The Portland daily press., 1869-04-22
Bowgh Aeting-A MAN that Forest play
s.sc..i seas & cd With"

tsc-.t1rsl 81 cd With.'
The following story, at the expense of the
popular manager of the foremost theatre in
America" IS going the rounds of the papers:
Not many years ago, one of the most sue
cessful and enterprising of the present Amer
lean managers was scene painter at Bos-
ton theatre. But, though apparently devoted
to the pencil snd the brush, he felt within
him the soul of Roscius, rather than of Bey-
erly, and secretly longed for histrionic fame.
To tread the boards before applauding thou
sands-to appear in front Of the scenes in
stead of painting them-this was his ardent
but concealed ambition. How his ambition
was gratified, and with what results, is sto-
ry too long reserved by Manager s. for
his private friends.
In the course of starring tour, Edwin
Forrest came to Boston, and S, was delighted.
There was an actor! How he should like to
play with Forrest! In freak of good hui
NOR, fortune gave him the opportunity. "Da-
mon and Pythias" was announced, with Mr..
Forrest as Damon; but no one would take
the part Of Lucullus. Perhaps you have
seen the play. Ifnot, let me inform You that
Lucullus is the faithful slave of Damon, who
kills his masters horse to prevent him from
returning to die, instead of Pythias. When
Damon finds that his horse is dead, he abuses
Lucullus violently, and this scene ALWAYS
"brings down the house." Mr.. Forrest is the
most muscular of tragedians, and reports OIL
the manner in which he vented his fury in
Damon and Pythias" had reached Boston
and caused the shrewd minor actors to shirk
the part of Luculus. Thus came the chance
for which s. had long and eagerly waited.
He volunteered his services: and the great
tragedian, after critically inspecting the
slight, boyish figure of S., accepted the
volunteer and rehearsed with him. The re-
hearsal all went smoothly.
"Here 1 seize you," said Mr.. Forrest.
:" Certainly, sir replied s., cheer
fully.
Here l push you off at first entrance" said
Mr.. Forrest.
"Quite right" replied s., who was get
ting on capitally.
"You must give up yourself to me-" said
Mr. Forrest.
"Never tear, STRIP replied S., with
trusting smile.
The :eventful night arrived. S-was
beautifully arrayed in spotless tights and a
Roman tunic. His handsome face was whit
ened and rouged. His hair had been most
becomingly dressed. The whole company ad
mlred him as he stood in graceful attitude
at the wing. Then the cue was given, and
he walked upon the stage :thing Of beauty"
He knelt; he spoke his little lines with mod
est emphasis.
Suddenly the muscular tragedian advanced
upon him like an angry tiger upon gentle
lamb; seized him; shook him in the air;
threw him from side to side; released him
only. to pounce upon him again, like a cat
playing with mouse, swabbed the stage with
him as if he had been a foor-clout; held
him at arms length, amid the eager plaudits
OF the gallery boys, and at last flung him out
of sight at the first entrance, and landed him
in front of the prompter's box, dirty, sore,
perspiring. dishevelled, bruised, disguised
heap of humanity.
"Ahw said a friend, coming ND to HIM as
be lay painting upon the floor. 1t see that you
have been playing with Forrest"
mo-" groaned poor S., trying in vain to
rise; Forrest has been playing with me!
And nice object he has made of mew
Inc next morning S. respectfully de-
cllned" to appear as Lucullus again.