Passages from the Life of a Philosopher

The Philosopher in a Tableau at the Feet of Beauty -- Tableau encored -- Philosopher at the Opera of Don Juan -- Visits the Waterworks above and the dark expanse below the Stage -- Seized by two Devils on their way up to fetch Juan -- Cheated the Devils by springing off to a beam at an infinite distance, just as his head appeared to the Audience through the trap-door -- The Philosopher writes a Ballet -- Its rehearsal -- Its high moral tone -- Its rejection on the ground of the probable combustion of the Opera-house.

I was never particularly devoted to theatrical representations. Tragedy I disliked, and comedy, which I enjoyed, frequently excited my feelings more than the dignity of the philosophic character sanctioned. In fact, I could not stand the reconciliation scenes.