When we seized the chance for retiring,
And left him grovelling about on the floor,
With his friends all madly admiring.
Sadly we thought as we went away,
From his acting so dreary and gory,
That the eminent I, if he's wise will not play,
Macbeth any more, if for glory.
The Figaro, 16th October, 1875.
This critic, who left the theatre before the tragedy was half over, was, of course, eminently qualified to point out the shortcomings of Mr. Irving in the part of Macbeth, But perhaps the critic had forgotten that the leading character has one, or two, rather strong situations towards the end of the play, which he should have witnessed before condemning the actor.