Like It]. 1
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This comedy has high reputation among Shakspeare's works; and yet, on the stage, it is never attractive, except
when some actress, of very superior skill, performs the part of Rosalind.
This character requires peculiar talents in representation, because it has so large
a
share of the dialogue to deliver; and the dialogue, though excellently written, and
interspersed with various points of wit, has still no forcible repartee, or trait
of
humour, which in themselves would excite mirth, independent of an art in giving them
utterance.
Such is the general cast of all the other personages in the play, that each requires
a most skilful actor, to give them their proper degree of importance.
But, with every advantage to "As you like it" in the performance, it
is more a pleasing drama, than one which gives delight. The reader will, in general,
be more charmed than the auditor: for he gains all the poet, which neither the scene
nor action much adorn, except under particular circumstances.
Dr. Johnson, in his criticisms at the
end of this play, gives the following description of it:—The fable is b 2[Page 4]wild and pleasing. I
know not how the ladies will approve the facility with which both Rosalind and Celia2 give away their
hearts. To Celia much may be forgiven, for the heroism of her friendship. The
character of Jaques3 is natural, and
well preserved. The comic dialogue is very sprightly, with less mixture of low
buffoonery than in some other plays; and the graver part is elegant and
harmonious."4
This must appear but moderate praise to those who may profess to be fervent admirers
of the comedy.
Of its origin, Steevens
says—"Shakspeare has
followed Lodge's novel of
"Rosalynd" more exactly than is his general custom, when he is
indebted to such worthless originals; and has sketched some of his principal
characters, and borrowed a few expressions from it. It should be observed, however,
that the characters of Jaques, the Clown, and Audrey,5 are entirely the poet's own formation."6
The Forest of Arden (or Ardenne), in which the chief scenes of this drama lie, is
an
extensive woody domain, in French Flanders, near the Meuse, and between Charlemont
and Roeroy.7
Shakspeare has made the
inhabitants of this forest appear so happy in their banishment, that, when they are
called back to the cares of the world, it seems more like a punishment than a reward.
Jaques has too much prudence to leave his retirement; and yet, when his associates
are departed, his state can no longer be enviable; as refined society was the charm
which seemed here to bestow on country life its more than usual enjoyments.
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Kemble's Jaques is in the highest
estimation with the public: it is one of those characters in which he gives certain
bold testimonies of genius, which no spectator can controvert—yet the mimic art
has very little share in this grand exhibition.
Mrs. Jordan is the Rosalind both of art and of nature; each
supplies its treasures in her performance of the character, and render it a perfect
exhibition.