| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Ros’cius. | | |
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A first-rate actor; so called from the Roman Roscius, unrivalled for his grace of action, melody of voice, conception of character, and delivery. He was paid thirty pounds a day for acting; Pliny says four thousand a year, and Cicero says five thousand. | 1 |
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| “What scene of death hath Roscius now to act?” | |
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Shakespeare: 3 Henry VI., v. 6. |
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Another Roscius. So Camden terms Richard Burbage (1566–1619). | 2 |
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The British Roscius. Thomas Betterton, of whom Cibber says, “He alone was born to speak what only Shakespeare knew to write.” (1635–1710.) | 3 |
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David Garrick (1716–1779). | 4 |
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The Roscius of France. Michel Boyron, generally called Baron. (1653–1729.) | 5 |
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The Young Roscius. William Henry West Betty, who in fifty-six nights realised £34,000. (Died 1874, aged 84.) | 6 |
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