t difference between
learning and languages. How far he was ignorant of the latter, I
cannot (says he) determine; but it is plain he had much reading, at
least, if they will not call it learning; nor is it any great matter
if a man has knowledge, whether he has it from one language or from
another. Nothing is more evident, than that he had a taste for natural
philosophy, mechanics, ancient and modern history, poetical learning,
and mythology. We find him very knowing in the customs, rites, and
manners of the Romans. In Coriolanus, and Julius Caesar, not only the
spirit but manners of the Romans are exactly drawn; and still a nicer
distinction is shewn between the manners of the Romans in the time of
the former and the latter. His reading in the ancient historians is no
less conspicuous, in many references to particular passages; and
the speeches copied from Plutarch in Coriolanus may as well be made
instances of his learning as those copied from Cicero in the Cataline
of Ben Johnson. The manners of other nations in general, the
AEgyptians, Venetians, French, &c. are drawn with equal propriety.
Whatever object of nature, or branch of science, he either speaks or
describes, it is always with competent, if not extensive, knowledge.
His descriptions are still exact, and his metaphors appropriated,
and remarkably drawn from the nature and inherent qualities of each
subject.----We have translations from Ovid published in his name,
among those poems which pass for his, and for some of which we have
undoubted authority, being published by himself, and dedicated to the
Earl of Southampton. He appears also to have been conversant with
Plautus, from whence he has taken the plot of one of his plays; he
follows the Greek authors, and particularly Dares Phrygius in another,
although I will not pretend, continues Mr. Pope, to say in what
language he read them.

Mr. Warburton has strongly contended for Shakespear's learning, and
has produced many imitations and parallel passages with ancient
authors, in which I am inclined to think him right, and beg leave to
produce few instances of it. He always, says Mr. Warbur-ton, makes
an ancient speak the language of an ancient. So Julius Caesar, Act I.
Scene II.

----Ye Gods, it doth amazs me,
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world,
And bear the palm alone.

This noble image is taken from the Olympic games. This majestic world
is a fine periphr