58 Poetrtj. [Chap. XX. 



bility and nature ; to employ a fable more cor- 

 rect and consistent, and less frequently to ofFend 

 against the just laws of fiction. 



A further circumstance in which the dramatic 

 compositions of the last age differ from those of 

 former times is, that they abound more in plot 

 and action. The great excellence of Shakspearc 

 is not the artful contrivance of his storv, nor the 

 variety and interest of his incidents. Were his 

 plays tried upon ground of this sort, they would 

 doubtless be found inferior to man}^ of smaller 

 name. But his distinguishing merit consists in 

 his knowledge of human nature, in the accurate 

 delineation of his characters, in forcible and na- 

 tural descriptions, and in the weight and subli- 

 mity both of his sentiments and his language. 

 These, notVv'ithstanding numerous defects in the 

 structure of his dramas, deepl}'^ impress the mind, 

 dwe-ll upon the memory, and secure to him a fame 

 unrivalled and immortal. Some of the remarks 

 which have been made on Shakspearc, particu^ 

 larly that which relates to his frequent deficiency 

 in propriety of plot and incident, may be consi- 

 dered as applying to almost all the dramatic 

 writers w ho went before him. Those of the last 

 age, especially the first class, generally adopted a 

 different method. A more artful contrivance of 

 fable is beeome fashionable ; a more extensive 

 and intricate plot is attempted ; more intrigue 

 and action are carried on ; our curiosity is more 

 awakened; and more interesting situations arise. 

 This is said, by good critics, to be an improve- 

 ment. It is contended that it furnishes a more 



