38
THE BATTALION.
dable; the range and scope of his readings, and their
faultless rendition, were remarkable and not to be expect
ed in any one man; the chaste character of the subjects
undertaken were instructive and elevating, as well as en
tertaining; while his clear enunciation and articulation
proved a criterion and inspiration for our students of
oratory.
Prof. Abbott’s originality of conception is something
seldom witnessed in this class of work. He proved him
self to be possessed of the versatility of genius—render
ing in quick succession McAuley’s sublime poem “Hora-
tius,” the highly humorous “Bachelor’s Sale,” and the
pathetic “Jack, the Fisherman,” etc., terminating the
evening with inimitable “Jemima,” especially adopted by
the impersonator.
It must be remembered that a college audience is un
usually critical, and no higher compliment can be paid
the entertainment than to mention the fact that through
out the entire evening Prof. Abbott elicited such rapt at
tention that at any time the fall of a pin in the auditorium
could have been detected* As a faithful delineator of the
human character, the subject of this item has never been
equalled by any artist that has ever appeared at this insti
tution, and we have had several of the best.
To be properly appreciated, impersonations must be
witnessed, as it is difficult for an uninitiated person to fully
comprehend the high class of talent essential to produce
such a remarkably clever rendition as was so creditably
given by Prof. Abbott last evening. He is certainly unex
celled in his especial field, and our local lyceum was indeed
fortunate in securing his services* Prof. Abbott will al
ways be welcome at College,