But, after all, why enter upon such a crusade against a word so often and so happily employed on the stage? Who does not know that the immortal Molière called one of his plays _The Imaginary Cuckold_? I have seen that play acted, and consequently advertised in the streets of Paris, less than three years ago--at a time, however, when we permitted ourselves many fewer liberties than at present; and yet I saw no one draw back with horror or disgust, or indulge in any of these indignant, nervous outbursts on reading the poster of the Théâtre-Français on which the announcement of _The Imaginary Cuckold_ was printed. I think, however, that we should be more strict with respect to what is said on the stage, than with respect to what is put in a novel; for, if I take my daughter to the play, and if the characters make unseemly remarks, I cannot prevent my daughter from hearing them; whereas it is a very easy matter for me to prevent her reading a novel in which such things are expressed. But I repeat, the word cuckold should raise a laugh, and that is all. Is not that the effect which it produces at the theatre? “Aye, this is very fine; my children will be gentlemen, but I shall be a cuckold unless I look to it.” (_George Dandin_, Act I.) “Truly a useful lesson for our neighbor; And if all husbands who live in this town Would thus receive their wives’ adorers, The roll of cuckolds would not be so long.” (_L’École des Femmes_, Act IV.) “This popinjay, speaking with all respect, Makes me a cuckold, madame, at his own sweet will.” (_Sganarelle_, Sc. XVI.) You shall learn, knave, to laugh at our expense, And, lacking due respect, to make men cuckolds. (_Sganarelle_, Sc. XVII.) “His heart was seen to burn, Despite us and our teeth, with an illicit flame; And so at last, striving to be convinced, I learned, nor boasted, he had made me cuckold.” (MONTFLEURY, _La Femme Juge et Partie_.) “What! I myself cast blame and obloquy upon myself! Myself proclaim the shame of my own wife! And, although at last I am too well persuaded, Seek witnesses to prove that she has made me cuckold.” (Ibid.) I know that someone will say: “What was all right long ago may not be right now; other times, other morals.”