按键盘上方向键 ← 或 → 可快速上下翻页，按键盘上的 Enter 键可回到本书目录页，按键盘上方向键 ↑ 可回到本页顶部！
————未阅读完？加入书签已便下次继续阅读！
What the people who meet these artists occasionally at a private
concert or behind the scenes during the intense strain of a representation；
take too readily for monumental egoism and conceit； is； the greater part of
the time； merely the desire for a sustaining word； a longing for the
stimulant of praise。
All actors and singers are but big children； and must be humored and
petted like children when you wish them to do their best。 It is necessary
for them to feel in touch with their audiences； to be assured that they are
not falling below the high ideals formed for their work。
Some winters ago a performance at the opera nearly came to a
standstill because an all…conquering soprano was found crying in her
dressing…room。 After many weary moments of consolation and questioning；
it came out that she felt quite sure she no longer had any talent。 One of the
other singers had laughed at her voice； and in consequence there was
nothing left to live for。 A half…hour later； owing to judicious 〃treatment；〃
she was singing gloriously and bowing her thanks to thunders of applause。
33
… Page 34…
Worldly Ways and Byways
Rather than blame this divine discontent that has made man what he is
to…day； let us glorify and envy it； pitying the while the frail mortal vessels
it consumes with its flame。 No adulation can turn such natures from their
goal； and in the hour of triumph the slave is always at their side to whisper
the word of warning。 This discontent is the leaven that has raised the
whole loaf of dull humanity to better things and higher efforts； those
privileged to feel it are the suns that illuminate our system。 If on these
luminaries observers have discovered spots； it is well to remember that
these blemishes are but the defects of their qualities； and better far than the
total eclipse that shrouds so large a part of humanity in colorless
complacency。
It will never be known how many master…pieces have been lost to the
world because at the critical moment a friend has not been at hand with the
stimulant of sympathy and encouragement needed by an overworked；
straining artist who was beginning to lose confidence in himself； to soothe
his irritated nerves with the balm of praise； and take his poor aching head
on a friendly shoulder and let him sob out there all his doubt and
discouragement。
So let us not be niggardly or ungenerous in meting out to struggling
fellow…beings their share； and perchance a little more than their share of
approbation and applause； poor enough return； after all； for the pleasure
their labors have procured us。 What adequate compensation can we mete
out to an author for the hours of delight and self…forgetfulness his talent
has brought to us in moments of loneliness； illness； or grief？ What can pay
our debt to a painter who has fixed on canvas the face we love？
The little return that it is in our power to make for all the joy these
gifted fellow…beings bring into our lives is （closing our eyes to minor
imperfections） to warmly applaud them as they move upward； along their
stony path。
34
… Page 35…
Worldly Ways and Byways
CHAPTER 8 … Slouch
I SHOULD like to see； in every school…room of our growing country；
in every business office； at the railway stations； and on street corners； large
placards placed with 〃Do not slouch〃 printed thereon in distinct and
imposing characters。 If ever there was a tendency that needed nipping in
the bud （I fear the bud is fast becoming a full…blown flower）； it is this
discouraging national failing。
Each year when I return from my spring wanderings； among the
benighted and effete nations of the Old World； on whom the untravelled
American looks down from the height of his superiority； I am struck anew
by the contrast between the trim； well…groomed officials left behind on one
side of the ocean and the happy…go… lucky； slouching individuals I find on
the other。
As I ride up town this unpleasant impression deepens。 In the 〃little
Mother Isle〃 I have just left； bus…drivers have quite a coaching air； with hat
and coat of knowing form。 They sport flowers in their button…holes and
salute other bus…drivers； when they meet； with a twist of whip and elbow
refreshingly correct； showing that they take pride in their calling； and have
been at some pains to turn themselves out as smart in appearance as
finances would allow。
Here； on the contrary； the stage and cab drivers I meet seem to be
under a blight； and to have lost all interest in life。 They lounge on the box；
their legs straggling aimlessly； one hand holding the reins； the other
hanging dejectedly by the side。 Yet there is little doubt that these
heartbroken citizens are earning double what their London CONFRERES
gain。 The shadow of the national peculiarity is over them。
When I get to my rooms； the elevator boy is reclining in the lift； and
hardly raises his eye…lids as he languidly manoeuvres the rope。 I have seen
that boy now for months； but never when his boots and clothes were
brushed or when his cravat was not riding proudly above his collar。 On
occasions I have offered him pins； which he took wearily； doubtless
because it was less trouble than to refuse。 The next day； however； his
cravat again rode triumphant； mocking my efforts to keep it in its place。
35
… Page 36…
Worldly Ways and Byways
His hair； too； has been a cause of wonder to me。 How does he manage to
have it always so long and so unkempt？ More than once； when expecting
callers； I have bribed him to have it cut； but it seemed to grow in the night；
back to its poetic profusion。
In what does this noble disregard for appearances which characterizes
American men originate？ Our climate； as some suggest； or
discouragement at not all being millionaires？ It more likely comes from an
absence with us of the military training that abroad goes so far