Id. “On Shakespeare.” “Poems and Epigrams.” Works, 1846.
A long list can be cited of passages in Shakespeare, which have been solemnly denounced by many eminent men (all blockheads) as ridiculous: and if a man does find a passage in a tragedy that displeases him, it is sure to seem ludicrous: witness the indecent exposures of themselves made by Voltaire, La Harpe, and many billions beside of bilious people.
T. De Quincey (1785-1859). “Schlosser’s Literary History.” Tait’s Magazine, Sept., Oct., 1847.
A thousand poets pried at life,
And only one amid the strife
Rose to be Shakespeare.
R. Browning (1812-1889). Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, xvi., 1850.