ENVOI
“But oh! one fear my soul abases.
Time will some day my fair limbs rack!
Who then will reck that now the phrase is—
‘Of Rigaudons I have the knack’?”
CHAPTER XIX
THE HOUSE OF VESTRIS
It is recorded that during one of the many revolts indulged in by the dancers of the Paris Opera against managerial control, which incidentally meant, of course, State and Royal control, some of the leaders were sent to Fort l’Evêque—including Auguste Vestris.
So melodramatically pathetic was the farewell scene with his father, Gaetan, that even his colleagues laughed! “Go my son,” said le Diou de la Danse. “This is the most glorious moment of your career. Take my carriage, and ask for the cell which was occupied by my friend the King of Poland. I will meet every expense.”