Note 49 — Chapter XIV · 1888. ‘MACBETH’—‘THE DEAD HEART’—‘RAVENSWOOD.’
Reading edition
Charles Reade’s strange, odd appreciation of this gifted, mercurial woman is worth preserving:
“Ellen Terry is an enigma. Her eyes are pale, her nose rather long, her mouth nothing particular, complexion a delicate brick-dust, her hair rather like tow. Yet, somehow, she is beautiful. Her expression kills any pretty face you see beside her. Her figure is lean and bony, her hand masculine in size and form. Yet she is a pattern of fawn-like grace. Whether in movement or repose, grace pervades the hussy. In character impulsive, intelligent, weak, hysterical—in short, all that is abominable and charming in woman. Ellen Terry is a very charming actress. I see through and through her. Yet she pleases me all the same. Little Duck!”
This suggests the old rhyme:
“Thou hast so many pleasing, teazing ways about thee, There’s no living with thee or without thee.”