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HENRY IRVING
at least to reflect and qualify their un-
belief."
Let us swiftly, but not carelessly, review
the grosser blemishes of Mr. Irving's style.
I do not find these so offensive that I can-
not endure them for the sake of becoming
familiar with his art, though it is an odd
experience to subject one's self to a hard-
ening process as the condition precedent
of sensitiveness and insight ; but, on the
other hand, I earnestly protest against any
and every attitude of mind in Mr. Irving's
auditors which shall result in their disre-
garding or tolerating his more atrocious
offenses. Mr. Irving, as has been suc-
cinctly said, can " neither walk nor talk."
Amazing paradox, — of which " the time "
now " gives proof," — that the most suc-
cessful and cultivated of English actors
should not have mastered the rudiments
of his art ! Whatever explanation or
apology there may be, the fact remains,
and its enormity cannot be gainsaid. He
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