Trissotin. If France could appreciate your value——
Vadius. If the age could render justice to a lofty genius——
Trissotin. You would ride in the streets in a gilt coach.
Vadius. We should see the public erect statues to you. Hem—It is a ballad; and I wish you frankly to——
Trissotin. Have you heard a certain little sonnet upon the Princess Urania’s fever?
Vadius. Yes; I heard it read yesterday.
Trissotin. Do you know the author of it?
Vadius. No, I do not; but I know very well that, to tell him the truth, his sonnet is good for nothing.
Trissotin. Yet a great many people think it admirable.
Vadius. It does not prevent it from being wretched; and if you had read it you would think like me.