I have given my piece to the public, to amuse, and not to instruct, not to give any compounding prudes the pleasure of going to admire it in a private box, and balancing their account with conscience by censuring it in company.

To indulge in the pleasure of vice and assume the credit of virtue is the hypocrisy of the age.

My piece is not of a doubtful nature; it must be patronised in good earnest, or avoided altogether; therefore, with all respect to you, I shall keep my box." This letter was circulated all over Paris for a week.] Under the persuasion that there was not a passage left capable of malicious or dangerous application, Monsieur attended the first performance in a public box.

The mad enthusiasm of the public in favour of the piece and Monsieur's just displeasure are well known.

The author was sent to prison soon afterwards, though his work was extolled to the skies, and though the Court durst not suspend its performance.
The Queen testified her displeasure against all who had assisted the author of the "Mariage de Figaro" to deceive the King into giving his consent that it should be represented.