.

It seems not a little singular, that this taste in comedy should have
survived all the disorders of the revolution, and remained unchanged
amid the general diffusion of military habits and manners. This may be
partly explained by the circumstance, that the judges by whom theatrical
exhibitions are mainly regulated, are stationary at Paris, while the
men, whose actions have stamped the French character of the present day,
have been dispersed over the world. But it must certainly be admitted,
that the _taste_ of the French has not undergone an alteration
corresponding with that which is so obvious in their _manners_; and has
not degenerated to the degree that might have been expected, from the
diffusion of revolutionary ideas and licentious habits. The Theatre
Francais affords perhaps the best specimen that now remains of the style
of conversation, and manners, and costume, of the old school of French
politeness.

For the representation of pieces bearing the general character which we
have described, the French are certainly better fitted than any other
people,--their native gaiety and sprightliness of disposition,--the
polish which their manners so readily acquire,--their irrepressible
confidence and self-conceit,--their love of shewing off, and attracting
attention, give really a stage effect to many of their serious actions,
and to almost all their trifling conversation and amusements. Hence, a
stranger is particularly struck with the uniform excellence of the comic
acting on the French stage; all the inferior parts ate sustained with
spirit, and originality, and discriminating judgment; all the actors are
at their ease, and a regular genteel comedy is as well acted
throughout, as a farce is on the London stage.

The greatest comic actor at the Theatre Francais is Fleury. He is an
actor completely fitted for the French style of comedy. He gives you the
idea of a perfect gentleman, with much wit and liveliness, and
consummate confidence and self-possession; who delivers himself with
inimitable archness and pleasantry, but without the least exaggeration
or buffoonery; who has too high an opinion of himself and his powers, to
descend to broad jokes or allusions belonging to the lower kinds of
humour. Those who have an accurate recollection of the admirable acting
of Irish Johnstone, in the characters of Major O'Flaherty, or Sir Lucius
O'Trigger, will have a better conception, than any description of ours
can convey,