Read it through once

It is indeed a strange effect of learning and of philosophy, that they should not have discovered to criticism the works of Shakspeare before the accident of his name; yet criticism is never partial in any age. The tastes of men are various, and the standard of excellence is altered: what was valued by one age is contemned by another. Ancient nations have had different modes of ornament, and have bestowed praise on those qualities which their manner of life required.