Animal magnetism: a farce, in three acts ... / With remarks, biographical and critical, by D---G. [i.e. George Daniel] Mrs. Inchbald.

  • Elizabeth Inchbald
Date:
[1830?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Animal magnetism: a farce, in three acts ... / With remarks, biographical and critical, by D---G. [i.e. George Daniel] Mrs. Inchbald. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    17/34 page 17
    Doc. Very true. Lis. Well, I must own I love a theatre. La Fleur. The worst place of all, to frequent—once in my life, I was present at a theatrical representation; but such a piece did I see,—ah ! the most dangerous for a young woman to be present at. Lis. [Eagerly crossing, r.] Pray, sir, vyhat was it ? La Fleur. An honest gentleman, of about seventy years of age, was before the audience in love with a young lady of eighteen, whom he had brought up fromJier infancy, and whom he meant to make his wife. Doc. Very natural. La Fleur. A young gentleman of the neighbourhood, because he was young, rich, and handsome, imagined he would suit the lady better. Doc. Just like them all. . ^ La Fleur. He therbfs^esgmsed his valet, who, under the mask of friendship, introduced himself to this good man, the guardian. Doc. A villain! he deserved to be hanged. La Fleur. And seized the moment when be embraced him as I now embrace you—to stretch out his hand, while it was behind him, and convey a letter to the lady’s wait¬ ing maid. [La Fleur embraces the Doctor, and exchanges letters with Lisette; Lisette gives the letter she receives to Constance ; La Fleur puts the other into his pocket.] Lis. And she gave him another.—I have seen the play myself;—and it was very well acted. [She retires up, r„ La Fleur. And is it not scandalous to put such examples before young people ? Con. And pray, Doctor, do you think I am not under sufficient confinement, that you take the same methods to make me still more unhappy. La Fleur. [To the Doctor.] Why does your ward dis¬ like confinement ? Doc. Because she dislikes me. La Fleur. Are you sure of that ? Doc. Yes, I think I am. Con. I am dying with curiosity to read my letter. [Aside, and exit, r. La Fleur. This wand shall cause in her sentiments the very reverse. In this is a magnet which shall change her disposition. Take it, [Gives the wand.] and, while you keep it, she will be constrained to love you with the most ardent passion.
    digitised image 1
    digitised image 2
    digitised image 3