exalt the one at the expense of the other. It is ever
the nature of parties to be in extremes; and nothing is so probable,
as that because Ben Jonson had much the more learning, it was said,
on the one hand, that Shakspeare had none at all; and because
Shakspeare had much the most wit and fancy, it was retorted, on the
other, that Jonson wanted both. Because Shakspeare borrowed nothing,
it was said that Ben Jonson borrowed every thing. Because Jonson did
not write extempore, he was reproached with being a year about every
piece; and because Shakspeare wrote with ease and rapidity, they
cried, he never once made a blot. Nay, the spirit of opposition ran
so high, that whatever those of the one side objected to the other,
was taken at the rebound, and turned into praises; as injudiciously
as their antagonists before had made them objections."

The learning of Shakspeare! Pope, like Dryden, has said well upon it.
Shakspeare, the personal friend of men of highest rank, learning, genius;
and reading in the English language as much as he chose of the wit and
wisdom there entreasured, inherited the mind of the world. What will you
have more? That he shall read his own spirit; and, therefore, is he above
all men learned. As for that seeming wildness and irregularity of his
style, which many are inclined, even at this day, to set down to his
imperfect education, we beg you to recollect his more elaborated rhymed
poems; his Venus and Adonis; his Rape of Lucrece; his Passionate Pilgrim;
his Sonnets. And are you quite sure that some of the most finished, the
strictest composition as to language and verse, of his age, shall not be
found there, far beyond the experience or even comprehension of Dr Parr
and all his scholars?

Reader beloved from old, and with whom we have ever loved, on pleasant
landing-place in spacious article, lovingly to confabulate--while
printer's devil, forgetful of copy, in the far depths of Altisidora
indulged in snoreless sleep--reader, beloved anew, tell us who were the
Greeks? "They were that division of mankind in which Homer took mortal
existence. Homer spoke Greek." Good. And so, three or five thousand years
hence, somebody will be asking somebody, who were the English? "Oh! they
inhabited the island in which Shakspeare was born! Then, and a little
while before and after. Shakspeare spoke English. He was an Englishman."
Good. Ay, ay, rough and r