Ferdinand De Villeneuve

Louis XIV and the Flower Girl of the Orangery Ferdinand De Villeneuve

Although the authors of this short play are forgotten, and the play was written as a vaudeville with songs and music, they managed to pack some interesting ideas into what was intended to be a non-literary, popular entertainment. The callousness of the nobility, and their pride is juxtaposed to the boorish manners of a rich cattle merchant who balks at paying too high a price for being ennobled. Also, the cynical attitude of the King in selling noble titles to pay for his exorbitant lifestyle, and his attitude toward the poor. Tax them heavily, and pay them off with their own money. Similarly, the romantic escapades and intrigues of the King and his mistress Madame de Montespan, are swiftly, but accurately depicted. His roving eye and her watchful jealousy. It is a fine example proving that theatre can be entertaining yet pack a powerful punch. And that the talents of forgotten writers should not be dismissed out of hand.