ulous, at least so far, that the truth is only remembered and repeated for the sake of the ridicule. The overturn of Mary of Medicis into a river, where she was half drowned, would never have been remembered, if Madame de Vernueil, who saw it, had not said la Reine boit. Pleasure or malignity often gives ridicule a weight, which it does not deserve. [Same date.]
Comedies.—I chiefly mind dialogue and character
in comedies. Let dull critics feed the carcasses
of plays; give me the taste and the dressing. [Feb. 6, 1752.]
The Weight of Low People.—In courts a universal
gentleness and douceur dans les manières is
most absolutely necessary: an offended fool, or a
slighted valet de chambre, may, very possibly, do
more hurt at court, than ten men of merit can do
you good. Fools, and low people, are always jealous
of their dignity; and never forget nor forgive
what they reckon a slight. [Same date.]
At Court.—There is a court garment, as well
as a wedding garment, without which you will not
be received. That garment is the volto sciolto: an
imposing air, an elegant politeness, easy and engaging
manners, universal attention, an insinuating
