To the Reader

As “the ever-fruitful subject of Shakspeare and his Commentators” still continues to engage the curiosity or to exercise the candor of the public; even the specimen of a criticism may perhaps venture to appear under the favourable impression of a popular topic. The vanity of the writer will easily discover and applaud the importance of a discussion, which he well knows to be so deeply connected with the principles of general taste and the feelings of national enthusiasm. By the title of the present work, I am desirous of expressing the imperfect endeavours of an occasional Critic to advance the progress of this enquiry; and I have laboured with considerable diligence to convince at once the Reader and the Commentator that the stores of knowledge are not ultimately exhausted in the elucidation of Shakspeare. I may be tempted, perhaps, on some future occasion to proceed in the research, and to enlarge the boundaries of my specimen; though I might well be contented to relinquish the execution of such a design to the vigour of more regular exertions, and the learning of more ample resources. The observations on as vou like it are destined either to establish some interpretation, which had eluded the sagacity of former critics; or to defend an original reading, which had been rejected by the concurrence of all the commentators, or at least by the opinion of the best. Mr. Malone ¹ will rejoice, I trust, to perceive that something may be still added to the labour of thirty years; and that his industry may be yet successfully employed in removing from the text of Shakspeare the capricious innovations of ignorance or of temerity. In the attempt to explain and illustrate various passages on a new principle of criticism; I have endeavoured to unfold the secret and subtle operations of genius from the most indubitable doctrine in the theory of metaphysics. As these powers of the imagination have never, I believe, been adequately conceived, or systematically discussed; I may perhaps be permitted, on this occasion, to adopt the language of science and to assume the merit of discovery. The reader will at least be instructed in a portion of knowledge, which was before hidden from his view; however he may finally appreciate the importance of the doctrine or the dexterity of the teacher.