REMARKS ON THE PLOT, THE FABLE, AND CONSTRUCTION OF KING HENRY VIII. THE play of Henry the Eighth is one of those, which still keeps possession of the stage, by the splendor of its pageantry. The coronation, about forty years ago, drew the people together in multitudes for a great part of the winter. Yet pomp is not the only merit of this play. The meek sorrows and virtuous distress of Catherine have furnished some scenes, which may be justly numbered among the greatest effort of tragedy. But the genius of Shakspeare comes in and goes out with Catherine. Every other part may be easily conceived and easily written. JOHNSON. PROLOGUE. I COME No more to make you laugh; things now, The play may pass; if they be still, and willing, Our own brains, and the opinion that we bring, |