Note 27 — Front matter
Reading edition
What formidable rivals to the immortal
Roscius
? Harlequin, Scaramouch, Chimney-sweeper, Bass-viol, Astrologer, Child, Statue and Parrot! But
Roscius
having received a formal challenge from Mr. Punch and his merry family, a pitch'd-battle, for which great preparations are now making, will be fought between them next winter; when there is no doubt but the triumphant
Roscius
will, even at their own weapons, rout them all. There is the less reason to fear this, as he hath already exceeded even Mr.—— 's activity in King Richard. It is but three or four years ago since this mock-monarch died so tamely that he was hissed off the stage; on which occasion the following epigram appeared in the papers.
Roscius redivivus.
George! did'nt I hear the critics hiss, When I was dead?—"Yes, brother, yes, You did not die in high rant." Nay, if they think a dying king Like Harlequin convuls'd, should spring, Let —— be hence their tyrant.