Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-06-07

The EARLY Days OF BeIssrtp,

The autumn OF 1879 found INN n
shabby, almost ragged applicant for en-.
ployment at the stage-door of the Opera
Comique. Repeatedly rebuffs failed to
battle his desperate pertiuacity.
One day the director, hearing of the
Annoyance to which his subordinates were
subjected by Delsarte, determined to
abate the nuisance by one of those cruel
coups de main of which Frenchmen are
pre- eminently capable. The next night,
during the performance, when Delsarte
called, he was, to his surprise and delight,
shown into the great mans presence.
Well, sir. what do you want?'
Pardon, Monsieur. l came to seek
place at your theatre
There is but one vacant. and you
don't seem capable of filling that. |
want only calI-boy.'
Sir, l am prepared to I'll the position
Of premier syet among your singers
In6ecHe!'
Monsieur, if my clothes are poor, my
art is genuine
We'll, sir, if you will sing for me, l
will hear you shortly
He left Delsarte alone, overjoyed at
having secured the managers ear. In a
few moments a surly fellow told him he
was wanted below, aud be soon found
himself with the manager upon ths stage
behind the green curtain.
you are to sing here,' said the di
rector. There is your piano. In one
moment the curtain will be rung up. I
am tired of your opportunities. l give
you one chance to show the stuff you're
made of. IF you discard this opportun-
ity, the next time you show your face at
my door you shall be arrested and i'm
prisoned as a vagrant.'
The Indignation excited in Delsarte by
this cruel trick instantly gave way before
the reflection that success was a matter
Of life and death with him, and that per-
haps his last chance lay within his grasp.
He forgot his rags; every nerve became
iron; and when the curtain rung up, a
beggar with the bearing Of prince, ad-
vanced to the foot lights, was received
with derisive laughter by some. with
glances of surprise and indignation by
others, and, with a sad patient smile on
his countenance, gracefully saluted the
brilliant audience. The courtliness Of
his marer disarmed hostility; bat when
he sat down to the piano, ran his fingers
over the keys. and sang few bars, the
exquisite voice found its way to every
heart. With every moment his voice be
came more powerful. Each graduation
of emotion was rendered with an ease,
m art, an expression, that made every
heart string vibratc. Then be suddenly
stopped, bowed and retired. The house
rang with braves. The dress circle forgot
its reticence, and joined in the tumuIt of
applause. He was recalled. This time
be sang grand lyric composition with
the full volume of his voice, aided in
effect by those imperial gestures of which
he had already discovered the secret
The audience were electrified. They de-
clared that Talma was iesuscitated. But
when he was second time recalled, his
tragic mood had melted, there were
$" tears in his voice.. as well as on bis
cheeks.
After the fall of the curtain, tho direct
or grasped lis hand, loaded him with
compliments, and offered him an engage
ment for a year at q salary of ten thous
and francs. He went home to occupy
his wretched attic for the last time, and.
falling on his knees, poured forth his soul
in prayer. atlantic Monthly.