Ebook The Blood and Breath

Rarely if ever do the more sturdy of athletes be come actors or craters, from the fact that sensibility is absorbed as muscle is forcedly enlarged, for the blood from the brain goes to give size to the arm and chest. We see, this exemplified to theextreme in prize-fighters. Elasticity of movement is also slowed to such an extent as to retard expression, and oonss quently prevent these electric, instantaneous ?ashes, sc absolutely needful in the higher range of elo quence, and in those keener touches of emotion in the grander dramatic roles. There are actors and craters of extraordinary strength — but it is natural; not forced. It is well balanced. It is strength of heart and lungs as well as limbs. Salvini is a living embodiment of this natural, brawny, robust strength, and his constant earnest act ing keeps him in possession of it. His impersonation of Samson, and his still more wonderful characteriza ticn cf. Saul, are realities of colossal strength. We had the privilege, on this side the water, of seeing and hearing, as if from life, those master — pieces cf the bibli cal days of Old, while conservative England placed an interdiction upon them because emanating from the Bible.