La Chienne du Roi

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

The du Barry is discovered in her cell at Sainte-Pelagié. After some conversation with other prisoners in which she dwells on her past glories, the Abbé O'Gorman contrives to gain admission to her. He tells her that there is a means of saving a prisoner, but it can only be used once. She says 'take it to the Queen'. But the Queen has refused it, having made her peace with Heaven, and has told him to offer it to Madame du Barry, whom she no longer hates. The du Barry in turn refuses it and persists even when the Abbé tells her of her certain execution and even though she confesses to her physical terror. He gives her absolution and goes. Such is the outline of the play, which is written with all the force and propriety to be expected of its distinguished author. Recommended for Licence. G. S. Street.