ABSTRACT
We have often bewailed among the literati a pruriency of criticism, which seems to spring rather from envy than emulation, because it is generally attended with abuse. The force of Shakespeare’s genius was often felt and admired before many passages of his works were understood; and when Mr Rowe published his edition of our great poet it was bought up with avidity, because he appeared in what we may call a decent habit, and was more legible than before, not to mention that the editor’s name gave great sanction to the publication.
