecisethanthedeclarationofthemedicalmen。Theyaffirmthatyourwifecouldnothavespoken——theirreportisunanimous。
Prisoner。Icanonlyopposetoitquitecontraryopinionsfromprofessionalmen，also：youmusthearthem。
Judge。Whatdidyourwifedonext？……
Judge。Youdenythestatementsofthewitnesses：theyrelatedtoPeytel’sdemeanorandbehavior，whichthejudgewishestoshowwereveryunusual——andwhatiftheywere？Here，however，aresomemutewitnesses，whosetestimony，youwillnotperhapsrefuse。
NearLouisRey’sbodywasfoundahorse-cloth，apistol，andawhip……Yourdomesticmusthavehadthisclothuponhimwhenhewenttoassassinateyou：itwaswetandheavy。Anassassindisencumbershimselfofanythingthatislikelytoimpedehim，especiallywhenheisgoingtostrugglewithamanasyoungashimself。
Prisoner。Myservanthad，Ibelieve，thiscoveringonhisbody。
itmightbeusefultohimtokeeptheprimingofhispistoldry。
Thepresidentcausedtheclothtobeopened，andshowedthattherewasnohook，ortie，bywhichitcouldbeheldtogether。andthatReymusthavehelditwithonehand，and，intheother，hiswhip，andthepistolwithwhichheintendedtocommitthecrime。whichwasimpossible。
Prisoner。Theseareonlyconjectures。
Andwhatconjectures，myGod！uponwhichtotakeawaythelifeofaman。Jeffreys，orFouquierTinville，couldscarcelyhavedaredtomakesuch。Suchprejudice，suchbitterpersecution，suchprimingofthejury，suchmonstrousassumptionsandunreason——fancythemcomingfromanimpartialjudge！Themanisworsethanthepublicaccuser。
Rey，saystheJudge，couldnothavecommittedthemurder，BECAUSEHEHADNOMONEYINHISPOCKET，TOFLY，INCASEOFFAILURE。
Andwhatistheprecisesumthathislordshipthinksnecessaryforagentlemantohave，beforehemakessuchanattempt？Arethemenwhomurderformoney，usuallyinpossessionofacertainindependencebeforetheybegin？HowmuchmoneywasRey，aservant，wholovedwineandwomen，hadbeenstoppingatascoreofinnsontheroad，andhad，probably，anannualincomeof400francs，——howmuchmoneywasReylikelytohave？
Yourservanthadtoassassinatetwopersons。ThisIhavementionedbefore。Whyhadhetoassassinatetwopersons，*whenonewasenough？IfhehadkilledPeytel，couldhenothaveseizedandgaggedhiswifeimmediately？
*M。Balzac’stheoryofthecaseis，thatReyhadintriguedwithMadamePeytel。havingknownherprevioustohermarriage，whenshewasstayinginthehouseofherbrother-in-law，MonsieurdeMontrichard，whereReyhadbeenaservant。
Yourdomesticranstraightforward，insteadoftakingtothewoods，bythesideoftherood：thisisveryunlikely。Howdoeshisworshipknow？Cananyjudge，howeverenlightened，telltheexactroadthatamanwilltake，whohasjustmissedacoupofmurder，andispursuedbyamanwhoisfiringpistolsathim？Andhasajudgearighttoinstructajuryinthisway，astowhattheyshall，orshallnot，believe？
Youhavetorunafteranactiveman，whohasthestartofyou：tojumpoutofacarriage。totakeyourpistols。andTHEN，yourhammer。THISISIMPOSSIBLE。Byheavens！doesitnotmakeaman’sbloodboil，toreadsuchblundering，blood-seekingsophistry？Thisman，whenitsuitshim，showsthatReywouldbeslowinhismotions。andwhenitsuitshim，declaresthatReyoughttobequick。declaresexcathedra，whatpaceReyshouldgo，andwhatdirectionheshouldtake。shows，inabreath，thathemusthaverunfasterthanPeytel。andthen，thathecouldnotrunfast，becausethecloakcloggedhim。settleshowheistobedressedwhenhecommitsamurder，andwhatmoneyheistohaveinhispocket。givestheseimpossiblesuppositionstothejury，andtellsthemthatthepreviousstatementsareimpossible。and，finally，informsthemoftheprecisemannerinwhichReymusthavestoodholdinghishorse-
clothinonehand，hiswhipandpistolintheother，whenhemadethesupposedattemptatmurder。Now，whatisthesizeofahorse-
cloth？Isitasbigasapocket-handkerchief？Istherenopossibilitythatitmighthangoveroneshoulder。thatthewhipshouldbeheldunderthatveryarm？Didyouneverseeacartersocarryit，hishandsinhispocketsallthewhile？Isitmonstrous，abhorrenttonature，thatamanshouldfireapistolfromunderacloakonarainyday？——thatheshould，afterfiringtheshot，befrightened，andrun。runstraightbeforehim，withthecloakonhisshoulders，andtheweaponinhishand？Peytel’sstoryispossible，andverypossible。itisalmostprobable。AllowthatReyhadtheclothon，andyouallowthathemusthavebeencloggedinhismotions。thatPeytelmayhavecomeupwithhim——felledhimwithablowofthehammer。thedoctorssaythathewouldhavesofallenbyoneblow——hewouldhavefallenonhisface，ashewasfound：thepapermighthavebeenthrustintohisbreast，andtumbledoutashefell。Circumstancesfarmoreimpossiblehaveoccurrederethis。
andmenhavebeenhangedforthem，whowereasinnocentofthecrimelaidtotheirchargeasthejudgeonthebench，whoconvictedthem。
Inlikemanner，Peytelmaynothavecommittedthecrimechargedtohim。andMr。Judge，withhisargumentsastopossibilitiesandimpossibilities，——Mr。PublicProsecutor，withhisromanticnarrativeandinflammatoryharanguestothejury，——mayhaveusedallthesepowerstobringtodeathaninnocentman。Fromtheanimuswithwhichthecasehadbeenconductedfrombeginningtoend，itwaseasytoseetheresult。Hereitis，inthewordsoftheprovincialpaper：——
BOURG，28October，1839。
ThecondemnedPeytelhasjustundergonehispunishment，whichtookplacefourdaysbeforetheanniversaryofhiscrime。TheterribledramaofthebridgeofAndert，whichcostthelifeoftwopersons，hasjustterminatedonthescaffold。Mid-dayhadjustsoundedontheclockofthePalais：thesameclocktolledmidnightwhen，onthe30thofAugust，hissentencewaspronounced。
SincetherejectionofhisappealinCassation，onwhichhisprincipalhopeswerefounded，PeytelspokelittleofhispetitiontotheKing。Thenotionoftransportationwasthatwhichheseemedtocherishmost。However，hemadeseveralinquiriesfromthegaoleroftheprison，whenhesawhimatmeal-time，withregardtotheplaceofexecution，theusualhour，andotherdetailsonthesubject。Fromthatperiod，thewords’ChampdeFoire’thefair-
field，wheretheexecutionwastobeheld，werefrequentlyusedbyhiminconversation。
Yesterday，theideathatthetimehadarrivedseemedtobemorestronglythaneverimpresseduponhim。especiallyafterthedepartureofthecure，wholatterlyhasbeenwithhimeveryday。
Thedocumentsconnectedwiththetrialhadarrivedinthemorning。
Hewasignorantofthiscircumstance，butsoughttodiscoverfromhisguardianswhattheytriedtohidefromhim。andtofindoutwhetherhispetitionwasrejected，andwhenhewastodie。
Yesterday，also，hehadwrittentodemandthepresenceofhiscounsel，M。Margerand，inorderthathemighthavesomeconversationwithhim，andregulatehisaffairs，beforehe。hedidnotwritedowntheword，butleftinitsplaceafewpointsofthepen。
Intheevening，whilsthewasatsupper，hebeggedearnestlytobeallowedalittlewax-candle，tofinishwhathewaswriting：
otherwise，hesaid，TIMEMIGHTFAIL。Thiswasanew，indirectmannerofrepeatinghisordinaryquestion。Aslight，uptothatevening，hadbeenrefusedhim，itwasthoughtbesttodenyhiminthis，asinformerinstances。otherwisehissuspicionsmighthavebeenconfirmed。Thekeeperrefusedhisdemand。
Thismorning，Monday，atnineo’clock，theGreffieroftheAssizeCourt，infulfilmentofthepainfuldutywhichthelawimposesuponhim，cametotheprison，incompanywiththecureofBourg，andannouncedtotheconvictthathispetitionwasrejected，andthathehadonlythreehourstolive。Hereceivedthisfatalnewswithagreatdealofcalmness，andshowedhimselftobenomoreaffectedthanhehadbeenonthetrial。’Iamready。butIwishtheyhadgivenmefour-and-twentyhours’notice，’——wereallthewordsheused。
TheGreffiernowretired，leavingPeytelalonewiththecure，whodidnotthenceforthquithim。Peytelbreakfastedatteno’clock。
Ateleven，apiquetofmountedgendarmerieandinfantrytooktheirstationupontheplacebeforetheprison，whereagreatconcourseofpeoplehadalreadyassembled。Anopencarwasatthedoor。
BeforehewentoutPeytelaskedthegaolerforalooking-glass。
andhavingexaminedhisfaceforamoment，said，’Atleast，theinhabitantsofBourgwillseethatIhavenotgrownthin。’
Astwelveo’clocksounded，theprisongatesopened，anaideappeared，followedbyPeytel，leaningonthearmofthecure。
Peytel’sfacewaspale，hehadalongblackbeard，abluecaponhishead，andhisgreat-coatflungoverhisshoulders，andbuttonedattheneck。
Helookedaboutattheplaceandthecrowd。heaskedifthecarriagewouldgoatatrot。andonbeingtoldthatthatwouldbedifficult，hesaidhewouldpreferwalking，andaskedwhattheroadwas。Heimmediatelysetout，walkingatafirmandrapidpace。Hewasnotboundatall。
Animmensecrowdofpeopleencumberedthetwostreetsthroughwhichhehadtopasstotheplaceofexecution。Hecasthiseyesalternatelyuponthemandupontheguillotine，whichwasbeforehim。
Arrivedatthefootofthescaffold，Peytelembracedthecure，andbadehimadieu。Hethenembracedhimagain。perhaps，forhismotherandsister。Hethenmountedthestepsrapidly，andgavehimselfintothehandsoftheexecutioner，whoremovedhiscoatandcap。Heaskedhowhewastoplacehimself，andonasignbeingmade，heflunghimselfbrisklyontheplank，andstretchedhisneck。Inanothermomenthewasnomore。
Thecrowd，whichhadbeenquitesilent，retired，profoundlymovedbythesightithadwitnessed。Asatallexecutions，therewasaverygreatnumberofwomenpresent。
Underthescaffoldtherehadbeen，eversincethemorning，acoffin。Thefamilyhadaskedforhisremains，andhadthemimmediatelyburied，privately：andthustheunfortunateman’sheadescapedthemodellersinwax，severalofwhomhadarrivedtotakeanimpressionofit。
Downgoestheaxe。thepoorwretch’sheadrollsgaspingintothebasket。thespectatorsgohome，pondering。andMr。Executionerandhisaideshave，inhalfanhour，removedalltracesoftheaugustsacrifice，andofthealtaronwhichithadbeenperformed。Say，Mr。Briefless，doyouthinkthatanysingleperson，meditatingmurder，wouldbedeterredtherefrombybeholdingthis——nay，athousandmoreexecutions？Itisnotformoralimprovement，asI
takeit，norforopportunitytomakeappropriateremarksuponthepunishmentofcrime，thatpeoplemakeaholidayofakilling-day，andleavetheirhomesandoccupations，toflockandwitnessthecuttingoffofahead。DowecrowdtoseeMr。Macreadyinthenewtragedy，orMademoiselleEllsslerinherlastnewballetandflesh-
coloredstockinnetpantaloons，outofapureloveofabstractpoetryandbeauty。orfromastrongnotionthatweshallbeexcited，indifferentways，bytheactorandthedancer？Andso，aswegotohaveamealoffictitiousterroratthetragedy，ofsomethingmorequestionableintheballet，wegoforaglutofbloodtotheexecution。Thelustisineveryman’snature，moreorless。Didyoueverwitnessawrestlingorboxingmatch？Thefirstclatterofthekickontheshins，orthefirstdrawingofblood，makesthestrangershudderalittle。butsoonthebloodishischiefenjoyment，andhethirstsforitwithafiercedelight。Itisafinegrimpleasurethatwehaveinseeingamankilled。andI
makenodoubtthattheorgansofdestructivenessmustbegintothrobandswellaswewitnessthedelightfulsavagespectacle。
Threeorfouryearsback，whenFieschiandLacenairewereexecuted，Imadeattemptstoseetheexecutionofboth。butwasdisappointedinbothcases。Inthefirstinstance，thedayforFieschi’sdeathwas，purposely，keptsecret。andhewas，ifIrememberrightly，executedatsomeremotequarterofthetown。Butitwouldhavedoneaphilanthropistgood，towitnessthescenewhichwesawonthemorningwhenhisexecutiondidNOTtakeplace。
Itwascarnivaltime，andtherumorhadprettygenerallybeencarriedabroadthathewastodieonthatmorning。Afriend，whoaccompaniedme，camemanymiles，throughthemudanddark，inordertobeinatthedeath。Wesetoutbeforelight，flounderingthroughthemuddyChampsElysees。where，besides，weremanyotherpersonsfloundering，andallbentuponthesameerrand。WepassedbytheConcertofMusard，thenheldintheRueSt。Honore。androundthis，inthewet，anumberofcoacheswerecollected。Theballwasjustup，andacrowdofpeopleinhideousmasquerade，drunk，tired，dirty，dressedinhorribleoldfrippery，anddaubedwithfilthyrouge，weretroopingoutoftheplace：tipsywomenandmen，shrieking，jabbering，gesticulating，asFrenchwilldo。
partiesswaggering，staggeringforwards，arminarm，reelingtoandfroacrossthestreet，andyellingsongsinchorus：hundredsofthesewereboundfortheshow，andwethoughtourselvesluckyinfindingavehicletotheexecutionplace，attheBarriered’Enfer。
AswecrossedtheriverandenteredtheEnferStreet，crowdsofstudents，blackworkmen，andmoredrunkendevilsfrommorecarnivalballs，werefillingit。andonthegrandplacetherewerethousandsoftheseassembled，lookingoutforFiaschiandhiscortege。Wewaitedandwaited。butalas！nofunforusthatmorning：nothroat-
cutting。noaugustspectacleofsatisfiedjustice。andtheeagerspectatorswereobligedtoreturn，disappointedoftheirexpectedbreakfastofblood。Itwouldhavebeenafinescene，thatexecution，coulditbuthavetakenplaceinthemidstofthemadmountebanksandtipsystrumpetswhohadflockedsofartowitnessit，wishingtowindupthedelightsoftheircarnivalbyabonneboucheofamurder。
Theotherattemptwasequallyunfortunate。WearrivedtoolateonthegroundtobepresentattheexecutionofLacenaireandhisco-
mateinmurder，Avril。Butaswecametothegroundagloomyroundspace，withinthebarrier——threeroadsleadtoit。and，outside，youseethewine-shopsandrestaurateurs’ofthebarrierlookinggayandinviting，——aswecametotheground，weonlyfound，inthemidstofit，alittlepoolofice，justpartiallytingedwithred。Twoorthreeidlestreet-boysweredancingandstampingaboutthispool。andwhenIaskedoneofthemwhethertheexecutionhadtakenplace，hebegandancingmoremadlythanever，andshriekedoutwithaloudfantastical，theatricalvoice，VeneztousMessieursetDames，voyezicilesangdumonstreLacenaire，etdesoncompagnonhetraitreAvril，orwordstothateffect。andstraightwayalltheothergaminsscreamedoutthewordsinchorus，andtookhandsanddancedroundthelittlepuddle。
OaugustJustice，yourmealwasfollowedbyaprettyappropriategrace！Wasanyman，whosawtheshow，deterred，orfrightened，ormoralizedinanyway？Hehadgratifiedhisappetiteforblood，andthiswasall。Thereissomethingsingularlypleasing，bothintheamusementofexecution-seeing，andintheresults。Youarenotonlydelightfullyexcitedatthetime，butmostpleasinglyrelaxedafterwards。themind，whichhasbeenwounduppainfullyuntilnow，becomesquitecomplacentandeasy。Thereissomethingagreeableinthemisfortunesofothers，asthephilosopherhastoldus。Remarkwhatagoodbreakfastyoueatafteranexecution。howpleasantitistocutjokesafterit，anduponit。Thismerry，pleasantmoodisbroughtonbythebloodtonic。
But，forGod’ssake，ifwearetoenjoythis，letusdosoinmoderation。andletus，atleast，besureofaman’sguiltbeforewemurderhim。Tokillhim，evenwiththefullassurancethatheisguiltyishazardousenough。Whogaveyoutherighttodoso？——
you，whocryoutagainstsuicides，asimpiousandcontrarytoChristianlaw？Whatuseisthereinkillinghim？Youdeternooneelsefromcommittingthecrimebysodoing：yougiveus，tobesure，halfanhour’spleasantentertainment。butitisagreatquestionwhetherwederivemuchmoralprofitfromthesight。Ifyouwanttokeepamurdererfromfartherinroadsuponsociety，aretherenotplentyofhulksandprisons，Godwot。treadmills，galleys，andhousesofcorrection？Aboveall，asinthecaseofSebastianPeytelandhisfamily，therehavebeentwodeathsalready。wasathirddeathabsolutelynecessary？and，takingthefallibilityofjudgesandlawyersintohisheart，andrememberingthethousandinstancesofunmeritedpunishmentthathavebeensuffered，uponsimilarandstrongerevidencebefore，cananymandeclare，positivelyanduponhisoath，thatPeytelwasguilty，andthatthiswasnotTHETHIRDMURDERINTHEFAMILY？
FOURIMITATIONSOFBERANGER
LEROID’YVETOT。
Iletaitunroid’Yvetot，Peuconnudansl’histoire。
Selevanttard，secouchanttot，Dormantfortbiensansgloire，EtcouronneparJeannetonD’unsimplebonnetdecoton，Dit-on。
Oh！oh！oh！oh！ah！ah！ah！ah！
Quelbonpetitroic’etaitla！
La，la。
IlfesaitsesquatrerepasDanssonpalaisdechaume，Etsurunane，pasapas，Parcouraitsonroyaume。
Joyeux，simpleetcroyantlebien，Pourtoutegardeiln’avaitrienQu’unchien。
Oh！oh！oh！oh！ah！ah！ah！ah！&c。
La，la。
Iln’avaitdegoutonereuxQu’unesoifunpeuvive。
Mais，enrendantsonpeupleheureux，Ilfauxbienqu’unroivive。
Lui-memeatable，etsanssuppot，SurchaquemuidlevaitunpotD’impot。
Oh！oh！oh！oh！ah！ah！ah！ah！&c。
La，la。
AuxfillesdebonnesmaisonsCommeilavaitsuplaire，SessujetsavaientcentraisonsDelenommerleurpere：
D’ailleursilnelevaitdebanQuepourtirerquatrefoisl’anAublanc。
Oh！oh！oh！oh！ah！ah！ah！ah！&c。
La，la。
Iln’agranditpointsesetats，Futunvoisincommode，Et，modeledespotentats，Pritleplaisirpourcode。
Cen’estquelorsqu’ilexpira，Quelepeuplequil’enterraPleura。
Oh！oh！oh！oh！ah！ah！ah！ah！&c。
La，la。
OnconserveencorleportraitDecedigneetbonprince。
C’estl’enseigned’uncabaretFameuxdanslaprovince。
Lesjoursdefete，biensouvent，Lafoules’ecrieenbuvantDevant：
Oh！oh！oh！oh！ah！ah！ah！ah！
Quelbonpetitroic’etaitla！
La，la。
THEKINGOFYVETOT。
TherewasakingofYvetot，Ofwhomrenownhathlittlesaid，Wholetallthoughtsofglorygo，Anddawdledhalfhisdaysa-bed。
Andeverynight，asnightcameround，ByJenny，withanightcapcrowned，Sleptverysound：
Singho，ho，ho！andhe，he，he！
That’sthekindofkingforme。
Andeverydayitcametopass，Thatfourlustymealsmadehe。
And，stepbystep，uponanass，Rodeabroad，hisrealmstosee。
Andwhereverhedidstir，Whatthinkyouwashisescort，sir？
Why，anoldcur。
Singho，ho，ho！&c。
Ife’erhewentintoexcess，’Twasfromasomewhatlivelythirst。
Buthewhowouldhissubjectsbless，Odd’sfish！——mustwethiswhistlefirst。
Andsofromeverycasktheygot，Ourkingdidtohimselfallot，Atleastapot。
Singho，ho！&c。
Toalltheladiesoftheland，Acourteousking，andkind，washe。
Thereasonwhyyou’llunderstand，TheynamedhimPaterPatriae。
Eachyearhecalledhisfightingmen，Andmarchedaleaguefromhome，andthenMarchedbackagain。
Singho，ho！&c。
Neitherbyforcenorfalsepretence，Hesoughttomakehiskingdomgreat，AndmadeOprinces，learnfromhence，——
Liveandletlive，hisruleofstate。
’Twasonlywhenhecametodie，Thathispeoplewhostoodby，Wereknowntocry。
Singho，ho！&c。
TheportraitofthisbestofkingsIsextantstill，uponasignThatonavillagetavernswings，Famedinthecountryforgoodwine。
ThepeopleintheirSundaytrim，Fillingtheirglassestothebrim，Lookuptohim，Singingha，ha，ha！andhe，he，he！
That’sthesortofkingforme。
THEKINGOFBRENTFORD。
ANOTHERVERSION。
TherewasakinginBrentford，——ofwhomnolegendstell，Butwho，withouthisglory，——couldeatandsleeprightwell。
HisPolly’scottonnightcap，——itwashiscrownofstate，Hesleptofeveningsearly，——androseofmorningslate。
Allinafinemudpalace，——eachdayhetookfourmeals，Andforaguardofhonor，——adogranathisheels，Sometimes，toviewhiskingdoms，——rodeforththismonarchgood，Andthenaprancingjackass——heroyallybestrode。
Therewerenocostlyhabits——withwhichthiskingwascurst，Exceptandwhere’stheharmon’t？——asomewhatlivelythirst。
Butpeoplemustpaytaxes，——andkingsmusthavetheirsport，Sooutofeverygallon——HisGracehetookaquart。
Hepleasedtheladiesroundhim，——withmannerssoftandbland。
Withreasongood，theynamedhim，——thefatherofhisland。
Eachyearhismightyarmies——marchedforthingallantshow。
Theirenemiesweretargets——theirbulletstheyweretow。
Hevexednoquietneighbor，——nouselessconquestmade，Butbythelawsofpleasure，——hispeacefulrealmheswayed。
Andintheyearshereigned，——throughallthiscountrywide，Therewasnocauseforweeping，——savewhenthegoodmandied。
ThefaithfulmenofBrentford，——dostilltheirkingdeplore，Hisportraityetisswinging，——besideanalehousedoor。
Andtopers，tender-hearted，——regardhishonestphiz，Andenvytimesdeparted——thatknewareignlikehis。
LEGRENIER。
Jeviensrevoirl’asileoumajeunesseDelamisereasubileslecons。
J’avaisvingtans，unefollemaitresse，Defrancsamisetl’amourdeschansonsBravantlemondeetlessotsetlessages，Sansavenir，richedemonprintemps，Lesteetjoyeuxjemontaissixetages。
Dansungrenierqu’onestbienavingtans！
C’estungrenier，pointneveuxqu’onl’ignore。
Lafutmonlit，bienchetifetbiendur。
Lafutmatable。etjeretrouveencoreTroispiedsd’unverscharbonnessurlemur。
Apparaissez，plaisirsdemonbelage，Qued’uncoupd’aileafustigesletemps，Vingtfoispourvousj’aimismamontreengage。
Dansungrenierqu’onestbienavingtans！
Lisetteicidoitsurtoutapparaitre，Vive，jolie，avecunfraischapeau。
Dejasamainal’etroitefenetreSuspendsonschal，enguisederideau。
Sarobeaussivaparermacouchette。
Respecte，Amour，sesplislongsetflottans。
J’aisudepuisquipayaitsatoilette。
Dansungrenierqu’onestbienavingtans！
Atableunjour，jourdegranderichesse，Demesamislesvoixbrillaientenchoeur，Quandjusqu’icimonteuncrid’allegresse：
AMarengoBonaparteestvainqueur。
Lecanongronde。unautrechantcommence。
Nouscelebronstantdefaitseclatans。
Lesroisjamaisn’envahirontlaFrance。
Dansungrenierqu’onestbienavingtans！
Quittonscetoitoumaraisons’enivre。
Oh！qu’ilssontloincesjourssiregrettes！
J’echangeraiscequ’ilmeresteavivreContreundesmoisqu’iciDieum’acomptes，Pourrevergloire，amour，plaisir，folie，Pourdepensersavieenpeud’instans，D’unlongespoirpourlavoirembellie，Dansungrenierqu’onestbienavingtans！
THEGARRET。
WithpensiveeyesthelittleroomIview，Where，inmyyouth，Iweathereditsolong。
Withawildmistress，astanchfriendortwo，Andalightheartstillbreakingintosong：
Makingamockoflife，andallitscares，Richinthegloryofmyrisingsun，LightlyIvaultedupfourpairofstairs，InthebravedayswhenIwastwenty-one。
Yes。’tisagarret——lethimknow’twhowill——
Therewasmybed——fullharditwasandsmall。
Mytablethere——andIdecipherstillHalfalamecoupletcharcoaledonthewall。
Yejoys，thatTimehathsweptwithhimaway，Cometomineeyes，yedreamsofloveandfun。
ForyouIpawnedmywatchhowmanyaday，InthebravedayswhenIwastwenty-one。
AndseemylittleJessy，firstofall。
Shecomeswithpoutinglipsandsparklingeyes：
Behold，howroguishlyshepinshershawlAcrossthenarrowcasement，curtain-wise。
Nowbythebedherpetticoatglidesdown，Andwhendidwomanlooktheworseinnone？
Ihaveheardsincewhopaidformanyagown，InthebravedayswhenIwastwenty-one。
Onejollyevening，whenmyfriendsandI
Madehappymusicwithoursongsandcheers，Ashoutoftriumphmountedupthushigh，Anddistantcannonopenedonourears：
Werise，——wejoininthetriumphantstrain，——
Napoleonconquers——Austerlitziswon——
Tyrantsshallnevertreadusdownagain，InthebravedayswhenIwastwenty-one。
Letusbegone——theplaceissadandstrange——
Howfar，faroff，thesehappytimesappear。
AllthatIhavetoliveI’dgladlychangeForonesuchmonthasIhavewastedhere——
Todrawlongdreamsofbeauty，love，andpower，Fromfountsofhopethatneverwilloutrun，Anddrinkalllife’squintessenceinanhour，GivemethedayswhenIwastwenty-one！
ROGER-BONTEMPS。
AuxgensatrabilairesPourexempledonne，EnuntempsdemiseresRoger-Bontempsestne。
Vivreobscurasaguise，Narguerlesmecontens：
Ehgai！c’estladeviseDugrosRoger-Bontemps。
DuchapeaudesonpereCoiffedanslegrandsjours，DerosesoudelierreLerajeunirtoujours。
Mettreunmanteaudebure，Vieilamidevingtans。
Ehgai！c’estlaparureDugrosRoger-Bontemps。
PossederdanssahutteUnetable，unvieuxlit，Descartes，uneflute，UnbrocqueDieuremplit。
Unportraitdemaitresse，Uncoffreetriendedans。
Ehgai！c’estlarichesseDugrosRoger-Bontemps。
AuxenfansdelavilleMontrerdepetitsjeux。
EtrefesseurhabileDecontesgraveleux。
NeparlerquededanseEtd’almanachschantans。
Ehgai！c’estlascienceDugrosRoger-Bontemps。
Fautedevinsd’elite，Sablerceuxducanton：
PrefererMargueriteAuxdamesdugrandton：
DejoieetdetendresseRemplirtoussesinstans。
Ehgai！c’estlasagesseDugrosRoger-Bontemps。
Direauciel：Jemefie，Monpere，atabonte。
DemaphilosophiePardonnelegaiteQuemasaisonderniereSoitencoreunprintemps。
Ehgai！c’estlapriereDugrosRoger-Bontemps。
Vous，pauvrespleinsd’envie，Vous，richesdesireux，Vous，dontlechardevieApresuncoursheureux。
Vous，quiperdrezpeut-etreDestitreseclatans，Ehgai！prenezpourmaitreLegrosRogerBontemps。
JOLLYJACK。
WhenfiercepoliticaldebateThroughouttheislewasstorming，AndRadsattackedthethroneandstate，AndToriesthereforming，Tocalmthefuriousrageofeach，Andrightthelanddemented，HeavensentusJollyJack，toteachThewaytobecontented。
Jack’sbedwasstraw，’twaswarmandsoft，Hischair，athree-leggedstool。
Hisbrokenjugwasemptiedoft，Yet，somehow，alwaysfull。
Hismistress’portraitdeckedthewall，Hismirrorhadacrack。
Yet，gayandglad，thoughthiswasallHiswealth，livedJollyJack。
Togiveadvicetoavarice，Teachprideitsmeancondition，Andpreachgoodsensetodullpretence，WashonestJack’shighmission。
OursimplestatesmanfoundhisruleOfmoralintheflagon，AndheldhisphilosophicschoolBeneaththeGeorgeandDragon。
WhenvillageSolonscursedtheLords，Andcalledthemalt-taxsinful，Jackheedednottheirangrywords，Butsmiledanddrankhisskinful。
Andwhenmenwastedhealthandlife，Insearchofrankandriches，Jackmarked，aloof，thepaltrystrife，Andworehisthreadbarebreeches。
Ienternotthechurch，hesaid，ButI’llnotseektorobit。
SoworthyJackJoeMillerread，WhileothersstudiedCobbett。
Histalkitwasoffeastandfun。
HisguidetheAlmanack。
FromyouthtoagethusgaylyrunThelifeofJollyJack。
AndwhenJackprayed，asofthewould，HehumblythankedhisMaker。
Iam，saidhe，OFathergood！
NorCatholicnorQuaker：
Giveeachhiscreed，leteachproclaimHiscatalogueofcurses。
ItrustinThee，andnotinthem，InThee，andinThymercies！
Forgivemeif，midstallThyworks，NohintIseeofdamning。
Andthinkthere’sfaithamongtheTurks，Andhopefore’entheBrahmin。
Harmlessmymindis，andmymirth，Andkindlyismylaughter：
Icannotseethesmilingearth，Andthinkthere’shellhereafter。
Jackdied。heleftnolegacy，Savethathisstoryteaches：——
Contenttopeevishpoverty。
Humilitytoriches。
Yescornfulgreat，yeenvioussmall，Comefollowinhistrack。
Weallwerehappier，ifweallWouldcopyJOLLYJACK。
FRENCHDRAMASANDMELODRAMAS。
TherearethreekindsofdramainFrance，whichyoumaysubdivideasmuchasyouplease。
Thereistheoldclassicaldrama，wellnighdead，andfulltimetoo：
oldtragedies，inwhichhalfadozencharactersappear，andspoutsonorousAlexandrinesforhalfadozenhours。ThefairRachelhasbeentryingtorevivethisgenre，andtountombRacine。butbenotalarmed，Racinewillnevercometolifeagain，andcauseaudiencestoweepasofyore。MadameRachelcanonlygalvanizethecorpse，notrevivifyit。AncientFrenchtragedy，red-heeled，patched，andbe-periwigged，liesinthegrave。anditisonlytheghostofitthatwesee，whichthefairJewesshasraised。Thereareclassicalcomediesinverse，too，whereintheknavishvalets，rakishheroes，stolidoldguardians，andsmart，free-spokenserving-women，discourseinAlexandrines，asloudastheHoracesortheCid。AnEnglishmanwillseldomreconcilehimselftotheroulementoftheverses，andthepainfulrecurrenceoftherhymes。formypart，I
hadrathergotoMadameSaqui’sorseeDeburaudancingonarope：
hislinesarequiteasnaturalandpoetical。
Thenthereisthecomedyoftheday，ofwhichMonsieurScribeisthefather。Goodheavens！withwhatanumberofgaycolonels，smartwidows，andsillyhusbandshasthatgentlemanpeopledtheplay-books。Howthatunfortunateseventhcommandmenthasbeenmaltreatedbyhimandhisdisciples。Youwillseefourpieces，attheGymnase，ofanight。andsosureasyouseethem，fourhusbandsshallbewickedlyused。Whenisthisjoketocease？MonDieu！
Play-writershavehandleditforabouttwothousandyears，andthepublic，likeagreatbaby，musthavethetalerepeatedtoitoverandoveragain。
Finally，thereistheDrama，thatgreatmonsterwhichhassprungintolifeoflateyears。andwhichissaid，butIdon’tbelieveawordofit，tohaveShakspeareforafather。IfMonsieurScribe’splaysmaybesaidtobesomanyingeniousexampleshowtobreakonecommandment，thedrameisagrandandgeneralchaosofthemall。
nay，severalcrimesareadded，notprohibitedintheDecalogue，whichwaswrittenbeforedramaswere。Ofthedrama，VictorHugoandDumasarethewell-knownandrespectableguardians。EverypieceVictorHugohaswritten，sinceHernani，hascontainedamonster——adelightfulmonster，savedbyonevirtue。ThereisTriboulet，afoolishmonster。LucreceBorgia，amaternalmonster。
MaryTudor，areligiousmonster。MonsieurQuasimodo，ahumpbackmonster。andothers，thatmightbenamed，whosemonstrositiesweareinducedtopardon——nay，admiringlytowitness——becausetheyareagreeablymingledwithsomeexquisitedisplayofaffection。And，asthegreatHugohasonemonstertoeachplay，thegreatDumashas，ordinarily，halfadozen，towhommurderisnothing。commonintrigue，andsimplebreakageofthebefore-mentionedcommandment，nothing。butwholiveandmoveinavast，delightfulcomplicationofcrime，thatcannotbeeasilyconceivedinEngland，muchlessdescribed。
WhenIthinkoverthenumberofcrimesthatIhaveseenMademoiselleGeorges，forinstance，commit，Iamfilledwithwonderathergreatness，andthegreatnessofthepoetswhohaveconceivedthesecharminghorrorsforher。Ihaveseenhermakeloveto，andmurder，hersons，intheTourdeNesle。Ihaveseenherpoisonacompanyofnolessthanninegentlemen，atFerrara，withanaffectionatesoninthenumber。Ihaveseenher，asMadamedeBrinvilliers，killoffnumbersofrespectablerelationsinthefirstfouracts。and，atthelast，beactuallyburnedatthestake，towhichshecomesshuddering，ghastly，barefooted，andinawhitesheet。Sweetexcitementoftendersympathies！Suchtragediesarenotsogoodasareal，downrightexecution。but，inpointofinterest，thenextthingtoit：withwhatanumberofmoralemotionsdotheyfillthebreast。
withwhatahatredforvice，andyetatruepityandrespectforthatgrainofvirtuethatistobefoundinusall：ourbloody，daughter-lovingBrinvilliers。ourwarmhearted，poisonousLucretiaBorgia。aboveall，whatasmartappetiteforacoolsupperafterwards，attheCafeAnglais，whenthehorrorsoftheplayactasapiquantsaucetothesupper！
Or，tospeakmoreseriously，andtocome，atlast，tothepoint。
AfterhavingseenmostofthegranddramaswhichhavebeenproducedatParisforthelasthalf-dozenyears，andthinkingoverallthatonehasseen，——thefictitiousmurders，rapes，adulteries，andothercrimes，bywhichonehasbeeninterestedandexcited，——amanmaytakeleavetobeheartilyashamedofthemannerinwhichhehasspenthistime。andofthehideouskindofmentalintoxicationinwhichhehaspermittedhimselftoindulge。
NoraresimplesocietyoutragestheonlysortofcrimeinwhichthespectatorofParisplayshaspermittedhimselftoindulge。hehasrecreatedhimselfwithadealofblasphemybesides，andhaspassedmanypleasanteveningsinbeholdingreligiondefiledandridiculed。
Allusionhasbeenmade，inaformerpaper，toafashionthatlatelyobtainedinFrance，andwhichwentbythenameofCatholicreaction。andas，inthishappycountry，fashioniseverything，wehavehadnotmerelyCatholicpicturesandquasireligiousbooks，butanumberofCatholicplayshavebeenproduced，veryedifyingtothefrequentersofthetheatresortheBoulevards，whohavelearnedmoreaboutreligionfromtheseperformancesthantheyhaveacquired，nodoubt，inthewholeoftheirlivesbefore。Inthecourseofaveryfewyearswehaveseen——TheWanderingJew。
Belshazzar’sFeast。Nebuchadnezzar：andtheMassacreoftheInnocents。JosephandhisBrethren。ThePassageoftheRedSea。andTheDeluge。
ThegreatDumas，likeMadameSandbeforementioned，hasbroughtavastquantityofreligionbeforethefoot-lights。TherewashisfamoustragedyofCaligula，which，beitspokentotheshameofthePariscritics，wascoldlyreceived。nay，actuallyhissed，bythem。Andwhy？Because，saysDumas，itcontainedagreatdealtoomuchpietyfortherogues。Thepublic，hesays，wasmuchmorereligious，andunderstoodhimatonce。
Asforthecritics，sayshe，nobly，letthosewhocriedoutagainsttheimmoralityofAntonyandMargueritedeBourgogne，reproachmeforTHECHASTITYOFMESSALINA。ThisdearcreatureistheheroineoftheplayofCaligula。Itmatterslittletome。
Thesepeoplehavebutseentheformofmywork：theyhavewalkedroundthetent，buthavenotseenthearchwhichitcovered。theyhaveexaminedthevasesandcandlesofthealtar，buthavenotopenedthetabernacle！
Thepublicalonehas，instinctively，comprehendedthattherewas，beneaththisoutwardsign，aninwardandmysteriousgrace：itfollowedtheactionofthepieceinallitsserpentinewindings。itlistenedforfourhours，withpiousattentionavecrecueillementetreligion，tothesoundofthisrollingriverofthoughts，whichmayhaveappearedtoitnewandbold，perhaps，butchasteandgrave。anditretired，withitsheadonitsbreast，likeamanwhohadjustperceived，inadream，thesolutionofaproblemwhichhehaslongandvainlysoughtinhiswakinghours。
YouseethatnotonlySaintSandisanapostle，inherway。butSaintDumasisanother。WehavepeopleinEnglandwhowriteforbread，likeDumasandSand，andarepaidsomuchfortheirline。
buttheydon’tsetupforprophets。Mrs。Trollopehasneverdeclaredthathernovelsareinspiredbyheaven。Mr。Buckstonehaswrittenagreatnumberoffarces，andnevertalkedaboutthealtarandthetabernacle。EvenSirEdwardBulwerwho，onasimilaroccasion，whenthecriticsfoundfaultwithaplayofhis，answeredthembyaprettydecentdeclarationofhisownmerits，neverventuredtosaythathehadreceivedadivinemission，andwasutteringfive-actrevelations。
Allthingsconsidered，thetragedyofCaligulaisadecenttragedy。asdecentasthedecentcharactersoftheheroandheroinecanallowittobe。itmaybealmostsaid，provokinglydecent：butthis，itmustberemembered，isthecharacteristicofthemodernFrenchschoolnay，oftheEnglishschooltoo。andifthewritertakethecharacterofaremarkablescoundrel，itistentoonebutheturnsoutanamiablefellow，inwhomwehaveallthewarmestsympathy。Caligulaiskilledattheendoftheperformance。
Messalinaiscomparativelywell-behaved。andthesacredpartoftheperformance，thetabernacle-charactersapartfromthemerevase
andcandlestickpersonages，maybesaidtobedepictedinthepersonofaChristianconvert，Stella，whohashadthegoodfortunetobeconvertedbynolessapersonthanMaryMagdalene，whenshe，Stella，wasstayingonavisittoheraunt，nearNarbonne。
STELLAContinuant。VoilaQuejevoiss’avancer，sanspiloteetsansrames，Unebarqueportantdeuxhommesetdeuxfemmes，Et，spectacleinouiquimeravitencor，Tousquatreavaientaufrontuneaureoled’orD’oupartaientdesrayonsdesivivelumiereQuejefusobligeeabaisserlapaupiere。
Et，lorsquejerouvrislesyeuxaveceffroi，Lesvoyageursdivinsetaientaupresdemoi。
Unjourdechacund’euxetdanstoutesagloireJeteraconterailamarveilleusehistoire，Ettul’adoreras，j’espere。encemoment，Mamere，iltesuffitdesavoirseulementQuetousquatrevenaientdufonddelaSyrie：
Uneditlesavaitbannisdeleurpatrie，Et，sefaisantbourreaux，deshommesirrites，Sansavirons，sanseau，sanspainetgarrotes，Surunefrelebarqueechoueeaurivage，Lesavaientalamerpoussesdansunorage。
Maisapeinel’esquifeut-iltouchelesflotsQu’aucantiquechanteparlessaintsmatelots，L’ouraganrepliasesailesfremissantes，Quelameraplanitsesvaguesmugissantes，Etqu’unsoleilpluspur，reparaissantauxcieux，Enveloppal’esquifd’uncercleradieux！……
JUNIA——Maisc’etaitunprodige。
STELLA——Unmiracle，mamere！
Leursferstomberentseuls，l’eaucessad’etreamere，EtdeuxfoischaquejourlebateaufutcouvertD’unemannepareilleacelledudesert：
C’estainsique，poussesparunemainceleste，Jelesvisaborder。
JUNIA——Oh！disvitelereste！
STELLA——Al’aube，troisd’entreeuxquitterentlamaison：
MarthepritlecheminquimeneaTarascon，LazareetMaximinceluideMassilie，Etcellequiresta……C’ETAITLAPLUSJOLIE，howtrulyFrench！
Nousfaisantappelerverslemilieudujour，Demandasilesmontsoulesboisd’alentourCachaientquelqueretraiteinconnueetprofonde，Quilaputsepareratoutjamaisdumonde……
Aquilasesouvintqu’ilavaitpenetreDansunantresauvageetdetousignore，GrottecreuseeauxflancsdecesAlpessublimes，Oul’aiglefaitsonaireau-dessusdesabimes。
Iloffritcetasile，etdeslelendemainTousdeux，pourl’yguider，nousetionsenchemin。
Lesoirdusecondjournoustouchamessabase：
La，tombantagenouxdansunesainteextase，Elleprialong-temps，puisversl’antreinconnu，Denouantsechaussure，ellemarchapiednu。
Nosprieres，noscrisresterentsansreponses：
Aumilieudescailloux，desepines，desronces，Nouslavimesmonter，unbatonalamain，Etcen’estqu’arriveeautermeduchemin，Qu’enfinelletombasansforceetsanshaleine……
JUNIA——Commentlanommait-on，mafille？
STELLA——Madeleine。
Walking，saysStella，bythesea-shore，Abarkdrewnear，thathadnorsailnoroar。twowomenandtwomenthevesselbore：eachofthatcrew，’twaswondroustobehold，woreroundhisheadaringofblazinggold。fromwhichsuchradianceglitteredallaround，thatI
wasfaintolooktowardstheground。AndwhenoncemoreIraisedmyfrightenedeyne，beforemestoodthetravellersdivine。theirrank，thegloriouslotthateachbefell，atbetterseason，mother，willItell。Ofthisanon：thetimewillcomewhenthoushaltlearntoworshipasIworshipnow。Sufficeit，thatfromSyria’slandtheycame。anedictfromtheircountrybanishedthem。Fierce，angrymenhadseizeduponthefour，andlaunchedtheminthatvesselfromtheshore。Theylaunchedthesevictimsonthewatersrude。norruddergavetosteer，norbreadforfood。Asthedoomedvesselcleavesthestormymain，thatpiouscrewupliftsasacredstrain。theangrywavesaresilentasitsings。thestorm，awe-
stricken，foldsitsquiveringwings。Apurersunappearstheheavenstolight，andwrapsthelittlebarkinradiancebright。
JUNIA——Sure，’twasaprodigy。
STELLA——Amiracle。Spontaneousfromtheirhandsthefettersfell。Thesaltsea-wavegrewfresh，and，twiceaday，mannalikethatwhichonthedesertlaycoveredthebarkandfedthemontheirway。Thus，hitherled，atheaven’sdivinebehest，Isawthemland——
JUNIA——Mydaughter，telltherest。
STELLA——Threeofthefour，ourmansionleftatdawn。One，Martha，tooktheroadtoTarascon。LazarusandMaximintoMassily。
butoneremainedthefairestofthethree，whoaskedus，ifi’
thewoodsormountainsnear，therechancedtobesomecavernloneanddrear。whereshemighthide，forever，fromallmen。Itchanced，mycousinknewofsuchaden。deephiddeninamountain’shoarybreast，onwhichtheeaglebuildshisairynest。Andthitherofferedhethesainttoguide。Nextdayuponthejourneyforthwehied。andcame，atthesecondeve，withwearypace，untothelonelymountain’sruggedbase。Heretheworntraveller，fallingonherknee，didprayawhileinsacredecstasy。and，drawingoffhersandalsfromherfeet，marched，naked，towardsthatdesolateretreat。Noanswermadeshetoourcriesorgroans。butwalkingmidstthepricklesandrudestones，astaffinhand，wesawherupwardstoil。noreverdidshepause，norrestthewhile，saveattheentryofthatsavageden。Here，powerlessandpanting，fellshethen。
JUNIA——Whatwashername，mydaughter？
STELLA。MAGDALEN。
Herethetranslatormustpause——havingnoinclinationtoenterthetabernacle，incompanywithsuchaspotlesshigh-priestasMonsieurDumas。
SomethingtabernacularmaybefoundinDumas’sfamouspieceofDonJuandeMarana。Thepoethaslaidthesceneofhisplayinavastnumberofplaces：inheavenwherewehavetheVirginMaryandlittleangels，inblue，swingingcensersbeforeher！——onearth，undertheearth，andinaplacestilllower，butnotmentionabletoearspolite。andtheplot，asitappearsfromadialoguebetweenagoodandabadangel，withwhichtheplaycommences，turnsuponacontestbetweenthesetwoworthiesforthepossessionofthesoulofamemberofthefamilyofMarana。
DonJuandeMarananotonlyresembleshisnamesake，celebratedbyMozartandMoliere，inhispeculiarsuccessesamongtheladies，butpossessesfurtherqualitieswhichrenderhischaractereminentlyfittingforstagerepresentation：heunitesthevirtuesofLovelaceandLacenaire。heblasphemesuponalloccasions。hemurders，attheslightestprovocation，andwithoutthemosttriflingremorse。heovercomesladiesofrigidvirtue，ladiesofeasyvirtue，andladiesofnovirtueatall。andthepoet，inspiredbythecontemplationofsuchacharacter，hasdepictedhishero’sadventuresandconversationwithwonderfulfeelingandtruth。
Thefirstactoftheplaycontainsahalf-dozenofmurdersandintrigues。whichwouldhavesufficedhumblergeniusthanM。
Dumas’s，forthecompletionof，atleast，halfadozentragedies。
Inthesecondactourheroflogshiselderbrother，andrunsawaywithhissister-in-law。inthethird，hefightsaduelwitharival，andkillshim：whereuponthemistressofhisvictimtakespoison，anddies，ingreatagonies，onthestage。Inthefourthact，DonJuan，havingenteredachurchforthepurposeofcarryingoffanun，withwhomheisinlove，isseizedbythestatueofoneoftheladieswhomhehaspreviouslyvictimized，andmadetobeholdtheghostsofallthoseunfortunatepersonswhosedeathshehascaused。
Thisisamostedifyingspectacle。Theghostsrisesolemnly，eachinawhitesheet，precededbyawax-candle。and，havingdeclaredtheirnamesandqualities，call，inchorus，forvengeanceuponDonJuan，asthus：——
DONSANDOVALloquitur。
IamDonSandovald’Ojedo。IplayedagainstDonJuanmyfortune，thetombofmyfathers，andtheheartofmymistress——Ilostall：
Iplayedagainsthimmylife，andIlostit。Vengeanceagainstthemurderer！vengeance！——Thecandlegoesout。
THECANDLEGOESOUT，andanangeldescends——aflamingswordinhishand——andasks：IstherenovoiceinfavorofDonJuan？whenlo！
DonJuan’sfatherlikeoneofthoseingenioustoyscalledJack-
in-the-box，jumpsupfromhiscoffin，anddemandsgraceforhisson。
WhenMarthathenunreturns，havingpreparedallthingsforherelopement，shefindsDonJuanfaintingupontheground——Iamnolongeryourhusband，sayshe，uponcomingtohimself。IamnolongerDonJuan。IamBrotherJuantheTrappist。SisterMartha，recollectthatyoumustdie！
ThiswasamostcruelblowuponSisterMartha，whoisnolessapersonthananangel，anangelindisguise——thegoodspiritofthehouseofMarana，whohasgonetothelengthoflosingherwingsandforfeitingherplaceinheaven，inordertokeepcompanywithDonJuanonearth，and，ifpossible，toconverthim。Already，inherangeliccharacter，shehadexhortedhimtorepentance，butinvain。
for，whileshestoodatoneelbow，pouringnotmerelyhints，butlongsermons，intohisear，attheotherelbowstoodabadspirit，grinningandsneeringatallherpiouscounsels，andobtainingbyfarthegreatershareoftheDon’sattention。
Inspite，however，oftheuttercontemptwithwhichDonJuantreatsher，——inspiteofhisdissolutecourses，whichmustshockhervirtue，——andhisimpoliteneglect，whichmustwoundhervanity，thepoorcreaturewho，fromhavingbeenaccustomedtobettercompany，mighthavebeenpresumedtohavehadbettertaste，theunfortunateangelfeelsacertaininclinationfortheDon，andactuallyfliesuptoheaventoaskpermissiontoremainwithhimonearth。
Andwhenthecurtaindrawsup，tothesoundofharps，anddiscoverswhite-robedangelswalkingintheclouds，wefindtheangelofMaranauponherknees，utteringthefollowingaddress：——
LEBONANGE。
Vierge，aquilecalicealaliqueuramereFutsisouventoffert，Mere，quel’onnommaladouloureusemere，Tantvousavezsouffert！
Vous，dontlesyeuxdivinssurlaterredeshommesOntverseplusdepleursQuevospiedsn’ontdepuis，danslecielounoussommes，Faitecloredefleurs。
Vased’election，etoilematinale，Miroirdepurete，Vousquipriezpournous，d’unevoixvirginale，Lasupremebonte。
Amontour，aujourd’hui，bienheureuseMarie，Jetombeavosgenoux。
Daignezdoncm’ecouter，carc’estvousquejeprie，Vousquipriezpournous。
Whichmaybethusinterpreted：——
OVirginblest！bywhomthebitterdraughtSooftenhasbeenquaffed，That，forthysorrow，thouartnamedbyusTheMotherDolorous！
Thou，fromwhoseeyeshavefallenmoretearsofwoe，Upontheearthbelow，Than’neaththyfootsteps，inthisheavenofours，Haverisenflowers！
Obeamingmorningstar！Ochosenvase！
Omirrorofallgrace！
Who，withthyvirginvoice，dosteverprayMan’ssinsaway。
Benddownthineear，andlist，Oblessedsaint！
Untomysadcomplaint。
Mother！totheeIkneel，ontheeIcall，Whohearestall。
Sheproceedstorequestthatshemaybeallowedtoreturntoearth，andfollowthefortunesofDonJuan。and，asthereisonedifficulty，or，touseherownwords，——
Mais，commevoussavezqu’auxvouteseternelles，Malgremoi，tendmonvol，Soufflezsurmonetoileetdetachezmesailes，Pourm’enchainerausol。
herrequestisgranted，herstarisBLOWNOUTOpoeticallusion！
andshedescendstoearthtolove，andtogomad，andtodieforDonJuan！
Thereaderwillrequirenofurtherexplanation，inordertobesatisfiedastothemoralofthisplay：butisitnotaverybittersatireuponthecountry，whichcallsitselfthepolitestnationintheworld，thattheincidents，theindecency，thecoarseblasphemy，andthevulgarwitofthispiece，shouldfindadmirersamongthepublic，andprocurereputationfortheauthor？CouldnottheGovernment，whichhasre-established，inamanner，thetheatricalcensorship，andforbidsoraltersplayswhichtouchonpolitics，exertthesameguardianshipoverpublicmorals？ThehonestEnglishreader，whohasafaithinhisclergyman，andisaregularattendantatSundayworship，willnotbealittlesurprisedatthemarchofintellectamongourneighborsacrosstheChannel，andatthekindofconsiderationinwhichtheyholdtheirreligion。Hereisamanwhoseizesuponsaintsandangels，merelytoputsentimentsintheirmouthswhichmightsuitanymphofDruryLane。Heshowsheaven，inorderthathemaycarrydebauchintoit。andavailshimselfofthemostsacredandsublimepartsofourcreedasavehicleforascene-painter’sskill，oranoccasionforahandsomeactresstowearanewdress。
M。Dumas’spieceofKeanisnotquitesosublime。itwasbroughtoutbytheauthorasasatireupontheFrenchcritics，who，totheircreditbeitspoken，hadgenerallyattackedhim，andwasintendedbyhim，andreceivedbythepublic，asafaithfulportraitureofEnglishmanners。Assuch，itmeritsspecialobservationandpraise。InthefirstactyoufindaCountessandanAmbassadress，whoseconversationrelatespurelytothegreatactor。AlltheladiesinLondonareinlovewithhim，especiallythetwopresent。AsfortheAmbassadress，sheprefershimtoherhusbandamatterofcourseinallFrenchplays，andtoamoreseducingpersonstill——nolessapersonthanthePrinceofWales！
whopresentlywaitsontheladies，andjoinsintheirconversationconcerningKean。Thisman，sayshisRoyalHighness，istheverypinkoffashion。Brummellisnobodywhencomparedtohim。andI
myselfonlyaninsignificantprivategentleman。Hehasareputationamongladies，forwhichIsighinvain。andspendsanincometwiceasgreatasmine。ThisadmirablehistorictouchatoncepaintstheactorandthePrince。theestimationinwhichtheonewasheld，andthemodesteconomyforwhichtheotherwassonotorious。
ThenwehaveKean，ataplacecalledtheTroudeCharbon，theCoalHole，where，totheedificationofthepublic，heengagesinafistycombatwithanotoriousboxer。Thisscenewasreceivedbytheaudiencewithloudexclamationsofdelight，andcommentedon，bythejournals，asafaultlesspictureofEnglishmanners。TheCoalHolebeingonthebanksoftheThames，anobleman——LORD
MELBOURN！——haschosenthetavernasarendezvousforagangofpirates，whoaretohavetheirshipinwaiting，inordertocarryoffayoungladywithwhomhislordshipisenamored。ItneednotbesaidthatKeanarrivesatthenickoftime，savestheinnocentMeessAnna，andexposestheinfamyofthePeer。Aviolenttiradeagainstnoblemenensues，andLordMelbournslinksaway，disappointed，tomeditaterevenge。Kean’striumphscontinuethroughalltheacts：
theAmbassadressfallsmadlyinlovewithhim。thePrincebecomesfuriousathisillsuccess，andtheAmbassadordreadfullyjealous。
TheypursueKeantohisdressing-roomatthetheatre。where，unluckily，theAmbassadressherselfhastakenrefuge。Dreadfulquarrelsensue。thetragediangrowssuddenlymaduponthestage，andsocruellyinsultsthePrinceofWalesthathisRoyalHighnessdeterminestosendHIMTOBOTANYBAY。Hissentence，however，iscommutedtobanishmenttoNewYork。whither，ofcourse，MissAnnaaccompanieshim。rewardinghim，previously，withherhandandtwentythousandayear！
ThiswonderfulperformancewasgravelyreceivedandadmiredbythepeopleofParis：thepiecewasconsideredtobedecidedlymoral，becausethepopularcandidatewasmadetotriumphthroughout，andtotriumphinthemostvirtuousmanner。for，accordingtotheFrenchcodeofmorals，successamongwomenis，atonce，theproofandtherewardofvirtue。
ThesacredpersonageintroducedinDumas’splaybehindacloud，figuresbodilyinthepieceoftheMassacreoftheInnocents，representedatParislastyear。Sheappearsunderadifferentname，butthecostumeisexactlythatofCarloDolce’sMadonna。andaningeniousfableisarranged，theinterestofwhichhangsuponthegrandMassacreoftheInnocents，perpetratedinthefifthact。