It is true my composition, unequal and without rule, was sometimes sublime, and at others insipid, as that of a person who forms himself in an art by the soarings of his own genius, unsupported by science, must necessarily be.

Rameau pretended to see nothing in me but a contemptible pilferer, without talents or taste.

The rest of the company, among whom I must distinguish the master of the house, were of a different opinion.

M.de Richelieu, who at that time frequently visited M.and Madam de la Popliniere, heard them speak of my work, and wished to hear the whole of it, with an intention, if it pleased him, to have it performed at court.

The opera was executed with full choruses, and by a great orchestra, at the expense of the king, at M.de Bonneval's intendant of the Menus; Francoeur directed the band.