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 ( 53 ) CHAPTER VI.

ON THE CHARACTER OF PUNCH.

Richardson, of Glasgow, as everybody knows, wrote a series of "Essays on Shakespeare's Dramatic Characters," in which he entered at length into the design of the author, and the manner in which he had accomplished it. Other admirers of the works of the same poet have published separate dissertations on particular personages in his plays, such as Falstaff, Hamlet, &c. It seems to us that Punch, although not drawn by the same "master-hand," merits a similar distinction; and we shall accordingly proceed to offer a few remarks upon his character, as it is displayed in the most approved representations of the present day. Professor Richardson declared, even in his "fifth edition," that his work was unworthy of the public notice" [sic] (rather a bad compliment to his many readers), while we, on the contrary, in our first impression contend that our remarks well deserve attention; and we shall "be of the same opinion still," even if "convinced, against our will," that our work will never arrive at an equal degree of popularity.

We are more disposed to offer a few observations on the character of Punch, because upon none of the dramatis personæ of Shakespeare's plays has Professor Richardson bestowed a larger space, or a greater degree of labour, than on Richard III. and Sir John Falstaff: to both of these is Punch, in disposition and talents, akin; and he, besides, combines in his own person the deformity of the