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In conclusion, whether we consider the plays of Shak- 

 epere merely as dramatic monuments, or as wonderful 

 essays in dramatic form, illustrating the noble morality, 

 derived from Christianity, we must consider them no less 

 wonderful than unique as intellectual achievements. Their 

 daring disregard of encumbering classic rules, their ready 

 adoption of every phase of action by which the free will 

 of Christian belief can be illustrated, prove their right 

 to be recognised as complete an embodiment, of a perfect 

 art, as the cathedrals of the middle ages of gothic archi- 

 tecture. If, beyond this, we suppose them to possess a 

 noble strain of morality, and to have for their purpose the 

 doctrinal inculcation of great truths, Ave must assign to 

 them that position in our honour and reverence, which 

 they have long held in our affection and admiration. In 

 its illustration of that best study of mankind — man — it is 

 perfect. Its originality is not less wonderful. It is the 

 only branch of literature that is native, and to the manner 

 born — the only heir of our invention begotten to us. Our 

 histories, biographies, architecture, painting, sculpture, 

 oratory, are all founded on antique models, or directly 

 imitated from them. Shakspere's drama is irreproach- 

 ably English. There is no counterpart beyond the seas. 

 NcAvton's genius is not as purely our own. His modes 

 of deduction had been practised by inferior minds before 

 and since. His instruments, the mathematics, 'were com- 

 mon to all ages and races of men. His results have been 

 verified as his wisdom can be traced ; but, in the words 

 of Mr. Emerson, Shakspere's mask is impenetrable — " He 

 was inconceivably wise — all other men conceivably ; we 

 can in some sort nestle into the mind of Plato, and think 

 from thence, but by no means from that of Shakspere." 

 Reverently looking at what he has bequeathed us — at its 

 literary originality and completeness — at the external and 

 seeming dissonance, so profoundly united into harmony and 



