s the talents of Le Kain, and how numerous
are those who _think themselves_ equal to the most arduous and
conspicuous characters in the drama.

When Le Kain first appeared on the French stage, Grandval played the
principal tragic characters. He did not perceive the talent of Le Kain;
he saw only the natural defects of this sublime actor, and knew not how
to appreciate the sensibility and intelligence which so amply atoned for
them.

Le Kain, nevertheless, vegetated, for more than sixteen months in the
rank of a pensioner. At length, disgusted with his situation, the
impetuous Le Kain went in search of the haughty Grandval, and, without
being intimidated at the uncivil reception he met with, said to him--"I
come, sir, to request that you will let me play _Orosmanes_ before the
king." "You, Sir," said Grandval; "_Orosmanes!_ before the
court!--Surely you are not serious--do you mean to ruin yourself at
once?"--"I have weighed every thing, Sir," replied the young tragedian;
"I know the risk I run. It is time in short, that my fate were
decided."--"Very well, Sir," said Grandval, "I consent to your playing
the part; but if the result should turn out contrary to your wishes,
remember that it is entirely your own act." Le Kain withdrew, and
hastened to study, with the attention due to the important task he had
undertaken, the character he was about to perform.

The day arrived--the new actor appeared on the stage. His figure and
height excited at first some surprise, and even the women, accustomed to
the grace and handsome person of Grandval, suffered a slight murmur, of
disappointment to escape them. Le Kain had forseen this; he was not
astonished at it; but the little vexation he felt at it gave him
additional energy, and the success he experienced in the first act
prepared the way only to his triumph in those which succeeded. In
proportion as the interest of the scene advanced, his soul expanded
itself over and beamed through his features; and soon the eyes of every
spectator, dimmed with the tears that overflowed them, could no longer
distinguish whether the actor was beautiful or ugly, and he left nothing
upon the minds of the audience but the most powerful impression of the
feelings which had animated him through his whole performance.

After the representation, the first gentleman of the chamber asked his
majesty what he thought of him. The king made the reply which we have
quoted above.

This reception, so novel