Note return to page 1 [1] 1 If he appeal the Duke;] Appeal, i. e. call, demand, challenge, from appello. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 2 [2] 2 that can inherit us.] We should read, inhabit.

Note return to page 3 [3] 3 This we prescribe, though no physician, &c.] I must make one remark, in general, on the Rhymes throughout this whole play; they are so much inferior to the rest of the writing, that they appear to me of a different hand. What confirms this, is, that the context does every where exactly (and frequently much better) connect without the inserted rhymes, except in a very few places; and just there too, the rhyming verses are of a much better taste than all the others, which rather strengthens my conjecture. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 4 [4] 4 Or with pale beggar face &lblank;] i. e. with a face of supplication. But this will not satisfy the Oxford Editor, he turns it to haggard fear.

Note return to page 5 [5] 5 The slavish motive &lblank;] Motive, for instrument.

Note return to page 6 [6] 6 As gentle and as jocund, as to jest,] Not so neither. We should read, to just, i. e. to tilt or tourny, which was a kind of sport too.

Note return to page 7 [7] 7 And for we think, the eagle-winged pride, &c.] These five verses are omited in the other editions, and restored from the first of 1598. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 8 [8] 8 To wake our Peace.&lblank;which thus rouz'd up&lblank; Might fright fair Peace,] Thus the sentence stands in the common reading, absurdly enough: which made the Oxford Editor, instead of, fright fair Peace, read, be affrighted; as if these latter words could ever, possibly, have been blundered into the former by transcribers. But his business is to alter as his fancy leads him, not to reform errors, as the text and rules of criticism, direct. In a word, then, the true original of the blunder was this: The Editors, before Mr. Pope, had taken their Editions from the Folios, in which the text stood thus, &lblank; the dire aspect Of civil wounds plough'd up with neighbour swords; Which thus rouz'd up, &lblank; &lblank; fright fair Peace. This is sense. But Mr. Pope, who carefully examined the first printed plays in Quarto, (very much to the advantage of his Edition) coming to this place, found five lines, in the first Edition of this play printed in 1598, omitted in the first general collection of the poet's works; and not enough attending to their agreement with the common text, put them into their place. Whereas, in truth, the five lines were omitted by Shakespear himself, as not agreeing to the rest of the context; which, on revise, he thought fit to alter. On this account I have put them into hooks, not as spurious, but as rejected on the author's revise; and, indeed, with great judgment; for, To wake our Peace, which in our country's cradle Draws the sweet infant breath of gentle sleep, as pretty as it is in the image, is absurd in the sense: For Peace awake is still Peace, as well as when asleep. The difference is, that Peace asleep gives one the notion of a happy people sunk in sloth and luxury, which is not the idea the speaker would raise, and from which state, the sooner it was awaked the better.

Note return to page 9 [9] 9 It boots thee not to be compassionate;] compassionate, for plaintive.

Note return to page 10 [1] 1 (Our part therein we banish with your selves.)] It is a question much debated amongst the writers of the Law of Nations, whether a banish'd man be still tied in allegiance to the state which sent him into exile. Tully and Lord Chancellor Clarendon declare for the affirmative: Hobbs and Puffendorf hold the negative. Our author, by this line, seems to be of the same opinion.

Note return to page 11 [2] 2 A partial slander, &c.] These two lines added from the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 12 [3] 3 All Places that the Eye of Heav'n visits, &c.] The fourteen verses that follow, are found in the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 13 [1] 1 And yet ingaged in so small a verge,] The Folio of 1623 reads ingaged, which is right.

Note return to page 14 [2] 2 Thy state of law is bondslave to the law;] State of law, i. e. legal sov'rainty. But the Oxford Editor alters it to state o'er law, i. e. absolute sov'rainty. A doctrine, which, if our poet ever learnt at all, he learnt not in the reign when this play was written, Queen Elizabeth's, but in the reign after it, King James's. By bondslave to the law, the poet means his being inslaved to his favorite subjects.

Note return to page 15 [3] 3 With nothing trembles, yet at something grieves,] The following line requires that this should be read just the contrary way, With something trembles, yet at nothing grieves.

Note return to page 16 [4] 4 Like Perspectives, which rightly gaz'd upon, Shew nothing but confusion; ey'd awry, Distinguish form.] This is a fine similitude, and the thing meant is this. Amongst mathematical recreations, there is one in Optics, in which a figure is drawn, wherein all the rules of Perspective are inverted: so that, if held in the same position with those pictures which are drawn according to the rules of Perspective, it can present nothing but confusion: and to be seen in form, and under a regular Appearance, it must be look'd upon from a contrary station: or, as Shakespear says, ey'd awry.

Note return to page 17 [5] 5 Should I do so, &c.] This line added from the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 18 [6] 6 &lblank; the absent time,] For unprepared. Not an inelegant synecdoche.

Note return to page 19 [7] 7 And ostentation of despised arms?] But sure the ostentation of despised arms would not fright any one. We should read &lblank; disposed arms i. e. forces in battle-array.

Note return to page 20 [8] 8 The means, that heaven, &c.] The four lines that follow from the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 21 [a] [(a) and Oxford Editor.—Vulg. that.]

Note return to page 22 [2] 2 Whilst we were wand'ring &c.] This line added from the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 23 [3] 3 Of double fatal Ewe, &lblank;] called so, because the leaves of the Ewe are poison, and the wood is employed for instruments of death; therefore double-fatal should be with an hyphen.

Note return to page 24 [4] 4 &lblank; grav'd in the hollow ground] We should read hallow'd, i. e. consecrated.

Note return to page 25 [5] 5 And that small model of the barren earth] He uses model here, as he frequently does elsewhere, for part, portion.

Note return to page 26 [6] 6 And so your follies &c.] This line is added from the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 27 [7] 7 To ear the land, &lblank;] ear or are, from are, to plow. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 28 [8] 8 See! see! King Richard doth himself appear,] The following six lines are absurdly given to Bolingbroke, who is made to condemn his own conduct and disculp the King's. It is plain these six and the four following all belong to York.

Note return to page 29 [9] 9 &lblank; live in peace,] We should read light in peace, i. e. descend and settle upon Bolingbroke's head in peace.

Note return to page 30 [1] 1 Shall ill become the flow'r of England's face;] By the flow'r of England's face, is meant the choicest youths of England, who shall be slaughter'd in this quarrel, or have bloody crowns. The flower of England's face, to design her choicest Youth, is a fine and noble expression. Pericles, by a similar thought, said that the destruction of the Athenian youth was a fatality like cutting off the Spring from the Year. Yet the Oxford Editor, who did not apprehend the figure, alters the line thus, “Shall misbecome the flow'ry England's face. Which means—I know not what.

Note return to page 31 [2] 2 And by the bury'd hand of warlike Gaunt,] It should be read just the other way, And by the warlike hand of bury'd Gaunt.

Note return to page 32 [3] 3 Some way of common Trade, &lblank;] I suppose it should be, Tread.

Note return to page 33 [4] 4 Against a Change; woe is fore-run with woe.] But what was there, in the Gardiners' talking of State, for matter of so much woe? Besides, this is intended for a Sentence, but proves a very simple one. I suppose Shakespear wrote, &lblank; woe is fore-run with mocks, which has some meaning in it; and signifies, that, when great Men are on the decline, their inferiors take advantage of their condition, and treat them without ceremony. And this we find to be the case in the following scene. But the Editors were seeking for a rhime. Tho' had they not been so impatient they would have found it gingled to what followed, tho' it did not to what went before.

Note return to page 34 [5] 5 &lblank; our firm state?] How could he say ours when he immediately subjoins, that it was infirm? We should read &lblank; a firm state.

Note return to page 35 [1] 1 &lblank; his timeless end.] timeless for untimely.

Note return to page 36 [2] 2 &lblank; my fair stars,] I rather think it should be stem, he being of the royal blood.

Note return to page 37 [3] 3 Who sets me else? &lblank;] These three verses are taken from the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 38 [4] 4 May't please you, lords, &c.] This Scene, where Richard is introduced, from these words, may't please you, &c. to the fourth Scene of this Act, is entirely added since the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 39 [5] 5 But they can see a Sort &lblank;] i. e. a pack, a company.

Note return to page 40 [a] [(a) the. Mr. Theobald—Vulg. to.]

Note return to page 41 [1] 1 Ill may'st thou thrive,] This line from the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 42 [2] 2 &lblank; in this all-hating world.] We should read fall-hating, i. e. Love to Richard is a very rare jewel, in a world that shuns and avoids those who are fallen, or in misfortunes.

Note return to page 43 [3] 3 &lblank; but that sad Dog.] Read Drudge.

Note return to page 44 [4] 4 &lblank; sometime Master's face.] sometime for formerly. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 45 [1] 1 Shall damp her lips &lblank;] This nonsense should be read, Shall trempe, i. e. moisten, and refers to thirsty, in the preceding line: Trempe, from the French, tremper, properly signifies the moistness made by rain.

Note return to page 46 [2] 2 Those opposed eyes,] The similitude is beautiful: But, what are eyes meeting in intestine shocks, and marching all one way? The true reading is, files; which appears not only from the integrity of the metaphor, well beseeming ranks march all one way; but from the nature of those meteors to which they are compared; namely long streaks of red, which represent the lines of armies; the appearance of which, and their likeness to such lines, gave occasion to all the superstition of the common people concerning armies in the air, &c. Out of mere contradiction, the Oxford Editor would improve my alteration of files to arms, and so loses both the integrity of the metaphor and the likeness of the comparison.

Note return to page 47 [3] 3 &lblank; this dear expedience.] For expedition.

Note return to page 48 [4] 4 And many limits &lblank;] Limits for estimates.

Note return to page 49 [5] 5 This, matcht with other like, my gracious Lord, Far more uneven and unwelcome news] Far more, the Oxford Editor alters to Farther; because this other news is matcht with the former, and yet said to be Far more uneven: As if two uneven things could not be matcht together! But, to dispatch this emendation from whence it came, we must observe the old books (which our Editor appears never once to have look'd into, as trusting all to his own sagacity) read the first line thus, This, matcht with other, did, my gracious lord;] i. e. did break off the business of the holy land. And this is right.

Note return to page 50 [6] 6 Which makes him prune himself, &lblank;] Doubtless Shakespear wrote plume. And to this the Oxford Editor gives his fiat.

Note return to page 51 [7] 7 he, that wandering] Line of an old ballad.

Note return to page 52 [8] 8 got with swearing, lay by;] i. e. swearing at the passengers they robbed, lay by your arms; or rather, lay by was a phrase that then signified stand still, addressed to those who were preparing to rush forward. But the Oxford Editor kindly accommodates these old thieves with a new cant phrase, taken from Bagshot-Heath or Finchly-Common, of lug out.

Note return to page 53 [9] 9 my old lad of the castle;] This alludes to the name Shakespear first gave to this buffoon character, which was Sir John Oldcastle: And when he changed the name, he forgot to strike out this expression that alluded to it. The reason of the change was this, one Sir John Oldcastle having suffered in the time of Henry V. for the opinions of Wickliffe, it gave offence; and therefore the Poet altered it to Falstaff, and endeavours to remove the scandal, in the Epilogue to the second part of Henry IV. Fuller takes notice of this matter in his Church-History,—Stage-Poets have themselves been very bold with, and others very merry at, the memory of Sir John Oldcastle, whom they have fancied a boon companion, a jovial royster, and a coward to boot. The best is, Sir John Falstaff hath relieved the memory of Sir John Oldcastle, and of late is substituted buffoon in his place. Book 4. p. 168. But, to be candid, I believe there was no malice in the matter. Shakespear wanted a droll name to his character, and never considered whom it belonged to, we have a like instance in the Merry Wives of Windsor, where he calls his French Quack, Caius, a name, at that time, very respectable, as belonging to an eminent and learned physician, one of the founders of Caius College in Cambridge.

Note return to page 54 [a] [(a) incomparative. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. comparative.]

Note return to page 55 [b] [(b) attraction. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. iteration.]

Note return to page 56 [1] 1 &lblank; shall I falsifie men's hopes;] Just the contrary. We should read fears.

Note return to page 57 [2] 2 I will from henceforth rather be myself, Mighty and to be fear'd, than my Condition;] i. e. I will from henceforth rather put on the character that becomes me, and exert the resentment of an injured King, than still continue in the inactivity and mildness of my natural disposition. And this sentiment he has well expressed, save that by his usual licence, he puts the word condition for disposition: which use of terms depaïsing our Oxford Editor, as it frequently does, he in a loss for the meaning, substitutes in for than, Mighty and to be fear'd in my condition. So that by condition, in this reading, must be meant station, office. But it cannot be predicated of station and office, that it is smooth as oyl, soft as young down: which shews that condition must needs be licentiously used for disposition, as we said before.

Note return to page 58 [3] 3 The moody frontier &lblank;] This is nonsense. We should read frontlet, i. e. forehead.

Note return to page 59 [4] 4 A pouncet-box, &lblank;] A small box for musk or other perfumes then in fashion: The lid of which being cut with open work gave it its name; from poinsoner, to prick, pierce, or engrave.

Note return to page 60 [5] 5 &lblank; and took't away again, &c.] This stupidity between the hooks is the Players'.

Note return to page 61 [6] 6 I, then all smarting with my wounds being cold, (To be so pester'd with a popinjay)] But in the beginning of the Speech he represents himself at this time not as cold but hot, and inflamed with rage and labour, “When I was dry with rage and extreme toil, &c. I am persuaded therefore that Shakespear wrote and pointed it thus, “I then all smarting with my wounds; being gal'd “To be so pester'd with a popinjay, &c.

Note return to page 62 [7] 7 I answer'd indirectly, &lblank;] indirectly for negligently.

Note return to page 63 [8] 8 &lblank; let not this report] We should read his.

Note return to page 64 [9] 9 To do him wrong, or any way impeach What then be said, so he unsay it now.] Let us consider the whole passage, which, according to the present reading, bears this literal sense. “Whatever Percy then said may reasonably die and never rise to impeach what he then said, so he unsay it now.” This is the extract sense, or rather nonsense, which the passage makes in the present reading. It should therefore, without question, be thus printed [Subnote: for printed read pointed.] and emended, To do him wrong, or any way impeach. What then he said, see, he unsays it now. i. e. “Whatever Percy then said may reasonably die, and never rise to do him wrong or any ways impeach him. For see, my Liege, what he then said, he now unsays.” And the King's answer is pertinent to the words, as so emended.—why, yet he doth deny his prisoners, but with proviso, &c. implying, “you are mistaken in saying, see he now unsays it.” But the answer is utterly impertinent to what preceeds in the common reading.

Note return to page 65 [1] 1 &lblank; and indent with fears.] The reason why he says, bargain and article with fears, meaning with Mortimer, is, because he supposed Mortimer had wilfully betrayed his own forces to Glendower out of fear, as appears from his next Speech. No need therefore to change fears to foes, as the Oxford Editor has done.

Note return to page 66 [2] 2 But by the chance of war; &lblank;] A poor apology for a soldier, and a man of honour, that he fell off, and revolted by the chance of war. The Poet certainly wrote, But 'bides the chance of war. i. e. he never did revolt, but abides the chance of war, as a prisoner. And if he still endured the rigours of imprisonment, that was a plain proof he was not revolted to the Enemy. Hot-spur says the same thing afterwards, &lblank; suffer'd his kinsman March &lblank; to be encag'd in Wales. Here again the Oxford Editor makes this correction his own, at the small expence of changing 'bides to bore.

Note return to page 67 [3] 3 &lblank; but, sirrah, from this hour] The Oxford Editor is a deal more courtly than his old plain Elizabeth author. He changes sirrah therefore to sir: And punctilios of this kind he very carefully discharges throughout his edition: which it may be enough once for all just to have taken notice of.

Note return to page 68 [4] 4 But I will lift the downfall'n Mortimer] The Quarto of 1599 reads down-trod Mortimer: which is better.

Note return to page 69 [5] 5 On the unsteadfast footing of a spear.] i. e. of a spear laid across.

Note return to page 70 [6] 6 By heav'n, methinks, &c.] Gildon, a critic of the size of Dennis, &c. calls this speech, without any ceremony, a ridiculous rant and absolute madness. Mr. Theobald talks in the same strain. The French critics had taught these people just enough to understand where Shakespear had transgressed the rules of the Greek tragic writers; and, on those occasions, they are full of the poor frigid cant, of fable, sentiment, diction, unities, &c. But it is another thing to get to Shakespear's sense: to do this required a little of their own. For want of which, they could not see that the poet here uses an allegorical covering to express a noble and very natural thought.—Hot-spur, all on fire, exclaims against huckstering and bartering for honour, and dividing it into shares. O! says he, could I be sure that when I had purchased honour I should wear her dignities without a Rival—what then? why then, By heav'n methinks, it were an easie leap, To pluck bright Honour from the pale-fac'd Moon: i. e. tho' some great and shining character in the most elevated orb, was already in possession of her, yet it would, methinks, be easy by greater acts, to eclipse his glory, and pluck all his honours from him; Or dive into the bottom of the deep, And pluck up drowned honour by the locks: i. e. or what is still more difficult, tho' there were in the world no great examples to incite and fire my emulation, but that honour was quite sunk and buried in oblivion, yet would I bring it back into vogue, and render it more illustrious than ever. So that we see, tho' the expression be sublime and daring, yet the thought is the natural movement of an heroic mind. Euripides at least thought so, when he put the very same sentiment, in the same words, into the mouth of Eteocles—I will not, madam, disguise my thoughts; I could scale heaven, I could descend to the very entrails of the earth, if so be that by that price I could obtain a kingdom.

Note return to page 71 [7] 7 But out upon this half-fac'd fellowship!] I think this finely expressed. The image is taken from one who turns from another, so as to stand before him with a side face; which implied neither a full consorting, nor a separation.

Note return to page 72 [8] 8 He apprehends a world of figures here,] This, I suppose, alludes to what he had said before of unclasping a secret book.

Note return to page 73 [9] 9 &lblank; You, my lord,] Here Dr. Thirlby rightly reformed the pointing.

Note return to page 74 [1] 1 I speak not this in estimation,] Estimation for conjecture. But between this and the foregoing verse it appears there were some lines which are now lost. For, consider the sense. What was it that was ruminated, plotted, and set down? Why, as the text stands at present, that the Archbishop bore his brother's death hardly. It is plain then that they were some consequences of that resentment which the speaker informed Hot-spur of, and to which his conclusion of, I speak not this by conjecture but on good proof, must be referred. But some player, I suppose, thinking the speech too long, struck them out.

Note return to page 75 [1] 1 out of all cess.] The Oxford Editor not understanding this phrase, has alter'd it to—out of all case. As if it were likely that a blundering transcriber should change so common a word as case for cess? which, it is probable, he understood no more than this critic; but it means out of all measure: the phrase being taken from a cess, tax or subsidy; which being by regular and moderate rates, when any thing was exorbitant, or out of measure, it was said to be, out of all cess.

Note return to page 76 [2] 2 as dank] i. e. wet, rotten. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 77 [3] 3 there's ne'er a King in Christendom could be better bit] Time, here, has added a pleasantry to the expression. For I think, the word to bite was not then used in the cant sense to deceive or impose upon.

Note return to page 78 [4] 4 like a Loach.] Scotch, a lake.

Note return to page 79 [a] [(a) Razes] Bales. Mr. Theobald.]

Note return to page 80 [5] 5 St. Nicholas' clarks,] St. Nicholas was the Patron Saint of scholars: And Nicholas, or Old Nick, is a cant name for the Devil. Hence he equivocally calls robbers, St. Nicholas's clarks.

Note return to page 81 [a] [(a) Moneyers. N. Hardinge, Esq.—Vulg. One-eyers.]

Note return to page 82 [6] 6 Such as will strike sooner than speak; and speak sooner than drink; and drink, sooner than pray;] According to the specimen, given us in this play, of this dissolute gang, we have no reason to think they were less ready to drink than speak. Besides, it is plain, a natural gradation was here intended to be given of their actions, relative to one another. But what has speaking, drinking and praying to do with one another? We should certainly read think in both places instead of drink; and then we have a very regular and humourous climax. They will strike sooner than speak; and speak sooner than think; and think sooner than pray.. By which last words is meant, that Tho' perhaps they may now and then reflect on their crimes, they will never repent of them. The Oxford Editor has dignified this correction by his adoption of it.

Note return to page 83 [7] 7 She will, she will; justice hath liquor'd her.] A Satire on chicane, in courts of justice; which supports ill men in their violations of the law, under the very cover of it.

Note return to page 84 [8] 8 four foot by the square] The thought is humourous, and alludes to his bulk: Insinuating, that his legs being four foot asunder, when he advanced four foot, this put together made four foot square.

Note return to page 85 [9] 9 brain him with his lady's fan.] The fans, then in fashion, had very long handles.

Note return to page 86 [a] [(a) fortins. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. frontiers.

Note return to page 87 [1] 1 &lblank; mammets, &lblank;] i. e. girls. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 88 [a] [(a) Ribi. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. Rivo.]

Note return to page 89 [2] 2 Didst thou never see Titan kiss a dish of butter? pitiful-hearted Titan! that melted at the sweet tale of the Sun?] This perplexes Mr. Theobald; he calls it nonsense, and indeed, having made nonsense of it, changes it to pitiful-hearted Butter. But the common reading is right: And all that wants restoring is a parenthesis into which (pitiful-hearted Titan!) should be put. Pitiful-hearted means only amorous, which was Titan's character: the pronoun that refers to butter. But the Oxford Editor goes still further, and not only takes without ceremony, Mr. Theobald's bread and butter, but turns tale into face; not perceiving that the heat of the Sun is figuratively represented as a love-tale, the poet having before called him pitiful-hearted, or amorous.

Note return to page 90 [3] 3 here's lime in this sack too; there is nothing but roguery to be found in villainous man;] Sir Richard Hawkins, one of Queen Elizabeth's sea-captains, in his voyages, p. 379. says, Since the Spanish sacks have been common in our taverns, which for conservation are mingled with lime in the making, our nation complains of calentures, of the stone, the dropsy, and infinite other distempers not heard of before this wine came into frequent use. Besides, there is no year that it wasteth not two millions of crowns of our substance by conveyance into foreign countries. This latter, indeed, was a substantial evil. But as to lime's giving the stone, this sure must be only the good old man's prejudice; since in a wiser age by far, an old woman made her fortune, by shewing us that lime was a cure for the stone. Sir John Falstaff, were he alive again, would say she deserved it, for satisfying us that we might drink sack in safety: But that liquor has been long since out of date. I think Lord Clarendon, in his Apology, tells us, That sweet wines before the Restoration, were so much to the English taste, that we engrossed the whole product of the Canaries; and that not a pipe of it was expended in any other country in Europe. But the banished Cavaliers brought home with them the goust for French wines, which has continued ever since; and from whence, perhaps, we may more truly date the greater frequency of the stone.

Note return to page 91 [4] 4 I would, I were a weaver; I could sing psalms, &c.] In the persecutions of the protestants in Flanders under Philip II. those who came over into England on that occasion, brought with them the woollen manufactory. These were Calvinists, who were always distinguished for their love of psalmody.

Note return to page 92 [a] [(a) Eel-skin. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. Elf-skin.]

Note return to page 93 [5] (5) taken in the manner.] The Quarto and Folio read with the manner, which is right. Taken with the manner is a law phrase, and then in common use, to signify taken in the fact. But the Oxford Editor alters it, for better security of the sense, to taken in the manour, i. e. I suppose, by the lord of it, as a strey.

Note return to page 94 [6] 6 King Cambyses' vein.] A bombast play of that time.

Note return to page 95 [7] 7 Harry, I do not only marvel, &c.] A ridicule on the public oratory of that time.

Note return to page 96 [8] 8 a micher,] i. e. Truant; to mich, is to lurk out of sight, a hedge-creeper.

Note return to page 97 [a] (a)If then the fruit may be known by the tree, as the tree by the fruit. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. If then the tree may be known by the fruit, as the fruit by the tree.

Note return to page 98 [9] 9 or a poulterer's hare.] Meaning a painted hare, shaped on a board used by poulterers for a sign.

Note return to page 99 [1] 1 I know, his death will be a march of twelvescore.] i. e. It will kill him to march so far as twelvescore foot. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 100 [1] 1 &lblank; his cheeks look pale; &lblank;] Quarto, better. His cheek looks.

Note return to page 101 [2] 2 Methinks, my moiety, &lblank;] Hot-spur is here just such a divider as the Irishman who made three halves: Therefore, for the honour of Shakespear, I will suppose, with the Oxford Editor, that he wrote portion.

Note return to page 102 [3] 3 (I'll haste the writer) He means the writer of the articles. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 103 [4] 4 &lblank; of the Moldwerp and the Ant,] This alludes to an old prophecy which is said to have induced Owen Glendower to take arms against King Henry. See Hall's Chronicle, folio 20. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 104 [5] 5 And on your eye-lids crown the God of Sleep,] The expression is fine; intimating, that the God of Sleep should not only sit on his eye-lids, but that he should sit crown'd, that is, pleased and delighted.

Note return to page 105 [6] 6 And those musicians, that shall play to you Hang in the air &lblank; Yet] The particle yet being used here adversitively, must have a particle of concession preceding it. I read therefore And tho' th' musicians &lblank;

Note return to page 106 [7] 7 For some displeasing service &lblank;] service for action, simply.

Note return to page 107 [8] 8 &lblank; mark'd For the hot vengeance &lblank;] i. e. appointed for the instrument of vengeance.

Note return to page 108 [9] 9 &lblank; such lewd, such mean attempts,] Shakespear certainly wrote attaints, i. e. unlawful actions.

Note return to page 109 [1] 1 And then I stole all courtesie from heav'n,] This is an allusion to the story of Prometheus's theft, who stole fire from thence; and as with this he made a Man, so with that, Bolingbroke made a King. As the Gods were supposed jealous in appropriating reason to themselves, the getting fire from thence, which lighted it up in the mind, was called a theft; and as power is their prerogative, the getting courtesie from thence, by which power is best procured, is called a theft. The thought is exquisitely great and beautiful.

Note return to page 110 [2] 2 &lblank; rash bavin &lblank;] i. e. dry brushwood.

Note return to page 111 [3] 3 &lblank; carded his State;] Richard is here represented as laying aside his royalty, and mixing himself with common jesters. This will lead us to the true reading, which I suppose is, 'scarded his State; i. e. discarded, threw off.

Note return to page 112 [a] [(a) with. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. at.]

Note return to page 113 [4] 4 And stain my favours in a bloody mask,] We should read favour, i. e. countenance.

Note return to page 114 [5] 5 a drawn Fox;] A Fox that hath been often hunted.

Note return to page 115 [1] 1 Mess. His letters bear his mind, not I his mind.] The line should be read and divided thus, Mess. His letters bear his mind, not I. Hot. His mind! Hot-spur had asked who leads his power? The Messenger answers, His letters bear his mind. The other replies, His mind! As much as to say, I inquire not about his mind, I want to know where his powers are. This is natural, and perfectly in character.

Note return to page 116 [2] 2 Baited like Eagles,] Baited, i. e. flutter'd the wings. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 117 [3] 3 I saw young Harry, with his beaver on,] We should read, beaver up. It is an impropriety to say on: For the beaver is only the visiere of the Helmet, which, let down, covers the face. When the soldier was not upon action he wore it up, so that his face might be seen, (hence Vernon says he saw young Harry) But when upon action, it was let down to cover and secure the face. Hence in the second part of Henry IV. it is said, Their armed staves in charge, their beavers down.

Note return to page 118 [4] 4 His cuisses on his thighs, &lblank;] Cuisses, French, armour for the thighs. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 119 [5] 5 And witch the world &lblank;] For bewitch, charm. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 120 [a] [(a) deer. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. fowl.]

Note return to page 121 [6] 6 ten times more dishonourably ragged, than an old fac'd ancient;] But how is an old fac'd ancient, or ensign, dishonourably ragged? On the contrary, nothing is esteem'd more honourable than a ragged pair of colours. A very little alteration will give us the author's reading, which conveys a stroke of very just and fine-turn'd satire in the comparison. Ten times more dishonourably ragged, than an old feast ancient. i. e. the colours used by the city-companies in their feasts and processions. For each company had one with its peculiar device, which was usually display'd and borne about on such occasions. Now as Falstaff's raggamuffins were reduc'd to their tatter'd condition thro' their riotous excesses; so this old feast ancient became torn and shatter'd, not in any manly exercise of arms, but amidst the revels of drunken bacchanals.

Note return to page 122 [7] 7 gyves on;] i. e. shackles. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 123 [8] 8 &lblank; a rated sinew too,] So the first edition, i. e. accounted a strong aid. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 124 [a] [(a) valued. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. valiant.]

Note return to page 125 [1] 1 honour is a meer scutcheon,] This is very fine. The reward of brave actions formerly was only some honourable bearing in the shields of arms bestow'd upon deservers. But Falstaff having said that honour often came not till after death, he calls it very wittily a scutcheon, which is the painted heraldry born in funeral processions. And by meer scutcheon is insinuated, that whether alive or dead, honour was but a name.

Note return to page 126 [2] 2 And his corruption being ta'en from us,] Perhaps Shakespear wrote, &lblank; being a taint. i. e. infection.

Note return to page 127 [3] 3 By still dispraising Praise, valued with You.] This foolish line is indeed in the Folio of 1623, but it is evidently the players' nonsense.

Note return to page 128 [4] 4 He made a blushing cital of himself,] Cital for taxation. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 129 [5] 5 Now, Esperanza! &lblank;] This was the word of battle on Percy's side. See Hall's Chronicle, folio 22. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 130 [6] 6 For (heav'n to earth) &lblank;] i. e. one might wager heaven to earth.

Note return to page 131 [7] 7 here's no vanity!] In our author's time the negative, in common speech, was used to design, ironically, the excess of a thing. Thus Ben Johnson in Every Man in his Humour, says, O here's no foppery! 'Death, I can endure the stocks better. Meaning, as the passage shews, that the foppery was excessive. And so in many other places. But the Oxford Editor not apprehending this, has alter'd it to, there's vanity!

Note return to page 132 [8] 8 Turk Gregory never did such deeds in arms,] Meaning Gregory the seventh, called Hildebrand. This furious frier surmounted almost invincible obstacles to deprive the emperor of his right of investiture of bishops, which his predecessors had long attempted in vain. Fox, in his history, had made this Gregory so odious, that I don't doubt but the good protestants of that time were well pleased to hear him thus characterised, as uniting the attributes of their two great enemies, the Turk and Pope, in one.

Note return to page 133 [9] 9 If Percy be alive, I'll pierce him;] Certainly, he'll pierce him, i. e. Prince Henry will, who is just gone out to seek him. Besides, I'll pierce him, contradicts the whole turn and humour of the speech.

Note return to page 134 [1] 1 O, Harry, thou hast robb'd me of my youth:] I fancy Shakespear wrote growth, i. e. honours in the bud. The two following lines seem to point to this reading, and not to agree to the common one.

Note return to page 135 [2] 2 But let my favours hide thy mangled face,] We should read favour, face or countenance. He stooping down here to kiss Hot-spur.

Note return to page 136 [3] 3 I thank your Grace, &c.] These two lines added out of the first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 137 [1] 1 painted full of Tongues.] This direction, which is only to be found in the first Edition in Quarto of 1600, explains a passage in what follows, otherwise obscure. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 138 [a] [(a) Hold. Mr. Theobald—Vulg. Hole.]

Note return to page 139 [1] 1 father of some stratagem.] Stratagem, for vigorous action.

Note return to page 140 [2] 2 &lblank; some hilding fellow, &lblank;] For hinderling, i. e. base, degenerate. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 141 [3] 3 So dull, so dead in look, so woe-be-gone,] The conjecture of a famous critic on this passage was pleasant. He had never seen the word before, he had no conception of its meaning, and therefore would have it that the Poet wrote, So dull, so dead in look, Ucalegon Drew Priam's curtain in the dead of night, &c. Because Virgil says, &lblank; jam proximus ardet Ucalegon. Yet the word was common enough amongst the old Scotish and English poets, as G. Douglas, Chaucer, lord Buckhurst, Fairfax; and signifies, far gone in woe.

Note return to page 142 [4] 4 &lblank; from other eyes.] We should read other's eyes.

Note return to page 143 [5] 5 &lblank; hold'st it fear, or sin.] Fear, for danger.

Note return to page 144 [6] 6 For from his metal was his party steel'd; Which once in him abated. &lblank;] The word metal is one of those hacknied metaphorical terms, which resumes so much of a literal sense as not to need the idea (from whence the figure is taken) to be kept up. So that it may with elegance enough be said, his metal was abated, as well as his courage was abated. See what is said on this subject. Note 7 on Love's labour lost. Act V. But when the writer shews, as here, both before and after, [&lblank; his party steel'd &lblank; turn'd on themselves like dull and heavy lead] that his intention was not to drop the idea from whence he took his metaphor, then he cannot say with propriety and elegance, his metal was abated; because what he predicates of metal, must be then convey'd in a term conformable to the metaphor. Hence I conclude that Shakespear wrote, Which once in him rebated, &lblank; i. e. blunted.

Note return to page 145 [7] 7 This strained passion, &c.] This line is only in the first edition, where it is spoken by Umfreville, who speaks no where else. It seems necessary to the connection. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 146 [8] 8 You cast th' event of the war, &c.] The fourteen lines from hence to Bardolph's next speech, are not to be found in the first editions till that in Folio of 1623. A very great number of other lines in this play are inserted after the first edition in like manner, but of such spirit and mastery generally, that the insertions are plainly by Shakespear himself. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 147 [9] 9 My lord, your son, &c.] All the following lines to the end of this speech are not in the first edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 148 [1] 1 And doth enlarge his Rising &lblank;] It is probable Shakespear wrote enlard, i. e. fatten and encourage his cause. He uses the word in Hen. V. In which array, brave soldier, doth he lye Larding the plain, and by his bloody side, &lblank;

Note return to page 149 [2] 2 I was never mann'd with an agot till now:] Alluding to the little figures cut in agots, and other hard stones, for seals and therefore he says, I will set you neither in gold nor silver. The Oxford Editor alters this to aglet, a tag to the points then in use: (a word indeed which our author uses to express the same thought) But aglets, tho' they were sometimes of gold or silver, were never set in those metals.

Note return to page 150 [3] 3 The lightness of his wife shines through it, and yet cannot he see though he have his own lanthorn to light him.] This joke seems evidently to have been taken from that of Plautus: Quò ambulas tu, qui Vulcanum in cornu conclusum geris. Amph. Act I. Scene I. and much improved. We need not doubt that a joke was here intended by Plautus, for the proverbial term of horns, for cuckoldom, is very ancient, as appears by Artemidorus, who says, &grP;&grr;&gro;&gre;&gri;&grp;&gre;&gric;&grn; &gras;&gru;&grt;&grwci; &grora;&grt;&gri; &grhr; &grg;&gru;&grn;&grha; &grs;&gro;&gru; &grp;&gro;&grr;&grn;&gre;&grua;&grs;&gre;&gri;, &grk;&gra;&grig; &grt;&grog; &grl;&gre;&grg;&gro;&grm;&gre;&grn;&gro;&grn;, &grk;&grea;&grr;&gra;&grt;&gra; &gras;&gru;&grt;&grwc; &grp;&gro;&gri;&grha;&grs;&gre;&gri;, &grk;&gra;&grig; &grora;&gru;&grt;&grw;&grst; &gras;&grp;&grea;&grb;&grh;. &GROsa;&grn;&gre;&gri;&grr;&gro;&gri;. lib. 2. cap. 12. And he copied from those before him.

Note return to page 151 [4] 4 I bought him in Paul's,] At that time the resort of idle people, cheats, and knights of the post.

Note return to page 152 [5] 5 A pun, in an ill angel, which Mr. Theobald here tells us, he has restored and brought to light.

Note return to page 153 [6] 6 Va-ward] i. e. van guard. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 154 [7] 7 A three-man beetle] i. e. a rammer big enough to require three men to lift it. Mr. Pope. The term humorously alludes to what they then called a three-man song. i. e. a catch in three parts.

Note return to page 155 [8] 8 &lblank; his part-created cost] Cost, for work.

Note return to page 156 [9] 9 Let us on: &c.] This excellent speech of York was one of the passages added by Shakespear after his first Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 157 [1] 1 If he come but within my vice.] Vice or grasp. A metaphor taken from a smith's vice: There is another reading in the old Edition, view, which I think not so good. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 158 [2] 2 Another quibble restored by Mr. Theobald.

Note return to page 159 [3] 3 This sneap] A Yorkshire word for rebuke. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 160 [4] 4 German Hunting in water-work,] i. e. in water-colours.

Note return to page 161 [5] 5 These bed-hangings,] We should read dead hangings. i. e. faded.

Note return to page 162 [6] 6 And God knows, whether, &c.] This period is supplied out of the old Edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 163 [7] 7 the answer is as ready as a borrow'd cap.] But how is a borrow'd cap so ready? read, a borrower's cap: and then there is humour in it; he that goes to borrow mony being of all others the most complaisant.

Note return to page 164 [8] 8 I will imitate the honourable Romans in brevity.] I suppose it should be Roman, meaning M. Brutus who affected great brevity of stile.

Note return to page 165 [9] 9 That's to make him eat twenty of his words.] Why just twenty, when the letter contain'd above eight times twenty? we should read plenty; and in this word the joke, as slender as it is, consists.

Note return to page 166 [1] 1 in the old frank?] i. e. hogsty. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 167 [2] 2 a heavy descension.] Other readings have it declension. Mr. Pope chose the first. On which Mr. Theobald says, But why not declension? are not the terms purely synonimous? If so, might not Mr. Pope say in his turn, then why not descension? But it is not so. And descension was preferred with judgment. For descension signifies a voluntary going down; declension, a natural and necessary. Thus when we speak of the Sun, poetically, as a charioteer, we should say his descension: if physically, as a mere globe of light, his declension.

Note return to page 168 [3] 3 He had no legs, &c.] The twenty-two following lines are of those added by Shakespear after his first edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 169 [4] 4 To rain upon remembrance &lblank;] Alluding to the plant, rosemary, so called, and used in funerals.—Thus in The Winter's Tale, For you there's rosemary and rue, these keep Seeming and savour all the winter long, Grace and remembrance be unto you both, &c. For as rue was called herb of grace, from its being used in exorcisms: so rosemary was called remembrance, from its being a cephalic.

Note return to page 170 [5] 5 Dispatch, &c.] This period is from the first edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 171 [6] 6 here will be old Utis:] Utis, an old word yet in use in some countries, signifying a merry festival, from the French, Huit, octo, ab A. S. Eahta. Octavæ Festi alicujus. Skinner. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 172 [7] 7 Your brooches, pearls and owches:] Brooches were chains of gold that women wore formerly about their necks. Owches were bosses of gold set with diamonds. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 173 [8] 8 I will bar no honest man my house, nor no cheater;] The humour of this consists in the woman's mistaking the title of Cheater (which our ancestors gave to him whom we now, with better manners, call a Gamester) for that officer of the exchequer called an Escheator, well known to the common people of that time; and named, either corruptly or satirically, a Cheater.

Note return to page 174 [9] 9 what, with two points on your shoulder? much!] Much was a common expression of disdain at that time, of the same sense with that more modern one, Marry come up. The Oxford Editor not apprehending this, alters it to march.

Note return to page 175 [1] 1 No more, Pistol, &c.] This is from the old edition of 1600. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 176 [2] 2 &lblank; hollow-pamper'd jades of Asia, &c.] These lines are in part a quotation out of an old absurd fustian play intitled, Tamburlain's Conquests, or the Scythian Shepherd. Mr. Theobald.

Note return to page 177 [3] 3 Hiren] The name of Pistol's and Amadis du Gaul's sword. Mr. Theobald.

Note return to page 178 [a] [(a) tormenta, il sperare me contenta. Oxford Editor—Vulg. tormente sperato me contente.]

Note return to page 179 [4] 4 discreet stories;] We should read indiscreet.

Note return to page 180 [5] 5 lisping to his master's old Tables, &c.] We should read clasping too his master's old Tables, &c. i. e. embracing his master's cast-off whore, and now his bawd, [his note-book, his counsel-keeper.] We have the same phrase again in Cymbaline, You clasp young Cupid's Tables.

Note return to page 181 [a] [(a) Soul! Oxford Editor &lblank; Vulg. Souls!]

Note return to page 182 [1] 1 A watch-case, &c.] This alludes to the watchmen set in garrison-towns upon some eminence attending upon an alarum-bell, which he was to ring out in case of fire, or any approaching danger. He had a case or box to shelter him from the weather, but at his utmost peril he was not to sleep whilst he was upon duty. These alarum bells are mentioned in several other places of Shakespear. Oxford Editor.

Note return to page 183 [2] 2 &lblank; in the slip'ry shrouds,] The ship-boy (says the speaker) can sleep in the shrouds, tho' made wet and slip'ry by the sea's dashing over them, and roaring with deaf'ning clamours. Would not any reasonable man now be contented with sense? But nothing will serve the Oxford Editor but raising the billows to the clouds, nay, to the slip'ry clouds, for so he reads it.

Note return to page 184 [3] 3 &lblank; then, happy low! lye down;] Evidently corrupted from happy lowly clown. These two lines making the just conclusion from what preceeded. If sleep will fly a king and consort it self with beggars, then happy the lowly clown, and uneasy the crown'd head.

Note return to page 185 [a] [(a) Well, Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. All.]

Note return to page 186 [4] 4 It is but as a body yet distemper'd,] What would he have more? We should read, It is but as a body slight distemper'd.

Note return to page 187 [5] 5 My lord Northumberland will soon be cool'd.] I believe Shakespear wrote school'd; tutor'd, and brought to submission.

Note return to page 188 [6] 6 &lblank; O, if this were seen &c.] These four lines are supplied from the Edition of 1600.

Note return to page 189 [7] 7 By the rood.] i. e. the cross. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 190 [8] 8 Clapt in the clowt] i. e. hit the white mark.

Note return to page 191 [9] 9 Very good, a good phrase.] Accommodate was a modish term of that time, as Ben Johnson informs us: You are not to cast or wring for the perfumed terms of the time, as accommodation, complement, spirit, &c. but use them properly in their places as others. Discoveries. Hence Bardolph calls it a word of exceeding good command. His definition of it is admirable, and highly satirical: nothing being more common than for inaccurate speakers or writers, when they should define, to put their hearers off with a synonimous term; or, for want of that, even with the same term differently accommodated; as in the instance before us.

Note return to page 192 [1] 1 You can do it, Sir;] i. e. you know how to jest.

Note return to page 193 [2] 2 Over-scutcht] i. e. whipt, carted. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 194 [3] 3 Philosopher's two stones] One of which was an universal medicine, and the other a transmuter of baser metals into gold.

Note return to page 195 [1] 1 Let us sway on, &lblank;] We should read way on. i. e. march on.

Note return to page 196 [2] 2 Led on by bloody youth, &lblank;] I believe Shakespear wrote, heady youth.

Note return to page 197 [3] 3 Turning your books to graves.] We should certainly read, glaves, i. e. swords.

Note return to page 198 [4] 4 &lblank; your tongue divine] i. e. Preaching in the meekness of the gospel.

Note return to page 199 [5] 5 Wherefore do I this? &lblank;] Most of this speech inserted since the first edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 200 [6] 6 And are inforc'd from our most quiet there,] This is said in answer to Westmorland's upbraiding the Archbishop for engaging in a course which so ill became his profession, &lblank; You my lord Archbishop Whose See is by a civil peace maintain'd, &c. So that the reply must be this, And are inforc'd from our most quiet Sphere.

Note return to page 201 [7] 7 And consecrate Commotion's Civil Edge?] So the old books read. But Mr. Theobald changes edge to page, out of regard to the uniformity (as he calls it) of the metaphor. But he did not understand what was meant by edge. It was an old custom, continued from the time of the first croisades, for the pope to consecrate the general's sword, which was employ'd in the service of the church. To this custom the line in question alludes. As to the cant of uniformity of metaphor in writing, this is to be observed, that changing the allusion in the same sentence is indeed vicious, and what Quintilian condemns, Multi quum initium à tempestate sumserint, incendio aut ruinâ finiunt. But when one comparison or allusion is fairly separated from another, by distinct sentences, the case is different. So it is here; in one sentence we see the book of rebellion stampt with a seal divine; in the other, the sword of civil discord consecrated. But this change of the metaphor is not only allowable, but fit. For the dwelling overlong upon one occasions the discourse to degenerate into a dull kind of allegorism.

Note return to page 202 [8] 8 My brother general, &c. &lblank; I make my quarrel in particular.] The sense is this, My brother general, the Common-wealth, which ought to distribute its benefits equally, is become an enemy to those of his own house, to brothers-born, by giving some all, and others none; and this (says he) I make my quarrel or grievance that honours are unequally distributed; the constant birth of male-contents, and source of civil commotions.

Note return to page 203 [9] 9 O my good lord Mowbray, &c.] The two or three next speeches were also of those inserted. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 204 [a] [(a) indeed. Dr. Thirlby.—Vulg. and did.]

Note return to page 205 [1] 1 &lblank; by a true substantial form;] This seems to be intended only as a quibbling joke upon a school term; as much as to say, substantial forms can do every thing in the schools; but out of them, the true substantial form is a pardon under the broad seal.

Note return to page 206 [2] 2 To us, and to our purposes, confin'd;] This schedule we set consists of three parts, 1. A redress of general grievances. 2. A pardon for those in arms. 3. Some demands of advantage for them. But this third part is very strangely expressed. And present execution of our wills To us and to our purposes confin'd. The first line shews they had something to demand, and the second expresses the modesty of that demand. The demand, says the speaker, is confined to us and to our purposes. A very modest kind of restriction truly! only as extensive as their appetites and passions. Without question Shakespear wrote, To us and to our properties confin'd; i. e. we desire no more than security for our liberties and properties: and this was no unreasonable demand.

Note return to page 207 [3] 3 We come within our awful banks again,] We should read lawful.

Note return to page 208 [a] [(a) and. Dr. Thirlby.—Vulg. at.]

Note return to page 209 [4] 4 &lblank; wipe his tables clean,] Alluding to a table-book of slate, ivory, &c.

Note return to page 210 [5] 5 The time mis-order'd doth in common sense] I believe Shakespear wrote, common fence, i. e. drove by self-defence.

Note return to page 211 [6] 6 And so Success of mischief &lblank;] Success, for succession.

Note return to page 212 [7] 7 with the very extreamest inch of possibility.] i. e. it was not possible, in the nature of things, to have got one inch further in the space of time allowed me.

Note return to page 213 [8] 8 I have him already tempering &c.] A very pleasant allusion to the old use of sealing with soft wax.

Note return to page 214 [9] 9 &lblank; congealed in the spring of day.] Alluding to the opinion of some philosophers, that the vapours being congealed in the air by cold, (which is most intense towards the morning) and being afterwards rarified and let loose by the warmth of the sun, occasion those sudden impetuous gusts of wind which are called Flaws. Oxford Editor.

Note return to page 215 [1] 1 &lblank; Rash gun-powder.] i. e. dry.

Note return to page 216 [2] 2 Hath wrought the mure, &lblank;] i. e. the wall. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 217 [3] 3 The people fear me; &lblank;] i. e. make me afraid; which sense the Oxford Editor not taking, alters it to fear it.

Note return to page 218 [4] 4 The seasons change their manners, &lblank;] This is finely expressed; alluding to the terms of rough and harsh, and mild and soft, applied to weather.

Note return to page 219 [5] 5 Unless some dull and favourable hand] Thus the old editions read it. Evidently corrupt. Shakespear seems to have wrote, Unless some doleing favourable hand. Doleing, i. e. a hand using soft melancholy airs.

Note return to page 220 [6] 6 That from this golden Rigol] Rigol or circle; meaning the Crown. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 221 [7] 7 England shall double gild his treble Guilt;] Evidently the nonsense of some foolish Player: For we must make a difference between what Shakespear might be suppos'd to have written off hand, and what he had corrected. These Scenes are of the latter kind; therefore such lines by no means to be esteemed his. But except Mr. Pope, (who judiciously threw out this line) not one of Shakespear's Editors seem ever to have had so reasonable and necessary a rule in their heads, when they set upon correcting this author.

Note return to page 222 [8] 8 Wounding supposed peace. &lblank;] Supposed, for undermined.

Note return to page 223 [9] 9 &lblank; All these bold fears,] We should certainly read, &lblank; All their bold feats, i. e. plots, commotions of conspirators.

Note return to page 224 [1] 1 Changes the mode;] Mode, here, does not signify fashion, but time and measure in singing, or the pitch in speaking: Modus, a word peculiar to the ancient Drama: For the metaphor is continued from the words immediately preceding,   &lblank; as a Scene, Acting that Argument. &lblank;

Note return to page 225 [2] 2 So thou the garland &lblank;] We should read, for thou the garland &lblank;

Note return to page 226 [3] 3 To lead out many to the Holy Land;] As plausible as this reading is, it is corrupt. Shakespear, I think, wrote, To lead our many &lblank; our many or meiny, i. e. our people.

Note return to page 227 [1] 1 I will not excuse you, &c.] The sterility of Justice Shallow's wit is admirably described, in thus making him, by one of the finest strokes of nature, so often vary his phrase, to express one and the same thing, and that the commonest.

Note return to page 228 [2] 2 A ragged and forestall'd remission.] Ragged has no sense here. We should read, A rated and forestall'd remission. i. e. a remission that must be sought for, and bought with supplication.

Note return to page 229 [3] 3 &lblank; the state of floods,] i. e. the assembly, or general meeting of the floods. For all rivers, running to the sea, are there represented as holding their sessions. This thought naturally introduced the following, Now call we our high Court of Parliament. But the Oxford Editor much a stranger to the phraseology of that time in general, and to his author's in particular, out of mere loss for his meaning reads it backwards, &lblank; the floods of state.

Note return to page 230 [4] 4 a dish of carraways.] A comfit or confection so called in our author's time. A passage in De Vigneul Marville's Melanges d'Histoire et de Litt. will explain this odd treat, Dans le dernier siecle ou l'on avoit le goût delicat, on ne croioit pas pouvoir vivre sans Dragées. Il n'etoit fils de bonne mere, qui n'eut son Dragier; et il est raporté dans l'histoire du duc de Guise, que quand il fut tué à Blois il avoit son Dragier à la main.

Note return to page 231 [5] 5 to all the cavileroes about London.] Les Cavalieri Italiens, que nous devons apeller, et que nos apellons effectivement Cavaliers, ne sont pas des Chevaliers d'Ordre, mais seulement des personnes de distinction dans les Lettres ou dans les Arts. Par example, nous disons le cavalier Marin, qui étoit un excellent poëte, le Cavalier Bernin qui étoit un excellent architecte. Melanges d'Hist. et Litt, par de Vig. Marville. vol. 3.

Note return to page 232 [6] 6 Samingo.] He means to say, San Domingo. Oxford Editor.

Note return to page 233 for speak read I speak.

Note return to page 234 [7] 7 Let King Cophetua &c.] Lines taken from an old bombast play of King Cophetua: of whom, as we learn from Shakespear, there were ballads too.

Note return to page 235 [8] 8 Bezonian,] A vile or needy person. Mr. Theobald.

Note return to page 236 [9] 9 Where is the life that late I led, &lblank;] Words of an old ballad.

Note return to page 237 [1] 1 thou thin man in a Censer!] These old Censers of thin metal had generally at the bottom the figure of some saint raised up with the hammer, in a barbarous kind of imbossed or chased work. The hunger-starved Beadle is compared, in substance, to one of these thin raised figures, by the same kind of humour that Pistol, in the Merry Wives, calls Slender, a laten bilboe.

Note return to page 238 [2] 2 'Tis all in every part.] The sentence alluded to is, 'Tis all in all, and all in every part. And so doubtless it should be read. 'Tis a common way of expressing one's approbation of a right measure, to say, 'tis all in all. To which this phantastic character adds, with some humour, and all in every part: which, both together, make up the philosophic sentence, and compleat the absurdity of Pistol's phraseology.

Note return to page 239 [3] 3 &lblank; Know, the Grave doth gape For thee, thrice wider than for other men. Reply not to me with a fool-born jest;] Nature is highly touched in this passage. The king having shaken off his vanities, schools his old companion for his follies with great severity: he assumes the air of a preacher; bids him fall to his prayers, seek grace, and leave gormandizing. But that word unluckily presenting him with a pleasant idea, he cannot forbear pursuing it. Know, the Grave doth gape for thee thrice wider, &c. and is just falling back into Hal, by an humourous allusion to Falstaff's bulk; but he perceives it immediately, and fearing Sir John should take the advantage of it, checks both himself and the knight, with Reply not to me with a fool born jest; and so resumes the thread of his discourse, and goes moralizing on to the end of the chapter. Thus the poet copies nature with great skill, and shews us how apt men are to fall back into their old customs, when the change is not made by degrees, and brought into a habit, but determined of at once on the motives of honour, interest or reason.

Note return to page 240 [a] [(a) &lblank; tormenta, il sperare me contenta. Oxford Editor—Vulg. tormento spera me contento.]

Note return to page 241 [1] 1 for Oldcastle died a martyr,] This alludes to a play in which Sir John Oldcastle was put for Falstaff. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 242 [1] 1 The life of Henry V.] This play was writ (as appears from a passage in the chorus to the fifth act) at the time of the Earl of Essex's commanding the forces in Ireland in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and not till after Henry the VIth had been played, as may be seen by the conclusion of this play. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 243 [1] 1 O for a Muse of fire, &c.] This goes upon the notion of the Peripatetic System, which imagines several Heavens one above another; the last the highest of which was one of fire.

Note return to page 244 [2] 2 Whose high up-reared, and abutting fronts, The perillous narrow ocean parts asunder.] Without doubt the author wrote, Whose high up-reared, and abutting fronts Perillous, the narrow ocean parts asunder; for his purpose is to shew, that the highest danger arises from the shock of their meeting; and that it is but a little thing which keeps them asunder. This sense my emendation gives us, as the common reading gives us a contrary; for those whom a perillous ocean parts asunder, are in no danger of meeting.

Note return to page 245 [2] 2 Arch bishop of Canterbury.] This first scene was added since the edition of 1603, which is much short of the present editions, wherein the speeches are generally enlarg'd and raised: Several whole scenes besides, and all the chorus's also, were since added by Shakespear. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 246 [3] 3 Hear him but reason in divinity, &c.] This speech seems to have been copied from King James's prelates, speaking of their Solomon; when Archbishop Whitgift, who, as an eminent writer says, died soon afterwards, and probably doated then, at the Hampton-Court conference, declared himself verily persuaded, that his sacred Majesty spake by the Spirit of God. And, in effect, this scene was added after King James's accession to the crown: So that we have no way of avoiding its being esteemed a compliment to him, but by supposing it was a satire on his bishops.

Note return to page 247 [a] [(a) Act, Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. Act.]

Note return to page 248 [4] 4 Shall we call in, &c.] Here began the old play. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 249 [5] 5 that task our thoughts, &lblank;] Task, for employ simply.

Note return to page 250 [6] 6 &lblank; how you impawn our person;] Impawn, for engage simply.

Note return to page 251 [7] 7 &lblank; There is no bar, &c.] This whole speech is copied (in a manner verbatim) from Hall's Chronicle. Henry V, year the second, folio 4. xx, xxx, xl, &c. In the first edition it is very imperfect, and the whole history and names of the princes are confounded; but this was afterwards set right, and corrected from his original, Hall's Chronicle. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 252 [8] 8 To fine his title &lblank;] i. e. refine, purify.

Note return to page 253 [9] 9 &lblank; Lewis the ninth,] tenth. See Hall, loc. cit. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 254 [1] 1 King Lewis his Possession &lblank;] Satisfaction. See Hall, loc. cit. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 255 [2] 2 Than openly to imbrace &lblank;] The two old Folios read, Than amply to imbarre. Hence it appears we should read, Than amply to imbare, i. e. lay open, make naked, expose to view.

Note return to page 256 [3] 3 When the son dies,] Man. See Hall, loc. cit. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 257 [4] 4 &lblank; and cold for action!] Not indifferent to the work, but cold for want of being employed in it.

Note return to page 258 [5] 5 They know your Grace hath cause, and means, and might, So hath your Highness &lblank;] We should read, &lblank; your Race had cause, &lblank; which is carrying on the sense of the concluding words of Exeter. As did the former Lions of your blood. meaning Edward III, and the Black Prince.

Note return to page 259 [6] 6 O, let their bodies follow, &c.] These two lines, with a high indecorum, are given to the Archbishop: but they belong to Westmorland; and Canterbury begins, In aid whereof, we of the Spiritualty, &c.

Note return to page 260 [7] 7 Never went with his forces into France.] Shakespear wrote the line thus, Ne'er went with his full forces into France. The following expressions of unfurnisht kingdom, gleaned land, and empty of defence shew this.

Note return to page 261 for tow read towns;

Note return to page 262 [8] 8 For hear her but exampled by herself;] We should read, For hear her best exampled &lblank; i. e. her own history will be our best instruction in this point.

Note return to page 263 [9] 9 And make his chronicle as rich with praise,] He is speaking of King Edward's prisoners; so that it appears Shakespear wrote, &lblank; as rich with prize, i. e. captures, booty. Without this, there is neither beauty nor likeness in the similitude.

Note return to page 264 [1] 1 Ely. But there's a saying &c.] This speech, which is dissuasive of the war with France, is absurdly given to one of the churchmen in confederacy to push the King upon it, as appears by the first scene of this act. Besides, the poet had here an eye to Hall, who gives this observation to the Duke of Exeter. But the editors have made Ely and Exeter change sides, and speak one another's speeches; for this, which is given to Ely, is Exeter's; and the following given to Exeter, is Ely's.

Note return to page 265 [2] 2 If that you will France win, &c.] Hall's Chronicle. Hen. V. year 2. fol. 7. p. 2. x. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 266 [a] (a)taint, Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. tear.]

Note return to page 267 [3] 3 Yet that is but a curs'd necessity;] So the old Quarto. The Folios read crush'd: neither of the words are pertinent. 'Tis Exeter's business to shew there is no unavoidable necessity of staying at home. We must read therefore, &lblank; a 'scus'd necessity; i. e. a necessity that may be excused; but a seeming necessity, not a real one.

Note return to page 268 [4] 4 Creatures, that by a rule in nature teach] The editors have made the poet say the direct contrary to what he intended. He would say, that the bees instinctively teach; they say, that bees act by a rule in nature. We should read, Creatures, that by a ruling nature teach i. e. by a governing nature. And this the argument requires. For if bees did it by a ruling nature, it is reason we should imitate them; not so, if only by a rule in nature; for all animals are not to go by one and the same rule.

Note return to page 269 [5] 5 Others, like merchants, venture trade abroad;] What is the venturing trade? I am persuaded we should read and point it thus, Others, like merchant-venturers, trade abroad.

Note return to page 270 [6] 6 The civil citizens kneading up the honey;] This may possibly be right; but I rather think that Shakespear wrote heading up the honey; alluding to the putting up merchandise in casks. And this is in fact the case. The honey being headed up in separate and distinct cells by a thin membrane of wax drawn over the mouth of each of them, to hinder the liquid matter from running out.

Note return to page 271 [7] 7 So may a thousand actions, once a-foot.] The speaker is endeavouring to shew, that the state is able to execute many projected actions at once, and conduct them all to their completion, without impeding or jostling one another in their course. Shakespear, therefore, must have wrote, 't once a-foot, i. e. at once: or, on foot together.

Note return to page 272 [8] 8 Unto whose grace &lblank;] i. e. the christian grace.

Note return to page 273 [9] 9 And therefore, living hence, &lblank;] This expression has strength and energy: He never valued England, and therefore lived hence, i. e. as if absent from it. But the Oxford Editor alters hence to here.

Note return to page 274 [1] 1 Scene IV.] Between this and the foregoing scene, in all the editions hitherto, is inserted the chorus which I have postponed. That chorus manifestly is intended to advertise the spectators of the change of the scene to Southampton, and therefore ought to be placed just before that change, and not here, where the scene is still continued in London. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 275 [2] 2 there shall be smiles] I suspect smiles to be a marginal direction crept into the text. It is natural for a man, when he threatens, to break off abruptly, and conclude, But that shall be as it may. But this fantastical fellow is made to smile disdainfully while he threatens; which circumstance was marked for the player's direction in the margin.

Note return to page 276 [a] (a) Dame. Oxford Editor.—Vulg. Name.]

Note return to page 277 [a] [(a) drawn. Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. hewn.]

Note return to page 278 [1] 1 Act II. Scene I.] I have divided the acts of this play differently from all the editions, by beginning here the second act, whereby each throughout the play begins with a chorus regularly; whereas before, this chorus was stuck into a place where it interrupted the continuance of the scene, and for want of this division, they were forced to split the one day's battle at Agincourt into two acts, namely the third and fourth. See the note on Act IV. Scene 13. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 279 [2] 2 For now sits Expectation in the air, And hides a sword from hilts unto the point With Crowns imperial; &c.] The imagery is wonderfully fine, and the thought exquisite. Expectation sitting in the air designs the height of their ambition; and the Sword hid from the hilt to the point with Crowns and Coronets, that all sentiments of danger were lost in the thoughts of glory.

Note return to page 280 [3] 3 &lblank; this grace of Kings &lblank;] i. e. he who does greatest honour to the title. By the same kind of phraseology the usurper in Hamlet is call'd the Vice of Kings, i. e. the opprobrium of them.

Note return to page 281 [4] 4 &lblank; while we force a play.] This may be right; but I rather believe Shakespear wrote, farce a play, i. e. stuff it, swell it out; as the word farce from fartum, forced-meat (now applied to theatrical representations) then signified; and the metaphor agrees to what went before, of well digesting th' abuse of distance. Perhaps it may here mean stuff, a great deal in a little compass, something like the apology he makes in the prologue, and in the chorus to the fifth act. He uses this word in the same sense, Act IV. Scene V. The farsed title running 'fore the King.

Note return to page 282 [5] 5 For which we have in head assembled them?] This is not an English phraseology. I am persuaded Shakespear wrote, For which we have in aid assembled them? alluding to the tenures of those times.

Note return to page 283 [6] 6 Sooner than quittance &lblank;] i. e. requital.

Note return to page 284 [7] 7 &lblank; proceeding on distemper,] i. e. sudden passions.

Note return to page 285 [8] 8 As black and white &lblank;] I rather think Shakespear wrote, as black from white.

Note return to page 286 [9] 9 Treason and murder &lblank;] What follows to the end of this speech is additional since the first edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 287 [1] 1 Working so grosly &lblank;] Grosly for commonly, which the Oxford Editor not understanding, alters to closely.

Note return to page 288 [2] 2 That admiration did not whoop at them] Whoop, of which the author makes a verb, is a note of admiration.

Note return to page 289 [3] 3 &lblank; in modest compliment,] i. e. fulness.

Note return to page 290 [4] 4 Not working with the eye without the ear,] He is here giving the character of a compleat gentleman, and says, he did not trust his eye without the confirmation of his ear. But when men have eye-sight-proof, they think they have sufficient evidence, and don't stay for the confirmation of an hear-say. Prudent men, on the contrary, won't trust the credit of the ear, till it be confirmed by the demonstration of the eye. And this is that conduct for which the king would here commend him. So that we must read, Not working with the ear, but with the eye.

Note return to page 291 [5] 5 &lblank; and so finely boulted didst thou seem.] i. e. refined or purged from all faults. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 292 [6] 6 To make the full-fraught man, &lblank;] We should read, To mark the full fraught man. i. e. marked by the blot he speaks of in the preceding line.

Note return to page 293 [7] 7 Join'd with an enemy, &c.] This speech also has been enlarg'd by the author. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 294 [9] 9 for his nose was as sharp as a pen, and a table of green-fields.] These words, and a table of green-fields, are not to be found in the old editions of 1600 and 1608. This nonsense got into all the following editions by a pleasant mistake of the stage editors, who printed from the common piece-meal-written parts in the playhouse. A table was here directed to be brought in (it being a scene in a tavern where they drink at parting) and this direction crept into the text from the margin. Greenfield was the name of the property-man in that time who furnish'd implements, &c. for the actors. A table of Greenfield's. Mr. Pope. So reasonable an account of this blunder Mr. Theobald would not acquiesce in. He thought a table of Greenfield's part of the text, only corrupted, and that it should be read, he babled of green fields, because men do so in the ravings of a calenture. But he did not consider how ill this agrees with the nature of the Knight's illness, who was now in no babling humour: and so far from wanting cooling in green fields, that his feet were cold, and he just expiring.

Note return to page 295 [1] 1 And more than carefully it us concerns] This was a business indeed, that required more than care to discharge it. I am persuaded Shakespear wrote, more than carelesly. The King is supposed to hint here at the Dauphin's wanton affront in sending over tennis-balls to Henry: which, arising from over-great confidence of their own power, or contempt of their enemies, would naturally breed carelesness.

Note return to page 296 [2] 2 You are too much mistaken in this King: &c.] This part much enlarg'd since the first writing. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 297 [3] 3 Were but the out-side of the Roman Brutus,] Shakespear not having given us, in the first or second part of Henry IV. or in any other place but this, the remotest hint of the circumstance here alluded to, the comparison must needs be a little obscure to those who don't know or reflect that some historians have told us, that Henry IV. had entertain'd a deep jealousy of his son's aspiring superior genius. Therefore to prevent all umbrage, the prince withdrew from publick affairs, and amused himself in consorting with a dissolute crew of robbers. It seems to me, that Shakespear was ignorant of this circumstance when he wrote the two parts of Henry IV. for it might have been so managed as to have given new beauties to the character of Hal, and great improvements to the plot. And with regard to these matters, Shakespear generally tells us all he knew, and as soon as he knew it.

Note return to page 298 [4] 4 That haunted us &lblank;] We should assuredly read hunted: the integrity of the metaphor requires it. So, soon after, the king says again, You see this Chase is hotly followed.

Note return to page 299 [5] 5 While that his mountain sire, on mountain standing,] We should read, mounting, ambitious, aspiring.

Note return to page 300 [6] 6 Up in the air, crown'd with the golden sun,] A nonsensical line of some player.

Note return to page 301 [7] 7 and fate of him.] i. e. fortune and condition of his house or family. The Oxford Editor alters it to force; not considering its use in latin, or the sense of this line, &lblank; sit manifesta phrenesis Ut locuples moriaris, egenti vivere fato.

Note return to page 302 [8] 8 Shall hide your trespass, &lblank;] Mr. Pope rightly corrected it, Shall chide &lblank;

Note return to page 303 [1] 1 Act III. Scene I.] This whole act (and all the rest of the play) very much enlarged and improved by the author, since the editions of 1600, and 1608. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 304 [2] 2 And I; if wishes &c.] See the editions of 1600, and 1608. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 305 [3] 3 Scene V.] I have left this ridiculous scene as I found it; and am sorry to have no colour left, from any of the editions, to imagine it interpolated.

Note return to page 306 [4] 4 In that nook-shotten Isle of Albion.] Shotten signifies any thing projected: So we say, a shotten-herring, for a herring that hath cast its spawn. So nook-shotten Isle, is an Isle that shoots out into capes, promontories and necks of land, the very figure of Great-Britain.

Note return to page 307 [5] 5 Fortune is painted plind, with a muffler before her eyes, to signifie to you that fortune is plind;] Here the fool of a player was for making a joke, as Hamlet says, not set down for him, and shewing a most pitiful ambition to be witty. For Fluellen, though he speaks with his country accent; yet is all the way represented as a man of good plain sense. Therefore, as it appears he knew the meaning of the term plind, by his use of it, he could never have said that Fortune was painted plind, to signify she was plind. He might as well have said afterwards, that she was painted inconstant, to signify she was inconstant. But there he speaks sense, and so, unquestionably, he did here. We should therefore strike out the first plind, and read, Fortune is painted with a muffler &c.

Note return to page 308 [6] 6 for he hath stoln a Pax,] This is conformable to history. A soldier (Hall tells us, Henry V. year 3. fol. 14) being hanged at this time for such a fact. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 309 [7] 7 The King is coming, and I must speak with him from the bridge.] i. e. I want to acquaint the King with the circumstances of the action which happened there.

Note return to page 310 [8] 8 We shall your tawny ground &c.] Hall's Chronicle, fol. 14. Henry V. year 2. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 311 [9] 9 Scene IX.] This scene is shorter, and I think better, in the first editions of 1600 and 1608. But as the enlargements appear to be the author's own, I would not omit them; but have for the reader's curiosity marked them with small commas. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 312 [1] 1 he bounds from the earth, as if his entrails were hairs;] Alluding to the bounding of tennis-balls, which were stuffed with hair, as appears from Much ado about Nothing, And the old ornament of his check hath already stufft tennis-balls.

Note return to page 313 [2] 2 And all other jades you may call beasts.] It is plain that jades and beasts should change places, it being the first word and not the last, which is the term of reproach; as afterwards it is said, I had as lieve have my mistress a jade.

Note return to page 314 [3] 3 Wonder of nature &lblank;] Here I suppose, some foolish poem of our author's time is ridiculed; which indeed partly appears from the answer.

Note return to page 315 [1] 1 Fills the wide vessel of the universe.] Universe for horizon: for we are not to think Shakespear so ignorant as to imagine it was night over the whole globe at once. He intimates he knew otherwise, by that fine line in Mid-summer Night's Dream. &lblank; following darkness like a dream. Besides, the image he employs shews he meant but half the globe; the horizon round which has the shape of a vessel or goblet.

Note return to page 316 [2] 2 &lblank; the other's umber'd face.] Umber'd or umbred, is a term in blazonry, and signifies shadowed.

Note return to page 317 [3] 3 Do the low-rated English play at dice;] i. e. do play them away at dice.

Note return to page 318 [4] 4 Investing lank-lean cheeks &c.] A gesture investing cheeks and coats is nonsense. We should read, Invest in lank-lean cheeks, which is sense, i. e. their sad gesture was cloath'd, or set off, in lean-cheeks and worn coats. The image is strong and picturesque.

Note return to page 319 [5] 5 There is some soul of goodness &lblank;] Soul, for spirit.

Note return to page 320 [6] 6 That we should dress us fairly &lblank;] i. e. address.

Note return to page 321 [7] 7 all his senses have but human conditions.] i. e. as defective and circumscribed as the rest of men's.

Note return to page 322 [8] 8 out-run native punishment;] Native, for civil.

Note return to page 323 [9] 9 Upon the King! &c.] This beautiful speech was added after the first edition. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 324 [1] 1 What are thy rents? What are thy comings-in? O ceremony, shew me but thy worth: What! is thy soul of adoration?] Thus is the last line given us, and the nonsense of it made worse by the ridiculous pointing. We should read, What is thy toll, O adoration! Let us examine how the context stands with my emendation. What are thy rents? What are thy comings-in? What is thy worth? What is thy toll?—(i. e. the duties, and imposts, thou receivest:) All here is consonant, and agreeable to a sensible exclamation. So King John:—No Italian priest shall tyth or toll in our dominions. But the Oxford Editor, now he finds the way open for alteration, reads, What is thy shew of adoration. By which happy emendation, what is about to be inquired into, is first taken for granted: namely, that ceremony is but a shew. And to make room for this word here, which is found in the immediate preceding line, he degrades it there, but puts as good a word indeed in its stead, that is to say, toll.

Note return to page 325 [a] [(a) lest, Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. of.]

Note return to page 326 [2] 2 Since that my penitence comes after all, Imploring pardon.] We must observe, that Henry IV. had committed an injustice, of which he, and his son, reap'd the fruits. But reason tells us, justice demands that they who share the profits of iniquity, shall share also in the punishment. Scripture again tells us, that when have sinned, the Grace of God gives frequent invitations to repentance; which, in the language of Divines, are stiled Calls. These, if neglected, or carelesly dallied with, are, at length, irrecoverably withdrawn, and then repentance comes too late. All this shews that the unintelligible reading of the text should be corrected thus, &lblank; comes after call.

Note return to page 327 [3] 3 &lblank; curtle-ax] Or rather coutelas.

Note return to page 328 [4] 4 &lblank; the jymold bitt] Jymold, or rather gimmald, which signifies a ring of two rounds. Gemellus, Skinner. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 329 [5] 5 He that shall live this day, &lblank;] The Quarto of 1608 reads better, He that out-lives this day.

Note return to page 330 [6] 6 Quality, calmy, custure me, art thou a gentleman?] We should read this nonsense thus, Quality, cality—consture me, art thou a gentleman? i. e. tell me, let me understand whether thou be'st a gentleman.

Note return to page 331 [7] 7 For I will fetch thy rym] We should read, Or I will fetch thy ransom out of thy throat.

Note return to page 332 [a] (a)instant. Mr. Theobald.—Old Folio, in.

Note return to page 333 [8] 8 For, hearing this, I must perforce compound With mixtful eyes, &lblank;] The poet must have wrote, mistful: i. e. just ready to over-run with tears. The word he took from his observation of Nature: for just before the busting out of tears the eyes grow dim as if in a mist.

Note return to page 334 [9] 9 Scene XIII.] Here, in the other editions, they begin the fourth act, very absurdly, since both the place and time evidently continue, and the words of Fluellen immediately follow those of the King just before. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 335 [1] 1 Charles Duke of Orleans, &c.] This list is copied from Hall. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 336 [2] 2 Do we all holy rites; &c.] The king (say the chroniclers) caused the Psalm, In exitu Israel de Ægypto (in which according to the vulgate, is included the Psalm, Non nobis domine, &c.) to be sung after the victory. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 337 [1] 1 Like to the senators of antique Rome,] This is a very extraordinary compliment to the City. But he ever declines all general satire on them; and, in the epilogue to Henry VIII, he hints with disapprobation on [Subnote: for on read at.] his contemporary poets who were accustomed to abuse them. Indeed his satire is very rarely partial or licentious.

Note return to page 338 [2] 2 As by a low, but loving likelihood,] Likelihood, for similitude.

Note return to page 339 [3] 3 Were now the General &c.] The Earl of Essex in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 340 [4] 4 Her vine, &lblank; Unpruned dyes:] We must read, lyes: For neglect of pruning does not kill the vine, but causes it to ramify immoderately, and grow wild; by which the requisite nourishment is withdrawn from its fruit.

Note return to page 341 [5] 5 Defective in their natures, grow to wildness.] Quite contrary; they were not defective, but exuberant in their natures, and crescive faculty: only, wanting their due cultivation, they degenerated. We must therefore read, nurtures.

Note return to page 342 [6] 6 &lblank; diffus'd attire,] Diffus'd, for extravagant. The military habit of those times was extremely so. Act 3, Scene 7, Gower says, And what a beard of the General's cut, and a horrid suit of the camp, will do amongst &c. is wonderful to be thought on.

Note return to page 343 [7] 7 &lblank; we will suddenly Pass our accept, and peremptory answer.] As the French King desires more time to consider deliberately of the articles, 'tis odd and absurd for him to say absolutely, that he would accept them all. He certainly must mean, that he would at once wave and decline what he dislik'd, and consign to such as he approv'd of. Our author uses pass in this manner in other places.

Note return to page 344 [8] 8 a fellow of plain and uncoined constancy,] i. e. a constancy in the ingot, that hath suffered no alloy, as all coined metal has.

Note return to page 345 [9] 9 and untempering effect] Certainly, untempting.

Note return to page 346 [1] 1 the heart of hatred about me,] Certainly, the heart of flattery.

Note return to page 347 [2] 2 nostre tres cher filz—And thus in Latin; præclarissimus filius] What, is tres cher, in French, Præclarissimus in Latin! We should read, præcarissimus.

Note return to page 348 [3] 3 Our bending author &lblank;] We should read, Blending author &lblank; So he says of him just afterwards, mangling by starts.

Note return to page 349 [1] 1 &lblank; change of times &lblank;] Times for manners.

Note return to page 350 [2] 2 Brandish your crystal tresses &lblank;] We have heard of a crystal heaven, but never of crystal comets before. We should read, cristed or crested, i. e. tresses standing an end, or mounted like a crest.

Note return to page 351 [3] 3 Our isle be made a Marish of salt tears,] Thus it is (says Mr. Theobald) in both the impressions of Mr. Pope; but upon what authority I cannot say. All the old copies read a nourish: and considering it is said in the line immediately preceding, that babes should suck at their mothers' moist eyes, it seems very probable that our author wrote a Nourice. i. e. that the whole island should be one common nurse or nourisher of tears, &c. Was there ever such nonsense! But he did not know that Marish is an old word for marsh or fen; and therefore very judiciously thus corrected by Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 352 [4] 4 Than Julius Cæsar, or bright &lblank;] I can't guess the occasion of the Hemystic and imperfect sense in this place; 'tis not impossible it might have been filled up with—Francis Drake,—tho' that were a terrible anachronism; (as bad as Hector's quoting Aristotle in Troilus and Cressida) yet perhaps at the time that brave Englishman was in his glory, to an English hearted audience, and pronounced by some favourite actor, the thing might be popular, tho' not judicious; and therefore by some critic in favour of the author afterwards struck out. But this is a mere slight conjecture. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 353 [5] 5 To weep their intermissive miseries.] i. e. their miseries, which have had only a short intermission from Henry the Fifth's death to my coming amongst them.

Note return to page 354 [6] 6 England all Olivers and Rowlands bred,] These were two of the most famous in the list of Charlemagne's twelve Peers; and their exploits are render'd so ridiculously and equally extravagant by the old romancers, that from thence arose that saying amongst our plain and sensible ancestors, of giving one a Rowland for his Oliver, to signify the matching one incredible lye with another.

Note return to page 355 [7] 7 &lblank; by some odd gimmals or device] Gimmals are rings of double rounds, from gemelli, wheels one within another. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 356 [8] 8 &lblank; nine Sibyls of old Rome:] There were no nine Sibyls of Rome: But he confounds things, and mistakes this for the nine books of Sibylline oracles, brought to one of the Tarquins.

Note return to page 357 [9] 9 Piel'd Priest, &lblank;] Alluding to his shaven crown, a metaphor from a peel'd orange. Mr. Pope

Note return to page 358 [1] 1 &lblank; giv'st whores indulgences to sin;] The public stews were formerly under the district of the Bishop of Winchester. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 359 [2] 2 This be Damascus, be thou cursed Cain,] N. B. About four miles from Damascus is a high hill, reported to be the same on which Cain slew his brother Abel. Maundrell's Travels, page 131. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 360 [2] 2 &lblank; that nobles should such stomachs bear! I my self fight not once in forty year.] The Mayor of London was not brought in to be laugh'd at, as is plain by his manner of interfering in the quarrel, where he all along preserves a sufficient dignity. In the line preceding these, he directs his officer, to whom without doubt these two lines should be given. They suit his character, and are very expressive of the pacific temper of the City Guards.

Note return to page 361 [3] 3 &lblank; like Adonis' Garden,] It may not be impertinent to take notice of a dispute between four critics, of very different orders, upon this very important point of the Gardens of Adonis. Milton had said, Spot more delicious than those Gardens feign'd, Or of reviv'd Adonis, or &lblank; which Dr. Bentley pronounces spurious; For that the &grK;&grhc;&grp;&gro;&gri; &grA;&grd;&grwa;&grn;&gri;&grd;&gro;&grst;, the Gardens of Adonis, so frequently mentioned by Greek writers, Plato, Plutarch, &c. were nothing but portable earthen Pots, with some Lettice or Fennel growing in them. On his yearly festival every woman carried one of them for Adonis' worship; because Venus had once laid him in a lettice bed. The next day they were thrown away, &c. To this Dr. Pierce replies, That this account of the Gardens of Adonis is right, and yet Milton may be defended for what he says of them: For why (says he) did the Grecians on Adonis' festival carry these small earthen Gardens about in honour of him? It was because they had a tradition, that, when he was alive, he delighted in Gardens, and had a magnificent one: For proof of this we have Pliny's words, xix 4. Antiquitas nihil priùs mirata est quàm Hesperidum Hortos, ac regum Adonidis & Alcinoi. One would now think the question well decided: But Mr. Theobald comes, and will needs be Dr. Bentley's second. A learned and reverend gentleman (says he) having attempted to impeach Dr. Bentley of error, for maintaining that there never was existent any magnificent or spacious Gardens of Adonis, an opinion in which it has been my fortune to second the Doctor, I thought my self concerned, in some part, to weigh those authorities alledged by the objector, &c. The reader sees that Mr. Theobald mistakes the very question in dispute between these two truly learned men, which was not whether Adonis' Gardens were ever existent, but whether there was a tradition of any celebrated Gardens cultivated by Adonis. For this would sufficiently justify Milton's mention of them, together with the Gardens of Alcinous, confessed by the poet himself to be fabulous. But hear their own words. There was no such Garden (says Dr. Bentley) ever existent, or even feign'd. He adds the latter part, as knowing that that would justify the poet; and it is on that assertion only that his adversary Dr. Pierce joins issue with him. Why (says he) did they carry the small earthen Gardens? It was because they had a tradition, that when he was alive he delighted in Gardens. Mr. Theobald, therefore, mistaking the question, it is no wonder that all he says, in his long note at the end of the fourth volume, is nothing to the purpose; it being to shew that Dr. Pierce's quotations from Pliny and others, do not prove the real existence of the Gardens. After these, comes the Oxford Editor; and he pronounces in favour of Dr. Bentley against Dr. Pierce, in these words, The Gardens of Adonis were never represented under any local description. But whether this was said at hazard, or to contradict Dr. Pierce, or to rectify Mr. Theobald's mistake of the question, it is so obscurely expressed, that one can hardly determine.

Note return to page 362 [1] 1 Great is the rumour &lblank;] Rumour, for reputation.

Note return to page 363 [2] 2 To give their censure &lblank;] Censure, for judgment simply.

Note return to page 364 [3] 3 From off this briar pluck a white rose with me. &c.] This is given as the original of the two badges of the house of York and Lancaster, whether truly or not, is no great matter. But the proverbial expression of saying a thing under the Rose, I am persuaded, came from thence. When the nation had ranged itself into two great factions, under the white and red Rose, and were perpetually plotting and counterplotting against one another, then when a matter of faction was communicated by either party to his friend in the same quarrel, it was natural for him to add, that he said it under the Rose; meaning that, as it concern'd the faction, it was religiously to be kept secret.

Note return to page 365 [4] 4 I scorn thee and thy Fashion, &lblank;] So the old copies read, and rightly. Mr. Theobald altered it to Faction, not considering that by fashion is meant the badge of the red-rose, which Somerset said he and his friends should be distinguish'd by. But Mr. Theobald asks, If Faction was not the true reading, why should Suffolk immediately reply, Turn not thy scorns this way, Plantagenet? Why? because Plantagenet had called Somerset, with whom Suffolk sided, peevish boy.

Note return to page 366 [5] 5 Spring crestless Yeomen &lblank;] i. e. those who have no right to arms.

Note return to page 367 [6] 6 Corrupted and exempt &lblank;] Exempt, for excluded.

Note return to page 368 [7] 7 &lblank; for this apprehension;] Apprehension, i. e. opinion.

Note return to page 369 [8] 8 &lblank; as drawing to their exigent.] Exigent, for conclusion, period.

Note return to page 370 [9] 9 Amongst which terms he us'd his lavish'd tongue,] I rather think Shakespear wrote, &lblank; loos'd his lavish tongue.

Note return to page 371 [a] [(a)befal. Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. be all.]

Note return to page 372 [1] 1 Here dies the dusky torch &lblank;] The image is of a torch just extinguished, and yet smoaking. But we should read lies instead of dies. For when a dead man is represented by an extinguished torch, we must say the torch lies: when an extinguished torch is compared to a dead man, we must say the torch dies. The reason is plain, because integrity of metaphor requires that the terms proper to the thing illustrating, not the thing illustrated, be employed.

Note return to page 373 [2] 2 Choak'd with ambition of the meaner sort.] We are to understand the speaker as reflecting on the ill fortune of Mortimer, in being always made a tool of by the Percies of the north in their rebellious intrigues; rather than in asserting his claim to the crown, in support of his own princely ambition.

Note return to page 374 [b] [(b)Ill. Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. Will.]

Note return to page 375 [1] 1 That hardly we escap'd the pride of France.] Pride signifies the haughty power. The same speaker says afterwards, Act 4. Scene 6. And from the pride of Gallia rescu'd thee. One would think this plain enough. But what won't a puzzling critic obscure! Mr. Theobald says, Pride of France is an absurd and unmeaning expression, and therefore alters it to Prize of France; and in this is followed by the Oxford Editor.

Note return to page 376 [2] 2 &lblank; Charles his glikes?] Glikes or scoffs. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 377 [3] 3 &lblank; on her lowly babe,] It is plain Shakespear wrote, lovely babe, it answering to fertile France above, which this domestic image is brought to illustrate.

Note return to page 378 [4] 4 Done like a Frenchman: turn, and turn again!—] This seems to be an offering of the poet to his royal mistress's resentment, for Henry the Fourth's last great turn in religion, in the year 1593.

Note return to page 379 [5] 5 That, whoso draws a sword, 'tis present death;] Shakespear wrote, &lblank; draws a sword i'th' presence 't's death; i. e. in the Court, or in the presence Chamber.

Note return to page 380 [a] [(a) Wis. Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. wish.]

Note return to page 381 [1] 1 To tutor thee in stratagems of war;] Stratagem, for art simply.

Note return to page 382 [2] 2 &lblank; I beg mortality,] Mortality, for death.

Note return to page 383 [a] [(a) out on that vantage. Mr. Theobald.—Vulg. on that advantage]

Note return to page 384 [1] 1 &lblank; a giglot wench.] A drab, strumpet. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 385 [2] 2 &lblank; ye charming Spells and Periapts;] Charms sow'd up, from &grp;&gre;&grr;&gri;&graa;&grp;&grt;&grw; to sow. Ezek. xiii. 18. Wo to them that sow pillows to all arm-holes, to hunt souls. Mr. Pope.

Note return to page 386 [3] 3 Out of the pow'rful regions under earth,] I believe Shakespear wrote legions.

Note return to page 387 [4] 4 To send such peevish tokens &lblank;] Peevish, for childish.

Note return to page 388 [5] 5 Decrepit miser! &lblank;] i. e. wretch.

Note return to page 389 [6] 6 Betwixt our nation and th' aspiring French;] But would an Ambassador, who came to persuade peace with France, use it as an argument, that France was aspiring. Shakespear without doubt wrote, &lblank; th' respiring French. i. e. who had but just got into breath again, after having been almost hunted down by the English.

Previous section