Nobody reads or speaks English, translations are rather uncommon. In 1605, a wandering theatrical company played at the court of Henri IV a scene from Merry Wives of Windsor , but Shakespeare's name remains unknown. A journey to Paris by Ben Jonson leaves only the memory of a drunkard staggering along the streets and it will take the long exile in England of Saint-Evremond at the end of the century for him to mention The Merchant of Venice and to try his quill on a translation of Volpone. For these two centuries, I fear it was but a one-way relationship. The Renaissance of arts and letters is inspired by Italy, but France often is a mediator.
English travellers cross the country.
After 1670, the diffusion of French classics is indisputable. From Dryden to Pope, from Congreve to Vanbrugh and Wycherley, people read, translate and admire Racine, Moli re and Boileau. The influence of French classicism is so deep and lasting that Coleridge speaks at the beginning of the 19th century of this French school of poetry, to which English reason has given weight and strength, that was uppermost during the last century. Geometry is today the most honoured science. Since the English are the best geometricians, we are told to look up to them as our masters in all things.