Part 1 (1/2)

Monsieur de Pourceaugnac.

by Moliere.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC.

ORONTE, _father to_ JULIA.

eRASTE, _lover to_ JULIA.

SBRIGANI, _a Neapolitan adventurer_.

FIRST PHYSICIAN.

SECOND PHYSICIAN.

AN APOTHECARY.

A PEASANT.

A FEMALE PEASANT.

FIRST SWISS.

SECOND SWISS.

A POLICE OFFICER.

TWO INFERIOR POLICE OFFICERS.

JULIA, _daughter to_ ORONTE.

NeRINE, _an intriguing woman, supposed to come from Picardy._ LUCETTE, _supposed to come from Gascony._

The scene is in Paris.

MR. DE POURCEAUGNAC.

ACT I.

SCENE I.--eRASTE, A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, _several others performing on instruments_, DANCERS.

ERA. (_to the_ MUSICIANS _and_ DANCERS). Carry out the orders I have given you for the serenade. As for myself, I will withdraw, for I do not wish to be seen here.

SCENE II.--A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, _several others performing on instruments_, DANCERS.

LADY (_sings_).

Spread, charming night, spread over every brow The subtle scent of thy narcotic flower, And let no wakeful hearts keep vigil now Save those enthralled by love's resistless power.

More beautiful than day's most beauteous light, Thy silent shades were made for love's delight.

FIRST SINGER.

Love is sweet when none our wills oppose; Then peaceful tastes our gentle hearts dispose; But tyrants reign, who gave us birth and life.

Ah! love is sweet when love is free from strife.