GEORGE KEATE, 1768
(1729-1797)
Yes! jealous wits may still for empire strive,
Still keep the flames of critick rage alive:
Our Shakespeare yet shall all his rights maintain,
And crown the triumphs of Eliza’s reign,
Above control, above each classick rule,
His tutress Nature, and the World his school.
On daring pinions borne, to him was given
Th’ aerial range of Fancy’s brightest Heaven,
To bid rapt thought o’er noblest heights aspire,