(_Published without permission._)
_Stratford-on-Avon, October 18._--Speech at the Opening-of-Fountain
ceremony went very well. Some distinguished Americans were not there,
notably Mr. ABBEY. In consequence, had to omit all reference to "Abbey
Thought" and "Fountains Abbey," which, as J. L. T. suggested in his
letter, would have lightened the entertainment considerably. Also very
annoying, but I never thought of it till too late; I quite forgot to
say anything about BUFFALO BILL. CODY will be hurt; but I shall be in
America before he gets back there, so it doesn't much matter. Yet it
was a chance lost. WILLIAM SHAKSPEARE, WILLIAM CODY, Buffalo BILL,
Swan SHAKSPEARE. No matter, keep it for another time. And at the last
moment I could not make out what I had written on my wristband as a
mem. for speech. It was _a propos_ of Mr. CHILD'S gift. I see now
it was something about "Child's the father to the man." And then an
allusion to the sympathy between America and England as not being mere
"Child's-play." Very odd, how I forgot that. Still, speech couldn't
have gone better.
And how on earth I omitted to make any mention of Miss MARY ANDERSON I
can't understand! Yet the fact that this fair American is now playing
at the Lyceum ought to have stuck in my memory which yet holds its
seat in this distracted brain. And, dear me, there was the American
Minister present, and yet--bother it!--it never occurred to me, till
I was dressing this evening, hours afterwards, that I ought to have
remarked on the fact that America was represented here on this special
Dramatic occasion by a gentleman bearing a name so honoured alike by
English and American actors, and so dear to the theatrical profession
as must always be that of "PHELPS." But this will keep, too, for
another time. And, after all, in spite of these omissions, which of
course nobody noticed, the speech went admirably.
* * * * *
Nottingham v. Sunderland.
"There's _no_ Liberal Party!" cries GRANDOLPH the bold.
"Hooray!" shout the Tories, "the straightest of shots!"
But the faithful who flock to the G. O. M.'s fold.
Say, "Our old party bonds are re-tied now--in _Notts_!"
* * * * *