BASTONADE in ONE ACT

and in VERSE and ONE COUPLET with the COLLABORATION of M. PAUL SIRAUDIN

First performed at the Théâtre des Variétés, April 7, 1845, and revived at the Théâtre de l'Odéon, November 30, 1872.

The scene is in front of Geronte's house, in a public square.

F

SCENE I

FRONTIN, MARinette

RONTIN enters. (Aside).- What! Marinette here!

MARINETTE (also aside). - Frontin !
Who would have thought it!

FRONTIN (aside). — The wretch!
MARINETTE (aside). — The rascal!

FRONTIN (aside).—I shall have to show myself. She has seen me. (Aloud.) Good morning,

Marinette.

MARINETTE. Good morning, Frontin.

--

good friend is back?

So my

FRONTIN.I got back yesterday only. I was in the country, on my estate.

MARINETTE.Why, I thought you were in the

penitentiary.

FRONTIN.You flatter me. But I seem to have heard that for lack of a château where you might the summer spend, you six months did while away

nay, do not blush for it; such a thing may happen to the best, within the Reformatory.

MARINETTE.Whence I issued the very same day when, through some misunderstanding, no doubt, that uncle of yours on the public square was hanged.

FRONTIN. Alas, yes! In

with company

your sire.

He was a worthy man. Heaven envied earth for having him, and so the air had to be put between them. Ha ha! ha!

MARINETTE.

Let us drop dangerous subjects. What is the use of recalling such trifles? Everybody is apt to be unfortunate, and if perchance among our

ttttttttttttte che le she ate te te staat

relatives we count some of those great minds which are not understood or appreciated by narrow-minded judges, is that a reason for publicly proclaiming it? No; that is not the way between friends.

FRONTIN. You are right. Let us the subject change. What are you doing now?

MARINETTE. Nothing contrary to virtue.

MARINETTE.—I am merely advising a young lady oppressed by a grievous guardian.

FRONTIN.Where did you get
Where did you get a character?
MARINETTE. You insolent fellow!

FRONTIN.Come, do not get mad. I was only joking. I have the highest regard for you.

MARINETTE. - Be done with your chaff. What is your lordship doing at present?

FRONTIN. I am in the service of a gentleman in love, confound him. I get very little profit and plenty of hard work. I have to turn my hand to anything. Ah! if only fate had caused me to be born master instead of servant, I swear I should not have taken him for my valet. It is not easy to be a valet. It is a hard trade; we are expected to be patterns of every virtue; many a hero would prove but a poor servant. Masters! I

should like to know what they would do without us, the brutes.

MARINETTE. That is all very fine, but suppose some one were to tell your master what you say?

FRONTIN.

have vices.

He would only laugh. He likes me; I

MARINETTE.—Which are of great service to his. FRONTIN.I own it. I am clever, but he is in love, and these two faults each other console.

MARINETTE. That is the way with me; for of what use could I be to my timid maid were I too simple-minded?

FRONTIN. You can be trusted to do your duty, Marinette. And by the way, And by the way, I should like to know what is the motive that leads you, at this unseasonable hour, to roam around this place.

MARINETTE. Like yourself, Frontin, I am in a position to commit an indiscretion. I commit it. Why do you, dear rascal, prowl round here, your cap over your eyes, and your cloak on your

shoulder?

FRONTIN. - You answer my question, and I'll answer yours.

MARINETTE. You know that you can get nothing from me for the asking. I am a woman of principles.