The play was acted a second night, with the omission of “God save the king,” and the sentiment about the toast; and to day it is at last forbidden.
The royalists are excessively irritated at the prohibition, but how was it possible to suffer in a republic a performance, every word of which expressed respect for royalty, and pity for a proscribed family?
In England, where, thank God! liberty is less shackled than in this country, and where our ideas of government are more fixed, should we suffer on our stage a play which recommended republican doctrines? The answer is plain. I believe this is the right way of judging every question. Viewing it in this light, I think, that if the consuls had any fault, it was in suffering “Edward” to be acted. In stopping it they have only done their duty.
I am, &c.
LETTER XVIII.
The carnival.—Masks in all the streets.—Account of the different characters, processions, &c.—Masqued ball at the opera house.
Paris, february the 25th, 1802 (6 ventose).
MY DEAR SIR,