The Remonstrance of Shakespeare

Supposed to have been spoken at the Theatre-Royale, while the French Comedians were acting by Subscription 1749
Mark Akenside
In The Poems of Mark Akenside, M.D.
London: Printed by W. Bowyer and J. Nichols: and sold by J. Dodsley, in Pall Mall, 1772

A critical and somewhat pompous ghost of Shakespeare offers a director’s critique of visiting French actors. He derides their manners and accents in a rambling patriotic speech, proclaiming them unable to “refine / The copious ore of Albion’s native mine.”

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