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A DRAMATIC CRITIC<br />

Booth and Madame Ristori holding the po-<br />

sitions next in honor. It is an old axiom<br />

of the dramatic art that temperament is<br />

of the first, second, and third conse-<br />

quence in the actor. Mr. Irving does not<br />

shake my faith in this truth, but I admit<br />

that his career goes far to show that, in<br />

exceptional cases, the intellect may suc-<br />

cessfully take upon itself a considerable<br />

part of the burden which is usually borne<br />

by other portions of the artistic nature. It<br />

makes, of course, the greatest difference<br />

what kind of a mind is in question, for<br />

much more than mere mental strength<br />

will be required. Mr. Irving's intelligence<br />

seems to be of remarkable power, breadth,<br />

subtilty, and keenness; it is morally sup-<br />

plemented by a fine patience and devoted<br />

persistence; it includes a genuine inventive<br />

faculty; it is enriched by careful cultiva-<br />

tion. The highest dramatic temperaments<br />

conceive and represent character through<br />

the exercise of a reproductive and creative<br />

[ 216 ]

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