Note 7 — HORACE AND JAMES SMITH
Reading edition
This alludes to the young Betty mania. The writer was in the stage-box at the height of this young gentleman's popularity. One of the other occupants offered, in a loud voice, to prove that young Betty did not understand Shakespeare. 'Silence!' was the cry; but he still proceeded. 'Turn him out!' was the next ejaculation. He still vociferated 'He does not understand Shakespeare;' and was consequently shouldered into the lobby. 'I'll prove it to you,' said the critic to the door-keeper. 'Prove what, sir?' 'That he does not understand Shakespeare.' This was Molière's housemaid with a vengeance!
Young Betty may now be seen walking about town—a portly personage, aged about forty—clad in a furred and frogged surtout; probably muttering to himself (as he has been at college), 'O mihi præteritos!' &c.