Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-10-26
Artemus ward.

The late Charles F. Browne was great
quiz. He was always puzzling people,
and could not help it. He talked non
sense with such seriousness, and such
entire absence Of anything theatrical in
his manner, that very often he partially y
imposed upon those who knew him best.
In Il. P. Kingdoms "Reminiscences of
Artemus Ward we find this account of
bis discussion Of literary subjects with a
lady whom he met on an Ohio river
steamboat: f'l
Among the fairer portion Of the pas
sengers was very retiring, quiet young
lady, who wore spectacles, and who APP
peared to have the manners, airs and
bearing of one whose occupation in life
was to impart her knowledge to others in
some college or seminary; that, at least,
was the guess which Artemus and | had
about her We had noticed her early in
the afternoon busily reading About's
story of "Le Roi des Montagues." As
soon as supper was over she resumed her
reading cutting the leaves of the book
with pocket paper-knife as she read on.
By what means my friend contrived an
introduction am not aware; butt found
him in conversation with her when |
went to request his company to smoke a
cigar with me and the two military doc
tors.
Excuse me" said Artemus. "This
lady was asking me if | read French.
1t is a serious question, and | was reflect
ing whether i do.
The lady seemed to be little sur
prised, and explained to me that she had
simply asked if my friend knew the
French language, as she wished to
recommend to him the story she herself
had been reading during Ghe afternoon.
"It is story about brigands in
Greece" said she, and it is so charm
ingly picturesque thatI can almost fancy
myself to be in that classic land. As
read, the blue skies of Greece seem to
be over my head, and the Egean Sea to
be sparkling in the glorious sunlight
Then followed question from Arte-
mus, which quote as literally as | can
remember it;
Pardon me, madame, but do you
think that glorious sunlight in Greece is
onstitutional-tha is to say, if early be
the dream of youth-whenever they are
so-and you know, l presume, that
George Washington, when young, never
told ie-that is, Greece-in the blue
skies, | mean. You understand me, of
course2
Instead Of understanding, the lady APP
peared to be utterly bewildered. AT first
She seemed to doubt whether she had
heard distinctly. Then the expression
of her face indicated that she had sus-
picion of her not having paid sufficient
attention, so as to enable her to compre-
hend the interrogatory.
"Do | understand you to say that
George Washington went to Greece in
his youth2" she asked. / scarcely
think that ] perfectly understood you.
Artemus Ward maintained his gravity, !
and proceeded to explain.
II was about 10 remark, said he,
that as far as Greece is concerned, he
was more so.
"More SO of what2P asked the lady, |
still more perplexed.
more so with regard to il viewed |
morally. Because the Egean is a sea
"a blue sea, which might If not under
those circumstances--in parallel IN
stances-very truthfnlly though; but
before breakfast-always before the
morning meal You agree with me
hope2" And Artemns smiled and
bowed politely.
The lady closed her book, laid it on
the table, and, raising her spectacles so
as TO enable her TO see better, regarded
Artemus with amazement The ladies
aud gentlemen around who had over
heard the conversation, looked at the
speaker with equal astonishment. Arte-
mus shook his head monrnfully, and in
a deploring tone Of voice observed
Alae Greeks-blue Egean brigands,
dead before their breakfast