A rough sketch of modern Paris

by J. G. Lemaistre

Having given you this general sketch of the spectacles of Paris, I shall, in my future letters, only mention such particular performances, as by their merit or their popularity, may deserve your attention.

I am, &c.

LETTER XV.

The play of Henry IV, read by le Texier.

Paris, february 10, 1802 (21 pluviôse).

MY DEAR SIR,

I went this evening to hear le Texier, so well known in London, read la Partie de Chasse de Henry IV. The reputation of the reader, and the singularity of being present at the recital of a comedy in the french republic; the fame of which formerly depended on the attachment of the people to the cause of monarchy, and particularly to the house of Bourbon, drew an unusual crowd, and I had great difficulty in obtaining admittance. “La salle,” or hall of “le Brun,” in the rue de Cléry, in which subscription concerts are usually performed, was the place appropriated to this purpose; and though the room is extremely large, it was soon filled in every corner. The benches were in a few minutes occupied, and many persons were obliged to stand during the whole performance. Le Texier, to my great astonishment, appeared much confused. Though accustomed, for so many years, to appear before the public, he had all the horrours of a young beginner. I know not, whether his alarms arose from the numerous audience which he saw collected, from any apprehension he might entertain as to an interruption from the police, or from the criticisms which he expected from the french, who, more conversant in the language, in which he was about to read, than those to whom he was used to address himself, might be less indulgent. From whatever cause his fears arose they were very apparent. His hand trembled, the sweat dropped from his brow, his voice faltered, and in some scenes, he forgot material passages. It is unfair to pass any judgment on a person so circumstanced, I shall therefore only observe, that I saw with regret, that though much applauded, he was but little admired. As to me, I have often been so highly amused and delighted with his readings in England, that I was more than commonly disappointed.

“La Partie de Chasse de Henry IV” seems to have lost none of its popularity; for, notwithstanding the very imperfect manner in which it was read, the most unbounded applauses testified the approbation of the audience, at the recital of those passages, which were formerly in the mouths of every one. A person unacquainted with Paris, would have been apt to conclude, from what passed this evening, that the french were all royalists. But it must be remembered, that, in the first place, the greater part of those assembled on this occasion, were drawn there by their particular sentiments; secondly, that any thing new, no matter what, is sure to be well received; and lastly, that Henry the IVth, besides being the favourite of the ladies of all parties, was at the beginning of the revolution considered as a kind of popular character, whom even the most violent democrats held up to public admiration. He was likewise a military hero; and, after all, there is nothing so much esteemed in France, as martial merit. Perhaps it was this part of his character, which induced general Moreau to attend the reading of a play, of which so renowned a warrior was the subject.

This celebrated general sat in the gallery, with a lady of considerable talents, in whose company I afterwards supped. The lady in question entertained the company, with a lively account of the bon mots, brilliant thoughts, and happy expressions of her warlike companion; but as madame is particularly famed for the richness of her fancy; and as, notwithstanding his decided merit as a soldier, no one ever before heard of the conversation talents of Moreau: it was universally allowed, that the general was not a little indebted for his favourable testimony to the imagination of his fair reporter.