“Here, again, we have a true dramatic composition acted before us. But while _L’Embarquement pour Cythère_ recalls the delicate comedies of Marivaux, the _Marseillaise_ is a great tragedy by Corneille. I do not know which of the two works I prefer, for there is as much genius in the one as in the other.” [Illustration: EUSTACHE DE SAINT-PIERRE. ONE OF THE BURGHERS OF CALAIS By Rodin ] [Illustration: ONE OF THE BURGHERS OF CALAIS By Rodin ] And, looking at me with a shade of malicious challenge, he added, “You will no longer say, I think, that sculpture and painting are unable to compete with the theatre?” “Certainly not.” At this instant, I saw in the portfolio where he had replaced the reproduction of the _Marseillaise_, a photograph of his wonderful _Burghers of Calais_. “To prove to you,” I said, “that I have profited by your teaching, let me apply it to one of your most beautiful works, for I see that you have yourself put into practice the principles which you have revealed to me. “Here, in your _Burghers of Calais_, I recognize a scenic succession like that which you have cited in the _chefs-d’œuvre_ of Watteau and of Rude. “The figure in the centre first attracts attention. No one can doubt that it is Eustache de Saint-Pierre. He bows his venerable head with its long gray hair. He does not hesitate, he is not afraid. He advances steadily, his eyes half closed in silent communion. If he totters a little, it is because of the privations that he has endured during a long siege. It is he who inspires the others, it is he who offered himself first as one of the six notables whose death, according to the conditions of the conqueror, should save their fellow-townsmen from massacre. “The burgher beside him is not less brave. But if he does not mourn for his own fate, the capitulation of the city causes him terrible sorrow. Holding in his hand the key which he must deliver to the English, he stiffens his whole body in order to find the strength to bear the inevitable humiliation. “On the same plane with these two, to the left, you see a man who is less courageous, for he walks almost too fast: you would say that, having made up his mind to the sacrifice, he longs to shorten the time which separates him from his martyrdom. [Illustration: ONE OF THE BURGHERS OF CALAIS By Rodin ] [Illustration: ONE OF THE BURGHERS OF CALAIS By Rodin ] “And behind these comes a burgher who, holding his head in his hands, abandons himself to violent despair. Perhaps he thinks of his wife, of his children, of those who are dear to him, of those whom his going will leave without support. “A fifth notable passes his hand before his eyes as if to dissipate some frightful nightmare. He stumbles, death so appals him.