The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-06-13
From Chambers Edinburgh Journal
The Hunchback and Harlequin,

IL was a very not day IN the month
Of July, 1868; five o'clock had sound.
ed, and the performance in the Italian
Theatre in Paris, was about to com.
mence with a harleguinade, in which
the celebrated Carlin was to appear
The curtain drew up; Carlin advanced
to the stage, and casting a glance
around, perceived the pit, boxes, and
gallery were alike equally empty. He
stood silent for a moment: and then.
addressing the leader of the orchestra.
said =
"1eally, my dear friend. l have no
mind to act for your sole amusement
shall just quietly go home. and | advise
you and your musicians to follow my
example,
"By no means!' cried sharp voice
issuing from a remote corner of the
pit; II have paid my thirty sous to see
the play, and | insist on having the
worth Of my money!
Looking in the direction of the voice,
the actor with some 4 Z IA height, making
desperate rrfdrss q approach the stage
by climbing over the benches
"My dear sir. said Carlin, " if you
think so much of your thirty sous. my
comrades and are quite ready TO re-
turn them; or, if you like it better, l
will even double the sum, and we will
have bottle of wine"
ssSir," replied the little man, as he
climbed on bench, ~ am not thirsty ;
l have paid for seeing the play; and
the play must have-so do me the
favor to commence
So saying. he assumed an upright
attitude, which displayed to great ad-
vantage huge hump on his back.
.Mv dear sir,r said Carlin, mimic
king his tone Of voice, "it can't be"
"Why MOI, prayw
aBecause in the beginning should
have to address myself to the public.
and there's no public here to address"
sI am here, sir; for what do you take
mew
II take you for hunchback."
You're an insolent fellow"
Carlin took off his mask.
Doubtless said he, "you don't
know me. Learn that my name is
Carlo Bertinazzi; that before going on
the stage served as an officer in the
army Of his majesty, the King Of Sar-
dinia, and that never allowed an In.
suit to 60 unpunished."
.You mistake,n replied the hunch-
back, coolly;; you are not Carlo Ber-
tipazzi: YOU are the harlequin whom
/ have paid for seeing act. My name,
Master Harlequin, is Joseph Dubreuil /;
/ am an attorneys clerk, and ! live In
the Rue St. Honore. Tomorrow shall
lodge my complaint with the lieuten-
ant Of the police, who will be very
likely to lodge you quickly in prison, if
you refuse to commence your perform
ance Immediately
Having so spoken, the little man,
with an air of much dignity, resumed
his seat. Carlin was in the wrong, and
he knew il. He resumed his mask, and
began 70 recite his monologue, inter-
mingIng it with pointed extempora-
neous illusions to his troublesome
auditor. The latter was delighted, and
lapplauded with might and main. How
ever, wien it came to the turn of Carlin's
fellow sectors to speak, they did so with
The utmcst negligence and the hunch-
back drew from his pocket an enormous
key, which, when applied to his lips
served toproduce = most sonorous hiss.
At this. unexpected though well-known
sound, the sctors paused:
tCcne,n exclaimed the little man.
you played badly, and Kissed you,
It's quite according to rule"
2 Tho gentleman is right" said Car
lin; be sands on his privilege. Let
us pay respect to the public and to our
oelves.n
The remainder Of the act was played
in the most satisfactory manl4r; and
Just before the curtain fell Carlin
addressed his spectator:
I" Sir,n said be, g should You happen
b meet any Of your friends this evening
perhaps you will have the kindness to
commend our performance, and advise
them to visit M tosmorrow.p
With much sincerity, the hunchback
promised to accede to the request and
went out Of the theatre during the in-
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