This was the subject of a long conversation we had one evening after supper, particularly the 'opera-buffe' we had both seen in Italy, and with which we were highly delighted.

My sleep having forsaken me in the night, I considered in what manner it would be possible to give in France an idea of this kind of drama.

The 'Amours de Ragonde' did not in the least resemble it.
In the morning, whilst I took my walk and drank the waters, I hastily threw together a few couplets to which I adapted such airs as occurred to me at the moments.

I scribbled over what I had composed, in a kind of vaulted saloon at the end of the garden, and at tea.

I could not refrain from showing the airs to Mussard and to Mademoiselle du Vernois, his 'gouvernante', who was a very good and amiable girl.