unfading Evergreen _Falstaff_.

But in remarking upon the Characters of _Johnson_, it would be unjust
to pass _Abel Drugger_ without notice; This is a little, mean,
sneaking, sordid Citizen, hearkening to a Couple of Sharpers, who
promise to make him rich; they can scarcely prevail upon him to resign
the least Tittle he possesses, though he is assur'd, it is in order to
get more; and your Diversion arises, from seeing him _wrung_ between
_Greediness_ to _get_ Money, and _Reluctance_ to _part_ with any for
that Purpose. His Covetousness continually prompts him to follow the
Conjurer, and puts him at the same Time upon endeavouring to stop his
Fees. All the while he is excellently managed, and spirited on
by _Face_. However, this Character upon the whole is _mean_ and
_despicable_, without any of that free spirituous jocund Humour
abounding in _Shakespear_. But having been strangely exhibited upon
the Theatre, a few Years ago, with odd Grimaces and extravagant
Gestures, it has been raised into more Attention than it justly
deserved; It is however to be acknowledg'd, that _Abel_ has no
Hatred, Malice or Immorality, nor any assuming Arrogance, Pertness
or Peevishness; And his eager Desire of getting and saving Money, by
Methods he thinks lawful, are excusable in a Person of his Business;
He is therefore not odious or detestable, but harmless and inoffensive
in private Life; and from thence, correspondent with the Rule already
laid down, he is the most capable of any of _Johnson_'s Characters, of
being a Favourite on the Theatre.

It appears, that in Imagination, Invention, Jollity and gay Humour,
_Johnson_ had little Power; But _Shakespear_ unlimited Dominion. The
first was cautious and strict, not daring to sally beyond the Bounds
of Regularity. The other bold and impetuous, rejoicing like a Giant to