Mercadet

He now set himself to write a play called Mercadet or the Faiseur,

Balzac Lawton, Frederick 1910

At this time, however, Balzac had in his portfolio a play quite ready to be acted -- one which had several times changed its title, being called by its author successively "Mercadet," "Le Speculateur," and

Honore de Balzac, His Life and Writings

At the time of his stay in the Rue Fortunee in 1848, he was, however, satisfied about "Mercadet," which had, as we have seen, been accepted by the Comedie Francaise; and the production of which would help, he doubtless hoped, to relieve him from his monetary difficulties.

Honore de Balzac, His Life and Writings

"Mercadet" was then offered to the Theatre Historique, and Balzac already saw in imagination his sister and his two nieces attending the first night's performance, decked out in their most elegant toilettes.

Honore de Balzac, His Life and Writings

His perseverance was destined to be rewarded, for he lived to write five dramas which fill a volume of his collected works; but only one, the posthumous comedy 'Mercadet', was even fairly successful.

Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 3 Charles Dudley Warner 1864

Twelve months later, Mercadet appears to have received the last touches, and to be awaiting only an opportunity for its representation.

Balzac 2003

Seventeen years elapsed before the Comedie Francaise at last placed Mercadet on its repertory and inaugurated the event by a special performance with Got as the Jobber.

Balzac 2003

Probably it was the burden of unfinished novels and a lurking desire to go on with Mercadet, which was lying still in its unachieved state.

Balzac 2003

To add one more detail concerning Mercadet, it was revived at the Comedie

Balzac 2003

Mercadet, — may have served, in remembrance, despite their insignificance beside the novels, which were the true drama, to awaken the attention of professional dramatists, especially as one after another story of the Comedy was dramatized.

Balzac 2003