"The Cid" is good!
VILLAC.
I tell you it is bad!
Your "Cid"—why Scudéry can crush it with
A touch! Look at the style! It deals with things
Extraordinary; has a vulgar tone;
Describes things plainly by their common names;
Besides, it is obscene, against the law!
"The Cid" has not the right to wed Chimène!
Now have you read Pyramus, Bradamante?
When Corneille writes such tragedies, I'll read!
ROCHEBARON (to Montpesat).
"The Great and Last Soliman" of Mairet,
You must read that: that is fine tragedy!
But for your "Cid."
VILLAC.
What self-conceit he has!
Does he not think he equals Boisrobert,
Mairet, Gombault, Serisay, Chapelain,
Bautru, Desmarets, Malleville, Faret,
Cherisy, Gomberville, Colletet, Giry,
Duryer—indeed, all the Academy?
BRICHANTEAU (laughing compassionately and shrugging his shoulders).
Good!
VILLAC.