POET'S SECRETS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1558, 30 September 1912, Page 2

POET'S SECRETS.

MRS. ELLA WHEELER WILCOX. [Special to tho "Westminster Gazette."), A poet who is able to capture the ear of jhis prosaic and materialistic generation ;o the extent of '11,891 copies in one year n England alone (exclusive of five pirated iditions) is something to marvel at. Inquiries at one of the most exclusive West End booksellers' elicited the information that Ella Wheeler Wilcox was practically the only poet who was much n. demand among society people, maiiy )f whom ordered .special editions in cxx.ivagant bindings stamped with their nonograms. In the city the tale was tho lame—tho workers also adored Ella fVheeler Wilcox. Moreover, men are alnost as "crazy" (to uso an Americanism) iver her as women. No one is more surprised at this exTaordinary success than Mrs. Wilcox herielf, who is one of the most unassumng of women, with an almost childlike rankness and spontaneity of manner. "I am simply astounded," she (old a 'Westminster Gazette" representative in he course of an interview. "I cannot indcrstand it, above all in a country like iugland, which has produced the greatest loets; and the finest poets of modem imps aro English. I get hundreds of otters from all kinds of people, from forking men and women to lords and adics, telling me how my poems hove lelped them. Among the speoinl favourtes are 'Beyond' and 'Worth While,' and Whatever Is, Is Best.' Critics say my vork is not' poetry, and undoubtedly here are many better poets in America hau I; but I write primarily with tho ■urpose of voicing tho univjrsal—not the xceptio.iil—emotions of humanity. And like to feel I am helpful. (That, I hink, is the secret of my popularity, .'here .seems to be a large number of people to-day of all classes who want help md encouragement. Critics say it is not rt to have a purpose. But I would rather ouch 1000 hearts than tickle one critic's •anity in his own opinion." inolish and American Women. "Are your poems more popular in this onntry than they are in America?" "As regards the upper classes, yes. The icalthy American woman differs considrably from the English Society woman. She does not keep in touch with the vritcrs of her own country to the same 'xtent. In America few of the upper dasses are great linquists, artists, or musicians, such as_ you find here. I know mej English Society woman who not only ■peaks several languages, but is also 'h uglily accomplished miniature painter, vho would be able to compete successfully vith the most talented professional. She a typical of many women of the highest social position in England. American vomen do .not understand the meaning )f 'noblesse oblige' to the samo extent us Englishwomen." Questioned as to the reason of this, Mrs. Wilcox attributed it to th» fact that all through her life tho American woman got bier own way in everything. "Our young ?irls," she said, "are queens in their owii lioracs. -They can. use slang or neglect ihoir studies, but their 'poppa' adores ihem and refuses fhom nothing. When ;hey get married the some thing happens. Their husbands worship them, though Frequently the marriages end in the divorce' courts.""I think women are often largely to alamo for unhappy marriages," said Mrs.. Wilcox, "More men than women marry' "or love. Many women' marry because they are asked,. or because they want a liome, or for some other reason. But nost men marry for love." In reply to a query as to the chief source of her inspirations, Mrs. Wilcox ;onfessed that people inspired her more :han anything else. She also found travel ncceedingly stimulating. "Sinco I have ;omo to London," she said, "I have writen seven new poems. One of them, 'Two /oices,' is one of the best I have ever vritten." Tho Three Secrets. Though Mrs. Wilcox's poems have been jefore the public for a great many years; ihe horsoli looks exceedingly youthful, vith her fair hair and complexion, her rellow-brown eyes, and her slim figure, so I asked her to divulge to me the secret of perpetual youth. "There are three secrets," she said, 'spiritual, mental, and physical. One is o keep yourself on the spiritual plane as nuch as possible, and to have absolute relief in' the goodness of the Supreme, ind the kinship of all humanity; to rcrain from anger and bitterness, and to eel sorry for all disagreeable people, fho second secret is to give* the mind llonty of variety. Monotony produces :he set linos in the face which arc tho hallnark of age. The reason why theatrical >eople keep young is. that they aro conitantly changing their facial expression, who want to keep young cannot lave too many interests. I used to ride >n horseback and swim a great deal; now ! have taken up music, and it has opened ip a new world to mo. Last year I went hrough a wbole course of Russian dancng. My dancing is very much better ;han my poetry," said Mrs. Wilcox with i smile. "The .third secret is care of ;he physical. I study my diet arid eat Tiry sparsely. Occasionally I fast for a cw days, and now arid again I adhere o milk diet for a month. I vvactice :ymnastics, and daily use mental cal.ishenics in the way' of what wo call New Thought assertions. I refuse to worry ir to think of disagreeable things, and ook everywhere for the pleasant things in leonlo and in.life." Mrs. Wilcox has a truly feminine, lovt if pretty gowns." She designs all h'ci iwn frocks, and she is always charm'ngh Iressed. "My belief," sho said, "is thai ill people who wish to express beautiful deals in art, music, or literature ought. is far as possible, to express beauty in heir personality, and their surroundings.' Mrs.. ROLLESTON, Hair Specialist qual. London and Paris), is recommended or the Permanent Cure of all Scalp Ailfients and the most Effective Trcatmenl or the Growth of Hair. • Shampooing lairdressing, Electrolysis (permanent re aoval of superfluous hair), dip. TJ.S.A ■"ace Massage, Combings Made Up, Trans ormations, Switches, etc. 256 Lambtor Juoy. Telephone 1599.—Advt. SUPERFLUOUS HAIR. Superfluous Hair destroyed by "Rusma' reg.). A guarantee given with each casi indertaken. See testimonials and letters trs. Hullen (over Economic), Lambtoi Juay. 'Phone 10-17., (Testimonial.) • Clyde Quay, Wellington. Dear Mrs. Hullen.—l write to let yoi :now how delighted I am with your liev (reparation "Rusma." After a Veal goo< rial ■it is taking splendid effect and nv lisfiguroment is fast becoming obliter ted. Enclosed please find £1 os. od., in hiding the cost of skin food as well. Original copy of above can be seen a ay address. 7 1