Page:An Essay on the Dramatic Character of Sir John Falstaff (1777).djvu/93

Rh expression uttered by any character in the Drama that can be construed into any impeachment of Fastaff's Courage;—an observation made before as respecting some of the Witnesses;—it is now extended to all: And though this silence be a negative proof only, it cannot, in my opinion, under the circumstances of the case, and whilst uncontradicted by facts, be too much re- lied on. If Falstaff had been intended for the character of a Miles Gloriosus, his behaviour ought, and therefore would have been commented upon by others. Shakespeare seldom trusts to the apprehensions of his audience; his characters interpret for one another continually, and when we least suspect such artful and secret