the English Nation.
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but little Pleaſure from the Peruſal of Ariſtophanes and Plautus, and for this Reaſon, becauſe I am neither a Greek nor a Roman. The Delicacy of the Humour, the Alluſion, the à propos, all theſe are loſt to a Foreigner.
But 'tis different with reſpect to Tragedy, this treating only of exalted Paſſions and heroical Follies, which the antiquated Errors of Fable or Hiſtory have made ſacred. Oedipus, Electra and ſuch like Characters, may with as much Propriety, be treated of by the Spaniards, the Engliſh, or Us, as by the Greeks. But true Comedy is the ſpeaking Picture of the Follies and ridiculous Foibles of a Nation; ſo that he only is able to judge of the Painting, who is perfectly acquainted with the People it repreſents.
LETTER
