The Miser

Harpagon thinks that his children are costing him too much money and must be married off. He has found an old man who won't demand a dowry for his daughter, Elise, and a rich widow for his son, Cleante. Unfortunately Elise is already in love with Harpagon's servant, and his son is in love with the penniless Mariane, whom Harpagon has already decided to take as his own wife. While seeking rest from daily care, I learned that Monsieur Moliere, The darling of the muses nine, Whose blessings flow on him like wine, Is now presenting on the stage yes, he's the idol of the age A Miser who diverts us all; And not a little bit. His thrall Encompasses; his scope is vast; He makes us laugh from first to last. He speaks in prose and not in verse; But the effect is none the worse. His prose is so theatrical; Its essence is dramatical. This Miser, then, whose praise one sings, Is prodigal in comic things. What's more, the acting's excellent. Your time could not be better spent. -Charles Robinet, Letters in Verse, Paris, 15 September 1668