River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-08-07
THE TWO COMEDIANS.
How an Actor and Diplomat Met ut a Hotel
and Changed Their Roles.

How an Actor and Diplomat Met ut a HOte
and Changed Their Roles.
At the close OF the month of July
1880, a carriage drew up at the door o
the Hotel de France, the most fashion
able hosiery Of Orleans, and traveller
q man of some sixty years of age, bu
still sprightly and well-presered, lie
sccnded and was received with solemn
and excessive courtesy by the people o.
the hotel He was led TO splendid
suite of rooms already prepared for hi.
accommodation by the ost. who bowed
10 the ground before him, murmuring q
hundred times, "highness," "prince" and
'excellency," and left aith three liveried
servants in the aBteroom ready TO fly up
on his errands.
An hour later Il second carriage clat-
tered up from which stepped second
traveller. also an old man, with a keen
and witty face and It distinguished APP
pcarance. His valet inquired for the
rooms directed to be in readiness and
was disdainfully shown two small and in
differently furnished and lighted apart
ments, against the meanness and poverty
OF which the faithful servant was about
to lift up his voice when he was silenced
10y IN imperious gesture from his master
The ''prince" was the actor Potter and
the traveller rc'rgated to the best inn
worst room was only NJ, dc TalleyIand.
H.
In an hour or so the truth rs TO the real
quality Of the two guests and the fright
fui way in which he had mixed them up
dawned upon the hotel keeper, who with
tears ard genufiexions FASTENED tn apollo
gize to the great diplomatist.
II pardon you, said Tallyrand, extend
ing his crutch in guise Of golden sceptre,
''but who is the audacious person who
has robbed me Of my quarters and my
titlcs2"
"Alas, monsigneur he robbed you of
nothing; /, like u stupid idiot, gave him
all He simply accepted what gave"
BE so good, then as to ask him to re
turn to me- my property
Your eXccllency, he insists on retain
ing it"
"Who is he, pray: Some old diploma
ustl"
No, your highness, bat Il comedian
named Potter The cursed button re-
piled to me: You have showered M.
de Tallcyrand's honors and titles on
me he is welcome 10 mine; | intend
enjoying my greatness for one day; my
name is Prince de PerIgord Talleyrand &;
he can be Potter the actor if he wishes"
"Ha" said the prince, after a mo-
ment's reflection, 'that would not be a
bad idea. Be so good as to wait upon
his excellency and inform that illustrious
parsonage at the actor Potter solicits
the honor of being permitted to present
his compliments and respects
.'What would my colleagues of the con
grcss Of Vienna say, | WONDER" con-
tinucd the prince, as the astonishcd inn
keeper left the room, "to see me figuring
in such a farce IN Il wretched country
tavern? TalIeyrand and professional
clown, Wen. this is at least one role that
was missing from my repertory, and l
he an my career among the seminarists of
Saint-Sulpice"
Plavgoers of half century ago will re-
call WITH rare delight Potier's rare talent
and nhnit resources in creating or copy
ing a characterize matter how difficult.
The challenge Talicyrand had sent him
put him on his mettle though at first IT
startled and frightened him, and the cd
dity and ,iquancy of the situation nerved
him to do his best. Hastily he donned a
black coat such rs identified the gravity
of a thinker and profound politician, COW
cred his head with a majestic white wig,
slipped into silk bIeechcs, black stock
ings and gold buce led shoes, caught up a
cane in lieu of a crutch and placing a
buncA of decorations at his button hole
bade the servant show in the actor Potter
Talleyrand's surprise was great on en-
tering to find his face, figure, dress and
pecuIiariiies so faithfully initiated one
might say photographed he would
almost have thrown up the game but for
resentment Of the comedians assurance.
Entering as thoroughly into the spirit of
his part, he became humble and timid as
poor acto. should he in the presence of
great prince, slipped mOdestly into
the chair towards which which his entain-
er nodded condesccndingly and stam-
mercd few half-heard and incoherent
phrases Of excuse and ceremoney.
".
Pardon ne. sir. said suddenly the
pseudo-diplomatist CHANGING at copy
Of the ~ ntte,tr, but there is something
in this paper winch greatly interests me
The H0at'etr, rs you know, is a sort OF
barometer to indicate fair weather or foul
to political loungeis like myself"
"Monseigneur, replied the real prince
know ii because you tell me so.
The barometer stands at stormy to.
day it has been 50 every July since the
fall Of the Bastilc'
Indeed, your exeeellency, | did not
know that"
.'Ah. you know nothing of politics.
Il In.w nothing except about com
ciy."
True | was forgetting. Let us tall
IF you. sir. and of your talent, your sue
cesses, for am not altogether unfamiliar
with the stage
You your eNcelIency." said Talley
rand
"Yes. /. When public comedies hav,
been played for the last forty years, wh'
has not been forced to take some part il
farce or tragedy What think you, Mon
sieur Potier3'
Talleyrand bit his lips and answered
You are right, your highness. We ar
ali actors. whether We will or no. Tn
happily, some are applauded and other
Kissed"
LAS know only too sadly, replied tn
pseudo diplomatist so great a man a
am, have had my experience of Kisses
There is where you folk upon the stag
have the advantage To hiss you, tn
people must pay at the door, whereas W
poor devils OF ministers. dipl,matists an,
statesmen can be mobbed gratis "
This is hardly Just, mOnseigneur,
said Talleyrand, after a moments pause
"people should not thus treat the sta
actors who govern the world"
All" answered the comedian-princ'
'thcn YOU think one should not expos
himself to be Kissed without being sur
he is to be we'll paid for it. Quite RICH
Potter; quite right
V.
II say, Potter" affably continued th
pscudo-prince; chow long have YOU bee
on the staget'
"Your pardon, sir, replied TalleyranC
"but have no memory for dates; bu
since your excellency thinks that we al
all actors, does your excellency Ieca
your debutf
tsWell. YES. answered Potter summon