W.F. Frame Tells His Own Story

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

119–120

text excerpt

[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.

excerpt from 'W.F. Frame Tells His Own Story' pp. 119–120 (348 words)

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