Puck — April 24, 1878 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a theatrical illustration captioned "Elizabeth as Marguerita: 'I did, I did not,—I did—'" The image shows a woman in period costume (headpiece, dark jacket, white flowing skirt) in an emotional pose, appearing to recite dramatic lines. The header asks "What fools these Mortals be!"—a Shakespeare quote suggesting satire about human folly. This likely references **Elizabeth as Marguerita**, possibly a theatrical production or actress of the era. The repeated, hesitant dialogue ("I did, I did not") mocks overwrought dramatic performance—a common Puck target. The satire appears directed at Victorian theatrical conventions and actors' melodramatic delivery rather than specific politics. The page satirizes the pretensions of stage acting.