Hyperions and Satyrs These reflections were prompted by the appearance
for the first (and theoretically the last) time of the American Cabinet in full session upon the television screen. I find it difficult to believe that all those present at this conclave were as con- tinuously intent as they should have been upon Mr. Dulles's words. The eyes of the nation were upon them, and part of their energies must have been devoted to looking statesman- like, a difficult and rather imprecise task. Every man, fortu- nately, believes his personal appearance to be more prepossess- ing than in fact it is, but some members of the Cabinet must have made upon viewers an impression less favourable than they hoped. Handsome is, no doubt, as handsome does, but it seems certain that the time will soon conic when a man with a face like the back of a cab, no matter how marked his talent for administration or how unshakeable his integrity, will be handicapped in politics. Bald men, upon whose refulgent crania the arc-lights gleam distractingly, will be tempted into wearing wigs; and as television tightens its grip on the political world it will become more and more natural for political leaders to strengthen their governments by giving portfolios to people whom it is a pleasure to look at. We shall have Miss Audrey Hepburn tripping up Downing Street to a Cabinet meeting; and In Rome Miss Lollobrigida will be Minister, perhaps, of This and That. Or am I being over-fanciful?
Previous page
