speeches-literary & social-第22章
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converted into the Queen's Theatre)。 This reading Mr。 Dickens
prefaced with the following speech:…'
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN; … It may perhaps be in known to you that; for
a few years past; I have been accustomed occasionally to read some
of my shorter books; to various audiences; in aid of a variety of
good objects; and at some charge to myself; both in time and money。
It having at length become impossible in any reason to comply with
these always accumulating demands; I have had definitively to
choose between now and then reading on my own account; as one of my
recognised occupations; or not reading at all。 I have had little
or no difficulty in deciding on the former course。 The reasons
that have led me to it … besides the consideration that it
necessitates no departure whatever from the chosen pursuits of my
life … are threefold: firstly; I have satisfied myself that it can
involve no possible compromise of the credit and independence of
literature; secondly; I have long held the opinion; and have long
acted on the opinion; that in these times whatever brings a public
man and his public face to face; on terms of mutual confidence and
respect; is a good thing; thirdly; I have had a pretty large
experience of the interest my hearers are so generous as to take in
these occasions; and of the delight they give to me; as a tried
means of strengthening those relations … I may almost say of
personal friendship … which it is my great privilege and pride; as
it is my great responsibility; to hold with a multitude of persons
who will never hear my voice nor see my face。 Thus it is that I
come; quite naturally; to be here among you at this time; and thus
it is that I proceed to read this little book; quite as composedly
as I might proceed to write it; or to publish it in any other way。
SPEECH: LONDON; MAY 1; 1858。
'The following short speech was made at the Banquet of the Royal
Academy; after the health of Mr。 Dickens and Mr。 Thackeray had been
proposed by the President; Sir Charles Eastlake:…'
FOLLOWING the order of your toast; I have to take the first part in
the duet to be performed in acknowledgment of the compliment you
have paid to literature。 In this home of art I feel it to be too
much an interchange of compliments; as it were; between near
relations; to enter into any lengthened expression of our thanks
for the honour you have done us。 I feel that it would be changing
this splendid assembly into a sort of family party。 I may;
however; take leave to say that your sister; whom I represent; is
strong and healthy; that she has a very great affection for; and an
undying interest in you; and that it is always a very great
gratification to her to see herself so well remembered within these
walls; and to know that she is an honoured guest at your hospitable
board。
SPEECH: LONDON; JULY 21; 1858。
'On the above date; a public meeting was held at the Princess's
Theatre; for the purpose of establishing the now famous Royal
Dramatic College。 Mr。 Charles Kean was the chairman; and Mr。
Dickens delivered the following speech:'
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN; … I think I may venture to congratulate you
beforehand on the pleasant circumstance that the movers and
seconders of the resolutions which will be submitted to you will;
probably; have very little to say。 Through the Report which you
have heard read; and through the comprehensive address of the
chairman; the cause which brings us together has been so very
clearly stated to you; that it can stand in need of very little; if
of any further exposition。 But; as I have the honour to move the
first resolution which this handsome gift; and the vigorous action
that must be taken upon it; necessitate; I think I shall only give
expression to what is uppermost in the general mind here; if I
venture to remark that; many as the parts are in which Mr。 Kean has
distinguished himself on these boards; he has never appeared in one
in which the large spirit of an artist; the feeling of a man; and
the grace of a gentleman; have been more admirably blended than in
this day's faithful adherence to the calling of which he is a
prosperous ornament; and in this day's manly advocacy of its cause。
Ladies and gentlemen; the resolution entrusted to me is:
〃That the Report of the provisional committee be adopted; and that
this meeting joyfully accepts; and gratefully acknowledges; the
gift of five acres of land referred to in the said Report。〃
It is manifest; I take it; that we are all agreed upon this
acceptance and acknowledgment; and that we all know very well that
this generous gift can inspire but one sentiment in the breast of
every lover of the dramatic art。 As it is far too often forgotten
by those who are indebted to it for many a restorative flight out
of this working…day world; that the silks; and velvets; and elegant
costumes of its professors must be every night exchanged for the
hideous coats and waistcoats of the present day; in which we have
now the honour and the misfortune of appearing before you; so when
we do meet with a nature so considerably generous as this donor's;
and do find an interest in the real life and struggles of the
people who have delighted it; so very spontaneous and so very
liberal; we have nothing to do but to accept and to admire; we have
no duty left but to 〃take the goods the gods provide us;〃 and to
make the best and the most of them。 Ladies and gentlemen; allow me
to remark; that in this mode of turning a good gift to the highest
account; lies the truest gratitude。
In reference to this; I could not but reflect; whilst Mr。 Kean was
speaking; that in an hour or two from this time; the spot upon
which we are now assembled will be transformed into the scene of a
crafty and a cruel bond。 I know that; a few hours hence; the Grand
Canal of Venice will flow; with picturesque fidelity; on the very
spot where I now stand dryshod; and that 〃the quality of mercy〃
will be beautifully stated to the Venetian Council by a learned
young doctor from Padua; on these very boards on which we now
enlarge upon the quality of charity and sympathy。 Knowing this; it
came into my mind to consider how different the real bond of to…day
from the ideal bond of to…night。 Now; all generosity; all
forbearance; all forgetfulness of little jealousies and unworthy
divisions; all united action for the general good。 Then; all
selfishness; all malignity; all cruelty; all revenge; and all evil;
… now all good。 Then; a bond to be broken within the compass of a
few … three or four … swiftly passing hours; … now; a bond to be
valid and of good effect generations hence。
Ladies and gentlemen; of the execution and delivery of this bond;
between this generous gentleman on the one hand; and the united
members of a too often and too long disunited art upon the other;
be you the witnesses。 Do you attest of everything that is liberal
and free in spirit; that is 〃so nominated in the bond;〃 and of
everything that is grudging; self…seeking; unjust; or unfair; that
it is by no sophistry ever to be found there。 I beg to move the
resolution which I have already had the pleasure of reading。
SPEECH: MANCHESTER; DECEMBER 3; 1858。
'The following speech was delivered at the annual meeting of the
Institutional Association of Lancashire and Cheshire; held in the
Free…trade Hall on the evening of the above day; at which Mr。
Dickens presided。'
IT has of late years become noticeable in England that the autumn
season produces an immense amount of public speaking。 I notice
that no sooner do the leaves begin to fall from the trees; than
pearls of great price begin to fall from the lips of the wise men
of the east; and north; and west; and south; and anybody may have
them by the bushel; for the picking up。 Now; whether the comet has
this year had a quickening influence on