In an old theatrical story, W.S Gilbert was leading a rehearsal for the premiere of his most famous collaboration with A.S. Sullivan, The Mikado. At one point Nanki-Poo learns tat his beloved Yum-Yum is about to marry her guardian, KoKo. Searching for a straw of light, he asks: “But you do not love him?”
“Alas, no!” she replies. On hearing this sliver of mitigation, Nanki-Poo exclaims, “Rapture!” – or so Gilbert originally wrote. But at the rehearsal, Nanki-Poo stated his line to forcefully, given the limited comfort provided by Yum-Yum and Gilbert shouted down from the balcony: “Modified rapture.” The poor tenor, not grasping that Gilbert had only meant to correct his tone and thinking instead that he had flubbed his line, exclaimed, “Modified rapture,” at the reprise.” -Stephen J. Gould
Mistakes are to be enjoyed. When you unintentionally err, laugh at yourself. It is the height of joy to be humble enough to chuckle at our expense. It also make life so much more fun.
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