May 11 1913

Arturo,
Get over yourself. You think you have it tough, but you have no idea how hard the World can be. Il Circo only exists by the grace of hard labour, and I need you to be forte. These days big lions are the only thing that will draw visitors. That is why I spent so much on advertising your shows. But how are people supposed to believe “Arthurs courage among beasts is unrivalled” if you are only interested in that woman? Forget about her; she will not bring you happiness, or freedom. You will not set one foot out of these grounds as long as you don’t make a successful lion tamer. So you better toughen up and take this life seriously. I know I was not wrong in making you my successor, all you need to do is man up and act like it! Do not make me regret having you around any more than I already do.

Giuseppe Cagliari
Direttore di Circo Maestro