And it is he who holds up new, courageous, virile men to his nation,
men who have faith and will to live.

He is himself profoundly sympathetic. His works bring him in a large
annual income. But he does not hoard it up. He does not clutch his
money. He knows the value of a helping hand. In his heart, moreover,
he is averse to open admiration. This was apparent in his refusal to
accept the public homage offered him some two years ago in the Art
Theatre of Moscow. Gorki was drinking tea at a buffet with Chekhov, at
a first performance of "Uncle Wanja," when suddenly the two were
surrounded by a crowd of curious people. Gorki exclaimed with
annoyance: "What are you all gaping at? I am not a _prima ballerina_,
nor a Venus of Medici, nor a dead man. What can there be to interest
you in the outside of a fellow who writes occasional stories." The
Society Journals of Moscow wished to teach Gorki a lesson in manners,
for having dealt so harshly with the appreciative patrons of the
theatre. He replied with the delightful satire: "Of the Author, who
aimed too high."

While many critics fall into ecstasies over anything that Gorki writes,
he himself preserves the just perspective, as in the case of this
public homage. No one has spoken as uncompromisingly of his theatrical
pieces as himself. That alone proves him to be a clever, critical man.
But it also shows him to be honourable, talented, and clear-headed.
How few authors would, if they thought some of their own works of minor
importance, straightway communicate the fact to their public?

* * * * * *

[Illustration: Letter to Max Reinhardt]

_Letter to Herr Max Reinhardt_

_"To you, dear Sir, and to your Company, I send my portrait. I must
apologise for not doing it before, but had no time. With it I send an
album of sketches of 'The Doss-house' as performed at the Art Theatre
in Moscow. I do this in the hope of simultaneously expressing my
gratitude to you for your performance of my piece, and of showing how
closely you and your ensemble succeeded in reproducing Russia proper,
in your presentation of the types and scenes in my play. Allow me to
offer my most cordial thanks to you and to your collaborators for your
energetic acceptance of my work. Nothing binds men together so truly
as Art--let us join in a toast to Art, and to all who serve her truly,
and have courage to portray the crude reality of Life as it is._