______
This comedy was written by a man of that peculiar frame of body and mind, which enabled him to contend against the sickness of the one, and the sorrows of the other, for the period of a near hundred years.
Macklin was born in Ireland at the very beginning of the last century, and died in England at the close of it.2 His occupation throughout his long life was that of an actor; though chance, more than inclination, directed his steps towards the stage.
His performance of the jew, in "The Merchant of Venice," was so perfect a representation of malignant human nature; so congenial were the countenance and manners he gave to this black character, which Shakspeare's genius formed, that every other part, in which he appeared, is seemingly forgotten, in the minute remembrance of all he did in Shylock.3
That the author of this comedy had a capacious understanding, this production, as well as his skill as an actor, will testify. His "Man of the World" could only be written by one, capable of making the nicest observations on all he saw there. It is an excellent lesson for politicians and courtiers. Sir Pertinax is the b 2[Page 4]spirit of Lord Chesterfield, embodied, and hung up to view as an example to shun, instead of a pattern to imitate; whilst his son speaks sentiments, of no common-place truth, but such as are rarely conceived either in fictitious or real characters, though they are such as every honest heart will expand to acknowledge.4
This play was written many years before it was performed in London. It first appeared in Dublin, where it was well received; but reasons of a political nature advised a delay in bringing it before a London audience, that events might perhaps arise in the administration of public affairs, so as to favour, rather than injure, its reception.5
The elevation of Mr. Pitt to the high office of prime minister—from which occurrence it was confidently expected, that all ancient failings in that hazardous department would cease, and ministerial regeneration ensue—this seemed the happy era for "The Man of the World" to be introduced on the stage of the metropolis. To hold up to detestation vices, now no longer to be tolerated, could give offence to none—at least to none in power to resent the affront.6
The temper of the times was accurately estimated, and this drama, after encountering some vain hisses from a dissatisfied minority, was finally established a favourite with the whole town.
Yet the opposition on the first night of its appearance was so violent in some scenes, whilst the followers of the new minister were such enthusiastic admirers of those very parts which gave displeasure, that plaudits and counter-plaudits lengthened the [Page 5]time of performance nearly to midnight, before the aye and the noes became all of one mind. This wished for agreement was effected by the following line in the epilogue; which, after dwelling on the author's great age, and how much he was esteemed in his younger days, adds— Then shield your fathers' favourite to the last.7
On this sacred appeal to the memory of their parents, all parties united, and the venerable author was hailed with shouts of triumph.
Macklin performed Sir Pertinax himself, and so excellently, that it was imagined he could never be surpassed by any other representative of this Scotch politician. Cooke, his successor, has proved the falsity of this conjecture. Macklin performed Sir Pertinax most excellently; but Cooke performs Sir Pertinax with talents as pre-eminent, as Macklin displayed above all others in the character of Shylock.8 b 3