In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Volume Four: XII.3 523 received by an order from court; and they began with a comedy which they had often acted at Toledo with applause. In what part of the world are new sights disregarded? The playhouse was that day filled with an extraordinary concourse of spectators; and you may well imagine, that I did not fail to be there. I suffered a little before the piece began; and prepossessed as I was in favour of the talents both of mother and daughter , I trembled for them, so much was I interested in their success. But scarce had they opened their mouths, when my fear was banished by the applause which they received. Estella was looked upon as a consummate comic actress, and Lucretia as a prodigy in tender parts.1 This last captivated all hearts. Some admired the beauty of her eyes, others were touched by the sweetness of her voice; and every body struck with the graces and brilliancy of her youth, went away enchanted by her appearance.2 The Count-Duke being more interested than I imagined in the first essay of this actress , was at the play that evening; and I saw him go out about the end of the performance , seemingly very well satisfied with our two new players. Curious to know if he was really affected with their success, I followed him home, and going into his closet just after him, “Well, my Lord, (said I) is your Excellency satisfied with young Marialva ?” “My Excellency (answered he smiling) would be very nice indeed, if I refused to join my vote to that of the publick. Yes, child, I am charmed with thy Lucretia, and I don’t doubt that the King will be pleased when he sees her.” chapter iii. Lucretia makes a great noise at court, and acts before the King, who falls in love with her. The consequences of his passion. The appearance of two new actresses soon made a noise at court; the very next day it was spoke of at the King’s Levee. Some noblemen extolled young Lucretia in particular, and drew such a beautiful picture of her, that the Monarch was struck with it: but dissembling the impression which their discourses made upon his heart, he seemed to take no notice of what they said.1 Nevertheless, as soon as he found himself alone with the Count-Duke, he asked who this actress was whom they praised so much. The minister answered, that she was a young player of Toledo, who had made her first appearance the preceeding night with great success. “She is called Lucretia, (added he) a name very suitable to people of her profession. She is an acquaintance of Santillane’s, who spoke so much in her favour, that I thought proper to receive her into your Majesty’s company.”2 The King smiled when he heard my name mentioned, because he remembred perhaps at that moment, that it was I who had made him acquainted with Catalina, and foresaw that I should do him the same service on this occasion . “Count, (said he to the minister) I will go to-morrow and see this Lucretia act. Take care to advertise her of my intention.” 524 The Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane The Count-Duke having repeated this conversation to me, and informed me of the King’s design, sent me to impart it to our two actresses. “I come (said I to Laura, who was the first I met) to tell you a piece of great news; you will to-morrow have among your spectators the sovereign of this monarchy; this is what I am ordered by the minister to acquaint you with. I don’t doubt that your daughter and you will do your utmost to deserve the honour which the King intends you; but I advise you to choose a piece in which there is both dancing and musick, that he may admire all the talents of Lucretia together.” “We will take your advise, (replied Laura) and do all in our power to amuse the Prince.” “He cannot fail of being pleased, (said I, seeing Lucretia come in, in a dishabille,3 which gave her more charms than the most superb theatrical dress.) He will be so much the more satisfied with your lovely niece, as he loves singing and dancing above all other entertainments; who knows but he may be tempted to throw the handkerchief4 at...

Share