Note 61 — Chapter X

In the second edition Dr. Doran says: "After he passed to Lincoln's Inn Fields, Rich designed to bring forward the 'Merry Wives of Windsor,' but no one seemed daring enough to undertake Falstaff. 'I will venture it,' said Quin, 'if no one else can be found.' 'You!' cried Rich, 'you might as well try Cato after Booth. The character of Falstaff is quite another character from what you think. It is not a little snivelling part that any one can do; and there isn't any man among you that has any idea of the part but myself!' Ultimately Quin 'attempted' the part; his conception of it was admirable, and the house willingly flung itself into a very storm of hilarious jollity."