We do not think his forte would ever have lain in imitating or
improving on what others invented, so much as in inventing for
himself, and perfecting what he invented,--not perhaps by the
omission of faults, but by the addition of the highest excellences.
His own genius was strong enough to bear him up, and he soared
longest and best on unborrowed plumes.--The only passage of a very
Shakespearian cast in this comedy is the one in which the Abbess,
with admirable characteristic artifice, makes Adriana confess her
own misconduct in driving her husband mad.
Abbess. How long hath this possession held the man?
Adriana. This week he hath been heavy, sour, sad,
And much, much different from the man he was;
But, till this afternoon, his passion
Ne'er brake into extremity of rage.
Abbess. Hath he not lost much wealth by wreck at sea?
Bury'd some dear friend? Hath not else his eye
Stray'd his affection in unlawful love?
A sin prevailing much in youthful men,
Who give their eyes the liberty of gazing.
Which of these sorrows is he subject to?
Adriana. To none of these, except it be the last:
Namely, some love, that drew him oft from home.
Abbess. You should for that have reprehended him.
Adriana. Why, so I did.
Abbess. But not rough enough.
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