appearing over-confident, or employing such a multiplicity of words and forms of deprecation as would eventually amount to a worse abuse of "the Liberty of the Press." That I think I have arrived at a true solution, my appearance in print is sufficient evidence. That I may have failed I am free to admit; and I shall be deeply obliged to any one who will kindly set me right. But, right or wrong, I feel the gratifying assurance, that the endeavour to contribute to the satisfactory reading, (and what reading can be satisfactory without a full understanding of the meaning?) of the greatest and most admired of poets, is not a demerit deserving of harsh treatment at the hands of his genuine admirers. He has studied the writings of the "gentle" Shakespeare to little purpose, who has not imbibed from them a portion of his humanity. It may also mitigate the severity of those who may be inclined to censure, if they will reflect that, though I may not myself have succeeded in "plucking out the heart of the mystery," I have with certainty pointed out the way by which a more competent inquirer may be more successful. I would now fain take my leave in the words of an eminent critic: ▾ "Thus have I presumed to inspect and declare the mysteries of this ideal temple. The attempt after all might have been censured as prophane, if the great mystagogue himself, or somebody for him, had not given us the undoubted key to it. Under this encouragement I could not withstand the temptation of disclosing thus much of one of the noblest fictions of antiquity; and the rather, as the propriety of allegoric composition, which made the distinguished pride of ancient poetry, seems but little known or attended to by the modern professors of this fine art." THE END. ▾ Hurd. F. Shoberl, Jun., Printer to H. R. H. Prince Albert, 51, Rupert Street, Haymarket. PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENTS, AND COUNCIL, FOR THE YEAR COMMENCING APRIL 26, 1843. President. THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUESS OF CONYNGHAM. Vice-Presidents. RT. HON. LORD BRAYBROOKE, F.S.A. RT. HON. LORD FRANCIS EGERTON, M.P. RT. HON. THE EARL OF GLENGALL. RT. HON. EARL HOWE. RT. HON. THE EARL OF POWIS. Council. AMYOT, THOMAS, ESQ., F.R.S., TREAS. S.A. AYRTON, WILLIAM, ESQ., F.R.S., F.S.A. BOTFIELD, BERIAH, ESQ., M.P. BRUCE, JOHN, ESQ., F.S.A. CLERKE, MAJOR SHADWELL. COLLIER, J. PAYNE, ESQ., F.S.A., DIRECTOR. COOPER, C. PURTON, ESQ., Q.C., F.R.S., F.S.A. CORNEY, BOLTON, ESQ. CUNNINGHAM, PETER, ESQ., TREASURER. DICKENS, CHARLES, ESQ. DYCE, REV. ALEXANDER. FIELD, BARRON, ESQ. HALLAM, HENRY, ESQ., F.R.S., V.P.S.A. PETTIGREW, T. J., ESQ., F.R.S. F.S.A. SHARPE, THE REV. LANCELOT, M.A. THOMS, WILLIAM J., ESQ., F.S.A. TOMLINS, F. GUEST, ESQ., SECRETARY. WATSON, SIR FREDERICK BEILBY, K.C.H., F.R.S. WRIGHT, THOMAS, ESQ., M.A., F.S.A., CORRESPONDENT OF THE INSTITUTE OF FRANCE, ETC. REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY TO THE SECOND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUBSCRIBERS, HELD ON THE 26th APRIL, 1843, AT THE ROOMS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE, No. 4, ST. MARTIN'S PLACE, CHARING CROSS. The Council of the Shakespeare Society, in making a Report of the proceedings of the Second Year of the Society's existence, have little more to do than to insert the titles of the works published, and to shew the application and present state of the Funds. It has been a ruling principle with the Council to adhere closely to the aim proposed in the foundation of the Society, viz., the publication of productions existing only in manuscript, and the reprinting of such rare works as should illustrate the progress of our Early Drama, and, wherever it was possible, throw a light on the origin and formation of the plays of Shakespeare, and of the School of which he was the great ornament, although not the founder. Some objections have been taken, by those unacquainted with the extended purposes of the Society, to the publication of works apparently not sufficiently im portant in themselves; while others have recommended the reprinting of nothing that did not immediately relate to Shakespeare. To such objectors the Council beg to reply, that they consider they are best satisfying the wants of the dramatic antiquary and historic student by putting within reach, and into the safe custody of printing, such tracts, illustrating the progress of this magnificent portion of our Literature, as are unique, or nearly so, and thus unapproachable by general readers, and which would otherwise be at the mercy of any unfortunate casualty. The following list of publications, embracing a great variety of literature, will, it is hoped, be deemed a sufficient answer to all objections, and will have proved satisfactory to the members. The following seven volumes have been printed and distributed during the year which closed 31 December, 1842. 1. EXTRACTS FROM THE ACCOUNTS OF THE REVELS AT COURT IN THE REIGNS OF QUEEN ELIZABETH AND King James I., from the original Office Books of the Masters and Yeomen. With an Introduction and Notes, by PETER CUNningham, Esq. 2. NOTES OF BEN JONSON'S CONVERSATIONS WITH WILLIAM DRUMMOND OF Hawthornden, in the year 1619. Edited by DAVID LAING, Esq., F.S.A., &c. 3. THE FIRST SKETCH OF THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR: being an accurate copy of the 4to., 1602, never until now reprinted; with an Appendix of the Novels which contributed to the plot of that Comedy. Edited by JAMES ORCHARD HALLIWELL, Esq., F.R.S., F.S.A., &c. 4. FOOLS AND JESTERS; with a reprint of ARMIN'S NEST OF NINNIES. 4to., 1608. From the unique copy in the Bodleian Library. Edited by J. PAYNE COLLIER, Esq., F.S.A. |