"It is no exaggeration to say that the English Bible is, next to Shakespeare, the greatest work in English literature, and that it will have much more influence than even Shakespeare upon the written and spoken language of the English race"

This quote by Lafcadio Hearn speaks with the immense impact of the English Bible on the English language. Hearn is stressing the value of the Bible in English literature, noting that it is 2nd just to Shakespeare in its impact. He suggests that the Bible will have a higher influence than Shakespeare on the English language, both composed and spoken. This is because of the truth that the Bible is read and studied by millions of individuals all over the world, and its words and expressions have entered into the English language. Hearn's quote is a testament to the power of the Bible and its impact on the English language. It is a reminder of the value of the Bible in English literature and its enduring impact on the English language.