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?]

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.

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$to Lisette, makes signs of magnetism ; then, in a whisper,] I am in love with you ; feign to be so with me. Lis. 1 am in earnest, without feigning, La Fleur, (r. c.) So much the better; it will appear more natural. [Returns to the Doctor.\ It’s done ; observe how she looks at me. [During this, the Marquis and Con¬ stance are exchanging sighs.] Doc. (l.) What an art! La Fleur, (l.) But I will shew its power in a manner yet more astonishing. Con. [ To the Marquis, in a low voice ] I was on the point of being married to my guardian. Doc. Is it possible ? Mar. [Forgetting himself, and in warmth.] Distraction! that must never be. [Doctor turns to him in surprise; Li¬ cet te perceiving him.] Lis. Oh, heavens ! look to the patient. La Fleur. One of his fits has seized him, [Marquis pre¬ tends a fit.] but it’s nothing, it will soon be over. Mar. Nay, do not hide yourself; oh ! oh ! that I could plunge this steel [Holds up his handkerchief.] a hundred times in that detestable heart; come on, monster, and ac¬ knowledge thy conqueror, expiring under this hand. Doc. I’ll go into the next room ; it is me, I believe, he is going to kill. [Going over to r. of Marquis. La Fleur, (l.) But he has no weapon ; don’t be afraid. Con. [To La Fleur.] Oh, dear sir, relieve him from this terrible fit. Doc- Do; I beg, you will. La Fleur. I cannot wholly relieve him at present; but you, shall see me change the manner of his raving : behold my power. [Pretends to magnetise.] See, his countenance changes ; his looks express tenderness—now it is no lon¬ ger fury that transports him; but the soft languor of love now pervades his senses. Mar. [Looking at Constance, who is R. c.] Oh ! charm¬ ing Arpasia. La Fleur. Arpasia was the name of his first love ; he fancies himself near to her. [Marquis rises from his chair, and kneels to Constance.] Mar. Is it you, then, whom I behold ; but, alas! you do not suspect what I have suffered in your absence ; and I only retain my life, in the pleasing hope of one day passing it with you, and rendering yours as happy as my own ; what am I to think of this silence ? You do not answer to$