Ben jonson

the reputation of jonson has been of the most deadly kind that can be compelled upon the memory of a great poet. to be universally accepted to be damned by the praise that quenches all desire to read the book to be afflicted by the imputation of the virtues which excite the least pleasure and to be read only by historians and antiquariesthis is the most perfect conspiracy of approval. for some generations the reputation of jonson has been carried rather as a liability than as an asset in the balance-sheet of english literature. no critic has succeeded in making him appear pleasurable or even interesting. swinburnes book on jonson satisfies no curiosity and stimulates no thought. for the critical study in the men of letters series by mr. gregory smith there is a place it satisfies curiosity, it supplies many just observations, it provides valuable matter on the neglected masques it only fails to remodel the image of jonson which is settled in our minds. probably...