The dramatic profession is
devoted to the interpretation of art in one of its highest forms. A
true actor is a true artist--painter and sculptor no more so.
If Polus stands on a lower pedestal than Praxiteles in mankind's
esteem it is because his genius was not so brilliant and not because
the art of acting is less noble than that of sculpture. Talma was more
eminent than David. Bernhardt is as noted and notable as Millet,
Irving as distinguished as Millais; while in our own country not more
than two men in painting and sculpture deserve places beside Booth and
Forrest as high priests of Art.
That your audience applauds you is nothing. The same audience would
applaud Paderewski or a great prestidigitator. You see, your audience
may applaud you because you have put your thought cleverly, or juggled
your words attractively, or thrown over them that magnetic spell which
all great personalities have. It may clap its hands because you have
entertained it.
But what has all this to do with the truth? And why are you speaking
at all, unless it is that you, knowing the truth, are trying to show
the truth to others? So do not seek to arouse applause for its own
sake.
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