Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1907 — “Joking." [ARTICLE]

“Joking."

When Richard le Gallienne first visited this country he was introduced at one of the clubs to a gentleman who delights in elaborate funmaking and does it all with an Intensely sober face. After the first formalities were over the humorist asked the poet abruptly: "Well, Mr. le Gallienne, how is the poetry business?" Mr. le Gallienne surveyed the face of his questioner and, seeing nothing In the countenance to enlighten him, replied, with dignified seriousness: "I should hardly speak of poetry as a business." “Why not?” said his interlocutor. “The grocer soils groceries, the merchant dry goods and you sell rhymed Stuff. Thd market rates you obtain vary with conditions and the quality of the article offered for sale. The grocer is complimented when inquiry Is 'made as to the conditions of the grocery trade. Why not the poet when asked about his business—his sonnets, lyrics, ballads and other forms, which are often sold at a ruinous sacrifice?** Mr. le Gallienne stared, still perplexed at this harangue, when the half suppressed laugh of the listeners cleared the air and the humorist himself smiled. The poet woke up and said, with an air of great relief: “Oh, I see; you are joking!”—Jufge.