In the latter part of the reign of Louis XV. of France the masquerade
was an entertainment in high estimation, and was often given, at an
immense cost, on court days, and such occasions of rejoicing. As
persons of all ranks might gain admission to these spectacles,
provided they could afford the purchase of the ticket, very strange
_rencontres_ frequently took place at them, and exhibitions almost as
curious, in the way of disguise or assumption of character. But
perhaps the most whimsical among the genuine surprises recorded at
any of these spectacles was that which occurred in Paris on the 15th
of October, on the day when the Dauphin (son of Louis XV.) attained
the age of one-and-twenty.
At this fête, which was of a peculiarly glittering character--so much
so, that the details of it are given at great length by the
historians of the day--the strange demeanour of a man in a green
domino, early in the evening, excited attention. This mask, who
showed nothing remarkable as to figure--though tall, rather, and of
robust proportion--seemed to be gifted with an _appetite_, not merely
past human conception, but passing the fancies of even romance.
The dragon of old, who churches ate
(He used to come on a Sunday),
Whole congregations were to him
But a dish of Salmagundi,--
he was but a nibbler--a mere fool--to this stranger of the green
domino. He passed from chamber to chamber--from table to table of
refreshments--not tasting, but devouring--devastating--all before
him. At one board he despatched a fowl, two-thirds of a ham, and
half-a-dozen bottles of champagne; and, the very next moment, he was
found seated in another apartment performing the same feat, with a
stomach better than at first. This strange course went on until the
company (who at first had been amused by it) became alarmed and
tumultuous.
"Is it the same mask--or are there several dressed alike?" demanded
an officer of guards as the green domino rose from a seat opposite to
him and quitted the apartment.
"I have seen but one--and, by Heaven, here he is again," exclaimed
the party to whom the query was addressed.
The green domino spoke not a word, but proceeded straight to the
vacant seat which he had just left, and again commenced supping, as
though he had fasted for the half of a campaign.
At length the confusion which this proceeding created became
universal; and the cause reached the ear of the Dauphin.
"He is the very devil, your highness!" exclaimed an old
nobleman--"saving your Highness's presence--or wants but a tail to
be so!"
"Say, rather he should be some famished poet, by his appetite,"
replied the Prince, laughing. "But there must be some juggling; he
spills all his wine, and hides the provisions under his robe."
Even while they were speaking, the green domino entered the room in
which they were talking, and, as usual, proceeded to the table of
refreshments.
"See here, my lord!" cried one--"I have seen him do this thrice!"
"I, twice!"--"I, five times!"--"and I, fifteen."
This was too much. The master of the ceremonies was questioned. He
knew nothing--and the green domino was interrupted as he was carrying
a bumper of claret to his lips.
"The Prince's desire is, that Monsieur who wears the green domino
should unmask." The stranger hesitated.
"The command with which his Highness honours Monsieur is perfectly
absolute."
Against that which is absolute there is no contending. The green man
threw off his mask and domino; and proved to be a private trooper of
the Irish dragoons!
"And in the name of gluttony, my good friend (not to ask how you
gained admission), how have you contrived," said the Prince, "to sup
to-night so many times?"
"Sire, I was but beginning to sup, with reverence be it said, when
your royal message interrupted me."
"Beginning!" exclaimed the Dauphin in amazement; "then what is it I
have heard and seen? Where are the herds of oxen that have
disappeared, and the hampers of Burgundy? I insist upon knowing how
this is!"
"It is Sire," returned the soldier, "may it please your Grace, that
the troop to which I belong is to-day on guard. We have purchased one
ticket among us, and provided this green domino, which fits us all.
By which means the whole of the front rank, being myself the last
man, have supped, if the truth must be told, at discretion; and the
leader of the rear rank, saving your Highness's commands, is now
waiting outside the door to take his turn."