Charles Philippe—Comte D’Artois
“‘What necessity, messieurs, that it should belong to you?’
“‘A great many authors make similar arrangements with us.’
“‘Those authors are not to be imitated.’
“‘They are very well satisfied, monsieur, because if they do not enjoy the profits of their piece, at least they have the advantage of seeing it played more often. Do you wish that we play it for your profit six, eight, or even ten times? Speak.’
“The proposition seemed to me so amusing that I replied in the same gay tone, ‘Since you permit me, I ask you to play it a thousand and one times.’
“‘Monsieur, you are very modest.’
“‘Modest, Messieurs, as you are just. What mania is it that you have, to wish to inherit from people who are not dead? My piece not belonging to you until it falls to a very low receipt, you ought to desire that it never belong to you. Are not eight-ninths of a hundred louis, more than nine-ninths of fifty? I see, Messieurs, that you love your interests better than you understand them.’
“I laughingly saluted the assembly, who smiled a little on their side because their orator was slightly flushed with argument.