Monsieur de Pourceaugnac was written in September 1669 by Molière at the Chateau de Chambord, in a village located in the former province of Orleans or the current French department of Loir-et-Cher. It is a three-act comédie ballet.
The piece was first published in Paris by Jean Ribou in a book dating from 1670.
“It is said that Pourceaugnac was made based on a gentleman Limousin. During one show, he had a quarrel with theatre actors, whom he ridiculed. To avenge this act, Molière put it into the theater and made a fun for the people, who were delighted with this piece.”
The piece premiered at the Château de Chambord for the entertainment of the King of France, Louis XIV on 6 October 1669. The work was a big success and was performed 49 times in the lifetime of its author
There are a few adaptation of “Monsieur de Pourceaugnac” like “squire Trelloby in 1704 which is an english language adaptation, but there are also operas. The fist opera adaptation was by Alberto Franchetti in 1897, then Frank Martin in 1962. Films of Moliere’s play were made in 1930 and 1985 by Michel Mitrani
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Synopsis of Monsieur de Pourceaugnac in a few words
Monsieur de Pourceaugnac is betrothed to Julie, who is the daughter of Oronte. But Julie is in love with the young and handsome Parisian Éraste and has no desire to wed Pourceaugnac. To avoid the impending marriage, Julie and Éraste ask Sbrigani for help. This one uses all of his guile to help the young couple through a series of clever deceits.
You can read this book on our site: Monsieur de Pourceaugnac bilingual French/English or download Monsieur de Pourceaugnac PDF in french
Beginning of Monsieur de Pourceaugnac
ACT I.
SCENE I.——ÉRASTE, A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, several others performing on instruments, DANCERS.
Era. (to the Musicians and Dancers). Carry out the orders I have given you for the serenade. As for myself, I will withdraw, for I do not wish to be seen here.
SCENE II.——A LADY SINGER, TWO MEN SINGERS, several others performing on instruments, DANCERS.
| LADY (sings). |
| Spread, charming night, spread over every brow The subtle scent of thy narcotic flower, And let no wakeful hearts keep vigil now Save those enthralled by love’s resistless power. More beautiful than day’s most beauteous light, Thy silent shades were made for love’s delight. |
| FIRST SINGER. |
| Love is sweet when none our wills oppose; Then peaceful tastes our gentle hearts dispose; But tyrants reign, who gave us birth and life. Ah! love is sweet when love is free from strife. |
| SECOND SINGER. |
| All who strive ‘gainst love must fall; Perfect love will conquer all. |
| ALL THREE. |
| Let us love with an eternal ardour! Let parents frown, and try in vain to cure, Absence, hardship, or cruel fortune’s rigour Will only strengthen love when true and pure. |
First entry of the Ballet.
(Dance of the two Dancing Masters.)
Second entry of the Ballet.
(Dance of the two Pages.)
Third entry of the Ballet.
(Four Spectators, who quarrelled during the dance, now dance,
sword in hand, fighting all the while.)
Fourth entry of the Ballet.
(Two Soldiers separate the combatants, and dance with them.)
SCENE III.——JULIA, ÉRASTE, NÉRINE.
Jul. Oh dear, Éraste! take care that we are not discovered. I am so afraid of being seen with you; all would be lost after the command I have received to the contrary.
Era. I see nobody about.
Jul. (to Nérine). Just keep watch, Nérine, and be careful that nobody comes.
Ner. (going to the farther end of the stage). Trust me for that: and say all you have to say to each other.
Jul. Have you thought of anything to favour our plan, Éraste? And do you think that we shall succeed in breaking off that marriage which my father has taken into his head?
Era. We are at least doing all we can for it, and we have ready many schemes to bring such an absurd notion to naught.
Ner. (running towards Julia). I say, here is your father.
Jul. Ah! let us separate quickly.
Ner. No, no; don’t go; I made a mistake.
Jul. How absurd you are, Nérine, to give us such a fright!
Era. Yes, dear Julia, we have plenty of stratagems ready for the purpose; and, in accordance with the permission you have given me, we will not hesitate to make use of every means. Do not ask me what it is we are going to do; you will have the fun of seeing it, and, as at a comedy, it will be nice for you to have the pleasure of being surprised without my letting you know beforehand what is going to take place. This is telling you that we have many schemes in hand for the occasion, and that our clever Nérine and the dexterous Sbrigani have undertaken to bring the affair to a successful issue.
Ner. Yes, we have indeed. Is your father crazy to think of entangling you with his lawyer of Limoges; that Mr. de Pourceaugnac, whom he has never seen in his life, and who comes by the coach to take you away before our very eyes? Ought three or four thousand crowns, more or less—and that, too, upon the word of your uncle—to make him refuse a lover you like? Besides, are you made for a Limousin? If he has taken it into his head to marry, why does he not take one of his own countrywomen, and let Christians be at peace? The very name of Pourceaugnac puts me in a frightful rage. I boil over with Mr. de Pourceaugnac. If it were only because of the name, I would do anything to prevent the match. No, you shall not be Mrs. de Pourceaugnac. Pourceaugnac! Was ever such a name heard of!1 No, I could never put up with Pourceaugnac; and we will abuse the man to such an extent, and play him so many tricks, that he will have to return to Limoges, Mr. de Pourceaugnac.
Era. Here is our cunning Neapolitan, who will give us news.
Read “Monsieur de Pourceaugnac” on our site: Monsieur de Pourceaugnac bilingual French/English or download Monsieur de Pourceaugnac PDF in french
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