Sir T. They hissed me, Hildreth.
Hildreth. Glad I am
I did not hear.
Sir T. The foulest, meanest sound,
The hatefullest! How nauseous men can be!
I think I sooner would be hissed than hiss.
The paltriness, the impotence of one
Who hisses! It hurts; it kills: a hiss can kill:
I think a hiss could kill. A curious thing,
That impotence should have the power to kill!
A strange beast, man!
[The telephone rings.
Hildreth. [At the telephone] Mark Belfry wants to see you.
Sir T. Oh! … Let him come.
Hildreth. [At the telephone] (Yes. Now.)
Sir T. I needed this—
To be well hissed: a shower-bath for the soul:
It strengthens me. An actor can't be great?
I think he can.
[Enter Mark Belfry.]
Well Belfry, how are you?