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MONSIEUR DE POURCEAUGNAC.

BY

MOLIÈRE

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH PROSE.

WITH A SHORT INTRODUCTION AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.

BY

CHARLES HERON WALL

'Monsieur de Pourceaugnac', acted on October 6, 1669, is nothing buta farce. But Molière excels in farce as well as in higher comedy, and'Monsieur de Pourceaugnac' is one of the best of its kind. Theattacks upon the doctors of the time are not exaggerated. Molièreacted the part of Mr. de Pourceaugnac.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

Mr. de Pourceaugnac.Oronte,father to Julia.
Éraste,lover to Julia.
Sbrigani, a Neapolitan adventurer.
First Physician.
Second Physician.
An Apothecary.
A Peasant.
A Female Peasant.
First Swiss.
Second Swiss.
A Police Officer.
Two Inferior Police Officers.
Julia,daughter to Oronte.
Nérine,an intriguing woman, supposed to come from Picardy.
Lucette, supposed to come from Gascony.

The scene is in Paris.

ACT I.

SCENE I.——ÉRASTE, A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, several othersperforming on instruments, DANCERS.

Era.(to the Musicians andDancers). Carry out the orders I havegiven you for the serenade. As for myself, I will withdraw, for I donot wish to be seen here.

SCENE II.——A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, several othersperforming on instruments, DANCERS.

LADY (sings).

Spread, charming night, spread over every brow
The subtle scent of thy narcotic flower,
And let no wakeful hearts keep vigil now
Save those enthralled by love's resistless power.
More beautiful than day's most beauteous light,
Thy silent shades were made for love's delight.

FIRST SINGER.

Love is sweet when none our wills oppose;
Then peaceful tastes our gentle hearts dispose;
But tyrants reign, who gave us birth and life.
Ah! love is sweet when love is free from strife.

SECOND SINGER.

All w

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