Note 12 — THE DRURIAD, &c.

It is surprising that the Manager should remain ignorant of the most important part of his office, namely, an appropriate distribution of parts. Packer, some thirty years ago, might have been a tolerable actor; but surely he has had time to “strut and fret his hour upon the stage,” and should now be “heard no more.” The character of the Danish usurper, in his hands, is deprived of all its interest, by losing that crafty, yet daring, villany which Shakespear intended to portray. The fine soliloquy, “O my offence is rank!” &c. is entirely omitted, in pity, we suppose, to this old man’s infirmities: but, it is time to inform Mr. Packer, that, when he attempts parts like these, “O my offence is rank!” would be no improper exclamation.