Homer was perfect in it, as far as we can judge; Shakespeare is often perfect in it for long together, though then, from the defects of a bad education and a vicious age, all at once he loses himself in excesses.
Bagehot reflects on the literary mastery of Homer and Shakespeare, emphasizing their ability to balance perfection with the flaws of their times.
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Thirdly, we see why so few nations have made rapid advance, and how many have become stationary.
Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.
They have given what I may call a CONFIDENCE IN THE UNIVERSE.
They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.
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