FOIBLES OF LITERARY MEN.
Many qualities which would be regarded as censurable if possessed by ordinary men and women are often regarded with a respect that is tinctured with admiration when they are possessed by persons of genius.
There is scarcely an author or musician of note who has not been distinguished by some foible that has excited the amusement of his friends. In many instances these foibles afford an index to the character of their victim. Some are natural, while others would seem to be the result of some inexplicable affectation. Viewed in any light, however, all are interesting.
Keats liked red pepper on his toast.
Sardou imagines he has a perpetual cold.
Dickens was fond of wearing flashy jewelry.
Ernest Renan wore his finger-nails abnormally long.
Walter Savage Landor threw the dishes around to relieve his mind.
Edgar Allan Poe slept with his cat. He was inordinately proud of his feet.