T ADVERTISEMENT. A no period of time has the study of SHAKSPEARE been so universal as at present; nor is there any circumstance more honourable to the good taste of the Public to be pointed out. New editions make their appearance, and new editions are projected, with a rapidity which can only be equalled by the eagerness with which they are received. Amidst the various publications of this immortal Author, the present Selection from his works has had the honour to receive the most ample testimony in its favour, by the fale of five numerous impressions. Being again called for, the publishers have reprinted it in a larger type, with Corrections and Amendments, which they flatter themselves will do credit to their own liberality and attention. Concerning the work itself they deem it unnecessary to add any thing to the eulogium which the rapid sale bears the best teftimony of; being convinced, in the words of their Author, that " Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale i A so well known, and so universally acknowledged, that it may feem unnecessary to dwell on perfections which every one confesses, and which even Envy itself has no longer the effrontery to deny. If any author is entitled to the appellation of a Universal Genius, on whom can that honourable distinction be more readily conferred, than on him who, with the most subtle penetration, has pierced through the dark recesses of the human heart; who has painted the most beautiful scenes of nature; who has given life and action to virtue, inculcating the noblest systein of morality, and animating mankind to tread those steps which lead to the happiness of individuals, and, in consequence, to the general good of the community. 1 Poetry too, often is confidered as a mere relief, to fill up the vacancy of indolence, or to diffipate the langour of inattention; and so seldom is it employed in effecting its noblest purposes, that the neglect of it can weither be wondered at nor condemned. It is, however, A 2 |
