Page:The life and writings of Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) (IA lifewritingsofal00spurrich).pdf/102

 himself was looked upon as immoral. Therefore, when the opportunity came to him to play a practical joke on his confrère he could not resist.

Whilst Dumas was staying in Florence about this time an actor-friend of his, named Doligny, came to him and asked permission to play some of his best-known dramas. The author gave his consent willingly, but warned the actor that the authorities would refuse him permission to perform. When Doligny returned he confessed that his friend was right—the censor had rejected the plays by "that immoral writer"—but Dumas came to the rescue. He took Doligny with him to the office of a friendly printer, and ordered new covers for the four plays in question. It was very simple:—

In place of "Richard Darlington, by A. Dumas," was printed "Ambition, or the Executioner's Son, by Eugène Scribe."

In place of "Angèle, by A. Dumas," was printed "A Ladder of Petticoats, by Eugène Scribe."

Instead of "Antony, by A. Dumas," was printed "Love's Victim, by Eugène Scribe."

"Instead of "La Tour de Nesle, by MM. Gaillardet and A. Dumas," was printed "Adultery Punished, by Eugène Scribe."

The old plays with the new coats—if we may believe Dumas—duly passed the censor without