[Frame’s first circus appearance was] at Hengler’s in Wellington Street, at Alfred Powell’s benefit on Friday, 1^st March, 1895.  I well remember that debut.  I appeared in my old friend David Abbey Seal’s costume.

For a day or two prior to my first appearance, I practised with a horse to learn how to follow it round the ring, a task that is not so easily done as it looks.  However, I got into the step all right, and was prepared for the event.

I had been “starred” for that new role, and I looked the jester from tip to toe.  As I entered the ring to the trumpet calls to jest with the lady on horse-back, who had been going through her wonderful evolutions, I met with a rousing reception.  I at once began to make love to the “Queen of the ring” as becomes a fool, singing―

“Why should we wait till to-morrow?
You are queen of my heart to-night.”

My opening words were:―

“Full well I know I am a fool,
That’s just why I am here:
It takes a fool the whole world over,
To lend wise people cheer.
So don’t be hasty, if you please,
But keep your temper cool,
And you shall hear a little sense
From me, though just a fool.”

It was a big night for me, and I had to sing several songs before leaving the ring, among them being my popular impersonation of “The Sweep.”  The chorus ran:―

“Sweep! Sweep! you’re sure to hear my cry,
Early in the mornin’ when I’m passin’ by;
The boys a’ ken me an’ cry Macintyre,
Rin for a bowl o’ watter, there’s a lum on fire.”

It was while I was at Hengler’s that I introduced my popular song, “It’s a braw, bricht, munelicht nicht the nicht, hooch aye,” and it proved an instantaneous success.  That night―although a turn on the sawdust was somewhat fresh to me―I am pleased to record that my show was appreciated by the vast audience.