peace with ever-blooming olive crowns
The gate, where Honour's liberal hands effuse
Unenvied treasures, and the snowy wings
Of innocence and love protect the scene."

I am, Mr. Editor, your humble servant,

DOMESTICUS.

* * * * *

FRENCH DRAMATIC ANECDOTES.

A French actor, accustomed to perform the part of Achilles, wished to
have his portrait taken, and desired it might be in that character,
stipulating to give the painter forty crowns for his work. This son of
Melpomene had been a journeyman carpenter, and the painter, who was
informed that he was a bad paymaster, thought proper to devise a mode of
being revenged should Achilles play him any trick; he therefore painted
the figure in oil, the shield excepted, which was in distemper. The
likeness was acknowledged to be great; but the actor, that he might pay
as little as possible, pretended to find many faults, and declared 'he
would only pay half the sum agreed upon. "Well," replied the painter, "I
must be content; however, I will give you a secret for making the
colours more brilliant. Take a sponge, dip it in vinegar, and pass it
over the picture several times." The actor thanked him for this advice,
applied the sponge, washed away the shield of Achilles, and, instead of
that hero, beheld a carpenter holding a saw.

The famous Baron was both an author and an actor: he wrote a comedy in
five acts called _Les Adelphes_, taken from the Adelphi of Terence; and
a few days before it was performed the duke _de Roquelaure_, addressing
him, said, "Will you show me your piece, Baron? You know I am a
connoisseur. I have promised three women of wit, who are to dine with
me, the feast of hearing it; come and dine with us: bring it in your
pocket, and read it yourself. I am desirous to know whether you are less
dull than Terence." Baron accepted the invitation, and found two
countesses and a marchioness at table, who testified the most impatient
desire to hear the piece. They were, however, in no haste to rise from
table, and, when their long repast was ended, instead of thinking of
Baron, they called for cards. "Cards?" cried the duke. "Surely, ladies,
you have no such intention? You forget that Baron is here to read you
his new comedy?" 'Oh, no; we have not forgotten that,' replied one of
them, 'he may read while we are at play, and we shall have two pleasures
instead of one.' Baron immediately rose, walked