Caricature of Mme. Sarah Bernhardt by Capiello.
Long-continued applause greeted these beautiful verses, and it was felt that the greatest success of the occasion had fallen to M. Rostand. At this moment Sarah’s emotion reached its height. She stood, with heaving breast, pale as the camellias about her. Her trembling lips endeavoured to shape themselves into a grateful smile, but the tears were gathering in her eyes. Her hands were clasped with all her strength over her heart as if to keep it from bursting forth. No spectacle could be finer than this woman, whose unconquerable energy had withstood the struggles and difficulties of a thirty-years career, standing overwhelmed and vanquished by the power of a few lines of poetry delivered before these fifteen hundred enthusiastic auditors. Flowers from the topmost galleries fell on the stage, and with long-sustained cheers the ceremony closed. Hundreds of friends, not content with applauding all day, invaded Mme. Sarah Bernhardt’s room. More hand-clasps, embraces, and happy tears followed. M. and Mme. Maurice Bernhardt were there, with swollen eyes but joyful faces. There was talk about imaginary difficulties raised by the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour as an excuse for not decorating the great artiste. The Cabinet, it was said, would have to intervene, but it was generally thought that all difficulties would be overcome before the 1st of January. Besides, how could this decoration enhance such a demonstration as had just taken place? I am told that M. Poincaré, who was present, was condoled with on losing office, and replied, “If I regretted it at all I could not do so more than I do to-day.” The letters and telegrams received during the day were handed round. Here are a few selected from the mass—
From Emma Calvé (who had arrived in New York three days before).
Chère grande artiste, my heart is with you.
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From Mme. Réjane.
My dear Sarah,
The whole Vaudeville company are here to express their admiration for you. On their behalf I beg you to accept the accompanying flowers with the assurance of my deep affection.
Réjane.
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Francavilla Mare.
From Gabriel d’Annunzio.
On this most glorious day a grateful Italy sends her wreath of laurel to the immortal enchantress. Ave.
Gabriel d’Annunzio.
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London.
From Sir Henry Irving.
Dear Madame Sarah Bernhardt,
Your brother and sister artistes of the Lyceum theatre send you their love and greeting. Your favourite art and all the arts do homage to you, and we your comrades in another land in which your genius is so highly esteemed are happy to add our tribute to the great honour you so well deserve.
Yours as ever, with affection and admiration,
Henry Irving.[Appended were the signatures of Ellen Terry and thirty-four members of the Lyceum Company].
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