APPLAUSE
A certain theatrical troupe, after a dreary and unsuccessful tour,
finally arrived in a small New Jersey town. That night, though there was
no furore or general uprising of the audience, there was enough
hand-clapping to arouse the troupe's dejected spirits. The leading man
stepped to the foot-lights after the first act and bowed profoundly.
Still the clapping continued.
When he went behind the scenes he
aw an Irish stagehand laughing
heartily. "Well, what do you think of that?" asked the actor, throwing
out his chest.
"What d'ye mane?" replied the Irishman.
"Why, the hand-clapping out there," was the reply.
"Hand-clapping?"
"Yes," said the Thespian, "they are giving me enough applause to show
they appreciate me."
"D'ye call thot applause?" inquired the old fellow. "Whoi, thot's not
applause. Thot's the audience killin' mosquitoes."
Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak
ones.--_Colton_.
O Popular Applause! what heart of man is proof against thy sweet,
seducing charms?--_Cowper_.