expression uttered by any character in the Drama that can be construed into any impeachment of Fastaff's Courage;—an observation made before as respecting some of the Witnesses;—it is now extended to all: And though this silence be a negative proof only, it cannot, in my opinion, under the circumstances of the case, and whilst uncontradicted by facts, be too much re- lied on. If Falstaff had been intended for the character of a Miles Gloriosus, his behaviour ought, and therefore would have been commented upon by others. Shakespeare seldom trusts to the apprehensions of his audience; his characters interpret for one another continually, and when we least suspect such artful and secret management
defeatsall the arts and managements of fiction.---The whole play of the Tempest is of so high and superior a nature that Dryden, who had attempted to imitate in vain, might well exclaim that
"---Shakespeare's magic could not copied be,
"Within that circle none durst walk but He."
