Alexander Pope on William Shakespeare
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“He is not so much an imitator, as an instrument, of nature; and 'tis not so just to say that he speaks from her as that she speaks through him.”
Alexander Pope, echoing Addison's earlier praise of Homer, lauds Shakespeare's masterful characterization, suggesting his dialogue is uniquely identifiable to each speaker.
“had all the speeches been printed without the very names of the persons, I believe one might have applied them with certainty to every speaker.”
“'tis plain he had much reading at least, if they will not call it learning. Nor is it any great matter, if a man has knowledge, whether he has it from one language or from another.”
“Shakspeare (whom you and every playhouse bill Style the divine! the matchless! what you will), For gain, not glory, wing'd his roving flight, And grew immortal in his own despite.”