From what source Shakspeare derived his fable, whether through a classic or a Gothic channel is uncertain. The story is of frequent occurrence in ancient writers; for, independent of the narrative in the _Fasti_ of the Roman poet, it has been told by _Dionysius Halicarnassensis_, by _Livy_, by _Dion Cassius_, and _Diodorus Siculus_. "I learn from Coxeter's notes," says Warton, "that the _Fasti_ were translated into English verse before the year 1570. If so, the many little pieces now current on the subject of _Lucretia_, although her legend is in Chaucer, might immediately originate from this source. In 1568, occurs a _Ballett_ called, 'The grevious complaynt of Lucrece.' And afterwards, in the year 1569, is licenced to James Robertes, 'A ballet of the death of Lucryssia.' There is also a ballad of the legend of Lucrece, printed in 1576. These publications might give rise to Shakspeare's _Rape of Lucrece_, which appeared in 1594. At this period of our poetry, we find the same subject occupying the attention of the public for many years, and successively presented in new and various forms by different poets. Lucretia was the grand example of conjugal fidelity throughout the Gothic ages."[34:A] One material advantage which the _Rape of Lucrece_ possesses over its predecessor, is, that its moral is unexceptionable; and, on this account, we have the authority of Dr. Gabriel Harvey, that it was preferred by the _graver_ readers. In every other respect, no very decided superiority, we are afraid, can be adduced. It is more studied and elaborate, it is true; but the result of this labour has in many instances been only an accumulation of far-fetched imagery and fatiguing circumlocution. Yet, notwithstanding these defects, palpable as they are, the poem has not merited the depreciation to which it has been subjected by some very fastidious critics. It occasionally delights us by a few fervid sketches of imagination and description; and by several passages of a moral and pathetic cast, clothed in language of much energy and beauty; and though the general tone of the versification be more heavy and encumbered than that of the _Venus and Adonis_, it is sometimes distinguished by point, legerity, and grace. The quotations, indeed, which we are about to give from this neglected poem, are not only such as would confer distinction on any work, but, to say more, they are worthy of the poet which produced them. Of metrical sweetness, of moral reflection, and of splendid and appropriate imagery, we find an exquisite specimen at the very opening of the poem. Collatine, boasting of his felicity "in the possession of his beauteous mate," the bard exclaims— "O happiness enjoy'd but of a few! And, if possess'd, as soon decayed and done As is the morning's silver melting dew, Against the golden splendour of the sun! A date expir'd, and cancel'd ere begun."[34:B] Stanza iv.