Molière

, as we are told by Monsieur

Boileau

, used to read all his Comedies to

an

[1]

old Woman

who

[2]

was his Housekeeper, as she sat with him at her Work by the Chimney-Corner; and could foretel the Success of his Play in the Theatre, from the Reception it met at his Fire-side: For he tells us the Audience always followed the old Woman, and never failed to laugh in the same Place