How closely the
weather-beaten tar yonder clasps his girl's waist! every amorous joke
of Signor Punch tells admirably with him; till, between laughing and
pressing, Poll is at last compelled to cry out for breath, when Jack
only squeezes her the closer, and with a roaring laugh vociferates, "My
toplights! what the devil will that fellow Punch do next, Poll?" The
milkman grins unheedful of the cur who is helping himself from out
his pail; and even the heavy-laden porter, sweating under a load of
merchandise, heaves up his shoulders with laughter, until the ponderous
bale of goods shakes in the air like a rocking-stone. (See Plate.)
Inimitable actor! glorious Signor Punch! show me among the whole of
the dramatis persona in the patent or provincial theatres, a single
performer who can compete with the mighty wooden Roscius.
[Illustration: page062]
The alderman's eulogium on Mr. Punch was superlatively good. "I love a
comedy, Mr. Blackmantle," said he, "better than a tragedy, because
it makes one laugh; and next to good eating, a hearty laugh is most
desirable. Then I love a farce still better than a comedy, because that
is more provokingly merry, or broader as the critics have it; then, sir,
a pantomime beats both comedy and ~63~~farce hollow; there's such lots
of fun and shouts of laughter to be enjoyed in that from the beginning
to the end.
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