men great as Shakespeare or Milton; and how many Englishmen there are who did good service in their day and generation who are now nearly forgotten by their countrymen. That, in common with the best of the commentators on the writings of this great poet, I shall be found to have my share of errors and misconceptions, is most probably the case. I am quite prepared to hear of them, to acknowledge, and correct them. My object is simply that these writings, in some points now misapprehended, shall be more justly understood; and I hope thus to do something to enlarge at least the harmless pleasures of my countrymen, and to support the honour and reputation of a great author. The mistakes and misapprehensions will float on the surface, and be easily skimmed off by the unkindly critic, or they will sink to the bottom, and be for ever lost: while there will still be something good and useful which may secure a place for a new name in some future VARIORUM. THE CONTENTS OF VOLUME I. I. PROLUSIONS GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL ON THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, AND OTHER FAMILIES CONNECTED WITH HIM. |