Life — April 17, 1884 — page 4: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

214 -*LIFE: SOME IMPRESSIONS. AY we not look forward half a century or_less and expect to read and compare extracts some- what as follows : From_ Mlle, Marie Colombier’s “Tour Through America.” America is far more pleasant than I had anticipated; the people are genial and enthusi- astic. After all, American audi- ences are cold, and one misses the nerve and elan of agenuine Parisian public. The Americans are boors, and I have not yet met a sin- gle gentleman or lady. Their manners are all simply atroci- ous. From Mathew Arnold's After- math, With an uncanny and almost regretful hesitation I plucked up my courage to explore the wilds of America and to mix with the uncultured throngs that bid fair to drown the sweetness and light of letters with the hum and grime of new and tirelessly busy fac- tories. * * * * * I thank the Giver of Light for America! The keen ap- preciation of its in-dwellers for all that is broad and fine, the calm reflection over adverse From the ‘Private Diary of the Late Mile. Colombier.”” M. Grau promises an in- creased salary, and that my name shall be on the posters in type as large a/most as Sara's. Sara has insisted on much of my best by-play being sup- pressed because it detracts from her applause. In the provinces we have played to miserable houses. Expenses scarcely paid. Sala- ries are to be reduced for all but Sara, From ‘ The Private Diary and Busi- ness Correspondene of the la- mented Matthew Arnold.” Mr. D’Oyle Carte has guar- anteed me a round sum for a lecturing tour in America. I do not feel quite satisfied with his financial responsibility, but he is certainly good for all ex- penses, at least, so I shall have a free excursion—shall adver- tise my books, and peep at the ultra-marine, double-dyed Phil- istines. * * * * * The Rubicon is passed. Our expenses were light. I spent 112 days in America, and was criticism, the majestic breadth and generosity even of their Philistinism, and their graceful habit of ascribing to me all that any Arnold ever wrote, are traits enough to challege even an Englishman’s respect and love, From Henry Irving's “ Notes on merica. There is no place I would rather live in than England, except America ; and, in fact, when America becomes a trifle more English it will be the choicer place of the two. Bostonians have far more tact and a more correct esti- mate of the claims of talent than have the citizens of other places. “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious by the Sun of York.” What in- telligence ! What fine and deli- cate perceptive faculties ! What an utter absence of prejudice ! The Americans are truly a grand and noble nation. invited to 197 dinners and re- ceptions. Accepted 148 and live to tell the tale. I met but one Englishman—alas! his mal addresse—and he was a tallow- Chandler. Deposited in bank £4008 175. 4d. as the net profits of the trip. From Henry Irving's Private iary. My début was an immense success, and in my speech I worked in a good word for Ellen. I was received in great state at Boston, and was given a ban- quet at the Paperers’ Club—and mirabile dictu—Ellen was also invited, and, what is more, went, Abbey is getting double prices everywhere. The family circle reserved seats (1s. in London) are going off rapidly at $1.50 (or 65.), and orchestra stall at $3. Whew! Our sucess is so great that we are coming again. 749 critics have talked about my mannerisms. 'T is well; without them ’t would be for the critics ‘‘ Othello’s occupa- tion ’s gone !” THE INCONSTANT MUSE. “A goddess, yet a woman still, She flies the more that we pursue her.” —Dodson. IKE all her sex the Muse is fickle, For when in summer-time I show A tendancy to turn a nickel By singing of the golden glow, She whispers only of the snow ; And when the winter winds, rapacious, Across the white drifts bitter blow, And I again beg her be gracious, That I may sing of want and woe And misery, etcetera, She’s like the girl who, when you go To ask permission of Mama, Discovers still another beau, And welcomes your return with ‘* No!” F. D. SHERMAN. A CHANCE acquaintance—The.man who runs a faro-bank. POPPING A QUESTION. Tom; Dip you KNow, ETHEL, THAT YOU HAD -TWO Papas? Ethel (surprised): Wy, no! Tom: Yes; YOU HAVE YOUR REAL PAPA AND YOUR CORN- POPPER. Tue Rev. Heber Newton is men- tioned as the possible new Professor of Enigmatical Theology at Hobart College. comicbooks.com