The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-08-06
THE TWO COMEDIANS.
How an Actor and Diplomat Met at a HOtcI
and Changed Their Roles. s &

and Changed Their Roles - =
At the close Of the month Of July,
1880, a carriage drew up at tho door of
the Hotel de France, the most fashion
able hostclry Of Orleans, and a traveller,
a man of some sixty years Of age, but
still sprightly and well-preserved, de-
Scended and was received with solemn
and excessive courtesy by the people of
the hotel. He was led to splendid
suite Of rooms already prepared for his
accommodation by the lost, who bowed
to the ground before him, murmuring
hundred times, 'highness,' "prince' and
''excellency," and left with three liveried
servants in the ante-room ready to fly up
on his errands.
An hour later a second carriage clat
tered up from which stepped second
traveller. also an old man, with keen
and witty face and a distinguished APP
pearance. 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 silenccd
by an imperious gesture from his master.
The 'prince" was the actor Potter and
the traveller rc'egated to the best inn
worst room was only NJ. de Talleyrand.
II.
In an hour or so the truth as to the real
quality of the two guests and the fright
full way in which he had mixed them up
dawned upon the hotel-keeper, who with
tears and gcnuhexions fastened to apollo
e'ize 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
titles?'
''Alas, monsigneur, he robbed you Of
nothing; I, like stupid idiot, gave him
all. He simply accepted what I gave"
BE so good, then as to ask him to re-
turn to me my property
Your excellency, he insists on retain
ing it, s-...
"Who is he, pray? Some old diploma
tlst?"
mo, your highness, but comedian
named Potter. The cursed button re-
piled to me: "You have showered NJ.
de Talleyrand's honors and titles on
me-he is welcome to mine; intend
enjoying my greatness for one day; my
name is Prince de Pengord 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 tuat the actor Potter solicits
the honor of being permitted to present
his compliments and respects
What would my colleagues Of the con
gress of Vienna say, l WONDER" con
tinued the prince, as the astonishcd inn
keeper left the room, ''to see me figuring
in such a farce in a wretched country
tavern? Talleyrand and professional
clown Well, this is at least one role tina
was missing from my repertory, and
BEGAN my career among the seminarists o
Saint-Sulpice!'
Playgoers Of half century ago will re
call with rare delight Potiers rare talen
and lnfnit resources in creating or copy
ing a character-no matter how Difficult
The challenge Talleyrand had sent hi1
put him on his mettle, though at first
startled and frightened him, and the &C
dity and piquancy of the situation nerve
him to do his best. Hastily he donned
black coat such as identified the gravit
of thinker and profound politician, COZ
cred his head with majestic white wis
slipped into silk breechcs, black stool
ings and gold buckled shoes, caught up
cane in lieu of crutch and placing
bunch of decorations at his button-ho
babe the servant show in the actor Potie
Talleyrand's surprise was great on el
tering to find his face, figure, dress an
peculiarities so faithfully imltated-o1
might say photographed-and he wcu1
almost have thrown up the game but Il
resentment Of the comedians assuranc
Entering as thoroughly into the spirit
his part, he became humble and timid
poor, actor should be in the presence
great prince, slipped nlodestly in
the chair towards which which hisentai
er nodded condescendingly and stal
mered a few half-heard and incohere
phrases of excuse and ceremoney.
". ...... d
*Pardon me, SIR said suddenly t
-dlplomatist, glancing at co
of the Mrniteur, "but there is somethl
in this paper which greatly interests n
The M"nateur, as you KNOW, - soit
barometer to indicate fair weather or Il
to political loungers like myself"
acknowledgement" replied the real prin
know it because you tell me so.'
THE barometer stands at stormy
day; it has been so every July since
fall of the Bastilc.' .....- -f.,s.as-
"Indecd, your exceellency, I did
know that" I'd @.o ~ T.. 10. .ss 4at3 Bio
"Ah, you know nothing of politics?
81 know nothing except about &C
edy." .1sa.a =. - 'szs. ~: H"ae a1'