To return.--_Johnson_ in his COMIC Scenes has expos'd and ridicul'd _Folly_ and _Vice_; _Shakespear_ has usher'd in _Joy_, _Frolic_ and _Happiness_.--The _Alchymist_, _Volpone_ and _Silent Woman_ of _Johnson_, are most exquisite _Satires_. The _comic_ Entertainments of _Shakespear_ are the highest Compositions of _Raillery_, _Wit_ and _Humour_. _Johnson_ conveys some Lesson in every Character. _Shakespear_ some new Species of Foible and Oddity. The one pointed his Satire with masterly Skill; the other was inimitable in touching the Strings of Delight. With _Johnson_ you are confin'd and instructed, with _Shakespear_ unbent and dissolv'd in Joy. _Johnson_ excellently concerts his Plots, and all his Characters unite in the one Design. _Shakespear_ is superior to such Aid or Restraint; His Characters continually sallying from one independent Scene to another, and charming you in each with fresh Wit and Humour. It may be further remark'd, that _Johnson_ by pursuing the most useful Intention of _Comedy_, is in Justice oblig'd to _hunt down_ and _demolish_ his own Characters. Upon this Plan he must necessarily expose them to your _Hatred_, and of course can never bring out an amiable Person. His _Subtle_, and _Face_ are detected at last, and become mean and despicable. Sir _Epicure Mammon_ is properly trick'd, and goes off ridiculous and detestable. The _Puritan Elders_ suffer for their Lust of Money, and are quite nauseous and abominable; And his _Morose_ meets with a severe Punishment, after having sufficiently tir'd you with his Peevishness.--But _Shakespear_, with happier Insight, always supports his Characters in your _Favour_. His Justice _Shallow_ withdraws before he is tedious; The _French_ Doctor, and _Welch_ Parson, go off in full Vigour and Spirit; Ancient _Pistoll_ indeed is scurvily treated; however, he keeps up his Spirits, and continues to threaten so well, that you are still desirous of his Company; and it is impossible to be tir'd or dull with the gay unfading Evergreen _Falstaff_.