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Article WILLIAM SHAKSPERE. ← Page 16 of 17 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
William Shakspere.
as the only legitimate basis for the text of Shakspere ' s works . Their eulogium of the poet strikes us at once by its thorough appreciation of the distinguishing characteristics of his surpassing genius . An author ' s editors are not , we are aAvare , generally very sparing of their panegyrics ; but it is not every editor of Shakspere who at that time would have SIIOAVU sufficient
discretion to direct the stream of his laudation into its most appropriate course . " As he was a happy imitator of nature , " so was he " a most gentle expresser of it . His mind and hand Avent together . " The test of two centuries has shown this criticism to be most remarkably faithful , and the recent revival of public attention to the works of the great bard has served more fully
to demonstrate the acuteness of these early critics . Whether Shakspere Avas a Freemason , is a question that will very naturally occur to the mind of the reader . There does not appear to be any evidence that he belonged to the Fraternity . As far as our researches have extended , we do not think that the word Freemason is to be found in auy portion of his writings . In
the absence of direct evidence either of a negative or an affirmative kind , we must be content to let the matter remain undecided , hoping that future revelations may throw light upon the subject . The great human heart beating in his bosom , —the
broad grasp of intellect ,- —the genuine philanthropy and perfect good-nature of the illustrious bard , would have tended to render him one of the chief ornaments of the Order . Many other matters connected with the life and works of William Shakspere claim our consideration ; but for the present we must forbear . We have shown that both the character and
the genius of the poet are at length recognised and appreciated . The glory of his fame did not burst upon the Avorld like a brilliant meteor , dazzling for a moment , and as suddenly disappearing ; it has climbed steadily up the horizon , and is UOAV the brightest planet in the firmament of English literature . It mayindeedbe very aptly termed the centre of the systemfor
, , , around it all the lesser lights revolve , illumined by the effulgence of its surpassing splendours . Sudden reputations are as ephemeral as they are unsatisfactory . The light which is to bran undimmed for ages must be a pure and steadfast flame , — the glare of a torch is speedily extinguished . How many a pilgrim has been cheered by its rays—how many a lonely
stu-, dent delighted by their undying glory , —what noble powers of the mind have been unchained by their influence ! HOAV many a sinful heart have his words of thunder shaken , —hoAV many a wicked cheek have his admonitions lit up Avith the crimson hues of shame , —IIOAV many a sinking soul have his songs sustained , —
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
William Shakspere.
as the only legitimate basis for the text of Shakspere ' s works . Their eulogium of the poet strikes us at once by its thorough appreciation of the distinguishing characteristics of his surpassing genius . An author ' s editors are not , we are aAvare , generally very sparing of their panegyrics ; but it is not every editor of Shakspere who at that time would have SIIOAVU sufficient
discretion to direct the stream of his laudation into its most appropriate course . " As he was a happy imitator of nature , " so was he " a most gentle expresser of it . His mind and hand Avent together . " The test of two centuries has shown this criticism to be most remarkably faithful , and the recent revival of public attention to the works of the great bard has served more fully
to demonstrate the acuteness of these early critics . Whether Shakspere Avas a Freemason , is a question that will very naturally occur to the mind of the reader . There does not appear to be any evidence that he belonged to the Fraternity . As far as our researches have extended , we do not think that the word Freemason is to be found in auy portion of his writings . In
the absence of direct evidence either of a negative or an affirmative kind , we must be content to let the matter remain undecided , hoping that future revelations may throw light upon the subject . The great human heart beating in his bosom , —the
broad grasp of intellect ,- —the genuine philanthropy and perfect good-nature of the illustrious bard , would have tended to render him one of the chief ornaments of the Order . Many other matters connected with the life and works of William Shakspere claim our consideration ; but for the present we must forbear . We have shown that both the character and
the genius of the poet are at length recognised and appreciated . The glory of his fame did not burst upon the Avorld like a brilliant meteor , dazzling for a moment , and as suddenly disappearing ; it has climbed steadily up the horizon , and is UOAV the brightest planet in the firmament of English literature . It mayindeedbe very aptly termed the centre of the systemfor
, , , around it all the lesser lights revolve , illumined by the effulgence of its surpassing splendours . Sudden reputations are as ephemeral as they are unsatisfactory . The light which is to bran undimmed for ages must be a pure and steadfast flame , — the glare of a torch is speedily extinguished . How many a pilgrim has been cheered by its rays—how many a lonely
stu-, dent delighted by their undying glory , —what noble powers of the mind have been unchained by their influence ! HOAV many a sinful heart have his words of thunder shaken , —hoAV many a wicked cheek have his admonitions lit up Avith the crimson hues of shame , —IIOAV many a sinking soul have his songs sustained , —