Letter to the Countess of T. on a Second French Theater in Paris

a Courtesan, to H.R.H. the Regent, in 1720. Regent Memoirs.

Let us unite, Madame, with all the Honest-people, to raise our voices toward the Throne, and implore our young Monarch to grant a privilege to two different Companies, to build at their own cost and expense two Theater Halls (*) on the new Boulevards: I designate the new Boulevards for two reasons. The first is that the gathering of these two Theaters, and the influx of Spectators, will make these places, sometimes a bit deserted, more lively. The second is that the buildings of these two Halls will adorn the Ramparts, and will provide the Citizens with another pleasure; it is that before entering, or when leaving, people will be able to enjoy the promenade: a pleasure as agreeable as it is healthy. In one (towards the Porte S. Bernard), will be a second French Theater, whose Troupe that will play there will take the name of Comedians of Monsieur, if H.R.H. deems it appropriate: in the other, (near the Combat du

(*) The first-class seats would be only 4 livres pounds 4 sols sous, the second 3 livres, the third 36 sols, and the pit one livre.