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Whatsoever he [Shakespeare] penned, he never blotted out a line. My answer hath been ‘Would he had blotted a thousand’.

Timber, or Discoveries made upon Men and Matter (1641) l. 658 ‘De Shakespeare Nostrati’; see Pope 268:10

3

Donne, for not keeping of accent, deserved hanging … Shakespeare wanted art.

in Conversations with William Drummond of Hawthornden (written 1619) no. 3

3

Soul of the Age!

The applause, delight, the wonder of our stage!

3

How far thou didst our Lyly outshine,

Or sporting Kyd, or Marlowe’s mighty line.

3

In small proportions we just beauty see,

And in short measures life may perfect be.

3

Drink to me only with thine eyes,

And I will pledge with mine;

4

This figure that thou here seest put,

It was for gentle Shakespeare cut,

3

Reader, look

Not on his picture, but his book.

3

Come, my Celia, let us prove,

While we can, the sports of love.

3

You have a gift, sir, (thank your education),

Will never let you want, while there are men,

4

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Ben Jonson (c. 1572-1637) was a prominent English playwright, poet, and literary critic. Born in Westminster, London, Jonson is considered one of the greatest writers of the English Renaissance, rivaling William Shakespeare in fame. He studied at Cambridge but did not complete his degree. His literary career was marked by a distinct style, characterized by sharp intellect, mastery of language, and a critical view of society. Jonson wrote tragedies, comedies, and historical plays, with "Volpone" (The Fox), "Epicoene, or the Silent Woman", and "The Alchemist" being some of his most acclaimed works. He also distinguished himself as a poet, with collections such as "The Forest" and "Under-woods". He was a friend and, at times, a rival of Shakespeare. He died in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.