'To works, of which the excellence is not absolute and definite, but gradual and comparative; to works not raised upon principles demonstrative and scientifick, but appealing wholly to observation and experience, no other test can be applied than length of duration and continuance of esteem.' Having granted to Shakespeare 'the privilege of established fame and prescriptive veneration', Johnson went on to assert that it was 'proper to inquire by what peculiarities of excellence Shakespeare has gained and kept the favour of his countrymen' (Preface to Shakespeare) .
His criticism of Shakespeare, where he accepted posterity's verdict, is happier than his attempt to demonstrate that Samson Agonistes is a tragedy 'which ignorance has admired and bigotry applauded' and that 'no man could have fancied that he read Lycidas with pleasure, had he not known its author'.