"Shakespeare," writes this French worshipper, "is a friend whom Heaven
has given to the unhappy of every age and every country." The writer
warns us that he offers no eulogy of Shakespeare; that is to be found
in the poet's works, which the Frenchman for his own part prefers to
read and read again rather than waste time in praising them. "The
features of Alexander ought only to be preserved by Apelles." Nodier
merely collects some of Shakespeare's thoughts on great moral truths
which he thinks to be useful to the conduct of life. But such
extracts, he admonishes his reader, supply no true knowledge of
Shakespeare. "From Shakespeare's works one can draw forth a
philosophy, but from no systems of philosophy could one construct one
page of Shakespeare." Nodier concludes his "Observations" thus:--
"I advise those who do not know Shakespeare to study him in
himself. I advise those who know him already to read him
again.... I know him, but I must needs declare my admiration
for him. I have reviewed my powers, and am content to cast a
flower on his grave since I am not able to raise a monument
to his memory."
Language like this admits no questioning of its sincerity.
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