Many were the Wit-combats betwixt him and Ben Johnson, which two we may compare to a Spanish great Gallion, and an English Man of war: Mr. Johnson, (like the former) was built far higher in Learning, solid, but slow in his performances; Shakespear, with the English Man of war, lesser in Bulk, but lighter in sayling, could turn with all Tides, tack about, and take advantage of all Winds, by the quickness of his Wit and Invention. His History of Henry the Fourth is very much commended by some, as being full of sublime Wit, and as much condemned by others, for making Sir John Falstaffe the property of Pleasure for Prince Henry to abuse, as one that was a Thrasonical Puff, and emblem of mock Valour; though indeed he was a man of Arms every inch of him, and as valiant as any his Age, being for his Martial Prowess made Knight of the Garter by King Henry the 6th.
This our famous Comedian died An. Dom. 16—and was buried at Stratford upon Avon, the Town of his Nativity; upon whom one hath bestowed this Epitaph, though more proper had he been buried in Westminster Abbey.
Renowned Spencer, lie a thought more nigh
To learned Chaucer, and rare Beaumont lie
A little nearer Spencer to make room
For Shakespear, in your threefold, fourfold Tomb,
To lodge all four in one Bed make a shift
Until Doomsday, for hardly will a fifth
Betwixt this day and that, by Fates be slain
For whom your Curtains may be drawn again.