A Few Memories Paperback - 7201

From the publisher

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ...for the peace and privacy of a domestic life. I had a greater desire than ever to work, but away from the direct eye of the public. The life of a poet, composer, writer, or painter seemed ideal, for they could express their innermost thoughts and inspirations through the impersonal mediums of canvas, music, literature, and still be protected by that privacy which is so dear to most women. But it was too late then to change, for many years of labor would have been lost if turned into other channels; all my studies had been directed to the accomplishment of the one end. So I determined to bend all my energies towards perfecting that which I had already begun. Mr. Abbey had taken the Lyceum for eight months, and having engaged no one but myself to fill the time, he meant to close the theatre in case I failed. The knowledge of this added to my A VISIT TO SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE 129 feeling of responsibility and oppression on arriving in England. It seemed that Edwin Booth was always to appear in my hours of discouragement as friend and comforter. While resting in Liverpool after our voyage we found him and his daughter on the eve of sailing for America. His sympathy roused my sinking spirits, and gave me new courage to face whatever the future might hold. After his departure we went to Warwickshire. Though Goethe says that Nature, even in her most smiling mood, has but little power to console or cheer, it has always seemed to me that hills and brooks, trees and sunny landscapes, help to lighten care and soothe the sorrowing heart. At all events, my troubles were then greatly alleviated by the sight of Nature's beaming face. Our visit to Stratford was especially happy. The Misses Chataway, those charming old ladies who formerly guarded Shakespeare's...