History of the Templars

Worthy of the flattering prize that their zeal gathers,
In vain George-Camille A reference to Mlle George (Marguerite-Joséphine Weimer) and Mlle Mars (Anne-Françoise-Hippolyte Boutet), two of the most famous rival actresses of the Napoleonic era. and Phèdre-Duchenois Referring to Catherine-Joséphine Duchesnois, a celebrated tragic actress famous for her role as Phèdre. She was the great rival of Mlle George.,
Maliciously changed roles every month;
In vain Bourgoin Marie-Thérèse-Etiennette Bourgoin (1781–1833), a popular actress at the Comédie-Française known for both comedy and tragedy., Volnais Claudine-Placide Croizet-Ferreire, known as Mlle Volnais, another rising star of the early 19th-century theater., the sweet hope of the

Courted in turn Thalia The Muse of Comedy. and Melpomene The Muse of Tragedy.
And to maintain a modest competition
For two whole years they debuted every single day.
The fickle public, so fertile in whims,
Unfeelingly neglected these charming actresses.
At the theater especially, novelty pleases them.
And even if the sharp sound of an intrusive whistle
Must avenge them from the boredom of a second Oroveso Likely a reference to the character Oroveso from the tragedy Les Druides by Antoine-Marin Lemierre; the author implies the audience was tired of repetitive, old-fashioned characters.,
They wanted something new... on the French stage
Our modern authors were risked with trembling;
Simply for being newer, they were no better.
Finally you alone, armed with a modest courage,
Offer your beautiful work to the idle cabal;
It appears... enchanting wonders of beautiful verse!
Everyone pities the misfortunes of the extinct Templars.
In vain did Daniel Gabriel Daniel (1649–1728), a Jesuit historian whose History of France was critical of the Templars. The poet argues that Raynouard's play has cleared their name where history failed. pour ignominy upon them,
They are, in the eyes of this century, absolved by your genius.

Ah! Who can see, without terror, these noble warriors,
Their hearts pure and submissive, their brows wreathed in laurels,
Cowardly accused by a godless minister Likely referring to Guillaume de Nogaret, the advisor to King Philip the Fair who orchestrated the downfall of the Templars.,
Returning their innocent lives to the God they served?