"And yet, M. de ----, since we are conversing frankly, listen to what I witnessed, but the other day, in France. You know the situation of things at St. Ouen, and the rumours that are so rife. We had the _fête Dieu_ during my residence there. You, who are a Catholic, need not be told that your sect believe in the doctrine of the 'real presence.' There was a _reposoir_ erected in the garden of the _château_, and God, in person, was carried, with religious pomp, to rest in the bowers of the ex-favourite. It is true, the husband was not present: he was only in the provinces!" "The influence of a throne makes sad parasites and hypocrites," said M. de ----, shrugging his shoulders. "And the influence of the people, too, though in a different way. A courtier is merely a well-dressed demagogue." "It follows, then, that man is just a poor devil." But I am gossiping away with you, when my Asmodean career is ended; and it is time I went to bed. Good night! [18] M. de Marbois was the first president of the Court of Accounts. [19] I believe this infamous law, however, has been repealed. METASTASIO. I. _La Signora._ Chi sei tu? Chi sei tu? Dimmi piccolo fanciullo, Sempr' andante sù et giù Sospirando fra 'l trastullo. _Cupid._ Son Cupidon' in verità Rè de' burle leggiadre. _La Sig._ Dunque dì per carità, Come stia, tua madre? Senz' arco così, perchè? Dove sono le saiette? La faretra poi dov' è? Sembianze son sospette-- Chi sei tu? II. _La Sig._ Chi sei tu? chi sei tu? Arme c'eran altre volte. _Cupid._ Giovan' ELLA non è più Mi furon' allora tolte. _La Sig._ E la torcia, perchè, dì, Hai voluto tu lasciare? _Cupid._ Cuori signor' oggidì Più non vogliono bruciare. _La Sig._ Tu rispondermi così Fanciulletto! che vergogna! O! sei cambiato, sì, Ate dunque dir' bisogna "CHI SEI TU?" FONTENELLE. I. _La Dame._ Qui es tu? Qui es tu? Bel enfant aux gais sourires, Toi qui cours tout devtu, Et ris parfois, parfois soupires? _Cupidon._ Dame, je suis Cupidon Dieu d'amour, fils à CITHERE. _La Dame._ Bel enfant, eh, dis moi donc Comment va, VENUS, ta mere? Cette fois, sans carquois Je te vois avec surprise, Cupidon, est il donc Etonnant que l'on te dise Qui es tu? II. _La Dame._ Qui es tu? Qui es tu? Qu'a tu donc fait de tes armes, De tes traits de fer pointu ...? _Cupidon._ De _vos_ traits ... où sont les charmes? Vous votre beau, moi mon flambeau Ensemble nous lâchâmes: Or, plus d'espoir helas! de voir Pour nous les coeurs en flammes!