ABSTRACT
PREFACE Shakespeare, who first revived, or more properly form’d the Stage, was the greatest Dramatic Author this Country ever produced. By the Force of a sound Judgment, most lively Imagination, and a perfect Knowledge of human Nature, without the least Assistance from Art, he dispell’d those condense Clouds of Gothic Ignorance which at that Time obscured us, and first caused Britain to appear a formidable Rival to her learned Neighbours. Nothing but a liberal Education was wanting to raise this great Man to the Summit of Perfection, where he would for ever have flourished unrivall’d. But the Sun itself has its Spots; nor was any thing as yet ever form’d entirely compleat.
