“No performer should attempt to bite off red-hot iron unless he has a good set of teeth.”

“My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion, and many things that seem wonderful to most men are the every-day commonplaces of my business.”

“Only one man ever betrayed my confidence, and that only in a minor matter.”

“The great day of the Fire-eater–or, should I say, the day of the great Fire-eater–has passed.”

“It is still an open question, however, as to what extent exposure really injures a performer.”