If Mr. Kean does not entirely succeed in concentrating all the lines
of the character, as drawn by Shakespeare, he gives an animation,
vigour, and relief to the part which we have not seen equalled. He
is more refined than Cooke; more bold, varied, and original than
Kemble in the same character. In some parts he is deficient in
dignity, and particularly in the scenes of state business, he has by
no means an air of artificial authority. There is at times an
aspiring elevation, an enthusiastic rapture in his expectations of
attaining the crown, and at others a gloating expression of sullen
delight, as if he already clenched the bauble, and held it in his
grasp. The courtship scene with Lady Anne is an admirable exhibition
of smooth and smiling villainy. The progress of wily adulation, of
encroaching humility, is finely marked by his action, voice and eye.
He seems, like the first Tempter, to approach his prey, secure of
the event, and as if success had smoothed his way before him. The
late Mr. Cooke's manner of representing this scene was more
vehement, hurried, and full of anxious uncertainty. This, though
more natural in general, was less in character in this particular
instance. Richard should woo less as a lover than as an actor--to
show his mental superiority, and power of making others the
playthings of his purposes.
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