"On Thursday, July 8, 1790, in Lille's municipal ballroom, the famous Saint-Georges was the principal antagonist in a brilliant fencing tournament. Though ill, he fought with that grace which is his trademark. Lightning is no faster than his arms and in spite of running a fever, he demonstrated astonishing vigor." Two days later looking worse but in need of funds, he offered another assault, this one for the officers of the garrison. But his illness proved so serious that it sent him to bed for six long weeks. The diagnosis according to medical science at the time was "brain fever" (probably meningitis). Unconscious for days, he was taken in and nursed by some kind citizens of Lille. While still bedridden, deeply grateful to the people who were caring for him, Saint-Georges began to compose an opera for Lille's theater company. Calling it "Guillome tout Coeur, ou les amis du village", he dedicated it to the citizens of Lille. ""Guillaume" is an opera in one act. ...The music by Saint-George is full of sweet warmth of motion and spirit...Its pieces distinguished by their melodic lines and the vigor of their harmony. The public...made the hall resound with its justly reserved applause." It was to be his last opera, lost, including its libretto.