New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-08-29
BANCROFT AND IRVING.
A VISIT TO THE VENERABLE HISTORIAN.

HIS "REMINISCENCES or TALMAs ACTING IN
Hamlet"
When at Newport on his recent yachting
cruise Henry irving. accompanied by his fneni and
travelling companion, j. {. Parkinson, OF London. ani
other members OF the yachting party visited the venrr-
able George Bancroft 1t hts summer home. While THIS
was only one OF many social pcdsns OF the trip.
throughout which the actor constant recipient
Of tributes at the waterngpsces along the route tho
visit to the aged historian will always be remembered
with peculla ar Interest by Mr.. Irving.
The party bad been at Newport only short time " ben
an invitation was sect by Mr. Bancroft with urgent
appeal for Its acceptance.
When the arrival OF the visitors vas announced Me.
Bancroft came for ward aud greeted Mr.. Irving with Q
warmth aud sincerity of which touched the
heart OF tho actor Both hands extended g. re-
him. aud Mr. Bancroft said with deep earne.tnsss;
This is indeed a PlsAsure-s pleasure whch
most Thankful to have lived to enjoy"
The party conducted into the DRAWN the
host while pouring oit mis- woris of welco I'M
pressing all with his unaffected corilaty. Mr. irving
looked admirugly the nsure before him. mean wblls
sustaining hts part Ia the conv7r',ton with his ac-
custoued Various topics associated with dramatic
touched upon. and the OF Mr.. Bancr'is
ranging over so many enabled min to entertaIn
his guests ia a delightful way. Finally addressing
himself TO Mr.. Irving he said saw you play Hamlet,
cir, in Washington. With great delight"
The actor bowed ais head In acklo gneDt OF the
compliment
"And right here" continued Mr.. Bancroft. :" VIII
add fact DO of peculiar interest TO yourself
perronalythst remembrance IL extremely viva OF
perform Of by raima. the great
French actor which | witnessed sixty-six yeArs ago"
To student like Mr. Irving. this unexpected con
junction with the spirit OF al artist whose memory hs
revered might Indeed have seemed lac
the touch of vanished hand: and the effect OF the
nouucement quickly visible upon the expressive
couutenauce Of the actor. It with deep nterer
fErt
critical description Of ralmss style OF acting Asia
from the relation which tho bore to his ovn
profession, Impressed itself upon him wonderful
exhibition OF the force Of intellect aud memory
associated with hoary age. Now and then the Nc
teraaces Of venerable possessed all the IRE and
eloQu-ncc OF absoluts. Intelligent rehearsal Ouce, III
deed seemed TO glnds the dAm- OF n'prAon ia ths
,oul of the tr.g ii.n Mr. Bancroft had foows Tiiias
with great cissrnrss through the several scenes Of
Hamlet" The Fronch adaptation OF the play cou
tained q number OF situations not embraced IN tAs
original At point tho popnacs was heard without
camOrng admission. The sound reached the ears oil
Hamlet, who deh1ntly orciaimsd WIFE superb impress
.iysne.. Let them come :" Mr Bancroft d-scrlbsd
the effect upon the audience as tremsndous. II w1
the Aceeutua,iou OF lofty CLIMAX mo
rnent when the audience Was silent As
in expectation, and a1aus with suppressed
cxcerueut The calm dignity OF the actor hs resolnts
mien spirit Of awful portent which seenei en-
bodied In tho WORDS clothe the scene with
a realistic effect rarely equIlsd In stage performance
Referring 2ileruar feature o, Mr. BsncrofTs
narrative Mr. irving SAID:
Itimpre ssed profoundly. for INV an eyirns
of true art Oh part OF the actor. There such
scene In Sbaksspesrrs .me,, ani yet a. treated %
rsima the French adaptation - detailed by M Ban
croft II proved 10 he the most elective situation ever
IN th 1t groAt play. -
From the description Of Talma by Mr.. Bancroft tN
dtifIed to dscusson of sh.sespcsre as,
poet, a dram4tsI aud SIR. bancroft proved MIN
sell thoroughly familiar with mis- suhl'ct lis sat ne
had 10 de Shakespeare lifelong study AID delighted 10
anaiyzng his writings tho better To comPreh-nd hs
character 4 Han. IL these ho seonei u rsc1gniza
he SAID. CERTAIN Isssages and thoughts which 10 nus
mind revealed distinctive lniiv'dnaIty %hd ~ nu.
Iry together the aitrbu thus renect1 he doghfed
Ia clothing with personality. and As snch hold
ing with hin. Tie controversy rsspsctln<
norship Of the plays atfibutsd to shake
speare was alluded aud Mr.. B,ncrOft spoke WIFE
some scv-ry that csss 81 authors VINO had sJlEhi
build others Oy puing down tae nobles1 hgire 10
English literature - .
he was forced suggest his departure. Mr. Bancroft
urged proong his visit. but pressing engage uenu
would not Admit os his dong So 40 the parry sioSy
from tho dr4 win room Into ihe RAIL Mr BSn
croft folio od clapng warmly inetnsiic the hsni Oh
irving The party Withdrew the hall TO tho porcn
whittier host panied tlcm AMI from thr pOioo
lingering grip of the actors hsnd the vener~oe nae
said: 80. -.
.Well suppose you must go. bnt should be happy
II YOU could nOnr i11 ger tnAt W. DiSh
talk fnrther together However, II you mnst 80, nay
rhe words were utt-ret with sol-mnity that touched
all heart them. Speaking or tus scoao Few d~ys
sft-r~xrd. Mr.. Irving said
"Yss [ hlm now. his noble face. manly hgare and
snow. white heal Just he stool there tho steps oil
his bidag fare vol, tue wiHd blowing NJ 1Gs
white hair hitler aud Aud his last words May
God Do wltE you! will be To me most teacaias
rcmcmbran