SURELY THIS IS NOT WALKING IN A VAIN SHADOW--NOR DOES MAN DISQUIET
Back of his commotions to reason only.--I can safely say for myself, I was never able to conquer any one single bad sensation in my heart so decisively, as beating up as fast as I could for some kindly and gentle sensation to fight it upon its own ground
When I had got to the end of the third act the Count de B- entered, with my passport in his hand. Monsieur le Duc de C-, said the Count, is as good a prophet, I dare say, as he is a statesman. Un homme qui rit, said the Duke, ne sera jamais dangereux.--Had it been for any one but the king's jester, added the Count, I could not have got it these two hours.--Pardonnez moi, Monsieur le Count, said I--I am not the king's jester.--But you are Yorick?--Yes.--Et vous plaisantez?--I answered, Indeed I did jest,--but was not paid for it;--'twas entirely at my own expense.
We have no jester at court, Monsieur le Count, said I; the last we had was in the licentious reign of Charles II.;--since which time our manners have been so gradually refining, that our court at present is so full of patriots, who wish for NOTHING but the honours and wealth of their country;--and our ladies are all so chaste, so spotless, so good, so devout,--there is nothing for a jester to make a jest of. -
Voila un persiflage! cried the Count.
Back