Polichinelle, a “broken old man” with a beard and white hair, enters the scene followed by some Gamins (Kids) making fun of him. The Génie de la Fontaine Molière (the Fontaine Molière Genie) appears, chases away the Gamins and comforts Polichinelle: he complains about his old age and relates his past achievements in Italy, Germany, England and France. They are both sorry for the death of writer Charles Nodier (1780-1844), who had praised Polichinelle. The Génie makes the statue of Molière that ornates the fountain appear, and he tells Polichinelle to drink from the fountain. Polichinelle obeys and immediately rejuvenates. Arlequin, Colombine, Pierrot, Léandre and Cassandre appear with the cast of a ballet who invites Polichinelle to join everyone and dance.

Not specified

France

Paris

Manuscript

Old age

Aging

Laughter

Fantasy

Didactic

La Fontaine de jouvence, page from the manuscript

French

Polichinelle

Genie

Child

Personnages de l'ancienne Comédie Italienne

Arlecchino

Cassandre

Colombine

Pierrot

Leandre

Dancer

Multi-voice shouting

Play in verse

Avista

Change of age

Ballet

La Fontaine de jouvence

The Fountain of Youth