An Actor's Happy Thought.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 141, 23 July 1872, Page 3

An Actor's Happy Thought.

The following anecdote exhibits a late Emperor of Russia in a new character, as well as records one of the most happy escapes from an awkward position that ever was effected by wit and presence of mind : —Some years ago there was a celebrated comic actor at St. Petersburgh named Martinoff. He had the most extraordinary powers of imitation, and was so great a favorite with the public as sometimes to venture interpolations of his own, instead of following the advice of Hamlet to his players, "to speak no more than is set down for them." The Emperor had a high chamberlain, or person filling a similar office, named Polofisky. Whether for fun or malice, Martinoff, while performing, contrived to let fly some puns against this great man, which were very warmly received by the audience. The consequence was, as soon as the play was over, the actor found himself in the custody of a guard of soldiers, who took him to prison, where he was told he was to be confined for a fortnight.. Not content with this, Polofisky either told the Snipper himself, or contrived that it should come to his ears, that the player actually had the presumption to indulge in imitations of his Imperial Majesty. On his liberation, Martinoff went to Court to pay his respects, as usual, and the Emperor told him of the accusation, which he denied. " Well," said the Emperor, "if you ever did so, let me have an imitation of myself now. We know you can do it if you choose." This was an awkward and dangerous position for the poor actor, who felt he should get into trouble for either falling short or overdoing the character. But the autocrat was determined, and there was no escape. Suddenly a bright thought struck Martinoff. Drawing himself up, he assumed the exact bearing and manner of the Emperor, and in a voice so like him that it made every one present start, said, " Polofisky, give Martinoff a thousand silver roubles." peror ; " I have heard quite enough. The imitation is admirable, bat the entertainment promises to be too expensive. Give him the roubles, Polofisky ; and now mind, sir, let this be the last time you mimic me here or elsewhere." It is, of course, ununeeessary to say that Martinoff, who had expected nothing less than a journey to Siberia, was too glad to pocket the money and escape so easily.