Precept, study, advice,
and example could never have taught them so well as failure
has done. It has disciplined them experimentally, and taught
them what to do as well as what NOT to do--which is often
still more important in diplomacy.
Many have to make up their minds to encounter failure again and
again before they succeed; but if they have pluck, the failure
will only serve to rouse their courage, and stimulate them to
renewed efforts. Talma, the greatest of actors, was hissed off
the stage when he first appeared on it. Lacordaire, one of the
greatest preachers of modern times, only acquired celebrity after
repeated failures. Montalembert said of his first public
appearance in the Church of St. Roch: "He failed completely, and
on coming out every one said, 'Though he may be a man of talent,
he will never be a preacher.'" Again and again he tried until he
succeeded; and only two years after his DEBUT, Lacordaire was
preaching in Notre Dame to audiences such as few French orators
have addressed since the time of Bossuet and Massillon.
When Mr. Cobden first appeared as a speaker, at a public meeting
in Manchester, he completely broke down, and the chairman
apologized for his failure. Sir James Graham and Mr. Disraeli
failed and were derided at first, and only succeeded by dint of
great labour and application. At one time Sir James Graham had
almost given up public speaking in despair.
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