Entrance to Morpheus

Mr. de Fondbrune was a French émigré. He came to Warsaw like many others, and from Warsaw, like many others, he came to Puławy. During the four or five days he spent there, he told countless wonderful stories every day, but in a long-winded and verbose manner, which always aroused rather dissatisfaction, not very flattering for him, but from which it was difficult to defend oneself. This was why no listener, but especially the host, allowed himself to fall into a sweet and deep sleep. The good Fondbrune, absorbed in his stories, never noticed the effect of his openness and believed we were occupied while we were asleep.

Fondbrune departed and we never saw him again, but his memory could not be erased, and his name became synonymous with sleep and a catchphrase for people who fell asleep during the day. The list was long, and when people met, they would ask each other, "Do you have a Fondbrune ?" This gave rise to endless jokes and, ultimately, a small celebration, the details of which can be seen here.

When the curtain rose, the little Genius seemed to be asleep in the middle of a rose grove. Since everything was pantomime, the music was appropriate. The little Genius (for they were boys in disguise) tiptoed around, covered with a hideous mask to frighten the one who was about to arrive. The moment he uttered a cry of awakening, a little nymph appeared and bound them, throwing a garland of flowers around them. Soon, a crowd of these charming Geniuses and equally charming nymphs appeared, rushing from all directions, joining in the fun, clapping their hands as if seeking the company of their friends. This playful group soon began to seek out other games. Races were proposed, and a wreath of flowers was awarded as the prize. The game was conducted with grace and ease. The winner, proud of her victory, placed the wreath on her forehead and soon, noticing beautiful butterflies fluttering here and there, began to chase them. All the charming little nymphets, dazzled by the bright colors of the winged insects, darted across the branches to catch them. Light as they were, none managed to catch the fleeting butterflies, which eventually disappeared into the airy mist. Then the little group wanted to dance. They lined up, and all these little creatures formed lively and light dances. At the end, the sound of a tambourine and bells heralded Madness. She arrived joyfully, moving above the charming dancers, and, leading the merry group with her clown's staff, increased the noise and merriment. From the midst of the noisy circle, a little genius came to interrupt the joy and merriment, announcing that Morpheus, whose palace was quite nearby, had been awakened by the noise and uproar, and that it must be stopped immediately, or they would face disgrace. The little troupe sprang into action, and the scene changed at the same moment. Morpheus's grotto appeared, festooned with poppies. The god of silence, his finger to his lips, stood at the entrance. Morpheus himself, sprawled softly on pillows, seemed to be sleeping in complete trust and peace. Laziness lay at his feet, on which his head rested. A moment later, there was a knock at the cave entrance. Morpheus stirred; Genius entered and signaled to him that a stranger had arrived who wished to see him. He responded with a categorical refusal. Then Genius told him, or rather shouted in his ear, that this stranger was Monsieur de Fondbrune. Morpheus almost fainted at the sound of this name, which was familiar to him. Monsieur de Fondbrune was ushered in; he threw himself into Morpheus's arms, who embraced him tenderly. Fondbrune asked permission to bring in his most faithful followers. Morpheus agreed, and to accommodate them, he ordered the assistant geniuses to bring beds, sofas, and pillows.

Each airy sleeping or resting place bore the name of the person for whom it was intended. These were the most beautifully decorated nooks in Puławy. Prince Czartoryski, his son Prince Adam, Mr. Ciesielski, and Mr. Krupiński all had their places. At that moment, the curtain fell.