| Citation |
GG(J.775.031
13 Sep 1775:21 (623)
Singular Anecdote relative to Ventriloquism.
. . . [long narrative set in France.]
In a short time the voice from the roof renewed its
lamentation and reproaches, and the whole convent fell on
their faces and vowed a solemn reparation. As a first step,
they chanted a De profundus in full choir; . . .
Several other instances of M. St. Gille's talent are
related. He is not, however, the only ventriloquist now in
being. The author, in the course of his enquiries on this
subject, was informed that the Baron de Mengen, a German
Nobleman possessed this art in a very high degree.
The Baron has also constructed a little puppet or doll
(the lower jaw of which he moves by a particular
contrivance) with which he holds a spirited kind of
dialogue. In the course of it, the little virago is so
impertinent, that at last he thrusts her into his pocket;
from whence she seems, to those present, to grumble and
complain of her hard treatment. Some time ago, the Baron,
who was then at the court of Bareish, being in company with
the Prince de Deux-Ponts, and another noblemen, amused them
with this scene. An Irish officer, who was then present,
was so firmly persuaded that the Baron's doll was a real
living animal, previously taught by him to repeat these
responses, that he watched his opportunity at the close of
the dialogue, and suddenly made an attempt to snatch it from
his pocket. The little doll, as if in danger of being
suffocated, during the struggle occasioned by this attempt,
called out for help, and screamed incessantly from the
pocket till the officer desisted. She then became silent;
and the Baron was obliged to take her out from thence, to
convince him by handling her, that she was a mere piece of
wood.
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