Note return to page 1 The Story originally written by an old Lombard Author, and since by Chaucer.

Note return to page 2 †Before this Play of Troilus and Cressida printed in 1609 is a Bookseller's preface, showing that first impression to have been before the Play had been acted, and that it was published without Shakespear's knowledge from a copy that had fallen into the Bookseller's hands. Mr. Dryden thinks this one of the first of our Author's plays: But on the contrary, it may be judg'd from the foremention'd Preface that it was one of his last; and the great number of observations, both moral and politick, (with which this piece is crowded more than any other of his) seems to confirm my opinion.

Note return to page 3 †Good morrow Alexander is added in all the Editions very absurdly, Paris not being on the Stage.

Note return to page 4 [a] amony.

Note return to page 5 †These necessary words added from the first quarto edition.

Note return to page 6 [b] bloud.

Note return to page 7 [c] cretires.

Note return to page 8 [d] dplace

Note return to page 9 [e] emold

Note return to page 10 †An armour for the arm, Avant-bras.

Note return to page 11 †Tarre, an old english word signifying to provoke or urge on. See K. John, act. 4. sc. 1.—like a dog, snatch at his master that doth tar him on.

Note return to page 12 [f] fwhinid'st

Note return to page 13 †dismes tenths.

Note return to page 14 †This line is misplaced in all the folio editions.

Note return to page 15 †This line is misplaced in all the folio editions.

Note return to page 16 [g] ghard

Note return to page 17 [h] hlovers

Note return to page 18 †Old edition, not so well, has it attributive

Note return to page 19 [i] istale

Note return to page 20 [i] iAristotle thought

Note return to page 21 [k] kflight.

Note return to page 22 [l] lHis pettish lines.

Note return to page 23 [m] mwrath

Note return to page 24 [n] n'gainst it self.

Note return to page 25 [o] ofat, already, pride.

Note return to page 26 [p] pLight boats may sail swift, tho' great bulks draw deep.

Note return to page 27 [q] qyour silence Coming in dumbness, from my weakness draws My soul of counsel from me.—

Note return to page 28 [r] rplantage.

Note return to page 29 †This line is totally omitted in all the editions but the first quarto.

Note return to page 30 †This line is totally omitted in all the editions but the first quarto.

Note return to page 31 [s] sThat has he knows not what nature, what things are, &c.

Note return to page 32 * &lblank; things past And go to dust that is a little gilt, More laud than gilt o'er-dusted: The present eye, &c.

Note return to page 33 [t] twent out on thee.

Note return to page 34 [u] uhim.

Note return to page 35 [x] xnature.

Note return to page 36 [y] ycross

Note return to page 37 * &lblank; sweet lady. Nest. Our general doth salute you with a kiss. Ulys. Yet is the kindness but particular; 'Twere better she were kiss'd in general. Nest. And very courtly counsel: I'll begin. So much for Nestor. Achil. I'll take that winter from your lips, fair lady: Achilles bids you welcome. Men. I had good argument for kissing once. Patr. But that's no argument for kissing now: For thus pop'd Paris in his hardiment, † [Subnote: †This line only in the quarto edition of 1607.] And parted thus, you and your argument. Ulys. Oh deadly gall, and theme of all our scorns, For which we lose our heads to gild his horns. Patr. The first was Menelaus' kiss—this mine— Patroclus kisses you. Men. O, this is trim. Patr. Paris and I kiss evermore for him. Men. I'll have my kiss, Sir: lady, by your leave. Cre. In kissing do you render or receive? Patr. Both take and give. Cre. I'll make my match to give, The kiss you take is better than you give; Therefore no kiss. Men. I'll give you boot, I'll give you three for one. Cre. You are an odd man, give even, or give none. Men. An odd man, lady? every man is odd. Cre. No, Paris is not; for you know 'tis true, That you are odd, and he is even with you. Men. You fillip me o'th' head. Cre. No, I'll be sworn. Ulys. It were no match, your nail against his horn: May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you? Cre. You may. Ulys. I do desire it. Cre. Why beg then. Ulys. Why then, for Venus' sake give me a kiss: When Helen is a maid again, and his— Cre. I am your debtor, claim it when 'tis due. Ulys. Never's my day, and then a kiss of you. Dio. Lady, a word &lblank; &c.

Note return to page 38 †The six following lines are not in the old edition.

Note return to page 39 †What follows is added out of the first edition.

Note return to page 40 [a] aforced

Note return to page 41 [b] bfind her, if he can take her life.

Note return to page 42 [c] cBy soul authority.

Note return to page 43 [d] dfinger

Note return to page 44 [e] eTeucer.

Note return to page 45 †Or, care not.

Note return to page 46 [g] gSpartan in the old edition.

Note return to page 47 * &lblank; the armies separate; My half-supt sword, that frankly would have fed, Pleas'd with this dainty bit, thus goes to bed. Come, tye &c.

Note return to page 48 †The publick stews were anciently under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Winchester.

Note return to page 49 Story partly taken from Boccace's Decameron, day 2. nov. 9. little besides the names being historical.

Note return to page 50 †a sort of Kite.

Note return to page 51 [a] abear

Note return to page 52 [a] aA Jermen one, in the first editions; since alter'd to a German one.

Note return to page 53 [a] aor

Note return to page 54 †makes me a coward.

Note return to page 55 *&lblank; less welcome! [Exeunt. 0196518SCENE VIII. Rome. Enter two Roman Senators, and Tribunes. 1 Sen. This is the tenor of the Emperor's writ; That since the common men are now in action 'Gainst the Pannonians and Dalmatians, And that the legions now in Gallia, are Full weak to undertake our war against The fall'n off Britains; that we do incite The gentry to this business. He creates Lucius pro-consul: and to you the tribunes For this immediate levy, he commands His absolute commission. Long live Cæsar! Tri. Is Lucius gen'ral of the forces? 2 Sen. Ay. Tri. Remaining now in Gallia? 1 Sen. With those legions Which I have spoke of, whereunto your levy Must be suppliant: the words of your commission Will tie you to the numbers and the time Of their dispatch. Tri. We will discharge our duty. [Exeunt.

Note return to page 56 * &lblank; breed of greatness! “Cowards father cowards, and base things sire the base: “Nature hath meal and bran; contempt and grace. I'm not, &c.

Note return to page 57 * &lblank; but at court: Experience, oh how thou disprov'st report. Th' imperious seas breed monsters; for the dish, Poor tributary rivers, as sweet fish; I am sick still, &c.

Note return to page 58 * &lblank; a sigh: As if the sigh Was that it was, for not being such a smile: The smile mocking the sigh, that it would fly From so divine a temple, to commix With winds that sailors rail at. Guid. I do note, &c.

Note return to page 59 [a] aspurs

Note return to page 60 * &lblank; together. Arv. Grow patience, And let the stinking elder, greif, untwine His perishing root, with the encreasing vine. Bel. It is, &c.

Note return to page 61 †care

Note return to page 62 * &lblank; The matter? Triumphs for nothing, and lamenting toys, Is jollity for apes, and grief for boys. Is Cadwall mad? SCENE V. &c.

Note return to page 63 * &lblank; Than to work any. Will you rhime upon't, And vent it for a mockery? here is one: “Two boys, an old man twice a boy, a lane, “Preserv'd the Britains, was the Romans bane. Lord. Nay, be not angry, Sir. Post. Lack, to what end? Who dares not stand his foe, I'll be his friend; For if he'll do, as he is made to do, I know he'll quickly fly my friendship too. You have put me into rhymes Lord. Farewel, &c.

Note return to page 64 ****Here follows a Vision, a Masque, and a Prophecy, which interrupt the Fable without the least necessity, and unmeasurably lengthen this act. I think it plainly foisted in afterwards for meer show, and apparently not of Shakespear.

Note return to page 65 †††Solemn musick: Enter as in an apparition, Sicilius Leonatus, father to Posthumus, an old man, attired like a warrior, leading in his hand an ancient matron, his wife, and mother to Posthumus, with musick before them. Then after other musick, follow the two young Leonati, brothers to Posthumus, with wounds as they died in the wars. They circle Posthumus round as he lyes sleeping. Sici. No more thou thunder-master   Shew thy spite, on mortal flies: With Mars fall out, with Juno chide, that thy adulteries   Rates and revenges. Hath my poor boy done ought but well,   Whose face I never saw? I dy'd, whilst in the womb he stay'd,   Attending nature's law. Whose father, Jove! (as men report,   Thou orphans father art) Thou should'st have been, and shielded him.   From his earth-vexing smart. Moth. Lucina lent not me her aid,   But took me in my throes, That from me my Posthumus ript;   Came crying 'mongst his foes, A thing of pity! Sici. Great nature, like his ancestry,   Moulded the stuff so fair; That he deserv'd the praise o'th' world,   As great Sicilius' heir. 1 Bro. When once he was mature for man,   In Britain where was he That could stand up his parallel,   Or rival object be, In eye of Imogen, that best   Could deem his dignity? Moth. With marriage therefore was he mockt   To be exil'd, and thrown From Leonatus' seat, and cast   From her his dearest one: Sweet Imogen! Sici. Why did you suffer Iachimo,   Slight thing of Italy, To taint his noble heart and brain   With needless jealousie, And to become the geek and scorn   O'th' other's villany? 2 Bro. For this, from stiller seats we came,   Our parents, and us twain, That striking in our country's cause,   Fell bravely and were slain, Our fealty and Tenantius' right,   With honour to maintain. 1 Bro. Like hardiment Posthumus hath   To Cymbeline perform'd; Then Jupiter, thou king of gods,   Why hast thou thus adjourn'd The graces for his merits due,   Being all to dolours turn'd? Sici. Thy crystal window ope; look out;   No longer exercise, Upon a valiant race, thy harsh   And potent injuries. Moth. Since, Jupiter, our son is good,   Take off his miseries. Sici. Peep through thy marble mansion, help,   Or we poor ghosts will cry To th' shining synod of the rest,   Againgst thy deity. 2 Breth. Help, Jupiter, or we appeal,   And from thy justice flie. Jupiter descends in thunder and lightning, sitting upon an eagle; he throws a thunder-bolt. The ghosts fall on their knees. Jupit. No more you petty spirits of region low   Offend our hearing; hush! how dare you ghosts Accuse the thunderer, whose bolt, you know,   Sky-planted, batters all rebelling coasts. Poor shadows of Elizium, hence and rest   Upon your never-withering banks of flowers. Be not with mortal accidents opprest,   No care of yours it is, you know 'tis ours. Whom best I love, I cross; to make my gift,   The more delay'd, delighted. Be content, Your low-laid son our godhead will uplift:   His comforts thrive, his tryals well are spent; Our Jovial star reign'd at his birth, and in   Our temple was he married: rise, and fade! He shall be lord of lady Imogen,   And happier much by his affliction made. This tablet lay upon his breast, wherein [Jup. drops a tablet.   Our pleasure, his full fortune, doth confine, And so away, no farther with your din   Express impatience, lest you stir up mine;   Mount eagle, to my palace crystalline. [Ascends. Sici. He came in thunder, his cœlestical breath Was sulphurous to smell; the holy eagle Stoop'd, as to foot us: his ascension is More sweet than our blest fields; his royal bird Prunes the immortal wing, and cloys his beak, As when his god is pleas'd. All. Thanks, Jupiter. Sici. The marble pavement closes, he is enter'd His radiant roof: away, and to be blest Let us with care perform his great behest. [Vanish. Post. Sleep, thou hast been a grandsire, and begot A father to me: and thou hast created A mother, and two brothers. But, oh scorn! Gone—they went hence so soon as they were born; And so I am awake—Poor wretches that depend On greatness favour, dream as I have done, Wake, and find nothing. But, alas, I swerve: Many dream not to find, neither deserve, And yet are steep'd in favours; so am I That have this golden chance, and know not why What fairies haunt this ground? a book! oh rare one! Be not, as is our fangled world, a garment Nobler than that it covers. Let thy effects So follow, to be most unlike our courtiers, As good as promise. [Reads.] When as the lion's whelp shall, to himself unknown, without seeking find, and be embrac'd by a piece of tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopt branches, which being dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock, and freshly grow, then shall Posthumus end his miseries, Britain be fortunate, and flourish in peace and plenty. 'Tis still a dream; or else such stuff as mad-men Tongue, and brain not: do either both, or nothing; Or senseless speaking, or a speaking such As sense cannot untie. But what it is, The action of my life is like it, which I'll keep If but for sympathy. Enter Goaler. Goal. Come, Sir, are you ready for death? Post. Over-roasted rather: ready long ago. Goal. Hanging is the word, Sir; if you be ready for that, you are well cookt. Post. So if I prove a good repast to the spectators, the dish pays the shot. Goal. A heavy reckoning for you, Sir, but the comfort is, you shall be called to no more payments, fear no more tavern bills, which are often the sadness of parting, as the procuring of mirth; you came in faint for want of meat, depart reeling with too much drink; sorry that you have paid too much, and sorry that you are paid too much; purse and brain, both empty; the brain the heavier, for being too light; the purse too light, being drawn of heaviness. Oh, of this contradiction you shall now be quit: oh the charity of a penny cord, it sums up thousands in a trice; you have no true debtor, and creditor, but it; of what's past, is, and to come, the discharge; your neck, Sir, is pen, book, and counters; so the acquittance follows. Post. I am merrier to die, than thou art to live. Goal. Indeed, Sir, he that sleeps, feels not the tooth-ache: but a man that were to sleep your sleep, and a hangman to help him to bed, I think he would change places with his officer: for look you, Sir, you know not which way you shall go. Post. Yes indeed do I, fellow. Goal. Your death has eyes in's head then; I have not seen him so pictur'd: you must either be directed by some that take upon them to know; or to take upon your self that which I am sure you do not know; or lump the after-enquiry on your own peril; and how you shall speed in your journy's-end, I think you'll never return to tell one. Post. I tell thee, fellow, there are none want eyes, to direct them the way I am going, but such as wink, and will not use them. Goal. What an infinite mock is this, that a man should have the best use of eyes, to seek the way of blindness: I am sure such hanging's the way of winking. Enter a messenger. Mes. Knock off his manacles, bring your prisoner to the king. Post. Thou bring'st good news, I am called to be made free. Goal. I'll be hang'd then. Post. Thou shalt be then freer than a goaler: no bolts for the dead. [Exeunt. Goal. Unless a man would marry a gallows, and beget young gibbets, I never saw one so prone. Yet on my conscience, there are verier knaves desire to live, for all he be a Roman: and there be some of them too that die against their wills; so should I, if I were one. I would we were all of one mind, and one mind good; O there were desolation of goalers and gallowses; I speak against my present profit, but my wish hath a preferment in't. [Exit. SCENE IV. &c.

Note return to page 66 *—Post. Your servant, princes.   Good my lord of Rome Call forth your Soothsayer: as I slept, methought Great Jupiter upon his eagle back'd Appear'd to me, with other sprightly shews Of mine own kindred. When I wak'd, I found This label on my bosom; whose containing Is so from sense in hardness, that I can Make no collection of it. Let him shew His skill in the construction. Luc. Philarmonus. Sooth. Here, my good lord. Luc. Read, and declare the meaning. [Reads.] When as a lion's whelp shall, to himself unknown, without seeking find, and be embrac'd by a piece of tender air; and when from a stately cedar shall be lopt branches, which being dead many years, shall after revive, be jointed to the old stock, and freshly grow, then shall Posthumus end his miseries, Britain be fortunate, and flourish in peace and plenty. Thou, Leonatus, art the lion's whelp; The fit and apt construction of thy name Being Leonatus, doth import so much: The piece of tender air, thy virtuous daughter, Which we call Mollis Aer, and Mollis Aer We term it Mulier: which Mulier I divine Is this most constant wife, who even now Answering the letter of the oracle, Unknown to you, unsought, were clipt about With this most tender air. Cym. This hath some seeming. Sooth. The lofty cedar, royal Cymbeline, Personates thee; and thy lopt branches, point Thy two sons forth: who by Bellarius stoll'n, For many years thought dead, are now reviv'd, To the majestick cedar join'd; whose issue Promises Britain peace and plenty. Cym. My Peace we will begin: &c.

Note return to page 67 The Plot taken from an Italian Novel of Bandello.

Note return to page 68 [a] acivil.

Note return to page 69 ‡Much of this Scene is added since the first edition; but probably by Shakespear, since we find it in that of the year 1599.

Note return to page 70 * &lblank; beseeming ornaments, To wield old partizans, in hands as old, Cankred with peace, to part your cankred-hate; If ever you &c.

Note return to page 71 [b] bEdition 1597. Instead of which it is in the other editions thus.—by my own, Which then most sought, where most might not be found, Being one too many by my weary self, Pursued my humour, &c.

Note return to page 72 †The ten lines following not in Ed. 1597, but in the next of 1599.

Note return to page 73 †These two speeches also omitted in Ed, 1597. but inserted in 1599.

Note return to page 74 †None of the following speeches of this Scene in the first edition of 1597.

Note return to page 75 * &lblank; but she. She is the hopeful lady of my earth: this line not in the first edition.

Note return to page 76 [c] cor, teen, as in the old edition.

Note return to page 77 †This speech and tautology is not in the first edition.

Note return to page 78 [d] dMarry, that marry is the very theam.

Note return to page 79 [e] ehour.

Note return to page 80 ‡In the common editions here follows a ridiculous speech, which is entirely added since the first.

Note return to page 81 *&lblank; I beseech you follow. La. Cap. We follow thee. Juliet, the county stays. Nurse. Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days.

Note return to page 82 †The two following lines are inserted from the first edition.

Note return to page 83 †Other lines follow here which are not to be found in the first edition.

Note return to page 84 * &lblank; and look on, The game was ne'er so fair, and I am done. Mer. Tut, dun's the mouse, the constable's own word; If thou art dun, we'll draw thee from the mire; Or, save your reverence, love, wherein thou stickest Up to the ears: come, we burn day-light, ho. Rom. Nay, that's not so. Mer. I mean, Sir, we delay. We burn our lights by night, like lamps by day. [ed. 1.] Take our good meaning, for our judgment fits Five times a day, ere once in her right wits. [ed. 1.] Rom. And we mean well in going to this mask; But 'tis no wit to go. Mer. Why, may one ask? Rom. I dreamt a dream, &c.

Note return to page 85 [f] fcourtier's.

Note return to page 86 [g] gbakes.

Note return to page 87 [h] hintangled.

Note return to page 88 [i] iwill walk about with you.

Note return to page 89 * &lblank; He shall be endur'd. What, goodman-boy—I say he shall. Go to &lblank; Am I the master here, or you? go to &lblank; You'll not endure him! God shall mend my soul. You'll make a mutiny among my guests: You will set cock-a-hoop? you'll be the man? Tib. Why, uncle, 'tis a shame. Cap. Go to, go to, You are a saucy boy—'tis so indeed &lblank; This trick may chance to scathe you; I know what. Be quiet, &c.

Note return to page 90 * &lblank; turn to despair. Jul. Saints do not move, yet grant for prayers sake. Rom. Then move not while my prayers effect I take: Thus from my lips, by thine my sin is purg'd. [Kissing her. Jul. Then have my lips the sin that late they took. Rom. Sin from my lips! O trespass sweetly urg'd: Give me my sin again. Jul. You kiss by th' book. Nurse. Madam, &c.

Note return to page 91 †This chorus added since the first edition.

Note return to page 92 [a] atime.

Note return to page 93 [b] bcouple but love and day.

Note return to page 94 [c] cpur-blind son and her.

Note return to page 95 †alluding to an old ballad.

Note return to page 96 [d] dlazy-puffing.

Note return to page 97 [e] eCorrected thus from the 1st edition.

Note return to page 98 [f] fdislike.

Note return to page 99 [g] gcoining, or coying.

Note return to page 100 [h] hname.

Note return to page 101 *These four first lines are here replaced, conformably to the first edition; where such a description is much more proper than in the mouth of Romeo just before, when he was full of nothing but the thoughts of his mistress.

Note return to page 102 [i] iRevolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse.

Note return to page 103 [l] lhow he dares, being dared.

Note return to page 104 [m] mturners.

Note return to page 105 *Mer. You gave us the counterfeit fairly last night. Rom. What counterfeit did I give you? Mer. The slip Sir, the slip: can you not conceive? Rom. Pardon Mercutio, my business was great, and in such a case as mine, a man may strain curtesy. Mer. That's as much as to say, such a case as yours constrains a man to bow in the hams. Rom. Meaning to curtsie. Mer. Thou hast most kindly hit it. Rom. A most courteous exposition. Mer. Nay, I am the very pink of courtesie. Rom. Pink for flower. Mer. Right. Rom. Why then is my pump well flower'd. Mer. Sure wit—follow me this jest, now, till thou hast worn out thy pump, that when the single sole of it is worn, the jest may remain after the wearing, soly-singular. Rom. O single-sol'd jest. Solely singular, for the singleness. Mer. Come between us good Benvolio, my wit faints. Rom. Switch and spurs, Switch and spurs, or I'll cry a match. Mer. Nay, if our wits run the wild-goose chase, I am done: for thou hast more of the wild-goose in one of thy wits, than I am sure I have in my whole five. Was I with you there for the goose? Rom. Thou wast never with me for any thing, when thou wast not there for the goose. Mer. I will bite thee by the ear for that jest. Rom. Nay, good goose bite not. Mer. Thy wit is a very bitter sweeting, It is a most sharp sawce. Rom. And is it not well-serv'd in to a sweet goose? Mer. O here's a wit of cheverel, that stretches from an inch narrow, to an ell broad. Rom. I stretch it out for that word broad, which added to the goose, proves thee far and wide a broad goose. Mer. Why is not this better, than groaning for love? Now thou art sociable; now art thou Romeo; now art thou what thou art, by art, as well as by nature; for this driveling love is like a great natural, that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a hole. Ben. Stop there, stop there. Mer. Thou desirest me to stop in my tale against the hair. Ben. Thou wouldst else have made thy tale large. Mer. O thou art deceiv'd, I would have made it short, for I was come to the whole depth of my tale, and meant indeed to occupy the argument no longer.

Note return to page 106 * &lblank; So ho. Rom. What hast thou found? Mer. No hare, Sir, unless a hare Sir, in a lenten pye; that is something stale and hoar ere it be spent. An old hare hoar, and an old hare hoar, is very good meat in Lent. But a hare that is hoar, is too much for a score, when it hoars ere it be spent. Romeo, will you come &c.

Note return to page 107 [n] nfrom the first edition.

Note return to page 108 *The verses left out here are not in the old edition.

Note return to page 109 [a] aHe gone in triumph.

Note return to page 110 [b] bfire and fury.

Note return to page 111 *The strange lines that follow here in the common books are not in the old edition.

Note return to page 112 [c] cdearest.

Note return to page 113 * &lblank; fiend angelical, † [Subnote: †These lines not in the first edition, as well as some others which I have omitted.] Ravenous dove, feather'd raven, Wolvish-ravening lamb, Despised substance of divinest show: Just opposite to what thou justly seem'st. A damned saint, an honourable villain: O nature! &c.

Note return to page 114 [d] dadmittance.

Note return to page 115 [e] e And world's exile is death. Then banished Is death mis-term'd, calling death banished.

Note return to page 116 [f] fthat is dear mercy.

Note return to page 117 [g] g Which even in pure and vestal modesty Still blush, and thinking their own kisses sin. This may flies do, when I from this must fly, And say'st thou yet, that exile is not death? But Romeo may not, he is banished. Hadst thou no poison mixt, no sharp-ground knife, No sudden mean of death, tho' ne'er so mean, But banished to kill me? banished? O Friar, &c.

Note return to page 118 [h] has young as Juliet my love.

Note return to page 119 [i] iconceal'd

Note return to page 120 *Here follows in the common books a great deal of nonsense, not one word of which is to be found in the first edition.

Note return to page 121 [l] lThou puttest up thy fortune.

Note return to page 122 *Some few unnecessary verses are omitted in this scene according to the oldest editions.

Note return to page 123 [m] m Therefore stay, yet thou need'st not to be gone. Rom. Let me be ta'en, let me be put to death I am content, if thou wilt have it so. I'll say yon gray is not the morning's eye, 'Tis but the pale reflex of Cynthia's brow, Nor that is not the lark whose notes do beat The vaulty heav'ns so high above our heads. I have more care to stay than will to go. Come death &c.

Note return to page 124 †alluding to some fable, or some notion of the Naturalists.

Note return to page 125 *Several unnecessary lines are omitted in this scene, which is printed more agreeably to the first edition.

Note return to page 126 [n] n Day, night, hour, tide, time, work, and play, Alone, in company, still my care hath been &c.

Note return to page 127 [a] aBe not so long to speak, I long to die.

Note return to page 128 [b] b Or walk in thievish ways, or bid me lurk Where serpents are, chain me with roaring bears, Or hide me nightly, &c. &lblank; It is thus the editions vary.

Note return to page 129 [c] ctold.

Note return to page 130 [d] dmealy.

Note return to page 131 * &lblank; twenty cunning cooks. Ser. You shall have none ill, Sir, for I'll try if they can lick their fingers. Cap. How canst thou try them so? Ser. Marry, Sir, 'tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers: therefore he that cannot lick his fingers, goes not with me. Cap. Go, be gone. We shall be much &c.

Note return to page 132 [e] eSee where she comes from shrift, with merry look.

Note return to page 133 [f] ffire.

Note return to page 134 †This speech of exclamations is not in the edition above cited. Several other parts, unnecessary or tautology, are not to be found in the said edition; which occasions the variation in this from the common books.

Note return to page 135 [g] gpratest.

Note return to page 136 [h] hpratest too.

Note return to page 137 [a] aflattring truth of sleep.

Note return to page 138 [b] band all this winged, unaccustom'd.

Note return to page 139 [c] cthy self in flesh.

Note return to page 140 [d] dyoung trees.

Note return to page 141 [e] eThese four lines from the old edition.

Note return to page 142 *Some lines are left out here and afterwards, which are unworthy of Shakespear, and no hint of them to be found in the old edition.

Note return to page 143 [f] fthy.

Note return to page 144 [g] g'Tis in thy sheath.

Note return to page 145 [f] f &lblank; loe his house Is empty on the back of Mountague, And is mis-sheathed &lblank;

Note return to page 146 [g] down.

Note return to page 147 This Story was not invented by our Author; tho' from whence he took it, I know not.

Note return to page 148 [a] aPole-axe in the common editions; he speaks of a prince of Poland whom he slew in battle. He uses the word Polack again, act. 2. scene 4.

Note return to page 149 [b] bsame.

Note return to page 150 †palmy for victorious; in the other editions flourishing.

Note return to page 151 [b] bnightly.

Note return to page 152 [c] chave

Note return to page 153 [d] dtenable.

Note return to page 154 [e] eThe suppliance of a minute.

Note return to page 155 †thews, or qualities.

Note return to page 156 [f] ffoil.

Note return to page 157 [g] gfear.

Note return to page 158 [h] hsect and force.

Note return to page 159 †recks not his own reed, that is, heeds not his own lessons.

Note return to page 160 †Tider, or tether, teder, a string to tye horses.

Note return to page 161 [i] iNot of the eye which their investments shew.

Note return to page 162 *These 21 lines following are in the first edition, but since left out, perhaps as being thought too verbose. This heavy-headed revell, east and west; Makes us traduc'd, and tax'd of other nations, They clip us drunkards, and with swinish phrase Soil our addition; and indeed it takes From our atchievements, though perform'd at height, The pith and marrow of our attribute. So oft it chances in particular men, That for some vicious mole of nature in them, As in their birth (wherein they are not guilty, Since nature cannot chuse his origin) By the o'ergrowth of some complexion, Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason; Or by some habit, that too much o'er-leavens The form of plausive manners; that these men Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect, (Being nature's livery, or fortune's star) His virtues else, be they as pure as grace, As infinite as man may undergo, Shall in the general censure take corruption From that particular fault. &lblank; Enter Ghost. &c.

Note return to page 163 [k] kevents.

Note return to page 164 *The 4 following lines added from the first edition.

Note return to page 165 [l] lbak'd.

Note return to page 166 †unhouzzled, without the sacrament being taken.

Note return to page 167 †unanointed, without extream unction.

Note return to page 168 †unanel'd, no knell rung.

Note return to page 169 [a] anothing.

Note return to page 170 [b] bspeed.

Note return to page 171 [c] cwell-look'd.

Note return to page 172 ‡From this mark, several speeches are not in the old edition.

Note return to page 173 †Relating to the playhouses then contending, the Bankside, the Fortune, &c.— play'd by the Children of his majesty's chappel.

Note return to page 174 †Rubrick. It is Pons chansons in the first folio edition. The old ballads sung on bridges, and from thence call'd Pons chansons. Hamlet is here repeating ends of old songs.

Note return to page 175 [b] bvaliant.

Note return to page 176 †Chioppine, a high-heel'd shoe, or a slipper.

Note return to page 177 [c] cfrench.

Note return to page 178 [d] dsallets.

Note return to page 179 [e] estreets.

Note return to page 180 [f] fIn the first folio edition, it is th' enobled Queen.

Note return to page 181 [g] gmilch.

Note return to page 182 [h] h Yet I, A dull and muddy metled rascal peak Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause And can say nothing &lblank;

Note return to page 183 [i] iHa! why should I take it?

Note return to page 184 [k] kscullion.

Note return to page 185 [a] acircumstance.

Note return to page 186 [b] bconfession.

Note return to page 187 †Perhaps siege, which continues the metaphor of slings, arrows, taking arms; and represents the being encompass'd on all sides with troubles.

Note return to page 188 [c] cpoor.

Note return to page 189 [d] daway.

Note return to page 190 [e] eevacuate in the first edition.

Note return to page 191 [f] fI did love you once.

Note return to page 192 [g] gpratling.

Note return to page 193 [h] hpace.

Note return to page 194 †Stithy, a smith's anvil.

Note return to page 195 [m] mrack'd, rac'd.

Note return to page 196 [n] npajock. This alludes to a Fable of the Birds chusing a King; instead of the Eagle, a Peacock.

Note return to page 197 †An Ouzle or Blackbird: it has been printed by mistake a Weesel, which is not black.

Note return to page 198 [o] ospirit

Note return to page 199 [p] pbase and silly. Ed. prim.

Note return to page 200 [q] qfresh

Note return to page 201 [r] rhent

Note return to page 202 [s] san idle

Note return to page 203 [t] tor, panders.

Note return to page 204 [t] tmining, edit. prim.

Note return to page 205 †In the old edition it is, Let the blote King—the word signifies fond, or puff'd up, or full-blooded, rubore suffusus, Skinner.

Note return to page 206 †The ten following verses are added out of the old edition.

Note return to page 207 [a] aape

Note return to page 208 †added from the old edit.

Note return to page 209 [b] bconjuring

Note return to page 210 [c] cpropos'd

Note return to page 211 [d] dso

Note return to page 212 [e] eOr, perhaps, Nature is fire in love, and where 'tis fire It sends some precious incense of it self After the thing it loves.

Note return to page 213 [a] afrendship.

Note return to page 214 [b] bmother.

Note return to page 215 [c] cunion.

Note return to page 216 [d] dthe union.

Note return to page 217 The Story is taken from Cynthio's Novels.

Note return to page 218 [a] aTush, never tell me, I take it much unkindly—ed. prim.

Note return to page 219 [b] bam

Note return to page 220 [c] cchances.

Note return to page 221 ‡The 17 following lines are added since the first edition, where after the words, I beseech you, immediately follows—If she be in her chamber, &c.

Note return to page 222 [d] dnight. ed prim.

Note return to page 223 [e] etake.

Note return to page 224 ‡The five following lines are not in the first edition.

Note return to page 225 ‡The 7 following lines are added since the first edition.

Note return to page 226 [e] emore wider and more over test.

Note return to page 227 ‡This line is restored from the old edition. It is in the rest—And portance in my travels history. Rymer in his criticism on this play has chang'd it Portents, instead of Portance.

Note return to page 228 †Antrées. Fr. Grottoes.

Note return to page 229 [f] fDesarts idle, in the former editions; doubtless a corruption from wilde.

Note return to page 230 * It was my hint to speak; such was the process; And of the Canibals that each other eat, The Anthropophagi; and men whose heads Do grow beneath their shoulders. These to hear, Would Desdemona &c.

Note return to page 231 †It was kisses in the later editions. But this is evidenly the true reading: the lady had been forward indeed, to give him a world of kisses upon the bare recital of his story, nor does it agree with the following lines.

Note return to page 232 [g] ggross.

Note return to page 233 [h] hcoach.

Note return to page 234 [i] icharacter.

Note return to page 235 [k] kfeel.

Note return to page 236 ‡added from the first edition.

Note return to page 237 †i e. disgrace thy features and make thy fair countenance grim with a false beard.

Note return to page 238 [a] ahaven, ed prim.

Note return to page 239 [b] bmountains melt on them.

Note return to page 240 [c] cfixed.

Note return to page 241 [d] dlads.

Note return to page 242 †qu. if enur'd.

Note return to page 243 †or catch, shackle.

Note return to page 244 [d] dmutabilities.

Note return to page 245 [e] erank. ed. prim.

Note return to page 246 [f] fand the watch too. ed. prim.

Note return to page 247 [g] swears not.

Note return to page 248 [h] hknow.

Note return to page 249 [i] ioffence ed. prim.

Note return to page 250 †en-mesh, a metaphor from taking birds in meshes.

Note return to page 251 [a] amamm'ring.

Note return to page 252 [b] bcold dilations.

Note return to page 253 [c] cmy

Note return to page 254 [d] dI am not bound

Note return to page 255 [e] ehis.

Note return to page 256 †A metaphor taken from falconry. Jesses are the strings they hold a hawk by.

Note return to page 257 ‡This line, restored from the first edition, compleats the sense.

Note return to page 258 [f] fman's, in the first edition.

Note return to page 259 [g] glovest.

Note return to page 260 ‡this speech not in the first edit.

Note return to page 261 [h] hmy name

Note return to page 262 [i] ithe super-vision.

Note return to page 263 ‡This simile is omitted in the first edition: I think it should be so, as an unnatural excursion in this place.

Note return to page 264 [k] kand to obey.

Note return to page 265 [a] acontinuate.

Note return to page 266 *Handkerchief—to confess, and be hang'd for his labour—First, to be hang'd, and then to confess—No hint of this trash in the 1st edit.

Note return to page 267 [a] aresulting.

Note return to page 268 [b] bdower,

Note return to page 269 Fitchew, a pole-cat.

Note return to page 270 ‡This line is added out of the first edition.

Note return to page 271 [a] abehold, and take thy stand.

Note return to page 272 *Des. But half an hour &lblank; Oth. Being done, there is no pause. Des. But while I say one prayer.

Note return to page 273 [b] biterance.

Note return to page 274 ‡This speech and the following are not in the first edition.

Note return to page 275 * &lblank; murder'd in her bed. All. Oh heav'ns forefend! Æmil. And your reports have set the murther on. Oth. Nay, stare not, masters, it is true indeed. Gra. 'Tis a strange truth. Mon. Oh monstrous act! Æmil. Villany! villany! villany! I think upon't—I think—I smell't—Oh villany! I thought so then; I'll kill my self for grief, Oh villany, villany! Jago. What, are you mad? &c.

Note return to page 276 [c] cnorth.

Note return to page 277 ‡In the first edition it is Isebroke's temper. Thence corrupted to Ice-brooks. Ebro's temper: the waters of that river of Spain are particularly famous for tempering of steel. The finest arms in the world, the Catalonian Fusees.

Note return to page 278 †In the first edition it is Judian, occasion'd probably by the word Tribe just after, but the common reading is better; as the word Tribe is applicable to any race of people, and the thought of an ignorant Indian's casting away a pearl very natural in itself, whereas to make sense of the other, one must presuppose some particular story of a Jew alluded to, which is much less obvious.

Note return to page 279 N. B. The Names of the fictitious Persons to whom these Characters are apply'd, are annex'd in an Alphabetical Index ensuing. Vid. Sect. 3.

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