The Romancers: A Comedy in Three Acts

SCENE: The stage is divided by an old wall, covered with vines and flowers. At the right, a corner of BERGAMIN's private park; at the left, a corner of PASQUINOT's. On each side of the wall, and against it, is a rustic bench. As the curtain rises, PERCINET is seated on the top of the wall. On his knee is a book, out of which he is reading to SYLVETTE, who stands attentively listening on the bench which is on the other side of the wall.

SYLVETTE. Monsieur Percinet, how divinely beautiful!

PERCINET. Is it not? Listen to what Romeo answers: [Reading]


"It was the lark, the herald of the morn,


No nightingale: look, love, what envious streaks


Do lace the severing clouds in yonder east.


Night's candles are burnt out, and jocund day


Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops:


I must be gone"—