The New York herald., 1922-06-18


and the characters at times cease to
be human beings and inevitably re-
mind one Of specimens. To the last
in La Possession and la Chair
Humaine"-he seems intent upon
capturing the essence that made
"Poliche" q perfect work. But he
never quite succeeded.
III.
Perhaps Bataille would have con-
sidered this play a sentimental ex-
pertinent thrown off in the days of
| his youth. It must have seemed over
simple to an analytical mind like his.
Sentimental 1t is. and in English it
would seem possibly trifle maudlin.
for it deals with banal love affair
between a commonplace man and
commonplace woman; it omits no
detail that might move an impress
sionable audience of Latins-but it
has a universal appeal. 1t deals with
a pair Of lovers and their separation
just In time to avoid the inevitable
break Poliche has taken. it into his
head that Rosine cares for him only
when he plays the buffoon. He
makes pathetic attempts to arouse
her affection, and by chance she dis
covers his innate seriousness. The
two go on to the country on their
sentimental Journey. They spend
there a few weeks Of perfect bliss.
until there arises before them the
eternal specter Of social convention,
together with the more formidable
specter, the fear that their passion
cannot last They deliberately de-
eide to separate.
The closing scene Of the play takes
place In a dark little railway station
in the country, dirty, i'll lighted, cold.
| Policfte and Rosine sit shuddering in
the corner near the bar, waiting fo,
the train which Is to take Rosine to
Paris.
Rosine-How stupid life is! How
utterly stupid! Here we are within
an ace Of being truly happy! You
have only to wish, and perhaps-hold
me by main force!
Poliche-I don't think
Rosine-Dear friend. my only
friend
/ Poliche-Now don't blame your
| self. Ours Is only little
story. nothing much-You're divine,
that's sure. Perfectly charming. (He
makes rdgue gesture in the dir)
Like that-or that! And that's the
important thing.
Rosine-You don't want me to stay
with you'll
Poliche-No. no. don't: am put
ting an end to our happiness-volun-
tarily. Repeat that to yourself, and
don't forget It when you begin to feel
| remorseful-later on. Remember, n
wanted It.
Rosine-Come with me just to Paris,
won't you? Why not? Come, It's
going to be so sad. Think of the eve
pings. in the house here! You all
alone. And our room! Come-you
can take the train back tomorrow.
Poliche (shokino his heod)-No-
mustn't
Rosine-What'l1 our friends say.
| and yours? They're looking for you?
Poliche-Bah One Poliche gone,
ten new ones are found again. How
many men there are just like me.
They amuse Paris for year or two,
smash glasses at Maxim's-hash their
way across the sky-as j did with
you-and then drop from sight I've
had predecessors. and I'll have sue
cessors! They have disappeared. as
am disappearing; going back into
circulation. People nagine they've
come to some romantic end. No, no.
/ know: they're where i am: al Lyon
at Bordeaux. selling wine i
Sundays they think about their youth
they think Of you, Rosine.
Rosine-Oh, Poliche! (The toditer
hds meantime turned on the 0ds)
The Maid tenterino) - Madame,
shall take the valise?
Rosine-Yes tMdid takes the
Udlfse.)
Maid-Shan reserve n place?
Rosine-Yes, and take the dog.
Mdid fckes dog. The train is heard
Ia the distGnce.) The traini So soon ,
Maid-They've called il.
Rosine-Go now. (Mdid goes OUT
Dearest My love Take my hand.
Press Il, press It. hard Therel Now
look into my eyes-for a long time,