MY PAST; MY PRESENT; MY HEALTH.

Northland Age, Volume VIII, Issue 25, 9 February 1912, Page 2

MY PAST; MY PRESENT; MY HEALTH.

> During her visit to America recently Madame Sarah Bernhardt ; wrote some interesting articles giving the story of her remarkable life. The great actress, who during her four weeks’ stay gave thirty-seven performances, presenting fourteen plays, two of which were new, provided,, among other particulars, soma information regarding her "system of health.” An "execrable” system, she remarks, "according to doctors,” but one which seems to have worked satisfactorily. The following a te extracts from the first of Mine. Sarah Bernhardt’s ar tides When T a m asked what the difference is between the past and the present with regard to my emotions — my sensations—l can truthfully say that I find none. My emotions are as lively, my tears as warm, my laugh is a s ‘hearty a s they were forty years ago. My belief is that’ one should determine to live one's life without fear of death. The saddest of the cares by which humanity in general is rid den seems to me the fear of death One sees men and women, as years follow upon years, yielding to the , idea that the end is near, and that it is no longer worth while to struggle. That is a mistake—a grievous mistake. Every minute brings its joy ; every hour brings its sorrow. One must make the most of the former, and wage war against the lat ter.

The secret of strength is to be al ways on the defensive. One must say to one’s self that life is a long battle. Illness, sorrow, trouble, accident death, lie in ambush a t every turn of the road. One must go armed Jfr I against all these enemies, fear none of them, but walk ahead, armed with faith, cheerfulness, and will. One must know how to will -always, and in spite of all. "Quand meme” (In spite of all) has been my motto since the age of nine, and I have been faithful to it. I have fought with time and been stronger than time. I have striven with illness and conquered it. I have batI tied with death and repulsed it —requested it to come back later. That is the secret of my youth. Now, as to the oft asked question whether, personally, I have a system of health by which I live. I have none—or rather I have one But it is excrable according to doctors. I eat little and often. I for get the hour of meals. I am never in bed before three o’clock in the morning. I take baths too hot, I drink Water too cold. On days when there is an afternoon and evening performance I stand for eight hours, never finding a minute to sit. I sleep well, a nd I adore sleep. I neveq rise before ten o’clock. By way of airing Ig 0 from the hotel to the theatre, and from the theatre back to the hotel ; that is all. For ten months of the year I do not walk ; then, suddenly, at my summer home in Belle lie, I walk two or three miles. For ten months of the year I have no outdoor life whatever; at Belle-Tie I am from six m o’clock in the morning until eight 1 o'clock at night in the open aijv playing lawn-tenuis three hours at V time ; or I go hunting or fishing. Such is my health system. 1 But—l advise no one to adopt lt ! —London "Mail.” There’s nae power in heaven or airth like love. It makes the weak strong and the dumb tae speak —lan i..a<luren * i 2Bi .