Page:Lippincotts Monthly Magazine-39.djvu/353

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OUR ACTORS AND THEIR PREFERENCES.
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favoritism. The dainty acting of this artiste is shown, indeed, in many parts,—in her Rosalind of "As You Like It," her Viola of "Twelfth Night," her Julia of "Two Gentlemen of Verona," and her Donna Diana in the play of the same name. Besides these rôles, she has essayed the heroine of "Camille," "Mary Stuart," "Adrienne Lecouvreur," "Odette," "Frou-Frou," and again has been a Juliet on one occasion and a Cleopatra on another. Mme. Modjeska writes:

"Dear Sir,

"In reply to your request, I will say that my favorite part, at present, is Rosalind.

"My favorite sentence, 'Time is the old justice that examines all such offenders, and let Time try.'

"Yours sincerely,
"Helena Modjeska."

The quoted phrase calls up to mind the mock Ganymede, in Act IV. Scene I. of "As You Like It," bantering the love-sick Orlando, but with a serious under-tone all the while for fear he might fail to keep his appointment.


MRS. D. P. BOWERS.

The versatile Mrs. D. P. Bowers (Elizabeth McCollom) presents an elaborate list of plays from which to choose. She has many rôles that in the past have been made famous by her talent, and now on her return to the stage as a star she again presents a number of these for admiration. Among the roles that she now essays are Mary Stuart, Queen Elizabeth, Lady Macbeth, Mrs. Oakley in "The Jealous Wife," Lucretia Borgia, and the heroine of "Lady Audley's Secret." Mrs. Bowers writes:

"My dear Sir,

"You set me a most difficult task,—I have played so many favorite parts. I think in the near past Julia in 'The Hunchback' was my favorite rôle; and perhaps I enjoy acting Elizabeth now the best.

"But to think over the category of favorite or effective speeches or lines! Think how short is life. I like to say, in 'Mary, Queen of Scots,' 'Tis not the diadem that makes the queen;' and it is very effective, too. In 'Elizabeth,' 'A most unspotted lily shall she pass to the ground, and all the world shall mourn her,' or 'I am not a woman: I am a king.'

"For the sentiment, what shall I say? My favorite plays are so full of exquisite sentiment. Viola's lines, 'Make me a willow cabin