There seems every probability that the play when originally produced had some other title, until the excellence of Green's performance, and his mode of delivering Tu quoque, gave it his name. It could scarcely be brought out in the first instance under the appellation of "Green's 'Tu Quoque,'" before it was known how it would succeed, and how his acting would tell in the part of Bubble. In this respect perhaps Langbaine was mistaken.—Collier. [It appears likely that the title under which the piece was originally brought on the stage was simply The City Gallant.]
[146] "Attempt to Ascertain the Order of Shakespeare's Plays," by Mr Malone, p. 275. [See Dyce's "Shakespeare," 1868, i. 114, 115. There seems to be some confusion between two persons of the name of Green, living at this time, one an actor and the author of a little poem printed in 1603, the other a relation to Shakespeare, and clerk to the corporation of Stratford.]
[147] "The British Theatre," p. 9.
[148] MSS. additions to Langbaine, p. 73.
[149] The following are the epitaphs mentioned by Oldys, from Braithwaite's Remains—
"Upon an actor now of late deceased: and upon his action Tu
Quoque: and first upon his travel.
Hee whom this mouldered clod of earth doth hide,
New come from sea, made but one face and dide.
Upon his creditors.
His debtors now no fault with him can finde,
Sith he has paid to nature all's behinde.
Upon his fellow actors.