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I must inform you, gentlemen, this play is a masterpiece.

Yes, answered Learchus, that is customary; a reading is seldom begun till something like this has first been said; but you need not fear, my lord, we shall none of us speak a word of what we think, we will load you with penises.

Tarsis was confounded to hear him; he could not conceive it possible to carry truth and indiscretion so far. The genius smiled— Yes, said he, I can depend upon your sincerity, and am well assured you will be obliged to praise what you shall hear. Know then, gentlemen, you will melt into tears during the first and second act, laugh at every speech in the third and fourth, and he astonished to find the fifth so sublime. The style is elegant and pure, the characters natural and well sustained, the plot artfully managed, and the dénoucment admirable.

Very frank, upon my word! cried Tarsis. Authors usually say as much, but it is in a far-fetched and ambiguous manner. For my

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