to produce a tragedy called "The Thebaid." Its
indifferent success disgusted him with the buskin; and it may be
observed, that in proportion as he affects, in other compositions,
anything approaching to the tragic, his admirable facility of
expression seems to abandon him, and he becomes stiff and flat.

In the year 1653 Moliere's brilliant comedy of "L'Etourdi" was
performed at Lyons, and gave a noble presage of the talents of its
illustrious author. The piece is known to English readers by a
translation entitled "Sir Martin Marplot," made originally by the
celebrated Duke of Newcastle, and adapted to the stage by the pen of
Dryden. The piece turns upon the schemes formed by a clever and
intriguing valet to facilitate the union betwixt his master and the
heroine of the scene, all of which are successively baffled and
disconcerted by the bustling interference of the lover himself. The
French original has infinitely the superiority; the character of the
luckless lover is drawn with an exquisitely finer pencil. Lelie is an
inconsequential, light-headed, gentleman-like coxcomb, but Sir Martin
Marplot is a fool. In the English drama, the author seems to have
considered his hero as so thoroughly stupid, that he rewards the
address of the intriguing domestic with the hand of the lady. The
French author gave no occasion for this gross indecorum. "L'Etourdi"
was followed by "Le Depit Amoureux," an admirable entertainment;
although the French critics bestow some censure on both for a
carelessness of style to which a foreigner may profess himself
indifferent. Both these performances were received with the greatest
applause by numerous audiences; and as far as the approbation of
provincial theatres could confer reputation, that of Moliere was now
established.

There was, however, a temptation which threatened to withdraw him from
the worship of Thalia. This was an offer on the part of the Prince of
Conti, who had been his condisciple at college, to create Moliere his
secretary. He declined this, on account of his devoted attachment to
his own profession, strengthened on this occasion, perhaps, by his
knowledge how the place had become vacant. This, it seems, was by the
death of Sarrasin (who had held the office), in consequence of _un
mauvais traitement de Monseigneur le Prince de Conti_. In plain
English, the prince had, with the fire-tongs, knocked down his
secretary, who never recovered from the effects of the blow. It is
pr