Copyrighted by the London Stereoscopic Co.
HENRY IRVING AS MEPHISTOPHELES IN "FAUST"
from the drawing by bernard partridge
Irving on Long Runs
During the run of "Faust" Henry visited Oxford, and gave his address on "Four Actors" (Burbage, Betterton, Garrick, Kean). He met there one of the many people who had recently been attacking him on the ground of too long runs and too much spectacle. He wrote me an amusing account of the duel between them:
"I had supper last night at New College after the affair. A. was there, and I had it out with him—to the delight of all.
"'Too much decoration' etc., etc.
"I asked him what there was in Faust in the matter of appointments, etc., that he would like left out.
"Answer—nothing.
"'Too long runs.'