Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-08-03

cepted dedecatory epistle from Voltaire
generals were embroidering; abbes cele
brated mass in boudoirs and noble
amused themselves with the Democrat
insolences Of Beaumarchais Figaro
played my part. An aristocrat, demand
ed the equality of classes; bishop of Au
tun, went in for the liberty of con
science; brought up in the church,
brought about the sale of ecclesiastica
property for the national benefit; the hea'
of my house, I helped on revolution t
prescribe titles and priviledges. All, m,
dear fellow, what comedies have not ia
ken part in.'
"And since then, your excellency?
questioned Talleyrand.
| "Since them" continued potter, eth
importance of my parts has increased
with the growth of my fame. I figured
on the stage of the Luxembourg at Bona
parties first ovation; also, in the laugh
| able intcrlude of the 18th Brumaire.
have been the confdant of terriblepe
sonage known as the first consul and the
emperor. I am old and my memory is
somewhat clogged, but l fancy that
took part in a tragedy once, though on.
ly had to say few words Of appreciation
or cruel Indifference"
"What tragedy was that, your exellen.
cy?" asked Talleyrand.
II think, if I remember rightly, it was
called The Duke OF Enghelm,' "replied
Potter, playing with one Of his orders.
"Sirn cried Talleyrand, half starting
up; but controlling himself he resumed
his seat, ''Pray 60 on, your excellency"
''What more shall say, Monsieur Pc.
tier" went on the actor; my hundred.
act play is so confused, 50 dark, so com.
plicated. I have to do with so many au.
diences, actors and plays. Nevertheless
I may say that I have always acted by
taste or by vocation without botherine
myself much about the name of the ORA.
matist or the real merit of the piece OF
it's morality. have made it my aim to
accept every part was cast for and to
play it like conscientious actor who de-
sires first of all to protect and advance
the interests of his theatre. In politics
perhaps I have been only great artist
I have made art for arts sake.",
Talleyrand took up his parable in
turn, wishing perhaps that history might
be as lenient in its summing up Of his Ca
reer as had been his double.
'Your excellency," he said to Potter,
"your play applied to the realities of high
places in this world frightens me for you
I find myself more fortunate than you
and envy your excellency neither your
wit, your granduer nor your reminiscent
ces; the successes of an actor like myself
are ephemeral, but they cause no one to
weep; my memories are of populaces
laughing with merlment; I have but to
deal witt, charming illusions. Frankly
say, hurrah for Potier's wand! Mine is a
sceptre that has weighed heavily on none
Of my subjects. am king neither ty-
ranical, nor jealous, nor ambitious, but
sharing willingly nay glory and my pow
erawith other kings, such as Odry, Arnal
and Brunei"
In his turn the actor could not fail to
feel 1attered with the delicacy and good
taste Of NJ. de Talleyrand's compliment
but he could not resist the temptation OF
launching Parthian arrow at his rival
in tins game Of comedy.
'sMnns. Potter no said to Talleyrand
81 have frequently noticed you acting
and recall many of the characters you
have played, but am little surprised
when I reflect that once you figured in a
tragi-comedy-a very sorrowful one
played in Paris some years ago."
:When was that? What was it," said
Talleyrand.
"Tt was in 1814--the place was called
'L'Hotel dc la Rue Saint Florentin.'"
Talleyrand WINGED visibly, and his
witty double went on:
ri hate the play, and to my mind your
performance in it has hurt you in the
public estimation. The part, I confess
was not an agreeable one. I believe that
in that play great conqueror is sinking
and clever negotiator abandons him
after having adored him; in it, remem.
Der rightly the action sacrifices a duty to
a fact, principle to an event, the inter
est of a country 10 that Of an individual,
whole nation to handful of outcasts
or of strangers. All, Mons. Potter, what
an unpleasant play; and what an unsais,
factory part you were cast for in. it
Never, never should there be presented
on any stage to any public the spectacle
of man who, when he sees the hopes OF
his country's cause blasted, sets himself
to share in the tliumphs of her foes in.
stead Of retiring in silence to share In he1
mourningw
The real Talleyrand rose-possibly be.
cause he did not care to hear ANYTHING
further when a footman entered with
the Moniteur Of the Goth that instant re-
ceived.
'This is for your excellency," he said
bowling and handing it to Potter.
'Be good enough, M. Potter, to read il
for me, or for yourself, if you are interest.
ed in such Subjects" retorted the acto,
with equal self-possession.
Talleyrand opened and glanced at the
paper and dropped it in surprise.
The old. councillor of Louis XVIII. had
read in it the fatal ordinances of Charles
X.
After a moments pause he turned
smilingly towards Potter and bowling
deeply said:
~ regret, your excellency, that must
at once set out for Paris. I am invited
to reappear at my old theatre, and proba.
bly, shall consent to create new charac-
ter-my last-in new piece they are re.
hearsing."
"May ask the name of this drama
with which your professional career is
likely to be brought to close?"
"'The name" said Tallcyrand, s.has not
yet been settled upon, but I fancy it will
be called The Revolution of 1907
AS he said these words Talleyrand was
about to Withdraw, when Potter threw of