William Shakespeare

History

His 'strain' is claimed by the narrator; his words about kings are felt as true by a common boy reading in a corner.

Compensation

Similarly referenced as a 'fragment of the soul' that can be made one's own through love, exemplifying how great minds are accessible to all.

Love

His characters Romeo and Juliet are the archetypal examples of passionate, embodied love that sees the entire world in the beloved, though this is a stage, not the end.

Friendship

Referenced implicitly through the poetic discussion of love and friendship's power to transform the world ('a young world'), aligning with the theme of the poet's expression.

Prudence

Implied through the reference to 'tyrannous Richard the Third,' whose crimes are presented as less genuinely tragic than the internal conflict of characters like Tasso.

Heroism

Contextually present through the discussion of English dramatists and the 'heroic cast of character and dialogue' in plays of that era.

Circles

Cited as an example of a genius whose work, like Greek sculpture, is part of a flowing cultural current that will be succeeded by new creations.

The Poet

Referenced alongside Plutarch as a figure whose era seems to wane ('in the yellow leaf') with the arrival of a new poetic spirit.

Character

Named as an author whose works are cherished by those with character, forming part of their intellectual and spiritual property.

Manners

Praised as 'the best-bred man in England and in Christendom' because his dialogue is naturally great and warm with life, not artificial.

Gifts

Alluded to through the mention of 'Timons', a reference to the character Timon of Athens, who embodies the ingratitude of beneficiaries.

New England Reformers

His work 'Hamlet' is listed among the masterpieces (like the Iliad, Doric column) that genius casts behind as poor compared to the infinite idea that inspired it.