The fermentation was soon increased to such a degree as to
be perceptible through the whole audience, and of which, to speak
after the manner of Montesquieu, the effect was augmented by itself.
In the scene between the two good little folks, this effect was
complete. There is no clapping of hands before the king; therefore
everything was heard, which was advantageous to the author and the
piece. I heard about me a whispering of women, who appeared as
beautiful as angels. They said to each other in a low voice: "This
is charming: That is ravishing: There is not a sound which does not go
to the heart." The pleasure of giving this emotion to so many
amiable persons moved me to tears; and these I could not contain in
the first duo, when I remarked that I was not the only person who
wept. I collected myself for a moment, on recollecting the concert
of M. de Treytorens. This reminiscence had the effect of the slave who
held the crown over the head of the general, who triumphed, but my
reflection was short, and I soon abandoned myself without interruption
to the pleasure of enjoying my success. However, I am certain the
voluptuousness of the sex was more predominant than the vanity of
the author, and had none but men been present, I certainly should
not have had the incessant desire I felt of catching on my lips the
delicious tears I had caused to flow. I have known pieces excite
more lively admiration, but I never saw so complete, delightful, and
affecting an intoxication of the senses reign, during a whole
representation, especially at court, and at a first performance.
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