368 AN EVENING WITH RACHEI The Poet — How you read that letter, this evening ! You were really moved. Rachel — Yes ; it seemed to me as if something within me was going to give way. But it is no matter ; I do not like that piece much. It is false. The Poet — Do you prefer the plays of Corneille and Racine ? Rachel — I like Corneille very much ; and yet, he is sometimes trivial, sometimes bombastic. He comes short of the truth. The Poet — ! gently, mademoiselle ! Rachel — Let us see. When in Horace, for example, Sabine says : " One can change a lover, but not a hus- band ; " well, I don't like it. It is gross. The Poet — You will confess, at least, that it is true. Rachel — Yes ; but is it worthy of Corneille ? Talk to me of Racine ! There is a man I adore ! All that he says is so beautiful, so true, so noble. The Poet — Speaking of Racine, do you remember receiving some time ago an anonymous letter which gave you advice respecting the last scene in " Mithridate " ? Rachel — Perfectly ; I followed the advice given me, and ever since I have always been applauded in that scene. Do you know the person that wrote to me ? The Poet — Very well ; she is the woman in all Paris who has the greatest mind and the smallest foot. What part are you studying now ? Rachel — We are going to play this summer, " Marie Stuart," and afterwards, " Polyeucte," and, perhaps — The Poet— Well ? Rachel (striking the table) — Well, I wish to play Phedre ! They tell me I am too young, that I am too thin, and a hundred other follies. I simply reply : It is the most beautiful role of Racine ; I aspire to play it. Sarah — My dear, perhaps you are wrong.
