and conduct of the Puritans, but in the gentler methods and no less saintly remonstrances of many pious minds. Yet it must be owned that refinement of manners was no token of this age. Even its virtues often became gloomy and severe, while its vices too easily disdained the draperies and disguises of more polished and outwardly decent times. License of manners and coarseness of speech are glaringly reflected in the literature of the times. The splendid genius of Shakespeare conceded too much to this