peace; the votaries of pleasure, or the victims of despair; we behold each character developing itself, not through the medium of self-description, but, as in actual experience, through the influence and progression of events, and through the re-action of surrounding agents. Thus, from the mutual working of conflicting interests and emotions, from their various powers of coalescence and repulsion, the characters of Shakspeare are, like those in real life, evolved with an energy and strength, with a freedom and boldness of outline which will, probably for ever, stamp them with the seal of unapproachable excellence.
Nor is he less distinguished for an illimitable sway over the Passions:—
——————————— "To move
A chilling pity—
To strike—both joy and ire;
To steer the affections; and by heavenly fire
Mold us anew,—
Yet so to temper passion, that our ears
Take pleasure in their pain, and eyes in tears
Both weep and smile"—