THE SUBORDINATE CHARACTERS OF SHAKSPERE'S PLAYS. THE introductory lecture of
a course on this subject, on which Mr. COWDEN CLARKE is now engaged at the London Institution, was de- livered by him in the Theatre of the Islington Literary Institution on Thursday the 18th, to a very numerous auditory. As there is no more general impression even among the most conversant with SHAKSPERE than his novelty—passages ever appearing to have been overlooked or insufficiently admired—the subject is peculiarly happy, and apparently of i exhaustible interest. To cull neglected flowers from the poetry of • this teeming writer—to expatiate on points of humour, character, or satire—to blend criticism and speculation, original or select, so as to furnish food for thought and material for an entertaining evening—has been the object of the lecturer. This he fully accomplished the other Bight by his selections from Macbeth and As You Like It. Mr. CLARKE'S readings of the poetry are peculiarly happy ; they have the charm of strong native feeling as contradistinguished from the artificial theatrical Style. The sympathetic state into which he gradually warmed his au- dience was one of the most pleasing things we ever witnessed. A play acted, by first-rate talent, could scarcely have accomplished more.
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