I became a man. I haven't distinguished myself at all as an
artist--but I have always been more or less mixed up with
Art. I have an uncle who takes photographs--and I have a
servant who--takes anything he can get his hands on.

When I was in Rome--Rome in New York State I mean--a
distinguished sculpist wanted to sculp me. But I said "No."
I saw through the designing man. My model once in his
hands--he would have flooded the market with my busts-- and
I couldn't stand it to see everybody going round with a bust
of me. Everybody would want one of course--and wherever I
should go I should meet the educated classes with my bust,
taking it home to their families. This would be more than
my modesty could stand--and I should have to return to
America--where my creditors are.

I like Art. I admire dramatic Art--although I failed as an
actor.

It was in my schoolboy days that I failed as an actor.
(Artemus made many attempts as an amateur actor, but never
to his own satisfaction. He was very fond of the society of
actors and actresses. Their weaknesses amused him as much
as their talents excited his admiration. One of his
favorite sayings was that the world was made up of "men,
women, and the people on the stage.")--The play was 'Ruins
of Pompeii.'--I played the Ruins. It was not a very
successful performance--but it was better than the "Burning
Mountain." He was not good. He was a bad Vesuvius.