His career has impinged upon the five great cities of Boston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, London, and New York.  It touches at one extreme the ripe fame of Munden (who died in ’32) and—­freighted with all the rich traditions of the stage—­it must needs at its other extreme transmit even into the next century the high mood, the scholar-like wit, and the pure style of the finest strain of acting that Time has bestowed upon civilized man.  By what qualities it has been distinguished this brilliant assemblage is full well aware.  The dignity which is its grandeur; the sincerity which is its truth; the thoroughness which is its massive substance; the sterling principle which is its force; the virtue which is its purity; the scholarship, mind, humor, taste, versatile aptitude of simulation, and beautiful grace of method, which are its so powerful and so delightful faculties and attributes, have all been brought home to your minds and hearts by the wealth and clear genius of the man himself!

I have often lingered in fancy upon the idea of that strange, diversified, wonderful procession—­here the dazzling visage of Garrick, there the woful face of Mossop; here the glorious eyes of Kean; there the sparkling loveliness of an Abington or a Jordan—­which moves through the chambers of the memory across almost any old and storied stage.  The thought is endless in its suggestion, and fascinating in its charm.  How often in the chimney-corner of life shall we—­whose privilege it has been to rejoice in the works of this great comedian, and whose happiness it is to cluster around him to-night in love and admiration—­conjure up and muse upon his stately figure as we have seen it in the group of Sir Peter and Sir Robert, of Jaques and Wolsey, and Elmore!  The ruddy countenance, the twinkling gray eyes, the silver hair, the kind smile, the hearty voice, the old-time courtesy of manner—­how tenderly will they be remembered!  How dearly are they prized!  Scholar!—­Actor!—­Gentleman! long may he be spared to dignify and adorn the stage—­a soother of our cares, and comfort to our hearts—­exemplar for our lives!—­the Edelweiss of his age and of our affections! [Great applause.]

* * * * *

TRIBUTE TO LESTER WALLACK

[Speech of William Winter at a banquet of the Lotos Club, given to Lester Wallack, December 17, 1887.  Whitelaw Reid, the President of the Club, occupied the chair.  Mr. Winter was called upon to speak in behalf of the critics.]

MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN:—­You have done me great honor in asking me to be present on this occasion, and you have conferred upon me a great privilege in permitting me to participate with you in this tribute of affection and admiration for John Lester Wallack, your distinguished and most deservedly honored guest and my personal friend these many, many years. [Cheers.]