"I am changing all my views about so-called 'literary' dialogue. It means pedantry. The great thing is to be lively."
"I am changing all my views about so-called 'literary' dialogue. It means pedantry. The great thing is to be lively."
"A first night at the Lyceum" was an institution. I don't think that it has its parallel nowadays. It was not, however, to the verdict of all the brilliant friends who came to see us on the first night that Henry Irving attached importance. I remember some one saying to him after the first night of "[Ravenswood]": "I don't fancy that your hopes will be quite fulfilled about the play. I heard one or two on Saturday night—"
"Ah yes," said Henry very carelessly and gently, "but you see there were so many friends there that night who didn't pay—friends. One must not expect too much from friends! The paying public will, I think, decide favorably."
Henry never cared much for society, as the saying is—but as host in the [Beefsteak Room] he thoroughly enjoyed himself, and every one who came to his suppers seemed happy! Every conceivable type of person used to be present—and there, if one had the mind[16] one could study the world in little.
One of the liveliest guests was [Sir Francis Burnand]—who entirely contradicted the theory that professional comedians are always the most gloomy of men in company.
A Sunday evening with the Burnand family at their home in The Bottoms was a treat Henry Irving and I often looked forward to—a particularly restful, lively evening. I think a big family—a "party" in itself—is the only "party" I like. Some of the younger Burnands have greatly distinguished themselves, and they are all perfect dears, so unaffected, kind, and genial.
Sir Francis never jealously guarded his fun for Punch. He was always generous with it. Once when my son had an exhibition of his pictures, I asked Mr. Burnand, as he was then, to go and see it or send some one on Mr. Punch's staff. He answered characteristically!
"WHITEFRIARS,
"London, E.C.
"My dear Ellen Terry,—
"Delighted to see your hand—'wish your face were with it' (Shakespeare).
"Remember me (Shakespeare again—'Hamlet') to our Sir Henry. May you both live long and prosper!
"GORDON CRAIG'S PICTURES
He opens his show
A day I can't go.
Any Friday
Is never my day.
But I'll see his pictures
(Praise and no strictures)
'Ere this day week;
Yet I can't speak
Of them in print
(I might give a hint)
Till each on its shelf
I've seen for myself.
I've no one to send.
Now I must end.
None I can trust,
So go I must.
Yours most trulee
V'la F.C.B.
All well here,
All send love.
Likewise misses
Lots of kisses.
From all in this 'ere shanty
To you who don't play in Dante!
What a pity!
Whuroo-oo
Oo-oo-oo!"