The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 6: Artemus Ward's PanoramaWard, Artemus
General
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 6: Artemus Ward's Panorama
Ward, Artemus
American wit and humor
The letters of Artemus Ward in "Punch" from the tomb of
Shakspeare and the London Tower, had made him famous in
England, and in his audience were the nobility of the realm.
His first lecture in London was delivered at Egyptian Hall,
on Tuesday, November 13th, 1866. The room used was that
which had been occupied by Mr. Arthur Sketchley, adjoining
the one in which Mr. Arthur Smith formerly made his
appearances. The stage, with the curtain down, had this
appearance while Artemus was delivering his prologue:
(Drawing of stage with curtain closed and eight footlights.)
Punctually at eight o'clock he would step hesitatingly
before the audience, and rubbing his hands bashfully,
commence the lecture.
6.2. THE EGYPTIAN HALL LECTURE.
You are entirely welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to my little
picture-shop.
I couldn't give you a very clear idea of the Mormons--and
Utah--and the Plains--and the Rocky Mountains--without
opening a picture-shop--and therefore I open one.
I don't expect to do great things here--but I have thought
that if I could make money enough to by me a passage to New
Zealand I should feel that I had not lived in vain.
I don't want to live in vain.--I'd rather live in Margate--
or here. But I wish when the Egyptians built this hall they
had given it a little more ventilation.
If you should be dissatisfied with anything here to-night--I
will admit you all free in New Zealand--if you will come to
me there for the orders. Any respectable cannibal will tell
you where I live. This shows that I have a forgiving
spirit.
I really don't care for money. I only travel round to see
the world and to exhibit my clothes. These clothes I have
on were a great success in America.
How often do large fortunes ruin young men! I should like
to be ruined, but I can get on very well as I am.
I am not an Artist. I don't paint myself--though perhaps if
I were a middle-aged single lady I should--yet I have a
passion for pictures--I have had a great many pictures--
photographs taken of myself. Some of them are very pretty--
rather sweet to look at for a short time--and as I said
before, I like them. I've always loved pictures.
I could draw on wood at a very tender age. When a mere
child I once drew a small cart-load of raw turnips over a
wooden bridge.--the people of the village noticed me. I
drew their attention. They said I had a future before me.
Up to that time I had an idea it was behind me.
Time passed on. It always does, by the way. You may
possibly have noticed that Time passes on.--It is a kind of
way Time has.
I became a man. I haven't distinguished myself at all as an
artist--but I have always been more or less mixed up with
Art. I have an uncle who takes photographs--and I have a
servant who--takes anything he can get his hands on.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account