_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. Sir _Epicure Mammon_ is properly trick'd,
and goes off ridiculous and detestable. The _Puritan Elders_ suffer
for their Lust of Money, and are quite nauseous and abominable; And
his _Morose_ meets with a severe Punishment, after having sufficiently
tir'd you with his Peevishness.--But _Shakespear_, with happier
Insight, always supports his Characters in your _Favour_. His Justice
_Shallow_ withdraws before he is tedious; The _French_ Doctor, and
_Welch_ Parson, go off in full Vigour and Spirit; Ancient _Pistoll_
indeed is scurvily treated; however, he keeps up his Spirits, and
continues to threaten so well, that you are still desirous of his
Company; and it is impossible to be tir'd or dull with the gay