To return.--_Johnson_ in his COMIC Scenes has expos'd and ridicul'd
_Folly_ and _Vice_; _Shakespear_ has usher'd in _Joy_, _Frolic_ and
_Happiness_.--The _Alchymist_, _Volpone_ and _Silent Woman_ of
_Johnson_, are most exquisite _Satires_. The _comic_ Entertainments of
_Shakespear_ are the highest Compositions of _Raillery_, _Wit_
and _Humour_. _Johnson_ conveys some Lesson in every Character.
_Shakespear_ some new Species of Foible and Oddity. The one pointed
his Satire with masterly Skill; the other was inimitable in touching
the Strings of Delight. With _Johnson_ you are confin'd and
instructed, with _Shakespear_ unbent and dissolv'd in Joy. _Johnson_
excellently concerts his Plots, and all his Characters unite in the
one Design. _Shakespear_ is superior to such Aid or Restraint; His
Characters continually sallying from one independent Scene to another,
and charming you in each with fresh Wit and Humour.
It may be further remark'd, that _Johnson_ by pursuing the most useful
Intention of _Comedy_, is in Justice oblig'd to _hunt down_ and
_demolish_ his own Characters. Upon this Plan he must necessarily
expose them to your _Hatred_, and of course can never bring out an
amiable Person. His _Subtle_, and _Face_ are detected at last, and
become mean and despicable.
Pages:
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82