Note 17 — HOGARTH.
Reading edition
Hogarth might possibly have some oblique allusion to the manner in which Cæsar suffered in the capitol of an English theatre.—They might as well have hanged him; or, the actor deserved hanging for so personating the character,—which the reader likes best.
In an early impression of the print I have seen written (I believe by Hogarth) on the pedestal upon which this figure is placed, tu Brute. That he greatly disliked Quin, is evident from the following epigram, with the injustice or justice of which I have nothing to do, but to the painter it is attributed:—
"Your servant, Sir," says surly Quin.— "Sir, I am yours," replies Macklin.— "Why, you're the very Jew you play, Your face performs the task well."— "And you are Sir John Brute, they say, And an accomplished Maskwell." Says Rich, who heard the sneering elves, And knew their horrid hearts, "Acting too much your very selves, You overdo your parts."