To be always
consistent with myself, I ought not to blush, in any place whatever,
at being dressed in a manner suitable to the state I have chosen. My
exterior appearance is simple, but neither dirty nor slovenly; nor
is a beard either of these in itself, because it is given us by
nature, and according to time, place and custom, is sometimes an
ornament. People think I am ridiculous, nay, even absurd; but what
signifies this to me? I ought to know how to bear censure and
ridicule, provided I do not deserve them." After this little soliloquy
I became so firm that, had it been necessary, I could have been
intrepid. But whether it was the effect of the presence of his
majesty, or the natural disposition of those about me, I perceived
nothing but what was civil and obliging in the curiosity of which I
was the object. This so much affected me that I began to be uneasy for
myself, and the fate of my piece; fearing I should efface the
favorable prejudices which seemed to lead to nothing but applause. I
was armed against raillery; but, so far overcome by the flattering and
obliging treatment I had not expected, that I trembled like a child
when the performance was begun.
I had soon sufficient reason to be encouraged. The piece was very
ill played with respect to the actors, but the musical part was well
sung and executed. During the first scene, which was really of a
delightful simplicity, I heard in the boxes a murmur of surprise and
applause, which, relative to pieces of the same kind, had never yet
happened.
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