all succeeding writers; and it may be doubted whether, from all his successors, more maxims of theoretical knowledge, or more rules of practical prudence, can be collected, than he alone has given to his country."

Dr. Johnson evidently felt the many, and various excellencies of this inimitable author, and he did not think it derogatory to his character to record his feelings, and express his opinions on the subject, although aware at the same time, that he was then not writing for the present generation only, but for posterity, by whom his labours would be critically judged but he never imagined that his moral purity would be called in question, or his religious feelings doubted, because he had approved what Shakespeare had written.

FIRST ANNIVERSARY

OF THE

SHAKESPEARE CLUB,

November 4, 1819.

J. RIMINGTON, ESQ. IN THE CHAIR.

ON Thursday last, November 4, the First Anniversary of this Society was held at the Tontine Inn.

The Meeting, consisting of about seventy members, was truly convivial. Preceding the dinner, Dr. Younge was nominated President for the ensuing anniversary, and he very politely accepted the situation.

The following Toasts and Sentiments, among others, followed the removal of the cloth.

The King.

The Prince Regent.

Duke of York and the Army.

Duke of Clarence and the Navy.

The Chairman now proposed the memory of the immortal William Shakespeare, with three times three.This Toast, which was received with enthusiastic applause, was introduced with appropriate observations from the Chair.

The Drama: may it long continue a source of rational recreation. The Pulpit liberal, and the Stage correct.

Our Noble Townsman, The Duke of Norfolk.

The Lord Lieutenant of the West Riding, Lord Lascelles.

Earl Fitzwilliam.

This Toast was immediately proposed to be drunk with three times three, which was acquiesced in with the loudest acclamation.

When the health of this excellent nobleman, Earl Fitzwilliam, was given, to whose name it had long been customary to attach "The Lord Lieutenant of the West Riding," and unaccompanied by any other appellation than that of "our neighbour," the whole company appeared to feel the indignity that had been offered to him in his recent dismissal from an office, which he had for many years adorned; whilst the enthusiastic burst of applause that attended his name, and the spontaneous rising of the company, to do honour to the toast, evinced a sincere and ardent attachment to that venerable nobleman; who, on every occasion, where the welfare of the town of Sheffield has been concerned, has never failed to prove himself both a neighbour and friend.”

The County Members.

66

The Magistrates of the West Riding, particularly those who act in this district.

The Sheffield Theatre, and its highly respected and spirited manager, Mr. Mansel. (Loud Applause.)

Mr. Mansel, in acknowledging the honour, said,— For those who are not sensibly alive to the merits and beauties of Shakespeare, I feel-pity. For those who can appreciate him, and yet endeavour to vilify and destroy him, I feel contempt. With respect to the great and wonderful being, who honours this meeting with its designation, so much has already been said, and so well, in his praise, that it may appear presumption on my part at attempting to offer my mite. But, having the misfortune to live in an age when people even of education,-nay, more, of minds, though warped ones,-have

had the temerity to ask of what service has Shakespeare been to society? and what loss the world would sustain if the whole of his writings were destroyed? it becomes incumbent upon me, and every liberal-minded man, to raise our voices against such base injustice, and to protect the manes of insulted genius. It would be too invidious to attempt exalting Shakespeare, by comparing him with any of his opponents; the preponderating contrast would be ridiculous, even to the most casual observer,-a Brobdignag in Lilliput! bring him to the test with his illustrious contemporaries and followers,-and then he shines gloriously conspicuous. From Ben. Johnson and Ford, down to Beaumont and Fletcher, Massinger, Dryden, and many more, out of at least five hundred plays, not three of them can keep their rank as acting dramas; at the same time, not less than twenty of Shakespeare's plays are represented and repeated nightly, from one end of this great island to the other. When brought in comparison with modern authors, he still holds the same pre-eminent rank. The elegant, classical Addison sinks in the trial; the energetic, religious Young yields up the palm; and the nervous, colossal, moral Johnson falls prostrate. Thus, as in genius, he triumphs over the first of the illustrious dead,-so of the living, I am well convinced, he will prove more than a match for the Best.

This speech was frequently interrupted by bursts of applause, and its conclusion was marked with the most enthusiastic approbation.

He concluded by drinking the President's health, which Mr. Rhodes proposed should be drank with three times three.

Mr. Rimington returned thanks, and expressed how proud he felt in being surrounded by so many kind, liberal, and enlightened friends.

May we never stint our necessary actions in the fear to cope with malicious censurers,

May we never want a friend to cheer us, nor a bottle to cheer him.

Mr. Rhodes here wished to give the health of one of the best commentators on the text of Shakespeare

Mr. John Kemble.

May we all act well our parts on the Theatre of Human Life.

The late Manager of our theatre, Mr. Macready.

The Shakespeare Club,-may it long continue flourishing, happy, and united. Three times.

The health of Dr. Younge, who has kindly consented to be the President for the next Shakespeare Club Meeting. Three Cheers."

Dr. Younge returned thanks for the compliment paid him by so respectable a company, saying, that he had ever been an admirer of dramatic excellence, and when an historic play brought before him the scene of things that had formerly been acted, or a good modern comedy painted the living manners as they are, he had received much pleasure from them. He hoped that the company, who had appointed him the Chairman of the next anniversary, would support him on that occasion; and concluded, in Shakespeare's words, "Love and health to all! I drink to the general joy of the whole company."

Messrs. Pearson and Bramhall, the Treasurer and Secretary, with thanks for their past services, and requesting a continuance of the same.

Mr. Pearson, in a neat address, acknowledged the compliment, and expressed his willingness to render his best assistance to further the objects of the society.

The Town and Trade of Sheffield.