Photograph by [Window & Grove.

ELLEN TERRY IN TRAGEDY AND COMEDY, CIRCA 1878.

[To face page 222.

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In summing up the performance, Joseph Knight said:—

"Of Mr. Irving's Hamlet we have already spoken. It is not greatly changed. The outline is distinctly the same as before, though much pains have been bestowed on the filling up. We do not accept as new readings the delivery while sitting of speeches formerly spoken standing, or other like alterations in arrangement. Nor do we feel that changes of method as regards matters of detail call for special comment. The one vital alteration of conception appears to consist in presenting Hamlet as under the influence of an overmastering love for Ophelia. A knowledge of his own weakness seems to inspire him when, subsequently addressing Horatio, he says—

"Give me that man

That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him

In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of hearts."