All his fine qualities came out when
as an elder he met churlish Ben Jonson. Jonson did not influence him as
much as Marlowe had influenced him; but these were the two greatest of
living men with whom he was brought into close contact, and his
relations with Jonson show him as in a glass. Rowe has a characteristic
story which must not be forgotten:
"His acquaintance with Ben Jonson began with a remarkable
piece of humanity and good-nature; Mr. Jonson,
who was at that time altogether unknown, had offered
one of his playes to the Players, in order to have it
acted; but the persons into whose hands it was put, after
having turned it carelessly and superciliously over, were
just upon returning it to him, with an ill-natured answer,
that it would be of no service to their company, when
Shakespeare luckily cast his eye upon it, and found something
so well in it as to encourage him to read through
and afterwards to recommend Ben Jonson and his writings
to the publick. After this they were professed
friends; though I don't know whether the other ever
made him an equal return of gentleness and sincerity.
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