Second Epoch.

Richard II.
King John.
Henry VI.,--'rifacimento' only.
Richard III.


Third Epoch.

Henry IV.
Henry V.
Merry Wives of Windsor.
Henry VIII.,--a sort of historical masque, or show play.


Fourth Epoch

gives all the graces and facilities of a genius in full possession and
habitual exercise of power, and peculiarly of the feminine, the _lady's_
character.

Tempest.
As You Like It.
Merchant of Venice.
Twelfth Night.

and, finally, at its very point of culmination,--

Lear.