The Washington herald., 1907-08-26
MEMOIRS OF RISTORI
Greatest Actress of the Nine
teenth Century.
POETS AND PATRIOTS FRIEND
Her Recent Death, at the Age of
Eighfy-four, Adds Significance to
This AutObiOgraphy-Ma Anee-
dOtes of Celebrities and Her own
Analysis of Many Plays.

When Nine. Rist0ri wondered whether
her memoirs would receive a welcome
In the United States. it was a complete
proof Of the true humbleness of her
spirit. for she had received from the
beginning Of her career the untempered
enthusiasm of the sovereigns and ali the
literary geniuses of her time. not only of
her own country. but of the lands she
visited Her memories are published now.
In handsomely illustrated volume, by
Doubleday, Page & Co, New York.
Ristori did not have to resort TO the
stage for the romantic episodes Of life.
They were the everyday happenings in
her experiences as a private Individual.
Her romance with the charming young
italian nobieman, the Marquis Capranica
del Grillo. is one Of those idyls which
grace the course of the lives OF upusual
men and women. 1t was a repetition Of
the course Of true love. The family Of the
marquis objected, and so the young couple
took the reins into their own hands. and
going TO the village church as the priest
was saying mass. they were there made
man and wife. II was necessary for them
to separate Immediately, as the bride was
playing IN Florence, but the young hus-
band, unable 10 bear the separation. dis
guiscd himself as a truck driver, and.
buying a passport from a dancing master,
crossed the frontier OF the Pontifical
States and arrived IN Florence in time
to see his wife winning her laurels from
the stage-loving people of Florence.
Secured Pardon.
One of the many episodes in Ristorfs
life which showed her great influence as
public character occurred in Spain.
While playing "Medea' at Madrid. Ristori
CHANGED to hear of a soldier who was con-
demned 10 death. She interested herself
in the case, and after the eutire munich
pality had failed TO win his pardon from
the queen, Ristorfs influence succeeded
Her description Of her audience with the
queen and her impassioned appeal for the
condemned mans freedom is exceedingly
dramatic
I was soon ushered into her presence;
the good queen asked to be excused for
having kept one waiting. and for her
emotion. All the ministers surrounded
her. Without losing any time. I threw
mye'lf al her knees I kissed the hand
she had extended 10 me and exclaimed .
Your majesty. I ask mercy for ChapadO,
BE moved by our prayers. He has erred.
IL is true, but in this one instance deign
20 judge kindly this unfortunate man He
acted after a bloody assault. unjustly
made upon him in the presence Of his
companions. Grant life 20 a devout sub
jet. who is brave and ready 10 shed his
blood for his queen, II my humble merits
nave ever had the good fortune 10 win
your majestys sympathy. grant me the
pardon which ! beg with pleading hands.
II your majesty viii deign to ex-
press TO him the impulses Of your Eener-
Gus heart, he Is human. and certainly viii
not have the courage TO oppose your
wish At that moment. Narvaez stepped
forward and bowed his head I'm assent
/ Then. the queen. grasping my hands
lifted me up. Well, my lady. yes. .
We pardon him"
Hearing the noise made by the audi
ence which was anxious 10 have the per-
Torrance resumed. and with my heart
fun OF JOY, I took leave Of her majesty.