BATTY'S AMPHITHEATRE

MADAME LEJARS

    This delightful equestrian is not only remarkable for her own wonderful performances, but for the extraordinary invention she is the motive of in others who would attempt to describe them in befitting epithets. To compare her to one of the CHARITES were nothing: she is the three in one, and as the bills say, "from her grace and artistical skill," is "surnamed THE TAGLIONI OF THE RING, THE DUVERNAY OF THE SADDLE, AND THE ELSSLER OF THE MENAGE!" This is a compound compliment with a vengeance; but she deserves it all; for more finish was never exhibited, even on the boards, by any dansatrice (not to say on the bare back of a cantering horse), than by Madame Lejars. To describe her innumerable feats of grace, activity, and self-possession is impossible; suffice it to say that, rapidly whirled round as she is, she never for a moment offends the eye by an awkward gesture, or causes you to be solicitous for her safety. She literally floats in the air, although apparently touching the galloping steed, and impresses one with the idea that she could remain there at will even if her footing were displaced. She is a miracle.

from The Illustrated London News, 1843