-*-«^
THE W O R K S
OF
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE.
THE WORKS
OF
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
EDITED BY
WILLIAM GEORGE CLARK, M.A.
FELLOW AND TUTOR OF TRINITY COLLEGE, AND PUBLIC ORATOR IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE ;
AND JOHN GLOVER, M.A.
LIBRARIAN OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.
VOLUME I.
CamftrtUQe anti Honbon:
MACMILLAN AND CO. 1863.
CAMBRIDGE :
PRINTED BY C. J. CLAY, M.A.
AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.
V
0
1964
/9o.-
■■TV
9117 0 9
/SG3
VI
TO HIS GRACE
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE, K.G.
CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
THIS EDITION OF
THE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY
THE EDITORS.
CONTENTS.
The Preface
The Tempest
Notes to the Tempest
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Notes to the Two Gentlemen of Verona
Introducflion to the Merry Wives of Windsor
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Notes to the Merry Wives of Windsor
A Pleasant Conceited Comedy of Syr John Falstafife, &c.
Measure for Measure
Notes to Measure for Measure
The Comedy of Errors
Notes to the Comedy of Errors .....
IX
3
77
83
157
163
16s
253
257
295
391
399 462
PREFACE.
The main rules which we proposed to ourselves in undertaking this Edition are as follows:
1. To base the text on a thorough collation of the. four Folios and of all the Quarto editions of the separate, plays, and of subsequent editions and commentaries.
2. To give all the results of this collation in notes at the foot of the page, and to add to these conje6lural emen- dations colle6led and suggested by ourselves, or furnished to us by our correspondents, so as to give the reader in a compa6l form a complete view of the existing materials out of which the text has been constru6led, or may be emended.
3. In all plays of which there is a Quarto edition differing from the received text to such a degree that the variations cannot be shown in foot-notes, to print the text of the Quarto literatim in a smaller type after the received text.
4. To number the lines in each scene separately, so as to facilitate reference.
5. To add at the end of each play a few notes, {a) to explain such variations in the text of former editions as could not be intelligibly expressed in the limits of a foot-
VOL. I. b
X PREFACE.
note, {U) to justify any deviation from our ordinar>^ rule either in the text or the foot-notes, and (r) to illustrate some passage of unusual difficulty or interest.
6. To print the Poems, edited on a similar plan, at the end of the Dramatic Works.
An edition of Shakespeare on this plan has been for several years in contemplation, and has been the subje6l of much discussion. That such an edition was wanted seemed to be generally allowed, and it was thought that Cambridge afforded facilities for the execution of the task such as few other places could boast of The Shakespearian colle6tion given by Capell to the Library of Trinity Col- lege supplied a mass of material almost unrivalled in amount and value, and in some points unique; and there, too, might be found opportunities for combined literary la- bour, without which the work could not be executed at all. At least, if undertaken by one person only, many years of unremitting diligence would be required for its completion.
The first step towards the realization of the proje6t was taken in the spring of i860, when the first a6l of RicJiard the Second was printed by way of specimen, with a preface signed 'W. G. Clark' and ' H. R. Luard,'* where the prin- ciples, on which the proposed Edition should be based, were set forth with the view ' of obtaining opinions as to the feasibility of the plan, and suggestions as to its im- provement.'
All the persons who answered this appeal expressed their warm approval of the general plan, and many favoured us with suggestions as to details, which we have either adopted, or at least not rejefted without careful and re- speftful consideration.
Since our work was commenced, we have learned that
* A third editor was afterwards added. Mr Luard's eledlion to the office of Registraiy compelled him to relinquish his part, at least for the present ; and the first volume, consequently, is issued under the responsibility of two editors onlr.
PRE FA CE. xi
the need of such an Edition has presented itself, inde- pendently, to the minds of many literary men, and that a similar undertaking was recommended as long ago as 1852, by Mr Bolton Corney, in Notes and Queries, Vol. VI. pp. 2, 3 ; and again by a correspondent of the same journal who signs himself ' Este,' Vol. VIII. p. 362.
This concurrence of opinion leads us to hope that our Edition will be found to supply a real want, while, at the same time, the novelty of its plan will exempt us from all suspicion of a design to supersede, or even compete with, the many able and learned Editors who have preceded us in the same field.
We will first proceed to explain the principles upon which we have prepared our text.
A. WitJi rcspeft to the Readings.
The basis of all texts of Shakespeare must be that of the earliest Edition of the colle6led plays, the Folio of 1623, which, for more easy reference, we have designated Fj*. This we have mainly adopted, unless there exists an earlier edition in quarto, as is the case in more than one half of the thirty-six plays. When the first Folio is cor- rupt, we have allowed some authority to the emendations of F2 above subsequent conjefture, and secondarily to F3 and F^; but a reference to our notes will show that the authority even of F^ in corre6ling is very small. Where we have Quartos of authority, their variations from F^ have been generally accepted, except where they are manifest errors, and where the text of the entire passage seems to be of an inferior recension to that of the Folio. To show that the later Folios only corre6led the first by conje6lure, we may instance two lines in Midsummer NigJifs Dream:
Give me your neif, Mounsieur Mustard Seed. IV. i. ' Neif,' which is spelt 'niefe' in Qq F^, becomes 'newfe' in Fa, 'newse' and 'news' in F3 F4.
• See page xxi.
b2
xii PREFA CE.
And finds his trusty Thisby's mantle slain. V. I. F, omits ' trusty.' F^ makes up the line by inserting ' gentle.'
Where the Folios are all obviously wrong, and the Quartos also fail us, we have introduced into the text several conjeftural emendations; especially we have often had recourse to Theobald's ingenuity. But it must be confessed that a study of errors detra6ts very much from the apparent certainty of conje6lures, the causelessness of the blunders warning us off the hope of restoring, by gene- ral principles or by discovery of causes of error.
For example: in the Midsummer NigJifs Dream, I. i,
Or else it stood upon the choice of merit,
the reading of the Folios, is certainly wrong ; but if we com- pare the true reading preserved in the Quartos, ' the choice of friends,' we can perceive no way to account for the change of 'friends' to 'merit,' by which we might have re- traced the error from 'merit' to 'friends.' Nothing like the ' ductus literarum,' or attraftion of the eye to a neighbour- ing word, can be alleged here.
Hence though we have admitted conje6lures some- times, we have not done so as often as perhaps will be expefted. For, in the first place, we admit none because we think it better rhythm or grammar or sense, unless we feel sure that the reading of the Folio is alto- gether impossible. In the second place, the conje6lure must appear to us to be the only probable one. If the defeft can be made good in more ways than one equally plausible, or, at least, equally possible, we have registered but not adopted these improvements, and the reader is intended to make his own sele6lion out of the notes.
For example, in the Merry Wives of Windsor, II. 3. 80, we have assumed Mr Dyce's conjefture, 'Cried I aim.?' to be the only satisfaftory reading of a passage decidedly wrong; but in the same play, I v. i. 61, 'Woman, art thou
PREFACE. xiii
lunatics?' as the error may equally possibly be evaded by reading 'lunacies' with Rowe, and 'lunatics' with Capell, we have retained the error.
The well-known canon of criticism, that of two readings 'ceteris paribus' the more difficult is to be preferred, is not always to be applied in comparing the readings of the Folios. For very frequently an anomaly which would have been plausible on account of its apparent archaism proves to be more archaic than Shakespeare, if the earlier Quartos give the language of Shakespeare with more corre6lness. Ex. Midsummer NigJifs Dream, III. 2 : ' Scorn and derision never come in tears' Qq; 'comes' Ff; and in the same play, IV. I : ' O how mine eyes do loath' Oj, altered to 'doth loath' in O^ F,, and restored, evidently by a gram- matical reviser, to 'do loath' in F^F.F^. Again, I. i: 'what all but he do know,' Qq, is altered to ' doth know ' in Ff
This last error points to a very common anomaly in grammar; one which seems almost to hav^e become a rule, or, at any rate, a license in Shakespeare's own time, that a verb shall agree in number with the nominative intervening between the true governing noun and the verb.
B. Gramviar.
In general, we do not alter any passage merely be- cause the grammar is faulty, unless we are convinced that the fault of grammar was due to the printer altogether, and not to Shakespeare. We look upon it as no part of our task to improve the poet's grammar or corre6l his oversights : even errors, such as those re- ferred to in note (vil) to the Tzuo Gentlemen of Verona, and notes (l) and (x) to the Merry Wives of Windsor, because we thought them to be Shakespeare's own blun- ders, have been allowed to stand. But many phrases that are called bad grammar by us, and rightly so called, were san6lioned by usage among the contemporaries of Shake- speare, especially, no doubt, by the usage of conversation.
XIV
PRE FA CE.
even among educated persons. And as a learned corre- spondent {Dr B. Nicholson) remarks, this would naturally be the style of English which Shakespeare would purposely use in dramatic dialogue.
As examples of the anomalies of grammar sanctioned by Elizabethan usage we may mention : —
Singular verbs, with plural nouns, especially when the verb precedes its nominative :
Hath all his ventures failed ? What ; not~ one hit ?
Merchant of Venice, ill. 2.
Nominatives for accusatives :
She should this Angelo have married.
Measure for Measure, in. i. 204-
And repeatedly ' who' for ' whom.' Omission of prepositions :
Most ignorant of what he's most assured. Ibid. ll. 2. irg. which now you censure him. Ibid. \\. i. 15.
The changes of accidence are less frequent than those of syntax, yet such occur. In the Folios verbs ending in d and / are constantly found making their second persons singular in ds and ts instead of dst and fst. This was a corruption coming into vogue about the time of their publication, and in the earlier Quartos we frequently find the corre6l form; for example, in Midsuviincr Night's Dream, V. i: 'standst' in Q, is corrupted to 'stands' in O^ and in Ff. We have therefore confidently replaced the corre6l form for the incorreft, even without authority to back us; looking upon the variation as a corrupt abbre- viation of spelling.
But, in general, our pra6lice has been not to alter the text, in order to make the grammar conform to the fixed rules of modern English. A wide latitude of speech was allowed in Shakespeare's age both as to spelling and grammar.
PREFACE. XV
C. Orthography.
It was not without much consideration that we deter- mined to adop t the spelhng of the nineteenth centurj'. If we had any evidence as to Shakespeare's own speUing, we should have been strongly inclined to adopt it, but to attempt to reproduce it, by operating by rule upon the texts that have come down to us, would be subje6ling Shakespeare's English to arbitrary laws, of which it never yet was conscious. This argues no want of education on the part of Shakespeare ; for if Lord Bacon himself had rules for spelling, they were but few, as we may easily per- ceive by inspe6lion of his works published under his own eye. But if we have not Shakespeare's own spelling to guide us, what other spelling shall we adopt .-' Every student of Shakespeare has now an easy opportunity of acquainting himself with the text of Fj, by means of Mr Booth's ex- cellent reprint, and we are certain that not one of them will consider the spelling of that volume intrinsically better than that of our day. Rather more like Shakespeare's it certainly is, but we doubt whether much is gained by such approximation, as long as it is short of perfe6l attain- ment. Moreover, in many of the Plays there is a com- peting claim to guide our spelling, put forward by an array of Quartos, of earlier date than F,. To desert F, for these, where they exist, would be but an occasional, and at best an uncertain means of attaining the lost spelling of Shakespeare, while the spelling of our volume would become even more inconsistent than that of Fj itself Add to this ; there are places, though, as has been seen, not many, where we have had to leave the reading of F, altogether. How then shall we spell the corre6lion which we substitute .-*
D. Metre.
Corre6lions of metre are avoided even more carefully than those of grammar. For the rules of prosody have
xvi PREFA CE.
undergone perhaps greater change than those of grammar. There is ho doubt that a system of versification has taken root among us very different from that which was in use in the earher days of our poetry. The influence of clas- sical prosody has worked in a manner that could hardly have been expefted. Quantity in the sense in which the Greeks and Romans understood it, is altogether foreign to our speech ; and our poets, willing to imitate the verse regulated by laws of quantity, have partially adopted those laws, substituting for long syllables those that bear a stress of accent or emphasis.
In Greek and Latin accent was essentially distinft from quantity, and verse was regulated entirely by the latter. In the modern imitation of classical metres, for want of appreciation of quantity, we go entirely by ac- cent or emphasis, and make precisely such verses as classical taste eschewed. Thus we have learned to scan lines by iambuses, or rather by their accentual imita- tions, and a perfe6l line would consist of ten syllables, of which the alternate ones bore a rhythmical stress. These iambuses may, under certain restriftions, be changed for 'trochees,' and out of these two 'feet,' or their repre- sentatives, a metre, certainly very beautiful, has grown up gradually, which attained perhaps its greatest perfeftion in the verse of Pope. But the poets of this metre, like renaissance architefts, lost all perception of the laws of the original artists, and set themselves, whenever it was possible, to convert the original verses into such as their own system would have produced. We see the beginnings of this pra6lice even in the first Folio, when there exist Quartos to exhibit it. In each successive Folio the pro- cess has been continued. Rowe's few changes of F^ are almost all in the same dire6lion, and the work may be said to have been completed by Hanmer. It is to be feared that a result of two centuries of such a pra6licc has been to bring about an idea of Shakespearian versi- fication very different from Shakespeare's. But we feel a
PREFACE. xvii
hope that the number of Shakespeare's students who can appreciate the true nature of the EngHsh versification in our elder poets is increasing, and will increase more as the opportunity is furnished them of studying Shakes- peare himself
Of course we do not mean to give here an essay on Shakespearian versification. Those who would study it may best be referred to Capell, in spite of the erroneous taste of his day, to Sidney Walker, and especially, if they are earnest students, to Dr Guest's History of English RJiy thins.
We will only state some of the differences between Shakespearian versification and that which has now become our normal prosody ; namely, such as have excited an ambition of corre6ling in later editors. There is a large number of verses which a modern ear pronounces to want their first unaccented syllable. The following we quote as they appear in F,, in the opening of the Two Gentlemen of Verona:
No, I will not, for it boots thee not. I. i. 28. Fire that's closest kept burns most of all, i. 2. 30. Is't near dinner-time ? I would it were. I. 2. 67.
These lines are all correfted by editors ; and it is evident that there would be little trouble in altering all such lines wherever they occur : or they may be explained away, as for instance in the second cited, ' fire' doubtless is sometimes pronounced as a dissyllable. Yet to attempt corre6lion or explanation wherever such lines occur would be ill-spent labour. A very impressive line in the Tempest is similarly scanned:
Twelve year since, Miranda, twelve year since. I. 2. 53.
Where we are rightly told that ' year' may be a dissyllable. Yet that one word should bear two pronunciations in one line is far more improbable than that the unaccented syl- lable before ' twelve' is purposely omitted by the poet ;
xviii PRE FA CE.
and few readers will not acknowledge the solemn effect of such a verse. As another example with a contrary effefl, of impulsive abruptness, we may take a line in Measure for Measure:
Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo. iv. 3. 88.
This last example is also an instance of another practice, by modern judgement a license, viz. making a line end with two unaccented 'extrametrical' syllables.
Two very effe6live lines together, commencing similarly to the last, are in the same Play:
Take him hence ; to the rack with him ! We'll touse you Joint by joint, but we will know his purpose, v. i. 309, 310.
Another irregularity is a single strong syllable com- mencing a line complete without it. This might often be printed in a line by itself For example:
Ay,
And we're betrothed : nay more, our marriage-hour —
Two Gentlemen of Verona, il. 4, 175.
Another irregularity is the insertion of syllables in the middle of lines. The dramatic verse is doubtless descended from the Old English decasyllabics of Chaucer, ■ and that his verse was divided a6lually into two sections is evinced by the pun6luation of some MSS. The licenses accorded to the beginnings and endings of the whole verse were also allowed, with some modification, to the end and beginnings of these seflioiis, and accordingly, in early poetry, many verses will appear to a modern reader to have a syllable too many or too few in the part where his ear teaches him to place a c?esura. Exa6lly similarly, but more sparingly, syllables are omitted or inserted at the central pause of Shakespeare's verse, especially when this pause is not merely metrical, but is in the place of a stop of greater or less duration ; and most freely when the line in question is broken by the dialogue.
The following examples of a superfluous syllabic at
PREFACE. xix
the middle pause are taken out of the beginning of the Tempest:
Obey, and be attentive. Canst thou remember ? r. 2. 38. But blessedly holp hither. O, my heart bleeds, i. 2. 63. Without a parallel ; those being all my study. I. 2. 74. With all prerogative: — hence his ambition growing, i. 2. 105.
The extra syllables may be at the commencement of the second seflion:
He was indeed the Duke ; out o' the substitution. I. 2. 103.
And the following are defeflive of a syllable :
Dashes the fire out. O, I have suffered, i. 2. 5.
Make the prize light. One word more ; I charge thee. I. 2. 452.
To these ' licenses' we may add verses sometimes with one and sometimes with two additional feet, and many half verses, and some a foot too short. When these ine- qualities are allowed, the reader will perceive much simpler and more general methods of scanning some lines sup- posed to be unmetrical than the Procrustean means adopted by Sidney Walker for reducing or multiplying the number of syllables in words.
E. Pitnflnation.
We have now to state our praflice of pun6luation. The Folio and other editions, starting with very different principles from those that guide the pun6luation of this day, have a6led on those principles with exceeding in- correctness. Questions are marked and unnoticed almost at random ; stops are inserted in the ends of lines fatal to the sense. In fa6l, in many places, we may almost say that a complete want of points would mislead us less than the pun6luation of the Folios. The consequence is, that our pun6luation is very little dependent upon the Folios and Quartos, but generally follows the pra6lice which has taken possession of the text of Shakespeare, under
XX PRE FA CE.
the arrangement of the best editors, from Pope to Dyce and Staunton. Only for an obvious improvement have we altered the punftuation on our own judgement, and in most cases the alteration is recorded in the notes.
One thing remains to be said in reference to our text. It is well known, that in James the First's reign, a statute was passed for exscinding profane expressions from plays. In obedience to this many passages in the Folios have been altered with an over-scrupulous care. When we have seen the metre, or, as is sometimes the case, even the sense marred by these changes, and the original con- tains no offensive profanity, we have recalled Shakespeare's words.
Our objeft in the foot-notes has been (i) to state the authority upon which a received reading rests, (2) to give all different readings adopted into the text by other edit- ors, and (3) to give all emendations suggested by commen- tators.
When no authority is mentioned for the reading of the text, it must be understood that all the Folios agree in it, as well as all editors previous to the one mentioned, as authority for an alteration. Thus, in the Comedy of Errors, III. I. 71, ' cake here] cake Capell' indicates that 'cake here' is the reading of the four Folios, of Rowe, Pope, Theobald Hanmer, Warburton, and Johnson.
Mere differences of spelling are not noticed, except (i) in corrupt or disputed passages, where the 'du6lus li- terarum' is important as a help towards the determination of the true text, and (2) when the variation is interesting etymologically or chara6leristic of a particular edition.
In the same way, differences of pun6luation are re- corded only when they make a difference in the sense, or when they may serve as a guide to the restoration of some corrupt, or the explanation of some difficult, passage.
Misprints also are passed over as a general rule. We
PRE FA CE. xxi
have noticed them occasionally, when they appeared to be remarkable as indicating the amount of error of which the old printers were capable.
We have endeavoured faithfully to record any variation of reading, however minute (except, as before said, mere differences of spelling or punftuation), adopted by any editor, and to give that editor's name. Sometimes, how- ever, we have passed over in silence merely arbitrary re- arrangements of the metre made in passages where no- change was required and no improvement effe6led.
In recording conje6lures, we have excepted only (i) those which were so near some other reading previously adopted or suggested, as to be undeserving of separate record, and (2) a few (of Becket, Jackson, and others) which were palpably erroneous. Even of these we have given a sufficient number to serve as samples.
We will now proceed to explain the notation employed in the foot-notes, which, in some cases, the necessity of compressing may have rendered obscure.
The four Folios are designated respe6lively by the let- ters F„ F^, F3, and F^, and the quarto editions of separate plays, in each case, by the letters O^, O,, O3, &c.
When one or more of the Quartos differ so widely from the Folios that a complete collation is impossible, the letters which designate them are put between brackets, for the sake of keeping this difference before the mind of the reader. Thus, in the Merry Wives of Windsor, the two earliest Quartos differ widely from the Folios, while the third Quarto (1630) is printed from the first Folio. Hence, they are designated thus: I. 4. 20, Caiji] FjF^. Kane (Q, Q^). Caine F, Q3 F^.
When no authority is given for the reading in the text, it is to be understood that it is derived from such of the Folios as are not subsequently mentioned. Thus, in the Comedy of Errors, II. 2. 203, the eye] thy eye Fj F3 indicates that F, and F4 agree in reading ' the eye.'
xxii PRE FA CE.
In the same scene, line 191, the note ' o}''\ and Theo- bald' means, that the four Folios, followed by Rowe and Pope, agree in reading ' or.'
When the difference between the reading adopted and that given in one or more of the Folios is a mere difference of spelling, it has not been thought worth while to record the name of the first editor who modernized it : for instance, in the Two Gentlemen of Verona, li. 6. 35, the note is: counsel'] connsaile Y ^Y ^. coiincelY^. council Y^.
We have given at full the name of the editor who first introduced a particular reading, without recording which of his successors adopted it. Thus, in Measure for Measure, III. I. 138, 'grant' for 'shield' is read by Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton, and others, but the first only is men- tioned: 'shield] F,. shield: Y^Y^Y^. grant Pope.'
The conjeftures made by annotators or by editors, but not introduced by them into the text, are distinguished by the addition of ' conj.,' as ' Farmer conj.,' ' Johnson conj.' &c. ' Steevens (Farmer conj.)' indicates that the reading in question was first suggested by Farmer, and first intro- duced into the text by Steevens. If, however, the person who first made the conje6lure, afterwards became an editor, and gave it in his own text, while, in the mean time, it had been adopted by some other editor, the ' conj.' is omitted. Thus, for example, 'Theobald (Warburton)' shows that Warburton was the first to propose such and such a change, that Theobald first incorporated it in the text, and* that Warburton afterwards gave it in the text of his own edition. We have designated the readings derived from Mr Collier's correfted copy of the second folio thus: 'Col- lier MS.' not ' Collier MS. conj.,' as in this case we could consult brevity without danger of misleading any one.
We have arranged the names both of Editors and of Commentators (as far as was possible) in order of time. It has frequently happened that several persons have hit on the same conje6lure independently. In such cases wc have
PREFACE. xxiii
assigned it to the earliest, determining the priority by the date of publication.
The metrical arrangement of each passage is marked in the notes by printing each word which commences a line ^vith an initial capital letter. In the Folios, many substan- tives, other than proper names or titles, are printed with initial capitals ; but, in order to avoid ambiguity, we have generally made our quotations conform, in this respe6l, to the modern usage.
We had originally intended to give in our Preface a catalogue raisonne of all the editions of our author and other books used by us in the preparation of the present work, but this labour has been fortunately spared us by Mr Bohn's reissue of Lowndes's Bibliographer s Manual, the eighth part of which contains a full and accurate account of Shakespearian literature. To that work we refer our readers for more complete bibliographical details, and pro- pose to confine ourselves to some remarks on the critical value of the principal editions and commentaries. We have, of course, confined our collation to those editions which seemed to possess an independent value of their own. Mr Bohn enumerates two hundred and sixty-two different editions of Shakespeare. It was therefore a matter of ne- cessity to make a selection. In the following remarks we pass briefly in review the editions which we have habitually consulted.
Whenever any commentary was known to us to exist in a separate form, we have always, if possible, procured it. In some few instances, we have been obliged to take the references at second-hand.
The first Folio (F^), 1623, contains all the plays usually found in modern editions of Shakespeare, except Pericles. It was ' published according to the True Originall Copies,' and 'set forth' by his 'friends' and 'fellows,' John Hem- inge and Henry Condell, the author 'not having the fate common with some to be exequutor to his own writings.'
xxiv PREFA CE.
In an address 'To the great variety of Readers' fol- lowing the dedication to the Earls of Pembroke and Mont- gomery, the following passage occurs:
' It had bene a thing, we confesse, worthie to have bene wished, that the Author himselfe had liv'd to have set forth, and overseen his owne writings ; But since it hath bin ordain'd otherwise, and he by death departed from that right, we pray you do not envie his Friends, the office of their care, and paine, to have collefted & publish'd them ; and so to have publish'd them, as where (before) you were abus'd with diverse stolne and surreptitious copies, maimed, and deformed by the frauds and stealthes of injurious im- postors, that expos'd them : even those are now offer'd to your view cur'd, and perfeft of their limbes; and all the rest, absolute in their numbers, as he conceived them. Who, as he was a happie imitator of Nature, was a most gentle expresser of it. His mind and hand went together: And what he thought, he uttered with that easinesse, that wee have scarse received from him a blot in his papers.'
The natural inference to be drawn from this statement is, that all the separate editions of Shakespeare's plays were ' stolen,' surreptitious,' and * imperfe6l,' and that all those published in the Folio were printed from the au- thor's own manuscripts. But it can be proved to demon- stration that several of the plays in the Folio were printed from earlier Quarto editions, and that in other cases the Quarto is more corre6lly printed or from a better MS. than the Folio text, and therefore of higher authority. For example, in Midsumnie?' Nighfs Dream, in Loves Labour's Lost, and in Richard the Second, the reading of the Quarto is almost always preferable to that of the Folio, and in Hamlet we have computed that the Folio, when it differs from the Quartos, differs for the worse in forty-seven places, while it differs for the better in twenty at most.
As the 'setters forth' are thus convicted of a ' sugges- tio falsi' in one point, it is not improbable that they may
PREFA CE. XXV
have been guilty of the like in- another. Some of the plays may have been printed not from Shakespeare's own manu- script, but from transcripts made from them for the use of the theatre. And this hypothesis will account for strange errors found in some of the plays — errors too gross to be accounted for by the negligence of a printer, especially if the original MS. was as unblotted as Heminge and Condell describe it to have been. Thus too we may explain the great difference in the state of the text as found in different plays. It is probable that this deception arpse not from deliberate design on the part of Heminge and Condell, — whom as having been Shakespeare's friends and fellows we like to think of as honourable men, — but partly at least from want of pra6lice in composition, and from the wish rather to write a smart preface in praise of the book than to state the fa6ls clearly and simply. Or the preface may have been written by some literary man in the employment of the publishers, and merely signed by the two players.
Be this as it may, their duties as editors were probably limited to corre6ling and arranging the manuscripts and sending them to the press. The 'overseeing' of which they speak, probably meant a revision of the MSS., not a cor- reftion of the press, for it does not appear that there were any proof sheets in those days sent either to author or editor. Indeed we consider it as certain that, after a MS. had been sent to press, it was seen only by. the printers and one or more corre6lors of the press, regularly employed by the publishers for that purpose*.
The opinions of critics have varied very much as to the merits of the first Folio, some praising it as among the most corre6l, and others blaming it as one of the most incorreft editions of its time. The truth seems to be that it is of very varied excellence, differing from time to time
* A passage In the Return from Parnassus compared with one in Bale's preface to his Image of Both Churches puts this almost beyond a doubt.
VOL. I. C
xxvi PREFACE.
according to the state of the MS. from which it was printed, the skill of the compositor, and the diligence of the corre6lor. There is the widest difference, for instance, between the text of the T%vo Goitlcmcn of Verona and that of A IVs zvell that ends zvell.
As is the case with most books of that time* different copies of the first Folio are found to vary here and there; generally, however, in a single letter only. It is probable that no one copy exaftly corresponds with any other copy. We have indicated these variations, wherever they were known to us, in a note either at the foot of the page or at the end of each play,
A reprint of the first Folio, not free from inaccuracies, was published in 1807. A second reprint is now in course of publication by Mr Lionel Booth. The first part, con- taining the Comedies, has already appeared. It is pro- bably the most corre6l reprint ever issued.
The second Folio (FJ is a reprint of the first, preserv- ing the same pagination. It differs, however, from the first in many passages, sometimes widely, sometimes slightly, sometimes by accident, sometimes by design. The emen- dations are evidently conje6lural, and though occasionally right, appear more frequently to be wrong. They deserve no more respeft than those of other guessers, except such as is due to their author's familiar acquaintance with the language and customs of Shakespeare's day, and possible knowledge of the a6led plays.
Capell's copy of the second Folio has been of great use to us in our collations. He has annotated the margin with a multitude of marks in red ink, — conventional symbols indicating where and how it differs from the first. We have hardly in a single instance found his accuracy at fault.
• Mr Wright in his preface to Bacori's Essays mentions that he has collated ten copies of the edition of 1625, 'which though bearing the same date, are all different from each other in points of no great importance.'
PRE FA CE. xxvii
The third Foho (F3) was first pubHshed in 1663, and reissued in the following year with a new title-page*, and with seven additional plays, viz. : Pericles, Prince of Tyre: The London Prodigal: The History of the Life and Death of Thomas Lord Cromwell: The History of Sir John O Ideas tie, tJie good Lord CobJiam: The Puritan Widow: A YorksJiire Tragedy: and The Tragedy of Loerine. With regard to the plays which it contains in common with the former Folios, it is on the whole a tolerably faithful reprint of the second, correfting, however, some obvious errors, making now and then an uncalled-for alteration, and occasionally modernizing the spelling of a word. The printer of course has committed some errors of his own.
The fourth Folio (FJ was printed from the third, but with a different pagination, in 1685. The spelling is v^ery much modernized, but we have not been able to dete6l any other evidence of editorial care.
The first o6lavo edition was that of Nicholas Rowe, published in 1709, dedicated to the Duke of Somerset, in words which we take pleasure in recording : * 'Tis the best security a poet can ask for to be sheltered under that great name which presides over one of the most famous Univer- sities of Europe.' It contained all the plays in the fourth Folio in the same order, except that the seven spurious plays were transferred from the beginning to the end. The poems were added also.
It is evident that Rowe took the fourth Folio as the text from which his edition was printed, and it is almost certain that he did not take the trouble to refer to, much less to collate, any of the previous Folios or Quartos. It seems, however, while the volume containing Romeo and Juliet was in the press he learned the existence of a Quarto edition, for he has printed the prologue given in the
• I\Ir Bohn is mistaken in saying that the Capell copy has both titles. It has that of 1664 only, with the poitiait, and B. J.'s verses underneath on the opposite page.
C2
xxviil PRE FA CE.
Ouartos and omitted in the Folios, at the end of the play. He did not take the trouble to compare the text of the Quarto with that of F^. When any emendation introduced by him in the text coincides with the reading of F,, as sometimes happens, we are convinced that it is an acciden- tal coincidence. Being, however, a man of natural ability and taste he improved the text by some happy guesses, while, from overhaste and negligence, he left it still de- formed by many palpable errors. The best part of the work is that with which his experience of the stage as a dramatic poet had made him familiar. In many cases he first prefixed to the play a list of dramatis personae, he supplied the defefts of the Folios in the division and num- bering of A6ls and Scenes, and in the entrances and exits of characters. He also corre6led and further modernized the spelling, the pun6luation, and the grammar.
A chara6leristic specimen of blunders and corre6lions occurs in the Comedy of Errors, V. i. 138.
iinportanf\ Fi impoteant F^. impotent' Y ^ ^, all-potent Rowe.
A second Edition, 9 Volumes i2mo, was published in 1 7 14.
Pope's edition in six volumes, 4to, was completed In 1715. On the title-page we read, 'The Works of Shakespeare, In six volumes.' The six volumes, however, included only the plays contained in the first and second Folios. The poems, with an Essay on the Rise and Progress of the Stage, and a Glossary, were contained in a seventh volume edited by Dr Sewell.
Pope, unlike his predecessor, had at least seen the first Folio and some of the Ouartos of separate plays, and from the following passage of his preface it might have been Inferred that he had diligently collated them all:
* This Is the state in which Shakespeare's writings be at present ; for since the above-mentioned folio edition [i.e. FJ, all the rest have Implicitly followed it without
PRE FA CE. xxix
having recourse to any of the former, or ever making the comparison between them. It is impossible to repair the injuries already done him; too much time has elaps'd, and the materials are too few. In what I have done I have rather given a proof of my willingness and desire, than of my ability, to do him justice. I have discharg'd the dull duty of an editor, to my best judgment, with more labour than I expe6l thanks, with a religious abhorrence of all innovation, and without any indulgence to my private sense or conje6ture. The method taken in this edition will show itself The various readings are fairly put in the margin, so that every one may compare 'em, and those I prefer'd into the text are constantly ex fide eodicwn, upon authority.'
This passage, as any one may see who examines the text, is much more like a description of what the editor did not do than of what he did. Although in many instances he restored, from some Quarto, passages which had been omitted in the Folio, it is very rarely indeed that we find any evidence of his having collated either the first Folio or any Quarto, with proper care. The * in- novations' which he made, according to his own 'private sense and conje6lure,' are extremely numerous. Not one in twenty of the various readings is put in the margin, and the readings in his text very frequently rest upon no authority whatever. The glaring inconsistency between the promise in the preface and the performance in the book may well account for its failure with the public.
It would, however, be ungrateful not to acknowledge that Pope's emendations are always ingenious and plausi- ble, and sometimes unquestionably true. He never seems to nod over that 'dull labour' of which he complains. His acuteness of perception is never at fault.
What is said of him in the preface to Theobald's edi- tion is, in this point, very unjust*.
* Capcll's copy now before us contains the following note in Capell's hand-
XXX PREFA CE.
'They have both (/. c. Pope and Rymer*) shown them- selves in an equal inipuissmice of suspe6ling or amending the corrupted passages, &c.'
Pope was the first to indicate the place of each new scene; as, for instance, Tempest, I. i. 'On a ship at sea.' He also subdivided the scenes as given by the Folios and Rowe, making a fresh scene whenever a new charafter entered — an arrangement followed by Hanmer, Warbur- ton, and Johnson. For convenience of reference to these editions, we have always recorded the commencement of Pope's scenes.
By a minute comparison of the two texts we find that Pope printed his edition from Rowe, not from any of the Folios.
A second edition, lO volumes, i2mo, was published in 1728, 'by Mr Pope and Dr Sewell.' In this edition, after Pope's preface, reprinted, comes : * A table of the several editions of Shakespeare's plays, made use of and compared in this impression.' Then follows a list containing the first and second Folios, and twenty-eight Quarto editions of separate plays. It does not, however, appear that even the first Folio was compared with any care, for the changes made in this second edition arc very few,
Lewis Theobald had the misfortune to incur the enmity of one who was both the most popular poet, and, if not the first, at least the second, satirist of his time. The main cause of offence was Theobald's Shakespeare Restored, or a Specimen of the many Errors copimitted as well as nn~ ainended by ill r Pope in his late edition of this Poet, 1726. Theobald was also in the habit of communicating notes on
writing: 'This copy of Mr Theobald's edition was once Mr Warburton's ; who has claim'd in it the notes he gave to the former wliich that former deprived him of and made his own, and some Passages in tlic Preface, the passages being put between hoolcs and the notes signed with his name. E. C The passage quoted from Theobald's Preface is one of those between hooks.
* Thomas Rymer, ^vhose book, called A short View of Tragedy of the last Age, 1693, gave rise to a sharp controversy.
PREFACE. XXXI
passages of Shakespeare to Mist's Journal, a weekly Tory paper. Hence he was made the hero of the Ditnciad till dethroned in the fourth edition to make way for Gibber; hence, too, the allusions in that poem:
' There hapless Shakespear, yet of Theobald sore, Wish'd he had blotted for himself before ;'
and, in the earlier editions,
* Here studious I unlucky moderns save, Nor sleeps one error in its father's grave ; Old puns restore, lost blunders nicely seek, And crucify poor Shakespear once a week.'
Pope's editors and commentators, adopting their author's quarrel, have spoken of Theobald as 'Tibbald, a cold, plod- ding, and tasteless writer and critic' These are Warton's words. A more unjust sentence was never penned. Theo- bald, as an Editor, is incomparably superior to his prede- cessors, and to his immediate successor, Warburton, al- though the latter had the advantage of working on his materials. He was the first to recal a multitude of readings of the first Folio unquestionably right, but unnoticed by previous editors. Many most brilliant emendations, such as could not have suggested themselves to a mere ' cold, plodding, and tasteless critic,' are due to him. If he some- times erred — 'humanum est.' It is remarkable that with all his minute diligence"', (which even his enemies conceded to him, or rather of which they accused him) he left a goodly number of genuine readings from the first Folio to be gleaned by the still more minutely diligent Capell. It is to be regretted that he gave up numbering the scenes, which makes his edition difficult to refer to. It was first
• Capell, who might be supposed to write 'sine Ira et studio,' denies to Theobald even this merit: 'His work is only made a little better [than Pope's] by his having a few more materials; of which he was not a better collator than the other, nor did he excel him in use of them.' The result of the colla- tions we have made leads us to a verv different conclusion.
xxxii PREFACE.
published in 1733, in seven volumes, 8vo. A second, 8 volumes, i2mo, appeared in 1740.
In 1744, a new edition of Shakespeare's Works, in six volumes, 4to, was published at Oxford. It appeared with a kind of san6lion from the University, as it was printed at the Theatre, with the Imprimatur of the Vice-Chancel- lor, and had no publisher's name on the title-page. The Editor is not named — hence he is frequently referred to by subsequent critics as 'the Oxford Editor'; — but as he was well known to be Sir Thomas Hanmer, we have always referred to the book under his name. We read in the preface: 'What the Publick is here to expe6l is a true and correfl Edition of Shakespear's Works, cleared from the corruptions with which they have hitherto abounded. One of the great admirers of this incomparable author hath made it the amusement of his leisure hours for many years past to look over his writings with a careful eye, to note the obscurities and absurdities introduced into the text, and according to the best of his judgfnent to restore the genuine sense and purity of it. In this he proposed nothing to himself but his private satisfa6lion in making his own copy as perfe6l as he could ; but as the emenda- tions multiplied upon his hands, other Gentlemen equally fond of the Author, desired to see them, and some were so kind as to give their assistance by communicating their observations and conjeftures upon difficult passages which had occurred to them.'
From this passage the chara6ler of the edition may be inferred. A country gentleman of great ingenuity and lively fancy, but with no knowledge of older literature, no taste for research, and no ear for the rhythm of earlier English verse, amused his leisure hours by scribbling down his own and his friends' guesses in Pope's Shakespeare, and with this apparatus criticns, if ^^•c may believe Warburton, 'when that illustrious body, the University of Oxford, in their public capacity, undertook an edition
PREFA CE. xxxiii
of Shakespeare by subscription,' Sir T. Hanmer 'thrust himself into the employment.'
Whether from the sanftion thus given, or from its typo- graphical beauty, or from the plausibility of its new read- ings, this edition continued in favour, and even 'rose to the price of lo/. \0s. before it was reprinted in 1770 — i, while Pope's, in quarto, at the same period sold off at Tonson's sale for \6s. per copy.' Bohn, p. 2260.
In 1747, three years after Pope's death, another edition of Shakespeare based upon his appeared, edited by Mr Warburton.
On the title-page are these words: 'The Genuine Text (collated with all the former Editions, and then corre6led and emended) is here settled: Being restored from the Blunders of the first Editors, and the Interpolations of the two Last: with a Comment and Notes, Critical and Ex- planatory. By Mr Pope and Mr Warburton*.'
The latter, in his preface, vehemently attacks Theobald and Hanmer, accusing both of plagiarism and even fraud. ' The one was recommended to me as a poor Man, the other as a poor Critic: and to each of them, at different times, I communicated a great number of Observations, which they managed as they saw fit to the Relief of their several distresses. As to Mr Theobald, who wanted Money, I allowed him to print what I gave him for his own Ad- vantage: and he allowed himself in the Liberty of taking one Part for his own, and sequestering another for the Benefit, as I supposed, of some future Edition. But as to the Oxford Editor, who wanted nothing, but what he might very well be without, the reputation of a Critic, I could not so easily forgive him for trafficking in my Papers without my knowledge; and when that Proje6l fail'd, for employ- ing a number of my Conje6lures in his Edition against my express Desire not to have that Honour done unto me.'
• Notwithstanding this claim of identity, Warburton seems to have used Theobald's text to print from. Capell positively affirms this, (Preface, p. iS).
xxxiv PREFA CE.
Again he says of Hanmer: ' Having a number of my Conje6lures before him, he took as many as he saw fit to work upon, and by changing them to something, he thought, synonimous or similar, he made them his own,' &c. &c. p. xii.
Of his own performance Warburton says, ' The Notes in this Edition take in the whole Compass of Criticism. The first sort is employed in restoring the Poet's genuine Text; but in those places only where it labours with inex- tricable Nonsense. In which, how much soever I may have given scope to critical Conje6lure, when the old Copies failed me, I have indulged nothing to Fancy or Ima- gination ; but have religiously observed the severe Canons of literal Criticism, &c. &c.' p. xiv. Yet further on he says, 'These, such as they are, were amongst my younger amusements, when, many years ago I used to turn over these sort of Writers to unbend myself from more serious applications.'
The excellence of the edition proved to be by no means proportionate to the arrogance of the editor. His text is, indeed, better than Pope's, inasmuch as he introduced many of Theobald's restorations and some probable emen- dations both of his own and of the two editors whom he so unsparingly denounced, but there is no trace whatev'er, so far as we have discovered, of his having collated for himself either the earlier Folios or any of the Quartos.
Warburton* was, in his turn, severely criticised by Dr Zachary Grey, and Mr John Upton, in 1746, and still more severely by Mr Thomas Edwards, in his Supplement to Mr Warbnrtoiis edition of Shakespeare, 1747. The third edition of Mr Edwards's book, 1750, was called Canons of Criticism and Glossary, being a Sipplenient, &c. This
• Dr Johnson told Bumey that Warburton, as a critic, ' would make two- and-fifty Theobalds cut into slices.' (Boswell's Life of yo/inso>!,\o\. II. p. 85, Ed. 1835). From this judgment, whether they be compared as critics or editors, we emphatically dissent.
PREFACE. XXXV
title is a sarcastic allusion to two passages in Warburton's preface : ' I once intended to have given the Reader a body of Canons, for literal Criticism, drawn out in form,' &c. p. xiv, and ' I had it once, indeed, in my design, to give a general alphabetic Glossary of these terms,' &c. p. xvi. Dr Grey's attack was reprinted, with additions, and a new title, in 175 i, and again in 1752. Warburton and his pre- decessors were passed in review also by Mr Benjamin Heath, in A Revisal of Sliakespearcs text, 1765,
Dr Samuel Johnson first issued proposals for a new edition of Shakespeare in 1745, but met with no encourage- ment. He resumed the scheme in 1756, and issued a new set of Proposals (reprinted in Malone's preface), ' in which,' says Boswell, ' he shewed that he perfe6lly well knew what a variety of research such an undertaking required, but his indolence prevented him from pursuing it with that dili- gence, which alone can colle6l those scattered fa6ls that genius, however acute, penetrating, and luminous, cannot discover by its own force.' Johnson deceived himself so far, as to the work to be done and his own energy in doing it, that he promised the publication of the whole before the end of the following year. Yet, though some volumes were printed as early as 1758 (Boswell, Vol. 11. p. 84), it was not published till 1765, and might never have been published at all, but for Churchill's stinging satire:
' He for subscribers baits his hook, And takes your cash, but whore's the book? No matter where ; wise fear, you know, Forbids the robbing of a foe. But what, to serve our private ends, Forbids the cheating of our friends?'
Not only Johnson's constitutional indolence and de- sultory habits, but also the deficiency of his eye-sight, inca- pacitated him for the task of minute collation. Neverthe- less, he did consult the older copies, and has the merit of restoring some readings which had escaped Theobald. He had not systematically studied the literature and language
^xxvi PREFACE.
of the 1 6th and 17th centuries ; he did not always appreciate the naturahiess, simplicity, and humour of his author, but his preface and notes are distinguished by clearness of thought and di6lion and by masterly common sense. He used Warburton's text, to print his own from. The read- ings and suggestions attributed to 'Johnson,' in our notes, are derived either from the edition of 1765, or from those which he furnished to the subsequent editions in which Steevens was his co-editor. Some few 'also found by the latter in Johnson's hand on the margin of his copy of 'Warburton,' purchased by Steevens at Johnson's sale, were incorporated in later editions. Johnson's edition was attacked with great acrimony by Dr Kenrick, 1765 {Bos- well, Vol. II. p. 300). It disappointed the public expefla- tion, but reached, nevertheless, a second edition in 1768. Tyrwhitt's Observations and Conjectures were published anonymously in 1766.
Capell's edition (10 volumes, small 8vo) was not pub- lished till 1768, though part of it had gone to press, as the editor himself tells us, in September, 1760. It con- tained the Plays in the order of the first and second Folios, with a preface, of which Dr Johnson said, referring to Tempest, I. 2. 356, 'The fellow should have come to me, and I would have endowed his purpose with words. As it is he doth gabble monstrously.'
Defe6ls of style apart, this preface was by far the most valuable contribution to Shakespearian criticism that had yet appeared, and the text was based upon a most search- ing collation of all the Folios and of all the Quartos known to exist at that time. Capell's own conjectures, not always very happy, which he has introduced into his text, are distinguished by being printed in black letter.
The edition before us contains the scansion of the lines, with occasional verbal as well as metrical correflions, marked in red ink, in Capell's hand. This was done, as he tells us in a note prefixed to Vol. I., in 1769.
PREFACE. xxxvii
He described, much more m.inutely than Pope had done, the places of the scenes, and made many changes, generally for the better, in the stage dire6lions.
In his peculiar notation, Asides are marked by inverted commas, and obvious stage business is indicated by an obelus.
In a note to his preface, p. xxiii, Capell says:
' In the manuscripts from which all these plays are printed, the emendations are given to their proper owners by initials and other marks that are in the margin of those manuscripts ; but they are suppressed in the print for two reasons : First their number, in some pages, makes them a little unsightly; and the editor professes himself weak enough to like a well-printed book; in the next place, he does declare, that his only objeft has been to do ser- vice to his Author; which provided it be done, he thinks it of small importance by what hand the service was admi- nister'd,' &c.
By this unfortunate decision, Capell deprived his book of almost all its interest and value*. And thus his unequal- led zeal and industry have never received from the public the recognition they deserved.
In 1774, a volume of notesf was printed in quarto, and in 1783, two years after his death, appeared Notes, Various Readings, and the School of Shakespeare, 3 vols. 4to. \ The printing of this work was begun in 1779.
• We trust that in our edition the matter which Capell discarded has been presented in a well-printed book. We have found no trace of the Manuscripts, here spoken of.
t In Lowndes's Manual (Bohn\ p. 2316, we find 'Notes and Various Read- ings to Shakespeare. By Edward Capell, Lond. 1759.' No such book of this date is in the Capell coUecflion, nor is it ever mentioned elsewhere, so far as we know. In the preface to the work of 1783, it is mentioned that the first volume had been printed in 1774, but no allusion is made to any former edition.
X These volumes, together with the whole of Shakespeare's Plays and Milton's Paradise Lost, written out in Capell's own regular, but not very legible hand, are among his collecflion in Trinity College Library.
xxxviii PREFACE.
George Steevens, who had edited in 1766 a reprint of Twenty of the Plays of Shakespeare from the Quartos, at a time, when, as he himself afterwards said, he was 'young and uninformed,' and had been in the meanwhile one of Johnson's most aftive and useful correspondents, was formally associated with him as Editor in 1770 (Bos- well, Vol. III. p. 116). At Steevens's suggestion, Johnson wrote to Dr Farmer of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, requesting him to furnish a Catalogue of all the Transla- tions Shakespeare might have seen and used. Hence, it seems. Farmer took an interest in the successive editions, and supplied many valuable notes and acute conje6lural readings. It was on Farmer's authority that Pericles has been re-admitted among the Plays of Shakespeare.
The first edition of Johnson and Steevens appeared in 1773. The improvements in this edition, as compared with those which bore Johnson's name only, are evidently the work of the new editor, who brought to the task dili- gent and methodical habits and great antiquarian know- ledge, thus supplementing the defe6ls of his senior partner. J. Collins, editor of Capell's Notes &:c. charged Steevens with plagiarism from Capell. Steevens denied the charge. The second edition came out in 1778; the third in 1785; and the fourth in 1793. In this edition Steevens made many changes in the text, as if for the purpose of differing from the cautious Malone, now become a rival.
Edmond Malone contributed to Steevens his Attempt to ascertain the order in ivJiicJi the plays attributed to Shakespeare were written ; in 1780, published a Supplement to the edition of 1778, containing the Poems, the seven plays from F3, notes, &c., and moreover distinguished him- self by various researches into the history and literature of the early English stage. He published in 1790 a new edition of Shakespeare in 10 volumes, 8vo, containing the Plays and Poems, 'collated verbatim with the most au- thentic copies, and revised,' together with several essays
PREFACE. xxxix
and dissertations, among the rest that on the order of the plays, corre6ted and enlarged.
The animosities which both Steevens and Malone had the misfortune to excite, have had the effe6l of throwing some slur on their names as editors, and even as men, and have prevented the fair appreciation and a due ac- knowledgment of the services they rendered jointly and severally to English literature.
The learning and ability displayed by Malone in de- nouncing Ireland's most clumsy and palpable of frauds, would have sufficed for the dete6lion of the most cunningly conceived and skilfully executed.
Among the critics of this time may be mentioned (i) Joseph Ritson, who published in 1783 his Remarks, &c. on the second edition of Johnson and Steevens, and in 1788, The Quip Modest, on the third edition, and (2) John Monck Mason, whose Coninicnts appeared in 1785, and FurtJier Observations in 1 798.
In 1803 appeared an edition in 21 volumes 8vo, edited by Isaac Reed. This is called on the title-page ' the Fifth Edition,' i.e. of Johnson and Steevens. It is generally known as the first variorum edition. Chalmers's edition, 9 vols. 8vo, 1805, professes to be printed from the corre6led text left by Steevens. The 'sixth edition' of Johnson and Steevens, or the second variorum, appeared in 18 13, also edited by Reed; the 'seventh,' or third variorum, in 1821, edited by James Boswell, from a corre6led copy left by Malone.
Among those whose notes were communicated to or colle6led by various editors from Johnson to Boswell, the best known names are the following: Sir William Blackstone, Dr Burney, Bennet Langton, Collins the poet. Sir J. Hawkins, Musgrave, the editor of Euripides, Dr Percy, editor of the Reliques, and Thomas Warton. Less known names are : Blakeway, J. Collins, Henley, Holt White,
xl PRE FA CE.
Letherland, Roberts, Seward, Smith, Thirlby, Toilet, and Whalley^^
Harness's edition, 8 volumes, 8vo, appeared in 1825.
Of the comments published separately during the pre- sent century the principal are:
1. Remarks, &c., by E. H. Seymour, 2 vols, 8vo, 1805, in which are incorporated some notes left by Lord Chedworth.
2. Shakspcan s himself again, by Andrew Becket, 2 vols, 8vo. 181 5. The author has indulged in a license of conje6lure and of interpretation which has never been equalled before or since. We have nevertheless generally given his conje6lures, except when he has gone the length of inventing a word.
3. SJiakspcare' s Genius Justified, by Zachary Jack- son, I vol. 8vo, 181 1. As the author himself had been a printer, his judgement on the comparative likelihood of this and that typographical error is worth all consideration. But he sometimes wanders 'ultra crepidamt.'
Donee's Illustrations to Shakespeare, 2 vols. 8vo, 1807, ought to be mentioned as a work of great antiquarian research, though he rarely suggests any new alteration of the text, and his name therefore will seldom occur in our notes.
The more recent editions of Shakespeare are so well known and so easily accessible, that it is unnecessar}^ for us, even were it becoming in this place, to undertake the invidious task of comparing their respe6live merits.
It will suffice to mention the names of the editors in the order of their first editions : S. W. Singer, Charles
* Steevens was accused of giving, under fictitious names, notes mIucIi lie was afraid to sign himself.
+ The two last-named books, as ^^•ell as some suggestions from corres- pondents, did not reach us till the first Volume was partly printed. We pro- pose to supply all omissions in an Appendix to the whole work.
PREFA CE. xli
Knight, Barry Cornwall, J. Payne Collier, S. Phelps, J. O. Halliwell, Alex. Dyce, Howard Staunton.
We have also to mention the edition of Delias, 7 vols. 8vo, Elberfeld, 1854 — 61, the English text, with concise notes, critical and explanatory, in German, and that of Mr Richard Grant White (known as the author of Shakespeare's Scholar, 1854), published at Boston, United. States, 1857.
In 1853, Mr J. Payne Collier, published in i vol. 8vo, ^Notes and Emendations to the text of SJiakespearc s Plays, from early manuscript corrc6lions, in a copy of the Folio 1632, in his own possession. All the emendations given in this volume by Mr Collier, or subsequently as an Appendix to Coleridge's Lcflures, except, of course, where they have been anticipated, have been recorded in our
notes.
We have no intention of entering into the controversy respe6ling the antiquity and authority of these corre6lions, nor is it necessary to enumerate the writings on a subje6l which is still so fresh in the memory of all.
M. Tycho Mommsen, of Marburg, who published the most elaborate work on the so-called ' Perkins Folio,' also published in 1859 the text of the first Quartos of Romeo and Juliet, with a collation of the various readings of all editions down to Rowe's, a full description of the critical value of the different texts, and an inquiry^ into the versifi- cation, and incidentally the grammar and orthography of Shakespeare. The precise rules which he lays down dis- appear, for the most part, on a wider indu6lion, and we greatly question whether it be worth while to register and tabulate such minutiae as do not represent in any way Shakespeare's mind or hand, but only the caprices of this or that compositor, at a period when spelling, pun6lua- tion, and even rules of grammar, were matters of private judgement.
But M. Mommsen's industry is beyond praise, and his
VOL. L ^
xlii PRE FA CE.
pra6lice of using the labours of English Editors, without insulting them, is worthy of all imitation'"'.
Among the works to which reference will be found in our edition are the following :
Coleridge's Literary Remains: Dr Guest's History of English Rhythms : the Versification of Shakespeare, by W. Sidney Walker, (1854), and Criticisms, by the same, 3 vols., post 8vo, (i860), edited by Mr Lettsom, who has also contributed in his notes some suggestions for the improvement of the text. It is to be regretted that these volumes have not been accompanied by an Index. Dr Charles Badham's article in the Cambridge Essays, 1856, contains many ingenious suggestions.
We have borrowed from several literary journals, the AthencBum, Notes and Queries, and the PartJienon, and from Magazines, the conje6lures of their correspondents. When the real name of the correspondent, or what might be such, was signed, we have given it in our notes, as ' Hickson,' ' S. Verges' (from Notes and Queries). When the name was obviously fictitious, or when the article was not signed at all, we have noted it thus: 'Anon. (N. and Q.) conj.,' ' Anon. (Eras. Mag.) conj.,'- &c., referring to Notes and Queries, Eraser's Magazine, &c.
'Spedding,' 'Bullock,' 'Lloyd,' 'Williams," Wright,' in- dicate respe6lively our correspondents, Mr James Sped- ding, Mr John Bullock, of Aberdeen, the Rev. Julius Lloyd, Mr W. W. Williams, of Oxford, and Mr W. Aldis Wright, to each and all of whom we beg to return our best thanks. We have also to thank Mr Archibald Smith, Mr C. W. Goodwin, Mr Bolton Corney, Mr N. E. S. A. Hamilton, Mr J. Nichols, Mr Jourdain, Dr Brinsley Nicholson, Mr
* Aber man liiuft ein gefiihrliches Spiel, wenn man nicht iiberall offen und bescheiden bekennt, dass man ganz von den Engliindern abhange: ja man scheitert gewiss, wenn man mil der oinen Hand alien Stoff von dem man lebt und athmet ihnen entnimmt, und mit der andern zum Dank Hohn und Belei- digung auf ihren Namen wirft. Vorrede, pp. vi. vii.
PRE FA CE. xliii
Halliwcll, Dr Barlow, Mr Grant White, Mr B. H. Bright, Mr Henry A. Bright, and Mr Bohn, for friendly sugges- tions and kind offers of assistance.
The proposed emendations, marked ' Anon, conj.' are those which we have not been able to trace, or those in which the authors have not sufficient confidence to ac- knowledge them.
Those proposed with some confidence by the present editors are marked ' Edd. conj.'
In conclusion, we commend this volume, the first pro- du6l of long labour, to the indulgent judgement of critics. In saying this we are not merely repeating a stereotyped phrase. We have found errors in the work of the most accurate of our predecessors. We cannot hope to have attained perfe6l accuracy ourselves, especially when we consider the wide range which our collation has embraced, and the minute points which we have endeavoured to re- cord, but at all events we have spared no pains to render our work as exa6l as we could. Those who have ever undertaken a similar task will best understand the dif- ficulty, and will be most ready to make allowance for shortcomings. ' Expertus disces quam gravis iste labor.'
W. G. C. J. G.
xliv PRE FA CE.
The five plays contained in this volume occur in the first Folio in the same order, and, with one ex- ception, were there printed for the first time.
In the case of TJie Merry Wives of Windsor, two Quartos (Oi and Q^), imperfeft copies of an earlier play, appeared in 1602 and 1619, the second a reprint of the first. They are described in a special Introdu6lion to that play, and a reprint of 0„ collated with O,, follows it. A third Quarto {Q3) was printed from F, in 1630.
The Tempest was altered by Dryden and D'Avenant, and published as TJic Tempest ; or the EncJianted Island, in 1669. We mark the emendations derived from it: ' Dryden's version.' D'Avenant, in his Laiv against Lovers fused Measure for Measure and MncJi ado about Nothing into one play. We refer to his new readings as being from ' D'Avenant's version.'
THE TEMPEST.
VOL. I. B
DRAMATIS PERSON^'.
Alonso, King of Naples.
Sebastian, his brother.
Prospero, the right Duke of Milan.
Antonio, his brother, the usurping Duke of Milan.
Ferdinand, son to the King of Naples.
GONZALO, an honest old Counsellor.
ADRIAN, ) ^^^^^
Francisco, J
Caliban, a savage and deformed Slave.
Trinculo, a Jester,
Stephano, a drunken Butler.
Master of a Ship.
Boatswain.
Mariners.
Miranda, daughter to Prospero.
Ariel, an airy Spirit.
Iris, ^
Ceres,
Juno,
Nymphs, |
Reapers, j
Other Spirits attending on Prospero^
presented by" Spirits.
Scene — A ship at sea*: an nniiihabited island .
1 Dramatis Persons] Names of ^ other... Prospero\ Theobald.
THE ACTORS Fj at the end of the Play. * A ship at sea :] At sea : Capell. * presented by\ Edd.
THE TEMPEST.
ACT I.
Scene I. On a ship at sea: a tempestuous noise of thunder
and lightning heard.
Enter a Ship-Master and a Boatswain.
Mast. Boatswain ! Boats. Here, master: what cheer?
Mast. Good, speak to the mariners: fall to't, yarely, or we run ourselves aground : bestir, bestir. [^Exit.
Enter Mariners.
Boats. Heigh, my hearts! cheerly, cheerly, my hearts! 5 yare, yare! Take in the topsail. Tend to the master's whistle. Blow, till thou burst thy wind, if room enough !
Enter Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Ferdinand, Gonzalo,
and others.
A Ion. Good boatswain, have care. Where's the master.-* Play the men.
Boats. I pray now, keep below. i°
A7it. Where is the master, boatswain?
Sc. I. On a ship at sea] Pope. burst, wind Johnson conj. tilt thou
Enter... Boatswain] Collier MS. burst tJiee, 7w;/^Steevens conj.
adds *■ shaking off wet.' 8. Capell adds stage direcftion
3. Good,'\ Rowe. Good: Ff. Good. [Exeunt Mariners aloft.
Collier. 11. boats^vaiti\VoT^e. boson YL
1. till thou burst tJiywind\ till thou 11— 18. Verse. S. Walker conj.
B2
THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Boats. Do you not hear him? You mar our labour: keep your cabins: you do assist the storm.
Gon. Nay, good, be patient.
Boats. When the sea is. Hence! What cares these ig roarers for the name of king.' To cabin: silence! trouble us not.
Go7i. Good, yet remember whom thou hast aboard.
Boats. None that I more love than myself You are a Counsellor; if you can command these elements to silence, 20 and work the peace of the present, we will not hand a rope more ; use your authority : if you cannot, give thanks you have lived so long, and make yourself ready in your cabin for the mischance of the hour, if it so hap. Cheerly, good hearts! Out of our way, I say. [Exit. 25
Gon. I have great comfort from this fellow: methinks he hath no drowning mark upon him; his complexion is perfeft gallows. Stand fast, good Fate, to his hanging: make the rope of his destiny our cable, for our own doth little advantage. If he be not born to be hanged, our case 3° is miserable. [Exeujit.
Re-enter Boatswain. I
Boats. Down with the topmast ! yare ! lower, lower ! Bring her to try with main-course. \A cry within.^ A plague upon this howling! they are louder than the weather or our office. 35
Re-enter Sebastian, Antonio, and Gonzalo. 1
Yet again! what do you here.'' Shall we give o'er, and drown .'' Have you a mind to sink.'
Seb. A pox o' your throat, you bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog! I
Boats. Work you, then. 40 i
A fit. Hang, cur! hang, you whoreson, insolent noise- maker. We are less afraid to be drowned than thou art.
15. cares] care "Ro^fQ. See note (i). 33—35. Text as in Capell. A
31. [Exeunt] Theobald. [Exit. Ff. plag7ie—k. cry within. Enter Sebas-
33. Brmgherto i)y\Yi,. Bring her tian, Anthonio, and Gonzalo. itpoii
to Try Fj F^, F3. Bring her to. Try this hoivling. Ff.
Story conj. 34—37- Verse. .S. Walker conj.
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 5
Go)i. I'll warrant him for drowning; though the ship were no stronger than a nutshell, and as leaky as an un- stanched wench. 45
Boats. Lay her a-hold, a-hold ! set her two courses off to sea again ; lay her off.
Enter Mariners wet.
Mariners. All lost ! to prayers, to prayers ! all lost !
Boats. What, must our mouths be cold.-*
Gou. The king and prince at prayers ! let's assist them, 50 For our case is as theirs.
Scb. I'm out of patience.
Ant. We are merely cheated of our lives by drunkards: This wide-chapp'd rascal, — would thou mightst lie drowning The washing of ten tides!
Gon. He'll be hang'd yet,
Though every drop of water swear against it, 55
And gape at widest to glut him. \A confused noise wit Jiin: "Mercy on us!" — "We split, we split!" — " Farewell my wife and children!" — "Farewell, brother!" — "We split, we split, we split!"]
Ant. Let's all sink with the king. 60
Seb. Let's take leave of him. {Exeunt Ant. and Seb.
Gon. Now would I give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren ground, long heath, brown furze, any thing. The wills above be done! but I would fain die a dry death. {Exeunt. 65
43. for\ from Theobald. farewell! Theobald. 46. two courses off to sea\ two courses ; 60. 7uith the\ Rowe. with^ Fj F^.
off to sea Steevens (Holt conj.). with F3 F4.
46. [Enter...] [Re-enter... Dyce. 61. [Exeunt A. and S.] [Exit. Ff.
47. [Exeunt. Theobald. 63. furze\ Rowe. firrs Fj F^ F3. 50. at\ are at Rowe. firs F4.
50—54. Printed as prose in Ff. long heath, brown furze] ling,
56. to glut] f englut Johnson conj . heath, broom, furze Hanmer.
57. See note (n). ^i- [Exeunt] [Exit F„ om. F2F3F4. 59. Fareivell, brother!] Brother,
THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Scene II. The island. Before Prospero's cell. Enter Prospero and Miranda.
Mir. If by your art, my dearest father, you have Put the wild waters in this roar, allay them. The sky, it seems, would pour down stinking pitch, But that the sea, mounting to the welkin's cheek, Dashes the fire out. O, I have sufifer'd 5
With those that I saw suffer! a brave vessel. Who had, no doubt, some noble creature in her, Dash'd all to pieces. O, the cry did knock Against my very heart ! Poor souls, they perish'd ! Had I been any god of power, I would 10
Have sunk the sea within the earth, or ere It should the good ship so have swallow'd and The fraughting souls within her.
Pros. Be colle6led:
No more amazement: tell your piteous heart There's no harm done.
Mir. O, woe the day!
Pros. No harm. 15
I have done nothing but in care of thee. Of thee, my dear one, thee, my daughter, who Art ignorant of what thou art, nought knowing 1
Of whence I am, nor that I am more better '
Than Prospero, master of a full poor cell, 20
And thy no greater father.
Mir. More to know
Did never meddle with my thoughts.
Pros. 'Tis time
I should inform thee farther. Lend thy hand. And pluck my magic garment from me. — So :
[Lays dotvH his mantk.
3. stinking\ flaming Singer conj. Steevens.
/S/wrf//;;^ S. Verges conj. 15. Mir, O, ivoe the day! Pros.
4. cheek'\ heat Collier MS. crack No harm.'] Mir. O ivoc the day! no Staunton conj. harm ? Johnson conj.
7. creature'] creatures Theobald. 19. I am more better] I'm more or
13- fratightinsr] Ff. fraighted Pope. belter Pope. fraighting Theobald. freighting 24. [Lays... mantle] Pope.
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 7
Lie there, my art. Wipe thou thine eyes; have comfort. or,
The direful speftacle of the wreck, which touch'd
The very virtue of compassion in thee,
I have with such provision in mine art
So safely order'd, that there is no soul,
No, not so much perdition as an hair 30
Betid to any creature in the vessel
Which thou heard'st cry, which thou saw'st sink. Sit down ;
For thou must now know farther.
Mir. You have often
Begun to tell me what I am ; but stopp'd,
And left me to a bootless inquisition, 35
Concluding " Stay : not yet."
Pros. The hour's now come;
The very minute bids thee ope thine ear; Obey, and be attentive. Canst thou remember A time before we came unto this cell.^
I do not think thou canst, for then thou wast not 40
Out three years old.
Mir. Certainly, sir, I can.
Pros. By what.-* by any other house or person .-' Of any thing the image tell me that Hath kept with thy remembrance.
Mir. 'Tis far off,
And rather like a dream than an assurance 45
That my remembrance warrants. Had I not Four or five women once that tended me.''
Pros. Thou hadst, and more, Miranda. But how is it That this lives in thy mind.'' W^hat seest thou else In the. dark backward and abysm of time.'' 50
If thou remember'st ought ere thou camest here, How thou camest here thou mayst.
Mir. But that I do not.
■28. pnn'}sioii\ Fj. compassion Y ^ 35- '^] Fi- ^-^^ F2 F3 F4.
F3 F4. preinsion Hunter conj. 38. thoif)^ om. Pope.
29. soul\ soul lost Rowe. foyle 41. Out\ Full Pope (after Dry- Theobald, soil Johnson conj. loss den). Quite Colher MS. Capell. yw2^/ Wright conj. 44. tw?/^] /« Pope (after Dryden).
3 1 . bctid\ Fj. betide F^ F3 F4.
8 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Pros. Twelve year since, Miranda, twelve year since, Thy father was the Duke of Milan, and A prince of power.
Mir. Sir, are not you my father? \
Pros. Thy mother was a piece of virtue, and She said thou wast my daughter; and thy father Was Duke of Milan; and his only heir And princess, no worse issued.
Mir. O the heavens!
What foul play had we, that we came from thence? 60
Or blessed was't we did ?
Pros. Both, both, my girl :
By foul play, as thou say'st, were we heaved thence ; But blessedly holp hither.
Mir. O, my heart bleeds
To think o' the teen that I have turn'd you to, Which is from my remembrance! Please you, farther. 651
Pros. My brother, and thy uncle, call'd Antonio, — i
I pray thee, mark me, — that a brother should Be so perfidious! — he whom, next thyself, Of all the world I loved, and to him put
The manage of my state ; as, at that time, 7 o
Through all the signories it was the first. And Prospero the prime duke, being so reputed In dignity, and for the liberal arts Without a parallel; those being all my study, The government I cast upon my brother, 7,1
And to my state grew stranger, being transported And rapt in secret studies. Thy false uncle — Dost thou attend me?
Mir. Sir, most heedfully.
Pros. Being once perfc6led how to grant suits, How to deny them, whom to advance, and whom 8c|
63. Twelve year...year\ Tis twelve A princess Johnson conj. y ears... y ear sVo^Q. 63. holp\helfdYo^G..
58, 59. and his only heir And pin. O, my hearty My heart Pope.
cess'l and his only heir A princess 78. me'] om. F3 F4.
Pope, thou his only heir And prin- 80. whom...whom'\¥^¥^Y^. who
cess Steevens. and thou his only heir ...xuho F,.
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 9
To trash for over-topping, new created
The creatures that were mine, I say, or changed 'em,
Or else new form'd 'em ; having both the key
Of officer and office, set all hearts i' the state
To what tune pleased his ear; that now he was ^5
The ivy which had hid my princely trunk,
And suck'd my verdure out on't. Thou attend'st not.
Mir. O, good sir, I do.
Pros. I pray thee, mark me.
I, thus negle6ling worldly ends, all dedicated To closeness and the bettering of my mind 9°
With that which, but by being so retired, O'er-prized all popular rate, in my false brother Awaked an evil nature ; and my trust, Like a good parent, did beget of him
A falsehood in its contrary, as great 9"^)
As my trust was; which had indeed no limit, A confidence sans bound. He being thus lorded. Not only with what my revenue yielded, But what my power might else exa6l, like one Who having into truth, by telling of it, ^°°
Made such a sinner of his memory, To credit his own lie, he did believe He was indeed the duke; out o' the substitution, And executing the outward face of royalty, With all prerogative: — hence his ambition growing, — ^°'J
81. trash] plash Hanmer. ing an untruth, and telling V o/i
82, 83. ^em-.-'em] them... them Hanmer. having unto truth... oft Capell. Warburton. having to untruth... of
84. i' the state"] t' th state ¥ .^. e'th ?V Collier MS. havittg stun d to truth
state ¥^. d' th state Y -^Y i^. om. Pope. ...(t/? Musgrave conj.
88. O, good sir. . . tnark me.] Good sir telling] fuelling S. Verges conj . ...mark me then. Pope. O yes, good loi. AIade...metnofy] Makes... me- sir...7nark me. Capell. mory Hanmer. Makes... memory too
Mir. 0,...do. Pros. I.. .me] Musgrave conj. I. ..me, Mir. 0...do. Steevens. 103. indeed the duke] the duke
89. dedicated] dedicate Steevens Steevens. indeed duke S. Walker (Ritson conj.). conj.
91. jo] Fj. om. F2 F3F4. out 0'' the] from Pope.
97. lorded] loaded Collier MS. 105. his] is F^.
99. exadl, like] exadl. Like Ff. 105, 106. ambition growing] ambi-
100. having into truth... of it] lov- tion Growing Steevens.
10 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Dost thou hear?
Mir. Your tale, sir, would cure deafness.
Pros. To have no screen between this part he play'd And him he play'd it for, he needs will be Absolute Milan. Me, poor man, my library Was dukedom large enough: of temporal royalties no
He thinks me now incapable ; confederates, So dry he was for sway, wi' the King of Naples To give him annual tribute, do him homage, Subje6l his coronet to his crown, and bend The dukedom, yet unbow'd, — alas, poor Milan! — ii^
To most ignoble stooping.
Mir. O the heavens!
Pros. Mark his condition, and th' event ; then tell me If this might be a brother.
Mir. I should sin
To think but nobly of my grandmother : Good wombs have borne bad sons.
Pros. Now the condition. 12c
This King of Naples, being an enemy To me inveterate, hearkens my brother's suit ; Which was, that he, in lieu o' the premises, Of homage and I know not how much tribute, Should presently extirpate me and mine 12.'
Out of the dukedom, and confer fair Milan, With all the honours, on my brother : whereon, A treacherous army levied, one midnight Fated to the purpose, did Antonio open
The gates of Milan ; and, i' the dead of darkness, 13
The ministers for the purpose hurried thence Me and thy crying self.
Mir. Alack, for pity !
I, not remembering how I cried out then,
106. hearl\ hear, child ? Hanmer. gested that these words should be given
109. Milait] Millaitie Fj (Capell's to Prospero. Hanmer prints them so. copy). 122. hearkens] Jiears Pope, hearks
112. w/' ///^] Capell. ivithY L li'i' Theobald. th' Rowe. ivith the Steevens. 129. /^M/Ji'l/rt/t-r/Dryden's version.
116. niost^Y^. muchY ^Y^Y i,. purpose] pradlise HoWx^x "^Y^i.
119. b7U\notVo^&. 131. ministers] tniitisterY.o\;<i.
120. Good ...sons] Theobald sug- 133. t?//^] ^«V Steevens conj.
135
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. ii
Will cry it o'er again : it is a hint That wrings mine eyes to't.
Pj'os. Hear a little further,
And then I'll bring thee to the present business Which now 's upon 's ; without the which, this story Were most impertinent.
Mir. Wherefore did they not
That hour destroy us .'*
Ptos. Well demanded, wench :
My tale provokes that question. Dear, they durst not, 140
So dear the love my people bore me ; nor set A mark so bloody on the business ; but With colours fairer painted their foul ends. In few, they hurried us aboard a bark,
Bore us some leagues to sea ; where they prepared 145
A rotten carcass of a boat, not rigg'd. Nor tackle, sail, nor mast ; the very rats Instin6lively have quit it : there they hoist us. To cry to the sea that roar'd to us ; to sigh To the winds, whose pity, sighing back again, 150
Did us but loving wrong.
Mir. Alack, what trouble
Was I then to you !
Pi'os. O, a cherubin
Thou wast that did preserve me. Thou didst smile, Infused with a fortitude from heaven,
When I have deck'd the sea with drops full salt, 15-
Under my burthen groan'd ; which raised in me An undergoing stomach, to bear up Against what should ensue.
Mir. How came we ashore .-^
Pros. By Providence divine. Some food we had, and some fresh water, that 160
135- to '^] om. Steevens (Farmer 147. j«//] Fj. nor sail Y ^Y^Y t,.
conj.). 148. havi'\ had Rowe (after Dry-
138. When/ore] W/iy Vope. den).
141. «/t'] om. Pope. 150. the winds] winds Vo^e.
1 46. boal] Rowe (after Dryden). 155. deck'd] brack'' d Hanmer.
butt Fj Fj F3. but F4. bttsse Black mock'd Warburton. fleck' d Johnson
conj. conj. deg^ d ^.now. ap. Reed conj.
12 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
A noble Neapolitan, Gonzalo,
Out of his charity, who being then appointed
Master of this design, did give us, with
Rich garments, linens, stuffs and necessaries,
Which since have steaded much ; so, of his gentleness, 163
Knowing I loved my books, he furnish'd me
From mine own library with volumes that
I prize above my dukedom.
Mir. Would I might
But ever see that man !
Pros. Now I arise : \Rcsiiincs his mantle.
Sit still, and hear the last of our sea-sorrow. 170
Here in this island we arrived ; and here Have I, thy schoolmaster, made thee more profit Than other princesses can, that have more time For vainer hours, and tutors not so careful.
Mir. Heavens thank you for't ! And now, I pray you, sir, 175 For still 'tis beating in my mind, your reason For raising this sea-storm }
Pros. Know thus far forth.
By accident most strange, bountiful Fortune, Now my dear lady, hath mine enemies
Brought to this shore ; and by my prescience 180
I find my zenith doth depend upon A most auspicious star, whose influence If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes Will ever after droop. Here cease more questions : Thou art inclined to sleep ; 'tis a good dulness, i<'~i,-,
And give it way : I know thou canst not choose.
\JMiranda sleeps. Come away, servant, come. I am ready now. Approach, my Ariel, come.
Enter Ariel. Ari. All hail, great master! grave sir, hail ! I come
i62.TO//c>]om.Pope.^^Steevensconj. 173. princesses] princesse Fj F^ F3.
169. A^ow I arise"] Continued to princess F4. princes Rowe. princess"
Miranda. Blackstone conj. Dyce (S.Walker conj.). See note (ni).
[Resumes his mantle] om. Ff. 186. [M. sleeps] Theobald.
[Put on robe again. Collier MS. 189. Scene hi. Pope.
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 13
To answer thy best pleasure ; be't to fly, 190
To swim, to dive into the fire, to ride
On the curl'd clouds, to thy strong bidding task
Ariel and all his quality.
Pros. Hast thou, spirit,
Perform'd to point the tempest that I bade thee ?
Ari. To every article. 195
I boarded the king's ship ; now on the beak. Now in the waist, the deck, in every cabin, I flamed amazement : sometime I'ld divide. And burn in many places ; on the topmast, The yards and bowsprit, would I flame distinftly, 200
Then meet and join. Jove's lightnings, the precursors O' the dreadful thunder-claps, more momentary And sight-outrunning were not : the fire and cracks Of sulphurous roaring the most mighty Neptune Seem to besiege, and make his bold waves tremble, 205
Yea, his dread trident shake.
Pros. My brave spirit !
Who was so firm, so constant, that this coil Would not infe6l his reason ?
Ari. Not a soul
But felt a fever of the mad, and play'd
Some tricks of desperation. All but mariners 210
Plunged in the foaming brine, and quit the vessel, Then all afire with me: the king's son, Ferdinand, With hair up-staring, — then like reeds, not hair, — Was the first man that leap'd ; cried, " Hell is empty, And all the devils are here."
Pros. Why, that's, my spirit ! 215
But was not this nigh shore }
190. &V]Fi. beitY^Y^Y^. Johnson.
193. qnality'] qualities Vo'pG (after 205. See ml Seel/I'd Theohzld.
Dryden). 106. dread] Y.^. deadY^Y-^Y^.
198. sometime'] Fj. sometimes Y^ My brave] My brave, bmve
F3 F4. Theobald. Thafs my brave Hanmer.
200. bowsprit] bore-sprit Ff. bolt- 209. mad] mind Pope (after Dry- sprit Rowe. den).
201. lightnings] Theobald, light- 211, 212. vessel, ...son] vessell ; ning Ff. Then all a fire tvith me the Ki fig's
202. d" the] (T/Tope. sonne Ff. thunder -claps] thunder -clap
14 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Ari. Close by, my master.
Pros. But are they, Ariel, safe ?
A ri. Not a hair perish'd ;
On their sustaining garments not a blemish, But fresher than before : and, as thou badest me. In troops I have dispersed them 'bout the isle. 220
The king's son have I landed by himself; Whom I left cooling of the air with sighs In an odd angle of the isle, and sitting, His arms in this sad knot.
Pros. Of the king's ship
The mariners, say how thou hast disposed, 225
And all the rest o' the fleet.
Ari. Safely in harbour
Is the king's ship; in the deep nook, where once Thou call'dst me up at midnight to fetch dew From the still-vex'd Bermoothes, there she's hid : The mariners all under hatches stow'd; 23c
Who, with a charm join'd to their suffer'd labour, I have left asleep : and for the rest o' the fleet, *
Which I dispersed, they all have met again, And are upon the Mediterranean flote.
Bound sadly home for Naples; 23:
Supposing that they saw the king's ship wreck'd, And his great person perish.
Pros. Ariel, thy charge
Exa6lly is perform'd : but there's more work. What is the time o' the day } \
An. Past the mid season. (
Pros. At least two glasses. The time 'twixt six and now 2\i Must by us both be spent most preciously.
Ari. Is there more toil .? Since thou dost give me pains. Let me remember thee what thou hast promised,
218. sustaining^ sea-stained Ed- ;//c7«] <?« Pope,
wards CO nj. tinstaining ox sea-stain- 2 39 — 240. K\\. Past the mid season,
ing Spedding conj. Pros. At least two glasses'] Ari. Past
229. Bermoot/ies'] Bermudas Theo- the mid season at least two glasses.
''^1''- Warburton. Vros. ...Past the mid sea-
231, Who] Whom llawm^T. son? Ail At least tivoglasses Johnson
234. are] all Collier M.S. conj.
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 15
Which is not yet perform'd me.
Pros. How now .'' moody .-■
What is't thou canst demand .-•
Ari. My liberty. 245
Pros. Before the time be out .-* no more !
Ari. I prithee,
Remember I have done thee worthy service ; Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings, served Without or grudge or grumblings : thou didst promise To bate me a full year.
Pros. Dost thou forget 250
From what a torment I did free thee .'*
A ri. No.
Pros. Thou dost ; and think'st it much to tread the ooze Of the salt deep,
To run upon the sharp wind of the north,
To do me business in the veins o' the earth 255
When it is baked with frost.
Ari. I do not, sir.
Pros. Thou liest, malignant thing ! Hast thou forgot The foul witch Sycorax, who with age and envy Was grown into a hoop } hast thou forgot her .-*
Ari. No, sir.
Pros. Thou hast. Where was she born } speak ;
tell me. 260
Ari. Sir, in Argier.
Pros. O, was she so .■' I must
Once in a month recount what thou hast been. Which thou forget'st. This damn'd witch Sycorax, For mischiefs manifold, and sorceries terrible To enter human hearing, from Argier, 265
Thou know'st, was banish'd : for one thing she did They would not take her life. Is not this true .''
Ari. Ay, sir.
Pros. This blue-eyed hag was hither brought with child,
244. How itota? moody ?~\ Hoiu no7ii, 164. and sorceries\ sorceries too moody! Dyce (so Dryden, ed. 1808). Hanmer.
245. Wkat]¥^. WAicA F2F3F4. .167. /s nof //t/s f?7U'?] ds f/iis pwt
248. made thee'] Ff. made Pope. tme? Pope.
249. didsi] F3 F4. did F, F^.
1 6 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
And here was left by the sailors. Thou, my slave, 27.
As thou report'st thyself, wast then her servant ;
And, for thou wast a spirit too delicate
To a6l her earthy and abhorr'd commands,
Refusing her grand hests, she did confine thee,
By help of her more potent ministers.
And in her most unmitigable rage,
Into a cloven pine; within which rift
Imprison'd thou didst painfully remain
A dozen years; within which space she died,
And left thee there; where thou didst vent thy groans 2E
As fast as mill-wheels strike. Then was this island —
Save for the son that she did litter here,
A freckled whelp hag-born — not honour'd with
A human shape.
A ri. Yes, Caliban her son.
Pros. Dull thing, I say so ; he, that Caliban, 2!
Whom now I keep in service. Thou best know'st What torment I did find thee in ; thy groans ;
Did make wolves howl, and penetrate the breasts i
Of ever-angry bears : it was a torment I
To lay upon the damn'd, which Sycorax Could not again undo : it was mine art, When I arrived and heard thee, that made gape The pine, and let thee out.
Ari. I thank thee, master.
Pros. If thou more murmur'st, I will rend an oak, And peg thee in his knotty entrails, till Thou hast howl'd away twelve winters.
A ri. Pardon, master :
I will be correspondent to command. And do my spiriting gently.
Pros. Do so ; and after two days
I will discharge thee.
A ri. That's my noble master !
What shall I do } say what ; what shall I do >.
771. wrtj/ //i^w] Rowe (after Dr}^- ■282. jw] F,. sunneY^. sunY-x.^^. den), was then Ff. j//^-] Rowe (after DrydenV hcYL
•273. earthy] earthly Vo-pe. 29S. See note (iv).
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. ij
Pros. Go make thyself like a nymph o' the sea : Be subje6l to no sight but thine and mine; invisible To every eyeball else. Go take this shape, And hither come in't : go, hence with diligence !
[Exit A riel. Awake, dear heart, awake ! thou hast slept well \ 305
Awake !
Mir. The strangeness of your story put Heaviness in me.
Pros. Shake it off. Come on ;
We'll visit Caliban my slave, who never Yields us kind answer.
Mir. 'Tis a villain, sir,
I do not love to look on.
Pros. But, as 'tis, 310
We cannot miss him: he does make our fire, Fetch in our wood, and serves in offices That profit us. What, ho ! slave ! Caliban ! Thou earth, thou ! speak.
Cat. \withi}i\ There's wood enough within.
Pros. Come forth, I say ! there's other business for
thee: 315
Come, thou tortoise ! when .^
Re-enter Ariel like a water-nyjuph.
Fine apparition ! My quaint Ariel, Hark in thine ear.
A ri. My lord, it shall be done. [Exit.
Pros. Thou poisonous slave, got by the devil himself Upon thy wicked dam, come forth ! 3^°
301. like\Yj^. like toY^Y^Y^. Edd. conj.
302. Be siibjedl to\ be siibje(fl To 312. set-i'es in offices'^Y ^. serves offi- M alone. ces F2 F3 F4. seri'eth offices C ollie r M S .
but thine and viine'\ bid mine 316. Cotne, thou tortoise! 7vhen?'\
Pope. cm. Pope.
304. in't'] in it Pope. Come] Come forth Steevens.
go, hence] goe: hence YL go 320. come forth!] come forth, thou
hence Pope, hence Hanmer. tortoise ! Pope. 307. Heaviness] Strange heaviness
VOL. I. C
i8 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Enter Caliban.
Cal. As wicked dew as e'er my mother brush'd With raven's feather from unwholesome fen Drop on you both ! a south-west blow on }'e And blister you all o'er !
Pros. For this, be sure, to-night thou shalt have cramps, 325 Side-stitches that shall pen thy breath up ; urchins Shall, for that vast of night that they may work, All exercise on thee ; thou shalt be pinch'd As thick as honeycomb, each pinch more stinging Than bees that made 'em.
Cal. I must eat my dinner. 330
This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother, Which thou takest from me. When thou camest first. Thou strokedst me, and madest much of me ; AVouldst give me Water with berries in't ; and teach me how To name the bigger light, and how the less, 33.-,
That burn by day and night : and then I loved thee, And show'd thee all the qualities o' th' isle, The fresh springs, brine-pits, barren place and fertile : Curs'd be I that did so ! All the charms Of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on you ! 340
For I am all the subje6ls that you have. Which first was mine own king : and here you sty me In this hard rock, whiles you do keep from me The rest o' th' island.
Pros. Thou most lying slave,
Whom Stripes may move, not kindness ! I have used thee, 345 Filth as thou art, with human care ; and lodged thee In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate The honour of my child.
Cal. O ho, O ho ! would 't had been done ! Thou didst prevent me ; I had peopled else 350
321. Scene iv. Pope. / that I F^ F3 F4. cursed i>e I tJuU
SS^. earnest'] Rowe. ca?)i\':t Ff. Steevens.
r(2wV //(Vv Ritson conj. 34'2. WhiettX Who Pope, and .it
333. Wrtr/i'j-/] Rowe (after Dryden). line 351.
made Ff. 346. thee"] om. F4.
339- Cia-s\il<e Tfhat^Y^. Ciirs\il>e 349. 7.',)7//,/V] Ff. Iwou\1itVoyc.
SCENE II.] 777^ TEMPEST. 19
This isle with Calibans.
Pros. Abhorred slave,
Which any print of goodness wilt not take, Being capable of all ill ! I pitied thee, Took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour One thing or other : when thou didst not, savage, 355
Know thine own meaning, but wouldst gabble like A thing most brutish, I endow'd thy purposes With words that made them known. But thy vile race, Though thou didst learn, had that in't which good natures Could not abide to be with ; therefore wast thou 360
Deservedly confined into this rock, Who hadst deserved more than a prison.
Cal. You taught me language ; and my profit on't Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you For learning me your language !
Pros. Hag-seed, hence ! 36.'^
Fetch us in fuel ; and be quick, thou'rt best, To answer other business. Shrug' st thou, malice .'* If thou negle6l'st, or dost unwillingly What I command, I '11 rack thee with old cramps, Fill all thy bones with aches, make thee roar, 3^0
That beasts shall tremble at thy din.
Cal. No, pray thee.
\Aside\ I must obey : his art is of such power, It would control my dam's god, Setebos, And make a vassal of him.
Pros. So, slave ; hence ! {Exit Caliban.
351. Pros.] Theobald (after Diy- Justly... who hadst Deserv'd'a.'^zSk&x den). Mira. Ff. conj. CoitJin'd...deseiv\l id. conj.
352. 7^///] Fj. 7W7/F2F3F4. 362. Who ...prison'] om. Pope 355,356. didst not... Knoui\co2ildst (after Dryden).
]ioi. . . Shew Hanmer. 3O6. ihoii 'rt] Y^P^Yy thou art F4.
356. wouldst] didst Hanmer. thou wer't Rowe. 361, 362. Deservedly ■■. deserved]
C 2
20 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Re-enter Ariel, invisible, playing and singing; Ferdinand
following.
Ariel's song.
Come unto these yellow sands, 375
And then take hands: Courtsied when you have and kiss'd
The wild waves whist: Foot it featly here and there ;
And, sweet sprites, the burthen bear. 380
Burthen \dispcrsedly\. Hark, hark !
Bow-wow. The watch-dogs bark :
Bow-wow. Ari. Hark, hark! I hear
The strain of strutting chanticleer 3S3
Cry, Cock-a-diddle-dow.
Fer. Where should this music be .-* i' th' air or th' earth ? It sounds no more : and, sure, it waits upon Some god o' th' island. Sitting on a bank, Weeping again the king my father's wreck, 3'; 3
This music crept by me upon the waters, " Allaying both their fury and my passion With its sweet air : thence I have follow'd it, Or it hath drawn me rather. But 'tis gone. No, it begins again. 395
Ariel sings.
Full fathom five thy father lies ;
Of his bones are coral made ; Those are pearls that were his eyes :
Nothing of him that doth fade, But doth suffer a sea-change 400
Into something rich and strange. Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell :
BiirtJicn : Ding-dong. Ari. Hark! now I hear them, — Ding-dong, bell.
375. Scene v. Pope. 381—383. Steevens gives Hark,
following.] Malone. hark! The zmtch-dogs hark to A.vic\.
378. The -wild zoaveswhisf^Vi-'mittX 387. i" ih' air or ih'' earth?] in air
as a parenthesis by Steevens. See or earth? Pope,
note (v). 2go. agaiiil against Rowe (after
380. the hn7ihen heat^ Pope, bear Dryden). ///(' burthen Ff.
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 21
Per. The ditty does remember my drown'd father. 405
This is no mortal business, nor no sound That the earth owes : — I hear it now above me.
Pt'os. The fringed curtains of thine eye advance, And say what thou seest yond.
Mir. What is't } a spirit >.
Lord, how it looks about ! Believe me, sir, 410
It carries a brave form. But 'tis a spirit.
Pf'os. No, wench ; it eats and sleeps and hath such senses As we have, such. This gallant which thou seest Was in the wreck ; and, but he's something stain'd With grief, that's beauty's canker, thou mightst call him 4115 A goodly person : he hath lost his fellows, And strays about to find 'em.
Mir. I might call him
A thing divine ; for nothing natural I ever saw so noble.
Pros. \Asidc\ It goes on, I see, As my soul prompts it. Spirit, fine spirit ! I'll free thee 420 Within two days for this.
Per. Most sure, the goddess
On whom these airs attend ! Vouchsafe my prayer May know if you remain upon this island ; And that you will some good instru6lion give How I may bear me here : my prime request, 425
Which I do last pronounce, is, O you wonder ! If you be maid or no .''
Mir. No wonder, sir ;
But certainly a maid.
Per. My language ! heavens !
I am the best of them that speak this speech. Were I but where 'tis spoken.
Pros. How } the best .'* 430
What wert thou, if the King of Naples heard thee t
407. o%ves\ owns Pope (after Dry- j^^ Capell. It goes on Steevens. den), but leaves o^u'st 454. 420. fifie spiiitl^ om. Hanmer,
408. Scene VI. Pope. ^i^j. 7uaid]¥y niaydY^Y^. made 419. It goes on, I sce,'\ It goes, I F4.
2 2 THE TEMPEST. [act i.
Per. A single thing, as I am now, that wonders To hear thee speak of Naples. He does hear mc ; And that he does I weep : myself am Naples, Who with mine eyes, never since at ebb, beheld 43
The king my father wreck'd.
Mir. Alack, for mercy !
Per. Yes, faith, and all his lords ; the Duke of Milan And his brave son being twain.
Pros. [^Asidc] The Duke of Milan
And his more braver daughter could control thee, If now 'twere fit to do't. At the first sight 440
They have changed eyes. Delicate Ariel, I'll set thee free for this. \To Per.] A word, good sir ; I fear you have done yourself some wrong : a word.
Mir. Why speaks my father so ungently .'' This Is the third man that e'er I saw ; the first 445
That e'er I sigh'd for : pity move my father To be inclined my way !
Per. O, if a virgin.
And your afife6lion not gone forth, I '11 make you The queen of Naples.
Pros. • Soft, sir ! one word more.
[Aside] They are both in cither's powers : but this swift
business ^50
I must uneasy make, lest too light winning Make the prize light. [To Per.] One word more ; I charge
thee That thou attend me : thou dost here usurp The name thou owest not ; and hast put thyself Upon this island as a spy, to win it 4
From me, the lord on't.
Per. No, as I am a man.
Mir. There's nothing ill can dwell in such a temple : If the ill spirit have so fair a house, Good things will strive to dwell with't.
Pros. Follow mc.
443. See note (vi). 452. 0/ic^ S/'r, one Foi->e.
444. ung£ntly\Y^. urgentlyT ^¥ {P ^. I charge thcc] I charge thee 45 1. lest\YA,. least Y^Y^Y-^^. [to Ariel. Tope.
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 23
Speak not you for him ; he's a traitor. Come ; 460
I'll manacle thy neck and feet together : Sea-water shalt thou drink ; thy food shall be The fresh-brook muscles, wither'd roots, and husks Wherein the acorn cradled. Follow.
Fcr. No ;
I will resist such entertainment till 465
Mine enemy has more power.
\Praws, and is charmed front moving.
Mir. O dear father,
Make not too rash a trial of him, for He's gentle, and not fearful.
Pros. What ! I say,
My foot my tutor } Put thy sword up, traitor ; Who makest a show, but darest not strike, thy conscience 4 7° Is so possess'd with guilt : come from thy ward ; For I can here disarm thee with this stick And make thy weapon drop.
Mir. Beseech you, father.
P7'os. Hence ! hang not on my garments.
Mir. Sir, have pity;
I'll be his surety.
Pros. Silence! one word more 475
Shall make me chide thee, if not hate thee. What ! An advocate for an impostor ! hush ! Thou think'st there is no more such shapes as he, HavincT seen but him and Caliban : foolish wench ! To the most of men this is a Caliban, 480
And they to him are angels.
Mir. My affe6lions
Are, then, most humble ; I have no ambition To see a goodlier man.
Pros. Come on ; obey :
Thy nerves are in their infancy again.
And have no vigour in them.
460. Pros, prefixed again to this 470. makesf^ mak'st F^. makes
line in Ff. F2F3F4.
468. ^^r/] //w' Hanmer. 471. w] F^. om.F3F3F4. fl/ZPope.
469. foot\ fool S. Walker conj. 4/8. /^] art' Rowe. child Dryden's version.
24 THE TEMPEST. [act ii.
Fev. So they are : 485
My spirits, as in a dream, are all bound up. My father's loss, the weakness which I feel, The wreck of all my friends, nor this man's threats, To whom I am subdued, are but light to me. Might I but through my prison once a day 49c
Behold this maid : all corners else o' th' earth Let liberty make use of; space enough Have I in such a prison.
Pros. [Aside] It works. [To Fer.] Come on.
Thou hast done well, fine Ariel ! [To Fcr.] Follow me. [To Ari] Hark what thou else shalt do me.
Mir. Be of comfort ; 49 =
My father's of a better nature, sir, Than he appears by speech : this is unwonted Which now came from him.
Pros. Thou shalt be as free
As mountain winds : but then exa6lly do All points of my command.
Ari. To the .syllable. 5o<|
Pros. Come, follow. Speak not for him. [Exeunt. '
ACT n.
Scene I. Another part of the is/and.
Enter Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian, Francisco, and others.
Gon. Beseech you, sir, be merry ; you have cause, So have we all, of joy ; for our escape Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe Is common ; every day, some sailor's wife. The masters of some merchant, and the merchant, Have just our theme of woe ; but for the miracle,
48S. no7^ and Rowe (after Dry- 5. masters] master ]o\\Vl?.o\\. mh-
den). or Capell. tress Steevens conj. master's Edd.
489. are] were Malone conj. conj.
3. hint] stint Warburton. 6. o/tcoe'] om. Steevens conj.
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 25
I mean our preservation, few in millions
Can speak like us : then wisely, good sir, weigh
Our sorrow with our comfort.
Alon. Prithee, peace.
Scb. He receives comfort like cold porridge. 10
Ant. The visitor will not give him o'er so.
Scb. Look, he's winding up the watch of his wit ; by and by it will strike.
Gon. Sir, —
Seb. One : tell. 15
Goii. When every grief is entertain'd that's offer'd, Comes to the entertainer —
Seb. A dollar.
Go7i. Dolour comes to him, indeed : you have spoken truer than you purposed. 20
Seb. You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
Gon. Therefore, my lord, —
Ant. Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue !
Alon. I prithee, spare.
Gon. Well, I have done : but yet, — 25
Seb. He will be talking.
Ant. Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow }
Seb. The old cock.
Ant. The cockerel. 30
Seb. Done. The wager .''
Ant. A laughter.
Seb. A match !
A dr. Though this island seem to be desert, —
Seb. Ha, ha, ha! — So, you're paid. 35
Adr. Uninhabitable, and almost inaccessible, —
Seb. Yet,—
Adr. Yet,—
1 1 — 99. Marked as interpolated by Printed as prose by Pope. Pope. 27. of he\ Ff. of thern, he Pope.
II. visitor\''viser'^2x\iv.xton. t^r/r^' Collier MS. See note (vii), /«■;«] om. Rowe. 35. Seb. Ha, ha, ha! — So yoiire
15. one\¥^. c« F2F3F4. /a/c/] Theobald. Seb. Ha, ha, ha!
16. entertain'' d ... Comes] Capell. Ant. So yoiir paid YL Ant. So enteitain'd. That's offered conies'] Ff. you've paid C&'peM.
26 THE TEMPEST. [act ii.
Aiit. He could not miss't.
A dr. It must needs be of subtle, tender and delicate 4° temperance.
Ant. Temperance was a delicate wench.
Scb. Ay, and a subtle ; as he most learnedly delivered.
Adr. The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
Scb. As if it had lungs, and rotten ones. 45
Ant. Or as 'twere perfumed by a fen.
Gon. Here is every thing advantageous to life.
A nt. True ; save means to live.
Scb. Of that there's none, or little.
Gon. How lush and lusty the grass looks ! how green ! 50
Ant. The ground, indeed, is tawny.
Scb. With an eye of green in 't.
Ant. He misses not much.
Scb. No ; he doth but mistake the truth totally.
Gon. But the rarity of it is, — which is indeed almost 5- beyond credit, —
Seb. As many vouched rarities are.
Gon. That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold, notwithstanding, their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water. 60
Ant. If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies ?
Scb. Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
Gon. Methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the king's 65 fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.
Seb. 'Twas a sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return.
Adr. Tunis was never graced before with such a para- gon to their queen. ~
GoH. Not since widow Dido's time.
Ant. Widow! a pox o' that! How came that widow in ? widow Dido !
Scb. What if he had said ' widower Eneas' too > Good Lord, how you take it ! 75
Adr 'Widow Dido' said you } you make mc study of that : she was of Carthage, not of Tunis.
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 27
Gon. This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
A dr. Carthage ?
Gon. I assure you, Carthage. 80
Scb. His word is more than the miraculous harp ; he hath raised the wall, and houses too.
Ant. What impossible matter will he make easy next }
Scb. I think he will carry this island home in his pocket, and give it his son for an apple. 85
Ant. And, sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
Gon. Ay.
Ant. Why, in good time.
Gon. Sir, we were talking that our garments seem now 90 as fresh as when we were at Tunis at the marriage of your daughter, who is now queen.
Ant. And the rarest that e'er came there.
Scb. Bate, I beseech you, widow Dido.
Ant. O, widow Dido ! ay, widow Dido. 95
Gon. Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it .■' I mean, in a sort.
Ant. That sort was .well fished for.
Gon. When I wore it at your daughter s marriage .'*
Alon. You cram these words into mine ears against 100 The stomach of my sense. Would I had never Married my daughter there ! for, coming thence. My son is lost, and, in my rate, she too, Who is so far from Italy removed
I ne'er again shall see her. O thou mine heir 105
Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish Hath made his meal on thee .''
Fran. Sir, he may live :
I saw him beat the surges under him, And ride upon their backs ; he trod the water, Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted no
The surge most swoln that met him ; his bold head
81, 82. Seb. His ... loo] Ecld. y6. sir, my doublet] Fj. my don-
K-a.t. His... harp. Seb. He...iooY{. blct, sirY ^^Y-^^Y i,.
88. Ay.\ I. Ff. Ay ? Pope.
2 8 THE TEMPEST. [act ii.
'Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oar'd
Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To the shore, that o'er his wave-worn basis bow'd,
As stooping to relieve him : I not doubt 115
He came alive to land.
Alon. No, no, he's gone.
Seb. Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss, That would not bless our Europe with your daughter, But rather lose her to an African ;
Where she, at least, is banish'd from your eye, 120
Who hath cause to wet the grief on't.
Alon. Prithee, peace.
Scb. You were kneel'd to, and importuned otherwise, By all of us ; and the fair soul herself Weigh'd between loathness and obedience, at Which end o' the beam should bow. We have lost your son, 125 I fear, for ever : Milan and Naples have More widows in them of this business' making Than we bring men to comfort them : The fault's your own.
Alon. So is the dear'st o' the loss.
Gon. My lord Sebastian, The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness, And time to speak it in : you rub the sore, When you should bring the plaster.
Scb. Very well.
Ant. And most chirurgeonly.
Gon. It is foul weather in us all, good sir. When you are cloudy.
Scb. Foul weather?
Ant. Very foul.
Gon. Had I plantation of this isle, my lord, —
Ant. He 'Id sow't with nettle-seed.
Scb. Or docks, or mallows.
113. j/;-(?^y] F, F2 F3. strokes Yi,. 129. The faitWs your mon'\ the
124. Weighed] Swafd S. Verges fault's your oinn (at the end of 128) conj. Capell, the faulfs Your aton'^\^o\\Q.
<7^] ^j- Collier MS. 137. flantatioii] the plantation
125. ^V//<'] ///t- Pope. Rowe. ///t-//aw//;/^ Hanmcr. should\ she'd Malone.
I
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 29
Gon. And were the king on't, what would I do?
Scb. 'Scape being drunk for want of wine. 1,0
Go7i. r the commonwealth I would by contraries Execute all things ; for no kind of traffic Would I admit; no name of magistrate ; Letters should not be known ; riches, poverty, And use of service, none ; contra6l, succession, t , .-
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none; No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil ; No occupation; all men idle, all; And women too, but innocent and pure; No sovereignty ; — i-o
Scb. Yet he would be king on't.
Atit. The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
Gon. All things in common nature should produce Without sweat or endeavour: treason, felony. Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine, 155
Would I not have; but nature should bring forth, Of its own kind, all foison, all abundance, To feed my innocent people.
Seb. No marrying 'mong his subje6ls.^
Ant. None, man; all idle; whores and knaves. i5o
Gon. I would with such perfe6lion govern, sir, To excel the golden age.
Scb. 'Save his majesty!
Ant. Long live Gonzalo!
Gon. And, — do you mark me, sir.?
Alon. Prithee, no more: thou dost talk nothino- to me.
Gon. I do well believe your highness; and did it to mi- 165 nister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.
Ant. 'Twas you we laughed at.
Gon. Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you: so you may continue, and laugh at nothing still. i/o
139. o«7] </// Hanmer, 146. ^lone] olives, none 'HTmrn^x.
144. riches, poz'ertylwea/t/i, poverty 157. /Vj-]F3F4. // FjF^, See note Pope, poverty, riches Capell. (vni).
145, contrad, succession'] succes- 162. 'Save] F^ F^ F3. Save F4. sion, C(3«/ra(^ Malone conj. succes- God save Y.AA. coxxy
sion, None id. conj.
30
THE TEMPEST.
[act II.
Ant. What a blow was there given !
Seb. An it had not fallen flat-long.
Goii. You are gentlemen of brave mettle; you would lift the moon out of her sphere, if she would continue in it five weeks without changing. i
10
Enter Ariy.!. {imnsible) playing soleinn music.
Seb. We would so, and then go a bat-fowling.
Ant. Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
Gon. No, I warrant you; I will not adventure my dis- cretion so weakly. Will you laugh me asleep, for I am very heavy .'' i ^o
Ant. Go sleep, and hear us.
\A II sleep except A Ion., Seb., and A nt.
A Ion. What, all so soon asleep! I wish mine eyes Would, wath themselves, shut up my thoughts : I find They are inclined to do so.
Seb. Please you, sir.
Do not omit the heavy offer of it: i8n
It seldom visits sorrow; when it doth, It is a comforter.
Ant. We two, my lord.
Will guard your person while you take your rest, And watch your safety.
A Ion. Thank you. — Wondrous heavy.
[^A lonso sleeps. Exit A riel.
Seb. What a strange drowsiness possesses them ! 1 9c
Ant. It is the quality o' the climate.
Seb. Why
Doth it not then our eyelids sink.'' I find not Myself disposed to sleep.
Ant. Nor I ; my spirits are nimble.
175. Enter ... invisible ... music] M alone. Enter Ariel, playing solemn music. Ff. om.Pope. [Solemn music, Capell.
181. [All sleep. ..Ant.] Stage di- recftion to the same effecfl, first inserted by Capell.
1S2 — 189. Text as in Pope. In Ff. the lines begin IVoidd...! find... Do not. . . It schio/n . . . IVe trvo. . . While. . . Thank.
189. [Exit Ariel] Malone.
192. find not\VQ^Q. find Not "?{.
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 31
They fell together all, as by consent ;
They dropp'd, as by a thunder-stroke. What might, 195
Worthy Sebastian? — O, what might? — No more: —
And yet methinks I see it in thy face,
What thou shouldst be : the occasion speaks thee ; and
My strong imagination sees a crown
Dropping upon thy head.
Seb. What, art thou waking? 230
Ant. Do you not hear me speak?
Scb. I do; and surely
It is a sleepy language, and thou speak'st Out of thy sleep. What is it thou didst say ? This is a strange repose, to be asleep
With eyes wide open; standing, speaking, moving, 205
And yet so fast asleep.
Ant. Noble Sebastian,
Thou let'st thy fortune sleep — die, rather; wink'st Whiles thou art waking.
Scb. Thou dost snore distin6lly ;
There's meaning in thy snores.
Ant. I am more serious than my custom: you 210
Must be so too, if heed me; which to do Trebles thee o'er.
Scb. Well, I am standing water.
Ant. I'll teach you how to flow.
Scb. Do so: to ebb
Hereditary sloth instru6ls me.
Ant. O,
If you but knew how you the purpose cherish Whiles thus you mock it ! how, in stripping it, You more invest it! Ebbing men, indeed, Most often do so near the bottom run By their own fear or sloth.
Seb. Prithee, say on:
The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim A matter from thee ; and a birth, indeed,
■211. so kw, if heed] so too, if yo7C o'er Pope. Troubles thee not Ilan- heed Rowe. so, if you heed Pope. mer.
-212. Trebles thee o^er\ Trotibles thee
2 I
220
32
THE TEMPEST.
[act II.
Which throes thee much to yield.
Ant. Thus, sir:
Although this lord of weak remembrance, this, Who shall be of as little memory When he is earth'd, hath here almost persuaded, — For he's a spirit of persuasion, only Professes to persuade, — the king his son's alive, 'Tis as impossible that he's undrown'd As he that sleeps here swims.
Scb. I have no hope
That he's undrown'd.
Ant. O, out of that 'no hope'
What great hope have you ! no hope that way is Another way so high a hope that even Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond, But doubt discovery there. Will you grant with me That Ferdinand is drown'd.'*
Seb. He's gone.
Ant. Then, tell me,
Who's the next heir of Naples }
Scb. Claribel.
Ant. She that is queen of Tunis; she that dwells Ten leagues beyond man's life; she that from Naples Can have no note, unless the sun were post, — The man i' the moon's too slow, — till new-born chins Be rough and razorable ; she that from whom We all were sea-swallow'd, though some cast again. And by that destiny, to perform an aft Whereof what's past is prologue; what to come, In yours and my discharge.
Seb. What stuff is this ! How say you 1
225
23c
^li
2401
245
222. throes\ Pope, tlirowcs Y^Y^ F3. throws F4.
Thus, sir'\ Why then thus Sir Hanmer.
226. /^t.'V] /^t" 'aj' Hanmer. //(.'John- son conj.
227. Professes to ^ersuade\ cm. Steevens.
■234. doubt'] drops Hanmer. doubts Capell. 241. she t hilt front ivhom"] Ff. she
from lithom Rowe. she for whotn Pope, she from 7C'hom eomiitg Singer. she that—fvm loho/n? Speckling conj. See note (ix).
242. air\ om. Pope.
243. And... to feiform"] May... perform Pope. And by that destin''d to perform Musgrave conj. {And that by destiny) to pet form Staunton conj.
244. is} F,. in F2 F3 F4. 345. /«] Is Pope.
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 33
'Tis true, my brother's daughter's queen of Tunis; So is she heir of Naples ; 'twixt which regions There is some space.
Ant. A space whose every cubit
Seems to cry out, " How shall that Claribel Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis, 250
And let Sebastian wake." Say, this were death That now hath seized them ; why, they were no worse Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples As well as he that sleeps ; lords that can prate As amply and unnecessarily 255
As this Gonzalo; I myself could make A chough of as deep chat. O, that you bore The mind that I do! what a sleep were this For your advancement! Do you understand me.-*
Seb. Methinks I do.
Ant. And how does your content 260
Tender your own good fortune.''
Seb. I remember
You did supplant your brother Prospero.
A nt. True :
And look how well my garments sit upon me ; Much feater than before : my brother's servants Were then my fellows; now they are my men. 265
Seb. But, for your conscience.
A7it. Ay, sir; where lies that.? if 'twere a kibe, 'Twould put me to my slipper: but I feel not This deity in my bosom : twenty consciences. That stand 'twixt me and Milan, candied be they, 270
And melt, ere they molest! Here lies your brother, No better than the earth he lies upon, If he were that which now he's like, that's dead;
250. /c] Fj. byY^'Pz'Pn. 270. stajidl stood HsimaQr.
A'eef] SleeJ) 'Johnson COW). candied] Discand/d Upton
25T. See note (x). conj.
267. Vw^;-<?] // w^r^ Singer. 271. And meli] Woidd meli John-
i6'j — 271. Pope ends the lines son conj. Or wf/^ id. conj.
vA'Cix that!.. .slipper. ..bosom. ..Milan... 273, 274. like, that's dead; IV/iom I,
molest... brotluv: tvit/i] like, whotn 1 With Steevens
267. See note (xi). (Fanner conj.).
269. tiuentyi] Ten Pope.
VOL. I. D
34
THE TEMPEST.
[act II.
280.
Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it, \
Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus, 275
To the perpetual wink for aye might put This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest, They'll take suggestion as a cat laps milk; They'll tell the clock to any business that We say befits the hour.
Seb. Thy case, dear friend,
Shall be my precedent ; as thou got'st Milan, I'll come by Naples. Draw thy sword : one stroke Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest ; And I the king shall love thee.
Ant. Draw together; 28fi'
And when I rear my hand, do you the like. To fall it on Gonzalo.
Seb. O, but one word. \TJicy talk apart.
Re-enter Ariel invisible.
A ri. My master through his art foresees the danger That you, his friend, are in ; and sends me forth, — For else his proje6l dies, — to keep them living. 290
\Sings in Gonzalds ear.
While you here do snoring lie, Open-eyed conspiracy
His time doth take. If of life you keep a care, Shake off slumber, and beware: 295
Awake, awake !
Ant. Gon.
Then let us both be sudden.
Preserve the king !
275. whiles] om. Pope. 277. morscr\ Moral Warburton. 280, 281. business... hour.'] hour... business. Farmer conj.
282. /nr^f/t'w/] Pope. presidentYi. 287. O] om. Pope.
[They talk apart] Capell. Re-enter Ariel invisible.] Capell. Enter Ariel \\A\S\ music and
Now, good angels
\TJiey zvake.
song. Ff.
289. you, his friend,] these, his friends Steevens (Johnson conj.).
2 89, 2 90. friend . . . proje(fl dies . . . them] friend... projedl dies... you Han-
mer. friend .... p>v/ee7s die the/n
Malone conj. friend. . .projeel dies... thee Dyce.
298. [They wake.] Rowe.
SCENE II.]
THE TEMPEST.
35
300
30:
A Ion. Why, how now ? ho, awake ! — Why are you drawn ? Wherefore this ghastly looking?
Gon. What's the matter?
Seb. Whiles we stood here securing your repose, Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing Like bulls, or rather lions: did't not wake you? It struck mine ear most terribly.
Alon. I heard nothing.
Ant. O, 'twas a din to fright a monster's ear. To make an earthquake ! sure, it was the roar Of a whole herd of lions.
Aloji. Heard you this, Gonzalo?
Gon. Upon mine honour, sir, I heard a humming. And that a strange one too, which did awake me: I shaked you, sir, and cried: as mine eyes open'd, I saw their weapons drawn: — there was a noise, That's verily. 'Tis best we stand upon our guard, Or that we quit this place : let's draw our weapons.
A Ion. Lead off this ground ; and let's make further search For my poor son.
Gon. Heavens keep him from these beasts! 3^5
For he is, sure, i' th' island.
Alon. Lead away.
Ari. Prospero my lord shall know what I have done: So, king, go safely on to seek thy son. [Exeunt.
310
Scene H. Another part of the island.
Enter Caliban with a burden of wood. A tioise of thunder heard.
Cal. All the infe6lions that the sun sucks up From bogs, fens, flats, on Prosper fall, and make him By inch-meal a disease! His spirits hear me, And yet I needs must curse. But they'll nor pinch, P^right me with urchin-shows, pitch me i' the mire. Nor lead me, like a firebrand, in the dark
300. this\ thus Collier MS. 307. Goiizalo\ om. Pope. 312. verilyl verity Pope,
up07t our guard] on guard Pope.
4. iior] Fj Fj, not F3 F4.
D 2
36 THE TEMPEST. [act it.
Out of my way, unless he bid 'em : but
For every trifle are they set upon me ;
Sometime Hke apes, that mow and chatter at me,
And after bite me; then Hke hedgehogs, which lo
Lie tumbling in my barefoot way, and mount
Their pricks at my footfall ; sometime am I
All wound with adders, who with cloven tongues
Do hiss me into madness.
Enter Trinculo.
Lo, now, lo! Here comes a spirit of his, and to torment me 15
For bringing wood in slowly. I '11 fall flat ; Perchance he will not mind me.
Trin. Here's neither bush nor shrub, to bear off any weather at all, and another storm brewing; I hear it sing i' the wind: yond same black cloud, yond huge one, looks 20 like a foul bombard that would shed his liquor. If it should thunder as it did before, I know not where to hide my head : yond same cloud cannot choose but fall by pailfuls. What have we here.'' a man or a fish } dead or alive.-' A fish: he smells like a fish; a very ancient and fish-like smell; a kind 25 of not of the newest Poor-John. A strange fish! Were I in England now, as once I was, and had but this fish painted, not a holiday fool there but would give a piece of silver: there would this monster make a man ; any strange beast there makes a man : when they will not give a doit to 30 relieve a lame beggar, they will lay out ten to see a dead Indian. Legged like a man! and his fins like arms! Warm o' my troth ! I do now let loose my opinion ; hold it no longer: this is no fish, but an islander, that hath lately suf- fered by a thunderbolt. [Thunder?^ Alas, the storm is come again ! my best way is to creep under his gaberdine ; there is no other shelter hereabout : misery acquaints a man with strange bed-fellows. I will here shroud till the dregs of the storm be past.
[Thunder] Capell. dregs\ drench Collier MS.
00
|
15. and\ now Pope, sent Edd. |
35 |
|
conj. (so Dryden). |
38 |
|
1 1 . foitr\ full Upton conj. |
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST.
37
Enter Stephano, singing : a bottle in his hami.
Ste. I shall no more to sea, to sea, 40
Here shall I die a-shore, —
This is a very scurvy tune to sing at a man's funeral: well, here's my comfort. {^Drinks.
\^Sings. The master, the swabber, the boatswain, and I,
The gunner, and his mate, 4-
Loved Mall, Meg, and Marian, and Margery, But none of us cared for Kate ; For she had a tongue with a tang, Would cry to a sailor, Go hang ! She loved not the savour of tar nor of pitch ; 50
Yet a tailor might scratch her where'er she did itch. Then, to sea, boys, and let her go hang !
This is a scurvy tune too: but here's my comfort. [^Drinks.
Cal. Do not torment me: — O!
Ste. What's the matter.^ Have we devils here.-* Do 55 you put tricks upon 's with savages and men of Ind, ha.'' I have not scaped drowning, to be afeard now of your four legs ; for it hath been said. As proper a man as ever went on four legs cannot make him give ground ; and it shall be said so again, while Stephano breathes at 's nostrils. 60
Cal. The spirit torments me: — O!
Ste. This is some monster of the isle with four legs, who hath got, as I take it, an ague. Where the devil should he learn our language.'' I will give him some relief, if it be but for that. If I can recover him, and keep him tame, and 65 get to Naples with him, he's a present for any emperor that ever trod on neat's-leather.
Cal. Do not torment me, prithee; I'll bring my wood home faster.
Ste. He's in his fit now, and does not talk after the 70 wisest. He shall taste of my bottle: if he have never drunk wine afore, it will go near to remove his fit. If I can reco- ver him, and keep him tame, I will not take too much for him ; he shall pay for him that hath him, and that soundly.
40. Scene hi. Pope. 60. at 'j nosirils] Edd. at 'nostrils
a bottle in his hand] Capell. Fj. at nostrils Y^ F3 F4. at Ids
46. and Marian^ Mirian Pope. nostrils Pope. 56. savages'[ salvages Ff.
38 THE TEMPEST. [act ii.
Cal. Thou dost me yet but little hurt; thou wilt anon, I 75 know it by thy trembling : now Prosper works upon thee.
Ste. Come on your ways ; open your mouth ; here is that which will give language to you, cat : open your mouth ; this will shake your shaking, I can tell you, and that soundly : you cannot tell who's your friend: open your chaps again. 80
Trifi. I should know that voice : it should be — but he is drowned; and these are devils: — O defend me!
Ste. Four legs and two voices, — a most delicate mon- ster! His forward voice, now, is to speak well of his friend; his backward voice is to utter foul speeches and to detra6l. 85 If all the wine in my bottle will recover him, I will help his ague. Come : — Amen ! I will pour some in thy other mouth.
Trin. Stephano !
Ste. Doth thy other mouth call me.-* Mercy, mercy! 90 This is a devil, and no monster: I will leave him; I have no long spoon.
Trin. Stephano! If thou beest Stephano, touch me, and speak to me; for I am Trinculo, — be not afeard, — thy good friend Trinculo. 95
Ste. If thou beest Trinculo, come forth: I'll pull thee by the lesser legs : if any be Trinculo's legs, these are they. Thou art very Trinculo indeed! How camest thou to be the siege of this moon-calf.-' can he vent Trinculos.''
Trin. I took him to be killed with a thunder-stroke. 100 But art thou not drowned, Stephano } I hope, now, thou art not drowned. Is the storm overblown t I hid me under the dead moon-calf's gaberdine for fear of the storm. And art thou living, Stephano.^ O Stephano, two Neapo- litans scaped ! 10
Ste. Prithee, do not turn me about ; my stomach is not constant.
Cal. [aside] These be fine things, an if they be not sprites. That's a brave god, and bears celestial liquor : I will kneel to him. 1 1
78. you, cai] you Cat Ff. a cat 84. luell] F,. oin. F, F3 F4.
Hanmer. your cat 'E.AA. cow].
J
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 39
Ste. How didst thou 'scape? How earnest thou hither? swear, by this bottle, how thou earnest hither. I escaped upon a butt of sack, which the sailors heaved o'erboard, by this bottle ! which I made of the bark of a tree with mine own hands, since I was cast ashore. 115
Cal. I'll swear, upon that bottle, to be thy true sub- je6l; for the liquor is not earthly.
Ste. Here; swear, then, how thou escapedst.
Trhi. Swum ashore, man, like a duck: I can swim like a duck, I'll be sworn. 120
Ste. Here, kiss the book. Though thou canst swim like a duck, thou art made like a goose.
Trin. O Stephano, hast any more of this ?
Ste. The whole butt, man: my cellar is in a rock by the sea-side, where my wine is hid. How now, moon-calf! 125 how does thine ague?
Cal. Hast thou not dropp'd from heaven?
Ste. Out o' the moon, I do assure thee : I was the man i' the moon when time was.
Cal. I have seen thee in her, and I do adore thee: 130
My mistress show'd me thee, and thy dog, and thy bush.
Ste. Come, swear to that ; kiss the book : I will furnish it anon with new contents: swear.
Trin. By this good light, this is a very shallow mon- ster! I afeard of him! A very weak monster! The 135 man i' the moon! A most poor credulous monster! Well drawn, monster, in good sooth!
Cal. I '11 show thee every fertile inch o' th' island ; And I will kiss thy foot : I prithee, be my god.
Trin. By this light, a most perfidious and drunken 140 monster! when's god's asleep, he'll rob his bottle.
CaL I'll kiss thy foot; I'll swear myself thy subje6t.
Ste. Come on, then; down, and swear.
115, n6. Steevens prints as verse, 131. and thy dog, and thy bush]
ril. . .thy True. . .earthly. thy dog and bush Steevens.
118. swear, then, how thou es- 133. ne^d\Y^. the new Y^Y^^^- capedst] swear then: how escapedst 135. weak\Y^. shallow Y .^Y -^Y ^. //i(7«.? Pope. 138. island] Y^. isleY,^Y2Y4.
119. Swum] Sworn Ff.
40 THE TEMPEST. [act ii.
Trill. I shall laugh myself to death at this puppy- headed monster. A most scurvy monster! I could find in 145 my heart to beat him, —
Stc. Come, kiss.
Trin. But that the poor monster's in drink: an abo- minable monster !
Cal. ril show thee the bestsprings ; I'll pluck theeberries ; 150 I '11 fish for thee, and get thee wood enough. A plague upon the tyrant that I serve! I '11 bear him no more sticks, but follow thee. Thou wondrous man.
Trill. A most ridiculous monster, to make a wonder 155 of a poor drunkard!
Cal. I prithee, let me bring thee where crabs grow; And I with my long nails will dig thee pig-nuts; Show thee a jay's nest, and instru6l thee how To snare the nimble marmoset; I'll bring thee 160
To clustering filberts, and sometimes I '11 get thee Young scamels from the rock. Wilt than go with me .-'
Ste. I prithee now, lead the way, without any more talking. Trinculo, the king and all our company else being drowned, we will inherit here: here; bear my bottle: fellow 165 Trinculo, we'll fill him by and by again.
Cal. sings drunkcnly.'\ Farewell, master ; farewell, farewell !
Trin. A howling monster; a drunken monster!
Cal. No more dams I'll make for fish ; |
Nor fetch in firing i-o'
At requiring ; Nor scrape trencher, nor wash dish : 'Ban, 'Ban, Cacaliban Has a new master: — get a new man.
Freedom, hey-day! hey-day, freedom! freedom, hey-day, 175 freedom !
Ste. O brave monster! Lead the way. {Exeunt.
150 — 154. 157—162, printed as 165. Bdore here; bear my bollkCa-
verse by Pope (after Dryden). pell inserts [To Cal.]. See note (xn^.
162. scamels] s/iamois Theobald. 172. trencher] Pope (after Dry- seamalls, stanuels id. conj. den), treitchering Ff.
163. Ste.] Fj. Cal. F2F3F4. 175. hcy-da)=\^oviG. high-day Y{.
I
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 41
ACT III. Scene I. Before Prospero's cell.
Enter Ferdinand, bearing a log. Per. There be some sports are painful, and their labour Delight in them sets off: some kinds of baseness Are nobly undergone, and most poor matters Point to rich ends. This my mean task
Would be as heavy to me as odious, but c
The mistress which I serve quickens what's dead, And makes my labours pleasures: O, she is Ten times more gentle than her father's crabbed, And he's composed of harshness. I must remove Some thousands of these logs, and pile them up, 10
Upon a sore injun6lion: my sweet mistress Weeps when she sees me work, and says, such baseness Had never like executor. I forget : But these sweet thoughts do even refresh my labours, Most busy lest, when I do it.
Enter Miranda ; and Prospero at a distance, unseen.
Mir. Alas, now, pray you, 15
Work not so hard : I would the lightning had Burnt up those logs that you are enjoin'd to pile ! Pray, set it down, and rest you : when this burns, 'Twill weep for having wearied you. My father Is hard at study; pray, now, rest yourself; 20
I. and\ hut Pope. felt Staunton. Alost busy still Staun-
1. j^/j] Rowe. setY'i. ton conj. Most bicsy-blestQ.oVi\t.x'^l'S>.
4) 5- viy...odiotcs'\ viy vieaii task Most busiliest'^yiS\.oz\s. cou]. would be As heaiy to vie as ''tis odious Most busy lest, when I do (doe
Pope. Fj F2 F3) zV] Most busy when least I
9. r'einove\ move Pope. do it Brae conj. Most busiest when
14. labours'\labotirYizx\.vi\tx. idlest Spedding conj. Most busy left
15. Most busy lestlY^. Most busy tvhen idlest Y-dd. con]. See note (xill). least F^ F3 F4. Least busy Pope. at a distance, unseen] Rowe. Most busie-less Theobald. Most bu- 17. youare'\Y^. thotiartY^Y^Y^. siest Holt White conj. Most busy
42 THE TEMPEST. [act ill.
He's safe for these three hours.
Per. O most dear mistress,
The sun will set before I shall discharge What I must strive to do.
Mir. If you'll sit down,
I '11 bear your logs the while : pray, give me that ; I '11 carry it to the pile.
Per. No, precious creature ; 23
I had rather crack my sinews, break my back, Than you should such dishonour undergo, While I sit lazy by.
Mir. It would become me
As well as it does you : and I should do it With much more ease; for my good will is to it, 3°
And yours it is against.
Pros. Poor worm, thou art infe6led !
This visitation shows it.
Mir. You look wearily.
Per. No, noble mistress ; 'tis fresh morning with me When you are by at night. I do beseech you, — Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers, — 35
What is your name .■*
Mir. Miranda. — O my father,
I have broke your hest to say so!
Per. Admired Miranda!
Indeed the top of admiration! worth What's dearest to the world ! Full many a lady I have eyed with best regard, and many a time 4°
The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues Have I liked several women ; never any With so full soul, but some defe6l in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed, 45
And put it to the foil : but you, O you. So perfe6l and so peerless, are created Of every creature's best!
31. it is\ is it Steevens conj. (ed. 34; 35- I do beseech you, — Chiefy^
I, 2, and 3). om. Steevens (ed. 4) I do beseech you Chiefly Y{. (Farmer conj.).
■1
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 43
Mir. I do not know
One of my sex ; no woman's face remember, Save, from my glass, mine own ; nor have I seen 50
More that I may call men than you, good friend, And my dear father: how features are abroad, I am skilless of; but, by my modesty, The jewel in my dower, I would not wish
Any companion in the world but you ; 55
Nor can imagination form a shape. Besides yourself, to like of But I prattle Something too wildly, and my father's precepts I therein do forget.
Fer. I am, in my condition,
A prince, Miranda; I do think, a king ; 60
I would, not so! — and would no more endure This wooden slavery than to suffer The flesh-fly blow my mouth. Hear my soul speak : The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service; there resides, 65
To make me slave to it; and for your sake Am I this patient log-man.
Mir. Do you love me.''
Fer. O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sound. And crown what I profess with kind event, If I speak true! if hollowly, invert 70
What best is boded me to mischief! I, Beyond all limit of what else i' the world, Do love, prize, honour you.
Mir. I am a fool
To weep at what I am glad of.
Pros. Fair encounter
Of two most rare afife6lions ! Heavens rain grace 75
On that which breeds between 'em !
Fer. Wherefore weep you.''
Mir. At mine unworthiness, that dare not offer What I desire to give ; and much less take
59. / therein d6\ I do Pope. than to\ than I would Vo^s..
Therein Steevens. 72. ivhat else] aught else Malone
62. wooden] wodden Fj. conj. (withdrawn).
44 THE TEMPEST. [act iii.
What I shall die to want. But this is trifling;
And all the more it seeks to hide itself, 80
The bigger bulk it shows. Hence, bashful cunning!
And prompt me, plain and holy innocence!
I am your wife, if you will marry me ;
If not, I'll die your maid: to be your fellow
You may deny me; but I'll be your servant, 85
Whether you will or no.
Fcr. My mistress, dearest;
And I thus humble ever.
Mir. My husband, then .•*
Per. Ay, with a heart as willing As bondage e'er of freedom : here's my hand.
Mir. And mine, with my heart in't: and now farewell 90 Till half an hour hence.
Fer. A thousand thousand!
\Exc2tnt Fcr. and Mir. severally.
Pros. So glad of this as they I cannot be, Who are surprised withal; but my rejoicing At nothing can be more. I '11 to my book ; For yet, ere supper-time, must I perform 9.5
Much business appertaining. {Exit.
Scene II. A not her part of tJic island.
Enter Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo.
Stc. Tell not me; — when the butt is out, we will drink water; not a drop before: therefore bear up, and board 'em. Servant-monster, drink to me.
Triji. Servant-monster! the folly of this island! They say there's but five upon this isle: we are three of them ; if th' other two be brained like us, the state totters.
80. seeks\seekdY-iY^. baUl. Tlie other... Pope. 88. .7j] Fj. .WF2F3F4. Enter...] Enter .S. and T.
91. severally] Capell. reeling, Caliban following with a bol-
93. xoithall Theobald, 'with all tie. Capell. Enter C. S. and T,
Ff. with a bottle. Johnson. Scene ii. Another...] Theo-
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 45
Ste. Drink, servant-monster, when I bid thee: thy eyes are almost set in thy head.
Trill. Where should they be set else.-' he were a brave monster indeed, if they were set in his tail. to
Ste. My man-monster hath drowned his tongue in sack : for my part, the sea cannot drown me ; I swam, ere I could recover the shore, five-and-thirty leagues off and on. By this light, thou shalt be my lieutenant, monster, or my standard. 15
Trill. Your lieutenant, if you list; he's no standard.
Ste. We'll not run. Monsieur Monster.
Trin. Nor go neither; but you'll lie, like dogs, and yet say nothing neither.
Ste. Moon-calf, speak once in thy life, if thou beest a 20 good moon-calf
Cat. How does thy honour.^ Let me lick thy shoe. I '11 not serve him, he is not valiant.
Trin. Thou liest, most ignorant monster: I am in case to justle a constable. Why, thou debauched fish, thou, was 25 there ever man a coward that hath drunk so much sack as I to-day.'' Wilt thou tell a monstrous lie, being but half a fish and half a monster.?
Cal. Lo, how he mocks me ! wilt thou let him, my lord }
Trin. 'Lord,' quoth he! That a monster should be 30 such a natural !
Cal. Lo, lo, again! bite him to death, I prithee.
Ste. Trinculo, keep a good tongue in your head : if you prove a mutineer, — the next tree! The poor monster's my subje6l, and he shall not suffer indignity. 35
Cal. I thank my noble lord. Wilt thou be pleased to hearken once again to the suit I made to thee.-*
Ste. Marry, will I : kneel and repeat it ; I will stand, and so shall Trinculo.
8. head\ Fj. heaH Fj F3 F4. 25. debauched] debosk'd Ff.
13, 14. on. By this light, fhoii] 37. to the suit I made to thee] the
on, by this light thou Ff. on, by this suit I tnade thee Steevens, who prints
light. — Thou Capell. all Caliban's speeches as verse.
46 THE TEMPEST. [act iii
Enter Ariel, invisible.
Cal. As I told thee before, I am subje6l to a tyrant, a 40 sorcerer, that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island.
Ari. Thou liest.
Cal. Thou liest, thou jesting monkey, thou :
I would my valiant master would destroy thee! I do not lie.
Ste. Trinculo, if you trouble him any more in's tale, by this hand, I will supplant some of your teeth.
Trin. Why, I said nothing.
Ste. Mum, then, and no more. Proceed. .
Cal. I say, by sorcery he got this isle ; 1
From me he got it. If thy greatness will 50
Revenge it on him, — for I know thou darest, But this thing dare not, —
Ste. That's most certain.
Cal. Thou shalt be lord of it, and I '11 serve thee.
Ste. How now shall this be compassed.'' Canst thou 55 bring me to the party.''
Cal. Yea, yea, my lord: I'll yield him thee asleep. Where thou mayst knock a nail into his head.
Ari. Thou liest; thou canst not.
Cal. What a pied ninny's this! Thou scurvy patch! 60 I do beseech thy Greatness, give him blows, And take his bottle from him : when that's gone, He shall drink nought but brine; for I'll not show him Where the quick freshes are.
Ste. Trinculo, run into no further danger: interrupt the 6 monster one word further, and, by this hand, I '11 turn my mercy out o' doors, and make a stock-fish of thee.
Trin. Why, what did \} I did nothing. I'll go far- ther off.
Ste. Didst thou not say he lied.^ 7
Ari. Thou liest.
Ste. Do I so.^ take thou that. [Beats him^ As you like this, give me the lie another time.
60. Johnson conjeiflured that this F3 F4. line was spoken by Stephano. 72. [Beats him.] Rowe.
68. faiiher] F,. tto further Fj
J
SCENE II.] THE TEMPEST. 47
Trm. I did not give the lie. Out o' your wits, and hearing too? A pox o' your bottle! this can sack and 75 drinking do. A murrain on your monster, and the devil take your fingers!
Cal. Ha, ha, ha!
Ste. Now, forward with your tale. — Prithee, stand far- ther off. 80
Cal. Beat him enough: after a little time, I'll beat him too.
Ste. Stand farther. Come, proceed.
Cal. Why, as I told thee, 'tis a custom wath him r th' afternoon to sleep: there thou mayst brain him, Having first seized his books; or with a log 85
Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake. Or cut his wezand with thy knife. Remember First to possess his books ; for without them He's but a sot, as I am, nor hath not
One spirit to command: they all do hate him po
As rootedly as I. Burn but his books. He has brave utensils, — for so he calls them, — Which, when he has a house, he'll deck withal. And that most deeply to consider is
The beauty of his daughter; he himself 95
Calls her a nonpareil : I never saw a woman, But only Sycorax my dam and she ; But she as far surpasseth Sycorax As great'st does least.
Ste. Is it so brave a lass .''
Cal Ay, lord; she will become thy bed, I warrant, 100 And bring thee forth brave brood.
Ste. Monster, I will kill this man : his daughter and I will be king and queen, — save our Graces! — and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys. Dost thou like the plot, Trinculo.? ^°5
Trin. Excellent.
84. there\ then Collier MS. saw woman Pope.
89. no7^ and Pope. 99. greafst does leasi\ greatest
93. deck'l deck't Hanmer. does the least Rowe.
96. / never saw a woman] I ne^er
48 THE TEMPEST. [act iii.
Ste. Give me thy hand : I am sorry I beat thee ; but, while thou livest, keep a good tongue in thy head.
Cal. Within this half hour will he be asleep : Wilt thou destroy him then ?
Ste. Ay, on mine honour. no
Ari. This will I tell my master.
Cal. Thou makest me merry; I am full of pleasure: Let us be jocund: will you troll the catch You taught me but while-ere.''
Ste. At thy request, monster, I will do reason, any 115 reason. — Come on, Trinculo, let us sing. \_Sings.
Flout 'em and scout 'em, and scout 'em and flout 'em ; Thought is free.
Cal. That's not the tune.
\A riel plays the time on a tabor and pipe.
Ste. What is this same.'' 120
Trin. This is the tune of our catch, played by the pic- ture of Nobody.
Ste. If thou beest a man, show thyself in thy likeness: if thou beest a devil, take't as thou list.
Trill. O, forgive me my sins! 125
Ste. He that dies pays all debts: I defy thee. Mercy upon us!
Cal. Art thou afeard.-*
Ste. No, monster, not I.
Cal. Be not afeard ; the isle is full of noises, i
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears ; and sometime voices. That, if I then had waked after long sleep, Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming, 135
The clouds methought would open, and show riches Ready to drop upon mc ; that, when I waked, I cried to dream again.
115, 116] Printed as verse in Ff. 132. tivangling\ hoangingVoT^e.
115. «;/!'] Fj. rt;/^ F2 F3 F4. 133. somelimc\ F,. sometimes V ^
117. scout ''cm, and scout 'cni\ Pope. F3 F4.
cout ''em and skowt 'em Ff. 137. thatl om. Pope. 1-25. sins'] sin F4.
SCENE III.] THE TEMPEST. 49
Ste. This will prove a brave kingdom to me, where I shall have my music for nothing. 140
Cal. When Prospero is destroyed.
Ste. That shall be by and by : I remember the story.
Trin. The sound is going away; let's follow it, and after do our work,
Ste. Lead, monster; we'll follow. I would I could see 145 this taborer; he lays it on.
Trin. Wilt come."* I'll follow, Stephano. {Exeunt.
Scene III. A nother part of the island.
Enter Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian, Francisco, and others.
Gon. By'r lakin, I can go no further, sir; My old bones ache: here's a maze trod, indeed, Through forth-rights and meanders ! By your patience, I needs must rest me.
Alon. Old lord, I cannot blame thee.
Who am myself attach'd with weariness, 5
To the dulling of my spirits: sit down, and rest. Even here I will put off my hope, and keep it No longer for my flatterer: he is drown'd Whom thus we stray to find ; and the sea mocks Our frustrate search on land. Well, let him go. 10
Ant. [Aside to Seb?[ I am right glad that he's so out of hope. Do not, for one repulse, forego the purpose That you resolved to effeft.
Seb. [Aside to Ant.] The next advantage Will we take throughly.
Ant. [Aside to Seb^^ Let it be to-night;
147. Trm. Will come? r a follow, i. achc\ akeY^Y^Y^. a/cesY,.
Stephano^^Txxn. Wilt cornel Ste./'// 3. fojih-rights^Y^Y^YA.. fourth
follow. Capell. Ste... Wiltcome? Trin. rights Fj.
I' II follow, Stephano. YiMion con]. 8. flatterer\Y^. flatterersY^Y^Yj^.
VOL. I. E
I
50 THE TEMPEST. [act iii.
For, now they are oppress'd with travel, they 15
Will not, nor cannot, use such vigilance As when they are fresh.
Seb. [Aside to Ant^ I say, to-night: no more.
\_S0lc7nn and strange m?isic.
Alon. What harmony is thisi' — My good friends, hark!
Gon. Marvellous sweet music!
Enter Prospero above, invisible. Enter several strange Shapes, bringirig in a banquet : they dance about it with gentle anions of salutation ; afid, itiviting the King, £s^c. to eat, they depart.
A Ion. Give us kind keepers, heavens ! — What were these .'' 20
Seb. A living drollery. Now I will believe That there are unicorns ; that in Arabia There is on^tree, the phoenix' throne; one phoenix At this hour reigning there.
Ant. I '11 believe both ;
And what does else want credit, come to me, And I'll be sworn 'tis true: travellers ne'er did lie, Though fools at home condemn 'em.
Gon. If in Naples
I should report this now, would they believe me.-* If I should say, I saw such islanders, — j
For, certes, these are people of the island, — ^o
Who, though they are of monstrous shape, yet, note, Their manners are more gentle-kind than of Our human generation you shall find Many, nay, almost any.
Pros. [Aside] Honest lord.
Thou hast said well; for some of you there present 3s
Are worse than devils.
A /on. I cannot too much muse
Such shapes, such gesture, and such sound, expressing —
17. Prospero above] Malone. Pros- 29. istafidcrsjFJ^^F^. islands T^.
per on the top Ff. See note (xiv). 32. geitlle-kind] Theobald, geii/le,
10. were] F, F^ F3. are F4. l-itid Ff. genile kind Rowe.
26. V/j /;?/■('] fo V Steevens conj. 36. musf] Fj F^ F3. »iiise, F4.
did lie] lied Hanmer. miise; Capell.
SCENE III.] THE TEMPEST. 51
Although they want the use of tongue — a kind Of excellent dumb discourse.
Pros. [Aside] Praise in departing.
Erau. They vanish'd strangely.
Sed. No matter, since 40
They have left their viands behind ; for we have stomachs. — Will't please you taste of what is here.-'
A Ion. Not I.
Go/i. Faith, sir, you need not fear. When we were boys, Who would believe that there were mountaineers Dew-lapp'd like bulls, whose throats had hanging at 'em 45
Wallets of flesh.'' or that there were such men Whose heads stood in their breasts ? which now we find Each putter-out of five for one will bring us Good warrant of
A /on. I will stand to, and feed,
Although my last: no matter, since I feel 50
The best is past. Brother, my lord the duke, Stand to, and do as we.
TJnmder and lightning. Enter ARIEL, like a harpy j claps his wings upon the table ; and, with a qnaint device, the banquet vanishes.
Art. You are three men of sin, whom Destiny, — That hath to instrument this lower world
And what is in't, — the never-surfeited sea 55
Hath caused to belch up you; and on this island, Where man doth not inhabit, — you 'mongst men Being most unfit to live. I have made you mad ; And even with such-like valour men hang and drown Their proper selves. [A /on., Seb. &c. draw their sivords.
You fools! I and my fellows 60
Are ministers of Fate : the elements,
48. of five for one] Ff. on five for 53. ScENE IV. Pope.
o«<? Theobald, of one for five Ma.\one, 54. instiianent'] instruments Y^.
(Thirlby conj.) See note (xv). 56. belch tip you'\Yj^'F^¥'^. belch
49 — 5 1 . / will. . .past] Mason con- you up F4. belch up Theobald, jecflured that these lines fonned a 60. [...draw their swords] Han- rhyming couplet. mer.
E2
52 THE TEMPEST. [act iii.
Of whom your swords are temper'd, may as well
Wound the loud winds, or with bemock'd-at stabs
Kill the still-closing waters, as diminish
One dowle that's in my plume: my fellow-ministers 65
Are like invulnerable. If you could hurt.
Your swords are now too massy for your strengths,
And will not be uplifted. But remember, —
For that's my business to you, — that you three
From Milan did supplant good Prospero; 70
Exposed unto the sea, which hath requit it,
Him and his innocent child: for which foul deed
The powers, delaying, not forgetting, have
Incensed the seas and shores, yea, all the creatures,
Against your peace. Thee of thy son, Alonso, -y^
They have bereft ; and do pronounce by me :
Lingering perdition — worse than any death
Can be at once — shall step by step attend
You and your ways; whose wraths to guard you from, —
Which here, in this most desolate isle, else falls 80
Upon your heads, — is nothing but heart-sorrow
And a clear life ensuing.
He vanishes m tlmnder; then, to soft music, enter the Shapes again, ajid dance, with mocks and motus, and carrying out the table.
•
I
Pros. Bravely the figure of this harpy hast thou Perform'd, my Ariel; a grace it had, devouring: Of my instru61;ion hast thou nothing bated In what thou hadst to say: so, with good life And observation strange, my meaner ministers Their several kinds have done. My high charms work, And these mine enemies are all knit up In their distraftions: they now are in my power; And in these fits I leave them, while I visit
6}. do7vlc] doivn Pope. sortmv Ff. hearths-sorrow Rowe.
plume\ Rowe. plumhe F, F, heart's sonvM Pope. F3. plumb F4. 82. mocks] mopps Theobald,
67. strengihsl strength ¥ ^. 86. //>]/«/ Johnson conj.
79. ivrathsl wrath Theobald. 90. nrnt.''] om. Pope.
81. heart-sorrow'\ Edd. hearts-
8S|
SCENE III.] THE TEMPEST. 53
Young Ferdinand, — whom they suppose is drown'd, — And his and mine loved darling. \Exit above.
Gon. r the name of something holy, sir, why stand you In this strange stare.''
A Ion. O, it is monstrous, monstrous! 95
Methought the billows spoke, and told me of it ; The winds did sing it to me; and the thunder, That deep and dreadful organ-pipe, pronounced The name of Prosper: it did bass my trespass. Therefore my son i' th' ooze is bedded; and 100
I'll seek him deeper than e'er plummet sounded, And with him there lie mudded. {Exit.
Scb. But one fiend at a time,
I'll fight their legions o'er.
Ant. I'll be thy second.
\Exe?int Seb. and Ant.
Gon. All three of them are desperate : their great guilt, Like poison given to work a great time after, 105
Now 'gins to bite the spirits. I do beseech you, That are of suppler joints, follow them swiftly, And hinder them from what this ecstasy May now provoke them to.
A dr. Follow, I pray you. {Exeunt.
92. tu/iODil 7v/io Hanmer. thing, holy Sir, F4.
93. mine] my Rowe. 99. bass] Johnson, base Ff. [Exit above] Theobald. 106. do] om. Pope.
94. something holy, sir^ some-
54 THE TEMPEST. [act iv.
ACT IV.
Scene I. Before Prospero's cell.
Enter Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda.
Pros. If I have too austerely punish'd you, Your compensation makes amends ; for I Have given you here a third of mine own life, Or that for which I live ; who once again
I tender to thy hand: all thy vexations 5
Were but my trials of thy love, and thou Hast strangely stood the test: here, afore Heaven, I ratify this my rich gift. O Ferdinand, Do not smile at me that I boast her off,
For thou shalt find she will outstrip all praise, 10
And make it halt behind her.
Fer. I do believe it
Against an oracle.
Pros. Then, as my gift, and thine own acquisition Worthily purchased, take my daughter: but If thou dost break her virgin-knot before 15
All san6limonious ceremonies may With full and holy rite be minister'd, No sweet aspersion shall the heavens let fall To make this contraft grow; but barren hate, Sour-eyed disdain and discord shall bestrew 20
The union of your bed with weeds so loathly That you shall hate it both: therefore take heed, As Hymen's lamps shall light you.
Fer. As I hope
For quiet days, fair issue and long life,
3. a ihinf] a thread Theobald. 9. off^Y^Y^Yi,. ofY^. " the thread Williams conj. 11. dd\ om. Pope.
4. ■whd\ zohomVo^t. 13. ^//?] Rowe. guest Yi. 7. to/JFj. restY^Y^Y^. 14. l>ut]Y^. om. F^ F3 F4.
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 55
With such love as 'tis now, the murkiest den, 25
The most opportune place, the strong' st suggestion
Our worser Genius can, shall never melt
Mine honour into lust, to take away
The edge of that day's celebration
When I shall think, or Phoebus' steeds are founder'd, 30
Or Night kept chain'd below.
Pros. Fairly spoke.
Sit, then, and talk with her; she is thine own. What, Ariel! my industrious servant, Ariel!
Enter Ariel,
Ari. What would my potent master? here I am.
Pros. Thou and thy meaner fellows your last ser\^ice 35 Did worthily perform ; and I must use you In such another trick. Go bring the rabble. O'er whom I give thee power, here to this place : Incite them to quick motion; for I must
Bestow upon the eyes of this young couple 40
Some vanity of mine art : it is my promise, And they expeft it from me.
A ri. Presently }
Pros. Ay, with a twink.
Ari. Before you can say, 'come,' and 'go,'
And breathe twice, and cry, ' so, so,' 45
Each one, tripping on his toe, Will be here with mop and mow. Do you love me, master.^ no.-*
Pros. Dearly, my delicate Ariel. Do not approach Till thou dost hear me call.
Ari. Well, I conceive. [Exit. 50
Pros. Look thou be true ; do not give dalliance Too much the rein: the strongest oaths are straw To the fire i' the blood : be more abstemious,
^5. V«] is Capell. 41. vanit)^ ratify S:. Walker conj.
30. Phoebus'^ Phccbus Fj. Phczdus 48. i!o?'\ no. Rowe.
F2F3. PJuxduusY^. 53- abstemious\ahiteniousY^.
34. Scene ii. Pope.
56 THE TEMPEST. [act iv.
Or else, good night your vow !
Fer. I warrant you, sir;
The white cold virgin snow upon my heart SS^j
Abates the ardour of my liver.
Pros. Well.
Now come, my Ariel! bring a corollary, Rather than want a spirit: appear, and pertly! No tongue ! all eyes ! be silent. {Soft music.
Enter Iris.
his. Ceres, most bounteous lady, thy rich leas ()0\
Of wheat, rye, barley, vetches, oats, and pease ; Thy turfy mountains, where live nibbling sheep. And flat meads thatch'd with stover, them to keep ; Thy banks with pioned and twilled brims, Which spongy April at thy hest betrims, 6g'
To make cold nymphs chaste crowns ; and thy broom-groves. Whose shadow the dismissed bachelor loves, Being lass-lorn ; thy pole-clipt vineyard ; And thy sea-marge, sterile and rocky-hard. Where thou thyself dost air ; — the queen o' the sky, Whose watery arch and messenger am I, Bids thee leave these ; and with her sovereign grace, Here on this grass-plot, in this very place. To come and sport : — her peacocks fly amain : Approach, rich Ceres, her to entertain. ^^5
Enter Ceres.
Cer. Hail, many-colour'd messenger, that ne'er j
Dost disobey the wife of Jupiter; Who, with thy saffron wings, upon my flowers Diffusest honey-drops, refreshing showers ; And with each end of thy blue bow dost crown 8oi
My bosky acres and my unshrubb'd down, Rich scarf to my proud earth ; — why hath thy queen Summon'd me hither, to this short-grass'd green?
60. Scene hi. A Masque. Pope. Hanmer.
//n'] Fj. the F^ F3 F4. 68. fole-dipi\ pak-clipi Hanmer.
64. pioned] pionied Warburton. 72. After this line Ff. have the
/i?(7«;^^ Steevens. stage direcflion, "yutio descends.''
twilled] tulifd Rowe. tilled 74. her Rowe. here Ff.
Capell (Holt conj.). lilied Steevens. 83. short-grass'd] F3 F4. short
66. broom-groves] hrown groves gras'd F, Fj. short-grass Pope.
70I
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 57
Iris. A contra(fl of true love to celebrate ; And some donation freely to estate 85
On the blest lovers.
Cer. Tell me, heavenly bow,
If Venus or her son, as thou dost know. Do now attend the queen ? Since they did plot The means that dusky Dis my daughter got.
Her and her blind boy's scandal'd company 90
I have forsworn.
h'is. Of her society
Be not afraid : I met her Deity Cutting the clouds towards Paphos, and her son Dove-drawn with her. Here thought they to have done Some wanton charm upon this man and maid, 95
Whose vows are, that no bed- right shall be paid Till Hymen's torch be lighted ; but in vain ; Mars's hot minion is returned again ; Her waspish-headed son has broke his arrows,
Swears he will shoot no more, but play with sparrows, 100
And be a boy right out.
Cer. High'st queen of state.
Great Juno, comes ; I know her by her gait.
Enter JUNO.
yiaio. How does my bounteous sister? Go with me To bless this twain, that they may prosperous be, And honour'd in their issue. {They sing: 105
Juno. Honour, riches, niarriage-blessing, Long continuance, and increasing. Hourly joys be still upon you ! Juno sings her blessings on you.
Cer. Earth's increase, foison plenty, IIO
Bams and gamers never empty ; Vines with clustering bunches growing ; Plants with goodly burthen bowing; Spring come to you at the farthest
In the very end of harvest ! I15
Scarcity and want shall shun you; Ceres' blessing so is on you.
96. bed-rigki] bed-rite Singer. foison] Fj. and foison ¥,
lOT. High'st] High Vo^e. F3F4.
102. Enter JuNo] om. Ff. 114. Spring] Rain Collier MS.
1 10. Cer.] Theobald, om. Ff.
58 THE TEMPEST. [act iv.
Fcr. This is a most majestic vision, and Harmonious charmingly. May I be bold To think these spirits?
Pros. Spirits, which by mine art 120
I have from their confines call'd to ena6l My present fancies.
Per. Let me live here ever;
So rare a wonder'd father and a wife Makes this place Paradise.
{Juno and Ceres zvJiisper, and send Iris on employment.
Pros. Sweet, now, silence!
Juno and Ceres whisper seriously; 125
There's something else to do: hush, and be mute, Or else our spell is marr'd.
Iris. You nymphs, call'd Naiads, of the windring brooks. With your sedged crowns and ever-harmless looks, Leave your crisp channels, and on this green land 130
Answer your summons ; Juno does command : Come, temperate nymphs, and help to celebrate A contrail of true love ; be not too late.
Enter certain Nymphs.
You sunburnt sicklemen, of August weary,
Come hither from the furrow, and be merry: 135
Make holiday ; your rye-straw hats put on,
And these fresh nymphs encounter every one
In country footing.
Enter certain Reaper's, properly habited : they join ruith the Nymphs 171 a gracefjil dance j towards the end whereof Prospero starts
119. chariningl)!\ chanuiiig lay /tv/a', Jtiw/ Hanmer.
Hanmer. charmtJig lays Warburton. 1 24. In Ff. the stage direcftion
Harmoniously charming Steevens [Juno, &€. follows line 12;. Capell
conj. made the change.
121. from fhcir'\Y^. from all their 12S. 7oimlri/ig] 7inndi>!g Rowe.
Fj F3 F4. wancfriftg Steevens.
123. wifc\ Fj (var.). Rowe. wise 129. sedged] sedge Collier M.S. Fj (var.) Fj F3 F4. 136. holiday] holly day Y^Y^Y^.
124. Malies] make Yo^e. holy-day Y^. Srwei, tioiv, silence] now, si-
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST. 59
suddenly, and speaks ; after which, to a strange, hollow, and con- fused noise, they heavily vanish.
Pros. [Aside] I had forgot that foul conspiracy Of the beast Caliban and his confederates i^.o
Against my life: the minute of their j)lot Is almost come. \To tlie Spirits?\ Well done! avoid; no more!
Fcr. This is strange: your father's in some passion That works him strongly.
Mir. Never till this day
Saw I him touch'd with anger so distemper'd. 145
Pros. You do look, my son, in a moved sort, As if you were dismay'd : be cheerful, sir. Our revels now are ended. These our adlors, As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air: 15°
And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces. The solemn temples, the great globe itself. Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve.
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, ^55
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff As dreams are made on; and our little life Is rounded with a sleep. Sir, I am vex'd ; Bear with my weakness ; my old brain is troubled : Be not disturb'd with my infirmity: 160
If you be pleased, retire into my cell. And there repose : a turn or two I '11 walk. To still my beating mind.
Per. Mir. We wish your peace. {Exeunt.
Pros. Come with a thought. I thank thee, Ariel : come.
139. Scene iv. Pope. 151. this\ Fj. their Y^ F3 F4.
143. This is\ This" (for This 's) tK air visions ^ zxh^xxiox^..
S. Walker conj. 156. rack^ F3 F4. racke Fj F^.
strange'] most strange Han- track Hanmer. wreck Dyce (Malone
mer,
conj.). 163. 164. 146. (/()] om. Pope. See note (xvi). I thank you:— Ariel, come. i:h.Qoha\d.
145. Ff put a comma after fl'w^.jn 163. yourlY^Y^Y^,. you ¥4.
Warburton omitted it. 164. / thank thee, Ariel: come.]
6o THE TEMPEST. [act iv.
Enter Ariel.
Ari. Thy thoughts I cleave to. What's thy pleasure? 165
Pros. Spirit,
We must prepare to meet with Caliban.
A7'i. Ay, my commander: when I presented Ceres, I thought to have told thee of it ; but I fear'd Lest I might anger thee.
Pj'os. Say again, where didst thou leave these varlets? 170
Ari. I told you, sir, they were red-hot with drinking; So full of valour that they smote the air For breathing in their faces ; beat the ground For kissing of their feet ; yet always bending Towards their proje6l. Then I beat my tabor; 175
At which, like unback'd colts, they prick'd their ears, Advanced their eyelids, lifted up their noses As they smelt music: so I charm'd their ears. That, calf-like, they my lowing follow'd through Tooth'd briers, sharp furzes, pricking goss, and thorns, 180
Which enter'd their frail shins : at last I left them r the filthy-mantled pool beyond your cell. There dancing up to the chins, that the foul lake O'erstunk their feet.
Pros. This was well done, my bird.
Thy shape invisible retain thou still: 185
The trumpery in my house, go bring it hither. For stale to catch these thieves.
Ari. I go, I go. [Exit.
Pros. A devil, a born devil, on whose nature Nurture can never stick ; on whom my pains. Humanely taken, all, all lost, quite lost; 190
And as with age his body uglier grows. So his mind cankers. I will plague them all, Even to roaring.
169. Lcsf] F4. Am/FiF^Fa. (note, v. i. p. 87).
170. Say agaui'l Well, say again 182. filtliy-maiitlcil'\ filthy viantlcd Capell. Ff. filth-ymanikd Steevens conj.
x8o. /««;<?j] Rowe. firzesYL 184. /vY] /-ar Spedding conj.
181. shms\ skins y^ ^xhviXiow zo\\\. 190. a//, a//] a«f a// Malone conj.
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 6i
Re-enter Ariel, loaden with glistering apparel, ^c. Come, hang them on this hne.
Prosper© and Ariel remain, invisible. Enter Caliban, Stephano,
and Trinculo, all wet.
Cal. Pray you, tread softly, that the blind mole may not Hear a foot fall: we now are near his cell. 195
Ste. Monster, your fairy, which you say is a harmless fairy, has done little better than played the Jack with us.
Trill. Monster, I do smell all horse-piss; at which my nose is in great indignation.
Stc. So is mine. Do you hear, monster,^ If I should 200 take a displeasure against you, look you, —
Trill. Thou wert but a lost monster.
Cal. Good my lord, give me thy favour still. Be patient, for the prize I'll bring thee to
Shall hoodwink this mischance: therefore speak softly. 205
All's hush'd as midnight yet.
Trin. Ay, but to lose our bottles in the pool, —
Ste. There is not only disgrace and dishonour in that, monster, but an infinite loss.
Trill. That's more to me than my wetting: yet this is 210 your harmless fairy, monster.
Stc. I will fetch off my bottle, though I be o'er ears for my labour.
Cal. Prithee, my king, be quiet. See'st thou here, This is the mouth o' the cell: no noise, and enter. 215
Do that good mischief which may make this island Thine own for ever, and I, thy Caliban, For aye thy foot-licker.
Stc. Give me thy hand. I do begin to have bloody thoughts. 220
Trill. O King Stephano! O peer! O worthy Ste- phano ! look what a wardrobe here is for thee !
Cal. Let it alone, thou fool ; it is but trash.
Trin. O, ho, monster ! we know what belongs to a frip- pery. O King Stephano! 225
193. them on Rowe. on them Ff. bald, Capell. om. Ff.
Prospero ... invisible. Theo- 194. Scene v. Pope.
1
62 THE TEMPEST. [act iv.
Ste. Put off that gown, Trinculo; by this hand, I'll have that gown.
Trill. Thy Grace shall have it.
Cal. The dropsy drown this fool ! what do you mean To dote thus on such luggage.? Let's alone, 230
And do the murder first: if he awake. From toe to crown he'll fill our skins with pinches. Make us strange stuff.
Ste. Be you quiet, monster. Mistress line, is not this my jerkin .'' Now is the jerkin under the line: now, jerkin, 235 you are like to lose your hair, and prove a bald jerkin.
Trin. Do, do: we steal by line and level, an't like your Grace.
Ste. I thank thee for that jest; here's a garment for't: wit shall not go unrewarded while I am king of this coun- 240 try. 'Steal by line and level' is an excellent pass of pate; there's another garment for't. 4
Trin. Monster, come, put some lime upon your fingers, and away with the rest.
Cal. I will have none on't: we shall lose our time, 245
And all be turn'd to barnacles, or to apes With foreheads villanous low.
Ste. Monster, lay-to your fingers: help to bear this away where my hogshead of wine is, or I'll turn you out of my kingdom: go to, carry this. 250'
Trin. And this.
Ste. Ay, and this.
A noise of hunters heard. Enter divers Spirits, in shape 0/ dog's and hounds, and hunt them about, Prospero rt«^/ Ariel setting them on.
Pros. Hey, Mountain, hey! |
Ari. Silver! there it goes, Silver!
Pros. Fury, fury! there. Tyrant, there! hark, hark! 255^
\Cal., Ste., and Trin. are driven out. Go charge my goblins that they grind their joints
230. Lefs alone] LefsalcmgTheo- 255. Stage direcflion added by
bald. Lei it alone Hanmer. Let V Theobald.
alone Collier. See note (xvii). 256. i/ie}'\ Y^ F3 F4. tttou Y^.
246. to apes] om. to Pope.
I
i
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 63
With dry convulsions; shorten up their sinews
With aged cramps ; and more pinch-spotted make them
Then pard or cat o' mountain.
Ari. Hark, they roar!
Pros. Let them be hunted soundly. At this hour 260 Lie at my mercy all mine enemies: Shortly shall all my labours end, and thou Shalt have the air at freedom : for a little Follow, and do me service. [Exeunt.
ACT V.
Scene I. Before the cell of Prospero.
Enter Prospero in his magic robes, and Ar.I'E.u
Pros. Now does my projefl gather to a head: My charms crack not ; my spirits obey ; and time Goes upright with his carriage. How's the day.-*
Ari. On the sixth hour; at which time, my lord, You said our work should cease.
Pros. I did say so, 5
When first I raised the tempest. Say, my spirit, How fares the king and's followers.''
Ari. Confined together
In the same fashion as you gave in charge, Just as you left them; all prisoners, sir.
In the line-grove which weather-fends your cell; 10
They cannot budge till your release. The king, His brother, and yours, abide all three distra6led. And the remainder mourning over them, Brimful of sorrow and dismay ; but chiefly Him that you term'd, sir, "The good old lord, Gonzalo;" 15
261, Lie] Rowe. lies Ff. lo. line-gfove] lime-grove Rowe.
7. /'('^(?///t»r] om. Pope. ii. jw«-] Fj Fg. youY-^Y^.
9. all] all your Vo^Q. 15. j/r] om. Pope.
64 THE TEMPEST. [act v.
His tears run down his beard, like winter's drops From eaves of reeds. Your charm so strongly works 'em, That if you now beheld them, your affe6lions Would become tender.
Pros. Dost thou think so, spirit .-^
Art. Mine would, sir, were I human.
Pros. And mine shall. 20^
Hast thou, which art but air, a touch, a feeling Of their afifliftions, and shall not myself. One of their kind, that relish all as sharply. Passion as they, be kindlier moved than thou art.'' Though with their high wrongs I am struck to the quick, 25J Yet with my nobler reason 'gainst my fury Do I take part: the rarer a6tion is In virtue than in vengeance : they being penitent, The sole drift of my purpose doth extend
Not a frown further. Go release them, Ariel: 30
My charms I'll break, their senses I'll restore, And they shall be themselves.
Ari. I'll fetch them, sir. \_Exit.
Pros. Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes, and groves ; And ye that on the sands with printless foot Do chase the ebbing Neptune, and do fly him 35
When he comes back ; you demi-puppets that By moonshine do the green sour ringlets make, Whereof the ewe not bites ; and you whose pastime Is to make midnight mushrooms, that rejoice To hear the solemn curfew; by whose aid — 40
Weak masters though ye be — I have bedimm'd The noontide sun, call'd forth the mutinous winds. And 'twixt the green sea and the azured vault Set roaring war: to the dread rattling thunder Have I given fire, and rifted Jove's stout oak
16. ;■//;/] runs Fj. 26. ''gainst\ Pope, gaittst F, F^.
■7i:'/;//<7-'j] 70! liter F4. against F3 F4. 73. Fj F2 put a comma after 33. Scene ii. Pope.
sharply. F3 F4 omit it. 37. green soui-\ greett-sivard V>o\\zq
24. Passioti\ Passion' dYo'^^. conj.
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 65
With his own bolt; the strong-based promontory- Have I made shake, and by the spurs pluck'd up The pine and cedar: graves at my command Have waked their sleepers, oped, and let 'em forth By my so potent art. But this rough magic go
I here abjure; and, when I have required Some heavenly music, — which even now I do, — To work mine end upon their senses, that This airy charm is for, I'll break my staff,
Bury it certain fathoms in the earth, 55
And deeper than did ever plummet sound I'll drown my book. {Solemn vntsic.
Re-enter Aki'EJL before: then Alonso, with a frantic gesture, attended by GoNZALO; Sebastian ^//^ Antonio in like manner, attended by Adrian and Francisco: they all enter the circle which Pro- SPERO had made, and there stand charmed; which Prospero ob- servitig, speaks:
A solemn air, and the best comforter
To an unsettled fancy, cure thy brains.
Now useless, boil'd within thy skull! There stand, 60
For you are spell-stopp'd.
Holy Gonzalo, honourable man,
Mine eyes, even sociable to the show of thine.
Fall fellowly drops. The charm dissolves apace ;
And as the morning steals upon the night, 65
Melting the darkness, so their rising senses
Begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle
Their clearer reason. O good Gonzalo,
My true preserver, and a loyal sir
To him thou follow'st! I will pay thy graces 70
Home both in word and deed. Most cruelly
46. strong-based'X Rowe. strong- 63. sJiow\ skezo Ff. fozo Collier
basid Ff. MS.
58. Scene hi. Pope. 64. fellowly\ fellow Pope.
and\ om. Capell. 68. 6)] O my Pope. 0 ilmi S.
60. boird\ Pope. boile Fj F„. Walker conj.
boilY-^Y^. 69. j/r] j-cTZ'^wi" Collier MS.
62. Holy\ Noble Collier MS.
VOL. I. F
66 THE TEMPEST. [act v.
Didst thou, Alonso, use me and my daughter:
Thy brother was a furtherer in the a6l.
Thou art pinch'd for't now, Sebastian. Flesh and blood,
You, brother mine, that entertain'd ambition, 75
Expell'd remorse and nature ; who, with Sebastian, —
Whose inward pinches therefore are most strong, —
Would here have kill'd your king ; I do forgive thee,
Unnatural though thou art. Their understanding
Begins to swell ; and the approaching tide 80
Will shortly fill the reasonable shore.
That now lies foul and muddy. Not one of them
That yet looks on me, or would know me : Ariel,
Fetch me the hat and rapier in my cell;
I will disease me, and myself present 85
As I was sometime Milan: quickly, spirit;
Thou shalt ere long be free.
Ariel sings and helps to attire hith.
Where the bee sucks, there suck I :
In a cowslip's bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do erf. ^o
On the bat's back I do fly
After summer merrily. Merrily, memly shall I live now Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.
Pivs. Why, that's my dainty Ariel! I shall miss thee; 95 But yet thou shalt have freedom : so, so, so. To the king's ship, invisible as thou art: There shalt thou find the mariners asleep
Under the hatches; the master and the boatswain i
Being awake, enforce them to this place, 100
72. Z'/(/j/] F3 F4. DidY^Y^. tion "Exit Ariel and returns imme-
74. Sebastia)i, Flesh and blood,'] diately." i Sebastiafi, flesh a7id blood. Theobald. 88. siichl ^«^^' Theobald,
75. entertain'' d\ entertain eY^. 90. coiichi crowch Y ^Y ^.
76. whd\ Rowe. ivhom Ff. Capell puncfluates There I
82. lics\ F3 F4. ly Fj F2. couch: when 07vls do cry,
83. ^r]^'^;- Collier MS. 92. summe>'[ sun-set ThcobslA.
84. Theobald gives as stage direc-
SCENE I.] THE TEMPEST, 67
And presently, I prithee.
Ari. I drink the air before me, and return Or ere your pulse twice beat. \Exit.
Gon. All torment, trouble, wonder and amazement Inhabits here: some heavenly power guide us 105
Out of this fearful country!
Pros. Behold, sir king,
The wronged Duke of Milan, Prospero: For more assurance that a living prince Does now speak to thee, I embrace thy body ; And to thee and thy company I bid no
A hearty welcome.
A Ion. Whether thou be'st he or no,
Or some enchanted trifle to abuse me, As late I have been, I not know: thy pulse Beats, as of flesh and blood ; and, since I saw thee, The affh6lion of my mind amends, with which, 115
I fear, a madness held me: this must crave — An if this be at all — a most strange story. Thy dukedom I resign, and do entreat Thou pardon me my wrongs. — But how should Prospero Be living and be here }
Pros. First, noble friend, 120
Let me embrace thine age, whose honour cannot Be measured or confined.
Gon. Whether this be
Or be not, I'll not swear.
Pros. You do yet taste
Some subtilties o' the isle, that will not let you Believe things certain. Welcome, my friends all ! 125
[Aside to Seb. and Aiit?^ But you, my brace of lords, were I
so minded, I here could pluck his Highness' frown upon you, And justify you traitors: at this time I will tell no tales.
106. Belwld,'\lol Vo^t. 112. /rz/f^] fl'^z'// Collier MS.
III. Whether thou i>e'st] VV7iere iig. ?;?j'] Mj Collier MS.
thou beest Ff. Be'st thou Pope. 1 24. not} F3 F4. tior Fj F^.
IVhe-r thou be'st Capell.
F 2
68. THE TEMPEST. - [act v
Seb. [Aside] The devil speaks in him.
Pros. No.
For you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother 1 30
Would even infe6l my mouth, I do forgive Thy rankest fault, — all of them ; and require My dukedom of thee, which perforce, I know, Thou must restore.
Aion. If thou be'st Prospero,
Give us particulars of thy preservation ; 135
How thou hast met us here, who three hours since Were wreck'd upon this shore ; where I have lost — How sharp the point of this remembrance is! — My dear son Ferdinand.
Pros. I am woe for't, sir,
A Ion. Irreparable is the loss; and patience 14c
Says it is past her cure.
Pros. I rather think
You have not sought her help, of whose soft grace For the like loss I have her sovereign aid. And rest myself content.
A /on. You the like loss!
Pros. As great to me as late; and, supportable ^45!
To make the dear loss, have I means much weaker Than you may call to comfort you, for I Have lost my daughter.
A Ion. A daughter,-*
O heavens, that they were living both in Naples, The king and queen there! that they were, I wish i-q
Myself were mudded in that oozy bed Where my son lies. When did you lose you daughter.''
Pros. In this last tempest. I perceive, these lords At this encounter do so much admire. That they devour their reason, and scarce think 1-^
Their eyes do offices of truth, their words Are natural breath : but, howsoe'er you have
137, fauli\ faults Y t,. 148. viy\myonlyY{2.xm\t.x.
1 36. ivhd\ Fj F3 F4. whom Fj. A daughter^ Only daughter
145, rt;/^,] j/r, ffw^Capell, Hanmer, Daughter Q.z.\>eW..
suppoiiable\ F^ F^, insup- 156. eyes\ Fj. eyeY^^i^.
portable F3F4. portable Steevens. their"] these Capell.
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 69
Been justled from your senses, know for certain
That I am Prospero, and that very duke
Which was thrust forth of Milan; who most strangely 160
Upon this shore, where you were wreck'd, was landed,
To be the Lord on't. No more yet of this;
For 'tis a chronicle of day by day,
Not a relation for a breakfast, nor
Befitting this first meeting. Welcome, sir; 165
This cell's my court: here have I few attendants.
And subje6ls none abroad: pray you, look in.
My dukedom since you have given me again,
I will requite you with as good a thing;
At least bring forth a wonder, to content ye 170
As much as me my dukedom.
Here Prospero discovers Ferdinand atid Vi.VRA.'i^TiA playing
at chess.
Mir. Sweet lord, you play me false.
Fer. No, my dear'st love,
I would not for the world.
Mir. Yes, for a score of kingdoms you should wrangle. And I would call it fair play.
Alojt. If this prove 175
A vision of the island, one dear son Shall I twice lose.
Scb. A most high miracle!
Fer. Though the seas threaten, they are merciful ; I have cursed them without cause. {^Kneels.
A Ion. Now all the blessings
Of a glad father compass thee about! 180
Arise, and say how thou earnest here.
Mir. O, wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here ! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
172. Scene iv. Pope. Theobald. Cell opens and disco- Here Prospero discovers...] vers... Capell. Ff. Scene opens to the entrance of 172. ckar'' st\ dearest Yi. the cell. Here Prospero discovers... 179. [Kneels] Theobald.
70 THE TEMPEST. [act v.
That has such people in't!
Pros, 'Tis new to thee.
Alon. What is this maid with whom thou wast at play? 185 { Your eld'st acquaintance cannot be three hours : Is she the goddess that hath sever'd us, And brought us thus together?
Fer. Sir, she is mortal;
But by immortal Providence she's mine:
I chose her when I could not ask my father 190
For his advice, nor thought I had one. She Is daughter to this famous Duke of Milan, Of whom so often I have heard renown, But never saw before ; of whom I have Received a second life; and second father 195,
This lady makes him to me,
Alon. I am hers:
But, O, how oddly will it sound that I Must ask my child forgiveness !
Pros. There, sir, stop :
Let us not burthen our Kemembrances with A heaviness that's gone.
Gon. I have Inly wept, 20c
Or should have spoke ere this. Look down, you gods, And on this couple drop a blessed crown ! For it is you that have chalk'd forth the way Which brought us hither.
Alon. I say. Amen, Gonzalo!
Gon. Was Milan thrust from Milan, that his issue 20,
Should become kings of Naples .-^ O, rejoice Beyond a common joy! and set it down With gold on lasting pillars : In one voyage Did Claribel her husband find at Tunis, And Ferdinand, her brother, found a wife 210
Where he himself was lost, Prospcro his dukedom In a poor isle, and all of us ourselves When no man was his own.
191. advice\Y^. advise Y ^Y ^Y ^. /r///^ Malone.
199,200. rcmciubraiices 7oitJi\ re- 113. Whai\ Where ]o\\\\%o\\ cox\y
membranee with Vo^e, remembrances
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 71
A Ion. \to Fer. and Mir.] Give me your hands : Let grief and sorrow still embrace his heart That doth not wish you joy!
Gon. Be it so ! Amen ! 215
Re-enter Ariel, 7uith the Master and Boatswain ainazedly following.
O, look, sir, look, sir! here is more of us:
I prophesied, if a gallows were on land.
This fellow could not drown. Now, blasphemy,
That swear'st grace o'erboard, not an oath on shore .■'
Hast thou no mouth by land? What is the news.-* 220
Boats. The best news is, that we have safely found Our king and company; the next, our ship — Which, but three glasses since, we gave out split — Is tight and yare and bravely rigg'd, as when We first put out to sea.
Ari. [Aside to Pros.] Sir, all this service 225
Have I done since I went.
Pros. [Aside to Ari.] My tricksy spirit!
A loji. These are not natural events ; they strengthen From strange to stranger. Say, how came you hither.?
Boats. If I did think, sir, I were well awake, rid strive to tell you. We were dead of sleep, 230
And — how we know not — all clapp'd under hatches ; Where, but even now, with strange and several noises Of roaring, shrieking, howling, jingling chains, And more diversity of sounds, all horrible, We were awaked ; straightway, at liberty ; 235
Where we, in all her trim, freshly beheld Our royal, good, and gallant ship ; our master Capering to eye her: — on a trice, so please you. Even in a dream, were we divided from them, And were brought moping hither.
Ari. [Aside to P7vs.] Was't well done.? 240
216. Scene V. Pope. ■234- "'^'''?] Rowe. mo F^ F^.
sir, look, .f /;-] sir, look F3 F4. moe F3 F4.
w] art? Pope. 236. //iT] Theobald (Thirlbyconj.).
221. safely\ safe Y -^Y t^. oitrYi. 230. of sleep\ a-sleep Pope.
4
J 2 TUB TEMPEST. [act v. ^
Pros. \_Asidc to Ari] Bravely, my diligence. Thou shalt be free.
Alou. This is as strange a maze as e'er men trod ; And there is in this business more than nature Was ever condu6l of: some oracle Must re6lify our knowledge.
Pros. Sir, my liege, 245
Do not infest your mind with beating on The strangeness of this business ; at pick'd leisure Which shall be shortly, single I '11 resolve you, Which to you shall seem probable, of every These happen'd accidents; till when, be cheerful, 250
And think of each thing well. [Aside to Art.] Come hither,
spirit : Set Caliban and his companions free; Untie the spell. [Exit Ariel] How fares my gracious sir.^ There are yet missing of your company Some few odd lads that you remember not. • 255
Re-enter Ariel, driving in Caliban, Stephano, mid Trinculo, in
their stolt'/i apparel.
Stc. Every man shift for all the rest, and let no man take care for himself; for all is but fortune. — Coragio, bully- monster, coragio!
Trin. If these be true spies which I wear in my head, here's a goodly sight. 260
Cal. O Setebos, these be brave spirits indeed ! How fine my master is ! I am afraid He will chastise me.
Seb. Ha, ha!
What things are these, my lord Antonio.-' Will money buy 'em.-*
Ant. Very like; one of them 265
Is a plain fish, and, no doubt, marketable.
1^2 — 245] Given to Ariel in F^ Pope. {wJiich shall be shortly single)
F3F4. Ff.
247, le!Sure]F^. seisitreF^. seizure 253, [Exit Ariel] Capell. F3 F4. 256. Scene vi. Tope.
248. IVhich shall be shortly, single] 258. Coragio] corasio F^.
SCENE!.] THE TEMPEST. 73
Pros. Mark but the badges of these men, my lords, Then say if they be true. This mis-shapen knave, His mother was a witch; and one so strong That could control the moon, make flows and ebbs, 270
And deal in her command, without her power. These three have robb'd me ; and this demi-devil — For he's a bastard one — had plotted with them To take my life. Two of these fellows you Must know and own; this thing of darkness I 275
Acknowledge mine.
Cal. I shall be pinch'd to death.
Alon. Is not this Stephano, my drunken butler?
Scb. He is drunk now: where had he wine.''
Alon. And Trinculo is reeling ripe: where should they Find this grand liquor that hath gilded 'em? — 280
How camest thou in this pickle ?
Trill. I have been in such a pickle, since I saw you last, that, I fear me, will never out of my bones : I shall not fear fly-blowing.
Scb. Why, how now, Stephano ! 285
Ste. O, touch me not; — I am not Stephano, but a cramp.
Pros. You 'Id be king o' the isle, sirrah?
Ste. I should have been a sore one, then.
Alon. This is a strange thing as e'er I look'd on.
\Pointing to Caliban.
Pros. He is as disproportion'd in his manners 290
As in his shape. Go, sirrah, to my cell ; Take with you your companions ; as you look To have my pardon, trim it handsomely.
Cal. Ay, that I will ; and I '11 be wise hereafter, And seek for grace. What a thrice-double ass 295
Was I, to take this drunkard for a god, And worship this dull fool !
268. mis-shape>i\ niis-shap''d Pope. 282 — 284. Printed as verse in Ff.
271. command, without her power.'X 289. Thisis\Y^Y^. ""TisY-^Y^.
command. Without her power, anon. a strange\as strange aQ?i\i€Ci..
conj. fVr /] /^jw Hanmer.
without'\withallQ,o\{\t.xW.'i>. [Pointing to Caliban.] Stee-
280. //^«(7r] V/jc^y Theobald. vens.
74 THE TEMPEST. [act v.
Pros. Go to; away!
Aloii. Hence, and bestow your luggage where you found it,
Seb. Or stole it, rather. [Exeunt Cal., Stc, and Trin.
Pros. Sir, I invite your Highness and your train 300
To my poor cell, where you shall take your rest For this one night ; which, part of it, I '11 waste With such discourse as, I not doubt, shall make it Go quick away : the story of my life,
And the particular accidents gone by 305
Since I came to this isle : and in the morn I '11 bring you to your ship, and so to Naples, Where I have hope to see the nuptial Of these our dear-beloved solemnized ;
And thence retire me to my Milan, where 310!
Every third thought shall be my grave.
A Ion. I long
To hear the story of your life, which must • Take the ear strangely.
Pros. I '11 deliver all ;
And promise you calm seas, auspicious gales, ;
And sail so expeditious, tJiat shall catch 31^
Your royal fleet far off. {Aside to Ari.] My Ariel, chick. That is thy charge : then to the elements
Be free, and fare thou well! Please you, draw near. !
[Exeunt.
299. [Exeunt... Trin.] Capell. fia/s F2F3F4.
308. nuptial] nuptiall F^. imp- 309. See note (xvni).
\
I
THE TEMPEST. 75
EPILOGUE.
SPOKEN BY PROSPERO.
Now my charms are all o'erthrown,
And what strength I have's mine own,
Which is most faint: now, 'tis true,
I must be here, confined by you,
Or sent to Naples. Let me not, 5
Since I have my dukedom got.
And pardon'd the deceiver, dwell
In this bare island by your spell ;
But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands: 10
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my proje6l fails,
Which was to please. Now I want
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant;
And my ending is despair, ^5
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
Wliich pierces so, that it assaults
Mercy itself, and frees all faults.
As you from crimes would pardon'd be,
Let your indulgence set me free. 20
Epilogue ... Prospero.] ad- 3. ho7c] and noia Pope.
vancing, Capell. 13. A'oci;] For now Tope.
I. No2a] Now, no%oY2,Yj^.
NOTES.
Note I,
T. I. i6. What cares these roarers. This grammatical inaccuracy, which escaped correflion in the later folios, probably came from Shakespeare's pen. Similar cases occur frequently, especially when the verb precedes its nominative. For example, Tempest, iv. i. 262, ' Lies at my mercy all mine enemies,' and Measure for Measure, II. I. 22, 'What knows the laws, &c.' We corre<fl it in those passages where the occurrence of a vulgarism would be likely to annoy the reader. In the mouth of a Boatswain it can offend no one. We therefore leave it.
Note II,
I. I. 57 — 59. Mercy on us! — we split, (Srv. It may be doubtful whether the printer of the first folio intended these broken speeches to express ' a confused noise within.' Without question such was the author's meaning. Rowe, however, and subsequent editors, printed them as part of Gonzalo's speech. Capcll was the first editor who gave the true arrangement.
Note III.
I. 2. 173. princesses. See Mr Sidney Walker's Shakespeare's VersiJicatio?i, p. 243 sqq. 'The plurals of substantives ending in s, in certain instances, in se, ss, ce, and sometimes ge,... are found with- out the usual addition of s or es, in pronunciation at least, although in many instances the plural affix is added in printing, where the metre shows that it is not to be pronounced.'
In this and other instances, we have thought it better to trust to the ear of the reader for the rhythm than to introduce an innovation in orthography which might perplex him as to the sense. The form ' princesses,' the use of which in Shakespeare's time was doubted by one of our correspondents, is found in the History of King Letr.
78 THE TEMPEST.
Rowe's reading 'princes' might be defended on the ground that the sentiment is general, and appHcable to royal children of both sexes ; or that Sir Philip Sidney, in the first book of the Arcadia, calls Pamela and Philoclea ' princes.'
Note IV.
I. 2. 298. The metre of this line, as well as of lines 301, 302, is defe(flive, but as no mode of corredlion can be regarded as com- pletely satisfacSlory we have in accordance with our custom left the lines as they are printed in the Folio. The defecfl, indeed, in the metre of line 298 has not been noticed except by Hanmer, who makes a line thus :
*Do so, and after two days I'll discharge thee.' Possibly it ought to be printed thus: ' Do so ; and After two days I will discharge thee.'
There is a broken line, also of four syllables, 253 of the same scene, another of seven, 235.
There is no reason to doubt that the words are as Shakespeare wrote them, for, although the a6lion of the play terminates in less than four hours (i. 2. 240 and V. i. 186), yet Ariel's ministry is not to end till the voyage to Naples shall be over. Prospero, too, repeats his promise, and marks his contentment by further shortening the time of servitude, 'within two days,' I. 2.420. Possibly 'Invisible' (301) should have a line to itself. Words thus occupying a broken line acquire a marked emphasis.
But the truth is that in dialogue Shakespeare's language passes so rapidly from verse to prose and from prose to verse, sometimes even hovering, as it were, over the confines, being rhythmical rather than metrical, that all attempts to give regularity to the metre must be made with diffidence and received with doubt.
Note V.
I. 2. 376, 377 :
Coiirtsied when you have and kiss\i The wild waves whist.
This puncfluation seems to be supported by what Ferdinand says (39i>392):
'The music crept by me upon the waters, Allaying both their fury and my passion, &c.'
At the end of the stanza we have printed Ha7-k, hark ! . , . The watch- dogs ba?-k as that part of the burthen which ' sweet sprites bear.' The other part is borne by distant watch-dogs.
NOTES. 79
Note VI.
I. 2. 443. / fear yoii have done yourself some wrong. See this phrase used in a similai- sense, Measure for Measure, I. 11. 39.
Note VII.
II. I. 27. Which, of he or Adrian. 'Of is found in the same construflion, Midsummer Night's Dream, in. 2. 336,
' Now follow if thou darest to try whose right, Of thine or mine, is most in Helena.'
Note VIII.
II. I. 157. Of its own kind. There is no doubt, as Dr Guest has shewn, that 'it,' which is the reading of the ist and 2nd folios, was commonly used as a genitive in Shakespeare's time, as it is still in some provincial dialects. ' Its,' however, was coming into use. One instance occurs in this play, i. 11. 95, 'in its contrary.'
Note IX.
II. I. 241. she that from whom. Mr Spedding writes: 'The received emendation is not satisfa6tory to me. I would rather read, " She that — From whom ? All were sea-swallow'd &c., i. e. from whom should she have note 1 The report from Naples will be that all were drowned. We shall be the only survivors." The break in the con- struflion seems to me characfleristic of the speaker. But you must read the whole speech to feel the effe(ft.'
Note X.
II. I. 249 — 251. All editors except Mr Staunton have printed in italics (or between inverted commas) only as far as 'Naples?,' but as 'keep' is printed with a small k in the folios, they seem to sandlion the arrangement given in our text.
Note XI.
II. I. 267. Ay, sir; where lies that? if 'twere a kibe. Mr Singer and Mr Dyce have changed ' 'twere 'to 'it were ' for the sake of the metre. But then the first part of the line must be read with a wrong emphasis. The proper emphasis clearly falls on the first, third, and fifth syllables, 'Ay, sir; where lies that?' See Preface.
8o THE TEMPEST.
Note XII.
II. 2. 165. Before 'here; bear my bottle' Capell inserts a stage diredion \To Cal.\ but it appears from ill. 2. 62, that Trinculo was entrusted with the office of bottle-bearer.
Note XIII.
III. I. 15. Most busy lest, when I do it. As none of the pro- posed emendations can be regarded as certain, we have left the read- ing of Fi, though it is manifestly corrupt. The spelling ' doe' makes Mr Spedding's conjeflure 'idlest' for 'I doe it' more probable.
Note XIV.
in. 3. 17. The stage direction, which we have divided into two parts, is placed all at once in the folios after 'as when they are fresh' [Solemne and strange Musicke ; and Prosper on the top (in- visible :) Enter . . . depart].
Pope transferred it to follow Sebastian's words, ' I say, to night :
no more.'
Note XV.
III. 3. 48. Each putter out of five for one. See Beaumont and Fletcher, The Noble Gentleman, I. i. (Vol. ll. p. 261, ed. Moxon): 'The return will give you five for one.' MARINE is about to travel.
Note XVI.
IV. I. 147. You do look, my son, in a moved sort. SejTnour suggests a transposition: 'you do, my son, look in a moved sort.' This line however can scarcely have come from Shakespeare's pen. Perhaps the writer who composed the Masque was allowed to join it, as best he might, to Shakespeare's words, which re-commence at ' Our revels now are ended,' &c.
Note XVII.
IV. I. 230. Lefs alone. See Staunton's " Shakespeare," Vol. i. p. 81, note (b).
Note XVIII.
V. 1.309. Of these our dear-beloved solemnised. The Folios have 'belov'd'; a mode of spelling, which in this case is convenient as indicating the probable rhythm of the verse. We have written ' be- loved,' in accordance with the general rule mentioned in the Preface.
'Solemnized' occurs in four other verse passages of Shakespeare. It is three times to be accented 'sdlemnized' and once {Love's Labour'' s Lost, II. I. 41) 'solemnized.'
«
THE
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA.
VOL. L
DRAMATIS PERSONyE'. I
Duke of Milan 2, Father to Silvia.
Valentine, ) , ^ ^ .1 _^„ ' > the two Gentlemen.
Proteus ^ J
Antonio ■*, Father to Proteus.
Thurio, a foolish rival to Valentine.
Eglamour, Agent for Silvia in her escape.
Host, where Julia lodges.
Outlaws, with Valentine.
Speed, a clownish Servant to Valentine.
Launce, the like to Proteus.
Panthino^, Sen^ant to Antonio.
Julia, beloved of Proteus. Silvia, beloved of Valentine. Lucetta, waiting-woman to Julia.
Servants, Musicians^ Scene, Verona; Milan; the frontiers of Mantua''
1 Dramatis PersonvE.] The * Antonio] Capell. Anthonio
NAMES OF ALL THE ACTORS F^, at Ff.
the end of the play. ^ Panthino] Capell. Panthion
2 OF Milan] added by Pope. Ff. See note (i).
3 Proteus] Steevens. Protheus " Servants, Musicians} Theoliald. Ff. See note (i). ^ Scene...] Pope and llanmcr.
I
THE
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA.
ACT I.
Scene I. Verona. An open place.
Enter Valentine and Proteus.
Val. Cease to persuade, my loving Proteus: Home-keeping youth have ever homely wits. Were't not affeftion chains thy tender days To the sweet glances of thy honour'd love,
I rather would entreat thy company ^
To see the wonders of the world abroad. Than, living dully sluggardized at home. Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness. But since thou lovest, love still, and thrive therein, Even as I would, when I to love begin. jq
Pro. Wilt thou be gone.'' Sweet Valentine, adieu! Think on thy Proteus, when thou haply seest Some rare note-worthy obje6l in thy travel: Wish me partaker in thy happiness.
When- thou dost meet good hap; and in thy danger, ir
If ever danger do environ thee. Commend thy grievance to my holy prayers, For I will be thy beadsman, Valentine.
Val. And on a love-book pray for my success.^
Pro. Upon some book I love I'll pray for thee. 20
8. 7wV/^] w Capell. 19. my\Y^. thyY^Y^Y^.
G2
84 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act i.
Val. That's on some shallow story of deep love: How young Leander cross'd the Hellespont.
Pro, That's a deep story of a deeper love; For he was more than over shoes in love.
Val. 'Tis true ; for you are over boots in love, 25
And yet you never swum the Hellespont.
Pro. Over the boots.'* nay, give me not the boots.
Val. No, I will not, for it boots thee not.
Pro. What }
Val. To be in love, where scorn is bought with groans ; Coy looks with heart-sore sighs; one fading moment's mirth 30 With twenty watchful, weary, tedious nights: If haply won, perhaps a hapless gain ; If lost, why then a grievous labour won; However, but a folly bought with wit, Or else a wit by folly vanquished. * 35
Pro. So, by your circumstance, you call me fool.
Val. So, by your circumstance, I fear you'll prove. \
Pro. 'Tis love you cavil at: I am not Love.
Val. Love is your master, for he masters you : And he that is so yoked by a fool, 40
Methinks, should not be chronicled for wise.
Pro. Yet writers say, as in the sweetest bud The eating canker dwells, so eating love Inhabits in the finest wits of all.
Val. And writers say, as the most forward bud 45
Is eaten by the canker ere it blow, Even so by love the young and tender wit Is turn'd to folly ; blasting in the bud, X
Losing his verdure even in the prime.
And all the fair effefls of future hopes. r-o
But wherefore waste I time to counsel thee, That art a votary to fond desire } Once more adieu ! my father at the road Expe6ls my coming, there to see me shipp'd.
21 — 28. Put in the margin as spu- note (n).
rious by Pope. 30. fading] om. Hanmer.
25. /';-] I'ut Collier MS. 4S. l>lasting\ blasted CoWw MS. 28. ///tvjom. S. Walker conj. See
SCENE I.] OF VERONA. 85
Pro. And thither will I bring thee, Valentine. 55
Val. Sweet Proteus, no ; now let us take our leave. To Milan let me hear from thee by letters Of thy success in love, and what news else Betideth here in absence of thy friend ; And I likewise will visit thee with mine. 60
Pro. All happiness bechance to thee In Milan ! Val. As much to you at home! and so, farewell. {Exit.
Pro. He after honour hunts, I after Ipve: He leaves his friends to dignify them more; I leave myself, my friends, and all, for love. g,-
Thou, Julia, thou hast metamorphosed me, Made me negle6l my studies, lose my time. War with good counsel, set the world at nought ; Made wit with musing weak, heart sick with thought.
Enter Speed.
Speed. Sir Proteus, save you ! Saw you my master.? ^o
Pro. But now he parted hence, to embark for Milan.
Speed. Twenty to one, then, he is shipp'd already, And I have play'd the sheep in losing him.
Pro. Indeed, a sheep doth very often stray, An if the shepherd be awhile away. ^^
Speed. You conclude that my master is a shepherd, then, and I a sheep .-'
Pro. I do.
Speed. Why then, my horns are his horns, whether I
wake or sleep. 80
Pro. A silly answer, and fitting well a sheep.
Speed. This proves me still a sheep.
Pro. True ; and thy master a shepherd.
Speed. Nay, that I can deny by a circumstance.
Pro. It shall go hard but I'll prove it by another. g^j
o
57. To\ Fj. At F2F3F4. To 70. Scene 11. Pope.
JSIilaiil — /e'/ »/f /imr Malone conj. 70 — 144. Put in the margin by
. ^i. leave] Pope. love Ff. Pope.
69. Made'] Make ]o\m%Qn con]. 77. i?] F2F3F4. om. Fj.
86 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act i.
Speed. The shepherd seeks the sheep, and not the sheep the shepherd ; but € seek my master, and my master seeks not me: therefore I am no sheep.
Pro. The sheep for fodder follow the shepherd ; the shepherd for food follows not the sheep: thou for wages 9° followest thy master; thy master for wages follows not thee: therefore thou art a sheep.
Speed. Such another proof will make me cry * baa.'
Pro. But, dost thou hear.-* gavest thou my letter to Julia.? 9§|
Speed. Ay, sir: I, a lost mutton, gave your letter to her, a laced mutton, and she, a laced mutton, gave me, a lost mutton, nothing for my labour.
Pro. Here's too small a pasture for such store of muttons.
Speed. If the ground be overcharged, you were best loo stick her.
Pro. Nay : in that you are astray, 'twere best pound you.
Speed. Nay, sir, less than a pound shall serve me for carrying your letter.
Pro. You mistake; I mean the pound, — a pinfold. 105
Speed. From a pound to a pin 1 fold it over and over, 'Tis threefold too little for carrying a letter to your lover.
Pro. But what said she.-*
Speed. [First nodding\ Ay.
Pro. Nod — Ay — why, that's noddy. no
Speed. You mistook, sir; I say, she did nod: and you ask me if she did nod ; and I say, * Ay.'
Pro. And that set together is noddy.
Speed. Now you have taken the pains to set it toge- ther, take it for your pains. jig
Pro. No, no ; you shall have it for bearing the letter.
89. follcnv\ foUcnvs Pope. But what said she? Speed. She nod-
102. ast/'aj'] a stray Theobald ded and said I.Yo-^q. Vm. But what
(Thirlby conj.) said she? Did she nod? [Speed nods]
Nay :...ast my, I'Eddi. Nay,... Speed. /. Theobald. Pro. But what
astray: Ff. said she? [Speed //t'a'i'] Did she nod?
105. a\ the Delius (Capell conj.). Speed. /. Capell.
108, 109. Pro. But tohat said she? no. AW — Ay — '] Nod — /, Ff.
Speed. [Firstnodding]^j'.]Edd. Pro. in, 112. say...say'] Fj. said...
But what said she? Sp. /. Ff. Pro. said F^l''^^^-
SCENE I.] OF VERONA. 87
Speed. Well, I perceive I must be fain to bear with you.
Pro. Why, sir, how do you bear with me ?
Speed. Marry, sir, the letter, very orderly ; having no- thing but the word 'noddy' for my pains. 120
Pro. Beshrew me, but you have a quick wit.
Speed. And yet it cannot overtake your slow purse.
Pro. Come, come, open the matter in brief: what said she.''
Speed. Open your purse, that the money and the matter 125 may be both at once delivered.
Pro. Well, sir, here is for your pains. What said she ?
Speed. Truly, sir, I think you '11 hardly win her.
Pro. Why, couldst thou perceive so much from her.-'
Speed. Sir, I could perceive nothing at all from her; 130 no, not so much as a ducat for delivering your letter: and being so hard to me that brought your mind, I fear she'll prove as hard to you in telling your mind. Give her no token but stones ; for she's as hard as steel.
Pro. What said she.'' nothing.? 135
Speed. No, not so much as 'Take this for thy pains.' To testify your bounty, I thank you, you have testerned me ; in requital whereof, henceforth carry your letters your- self: and so, sir, I '11 commend you to my master.
Pro. Go, go, be gone, to save your ship from wreck, 140 Which cannot perish having thee aboard, Being destined to a drier death on shore. [Exit Speed.
I must go send some better messenger: I fear my Julia would not deign my lines. Receiving them from such a worthless post. {Exit. 145
126. atomc\Y^. om. F3F3F4. WJiat said she, nothing! Yi. WJiat,
130 — 134. rrinted as verse in Ff. said she nothing? Pope.
130. from ho'l from her better Q,o\- 137. as ^ Take...! than/c you}as ' I
lier MS. to rhyme with letter m the thank you; take...'E.AA. conj.
next line. testerned'\Y ^^ -^Y j^. cestern'd
132. brought'\ brought to her Col- Fj.
lier MS, 138. henceforth'\ Y ^Y ^Y ^. hence-
133. yourl Fj. herY ^"^ -^Y n^. you fore Y^.
her Collier MS. letters'\ Y^. letter Y^ F3 r4.
135. IVJiat said she? nothing?^
88 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act i.
Scene II. The same. Garden of ]\ju.a!s house.
Enter Julia and Lucetta.
ynl. But say, Lucetta, now we are alone, Wouldst thou, then, counsel me to fall in love ?
Lite. Ay, madam ; so you stumble not unheedfully.
y«/. Of all the fair resort of gentlemen That every day with parle encounter me, 5
In thy opinion which is worthiest love ? j
Ltce. Please you repeat their names, I'll show my mind According to my shallow simple skill.
Jtil. What think'st thou of the fair Sir Eglamour.^
Lne. As of a knight well-spoken, neat and fine; lo
But, were I you, he never should be mine.
Jnl. . What think'st thou of the rich Mercatio.?
Lne. Well of his wealth ; but of himself, so so.
Jul. What think'st thou of the gentle Proteus ?
Luc. Lord, Lord! to see what folly reigns in us! 15
jful. How now! what means this passion at his name?
L21C. Pardon, dear madam: 'tis a passing shame That I, unworthy body as I am, Should censure thus on lovely gentlemen.
Jul. Why not on Proteus, as of all the rest "i 20j
Luc. Then thus, — of many good I think him best.
jful. Your reason.?
Luc. I have no other but a woman's reason; I think him so, because I think him so.
jfuL And wouldst thou have me cast my love on him? 25;
Luc. Ay, if you thought your love not cast away.
Jul. Why, he, of all the rest, hath ne\'cr moved mc.
Scene ii.] Scene hi. Pope. a hn'cly gcntJemau S. Verges conj.
Garden &c.] Malone. Changes censure on this loi'cly getttleman Edd.
to Julia's chamber. Pope. conj.
I. noio ive are\ Fj. now are we thus\ fass ITanmer.
•^2 ^3^4- <"' hn'ely gcn/h'»icn'] a lovely
5. parlc\ parUc Ff. gentleman Pope, a loving gentleman
15. reign s'X feigns Anon. conj. Collier MS.
18. am'] can Collier MS. 20. oJ~\ on S. Verges conj.
19. censitre...ge)iilejnen\ censure on
d
SCENE II.] OF VERONA. 89
Ltic. Yet he, of all the rest, I think, best loves ye.
Jill. His little speaking shows his love but small.
L71C. Fire that's closest kept burns most of all. 3°
Jill. They do not love that do not show their love.
Lnc. O, they love least that let men know their love.
Jtd. I would I knew his mind.
Liic. Peruse this paper, madam.
jfid. 'To Julia.' — Say, from whom? 35
Lnc. That the contents will show.
Jul. Say, say, who gave it thee .-*
Lnc. Sir Valentine's page; and sent, I think, from Proteus. He would have given it you; but I, being in the way, Did in your name receive it : pardon the fault, I pray. 4°
Jill. Now, by my modesty, a goodly broker! Dare you presume to harbour wanton lines .'' To whisper and conspire against my youth .'' Now, trust me, 'tis an office of great worth, And you an officer fit for the place. 45
There, take the paper: see it be return'd; Or else return no more into my sight.
Ltic. To plead for love deserves more fee than hate.
Jnl. Will ye be gone }
Lnc. That you may ruminate. [Exit
Jnl. And yet I would I had o'erlook'd the letter: 50
It were a shame to call her back again. And pray her to a fault for which I chid her. What a fool is she, that knows I am a maid, And would not force the letter to my view! Since maids, in modesty, say 'no' to that 55
Which they would have the profferer construe 'ay.' Fie, fie, how wayward is this foolish love, That, like a testy babe, will scratch the nurse, And presently, all humbled, kiss the rod! How churlishly I chid Lucetta hence, 60
30. /"//r] Ff. 77/^/n'Pope. 40. pardon the fault, I pra)^ par-
that's] that is Johnson. don me Pops.
39. Icing in the ivay\ being by 53. What a fool} What foole F^
Pope. Y^Yy What fool Yj^. See note (ill).
90 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act i.
When willingly I would have had her here!
How angerly I taught my brow to frown,
When inward joy enforced my heart to smile !
My penance is, to call Lucetta back,
And ask remission for my folly past. ^5^^
What, ho! Lucetta!
Re-enter Lucetta.
Luc. What would your ladyship?
Jul. Is't near dinner-time?
Luc. I would it were ;
That you might kill your stomach on your meat. And not upon your maid.
Jul. What is't that you took up so gingerly?
Luc. Nothing.
J2lL Why didst thou stoop, then ?
Luc. To take a paper up that I let fall.
Jul. And is that paper nothing?
Ljic, Nothing concerning me.
Jul Then let it lie for those that it concerns.
Luc. Madam, it will not lie where it concerns. Unless it have a false interpreter.
Jul Some love of yours hath writ to you in rhyme.'
Luc. That I might sing it, madam, to a tune. 8<
Give me a note: your ladyship can set.
Jul. — As little by such toys as may be possible. Best sing it to the tune of ' Light o' love.'
Luc. It is too heavy for so light a tune.
Jul. Heavy! belike it hath some burden, then?
Luc. Ay; and melodious were it, would you sing it.
Jjil. And why not you?
Luc. I cannot reach so high.
Jul. Let's see your song. How now, minion!
67. Is V] Is it Capell. 88. Ho70 noza] JV/iy, hcna mm}
near] om. Boswell. Hanmer. After this line Ilanmer
8 r. Fj omits the stop after scf. adds a stage direcftion [Gives her a box
83. 0' Loc'c] Theobald. O, Love on the ear]. F.F^. OLoveY-iYj^.
SCENE II.] OF VERONA. 91
Luc. Keep tune there still, so you will sing it out: And yet methinks I do not like this tune. 90
Jul. You do not.-"
Luc. No, madam; it is too sharp.
Jul. You, minion, are too saucy.
L71C. Nay, now you are too flat, And mar the concord with too harsh a descant : There wanteth but a mean to fill your song. 95
Jul. The mean is drown'd with your unruly bass.
Luc. Indeed, I bid the base for Proteus.
Jul This babble shall not henceforth trouble me. Here is a coil with protestation! \Tears the letter.
Go get you gone, and let the papers lie: 100
You would be fingering them, to anger me.
Luc. She makes it strange; but she Avould be best pleased To be so angcr'd with another letter. {Exit.
Jul. Nay, would I were so anger'd with the same !
0 hateful hands, to tear such loving words! 105 Injurious wasps, to feed on such sweet honey,
And kill the bees, that yield it, with your stings !
1 '11 kiss each several paper for amends. Look, here is writ 'kind Julia.' Unkind Julia!
As in revenge of thy ingratitude, 110
I throw thy name against the bruising stones.
Trampling contemptuously on thy disdain.
And here is writ 'love-wounded Proteus.'
Poor wounded name ! my bosom, as a bed,
Shall lodge thee, till thy wound be throughly heal'd ; 115
A-nd thus I search it with a sovereign kiss.
But twice or thrice was 'Proteus' written down.
Be calm, good wind, blow not a word away,
Till I have found each letter in the letter,
Except mine own name: that some whirlwind bear 120
Unto a ragged, fearful-hanging rock,
96. yoia\ you Y^. Collier MS.
99. [Tears the letter.] [Tears it. 103. [Exit] F^.
102. best pleasedl pleased better fid, hanging Ff.
92 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act i.
And throw it thence into the raging sea !
Lo, here in one hne is his name twice writ,
' Poor forlorn Proteus, passionate Proteus,
To the sweet JuHa': — ^that I'll tear away. — 125
And yet I will not, sith so prettily
He couples it to his complaining names.
Thus will I fold them one upon another:
Now kiss, embrace, contend, do what you will.
Re-enter Lucetta.
Luc. Madam, 130
Dinner is ready, and your father stays.
Jul. Well, let us go.
Lnc. What, shall these papers lie like tell-tales here.''
Jul. If you respe6l them, best to take them up.
Luc. Nay, I was taken up for laying them down : 135
Yet here they shall not lie, for catching cold.
Jul. I see you have a month's mind to them.
Luc, Ay, madam, you may say what sights you see; I see things too, although you judge I wink.
Jul. Come, come; will't please you go.'* \Excunt. 14°
Scene III, TJic same. Antonio's Jiousc.
Enter Antonio and Panthino.
Ant. Tell me, Panthino, what sad talk was that Wherewith my brother held you in the cloister.?
Pan. 'Twas of his nephew Proteus, your son.
A nt. Why, what of him >.
Pan. He wonder'd that your lordship
Would suffer him to spend his youth at home. While other men, of slender reputation,
130, 131. Madam, Dinner is\ Ma- ivhai sights you think QoV^\Q.xWi. daw, dinner's Capell conj. Scene III.] Scene iv. Pope.
137. /('] unto Collier IMS. Antonio's House] Theobald. theni?^them, minion. YLTcmWQX. i. Panthino] F, F^. Panthion
138. say 'what sights you see] see F3 F4.
.SCENE III.] OF VERONA. "' 93
Put forth their sons to seek preferment out :
Some to the wars, to try their fortune there ;
Some to discover islands far away ;
Some to the studious universities. lo
For any, or for all these exercises,
He said that Proteus your son was meet ;
And did request me to importune you
To let him spend his time no more at home,
Which would be great impeachment to his age, 15
In having known no travel in his youth.
Ant. Nor need'st thou much importune me to that Whereon this month I have been hammering. I have consider'd well his loss of time,
And how he cannot be a perfe6l man, 20
Not being tried and tutor'd in the world : Experience is by industry achieved, And perfe6led by the swift course of time. Then, tell me, whither were I best to send him.^
Pan. I think your lordship is not ignorant 25
How his companion, youthful Valentine, Attends the emperor in his royal court.
Ant. I know it well.
Pan. 'Twere good, I think, your lordship sent him thither: There shall he practise tilts and tournaments, 3^
Hear sweet discourse, converse with noblemen, And be in eye of every exercise Worthy his youth and nobleness of birth.
Anf. I like thy counsel; well hast thou advised: And that thou mayst perceive how well I like it 35
The execution of it shall make known. Even with the speediest expedition I will dispatch him to the emperor's court.
Pan. To-morrow, may it please you, Don Alphonso, With other gentlemen of good esteem, 4°
Are journeying to salute the emperor, And to commend their service to his will.
i\..and\Y^. norY^V-i?^. 24. ?i'/////^<,r] F^ F3 F-. whether V-^.
94 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act i.
Ant. Good company; with them shall Proteus go: And, in good time ! now will we break with him.
Enter Proteus.
Pro. Sweet love! sweet lines! sweet life! 45*
Here is her hand, the agent of her heart ; Here is her oath for love, her honour's pawn. O, that our fathers would applaud our loves, To seal our happiness with their consents !
0 heavenly Julia! 50
A7it. How now! what letter are you reading there.'' Pro. May't please your lordship, 'tis a word or two
Of commendations sent from Valentine,
Deliver'd by a friend that came from him.
Ant. Lend me the letter; let me see what news. 55
Pro. There is no news, my lord ; but that he writes
How happily he lives, how well beloved,
And daily graced by the emperor;
Wishing me with him, partner of his fortune.
Ant. And how stand you afFe6led to his wish .-* 60
Pro. As one relying on your lordship's will.
And not depending on his friendly wish.
Ant. My will is something sorted with his wish.
Muse not that I thus suddenly proceed ;
For what I will, I will, and there an end. 6.r;j
1 am resolved that thou shalt spend some time With Valentinus in the emperor's court : What maintenance he from his friends receives, Like exhibition thou shalt have from me. To-morrow be in readiness to go : Excuse it not, for I am peremptory. k
Pro. My lord, I cannot be so soon provided : Please you, deliberate a day or two.
'Oi
44. And, in good time!] And in Julia Capell. good time: Fj. And in good time, 49. 7b] ^««/ Collier MS.
r2F3F4. And,— in good time:— DycQ. 65. there] ¥^¥^. the)v's Y-^Y^.
44. Enter Proteus] F^. 67. Valentinus] F,. Valentino V.
45. sweet life] sweet life! sweet F3 F4. Vale>itine\\'s.xhm\.o\\.
I
SCENE III.] OF VERONA. 95
Aiit. Look, what thou want'st shall be sent after thee : No more of stay! to-morrow thou must go. h^
Come on, Panthino : you shall be employ'd To hasten on his expedition. {^Exeunt Ant. and Pan.
Pro. Thus have I shunn'd the fire for fear of burninp-. And drench'd me in the sea, where I am drown'd. I fear'd to show my father Julia's letter, 80
Lest he should take exceptions to my love; And with the vantage of mine own excuse Hath he excepted most against my love. O, how this spring of love resembleth
The uncertain glory of an April day, 85
Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,
And by and by a cloud takes all away !
Re-enter Panthino.
Pa}i. Sir Proteus, your father calls for you :
He is in haste; therefore, I pray you, go. Pro. Why, this it is: my heart accords thereto, 90
And yet a thousand times it answers ' no.' \Excnnt.
ACT n.
Scene I. Milan. The Duke's Palace.
Enter Valentine and Speed.
Speed. Sir, your glove.
Val. Not mine ; my gloves are on.
Speed. Why, then, this may be yours, for this is but one.
VaL Ha! let me see : ay, give it me, it's mine : Sweet ornament that decks a thing divine ! Ah, Silvia, Silvia! -
77. [ExeuntAnt.andPan.]. Rowe. 88. Re-enter Panthino.] om. Fj.
84. resembklh\ resembleth well Enter. F^.
Pope, resembletk right Johnson Qon]. father] fathers Y ^.
86. Sim] light Johnson Qon]. 91. [Exeunt.] Exeunt. Finis. Ff.
96 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Speed. Madam Silvia! Madam Silvia!
Val. How now, sirrah ?
Speed. She is not within hearing, sir.
Val. Why, sir, who bade you call her ? J
Speed. Your worship, sir; or else I mistook. lo
Val. Well, you'll still be too forward.
Speed. And yet I was last chidden for being too slow.
Val. Go to, sir : tell me, do you know Madam Silvia 1
Speed. She that your worship loves .''
Val. Why, how know you that I am in love } 15'
Speed, ^arry, by these special marks : first, you have learned, like Sir Proteus, to wreathe your arms, like a male- content ; to relish a love-song, like a robin-redbreast ; to walk alone, like one that had the pestilence ; to sigh, like a school-boy that had lost his ABC; to weep, like a young 20] wench that had buried her grandam ; to fast, like one that takes diet ; to watch, like one that fears robbing ; to speak puling, like a beggar at Hallowmas. You were wont, when you laughed, to crow like a cock ; when you walked, to walk like one of the lions ; when you fasted, it was presently after dinner; when you looked sadly, it was for want of money: and now you are metamorphosed with a mistress, that, when I look on you, I can hardly think you my master.
Val. Are all these things perceived in me }
Speed. They are all perceived without ye.
Val. Without me } they cannot.
Speed. Without you } nay, that's certain, for, without you were so simple, none else would : but you are so with- out these follies, that these follies are within you, and shine through you like the water in an urinal, that not an eye that sees you but is a physician to comment on your malady.
Val. But tell me, dost thou know my lady Silvia }
Speed. She that you gaze on so as she sits at supper }'
Val. Hast thou observed that "i even she, I mean.
Speed. Why, sir, I know her not.
19. //(?(/] //(r/// Collier MS. 32. Without you ?'\ Without you!
21. buried'\¥^. lostF^Y^Y^. Pyce.
27. you. an'] you are w Collier MS. 33. loou/J] wou/dhQ Collier MS.
SCENE I.] OF VERONA. 97
Val. Dost thou know her by my gazing on her, and yet knowest her not ?
Speed. Is she not hard-favoured, sir ?
Val. Not so fair, boy, as well-favoured.
Speed. Sir, I know that well enough. , h
Val. What dost thou know .''
Speed. That she is not so fair as, of you, well favoured.
Val. I mean that her beauty is exquisite, but her favour infinite.
Speed. That's because the one is painted, and the other 50 out of all count.
Val. How painted .-' and how out of count }
Speed. Marry, sir, so painted, to make her fair, that no man counts of her beauty.
Val How esteemest thou me .-' I account of her beauty. 55
Speed. You never saw her since she was deformed.
Val. How long hath she been deformed }
Speed. Ever since you loved her.
Val. I have loved her ever since I saw her; and still I see her beautiful. Co
Speed. If you love her, you cannot see her.
Val. Why .?
Speed. Because Love is blind. O, that you had mine eyes ; or your own eyes had the lights they were wont to have when you chid at Sir Proteus for going ungartered ! 65
Val. What should I see then }
Speed. Your own present folly, and her passing de- formity : for he, being in love, could not see to garter his hose ; and you, being in love, cannot see to put on your hose.
Val. Belike, boy, then, you are in love; for last morn- 70 ing you could not see to wipe my shoes.
Speed. True, sir; I was in love with my bed : I thank you, you swinged me for my love, which makes me the bolder to chide you for yours.
Val. In conclusion, I stand affe6led to her. 75
Speed. I would you were set, so your affe6lion would cease.
41. w/j'] FjF^. om. F3F4. 76. j£'/,] j^/; Malone.
68, 69. See note (n').
VOL. I. H
98 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Val Last night she enjoined me to write some Hnes . to one she loves.
Speed. And have you? Val. I have.
Speed. Are they not lamely writ.-* Val. No, boy, but as well as I can do them. Peace ! here she comes.
Speed. [Aside] O excellent motion! O exceeding pup- pet ! Now will he interpret to her.
En^er Silvia.
Val Madam and mistress, a thousand good-morrows.
Speed. [Aside] O, give ye good even! here's a million of manners.
Sil Sir Valentine and servant, to you two thousand. go
Speed. [Aside] He should give her interest, and she gives it him.
Val As you enjoin'd me, I have writ your letter Unto the secret nameless friend of yours;
Which I was much unwilling to proceed in, g^
But for my duty to your ladyship.
Sil 1 thank you, gentle servant : 'tis very clerkly done.
Val Now trust me, madam, it came hardly off; For, being ignorant to whom it goes, I writ at random, very doubtfully. loo
Sil Perchance you think too much of so much pains?
Val No, madam ; so it stead you, I will write. Please you command, a thousand times as much ; And yet — ■
Sil A pretty period ! Well, I guess the sequel ; And yet I will not name it; — and yet I care not; — And yet take this again : — and yet I thank you ; Meaning henceforth to trouble you no more.
Speed. [Aside] And yet you will; and yet another 'yet.'
85, 88, 91. [Aside] Capell. ' 106. ^Kjmc- //] f/a/;/t' V Capell.
91. Speed.] F1F4. Sil. F2F3. ^ W nV] >r/ Pope.
96. for] om. F3F4. 109. [Aside] Rowe.
102. sfead] steed Ff.
SCENE!.] OF VERONA. pp
Val. What means your ladyship? do you not like it? no
Sil. Yes, yes : the lines are very quaintly writ ; But since unwillingly, take them again. Nay, take them.
Val. Madam, they are for you.
Sil. Ay, ay : you writ them, sir, at my request ; 115
But I will none of them ; they are for you ; I would have had them writ more movingly.
Val Please you, I'll write your ladyship another.
SU. And when it's writ, for my sake read it over, And if it please you, so; if not, why, so. 120
Val If it please me, madam, what then?
Sil Why, if it please you, take it for your labour : And so, good morrow, servant. \Exit.
Speed. O jest unseen, inscrutable, invisible, As a nose on a man's face, or a weathercock on a steeple! 125 My master sues to her; and she hath taught her suitor, He being her pupil, to become her tutor. O excellent device! was there ever heard a better. That my master, being scribe, to himself should write the letter?
Val How now, sir? what are you reasoning with 130 yourself?
Speed. Nay, I was rhyming : 'tis you that have the reason.
Val To do what?
Speed. To be a spokesman for Madam Silvia. 135
Val To whom ?
Speed. To yourself: why, she wooes you by a figure.
Val What figure ?
Speed. By a letter, I should say.
Val Why, she hath not writ to me? 140
Speed. What need she, when she hath made you write to yourself? Why, do you not perceive the jest?
Val. No, believe me.
114. for'\ writ for Kwow. zo\\]. 129. scribc\ the scribe Vo->^&.
124, 125. Printed as prose by 137. wooes^ woes Ff. (iv. ii. 13S.
Pope. xvoeY^. ivooe Y ^Y -^Y ^)
H 2
100 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Speed. No believing you, indeed, sir. But did you per- ceive her earnest? 141
Val. She gave me none, except an angry word.
Speed. Why, she hath given you a letter.
Val. That's the letter I writ to her friend.
Speed. And that letter hath she delivered, and there an end. 151
Val. I would it were no Vv'Orse.
Speed. I '11 warrant you, 'tis as well : For often have you writ to her ; and she, in modesty, Or else for want of idle time, could not again reply ; Or fearing else some messenger, that might her mind discover, 1 5; Herself hath taught her love himself to write unto her lover. All this I speak in print, for in print I found it. Why muse you, sir.? 'tis dinner-time.
Val. I have dined.
Speed. Ay, but hearken, sir ; though the chameleon i6( Love can feed on the air, I am one that am nourished by ■ my vi6luals, and would fain have meat. ' O, be not like your mistress; be moved, be moved. \Exeunt.
Scene II. Verona. Julia's Jumse.
Enter Proteus and JULIA.
Pro. Have patience, gentle Julia.
Jul. I must, where is no remedy.
Pro. When possibly I can, I will return.
Jul. If you turn not, you will return the sooner. Keep this remembrance for thy Julia's sake.
{Giving a ring.
Pro. Why, then, we'll make exchange; here, take you this.
Jnl. And seal the bargain with a holy kiss.
Pro. Here is my hand for my true constancy; And when that hour o'crslips me in the day
149. thaclY^. there'' sY^Y^Y^. 5. [Giving a ring] Rowe.
SCENE II.] OF VERONA. loi
Wherein I sigh not, Julia, for thy sake, lo
The next ensuing hour some foul mischance
Torment me for my love's forgetfulness !
My father stays my coming ; answer not ;
The tide is now: — nay, not thy tide of tears;
That tide will stay me longer than I should. 15
Julia, farewell! [Exit Julia.
What, gone without a word ? Ay, so true love should do: it cannot speak; For truth hath better deeds than words to grace it.
Enter Panthino.
Pan. Sir Proteus, you are stay'd for.
Pro. Go; I come, I come. 20
Alas! this parting strikes poor lovers dumb. {Exeunt.
Scene III. The same. A street.
Enter Launce, leading a dog.
Launce. Nay, 'twill be this hour ere I have done weep- ing; all the kind of the Launces have this very fault. I have received my proportion, like the prodigious son, and am going with Sir Proteus to the Imperial's court. I think Crab my dog be the sourest-natured dog that lives: my mother 5 weeping, my father wailing, my sister crying, our maid howling, our cat wringing her hands, and all our house in a great perplexity, yet did not this cruel-hearted cur shed one tear: he is a stone, a very pebble stone, and has no more pity in him than a dog: a Jew would have wept to have 10 seen our parting; why, my grandam, having no eyes, look you, wept herself blind at my parting. Nay, I '11 shew you the manner of it. This shoe is my father : no, this left shoe is my father: no, no, this left shoe is my mother: nay, that
16. [Exit Julia] Rowe. 9. pebble\pibbleYl.
20. Iconic, I co/ne\ I comeVo'^e.
I02 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
cannot be so neither : yes, it is so, it is so, it hath the worser 1 5 sole. This shoe, with the hole in it, is my mother, and this my father; a vengeance on't! there 'tis: now, sir, this staff is my sister, for, look you, she is as white as a lily, and as small as a wand: this hat is Nan, our maid: I am the dog: no, the dog is himself, and I am the dog, — Oh! the dog is 20 me, and I am myself; ay, so, so. Now come I to my father; Father, your blessing: now should not the shoe speak a word for weeping : now should I kiss my father ; well, he weeps on. Now come I to my mother: O, that she could speak now like a wood woman! Well, I kiss her; 25 why, there 'tis; here's my mother's breath up and down. Now come I to my sister; mark the moan she rnakes. Now the dog all this while sheds not a tear, nor speaks a word ; but see how I lay the dust with my tears.
Enter Panthino.
Pan. Launce, away, away, aboard! thy master is ship- 30 ped, and thou art to post after with oars. What's the mat- ter.^ why weepest thou, man.!* Away, ass! you'll lose the tide, if you tarry any longer.
Launce. It is no matter if the tied were lost; for it is the unkindest tied that ever any man tied. 35
Pan. What's the unkindest tide.''
Launce. Why, he that's tied here. Crab, my dog.
Pan. Tut, man, I mean thou 'It lose the flood: and, in losing the flood, lose thy voyage, and, in losing thy voyage, lose thy master, and, in losing thy master, lose thy service, 40 and, in losing thy service, — Why dost thou stop my mouth.'
Launce. For fear thou shouldst lose thy tongue.
Pan. Where should I lose my tongue.'*
Launce. In thy talc.
10. I ajn the dog\ I am mc \\\\\- Pope, a wild woman Co\\\^x 'b.l^. '"cr. Malone (Blackstone conj.)
Oh, the dog is mc\ Ay, the dog punctuates (t» that she could speak
is the dog Hanmer. innv!)
25. she\ the shoe Wmxnitx. 35. tied..Med\ Tide... tide Y ^. 7)de
a wood womaii\ Theobald, a ...tyde F^ F3 F4. would woman Ff. an ould woman
SCENE III.] OF VERONA. 103
Pan. In thy tail ! 45
Lawice. Lose the tide, and the voyage, and the master, and the service, and the tied ! Why, man, if the river were dry, I am able to fill it with my tears; if the wind were down, I could drive the boat with my sighs.
Pan. Come, come away, man ; I was sent to call thee. 50
Launce. Sir, call me what thou darest.
Pan. Wilt thou go.?
Launce. Well, I will go. \Exeimt..
Scene IV. Milan. The T>\]Ke's palace.
Efiter Silvia, Valentine, Thurio, and Speed,
Sil. Servant !
Val Mistress.?
Speed. Master, Sir Thurio frowns on you.
Val Ay, boy, it's for love.
Speed. Not of you. 5
Val. Of my mistress, then.
Speed. 'Twere good you knocked him. \Ejx:if.
SU. Servant, you are sad.
Val. Indeed, madam, I seem so.
TJm. Seem you that you are not.? 10
Val Haply I do.
Thu. So do counterfeits.
Val. So do you.
Tim. What seem I that I am not .?
Val Wise. 15
Thu. What instance of the contrary.?
Val Your folly.
Thu. And how quote you my folly .?
Val I quote it in your jerkin.
Thu. My jerkin is a doublet. 20
45. thy tailf\ my taill Hanmer. tide Ff. om. Capell. The tide! Stee- [Kicking him. Anon. conj. vens. itideed! S. Verges conj.
46. tide'] Tide F, F4. Tyde F2F3. a. [They converse apart] CapeU. flood Pope, tied Collier. 7- [E^i^] Edd. See note (v).
47. and the tied] Singer, and the
104 I^HE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Val Well, then, 1 11 double your folly.
TJai. How?
Sil. What, angry, Sir Thurio! do you change colour?
I'^al. Give him leave, madam ; he is a kind of chameleon.
ThiL That hath more mind to feed on your blood than 25 live in your air.
Val. You have said, sir.
TJiu. Ay, sir, and done too, for this time.
Val. I know it well, sir; you always end ere you begin.
SU. A fine volley of words, gentlemen, and quickly 30 shot off.
Val. 'Tis indeed, madam ; we thank the giver.
Sil. Who is that, servant?
Val. Yourself, sweet lady ; for you gave the fire. Sir Thurio borrows his wit from your ladyship's looks, and 35 spends what he borrows kindly in your company.
Thu. Sir, if you spend word for word with me, I shall make your wit bankrupt.
Val. I know it well, sir; you have an' exchequer of words, and, I think, no other treasure to give your follow- 4CB ers, for it appears, by their bare liveries, that they live by your bare words. 4
Sil. No more, gentlemen, no more: — here comes my father.
Enter DuKE.
Duke. Now, daughter Silvia, you are hard beset. Sir Valentine, your father's in good health: What say you to a letter from your friends Of much good news?
Val My lord, I will be thankful
To any happy messenger from thence.
Duke. Know ye Don Antonio, your countryman? ^J
luzl Ay, my good lord, I know the gentleman To be of worth, and worthy estimation,
21. ririlleTL Vtw// Collier MS. 49. /lappylT^. om. F2F3F4.
45. Scene V.Pope. 50. ye\¥^. youY^Y^Y^.
Enter Duke.] Enter Duke 52. tw;-///] 'wcali/i Collier MS. and
attended. Capell. S. Walker eonj.
I
i
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 105
And not without desert so well reputed.
Duke. Hath he not a son?
Val. Ay, my good lord ; a son that well deserves 55
The honour and regard of such a father.
Duke. You know him well ?
Val. I know him as myself; for from our infancy We have conversed and spent our hours together: And though myself have been an idle truant, 60
Omitting the sweet benefit of time To clothe mine age with angel-like perfe6lion, Yet hath Sir Proteus, for that's his name, Made use and fair advantage of his days ;
His years but young, but his experience old; 65
His head unmellow'd, but his judgment ripe; And, in a word, for far behind his worth Comes all the praises that I now bestow, He is complete in feature and in mind With all good grace to grace a gentleman. 70
Duke. Beshrew me, sir, but if he make this good, He is as worthy for an empress' love As meet to be an emperor's counsellor. Well, sir, this gentleman is come to me,
With commendation from great potentates; 75
And here he means to spend his time awhile : I think 'tis no unwelcome news to you.
Val. Should I have wish'd a thing, it had been he.
Duke. Welcome him, then, according to his worth. Silvia, I speak to you, and you. Sir Thurio, 80
For Valentine, I need not cite him to it: I will send him hither to you presently. {Exit.
Val. This is the gentleman I told your ladyship Had come along with me, but that his mistress Did hold his eyes lock'd in her crystal looks. 85
Sil. Belike that now she hath enfranchised them, Upon some other pawn for fealty.
58. A';;i77<y] Hanmer. KnciuYi. 8i. «Vf] V/A' Malone.
68. comes\Yi. come'Rowe. 82. /xai/l] /'// To-pe.
77. unwelcotne\ Fj. zvelcome Y^ [Exit] Rowe.
F3F4.
io6 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Val. Nay, sure, I think she holds them prisoners still.
Sil. Nay, then, he should be blind; and, being blind, How could he see his way to seek out you ? 90
Val. Why, lady. Love hath twenty pair of eyes.
Thii. They say that Love hath not an eye at all.
Val. To see such lovers, Thurio, as yourself: Upon a homely obje6l Love can wink, I
Sil. Have done, have done; here comes the gentleman. 95
Enter Proteus. {Exit Thurio.
Val. Welcome, dear Proteus ! Mistress, I beseech you, Confirm his welcome with some special favour.
Sil. His worth is warrant for his welcome hither. If this be he you oft have wish'd to hear from.
Val. Mistress, it is: sweet lady, entertain him loc
To be my fellow-servant to your ladyship.
Sil. Too low a mistress for so high a servant.
Pro. Not so, sweet lady : but too mean, a servant To have a look of such a worthy mistress.
Val. Leave off discourse of disability: 10^
Sweet lady, entertain him for your servant.
Pro. My duty will I boast of; nothing else.
Sil. And duty never yet did want his meed: Servant, you are welcome to a worthless mistress.
Pro. V\\ die on him that says so but yourself iij
Sil. That you are welcome.-'
Pro. That you are worthless.
Re-enter Thurio.
T]m. Madam, my lord your father would speak with you.
95. Scene vi. Pope. Enter Pro- That you are worthless] A'o,
TEUS.] Enter. Fj. that you are worthless Johnson.
Exit Thurio] Collier. See Re-enter Thurio.] om. Ff.
note (v). Enter Thurio. Collier. Enter a Ser-
97, his] Fj. this F^ F3 F4, vant. Theobald.
104. a worthy] a worthy a Y ^. 112. Thu.] Ff. Serv. Theobald.
III. welcome] wclcovie, sir Capcll.
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 107
Sil. I wait upon his pleasure. Come, Sir Thurio, Go with me. Once more, new servant, welcome : I'll leave you to confer of home affairs; 115
When you have done, we look to hear from you. Pro. We'll both attend upon your ladyship.
\Exciint Silvia and Thurio. Val. Now, tell me, how do all from whence you came ? Pro. Your friends are well, and have them much com- mended. Val. And how do yours .-'
Pro. I left them all in health. 120
Val. How does your lady.-* and how thrives your love.-* Pro. My tales of love were wont to weary you ; I know you joy not in a love-discourse.
Val Ay, Proteus, but that life is alter'd now: I have done penance for contemning Love, 125
Whose high imperious thoughts have punish'd me With bitter fasts, with penitential groans. With nightly tears, and daily heart-sore sighs; For, in revenge of my contempt of love.
Love hath chased sleep from my enthralled eyes, 130
And made them watchers of mine own heart's sorrow. O gentle Proteus, Love's a mighty lord, And hath so humbled me, as I confess There is no woe to his correftion.
Nor to his service no such joy on earth. 135
Now no discourse, except it be of love ; Now can I break my fast, dine, sup and sleep. Upon the very naked name of love.
Pro. Enough ; I read your fortune in your eye. Was this the idol that you worship so.^* 140
VaL Even she ; and is she not a heavenly saint .? Pro. No ; but she is an earthly paragon. Val. Call her divine.
113. [Exit servant. Theobald. ii8. Scene vn. Pope.
114. Go] Go yotc C^.^e\\. 126. IVhose] Those ]dh\\%o\\ con], new serva}2{\mynew seri>anl 133. as I cojifess] as, / confess,
Pope. Warburton.
117. [Exeunt S. and T.] Rowe. 135- «" sue//] any Hanmer.
io8 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Pro. I will not flatter her.
Val. O, flatter me ; for love delights in praises. Pro. When I was sick, you gave me bitter pills ; 145
And I must minister the like to you.
Val. Then speak the truth by her ; if not divine, Yet let her be a principality, Sovereign to all the creatures on the earth. Pro. Except my mistress.
Val. Sweet, except not any ; 150.
Except thou wilt except against my love.
Pro. Have I not reason to prefer mine own.-*
Val And I will help thee to prefer her too : She shall be dignified with this high honour, — ,
To bear my lady's train, lest the base earth i55
Should from her vesture chance to steal a kiss, And, of so great a favour growing proud, Disdain to root the summer-swelling flower, And make rough winter everlastingly.
Pro. Why, Valentine, what braggardism' is this. '' 160^
Val. Pardon me, Proteus: all I can is nothing To her, whose worth makes other worthies nothing ; She is alone.
Pro. Then let her alone.
Val. Not for the world : why, man, she is mine own ; And I as rich in having such a jewel i^i
As twenty seas, if all their sand were pearl, The water neftar, and the rocks pure gold. Forgive me, that I do not dream on thee, Because thou see'st me dote upon my love. My foolish rival, that her father likes 170"
Only for his possessions are so huge, Is gone with her along ; and I must after, For love, thou know'st, is full of jealousy.
Pro. But she loves you.-*
144. /;-(z /.(■«] F,. /ra/j-^ Fj F3 F4. 162. tnakcs\ make Y ^.
15S. summer- swelling^ sutnmer- worthies] worth as Grant
smelling Steevens conj. (withdrawn). White.
160. braggardism] Steevens. bra- 163. Then] JFhv, the/i Hanmer.
gadism Ff. 167. roc/cs]Y.^. rockeY^. rockY^Y^.
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 109
Val. Ay, and we are betroth'd: nay, more, our mar- riage-hour, 175 With all the cunning manner of our flight. Determined of; how I must climb her window; The ladder made of cords; and all the means Plotted and 'greed on for my happiness.
Good Proteus, go with me to my chamber, 180
In these affairs to aid me with thy counsel.
Pro. Go on before ; I shall inquire you forth : I must unto the road, to disembark Some necessaries that I needs must use; And then I'll presently attend you. 185
Val. Will you make haste.''
Pro. I will. \Exit Valentine.
Even as one heat another heat expels, Or as one nail by strength drives out another, So the remembrance of my former love 190
Is by a newer object quite forgotten. Is it mine, or Valentine's praise. Her true perfe6lion, or my false transgression. That makes me reasonless to reason thus.^
She is fair; and so is Julia, that I love, — ip^
That I did love, for now my love is thaw'd; Which, like a waxen image 'gainst a fire. Bears no impression of the thing it was. Methinks my zeal to Valentine is cold.
And that I love him not as I was wont. 200
O, but I love his lady too too much ! And that's the reason I love him so little.
175. Ay, and we are] Ay, And 192. Is it... praise,] It is mine, or
tue're'EM. con]. Valentine'' s praise? Fj. Is it mine
nay, more] Nay, more, my then, or Valentineans praise? Y^Y-^Y^.
Proiheus Cz.-^q\\. Is it miiie then or Valentino's praise,
marriage -hour] marriage Rowe, Pope. Is it mine eye or Valen-
Pope. tino's praise, Theobald (Warburton).
185. you] Jipon you Yis-XiraQr. on Is it mine eyne, or Valentino's praise,
you Capell. Hanmer. Is it mineoiun, or Valentino's
187. [Exit Val.] [Exit. Fj. cm. /nz/j-^-, Capell. Is it her mien, or P^a-
F2 F3 F4. [Exeunt Valentine and Icntintts' praise, Alalone (Blakeway
Speed. Dyce. See note (v). conj.). See note (vi).
no THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
How shall I dote on her with more advice,
That thus without advice begin to love her!
'Tis but her pi6lure I have yet beheld, 205
And that hath dazzled my reason's light;
But when I look on her perfe6lions.
There is no reason but I shall be blind.
If I can check my erring love, I will;
If not, to compass her I'll use my skill. {Exit. 210
Scene V. The same. A street.
Enter Speed and Launce severally.
Speed. Launce ! by mine honesty, welcome to Padua !
LaiiJiee. Forswear not thyself, sweet youth ; for I am not welcome. I reckon this always — that a man is never un- done till he be hanged ; nor never welcome to a place till some certain shot be paid, and the hostess say 'Welcome!'
Speed. Come on, you madcap, I'll to the alehouse with you presently ; where, for one shot of five pence, thou shalt have five thousand welcomes. But, sirrah, how did thy master part with Madam Julia.''
Laimce. Marry, after they closed in earnest, they parted 10- very fairly in jest.
Speed. But shall she marry him.''
Laimce. No.
Speed. How, then.' shall he marry her.'
Launce. No, neither.
Speed. What, are they broken.'
Laimce. No, they are both as whole as a fish.
Speed. Why, then, how stands the matter with them .'
Laimce. Marry, thus; when it stands well with him, it stands well with her.
206. dazzled] dazcVd F^. dazePd vni. Pope.
J0F2F3F4. I. Padud\Yl. Milan Vo^Q. See
-2 10. [Exit.] Fj. [Exeunt. Fj. note (vn).
Scene v.] Scena Quinta Fj. 4. be] is Rowe.
SCENA QUARTA F^ F3 F4. SCENE
SCENE v.] OF VERONA, iii
Speed. What an ass art thou ! I understand thee not.
Launce. What a block art thou, that thou canst not! My staff understands me.
Speed. What thou sayest.''
Launce. Ay, and what I do too: look thee, I'll but 25 lean, and my staff understands me.
Speed. It stands under thee, indeed.
Launee. Why, stand-under and under-stand is all one.
Speed. But tell me true, will't be a match.'*
Laiuiee. Ask my dog: if he say ay, it will; if he say, 30 no, it will; if he shake his tail and say nothing, it will.
Speed. The conclusion is, then, that it will.
Laiince. Thou shalt never get such a secret from me but by a parable.
Speed. 'Tis well that I get it so. But, Launce, how 35 sayest thou, that my master is become a notable lover?
Launce. I never knew him otherwise.
Speed. Than how.''
Launce. A notable lubber, as thou reportest him to be.
Speed. Why, thou whoreson ass, thou mistakest me. 40
Launce. Why fool, I meant not thee; I meant thy master.
Speed. I tell thee, my master is become a hot lover.
Launce. Why, I tell thee, I care not though he burn himself in love. If thou wilt, go with me to the alehouse; if not, thou art an Hebrew, a Jew, and not worth the name 45 of a Christian.
Speed. Why.?
Launce. Because thou hast not so much charity in thee as to go to the ale with a Christian. Wilt thou go .''
Speed. At thy service. [Exeunt. 50
21 — 28. Put in the margin as spu- in love, if thou wilt go Collier (Malone
rious by Pope. conj.).
36. tkat'\ Fg F3 F4. thai that Fj. alehouse] Fj. alehouse, so Y^
44. in love. If thou wilt, go] F3F4. Knight, in love. Jf thou wilt go Ft 49. ale] ale-house Kowe.
112 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Scene VI. The same. The Duke's palace.
Enter Proteus.
Pro. To leave my Julia, shall I be forsworn; To love fair Silvia, shall I be forsworn ; To wrong my friend, I shall be much forsworn ; And even that power, which gave me first my oath. Provokes me to this threefold perjury; rj
Love bade me swear, and Love bids me forswear.
0 sweet-suggesting Love, if thou hast sinn'd. Teach me, thy tempted subje6l, to excuse it! • At first I did adore a twinkling star,
But now I worship a celestial sun. lo
Unheedful vows may heedfully be broken ;
And he wants wit that wants resolved will
To learn his wit to exchange the bad for better.
Fie, fie, unreverend tongue ! to call her bad,
Whose sovereignty so oft thou hast preferr'd j -
With twenty thousand soul-confirming oaths.
1 cannot leave to love, and yet I do;
But there I leave to love where I should love.
Julia I lose, and Valentine I lose:
If I keep them, I needs must lose myself; 20
If I lose them, thus find I by their loss
For Valentine, myself, for Julia, Silvia.
I to myself am dearer than a friend.
For love is still most precious in itself;
And Silvia — witness Heaven, that made her fair ! —
Shows Julia but a swarthy Ethiope.
I will forget that Julia is alive,
Scene vi.] Scene ix. Pope. ton.
Enter Proteus.] Enter Protheus 16. sciil-confirm!i!g\ soul-confirmed
solus. Ff. Pope.
1,2. fors7i.'orit;...fors7vor)! ;'\T\\Q.o- 7\. /////.r] ////> Theobald,
bald, fomoornl ...forsiuorn? Ff. <'!•'] F,. /'«/ F^ F3 F4.
7. szveet- suggest! >tg'\ szvect sitg- 24. viost'\ more Steevcns.
gestioit, Pope. iii\ to Collier MS.
if thou hasf] if I have Warbur-
-,)
SCENE VL] OF VERONA. 113
Remembering that my love to her is dead ;
And Valentine I'll hold an enemy,
Aiming at Silvia as a sweeter friend. 30
I cannot now prove constant to myself,
Without some treachery used to Valentine.
This night he meaneth with a corded ladder
To climb celestial Silvia's chamber-window;
Myself in counsel, his competitor. 35
Now presently I '11 give her father notice
Of their disguising and pretended flight;
Who, all enraged, will banish Valentine ;
For Thurio, he intends, shall wed his daughter;
But, Valentine being gone, I'll quickly cross 4°
By some sly trick blunt Thurio's dull proceeding.
Love, lend me wings to make my purpose swift,
As thou hast lent me wit to plot this drift ! \Exit.
. Scene VII. Verona. Julia's Jwiise.
Enter Julia and Lucetta.
Jill. Counsel, Lucetta ; gentle girl, assist me ; And, even in kind love, I do conjure thee. Who art the table wherein all my thoughts Are visibly chara6ler'd and engraved,
To lesson me ; and tell me some good mean, 5
How, with my honour, I may undertake A journey to my loving' Proteus.
Lite. Alas, the way is wearisome and long!
Jill. A true-devoted pilgrim is not weary To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps ; 10
Much less shall she that hath Love's wings to fly, And when the flight is made to one so dear,
35. counsel'\coiinsaik'Fj¥^. conn- conj. eel F3. council F4. 43- i^ii^'\ Fi- his F^ F3 F4.
37. pretended] intended Johnson Scene vn.] ScExXE x. Pope.
VOL. I. I
114 I^HE TWO GENTLEMEN [act ii.
Of such divine perfe61:ion, as Sir Proteus.
Liic. Better forbear till Proteus make return.
Jill. O, know'st thou not, his looks are my soul's food .'' 1 5 Pity the dearth that I have pined in, By longing for that food so long a time. Didst thou but know the inly touch of love. Thou wouldst as soon go kindle fire with snow As seek to quench the fire of love with words. 20
Ltic. I do not seek to quench your love's hot fire, But qualify the fire's extreme rage, Lest it should burn above the bounds of reason.
Jill. The more thou damm'st it up, the more it burns. The current that with gentle murmur glides, . 25
Thou know'st, being stopp'd, impatiently doth rage; But when his fair course is not hindered. He makes sweet music with the enamell'd stones, Giving a gentle kiss to every sedge
He overtaketh in his pilgrimage; 30
And so by many winding nooks he strays, With willing sport, to the wild ocean. Then let me go, and hinder not my course: I'll be as patient as a gentle stream.
And make a pastime of each weary step, .5")
Till the last step have brought me to my love ; And there I '11 rest, as after much turmoil A blessed soul doth in Elysium.
Ltic. But in what habit will you go along?
Jid. Not like a woman ; for I would prevent 40
The loose encounters of lascivious men: Gentle Lucetta, fit me with such weeds As may beseem some well-reputed page.
Luc. Why, then, your ladyship must cut your hair.
Jul. No, girl; I'll knit it up in silken strings 45
With twenty odd-conceited true-love knots. To be fantastic may become a youth Of greater time than I shall show to be.
13. perfcdlioit\ Fj F2 F4. pe)fec- ?2. extremelextremestVo^t.
tions F3. 33. ivildX 'wide Collier MS.
18. /;?/v]r, Fj. mchlyV^Y^. 47. fantastic\fatitantastiqucY .^.
I
SCENE VII.] OF VERONA. 115
Luc. What fashion, madam, shall I make your breeches?
Jul. That fits as well as, ' Tell me, good my lord, 50
What compass will you wear your farthingale?' Why even what fashion thou best likest, Lucetta.
Luc. You must needs have them with a codpiece, madam.
Jul. Out, out, Lucetta ! that will be ill-favour'd.
Ltic. A round hose, madam, now's not worth a pin, 55
Unless you have a codpiece to stick pins on.
Jul. Lucetta, as thou lovest me, let me have What thou think'st meet, and is most mannerly. But tell me, wench, how will the world repute me For undertaking so unstaid a journey? 60
I fear me, it will make me scandalized.
Luc. If you think so, then stay at home, and go not.
Jul Nay, that I will not.
Lfic. Then never dream on infamy, but go. If Proteus like your journey when you come, 65
No matter who's displeased when you are gone: I fear me, he will scarce be pleased withal.
Jul That is the least, Lucetta, of my fear : A thousand oaths, an ocean of his tears,
And instances of infinite of love, 70
Warrant me welcome to my Proteus.
Luc. All these are servants to deceitful men.
Jul Base men, that use them to so base effe6l! But truer stars did govern Proteus' birth :
His words are bonds, his oaths are oracles; 75
His love sincere, his thoughts immaculate; His tears pure messengers sent from his heart; His heart as far from fraud as heaven from earth.
Ltic. Pray heaven he prove so, when you come to him!
Jul Now, as thou lovest me, do him not that wrong, 80 To bear a hard opinion of his truth : Only deserve my love by loving him ;
52. ///w/'] Pope. likesTL 70. of inJinite\Y ^. as infinite Y^
67. withal] with all Yj^T^. with- F3F4. 0/ the infijtite 'MaXone. allY^Y^.
12
Ii6 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iii.
And presently go with me to my chamber,
To take a note of what I stand in need of,
To furnish me upon my longing journey. 85
All that is mine I leave at thy dispose.
My goods, my lands, my reputation ;
Only, in lieu thereof, dispatch me hence.
Come, answer not, but to it presently!
I am impatient of my tarriance. \Exeunt. 9°
ACT III. Scene I. Milan. Ante-room in the D\JKE'SJ>alace.
Enter Duke, Thurio, and Proteus.
Diike. Sir Thurio, give us leave, I pray, awhile; We have some secrets to confer about. \Exit TJin.
Now, tell me, Proteus, what's your will with me.-*
Pro. My gracious lord, that which I would discover The law of friendship bids me to conceal ; But when I call to mind your gracious favours Done to me, undeserving as I am. My duty pricks me on to utter that Which else no worldly good should draw from me. Know, worthy prince. Sir Valentine, my friend, io_
This night intends to steal away your daughter: Myself am one made privy to the plot. I know you have determined to bestow her On Thurio, whom your gentle daughter hates; And should she thus be stol'n away from you, i5j
It would be much vexation to your age. Thus, for my duty's sake, I rather chose To cross my friend in his intended drift
85. longii!g\ lovi>ig Collier MS. 2. [Exit Thu.] Rowe.
89. ^f //] f/ti ?7 Warburton. 7. r?,r] Fj l''3F4. as as V
Ante-room] Capell.
SCENE!.] OF VERONA. 117
Than, by concealing it, heap on your head
A pack of sorrows, which would press you down, 20
Being unprevented, to your timeless grave.
Duke. Proteus, I thank thee for thine honest care; Which to requite, command me while I live. This love of theirs myself have often seen.
Haply when they have judged me fast asleep; 25
And oftentimes have purposed to forbid Sir Valentine her company and my court: But, fearing lest my jealous aim might err, And so, unworthily disgrace the man,
A rashness that I ever yet have shunn'd, 30
I gave him gentle looks; thereby to find That which thyself hast now disclosed to me. And, that thou mayst perceive my fear of this, Knowing that tender youth is soon suggested, I nightly lodge her in an upper tower, 35
The key whereof myself have ever kept ; And thence she cannot be convey'd away.
Pro. Know, noble lord, they have devised a mean How he her chamber-window will ascend,
And with a corded ladder fetch her down ; 40
For which the youthful lover now is gone, And this way comes he with it presently ; Where, if it please you, you may intercept him. But, good my Lord, do it so cunningly
That my discovery be not aimed at ; 45
For, love of you, not hate unto my friend, Hath made me publisher of this pretence.
Duke. Upon mine honour, he shall never know That I had any light from thee of this.
Pro. Adieu, my Lord ; Sir Valentine is coming. [Exit. 5°
|
1.1. Being] If VoYiQ. |
3^. |
hast] hath Pope. |
|
|
tinpreventcd] Fj F^. |
tinpre- |
33- |
that] Fj. om. F^ F3 F4, |
|
paredY-^Yi,. |
SO- |
[Exit] Rowe. |
ii8 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act in.
Enter Valentine.
Duke. Sir Valentine, whither away so fast.-*
Val. Please it your grace, there is a messenger That stays to bear my letters to my friends, And I am going to deliver them.
Duke. Be they of much import.-* 55
Val. The tenour of them doth but signify My health and happy being at your court.
Duke. Nay then, no matter; stay with me awhile; I am to break with thee of some affairs
That touch me near, wherein thou must be secret. 60
'Tis not unknown to thee that I have sought To match my friend Sir Thurio to my daughter.
Val. I know it well, my Lord ; and, sure, the match Were rich and honourable ; besides, the gentleman Is full of virtue, bounty, worth and qualities 65
Beseeming such a wife as your fair daughter : Cannot your Grace win her to fancy him?
Duke. No, trust me ; she is peevish, sullen, froward, Proud, disobedient, stubborn, lacking duty; Neither regarding that she is my child, Nor fearing me as if I were her father: And, may I say to thee, this pride of hers, Upon advice, hath drawn my love from her; And, where I thought the remnant of mine age Should have been cherish'd by her child-like duty, 75
I now am full resolved to take a wife, And turn her out to who will take her in : Then let her beauty be her wedding-dower; For me and my possessions she esteems not. A
Val. What would your Grace have me to do in this.-* 80
Duke. There is a lady in Verona here Whom I afifedl ; but she is nice and coy.
Enter Valentine.] om. F^. 72. mayt I\ I may YiTcamtx.
[Enter. F^ F3 F4. 78. doruet^ dowre Ff. dowry Han-
51. Scene it. Pope. mer.
whitherlY^. ^uhetherY ^{tmA 8i. in Verona\YL sir, in Milan
elsewhere). Pope, in Milano Collier MS. of
56. tenour\ tenure Ff. Verona Halliwell. See note (vu).
I
t
f
SCENE!.] OF VERONA. 119
And nought esteems my aged eloquence:
Now, therefore, would I have thee to my tutor, —
For long agone I have forgot to court; 85
Besides, the fashion of the time is changed, —
How and which way I may bestow myself,
To be regarded in her sun-bright eye.
Val. Win her with gifts, if she respe6l not words : Dumb jewels often in their silent kind 90
More than quick words do move a woman's mind.
Ditke. But she did scorn a present that I sent her.
Val. A woman sometimes scorns what best contents her. Send her another; never give her o'er;
For scorn at first makes afterlove the more. 95
If she do frown, 'tis not in hate of you, But rather to beget more love in you : If she do chide, 'tis not to have you gone; For why, the fools are mad, if left alone.
Take no repulse, whatever she doth say; 100
For 'get you gone,' she doth not mean 'away!' Flatter and praise, commend, extol their graces; Though ne'er so black, say they have angels' faces. That man that hath a tongue, I say, is no man. If with his tongue he cannot win a woman. T05
Ditke. But she I mean is promised by her friends Unto a youthful gentleman of worth; And kept severely from resort of men, That no man hath access by day to her.
Val. Why, then, I would resort to her by night. no
Duke. Ay, but the doors be lock'd, and keys kept safe. That no man hath recourse to her by night.
Val. What lets but one may enter at her window?
Duke. Her chamber is aloft, far from the ground, And built so shelving, that one cannot climb it 115
Without apparent hazard of his life.
83. nojtght'\Y ^Y {^ ^. naughtY^. 93. contents\ content yizs,o\\co\\\.
89. respeO] Y^ Y^ F3. respedls F4. 98. Vw] F^ F3 F4. 'its Y^.
92. that I sent hcr\ that I sent, sir 99. Forwh}',the']For-whytheT)yce.
Steevens conj. 105. with'] Fj F3 F4. this Y^.
120 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iii.
Val. Why, then, a ladder, quaintly made of cords, To cast up, with a pair of anchoring hooks. Would serve to scale another Hero's tower, So bold Leander would adventure it. 120
Duke. Now, as thou art a gentleman of blood, Advise me where I may have such a ladder.
Val. When would you use it.'' pray, sir, tell me that.
Duke. This very night; for Love is like a child, That longs for every thing that he can come by. 125
Val. By seven o'clock I'll get you such a ladder.
Duke. But, hark thee; I will go to her alone: How shall I best convey the ladder thither.''
Val It will be light, my lord, that you may bear it Under a cloak that is of any length. 130
Duke. A cloak as long as thine will serve the turn.''
Val. Ay, my good lord.
Duke. Then let me see thy cloak :
I'll get me one of such another length. ;
Val. Why, any cloak will serve the turh, my lord. i
Duke. How shall I fashion me to wear a cloak.'' 13^ |
I pray thee, let me feel thy cloak upon me. -
What letter is this same.? What's here.? 'To Silvia'! I
And here an engine fit for my proceeding. ■
I'll be so bold to break the seal for once. [Reads.
\ ' My thoughts do liarbour with my Silvia nightly ; i ^0
And slaves they are to me, that send them flying : O, could their master come and go as lightly,
Himself would lodge where senseless they are lying ! My herald thoughts in thy pure bosom rest them ;
While I, their king, that thither them importune, Do curse the grace that with such grace hath bless'd them,
Because myself do want my servants' fortune : I curse myself, for they are sent by me, That they should harbour where their lord would be.
What's here.?
' Silvia, this night I will enfranchise thee.'
'Tis so; and here's the ladder for the purpose.
139. [Reads] Rowe. ^^ Fj.
149- ww/aT fe] F3 F3 F4. s/iou/d 151. /a////]F, F3F3. KV7//F4.
150
I
i
SCENE!.] OF VERONA. 121
Why, Phaethon, — for thou art Merops' son, —
Wilt thou aspire to guide the heavenly car.
And with thy daring folly burn the world? 155
Wilt thou reach stars, because they shine on thee?
Go, base intruder! ovenveening slave!
Bestow thy fawning smiles on equal mates;
And think my patience, more than thy desert,
Is privilege for thy departure hence: 160
Thank me for this more than for all the favours,
Which all too much I have bestow'd on thee.
But if thou linger in my territories
Longer than swiftest expedition
Will give thee time to leave our royal court, 165
By heaven ! my wrath shall far exceed the love
I ever bore my daughter or thyself
Be gone ! I will not hear thy vain excuse ;
But, as thou lovest thy life, make speed from hence. [Exit.
Val. And why not death rather than living torment? 170 To die is to be banish'd from myself; And Silvia is myself: banish'd from her. Is self from self: a deadly banishment ! What light is light, if Silvia be not seen?
What joy is joy, if Silvia be not by? i75
Unless it be to think that she is by, And feed upon the shadow of perfe6lion. Except I be by Silvia in the night. There is no music in the nightingale;
Unless I look on Silvia in the day, 180
There is no day for me to look upon: She is my essence; and I leave to be, If I be not by her fair influence Foster'd, illumined, cherish'd, kept alive.
I fly not death, to fly his deadly doom: 185
Tarry I here, I but attend on death: But, fly I hence, I fly away from life.
154. car'\catY^Y^. i/O. SCENE HI. Pope.
169. [Exit] F^.
122 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iii.
Enter Proteus and Launce.
Pro. Run, boy, run, run, and seek him out.
Launce. Soho, soho!
Pro. What seest thou ? 190
Launce. Him we go to find: there's not a hair on's head but 'tis a Valentine.
Pro. Valentine ?
Val. No.
Pro. Who then.-* his spirit .-' 19
Val. Neither.
Pro. What then?
Val. Nothing.
Launce. Can nothing speak? Master, shall I strike?
Pro. Who wouldst thou strike? 200
Launce. Nothing.
Pro. Villain, forbear.
Launce. Why, sir, I'll strike nothing: I pray you, — Ij
Pro. Sirrah, I say, forbear. Friend Valentine, a word.
Val. My ears are stopt, and cannot hear good news, 205 So much of bad already hath possess'd them.
Pro. Then in dumb silence will I bury mine, For they are harsh, untuneable, and bad. Val. Is Silvia dead?
Pro. No, Valentine. 21
Val. No Valentine, indeed, for sacred Silvia. Hath she forsworn me?
Pro. No, Valentine.
Val. No Valentine, if Silvia have forsworn me. What is your news? 2i§
Launce. Sir, there is a proclamation that you are van- ished.
Pro. That thou art banished — O, that's the news! —
I
Enter Pro. and Launce] Fj. 217. banished — 0 that''s\ ba- \
189. Soho, soho!\ So-hoiigh, Soa nish'd: oh, that's Ff. banish' d—0, I
hough — Fj. that is Pope. banished— Val. Oh,
200. JVho]F^. JJViom F^F^F^. that's the /unus! Vxo. From hence,...
204. Si^-rahl om. Pope. Edd. conj. 2 1 6. vanished] vanished VoY>Q.
SCENE I.] OF VERONA. 123
From hence, from Silvia, and from me thy friend.
Val. O, I have fed upon this woe already, And now excess of it will make me surfeit. 220
Doth Silvia know that I am banished.''
Pro. Ay, ay; and she hath offer'd to the doom — Which, unreversed, stands in efTeftual force — A sea of melting pearl, which some call tears : Those at her father's churlish feet she tender'd; 225
With them, upon her knees, her humble self; Wringing her hands, whose whiteness so became them As if but now they waxed pale for woe : But neither bended knees, pure hands held up, Sad sighs, deep groans, nor silver-shedding tears, 230
Could penetrate her uncompassionate sire; But Valentine, if he be ta'en, must die. Besides, her intercession chafed him so, When she for thy repeal was suppliant,
That to close prison he commanded her, 235
With many bitter threats of biding there.
Val. No more ; unless the next word that thou speak'st Have some malignant power upon my life: If so, I pray thee, breathe it in mine ear, As ending anthem of my endless dolour. 240
Pro. Cease to lament for that thou canst not help, And study help for that which thou lament'st. Time is the nurse and breeder of all good. Here if thou stay, thou canst not see thy love ; Besides, thy staying will abridge thy life. 245
Hope is a lover's staff; walk hence with that, And manage it against despairing thoughts. Thy letters may be here, though thou art hence; Which, being writ to me, shall be deliver'd
Even in the milk-white bosom of thy love. 250
The time now serves not to expostulate : Come, I '11 convey thee through the city-gate ; And, ere I part with thee, confer at large Of all that may concern thy love-affairs.
As thou lovest Silvia, though not for thyself, 255
Regard thy danger, and along with me!
124 T^HE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iii.
Val. I pray thee, Launce, an if thou seest my boy, Bid him make haste, and meet me at the North-gate.
Pro. Go, sirrah, find him out. Come, Valentine.
Val. O my dear Silvia ! Hapless Valentine! 260
[Exeunt Val. and Pro.
Lannce. I am but a fool, look you; and yet I have the wit to think my master is a kind of a knave: but that's all one, if he be but one knave. He lives not now that knows me to be in love ; yet I am in love ; but a team of horse shall not pluck that from me; nor who 'tis I love; and yet 265 'tis a woman; but what woman, I will not tell myself; and yet 'tis a milkmaid; yet 'tis not a maid, for she hath had gossips; yet 'tis a maid, for she is her master's maid, and serves for wages. She hath more qualities than a water- spaniel, — which is much in a bare Christian. \P idling out a 27c paper^ Here is the cate-log of her condition. 'Imprimis: She can fetch and carry.' Why, a horse can do no more: nay, a horse cannot fetch, but only carry; therefore is she better than a jade. 'Item: She can milk^,' look you, a sweet virtue in a maid with clean hands. 27
Enter Speed.
Speed. How now, Signior Launce! what news with your mastership.''
Lannce. With my master's ship.^ why, it is at sea.
Speed. Well, your old vice still; mistake the word. What news, then, in your paper .-• 28
Launce. The blackest news that ever thou heardest.
Speed. Why, man, how black .-*
Launce. Why, as black as ink.
Speed. Let me read them.
Launce. Fie on thee, jolt-head! thou canst not read.
260. [Exeunt Val. and Pro.] Ex- 271. cate-log\ cat-log Yo^q. eunt. Fj. conditioji] Fj F^ F3. condi-
261. Scene vi. Pope, by inis- tioisY^. print for IV. 274. milk ;^ look you,^ milk, look
263. one knave\ one kind of k7iave ^^/cm;' Capell. Hanmer. one kind Warburton. one 276. Enter Speed] F^.
in lo7'e Staunton conj. 278. masfers s/ii/] Theobald.
270. [Pulling out a paper] Rowe. Mastership Ff.
SCENE I.] OF VERONA. 125
Speed. Thou liest; I can.
Laiince. I will try thee. Tell me this : who begot thee .''
Speed. Marry, the son of my grandfather.
Launce. O illiterate loiterer! it was the son of thy grand- mother: this proves that thou canst not read. 290
Speed. Come, fool, come; try me in thy paper.
Laiince. There; and Saint Nicholas be thy speed!
Speed [reads]. ' Imprimis: She can milk.'
Laiince. Ay, that she can.
Speed. 'Item: She brews good ale.* 295
Launce. And thereof comes the proverb: ' Blessing of your heart, you brew good ale.'
Speed. * Item : She can sew.'
Launce. That's as much as to say. Can she so.^
Speed. 'Item: She can knit.' 300
Launce. What need a man care for a stock with a wench, when she can knit him a stock.?
Speed. ' Item : She can wash and scour.'
Launce. A special virtue; for then she need not be washed and scoured. 305
Speed. ' Item : She can spin.'
Launce. Then may I set the world on wheels, when she can spin for her living.
Speed. ' Item : She hath many nameless virtues.'
Launce. That's as much as to say, bastard virtues; 310 that, indeed, know not their fathers, and therefore have no names.
Speed. ' Here follow her vices.'
Laiince. Close at the heels of her virtues.
Speed. ' Item: She is not to be kissed fasting, in respeft 315 of her breath.'
Launce. Well, that fault may be mended with a break- fast. Read on.
Speed. ' Item : She hath a sweet mouth.'
Launce. That makes amends for her sour breath. 320
■293,294. om. Farmer conj. 313. follou>\Yj^. followesY^. fol-
293. Impritnis\ Item Halliwell. loivs F3 P'4. 304. need not be\Y -^. need not to 315. ,^/jj-fa'] Rowe. om. Ff.
be F, F3 F4.
126 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iii.
Speed. ' Item : She doth talk in her sleep.'
LaitJicc. It's no matter for that, so she sleep not in her talk.
Speed. * Item: She is slow in Avords.'
Launce. O villain, that set this down among her vices! 325 To be slow in words is a woman's only virtue: I pray thee, out with't, and place it for her chief virtue.
Speed. ' Item : She is proud.'
Laiince. Out with that too; it was Eve's legacy, and cannot be ta'en from her. 330
Speed. ' Item : She hath no teeth.'
Launce. I care not for that neither, because I love crusts.
Speed. ' Item : She is curst.'
Launce. Well, the best is, she hath no teeth to bite. 335
Speed. ' Item: She will often praise her liquor.'
Launce. If her liquor be good, she shall: if she will not, I will ; for good things should be praised.
Speed. ' Item : She is too liberal.'
Launce. Of her tongue she cannot, for that's writ down 340 she is slow of; of her purse she shall not, for that I '11 keep i shut: now, of another thing she may, and that cannot I help. Well, proceed.
Speed. ' Item: She hath more hair than wit, and more faults than hairs, and more wealth than faults.' 345
Launce. Stop there; I'll have her: she was mine, and not mine, twice or thrice in that last article. Rehearse that once more.
Speed. * Item: She hath more hair than wit," —
Launce. More hair than wit.-* It may be; 111 prove it. 3-,o The cover of the salt hides the salt, and therefore it is more than the salt ; the hair that covers the wit is more than the wit, for the greater hides the less. What's next.''
322. .s-/<v7^] .f//> Collier MS. "344. /w/V] F,. /lairsY^¥^Y^.
325. 0...t/iis] O villa i III', that set 347. ///<?/ /<7j/] F,. (in some copies
3
t/iis F"i. O villainy, that set F^ F3. only, according to Malone.) t/iat F
0/t villaitt! that set Y^. O villainy F3 F4.
that set this Malone. 350. // may be; III proz'c //]
342. can/iot /]/ cannot Steevens. Theobald, /t may />e f/l prove it Yf.
SCENE!.] OF VERONA. Ill
Speed. * And more faults than hairs,' —
Lannce. That's monstrous: O, that that were out! 355
Speed. ' And more wealth than faults.'
Laimce. Why, that word makes the faults gracious. Well, I'll have her: and if it be a match, as nothing is impossible, —
Speed. What then.-* 360
LaiLHce. Why, then will I tell thee — that thy master stays for thee at the North-gate .''
Speed. For me.-*
Laiinee. For thee! ay, who art thou.-* he hath stayed for a better man than thee. 365
Speed. And must I go to him .-•
Lawice. Thou must run to him, for thou hast stayed so long, that going will scarce serve the turn.
Speed. Why didst not tell me sooner .-^ pox of your love-letters! \Exit. 37°
Lannce. Now will he be swinged for reading my letter, — an unmannerly slave, that will thrust himself into secrets! I'll after, to rejoice in the boy's corre6lion. \Exit.
SCENE II. The same. The Duke's palace.
Enter Duke and Thurio.
Dnke. Sir Thurio, fear not but that she will love you, Now Valentine is banish'd from her sight.
Thic. Since his exile she hath despised me most, Forsworn my company, and rail'd at me, That I am desperate of obtaining her. 5
Dnke. This weak impress of love is as a figure Trenched in ice, which with an hour's heat Dissolves to water, and doth lose his form. A little time will melt her frozen thoughts. And worthless Valentine shall be forgot. 10
369. (?/] F, F^. om. F3 F4. 373. [Exit.] Capell. [Exeunt. Ff.
370. [Exit] Capell. Scene h.] Scene v. Pope.
128 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iii.
Enter Proteus.
How now, Sir Proteus! Is your countryman, According to our proclamation, gone?
Pro. Gone, my good lord.
Duke. My daughter takes his going grievously.
Pro. A little time, my lord, will kill that grief. 15
Duke. So I believe ; but Thurio thinks not so. Proteus, the good conceit I hold of thee — For thou hast shown some sign of good desert — Makes me the better to confer with thee.
Pro. Longer than I prove loyal to your Grace 20
Let me not live to look upon your Grace.
Dtike. Thou know'st how willingly I would effe6l The match between Sir Thurio and my daughter.
Pro. I do, my lord.
Duke. And also, I think, thou art not ignorant 25
How she opposes her against my will.
Pro. She did, my lord, when Valentine was here.
Diike. Ay, and perversely she persevers so. What might we do to make the girl forget The love of Valentine, and love Sir Thurio? 30
Pro. The best way is to slander Valentine With falsehood, cowardice and poor descent, Three things that women highly hold in hate.
Duke. Ay, but she'll think that it is spoke in hate.
Pro. Ay, if his enemy deliver it: 2^
Therefore it must with circumstance be spoken By one whom she esteemeth as his friend.
Duke. Then you must undertake to slander him.
Pro. And that, my lord, I shall be loath to do: 'Tis an ill office for a gentleman, 40
Especially against his very friend.
14. grievously.'] grid'ously? F,. (in some copies only, according to Ma- lone), heavily? Y^Y^. heavily. Y^.
18. spme\ sure Collier MS.
19. bcttc)-\ bolder Capell conj.
20. loyal] Fj F3 F4. 7-oyall F^.
21. your] Fj F3 F4. you Y ^.
|
Grace] face Anon. |
conj. |
|||
|
25. |
/ think] ] |
Fx- |
/ doe think Y^ |
|
|
F3F4. |
||||
|
28. |
persevers] |
F. |
F,. |
persez'eres |
|
F3F4. |
||||
|
37- |
esteemeth'] |
F, |
estccmes Fj. |
|
|
esteems F3 F4. |
SCENE II.] OF VERONA. 129
Diike. Where your good word cannot advantage him, Your slander never can endamage him ; Therefore the office is indifferent, Being entreated to it by your friend. ^^
Pro. You have prevail'd, my lord: if I can do it By ought that I can speak in his dispraise. She shall not long continue love to him. But say this weed her love from Valentine, It follows not that she will love Sir Thurio. ^o
TJiu. Therefore, as you unwind her love from him, Lest it should ravel and be good to none, You must provide to bottom it on me; Which must be done by praising me as much As you in worth dispraise Sir Valentine. 55
Duke. And, Proteus, we dare trust you in this kind, Because we know, on Valentine's report, You are already Love's firm votary. And cannot soon revolt and change your mind. Upon this warrant shall you have access 60
Where you with Silvia may confer at large; For she is lumpish, heavy, melancholy, And, for your friend's sake, will be glad of you ; Where you may temper her by your persuasion To hate young Valentine and love my friend. 65
Pro. As much as I can do, I will effe6l; But you, Sir Thurio, are not sharp enough ; You must lay lime to tangle her desires By wailful sonnets, whose composed rhymes Should be full-fraught with serviceable vows. 70
Duke. Ay, Much is the force of heaven-bred poesy.
Pro. Say that upon the altar of her beauty You sacrifice your tears, your sighs, your heart : Write till your ink be dry, and with your tears 75
Moist it again; and frame some feeling line
49. weed] Ff. 7uean Rowe. Ti, 72. Ay, Mucfi] Capell. /,
55. wortJi] word Cz.Y>t[\ co\\]. much Yi. MtteA Fope.
■ 64. Where] When Collier MS. 76. Une] lines S. Verges conj.
VOL. I. K
130 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iii.
That may discover such integrity:
For Orpheus' lute was strung with poets' sinews ;
Whose golden touch could soften steel and stones,
Make tigers tame, and huge leviathans 80
Forsake unsounded deeps to dance on sands.
After your dire-lamenting elegies.
Visit by night your lady's chamber-window
With some sweet concert ; to their instruments
Tune a deploring dump : the night's dead silence 85
Will well become such sweet-complaining grievance.
This, or else nothing, will inherit her.
Dtike. This discipline shows thou hast been in love.
TJiiL And thy advice this night I '11 put in pra6lice. Therefore, sweet Proteus, my dire6lion-giver, 90
Let us into the city presently To sort some gentlemen well skill'd in music. I have a sonnet that will serve the turn To give the onset to thy good advice.
Duke. About it, gentlemen! 9-.
Pro. We'll wait upon your Grace till after supper. And afterward determine our proceedings.
Duke. Even now about it ! I will pardon you. \Exetint.
77. sticJiX stria CoWx^xW.^. love's 81. to\'¥^. andY^Y-^Y^.
S. Verges conj. Malone suggests that 84. concertl Hanmer. consort YL
a line has been lost to this purport : 86. s'cveet-complainiugl Capell.
^As her obdurate heart may peiic- su'ect complaining Ff. tmte.'' 94. advicci Y^ F3 F4. advise F,.
I
SCENE I.] OF VERONA. 131
ACT IV.
Scene I. The frontiers of Mantua. A forest. Enter certain Outlaws.
First Out. Fellows, stand fast; I see a passenger. Sec. Ont. If there be ten, shrink not, but down with 'em.
Enter Valentine and Speed.
Third Ont. Stand, sir, and throw us that you have about ye: If not, we'll make you sit, and rifle you.
Speed. Sir, we are undone; these are the villains 5
That all the travellers do fear so much.
Val. My friends, —
First Ont. That's not so, sir: we are your enemies.
Sec. Ont. Peace! we'll hear him.
Third Ont. Ay, by my beard, will we, for he's a proper
man. 10
Val. Then know that I have little wealth to lose : A man I am cross'd with adversity; My riches are these poor habiliments, Of which if you should here disfurnish me, You take the sum and substance that I have. 15
Sec. Ont. Whither travel you }
Val. To Verona.
First Ont. Whence came you 1
Val. From Milan.
Third Ont Have you long sojourned there.? 20
Val. Some sixteen months, and longer might have stay'd.
Scene I. The frontiers... forest.] 5 and 6 as prose. Capell. A forest. Rowe. A forest 9. Pence!] Peace, feace! Capell.
leading towards Mantua. Warbiirton. 11. little ivcaltJi\ Y ^. Utile Y^Y^
1. s/irin/c] shrinkd F^. F4. little left Hanmer.
4. sit^Y^Y^. sirYj^Yi,. \%. Whence'\ And zvhciice Q2e^e\\
5. Sir-\ 0.f/r Capell. who reads 16 — 20 as two lines ending
6. d(i\ cm. Pope, who prints lines came you? ...tlicre?
K 2
132 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
If crooked fortune had not thwarted me.
First Out. What, were you banish'd thence?
Val. I was.
Sec. Out. For what offence? 25
Val. For that which now torments me to rehearse: I kill'd a man, whose death I much repent; But yet I slew him manfully in fight, Without false vantage or base treachery.
Fiist Out. Why, ne'er repent it, if it were done so. 30
But were you banish'd for so small a fault?
'Val. I was, and held me glad of such a doom.
Sec. Out. Have you the tongues?
Val. My youthful travel therein made me happy, Or else I often had been miserable. 35
Third Out. By the bare scalp of Robin Hood's fat friar, This fellow were a king for our wild fa6lion!
First Out. We'll have him. Sirs, a word.
Speed. Master, be one of them; it's an honourable kind of thievery. 40
Val. Peace, villain !
Sec. Out. Tell us this : have you any thing to take to ?
Val. Nothing but my fortune.
Third Out. Know, then, that some of us are gentlemen. Such as the fury of ungovern'd youth 45'
Thrust from the company of awful men : Myself was from Verona banished For pra6lising to steal away a lady, An heir, and near allied unto the duke.
Sec. Out. And I from Mantua, for a gentleman, 50
Who, in my mood, I stabb'd unto the heart.
First Out. And I for such like petty crimes as these.
35. I often had beeii\Y ^. 1 often 46. aivful\ I aufull^t2.\kv co\\].
had been often Fj. often had been 49. An heir, and near a/Iied]
(om. /) F3 F4. / had been often Col- Tlieobald. And heire and A'eeee,
lier. a/iide Fj ¥^. An heir, and Neice
39, 40. it''s... thievery'] rrintcd as a//ide¥^. A/t Heir, a)id A^eeee alWd
a verse in Ff. It is a hind of honour- F4. ab/e thie-'eiy Steevens. 51. Jrho] 1 1 Vioni Vope.
42. lhing\ Fj. things Y^ F3 F4.
I
SCENE!.] OF VERONA. 133
But to the purpose, — for we cite our faults,
That they may hold excused our lawless lives ;
And partly, seeing you are beautified 55
With goodly shape, and by your own report
A linguist, and a man of such perfe6lion
As we do in our quality much want, —
Sec. Out. Indeed, because you are a banish'd man, Therefore, above the rest, we parley to you : 60
Are you content to be our general ? To make a virtue of necessity, And live, as we do, in this wilderness?
TJiird Out. What say'st thou? wilt thou be of our con- sort ? Say ay, and be the captain of us all : 65
We'll do thee homage and be ruled by thee. Love thee as our commander and our king.
First Out. But if thou scorn our courtesy, thou diest.
Sec. Out. Thou shalt not live to brag what we have ofifer'd.
Val. I take your offer, and will live with you, 70
Provided that you do no outrages On silly women or poor passengers.
Third Out. No, we detest such vile base pra6lices. Come, go with us, we'll bring thee to our crews, And show thee all the treasure we have got; 75
Which, with ourselves, all rest at thy dispose. [Exeunt.
Scene II. Milan. Outside the T)\]Yi'E!^ palace, imder
Silvia's chamber.
Enter Proteus.
Pro. Already have I been false to Valentine, And now I must be as unjust to Thurio. Under the colour of commending him,
60. Therefore] ¥^Y^. T/iere¥^Y^. '36. all] s/iaU Vofe.
63. (his\¥^. theY^Y^Y^. SCENE II. Outside... palace...] An
74, crews] F4. crewes Fj F^ F3. open place,.... Warburton. Court of
cai^e Collier MS. caves Singer, crew the palace. Capell.
Dclius conj. r;7«z/^j Bullock conj. i. //aer /] /'z'^ Pope.
134 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
I have access my own love to prefer:
But Silvia is too fair, too true, too holy, 5
To be corrupted with my worthless gifts.
When I protest true loyalty to her,
She twits me with my falsehood to my friend ;
When to her beauty I commend my vovv^s,
She bids me think how I have been forsworn 10
In breaking faith with Julia whom I loved:
And notwithstanding all her sudden quips.
The least whereof would quell a lover's hope,
Yet, spaniel-like, the more she spurns my love,
The more it grows, and fawneth on her still. 15
But here comes Thurio : now must we to her window,
And give some evening music to her ear.
Enter Thurio and Musicians.
Thu. How now. Sir Proteus, are you crept before us.''
Ptv. Ay, gentle Thurio ; for you know that love Will creep in service where it cannot go. 20
TJiu. Ay, but I hope, sir, that you love not here.
Pro. Sir, but I do ; or else I would be hence.
TJm. Who.? Silvia.?
Pro. Ay, Silvia ; for your sake.
TJut. I thank you for your own. Now, gentlemen, Let's tune, and to it lustily awhile.
-.)
Enter, at a distance, Host, a?id]ViAA in boy's clothes.
Host. Now, my young guest, methinks you're ally- cholly: I pray you, why is it.?
Jul. Marry, mine host, because I cannot be merry.
Host. Come, we'll have you merry: I'll bring you where you shall hear music, and see the gentleman that you asked for.
15. rt'//^/] om. F3 F4. 26. at a distance] Capell.
18. Musiciani--.] Rowe. Miisitian. allycholly^mclaHcliolyVo^a.
Ff. at the beginning of the scene. 27. I pray you, ivhy is /V] Fj. /
23. Wlid\ Fj. Whom F^ F3 F... pray you %vJiat is it l\ F3. / pray
25. tuur] Fj. tunic F^. turu 7C'//at is it ? F^. F3 F4-
SCENE II.] OF VERONA. 135
Jill. But shall I hear him speak?
Host. Ay, that you shall.
Jul. That will be music. \Miisic plays.
Host. Hark, hark! 35
Jill. Is he among these.''
Host. Ay: but, peace! let's hear 'em.
Song.
Who is Silvia? what is she,
That all our swains commend her? Holy, fair, and wise is she ; ,0
The heaven such grace did lend her. That she might admired be.
Is she kind as she is fair?
For beauty lives with kindness. Love doth to her eyes repair, ir
To help him of his blindness. And, being help'd, inhabits there.
Then to Silvia let us sing,
That Silvia is excelling; She excels each mortal thing ^q
Upon the dull earth dwelling : To her let us garlands bring.
Host. How now! are you sadder than you were be- fore.^ How do you, man.-* the music likes you not.
Jul. You mistake; the musician likes me not. 55
Host. Why, my pretty youth .-*
Jul. He plays false, father.
Host. How.'' out of tune on the strings .-'
Jill. Not so; but yet so false that he grieves my very heart-strings. 60
Host. You have a quick ear.
Jul. Ay, I would I were deaf; it makes me have a slow heart.
Host. I perceive you delight not in music.
Jill. Not a whit, when it jars so. (5~
34. [Music plays] Capell. 53. Scene hi. Pope.
40. z> j//d'] rtj-/;-,?^ Collier MS. 63,54- are you... before?'] yon are
50. excels] exceeds ?>.^a\\.er cor\]. .../v/wv Heath conj.
136 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
Host. Hark, what fine change is in the music!
Jill. Ay, that change is the spite.
Host. You would have them always play but one thing?
Jill. I would always have one play but one thing. But, host, doth this Sir Proteus that we talk on yo
Often resort unto this gentlewoman.?
Host. I tell you what Launce, his man, told me, — he loved her out of all nick.
Jul. Where is Launce.''
Host. Gone to seek his dog; which to-morrow, by his 75 master's command, he must carry for a present to his lady.
Jul. Peace! stand aside: the company parts.
Pro. Sir Thurio, fear not you : I will so plead, That you shall say my cunning drift excels.
Thu. Where meet we.-*
Pro. At Saint Gregory's well.
TJiit. Farewell.
[Exeunt Thu. and Musicians.
Enter Silvia above.
Pro. Madam, good even to your ladyship.
Sil. I thank you for your music, gentlemen. Who is that that spake.''
Pro. One, lady, if you knew his pure heart's truth, You would quickly learn to know him by his voice. 85
Sil. Sir Proteus, as I take it.
Pro. Sir Proteus, gentle lady, and your servant.
Sil What's your will }
Pro. That I may compass yours.
Sil. You have your wish ; my will is even this : That presently you hie you home to bed. 90
68. You 7V0Hld] you luoitld, then, Rowe.
Malone. you would not CloWx^xM^,. 8i. Scene i v. Pope.
70,71. Printed as prose by Capell. Enter Silvia above] Rowe.
72 — 74- Printed as verse in Ff. om. Ff.
/ tell. . .He lov'd. . . 85. Vou would] Ff. You'd Pope.
78. fear not youlY^. fearnotY^ 88. Wliat's\ What isVo^Q.
^^^^■ 89. ^v;?] Fj. r^'crY ^Y ^'P ^.
80. [Exeunt Thu. and Musicians.]
I
1
SCENE II.] OF VERONA. 137
Thou subtle, perjured, false, disloyal man!
Think'st thou I am so shallow, so conceitless.
To be seduced by thy flattery,
That hast deceived so many with thy vows?
Return, return, and make thy love amends. p^
For me, — by this pale queen of night I swear,
I am so far from granting thy request,
That I despise thee for thy wrongful suit ;
And by and by intend to chide myself
Even for this time I spend in talking to thee. 100
Pro. I grant, sweet love, that I did love a lady; But she is dead.
Jill. \Asidc\ 'Twere false, if I should speak it; For I am sure she is not buried.
Sil. Say that she be; yet Valentine thy friend Survives; to whom, thyself art witness, 105
I am betroth'd: and art thou not ashamed To wrong him with thy importunacy.''
Pro. I likewise hear that Valentine is dead.
Sil. And so suppose am I ; for in his grave Assure thyself my love is buried. no
Pro. Sweet lady, let me rake it from the earth.
Sil. Go to thy lady's grave, and call hers thence ; Or, at the least, in hers sepulchre thine.
Jill. [Aside] He heard not that.
Pro. Madam, if your heart be so obdurate, 115
Vouchsafe me yet your pi6lure for my love, The pi6lure that is hanging in your chamber ; To that I'll speak, to that I'll sigh and weep: For since the substance of your perfeft self Is else devoted, I am but a shadow; " 120
And to your shadow will I make true love.
Jul. [Aside] If 'twere a substance, you would, sure, deceive it.
|
102. |
[Aside] Pope. |
"5- |
?/] if that Warburton, |
|
105. |
thyself\ even //^jw^ Hanmer. |
I '5, |
116. obdurate, Vouchsafe] Ob- |
|
109. |
his-\ F^ F3 F4. her F^. |
durate, |
0, vouchsafe Hanmer. |
|
112. |
hers\ Fj F^. her F3 F4. |
116. |
for my love] om. Hanmer. |
|
114. |
[Aside] Pope. |
122. |
[Aside] Pope. |
138 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
And make it but a shadow, as I am.
Sil. I am very loath to be your idol, sir; But since your falsehood shall become you well 125
To worship shadows and adore false shapes, Send to me in the morning, and I '11 send it : And so, good rest.
Pro. As wretches have o'ernight
That wait for execution in the morn.
\_Exeimt Pro. and Sil. severally.
Jul Host, will you go.? 13°
Host. By my halidom, I was fast asleep.
Jill Pray you, where lies Sir Proteus .''
Host. Marry, at my house. Trust me, I think 'tis almost day.
Jid. Not so; but it hath been the longest night 135
That e'er I watch'd, and the most heaviest. . [Exeunt.
Scene III. The same.
Enter Eglamour.
Egl. This is the hour that Madam Silvia Entreated me to call and know her mind : There's some great matter she 'Id employ me in. Madam, madam!
Enter Silvia above.
Who calls.?
Your servant and your friend ; One that attends your ladyship's command.
Sil Sir Eglamour, a thousand times good morrow. Egl. As many, worthy lady, to yourself:
Sil Egl
125. since your false/tood s/ia//] Scene III.] Scene v. Pope. Dyce
since yotCre false, it shall Johnson makes no new scene here. See note
conj. (vni).
129. [Exeunt... severally] cm. l\. 4. Madam, t/iadam!} 31adam!
[li.xeimt. F^. Hanmer.
! 36. heaviest] Jieavy one Pope.
SCENE III.] OF VERONA. 139
According to your ladyship's impose,
I am thus early come to know what service
It is your pleasure to command me in. 10
SiL O Eglamour, thou art a gentleman, — Think not I flatter, for I swear I do not, — Valiant, wise, remorseful, well accomplish'd : Thou art not ignorant what dear good will
I bear unto the banish'd Valentine; 13
Nor how my father would enforce me marry Vain Thurio, whom my very soul abhors. Thyself hast loved ; and I have heard thee say No grief did ever come so near thy heart
As when thy lady and thy true love died, 20
Upon whose grave thou vow'dst pure chastity. Sir Eglamour, I would to Valentine, To Mantua, where I hear he makes abode ; And, for the ways are dangerous to pass,
I do desire thy worthy company, 25
Upon whose faith and honour I repose. Urge not my father's anger, Eglamour, But think upon my grief, a lady's grief. And on the justice of my flying hence.
To keep me from a most unholy match, 30
Which heaven and fortune still rewards with plagues. I do desire thee, even from a heart As full of sorrows as the sea of sands. To bear me company, and go with me:
If not, to hide what I have said to thee, 35
That I may venture to depart alone.
Egl. Madam, I pity much your grievances ; Which since I know they virtuously are placed, I give consent to go along with you ; Recking as little what betideth me .10
13. Valiant, luise^Valiantaiidwise /war] near luifo Pope.
Pope. Wise, valiant KxvQW. co\\). A 31. rewards]^ i. i-ewanlVo^Q.
monosyllable lost before valiant. S. 37, 38- grievances; Which] griev-
Walker conj. ances, And the most true affedlions that
17. abhors] Hanmer. abhor'' dY-^ you bear; ^F/^/r/i Collier MS. F2F3. abhorr'dY^. 40. Rcckin(j]Vo-^Q. Wreaking YL
19. ever]F^. om. F^ F3 F4.
140 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
As much I wish all good befortune you. When will you go?
Sil. This evening coming.
Egl. Where shall I meet you .''
Sil. At Friar Patrick's cell,
Where I intend holy confession.
Egl. I will not fail your ladyship. Good morrow, 45 gentle lady.
Sil. Good morrow, kind Sir Eglamour.
[Exeunt severally.
Scene IV. The same.
Enter Launce, with his Dog.
Launce. When a man's servant shall play the cur with him, look you, it goes hard: one that I brought up of a puppy; one that I saved from drowning, when three or four of his blind brothers and sisters went to it! I have taught him, even as one would say precisely, 'thus I 5 would teach a dog.' I was sent to deliver him as a present to Mistress Silvia from my master; and I came no sooner into the dining-chamber, but he steps me to her trencher, and steals her capon's leg: O, 'tis a foul thing when a cur cannot keep himself in all companies! I would have, as 10 one should say, one that takes upon him to be a dog in- deed, to be, as it were, a dog at all things. If I had not had more wit than he, to take a fault upon me that he did, I think verily he had been hanged for't; sure as I live, he had suffered for't: you shall judge. He thrusts 15 me himself into the company of three or four gentleman- like dogs, under the duke's table: he had not been there — bless the mark! — a pissing while, but all the chamber smelt him. 'Out with the dog!' says one: 'What cur is
42. evening coining] coming even- The same.] The same. Silvia's
;;;f Anon, coiij. Anti-chamber. Capell.
Scene IV.] Scene VI. Pope. Dyce 6. I ivas sent] I went T\x&o\>^A.
makes no new scene here. See note 1 1. to he a dog indeed] to l>e a dog,
(viii). to lie a dog indeed ]oh\\i,on conj.
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 141
that?* says another: 'Whip him out,' says the third: 'Hang 20 him up,' says the duke. I, having been acquainted with the smell before, knew it was Crab, and goes me to the fellow that whips the dogs: 'Friend,' quoth I, 'you mean to whip the dog.^' 'Ay, marry, do I,' quoth he. 'You do him the more wrong,' quoth I; ''twas I did the thing 25 you wot of He makes me no more ado, but whips me out of the chamber. How many masters would do this for his servant.? Nay, I'll be sworn, I have sat in the stocks for puddings he hath stolen, otherwise he had been exe- cuted ; I have stood on the pillory for geese he hath killed, 30 otherwise he had suffered for't. Thou thinkest not of this now. Nay, I remember the trick you served me when I took my leave of Madam Silvia: did not I bid thee still mark me, and do as I do.-* when didst thou see me heave up my leg, and make water against a gentlewoman's far- 35 thingale.' didst thou ever see me do such a trick.?
EiUer Proteus and Julia.
Pro. Sebastian is thy name.? I like thee well. And will employ thee in some service presently.
Jul. In what you please: I'll do what I can.
Pro. I hope thou wilt. \To Lanncc\ How now, you
whoreson peasant! 4°
Where have you been these two days loitering.?
Laiincc. Marry, sir, I carried Mistress Silvia the dog you bade me.
Pro. And what says she to my little jewel.?
Lmmce. Marry, she says your dog was a cur, and tells 45 you currish thanks is good enough for such a present.
Pro. But she received my dog.?
Launce. No, indeed, did she not: here have I brought him back again.
20. iJic thinl\a thirdl^sxvm.tx. 33. Silvid\yulia'^zx\)ViXio\\. •
23. yon tiicaii'] do yoti mean CoViitx 39. PIl do'\ lie do Y^. lie do sir
MS. F2F3F4. /tw7/^/oMalone.
26, makes me no more] tnakes no 45. was'\ is Capell conj.
more Rowe. 48. did she'\ Y ^ F^. she did F3 F4.
28. his sen'aiif\ their seivantVv,\it.
142 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
Pro. What, didst thou offer her this from me? 50
Laitncc. Ay, sir; the other squirrel was stolen from me by the hangman boys in the market-place: and then I offered her mine own, who is a dog as big as ten of yours, and therefore the gift the greater.
Pro. Go get thee hence, and find my dog again, 55
Or ne'er return again into my sight. Away, I say! stay'st thou to vex me here.''
\Exit Launce. A slave, that still an end turns me to shame! Sebastian, I have entertained thee.
Partly that I have need of such a youth, 60
That can with some discretion do my business, For 'tis no trusting to yond foolish lout; But chiefly for thy face and thy behaviour. Which, if my augury deceive me not.
Witness good bringing up, fortune, and truth: 65
Therefore know thou, for this I entertain thee. Go presently, and take this ring with thee. Deliver it to Madam Silvia: She loved me well deliver'd it to me.
Jul. It seems you loved not her, to leave her token. 70 She is dead, belike.?
Pro. Not so ; I think she lives.
Jjil Alas !
Pi'o. Why dost thou cry, 'alas'.?
Jul. I cannot choose
But pity lier.
Pro. Wherefore shouldst thou pity her.?
50. thisi this air Collier MS. F, after line 58.
51. the other squirrel] the other, 58. still an end] ev'ry day Vo-\^e. S(pmrel Ilanmer. 66. kno'co thou] F^ F3 F4. kuoio
51 — 54- Printed as four verses end- thceY^. \\\'gme...marketplaee...dog...greaterYi. entertain ///^^] Fj F3 F4. en-
Pope made the change. tertaine hee F^.
52. haiigman boys]'S>\\\gii.x. Hang- 70. to leave] Y ^Y -^V i^. not leave mans boyes Y ^. hangmans boyY^Y-^ P\. nor love 16\\\\%o\\ coW).
F4. a hangman boy Collier MS. 74. Wherefore] Why Ilannier.
57. [Exit Launce] oni. F,. [Exit.
o
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 143
Jul. Because methinks that she loved you as well 75
As you do love your lady Silvia : She dreams on him that has forgot her love ; You dote on her that cares not for your love. 'Tis pity love should be so contrary ; And thinking- on it makes me cry, 'alas! ' 80
Pro. Well, give her that ring, and therewithal This letter. That's her chamber. Tell my lady I claim the promise for her heavenly pi6lure. Your message done, hie home unto my chamber, Where thou shalt find me, sad and solitary. \Exit. 85
Jul. How many women would do such a message? Alas, poor Proteus ! thou hast entertained A fox to be the shepherd of thy lambs. Alas, poor fool ! why do I pity him
That with his very heart despiseth me.^ 90
Because he loves her, he despiseth me ; - .
Because I love him, I must pity him. This ring I gave him when he parted from m^e. To bind him to remember my good will ;
And now am. I, unhappy messenger, 95
To plead for that which I would not obtain, To carry that which I would have refused. To praise his faith which I would have dispraised. I am my master's true-confirmed love;
But cannot be true servant to my master, 100
Unless I prove false traitor to myself Yet will I woo for him, but yet so coldly, As, heaven it knows, I would not have him speed.
Enter SILVIA, attended.
Gentlewoman, good day ! I pray you, be my mean
To bring me where to speak with Madam Silvia. 105
75. Ihat^ if Hanmer. 85. [Exit] Y ^.
8r. give /iiv] giz'c ic /^^v Collier 95. arn I^Y ^Y ^. I aniY^Yy
MS. 103. Enter Silvia attended] Ma-
and thcrewithalX and give lone. Enter SiLViA. Rowe.
iherervithal Theobald, and gi7>c her 104. GentleivomaiT^Yi. LadyFope. ///eiv7U!t/iaJ CaTpeW,
144 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
Sil. What would you with her, if that I be she?
Jul. If you be she, I do entreat your patience To hear me speak the message I am sent on.
Sil. From whom?
Jtd. From my master. Sir Proteus, madam. no
Sil. O, he sends you for a pi6lure.
Jul. Ay, madam.
Sil. Ursula, bring my pi6lure there. Go give your master this: tell him, from me, One Julia, that his changing thoughts forget, 115
Would better fit his chamber than this shadow.
Jul. Madam, please you peruse this letter. — Pardon me, madam ; I have unadvised Deliver'd you a paper that I should not: This is the letter to your ladyship. 120
Sil. I pray thee, let me look on that again.
Jill. It may not be; good madam, pardon me.
Sil. There, hold ! I will not look upon your master's lines :
I know they are stufif'd with protestations, 1 25 1
And full of new-found oaths; which he will break As easily as I do tear his paper.
Jul. Madam, he sends your ladyship this ring.
Sil. The more shame for him that he sends it me; For I have heard him say a thousand times i3<^
His Julia gave it him at his departure. Though his false finger have profaned the ring, Mine shall not do his Julia so much wrong.
Jul. She thanks you.
Sil. What say'st thou ? 135
Jul. I thank you, madam, that you tender her. Poor gentlewoman! my master wrongs her much. irfl
Sil. Dost thou know her?
Jul. Almost as well as I do know mvself:
•1
110. Ffom my masler,'\ My master; please you to petiue Vo^^q. 701 It please
from Capell. you to peruse Capell. so please you to
in. Capell adds does he not? peruse Collier MS. "5- /"^''^'l F, F^. forgo F3F4. 1-27. easily'lY^. easieY^T^Y^.
117. please you peruse"] may V 138. Dost thou] Dost C?c^t\\ con).
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 145
To think upon her woes I do protest 140
That I have wept a hundred several times.
Sil. Behke she thinks that Proteus hath forsook her.
jf?el. I think she doth; and that's her cause of sorrow.
Sil. Is she not passing fair.-*
jful. She hath been fairer, madam, than she is: 145
When she did think my master loved her well, She, in my judgement, was as fair as you; But since she did negle6l her looking-glass, And threw her sun-expelling mask away.
The air hath starved the roses in her cheeks, 150
And pinch'd the lily-tincture of her face. That now she is become as black as I.
Sil. How tall was she ?
jful About my stature: for, at Pentecost, When all our pageants of delight were play'd, 155
Our youth got me to play the woman's part, And I was trimm'd in Madam Julia's gown; Which served me as fit, by all men's judgements, As if the garment had been made for me:
Therefore I know she is about my height. 160
And at that time I made her weep agood, For I did play a lamentable part: Madam, 'twas Ariadne passioning For Theseus' perjury and unjust flight;
Which I so lively afted with my tears, 165
That my poor mistress, moved therewithal. Wept bitterly; and, would I might be dead, If I in thought felt not her very sorrow!
Sil. She is beholding to thee, gentle youth. Alas, poor lady, desolate and left! 170
I weep myself to think upon thy words. Here, youth, there is my purse: I give thee this
15 r. pinch' d'\ ///r/^V Warburton. i68. y^//] y^t/ Seward conj.
pincte Becket conj. piuc'd lA. conj. 169. beholding\ beholden Pope.
158. Judgements] judgment Cz.Y>e\\. 172. my purse] Fj. a purse
161. agood] Y^Y^Y^. agood Fj. F3 F4. a-good Theobald.
VOL. I. L
146 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act iv.
For thy sweet mistress' sake, because thou lovest her. Farewell. \Exit Silvia, zvith attendants.
Jul. And she shall thank you for't, if e'er you know
her. 175
A virtuous gentlewoman, mild and beautiful ! I hope my master's suit will be but cold. Since she respe6ts my mistress' love so much. Alas, how love can trifle with itself!
Here is her pi6lure: let me see; I think, 180
If I had such a tire, this face of mine Were full as lovely as is this of hers: And yet the painter flatter'd her a little, Unless I flatter with myself too much.
Her hair is auburn, mine is perfe6l yellow: 18
If that be all the difference in his love, I'll get me such a colour'd periwig. Her eyes are grey as glass ; and so are mine : Ay, but her forehead's low, and mine's as high. What should it be that he respefts in her, 190
But I can make respe6live in myself, If this fond Love were not a blinded god.^ Come, shadow, come, and take this shadow up, For 'tis thy rival. O thou senseless form.
Thou shalt be worshipp'd, kiss'd, loved, and adored! "^95
And, were there sense in his idolatry, My substance .should be statue in thy stead. I'll use thee kindly for thy mistress' sake. That used me so ; or else, by Jove I vow,
I should have scratch'd out your unseeing eyes, 200
To make my master out of love with thee ! . \Exit.
1 74. Famvell\ om. Pope. grass F.^ F3 F4. great as grass Col-
[Exit.. .attendants] Dyce, after lier MS. 175. [Exit. F^. om. Fj. [Exit S. 1S9. t/iifie's as high] mifte is high
Singer, after 175. Tope.
178. my mistress'] his mistrt'ss' 197. statue] sainkd Yi3inmQY. sia-
Hanmer. tued Warburton. staiua Reed conj.
185. auburn] Rowe. Aburne Ff. 200. youi] thy H.anmer.
188. grey as glass] F,. grey a^ 201. [Exit.] F^. [Exeunt. F,.
1
I
SCENE I.] OF VERONA. 147
ACT V.
Scene I. Milan. An abbey.
Enter Eglamour.
Egl. The sun begins to gild the western sky; And now it is about the very hour That Silvia, at Friar Patrick's cell, should meet me. She will not fail, for lovers break not hours, Unless it be to come before their time; 5
So much they spur their expedition. See where she comes.
Enter Silvia.
Lady, a happy evening!
Sil. Amen, amen ! Go on, good Eglamour, Out at the postern by the abbey-wall: I fear I am attended by some spies. 10
Egl. Fear not: the forest is not three leagues off; If we recover that, we are sure enough. \Exeiint.
Scene II. The saine. The T)\JK.l^'s palace.
Enter Thurio, Proteus, an(i]\siAA.
Thn. Sir Proteus, what says Silvia to my suit? Pro. O, sir, I find her milder than she was ; And yet she takes exceptions at your person. Thi. What, that my leg is too long.-* Pro. No ; that it is too little.
TJiu. I '11 wear a boot, to make it somewhat rounder. Jnl. [Aside] But love will not be spurr'd to what it loathes.
Scene i. An abbey.] Capell. Scene it. The Duke's palace.]
Near the Friar's cell. Theobald, Theobald.
3. T/iat] om. Pope. 7, Jul. [Aside] But love...'] Collier
Friar] om. Steevens (1793). (Boswell conj.). Vro. But iove... ¥i. 12. rue are] ive ';■«? Pope.
L 2
148 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act v.
Thu. What says she to my face?
Pro. She says it is a fair one.
Thu. Nay then, the wanton lies; my face is black. 10
Pro. But pearls are fair; and the old saying is, Black men are pearls in beauteous ladies' eyes.
Jill. \Aside\ 'Tis true, such pearls as put out ladies' eyes ; For I had rather wink than look on them.
TJuc. How likes she my discourse.'' 15
Pro. Ill, when you talk of war.
Thu. But well, when I discourse of love and peace .'
Jul. [Aside] But better, indeed, when you hold your peace.
Thu. What says she to my valour.-*
Pro. O, sir, she makes no doubt of that. 20
Jul. [Aside] She needs not, when she knows it cow- ardice.
Thu. What says she to my birth .^
Pro. That you are well derived.
Ju/. [Aside] True; from a gentleman to a fool.
77/;/. Considers she my possessions ? 25
Pro. O, ay; and pities them.
Thu. Wherefore.''
Jul. [Aside] That such an ass should owe them.
Pro. That they are out by lease.
Ju/. Here comes the duke.
Enier Duke.
Duke. How now. Sir Proteus! how now, Thurio! Which of you saw Sir Eglamour of late.-' Thu. Not I. Pro. Nor I.
Duke. Saw you my daughter .''
Pro. Neither.
13. Jul. [Aside] '7;>/;7<^...]Rowe. Collier MS. 1\i\x. 'Tis true... Y{. 28. <raie\Y{. mvuYoT^t.
18, IX, 24, a8. [Aside] Capell. 32. saiu Sir] F4. sajv F,.
18. Ao/ci] do hold Capell. saw Sir F^ F3. 25. possessions] large possessions
1
sav
SCENE II.] OF VERONA. 149
Duke. Why then, She's fled unto that peasant Valenthie; 35
And Eglamour is in her company. 'Tis true ; for Friar Laurence met them both, As he in penance wander'd through the forest ; Him he knew well, and guess'd that it was she, But, being mask'd, he was not sure of it; 40
Besides, she did intend confession At Patrick's cell this even ; and there she was not ; These likelihoods confirm her flight from hence. Therefore, I pray you, stand not to discourse, But mount you presently, and meet with me 45
Upon the rising of the mountain-foot That leads toward Mantua, whither they are fled : Dispatch, sweet gentlemen, and follow me. \Exit,
Thn. Why, this it is to be a peevish girl. That flies her fortune when it follows her. 5°
I '11 after, more to be revenged on Eglamour Than for the love of reckless Silvia. \^Exit.
Pro. And I will follow, more for Silvia's love Than hate of Eglamour, that goes with her. \E.xit.
Jul. And I will follow, more to cross that love 55
Than hate for Silvia, that is gone for love. \ExiL
Scene III. The froutkrs of Mantua. The forest. Enter Outlaws with Silvia.
First Out. Come, come, Be patient ; we must bring you to our captain.
Sil. A thousand more mischances than this one Have learn'd me how to brook this patiently.
Sec. Out. Come, bring her away. 5
First Out. Where is the gentleman that was with her.^
34> 35' Why then, She^"] Why 51. on^ (3/" Pope.
Iheti, she's Capell. 52. [Exit.] Capell.
35. thaf\Y^. theY^Y^^Y^. 54. [Exit] Capell.
40, ii\ her Collier MS. 56. [Exit.] Capell. [Exeunt. Ff.
47. tmuanf] towards Pope. 'ScENE III. The... Mantua] Capell.
48. [Exit.] Rowe. The forest.] Pope. 50. uiheii'] Fj. where Y^ F3 F4.
I50 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act v.
TJiij'd Out. Being nimble-footed, he hath outrun us, But Moses and Valerius follow him. Go thou with her to the west end of the wood ; There is our captain: we'll follow him that's fled; lo
The thicket is beset ; he cannot 'scape.
First Out. Come, I must bring you to our captain's cave: Fear not; he bears an honourable mind, And will not use a woman lawlessly.
Sil. O Valentine, this I endure for thee! [Excuut. i
Scene IV. Another part of the forest.
Enter Valentine.
Val. How use doth breed a habit in a man! This .shadowy desert, unfrequented woods, I better brook than flourishing peopled towns: Here can I sit alone, unseen of any,
And to the nightingale's complaining notes 5
Tune my distresses and record my woes. O thou that dost inhabit in my breast, Leave not the mansion so long tenantless, . Lest, growing ruinous, the building fall,
And leave no memory of what it was! 10
Repair me with thy presence, Silvia; * ''
Thou gentle nymph, cherish thy forlorn swain ! What halloing and what stir is this to-day.-* These are my mates, that make their wills their law, Have some unhappy passenger in chase. 15
They love me well ; yet I have much to do To keep them from uncivil outrages. ■
Withdraw thee, Valentine: who's this comes here.''
8. Moses] Capell. Mcyses Ff. i. This sttadowy dtwr/,] These
10. -ive'll] om. Pope. shadtnvy, descii, Collier MS.
11. [Exeunt. Capell. 8. .v] /^^ Collier MS.
Scene IV. Another. ...forest.] Ca- 14. ^-n- w/r] wv r//r/t' Collier MS.
pell. The outlaw's cave in the forest. 18. [Steps aside. Johnson.
Theobald.
\
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 151
Enter Proteus, Silvia, a;/<^ Julia.
Pro. Madam, this service I have done for you, Though you respeft not aught your servant doth, 20
To hazard life, and rescue you from him That would have forced your honour and your love; Vouchsafe me, for my meed, but one fair look ; A smaller boon than this I cannot beg, And less than this, I am sure, you cannot give. 25
Val. [Aside] How like a dream is this I see and hear! Love, lend me patience to forbear awhile.
St/. O miserable, unhappy that I am!
Pro. Unhappy were you, madam, ere I came; But by my coming I have made you happy. 30
StV. By thy approach thou makest me most unhappy.
J/i/. \_Aside] And me, when he approacheth to your presence.
Sil. Had I been seized by a hungry lion, I would have been a breakfast to the beast,
Rather than have false Proteus rescue me. 35
O, Heaven be judge how I love Valentine, Whose life's as tender to me as my soul! And full as much, for more there cannot be, I do detest false perjured Proteus. Therefore be gone ; solicit me no more. 40
Pro. What dangerous a6lion, stood it next to death, Would I not undergo for one calm look ! O, 'tis the curse in love, and still approved, When women cannot love where they're beloved!
Sil. When Proteus cannot love where he's beloved. 45
Read over Julia's heart, thy first, best love. For whose dear sake thou didst then rend thy faith Into a thousand oaths; and all those oaths Descended into perjury, to love me.
19. I /save] F1F2F3. /lave I¥^. bald, is this? I see and hear: Ff. having Collier MS. 43- ««^ still approved] for ever
25. /<7w] /';« Pope. /;-i3z/V Pope.
■26, 32. [Aside] Theobald. 49. to love me] F,. to deceive me
26. is this I see and hear!] T\\eo- F^. F3 F4.
152 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act v.
Thou hast no faith left now, unless thou'dst two, 5^
And that's far worse than none; better have none Than plural faith which is too much by one: Thou counterfeit to thy true friend !
Pro. In love
Who respe6ts friend?
Sil. All men but Proteus.
Pro. Nay, if the gentle spirit of moving words 55
Can no way change you to a milder form, I'll woo you like a soldier, at arms' end,^ And love you 'gainst the nature of love, — force ye.
Sil. O heaven!
Pro. I '11 force thee yield to my desire.
Val. Ruffian, let go that rude uncivil touch, 60
Thou friend of an ill fashion !
Pro. Valentine !
Val. Thou common friend, that's without faith or love, For such is a friend now ; treacherous man ! Thou hast beguiled my hopes; nought but mine eye Could have persuaded me: now I dare not say 65
I have one friend alive; thou wouldst disprove me. Who should be trusted now, when one's right hand Is perjured to the bosom .•* Proteus, I am sorry I must never trust thee more,
But count the world a stranger for thy sake. 70
The private wound is deepest: O time most accurst, 'Mongst all foes that a friend should be the worst !
Pro. My shame and guilt confounds me. Forgive me, Valentine : if hearty sorrow Be a sufficient ransom for offence, 75
1
57. -iVoo^^ivooeY ^. viovcY^Y{?^. 69. /(7w] /'/;/ Pope.
58. ^'1'] Ff. iwi: Warburton. 7r. O time most accurst\ 0 time 63. treacherous ma}t\ F,. Thoii accurst lianmer. O time most curst
treacherous man Y^. Though treach- Johnson. Cr/zV^ (zr^wrj/S. Verges conj. erousmanYy lltotrcacherousmanV^. 72. all foes that a /rietni] all my
65. «OTf'] cm. Pope. _/i'(\f rf/r/VW Collier MS.
67. trusted nou<, 7i>he>t one si Y^ 73. coit/outids'] cottfouiid Rowe.
Y^Y^. trusted, ivhen 07je'sY^. trusted, I\Iy... confounds me^ My shame ,
luhen one's 07un Johnson. tmstcd and desperate guilt at once confound
now, when the Pope. vie Collier MS.
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. I53
I tender 't here; I do as truly suffer As e'er I did commit.
Val. Then I am paid ;
And once again I do receive thee honest. Who by repentance is not satisfied
Is nor of heaven nor earth, for these are pleased. 80
By penitence the Eternal's wrath's appeased : And, that my love may appear plain and free, All that was mine in Silvia I give thee.
Jul. O me unhappy ! \S%voons.
Pro. Look to the boy. 85
Val. Why, boy! why, wag! how now! what's the mat- ter.-' Look up; speak.
Jul. O good sir, my master charged me to deliver a ring to Madam Silvia, which, out of my negle6l, was never done. 90
Pro. Where is that ring, boy.-*
Jul. Here 'tis; this is it.
Pro. How ! let me see : Why, this is the ring I gave to Julia.
Jul. O, cry you mercy, sir, I have mistook : This is the ring you sent to Silvia. 95
Pro. But how camest thou by this ring.> At my depart I gave this unto Julia.
Jul. And Julia herself did give it me; And Julia herself hath brought it hither.
Pro. How! Julia! too
Jul Behold her that gave aim to all thy oaths, And entertain'd 'em deeply in her heart. How oft hast thou with perjury cleft the root!
82, 83. Blackstone proposes to 92. see\ see it Steevens conj. sui^-
transfer these lines to the end of Thu- gesting that lines 92—97 should end
rio's speech, line 135. at ruig. . .sir. . .sent. ..this ? (om. ring).. .
84. [Swoons.] Pope. Jitlia.
86—90. Printed by Capell as four 93- ^Vhy, this is] This is Pope,
verses ending matter... me... Silvia... W^/^^, V/j S. Verges conj. done. 96- Bid] om. Pope.
86. luhaCs] what is Capell. 102. V;«] them Capell.
88. to deliver] Deliver Steevens 103. root] root on't Hanmer.
conj.
154 THE TWO GENTLEMEN [act v.
0 Proteus, let this habit make thee bkish!
Be thou ashamed that I have took upon mc 105
Such an immodest raiment, if shame Hve
In a disguise of love :
It is the lesser blot, modesty finds,
Women to change their shapes than men their minds.
Pro. Than men their minds! 'tis true. O heaven, were
man 1 1 °
But constant, he were perfe6l! That one error Fills him with faults; makes him run through all the sins : Inconstancy falls off ere it begins. What is in Silvia's face, but I may spy More fresh in Julia's with a constant eye } 115
Val. Come, come, a hand from either: Let me be blest to make this happy close ; 'Twere pity two such friends should be long foes.
Pro. Bear witness, Heaven, I have my wish for ever.
Jid. And I mine. 120
Enter Outlaws, luith UuKE and Thurio.
Outlaws. A prize, a prize, a prize!
Val. Forbear, forbear, I say ! it is my lord the duke. Your Grace is welcome to a man disgraced, Banished Valentine.
Duke. Sir Valentine !
Thu. Yonder is Silvia; and Silvia's mine. \2^
Val Thurio, give back, or else embrace thy death ; Come not within the measure of my wrath ; Do not name Silvia thine ; if once again, Verona shall not hold thee. Here she stands : Take but possession of her with a touch : 1,30
1 dare thee but to breathe upon my love.
112. (iH the siits'\ all tlC sins Ff. Ih-a;; /.f(?j'.' C.ipell. Forhcat\ forbcarl
all sins Pope. Pope.
118. l>e long] loni^ he Vo\Mi. 124. Banis/u\/] T/u-l>anis//'d Pope.
120. And I mine} And I have 129. ]'erona shall not hold] Milan mine Steevens (Ritson conj.). shall not beholdT\\^o\i7\A. And Milan
[embracing. Capell, shall not hold Hanmer. Milano shall
121. Scene V. Pope. w//<t>A/ Collier MS. See note (vu).
122. Forbear, forbear, Isay!] For-
SCENE IV.] OF VERONA. 155
Tim. Sir Valentine, I care not for her, I : I hold him but a fool that will endanger His body for a girl that loves him not : I claim her not, and therefore she is thine. 13-
Diike. The more degenerate and base art thou, To make such means for her as thou hast done, And leave her on such slight conditions. Now, by the honour of my ancestry,
I do applaud thy spirit, Valentine, 140
And think thee worthy of an empress' love : Know, then, I here forget all former griefs, Cancel all grudge, repeal thee home again, Plead a new state in thy unrival'd merit,
To which I thus subscribe : Sir Valentine, i^-
Thou art a gentleman, and well derived ; Take thou thy Silvia, for thou hast deserved her.
Val. I thank your grace ; the gift hath made me happy. I now beseech you, for your daughter's sake, To grant one boon that I shall ask of you.
Diikc. I grant it, for thine own, whate'er it be.
Val. These banish'd men that I have kept withal Are men endued with worthy qualities : Forgive them what they have committed here, And let them be recall'd from their exile : They are reformed, civil, full of good. And fit for great employment, worthy lord.
Duke. Thou hast prevail'd ; I pardon them and thee : Dispose of them as thou know'st their deserts. Come, let us go : we will include all jars 160
With triumphs, mirth, and rare solemnity.
Val. And, as we walk along, I dare be bold With our discourse to make your Grace to smile. What think you of this page, my lord t
Duke. I think the boy hath grace in him; he blushes. 165
Val I warrant you, my lord, more grace than boy.
143. fl^«/«,] ^^(z/«. Steevens (Tyi-- i6o. inchtde\ conclude \i2.xim&x. whitt conj.). 161. ran-] Fj. allY^Y^Yj,^.
144. tmrivaVdlY^. arrivaVdY^ 164. page\ stripling page Collier Fj F4. MS.
i.=;o
00
156 THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, [act v.
Duke. What mean you by that saying ?
Val. Please you, I'll tell you as we pass along, That you will wonder what hath fortuned. Come, Proteus; 'tis your penance but to hear The story of your loves discovered : That done, our day of marriage shall be yours ; One feast, one house, one mutual happiness. \Exeiint.
167. saying?^ saying, Valentine? MS.
Collier MS. 172. Thai done, our... yours] Our
171. loves discovered] love dis- day of marriage shall be yours no less
covered Pope. love''s discoverer Collier Collier MS.
I
NOTES.
Note I.
Dramatis PERSONiE. We have followed Steevens and the later editors in reading 'Proteus' for ' Protheus' ; for though the latter form is invariably used in the Folios, and was, in all probability, what Shakespeare wrote, yet in choosing the name he doubtless meant to compare the fickle mind of the lover with the changeable form of the god. We have written ' Panthino,' not ' Panthion,' because the authority of the first Folio preponderates in favour of the former, in itself the more probable form of an Italian proper name. 'Panthion' occurs in Fi, among ' the names of all the acftors,' and in a stage dire(flion at the beginning of A(5l li. Sc. 2, but never in the text. 'Panthino' is found twice in the text, and once in a stage dire<ftion at the beginning of AO. I. Sc. 3. The blunder ' Panthmo,' I. 3. 76, which is the reading of Fj, shows that the original MS. had 'Panthino,' not ' Panthion.'
Note II.
1. I. 28 sqq. Mr Sidney Walker {Criticisms on Shakespeare, III. p. 9) says we ought 'perhaps' to read
'No, I will not, for it boots not.'
Doubtless he meant also to re-arrange the following lines, and so get rid of the Alexandrine at 30 ; thus :
' Val No,
I will not, for it boots not. Pro. What ?
Val. To be
In love, where scorn is bought with groans; coy looks With heart-sore sighs ; one fading moment's mirth,' &c.
158 THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA.
Note III.
I. 2. 53. What a fool is she. The first Folio reads 'What 'foole is she,' doubtless to indicate an ellipsis of the indefinite article, which, for the sake of the metre, was to be slurred over in pronunciation. As we have not followed the Folio in reading W or th for the before a consonant, so we have thought it best to insert here the omitted letter a, especially as the use of the apostrophe is by modern custom much more restricfled than it was in the Folio. For example, we find \Save for God save {Tempest, ll. i. 162), and at ^nostrils for at V nos- trils or at the nostrils {Id. li. 2. 60).
Note IV.
II. I. 68, 69. This passage 'is corrupt. The usual explanation, which satisfies Delius, is inadmissible, because Valentine would cer- tainly not appear, like the Knight of La Mancha, without his hose. A rhyming couplet was probably what the author intended. Many conjecflures might be made, as for example :
' For he, being in love, could not see to garter his hose ; And you, being in love, cannot see to beyond your nose.'
Or, 'to put specflacles on your nose.' Or possibly, 'to put on your shoes,' the point of which remark Valentine's disordered dress might make clear to the audience. Rosalind, when enumerating the marks of a man in love, mentions the untied shoe as well as the ungartered hose. As You Like It, Act lii. Sc. 2. The same misprint, 'hose' for 'shoes,' occurs in the first edition of Greene's Groatszuorth of J fit. See Mr Dyce's preface to his edition of Greene's Dramatic Works, p. xxviii.
Note V.
II. 4. 7, 95, III. As Speed after line 7 does not say a word during the whole of this long scene, we have sent him off the stage. It is not likely that the clown would be kept on as a mute bystander, especially when he had to appear in the following scene.
The Folios give line no to Thurio, who, if the reading be right, must have quitted the stage during the scene. The most probable time for this would be on Proteus' entrance, line 95. Mr Dyce how- ever argues that 'Thurio, after what the Duke, in the presence of Silvia, had said to him about welcoming Proteus, would hardly run off the moment Proteus appeared.' But Thurio is not held up as a model of courtesy, and he might as well be off the stage as on it, for any welcome he gives to Proteus. Besides, in line 10 1 \'alentine ignores Thurio altogether, who, if he had been present, would not have remained silent under the sligrht.
NOTES. 159
On the whole, we think that the arrangement we have given is the best, as involving no change in the original reading. The question however is a difficult and doubtful one — indeed, far more difficult and doubtful than it is important, or instru(flive.
Note VI.
II. 4. 192. Theobald's corredlion, 'mine eye,' or as Mr Spedding suggests, 'my eye' ('my eie' in the original spelling), is supported by a passage in the Comedy of Errors, ill. 2. 55 :
' It is a fault that springeth from your eye.' If this were not satisfacflory, another guess might be hazarded:
' Is it mine tinstaid fiiind or Valentine's praise.' The resemblance of 'mine' and 'mind' in the printer's eye (final d and final e being perpetually mistaken for each other) might cause the omission of the two words. 'Valentine' is found as a dissyllable I. 2. 38. ' Sir Valentine's page, &c.': perhaps also in. i. 191 :
'There's not a hair on 's head but 'tis a Valentine,' and, if Capell's arrangement be right, v. 2. 34.
Note VII.
II. 5. I, III. I. 81, and V. 4. 129. We have retained ' Padua' in the first of these passages and 'Verona' in the second and third, because it is impossible that the words can be a mere printer's, or transcriber's, error. These inaccuracies are interesting as showing that Shakes- peare had written the whole of the play before he had finally deter- mined where the scene was to be laid.
J
THE
MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
VOL. I. M
Besides the copies of the Merry Wives of Windsor appearing in the foHos and modern editions, a quarto, Q^, has been collated in these Notes, of which the following is 'the title:
The I Merry Wives | of Windsor. | with the humours of Sir John Falstaffe, \ as also. The swaggering Vaine of Ancient [ Pistoll, and Corporall Nyin. \ written by William Shakespeare. \ Newly corre6led. | London : | printed hy T. II. for R. Aleighen and are to be sold | at his Shop, next to the Middle-Temple Gate, and in | S. Dunstatis Church-yard in Fleet Street. \ 1630.
Qj ancl^ Q, are editions of an early sketch of the same play. The variations between the text of these quartos and the re- ceived text are so great that collation cannot be attempted. The text printed at the end of the play is taken literatim from Q^, the edition of 1602, of which a copy is preserved among Capell's Shakespearian A, and this text is collated verbatim with Q^,, the second quarto printed in 161 9. Q, was reprinted in 1842 for the Shakespeare Society by Mr J. O. Halliwell. This text, which differs in one or two places from Capell's Q,, has also been collated. Q, is given among Twenty of the Plays of Shakespeare, edited by Steevens. Their titles are as follows :
(i) A [ Most pleasaunt and ( excellent conceited Co-jmedie, of Syr John Falstaffe, and the | Merrie Wiues of Wi?idsor. \ Enter- mixed with sundrie | variable and pleasing humors of Syr Hugh \ the Welch Knight, Justice Shallow, and his | wise Cousin M. Slender. \ With the Swaggering vaine of Auncient | Pistoll, and Corporall Nym. \ By William Shakespeare. \ As it hath been diuers times A6led by the right Honorable ] my Lord Chamber- laines seruants. Both before her | Maiestie, and else-where. | London. | Printed by T. C. for Arthur Johnson, and are to be sold at I his shop in Powles Church-yard, at the signe of the | Flower de Leuse and the Crowne. | 1602.
[This consists of 7 Quires of 4. In the Quire G one line, which we have included in brackets, has been cut away by the binder. We have supplied it from Halliwell's edition and Q,.]
(2) A I Most pleasant and ex-|cellent Comedy, J of Sir John Falstaffe, and the \ merry Wives of Windsor. \ With the swag- gering vaine of Anjcient Pistoll, and Corporall Nytn. \ Written by W. Shakespeare. | Printed for A jihur Johnson, 1619.
^r 2
DRAMATIS PERSON^\
Sir John Falstaff. Fenton, a gentleman. Shallow, a country justice. Slender, cousin to Shallow.
' > two c^entlemen dwelling at Windsor. Page, J "^
William Page, a boy, son to Page.
Sir Hugh Evans, a Welsh parson.
Doctor Caius, a French physician.
Host of the Garter Inn.
Bardolph,\
Pistol, > sharpers attending on Falstaff.
Nym, J
Robin, page to Falstaff.
Simple, servant to Slender.
Rugby, servant to Doflor Caius.
Mistress Ford,
Mistress Page.
Anne Page, her daughter.
Mistress Quickly, servant to Dodor Caius.
Servants to Page, Ford, Szc.
Scene — Windsor, and the neighbourhood.
' Not in Qq Ff. Inserted by Rowe.
I
THE
MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
ACT I.
Scene I. Wijidsor. Before Page's hotise.
Enier JvsTiCE Shallow, Slender, and Sir Hugh Evans.
S/ial. Sir Hugh, persuade me not; I will make a Star- chamber matter of it: if he were twenty Sir John Falstaffs, he shall not abuse Robert Shallow, esquire.
S/eu. In the county of Gloucester, justice of peace and * Coram.' 5
S/ial Ay, cousin Slender, and * Custalorum.'
S/eu. Ay, and 'Rato-lorum' too ; and a gentleman born, master parson ; who writes himself ' Armigero,' in any bill, warrant, quittance, or obligation, 'Armigero.'
S/ial. Ay, that I do; and have done any time these 10 three hundred years.
S/en. All his successors gone before him hath done't; and all his ancestors that come after him may: they may give the dozen white luces in their coat. i^
S/ia/. It is an old coat.
Evaris. The dozen white louses do become an old coat well; it agrees well, passant; it is a familiar beast to man, and signifies love.
6. Ctistalorum'\CustosYz.vm.^xzo\\]. lo. /] ?F^Steevens (Farmer conj.).
7. Rato-lorum'\Y{. Rotulorutn Q_^^. 12. kalk] F1Q3F2. have 7 ^Y^.
1 66 THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
Shal. The luce is the fresh fish; the salt fish is an old coat. . 20
Sle7i. I may quarter, coz.
Shal. You may, by marrying.
Evans. It is marring indeed, if he quarter it.
SJial. Not a whit.
Evans. Yes, py'r lady; if he has a quarter of your 25 coat, there is but three skirts for yourself, in my simple con- je6lures: but that is all one. If Sir John Falstaff have com- mitted disparagements unto you, I am of the church, and will be glad to do my benevolence to make atonements and compremises between you. 30
Slial. The council shall hear it ; it is a riot.
Evans. It is not meet the council hear a riot; there is no fear of Got in a riot: the council, look you, shall desire to hear the fear of Got, and not to hear a riot ; take your vizaments in that. 35
SJial. Ha! o' my life, if I were young again, the sword should end it.
Evans. It is petter that friends is the sword, and end it : and there is also another device in my prain, which per- adventure prings goot discretions with it: — there is Anne 40 Page, which is daughter to Master Thomas Page, which is pretty virginity.
Sleii. Mistress Anne Page.-* She has brown hair, and speaks small like a woman.
Evans. It is that fery person for all the orld, as just as 45 you will desire; and seven hundred pounds of moneys, and gold and silver, is her grandsire upon his death's-bed (Got deliver to a joyful resurreftions !) give, when she is able to overtake seventeen years old : it were a goot motion if wc
19. The luce is\ The luce\Yo Slot. 34. take your\Y ^Ql^. take you Y^
showing him his seal-ring] is Capell. F3 F4.
•23. 7narring\Y ^Cly marrying Y^ 38. and\thatVo^&.
F3 F4. 40. goof\ Fj Q3. good F2 F3 F4.
25. py'r lady'] per-IadyYi(l^. 4i- 77^^^^] Ff Q3. GeorgelXx^o-
16. skirts\ shiits Q3. bald. See note (l).
28. un/d\ upon Vo^e. 44. small] Y^Q^. om. F^ F3 F4.
30. compremises]compromisesVof)c. 45. orld]YL world Q^.
32. hear] Fj Q3. hear (/F3F3F4. 49. See note (11).
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 167
leave our pribbles and prabbles, and desire a marriage be- 50 tween Master Abraham and Mistress Anne Pasre.
Slc]i. Did her grandsire leave her seven hundred pound ?
Evans. Ay, and her father is make her a petter penny.
Sleii. I know the young gentlewoman ; she has good gifts. 55
Evans. Seven hundred pounds and possibilities is goot gifts.
Shal. Well, let us see honest Master Page. Is Falstafif ■ there .''
Evans. Shall I tell you a lie.'' I do despise a liar as I do do despise one that is false, or as I despise one that is not true. The knight, Sir John, is there; and, I beseech you, be ruled by your well-willers. I will peat the door for Master Page. {Knocksl What, hoa ! Got pless your house here !
Page. [Withiji] Who's there.? 65
Enter Page.
Evans. Here is Got's plessing, and your friend, and Justice Shallow; and here young Master Slender, that per- adventures shall tell you another tale, if matters grow to your likings.
Page. I am glad to see your worships well. I thank 70 you for my venison. Master Shallow.
Shal. Master Page, I am glad to see you : much good do it your good heart! I wished your venison better; it was ill killed. How doth good Mistress Page.? — and I thank you always with my heart, la! with my heart. 75
Page. Sir, I thank you.
Shal. Sir, I thank you ; by yea and no, I do.
Page. I am glad to see you, good Master Slender,
52, 54, 55, Given to Shallow by Page. Rowe (after line 64). Halli- Capell. well (after line 69).
53. her fathe)^ his father Capell 65. Scene ir. Pope, (correaed in MS.). 67. here^] F, Q3. here's ¥,^ F3 F4.
56. possibilities] FjQ3. possibi- 70. worships] worship'' s Rowe.
///j/ F2 F3 F4. 75. thank] love (Q^Q^) Steevens
63. well-willers]well-wishers'R.o-we. (Farmer conj.).
6^. Enter Page.] Edd. Enter 77. thank] love Farmer conj. MS.
1 68 THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
Skn. How does your fallow greyhound, sir? I heard say he was outrun on Cotsall. 80
Page. It could not be judged, sir.
Slen. You'll not confess, you'll not confess.
ShaL That he will not. 'Tis your fault, 'tis your fault ; 'tis a good dog.
Page. A cur, sir. 85
Shal. Sir, he's a good dog, and a fair dog: can there be more said.'' he is good and fair. Is Sir John Falstafif here .-*
Page. Sir, he is within ; and I would I could do a good office between you.
Evans. It is spoke as a Christians ought to speak. 90
S/ial. He hath wronged me. Master Page.
Page. Sir, he doth in some sort confess it.
ShaL If it be confessed, it is not redressed : is not that so. Master Page.'' He hath wronged me; indeed he hath; at a word, he hath, believe me: Robert Shallow, esquire, 95 saith, he is wronged.
Page. Here comes Sir John.
Ejiter Sir John Falstaff, Bardolph, Nym, and Pistol.
Fal. Now, Master Shallow, you'll complain of me to the king.-*
Shal. Knight, you have beaten my men, killed my 100 deer, and broke open my lodge.
Fal. But not kissed your keeper's daughter .-'
Shal. Tut, a pin ! this shall be answered.
Fal. I will answer it straight; I have done all this. That is now answered. io£
Shal. The council shall know this.
Fal. 'Twere better for you if it were known in counsel : you'll be laughed at.
80. Cotsair\ F1Q3. Cotsale F^ ddugJiicr. {(^^(^^Y i,. F3F4. 106, 107. council... counsel^ coun-
82—84. Slen...^c'^] Shall. K?«7/... cell...cou?!seU {Q^ Q^). councell ...
co7ifess. Slen. That ....tiof. Shall. rounaV/ F^^Q^F 2. council... counsell
"'TIS... dog. Farmer conj. MS. F3. council... councel F ^.
98. Scene hi. Pope. 107, 108. you if. ..you" ll'\ you : if it
99. king\ council (Q1Q2) Warbur- rvcre known in council, you'' II Harness ton. (Johnson conj.).
102. daughter?] F, Q3 F^ F3. 107. Icnoion] not kno'wn Vo\)Q.
I
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 169
Evans. Pauca verba, Sir John ; goot worts.
Fal. Good worts! good cabbage. Slender, I broke no your head : what matter have you against me.-*
Slen. Marry, sir, I have matter in my head against you; and against your cony-catching rascals, Bardolph, Nym, and Pistol.
Bard. You Banbury cheese! 115
Slen. Ay, it is no matter.
Pist. How now, Mephostophilus !
Sleji. Ay, it is no matter.
Nym. Slice, I say! pauca, pauca: slice! that's my humour. 120
Slen. Where's Simple, my man.-* Can you tell, cousin .-•
Evans. Peace, I pray you. Now let us understand. There is three umpires in this matter, as I understand; that is. Master Page, fidelicet Master Page; and there is 125 myself, fidelicet myself; and the three party is, lastly and finally, mine host of the Garter.
Page. We three, to hear it and end it between them.
Evans. Fery goot: I will make a prief of it in my note-book; and we will afterwards ork upon the cause 130 with as great discreetly as we can.
Fal Pistol !
Pist. He hears with ears.
Evans. The tevil and his tam! what phrase is this, 'He hears with ear' } why, it is afife6lations. 135
Fal. Pistol, did you pick Master Slender's purse.''
Slen. Ay, by these gloves, did he, or I would I might never come in mine own great chamber again else, of seven groats in mill-sixpences, and two Edward shovel- boards, that cost me two shilling and two pence a-piece of 140 Yead Miller, by these gloves.
Fal. Is this true. Pistol.-'
114. Pisiol.'\ Pistol; they canied me "Evsins. Pauca, pauca. Nym. Slice...
to the tavern and made me dntnk, and humour. Farmer conj. aftcnvard picked my pocket. Malone 126. three\ third Pope.
(fromQjQj). See note (ni). 1-27. Garter\(:i^. GaterYi.
119 — 120. pauca, pauca... humour'] 131. discreetly] discretions Vo'^Q.
I70 THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
Evans. No ; it is false, if it is a pick-purse.
Pist. Ha, thou mountain-foreigner! Sir John and
master mine, 145
I combat challenge of this latten bilbo. Word of denial in thy labras here ! Word of denial: froth and scum, thou liest!
Slen. By these gloves, then, 'twas he.
Nym. Be avised, sir, and pass good humours: I will 150 say 'marry trap' with you, if you run the nuthook's hu- mour on me ; that is the very note of it.
Slai. By this hat, then, he in the red face had it ; for though I cannot remember what I did when you made me drunk, yet I am not altogether an ass. i55
Fal. What say you, Scarlet and John }
Bard. Why, sir, for my part, I say the gentleman had drunk himself out of his five sentences.
Evans. It is his five senses: fie, what the ignorance is!
Bard. And being fap, sir, was, as they say, cashiered; 160 and so conclusions passed the careires.
Sle)i. Ay, you spake in Latin then too; but 'tis no matter: I'll ne'er be drunk whilst I live again, but in honest, civil, godly company, for this trick : if I be drunk, I'll be drunk with those that have the fear of God, and not 165 with drunken knaves.
Evans. So Got udge me, that is a virtuous mind.
Fal. You hear all these matters denied, gentlemen; you hear it.
Enter Anne Page, with wine; Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, following.
Page. Nay, daughter, carry the wine in; we'll drink 170 within. {Exit Anne Page.
146. lattett] laten {Cl^Q^. latine 15 t. the nutJiook''s humo7ir\ the base rfQ3. /n/nioiirVo-pQ, dace /lumors (Q^ Q^). ■
hUeu bilbo.l lattcii. Bilbo! i6o. fap\ sap A, A. conj. vap I
Becket conj. Boys conj. '
147. thy labras here'\ my labras 161. carch-es'\ car-eires FfQj. //mr Johnson conj. careens Capell.
150. avised] advised ¥^. 171. [Exit A. P.] Theobald.
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 171
Slen. O heaven! this is Mistress Anne Page.
Page. How now, Mistress Ford !
Fal. Mistress Ford, by my troth, you are very well met: by your leave, good mistress. \Kisscs her. i75
Page. Wife, bid these gentlemen welcome. Come, we have a hot venison pasty to dinner: come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down all unkindness.
[Exeunt all except Shal., Slen., and Evans.
Slen. I had rather than forty shillings I had my Book of Songs and Sonnets here. 180
Enter Simple.
How now, Simple! where have you been? I must wait on myself, must I } You have not the Book of Riddles about you, have you?
Sim. Book of Riddles! why, did you not lend it to Alice Shortcake upon All-hallowmas last, a fortnight afore 185 Michaelmas ?
Shal. Come, coz ; come, coz ; we stay for you. A word with you, coz ; marry, this, coz : there is, as 'twere, a ten- der, a kind of tender, made afar off by Sir Hugh here. Do you understand me? 190
Slen. Ay, sir, you shall find me reasonable ; if it be so, I shall do that that is reason.
ShaL Nay, but understand me.
Slen. So I do, sir.
Evans. Give ear to his motions, Master Slender: I will '95 description the matter to you, if you be capacity of it.
Slen. Nay, I will do as my cousin Shallow says: I pray you, pardon me; he's a justice of peace in his country, simple though I stand here.
Evans. But that is not the question: the question is 200 concerning your marriage.
SJial. Ay, there's the point, sir.
Evans. Marry, is it ; the very point of it ; to Mistress Anne Paere.
't>^
175' [Kisses her.] Pope. bald.
179. Scene IV. Pope. 188. this, coz\ this (^-i,.
186. Michaelmas'] Maiilemas'V'hco- 192. that that] that Y-^V.\.
172 THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
I
Slen. Why, if it be so, I will marry her upon any rea- 205 sonable demands.
Evans. But can you affeftion the 'oman? Let us com- mand to know that of your mouth or of your lips ; for di- vers philosophers hold that the lips is parcel of the mouth. Therefore, precisely, can you carry your good will to the 210 maid t
Shal. Cousin Abraham Slender, can you love her.-*
Slen. I hope, sir, I will do as it shall become one that would do reason.
Evans. Nay, Got's lords and his ladies! you must 215 speak possitable, if you can carry her your desires towards her.
Shal. That you must. Will you, upon good dowry, marry her.-'
Sle)i. I will do a greater thing than thit, upon your 220 request, cousin, in any reason.
Shal. Nay, conceive me, conceive me, sweet coz : what I do is to pleasure you, coz. Can you love the maid.-*
Slen. I will marry her, sir, at your request : but if there be no great love in the beginning, yet heaven may decrease 225 it upon better acquaintance, when we are married and have more occasion to know one another; I hope, upon famili- arity will grow more contempt : but if you say, ' Marry her,' I will marry her; that I am freely dissolved, and dissolutely.
Evans. It is a fery discretion answer; save the fall is in 330 the ort 'dissolutely:' the ort is, according to our meaning, 'resolutely:' his meaning is good.
SJial. Ay, I think my cousin meant well.
Slen. Ay, or else I would I might be hanged, la!
Shal. Here comes fair Mistress Anne. 235
209. montJi\ mind Pope. Ff Q3.
-210. frt/vj]FjQ3. many¥^¥^¥^. 230. /z//] FfQs. //w/' Hanmer.
216. carry /ler] carry-her Fj Q3 fault Collier. faW Singer. faul
F2 F3. carre-her F4. Dyce.
228. contempt\ Theobald, content 234. hangccr\ hang' F^ F3 F4.
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 173
Re-enter Anne Page.
Would I were young for your sake, Mistress Anne !
Anne. The dinner is on the table; my father desires your worships' company.
Shal. I will wait on him, fair Mistress Anne.
Evans. Od's plessed will! I will not be absence at the 240 grace. [Exennt Shalloxv and Evans.
Anne. Will't please your worship to come in, sir.?
Slen. No, I thank you, forsooth, heartily; I am very well.
An7ie. The dinner attends you, sir. 245
Slen. I am not a-hungry, I thank you, forsooth. Go, sirrah, for all you are my man, go wait upon my cousin Shallow. \Exit Simple?^ A justice of peace sometimes may be beholding to his friend for a man. I keep but three men and a boy yet, till my mother be dead: but 250 what though.? yet I live like a poor gentleman born.
Anne. I may not go in without your worship: they will not sit till you come.
Slen. I' faith, I'll eat nothing; I thank you as much as though I did. 255
Anne. I pray you, sir, walk in.
Slen. I had rather walk here, I thank you. I bruised my shin th' other day with playing at sword and dagger with a master of fence ; three veneys for a dish of stewed prunes; and, by my troth, I cannot abide the smell of hot 260 meat since. Why do your dogs bark so.? be there bears i' the town.?
An7ie. I think there are, sir; I heard them talked of.
Slen. I love the sport well ; but I shall as soon quar- rel at it as any man in England. You are afraid, if you 265 see the bear loose, are you not.?
Anne. Ay, indeed, sir.
Slen. That's meat and drink to me, now. I have seen Sackerson loose twenty times, and have taken him by the chain; but, I warrant you, the women have so cried and 270
236. Scene V. Pope. 251. //Xr] om. F^ F3 F4.
249. l>e/wl(iiiicf\ hehold^ni Pope.
174 THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
shrieked at it, that it passed: but women, indeed, cannot abide 'em ; they are very ill-favoured rough things.
Re-enter Page.
Page. Come, gentle Master Slender, come; we stay for you.
Sleii. I'll eat nothing, I thank you, sir. 275
Page. By cock and pie, you shall not choose, sir! come, come.
Sleii. Nay, pray you, lead the way.
Page. Come on, sir.
Slen. Mistress Anne, yourself shall go first. 280
Aline. Not I, sir; pray you, keep on.
Sle7i. Truly, I will not go first; truly, la!. I will not do you that wrong.
Anne. I pray you, sir.
Slen. I'll rather be unmannerly than troublesome. 285 You do yourself wrong, indeed, la! {Exeunt.
Scene II. The same.
Enter SiR HUGH EvANS and SIMPLE.
Evans. Go your ways, and ask of Do6lor Caius' house which is the way: and there dwells one Mistress Quickly, which is in the manner of his nurse, or his dry nurse, or his cook, or his laundry, his washer, and his wringer.
Sim. Well, sir. ^
Evans. Nay, it is petter yet. Give her this letter; for it is a 'oman that altogether 's acquaintance with Mistress Anne Page: and the letter is, to desire and require her to solicit your master's desires to Mistress Anne Page. I pray you, be gone: I will make an end of my dinner; 10 there's pippins and cheese to come. \Excimt.
275. rileaf\IchusetocatVi.'^m:atx. 3. </0'] ''':'' (Qi Q2) ^yce-
Scene ii.] Scene vi. Tope. 4. wringer] Theobald. Hinger Ff
The same.] Capell. An outer room Q3.
in Page's house. Dyce. 1 1, c/ieesc\ secse Dyce.
SCENE III.] OF WINDSOR. I75
Scene III. A room in the Garter Inn.
Enter Falstaff, Host, Bardolph, Nym, Pistol, and Robin.
Fal. Mine host of the Garter !
Host. What says my bully-rook .'' speak scholarly and wisely.
Fal. Truly, mine host, I must turn away some of my followers. 5
Host. Discard, bully Hercules; cashier: let them wag; trot, trot.
Fal. I sit at ten pounds a week.
Host. Thou'rt an emperor, C?esar, Keisar, and Pheezar. I will entertain Bardolph; he shall draw, he shall tap: said 10 I well, bully Heaor.?
Fal. Do so, good mine host.
Host. I have spoke; let him follow. \_To Bard?\ Let me see thee froth and lime: I am at a word; follow. [Exit.
Fal. Bardolph, follow him. A tapster is a good trade : 15 an old cloak makes a new jerkin; a withered serving-man a fresh tapster. Go ; adieu.
Bard. It is a life that I have desired: I will thrive.
Pist. O base Hungarian wight ! wilt thou the spigot
wield .-* [Exit Bardolph. 20
Nyvi. He was gotten in drink: is not the humour conceited .''
Fal. I am glad I am so acquit of this tinder-box: his thefts were too open; his filching was like an unskilful singer; he kept not time. 25
Nym. The good humour is to steal at a minute's rest.
Fist. ' Convey,' the wise it call. ' Steal ! ' foh ! a fico for the phrase !
Scene hi.] Scene vii. Pope. 19. Hungarian^ Ff Q3. Gonga-
2. bully-rook} Bully Rock Rowe, rian (Qj Q^) Capell. passim. 22. cottceited ?'\ Theobald here in-
10. shall... shall} Fj Q3. tvill... serts (from Qi Q2), His mind is not
-will Y F3 F4. heroic and there's the humour of it.
14. see thee froth} see thee, froth 23. acquit] quit Vo^e.
Staunton. 26. minute'' s} Ff. minuntes Q3.
//;«('] Steevens. /I'W^CQiQa^- minim's Singer (Bennet-Langton
//z'^FfQ3, conj.).
176 THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
Pal. Well, sirs, I am almost out at heels.
Pist. Why, then, let kibes ensue. 3°
Pal. There is no remedy ; I must cony-catch ; I must shift.
Pist. Young ravens must have food.
Pal. Which of you know Ford of this town 1
Pist. I ken the wight: he is of substance good. 35
Pal. My honest lads, I will tell you what I am about.
Pist. Two yards, and more.
Pal. No quips now. Pistol! Indeed, I am in the waist two yards about; but I am now about no waste; I am about thrift. Briefly, I do mean to make love to Ford's 4° wife : I spy entertainment in her ; she discourses, she carves, she gives the leer of invitation: I can construe the a6lion of her familiar style ; and the hardest voice of'her behaviour, to be Englished rightly, is, ' I am Sir John Falstaff's.'
Pist. He hath studied her will, and translated her will, 45 out of honesty into English.
Ny}fi. The anchor is deep: will that humour pass }
Pal. Now, the report goes she has all the rule of her husband's purse : he hath a legion of angels.
Pist. As many devils entertain ; and ' To her, boy,' say I. 50
Nyin. The humour rises; it is good: humour me the angels.
Pal. I have writ me here a letter to her: and here another to Page's wife, who even now gave me good eyes too, examined my parts with most judicious ceillades; 55 sometimes the beam of her view gilded my foot, sometimes my portly belly.
Pist. Then did the sun on dunghill shine. j
41. ^an'^j] Ff (QjQj). craves (^T^. 49. Z^^"] j/^^ (Qj Q^) Pope.
45. studied her 7vilf] Ff Q3. sfn- a legiotil Pope, a legend Ff.
</;Vfl'/^fr Hv// (Qi Q2) Pope. Q3. legians {Q^). A'jf/tvw (Q^) Capell.
translated her 7vill'\ Ff Q3 50. ente>iain'] FfQ3. attend her
(pm. Qi Q2). translated her 7i'ell Vo^iQ. (Qi Q2)- enter staine Co\mdge con],
translated her Hanmer. studied her in her train Anon. conj.
7uell and translated her will Grant 55. a-i Hades'] i Iliads Ff Q3. eyelids
White, studied her ivell and trans- Halliwell (Pope conj.).
lated her ill Y.flA. co\\]. 56. gilded] gnildedY^<^y guided
47. anchoi^ author '^dhw^on con]. F^ F3 F4.
SCENE III.] OF WINDSOR. 177
NyjH. I thank thee for that humour.
Fal. O, she did so course o'er my exteriors with such 60 a greedy intention, that the appetite of her eye did seem to scorch me up Hke a burning-glass ! Here's another letter to her: she bears the purse too; she is a region in Guiana, all gold and bounty. I will be cheaters to them both, and they shall be exchequers to me; they shall be my East 65 and West Indies, and I will trade to them both. Go bear thou this letter to Mistress Page; and thou this to Mistress Ford : we will thrive, lads, we will thrive.
Pist. Shall I Sir Pandarus of Troy become, And by my side wear steel } then, Lucifer take all ! 7°
Nym. I will run no base humour: here, take the humour-letter: I will keep the haviour of reputation.
Fal. [To Robhi] Hold, sirrah, bear you these letters tightly; Sail like my pinnace to these golden shores. Rogues, hence, avaunt ! vanish like hailstones, go; 75
Trudge, plod away o' the hoof; seek shelter, pack ! Falstaff will learn the humour of the age, French thrift, you rogues ; myself and skirted page.
[Excitut Falstaff and Robin.
Pist. Let vultures gripe thy guts ! for gourd and fullam holds. And high and low beguiles the rich and poor: 80
Tester I '11 have in pouch when thou shalt lack, Base Phrygian Turk !
Nym. I have operations which be humours of revenge.
Pist. Wilt thou revenge }
Nym. By welkin and her star ! 85
64. cheaters} {Q, Q,) F^ Q3 F3 F4. 78. [Exeunt Falstaff and Robin.]
cheaters F^. cheater Theobald, es- Rowe. [Exit. Dyce.
f^m/^r Hannier. \heator Qz.^q\\. 79- Scene viii. Pope.
73- tightly^ Fj. titely (Qi Q^). fullam holds} ftdlams hold
rightly Q3 y\ F3 F4. Hanmer.
74. [Exit Robin. Dyce. 80. beguiles} beguile Hanmer.
76. d the}oth'Y^Y^Y\. ith'YSii- S3, operations} Yiq^^. operations
77. learn} earn Anon. conj. in my head (Q^ Q^) Pope. humow\ (Qi Q3) Theobald. 85. star} fairies (Qj Q,). stars
honour Yi<^j,. Collier MS.
the} Ff Q3. this (Q1Q2) Capell. VOL. I.
N
1^8 THE MERRY WIVES [act I.
Pisf. With wit or steel ? Nvm. With both the humours, I : I will discuss the humour of this love to Page. Pist. And I to Ford shall eke unfold
How Falstafif, varlet vile, 9°
His dove will prove, his gold will hold, And his soft couch defile. Nym. My humour shall not cool : I will incense Page to deal with poison ; I will possess him with yellowness, for the revolt of mine is dangerous: that is my true humour. 9;
Pist. Thou art the Mars of malecontents: I second thee ; troop on. \Exewit.
I
Scene IV. A room in Doctor Caius's Jwusc
Enter Mistress Quickly, Simple, and Rugby.
Quick. What, John Rugby ! I pray thee, go to the casement, and see if you can see my master, Master Doctor Caius, coming. If he do, i' faith, and find any body in the house, here will be an old abusing of God's patience and the king's English.
Rjtg. I'll go watch.
Quick. Go; and we'll have a posset for't soon at night, in faith, at the latter end of a sea-coal fire. \_Exit Rugby.'] An honest, willing, kind fellow, as ever servant shall come in house withal; and, I warrant you, no tell-tale nor no 10 breed-bate : his worst fault is, that he is given to prayer; he is something peevish that way: but nobody but has his fault; but let that pass. Peter Simple, you say your name is }
Sim. Ay, for fault of a better.
Quick. And Master Slender 's your master?
Sim. Ay, forsooth.
88. discuss] disclose Pope. 95. ffiinc] mien Theobald, mind
88, 89. Page. ..Ford] iflSi.^ Stee- Jackson conj. tneisne or men Anon,
vens. Ford... Page ¥iQ-^. See note (l). conj. See note (iv).
93. Page'] Stcevens. Fo}-d Ff Q3. SCENE iv.] ScENE IX. Tope.
04 yc!io7onrss'\ Jealousies Vo'pt. 4. rr;;] om. Pope. 95. the] til is Pope.
SCENE IV.] OF WINDSOR. 179
Quick. Does he not wear a great round beard, like a glover's paring-knife ?
Sim. No, forsooth : he hath but a little wee face, with a little yellow beard, — a Cain-coloured beard. 20
Quick. A softly-sprighted man, is he not?
Sim. Ay, forsooth: but he is as tall a man of his hands as any is between this and his head ; he hath fought with a warrener.
Quick. How say you? — O, I should remember him: 25 does he not hold up his head, as it were, and strut in his gait ?
Sim. Yes, indeed, does he.
Quick. Well, heaven send Anne Page no worse for- tune! Tell Master Parson Evans I will do what I can for your master: Anne is a good girl, and I wish — 3°
Re-enter Rugby.
Rug. Out, alas! here comes my master.
Quick. We shall all be shent. Run in here, good young man; go into this closet: he will not stay long. \Shuts Simple in the closet.'] What, John Rugby! John! what, John, I say! Go, John, go inquire for my master; 35 I doubt he be not well, that he comes not home.
[^Singifig] And down, down, adown-a, &c.
Enter DOCTOR Caius.
Cuius. Vat is you sing? I do not like des toys. Pray you, go and vetch me in my closet un boitier vert, — a box, a green-a box : do intend vat I speak ? a green-a box. 40
Quick. Ay, forsooth; I'll fetch it you. \Asidc'] I am glad he went not in himself: if he had found the young man, he would have been horn-mad.
Caius. Fe, fe, fe, fe ! ma foi, il fait fort chaud. Je m'en vais a la cour, — la grande affaire. 45
19. 'wee'\ whey C&T^tW. Q.3^2- dese toys Thtoha^d. 10. Cain] F3F4. ITafie (QiQa)- 39- nn boitie?-] Rowe. unboyteene
Caine Fj Q3 Y^. cane Poidc. Fj F^ Q3. unboyteen F3 F4.
31. [Exit. Grant White. 44, 45. ma foi... affaire] Rowe.
34. [Shuts S. in the closet] Rowe. niai {moi F2F3F4) yjy, il fait for
38. Scene X. Pope. ehando,Ie man voi a le Cou7't la grattd
des toys] F3 F4. des-toyes Fj affaires. FfQ3.
N 2
i8o THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
Quick. Is it this, sir?
Cains. Oui ; mette le au mon pocket : de'peche, quickly. Vere is dat knave Rugby?
Quick. What, John Rugby! John!
Rug. Here, sir! 5°
Caius. You are John Rugby, and you are Jack Rugby. Come, take-a your rapier, and come after my heel to the court.
Riig. 'Tis ready, sir, here in the porch.
Caius. By my trot, I tarry too long. — Od's me! 55 Ou'ai-j'oublie! dere is some simples in my closet, dat I vill not for the varld I shall leave behind.
Quick. Ay me, he'll find the young man there, and be mad!
Caius. O diable, diable! vat is in my closet? \'illain! 60 larron ! {Pulling Simple out] Rugby, my rapier !
Quick. Good master, be content.
Caius. Wherefore shall I be content-a?
Quick. The young man is an honest man.
Cains. What shall de honest man do in my closet ? 65 dere is no honest man dat shall come in my closet.
Quick. I beseech you, be not so phlegmatic. Hear the truth of it : he came of an errand to me from Parson Hugrh.
Caius. Veil.
Sim. Ay, forsooth; to desire her to — 70
Quick. Peace, I pray you.
Caius. Peace-a your tongue. Speak-a your tale.
Si7n. To desire this honest gentlewoman, your maid, to speak a good word to Mistress Anne Page for my master in the way of marriage. 75
Quick. This is all, indeed, la! but I'll ne'er put my finger in the fire, and need not. y
Caius. Sir Hugh send-a you? Rugby, bailie me some paper. Tarry you a little-a while. {Writes.
47. depcchc\dc-pccchY{<:i^. 6i. /^mw] Za-nw/i- Ff Q3.
51. JackRitghy'l Jack Rogohy Hal- [Pulling S. out] Theobald.
I'well. 63,66. j//a//jF,Q3. shouldV^{iF^.
5^. take-d\ take Q3. 78. baUle\ hallow Ff Q3. bailU-z
56. 77//] luill F^ F3 F4. Thet.bald.
60. villaitiY Q3. villa)iie Ff.
SCENE IV.] OF WINDSOR. i8i
Quick. \Aside to Simplc\ I am glad he is so quiet: So if he had been throughly moved, you should have heard him so loud and so melancholy. But notwithstanding, man, I'll do you your master what good I can: and the very yea and the no is, the French do6lor, my master, — I may call him my master, look you, for I keep his house; 85 and I wash, wring, brew, bake, scour, dress meat and drink, make the beds, and do all myself, —
Sim. [Aside to Qiiickly\ 'Tis a great charge to come under one body's hand.
Quick. {Aside to Simple] Are you avised o' that.? you 90 shall find it a great charge : and to be up early and down late; — but notwithstanding, — to tell you in your ear; I would have no words of it, — my master himself is in love with Mistress Anne Page: but notwithstanding that, I know Anne's mind, — that's neither here nor there. 95
Cains. You jack'nape, give-a this letter to Sir Hugh ; by gar, it is a shallenge : I will cut his troat in de park ; and I will teach a scurvy jack-a-nape priest to meddle or make. You may be gone ; it is not good you tarry here. — By gar, I will cut all his two stones; by gar, he shall not 100 have a stone to throw at his dog. \Exit Simple.
Quick. Alas, he speaks but for his friend.
Caiits. It is no matter-a ver dat: — do not you tell-a me dat I shall have Anne Page for myself.' — By gar, I vill kill de Jack priest; and I have appointed mine host of de 105 Jarteer to measure our weapon: — By gar, I will myself have Anne Page.
Quick. Sir, the maid loves you, and all shall be well. We must give folks leave to prate: what, the good-jer!
Caius. Rugby, come to the court with me. By gar, if no I have not Anne Page, I shall turn your head out of my door. Follow my heels, Rugby. \Exeunt Caius and Rugby.
83. you'\yocY^(:iy />;' F^ F3 F4. loi. //^ra7C'] F^ Q3. t!■owY^■^^. om. Capell. io3- J'^^] Ff Q3. >rCapell.
84. the Fyench'\ Yi. that French 106. >^^^fr] F^ Q3 F^ F3. Gar- Q3. ter F4.
86. ■wring\ringYi<:i-i. 109. good-jer\ goiijeres Hanmer.
96. give-d\Y SIt.. givie-aY^-^i,. goitjere ^o\x\s.or\. good year Q2.^^\\. 97,98, 100. 7ot7/] z'/// Pope.
i82 THE MERRY WIVES [act i.
Quick. You shall have An fool's-head of your own. No, I know Anne's mind for that: never a woman in Windsor knows more of Anne's mind than I do; nor can 115 do more than I do with her, I thank heaven.
Fent. {Within] Who's within there? ho!
Quick. Who's there, I trow? Come near the house, I pray you.
Enter Fenton.
Fent. How now, good woman! how dost thou? 120
Quick. The better that it pleases your good worship
to ask.
Fetit. What news ? how does pretty Mistress Anne ?
Quick. In truth, sir, and she is pretty, and honest, and gentle; and one that is your friend, I can tell you that by 125 the way ; I praise heaven for it.
Fent. Shall I do any good, thinkest thou? shall I not lose my suit?
Quick. Troth, sir, all is in his hands above: but not- withstanding. Master Fenton, I'll be sworn on a book, she 130 loves you. Have not your worship a wart above your eye?
Fent. Yes, marry, have I; what of that?
Quick. Well, thereby hangs a tale: — good faith, it is such another Nan; but, I detest, an honest maid as ever ! broke bread: — we had an hour's talk of that wart. — I shall 135 never laugh but in that maid's company! — But, indeed, she is given too much to allicholy and musing: but for you — well, go to.
Fent. Well, I shall see her to-day. Hold, there's money for thee; let me have thy voice in my behalf: 140 if thou seest her before me, commend me.
Quick. Will I? i' faith, that we will; and I will tell your worship more of the wart the next time we have confidence; and of other wooers. :
Fent. Well, farewell; I am in great haste now. 145
1-20. Scene xi. Pope. that? Tope.
J31. <7A^'c] a'/w// .Steevens. 142. ice iviU\ I unll Halliwcll
13-2. what of that ?\ and what of MS.
SCENE IV.] OF WINDSOR. 183
Quick. Farewell to your worship. {Exit Fenton^ Truly, an honest gentleman: but Anne loves him not; for I know Anne's mind as well as another does. — Otit upon't! what have I forgot? \Exit.
ACT II.
Scene I. Before Page's hoitse.
Enter Mistress Page, with a letter.
Mrs Page. What, have I scaped love-letters in the holiday-time of my beauty, and am I now a subje6l for them.? Let me see. \Rcads:
'Ask me no reason why I love you ; for though Love use Reason for his physician, he admits him not for his counsellor. You are 5 not young, no more am I; go to, then, there's sympathy: you are merry, so am I ; ha, ha! then there's more sympathy: you love sack, and so do I ; would you desire better sympathy? Let it suffice thee, Mistress Page, — at the least, if the love of soldier can suffice, — that I love thee. I will not say, pity me, — 'tis not a soldier-like phrase ; i o but I say, love me. By me,
Thine own true knight,
By day or night.
Or any kind of light.
With all his might 15
For thee to fight, John Falstaff.'
What a Herod of Jewry is this! O wicked, wicked world! One that is well-nigh worn to pieces with age to show him- self a young gallant! What an unweighed behaviour hath this Flemish drunkard picked — with the devil's name! — out 20 of my conversation, that he dares in this manner assay me.'' Why, he hath not been thrice in my company! What should I say to him.'* I was then frugal of my mirth: Heaven forgive me! Why, I'll exhibit a bill in the par-
I. /] om. Fj. 9, at the least\at the lastY^.
5. //ij/wV/aw] Dyce (Johnson conj.). soldie)^ Fj Q3 F2. a soldier
precisian Ff Q3. See note (v). F3 F4.
8. yow] Fj F3 F4. yout (^^. your J 9. <7;/] cm. F3F4.
Fj. 20. with the] t" th' F3 F4.
1 84 THE MERRY WIVES [act ii.
liament for the putting down of men. How shall I be re- 25 venged on him ? for revenged I will be, as sure as his guts are made of puddings.
Enter Mistress Ford.
Mrs Ford. Mistress Page! trust me, I was going to your house.
Airs Page. And, trust me, I was coming to you. You 30 look very ill.
Mrs Ford. Nay, I '11 ne'er believe that ; I have to show to the contrary.
Mrs Page. Faith, but you do, in my mind.
Mrs Ford. Well, I do, then; yet, I say, I could show 35 you to the contrary. O Mistress Page, give me some counsel !
Mrs Page. What's the matter, woman .^
Mrs Ford. O woman, if it were not for one trifling re- spe6l, I could come to such honour! 40
Mrs Page. Hang the trifle, woman! take the honour. What is it.'' — dispense with trifles; — what is it.-*
Mrs Ford. If I would but go to hell for an eternal moment or so, I could be knighted.
Mrs Page. What.' thou liest! Sir Alice Ford! These 45 knights will hack; and so thou shouldst not alter the arti- cle of thy gentry.
Mrs Ford. We burn daylight : — here, read, read ; per- ceive how I might be knighted. I shall think the worse of fat men, as long as I have an eye to make difference of 50 men's liking: and yet he would not swear; praised women's modesty; and gave such orderly and well-behaved reproof to all uncomeliness, that I would have sworn his disposition would have gone to the truth of his words; but they do no more adhere and keep place together than the Hundredth 55
25. /7//////i,'] /;////;/.- Jackson conj. //V.r/.? FjQsFjFj. JV/iuf,f/ioi/ //csf! F^. wt';/]/rt/w^;; Theobald, /num 46. 7ui// Aiick] 7ai// hci \Yo.ih\\r-
1 1 anme r. ton. tcvV/ /latri Johnson conj . 28. Scene ii. Pope. 5 r. praised] Theobald, f raise Ff
30. comittg] ,!;oing Q3. Q3. 44. IV/ial? t/iou liest f] What thou =,5. //(Tiv] /(zr** CapcU conj.
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 185
Psalm to the tune of ' Green Sleeves.' What tempest, I trow, threw this whale, with so many tuns of oil in his belly, ashore at Windsor? How shall I be revenged on him? I think the best way were to entertain him with hope, till the wicked fire of lust have melted him in his own go grease. Did you ever hear the like?
Mrs Page. Letter for letter, but that the name of Page and Ford differs! To thy great comfort in this mys- tery of ill opinions, here's the twin-brother of thy letter: but let thine inherit first; for, I protest, mine never shall. 65 I warrant he hath a thousand of these letters, writ with blank space for different names, — sure, more, — and these are of the second edition: he will print them, out of doubt; for he cares not what he puts into the press, when he would put us two. I had rather be a giantess, and lie under 70 Mount Pelion. Well, I will find you twenty lascivious tur- tles ere one chaste man.
Mrs Ford. Why, this is th'e very same ; the very hand, the very words. What doth he think of us?
Mrs Page. Nay, I know not: it makes me almost 75 ready to wrangle with mine own honesty. I'll entertain myself like one that I am not acquainted withal; for, sure, unless he know some strain in me, that I know not myself, he would never have boarded me in this fury.
Mrs Ford. 'Boarding,' call you it? I'll be sure to keep 80 him above deck.
Mrs Page. So will I: if he come under my hatches, I'll never to sea again. Let's be revenged on him: let's appoint him a meeting; give him a show of comfort in his suit, and lead him on with a fine-baited delay, till he hath 85 pawned his horses to mine host of the Garter.
Mrs Ford. Nay, I will consent to aft any villany against him, that may not sully the chariness of our ho- nesty. O, that my husband saw this letter! it would give eternal food to his jealousy. po
55, 56. Hundredth Psahii'] Rowe. 67. sui-J] Y^ Q3. sue Y^ F3 F4.
hundred Psalms Ff Q3. nay Rowe.
57. tuns'X Ff Q3. tun Rowe. tons 78. know] knav F4.
Dyce. strain\ stain Pope.
i86 THE MERRY WIVES [act ii.
Mrs Page. Why, look where he comes; and my good man too: he's as far from jealousy as I am from giving him cause; and that, I hope, is an unmeasurable distance.
Mrs Ford. You are the happier woman. ?5
Mrs Page. Let's consult together against this greasy knight. Come hither. [They retire.
Enter Ford, with Pistol, atid Page, with Nym.
Ford. Well, I hope it be not so.
Pist. Hope is a curtal dog in some affairs: Sir John affefts thy wife. loo
Ford. Why, sir, my wife is not young.
Pist. He wooes both high and low, both rich and poor, Both young and old, one with another. Ford ; He loves the gallimaufry: Ford, perpend.
Ford. Love my wife ! x 05
Pist. With liver burning hot. Prevent, or go thou, Like Sir A6lason he, with Ringwood at thy heels : O, odious is the name!
Ford. What name, sir.-*
Pist. The horn, I say. Farewell. no
Take heed; have open eye; for thieves do foot by night: Take heed, ere summer comes, or cuckoo-birds do sing. Away, Sir Corporal Nym ! — Believe it. Page ; he speaks sense. {Exit.
Ford. [Aside] I will be patient; I will find out this. 115
NyuL [To Page] And this is true; I like not the hu- mour of lying. He hath wronged me in some humours: I should have borne the humoured letter to her ; but I have a sword, and it shall bite upon my necessity. He
97. [They retire] Theobald. 107. //<•] om. F3 F4.
98. Scene hi. Pope. 113, 114. Atoa}'...s£nsi:] Azuay Sir 102 — 104. Printed as prose in Ff Corporal! Nym. Bdici'e... sense. Johii-
Q3. son conj.
103. one\and oricYi^. 117. hatli\ have (^^^.
104. //'<'] FjQj. iliy ^ .i^ T,^\- a 119. bite...IIc\ bite — upon my I'.e- Anon. (N. &Q.) conj. eessity, he Warburton conj.
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 187
loves your wife; there's the short and the long. My name 120 is Corporal Nym; I speak, and I avouch; 'tis true: my name is Nym, and Falstaff loves your wife. Adieu. I love not the humour of bread and cheese [and there's the humour of it]. Adieu. {Exit.
Page. 'The humour of it,' quoth 'a! here's a fellow 125 frights English out of his wits.
Ford. I will seek out Falstaff.
Page. I never heard such a drawling, affe6Hng rogue.
Ford. If I do find it: — well.
Page. I will not believe such a Cataian, though the 130 priest o' the town commended him for a true man.
Ford. 'Twas a good sensible fellow: — well.
Page. How now, Meg!
\_Mrs Page and Mrs Ford come fonvard.
Mrs Page. Whither go you, George .'' Hark you.
Mrs Ford. How now, sweet Frank! why art thou me- 135 lancholy.-*
Ford. I melancholy! I am not melancholy. Get you home, go.
Mrs Ford. Faith, thou hast some crotchets in thy head. Now, will you go. Mistress Page.^ 140
Mrs Page. Have with you. You'll come to dinner, George.'' \_Aside to Mrs Ford] Look who comes yonder: she shall be our messenger to this paltry knight.
Mrs Ford. [Aside to Mrs Page] Trust me, I thought on her: she'll fit it. i45
Enter Mistress Quickly.
Mrs Page. You are come to see my daughter Anne.-* Quick. Ay, forsooth; and, I pray, how does good Mis- tress Anne.^
121. avouch; 'tis] F, Q3 F^. a- 128. drawling, affedittg]'?^'? 2,^ ^.
vouch, tis F3 F4. drawling-affediitig F, Q3.
123. [and there''s the humour of 133. [Mrs... forward.] Theobald.
if] These words, not found in FfQ3 Scene iv. Page and Ford
are added from Qj Q2 by Capell. meeting their wives. Pope.
126. English] humour Pope (from ' 140. head. Noxu,] head, N'o-w: Fj.
Qi Q2). head, Now, Q3. head. Now: F^ F3
his] its Pope. F4. head noxo. Johnson,
1 88 THE MERRY WIVES [act ii.
Mf's Page. Go in with us and see : we have an hour's |
talk with you. 150
\Excunt Mrs Page, Mrs Ford, and Mrs Quickly.
Page. How now, Master Ford!
Foi'd. You heard what this knave told me, did you not ?
Page. Yes: and you heard what the other told me?
Ford. Do you think there is truth in them ? \
Page. Hang 'em, slaves! I do not think the knight 155 would offer it: but these that accuse him in his intent towards our wives are a yoke of his discarded men ; very rogues, now they be out of service.
Ford. Were they his men.-* I
Page. Marry, were they. 160
Ford. I like it never the better for that. Does he lie at the Garter.?
Page. Ay, marry, does he. If he should intend this voyage toward my wife, I would turn her loose to him ; and what he gets more of her than sharp words, let it lie on my 165 head.
Ford. I do not misdoubt my wife ; but I would be loath to turn them together. A man may be too confident: I would have nothing lie on my head: I cannot be thus satisfied. 170
Page. Look where my ranting host of the Garter comes: there is either liquor in his pate, or money in his purse, when he looks so merrily.
Enter Host. How now, mine host!
Host. How now, bully-rook! thou'rt a gentleman. 175 Cavaleiro-justicc, I say!
Enter Shallow.
Shal. I follow, mine host, I follow. Good even and twenty, good Master Page! Master Page, will you go with us.-* we have sport in hand.
149. //«rc] 7>w//(;/ //<;rv S. Walker 175. Scene vi. Pope,
conj. 176, 180. Cd'c-alciro] F, Q3 F^.
151. Scene v. Pope. Girah-rio F3 F4.
163. Ikis] his Pope.
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 189
Host. Tell him, cavaleiro-justice; tell him, bully-rook. 180
SJial Sir, there is a fray to be fought between Sir Hugh the Welsh priest and Caius the French do6lor.
Ford. Good mine host o' the Garter, a word with you.
[Draiuing him aside.
Host. What sayest thou, my bully-rook?
SJial. [To Page\ Will you go with us to behold it? My 185 merry host hath had the measuring of their weapons ; and, I think, hath appointed them contrary places; for, believe me, I hear the parson is no jester. Hark, I will tell you what our sport shall be. \TJicy converse apart.
Host. Hast thou no suit against my knight, my guest- 190 cavaleire?
Ford. None, I protest: but I'll give you a pottle of burnt sack to give me recourse to him, and tell him my name is Brook; only for a jest.
Host. My hand, bully; thou shalt have egress and re- 195 gress; — said I well.-' — and thy name shall be Brook. It is a merry knight. Will you go, An-heires?
Shal. Have with you, mine host.
Page. I have heard the Frenchman hath good skill in his rapier. 200
Shal. Tut, sir, I could have told you more. In these times you stand on distance, your passes, stoccadoes, and I know not what: 'tis the heart, Master Page; 'tis here, 'tis here. I have seen the time, with my long sword I would have made you four tall fellows skip like rats. 205
Host. Here, boys, here, here! shall we wag?
Page. Have with you. I had rather hear them scold than fight. [Exeunt Host, Shal, and Page.
Ford. Though Page be a secure fool, and stands so firmly on his wife's frailty, yet I cannot put off my opinion 210
184. iny\ om. Rowe. bald conj. on, he^-e Id. conj. on, kens
186. /^a//?] om. Q3. /le /lat/i WnT- Warburton. on, /learis Heath, couj.
burton. on, keroes Steevens conj. and hear us
jg2 — 194. This speech is given to M alone conj. cavateires Singer (Boa-
Shallow in Ff, to Ford in Q3. den conj.). e/i, sir Becket conj.
194, 196. Broo/c] (Qj Q2) Pope, ■207. //ear] have Hanmer.
Broome FiQy See note (vi). 209. s^am/s] siand F^.
197. An-heires] Fj Q3 F^. An- -210. /ra/V/r] /m//)' Theobald. /-
heirsY^. an-heirsY^. mynheers Theo- de/iiv CoWiev MS.
ipo THE MERRY WIVES [act ii.
so easily: she was in his company at Page's house; and what they made there, I know not. Well, I will look further into't: and I have a disguise to sound Falstafif. If I find her honest, I lose not my labour; if she be otherwise, 'tis labour well bestowed. \Exit.
2\'-
Scene II. A room in the Garter Inn. Enter Falstaff and Pistol.
Fal. I will not lend thee a penny.
Pist. Why, then the world's mine oyster, '
Which I with sword will open.
Fal. Not a penny. I have been content, sir, \-ou should lay my countenance to pawn: I have grated upon 5 my good friends for three reprieves for you ajid your coach- fellow Nym; or else you had looked through the grate, like a geminy of baboons. I am damned in hell for swear- ing to gentlemen my friends, you were good soldiers and tall fellows; and when Mistress Bridget lost the handle of lo her fan, I took't upon mine honour thou hadst it not.
Pist. Didst not thou share .'^ hadst thou not fifteen pence.-*
Fal. Reason, you rogue, reason: thinkest thou I'll en- danger my soul gratis.' At a word, hang no more about i5 me, I am no gibbet for you. Go. A short knife and a throng! — To your manor of Pickt-hatch! Go. You'll not bear a letter for me, you rogue! you stand upon your honour! Why, thou unconfinable baseness, it is as much as I can do to keep the terms of my honour precise: I, I, I 20 myself sometimes, leaving the fear of God on the left hand, and hiding mine honour in my necessity, am fain to shuffle, to hedge, and to lurch; and yet you, rogue, will ensconce
Scene n.] Scene vn. Pope. 10. icnns\ termes Fj Q3. terme
3. opeii\ open. — / ivill retort the F^. ienu F3 F4.
sum in equipage. Theobald (from Q, /ionour'\ /lononor'F^.
Q2). ope>i. — ...equipoize jAckson cow]. J, I, I] I Pope. /, ay, /
6. coach-fellow'] couch-fclhnv Theo- Grant White,
bald. ar. c;<^-/J (Q, Q^). /^.-^rw Ff Q-,.
11. Didst not thoii\ F, Q3 Fj. 23. yet you, rogue,] Pope, yet.
Didst thou not F3 F4. you rogue, Ff Q3. yet you, you rogue,
17. //'W/^l (QjQ^) Ff Q3. thong Collier MS. Pope
"O
SCENE II.] OF WINDSOR. 191
your rags, your cat-a-mountain looks, your red-lattice phrases, and your bold-beating oaths, under the shelter of }'Our honour! You will not do it, you!
Pisf. I do relent : what would thou more of man ?
Enfer Robin.
Ro3. Sir, here's a woman would speak with you. Fa/. Let her approach.
Efifer Mistress Quickly.
Quick. Give your worship good morrow. 30
Fal. Good morrow, good wife.
Quick. Not so, an't please your worship.
Fal. Good maid, then.
Quick. I '11 be sworn ; As my mother \vas, the first hour I was born. 35
Fal. I do believe the swearer. What with me.?
Quick. Shall I vouchsafe your worship a word or two.-*
Fal. Two thousand, fair woman: and I'll vouchsafe thee the hearing.
Quick. There is one Mistress Ford, sir: — I pray, come 40 a little nearer this ways: — I myself dwell with Master Do6lor Caius, —
Fal. Well, on : Mistress Ford, you say, —
Quick. Your worship says very true: — I pray your worship, come a little nearer this ways. 45
Fal. I warrant thee, nobody hears; — mine own people, mine own people.
Quick. Are they so.-* God bless them, and make them his servants!
Fal. Well, Mistress Ford; — w^hat of her.? 50
Quick. Why, sir, she's a good creature. — Lord, Lord!
24. rags\ rages Becket conj. brags 7vould thoii\ woidd''st thou
Singer (Anon., N. & Q., conj.). Pope, would yoii Anon. conj.
25. bold-beating\bun-baiting\\z.-n- 3°- Scene vili. Pope,
mer. bold-bearing Warburton. bold 43. on: Mistress'] one Mistress
cheating Heath conj. blundcdnist Grant White (Douce conj.).
Halliwell MS. 48- C'c;</] (Qj Q^). Heaven Tiq^.
27. r^/m/-] FfQ3. nr<7«/(Q,Q3).
192 THE MERRY WIVES [act ii.
your worship's a wanton! Well, heaven forgive you and all of us, I pray !
Fal. Mistress Ford ; — come, Mistress Ford, —
Quick. Marry, this is the short and the long of it ; you have brought her into such a canaries as 'tis wonderful- The best courtier of them all, when the court lay at Wind- sor, could never have brought her to such a canary. Yet there has been knights, and lords, and gentlemen, with their coaches; I warrant you, coach after coach, letter after let- 60 ter, gift after gift; smelling so sweetly, all musk, and so rushling, I warrant you, in silk and gold ; and in such alli- gant terms ; and in such wine and sugar of the best and the fairest, that would have won any woman's heart; and, I warrant you, they could never get an eye-wink of her: I 65 had myself twenty angels given me this "morning; but I defy all angels — in any such sort, as they say — but in the way of honesty: and, I warrant you, they could never get her so much as sip on a cup with the proudest of them all : and yet there has been earls, nay, which is more, pen- 70J sioners ; but, I warrant you, all is one with her.
Fal. But what says she to me.^ be brief, my good she- Mercury.
Quick. Marry, she hath received your letter; for the which she thanks you a thousand times; and she gives you 75 to notify, that her husband will be absence from his house between ten and eleven. .
Fal. Ten and eleven. |
Quick. Ay, forsooth ; and then you may come and see the pi6lure, she says, that you wot of: Master Ford, her 8o_ husband, will be from home. Alas, the sweet woman leads an ill life with him! he's a very jealousy man: she leads a very frampold life with him, good heart.
Fal. Ten and eleven. Woman, commend me to her; I will not fail her. 85
Quick. Why, you say well. But I have another mes- senger to your worship. Mistress Page hath her hearty commendations to you, too: and let me tell )-ou in )'our
6z. ill} om. Ilanmer. 66. t/iis] of a Collier MS.
SCENE IL] OF WINDSOR. 193
ear, she's as fartuous a civil modest wife, and one, I tell you, that will not miss you morning nor evening prayer, as 90 any is in Windsor, whoe'er be the other: and she bade me tell your worship that her husband is seldom from home ; but, she hopes, there will come a time. I never knew a woman so dote upon a man: surely, I think you have charms, la; yes, in truth. 95
FaL Not I, I assure thee: setting the attra6lion of my good parts aside, I have no other charms.
Quick. Blessing on your heart for't!
Fal. But, I pray thee, tell me this : has Ford's wife and Page's wife acquainted each other how they love me.-* 100
Quick. That were a jest indeed! they have not so little grace, I hope: that were a trick indeed! But Mis- tress Page would desire you to send her your little page, of all loves : her husband has a marvellous infe6lion to the little page; and, truly. Master Page is an honest man. 105 Never a wife in Windsor leads a better life than she does: do what she will, say what she will, take all, pay all, go to bed when she list, rise when she list, all is as she will: and, truly, she deserves it; for if there be a kind woman in Windsor, she is one. You must send her your page; no no remedy.
Fal. Why, I will.
Quick. Nay, but do so, then : and, look you, he may come and go between you both; and, in any case, have a nay-word, that you may know one another's mind, and 115 the boy never need to understand any thing ; for 'tis not good that children should know any wickedness : old folks, you know, have discretion, as they say, and know the world.
Fal. Fare thee well : commend me to them both : there's my purse; I am yet thy debtor. Boy, go along 120 with this woman. [Exeunt Mistress Quickly and Robin:\ This news distrafts me!
Pist. This punk is one of Cupid's carriers:
104. loves] love Kawe. 116. need] heede Q-^.
no. she is oi!c\ frilly she is one 123. ///;//('] //;//t Warburton.
Rowe.
VOL. I. O
194
THE MERRY WIVES [act it.
Clap on more sails ; pursue ; up with your fights : Give fire : she is my prize, or ocean whelm them all ! \Exit. Fal. Sayest thou so, old Jack? go thy ways; I'll make more of thy old body than I have done. Will they yet look after thee } Wilt thou, after the expense of so much money, be now a gainer.' Good body, I thank thee. Let them say 'tis grossly done; so it be fairly done, no matter.
Enter Bardolph.
Bard. Sir John, there's one Master Brook below would fain speak with you, and be acquainted with you ; and hath sent your worship a morning's draught of sack.
Fal. Brook is his name .''
Bard. Ay, sir.
Fal. Call him in. \Exit Bardolph:\ SOich Brooks are welcome to me, that o'erflow such liquor. Ah, ha! Mistress Ford and Mistress Page have I encompassed you 1 go to ; via I
Re-enter Bardolph, iviih Ford disguised.
Ford. Bless you, sir!
Fal And you, sir! Would you speak with me.'
Ford. I make bold to press with so little preparation
upon you.
Fal. You're welcome. What's your will.' — Give us leave, drawer. {Exit Bardolph.
Ford. Sir, I am a gentleman that have spent much; my name is Brook.
Fal. Good Master Brook, I desire more acquaintance of you.
Ford. Good Sir John, I sue for yours: not to charge you ; for I must let you understand I think myself in better plight for a lender than you are: the which hath something emboldened me to this unseasoned intrusion ; for they say, if money go before, all ways do lie open.
124. your fights'] yo7id' frigatW'xn- Q 3, and passim. See note (vi).
mer (Warburton conj.). 137. that o'erficno] Capell. that
125. them air\ all Q3. orefloivs Ff. that that ore' flowes Q3. [Exit] Rowe. that o'eifoiu ivith Tope.
131. Scene IX. Pope. 139. Bless] F4. 'Bless F, Q3 F^
131, 136. Bivok, Brooks] Pope F3. God save {<^j(^^). (from QiQa)- Broome, Broomcs Ff
SCENE II.] OF WINDSOR. 195
Fal. Money is a good soldier, sir, and will on.
Ford. Troth, and I have a bag of money here troubles i55 me: if you will help to bear it, Sir John, take all, or half, for easing me of the carriage.
Fal. Sir, I know not how I may deserve to be your porter.
Ford. I will tell you, sir, if you will give me the hearing. 160
Fal. Speak, good Master Brook : I shall be glad to be your servant.
Ford. Sir, I hear you are a scholar, — I will be brief with you, — and you have been a man long known to me, though I had never so good means, as desire, to make myself ac- 165 quainted with you. I shall discover a thing to you, wherein I must very much lay open mine own imperfe6lion : but, good Sir John, as you have one eye upon my follies, as you hear them unfolded, turn another into the register of your own; that I may pass with a reproof the easier, sith you 170 yourself know how easy it is to be such an offender.
Fal. Very well, sir; proceed.
Ford. There is a gentlewoman in this town ; her hus- band's name is Ford.
Fal Well, sir. . i75
Ford. I have long loved her, and, I protest to you, be- stowed much on her; followed her with a doting observance; engrossed opportunities to meet her; fee'd every slight occa- sion that could but niggardly give me sight of her; not only bought many presents to give her, but have given largely to 180 many to know what she would have given ; briefly, I have pursued her as love hath pursued me ; which hath been on the wing of all occasions. But whatsoever I have merited, either in my mind or in my means, meed, I am sure, I have received none; unless experience be a jewel that I have 185 purchased at an infinite rate, and that hath taught me to say this:
156. all, or half 1 Jialf, or all Co\- 180. bougJit] brought Q-^.
lier MS. 185. jewel that\ F4. jewel, that
167. imperfedlioitl imperfe^ions .F1Q3F2F3. jewel; that Thtohdld. Pope. thaf] om. Rowe.
1 78. fee'd^free'dO-i.
O 2
«
196 THE MERRY WIVES [act 11.
' Love like a shadow flies when substance love pursues ; Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues.'
Fal. Have you received no promise of satisfaftion at 190 her hands ?
Ford. Never.
Fal. Have you importuned her to such a purpose ?
Ford. Never.
Fal. Of what quahty was your love, then.'' 195
Ford. Like a fair house built on another man's ground ; so that I have lost my edifice by mistaking the place where I ere6led it.
Fal. To what purpose have you unfolded this to me }
Ford. When I have told you that, I have told you all. 200 Some say, that though she appear honest ,to me, yet in other places she enlargeth her mirth so far that there is shrewd constru6lion made of her. Now, Sir John, here is the heart of my purpose : you are a gentleman of excellent breeding, admirable discourse, of great admittance, authen- 205 tic in your place and person, generally allowed for \-our many war-like, court-like, and learned preparations.
Fal. O, sir!
Ford. Believe it, for you know it. There is mone}' ; spend it, spend it; spend more; spend all I have; only 2io| give me so much of your time in exchange of it, as to lay an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife: use your art of wooing; win her to consent to you: if any man may, you may as soon as any.
Fal. Would it apply Avell to the vehemency of your 21 afife6lion, that I should win what you would enjoy .^ Me- thinks you prescribe to yourself very preposterously.
Fo7'd. O, understand my drift. She dwells so securely on the excellency of her honour, that the folly of my soul dares not present itself: she is too bright to be looked 220 against. Now, could I come to her with any dete6tion in my hand, my desires had instance and argument to com- mend themselves: I could drive her then from the ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow, and a thou- \
i
\
215. vchi'iuejic)^ vehemence F4. 1 19. soiiI\ suit Collier M.S.
I i
SCENE II.] OF WINDSOR. 197
sand other her defences, which now are too, too strongly 225 embattled against me. What say you to't, Sir John.'*
Fal. Master Brook, I will first make bold with your money ; next, give me your hand ; and last, as I am a gen- tleman, you shall, if you will, enjoy Ford's wife.
Ford. O good sir! 230
Fal. I say you shall.
Ford. Want no money, Sir John ; you shall want none.
Fal. Want no Mistress Ford, Master Brook; you shall want none. I shall be with her, I may tell you, by her own appointment; even as .you came in to me, her assist- 235 ant, or go-between, parted from me: I say I shall be with her between ten and eleven; for at that time the jealous rascally knave her husband will be forth. Come you to me at night ; you shall know how I speed.
Ford. I am blest in your acquaintance. Do you know 240 Ford, sir.^
Fal. Hang him, poor cuckoldly knave! I know him not: — yet I wrong him to call him poor; they say the jealous wittolly knave hath masses of money ; for the which his wife seems to me well-favoured. I will use her as the key of the 245 cuckoldly rogue's coffer; and there's my harvest-home.
Ford. I would you knew Ford, sir, that you might avoid him, if you saw him.
Fal. Hang him, mechanical salt-butter rogue! I will stare him out of his wits ; I will awe him with my cudgel : 250 it shall hang like a meteor o'er the cuckold's horns. Mas- ter Brook, thou shalt know I will predominate over the peasant, and thou shalt lie with his wife. — Come to me soon at night. Ford's a knave, and I will aggravate his style; thou. Master Brook, shalt know him for knave and 255 cuckold. Come to me soon at night. {Exit.
Ford. What a damned Epicurean rascal is this! My heart is ready to crack with impatience. Who says this is improvident jealousy.'' my wife hath sent to him; the hour
225. other hc-)^ other Vo^&. 742. a/cMdfy] cticholdy Rowe.
too, too] too-too F{Q^. too Rowe. 246. cuckoldly rogue' s\Y ^<^y cicck-
231. Isavyou shall] Master Brooke, old-rogue's F^ F3 F4.
/w/jw/j/^a/Z^QjO^) Theobald. 257. Scene x. Pope.
198 THE MERRY WIVES [act 11.
is fixed; the match is made. Would any man have thought 260 this? See the hell of having a false woman! My bed shall be abused, my coffers ransacked, my reputation gnawn at; and I shall not only receive this villanous wrong, but stand under the adoption of abominable terms, and by him that does me this wrong. Terms! names! — Amaimon 265 sounds well; Lucifer, well; Barbason, well; yet they are devils' additions, the names of fiends: but Cuckold! Wit- tol! — Cuckold! the devil himself hath not such a name. Page is an ass, a secure ass: he will trust his wife; he will not be jealous. I will rather trust a Fleming with my butter, 270 Parson Hugh the Welshman with my cheese, an Irishman with my aqua-vitae bottle, or a thief to walk my ambling gelding, than my wife with herself: then she plots, then she ruminates, then she devises; and what 'they think in their hearts they may effeft, they will break their hearts 273 but they will effe6l. God be praised for my jealousy! — Eleven o'clock the hour. I will prevent this, dete6l my wife, be revenged on Falstaff, and laugh at Page. I will about it; better three hours too soon than a minute too j late. Fie, fie, fie! cuckold! cuckold! cuckold! \_Exit. 280
Scene III. A field near Windsor.
Enter Caius and RUGBV,
Cuius. Jack Rugby!
Rug. Sir.-*
Caius. Vat is de clock, Jack.''
Ri^g: 'Tis past the hour, sir, that Sir Hugh promised to meet.
Caius. By gar, he has save his soul, dat he is no come ; he has pray his Pible well, dat he is no come: by gar. Jack Rugby, he is dead already, if he be come.
261. false\/airQi. 276. God](Q^Q^. J/eavenFfQ^.
265. t/n's 7vro/ig] the ii'ro)ig Pope. SCENE HI.] Scene xi. Pope.
267. Wittoll~Ctickold\ IViiloll, 3. (/^]F3F4. MfFjQjF^. CuckoldYi<^T,. -wiUol-cuckold Malone.
SCENE III.] OF WINDSOR. 199
Rug. He is wise, sir; he knew your worship would kill him, if he came. 10
Cains, By gar, de herring is no dead so as I vill kill him. Take your rapier. Jack; I vill tell you how I vill kill him.
Rttg: Alas, sir, I cannot fence.
Cains. Villainy, take your rapier. 15
Rtig. Forbear; here's company.
Enter Host, Shallow, Slender, and Page.
Host. Bless thee, bully do6lor!
Shal. Save you, Master Doftor Caius !
Page. Now, good master do6lor!
Sle7i. Give you good morrow, sir. 20
Caius. Vat be all you, one, two, tree, four, come for.?
Host. To see thee fight, to see thee foin, to see thee traverse; to see thee here, to see thee there; to see thee pass thy punto, thy stock, thy reverse, thy distance, thy montant. Is he dead, my Ethiopian .Ms he dead, my Fran- 25 Cisco.? ha, bully! What says my ^sculapius.? my Galen.? my heart of elder.? ha! is he dead, bully-stale.? is he dead.?
Caius. By gar, he is de coward Jack priest of de vorld ; he is not show his face.
Host. Thou art a Castalion-King-Urinal. He6lor of 30 Greece, my boy!
Caius. I pray you, bear vitness that me have stay six or seven, two, tree hours for him, and he is no come.
Shal. He is the wiser man, master do6lor: he Is a curer of souls, and you a curer of bodies; if you should 35 fight, you go against the hair of your professions. Is it not true. Master Page.?
Page. Master Shallow, you have yourself been a great fighter, though now a man of peace.
II. is no dead so as I vill kill Warburton.
/^/w] FfQg. is not so dead as me vill 26. Galen] Gallon {Q^Q^. Galien
make him Pope, be not so dead as I Fj F2. Galien Q3 F3 F4.
shall make him ifl^Cl^. ig. vorld] va rid Uanmer.
21. tree] trees F^. 30. Castalion] Castallian (Q^Q^)-
25. Francisco] Frangoyes (Qi Q2) CardalionKs.nmer. Castillian Ca.Tpel\.
200
THE MERRY WIVES [act ii.
Shal. Bodykins, Master Page, though I now be old, 40 and of the peace, if I see a sword out, my finger itches to make one. Though we are justices, and doftors, and churchmen, Master Page, we have some salt of our youth in us ; we are the sons of women. Master Page.
Page. 'Tis true. Master Shallow. 45
Shal. It will be found so, Master Page. Master Doc- tor Caius, I am come to fetch you home. I am sworn of the peace: you have shewed yourself a wise physician, and Sir Hugh hath shewn himself a wise and patient churchman. You must go with me, master do6lor. 50'
Host. Pardon, guest-justice. — A word, Mounseur Mock- water.
Caius. Mock-vater! vat is dat.?
Host. Mock-water, in our English tongue, is valour, bully. 55
Caius. By gar, den, I have as mush mock-vater as de Englishman.— Scurvy jack-dog priest! by gar, me vill cut his ears.
Host. He will clapper-claw thee tightly, bully. Caius. Clapper-de-claw! vat is dat.^ 60
Host. That is, he will make thee amends. Caius. By gar, me do look he shall clapper-de-claw me ; for, by gar, me vill have it.
Host. And I will provoke him to't, or let him wag. Caius. Me tank you for dat. 65
Host. And, moreover, bully, — But first, master guest, and Master Page, and eke Cavaleiro Slender, go you through the town to Frogmore. {Aside to them.
Page. Sir Hugh is there, is he.^ Host. He is there : see what humour he is in ; and 70 I will bring the do6lor about by the fields. Will it do well.?
Shal. We will do it.
Page, Shal, and Slen. Adieu, good master do£lor.
[Exeunt Page, Shal, and Slen.
41. itie]F^Q2- om. F2F3F4. 51, 54. A/oc/c-7i'nffr] Muck-wakr
51. AwordX Theobald (from Q, Malone (Farmer conj.). Qj). ^FfQ3. .-/// Ilamner. 71. ^'1 om F. F^.
SCENE III.] OF WINDSOR. 201
Cains. By gar, me vill kill de priest; for he speak for a 75 jack-an-ape to Anne Page.
Host. Let him die: sheathe thy impatience, throw cold water on thy choler: go about the fields with me through Frogmore: I will bring thee where Mistress Anne Page is, at a farm-house a-feasting ; and thou shalt woo her. Cried 80 I aim.'' said I well.^
Cains. By gar, me dank you for dat: by gar, I love you ; and I shall procure-a you de good guest, de earl, de knight, de lords, de gentlemen, my patients.
Host. For the which I will be thy adversary toward 85 Anne Page. Said I well.''
Cains. By gar, 'tis good ; veil said.
Host. Let us wag, then.
Cains. Come at my heels, Jack Rugby. \Exeicnt.
ACT III. Scene L A field near Frogmore.
Enter Sir Hugh Evans and Simple,
Evans. I pray you now, good Master Slenders serv- ing-man, and friend Simple by your name, which way have you looked for Master Caius, that calls himself doc- tor of physic.''
Sim. Marry, sir, the pittie-ward, the park-ward, every 5 way; old Windsor way, and every way but the town way.
Evans. I most fehemently desire you you will also look that way.
Sim. I will, sir. [Exit.
Evans. Pless my soul, how full of chollors I am, and 10 trempling of mind! — I shall be glad if he have deceived
80. Cried I aim fl Dyce (Douce 5. piifie-iuard^Yj^Q-^. pitty-wary
conj.). Cried game {Q^Q^). Cride- F^ F3 F4. city-waj-d Qdi^&W. pit way
game Ff Q3. Try'd game Theobald. Collier MS.
Cock o' til' game Hanmer. Cry aim the park-ward'\ the park ivay
Warburton. and cry 'amie' Becket Collier MS.
conj. Dryd game Jackson conj. 7. alsd\ om. Q3.
Curds and cream QoWx^r^l'^. 10. chollors'] F^ Q3 F^. chollars
89. This line given to Host in F3 F3 F4. F^.
202 THE MERRY WIVES [act in.
mc. — I low melancholies I vim! — I will knog his urinals about his knave's costard when I have goot opportunities for the ork. — Pless my soul ! — {Sings.
To shallow rivers, to ^Yhosc falls Melodious birds sings madrigals ; There will we make our peds of roses. And a thousand fragrant posies. To shallow —
INIercv on me! 1 have a great dispositions to cry. \_Siiigs.
Melodious birds sing madrigals — Whenas I sat in rab)lon — And a thousand vagram posies. To shallow &c.
Rt-iHttr SiMPr.E.
Situ. Yonder he is coming, this way, Sir Hugh. Evans. He's welcome. — \Sings.
To shallow rivers, to whose falls —
Heaven prosper the right ! — What weapons is he }
Siut. No weapons, sir. There comes my master,
Master Shallow, and another gentleman, from Frogmore,
over the stile, this way.
Eva)is. Pray j'ou. give me my gown; or else keep it
in your arms.
Enter Page, Shallow, and Slendek.
Slial. How now. master parson! Good morrow, good Sir Hugh. Keep a gamester from the dice, and a good student from his book, and it is -wonderful.
Slcn. \A.sidc\ Ah, sweet Anne Page !
Page. Save you, good Sir Hugh!
Evans. Pless vou from his merc\' sake, all of you!
16. siHgs\Yi. sing<^^. 2 1. madrigals\ madrigal! Y ^ ^\.
15,19,34,27. 77> -v/W/cw] ^Q,Q_,) 3,^ r'./?7Hw]FfQ3. Tuv7i;«/rope.
Ff Q3. i?i' or//<i//i>T<' Theobald. r-n/j.'j/w/ Haiimer. rw^'/ww/ Johuson.
iS. /'ij^'^dw/] ^Qj Qj) Ff. zKigram i-. /i> «'^>jy] /« ti'^'jy Q3.
Q,. <^ragnint Haniuer, vapxint 34. Scene il. Pope.
Johnson. 36. student^ F- F4. shidicnt F,
:o. dispositions\ Fj Q3. djs/\>s;' QsFa- /tofi Fj F3 F4. 37, 6i, 104. [Aside] Edd.
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 20-^
o
SJial. What, the sword and the word! do you study 40 them both, master parson ?
Page. And youthful still! in your doublet and hose this raw rheumatic day!
Evans. There is reasons and causes for it.
Page. We are come to you to do a good office, master 45 parson.
Evans. Fery well: what is it?
Page. Yonder is a most reverend gentleman, who, be- like having received wrong by some person, is at most odds with his own gravity and patience that ever you saw. 50
SJial. I have lived fourscore years and upward ; I never heard a man of his place, gravity, and learning, so wide of his own respe6l.
Evans. What is he.-*
Page. I think you know him; Master Doclor Caius, 55 the renowned French physician.
Evans. Got's will, and his passion of my heart! I had as lief you would tell me of a mess of porridge.
Page. Why.?
Evans. He has no more knowledge in Hibocrates and 60 Galen, — and he is a knave besides; a cowardly knave as you would desires to be acquainted withal.
Page. I warrant you, he's the man should fight with him.
Slen. [Aside] O sweet Anne Page! 65
S/ia/. It appears so, by his weapons. Keep them a- sunder: here comes Doclor Caius.
£n^er HOST, Caius, and RUGBY.
Page. Nay, good master parson, keep in your weapon.
S/ia/. So do you, good master doctor.
Host. Disarm them, and let them question: let them -jo keep their limbs whole, and hack our English.
Cams. I pray you, let-a me speak a word with your ear. Verefore vill you not meet-a me?
62. desires] Fj Q3. desire F^ F3 F4. 66. Scene hi. Pope.
68. iu] om. Q^.
204 THE MERRY WIVES [act in.
Evans. \A side to Cams\ Pray you, use your patience: in good time. 75
Cai2is. By gar, you are de coward, de Jack dog, John ape.
Evans. [Aside to Cains'] Pray you, let us not be laugh- ing-stocks to other men's humours; I desire you in friend- ship, and I will one way or other make you amends. 80 [Aloud] I will knog your urinals about your knave's cogs- comb [for missing your meetings and appointments].
Cains. Diable! — Jack Rugby, — mine host de Jarteer, — have I not stay for him to kill him.-* have I not, at de place I did appoint.'* 85
Evans. As I am a Christians soul, now, look you, this is the place appointed: I'll be judgement by mine host of the Garter.
Host. Peace, I say, Gallia and Gaul, French and Welsh, soul-curer and body-curer! 90
Cains. Ay, dat is very good ; excellent.
Host. Peace, I say! hear mine host of the Garter. Am I politic.'' am I subtle .-* am I a Machiavel.'' Shall I lose my doftor.-* no; he gives me the potions and the motions. Shall I lose my parson, my priest, my Sir Hugh.^ no; he 95 gives me the proverbs and the no-verbs. [Give me thy hand, terrestrial; so.] Give me thy hand, celestial; so. Boys of art, I have deceived you both ; I have dire6led you to wrong places: your hearts are mighty, your skins are whole, and let burnt sack be the issue. Come, lay their 100
74. [Aside...] Edd. See note (vii). /I'a and Gait/e F^Q^F^. G awl e and
78. [Aside...] Staunton. GcnvUa {O^Ql^. Gallia and Wallia
Pray yoii\ I pray you Q3. Halliwell MS. Hanmer. Guallia and
lattghing-stocks\ laughing Gaul Malone (Farmer conj.). Gal-
stogs J. rec. Edd. lia and Guallia Collier (Fanner
8r. [Aloud] Staunton. MS. conj.).
your'\ your your F^. you your 95. lose my parson, n/y Jiricsf] lose
Rowe. my Priest Pope.
urinals'] (Q1Q2) Capell. uri- 96. [Give me thy hand, terres-
;/rt/] FfQ3. /;vr7/; .w] Theobald (from Q I Q^). om.
82. \for appointments] Pope Ff()3. Give me thy hands, eelatial
(from Q1Q2). om. FfQ3. and terrestrial ; so. Collier MS. 89. Gallia and Gaul] F3 F4. Gal-
I
\
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 205
swords to pawn. Follow me, lads of peace ; follow, follow, follow.
ShaL Trust me, a mad host. Follow, gentlemen, follow.
Sle7t. [Aside] O sweet Anne Page! 105
\Exeimt ShaL, Slcn., Page, and Host.
Cains. Ha, do I perceive dat.? have you make-a de sot of us, ha, ha.''
Evans. This is well ; he has made us his vlouting-stog. — I desire you that we may be friends ; and let us knog our prains together to be revenge on this same scall, scurvy, no cogging companion, the host of the Garter.
Cai?is. By gar, with all my heart. He promise to bring me where is Anne Page; by gar, he deceive me too.
Evans. Well, I will smite his noddles. Pray you, follow. \Exennt. 115
Scene H. The street, in Windsor.
E7iier Mistress Page and Robin.
Mrs Page. Nay, keep your way, little gallant ; you were wont to be a follower, but now you are a leader. Whether had you rather lead mine eyes, or eye your master's heels.''
Rob. I had rather, forsooth, go before you like a man than follow him like a dwarf 5
Mrs Page. O, you are a flattering boy: now I see \ou'll be a courtier.
Enter Ford.
Ford. Well met. Mistress Page. Whither go you.^
Mrs Page. Truly, sir, to see your wife. Is she at home?
Ford. Ay; and as idle as she may hang together, for 10 want of company. I think, if your husbands were dead, you two would marry.
Mrs Page. Be sure of that, — two other husbands.
loi. /(7rt'j] (QjQ2) Warburton. lad Capell.
FfQ3. 113. wherelvhereVo^^. zrrHan-
ic8. vhnitittg-stog\ vlouiing-siotk mer. vere rec. Capell.
Pope. Scene ii.] Scene iv. Pope. 1 10. j-frt'//] j-f^/V Pope. .9ra'/' Capell. ii. compafty'] your couipatiy Col- li 2. w/V/;] z'?V/i Hanmer. t'// rec. Her MS.
2o6 THE MERRY WIVES [act iii.
I
Ford. Where had you this pretty weathercock?
Mrs Page. I cannot tell what the dickens his name is 15 my husband had him of. — What do you call your knight's name, sirrah?
Rob. Sir John Falstafif.
Ford. Sir John Falstafif!
Mrs Page. He, he; I can never hit on 's name. There 20 is such a league between my good man and he! — Is your wife at home indeed?
Ford. Indeed she is.
Mrs Page. By your leave, sir: I am sick till I see her.
[Exeujit Mrs Page and Robin.
Ford. Has Page any brains? hath he any eyes? hath 25 he any thinking? Sure, they sleep ; he hath no use of them. Why, this boy will carry a letter twenty mile> as easy as a cannon will shoot point-blank twelve score. He pieces out his wife's inclination ; he gives her folly motion and advan- tage: and now she's going to my wife, and Falstaff's boy 30 with her. A man may hear this shower sing in the wind. And Falstaff's boy with her! Good plots, they are laid; and our revolted wives share damnation together. Well ; I will take him, then torture my wife, pluck the borrowed veil of modesty from the so seeming Mistress Page, divulge 35 Page himself for a secure and wilful A6laeon ; and to these violent proceedings all my neighbours shall cry aim. [Clock Jieard?^ The clock gives me my cue, and my assurance bids me search : there I shall find Falstafif: I shall be rather praised for this than mocked; for it is as positive as the 4° earth is firm that Falstafif is there : I will go.
Enter Page, Shallow, Slender, Host, Sir Hugh Evans, Caius,
and RUGBV.
Shal, Pagey &c. Well met, IMaster Ford. Ford. Trust me, a good knot: I have good cheer at home ; and I pray you all go with me.
19. Ford. Sir John Falstaff!] 37. [Clock heard] Capell.
omitted in F3 F4 and Rowc. 39. search : there] search where
10. c;?'^] 0)1 his Rowe. Collier MS.
25. Scene v. Pope. ^2. Scene vi. Pope.
SCENE II.] OF WINDSOR. 207
Shal I must excuse myself, Master Ford. 45
Slen. And so must I, sir: we have appointed to dine with Mistress Anne, and I would not break with her for more money than I '11 speak of
Shal. We have lingered about a match between Anne Page and my cousin Slender, and this day we shall have 50 our answer.
Slcn. I hope I have your good will, father Page.
Page. You have, Master Slender; I stand wholly for you : — but my wife, master do6lor, is for you altogether.
Cams. Ay, be-gar; and de maid is love-a me: my 55 nursh-a Quickly tell me so mush.
^ Host. What say you to young Master Fenton.^ he capers, he dances, he has eyes of youth, he writes verses, he speaks holiday, he smells April and May: he will carry 't, he will carry 't; 'tis in his buttons; he will carry 't. 60
Page. Not by my consent, I promise you. The gentle- man is of no having: he kept company with the wild prince and Poins ; he is of too high a region ; he knows too much. No, he shall not knit a knot in his fortunes with the finger of my substance : if he take her, let him take her 65 simply; the wealth I have waits on my consent, and my consent goes not that way.
Ford. I beseech you heartily, some of you go home with me to dinner: besides your cheer, you shall have sport; I will show you a monster. Master do6lor, you shall go; 70 so shall you, Master Page; and you. Sir Hugh.
Shal. Well, fare you well: we shall have the freer wooing at Master Page's. \Exeimt Shal and Slen.
Cains. Go home, John Rugby; I come anon.
{Exit Rngby.
Host. Farewell, my hearts: I will to my honest knight 75 Falstafif, and drink canary with him. \Exit.
Ford. [Aside] I think I shall drink in pipe-wine first with him; I'll make him dance. Will you go, gentles.''
All Have with you to see this monster. [Fxennt.
4^^ — 48. Printed as verse in Ff Q3 60. hunons] bcimes (QiQJ. des-
and Rowe. tiny Anon. conj.
47. Jm^ he7-e F^. 63. Poi7is\ Poynts FJQ3F2. Poiiiz
59. April-X all April (Q.QJ. F3F4.
2o8 THE MERRY WIVES [act iii.
Scene III. A room in Ford's house.
Enter Mistress Ford and Mistress Page.
Mrs Ford. What, John! What, Robert!
3Trs Page. Quickly, quickly! — is the buck-basket —
Mrs Ford. I warrant. What, Robin, I say !
Enter Servants with a basket.
Mrs Page. Come, come, come.
Mrs Ford. Here, set it down. 5
Mrs Page. Give your men the charge ; we must be brief.
Mrs Ford. Marry, as I told you before, John and Robert, be ready here hard by in the brew-house; and when I suddenly call you, come forth, and, without any pause or staggering, take this basket on your shoulders: 10 that done, trudge with it in all haste, and carry it among the whitsters in Datchet-mead, and there empty it in the muddy ditch close by the Thames side.
Mrs Page. You will do it .-^ '
Mrs Ford. I ha' told them over and over; they lack 15; no dire6lion. Be gone, and come when you are called. I
[Exeu7it Servants.
Mrs Page. Here comes little Robin.
Enter Robin.
Mrs Ford. How now, my eyas-musket! what news with you.-*
Rob. My master. Sir John, is come in at your back- 20 door. Mistress Ford, and requests your company.
Mrs Page. You little Jack-a-Lent, have you been true to us.-*
Rob. Ay, I'll be sworn. My master knows not of }'our being here, and hath threatened to put me into everlasting liberty, if I tell you of it; for he swears he'll turn me away.
Scene nr.] Scene vii. Tope. omittcil in Q3.
7,8. Mrs Fdid. Marry... Rohfrt\ lo. )'<v/;-J ///(- Q3.
SCENE III.] OF WINDSOR. 209
Mrs Page. Thou'rt a good boy: this secrecy of thine shall be a tailor to thee, and shall make thee a new doublet and hose. I '11 go hide me.
Mrs Ford. Do so. Go tell thy master I am alone. 3° \Exit Robin?^ Mistress Page, remember you your cue.
Mrs Page. I warrant thee ; if I do not aft it, hiss me.
{Exit.
Mrs Ford. Go to, then: we'll use this unwholesome humidity, this gross watery pumpion; we'll teach him to know turtles from jays. 35
Enter Falstaff.
»
Fal. * Have I caught' thee, ' my heavenly jewel .-'' Why, now let me die, for I have lived long enough: this is the period of my ambition: O this blessed hour!
Mrs Ford. O sweet Sir John!
Fal. Mistress Ford, I cannot cog, I cannot prate, 40 Mistress Ford. Now shall I sin in my wish: I would thy husband were dead: I'll speak it before the best lord; I would make thee my lady.
Mrs Ford. I your lady, Sir John! alas, I should be a pitiful lady ! 45
Fal. Let the court of France show me such another. I see how thine eye would emulate the diamond: thou hast the right arched beauty of the brow that becomes the ship- tire, the tire-valiant, or any tire of Venetian admittance.
Mrs Ford. A plain kerchief, Sir John: my brows be- 50 come nothing else ; nor that well neither.
Fal. By the Lord, thou art a traitor to say so: thou wouldst make an absolutecourtier ; and the firm fixture of thy foot would give an excellent motion to thy gait in a semi-
36. Scene viii. Pope. FfQj. Venetian attire (Q1Q2) Pope.
t}iee\ Ff Q3 om. (Q1Q2) Dyce. tire of Venetian addition Hanmer.
38. my\ om. Q3. 52. By the Lord, thou art a trai-
41. Mistrcss\ Master <^y tor] (Q1Q2) Singer. Thou art a ty-
49. tire-valiant] Ff Q3. tire-vellet rant Ff Q3. Thou art a traitor War-
(QjQ^). tire-vailant^^^xhwxiow. tire- burton. By the Lord, thou a7-t a tyrant
velvet Heath conj. tire-volant Becket Collier.
conj. 53. fixture] F1Q3. fixure Y^Y^
tire of Venetian admittance] F4. VOL. I. P
210 THE MERRY WIVES [act iii.
circled farthingale. I see what thou wert, if Fortune thy foe 55 were not, Nature thy friend. Come, thou canst not hide it.
Mrs Ford. Believe me, there 's no such thing in me.
Fal. What made me love thee .'' let that persuade thee there's something extraordinary in thee. Come, I cannot cog, and say thou art this and that, like a many of these 60 lisping hawthorn-buds, that come like women in men's ap- parel, and smell like Bucklersbury in simple time ; I cannot : but I love thee; none but thee; and thou deservest it.
Mrs Ford. Do not betray me, sir. I fear you love Mistress Page. 65
Fal. Thou mightst as well say I love to walk by the Counter-gate, which is as hateful to me as the reek of a lime-kiln.
Mrs Ford. Well, heaven knows how I love you; and you shall one day find it. 70
Fal. Keep in that mind ; I '11 deserve it.
Mrs Ford. Nay, I must tell you, so you do ; or else I could not be in that mind.
Rob. \Wit]iiii\ Mistress Ford, Mistress Ford! here's Mistress Page at the door, sweating, and blowing, and 75 looking wildly, and would needs speak with you presently.
Fal. She shall not see me: I will ensconce me behind the arras.
Mrs Ford. Pray you, do so: she's a very tattling woman. [Falstaff hides himself . 80
Re-enter Mistress Page a)id Robin.
What's the matter.'' how now!
Mrs Page. O Mistress Ford, what have you done.^ You're shamed, you're overthrown, you're undone for ever!
Mrs Ford. What's the matter, good Mistress Page.-*
Hi 56. foe were tiot, Nature] F^ 74. [Within] Fj. Re-enter Robin.
F3F4. foe, ivere not Nature rjQ3. Capell.
foe "were not; Nature is Capell. 75. nvcating] Fj Q3. swearing
58. persuade thee there' s] persuade Fj F3 F4.
thee There's (Qi Q^). persuade Thee. 81. Scene ix. Pope.
There's Ff Q3. Re-enter...] Enter Mis. Page.
62. simple] Fj Q3 Fj. simpliug F, F3F4.
2*
SCENE III.] OF WINDSOR. 211
Mrs Page. O well-a-day, Mistress Ford! having an 85 honest man to your husband, to give him such cause of suspicion !
Mrs Ford. What cause of suspicion ?
Mrs Page. What cause of suspicion ! Out upon you ! how am I mistook in you ! 90
Mrs Ford. Why, alas, what's the matter?
Mrs Page. Your husband's coming hither, woman, with all the officers in Windsor, to search for a gentleman that he says is here now in the house, by your consent, to take an ill advantage of his absence: you are undone. 95
Mrs Ford. 'Tis not so, I hope.
Mrs Page. Pray heaven it be not so, that you have such a man here! but 'tis most certain your husband's com- ing, with half Windsor at his heels, to search for such a one. I come before to tell you. If you know yourself clear, 100 why, I am glad of it ; but if you have a friend here, convey, convey him out. Be not amazed ; call all your senses to you ; defend your reputation, or bid farewell to your good life for ever.
Mrs Ford. What shall I do.^ There is a gentleman 105 my dear friend ; and I fear not mine own shame so much as his peril : I had rather than a thousand pound he were out of the house.
Mrs Page. For shame ! never stand ' you had rather ' and 'you had rather:' your husband's here at hand; be- no think you of some conveyance: in the house you cannot hide him. O, how have you deceived me ! Look, here is a basket: if he be of any reasonable stature, he may creep in here ; and throw foul linen upon him, as if it were going to bucking: or, — it is whiting-time, — send him by your two 115 men to Datchet-mead.
Mrs Ford. He's too big to go in there. What shall I do.?
Fal. [Coming forward'] Let me see't, let me see't, O, let me see't! — I'll in, I'll in. — Follow your friend's 120 counsel. — I'll in.
96. ' Tis not so] speak louder. 'Tis 119. [Coming forward] Enter F.
not so Theobald (from Q1Q2). Rowe. [Starting from his conceal-
no. and] om. Q3. ment. Capell.
P 2
212 THE MERRY WIVES [act iii.
Mrs Page. What, Sir John Falstaff! Are these your letters, knight?
Fal. I love thee. — Help me away. — Let me creep in here. — I'll never — 125
{Gets into the basket ; they cover him with foul linen.
Mrs Page. Help to cover your master, boy. — Call your men, Mistress Ford. — You dissembling knight !
Mrs Ford. What, John! Robert! John! {Exit Robin.
Re-enter Servants.
Go take up these clothes here quickly. — Where's the cowl- staff.' look, how you drumble ! — Carry them to the laundress 130 in Datchet-mead ; quickly, come.
Etiter Ford, Page, Caius, and Sir Hugh -Evans.
Ford. Pray you, come near: if I suspe6t without cause, why then make sport at me; then let me be your jest; I deserve it. — How now! whither bear you this.''
Serv. To the laundress, forsooth. 135
Mrs Ford. Why, what have you to do whither they bear it.-* You were best meddle with buck- washing.
Fo7'd. Buck ! — I would I could wash myself of the buck ! — Buck, buck, buck ! Ay, buck ; I warrant you, buck ; and of the season too, it shall appear. {Exeunt Servants with the 140 basket.'] Gentlemen, I have dreamed to-night; I'll tell you my dream. Here, here, here be my keys : ascend my cham- bers; search, seek, find out: I'll warrant we'll unkennel the fox. Let me stop this way first. {Locking the dooi'l] So, now uncape. 145
Page. Good Master Ford, be contented: you Avrong yourself too much.
Ford. True, Master Page. Up, gentlemen; you shall see sport anon : follow me, gentlemen. {Exit.
124. I hnic thee] FfQ3. / love 134. Ilmv ncnvr\ Ifcm' new? ivho thee and fioiie hiUkee {Q^Q^M^XowQ. goes here? Halliwell (from QjQj).
125. [Gets... linen.] Rovvc. Ho'ivnoiv! whafs here? ?i.NQr^t%Q.o\\\. 128. John! Robert] John Kitgl'y 140. [Exeunt... basket.] Rowe.
Q3- 144. [Locking the door.] Capell.
[Exit Robin.] Malone. 144, 145. So, fioiv u>tca/e] om.
132. Scene X. Pope. Tope. So, i/o:c' tauo;//>/e Uoinmcr.
i
SCENE III.] OF WINDSOR. 213
Evans. This is fery fantastical humours and jealousies. 150
Cains. By gar, 'tis no the fashion of France; it is not jealous in France.
Page. Nay, follow him, gentlemen; see the issue of his search. \_Exennt Page, Cains, and Evans.
Mrs Page. Is there not a double excellency in this.? 155
Mrs Ford. I know not which pleases me better, that my husband is deceived, or Sir John.
Mrs Page. What a taking was he in when your hus- band asked who was in the basket!
Mrs Ford. I am half afraid he will have need of wash- 160 ing ; so throwing him into the water will do him a benefit.
31 rs Page. Hang him, dishonest rascal ! I would all of the same strain were in the same distress.
Mrs Ford. I think my husband hath some special sus- picion of Falstaff's being here; for I never saw him so gross 165 in his jealousy till now.
Mrs Page. I will lay a plot to try that ; and we will yet have more tricks with Falstafif: his dissolute disease will scarce obey this medicine.
Mrs Ford. Shall we send that foolish carrion, Mistress 170 Quickly, to him, and excuse his throwing into the water; and give him another hope, to betray him to another pun- ishment.-'
Mrs Page. We will do it : let him be sent for to-morrow, eight o'clock, to have amends. 175
Re-enter Ford, Page, Caius, and Sir Hugh Evans.
Ford. I cannot find him: may be the knave brag- ged of that he could not compass.
Mrs Page. [Aside to Mrs Ford'] Heard you that.?
Mrs Ford. You use me well. Master Ford, do you.?
Foid. Ay, I do so. 180
155. Scene xr. Pope. morrozu l>y eigtitY^'F^Y^.
159. 7i'/it'] w/^a^ Grant White (Rit- 178. [Aside to Mrs Ford] Capell.
son conj.). ' 179. You use...'] /,/; peace; — Yoti
170. yiW/V//] F2 F3 F4. foolis/iion ?/j-^... Theobald (from Q1Q2). Fj Q3. foolish eye on — carry 071 ]z.ds.- 180. Ay, /] /, / F^ Q3 F^. /,
son conj. /, / F3 F4.
174. (o-morrozu, eight] ¥^Q^. to-
214 THE MERRY WIVES [act iii.
Mrs Ford. Heaven make you better than your thoughts !
Ford. Amen !
Mrs Page. You do yourself mighty wrong, Master Ford.
Ford. Ay, ay; I must bear it. ^85
Evans. If there be any pody in the house, and in the chambers, and in the coffers, and in the presses, heaven for- give my sins at the day of judgement!
Cains. By gar, nor I too : there is no bodies.
Page. Fie, fie, Master Ford! are you not ashamed.^ 19° What spirit, what devil suggests this imagination > I would not ha' your distemper in this kind for the wealth of Wind- sor Castle.
Ford. 'Tis my fault, Master Page : I suffer for it.
Evans. You suffer for a pad conscience : your wife is 1 95 as honest a 'omans as I will desires among five thousand, and five hundred too.
Cains. By gar, I see 'tis an honest woman.
Ford. Well, I promised you a dinner. — Come, come, walk in the Park: I pray you, pardon me; I will hereafter 200 make known to you why I have done this. — Come, wife; come. Mistress Page. — I pray you, pardon me; pray heart- ily pardon me.
Page. Let's go in, gentlemen; but, trust me, we'll mock him. I do invite you to-morrow morning to my 205 house to breakfast : after, we'll a-birding together; I have a fine hawk for the bush. Shall it be so.-*
Ford. Any thing.
Evans. If there is one, I shall make two in the com- pany. 2 1 0
Cains. If dere be one or two, I shall make-a the turd.
Ford. Pray you, go. Master Page.
Evans. I pray you now, remembrance to-morrow on the lousy knave, mine host,
Cains. Dat is good; by gar, with all my heart! 215
Evans. A lousy knave, to have his gibes and his mockeries ! [Exeunt.
181. yoti\ me CdL^ttW con]. ■211. Theobald inserts (from QjQ^^
188. at the day of Judgement] F,Q3. Evans. In your teeth : for shame! om. Fj F3 F4.
SCENE IV.] OF WINDSOR. 215
Scene IV. A room in Page's house.
Enter Fenton and Anne Page.
Fent, I see I cannot get thy father's love; Therefore no more turn me to him, sweet Nan.
A nne. Alas, how then ?
Fent. Why, thou must be thyself
He doth obje6l I am too great of birth ;
And that, my state being gall'd with my expense, 5
I seek to heal it only by his wealth : Besides these, other bars he lays before me, — My riots past, my wild societies ; And tells me 'tis a thing impossible I should love thee but as a property. 10
Anne. May be he tells you true,
Fent. No, heaven so speed me in my time to come! Albeit I will confess thy father's wealth Was the first motive that I woo'd thee, Anne: Yet, wooing thee, I found thee of more value 15
Than stamps in gold or sums in sealed bags; And 'tis the very riches of thyself That now I aim at.
Anne. Gentle Master Fenton,
Yet seek my father's love; still seek it, sir:
If opportunity and humblest suit 20
Cannot attain it, why, then, — hark you hither!
\They converse apart.
Enter Shallow, Slender, and Mistress Quickly.
SJial. Break their talk. Mistress Quickly: my kinsman shall speak for himself
Slen. I'll make a shaft or a bolt on't: 'slid, 'tis but venturing. 25
SJial. Be not dismayed.
Scene iv.] Scene xii. Pope. in his own hand).
7. Besides these, othei'\ FfQ3. Be- 20. opportunity^ importunity Han-
sides, these other S. Walker conj. mar.
\i. myl //i^ Capell (altered to wy 12. Scene xiir. Pope.
2i6 THE MERRY WIVES [act in.
Slcn. No, she shall not dismay me: I care not for that, but that I am afeard.
Quick. Hark ye; Master Slender would speak a word with you. 30
Anfte. I come to him. [Aside] This is my father's choice. O, what a world of vile ill-favour'd faults Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a-year!
Quick. And how does good Master Fenton .^ Pray you, a word with you. 35
Shal. She's coming; to her, coz. O boy, thou hadst a father!
Slen. I had a father, Mistress Anne; — my uncle can tell you good jests of him. Pray you, uncle, tell Mistress Anne the jest, how my father stole two geese out of a pen, 40 good uncle.
Shal. Mistress Anne, my cousin loves you.
S/eu. Ay, that I do; as well as I love any woman in Gloucestershire.
Shal. He will maintain you like a gentlewoman. 45
Slen. Ay, that I will, come cut and long-tail, under the degree of a squire.
Shal. He will make you a hundred and fifty pounds jointure.
Ajine. Good Master Shallow, let him woo for himself. 50
ShaL Marry, I thank you for it ; I thank you for that good comfort. She calls you, coz: I'll leave you.
Anne. Now, Master Slender, —
Slcn. Now, good Mistress Anne, —
Anne. What is your will? 55
Slcn. My will! od's heartlings, that's a pretty jest in- deed ! I ne'er made my will yet, I thank heaven ; I am not such a sickly creature, I give heaven praise.
Anne. I mean, Master Slender, what would you with me.'' 00
Slen. Truly, for mine own part, I would little or nothing with you. Your father and my uncle hath made motions :
28. /'«////«/] F1Q3F2. /'«^F3F4. 6i. wj] om. Q3.
40. pen'] hcnloft (Q1Q2) Halliwell. hath] have F4.
SCENE IV.] OF WINDSOR. 217
if it be my luck, so ; if not, happy man be his dole! They can tell you how things go better than I can: you may ask your father; here he comes. 65
Enter Page and Mistress Page.
Page. Now, Master Slender: love him, daughter Anne. — Why, how now! what does Master Fenton here? You wrong me, sir, thus still to haunt my house: I told you, sir, my daughter is disposed of.
Fent. Nay, Master Page, be not impatient. 70
Mrs Page. Good Master Fenton, come not to my child.
Page. She is no match for you.
Foit. Sir, will you hear me.-*
Page. No, good Master Fenton.
Come, Master Shallow; come, son Slender, in. Knowing my mind, you wrong me. Master Fenton. 75
SJExeiuit Page, SJial, and Slen.
Quick. Speak to Mistress Page.
Fent. Good Mistress Page, for that I love your daughter In such a righteous fashion as I do. Perforce, against all checks, rebukes and manners, I must advance the colours of my love, 80
And not retire: let me have your good will.
Anne. Good mother, do not marry me to yond fool.
Mrs Page. I mean it not ; I seek you a better husband.
Quick. That's my master, master do6lor,
Anne. Alas, I had rather be set quick i' the earth, 85
And bowl'd to death with turnips!
Airs Page. Come, trouble not yourself. Good Master Fenton, I will not be your friend nor enemy : My daughter will I question how she loves you, And as I find her, so am I affe6led. 90
Till then farewell, sir: she must needs go in; Her father will be angry.
65. ask"] om. Q3. 85, 86. Anne. Alas, ... t2irnips!\
66. Scene xiv. Pope. Anne. A /as,... car///. Quick. And...
67. Fen/on'] Fcn/erY.^. turnips \^:^vh\.\vion.
75. mijtdl wind Y^. 92. angTy'] angry e/sc S. Verges
So. of\ or Q3. conj.
2i8 THE MERRY WIVES [act iii.
Feni. Farewell, gentle mistress: farewell, Nan.
\_Exeimt Mrs Page and A nne.
Quick. This is my doing now: 'Nay,' said I, 'will you cast away your child on a fool, and a physician ? Look on 95 Master Fenton:' this is my doing.
Pent. I thank thee ; and I pray thee, once to-night Give my sweet Nan this ring: there's for thy pains.
Quick. Now heaven send thee good fortune! \Exit Pcnton?[ A kind heart he hath: a woman would run 100 through fire and water for such a kind heart. But yet I would my master had Mistress Anne; or I would Master Slender had her; or, in sooth, I would Master Fenton had her: I will do what I can for them all three; for so I have promised, and I'll be as good as my word; 105 but speciously for Master Fenton. Well, I must of another errand to Sir John Falstaff from my two mistresses : what a beast am I to slack it! {Exit.
Scene V. A room in the Garter Inn.
Enter Falstaff and Bardolph.
Pal. Bardolph, I say, —
Bard. Here, sir.
Pal. Go fetch me a quart of sack ; put a toast in't [Exit Bard.'] Have I lived to be carried in a basket, like a barrow of butcher's offal, and to be thrown in the Thames.'' Well, 5 if I be served such another trick, I'll have my brains ta'en out, and buttered, and give them to a dog for a new-year's gift. The rogues slighted me into the river with as little remorse as they would have drowned a blind bitch's pup- pies, fifteen i' the litter: and you may know by my size 10 that I have a kind of alacrity in sinking; if the bottom were as deep as hell, I should down. I had been drowned, but that the shore was shelvy and shallow, — a death that
93. gentle] my geiitk C7i.^Q\\. 5. iii]inio'Kawe.
95. and] or Ummer. 9. blind bitch' s] bitch" s blind l\:i.\\-
Scene v.] Scene xv. Pope. mer.
SCENE v.] OF WINDSOR. 219
I abhor ; for the water swells a man ; and what a thing should I have been when I had been swelled! I should 15 have been a mountain of mummy.
Re-enter Bardolph with sack.
Bard. Here's Mistress Quickly, sir, to speak with you.
Fal. Come, let me pour in some sack to the Thames water; for my belly's as cold as if I had swallowed snow- balls for pills to cool the reins. Call her in. 20
Bard. Come in, woman!
Enter Mistress Quickly.
Q?(ick. By your leave; I cry you mercy: give your worship good morrow.
Fal. Take away these chalices. Go brew me a pottle of sack finely. 25
Bard. With eggs, sir.?
Fal. Simple of itself; I'll no pullet-sperm in my brew- age. \Exit BardolpJi?\ How now!
Quick. Marry, sir, I come to your worship from Mis- tress Ford. 30
Fal Mistress Ford! I have had ford enough; I was thrown into the ford ; I have my belly full of ford.
Quick. Alas the day! good heart, that was not her fault: she does so take on with her men; they mistook their ereftion. 35
Fal. So did I mine, to build upon a foolish woman's promise.
Quick. Well, she laments, sir, for it, that it would yearn your heart to see it. Her husband goes this morning a-birding; she desires you once more to come to her 40 between eight and nine: I must carry her word quickly: she'll make you amends, I warrant you.
Fal Well, I will visit her: tell her so; and bid her think what a man is: let her consider his frailty, and then judge of my merit. 45
16. nnimmy\tnummy. Now, is the 22. Scene xvr. Pope.
sack brewed? Theobald (from Q1Q2). 24. pottle] posset R. G. White.
2 20 THE MERRY WIVES [act m.
Quick. I will tell her.
Fal. Do so. Between nine and ten, sayest thou?
Quick. Eight and nine, sir.
Fal. Well, be gone : I will not miss her.
Q?iick. Peace be with you, sir. [^Exit. 50
Fal. I marvel I hear not of Master Brook ; he sent me word to stay within: I like his money well. — O, here he comes.
Enter Ford.
Ford. Bless you, sir!
Fal. Now, Master Brook, — you come to know what 55 hath passed between me and Ford's wife.''
Ford. That, indeed. Sir John, is my business.
FaL Master Brook, I will not lie to you : I was at her house the hour she appointed me.
Ford. And sped you, sir.'* 60
Fal. Very ill-favouredly. Master Brook.
Ford. How so, sir.? Did she change her determination.?
Fal No, Master Brook ; but the peaking Cornuto her husband. Master Brook, dwelling in a continual 'larum of jealousy, comes me in the instant of our encounter, after 65 we had embraced, kissed, protested, and, as it were, spoke the prologue of our comedy; and at his heels a rabble of his companions, thither provoked and instigated by his distemper, and, forsooth, to search his house for his wife's love. 7Q
Ford. What, while you were there .-•
Fal While I was there.
Ford. And did he search for you, and could not fnul you .?
Fal You shall hear. As good luck would have it, 7S comes in one Mistress Page; gives intelligence of Ford's approach; and, in her invention and Ford's wife's distrac- tion, they conveyed me into a buck-basket.
60. s/^i-d yoit'] yon sj^ci Rowe. 65. vie] om. F4.
62. Ifozoso, si,^V,q^l\. Ho70 77. /«] /m' (Q, Q,) ThcohaKl.
SirY'iY^. ttisiniilion] (iinriioH Umwwcw
SCENE v.] OF WINDSOR. 221
Ford. A buck-basket !
Fa/. By the Lord, a buck-basket! — rammed me in with 80 foul shirts and smocks, socks, foul stockings, greasy nap- kins ; that, Master Brook, there was the rankest compound of villanous smell that ever offended nostril.
Ford. And how long lay you there?
Fal Nay, you shall hear, Master Brook, what I have 85 suffered to bring this woman to evil for your good. Being thus crammed in the basket, a couple of Ford's knaves, his hinds, were called forth by their mistress to carry me in the name of foul clothes to Datchet-lane: they took me on their shoulders; met the jealous knave their master in the door, 90 who asked them once or twice what they had in their basket: I quaked for fear, lest the lunatic knave would have searched it; but fate, ordaining he should be a cuck- old, held his hand. Well: on went he for a search, and away went I for foul clothes. But mark the sequel, Master g^ Brook: I suffered the pangs of three several deaths; first, an intolerable fright, to be detefted with a jealous rotten bell-wether; next, to be compassed, like a good bilbo, in the circumference of a peck, hilt to point, heel to head; and then, to be stopped in, like a strong distillation, with loo stinking clothes that fretted in their own grease: think of that, — a man of my kidney, — think of that, — that am as subje6l to heat as butter; a man of continual dissolution and thaw: it was a miracle to scape suffocation. And in the height of this bath, when I was more than half stewed 105 in grease, like a Dutch dish, to be thrown into the Thames, and cooled, glowing hot, in that surge, like a horse-shoe; think of that, — hissing hot, — think of that. Master Brook.
Ford. In good sadness, sir, I am sorry that for my sake you have suffered all this. My suit^ then, is desperate; no you'll undertake her no more }
Fa/. Master Brook, I will be thrown into Etna, as I have been into Thames, ere I will leave her thus. Her
80. By the Lord'] (QiQ^) Malone. io6. /«] is F^.
yes Fj Q3. yea F^ F3 F4. 107. sm-ge\ forge Capell conj.
83. smeir\ smells Hanmer. 1 10. have suffered'] suffered F4. 96 . several'] egregious (Q j Q 2) Pope .
2 22 THE MERRY WIVES [act iv.
husband is this morning gone a-birding: I have received from her another embassy of meeting; 'twixt eight and 115 nine is the hour, Master Brook.
Ford. Tis past eight already, sir.
Fal. Is it ? I will then address me to my appoint- ment. Come to me at your convenient leisure, and you shall know how I speed; and the conclusion shall be 120 crowned with your enjoying her. Adieu. You shall have her, Master Brook; Master Brook, you shall cuckold Ford.
[Exit.
Ford. Hum! ha! is this a vision .'' is this a dream.'' do I sleep? Master Ford, awake! awake. Master Ford! there's a hole made in your best coat, Master Ford. This 'tis to 125 be married! this 'tis to have linen and buck-baskets! Well, I will proclaim myself what I am : I will now take the lecher; he is at my house; he cannot 'scape me; 'tis impossible he should; he cannot creep into a halfpenny purse, nor into a pepper-box: but, lest the devil that guides 130 him should aid him, I will search impossible places. Though what I am I cannot avoid, yet to be what I would not shall not make me tame: if I have horns to make one mad, let the proverb go with me, — I'll be horn-mad.
[Exit.
ACT IV. Scene I. A street.
Enter Mistress Page, Mistress Quickly, and William. •
Mrs Page. Is he at Master Ford's already, think'st thou.?
Quick. Sure he is by this, or will be presently: but, truly, he is very courageous mad about his throwing into the water. Mistress Ford desires you to come suddenly. 5
Mrs Page. I'll be with her by and by; I'll but bring
130. nor\notQy [A Street] Capell. Page's House.
1 34. one'] vie Dyce. Pope. ^
[Exit.] Rowe. [Exeunt. FfQj. "
SCENE!.] OF WINDSOR. 223
my young man here to school. Look, where his master comes; 'tis a playing-day, I see.
Enter Sir Hugh Evans.
How now, Sir Hugh! no school to-day?
Evans. No; Master Slender is let the boys leave to 10 play. _
Quick. Blessing of his heart !
Mrs Page. Sir Hugh, my husband says my son profits nothing in the world at his book. I pray you, ask him some questions in his accidence. 15
Evans. Come hither, William ; hold up your head; come.
Mrs Page. Come on, sirrah ; hold up your head ; an- swer your master, be not afraid.
Evans. William, how many numbers is in noClns?
Will. Two. 20
Quick. Truly, I thought there had been one number more, because they say, *Od's nouns.'
Evans. Peace your tattlings ! What is ' fair,' William }
Will Pulcher.
Quick. Polecats! there are fairer things than polecats, 25 sure.
Evans. You are a very simplicity 'oman : I pray you, peace. — What is 'lapis,' William. !*
Will A stone.
Evans. And what is ' a stone,' William ? 30
Will A pebble.
Evans. No, it is 'lapis:' I pray you, remember in your prain.
Will Lapis.
Evans. That is a good William. What is he, William, 33 that does lend articles.^
Will Articles are borrowed of the pronoun, and be thus declined, Singulariter, nominativo, hie, haec, hoc.
Evans. Nominativo, hig, hag, hog; pray you, mark: genitivo, hujus. Well, what is your accusative case.-* 40
10. /^/] ^^/ Collier MS. 25. polecats\p(m<lcat (^^
2 24 THE MERRY WIVES [act iv.
Will. Accusatlvo, hinc.
Evans. I pray you, have your remembrance, child; accusative, hung, hang, hog.
Quick. 'Hang-hog' is Latin for bacon, I warrant you. .
Evans. Leave your prabbles, 'oman. — What is the fo- 45! cative case, William.^ i
Will O,— vocativo, O. }
Evans. Remember, WiUiam; focative is caret.
Quick. And that's a good root.
Evans. 'Oman, forbear. 50
Mj's Page. Peace! i
Evans. What is your genitive case plural, William.'' |
Will Genitive case!
Evans. Ay.
Will Genitive, — horum, harum, horum. gg'
Quick. Vengeance of Jenny's case! fie on her! never name her, child, if she be a whore.
Evans. For shame, 'oman. |
Quick. You do ill to teach the child such words: — he teaches him to hick and to hack, which they'll do fast 60 enough of themselves, and to call 'horum': — fie upon you! I
Evans. 'Oman, art thou lunatics.'' hast thou no under- standings for thy cases, and the numbers of the genders.-* I Thou art as foolish Christian creatures as I would desires. 6w;
Airs Page. Prithee, hold thy peace.
Evans. Show me now, William, some declensions of your pronouns. _
Will Forsooth, I have forgot. .
Evans. It is qui, quae, quod: if you forget your 70 ' quies,' your ' quaes,' and your 'quods,' you must be preeches. Go your ways, and play; go.
Mrs Page. He is a better scholar than I thought he
was.
4T. Accusativo'] accusative F3 F4. Rowe. //cwrt/zW-j- Capell.
hinc'\ hiinc Halliwell. 64. ^/] and Collier MS.
43. //;w^] Pope. /«'«^FfQ3. 65. d es ire s\ desire Yo^q.
56. JcitJtysX Ginyes FfQ3. 70, 71. qua: . . .qu(Ts'\ quc.ques Ff
63. lunaties\ Ff Q3. lunacies Q3.
SCENE I.] OF WINDSOR. 11^
Evans. He is a good sprag memory. Farewell, Mis- 75 tress Page.
Mrs Page. Adieu, good Sir Hugh. {Exit Sir Hugh?\ Get you home, boy. Come, we stay too long. [Exeunt.
Scene II. A room in Ford's house.
Enter Falstaff mid MiSTRESS FORD.
Fal. Mistress Ford, your sorrow hath eaten up my sufferance. I see you are obsequious in your love, and I profess requital to a hair's breadth; not only, Mistress Ford, in the simple office of love, but in all the accoutre- ment, complement, and ceremony of it. But are you sure 5 of your husband now.-*
Mrs Ford. He's a-birding, sweet Sir John.
Mrs Page. [ WitJiin'\ What, ho, gossip Ford ! what, ho !
Mrs Ford. Step into the chamber, Sir John.
{Exit Falstaff.
Enter Mistress Page.
Mrs Page. How now, sweetheart! who's at home be- lo sides yourself.''
Mrs Ford. Why, none but mine own people.
Mrs Page. Indeed !
Mrs Ford. No, certainly. {Aside to her^ Speak louder.
Mrs Page. Truly, I am so glad you have nobody here. 15
Mrs Ford. Why.?
3Trs Page. Why, woman, your husband is in his old lunes again : he so takes on yonder with my husband ; so rails against all married mankind ; so curses all Eve's daughters, of what complexion soever; and so buffets him- 20 self on the forehead, crying, 'Peer out, peer out!' that any madness I ever yet beheld seemed but tameness, civility, and patience, to this his distemper he is in now: I am glad the fat knight is not here.
^t>'
18. /««.-j-] Theobald. //«^j' Ff Q3. "w/w (Qj QJ. VOL. I.
2 26 THE MERRY WIVES * [act iv.
Airs Ford. Why, does he talk of him? 25
Mrs Page. Of none but him ; and swears he was car- ried out, the last time he searched for him, in a basket; protests to my husband he is now here; and hath drawn him and the rest of tlieir company from their sport, to make another experiment of his suspicion: but I am glad the 30 knight is not here ; now he shall see his own foolery.
Mrs Ford. How near is he. Mistress Page?
Mrs Page. Hard by ; at street end ; he will be here anon.
Mj's Ford. I am undone! — the knight is here.
Mrs Page. Why, then, you are utterly shamed, and 35 he's but a dead man. What a woman are you! — Away with him, away with him ! better shame than murder.
Mrs Ford. Which way should he go? how should I bestow him ? Shall I put him into the basket again ?
Re-enter Falstaff.
Fal. No, I'll come no more i' the basket. May I not ^o\ go out ere he come?
Mrs Page. Alas, three of Master Ford's brothers watch the door with pistols, that none shall issue out; otherwise you might slip away ere he came. But what make }-ou here ?
Fal. What shall I do.' — I'll creep up into the chimney.
Mrs Ford. There they always use to discharge their birding-pieces. Creep into the kiln-hole.
Fal. Where is it?
Mrs Ford. He will seek there, on my word. Neither 50 press, coffer, chest, trunk, well, vault, but he hath an abs- tra6l for the remembrance of such places, and goes to them by his note: there is no hiding you in the house.
Fal. I'll go out, then.
Mrs Page. If you go out in your own semblance, }-ou die. Sir John. Unless you go out disguised, — •
33. j/m'/]F, Q3. J-/;VdYj F2F3F4. 48. Creep into ike kiln-Ziolel G\\'tn.
39. Re-enter F.] Enter. F^. to Mrs Page by Dyce (Malone conj.).
40. Scene hi. Pope. 55. Mrs Page] (Q, QJ Malone. 43. pistols'^ Pistoi ]z.Qkso\\ co\\\. Mist. Ford. Ff Q3.
SCENE II.] OF WINDSOR. ii-j
Mrs Ford. How might we disguise him?
Mrs Page. Alas the day, I know not! There is no woman's gown big enough for him ; otherwise he might put on a hat, a mufifier, and a kerchief, and so escape. 60
Fal. Good hearts, devise something : any extremity rather than a mischief
Mrs Ford. My maid's aunt, the fat woman of Brent- ford, has a gown above.
Mrs Page. On my word, it will serve him; she's as big 65 as he is: and there's her thrummed hat, and her muffler too. Run up. Sir John.
Mj's Ford. Go, go, sweet Sir John: Mistress Page and I will look some linen for your head.
Mrs Page. Quick, quick! we'll come dress you straight: 70 put on the gown the while. {Exit Falstaff.
Mrs Ford. I would my husband would meet him in this shape: he cannot abide the old woman of Brentford; he swears she's a witch; forbade her my house, and hath threatened to beat her. 75
JMrs Page. Heaven guide him to thy husband's cudgel, and the devil guide his cudgel afterwards!
Mrs Ford. But is my husband coming.^
Mrs Page. Ay, in good sadness, is he ; and talks of the basket too, howsoever he hath had intelligence. 80
Mrs Ford. We'll try that; for I'll appoint my men to carry the basket again, to meet him at the door with it, as they did last time.
Mrs Page. Nay, but he'll be here presently: let's go dress him like the witch of Brentford. 85
Mrs Ford. I'll first dire6l my men what they shall do with the basket. Go up; I'll bring linen for him straight.
{Exit.
Mrs Pa<:e. Hang him, dishonest varlet! we cannot mis- use him enough.
We '11 leave a proof, by that which we will do, 90
57. Mrs Ford] om. F2 F3 F4. 66. t/irni?!med'\ ihrum^d Y^^^,-
62. a tnischiefl mischief Y i^. thrumb F4.
63, 7,S, 85, 150, and passim. Brent- 89. hini\ F^ F3 F4. om. Fj Q3. ford^ Brainford (Qj Q^) Ff Q3.
O 2
228 THE MERRY WIVES [act iv.
Wives may be merry, and yet honest too:
We do not aft that often jest and laugh; '
'Tis old, but true, — Still swine eat all the draff. \Exit.
Re-enter Mistress Ford ivith tivo Servants. ^
Mrs Ford. Go, sirs, take the basket again on your ; shoulders: your master is hard at door ; if he bid you set it 95 down, obey him : quickly, dispatch. \_Exit.
First Serv. Come, come, take it up.
Sec. Serv. Pray heaven it be not full of knight again.
First Serv. I hope not ; I had as lief bear so much lead.
Enter Ford, Page, Shallow, Caius, and Sir Hugh Evans.
Ford. Ay, but if it prove true. Master Page, have you loo any way then to unfool me again } Set down the basket, villain! Somebody call my wife. Youth in a basket! — O j you panderly rascals! there's a knot, a ging, a pack, a con- spiracy against me: now shall the devil be shamed. — What, 1 wife, I say! — Come, come forth! Behold what honest log clothes you send forth to bleaching!
Page. Why, this passes, Master Ford ; you are not to go loose any longer; you must be pinioned.
Evans. Why, this is lunatics! this is mad as a mad dog! no
S/ial. Indeed, Master Ford, this is not well, indeed.
Ford. So say I too, sir.
Re-enter Mistress Ford.
Come hither, Mistress Ford; Mistress Ford, the honest wo- man, the modest wife, the virtuous creature, that hath the j jealous fool to her husband! I suspe6l without cause, mis- ii5 tress, do I.'' I
98. k>tig/it] Fj Q3. the knight iu a tmsht't cowe otit hereMaloneihom , F2F3F4. Q,Q,). I
99, as //,-/] F2F3F4. //>/f as 103. gifig] F2F3F4. gin F, Q3 ] Fj Q3. ou/iiT Rowe.
100. Scene IV. Pope. 104. shamed] ashamed F.
102. 7'i//i7i//] 7<illai)is Dyce. 105. wife] om. Rowe.
1 'outh in a basket] you youth
2'
SCENE II.] OF WINDSOR. ii()
Mrs Ford. Heaven be my witness you do, if you sus- pe6l me in any dishonesty.
Ford. Well said, brazen-face! hold it out. Come forth, sirrah ! \P idling clothes out of the basket. 120
Page. This passes!
Mrs Ford. Are you not ashamed } let the clothes alone.
Ford. I shall find you anon.
Evans. 'Tis unreasonable! Will you take up your wife's clothes.'' Come away. .125
Ford. Empty the basket, I say!
Mrs Ford. Why, man, why .-*
Ford. Master Page, as I am a man, there was one con- veyed out of my house yesterday in this basket: why may not he be there again.'* In my house I am sure he is: my 13° intelligence is true; my jealousy is reasonable. Pluck me out all the linen.
Mrs Ford. If you find a man there, he shall die a flea's death.
Page. Here's no man. 135
SJial. By my fidelity, this is not well, Master Ford; this wrongs you.
Evans. Master Ford, you must pray, and not follow the imaginations of your own heart: this is jealousies.
Ford. Well, he's not here I seek for. 140
Page. No, nor nowhere else but in your brain.
Ford. Help to search my house this one time. If I find not what I seek, show no colour for my extremity; let me for ever be your table-sport; let them say of me, 'As jealous as Ford, that searched a hollow walnut for his wife's 145 leman.' Satisfy me once more; once more search with me.
Mrs Ford. What, ho. Mistress Page ! come you and the old woman down ; my husband will come into the chamber.
Ford. Old woman! what old woman's that."*
Mrs Ford. Why, it is my maid's aunt of Brentford. 15°
Ford. A witch, a quean, an old cozening quean ! Have I not forbid her my house .^ She comes of errands, does she.'' We are simple men; we do not know what's brought to pass under the profession of fortune-telling. She works by charms, by spells, by the figure, and such daubery as 155
230 THE MERRY WIVES [act iv.
this is, beyond our element: we know nothing. Come down, you witch, you hag, you ; come down, I say !
Mrs Ford. Nay, good, sweet husband! — Good gentle- men, let him not strike the old woman.
Re-enter Falstaff /;/ woman s clothes, and Mistress Page,
Mrs Page. Come, Mother Prat; come, give me your i6o hand.
Ford. I '11 prat her, [Beating hi?ii\ Out of my door, you witch, you hag, you baggage, you polecat, you ron- yon! out, out! I'll conjure you, I'll fortune-tell you. .
\_Exit Falstaff. "
Mrs Page. Are you not ashamed .-^ I think you have 165 killed the poor v/oman.
Mrs Ford. Nay, he will do it, 'Tis a goodly credit for you.
Ford. Hang her, witch !
Evans. By yea and no, I think the 'oman is a witch in- 170 deed : I like not when a 'oman has a great peard ; I spy a great peard under his muffler.
Ford. Will you follow, gentlemen ,-' I beseech you, follow; see but the issue of my jealousy: if I cry out thus upon no trail, never trust me when I open again, ly
Page. Let's obey his humour a little further: come, gentlemen, \Exeunt Ford, Page, S/ial., Cains, ajtd Evans.
Mrs Page. Trust .me, he beat him most pitifully,
Mrs Ford. Nay, by the mass, that he did not; he beat him most unpitifully methought,
Mj's Page. I'll have the cudgel hallowed and hung o'er the altar; it hath done meritorious service.
Mj's Ford. What think you.'' may we, with the warrant of womanhood and the witness of a good conscience, pur- sue him with any further revenge.'' iSf
159, nof^ om, Fj, 170. By yea and no] By Jcshii
160, Scene v. Pope. (QiQj)-
Re-enter ... clothes] Rowe. 171, 'omaii\''omans Qly
Enter Fal. Ff, and Mistress Page] 172. his'] Ff Q3. her (Q, Q^)
Pope. Pope.
163. /^fl^]F3F4. raggeY^. hagge 175. trail] F, Q3 F^ F3, Tryal
Q3- ragY,. F4.
I
SCENE II.] OF WINDSOR. 231
Mrs Page. The spirit of wantonness is, sure, scared out of him : if the devil have him not in fee-simple, with fine and recovery, he will never, I think, in the way of waste, attempt us again.
Mi^s Ford. Shall we tell our husbands how we have 190 served him?
J\Irs Page. Yes, by all means ; if it be but to scrape the figures out of your husband's brains. If they can find in their hearts the poor unvirtuous fat knight shall be any further afifiifted, we two will still be the ministers. 195
Mj's Ford. I'll warrant they'll have him publicly shamed: and methinks there would be no period to the jest, should he not be publicly shamed.
Mrs Page. Come, to the forge with it, then; shape it: I would not have things cool. \Exennt. 200
Scene III. A room in the Garter Inn.
Enter Host and Bardolph.
Bard. Sir, the Germans desire to have three of your horses: the duke himself will be to-morrow at court, and they are going to meet him.
Host. What duke should that be comes so secretly.^ I hear not of him in the court. Let me speak with the gen- tlemen: they speak English.''
Bard. Ay, sir; I'll call them to you.
Host. They shall have my horses ; but I'll make them pay ; I '11 sauce them : they have had my house a week at command; I have turned away my other guests: they must come off; I'll sauce them. Come. \Exeunt.
188. Jine]Jind Qt,. r. Germans desire] Capell. Ger-
193. b)'ains'] braifi ¥-^Y^. tnane desires FfQ;^.
197. />eriod] rig//^ />eriod Ha.nmer. 7. ^j'] om. F3 F4.
198. the jesf\ jest <^-^. 9. house'] (Q1Q2) Rowe. houses
199. /V, then; shape it:] it, then FfQ3.
shape it: FfQ3. 11. eotne off] compt (t^ Theobald
Scene ni.] Scene vi. Pope. (Warburton). not come off Capell.
10
f
232 THE MERRY WIVES [act iv.
Scene IV. A room in Ford's house.
Enter Page, Ford, Mistress Page, Mistress Ford, and Sir Hugh Evans.
Evans. 'Tis one of the best discretions of a 'oman as ever I did look upon.
Page. And did he send you both these letters at an instant }
Mrs Page. Within a quarter of an hour.
Ford. Pardon me, wife. Henceforth do what thou wilt; I rather will suspe6l the sun with cold Than thee with wantonness : now doth thy honour stand, In him that was of late an heretic, As firm as faith.
Page. 'Tis well, 'tis well; no more:
Be not as extreme in submission As in offence.
But let our plot go forward : let our wives Yet once again, to make us public sport. Appoint a meeting with this old fat fellow, Where we may take him, and disgrace him for it.
Ford. There is no better way than that they spoke of
Page. How.^ to send him word they'll meet him in the Park at midnight .-' Fie, fie ! he '11 never come.
Evans. You say he has been thrown in the rivers, and 20 has been grievously peaten, as an old 'oman: methinks there should be terrors in him that he should not come; methinks his flesh is punished, he shall have no desires.
Page. So think I too.
Mrs Ford. Devise but how you'll use him when he comes, And let us two devise to brine him thither.
't>
Scene iv.] Scene vii. Pope. 11, 12. rrinted in one line in Ff
I. ''oman\ o''mans Q3. Q3.
7. fcA/] Rowe. ^o/d FfQ-^. 20. j(z;'] jc^ Collier IMS.
9. as faitli\ Fj Q3. of faith F^ in the rivcrs\ Y^ Q3. into
F3 F4. the river Fg F3 F4.
II. as cxtreme^Y ^i!^-^. om..asY^ 22. terrors'] teiror (^y F3F4.
SCENE IV.] OF WINDSOR. 233
M7's Page. There is an old tale goes that Heme the hunter, Sometime a keeper here in Windsor forest, Doth all the winter-time, at still midnight.
Walk round about an oak, with great ragg'd horns ; 30
And there he blasts the tree, and takes the cattle. And makes milch-kine yield blood, and shakes a chain In a most hideous and dreadful manner: You have heard of such a spirit; and well you know The superstitious idle-headed eld 35
Receiv'd, and did deliver to our age, This tale of Heme the hunter for a truth.
Page. Why, yet there want not many that do fear In deep of night to walk by this Heme's oak: But what of this ?
Mrs Ford. Marry, this is our device ; 40
That Falstaff at that oak shall meet with us.
Page. Well, let it not be doubted but he'll come: And in this shape when you have brought him thither, What shall be done with him.^ what is your plot.?
Mrs Page. That likewise have we thought upon, and
thus : 45
Nan Page my daughter and my little son And three or four more of their growth we'll dress Like urchins, ouphes and fairies, green and white, With rounds of waxen tapers on their heads, And rattles in their hands: upon a sudden, 50
As Falstaff, she, and I, are newly met. Let them from forth a sawpit rush at once With some diffused song: upon their sight, We two in great amazedness will fly :
Then let them all encircle him about, 55
And, fairy-like, to-pinch the unclean knight ;
29. midmghfX Y^ Q3. of mid- his head. Malone gives the second night F2 F3 F4. line only. See note (viii).
30. gnat ragg'd] nigged Pope. 5^- to-pinch] Steevens (Tyrwhitt
31. /rtv] /rcY-f Hanmer. conj.), to pinch FfQj. too, pinch 41. Here Theobald inserts from Warburton.
Ql^Ql^, We'' II send him word to meet us fairy-like, to-pinch] like to
in the field. Disguised like Heme fairies pinch Hanmer. \Horne Q^ QJ ivith huge horns on
234 THE MERRY WIVES [act iv.
And ask him why, that hour of fairy revel, In their so sacred paths he dares to tread In shape profane.
Mrs Ford. And till he tell the truth, Let the supposed fairies pinch him sound, 60
And burn him with their tapers.
Mrs Page. The truth being known.
We'll all present ourselves, dis-horn the spirit. And mock him home to Windsor.
Ford. The children must
Be praftised well to this, or they'll ne'er do't.
Evans. I will teach the children their behaviours; and 65 I will be like a jack-an-apes also, to burn the knight with my taber.
Ford. That will be excellent. I'll go and buy them vizards.
Mrs Page. My Nan shall be the queen of all the fairies, Finely attired in a robe of white.
Page. That silk will I go buy. [Aside] And in that time Shall Master Slender steal my Nan away. And marry her at Eton. Go send to Falstafif straight.
Ford. Nay, I'll to him again in name of Brook: 7i
He'll tell me all his purpose: sure, he'll come.
Mrs Page. Fear not you that. Go get us properties And tricking for our fairies.
Evans. Let us about it: it is admirable pleasures and fery honest knaveries. [Exeunt Page, Ford, and Evans. 8(
Mrs Page. Go, Mistress Ford, Send quickly to Sir John, to know his mind.
[Exit Mrs Ford. I'll to the do6lor: he hath my good will. And none but he, to marry with Nan Page. That Slender, though well landed, is an idiot; 8j-
60. Iihn soufid] F2F3F4. ///;;;, 67. fak'r'] /a/crVo-pe.
sound, Fj Q3. hi}n mind. Pope. 72. tit)ie\ tire Theobald.
him soundly Collier MS. 75. in name] in the name Q3.
I
r
I
SCENE IV.] OF WINDSOR. 235
And he my husband best of all affefts.
The do6lor is well money'd, and his friends
Potent at court: he, none but he, shall have her,
Though twenty thousand worthier come to crave her. {Exit.
Scene V. A roofn m the Garter Inn.
Enter Host and Simple.
Host. What wouldst thou have, boor.^ what, thick-skin.^ speak, breathe, discuss ; brief, short, quick, snap.
Sim. Marry, sir, I come to speak with Sir John Fal- stafif from Master Slender.
Host. There's his chamber, his house, his castle, his 5 standing-bed, and truckle-bed ; 'tis painted about with the story of the Prodigal, fresh and new. Go knock and call ; he'll speak like an Anthropophaginian unto thee: knock,
I say.
Sim. There's an old woman, a fat woman, gone up into 10 his chamber: I'll be so bold as stay, sir, till she come down ; I come to speak with her, indeed.
Host. Ha! a fat woman! the knight may be robbed: I'll call. — Bully knight! bully Sir John! speak from thy lungs military: art thou there .-* it is thine host, thine Ephe- 15 sian, calls.
Fal. [A dove'] How now, mine host!
Host. Here's a Bohemian-Tartar tarries the coming down of thy fat woman. Let her descend, bully, let her descend; my chambers are honourable: fie! privacy.^ fie! 20
Enter Falstaff.
Fa/. There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with me; but she's gone.
SijH. Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of Brentford .''
Fa/. Ay, marry, was it, muscle-shell: what would you 25
with her.-*
86. /le] him Hanmer. 1 7- [Above] Theobald. Enter
Scene v.] Scene viii. Pope. Falstaff. Rowe. om. FfQs.
1. S7tap\ nap Q3.
236 THE MERRY WIVES [act IV.
Sim. My master, sir, Master Slender, sent to her, seeing her go thorough the streets, to know, sir, whether one Nym, sir, that beguiled him of a chain, had the chain or no.
Fal. I spake with the old woman about it. 3°
Sim. And what says she, I pray, sir.''
Fal. Marry, she says that the very same man that be- guiled Master Slender of his chain cozened him of it.
Sim. I would I could have spoken with the woman herself; I had other things to have spoken with her too 3 from him.
Fal. What are they? let us know.
Host. Ay, come; quick.
Sim. I may not conceal them, sir.
Host. Conceal them, or thou diest. 40
Sim. Why, sir, they were nothing but about Mistress Anne Page; to know if it were my master's fortune to have her or no.
Fal. 'Tis, 'tis his fortune.
Sim. What, sir.^ 45
Fal. To have her, or no. Go; say the woman told me so.
Sim. May I be bold to say so, sir.**
Fal. Ay, sir; like who more bold.
Sim. I thank your worship : I shall make my master glad with these tidings. {Exit.
Host. Thou art clerkly, thou art clerkly. Sir John. Was there a wise woman with thee.''
Fal. Ay, that there was, mine host ; one that hath taught me more wit than ever I learned before in my life; and I paid nothing for it neither, but was paid for my learning.
27. M(%sicr Slc)ider\ Steevens. my and Hanmer. Aye conscil them or master Slender, FfQs- Becket conj.
28. t/ioroNi^h] Fj Q3. through Y ^ 39, 40. eoneeal, ConceaT\ rez'eal, F3 F4. ^^T'^a/ Farmer conj.
39. Sim. I may...'] Rowe. Fal. 42. master's^ master Q^^. f jiiay... FfQj. Fal. You may... 49. Ay, sir; //he] FfQj. / t/he. Collier MS. (QiQa). Ay, s/r T/he, Steevens
40. Host.] Fal. Warburton. (Farmer conj.). Ay, s/r, tihe, Collier. Coneealthem, or\ Conceal them. See note (ix).
t
1
SCENE v.] OF WINDSOR. 237
Enter Bardolph.
Bard. Out, alas, sir! cozenage, mere cozenage!
Host. Where be my horses? speak well of them, varletto. 60
Bard. Run away with the cozeners: for so soon as I came beyond Eton, they threw me off, from behind one of them, in a slough of mire; and set spurs and away, like three German devils, three Doftor Faustuses.
Host. They are gone but to meet the duke, villain: do 65 not say they be fled ; Germans are honest men.
Enter SiR HUGH EvANS.
Evans. Where is mine host?
Host. What is the matter, sir?
Evans. Have a care of your entertainments: there is a friend of mine come to town, tells me there is three cozen- 70 pfermans that has cozened all the hosts of Readins, of Mai- denhead, of Colebrook, of horses and money. I tell you for good will, look you : you are wise, and full of gibes and vlouting-stocks, and 'tis not convenient you should be cozened. Fare you well. [Extt. 75
Enter DOCTOR Caius.
Cains. Vere is mine host de Jarteer?
Host. Here, master doftor, in perplexity and doubtful dilemma.
Cains. I cannot tell vat is dat : but it is tell-a me dat you make grand preparation for a duke de Jamany : by my 80 trot, dere is no duke dat the court is know to come. I tell you for good vill : adieu. \Exit.
Host. Hue and cry, villain, go! — Assist me, knight. — I am undone! — Fly, run, hue and cry, villain! — I am un- done! [Exeunt Host atid Bard. 85
Fal. I would all the world might be cozened; for I have been cozened and beaten too. If it should come to
58. Scene ix. Pope. ' 80. grand] agrand F3 F4.
61. 7£/;V/?] w///i ^_y Collier MS. 85. [Exeunt H. "and B.] Capell.
71. Rcadins\ Reading Yj^. [Exit F^. om. Fj Q3.
♦
238 THE MERRY WIVES [act iv.
the ear of the court, how I have been transformed, and how my transformation hath been washed and cudgelled, they would melt me out of my fat drop by drop, and liquor poj fishermen's boots with me : I warrant they would whip me with their fine wits till I were as crest-fallen as a dried pear. I never prospered since I forswore myself at primero. Well, if my wind were but long enough [to say my prayers,] I would repent. 95
Enter MISTRESS OUICKLY.
Now, whence come you .''
Quick. From the two parties, forsooth.
Fal. The devil take one party, and his dam the other! and so they shall be both bestowed. I have suffered more for their sakes, more than the villanous inconstancy of loo] man's disposition is able to bear.
Quick. And have not they suffered.' Yes, I warrant; speciously one of them ; Mistress Ford, good heart, is beaten black and blue, that you cannot see a white spot about her. 10^
Fal. What tellest thou me of black and blue.'' I was beaten myself into all the colours of the rainbow; and I was like to be apprehended for the witch of Brentford : but that my admirable dexterity of wit, my counterfeiting the aftion of an old woman, delivered me, the knave con- 11 stable had set me i' the stocks, i' the common stocks, for a witch.
Quick. Sir, let me speak with you in your chamber: you shall hear how things go ; and, I warrant, to your con- tent. Here is a letter will say somewhat. Good hearts, i i what ado here is to bring you together! Sure, one of you does not serve heaven well, that you are so crossed.
Fal. Come up into my chamber. \Exeunt.
94. \io say my f ravers'] (Qj Q^) 96. Scene X. Pope.
Pope. om. FfQ3. iio. an oidioomaitl a ivodc woman
95. repent\ pray and repent Col- Theobald, lier MS.
SCENE VI.] OF WINDSOR. 239
Scene VI. The same. AnotJier room in the Garter Inn. Enter Fenton and Host.
Host. Master Fenton, talk not to me; my mind is heavy: I will give over all.
Fent. Yet hear me speak. Assist me in my purpose, And, as I am a gentleman, I'll give thee A hundred pound in gold more than your loss.
Host. I will hear you. Master Fenton ; and I will at the least keep your counsel.
Fent. From time to time I have acquainted you
With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page ;
Who mutually hath answer'd my affeftion.
So far forth as herself might be her chooser,
Even to my wish: I have a letter from her
Of such contents as you will wonder at ;
The mirth whereof so larded with my matter.
That neither singly can be manifested,
15
Without the show of both ; fat Falstafif
Hath a great scene: the image of the jest
I '11 show you here at large. Hark, good mine host.
To-night at Heme's oak, just 'twixt twelve and one.
Must my sweet Nan present the Fairy Queen ; ^^
The purpose why, is here : in which disguise,
While other jests are something rank on foot.
Her father hath commanded her to slip
Away with Slender, and with him at Eton
Immediately to marry: she hath consented : 2-
Now, sir,
Her mother, even strong against that match.
And firm for Do6lor Caius, hath appointed
That he shall likewise shuffle her away.
While other sports are tasking of their minds,
Scene vi.] FfQs. Scene xi. John FahiaffeY^Y^Y^. fat Fahtaff,
Pope. Theobald continues Sc. 5. he S. Walker conj. therein fat
The same] Another room. Capell. Fahtaff Id. conj.
14. whereof^ivhereofsYoT^e.. i~t. scene'] scare {Ql^(^^. share "&.
16. fat Falstaffi Y^Qt,. wherein Verges conj. scene itt it Q?i^€^\. fat Fatstaff {Q^ Q^) Malone. fat sir 27. e^vn] ez'er Fope.
240 THE MERRY WIVES [act v.
And at the deanery, where a priest attends,
Straight marry her: to this her mother's plot
She seemingly obedient likewise hath
Made promise to the doftor. Now, thus it rests:
Her father means she shall be all in white; 35
And in that habit, when Slender sees his time
To take her by the hand and bid her go,
She shall go with him : her mother hath intended,
The better to denote her to the doftor, —
For they must all be mask'd and vizarded, — ¥^
That quaint in green she shall be loose enrobed.
With ribands pendent, flaring 'bout her head ;
And when the do6lor spies his vantage ripe,
To pinch her by the hand, and, on that token,
The maid hath given consent to go with him. 451
Host. Which means she to deceive, father or mother?
Pent. Both, my good host, to go along with me : And here it rests, — that you'll procure the vicar To stay for me at church 'twixt twelve and one. And, in the lawful name of marrying, 5^
To give our hearts united ceremony.
Host. Well, husband your device; I'll to the vicar: Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest.
Pent. So shall I evermore be bound to thee ; Besides, I '11 make a present recompense. \Exeiint. 55
ACT V.
Scene I. A room in the Garter Inn.
Enter Falstaff and Mistress Quickly.
Fal. Prithee, no more prattling; go. I'll hold. This is the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd numbers. Away! go. They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away !
39. ^/c'«^/f]Capell (Steevensconj.). 51. ceremony] niatritnotty {(^^Q^.
devote YiQ^^. Act v. Scene i.] Act iv. (con-
50. fnar>ying\ marriage S. Walker tinned). Scene Xli. Pope, conj.
I
SCENE!.] OF WINDSOR. 241
Quick. I '11 provide you a chain ; and I '11 do what I can 5 to get you a pair of horns.
Fal. Away, I say; time wears: hold up your head, and mince. \Exit Mrs Quickly.
Enter FORD.
How now. Master Brook! Master Brook, the matter will
be known to-night, or never. Be you in the Park about 1°
midnight, at Heme's oak, and you shall see wonders.
Ford. Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me you had appointed }
Fal. I went to her. Master Brook, as you see, like a poor old man: but I came from her. Master Brook, like a 15 poor old woman. That same knave Ford, her husband, hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him, Master Brook, that ever governed frenzy. I will tell you: — he beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman ; for in the shape of man. Master Brook, I fear not Goliath with a weaver's 20 beam; because I know also life is a shuttle. I am in haste; go along with me: I'll tell you all. Master Brook. Since I plucked geese, played truant, and whipped top, I knew not what 'twas to be beaten till lately. Follow me: I'll tell you strange things of this knave Ford, on 25 whom to-night I will be revenged, and I will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow. Strange things in hand, Master Brook ! Follow. ^ \Exeimt.
Scene II. Windsor Park. Enter Page, Shallow, and Slender.
Page. Come, come; we'll couch i' the castle-ditch till we see the light of our fairies. Remember, son Slender, my daughter.
Slcn. Ay, forsooth; I have spoke with her, and we have a nay- word how to know one another: I come to her
Scene ii.] Act v. Scene \. Capell. Pope. 3. daughter'\ om. Fj Q3.
Windsor Park] Pope. [A street.
VOL. I. R
242 THE MERRY WIVES [act v.
in white, and cry, 'mum;' she cries 'budget;' and by that we know one another.
SJial. That's good too: but what needs either your 'mum' or her 'budget?' the white will decipher her well enough. It hath struck ten o'clock. lo
Page. The night is dark; light and spirits will become it well. Heaven prosper our sport! No man means evil but the devil, and we shall know him by his horns. Let's away; follow me. \Exeu7it.
Scene III. A siiret leading to the Park.
Enter MisTRESS Page, Mistress Ford, atid Doctor Caius.
Mrs Page. Master do6lor, my daughter is in green : when you see your time, take her by the hand, away with her to the deanery, and dispatch it quickly. Go before into the Park: we two must go together.
Cains. I know vat I hav^e to do. Adieu.
Mrs Page. Fare you well, sir. \_Exit Caius.] My hus- band will not rejoice so much at the abuse of Falstaff as he will chafe at the do6lor's marrying my daughter: but 'tis no matter; better a little chiding than a great deal of heart-break. lo
Mrs Ford. Where is Nan now and her troop of fairies, and the Welsh devil Hugh.^
Mrs Page. They are all couched in a pit hard by Heme's oak, with obscured lights; which, at the very in- stant of Falstaff 's and our meeting, they will at once ^5 display to the night.
Mrs Ford. That cannot choose but amaze him.
Mrs Page. If he be not amazed, he will be mocked; if he be amazed, he will every way be mocked.
Mrs Ford. We'll betray him finely. 20
Scene hi.] Scene ir. Tope. Evans Theobald (Thirlby conj.). A street, &c.] [Another street, &c. 19. r^'oy 7vay\ F, Q3. om. F^ F3
CapelL F4. 12. /^«^//] CapeU. /A';-«fFfQ3.
SCENE TIL] OF WINDSOR. 243
Mrs Page. Against such lewdsters and their lechery Those that betray them do no treachery.
Mrs Ford. The hour draws on. To the oak, to the oak ! \Examt.
Scene IV. Windsor Park.
Enter Sir Hugh Evans disguised, with others as Fairies.
Evans. Trib, trib, fairies; come; and remember your parts: be pold, I pray you; follow me into the pit; and when I give the watch-'ords, do as I pid you : come, come ; trib, trib. \Exeimt.
Scene V. Another part of the Park. E?iter Falstaff disguised as Heme.
Fal. The Windsor bell hath struck twelve ; the minute draws on. Now, the hot-blooded gods assist me! Re- member, Jove, thou wast a bull for thy Europa; love set on thy horns. O powerful love! that, in some respefts, makes a beast a man; in some other, a man a beast. You 5 were also, Jupiter, a swan for the love of Leda. O omni- potent Love ! how near the god drew to the complexion of a goose! — A fault done first in the form of a beast; — O Jove, a beastly fault ! And then another fault in the semblance of a fowl ; — think on't, Jove; a foul fault ! When gods have 10 hot backs, what shall poor men do.^ For me, I am here a Windsor stag ; and the fattest, I think, i' the forest. Send me a cool rut-time, Jove, or who can blame me to piss my tallow.'' — Who comes here.^ my doe .''
Enter Mistress Ford and Mistress Page.
31 rs Ford. Sir John! art thou there, my deer.^ my 15 male deer.?
Scene iv.] Scene n. continued in Scene v.] Scene in. Pope.
Pope. Enter F. ...] Enter Sir John with
3. //</] Fj Q3. bid F^ F3 F4. a Buck's head upon him (QiQa)-
R 2
244 THE MERRY WIVES [act v.
Fal. My doe with the black scut! Let the sky rain potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of Green Sleeves, hail kissing-comfits, and snow eringoes; let there come a tem- pest of provocation, I will shelter me here. 20
Mrs Ford, Mistress Page is come with me, sweetheart.
FaL Divide me like a bribe buck, each a haunch: I will keep my sides to myself, my shoulders for the fellow of this walk, and my horns I bequeath your husbands. Am I a woodman, ha .-' Speak I like Heme the hunter.'' 25 Why, now is Cupid a child of conscience; he makes resti- tution. As I am a true spirit, welcome ! [Noise ivithiu,
Mrs Page. Alas, what noise }
Mrs Ford. Heaven forgive our sins !
Fal. What should this be } 30
Mrs Ford.\ ^ , • ^,
Mrs Page, j ^^^^' ^'^^^^ ' t They rim off.
Fal. I think the devil will not have me damned, lest the oil that's in me should set hell on fire; he would never else cross me thus.
Enter Sir Hugh Evans, disguised as before; Pistol, as Hobgobliit; Mistress Quickly, Anne Page, ajid others, as Fairies, with tapers.
Quick. Fairies, black, grey, green, and white, 35
You moonshine revellers, and shades of night, You orphan heirs of fixed destiny. Attend your office and your quality. Crier Hobgoblin, make the fairy oyes.
Pist. Elves, list your names; silence, you airy toys. 40
Cricket, to Windsor chimneys shalt thou leap : Where fires thou find'st unraked and hearths unswept, There pinch the maids as blue as bilberry: Our radiant queen hates sluts and sluttery.
22. bribe] Theobald. brib\i Ff (Waiburton).
Qs- 41. shalt thou lcap\ u<hc>i thoii\<:t
32—34. Printed as verse in FfQj. leapt Collier MS. having leapt
34. Enter. ..tapers] See note (x). Singer.
35. Quick.] Qui. FfQ3. ^3. unr.vept] to suvep S. Verges 37. orphan} ouphau Theobald conj.
SCENE v.] OF WINDSOR. 245
Fal. They are fairies; he that speaks to them shall die: 45 I '11 wink and couch : no man their works must eye.
{Lies down upon Ids face.
Evans. Where's Bede ? Go you, and where you find a maid That, ere she sleep, has thrice her prayers said, Raise up the organs of her fantasy ;
Sleep she as sound as careless infancy : 50
But those as sleep and think not on their sins, Pinch them, arms, legs, backs, shoulders, sides, and shins.
Quick. About, about; Search Windsor Castle, elves, within and out : Strew good luck, ouphes, on every sacred room; 55
That it may stand till the perpetual doom, In state as wholesome as in state 'tis fit, Worthy the owner, and the owner it. The several chairs of order look you scour
With juice of balm and every precious flower: 60
Each fair instalment, coat, and several crest, With loyal blazon, evermore be blest ! And nightly, meadow-fairies, look you sing, Like to the Garter's compass, in a ring:
Th' expressure that it bears, green let it be, 65
More fertile-fresh than all the field to see ; And Honi soit qui mal y pense write In emerald tufts, flowers purple, blue, and white ; Like sapphire, pearl, and rich embroidery.
Buckled below fair knighthood's bending knee: ^o
Fairies use flowers for their chara6lery. Away; disperse: but till 'tis one o'clock, Our dance of custom round about the oak
46. [Lies... face] Rowe. 6^. nightly^ meadow-fairies,'] Ca-
47. Bede^YiC^y /Vrtt' Theobald. pell. Alghtly-meadow-Fairies YiQ_-^. Pead (Qj Q^). 66. Morel Mote Fj Q3.
51. as\thatY^. 68. emerald hifts] Emrold-Uiffes
53. Quick.] Qu. F,Q3F,. Qui. FfQj.
F3 F4. fiirple] purfled Warburton .
57. state as] site as Hanmer. seat 69. sapphire, pearl] Theobald, as S. Walker conj. saphire-pearle rfQ3.
58. awa^Jaj Theobald (Warburton). <2«a^] m Warbarton.
246 THE MERRY WIPES [act v.
Of Heme the hunter, let us not forget.
Evans. Pray you, lock hand in hand; yourselves in
order set; 75
And twenty glow-worms shall our lanterns be. To euide our measure round about the tree. — But, stay ; I smell a man of middle-earth.
Fal. Heavens defend me from that Welsh fairy, lest he transform me to a piece of cheese! 80
Pist. Vile worm, thou wast o'erlook'd even in thy birth.
Quick. With trial-fire touch me his finger-end : If he be chaste, the flame will back descend. And turn him to no pain ; but if he start, It is the flesh of a corrupted heart. 85
Pist. A trial, come.
Evans. Come, will this wood take fire.-'
\TJiey burn him with their tapers.
Fal. Oh, Oh, Oh!
Quick. Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in desire ! About him, fairies ; sing a scornful rhyme ; And, as you trip, still pinch him to your time. 90
Song.
Fie on sinful fantasy !
Fie on lust and luxury!
Lust is but a bloody fire,
Kindled with unchaste desire,
Fed in heart, whose flames aspire, 9.5'
As thoughts do blow them, higher and higher.
Pinch him, fairies, mutually;
Pinch him for his villany ; Pinch him, and burn him, and turn him about. Till candles and starlight and moonshine be out. ioo
During this song they pinch Falstaff. Doctor Caius comes one way., and steals away a boy in green; Slender another way, and takes off a boy in white ; and Fenton comes, and
75. Pray yoii] om. Pope. pre] Hanmer.
86. [They burn. ..tapers.] Rowe. 95. hearl'] itie /icart'B.^rxmtv.
90. ti>nc\ time. Eva. It is rig/if, 97. Mutual/}'] mtttiiall Q3.
indeed, he is full of lecheries and iiii- loo. The stage direcflion which
quity. Theobald (from QiQ^). follows was inserted by Theobald
9T. sinful] simple Pope. from Q1Q2, wilh some verbal changes.
93. a bloody fire] «' Hi' blood a
SCENE v.] OF WINDSOR. 247
steals away Mrs Anne Page. A noise of hunting is heard witJiin. All the Fairies run away. Falstaff j^u lis off his buck^s head, and rises.
Enter Page, Ford, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford.
Page. Nay, do not fly; I think we have watch'd you now : Will none but Heme the hunter serve your turn.-'
Mrs Page. I pray you, come, hold up the jest no higher. Now, good Sir John, how like you Windsor wives .-• See you these, husband.? do not these fair yokes 105
Become the forest better than the town .''
Ford. Now, sir, who's a cuckold now%'' Master Brook, Falstafif's a knave, a cuckoldly knave; here are his horns, Master Brook: and, Master Brook, he hath enjoyed nothing of Ford's but his buck-basket, his cudgel, and twenty no pounds of money, which must be paid to Master Brook; his horses are arrested for it, Master Brook.
Mrs Ford. Sir John, we have had ill luck; we could never meet. I will never take you for my love. again; but I will always count you my deer. 115
Fal. I do begin to perceive that I am made an ass.
Ford. Ay, and an ox too : both the proofs are extant.
Fal. And these are not fairies } I was^three or four times in the thought they were not fairies: and yet the guiltiness of my mind, the sudden surprise of my powers, 120 drove the grossness of the foppery into a received belief, in despite of the teeth of all rhyme and reason, that they were fairies. See now how wit may be made a Jack-a-Lent, when 'tis upon ill employment!
Evans. Sir John Falstaff, serve Got, and leave your 125 desires, and fairies will not pinse you.
loi. Enter...] Enter... They lay horns. Hanmer. hold on him. Rowe. fair yokes] fairy jokes Jackson
loi, 102. Printed as prose in FfQ3. conj.
105. these, husband\ these husband iii. paid to Master Brook] paid to
Fj Q3. these husbands F^ F3 F4. M. Foord {q_^(^^. pay' d too. Master
these, husbands Hanmer. Brook Capell.
yokes] yoakesY ^<^'i. okesY^ 120. the sudden] with the sudden
F3. oaks F4. oaks [Pointing to the Hanmer.
248 THE MERRY WIVES [act v.
Ford. Well said, fairy Hugh.
Evans. And leave you your jealousies too, I pray you.
Ford. I will never mistrust my wife again, till thou art able to woo her in good English. 130
Fal. Have I laid my brain in the sun, and dried it, that it wants matter to prevent so gross o'erreaching as this.'' Am I ridden with a Welsh goat too.'' shall I have a cox- comb of frize.'' 'Tis time I were choked with a piece of toasted cheese. 135
Evans. Seese is not good to give putter; your pelly is all putter.
Fal. 'Seese' and 'putter'! have I lived to stand at the taunt of one that makes fritters of English } This is enough to be the decay of lust and late-walking through the realm. 140
Mrs Page. Why, Sir John, do you thi!nk, though we would have thrust virtue out of our hearts by the head and shoulders, and have given ourselves without scruple to hell, that ever the devil could have made you our delight.-'
Ford. What, a hodge-pudding.^ a bag of flax.? 145
Mrs Page. A puffed man.'
Page. "Old, cold, withered, and of intolerable entrails.-'
Ford. And one that is as slanderous as Satan.-'
Page. And as poor as Job.-"
Ford. And as wicked as his wife.' 150
Evans. And given to fornications, and to taverns, and sack, and wine, and metheglins, and to drinkings, and swearings, and starings, pribbles and prabbles.? i
Fal. Well, I am your theme: you have the start of me; I am deje6led; I am not able to answer the Welsh 155 flannel ; ignorance itself is a plummet o'er me : use me as you will.
Ford. Marry, sir, we'll bring you to Windsor, to one Master Brook, that you have cozened of money, to whom you should have been a pander: over and above that you 160
136. A'//;-] F, F3 F4. belly Y^Cly F3F4.
148. as slanderous\ slanderous Cl-^. 156. is a phimmet o'er mc\ is
152. sack^ and 'winc'\ sacks, and phanmct o'enne (^■^. has a plume d"
wines Pope. w^ Johnson conj. is a planet o'er vie
153- starings\ Y ^(^y staring Y^ Fanner conj.
SCENE v.] OF WINDSOR. 249
have suffered, I think to repay that money will be a biting affli6lion.
Page. Yet be cheerful, knight: thou shalt eat a posset to-night at my house ; where I will desire thee to laugh at my wife, that now laughs at thee: tell her Master Slender 165 hath married her daughter.
Mrs Page. [Aside'] Do6lors doubt that: if Anne Page be my daughter, she is, by this, Do6lor Caius' wife.
Enter Slender.
Slen. Whoa, ho ! ho, father Page !
Page. Son, how now! how now, son! have you dis- 170 patched }
Slen. Dispatched! — I'll make the best in Gloucester- shire know on 't ; would I were hanged, la, else !
Page. Of what, son.?
Slen. I came yonder at Eton to marry Mistress Anne ^75 Page, and she's a great lubberly boy. If it had not been i* the church, I would have swinged him, or he should have swinged me. If I did not think it had been Anne Page, would I might never stir! — and 'tis a postmaster's boy.
Page. Upon my life, then, you took the wrong. 180
Slen. What need you tell me that } I think so, when I took a boy for a girl. If I had been married to him, for all he was in woman's apparel, I would not have had him.
Page. Why, this is your own folly. Did not I tell you how you should know my daughter by her garments.? 185
SleTi. I went to her in white, and cried 'mum,' and she cried 'budget,' as Anne and I had appointed; and yet it was not Anne, but a postmaster's boy.
Mrs Page. Good George, be not angry: I knew of
162. After this line Theobald in- 167, 168. Given to Mrs Ford in
serts from Qj Q^ : Mrs Ford. AFay, Q3. [Aside] Theobald. husband, let that go to make amoids ; 169. Scene VI. Pope.
Forgive that sum, and so -we'll all be Whoa] What Rowe.
friends. Ford. Well, here's my hand: 177. i' the] i' t Y 2.
all is forgiven at last. 186. w/«/<?] Pope, ^nvw Ff Q3.
250 THE MERRY WIVES [act v.
your purpose; turned my daughter into green; and, in- 190 deed, she is now with the doctor at the deanery, and there married.
Enter Caius.
Cains. Vere is Mistress Page? By gar, I am cozened: I ha' married un gar^on, a boy ; un paysan, by gar, a boy ; it is not Anne Page: by gar, I am cozened. 195
Mrs Page. Why, did you take her in green .'' Caius. Ay, by gar, and 'tis a boy: by gar, I'll raise all Windsor. \Exit.
Ford. This is strange. Who hath got the right Anne t Page. My heart misgives me: — here comes Master 200 Fenton.
t
Enter Fenton and Anne Page, i
How now, Master Fenton !
Anne. Pardon, good father! good my mother, pardon!
Page. Now, mistress, how chance you went not with Master Slender.-* 205
Mrs Page. Why went you not with master do6lor, maid .-*
Pent. You do amaze her: hear the truth of it. You would have married her most shamefully, Where there was no proportion held in love. The truth is, she and I, long since contra6led, 210
Are now so sure that nothing can dissolve us. The offence is holy that she hath committed ; And this deceit loses the name of craft, Of disobedience, or unduteous title;
Since therein she doth evitate and shun . 215
A thousand irreligious cursed hours. Which forced marriage would have brought upon her.
Ford. Stand not amazed; here is no remedy:
190, 196. .^r,?^«] Pope. whiieYiCl^. un paysati] Capell. oon pc-
190. /;//<)]/« Q3. santYiCl^.
193. Scene VII. Tope. bo)f\ hoe Y ^Y ^Y ^.
194. un gar^oitl Capell. oon gar- 196. did yoii'\ did von not Rowe. soon F, Q3. one garsoon Y^ F3 F4. 1 1 4. ////,.] ^aic Collier MS.
SCENE v.] OF WINDSOR. 251
In love the heavens themselves do guide the state;
Money buys lands, and wives are sold by fate. 220
Fal. I am glad, though you have ta'en a special stand to strike at me, that your arrow hath glanced.
Page. Well, what remedy.? Fenton, heaven give thee joy! What cannot be eschew'd must be embraced. 225
Fal. When night-dogs run, all sorts of deer are chased.
Mrs Page. Well, I will muse no further. Master Fenton, Heaven give you many, many merry days! Good husband, let us every one go home,
And laugh this sport o'er by a country fire; 230
Sir John and all.
Ford. Let it be so. Sir John,
To Master Brook you yet shall hold your word ; For he to-night shall lie with Mistress Ford, \Excunt.
225. After this line Pope, followed and eat plums at your wedding. by Theobald, inserts from Q1Q2: "231. Let it be so. Sir John ^ Let
Evans [aside to Fenton] / ivill dance it be so {Sir John :) Ff Q3.
].'
NOTES.
Note I.
I. I. 41. Master Page is called 'George' in three places, ll. i. 135 and 143, and v. 5. 189, but we have left the text of the Folios uncor- recfled, as the mistake may have been Shakespeare's own. It is how- ever possible that a transcriber or printer may have mistaken ' Geo.' for ' Tho.'
In I. 3. 89, 90, on the other hand, we have not hesitated to corre(fl the reading of the Folio, substituting 'Page' for 'Ford,' and 'Ford' for ' Page,' because, as the early Quartos have the names right, it seems likely that the blunder was 7iot due to Shakespeare.
Note II.
I. 1.49. Here again, as in line 40, F2F3F4 read 'good,' F1Q3 ' goot,' but we have not thought it necessary to do more than give a specimen of such variations. Capell, in order to make Dr Caius's broken English consistent with itself, corre(fls it throughout and sub- stitutes 'de' for 'the,' 'vill' for 'will,' and so forth. As a general rule, we have silently followed the first Folio.
Note III.
I. I. 114. With regard to this and other passages which Pope, Theobald, Malone, &c. have inserted from the early Quartos, our rule has been to introduce, between brackets, such, and such only, as seemed to be absolutely essential to the understanding of the text, taking care to give in the note all those which we have rejecfled.
2 54 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
The fa6l that so many omissions can be supphed from such mutilated copies as the early Quartos, indicates that there may be many more omissions for the dete<flion of which we have no clue. The text of the Merry Wives given in Fj was probably printed from a carelessly written copy of the author's MS.
Note IV.
I. 3. 96. Perhaps, as in the Two Gentlemeii of Verona, in. i. 315, and other passages, some of which are mentioned by Sidney Walker in his ' Criticisms,' Vol. ll. p. 13 sqq., this vexed passage may be emended by supplying a word. We venture to suggest ' the revolt of mine anger is dangerous.' The recurrence of the same letters anger in the word 'dangerous,' might mislead the printer's eye and cause the omission.
Note V.
II. I. 5. In the copy of Johnson's Edition, which belongs to Emmanuel College, there is a MS. note of Dr Farmer's referring to Sonnet CXLVll. in support of the conjedure 'physician' for 'precisian:' we find there
'My reason, the physician to my love,' iS:c.
Note VI.
II. I. 194, 196. Here again we have followed the early Quartos in reading ' Brook' instead of ' Broome,' the name given by Ff Q3. That the former was the original name is proved by the jest in li. 2. 136, where the Folios make sheer nonsense.
Mr Halliwell suggests that the following lines, iv. 4. 75, 76,
' Nay I 'II to him again in name of Broome ; He'll tell me all his purpose: sure he'll come,'
were intended to rhyme and therefore favour the later reading. But in this scene there are no rhyming lines except the couplet at the end.
On the whole, it seems likely that the name was altered in the stage copies at the instance of some person of the name of Brook living at Windsor, who had sufficient acquaintance with the players, or interest with their patrons, to get it done.
NOTES. 255
Note VII.
III. I. 74. 78. Mr Staunton is unquestionably right in supposing that one part of Evans's speech is spoken aside to his opponent, and the other part aloud. It is impossible else to account for the sudden change of tone. It might have been conjecflured that, being a parson, he wished to appear peacefully minded, and therefore made his offers of reconciliation aloud and his menaces in an under tone, but Caius's reply shews that it was the threat which had been made aloud. Evans's valour, it would seem, had already evaporated when he had 'a great dispositions to cry' (ill. i. 20) and, besides, he had just begun to see that he was being made a laughing-stock. As his former speech (74) 7^,) is also conciliatory, it was probably spoken so as to be heard by Caius only. He wished to keep up his credit for courage in the eyes of the bystanders. In the corresponding scene of the first Quartos we have the words ' Hark van urd in your ear,' and the meaning of the text may have been obscured by some omission in the Folio.
Note VIII.
IV. 4. 41. No doubt there is an omission here in the Folio, which may be partly supplied from the Quarto. But it is probable that Mrs Ford gave a still fuller explanation of her device and the grounds on which the disguise was recommended to Falstafif, otherwise Page would not have been so confident of his falling into the snare.
Note IX.
IV. 5. 49. In the edition of 1778 Steevens reads 'Ay, sir Tike, like'... but it is clear from Farmer's note that it should be 'Ay, sir Tike,'. . . and so it is correcfled in the later Editions of Steevens. In the Edition annotated by Farmer, mentioned in note v., we find another conjeflure of his: '-Ay, sir, if you like,'... or it may have been 'Ay, sir, an you like,' for the word preceding 'you' has been cut away by the binder.
Note X.
The stage diredion of the early Quartos is: Efiter Sir Hugh like a Satyre, and boycs drest like Fayries, Mistresse Quickly, like the Queene of Fayries; they sing a song about hivi and afterward speake.
256 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
The Folio enumerates at the commencement of the scene all who take part in it, moXxidrng Anfie Page, Fairies, Qitickly and Pistol, and in this place has merely Enter Fairies. Malone introduced Anne Page as the Fairy Queen, and at the end, with waxen tapers on their heads. He however still assigned the speeches 35 — 39, 53 — 74, 82 — 85, and 88 — 90 to Qitickly. Recent Editors have generally given them to Anne, on the ground that it is proved by iv. 6. 20 and V. 3. 11, 12, that she was to 'present the Fairy Queen/ and that the chara6ler of the speeches is unsuitable to Mrs Quickly. It has been argued, too, that the Qui. of the fohos, line 35, maybe a misprint for Qu., i. e. Queen. This however is contradicfled by the fadl that Mrs Quickly plays the Queen in the early Quartos, and that the recur- rence of Qui., line 88, proves that the printer of the first Folio used either Qui. or Qu. indifferently as the abbreviation of Quickly.
Most likely, in this and other respecfls the play was altered by its author, but the stage MSS. were not correcTled throughout with suffi- cient care. This will account for the mistake about the colours 'green' and 'white' in the final scene, lines 186, 190, 196.
Or we may suppose Mrs Quickly to have agreed to take Anne's part in order to facilitate her escape with Fenton.
A
Pleasant Conceited Comediej
of
Syr lohn Falstaj^e,
and
the merry Wiues of Windsor.
Enter hist ice Shallow, Syr Hugh, Maister Page, and Slender.
Shal. Nere talke to me, He make a star-chamber matter of it. The Councell shall know it.
Page. Nay good maister Shallow be perswaded by mee.
Slen. Nay surely my vncle shall not put it vp so.
Sir Hu. Wil you not heare reasons M. Slenders? 5
You should heare reasons.
Shal. Tho he be a knight, he shall not thinke to carrie it so away. M. Page I will not be wronged. For you Syr, I loue you, 'and for my cousen, He comes to looke vpon your daughter. 10
Pa. And heres my hand, and if my daughter Like him so well as I, wee'l quickly haue it a match: In the meane time let me entreate you to soiourne Here a while. And on my life He vndertake To make you friends. 15
Sir Hu. I pray you M. Shallowes let it be so. The matter is pud to arbitarments. The first man is M. Page, videlicet M. Page. The second is my selfe, videlicet my selfe. The third and last man, is mine host of the gartyr. 20
Enter Syr lohn Falstafife, Pistoll, Bardolfe, and Nim.
Heere is sir lohn himselfe now, looke you.
Fal. Now M. Shallow, youle complaine of me to the Councell, I heare ?
Shal. Sir lohn, sir lohn, you haue hurt my keeper,
VOL. I. S
2 58 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
Kild my dogs, stolne my deere. [Sc.
jFa/. But not kissed your keepers daughter.
S/m/. Well this shall be answered.
Pa/. He answere it strait. I haue done all this. This is now answred.
S/ta/. Well, the Councell shall know it. jo
I^a/. Twere better for you twere knowne in counsell, Youle be laught at.
S/r Hugh. Good vrdes sir lohii, good vrdes.
Fal. Good vrdes, good Cabidge. Slender I brake your head, , -
What matter haue you against mee?
Slen. I haue matter in my head against you and your cogging companions, Pistoll and Nyi)i. They carried mee to the Tauerne, and made mee drunke, and afterward picked my pocket.
Fal. What say you to this Pistoll., did you picke Maister Sletiders 40 purse Pistoll?
Slen. I by this handkercher did he. Two faire shouell boord shil- lings, besides seuen groats in mill sixpences.
Fal. What say you to this Pistoll?
Pist. Sir lo/ui, and Maister mine, I combat craue 45
Of this same laten bilbo. I do retort the lie Euen in thy gorge, thy gorge, thy gorge.
Sle?i. By this light it was he then.
Nyin. Syr my honor is not for many words. But if you run bace humors of me, -_ ■
I will say mary trap. And there's the humor of it.
Fal. You heare these matters denide gentlemen, You heare it.
Enter Mistresse Foord, Mistresse Page, a7id her daughter Anne.
Pa. No more now, I thinke it be almost dinner time, 55
For my wife is come to meete vs.
Fal. Mistresse Foord, I think your name is. If I mistake not.
Syr lohn kisses her.
Mis. Ford. Your mistake sir is nothing but in the Mistresse. But my husbands name is Foord sir. 60
Fal. I shall desire your more acquaintance. The like of you good misteris Page.
Mis. Pa. With all my hart sir lohn. Come husband will you goe ? Dinner staies for vs. g.
Pa. With all my hart, come along Gentlemen.
Exit all, but Slender and Mistresse Anne.
2S. siraii] straight Halliwell.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 259
Amie. Now forsooth why do you stay me ? [Sc. I.]
What would you with me ?
Slcji. Nay for my owne part, I would litle or nothing with you. I loue you well, and my vncle can tell you how my liuing stands. 7° And if you can loue me why so. If not, why then happie man be his dole.
Ati. You say well M. Slender. But first you must giue me leaue to
Be acquainted with your humor, 75
And afterward to loue you if I can.
Slen. Why by God, there's neuer a man in christendome can desire more. What haue you beares in your Towne mistresse Anne, your dogs barke so ?
An. I cannot tell M. Slende}', I think there be. 80
Slen. Ha how say you ? I warrant your afeard of a Beare let loose, are you not ?
An. Yes trust me.
Slen. Now that's meate and drinke to me, lie run yon to a beare, and take her by the mussell, 85
You neuer saw the like. But indeed I cannot blame you. For they are maruellous rough things.
Anne. Will yo go into dinner M. Slendor? The meate stales for you. 90
Slen. No faith not I. I thanke you, I cannot abide the smell of hot meate Nere since I broke my shin. He tel you how it came By my troth. A Fencer and I plaid three venies
For a dish of stewd prunes, and I with my ward 95
Defending my head, he hot my shin. Yes faith.
Enter Maister Page.
Pa. Come, come Maister Slender, dinner stales for you.
Slen. I can eate no meate, I thanke you.
Pa. You shall not choose I say.
Slen. He follow you sir, pray leade the way. lOO
Nay be God misteris Anne, you shall goe first, I haue more manners then so, I hope.
An. Well sir, I will not be troublesome.
Exit ovDtes.
Enter Sir Hugh and Simple, from dinner. [Sc. 11.]
Sir Hu. Hark you Simple, pray you beare this letter to docftor Cay us house, the French Doiflor. He is twell vp along the street, and enquire of his house for one mistris Quickly, his woman, or his try
85. ypn\ om.
S 2
2 6o A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
nurse, and deliuer this Letter to her, it tis about Maister Slender. [Sc. li Looke you, will you do it now ] 5
Sim. I warrant you sir.
Sir Hu. Pray you do, I must not be absent at the grace. I will goe make an end of my dinner, There is pepions and cheese behinde,
Ex'it omnes.
Enter Sir lohn Falstaffes Host of the Garter, Nym, Bardolfe, Pistoll, [Sc. I
and the Boy.
Fal. Mine Host of the Garter. Host. What ses my bully Rooke ? Speake schollerly and wisely.
Fal. Mine Host, I must turne away some of my followers. Host. Discard bully, Hercules cassire. S
Let them wag, trot, trot.
Fal. I sit at ten pound a weeke.
Host. Thou art an Emperor Ccesar, Phesser and Kesar bully. •
He entertaine Bardolfe. He shall tap, he shall draw.
Said I well, bully Heaor? lo-
Fal. Do good mine Host.
Host. I haue spoke. Let him follow. Ba?-dolfe Let me see thee froth, and lyme. I am at
A word. Follow, follow. |
Exit Host. Fal. Do ^«r(/i9^, a Tapster is a good trade, 15
An old cloake will make a new lerkin, A withered seruingman, a fresh Tapster: Follow him Bardolfe.
Bar. I will sir. He warrant you He make a good shift to hue.
Exit Bardolfe.
Pis. O bace gongarian wight, wilt tliou the spicket willd ? -O
Nym. His minde is not heroick. And theres the humor of it. Fal. Well my Laddes, I am almost out at the hcclcs. Pis. Why then let cybes insuc. Nym. I thanke thee for that liunior.
Fal. Well I am glad I am so rid of this tinder Boy. -5
His stealth was too open, his filching was like An vnskilfull singer, he kept not time.
Nym. The good humour is to stcalc at a minutes rest. Pis. Tis so indeed Aym, thou hast hit it right.
Fal. Wei, afore God, I must cheat, I must conycatch. 30
Which of you knowes Foord of this Townc ?
Pis. I ken the wight, he is of substance good. Fal. Well my honest Lads, He tell you what I am about.
I
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 261
Pis. Two yards and more. [Sc. ill.]
Fal. No gibes now Pistoll: indeed I am two yards In the wast, but now I am about no wast : Briefly, I am about thrift you rogues you, I do intend to make loue to Foords wife,
I espie entertainment in her. She carues, she 40
Discourses. She giues the lyre of inuitation. And euery part to be constured rightly is, I am Syr lohn Falstaffes.
Pis. Hee hath studied her well, out of honestie Into English. 45
Fal. Now the report goes, she hath all the rule Of her husbands purse. She hath legians of angels.
Pis. As many diuels attend her. And to her boy say I.
Fal. Heree's a Letter to her. Heeres another to misteris Page. 50 Who euen now gaue me good eies too, examined my exteriors with such a greedy intention, with the beames of her beautie, that it seemed as she would a scorged me vp like a burning glasse. Here is another Letter to her, shee beares the purse too. They shall be Excheckers to me, and He be cheaters to them both. They shall be my East 55 and West Indies, and He trade to them both. Heere beare thou this Letter to mistresse Foord. And thou this to mistresse Page, Weele thriue Lads, we will thriue.
Pist. Shall I sir Panderowes of Troy become ] And by my sword were Steele. 60
Then Lucifer take all.
Nyin. Here, take your humor Letter againe. For my part, I will keepe the hauior Of reputation. And theres the humor of it.
Fal. Here sirrha beare me these Letters titely, 65
Saile like my pinnice to the golden shores : Hence slaues, avant. Vanish like hailstones, goe. Falstaffe will learne the humor of this age, French thrift you rogue, my selfe and scirted Page.
Exit Falstaffe, and the Boy.
Pis. And art thou gone ? Teaster He haue in pouch 70
When thou shalt want, bace Phrygian Turke,
Ny7n. I haue operations in my head, which are humors of reuenge.
Pis. Wilt thou reuenge ?
Nym. By Welkin and her Fairies. 75
Pis. By wit, or sword?
Nym. With both the humors I will disclose this loue to Page. He poses him with lallowes,
60. wereX we are.
2 62 A PLEASANT COME BY OF
And theres the humor of it. \pC.
Pis. And I to Foord will likewise tell So
How Falstaffe varlot vilde, Would haue her loue, his doue would proue, And eke his bed defile.
Nym. Let vs about it then.
Pis. He second thee : sir Corporall Nym troope on. 85
Exit omnes.
Etiter Mistirsse (^\cW\', and Z\-m^\Q. _ [Sc.
Quic. M. Slender is your masters name say you ? Sim. I indeed that is his name.
Qjiic. How say you ? I take it hee is somewhat a weakly man : And he has as it were a whay coloured beard.
Sim. Indeed my maisters beard is kane colored. 5
Quic. Kane colour, you say well. And is this Letter from sir Yon, about misteris An, Is it not ?
Sim. I indeed is it.
Quic. So : and your Maister would haue me as it twere to speak 10 to misteris Anne concerning him: I promise you my M. hath a great affe(flioncd mind to mistresse Anne himselfe. And if he should know that I should as they say, giue my verdit for any one but himselfe, I should heare of it throughly : For I tell you friend, he puts all his pri- uities in mc. ^5
Sim. I by my faith you are a good staie to him. Quic. Am I ? I and you knew all yowd say so : Washing, brewing, baking, al goes through my hands, Or else it would be but a woe house.
Sim. I bcshrow me, one woman to do all this, -o
Is very painfull.
Quic. Are you auised of that ? I, I warrant you. Take all, and paic all, all goe through my hands, And he is such a honest man, and he should chance
To come home and finde a man here, we should 25
Haue no who with him. He is a parlowes man. Sim. Is he indeed ?
Quic. /s he, quoth you ? God kcepe him abroad: Lord blesse me, who knocks there \ For Gods sake step into the Counting-house, 3°
While / go see whose at doore.
He steps into the Counting-house. What lohn Rugby, lohn,
Are you come home sir alreadie ?
And she opens the doorc.
24. and\ if. 26. Tt'/io] hoc.
31. doorc\ tlie doore.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 263
Dod. /begar /be forget mine oyntment, [Sc. IV.]
Where be lohn Rugby? 35
Enter lohn.
Rug. Here sir, do you call \
Do£l. I you be lohn Riigbie, and you be lack Rugby Goe run vp met your heeles, and bring away De oyntment in the vindoe present :
Make haste lohn Riigbie. O / am almost forget 4°
My simples in a boxe in de Counting-house : O /eshu vat be here, a deuella, a deuella ? My Rapier lohn Rugby, Vat be you, vat make You in my Counting-house ? / tinck you be a teefe. 45
Quic. /eshu blesse me, we are all vndone.
Sim. O Lord sir no : / am no theefe, / am a Seruingman :
My name is lohn Simple, I brought a Letter sir
From my M. Slender, about misteris Anne Page 50
Sir: /ndeed that is my comming.
Do^. I begar is dat all ? lohn Rugby giue a ma pen An /nek : tarche vn pettit tarche a little.
The Do£lor writes.
Sim. O God what a furious man is this 1
Quic. Nay it is well he is no worse : 55
/ am glad he is so quiet.
Doc. Here giue that same to sir Hu, it ber ve chalenge Begar tell him / will cut his nase, will you I
Sim. I sir, /le tell him so.
Doc. Dat be veil, my rapier lohn Rugby, follow may. 60
Exit Do£lor.
Quic. Well my friend, / cannot tarry, tell your Maister /le doo what / can for him, And so farewell.
Sim. Marry will /, / am glad / am got hence.
Exit omnes.
Enter Mistresse Page, reading of a Letter. [Sc. v.]
Mis. Pa. Mistresse Vage I loue you. Ask me no reason, Because theyr impossible to alledge. Your faire, And / am fat. You loue sack, so do /: As / am sure / haue no mind but to loue,
So / know you haue no hart but to grant 5
A souldier doth not vse many words where a knowes A letter may serue for a sentence. / loue you,
5. sra7if\ grant. Halliwell.
264 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
And so /leaue you. [Sc.
Yours Syr John Falstaffc. Now leshu blesse me, am I methomorphised ? 10
I think I knowe not my selfe. Why what a Gods name doth this man see in me, that thus he shootes at my honestie ? Well but that I knowe my owne heart, I should scarcely perswade my selfe I were hand. Why what an vnreasonable woolsack is this. He was neuer twice in my companie, and if then I thought I gaue such assurance 15 with my eies, Ide pull them out, they should neuer see more holie daies. Well, 1 shall trust fat men the worse while I hue for his sake.
0 God, that I knew how to be reuenged of him. But in good time, heeres mistresse Foord.
Enter Mistresse Foord.
Mis. For. How now mistris Page, are you are reading Loue let- 20 ters ? How do you woman ?
Mis. Pa. O woman I am 1 know not what : In loue vp to the hard eares. I was neuer in such a case in my life.
Mis. Ford. In loue, now in the name of God with whom \
Mis. Pa. With one that sweares he loues me, And I must not choose but do the like againe :
1 prethie looke on that Letter.
Mis. For. He match your letter iust with the like, Line for line, word for word. Onely the name
Of misteris Page, and misteris Foord disagrees : 30
Do me the kindnes to looke vpon this.
Mis. Pa. Why this is right my letter. O most notorious villaine ! Why what a bladder of iniquity is this ? Lets be reuenged what so ere we do. 3-
Mis. For. Reuenged, if we liue weel be reuenged. O Lord if my husband should see this Letter, Ifaith this would euen giue edge to his lealousie.
Enter Ford, Page, Pistoll, and Nym.
Mis. Pa. See where our husbands arc. Mine's as far from lealousie, 40
As I am from wronging him.
Pis. Ford the words I speake are forst : Beware, take heed, for Falstaffc loues thy wife : When Pistoll lies do this.
Ford. Why sir my wife is not young. 45
Pis. He wooes both yong and old, both rich and poore. None comes amis. I say he loues thy wife:
15. twice] but twice. 31. kindncs\ kindness Halliwell.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 265,
Faire warning did I giue, take heed, [Sc. v.]
For sommer comes, and cuckoo birds appeare ;
Page belieue him what he ses. Away sir Corporal Nym. 5°
Exit Pistoll:
Nym. Syr the humor of it is, he loues your wife, I should ha borne the humor Letter to her : I speake and I auouch tis true: My name is Nym. Farwell, I loue not the humor of bread and cheese : And theres the humor of it. Exit Nym. 55
Pa. The humor of it, quoth you : Heres a fellow frites humor out of his wits.
Alis. Pa. How now sweet hart, how dost thou ?
Enter Mistrcsse Quickly.
Pa. How now man ? how do you mistris Ford?
Mis. For. Well I thanke you good M. Page. 60
How now husband, how chaunce thou art so melancholy?
Ford. Melancholy, I am not melancholy. Goe get you in, goe.
Mis. For. God saue me, see who yonder is : Weele set her a worke in this businesse. 65
Mis Pa. O sheele serue excellent. Now you come to see my daughter An\ am sure.
Qiiic. I forsooth that is my comming.
Mis. Pa. Come go in with me. Come Mis. Ford.
Mis. For. I follow you Mistresse Page. 70
Exit Mistrcsse Ford, Mis. Page, and Quickly.
For. M. Page did you heare what these fellows said?
Pa. Yes M. Ford, what of that sir 1
For. Do you thinke it is true that they told vs .''
Pa. No by my troth do I not, I rather take them to be paltry lying knaues, 75
Such as rather speakes of enuie. Then of any certaine they haue Of any thing. And for the knight, perhaps He hath spoke merrily, as the fashion of fat men
Are : But should he loue my wife, 80
I faith Ide turne her loose to him: And what he got more of her, Then ill lookes, and shrowd words, Why let me beare the penaltie of it.
For. Nay I do not mistrust my wife, 85
Yet Ide be loth to turne them together, A man may be too confident.
61. Melciucholy^\ melancholy. '^2\\\'ne.\\.
2 66 A PLEASANT COME BY OF
Enter Host and Shallow. [Sc. V.
Pa. Here comes my ramping host of the garter, '
Ther's either hcker in his hed, or mony in his purse, *
That he lookes so merily. Now mine Host ? 9°
Host. God blesse you my bully rookes, God blesse you. Caualera Justice I say.
Shal. At hand mine host, at hand. M. Ford, god den to you God den and twentie good M. Page. I tell you sir we haue sport in hand. 95
Host. Tell him cauelira Justice: tell him bully rooke.
Ford. Mine Host a the garter:
Host. What ses my bully rooke ?
Ford. A word with you sir, |
Ford and the Host talkes. |
Shal. Harke you sir, He tell you what the sport shall be loo
Do(flor Cay lis and sir Hii are to fight, My merrie Host hath had the measuring Of their weapons, and hath Appointed them contrary places. Harke in your eare :
Host: Hast thou no shute against my knight, 105
My guest, my cauellira.
Fo}'. None I protest : But tell him my name Is Rrooke, onlie for a lest.
Host: Thy hand bully : thou shalt Haue egres and regres, and thy no
Name shall be Brooke: Scd I well bully Hecflor?
Shal. I tell you what M. Page, I beleeue The Doctor is no lester, heele laie it on : For tho we be Justices and DocSlors,
And Church men, yet we are 1 1 5
The sonnes of women M. Page:
Pa: True maister Shallow:
Shal: Jt will be found so maister Page:
Pa. Maister Shallow, you your selfe Haue bene a great fighter, 1 20
Though now a man of peace :
Shal: M. Vage, I Jiaue scene the day that yong Tall fellowes with their stroke and their passado, I haue made them trudge Maister Vage,
A tis the hart, the hart doth all: I 1 25
Haue scene the day, with my two hand sword I would a made you foure tall Fencers Scipped like Rattes.
Host. Here boyes, shall we wag, shall we wag.''
93. to you'll' e. T08. Rrooke] Brooke.
I
I f
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 267
Shal. Ha with you mine host. [Sc. v.]
Exit Host and Shallow.
Pa. Come M. Ford, shall we to dinner ? I know these fellowes sticks in your minde.
For. No in good sadnesse, not in mine: Yet for all this lie try it further,
I will not leaue it so: 135
Come M. Vage, shall we to dinner ?
Page. With all my hart sir, /le follow you.
Exit omnes.
Enter Syr lohn, and Pistoll. [Sc. VI.]
Fal. /le not lend thee a peny.
Pis. I will retort the sum in equipage.
Fal. Not a pennie: /haue beene content you shuld lay my coun- tenance to pawne : / haue grated vpon my good friends for 3 repriues, for you and your Coach-fellow Aym, else you might a looked thorow 5 a grate like a geminy of babones. I am damned in hell for swearing to Gentlemen your good souldiers and tall fellowes : and when mis- trisse Briget lost the handle of her Fan, I tooked on my ho- thou hadst it not.
Pis. Didst thou not share .-' hadst thou not fifteene pence? 10
Fal. Reason you rogue, reason. Doest thou thinke /le indanger my soule gratis ?
In briefe, hang no more about mee, I am no gybit for you. A short knife and a throng to your manner of pickt hatch, goe. Youle not beare a Letter for me you rogue you : you stand vpon your honor. 1 5 Why thou vnconfinable basenesse thou, tis as much as I can do to keepe the termes of my honor precise. I, I my selfe sometimes, leau- ing the feare of God on the left hand, am faine to shuffel, to filch and to lurch. And yet you stand vpon your honor, you rogue. You, you. 20
Pis. I do recant : what woulst thou more of man ?
Fal. Well, gotoo, away, no more.
Enter Mistresse Quickly.
Qiiic. Good you god den sir.
Fal. Good den faire wife.
Quic. Not so ant like your worship. ge;
Fal. Faire mayd then.
Quic. That I am He be sworne, as my mother was The first houre I was borne. Sir I would speake with you in priuate.
Fal. Say on I prethy, heeres none but my owne houshold. 30
7. mistrisse\ misircsse Halliwell. 8. ^<7-] honesty.
13. /I] /Halliwell.
2 68 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
Quic. Are they so ? Now God blesse them, and make them his [Sc, seruants. Syr I come from Mistresse Foord.
Fal. So from Mistresse Foord. Goe on.
Quic. I sir, she hath sent me to you to let you 35
Vnderstand she hath receiued your Letter, And let me tell you, she is one stands vpon her credit.
Fal. Well, come Misteris Ford, Misteris Ford.
Quic. I sir, and as they say, she is not the first Hath bene led in a fooles paradice. 40
Fal. Nay prethy be briefe my good she Mercury.
Quic. Mary sir, sheed haue you meet her betweene eight and nine.
Fal. So betweene eight and nine :
Qu. I forsooth, for then her husband goes a birding, 45
Fal. Well commend me to thy mistris, tel her I will not faile her : Boy giue her my purse.
Qtiic. Nay sir I haue another arant to do to you From misteris Page:
Fal. From misteris Page ? I prethy what of her ? 50
Qu. By my troth /think you work by /nchantments, Els they could neuer loue you as they doo:
Fal. Not /, / assure thee ; setting the attraflion of my Good parts aside, / vse no other inchantments :
Quic. Well sir, she loues you extrcemly: i^
And let me tell you, shees one that feares God, And her husband giues her leaue to do all: For he is not halfe so iealousie as M. Ford is.
Fal. But harke thee, hath misteris Page and mistris Ford, Acquainted each other how dearly they loue me ? 60
Quic. O God no sir: there were a iest indeed.
Fal. Well farwel, commend me to misteris Ford, I will not faile her say.
Quic. God be with your worship.
Exit Mistresse Quickly.
Enter Bardolfe.
Bar. Sir, heer's a Gentleman, 65
One M. Brooke, would speak with you, He hath sent you a cup of sacke.
Fal. M. Brooke, hees welcome : bid him come vp, Such Brookes are alwaics welcome to me :
A lack, will thy old bodie yet hold out ? 70
Wilt thou after the expcnce of so much mony
37. kt »te] I. 52. they could] could tluy.
stands vpOn\ that stands oh, 58. iealousie] iealous.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 269
Be now a gainer ? Good bodie / thanke thee, [Sc. VI.]
And /le make more of thee then / ha done :
Ha, ha, misteris Ford, and misteris Page, haue
/ caught you a the hip ? go too. 75
Enter Foord disguised like Brooke.
For. God saue you sir.
Fal. And you too, would you speak with me ? For. Mary would / sir, / am somewhat bolde to trouble you. My name is Brooke.
Fal. Good M. Brooke your verie welcome. 80
For. /faith sir / am a gentleman and a traueller. That haue seen somewhat. And / haue often heard That if mony goes before, all waies lie open.
Fal. Mony is a good souldier sir, and will on.
For. /faith sir, and / haue a bag here, 85
Would you wood helpe me to beare it.
Fal. O Lord, would / could tell how to deserue To be your porter.
For. That may you easily sir lohn : I haue an earnest Sute to you. But good sir lolui when I haue 90
Told you my griefe, cast one eie of your owne Estate, since your selfe knew what tis to be Such an offender.
Fal. Verie well sir, proceed.
For. Sir I am deeply in loue with one Fords wife ' 95
Of this Towne. Now sir lohn you are a gentleman Of good discoursing, well beloued among Ladies, A man of such parts that might win 20. such as she. Fal. O good sir.
For. Nay beleeue it sir lohn, for tis time. Now my loue 100
Is so grounded vpon her, that without her loue I shall hardly liue.
Fal Haue you importuned her by any means ? Ford. No neuer sir.
Fal. Of what qualitie is your loue then? 105
Ford. I faith sir, like a faire house set vpon Another mans foundation.
Fal. And to what end haue you vnfolded this to me ? For. O sir, when I haue told you that, I told you all : For she sir stands so pure in the firme state 1 10
Of her honestie, that she is too bright to be looked Against: Now could I come against her With some deteftion, I should sooner perswade her
72. hodie\ booty. 75- « '"''"'] «'''' the.
2 70 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
From her marriage vow, and a hundred such nice [Sc.
Tearmes that sheele stand vpon. 115
Fal. Why would it apply well to the veruensie of your affecflion, That another should possesse what you would enjoy ? Meethinks you prescribe verie proposterously To your selfe.
For. No sir, for by that meanes should I be certaine of that which 120
I now misdoubt.
Fal. Wei M. Brooke, He first make bold with your mony, Next, giue me your hand. Lastly, you shall And you will, enioy Fords wife.
Foord. O'good sir. . i-5
Fal. M. Brooke, I say you shall.
F07: Want no mony syr lohn, you shall want none.
Fal. Want no misteris Ford M. Brooke, You shall want none. Euen as you came to me,
Her spokes mate, her go between parted from me : 130
I may tell you M. Brooke, I am to meet her Betweene 8 and 9, for at that time the lealous Cuckally knaue her husband wil be from home, Come to me soone at night, you shall know how I speed M. Brooke. I35
Ford. Sir do you know Ford?
Fal. Hang him poore cuckally knaue, I know him not, And yet I wrong him to call him poore. For they Say the cuckally knaue hath legions of angels.
For the which his wife seemes to me well fauored, 140
And He vse her as the key of the cuckally knaues Coffer, and there's my randeuowes.
Foord. Meethinkes sir it were good that you knew Ford, that you might shun him.
Fal. Hang him cuckally knaue, He stare him 145
Out of his wits. He keepe him in awe With this my cudgell : It shall hang like a meator Ore the wittolly knaues head, M. Brooke thou shalt See I will predominate ore the peasant,
And thou shalt lie with his wife. M.Brooke 150
Thou shalt know him for knaue and cuckold, Come to me soone at night. Exit Falstaffe.
Ford. What a damned epicurian is this ? IVIy wife hath sent for him, the plot is laid :
Page is an Asse, a foole. A secure Asse, 155
He sooner trust an Irishman with my Aquauita bottle, Sir Hu our parson with my cheese,
124. And'\ I/.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 271
A theefe to walke my ambling gelding, then my wife [Sc. vi.l
With her selfe: then she plots, then she ruminates,
And what she thinkes in her hart she may effecfl, 160
Sheele breake her hart but she will efifecft it.
God be praised, God be praised for my iealousie:
Well lie go preuent him, the time drawes on,
Better an houre too soone. then a minit too late,
Gods my life cuckold, cuckold. Exit Ford. 165
Enter the DoHor and his man. [Sc. Vll.]
Doc. John Rtigbie goe looke met your eies ore de stall, And spie and you can see de parson.
Rug. Sir I cannot tell whether he be there or no, But I see a great many comming.
Doc. Bully moy, mon rapier lohn Rngabie, begar de e
Hearing be not so dead as I shall make him.
Enter Shallow, Page, my Host, and Slender.
Pa. God saue you M. Doctor Cayiis.
Shal. How do you M. Doctor?
Ho. God blesse thee my bully do6lor, God blesse thee,
Don. Vat be all you, Van to tree come for, a '^. 10
Host. Bully to see thee fight, to see thee foine, to see thee tra- uerse, to see thee here, to see thee there, to see thee passe the punto. The stock, the reuerse, the distance : the montnce is a dead my fran- coyes ? Is a dead my Ethiopian? Ha, what ses my gallon? my escuolapis ? Is a dead bullies taile, is a dead? 1^
Do£}. Begar de preest be a coward lack knaue, He dare not shew his face.
Host. Thou art a castallian king vrinall. Hector of Greece my boy.
Sha. He hath showne himselfe the wiser man, M. Dodlor: 20
Sir Hugh is a parson, and you a Phisition. You must Goe with me, M. Docflor.
Host. Pardon bully lustice. A word monsire mockwater.
Don. Mockwater, vat me dat ?
Host. That is in our English tongue, Vallor bully, vallor. 25
Do£l. Begar den I haue as mockuater as de Inglish lack dog, knaue.
Host. He will claperclaw thee titely bully.
Don. Claperclawe, vat be dat ?
Host. That is, he will make thee amends. 30
Do£l. Begar I do looke he shal claperclaw me den, And He prouoke him to do it, or let him wag:
84. fne\ be.
2 72 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
And moreouer bully, but M. Page and M. Shallow, [Sc.
And eke cauellira Slender, go you all ouer the fields to Frogmore ?
Pa. Sir Hugh is there, is hee? 35
Host. He is there: go see what humor hee is in, He bring the Do(flor about by the fields : Will it do well?
Shal. We wil do it my host. Farewel M. Do6lor.
Exit all but the Host and Doflor.
Doc. Begar I will kill de cowardly lack preest, 40
He is make a foole of moy.
Host. Let him die, but first sheth your impatience, Throw cold water on your collor, com go with me Through the fields to Frog>?ioir, and He bring thee
Where mistris Att Page is a feasting at a farm house, 45
And thou shalt wear hir cried game : sed I wel bully
Do^. Begar excellent vel: and if you speake pour moy, I shall procure you de gesse of all de gentlemen mon patinces. I begar / sail.
Host. For the which He be thy aduersary , 50
To misteris An Page: sed /well ?
Do^. I begar excellent.
Host. Let vs wag then.
Do^. Alon, alon, alon. ' Exit omnes.
Enter syr Hugh and Simple. [Sc.
Sir Hu. I pray you do so much as see if you can espie Doflor Cayus comming, and giue me intelligence, Or bring me vrde if you please now.
Sim. /will sir.
Sir Hu. /eshu pies mee, how my hart trobes, and trobcs, 5
And then she made him bedes of Roses, And a thousand fragrant poses. To shallow riueres. Now so kad vdge me, my hart Swelles more and more. Mee thinks / can cry
Verie well. There dwelt a man in Babylon, 1 o
To shallow riuers and to falles, Melodious birds sing Madrigalles.
Sim. Sir here is M. Page, and M. Shallow, Comming hither as fast as they can.
Sir Hu. Then it is verie necessary /put vp my sword, 1 5
Pray give me my cowne too, marke you.
Enter Page, shallow, and Slender. Pa. God saue you sir Hugh.
45- c /easting] /easting. 46. ^«//j'] /'«//>'• Halliwell.
48. gesse] guests, patinces] patients.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 273
Shal. God saue you M. parson. [Sc. viii.]
Sir Hn. God plesse you all from his mercies sake now.
Pa. What the word and the sword, doth that agree well ? 20
Sir Hu. There is reasons and causes in all things, / warrant you now.
Pa. Well sir Hugh, we are come to craue Your helpe and furtherance in a matter.
Sir Hu. What is / pray you ? 25
Pa. /faith tis this sir Hugh. There is an auncient friend of ours, a man of verie good sort, so at oddes with one patience, that / am sure you would hartily grieue to see him. Now sir Hugh, you are a scholler well red, and verie perswasiue, we would intreate you to see if you could intreat him to patience. 3°
Sir Hu. I pray you who is it ? Let vs know that.
Pa. I am shure you know him, tis Doftor Cayus.
Sir Hu. I had as leeue you should tel me of a messe of poredge. He is an arant lowsie beggerly knaue: 35
And he is a coward beside.
Pa. Why He laie my life tis the man That he should fight withall.
Enter DoHor and the Host, they offer tojight.
Shal. Keep them asunder, take away their weapons.
Host. Disarme, let them question. 40
Shal. Let them keepe their limbs hole, and hack our English.
Do^. Harke van vrd in your eare. You be vn daga And de /ack, coward preest.
Sir Hu. Harke you, let vs not be laughing stockes to other mens humors. By leshu / will knock your vrinalls about your knaues cock- 45 comes, for missing your meetings and appointments.
Do£l. O leshu mine host of de garter, lohn Rogoby, Haue / not met him at de place he make apoint, Haue I not?
Sir Hu. So kad vdge me, this is the pointment place, 50
Witnes by my Host of the garter.
Host. Peace I say gawle and gawlia, Freneh and Wealch, Soule curer and bodie curer.
Doc. This be verie braue, excellent.
Host. Peace / say, heare mine host of the garter, 55
Am / wise ? am I polliticke ? am / Matchauil ? Shal / lose my dodor ? No, he giues me the motions And the potions. Shal / lose my parson, my sir Hu ? No, he giues me the prouerbes, and the nouerbes:
Giue me thy hand terestiall, 60
So giue me thy hand celestiall :
VOL. L T
2 74 ^ PLEASANT COMEDY OF
So boyes of art I haue deceiued you both, [Sc.
I haue direcfled you to wrong places,
Your hearts are mightie, you skins are whole,
Bardolfe laie their swords to pawne. Follow me lads ^5
Of peace, follow me. Ha, ra, la. Follow. Exit Host.
Skill. Afore God a mad host, come let vs goe.
Doz. I begar haue you mocka may thus ? I will be euen met you my lack Host.
Sir Hugh. Giue me your hand do(flor Cayiis, 70
We be all friends : But for mine hosts foolish knauery, let me alone.
Doc. I dat be veil begar / be friends. {Exit omnes
[S(
Enter M. Foord.
For. The time drawes on he shuld come to my house, Well wife, you had best worke closely. Or /am like to goe beyond your cunning: I now wil seeke my guesse that comes to dinner, And in good time see where they all are come.
Enter Shallotu, Page, host, Slender, DoHor, and sir Hugh.
By my faith a knot well met : your welcome all.
Pa. I thanke you good M. Ford.
For. Welcome good M. Page, I would your daughter were here.
Pa. I thank you sir, she is very well at home. 10
S/6'«. Father Page I hope I haue your consent For Misteris Anne?
Pa. You haue sonne Slender, but my wife here, Is altogether for maister Docflor.
Doc. Begar I tanck her hartily. 15
Host. But what say you to yong Maister Fenton ? He capers, he daunces, he writes verses, he smelles All April and May: he wil cary it, he wil carit, Tis in his betmcs he wil carite.
Pa. My host not with my consent : the gentleman is 20
Wilde, he knowes too much : If he take her, Let him take her simply : for my goods goes With my liking, and my liking goes not that way.
For. Well, I pray go home with me to dinner: Besides your cheare He shew you wonders: lie 25
Shew you a monster. You shall go with me M. Page, and so shall you sir Wugh, and you Maister Docflor.
S. H«. If there be one in the company, I shal make two:
Doc. And dcre be vcn to, I sail make de tird :
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 275
Sir Hii, In your teeth for shame, [Sc. IX.]
Shal: wel, wel, God be with you, we shall haue the fairer Wooing at Maister Vages: Exit Shallow and Slender.
Host. He to my honest knight sir lohfi Falstaffe^ And drinke Canary with him. Exit host.
For. I may chance to make him drinke in pipe wine, 35
First come gentlemen. Exit oinnes-
0^
Ejiter Mistrcssc Ford., with two of her men, and a great buck busket. [Sc. x.]
Mis. For. Sirrha, if your M. aske you whither You carry this basket, say to the Launderers, I hope you know how to bestow it .''
Ser. I warrant you misteris. Exit scrnant.
Mis. For. Go get you in. Well sir lohn, 5
I beleeue I shall serue you such a trick, You shall haue little mind to come againe.
Enter Sir John.
Fal. Haue I caught my heauenlie lewel ? Why now let me die. /haue lined long inough,
This is the happie houre /haue desired to see, 10
Now shall I sin in my wish, I would thy husband were dead.
Mis. For. Why how then sir lohn?
Fal. By the Lord, Ide make thee my Ladie.
Mis. For. Alas sir lohn, /should be a verie simple Ladie. IS
Fal. Goe too, I see how thy eie doth emulate the Diamond. And how the arched bent of thy brow Would become the ship tire, the tire vellet, Or anie Venetian attire, I see it.
Mis. For. A plaine kercher sir lohn, would fit me better. 20
Fal. By the Lord thou art a traitor to saie so : .
W^hat made me loue thee ? Let that perswade thee Ther's somewhat extraordinarie in thee : Goe too / loue thee : Mistris Ford, I cannot cog, / cannot prate, like one
Of these fellowes that smels like Bucklers-berie, 25
In simple time, but / loue thee, And none but thee.
Mis. For. Sir lohn, I am afraid you loue misteris Page.
Fal. I thou mightest as well saie I loue to walke by the Counter gate, 3°
Which is as hatefuU to me As the reake of a lime kill.
T 2
276 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
Enter Mistresse Pas:e. [Sc.
•^>
Mis. Pa. Mistresse Ford, Mis. Ford, where are you ?
Mis. For. O Lord step aside good sir lo/in.
Falsi affe stands behind the aras. How now Misteris Page, what's the matter? - 35
Mis. Pa. Why your husband woman is comming, With halfe Windsor at his heeles, To looke for a gentleman, that he ses Is hid in his house : his wifes sweet hart.
Mis. For. Speak louder. But / hope tis not true Misteris Page. 40
Mis. Pa. Tis too true woman. Therefore if you Haue any here, away with him, or your vndone for euer.
Mis. For. Alas mistresse Page, what shall / do ? Here is a gentleman my friend, how shall I do 1
Mis. Pa. Gode body woman, do not stand what shal I do, and 45 what shall / do. Better any shift, rather then you shamed. Looke heere, here's a buck-basket, if hee be a man of any reasonable sise, heele in here.
Mis. For. Alas I feare he is too big.
Tal. Let me see, let me see, He in. He in, 50
Follow your friends counsell.
Mis. Pa. Fie sir John, is this your loue .'' Go too. {Aside.
Fat. I loue thee, and none but thee : Helpe me to conuey me hence, He neuer come here more. 55
Sir lohn goes into the basket, they put cloathes ouer him, the two meji carries it away: Fooi'd meetes it, and all the rest. Page, DoHor, Priest, Slender, Shallow.
Ford. Come pray along, you shall see all. How now who goes heare ? whither goes this ? Whither goes it ? set it downe.
Mis. For. Now let it go, you had best meddle with buck- washing. 60
Ford. Buck, good buck, pray come along, Master Page take my kcyes : hclpc to search. Good Sir Hugh pray come along, helpe a little, a little, He shew you all.
Sir Hu. By leshu these are iealosies and distemperes. 65
Exit 0 nines.
Mis. Pa. He is in a pittifull taking.
Mis. I wonder what he thought When my husband bad them set downe the basket.
Mis. Pa. Hang him dishonest slaue, we cannot vse Him bad inough. This is excellent for your
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. ill
Husbands iealousie. [Sc X.J
Mi. For. Alas poore soule it grieues me at the hart, But this will be a meanes to make him cease His iealous fits, '\{ Falstaffes love increase.
Mis. Pa. Nay we wil send to Falstaffe once again, 75
Tis great pittie we should leaue him : What wiues may be merry, and yet honest too.
Mi. For. Shall we be condemnd because we laugh? Tis old, but true : still sowes eate all the draffe.
Enter all.
Mis. Pa. Here comes your husband, stand aside. So
Yor. I can find no body within, it may be he lied.
Mis Pa. Did you heare that ?
Mis. For. I, I, peace.
For. Well, He not let it go so, yet lie trie further.
S. Hu. By leshu if there be any body in the kitchin 85
Or the cuberts, or the presse, or the buttery, /am an arrant lew: now God plesse me: You serue me well, do you not ?
Pa. Fie M. Yord you are too blame :
Mis. Pa. Ifaith tis not well M. Ford to suspecfl 9°
Her thus without cause.
Doc. No by my trot it be no veil :
Yor. Wei, I pray bear with me, M. Vage pardon me. / suffer for it, / suffer for it :
Sir Hu : You suffer for a bad conscience looke you now : 95
Yard: Well / pray no more, another time /le tell you all : The mean time go dine with me, pardon mc wife, / am sorie ; M. Vagc, pray goe in to dinner, Another time /le tell you all.
'Pa: Wei let it be so, and to morrow I inuite you all loo
To my house to dinner: and in the morning weele A birding, /haue an excellent Hauke for the bush.
Yord: Let it be so : Come M. Yage, come wife ; I pray you come in all, y' are welcome, pray come in.
S/> Hjc By so kad vdgme, M. Yordcs is io5
Not in his right wittes: ^-'^'^^ omiics:
'a'
Enter sir lohn Falstaffe.
Fal: Bardolfe brew me a pottle sack presently :
Bar: With Egges sir ?
Fal: Simply of it selfe, /le none of these pullets sperme
[Sc. XI.] nAd and Baniol/e.
[Sc. XI.]
278 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
In my drink : goe make haste. [Sc
Haue / liued to be carried in a basket 5
And throwne into the Thames like a barow of Butchers offoll. Well, and I be serued such another tricke, lie giue them leaue to take out my braines and butter them, and giue them to a dog for a new-yeares gift. Sblood, the rogues slided me in with as little remorse as if they had gone to drowne a blinde bitches puppies in the litter: and they 10 might know by my sise I haue a kind of alacritie in sinking: and the bottom had bin as deep as hell I should downe. I had bene drowned, but that the shore was sheluie and somewhat shallowe : a death that I abhorre. For you know the water swelles a man : and what a thing should I haue bene when I had bene swelled .'' By the Lord a moun- 1 5 taine of money. Now is the Sacke brewed.''
Bar, I sir, there's a woman below would speake with you.
FaL Bid her come vp. Let me put some Sacke among this cold water, for my belly is as cold as if I had swallowed snow-balles for pilles. 20
Enter Mistresse Quickly.
Now whats the newes with you ?
(2Hic. I come from misteris Yord forsooth.
Fal. Misteris Ford, I haue had Ford inough, */haue bene throwne into the Ford, my belly is full Of Ford: she hath tickled mee. 25
Qtiic. O Lord sir, she is the sorrowfullest woman that her ser- uants mistooke, that euer liued. And sir, she would desire you of all loues you will meet her once againe, to morrow sir, betwecne ten and cleuen, and she hopes to make amends for all.
Yal. Ten, and cleuen, saiest thou .'' 30
Quic. I forsooth.
Fal. Well, tell her lie meet her. Let her but think Of mans frailtie : Let her iudge what man is, And then thinke of me. And so farwcll.
Quic. Youle not faile sir ? Exit mistresse Quickly. y:>
Yal. I will not faile. Commend me to her. I wonder / heare not of M. Brooke, I like his Mony well. By the masse here he is.
Enter Brooke.
Yor. God saue you sir.
Yal. Welcome good AL Brooke. You come to know how matters 40 goes.
Ford. Thats my comming indeed sir lohn. Fal. M. Brooke I will not lye to you sir,
7, II. iiiid\ if.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 27 ()
I was there at my appointed time. [Sc. XI.]
For. And how sped you sir ? 45
Yal. Verie ilfauouredly sir.
Fot'. Why sir, did she change her determination ?
Fal. No M. Brooke, but you shall heare. After we had kissed and imbraced, and as it were euen amid the prologue of our in- counter, who should come, but the iealous knaue her husband, and a 50 rabble of his companions at his heeles, thither prouoked and insti- gated by his distemper. And what to do thinke you .'' to search for his wiues loue. Euen so, plainly so.
For. While ye were there ?
Fal. Whilst /was there. 55
■ For. And did he search and could not finde you ?
Fal. You shall heare sir, as God would haue it, A litle before comes me one Pages wife, Giues her intelligence of her husbands
Approach : and by her inuention, and Fords wiues "°
Distradion, conueyd me into a buck-basket.
Yord. A buck basket !
Yal. By the Lord a buck-basket, rammed mc in With foule shirts, stokins, greasie napkins,
That M. Brooke, there was a compound of the most "5
Villanous smel, that euer offended nostrill. /le tell you M. Brooke, by the Lord for your sake I suffered three egregious deaths : First to be Crammed like a good bilbo, in the circomference
Of a pack, Hilt to point, heele to head : and then to 7o
Be stewed in my owne grease like a Dutch dish : A man of my kidney ; by the Lord it was maruell I Escaped suffication ; and in the heat of all this. To be throwne into Thames like a horshoo hot : Maister Brooke, thinke of that hissing heate, Maister Brooke. IS
Yord. Well sir then my shute is void? Youle vndertake it no more ?
Fal. M. Brooke, /le be throwne into Etna As / haue bene in the Thames,
Ere I thus leaue her : / haue receiued °
Another appointment of meeting, Betweene ten and eleuen is the houre.
Yord: Why sir, tis almost ten alreadie : Yal: Is it ? why then will / addresse my selfe For my appointment : M. Brooke, come to me soone 85
At night, and you shall know how / speed. And the end shall be, you shall enjoy her loue :
49. e2tcii\ om. ?o- ^ thus\ thus I.
28o A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
You shall cuckold Foord: come to mee soone at [Sc
at night. Exit Fahtaffe.
Yo?: /s this a dreame ? /s it a vision ? Maister Ford, maister Ford, awake maister Ford, 9°
There is a hole made in your best coat M. Fo?-d, And a man shall not onely endure this wrong, But shall stand vnder the taunt of names, Lucifer is a good name, Barbason good : good
Diuels names : but cuckold, wittold, godeso 95
The diuel himselfe hath not such a name : And they may hang hats here, and napkins here Vpon my homes: well /le home, /ferit him. And vnlesse the diuel himselfe should aide him.
He search vnpossible places: /le about it, loo
Least I repent too late : Exit ovines.
Enter M. Feiiton, Vagc, and mistresse Ouie^/j. [Sc.
Ten: Tell me sweet A"an, how doest thou yet resolue, Shall foolish S/ender haue thee to his wife ? Or one as wise as he, the learned Docftor .'' Shall such as they enjoy thy maiden hart .''
Thou knowst that / haue alwaies loued thee deare, 5
And thou hast oft times swore the like to me.
An: Good M. Fen ton, you may assure your selfe My hart is setled vpon none but you, Tis as my father and mother please : Get their consent, you quickly shall haue mine. 10
Fen: Thy father thinks I loue thee for his wealth, Tho I must needs confesse at first that drew mc, But since thy vertues wiped that trash away, /loue thee A^an, and so deare is it set, That whilst I Hue, I nere shall thee forget. 15
[Qiiic:] Godes pitie here comes her father.
Enter M. Page his wife, J/. SJialloiu, and Slender.
Pa. M. Fenton I pray what make you here ? You know my answere sir, shees not for you : Knowing my vow, to blame to vsc mc thus.
Fen. But heare me speake sir. 20
Va. Pray sir get you gon : Come hither daughter, Sonne Slender let me speak with you. {they whisper.
Quit. Speake to mistcris Vage.
Fen. Pray misteris Vage let me haue your consent.
88. aiiit]ai. [Sc. xii.] P,?-.] .-Vniie P-ige.
iCi. [Qiiic:] from the Catchword.
I
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 281
Mis. Va. Ifaith M. Fcntoii tis as my husband please. [Sc. XII.]
For my part, He neither hinder you, nor further you.
Quic. How say you this was my doings? I bid you speake to misteris Yage.
Yen. Here nurse, theres a brace of angels to drink, Worke what thou canst for me, farwell. {Exit Fen. 30
Quic. By my troth so I will, good hart.
Pa. Come wife, you an / will in, weele leaue M. Slender And my daughter to talke together. M. Shallow, You may stay sir if you please. Exit Vage and his wife.
Shal. Mary /thanke you for that: 35
To her cousin, to her.
Slen. Ifaith / know not what to say.
An. Now M. blender, what's your will ?
?ilen. Godeso, theres a /est indeed: why misteris An, I neuer made will yet: /thank God I am wise inough for that. 40
Shal. Fie cusse fie, thou art not right, O thou hadst a father.
S/t'«. I had a father misteris Anne, good vncle Tell the lest how my father stole the goose out of The henloft. All this is nought, harke you mistresse Anne. 45
'S>hal. He will make you ioynter of three hundred pound a yearc, he shall make you a Gentlewoman.
Slend. I be God that I vill, come cut and long taile, as good as any is in Glostershire, vnder the degree of a Squire.
An. O God how many grosse faults ai-e hid 50
And couered in three hundred pound a yeare? Well M. Slender, witliin a day or two He tell you more.
Slend. I thanke you good misteris Anne, vncle I shall hauc her.
Quic. M. Shallow, M. Page would pray you to come you, and you M. Slender, and you mistris An. 5-
Slend. Well Nurse, if youle speake for me. He giue you more than He talke of. Exit onines bnt Quickly.
Quic. Indeed I will. He speake what I can for you. But specially for M. Fenton :
But specially of all for my Maister. 60
And indeed I will do what I can for them all three. Exit.
Enter misteris Ford and her two men.
Mis. For. Do you heare ? when your M. comes take vp this bas- ket as you did before, and if your M. bid you set it downe, obey him.
Ser. I will forsooth.
65
Enter Syr loJin. Mis. For. Syr lohn welcome.
282 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
Fal. What are you sure of your husband now ? [Sc
Mis. For. He is gone a birding sir lohii, and I hope will not come home yet.
Enter mistresse Page.
Gods body here is misteris Page, Step behind the arras good sir John.
He steps ttekiitd the arras.
Mis. Pa. Misteris Ford, why woman your husband is in his old vaine againe, hees comming to search for your sweet heart, but I am glad he is not here.
Mis. For. O God misteris Page the knight is here, 75
What shall I do ?
Afis. Pa. Why then you'r vndone woman, vnles you make some meanes to shift him away.
Mis. For. Alas I know no meanes, unlesse we put him in the basket againe. 80
Fa/. No He come no more in the basket. He creep vp into the chimney.
Mis For. There they use to discharge their Fowling peeces.
Fai. Why then He goe out of doores.
Mi. Pa. Then your vndone, your but a dead man. S^
Fat. For Gods sake deuise any extremitie, Rather then a mischiefe.
Afis. Pa. Alas I know not Avhat meanes to make, If there were any womans apparcU would fit him,
He might put on a gowne and a mufler, go
And so escape.
J\fi. For. Thats wcl remembred, my maids Aunt Gittian of Braiiiford, hath a gowne aboue.
Mis. Fa. And she is altogether as fat as he.
Mis. For. I that will serue him of my word. 95
Alis. Pa. Come goe with me sir lo/ui, He hclpe to dresse you.
Fal. Come for God sake, any thing.
Exit Mis. Page and Sir lohn.
Enter M. Ford, Vage, Priest, Sliallo'iu, the two men carries the basket,
and Ford meets it.
For. Come along / pray, you shal know the cause, How now whither goe you ? Ha whither go you ?
Set downe the basket you ssaue, 100
You panderly rogue, set it downe.
Mis. For. What is the reason that you \se me thus .'
For. Come hither set downe the basket,
69. /«w/.-]oni. 98. Priest] Ilu-h.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 283
Misteris F^r(f the modest woman, ' [Sc. xil.]
Misteris F^r^/the vertuous woman, 105
She that hath the iealous foole to her husband, I mistrust you without cause do I not ?
Mis. For. I Gods my record do you. And if you mistrust me in any ill sort.
Ford. Well sed brazen face, hold it out, 1 10
You youth in a basket, come out here, Pull out the cloathes, search.
Hh. leshu plesse me, will you pull vp your wiues cloathes.
Pa. Fie M. Ford, you are not to go abroad if you be in these fits.
Sir Hugh. By so kad vdge me, tis verie necessarie 1 1 5
He were put in pethlem.
For. M. Vage, as / am an honest man M. ^age, There was one conueyd out of my house here yesterday out of this basket, why may he not be here now ?
Mi. For. Come mistris Vage, bring the old woman downe. 120
For. Old woman, what old woman ?
Mi. For. Why my maidens Ant, Gillian of Brainford. A witch, haue I not forewarned her my house, Alas we are simple we, we know not what
/s brought to passe vnder the colour of fortune-Telling. Come downe 125 you witch, come downe.
Enter Falstaffe disguised like an old woman, and misteris Page with him, Ford beates him, and hee riinnes away.
Away you witch get you gone.
Sir H«. By leshu I verily thinke she is a witch indeed, I espied vnder her mufler a great beard.
Ford. Pray come helpe me to search, pray now. 130
Pa. Come weele go for his minds sake. Exit omnes.
Mi. For. By my troth he beat him most extreamly.
Mi. Pa. I am glad of it, what shall we proceed any further ?
Mi. For. No faith, now if you will let vs tell our husbands of it. For mine I am sure hath almost fretted himselfe to death. 135
Mi. Pa. Content, come weele go tell them all, And as they agree, so will we proceed. Exit both.
Enter Host and Bardolfe, [Sc. Xlll.]
Bar, Syr heere be three Gentlemen come from the Duke the Stanger sir, would haue your horse.
Host, The Duke, what Duke? let me speake with the Gentle- men, do they speake English .''
Bar. He call them to you sir. 5
115. Byso\So. 120. Coinc\o\\\. 123. A ivitc/i,} For. A witch.
284 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
Host. No Bardolfo, let them alone, He sauce them: [Sc. xi
They haue had my house a weeke at command, '
I haue turned away my other guesse, They shall haue my horses Bardolfe, They must come off, lie sawce them. Exit omncs. 10
Enter Ford, Page, their wives, Shallozu and Slender, Syr Hn. [Sc. X
Fo7-d. Well wife, heere take my hand, vpon my soule 1 loue thee dearer then I do my life, and ioy I hnue so true and constant wife, my iealousie shall neuer more offend thee.
Mi. For. Sir / am glad, and that which I haue done, Was nothing else but mirth and modestie. 5
Pa. I misteris Yord, Falstaffe hath all the griefe, And in this knauerie my wife was the chiefe.
Mi. Pa. No knauery husband, it was honest mirth.
Hii. Indeed it was good pastimes & merriments.
Mis. Yor. But sweete heart shall wee leaue olde Yalstaff'e so ? 10
Mis. Pa. O by no meanes, send to him againe.
Pa. I do not thinke heele come being so much deceiued.
Yor. Let me alone, lie to him once again like Brooke, and know his mind whether heele come or not.
Pa. There must be some plot laidc, or heele not come. 1 5
Mis. Pa. Let ^'s alone for that. Heare my dcuice. Oft haue you heard since Home the hunter dyed, That women to affright their litle children, Ses that he walkes in shape of a great stagge.
Now for that Yalstaff'e hath bene so deceiued, 20
As that he dares not venture to the house, Weele send him word to meet vs in the field, Disguised like Home, with huge horns on his head. The houre shalbe iust betweenc tweluc and one.
And at that time we will meet him both: 25
Then would I haue you present there at hand, With litle boyes disguised and dressed like Fayries, For to affright fat Yalstaffe in the woods. And then to make a period to the lest. Tell Falstaffe all, I thinke this will do best. 30
Pa. Tis excellent, and my daughter Anne, Shall like a litle Fayrie be disguised.
Mis. Pa. And in that Maskc lie make the Dodor stcalc my daughter An, and ere my husband knowcs it, to carrie her to Church, and marrie her. 35
Mis. Yor. But who will Iniy the silkcs to tyre the boyes ?
Va. That will /do, and in a robe of white
to. anJ Slender] Slender and.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 285
He cloath my daughter, and aduertise Slender [Sc. XTV.]
To know her by that signe, and steale her thence,
And vnknowne to my wife, shall marrie her. 40
Hit. So kad vdge me the deuises is excellent. / will also be there, and will be like a /ackanapes, And pinch him most cruelly for his lecheries.
Mis. Va. Why then we are reuenged sufficiently. First he was carried and throwne in the Thames, 45
Next beaten well, /am sure youle witnes that.
M/. Yor. He lay my life this makes him nothing fat.
P«. Well lets about this stratagem, I long To see deceit deceiued, and wrong haue wrong.
For. Well send to Frt'/i'A?^', and if he come thither, to
Twill make vs smile and laugh one moneth togither.
Exit ojjines.
Enter Host and Simple. [Sc. XV.l
Host. What would thou haue boore, what thick-skin ? Speake, breath, discus, short, quick, briefe, snap.
Sim. Sir, I am sent from my M. to sir lohn Yalstaffe.
Host. Sir lohn, theres his Castle, his standing bed, his trundle bed, his chamber is painted about with the story of the prodigall, 5 fresh and new, goe knock, heele speak like an Antripophiginian to thee: Knock / say.
Sim. Sir I should speak with an old woman that went vp into his chamber. 10
Host. An old woman, the knight may be robbed. He call bully knight, bully sW lohn. Speake from thy Lungs military: it is thine host, thy Ephesian calls.
Fal. Now mine host.
Host: Here is a Bohemian tarter bully, tarries the comming 15 downe of the fat woman : Let her descend bully, let her descend, my chambers are honorable, pah priuasie, fie.
Fal. Hideed mine host there was a fat woman with me.
But she is gone.
Enter sir Tohn.
Sim. Pray sir, was it not the wise woman of Brainfor'd? 20
Fal. Marry was it Musselshell, what would you ?
Sim. Marry sir my maister Slender sent me to her, To know whether one Nim that hath his chaine, Cousoned him of it, or no.
Yal. I talked with the woman about it. 25
Sim. And I pray you sir what ses she ?
Fal. Marry she ses the very same man that
14. ins. he speakes aboue.
286 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
I
Beguiled maister Slender of his chaine, [Sc. x
Cousoned him of it.
S/;;/. May I be bolde to tell my maister so sir? 30
Yal. I tike, who more bolde.
Sz;«. / thanke you sir, I shall make my maister a glad man at these tydings, God be with you sir. Exit.
Host. Thou art darkly sir Tolui, thou art clarkly, Was there a wise woman with thee? 35
Fal. Marry was there mine host, one that taught Me more wit then I learned this 7. yeare, And I paid nothing for it, But was paid for my learning.
Enter Bardolfe. Bar. O lord sir cousonage, plaine cousonage. 40
Host. Why man, where be my horses? where be the Germanes ? Bar. Rid away with your horses :
After I came beyond Maidenhead,
They flung me in a slow of myre, & away they ran.
Enter Do6lor.
Doc. Where be my Host de gartyre? 45J
Host. O here sir in perplexitie.
Doc. I cannot tell vad be dad, But begar I will tell you van ting. Dear be a Garmaine Duke come to de Court, Has cosened all the host oi Branford, And Redding: begar I tell you for good will, Ha, ha, mine Host, am I euen met you ? Exit.
Enter Sir Hjtgh.
Sir Hit. Where is mine host of the gartyr ? Now my Host, I would desire you looke you now,
To haue a care of your entertainments, 55 j
For there is three sorts of cosen garmombles, /s cosen all the Host of Maidenhead and Readings, Now you are an honest man, and a scuruy beggcrly lowsic knuue
beside: And can point wrong places, 6o|
/ tell you for good will, grate why mine Host. Exit.
Host, /am cosened Wugh, and coy Bardolfe, Sweet knight assist me, / am cosened. Exit.
Yal. Would all the worell were cosened for me, For I am cousoned and beaten too. 65 1
Well, / neuer prospered since I forswore Myselfe at Priniero: and my windc
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 287
Were but long inough to say my prayers, [Sc. XV.]
Ide repent, now from whence come you ?
Enter Islistirsse Quickly.
Qiiic. From the two parties forsooth. 7°
Yal. The diuell take the one partie, And his dam the other, And theyle be both bestowed. / haue endured more for their sakes, Then man is able to endure. T^
Qnic. O Lord sir, they are the sorowfulst creatures That euer liued : specially mistresse Ford, Her husband hath beaten her that she is all Blacke and blew poore soule.
Fal. What tellest me of blacke and blew, 80
I haue bene beaten all the colours in the Rainbow, And in my escape like to a bene apprehended For a witch of Bi'ainford, and set in the stockes.
Quic. Well sir, she is a'sorrowfull woman, And 1 hope when you heare my errant, 85
Youle be perswaded to the contrarie.
Fal. Come goe with me into my chamber, He heare thee.
Exit ovines.
Enter Host and Fcnton. [Sc. XVI.]
Host. Speake not to me sir, my mind is heauie, I haue had a great losse.
Yen. Yet heare me, and as I am a gentleman, He giue you a hundred pound toward your losse.
Host. Well sir He heare you, and at least keep your counsell. 5
Yen. Then thus my host. Tis not vnknown to you, The feruent loue / beare to young Anne Page, And mutally her loue againe to mee : But her father still against her choise.
Doth seeke to marrie her to foolish Slender, 10
And in a robe of white this night disguised. Wherein fat Falstaffe had a mightie scare, Must Slender take her and carrie her to Catlen, And there vnknowne to any, marrie her.
Now her mother still against that match, 15
And firme for Dodor Cayus, in a robe of red By her deuice, the Dodor must steale her thence,
81. heric\ oni.
288 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
And she hath giuen consent to goe with him. [Sc. )
Host. Now which meanes she to deceiue, father or mother ?
Fen. Both my good Host, to go along with me. 20
Now here it rests, that you would procure a priest. And tarry readie at the appointment place. To giue our harts vnited matrimonie.
Host. But how will you come to steale her from among them ?
Yoi. That hath sweet Nan and I agreed vpon, 25
And by a robe of white, the which she weares, With ribones pendant flaring bout her head, / shalbe sure to know her, and conuey her thence. And bring her where the priest abides our comming, And by thy furtherance there be married. 3°
Host. Well, husband your deuice, He to the Vicar, Bring you the maide, you shall not lacke a Priest.
Fen. So shall / euermore be bound vnto thee. Besides He always be thy faithful friend. ' Exit onines.
Enter sir John luitii a Bucks head vpon him. [Sc.X
Fal. This is the third time, well /le venter, They say there is good luck in old numbers, S^Ione transform'd himselfe into a Bull,] And / am here a Stag, and / thinke the fattest In all Windsor forrest: well / stand here For Home the hunter, waiting my Does comming.
Enter mistris ^age and mistris Yard.
Mis. Pa. Sir lolin, where are you?
Yal. Art thou come my doe ? What and thou too ? Welcome Ladies.
Mi. For. II sir lohji, /see you will not faile, to
Therefore you deserue far better then our loues. But it grieues me for your late crosses.
Yal. This makes amends for all. Come diuide me betweene you, each a hanch,
For my horns lie bequeath them to your husbands, 15
Do / speake like Home the hunter, ha ?
Alis. Pa. God forgiue me, what noise is this ?
There is a noise of homes, the two women run away.
Enter sir Hugh like a Satyre, and boyes drcst like Yayries, mistresse Quickly, like the Queene of Yayiies: they sing a song about him, and afterwai'd speake.
Quic: You Fayries that do haunt these shady groues, Looke round about the wood if you can csj)ie
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 289
A mortall that doth haunt our sacred round : [Sc. XVII.]
If such a one you can espy, giue him his due, And leaue not till you pinch him blacke and blew: Giue them their charge Puck ere they part away.
Sir Hu. Come hither Veane, goe to the countrie houses, And when you finde a slut that lies a sleepe, 25
And all her dishes foule, and roome vnswept, With youre long nailes pinch her till she crie, And sweare to mend her sluttish huswiferie.
Fai. I warrant you I will perform your will.
\{u. Where is Pead? Go and see where Brokers sleep, 2>'^
And Foxe-eyed Seriants with their mase, Goe laie the procflors in the street, And pinch the lowsie Seriants face : Spare none of these when they are a bed, But such whose nose lookes plew and red. 35
Qiiic. Away begon, his mind fulfill, And looke that none of you stand still. Some do that thing, some do this, All do something, none amis.
Hir Hu. I smell a man of middle earth. 40
Fal. God blesse me from that wealch Fairie.
Quic. Looke euery one about this round, And if that any here be found. For his presumption in this place. Spare neither legge, arme, head, nor face. 45
Sir H7i. See I haue spied one by good luck. His bodie man, his head a buck.
Fal. God send me good fortune now, and I care not.
Quick. Go strait, and do as 1 commaund. And take a Taper in your hand, 5°
And set it to his fingers endes. And if you see it him offends, And that he starteth at the flame, Then is he mortall, know his name:
If with an F. it doth begin, 55
Why then be shure he is full of sin. About it then, and know the truth, Of this same metamorphised youth.
Sir Hugh. Giue me the Tapers, I will try And if that he loue venery. °
They put the Tapers to his fingers, and he starts. Sir Hu. It is right indeed, he is full of lecheries and iniquitie.
59. Tapers! Torches.
VOL. L U
290 A PLEASANT COMEDY OF
Quic. A little distant from him stand, [Scxi
And euery one take hand in hand, And compasse him within a ring. First pinch him well, and after sing. 65
Here they pinch him, and sing about him, and the Do6lor comes one way and steales away a boy in red. A nd Slender another way he takes a boy in greene: Aitd Fenton steales misteris Anne, being in white. And a noyse of hunting is made within; and all the Yai?'ies rn7ine away. Falstaffe piilles off his bucks head, aud rises vp. And enters M. Page, M. Ford, and their wiues, M. Shallow, sir Hugh.
Fal. Home the hunter quoth you : am I ghost ? Sblood the Fairies hath made a ghost of me : What hunting at this time at night ? He lay my life the mad prince of Wales
Is stealing his fathers Deare. How now who haue we here, what is ; all Windsor stirring ? Are you there ?
Shal. God saue you sir lohn Falstaffe.
Sir Hu. God plesse you sir lohn, God plesse you.
Pa. Why how now sir loJin, what a pair of horns in your hand .^ 751
For. Those homes he ment to place vpon my head, And M. Brooke and he should be the men : Why how now sir lohn, why are you thus amazed.'* We know the Fairies man that pinched you so,
Your throwing in the Thames, your beating well, go
And what's to come sir lohn, that can we tell.
JMi. Pa. Sir lohn tis thus, your dishonest meanes To call our credits into question, Did make vs vndertake to our best. To turn your leaud lust to a merry lest. S-
Fal. lest, tis well, haue 1 Hued to these yeares To be gulled now, now to be ridden ? Why then these were not Yairies? i
Mis. Pa. No sir John but boyes.
Fal. By the Lord I was twice or thrise in the mind 00
They were not, and yet the grosnesse Of the fopperie perswadcd me they Avere.
Well, and the fine wits of the Court heare this, I
Thayle so whip me with their keene lests.
That thayle melt me out Hke tallow, ^' nr
Drop by drop out of my grease. Boyes !
Sir Hu. I trust me boyes Sir lohn: and I was
79. so\ om. 93. a„j^ if_
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. 291
Also a Fairie that did helpe to pinch you. [Sc.XVII.]
Fal. I, tis well I am your May-pole, You haue the start of mee, too
Am I ridden too with a wealch goate ? With a peece of toasted cheese ?
Sir Hh. Butter is better then cheese sir lohn^ You are all butter, butter.
For. There is a further matter yet sir lolm, 105
There's 20. pound you borrowed of M. Brooke sir lohn., And it must be paid to M. Yord sir lohn.
Mi. For. Nay husband let that go to make amends, Forgiue that sum, and so weele all be friends.
For. Well here is my hand, all's forgiuen at last. 1 10
Fal. It hath cost me well, I haue beene well pinched and washed.
Enter the Doilor.
Mi. Pa. Now M. Docftor, Sonne I hope you are.
DoH:. Sonne begar you be de ville voman, Begar I tinck to marry metres An, and begar 1 1 5
Tis a whorson garson lack boy.
Mis. Pa. How a boy ?
Do^. I begar a boy.
Pa. Nay be not angry wife, /le tell thee true, /t was my plot to deceiue thee so : 1 20
And by this time your daughter 's married To M. Slender, and see where he comes.
Enter Slender.
Now Sonne Slender^ Where's your bride ?
Slen. Bride, by Gods 1yd / tliinke theres neuer a man in the 125 worell hath that crosse fortune that / haue: begod I could cry for verie anger.
Page. Why whats the matter sonne Slender?
Slen. Sonne, nay by God / am none of your son.
Pa. No, why so ? 13°
Slen. Why so God saue me, tis a boy that I haue married.
Page. How, a boy ? why did you mistake the word?
Slen. No neither, for / came to her in red as you bad me, and / cried mum, and hee cried budget, so well as euer you heard, and I haue married him. ^35
loi. riddeti\i<iiritteH. 131- MfZi"] om. Halliwell.
U 2
2 92 THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
^ir Hugh. leshu M. S/^«(f,?;', cannot you see but marrie boyes? [Sc.XV Prt. O / am vext at hart, what shal I do ?
Enter Yenton and Anne.
Mis. Ta. Here comes the man that hath deceiued vs all : How now daughter, where haue you bin?
An. At Curch forsooth. 140
Fa. At Church, what haue you done there ?
Een. Married to me, nay sir neuer storme, Tis done sir now, and cannot be vndone.
Yord: I faith M. Page neuer chafe your selfe. She hath made her choise wheras her hart was fixt, 145
Then tis in vaine for you to storme or fret.
Fal. I am glad yet that your arrow hath glanced
Mi. Fo7'. Come mistris Page, He be bold with you, Tis pitie to part loue that is so true.
Mis. Pa. Altho that I haue missed in my intent, 15°
Yet / am glad my husbands match was crossed, Here M. Yenton, take her, and God giue thee ioy.
Sir H71: Come. M. Vage, you must needs agree.
Yo. I yfaith sir come, you see your wife is wel pleased :
Va. /cannot tel, and yet my hart's well eased, ISS
And yet it doth me good the Docflor missed. Come hither Yenton, and come hither daughter, Go too you might haue stai'd for my good will. But since your choise is made of one you loue, Here take her Yenton, & both happie proue. J 60
Sir. Hu. I wil also dance & eate plums at your weddings.
For. All parties pleased, now let vs in to feast, And laugh at Slender and the Docflors ieast. He hath got the maiden, each of you a boy
To waite vpon you, so God giue you ioy, 165
And sir lohn Falstaffe now shal you keep your word, For Brooke this night shall lye with mistris Foi'd.
Exit oinnes.
FINIS.
138. theman\hc. 154. I yfaith^I faith.
140. Cnrc/i] Church Halliwell. 161, alsd\ om.
147. ihaf\ then Halliwell.
MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
DRAMATIS PERSON.E\
ViNCENTiO, the Duke.
Angelo, Deputy.
ESCALUS, an ancient Lord.
Claudio, a young gentleman.
LUCIO, a fantastic.
Two other gentlemen.
Provost.
Thomas,>
y two friars. Peter, )
A Justice^
Varrius^
Elbow, a simple constable.
Froth, a foolish gentleman.
Pompey, servant to Mistress Overdone'.
Abhorson, an executioner.
Barnardine, a dissolute prisoner.
Isabella, sister to Qaudio. Mariana, betrothed to Angelo. Juliet, beloved of Claudio. Francisca, a nun. Mistress Overdone, a bawd.
Lords, Officers, Citizens, Boy, and Attendants ^
Scene — Vienna.
1 Dramatis Person.^!] The ' OriTitted in Ff. Names of all the Actors Ff ^ Clowne. Ff. (added at the end of the play).
MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
ACT I.
Scene I. An apartnmit in the T>\5Yisl?, palace.
Enter Duke, Escalus, Lords atid Attendants.
Duke. Escalus.
Escal. My lord.
Duke. Of government the properties to unfold^ Would seem in me to affe6l speech and discourse ; Since I am put to know that your own science h
Exceeds, in that, the lists of all advice My strength can give you : then no more remains,
But that to your sufficiency
as your worth is able.
And let them work. The nature of our people, lo
Scene i. Lords and Attendants.] son conj. But your sufficiency as
Singer. Lords. Ff. and Attendants. ■zaortk is able Farmer conj. Your
Capell. sufficiency ...able Steevens conj. But
5. J>ut] not YoTpe. c// Collier MS. that your stifficiency be as your worth is
7, 8. 1-emaius, But that] remains; stable Becket conj. But state to your Put that Kov/Q. sufficiency... ]2LcksonQon]. But there-
8, 9. But that to your sufficiency ...\ to your sufficiency... Singer. But add But that to your stifficiency you add to your sufficiency your worth Collier /)«£■ ^///4''^«^/--. Theobald conj. But MS. But that [tendering his com- that to your sufficiency you joyn A will mission] to your sufficiency And., as to serveus...W2.\\mQ.x. But that to your your icorth is able, let them work sufficiency you put A zeal as willing... Staunton conj. But that to your Tyrwhitt conj. But that to your sufficiency I add Commission ample sufficiencies your worth is a bled John- Spedding conj. See note (i).
296 MEASURE FOR MEASURE, [act i.
Our city's institutions, and the terms
For common justice, you're as pregnant in ^
As art and praftice hath enriched any W
That we remember. There is our commission,
From which we would not have you warp. Call hither, 15
I say, bid come before us Angelo. \Exit an A ttendant.
What figure of us think you he will bear.-*
For you must know, we have with special soul
Ele6led him our absence to supply ;
Lent him our terror, dress'd him with our love, 20
And given his deputation all the organs
Of our own power: what think you of it.-*
Escal. If any in Vienna be of worth To undergo such ample grace and honour. It is Lord Angelo.
Duke. Look where he comes. 25
Enter Angelo.
Aug. Always obedient to your Grace's will, I come to know your pleasure.
Duke. Angelo,
There is a kind of character in thy life, That to th' observer doth thy history Fully unfold. Thyself and thy belongings jo
Are not thine own so proper, as to waste Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee. Heaven doth with us as we with torches do. Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike As if wc had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd But to fine issues; nor Nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence, But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines
II. city''s\cilicsY{. 28. ///t'] /w/5 Johnson conj.
16. [Exit an Attendant.] Capell. 28,29. chara<fler...histO)-)>\ history
18. soiii'\ roll Wai^burton. seal ...c/5a;n^<'rMonck Mason conj.
Johnson conj. 32. they^ Ihein Hanmer.
11. iohat'\ say, what Pope. 35, 36. all alike As if u<e\ all as
25. Scene ii. Pope. // IVe Hanmer.
27. your pleasure] Fj. your 37. uoi] om. Pope. Graces pleasure F^ F3 F4.
SCENE I.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 297
Herself the glory of a creditor, 40
Both thanks and use. But I do bend my speech
To one that can my part in him advertise;
Hold therefore, Angelo: —
In our remove be thou at full ourself ;
Mortality and mercy in Vienna 45
Live in thy tongue and heart: old Escalus,
Though first in question, is thy secondary.
Take thy commission.
Aug. Now, good my lord,
Let there be some more test made of my metal, Before so noble and so great a figure 50
Be stamp'd upon it.
Duke. No more evasion:
We have with a leaven'd and prepared- choice Proceeded to you ; therefore take your honours. Our haste from hence is of so quick condition, That it prefers itself, and leaves unquestion'd 55
Matters of needful value. We shall write to you, As time and our concernings shall importune, How it goes with us ; and do look to know What doth befall you here. So, fare you well : To the hopeful execution do I leave you 60
Of your commissions.
Aug. Yet, give leave, my lord.
That we may bring you something on the way.
Duke. My haste may not admit it ; Nor need. you, on mine honour, have to do With any scruple ; your scope is as mine own, 6^
So to enforce or qualify the laws
42. my part in hiiii\ in my part No more] Come, no more Pope, w^ Hanmer. tny part io hi m Johnson 52. leaven'd and prepared] Ff. conj. in him, my part '&tc\iet cow']. leven'd and prepar''d "Rovfe. prepar''d
43. Plold therefore, Angelo: — '\Hold and leaven'' d Pope. prepai'd and therefore, Angelo: [Giving him his levePd Warburton. prepar\i nnlea- commission] Hanmer. Hold therefore. zf^^'a^ Heath conj.
Angelo, Tyrwhitt conj. Hold there- 56. to you] om. Hanmer.
fore, Angelo, our place and power: 61. your commissions] Fj. your
Grant White. commission Y^ F3 F4. our commis- si. Mortality] Morality Pope. siott Pope. 51, upon it] upon' t Qa^tW. 66. laws] law Foite.
298 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act i.
As to your soul seems good. Give me your hand:
I '11 privily away. I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes:
Though it do well, I do not relish well 70
Their loud applause and Aves vehement ;
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does afife6t it. Once more, fare you well.
Aug. The heavens give safety to your purposes!
Escal. Lead forth and bring you back in happiness! 75
Duke. I thank you. Fare you well. \Exit.
Escal. I shall desire you, sir, to give me leave To have free speech with you ; and it concerns me To look into the bottom of my place:
A power I have, but of what strength and nature 80
I am not yet instru6ted.
Aug. 'Tis so with me. Let us withdraw together. And we may soon our satisfa6tion have Touching that point.
Escal. I'll wait upon your honour. [Exeunt.
Scene II. A street.
Enter Lucio and tiuo Gentlemen.
Ljicio. If the duke, with the other dukes, come not to composition with the King of Hungary, why then all the dukes fall upon the king.
First Gent. Heaven grant us its peace, but not the King of Hungary's!
Sec. Gent. Amen.
Lucio. Thou concludest like the san6limonious pirate, that went to sea with the Ten Commandments, but scraped one out of the tabic.
Sec. Gent. 'Thou shalt not steal' .^ lof
Lucio. Ay, that he razed.
76. [Exit.] Fj. [Exit, (after line 84. yoio^youYr..
75) Fi- Scene ii.] Scene hi. Pope.
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 299
First Gent. Why, 'twas a commandment to command the captain and all the rest from their fun6lions: they put forth to steal. There's not a soldier of us all, that, in the thanksgiving before meat, do relish the petition well that 15 prays for peace.
Sec. Gent. I never heard any soldier dislike it.
Lticio. I believe thee; for I think thou never wast where grace was said.
Sec. Gent. No.'' a dozen times at least. 20
First Gent. What, in metre.-'
Lticio. In any proportion or in any language.
First Gent. I think, or in any religion.
Lucio. Ay, why not.^ Grace is grace, despite of all controversy: as, for example, thou thyself art a wicked 25 villain, despite of all grace.
First Gent. Well, there went but a pair of shears be- tween us.
Lucio. I grant; as there may between the lists and the velvet. Thou art the list. 3°
First Gent. And thou the velvet : thou art good velvet ; thou'rt a three-piled piece, I warrant thee: I had as lief be a list of an English kersey, as be piled, as thou art piled, for a French velvet. Do I speak feelingly now.?
Lucio. I think thou dost; and, indeed, with most pain- 35 ful feeling of thy speech: I will, out of thine own confes- sion, learn to begin thy health ; but, whilst I live, forget to drink after thee.
First Gent. I think I have done myself wrong, have I not.? 40
See. Gent. Yes, that thou hast, whether thou art taint- ed or free.
12. First Gent. Why, 'iwas] religmi. Lucio. Ay, why not 1... all
i.Q^\.. WhyVtwasYi. First Gent. gmce.'l \.\\z\q. Not i/i any profession
«^^jl/.? Luc. TwrtJ Singer. ...language, I... .religion. 2. Gent.
IS. hefore'\ after Hanmer. See And why notl ...controversy. Lucio.
note (11). As for... all grace. Yl^'om^x. See note
dd\ doth Hanmer. does War- (in),
burton. 29. lists\list knan. cori].
22 — 26. Lucio. In any proportion 42. Here Ff have Enter Bawde,
...language. First Gent. I think... transferred by Theobald to line 56.
300 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act i.
Lticio. Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes! I have purchased as many diseases under her roof as come to — 45
Sec. Gent. To what, I pray?
Lucio. Judge.
Sec. Gent. To three thousand dolours a year.
First Gent. Ay, and more.
Lucio. A French crown more. 50
First Gent. Thou art always figuring diseases in me; but thou art full of error ; I am sound.
Lucio. Nay, not as one would say, healthy; but so sound as things that are hollow: thy bones are hollow; impiety has made a feast of thee. 55
•
Enter MISTRESS Overdone.
First Gent. How now! which of your hips has the most profound sciatica.''
Mrs Ov. Well, well; there's one yonder arrested and carried to prison was worth five thousand of you all.
Sec. Gent. Who's that, I pray thee.^ 60
Mrs Ov. Marry, sir, that's Claudio, Signior Claudio.
First Gent. Claudio to prison.-' 'tis not so.
Mrs Ov. Nay, but I know 'tis so : I saw him arrested ; saw him carried away; and, which is more, within these three days his head to be chopped off. 65
Lucio. But, after all this fooling, I would not have it so. Art thou sure of this }
Mrs Ov. I am too sure of it: and it is for getting Madam Julietta with child.
Lucio. Believe me, this may be: he promised to meet 70 me two hours since, and he was ever precise in promise- keeping.
Sec. Gent. Besides, you know, it draws something near to the speech we had to such a purpose.
43. Scene iv. Tope. iMlars Pope.
Bawd coming at a distance. Hanmer. 56. Scene iv. Johnson.
44. / have\ I. Gent. I have Pope 65. head^ head is Rowe. hcad''s (cd. i). He has Halliwell, Capell.
48. dolours'] Rowe. dollours Ff.
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 301
First Gent. But, most of all, agreeing with the procla- 75 mation.
Lucio. Away! let's go learn the truth of it.
\Exciint Lticio and Gentlemen,
Mrs Ov. Thus, what with the war, what with the sweat, what with the gallows, and what with poverty, I am custom-shrunk. 80
Enter PoMPEY.
How now! what's the news with you.'*
Pom. Yonder man is carried to prison.
Mrs Ov. Well; what has he done.?
Pont. A woman.
Mrs Ov. But what's his offence.'' 85
Pom. Groping for trouts in a peculiar river.
Mrs Ov. What, is there a maid with child by him }
Pom. No, but there's a woman with maid by him. You have not heard of the proclamation, have you ?
Mrs Ov. What proclamation, man.'' 90
Pom. All houses in the suburbs of Vienna must be plucked down.
Mrs Ov. And what shall become of those in the city .-'
Pom. They shall stand for seed : they had gone down too, but that a wise burgher put in for them. 915
Mrs Ov. But shall all our houses of resort in the sub- urbs be pulled down }
Pom. To the ground, mistress.
Airs Ov. Why, here's a change indeed in the common- wealth! What shall become of me .-' 100
Pom. Come; fear not you: good counsellors lack no clients : though you change your place, you need not change your trade ; I '11 be your tapster still. Courage ! there will be pity taken on you : you that have worn your eyes almost out in the service, you will be considered. 105
Mrs Ov. What's to do here, Thomas tapster.? let's withdraw.
81. Scene v. Pope. 91. honses\ bawdy houses Tyxv^Vxit
88. wit/i !nai(i]7('/f/i.-ii!adc?icymo\\Y conj. conj. 96. all} om. Pope.
302 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act i.
Pom. Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the provost to prison; and there's Madam Juliet. \Exciint.
Enter Provost, Claudio, Juliet, and Officers.
Claud. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to the no world .'' Bear me to prison, where I am committed.
Prov. I do it not in evil disposition, But from Lord Angelo by special charge.
Claud. Thus can the demigod Authority Make us pay down for our offence by weight ii
The words of heaven; — on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.
Re-enter Lucio mid two Gentlemen.
Lttcio. Why, how now, Claudio ! whence comes this restraint.''
Claud. From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty: As surfeit is the father of much fast, 12
So every scope by the immoderate use Turns to restraint. Our natures do pursue, Like rats that ravin down their proper bane, A thirsty evil ; and when we drink we die.
Lucio. If I could speak so wisely under an arrest, I i2| would send for certain of my creditors : and yet, to say the truth, I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment. What's thy offence, Claudio.?
Claud. What but to speak of would offend again.
Lucio. What, is't murder.-* ]
no. Sc.iLNA Tertia. Ff. Ilalliwell. by -weight. — The word's
Juliet] Ff. Gaoler. Hallhvell. Becket conj. In' wcight^Tlie works
om. Collier MS. See note (iv). Jackson conj. See note (\').
113. Lord\ om. F^ F3 F4. 117. yet still 'tis Just] yet 'tis Just
115. offence] offence' {(or offences' j//// S. Walker conj.
S. Walker conj. 121. every seo/e]lit>er/'y Wheler MS.
115, 116. 1)yiveight The words] Ff. 124. A thirsty ei'il] An er'il thirst
by -weight; F th' rwrds Hanmer. by Davenant's version. A thirsted ci'il
7ueight. The words Warburton (after Speckling conj.
Davenant). l>y -weight — The s-word 128. tnorality] Rowe (after Da- Roberts conj. liy weight The -word venant). viortalitv Ff.
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 303
Claud. No. Lucio. Lechery? Claud. Call it so. Prov. Away, sir! you must go.
Claud. One word, good friend. Lucio, a word with you. 135 Lucio. A hundred, if they'll do you any good. Is lechery so look'd after?
Claud. Thus stands it with me:— upon a true contra6l I got possession of Julietta's bed:
You know the lady; she is fast my wife, 140
Save that we do the denunciation lack Of outward order: this we came not to, Only for propagation of a dower Remaining in the coffer of her friends ;
From whom we thought it meet to hide our love 145
Till time had made them for us. But it chances The stealth of our most mutual entertainment With chara6ler too gross is writ on Juliet. Lucio. With child, perhaps? Claud. Unhappily, even so.
And the new Deputy now for the Duke, — 150
Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness, Or whether that the body public be A horse whereon the governor doth ride. Who, newly in the seat, that it may know
He can command, lets it straight feel the spur; 155
Whether the tyranny be in his place. Or in his eminence that fills it up, I stagger in : — but this new governor Awakes me all the enrolled penalties
Which have, like unscour'd armour, hung by the wall 160
So long, that nineteen zodiacs have gone round, And none of them been worn ; and, for a name,
141. denunciatioii\ pronunciation 148. oiiXY ^. /« F^ F3 F4.
Collier MS. '^i- fault and^ flash and Johnson
143. propagation'] Y^Y 2,7 ^. pro- cony fanlt or\di. covl]. foil and Kwon.
pogation Fj. prorogation Malone conj.
conj. procuration Iz.'ck.'iow zo\\]. pre- glimpse] guise Knon. con],
servation Grant White, 161. nineteen] fourteen Whalley
147. most] om. Haiimer, conj.
304
MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
[act I.
170
Now puts the drowsy and neglected acl Freshly on me: 'tis surely for a name.
Lticio. I warrant it is: and thy head stands so tickle 165 on thy shoulders, that a milkmaid, if she be in love, ma}- sigh it off. Send after the duke, and appeal to him.
Claud. I have done so, but he's not to be found. I prithee, Lucio, do m.e this kind ser\-ice: This day my sister should the cloister enter And there receive her approbation : Acquaint her with the danger of my state ; Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends To the strict deputy ; bid herself assay him : I have great hope in that; for in her youth There is a prone and speechless dialect, Such as move men ; beside, she hath prosperous art When she will play with reason and discourse. And well she can persuade.
Liicio. I pray she may; as well for the encouragement of the like, which else would stand under grievous impo- sition, as for the enjoying of thy life, who I would be sorr>- should be thus foolishly lost at a game of tick-tack. I'll to her.
Claud. I thank you, good friend Lucio. iSj
Lticio. Within tvvo hours.
Claud. Come, officer, away!
[Exatfit.
165. it is\ so it is Hanmer (who prints lines 165 — 167 as four verses ending stands, milkmaid, off, him.
166. she be\she be biit'i\2smi&x. 173. voice\ nanu \i\i€ie.x '^VSs.
175. youth\ zenith Johnson conj.
176. prone\ prompt Johnson conj. pCajW Id. conj. proiu Becket conj.
177. tnoz£\ Ff. mazes Rowe. beside^ besides Capell.
i8r. It tide r\ F,. upon FJF3F4. on Hanmer, who prints 179 — 185 as six verses ending may, like, imposition, be, tick-tack, Lucio.
imposition\ inquisition John- son conj. (withdrawn).
182. the enjoying o/~\ om. Hanmer. who I Tpould] which I'd Hanmer.
184. her] her strait HanxTier.
sc^^Y. Ill] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 305
Scene III. A monastery.
Enter Duke a7id Friar Thomas.
Diikc. No, holy father ; throw away that thought ; Believe not that the dribbling dart of love Can pierce a complete bosom. Why I desire thee To give me secret harbour, hath a purpose
More grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends 5
Of burning youth.
Fri. T. May your grace speak of it .'*
Duke. My holy sir, none better knows than you How I have ever loved the life removed, And held in idle price to haunt assemblies
Where youth, and cost, and witless bravery keeps. 10
I have deliver'd to Lord Angelo, A man of stri6lure and firm abstinence, My absolute power and place here in Vienna, And he supposes me travell'd to Poland ;
For so I have strew'd it in the common ear, 15
And so it is received. Now, pious sir, You will demand of me why I do this?
Fri. T. Gladly, my lord.
Duke. We have strict statutes and most biting laws, The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds, 20
Which for this fourteen years we have let slip ; Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave. That goes not out to prey. Now, as fond fathers, Having bound up the threatening twigs of birch. Only to stick it in their children's sight 25
Scene in] Scena Quarta Ff. 20. to\¥^. forT^Y^Y^.
Scene vii. Pope. iveeds] Ff. steeds Theobald.
3. iosom] breast Pope. "wills S. Walker conj.
10. andwitless'\Y^Y^Y^. witless i\. this'\ these i:heo\>2\d..
Fj. with witless Edd. conj. fontieeit] nineteen Theobald.
keeps\ keep Hanmer. slip'\ Ff. sleep Theobald (after
12. striclure\ stticlness Davenant's Davenant).
version. j/nVZ ?/r^ Warburton. 25. ^c?] (/(? Dent MS.
15. Foi^ FarY^.
VOL. I. X
3o6
MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
[act I.
For terror, not to use, in time the rod Becomes more mock'd than fear'd ; so our decrees, Dead to infli6lion, to themselves are dead ; And hberty plucks justice by the nose; The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Goes all decorum.
Fri. T. It rested in your Grace
To unloose this tied-up justice when you pleased: And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd Than in Lord Angelo.
Duke. I do fear, too dreadful :
Sith 'twas my fault to give the people scope, 'Twould be my tyranny to strike and gall them For what I bid them do : for we bid this be done, When evil deeds have their permissive pass. And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father, I have on Angelo imposed the office; Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, And yet my nature never in the fight To do in slander. And to behold his sway, I will, as 'twere a brother of your order, Visit both prince and people: therefore, I prithee, Supply me with the habit, and instru6l me How I may formally in person bear mc Like a true friar. More reasons for this a6lion At our more leisure shall I render you ; Only, this one : Lord Angelo is precise ;
P.o
OO
40
26. /ivvyr] Fj. errour Y ^Y -^Y ^.
26, I/, //w rod Becomes mojc... dccrees\ I'ope (after Da\'enant). the rod More... decrees Ff. the rod's More ...most Just decrees Collier MS.
27. mock\i\ viarkt DavenaiU's version.
34. do\ om. Pope. 37. be done] om. Pope. 39. the'] their Dyce conj.
indeed] om. Pope. 4^) 43- f'.K'^'^l To do in slander] sight To do in slander Pope, fight
sight To
So do in slander Theobakl.
do it slander Hanmcr. sight, So
doing slander'' d Johnson conj. sight
To draw on slander Collier MS.
right To do him slander Singer conj.
light To do it slander Dyce conj. fght
To do me slander Halliwell. win the
fight To die in slander Staunton conj.
never. ..slandc)-] ez'er in the
fight To dole in slander Jackson conj.
43. .4nd] om. Pope.
45. /] om. Pope.
47. in person bear me] Capell. in person bcareYL my person bearVo^te.
49. o!n]Yj^. vonrY^Y^Y^.
SCENE III.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 307
Stands at a guard with envy ; scarce confesses
That his blood flows, or that his appetite
Is more to bread than stone: hence shall we see,
If power change purpose, what our seemers be. {Exeunt.
Scene IV. A mmncry.
Enter ISABELLA and FranciSCA.
Isab. And have you nuns no farther privileges '^.
Fran. Are not these large enough.''
Isab. Yes, truly: I speak not as desiring more; But rather wishing a more stri6l restraint Upon the sisterhood, the votarists of Saint Clare. 5
Lucio \withiii\. Ho! Peace be in this place!
Isab. Who's that which calls.''
Fran. It is a man's voice. Gentle Isabella, Turn you the key, and know his business of him ; You may, I may not ; you are yet unsworn. When you have vow'd, you must not speak with men 10
But in the presence of the prioress: Then, if you speak, you must not show your face ; Or, if you show your face, you must not speak. He calls again; I pray you, answer him. \Exit.
Isab. Peace and prosperity ! Who is 't that calls .^ 15
Enter Lucio.
Lncio. Hail, virgin, if you be, as those cheek-roses Proclaim you are no less! Can you so stead me As bring me to the sight of Isabella, A novice of this place, and the fair sister To her unhappy brother Claudio.? 20
Isab. Why, 'her unhappy brother'.? let me ask The rather, for I now must make you know I am that Isabella and his sister.
Lncio. Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you:
Scene iv.] Scena Quinta Ff. 5. sisterhood, the votarists\ sister
Scene vni. Pope. votarists Pope.
X 2
3o8 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act i.
Not to be weary with you, he's in prison. . 25
I sab. Woe me ! for what ?
Liicio. For that which, if myself might be his judge, He should receive his punishment in thanks: He hath got his friend with child.
Isab. Sir, make me not your story.
Lucio. It is true. 30
I would not — though 'tis my familiar sin With maids to seem the lapwing, and to jest. Tongue far from heart — play with all virgins so : I hold you as a thing ensky'd and sainted ;
By your renouncement, an immortal spirit ; 35
And to be talk'd with in sincerity, As with a saint.
Isab. You do blaspheme the good in mocking me.
Lucio. Do not believe it. Fewness and truth, 'tis thus : — Your brother and his lover have embraced: 4tt
As those that feed grow full, — as blossoming time, "
That from the seedness the bare fallow brings To teeming foison, — even so her plenteous womb Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry.
Isab. Some one with child by him.^ — My cousin Juliet.' 4
Lucio. Is she your cousin.''
Isab. Adoptedly; as school-maids change their names By vain, though apt, affe6lion.
Lucio. She it is.
Isab. O, let him marry her.
Lucio. This is the point.
The duke is very strangely gone from hence; 5
Bore many gentlemen, myself being one, In hand, and hope of aflion : but we do learn
27. For that •whk}i\ That for wJiich 40. have\ having ^o-^^t.
Malone conj. 42. That ...brings] Doth. ..bring
30. viakc me not yoiir story"] mock Ilanmer. me not: — your story Malone. make seedness"] seeding Collier MS. 7ne not your sconi Collier MS. (after 44. his] its Hanmer. Davenant). m ahe... sport 'S'mgcv. 49. O, kt hiin]Y^. Let hiwF^F^
It is true] Steevens. 'Tistrne F4. Let hi;n then Pope.
Ff. om. Pope. Auiy, tis true Capell. 50. is] who's Collier MS.
31. / would not] Malone puts a 52. and] with Johnson conj. full stop here. do] om. Pope.
SCENE IV.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 309
By those that know the very nerves of state,
His givings-out were of an infinite distance
From his true-meant design. Upon his place, 55
And with full line of his authority.
Governs Lord Angelo; a man whose blood
Is very snow-broth ; one who never feels
The wanton stings and motions of the sense,
But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge 60
With profits of the mind, study and fast.
He — to give fear to use and liberty,
Which have for long run by the hideous law,
As mice by lions — hath pick'd out an a6l.
Under whose heavy sense your brother's life ^5
Falls into forfeit : he arrests him on it ;
And follows close the rigour of the statute,
To make him an example. All hope is gone.
Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer
To soften Angelo: and that's my pith of business 70
'Twixt you and your poor brother.
Isab. Doth he so seek his life.?
Liicio. Has censured him
Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath A warrant for his execution.
Isab. Alas! what poor ability's in me 75
To do him good .■*
Lncio. Assay the power you have.
Isab. My power.'' Alas, I doubt, —
Liicio. Our doubts are traitors.
And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt. Go to Lord Angelo, And let him learn to know, when maidens sue, 80
54. givings-out'] Rovve. giving- Edd. conj. 0nt Ff. Has] H'as Theobald.
60. kis\ it's Capell. 71— 75- Ff end the Imes thus:—
63. for long] long time ToY>e. so, — already — warrant — poor — good.
68. hope is] hope's Pope. Capell first gave the arrangement in
70. pith of business ' Tivixt] pith the text. Of business betjvixt Hanmer. See note 73. as] om. Hanmer.
(YiN 74. A warrant for his] a wairant
pith of] om. Pope. For's Ff.
72. so seek] so, Seeke ¥i. so? seek 78. make]Vo^e. makes Yi.
3IO MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Men give like gods ; but when they weep and kneel, All their petitions are as freely theirs As they themselves would owe them.
Isab. I'll see what I can do.
Liicio. But speedily.
Isab. I will about it straight; 85
No longer staying but to give the Mother Notice of my affair. I humbly thank you : Commend me to my brother: soon at night I '11 send him certain word of my success.
Lucio. I take my leave of you.
Isab. • Good sir, adieu. 90
\Exeunt.
ACT II. Scene I. A hall in Angelo'S house.
Enter K^GELO, Escalus, and a Justice, Provost, Officers, and other
Attendants, behind.
Ajtg. We must not make a scarecrow of the law, Setting it up to fear the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape, till custom make it Their perch, and not their terror.
Escal. Ay, but yet
Let us be keen, and rather cut a little, Than fall, and bruise to death. Alas, this gentleman, Whom I would save, had a most noble father! Let but your honour know,
Whom I believe to be most strait in virtue, |
That, in the working of your own afife6lions, 10
Had time cohered with place or place with wishing, Or that the resolute a6ling of your blood Could have attain'd the cfife6l of your own purpose. Whether you had not sometime in your life
82. /nW;-] Fj. /;v/^/i' F2 F3 F4. Hanmer. Let...ii<Jio7n I hdin<e To...
Enter Provost inserted by Capell. virtue, ami consider This, itt the
6. /a/l] fell Warburton conj. Capell.
8,9, 10. Let... That, in the] Let... 12. your\ Rowe (after Davenant^
whom L believe To... -whether in The ourYi.
I
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 311
Err'd in this point which now you censure him, 15
And pull'd the law upon you.
Aii^. 'Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, Another thing to fall. I not deny, The jury, passing on the prisoner's life.
May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two 20
Guiltier than him they try. What's open made to justice, That justice seizes: what know the laws That theives do pass on thieves.'' 'Tis very pregnant, The jewel that we find, we stoop and take't, Because we see it ; but what we do not see 25
We tread upon, and never think of it. You may not so extenuate his offence For I have had such faults; but rather tell me. When I, that censure him, do so offend,
Let mine own judgement pattern out my death, 30
And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die.
Escal. Be it as your wisdom will.
Aug. Where is the provost.''
Prov. Here, if it like your honour.
Aug. See that Claudio
Be executed by nine to-morrow morning:
Bring him his confessor, let him be prepared; 35
For that's the utmost of his pilgrimage. {Exit Provost.
Escal. [Aside] Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all! Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall : Some run from brakes of ice, and answer none ; And some condemned for a fault alone. 40
15. which now yoti censure hun'\ you 31. ^/r] om. Pope.
ccnsttre 710W in Aim Hanmer. which 31. After this line Ff have 'Enter
7tow you censu7'e hint forO.'a.^eW.. where Provost.'
no7v you censure him Gxzxit'^')M.\.Q. 36. [Exit Provost] Rowe. om. Ff.
19. the\ a Collier MS. 37. [Aside] S. Walker conj.
22. justice seizesl justice ceizes Yi. 38. This line is printed by Ff in justice seizes on Pope, it seizes on italics.
Hanmer. 39. from brakes of ice, ancl] through
hnoTii] Pope, knowes FjF^. brakes of vice and Rowe, from brakes
knows F3F4. of vice, and Malone. from brakes of
23. ^'oyl om. Hanmer, ending yV^j-//f(f, Capell. from breaks of ice, and lines 21, 22, 23 at made — seizes on — Collier, from brakes, off ice and pregnant. , Knight conj.
3 1 2 ME A S URE FOR ME A S URE. [act ii.
Enter Elbow, and Officers with Froth and Pompey.
Elb. Come, bring them away: if these be good people in a commonweal that do nothing but use their abuses in common houses, I know no law: bring them away.
Ang: How now, sir! What's your name? and what's the matter? 45
Elb. If it please your honour, I am the poor Duke's constable, and my name is Elbow: I do lean upon justice, sir, and do bring in here before your good honour two no- torious benefa6lors.
Aug: Benefa6lors? Well; what benefa6lors are they? 50 are they not malefactors?
Elb. If it please your honour, I know not well what they are: but precise villains they are, that I am sure of; and void of all profanation in the world that good Chris- tians ought to have. :;-
Escal. This comes off well ; here's a wise officer.
Ang. Go to: what quality are they of? Elbow is your name? why dost thou not speak. Elbow?
Pom. He cannot, sir; he's out at elbow.
Ang. What are you, sir?
Elb. He, sir! a tapster, sir; parcel-bawd; one that serves a bad woman ; whose house, sir, was, as they sa}% plucked down in the suburbs ; and now she professes a hot- house, which, I think, is a very ill house too.
Escal. How know you that? 65^
Elb. My wife, sir, whom I detest before heaven and your honour, —
Escal. How? thy wife? I
Elb. Ay, sir; — whom, I thank heaven, is an honest woman, — -o
Escal. Dost thou detest her therefore?
Elb. I say, sir, I will detest myself also, as well as she, that this house, if it be not a bawd's house, it is pity of her j life, for it is a naughty house. '
Escal. How dost thou know that, constable ?
/ J
41. Scene ii. Pope. 57. they\ you Rowe.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 31 3
Elb. Marry, sir, by my wife; who, if she had been a woman cardinally given, might have been accused in forni- cation, adultery, and all uncleanliness there.
Escal. By the woman's means?
Elb. Ay, sir, by Mistress Overdone's means: but as she 80 spit in his face, so she defied him.
Pom. Sir, if it please your honour, this is not so.
Elb. Prove it before these varlets here, thou honour- able man ; prove it.
Escal. Do you hear how he misplaces.'* 85
Pont. Sir, she came in great with child; and longing, saving your honour's reverence, for stewed prunes ; sir, we had but two in the house, which at that very distant time stood, as it were, in a fruit-dish, a dish of some three-pence ; your honours have seen such dishes; they are not China ^o dishes, but very good dishes, —
Escal. Go to, go to : no matter for the dish, sir.
Pom. No, indeed, sir, not of a pin ; you are therein in the right: but to the point. As I say, this Mistress Elbow, being, as I say, with child, and being great-bellied, and 95 longing, as I said, for prunes ; and having but two in the dish, as I said. Master Froth here, this very man, having eaten the rest, as I said, and, as I say, paying for them very honestly ; for, as you know. Master Froth, I could not give you three-pence again. 100
Froth. No, indeed.
Pom. Very well ; — you being then, if you be remem- bered, cracking the stones of the foresaid prunes, —
Froth. Ay, so I did indeed.
Pom. Why, very well; I telling you then, if you be re- 105 membered, that such a one and such a one were past cure of the thing you wot of, unless tliey kept very good diet, as I told you, —
Froth. All this is true.
Pom. Why, very well, then, — 1 1 o
|
78. uncleanliness\ F^. |
unclean- |
87. |
j'/r] om. F4. |
|
ness Eg F3 F4. |
88. |
distanfl Fj. instant F2F3F4. |
|
|
79. the\ that Hanmer. |
96. |
but t7v6\ Fj. no more F2F3F4. |
|
|
85. [To Ange. Capell. |
107. |
very\ om. Pope. |
o
14 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act 11.
Escal. Come, you are a tedious fool: to the purpose. What was done to Elbow's wife, that he hath cause to com- plain of? Come me to what was done to her. j
Pom. Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet. '
Escal. No, sir, nor I mean it not. 115
Povi. Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honour's leave. And, I beseech you, look into Master Froth here, sir; a man of fourscore pound a year; whose father died at Hallowmas: — was't not at Hallowmas, Master Froth i* —
Froth. All-hallond eve. 120
Po7n. Why, very well ; I hope here be truths. He, sir, sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir; 'twas in the Bunch of Grapes, where, indeed, you have a delight to sit, have you not.?
Froth. I have so; because it is an open room, and 125 good for winter.
Pom. Why, very well, then ; I hope here be truths.
Aug. This will last out a night in Russia, When nights are longest there: I'll take my leave, \
And leave you to the hearing of the cause; 130
Hoping you'll find good cause to whip them all. ;J
Escal. I think no less. Good morrow to your lordship.
{Exit A ngclo. Now, sir, come on: what was done to Elbow's wife, once more .-*
Pom. Once, sir.? there was nothing done to her once.
Elb. I beseech you, sir, ask him what this man did to my wife.
Po7}i. I beseech your honour, ask me.
Escal. Well, sir; what did this gentleman to her.?
Pom. I beseech you, sir, look in this gentleman's face. 140 Good Master Froth, look upon his honour; 'tis for a good purpose. Doth your honour mark his face.?
Escal. Ay, sir, very well.
Pom. Nay, I beseech you, mark it well.
Escal. Well, I do so. 14;^
113. W(]om.Pope. 7C'<r Grant White. 122. chair, sir\ chamber, sir Ca-
115. «(?;-] om. Pope. pell conj. c/;(z;«/^^;'Anon. conj.
117. into\untoQo\X\QxM.^. 126. Ti'/«/tv-] tcvV/^/.tw Collier MS.
120. All-hallond] All-hollandVo-^Q. 132. Scene hi. Pope.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 315
Pom. Doth your honour see any harm in his face?
Escal. Why, no.
Pom. I'll be supposed upon a book, his face is the worst thing about him. Good, then ; if his face be the worst thing about him, how could Master Froth do the constable's 150 wife any harm .-* I would know that of your honour.
Escal. He's in the right. Constable, what say you to it.^
Elb. First, an it like you, the house is a respe6led house; next, this is a respe6led fellow; and his mistress is a respe6led woman. 155
Pom. By this hand, sir, his wife is a more respe6led person than any of us all.
Elb. Varlet, thou Host; thou liest, wicked varlet! the time is yet to come that she was ever respefted with man, woman, or child. j6q
Pom. Sir, she was respe6led with him before he mar- ried with her.
Escal. Which is the wiser here .' Justice or Iniquity.? Is this true.-*
Elb. O thou caitiff! O thou varlet! O thou wicked 165 Hannibal ! I respe6led with her before I was married to her! If ever I was respefted with her, or she with me, let not your worship think me the poor duke's officer. Prove this, thou wicked Hannibal, or I 'II have mine a6lion of bat- tery on thee. lyo
Escal. If he took you a box o' th' ear, you might have your a6lion of slander too.
Elb. Marry, I thank your good worship for it. What is't your worship's pleasure I shall do with this wicked caitiff.? lyg
Escal. Truly, officer, because he hath some offences in him that thou wouldst discover if thou couldst, let him con- tinue in his courses till thou knowest what they are.
Elb. Marry, I thank your worship for it. Thou seest, thou wicked varlet, now, what's come upon thee: thou art 180 to continue now, thou varlet ; thou art to continue.
Escal. Where were you born, friend.-'
Froth. Here in Vienna, sir.
Escal. Are you of fourscore pounds a year.?
Froth. Yes, an't please you, sir. 185
3i6 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Escal. So. What trade are you of, sir?
Pom. A tapster; a poor widow's tapster.
Escal. Your mistress' name.-'
Pom. Mistress Overdone.
Escal. Hath she had any more than one husband.'' 19°
Pom. Nine, sir; Overdone by the last.
Escal Nine! Come hither to me, Master Froth. Master Froth, I would not have you acquainted with tap- sters: they will draw you, Master Froth, and you will hang them. Get you gone, and let me hear no more of you. 195
Froth. I thank your worship. For mine own part, I never come into any room in a taphouse, but I am drawn in.
Escal Well, no more of it, Master Froth: farewell. {Exit Froth.'] Come you hither to me. Master tapster. What's your name. Master tapster.^ -o<:
Pom. Pompey.
Escal What else?
Pom. Bum, sir,
Escal. Troth, and your bum is the greatest thing about you ; so that, in the beastliest sense, you are Pompey the 20^ Great. Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey, howso- ever you colour it in being a tapster, are you not? come, tell me true : it shall be the better for you.
Pom. Truly, sir, I am a poor fellow that would live.
Escal How would you live, Pompey? by being a 21c bawd? What do you think of the trade, Pompey? is it a lawful trade?
Pom. If the law would allow it, sir.
Escal But the law will not allow it, Pompey; nor it shall not be allowed in Vienna. 21 =
Poju. Does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth of the city?
Escal No, Pompey.
Po!Ji. Truly, sir, in my poor opinion, they will to't, then. If your worship will take order for the drabs and the knaves, you need not to fear the bawds.
«(??•] and Pope.
sptayl spay Steevens.
t/ie knaves'] Fj. kitazws F^
22c
|
186. |
you'] ye F4. |
214. |
|
194. |
^ici'ig] hang on Heath conj. |
216. |
|
198. |
Scene iv. Pope. |
221. |
|
207. |
/;/] Fj. om. F^ F3 F4. |
F3F4. |
SCENE I.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. ' 317
Escal. There are pretty orders beginning, I can tell you : it is but heading and hanging.
Po7n. If you head and hang all that ofifend that way but for ten year together, you'll be glad to give out a com- 225 mission for more heads: if this law hold in Vienna ten year, I '11 rent the fairest house in it after three-pence a bay : if you live to see this come to pass, say Pompey told you so.
Escal. Thank you, good Pompey; and, in requital of your prophecy, hark you: I advise you, let me not find 230 you before me again upon any complaint whatsoever; no, not for dwelling where you do: if I do, Pompey, I shall beat you to your tent, and prove a shrewd Caesar to you ; in plain dealing, Pompey, I shall have you whipt: so, for this time, Pompey, fare you well. 235
Pom. I thank your worship for your good counsel: [Aside] but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better determine.
Whip me.-" No, no; let carman whip his jade: The valiant heart is not whipt out of his trade. [Exit. 240
Escal. Come hither to me. Master Elbow ; come hither. Master constable. How long have you been in this place of constable.''
Elb. Seven year and a half, sir.
Escal. I thought, by your readiness in the office, you had 245 continued in it some time. You say, seven years together.''
Elb. And a half, sir.
Escal. Alas, it hath been great pains to you. They do you wrong to put you so oft upon 't : are there not men in your ward sufficient to serve it.-* 250
Elb. Faith, sir, few of any wit in such matters: as they are chosen, they are glad to choose me for them ; I do it for some piece of money, and go through with all.
Escal. Look you bring me in the names of some six or seven, the most sufficient of your parish. 255
Elb. To your worship's house, sir.^
■234. Pompey] om. F4.
237. [Aside] Staunton.
241. Scene v. Pope.
■245. yoi<r\ Pope, t^ie Ff.
|
222. |
arel F^ F3 F4. is Fj. |
|
225. |
year'\ Ff. years Rowe. |
|
226. |
yea}'] Fj. yeai-s F^ F3 F4. |
|
227. |
hay"] day Pope. |
31 8 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Escal. To my house. Fare you well. {Exit Elbow.
What's o'clock, think you.?
Just. Eleven, sir. i
Escal. I pray you home to dinner with me. 26cA
Just. I humbly thank you. '
Escal. It grieves me for the death of Claudio ;
But there's no remedy.
jfitst. Lord Angelo is severe.
Escal It is but needful :
Mercy is not itself, that oft looks so ; 265J
Pardon is still the nurse of second woe :
But yet, — poor Claudio! There is no remedy.
Come, sir. . \_Exeunt.
Scene II. Another room in the same.
Enter Provost and a Servant.
Serv. He's hearing of a cause; he will come straight: I'll tell him of you.
Prov. Pray you, do. \Exit Servant?^ I '11 know
His pleasure; may be he will relent. Alas, He hath but as offended in a dream !
All se61;s, all ages smack of this vice ; and he 5
To die for 't!
Enter Angelo.
Ang. Now, what's the matter, provost.?
Prov. Is it your will Claudio shall die to-morrow.?
Ajig. Did not I tell thee yea.? hadst thou not order.? Why dost thou ask again .?
Prov. Lest I might be too rash:
Under your good corre6lion, I have seen, jq
When, after execution. Judgement hath Repented o'er his doom.
260. home] Fj. go home F2F3F4. Grant White. 267. There is] There's Tope. 5. se<^s] sorts S. Walker conj.
Scene ii.] Scene vi. Pope. of this] o" th' Hanmer.
I . he will] he'll Pope. 9. dost thou] ova.. Hanmer.
4. hut as offended] offended but as
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 319
Ang. Go to; let that be mine:
Do you your office, or give up your place, And you shall well be spared.
Prov. I crave your honour's pardon.
What shall be done, sir, with the groaning Juliet.-' 15
She's very near her hour. . ,
A ng. Dispose of her
To some more fitter place, and that with speed.
Re-enter Servant.
Serv. Here is the sister of the man condemn'd Desires access to you.
Ang. Hath he a sister.''
Prov. Ay, my good lord ; a very virtuous maid, 20
And to be shortly of a sisterhood. If not already.
A7ig. Well, let her be admitted. {Exit Servant.
See you the fornicatress be removed: Let her have needful, but not lavish, means ; There shall be order for 't.
Enter Isabella and Lucio.
Prov. God save your honour! - 25
Aug.- Stay a little while. \_To Isab.'\ You're welcome: what's your will.''
Isab. I am a woeful suitor to your honour, Please but your honour hear me.
Ang. Well; what's your suit. ^
Isab. There is a vice that most I do abhor, And most desire should meet the blow of justice; 30
For which I would not plead, but that I must ; For which I must not plead, but that I am At war 'twixt will and will not.
|
12. |
Go io\ om. Hanmer. |
28. |
Please'] 'Please Ff. |
|
14. |
honoHr''s\ om. Pope. |
Well] om. Pope. |
|
|
17- |
fitter\ fitting Pope. |
30. |
And f/iost] And more Rowe. |
|
22. |
WeH\ om. Pope. |
32- |
must not plead, but that] must |
|
^5- |
for V] for it Pope. |
plead, |
albeit Hanmer. jmist now |
|
God save\ 'Save Ff. |
plead. |
but yet Johnson conj. |
|
|
26. |
a little] yet a Pope. |
320 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Ang. Well; the matter?
Isab. I have a brother is condemn'd to die: I do beseech you, let it be his fault, And not my brother.
Prov. [Aside] Heaven give thee moving graces!
A^ig. Condemn the fault, and not the a6lor of it ? Why, every fault's condemn'd ere it be done; Mine were the very cipher of a fun6lion, To fine the faults whose fine stands in record. And let go by the a6lor.
Isab. O just but severe law!
I had a brother, then. — Heaven keep your honour!
Lucio. [Aside to Isab.] Give't not o'er so : to him again, entreat him ; Kneel down before him, hang upon his gown: You are too cold; if you should need a pin, You could not with more tame a tongue desire it : To him, I say!
Isab. Must he needs die?
Ang. ]\Iaiden, no remedy.
Isab. Yes; I do think that you might pardon him, And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy.
Ang. I will not do't.
Isab. But can you, if you would ?
A7ig. Look, what I will not, that I cannot do.
Isab. But might you do't, and do the world no wrong, If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse As mine is to him.
Ang. He's sentenced; 'tis too late.
Lucio. [Aside to Isab.] You are too cold.
Isab. Too late ? why, no ; I, that do speak a word. May call it back again. Well, believe this.
40. To finc\ to find Theobald, 56. You arc] Yo or.' Fj. T/ioit
faults] fault TiycQ. art Collier MS.
46. jjiorc tame a] a more tame 58. back] F^ F3 F4. om. F^.
I^owe. Well,] and Ilanmer.
53. might you] you might S. Well, Mircv] JVell bclin'c
Walker conj. Knight.
55. him!] him? Ff.
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 321
No ceremony that to great ones 'longs,
Not the king's crown, nor the deputed sword, 60
The marshal's truncheon, nor the judge's robe,
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does.
If he had been as you, and you as he,
You would have slipt like him ; but he, like you, 65
Would not have been so stern.
Aug. Pray you, be gone.
Isab. I would to heaven I had your potency, And you were Isabel! should it then be thus.-* No; I would tell what 'twere to be a judge. And what a prisoner.
Lucio. [yii-z<i'^ /(? /y^^/?.] Ay, touch him; there's the vein, yo
Aug. Your brother is a forfeit of the law. And you but waste your words.
Isab. Alas, alas!
Why, all the souls that were were forfeit once ; And He that might the vantage best have took Found out the remedy. How would you be, 75
If He, which is the top of judgement, should But judge you as you are.^ O, think on that; And mercy then will breathe within your lips. Like man new made.
Aug. Be you content, fair maid;
It is the law, not I condemn your brother: 80
Were he my kinsman, brother, or my son, It should be thus with him : he must die to-morrow.
Isab. To-morrow! O, that's sudden! Spare him, spare him! He's not prepared for death. Even for our kitchens We kill the fowl of season : shall we serve heaven 85
With less respe6l than we do minister To our gross selves.^ Good, good my lord, bethink you;
59. ''longs\ Theobald, longs Ff. 82. imist die] dies Pope.
belojtgs Pope. 83. Printed as two lines in Ff,
73. that were] that are Warburton. the first ending sudden. 76. top\ God Collier MS. 85. shall ive senv] serve zue Pope.
80. coftdemit] condemns Rowe.
VOL. I. Y
32 2 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Who is it that hath died for this offence? There's many have committed it.
Lucio. [Aside to Isab?\ Ay, well said.
A ng. The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept : 9° Those many had not dared to do that evil, If the first that did the edi6l infringe Had answer'd for his deed : now 'tis awake. Takes note of what is done ; and, like a prophet, Looks in a glass, that shows what future evils, 95
Either now, or by remissness new-conceived, And so in progress to be hatch'd and born. Are now to have no successive degrees, But, ere they live, to end.
Isab. Yet show some pity.
Aug. I show it most of all when I show justice; 100
For then I pity those I do not know. Which a dismiss'd offence would after gall ; And do him right that, answering one foul wrong, Lives not to aft another. Be satisfied ; Your brother dies to-morrow; be content. 105
Isab. So you must be the first that gives this sentence, And he, that suffers. O, it is excellent To have a giant's strength ; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant.
Lucio. {Aside to Isab.'] That's well said. J
Isab. Could great men thunder tto
As Jove himself does, Jove would ne'er be quiet. For every pelting, petty officer Would use his heaven for thunder. Nothing but thunder! Merciful Heaven,
92, f/ie first'\ Ff. ///(' first viait 96. Either iw'iV\ Or ttciv Pope.
Poi^e. Jie, the first Capell (Tyrwhitt Either new Dyce.
conj.). the fii'st one Qo\\\Q.x '^\^. hut 99. r;-£'] Hanmer. hereYi. ivhcre
the first Grant White, the first he INIalone.
Spedding conj. 104. Be\ Then be Pope.
the first that'] he ivho first 107. it /j] V/> Pope.
Davenant's version. 108. it is\ om. Hanmer.
did the edii^] the editt did in. ne'er] never F^.
Keightley conj. 1 1 3. JVould] Incessantly wouhi
95. that shoTOS lohat^ which she^vs Ilanmer.
that Ilanmer. 1 14. Heaven] S7veet HeavenW^mmx .
I
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 323
Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt 115
Split 'st the unwedgeable and gnarled oak
Than the soft myrtle: but man, proud man,
Drest in a little brief authority,
Most ignorant of what he's most assured,
His glassy essence, like an angry ape, 120
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
As make the angels weep ; who, with our spleens,
Would all themselves laugh mortal.
Lticio. \Aside to Isab?^ O, to him, to him, wench! he will relent; He's coming; I perceive 't.
Prov. \Asid£\ Pray heaven she win him! 125
Isab. We cannot weigh our brother with ourself : Great men may jest with saints; 'tis wit in them. But in the less foul profanation.
Lucio. Thou'rt i' the right, girl; more o' that.
Isab. That in the captain's but a choleric word, 130
Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy.
Lucio. [Aside to Isab^ Art a vised o' that? more on't.
Aug. Wliy do you put these sayings upon me?
Isab. Because authority, though it err like others. Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself, 135
That skins the vice o' the top. Go to your bosom ; Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know That's like my brother's fault: if it confess A natural guiltiness such as is his.
Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue 140
Against my brother's life.
Aug. {Aside] She speaks, and 'tis
Such sense, that my sense breeds with it. Fare you well.
1 16. SplifstX splits Fj. 129. V the right] i" th right F^F^.
117. ^;//] Fj. OhitY^Y-iY^. i' right Y^Y^. right Vo^e. in the proud'\ weak, proud Malone right Steevens.
conj. 132. avisedl avis''dY^Y2. advis'd
1 20. g^assj/] grassy Lloyd conj. F3F4. thou advis'd Hanmer.
126. We] K7« Collier MS. more on't] more on't, yet cannot] can Imt Anon. conj. more Hanmer.
ourself] yourself Theobald 140- yo7ir]youY^.
(Warburton). 142. breeds] bleeds Pope.
127. saints] sins Anon. conj.
Y 2
324 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Isab. Gentle my lord, turn back.
A7ig. I will bethink me: come again to-morrow.
Isab. Hark how I '11 bribe you : good my lord, turn back. 1 45
Ang. How.'' bribe me.'*
Isab. Ay, with such gifts that heaven shall share with you.
Liicio. [Aside to Isab.] You had marr'd all else.
Isab. Not with fond shekels of the tested gold, Or stones whose rates are either rich or poor 15^
As fancy values them ; but with true prayers That shall be up at heaven and enter there Ere sun-rise, prayers from preserved souls. From fasting maids whose minds are dedicate To nothing temporal.
A7ig. Well; come to me to-morrow. 155
Liicio. [Aside to Isab.] Go to; 'tis well; away!
Isab. Heaven keep your honour safe!
A Jig. [Aside] Amen:
For I am that way going to temptation. Where prayers cross.
Isab. At what hour to-morrow
Shall I attend your lordship.'
A7ig. At any time 'fore noon. id
Isab. 'Save your honour!
[Exeunt Isabella, Lticio, and Provost.
Ang. From thee, — even from thy virtue!
What's this, what's this.' Is this her fault or mine.' The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? Ha!
Not she; nor doth she tempt: but it is I i6g
That, lying by the violet in the sun. Do as the carrion docs, not as the flower,
1 49. shchis\ Pope. sickles Ff. conj. cycles Collier conj. circles Collier i6o. yoio- lorJs}iip\ you lordship MS. See note (viii). Fj. you Hanmer.
150. rates are\ Johnson, rate are i6i. ''Save\ God save Kdd. conj. Ff. rate is llanmer. i6i. Scene viii. Pope.
157. Amen] A/iien! I say Han- 163. I/a!] om. Pope,
nier. See note (vu). 166. by} ivith Capell.
159. Where] PV/tic/i your Johnson
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 325
Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be
That modesty may more betray our sense
Than woman's lightness.^ Having waste ground enough, 170
Shall we desire to raze the san6luary,
And pitch our evils there .? O, fie, fie, fie !
What dost thou, or what art thou, Angelo.?
Dost thou desire her foully for those things
That make her good .'^ O, let her brother live: i75
Thieves for their robbery have authority
When judges steal themselves. What, do I love her,
That I desire to hear her speak again,
And feast upon her eyes.^ What is't I dream on?
0 cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint, 180 With saints dost bait thy hook! Most dangerous
Is that temptation that doth goad us on
To sin in loving virtue: never could the strumpet,
With all her double vigour, art and nature,
Once stir my temper; but this virtuous maid 185
Subdues me quite. Ever till now.
When men were fond, I smiled, and wonder'd how. [Exit.
Scene III. A room in a prison. Enter, severally, Duke disguised as a friar, and Provost.
Duke. Hail to you, provost ! — so I think you are. Pj^ov. I am the provost. What's your will, good friar.!* Duke. Bound by my charity and my blest order,
1 come to visit the afiflifted spirits
Here in the prison. Do me the common right 5
To let me see them, and to make me know The nature of their crimes, that I may minister To them accordingly.
Prov. I would do more than that, if more were needful.
172. eznls\ offals (Zo\X\(ixlsl?,. Collier MS.
183. «t-rvv-] wVr Pope. Scene hi.] Scene ix. Pope.
186. Ever till no-cv\Y ^. Evert till Act in. Scene i. Johnson conj.
now F2F3F4. Even till this very 7. crimes that I may\ several crimes
now Pope. Ever till this very no70 that I iMay Seymour con]. Theobald. Even frovi youth till nccD
326 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Enter Juliet.
Look, here comes one: a gentlewoman of mine, lo
Who, falHng in the flaws of her own youth,
Hath bhster'd her report: she is with child;
And he that got it, sentenced ; a young man
More fit to do another such offence
Than die for this. 15
Duke. When must he die.'*
Prov. As I do think, to-morroAv.
I have provided for you: stay awhile, \To Juliet.
And you shall be condu6led.
Duke. Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry .^
Jul. I do ; and bear the shame most patiently. 2o|
D?ike. I'll teach you how you shall arraign your con- science, And try your penitence, if it be sound. Or hollowly put on.
Jul. I'll gladly learn.
Duke. Love you the man that wrong'd you .''
Jul. Yes, as I love the woman that wrong'd him. 25
Duke. So, then, it seems your most offenceful a6l Was mutually committed.''
J71I. Mutually,
Duke. Then was your sin of heavier kind than his.
Jul. I do confess it, and repent it, father.
Duke. 'Tis meet so, daughter: but lest you do repent, 3°" As that the sin hath brought you to this shame, Which sorrow is always towards ourselves, not heaven. Showing we would not spare heaven as we love it, But as we stand in fear, —
Jul I do repent me, as it is an evil, 35
And take the shame with joy.
9. Enter JULIET] Transferred by you do repent Fj Y^ F3. repent yon
Dyce to line 15. not Pope.
II. Jia'ws\ F3 F4. flazves Fj F2. 33. zue tvouhi not spare\Y{. 7oe\f
flames Warburton (after Davenant). not seek Pope. icvV not spare Ma-
26. offe}ueJtd\ offence full Y ^. lone, -we -would not serve QoVix^xls'i.'S.
30. lest you do repeni'\ F4. least ive\l not appease Singer conj.
SCENE UL] ME A SI/RE FOR MEASURE. 327
Duke. There rest.
Your partner, as I hear, must die to-morrow, And I am going with instru6lion to him. Grace go with you, Benedicite! [Exit.
Jul. Must die to-morrow! O injurious love, 40
That respites me a life, whose very comfort Is still a dying horror!
Prov. 'Tis pity of him. \Exeiint.
Scene IV. A room in Angelo's house.
Enter Angelo.
Aug. When I would pray and think, I think and pray To several subje6ls. Heaven hath my empty words ; Whilst my invention, hearing not my tongue, Anchors on Isabel: Heaven in my mouth,
As if I did but only chew his name ; 5
And in my heart the strong and swelling evil Of my conception. The state, whereon I studied, Is like a good thing, being often read, Grown fear'd and tedious ; yea, my gravity, Wherein — let no man hear me — I take pride, 10
Could I with boot change for an idle plume. Which the air beats for vain. O place, O form, How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit, Wrench awe from fools, and tie the wiser souls To thy false seeming! Blood, thou art blood: 15
36. There rest] Tis -well; there 5. his\ its Pope.
rest Hanmer. 9. feared] sear'd Hanmer. sear
39. Grace] So grace Pope. May Heath conj. stale Anon. conj. See
grace Steevens conj. All grace Sey- note (ix).
moiir conj. Grace go with you is as- 10. take] took Seymour conj.
signed to Juliet by Dyce(Ritson conj.). 12. for vain. O place,] Ej^. for
' 40. love] law Hanmer. vaine. O place, Fj F^ F3. for vane.
Scene iv.] Scene x. Pope. O place, ox for vane o' the place. Ma-
1. empty] om. Seymour conj. lone conj.
3. itivottion] intention Pope. 15. thoti aii. blood] thoti art but
4. Heaven] Heaven's Rowe. Hea- blood Pope. tho2i still art blood Ma- ven is Capell. lone. .
i
328 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act 11.
Let's write good angel on the devil's horn ; 'Tis not the devil's crest.
Enter a Servant.
How now! who's there .^ Serv. One Isabel, a sister, desires access to you. Ang-. Teach her the way. O heavens!
Why does my blood thus muster to my heart, 20'
Making both it unable for itself,
And dispossessing all my other parts
Of necessary fitness.'*
So play the foolish throngs with one that swpons ;
Come all to help him, and so stop the air 25
By which he should revive : and even so
The general, subje6l to a well-wish'd king,
Quit their own part, and in obsequious fondness
Crowd to his presence, where their untaught love
Must needs appear offence.
Enter Isabella.
How now, fair maid.^ 3c
Isab. I am come to know your pleasure.
Ang. That you might know it, would much better please me Than to demand what 'tis. Your brother cannot live.
Fsab. Even so. — Heaven keep your honour! I
A)ig. Yet may he live awhile; and, it may be, 35
As long as you or I : yet he must die.
Isab. Under your sentence?
Afig. Yea.
17. ''Tis tio/l Is'i not Hanmer. dispossessing, fitness. ' 7}.f jj/^'if Johnson conj. 27. suhjc(fl^Y ^ .^Y ^. sut>jcc7s¥^.
18. desires'] asks Vo^e. -28. /^7r/]>7/// Collier MS. ' i\. both it\ both tliat Tope, it 31. Scene XI. Pope.
both Collier MS. 33. demand] dee/are Hanmer.
■23, att] om. Hanmer, who makes Your brother] He Hanmer.
lines 19—23 end at blood, both that, 34. your honour] you Yit)Xi\\\Q.x.
55
SCENE IV.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 329
Isab. When, I beseech you? that in his reprieve, Longer or shorter, he may be so fitted 40
That his soul sicken not.
Aug. Ha! fie, these filthy vices! It were as good To pardon him that hath from nature stolen A man already made, as to remit
Their saucy sweetness that do coin heaven's image 45
In stamps that are forbid : 'tis all as easy Falsely to take away a life true made. As to put metal in restrained means To make a false one.
Isab. 'Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth. 50
Aug. Say you so.-* then I shall pose you quickly. Which had you rather, — that the most just law Now took your brother's life; or, to redeem him, Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness As she that he hath stain'd }
Isab. Sir, believe this,
I had rather give my body than my soul.
Aug. I talk not of your soul: our compell'd sins Stand more for number than for accompt.
Isab. How say you .^
Aug. Nay, I'll not warrant that; for I can speak Against the thing I say. Answer to this : — 5q
I, now the voice of the recorded law. Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life: Might there not be a charity in sin To save this brother's life.-*
Isab. Please you to do't,
I'll take it as a peril to my soul, 65
It is no sin at all, but charity.
Aug. Pleased you to do't at peril of your soul,
45. s'wcct7iess\ lewdness Hanmer. conj.
46. easy'\ just^zxm\ex. Si. Say\ And say'^o'^Q. Yea, say 48. ;«f/a/] Theobald, mettle Yi. S. Walker conj. ending lines 50, 51
means\ mints Steevens conj. at heaven, then I. moulds Malone conj. 53. or\ Rowe (after Davenant),
50. " Tis . . .earth\ ^ Tis so set down and¥i. in earth but not in heaven Johnson 58. for accompt'\ accompt Vo'^e,
330 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Were equal poise of sin and charity.
Isab. That I do beg his Hfe, if it be sin, Heaven let me bear it! you granting of my suit, 70
If that be sin, I'll make it my morn prayer To have it added to the faults of mine. And nothing of your answer.
Aug. Nay, but hear me.
Your sense pursues not mine: either you are ignorant, Or seem so, craftily; and that's not good. 75
Isab. Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good. But graciously to know I am no better.
Aug. Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright When it doth tax itself; as these black masks Proclaim an enshield beauty ten times louder 80
Than beauty could, display'd. But mark me; To be received plain, I'll speak more gross: Your brother is to die.
Isab. So.
Aug. And his offence is so, as it appears, 85
Accountant to the law upon that pain. '
Isab. True. j
Aug. Admit no other way to save his life, — • As I subscribe not that, nor any other,
But in the loss of question, — that you, his sister, 90
Finding yourself desired of such a person, Whose credit with the judge, or own great place, Could fetch your brother from the manacles Of the all-building law; and that there were No earthly mean to save him, but that either 95
You must lay down the treasures of your body
68. Were.... charity. ^ Were'' t....c}ia- 80. enshield'\ in-shell\i Tyrwhitt
rily? Hanmer. ''Twere... charily. Sey- conj.
mour conj. 81. mark mc'l mark me loell Yi^w-
70. oJ~\ om. Pope. mer.
71. make it my morn prayer] 90. loss] loose Singer MS. toss make' 1 7ny morning prayer Yizi.wmer. Johnson conj. //>/ Heath conj. force
73. your] yours '^o\mso\\ con]. Collier ISIS.
75. craftily] Rowe (after Dave- 94. all-building] Ff. all-holding nant). crafty Ff. Rowe. all-binding Johnson. See
76. me] om. F^. note (.\).
SCENE IV.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 33 1
To this supposed, or else to let him suffer; What would you do ?
Isab. As much for my poor brother as myself: That is, were I under the terms of death, loo
The impression of keen whips I 'Id wear as rubies, And strip myself to death, as to a bed That longing have been sick for, ere I'ld yield My body up to shame.
Aug. ■ Then must your brother die.
Isab. And 'twere the cheaper way : 105
Better it were a brother died at once. Than that a sister, by redeeming him. Should die for ever.
A Jig. Were not you, then, as cruel as the sentence That you have slander'd so? no
Isab. Ignomy in ransom and free pardon Are of two houses : lawful mercy Is nothing kin to foul redemption.
A Jig. You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant; And rather proved the sliding of your brother 115
A merriment than a vice.
Isab. O, pardon me, my lord ; it oft falls out, To have what we would have, we speak not what we mean : I something do excuse the thing I hate, For his advantage that I dearly love. 120
Aug. We are all frail.
Isab. Else let my brother die,
If not a feodary, but only he Owe and succeed thy weakness.
97. to let] let B.Q.wmtx. Ff. mercy sure Is nothing kin Vo'^t.
103. have\ fve Rowe. I have mercy is N'othing akin Si^^y^iis. See Capell. had Knight. See note (xi). note (xii).
j/<r/C'] J^^/^ Johnson (a misprint). 117. o/t']^ very oft Hanmer, who
104, 105. Capell (conj.) and Col- ends lines 116, 117 at me. ..have.
lier end the first line at wz/Ji". 118. we would^ iue\i Steevens.
106. at] for Johnson conj. This line printed as two in Ff.
III. Ignomy in^ Ignomie in Fj. 122. feoda>-y^Y ^ ^ i^. fedarieY^.
Ignominy in F^ F3 F4. An ignomi- 123. thy wcakness'\ by weakness
nious Pope. Rowe. to weakness Capell. this
112,113. mercy Is nothing kin'X 7cva/fwJ-J- Harness (Malone conj.).
332
MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act ii.
Ang. Nay, women are frail too.
Isab. Ay, as the glasses where they view themselves ; Which are as easy broke as they make forms. Women! — Help Heaven! men their creation mar In profiting by them. Nay, call us ten times frail; For we are soft as our complexions are, And credulous to false prints. "
Ang. I think it well:
And from this testimony of your own sex, — Since, I suppose, we are made to be no stronger Than faults may shake our frames, — let me be bold ; — I do arrest your words. Be that you are, That is, a woman; if you be more, you're none; If you be one, — as you are well express 'd ' By all external warrants, — show it now, By putting on the destined livery.
Isab. I have no tongue but one: gentle my lord. Let me entreat you speak the former language.
Aug. Plainly conceive, I love you.
Isab. My brother did love Juliet, And you tell me that he shall die for it.
Ang. He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love.
Isab. I know your virtue hath a license in't, Which seems a little fouler than it is. To pluck on others.
Ang. Believe me, on mine honour,
My words express my purpose.
Isab. Ha! little honour to be much believed, And most pernicious purpose! — Seeming, seeming! — I will proclaim thee, Angelo; look for't : Sign me a present pardon for my brother, Or with an outstretch'd throat I'll tell the world aloud What man thou art.
Ang. Who will believe thee, Isabel.^
My unsoil'd name, the austereness of my life, My vouch against you, and my place i' the state.
I2P
130
135
1 4°
145
155
126. make] fake "Johnson conj.
127. Mm] Z^)' Edcl. conj. 135. you be] you're Pope.
140. former] formal Warburton.
1 43- forit^To^e. for''tYi.
1 53- Tope ends the line nt rcwM.
SCENE IV.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 333
Will so your accusation overweigh,
That you shall stifle in your own report,
And smell of calumny. I have begun;
And now I give my sensual race the rein: i6o
Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite;
Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes,
That banish what they sue for; redeem thy brother
By yielding up thy body to my will ;
Or else he must not only die the death, 165
But thy unkindness shall his death draw out
To lingering sufferance. Answer me to-morrow,
Or, by the affe6lion that now guides me most,
I'll prove a tyrant to him. As for you.
Say what you can, my false o'erweighs your true. [Exit. 170
Isab. To whom should I complain } Did I tell this, Who would believe me .-' O perilous mouths. That bear in them one and the self-same tongue. Either of condemnation or approof ;
Bidding the law make court'sy to their will; 175
Hooking both right and wrong to the appetite. To follow as it draws! I'll to my brother: Though he hath fall'n by prompture of the blood. Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour.
That, had he twenty heads to tender down 180
On twenty bloody blocks, held yield them up. Before his sister should her body stoop To such abhorr'd pollution. Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die: More than our brother is our chastity. 185
I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request, And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest. [Exit.
163. redeem'] save Vo^e. i75- coiirrsyilcurtsieYL
171. skoulci] shall ^iQ&vens. i79- 7tiind\ mine ]a.cUoi\ cony.
172. penlous] most perilous Theo- 185. Inverted commas prefixed to bald, these perilous Seymour conj. this line in Ff.
pernicious S. Walker conj.
334
MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iii.
ACT III.
Scene I. A room in the prison.
Enter Duke disgidsed as before, Claudio, and Provost.
Duke. So, then, you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo.' Claud. The miserable have no other medicine But only hope: I 've hope to live, and am prepar'd to die.
Diike. Be absolute for death ; either death or life Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life: If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing- That none but fools would keep; a breath thou art. Servile to all the skyey influences, That dost this habitation, where thou keep'st, Hourly affli6l: merely, thou art death's fool; For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun, And yet runn'st toward him still. Thou art not noble ; For all the accommodations that thou bear'st Are nursed by baseness. Thou'rt by no means valiant; For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork Of a poor worm. Thy best of rest is sleep, And that thou oft provokest ; yet grossly fear'st Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thyself; For thou exist'st on many a thousand grains That issue out of dust. Happy thou art not; For what thou hast not, still thou strivest to get, And what thou hast, forget'st. Thou art not certain ; For thy complexion shifts to strange effe6ls, After the moon. If thou art rich, thou'rt poor; For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows.
10
15
-31
^' <'f'\ fo>' Hanmer.
4. I'z'c] rhavc Ff.
5. cither^ or Pope.
8. kccp\ reck Warburton. tJioti (jfi] om. Hanmer.
10. dos/] Ff. t/o Hanmer.
20. cxis^'s/] Theobald, iwis/s IT.
24. t'ffc(^s\ affects Johnson conj.
^5- //I Though Hanmer.
SCENE I.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 335
Thou bear'st thy heavy riches but a journey,
And death unloads thee. Friend hast thou none ;
For thine own bowels, which do call thee sire,
The mere effusion of thy proper loins, 3°
Do curse the gout, serpigo, and the rheum.
For ending thee no sooner. Thou hast nor youth nor age,
But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep,
Dreaming on both ; for all thy blessed youth
Becomes as aged, and doth beg the alms 35
Of palsied eld ; and when thou art old and rich.
Thou hast neither heat, affe6lion, limb, nor beauty,
To make thy riches pleasant. What's yet in this
That bears the name of life.'* Yet in this life
Lie hid more thousand deaths : yet death we fear, 40
That makes these odds all even.
Claud. I humbly thank you.
To sue to live, I find I seek to die; And, seeking death, find life: let it come on.
Isab. [zvit/iiii] What, ho! Peace here; grace and good company !
Prov. Who's there.-* come in: the wish deserves a wel- come. 45
Duke. Dear sir, ere long I '11 visit you again.
Claud. Most holy sir, I thank you.
Enter Isabella.
Isab. My business is a word or two with Claudio. Prov. And very welcome. Look, signior, here's your
sister. Duke. Provost, a word with you. Prov. As many as you please.
28. iiitloads'] unloadeth Pope. 35. as agcd\ an indigent Hanmer.
29. sire\ F4. yJrt' Fj Fg F3. See assuaged '^ zxhvLXioxi. assiegedV>&ck&\. note (xni). conj. engaged Staunton conj. enagcd
31. serpigd\ Rowe. sapego Fj. Grant White conj. abased '^AA. coviy
sarpego Y^ F3 F4. 37. beaut)i\ bounty Warburton.
34. all thy blessed] palVd, thy 38. yet] ora. Pope.
blazed Warburton. all thy blasted 40. inoi-e] inoe Ff. a Hanmei".
Johnson conj. all thy boasted CoWier 46. j/r] jf^w Mason conj.
MS. 49. Looli\ om. Pope.
50
336 ME A SURE FOR ME A S URE. [act hi.
Duke. Bring me to hear them speak, where I may be concealed. \Exeimt Duke and Provost.
Claud. Now, sister, what's the comfort?
Isab. Why, As all comforts are; most good, most good indeed. Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven, Intends you for his swift ambassador. Where you shall bean everlasting leiger: Therefore your best appointment make with. speed ; To-morrow you set on.
Claud. Is there no remedy.''
Isab. None, but such remedy as, to save a head, To cleave a heart in twain.
Claud. But is there any.?'
Isab. Yes, brother, you may live: There is a devilish mercy in the judge. If you'll implore it, that will free your life, But fetter you till death.
Claud. Perpetual durance.'*
Isab. Ay, just; perpetual durance, a restraint. Though all the world's vastidity you had. To a determined scope.
Claud. But in what nature .-*
Isab. In such a one as, you consenting to't, Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear. And leave you naked.
Claud. Let me know the point.
Isab. O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake, 75j
Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain. And six or seven winters more respe6l
53. Bring me to hear them speak] shter] good sister Ha.nmei:
Malone (Steevens conj.). Bring Ihem 57. most good, most good indeed]
to hear me speak F^. Bring them to most good indeed Vo^&. most good in
speak F2 F3 F4. Bring me to stand speed Haiimer. most good. Indeed
Capell. Bl.ickstone conj. See note (xiv).
54. concealed] conceafd Fj. con- Co. leiger] ledger Capell. lieger
ceal'd, yet hear them F^ F3 F4. coji- Staunton.
ceaFd, yet hear ihem speak Capell. 62. set on] set out Pope.
Bring me where I concealed May hear 64. To] Must Hanmer.
ihem speak Davenant's version. 70. Though] Pope. Through Ff. 55. Scene ii. Pope.
*
\
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 337
Than a perpetual honour. Barest thou die ?
The sense of death is most in apprehension; 75
And the poor beetle, that we tread upon,
In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
As when a giant dies.
Claud. Why give you me this shame?
Think you I can a resolution fetch
From flowery tenderness.'' If I must die, 80
I will encounter darkness as a bride, And hug it in mine arms.
Isab. There spake my brother; there my father's grave Did utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die : Thou art too noble to conserve a life 85
In base appliances. This outward-sainted deputy, Whose settled visage and deliberate word Nips youth i' the head, and follies doth emmew As falcon doth the fowl, is yet a devil ;
His filth within being cast, he would appear 90
A pond as deep as hell.
Claud. The prenzie Angelo!
Isab. O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell, The damned'st body to invest and cover In prenzie guards! Dost thou think, Claudioi" — If I would yield him my virginity, 95
Thou mightst be freed.
Claud. O heavens ! it cannot be.
Isab. Yes, he would give't thee, from this rank offence, So to offend him still. This night's the time That I should do what I abhor to name,
79. ca7t a resolution fetch^ luant a ton. saintly Hickson conj. pntsive resolution fetch'' d Hanmer. Anon. (N. & Q.) conj. frenzy! — prince-
80. tenderness?\ tenderness. Dyce ly Knight conj. printsy Taylor conj. (Heath conj.). pious Dehiis conj. phrenzied Anon. (N.
86. appliances'] appliance Hanmer. & Q.) conj. primsie Anon. (N. & Q.)
88. head\ /*;»/ Grey conj. conj. pensie Bullock conj. See note
89. faleo7t\ falconer Grey con]. (xv).
90, 91. filth. ..pond] pond. ..filth 93- damned' st] danmest ¥.,. Upton conj. 94- guards] garb ColWer Is,].?,.
91, 94. prenzie] Fj. princely F^ 97- give't] grant Hanmer. give F3F4. priestly Hanmer. precise Warburton.
Knight (Tieck conj.). rev' rend '?,K.2ei\n- from] for Hanmer.
VOL. 1. Z
338 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iii.
Or else thou diest to-morrow.
Claud. Thou shalt not do't. loo
Isab. O, were it but my Hfe, I 'Id throw it down for your deHverance As frankly as a pin.
Claud. Thanks, dear Isabel.
Isab. Be ready, Claudio, for your death to-morrow.
Claud. Yes. Has he affeftions in him, lo-
That thus can make him bite the law by the nose, When he would force it .'' Sure, it is no sin ; Or of the deadly seven it is the least.
Isab. Which is the least .''
Claud. If it were damnable, he being so wise, i lo
Why would he for the momentary trick Be perdurably fined i* — O Isabel!
Isab. What says my brother.^
Claud. Death is a fearful thing.
Isab. And shamed life a hateful.
Claud. Ay, but to die, and go we know not where; 115
To lie in cold obstru6tion and to rot; This sensible warm motion to become A kneaded clod; and the delighted spirit To bathe in fiery floods, or to reside
In thrilling region of thick-ribbed ice; 120
To be imprison'd in the viewless winds. And blown with restless violence round about The pendent world ; or to be worse than worst Of those that lawless and incertain thought Imagine howling: — 'tis too horrible! 125
The weariest and most loathed worldly life That age, ache, penury, and imprisonment
103. dea7^dcan'SiVo\^c. i20. region'] regions 'Rowe.
105. /ie'\ he iken ll2i\m\t\: 124,125. those that... ihoiighi Ima-
III. J47ij>] Wh^, Kanmer. giue] those, that thot<ght. Imagine
118. delighted] dilated Hanmer. Ff. ..../'//w/'^/;/j.... Theobald. those —
benighted {Anon. conj. ap. Johnson). that thought — Imagine Hanmer.
deliiiquent\]'pion conj. alighted Anon. those ivhom... thought Imagines Heath
conj. delated Anon. conj. in Fras. conj. (after Davenant).
Mag. See note (xvi). 127. />euuiy]Y^¥^Y^. /eriufyF^.
119. reside] reeide Fj (and 249). and] om. Pope.
I
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 339
Can lay on nature is a paradise To what we fear of death.
Isab. Alas, alas!
Claud. Sweet sister, let me live: 130
What sin you do to save a brother's life, Nature dispenses with the deed so far That it becomes a virtue.
Isab. O you beast!
0 faithless coward! O dishonest wretch!
Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice.'' 135
Is't not a kind of incest, to take life
From thine own sister's shame.' What should I think.'
Heaven shield my mother play'd my father fair !
For such a warped slip of wilderness
Ne'er issued from his blood. Take my defiance! 140
Die, perish! Might but my bending down
Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed:
1 '11 pray a thousand prayers for thy death. No word to save thee.
Claud. Nay, hear me, Isabel.
Isab. O, fie, fie, fie! M5
Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade. Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd : 'Tis best that thou diest quickly.
Claud. O, hear me, Isabella!
Re-enter Duke. Duke. Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word. Isab. What is your will .-• 150
Duke. Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you: the satisfaftion I would require is likewise your own benefit.
Isab. I have no superfluous leisure ; my stay must be stolen out of other afi"airs; but I will attend you awhile. i55
[ Walks apart.
138. shield'\¥^. shield: Y^{Pj^. 1+9. Scene m. Pope.
^rant Pope. Re-enter Duke] Capell. Duke
141. bul iny'\viy oilyVo^Q., steps in. F^. om. F^. Enter Duke and
145. Nayi\ om. Pope. Provost. Rowe. 148. [Going. Capell. 155. [Walks apart.] Capell.
Z 2
1
340 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act in.
Duke. Son, I have overheard what hath passed be- tween you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue to praftise his judgement with the disposition of natures: she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that i6o gracious denial which he is most glad to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true ; therefore prepare yourself to death: do not satisfy your resolution with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must die; go to your knees, and make ready. j5tj
Claud. Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life, that I will sue to be rid of it.
Duke. Hold you there: farewell. [Exit Ciandio^ Pro- vost, a word with you !
Re-enter Provost.
Prov. What's your will, father? i^oj
Duke. That now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me awhile with the maid : my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company.
Prov. Li good time.
[^Exit Provost. Isabella comes fonvard.
Duke. The hand that hath made you fair hath made i75 you good: the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness ; but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath conveyed to my understanding; and, but that frailty hath examples for i8o his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother.''
Isab. I am now going to resolve him : I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully born. But, O, how much is the good Duke deceived in i8; Angelo! If ever he return and I can speak to him. I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government.
163. sat isf)^ falsify Yi2iX\\\\Q\. 176. fZ/cv?/] <•///>/ Collier MS.
168. [Exit C] Exit. Fj, after 177. in goodiicss\ in siuh goodness
line 167, om. Fj. See note (xvii). Hanmer.
174. Exit... forward] Efld. [Exit. 179. to you'\ on yon Y{7i\\w\e.x.
F2 om. Fj. 183. ///w .] ///aw, Dyce.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 34 1
Duke. That shall not be much amiss: yet, as the mat- ter now stands, he will avoid your accusation ; he made trial of you only. Therefore fasten your ear on my advisings: to 190 the love I have in doing good a remedy presents itself I do make myself believe that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law ; do no stain to your own gra- cious person; and much please the absent Duke, if perad- 195 venture he shall ever return to have hearing of this business.
Isab. Let me hear you speak farther. I have spirit to , do any thing that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit.
Duke. Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. Have you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick the 200 great soldier who miscarried at sea.-*
Isab. I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.
Duke. She should this Angelo have married ; was affi- anced to her by oath, and the nuptial appointed : between 205 which time of the contra6l and limit of the solemnity, her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, having in that perish- ed vessel the dowry of his sister. But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman : there she lost a noble and renowned brother, in his love toward her ever most 210 kind and natural ; with him, the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage-dowry ; with both, her combinate husband, this well-seeming Angelo.
Isab. Can this be so.'' did Angelo so leave her.''
Diikc. Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them 2 1 5 with his comfort ; swallowed his vows whole, pretending in her discoveries of dishonour: in few, bestowed her on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake ; and he, a marble to her tears, is washed with them, but relents not.
Isab. What a merit were it in death to take this poor 220
190, 191. advisings: ...good'\ Pope. and'X om. F4.
advisings,...good; Yi. i\'i. ylw] F^ F,. fero words Y {? i^.
193. uprighieouslyl iiprightlyVo^Q. /icr on] on her C.ipell conj.
197- fartherl , father F4. 219. a ma ride] as marble Anon.
204. She] Her Pope. conj.
was] he ivas Hanmer, tears] Fj. cars F^ F3 F4.
205. /'I'] om. F,.
342 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iii.
maid from the world ! What corruption in this Hfe, that it will let this man live ! But how out of this can she avail ?
Duke. It is a rupture that you may easily heal: and the cure of it not only saves your brother, but keeps you from dishonour in doing it. 225
Isab. Show me how, good father.
Duke. This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continu- ance of her first afife6lion: his unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impe- diment in the current, made it more violent and unruly. 230 ^ Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with a plausible obedience ; agree with his demands to the point ; only refer yourself to this advantage, first, that your stay A\ith him may not be long; that the time may have all shadow and silence in it; and the place answer to convenience. This 235 being granted in course, — and now follows all, — we shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place; if the encounter acknowledge itself here- ■ after, it may compel him to her recompense: and here, by this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor 240 Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt Deputy scaled. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt. If >-ou think well to carry this as you may, the doublcness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof What think you of it.'' 245
Isab. The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfe6lion.
Duke. It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo: if for this night he entreat you to his bed, give him promise of satisfaftion. I will presently to -50 Saint Luke's: there, at the moated grange, resides this de- jefted Mariana. At that place call upon me; and dispatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly.
Isab. I thank you for tliis comfort. Fare 5'ou well, good father. {Exeunt severally. 255
228. uiiJdiidiH'ss] kindness Voi^c. 241. .rr^/rt/] /'/Av/ Grant White.
236. granted ill course, — and 7nm<] 2.(4. fiviii] and Rowq.
granted in course, and mnvY^. qnuit- 2-.^. [Kxeunt severally] [Exit Ff. ed, in course no7v Pojie.
I
SCENE IL] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 343
Scene II. The street before the prison.
Enter, on one side, Duke disguised as before j on the other, Elbow, and Officers with Pompey.
Elb. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard,
Dtike. O heavens! what stuff is here?
Pom. 'Twas never merry world since, of two usuries, 5 the merriest was put down, and the worser allowed by order of law a furred gown to keep him warm; and fur- red with fox and lamb-skins too, to signify, that craft, being richer than innocency, stands for the facing.
Elb. Come your way, sir. 'Bless you, good father friar. 10
Dtike. And you, good brother father. What offence hath this man made you, sir.^*
Elb. Marry, sir, he hath offended the law: and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir; for we have found upon him, sir, a strange picklock, which we have sent to the Deputy. 15
Duke. Fie, sirrah! a bawd, a wicked bawd! The evil that thou causest to be done, That is thy means to live. Do thou but think What 'tis to cram a maw or clothe a back
From such a filthy vice: say to thyself, 20
From their abominable and beastly touches I drink, I eat, array myself, and live. Canst thou believe thy living is a life. So stinkingly depending.' Go mend, go mend.
Pom. Indeed, it does stink in some sort, sir; but yet, 25 sir, I would prove—
Scene ii.] om. Ff. Scene iv. gotun Capell.
Pope. 8. fox and lamb-steins'] fox-s/eins
Enter Pompey] Enter Elbow, Capell. fox on land)-s]dns Mason
Clowne, Officers. Ff. conj.
5. usuries'] usa7icies(Zo\\\QxM.?,. n. /?///^r] om. Johnson conj.
7. Puncfluated as in Hanmer. Ff 11. eat, array mysef] Theobald
place a semicolon after /<7Ztv. Pope a (Bishop conj.). eat away myself FL
full stop. Warburton supposes a line 24. Go mend, go mend] Go mend,
or two to be lost. mend Pope.
firred goivn'] furred lambskin 25. does] dotli Pope.
344 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act in.
Ditke. Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin. Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer: Corre61:ion and instru6lion must both work Ere this rude beast will profit.
Elb. He must before the Deputy, sir ; he has given him warning: the Deputy cannot abide a whoremaster: if he be a whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his errand.
Diike. That we were all, as some would seem to be. From our faults, as faults from seeming, free!
Elb. His neck will come to your waist, — a cord, sir.
Pom. I spy comfort; I cry bail. Here's a gentleman and a friend of mine.
\
30
35
Enter Lucio.
Liicio. How now, noble Pompey! What, at the wheels of Caesar.^ art thou led in triumph.? What, is there none of Pygmalion's images, newly made woman, to be had now, for putting the hand in the pocket and extrafting it clutched.? What reply, ha.? What sayest thou to this tune, matter and method.? Is't not drowned i' the last rain, ha? What sayest thou. Trot.? Is the world as it was, man.? Which is the way.? Is it sad, and few words.? or how.? The trick of it .?
Dtikc. Still thus, and thus; still worse!
Lucio. How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress.? Pro- cures she still, ha.?
Pom. Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is herself in the tub.
40
45
36. From otir faiilis\ Fj. Free from our faults Y^ F3. Free from all faults F4.
as faults from seeming] as from faults seem i ugWM'waer . or from false seeming Johnson conj. or faults from seemiug Id. conj.
36. Scene V. [Enter Lucio. Pope.
37. 7c^/.f/] Johnson, ed. 1778. ivast Fj Fj F3. waste F4.
40. 7i<heels\ heels Stecvcns.
43. it] Pope. cm. Ff. 44,45. thistune...Is^tiiot'\this? tune ...method, — is''t not? Johnson conj.
45. matter and method] the mat- ter and the method Hanmer.
/jV not. ..rain] It's not dozon in the last reign W.irljurton.
46. Trot] to't Dyce (Grey conj.). troth Jackson conj.
52. her]theYo^^Q.
SCENE ii.l MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 345
Liicio. Why, 'tis good ; it is the right of it ; it must be so: ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd: an 55 unshunned consequence; it must be so. Art going to prison, Pompey?
Pom. Yes, faith, sir.
Liicio. Why, 'tis not amiss, Pompey. Farewell: go, say I sent thee thither. For debt, Pompey.^ or how.^ 60
Elb. For being a bawd, for being a bawd.
Lticio. Well, then, imprison him: if imprisonment be the due of a bawd, why, 'tis his right : bawd is he doubtless, and of antiquity too ; bawd-born. Farewell, good Pompey. Commend me to the prison, Pompey: you will turn good 65 husband now, Pompey ; you will keep the house.
Pom. I hope, sir, your good worship will be my bail.
Lncio. No, indeed, wall I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I will pray, Pompey, to increase your bondage: if you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the more. 70 Adieu, trusty Pompey. 'Bless you, friar.
Duke. And you.
Lucio. Does Bridget paint still, Pompey, ha?
Elb. Come your ways, sir ; come.
Pom. You will not bail me, then, sir.? 75
Lucio. Then, Pompey, nor now. What news abroad, friar.-' what news?
Elb. Come your ways, sir; come.
Lucio. Go to kennel, Pompey; go. [ExcuJit Elbow, Pompey and Officers^ What news, friar, of the Duke? 80
Duke. I know none. Can you tell me of any ?
Lucio. Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia; other some, he is in Rome: but where is he, think you?
Duke. I know not where ; but wheresoever, I wish him well. 85
Ljicio. It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state, and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence ; he puts transgression to't.
-'fcj*
69,70. bondage:... patiently, '\T\i^o- 80. Scene vi. Pope,
bald . bondage. . .patiently : Ff.
346 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iii.
D?ike. He does well in't. 9°
Lticio. A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him: something too crabbed that way, friar.
Duke. It is too general a vice, and severity must cure it.
Ludo. Yes, in good sooth, the vice is of a great kin- 95 dred; it is well allied: but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar, till eating and drinking be put down. They say this Angelo was not made by man and woman after this downright way of creation : is it true, think you ?
£>uki'. How should he be made, then? 100
Liicio. Some report a sea-maid spawned him; some, that he was begot between two stock-fishes. But it is certain that, when he makes water, his urine is congealed ice ; that I know to be true : and he is a motion gene- rative; that's infallible. i°5
Duke. You are pleasant, sir, and speak apace.
L?icw. Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man ! Would the Duke that is absent have done this.? Ere he would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred bas- no tards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand: he had some feeling of the sport; he knew the service, and that instru6led him to mercy.
Duke. I never heard the absent Duke much dete6led for women; he was not inclined that way. '^5
Lucio. O, sir, you are deceived.
Duke. 'Tis not possible.
Lucio. Who, not the Duke.'' yes, your beggar of fifty; and his use was to put a ducat in her clack-dish: the Duke had crotchets in him. He would be drunk too; that let me i-o inform you.
Duke. You do him wrong, surely.
93- general] gentle Warburton. a motion generative Capell. is a
95' a g)rat] gnat '^ov<t.. motion ingcnerative Collier MS. is
98. this\Y{. //^t" Pope. anotion generative Vi^iow coviy is a
104. is a motion generative] is a mule U9igenerative Anon. conj.
motion nngenerative Theobald, has 114. detet^ed] detraded Qa^tcW.
no motion s;enerative Hanmer. is not
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 347
Lticio. Sir, I was an inward of his. A shy fellow was the Duke: and I believe I know the cause of his with- drawing. 125
Duke. What, I prithee, might be the cause .-'
Lticio. No, pardon; 'tis a secret must be locked within the teeth and the lips: but this I can let you understand, the greater file of the subje6l held the Duke to be wise.
Duke. Wise! why, no question but he was. 130
Lticio. A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow.
Dtike. Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking: the very stream of his life and the business he hath helmed must, upon a warranted need, give him a better proclama- tion. Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings- i35 forth, and he shall appear, to the envious, a scholar, a states- man and a soldier. Therefore you speak unskilfully; or if your knowledge be more, it is much darkened in your malice.
Lticio. Sir, I know him, and I love him. 140
Duke. Love talks with better knowledge, and know- ledge with dearer love.
Lticio. Come, sir, I know what I know.
Duke. I can hardly believe that, since you know not what you speak. But, if ever the Duke return, as our pray- 145 ers are he may, let me desire you to make your answer before him. If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it : I am bound to call upon you ; and, I pray you, your name.''
Lticio. Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the 150 duke.
Duke. He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you.
Lticio. I fear you not.
Duke. O, you hope the Duke will return no more; or i55 you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite. But, indeed, I can do you little harm; you'll forswear this again.
123. .f/y] J-/;/ Hanmer. dear Y 2^^.
\'i('i. /] om. Rowe. 157. littlc\ a little Yi'&wvA^x.
142. dearei\ Hanmer. deareY ^ ^. agaiii.\ again? Ff.
348. MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iii.
Litcio. I'll be hanged first: thou art deceived in me, friar. But no more of this. Canst thou tell if Claudio die to-morrow or no? i6o
Duke. Why should he die, sir?
Lncio. Why? For filling a bottle with a tun-dish. I would the Duke we talk of were returned again : this un- genitured agent will unpeople the province with conti- I
nency; sparrows must not build in his house-eaves, because 165 < they are lecherous. The Duke yet would have dark deeds \
darkly answered ; he would never bring them to light : s
would he were returned! Marry, this Claudio is condemned for untrussing. Farewell, good friar : I prithee, pray for me. The Duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays. He's not past it yet, and I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar, though she smelt brown bread and garlic: say that I said so. Farewell. \_Exit.
Duke. No might nor greatness in mortality Can censure 'scape; back-wounding calumny ^75
The whitest virtue strikes. What kins: so strone Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue? But who comes here?
Enter EscALUS, Provost, and Officers ivith Mistress
Overdone.
Escal. Go ; away with her to prison !
Mrs Ov. Good my lord, be good to me; your honour 1^0 is accounted a merciful man; good ni}- lord.
Escal Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the same kind! This would make mercy swear and play the tyrant.
Prov. A bawd of eleven years' continuance, may it ^^T^ please your honour.
Mrs Ov. My lord, this is one Lucio's information against me. Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child by
168. this Claudio'] this: Claudio Capell. Edd. conj. 172. smelt] smelt of Kowc.
171. He's not past it yet, aud I 173. said] say Vot^^.
say to thcc\ Hanmer. /A-V tio7c< past 179. Scene vir. Poiie.
//, yet {aud I say to thee) Ff. He's 183. ^rm/;-] J7ftv7vllannicr. ,f<7m'
J1020 past it: yea, aud I say to thee Fanner conj.
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 349
him in the Duke's time; he promised her marriage: his child is a year and a quarter old, come Philip and Jacob: 190 I have kept it myself; and see how he goes about to abuse me!
Escal. That fellow is a fellow of much license: let him be called before us. Away with her to prison! Go to ; no more words. \^Excunt Officers zvitJi Mistress Ov.'] 195 Provost, my brother Angelo will not be altered ; Claudio must die to-morrow: let him be furnished with divines, and have all charitable preparation. If my brother wrought by my pity, it should not be so with him.
Prov. So please you, this friar hath been with him, 200 and advised him for the entertainment of death.
Escal. Good even, good father.
Duke. Bliss and goodness on you !
Escal. Of whence are you }
Duke. Not of this country, though my chance is now 205 To use it for my time: I am a brother Of gracious order, late come from the See In special business from his Holiness.
Escal. What news abroad i' the world .-*
Diike. None, but that there is so great a fever on good- ~^^ ness, that the dissolution of it must cure it: novelty is only in request; and it is as dangerous to be aged in any kind of course, as it is virtuous to be constant in any undertak- ing. There is scarce truth enough alive to make societies secure; but security enough to make fellowships accurst: — 215 much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day's news. I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the Duke.-*
Escal. One that, above all other strifes, contended especially to know himself. ^^'^
Duke. What pleasure was he given to.-*
Escal. Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than
•20?. evai\Y^. ''evenY^Y^Y-^. taking, tke>-e Co\\\&v.
207. See] Theobald. Sea Ff. 220. especially'] specially Pope.
212. and it is as'\ F3 F4. and as These two Imes are printed as verse it is as Fj F^. by Ff, ending strifes, ...himself.
213. nndertaking. There] under-
350 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iii.
merry at any thing which professed to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance. But leave we him to his events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous; and let 225 me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I am made to understand that you have lent him visitation.
Duke. He professes to have received no sinister mea- sure from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to the determination of justice: yet had he framed to himself, 230 by the instru6lion of his frailty, many deceiving promises of life; which I, by my good leisure, have discredited to him, and now is he resolved to die.
Escal. You have paid the heavens your funftion, and the prisoner the very debt of your calling. I have laboured 235 for the poor gentleman to the extremest. shore of my modesty: but my brother justice have I found so severe, that he hath forced me to tell him he is indeed Justice.
Duke. If his own life answer the straitness of his pro- ceeding, it shall become him well; wherein if he chance to 240 fail, he hath sentenced himself
Escal. I am going to visit the prisoner. Fare you well.
Diike. Peace be with you ! \Exeiint Escalus and Provost. He who the sword of heaven will bear
Should be as holy as severe; 245
Pattern in himself to know, Grace to stand, and virtue go ; More nor less to others paying Than by self-offences weighing.
Shame to him whose cruel striking 25
Kills for faults of his own liking! Twice treble shame on Angelo, To weed my vice and let his grow! O, what may man within him hide. Though angel on the outward side! 255
232. leisure] lecflure Capell conj. himself to k/t07o, In gface to stand, in
■234. your fiiiK^ioii] the due of your virtue go Johnson conj. Pattern in
fundiion Collier MS. himself, to shew Grace and vitiue.
■243. Scene viii. Tope. Stand or go BQcket con].
[Exeunt...] Capell. [Exit. F,. 247. and virtue go] virtue to go
cm. Fj. " Collier MS.
246, 247. Pattern... go] Patterning 249. selfoJ)'enCi.<]selfoffencesQ.o\\\tx.
SCENE IL] MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
351
How may likeness made in crimes, Making pra6lice on the times, To draw with idle spiders' strings Most ponderous and substantial things! Craft against vice I must apply : With Angelo to-night shall lie His old betrothed but despised ; So disguise shall, by the disguised, Pay with falsehood false exafting. And perform an old contra6ling.
260
{_Exit
265
ACT IV.
Scene I. The moated grange at St Luke's.
Enter Mariana and a Boy. Boy sings. Take, O, take those lips away,
That so sweetly were forsworn ; And those eyes, the break of day,
Lights that do mislead the morn : But my kisses bring again, bring again ; Seals of love, but sealed in vain, sealed in vain.
Mart. Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away; Here comes a man of comfort, whose advice Hath often still'd my brawling discontent. [Exit Boy.
Enter DuKE disguised as before. I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wish
5
10
256 — 258. may.... To drawl many pra^ise 'M.sXowq cow]. Make sin prac-
...Draw Harness.
256. likeness made in crimes] Ff. that likeness made in crimes Theobald. that likeness shading crimes Hanmer. such likeness trade in crimes Heath conj. likeness wade in crimes Malone conj. (withdrawn), likeness mate in crimes Leo conj.
257. Making pradice] Mocking,
tise Jackson conj. Maskittg pradlice Collier MS.
258. To draw] Draw Theobald. So draw Staunton conj.
Scene i. Enter M.] Ff. M, dis- covered sitting. Steevens.
5, 6. F4 omits the refrain in 1. 6. Rowe omits it in both lines.
6. bnt] though Fletcher's version.
352 ' MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
You had not found me here so musical :
Let me excuse me, and beHeve me so,
My mirth it much displeased, but pleased my woe.
Duke. 'Tis good ; though music oft hath such a charm To make bad good, and good provoke to harm. 15
I pray you, tell me, hath any body inquired for me here to- day.'' much upon this time have I promised here to meet.
Mart. You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day.
Enter ISABELLA,
Duke. I do constantly believe you. The time is come -o even now. I shall crave your forbearance a little: may be I will call upon you anon, for some advantage to yourself
Mari. I am always bound to you. \Exit.
Duke. Very well met, and well come. What is the news from this good Deputy .-' 21
Isab. He hath a garden circummured with brick, Whose western side is with a vineyard back'd ; And to that vineyard is a planched gate, That makes his opening with this bigger key: This other doth command a little door 3c
Which from the vineyard to the garden leads; There have I made my promise Upon the heavy middle of the night To call upon him.
Duke. But shall you on your knowledge find this way.-* .3c
Isab. I have ta'en a due and wary note upon't:
13. //] is Warburton. die of the night to call upon him.
17. tncet'\meet 07ieYi2iam&x. Ff. There on the heavy viiddle of
19. Enter I.] Tiansfened liy Sin- the night Have I my promise made
ger to line 23. to call upon him. Pope. There have
24. Scene ii. Pope. / made my promise to call on him
well come} Ff. welcome War- Upon the heavy middle of the night.
burton. Capell. There have I made my pro-
32, 33> 34- There have I made my inise in the heavy Middle... Singer.
promise Upon the heavy middle of There have I made my promise on the
the night To call upon him.] S. heaz>y Middle... Dyce. Delius and
Walker conj. There have I made Staunton read with Ff. but print as
my promise, upon the Heavy mid- prose.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 353
With whispering and most guilty diligence, In a6lion all of precept, he did show me The way twice o'er.
Duke. Are there no other tokens
Between you 'greed concerning her observance.' 40
Isab. No, none, but only a repair i' the dark; And that I have possess'd him my most stay Can be but brief; for I have made him know I have a servant comes with me along.
That stays upon me, whose persuasion is 45
I come about my brother.
Duke. 'Tis well borne up.
I have not yet made known to Mariana A word of this. What, ho! within! come forth!
Re-enter Mariaxa.
I pray you, be acquainted with this maid ;
She comes to do you good.
Isab. I do desire the like. 50
Duke. Do you persuade yourself that I respe6l you .' Mart. Good friar, I know^ you do, and have found it. Duke. Take, then, this your companion by the hand.
Who hath a story ready for your ear.
1 shall attend your leisure: but make haste; 55
The vaporous night approaches.
Mari. Will't please you walk aside .-^
[Exeunt Mariana and Isabella. Duke. O place and greatness, millions of false e)'es
Are stuck upon thee! volumes of report
Run with these false and most contrarious quests 60
Upon thy doings ! thousand escapes of wit
Make thee the father of their idle dreams,
And rack thee in their fancies !
38. action all of precept^ precept of 60. these'\ their Hanmer. base
all aclion Johnson conj. Collier MS.
49. Scene hi. Pope. qiiests\ quest Y^.
52. have\I haveYo^Q. 6t, escapesY scapes Yo-^q.
58—63. O place., fancies'] These 62. their idle drea??is'] Vot^Q. their
lines to precede in. 2. 17S. War- idle dminie YL an idle dreaw Rows. Inirton conj.
VOL. I. A A
354 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
Re-enter Mariana and Isabella. |
Welcome, how agreed? '
Isab. She'll take the enterprise upon her, father. If you advise it.
Duke. It is not my consent, 65
But my entreaty too.
Isab. Little have you to say
When you depart from him, but, soft and low, ' Remember now my brother.'
Mari. Fear me not.
Duke. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all. He is your husband on a pre-contra6l : 70
To bring you thus together, 'tis no sin, Sith that the justice of your title to him Doth flourish the deceit. Come, let us go : Our corn's to reap, for yet our tithe's to sow. \Exeunt.
Scene II. A room in the prison.
Enter PROVOST and POMPEY.
Prov. Come hither, sirrah. Can you cut off a man's head .' Pom. If the man be a bachelor, sir, I can; but if he be a married man, he's his wife's head, and I can never cut off a woman's head.
Prov. Come, sir, leave me your snatches, and yield me a dire6l answer. To-morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine. Here is in our prison a common execu- tioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if }-ou will take it on you to assist him, it shall redeem you from your gyves ; if not, you shall have your full time of imprisonment, and your deliverance with an unpiticd whipping, for }'ou have been a notorious bawd.
63. Welcome, koio agreed?] Welt! F4. /ill/i's Hanmer (Warburlon). agreed! Hanmer. Oiir...s(nii\Ouriythe^storeap,for
Scene IV. Pope. yet our cant's to sotv Cz.\tQ\\co\\y'^\'>. 65. //;>]' 7/> Pope. Scene ii.] Scene v. Pope.
74. tithe's'\TitIiesY;?^^. Tytlies 2— 4. Piinted as verse in Ff.
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 355
. Pont. Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd time out of mind ; but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman. I would be glad to receiv^e some instru6lion from my fellow^ 15 partner.
Prov. What, ho ! Abhorson ! Where's Abhorson, there }
Enter Abhorson.
Abhor. Do you call, sir .■*
Prov. Sirrah, here's a fellow will help you to-morrow in your execution. If you think it meet, compound with 20 him by the year, and let him abide here with you; if not, use him for the present, and dismiss him. He cannot plead his estimation with you ; he hath been a bawd.
Abhor. A bawd, sir.? fie upon him! he will discredit our mystery. 25
Prov. Go to, sir; you weigh equally; a feather will turn the scale. \Exit.
Pom. Pray, sir, by your good favour, — for surely, sir, a good favour you have, but that you have a hanging look, — do you call, sir, your occupation a mystery .-• 30
Abhor. Ay, sir ; a mystery.
Pom. Painting, sir, I have heard say, is a mystery; and your whores, sir, being members of my occupation, using painting, do prove my occupation a mystery: but what mystery there should be in hanging, if I should be 35 hanged, I cannot imagine.
Abhor. Sir, it is a mystery.
Pom. Proof .-*
Abhor. Every true man's apparel fits your thief: if it be too little for your thief, your true man thinks it big 4° enough ; if it be too big for your thief, your thief thinks it little enough : so every true man's apparel fits your thief.
37—42. Abhor. Sh; tliief] 39—4^- ^"''^0' ^^'i'^f] Capell.
Abhor. •"•Clown. ***6'/r, it is a Ah\\. Every.... t/iief{i^). Q\o. If it
viystery. Abhor. Proof . — QXaww. bc-.thitf {^2) Ff. Abh. Every...
Eveiy ... f/iief {^2) HdiWrnQY. Pom. t/iief Clo'vii : if it he thief {^2)
Proof. . .thief {.\2) Lloyd conj. Theobald.
A A 2
356 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [actr.
Re-enter Provost.
Prov. Are you agreed?
Pom. Sir, I will serve him ; for I do find your hang- man is a more penitent trade than your bawd; he doth 45 oftener ask forgiveness.
Prov. You, sirrah, provide your block and your axe to-morrow four o'clock.
Abhor. Come on, bawd; I will instruct thee in my trade; follow. 50
Pojn. I do desire to learn, sir: and I hope, if you have occasion to use me for your own turn, you shall find me yare; for, truly, sir, for your kindness I owe you a good turn. 1
Prov. Call hither Barnardine and Claudio : 55J
\Excimt Povipey and A bhorson. The one has my pity; not a jot the other, Being a murderer, though he were my brother.
Enter Claudio.
Look, here's the warrant, Claudio, for thy death : 'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow Thou must be made immortal. Where's Barnardine.-' ^o
Claud. As fast lock'd up in sleep as guiltless labour When it lies starkly in the traveller's bones: He will not wake.
Prov. Who can do good on him.-*
Well, go, prepare yourself {Knocking witJiin?\ But, hark,
what noise.'' — Heaven give your spirits comfort! {Exit Claudio^ By
and by. — ^5
I hope it is some pardon or reprieve For the most gentle Claudio.
45. yotir\ yoii Y 2. ivill not awake F3 F4. //t-V/ not
53. yare] Theobald. y^are Ff. awake Pope. yours Rowe. 64. yourself] yourself [Ex. Clau-
56. The oue] TIC one Ff. One die] Theobald. Hanmer. 65. comfort! [Exit Claudio.] By
58. SCENF, VI. Pope. and l>y—\ Capell. cotnfori: by and
6j. neu<illnotwake\Y^Y^. //,• by, VI
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 357
Enter Duke disguised as before.
Welcome, father.
Duke. The best and wholesomest spirits of the night Envelop you, good Provost! Who call'd here of late. ^
Prov. None, since the curfew rung. ^o
Diikc. Not Isabel.^
Prov. No.
Duke. They will, then, ere't be long.
Prov. What comfort is for Claudio.^
Duke. There's some in hope.
Prov. It is a bitter Deputy.
Duke. Not so, not so; his life is parallel'd 7,r;
Even with the stroke and line of his great justice: He doth with holy abstinence subdue That in himself which he spurs on his power To qualify in others: were he meal'd with that Which he corre6ls, then were he tyrannous; 80
But this being so, he's just. {Knocking zvithin.
Now are they come.
[Exit Provost. This is a gentle provost: seldom when The steeled gaoler is the friend of men. {Knocking within. How now! what noise.'' That spirit's possessed with haste That wounds the unsisting postern with these strokes. 85
Re-enter Provost.
Pt'ov. There he must stay until the officer Arise to let him in: he is call'd up.
Duke. Have you no countermand for Claudio yet, But he must die to-morrow.'
Prov. None, sir, none.
70. Noiiel Fj. Now F^ F3 F4. Collier conj. tudisting Mason conj.
71. They'\ Site Hawkins conj. unfeeling Johnson conj. nntvisting Tiiere Collier MS. Sing-er.
t3^
85. unsisiingi Fj Fj F3. insist- 86. ...Provost] ...Provost, speak-
ing F4. unresisting Rowe. unrest- ing to one at the door, after which
ing Hanmer. unsJifting Capell. he comes forward. Capell. tcnlist^ ning Steevens conj. I'esisiing
358 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
Duke. As near the dawning, provost, as it is, 9°
You shall hear more ere morning.
Prov. Happily
You something know; yet I believe there comes No countermand ; no such example have we : Besides, upon the very siege of justice
Lord Angelo hath to the public ear 95
Profess'd the contrary.
Enter a Messenger.
This is his lordship's man.
Duke. And here comes Claudio's pardon.
Mes. [Giving a paper] My lord hath sent. you this note; and by me this further charge, that you swerve not from the smallest article of it, neither in time, matter, or other cir- loo^ cumstance. Good morrow; for, as I take it, it is almost da}\
Prov. I shall obey him. [Exit Messenger.
Dnke. [Aside] This is his pardon, purchased by such sin For which the pardoner, himself is in.
Hence hath offence his quick celerity, i°
When it is borne in high authority: When vice makes mercy, mercy's so extended, That for the fault's love is the offender friended. Now, sir, what news.-*
Prov. I told you. Lord Angelo, belike thinking me re- iic miss in mine office, awakens me with this unwonted putting- on ; methinks strangely, for he hath not used it before.
Dnke. Pray you, let's hear.
Prov. [Reads]
Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be executed by four of the clock ; and in the afternoon Barnardine : for niy 1 1 better satisfacftion, let me have Claudio's head sent me by five.
91. Ilappily^HappelyY^Y^. Hap- Duke. This. ..man. Pro. A!id...par-
pily. F3 F4. See note (xviii). don Ff.
96. Scene VII. Pope. 98 — loi. Printed as verse in Ff.
lordship'' s\ Pope. lords Ff. 113. jw/] om. F4.
cm. Capell. 114. Prov. [Reads] Rowe. The
96, 97. This... man. Duke. Ana letter. Ff. .....pardon^ Knight (Tyrwhitt conj.).
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 359
Let this be duly performed ; with a thought that more depends on it than we must yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your office, as you will answer it at your peril.
What say you to this, sir.? 120
Duke. What is that Barnardine who is to be executed in the afternoon.''
Prov. A Bohemian born, but here nursed up and bred ; one that is a prisoner nine years old.
Duke. How came it that the absent Duke had not 125 either delivered him to his liberty or executed him.'' I have heard it wa^ ever his manner to do so.
Prov. His friends still wrought reprieves for him : and, indeed, his faft, till now in the government of Lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof. 130
Duke. It is now apparent.''
Prov. Most manifest, and not denied by himself.
Duke. Hath he borne himself penitently in prison.-' how seems he to be touched .''
Prov. A man that apprehends death no more dread- 135 fully but as a drunken sleep; careless, reckless, and fearless of what's past, present, or to come; insensible of mortality, and desperately mortal.
Duke. He wants advice.
Prov. He will hear none: he hath evermore had the 140 liberty of the prison; give him leave to escape hence, he would not: drunk many times a day, if not many days en- tirely drunk. We have very oft awaked him, as if to carry him to execution, and showed him a seeming warrant for it: it hath not moved him at all. 145
Duke. More of him anon. There is written in your brow, provost, honesty and constancy: if I read it not truly, my ancient skill beguiles me ; but, in the boldness of my cunning, I will lay. my self in hazard. Claudio, whom here you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the 150 law than Angelo who hath sentenced him. To make you
117. diil)''\ truly Capell (a mis- lesse Fj Fj F3. wrca/dess F4. reck-
print). less Pope.
131. Itis']Yi. Is tl Tope. 138. desperately mortal'\ mortally
136. reckless^ Theobald. loreak- desperate Hanmer.
360 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
!
understand this in a manifested effeft, I crave but four days respite; for the which you are to do me both a present and a dangerous courtesy.
Prov. Pray, sir, in what? Duke. In the delaying death.
Prov. Alack, how may I do it, having the hour limited, and an express command, under penalty, to deliver his head in the view of Angelo.'' I may make my case as Claudio's, to cross this in the smallest. i*JO
Duke. By the vow of mine order I warrant you, if my instru6tions may be your guide. Let this Barnardine be this morning executed, and his head borne to Angelo.
Prov. Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover the favour. ■ i"'i^
Duke. O, death's a great disguiser; and you may add to it. Shave the head, and tie the beard ; and say it w^as the desire of the penitent to be so bared before his death: you know the course is common. If any thing fall to you \ upon this, more than thanks and good fortune, by the Saint 170 whom I profess, I will plead against it with my life. |
Pi'ov. Pardon me, good father; it is against my oath. Duke. Were you sworn to the Duke, or to the Deputy.' ■ Prov. To him, and to his substitutes. I
Duke. You will think you have made no offence, if the 175' Duke avouch the justice of your dealing.' t
Prov. But what likelihood is in that .' ]
Duke. Not a resemblance, but a certainty. Yet since I see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor persua- i sion can with ease attempt you, I will go further than I 180 meant, to pluck all fears out of }'ou. Look you, sir, here is the hand and seal of the Duke: }-ou know the chara6ler, I doubt not ; and the signet is not strange to you. Prov. I know them both.
Duke. The contents of this is the return of the Duke: 185 you shall anon o\'cr-rcad it at )0ur pleasure; where you
161— 165. Printed as verse in Ff. i68. harcifX IMalone. ha>\ie F,
Rowe. F2 ^3- l>(ll^b'JY^.
167. //>] Fj F4. tycY^Yy fin- 179. fcrsuasioii] YL mypcrsuc-
Theobald conj. dye Simpson conj. sioit Rowe.
SCENE II.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 361
shall find, within these two days he will be here. This is a thing that Angelo knows not; for he this very day receives letters of strange tenour; perchance of the Duke's death; perchance entering into some monastery; but, by 190 chance, nothing of what is writ. Look, the unfolding star calls up the shepherd. Put not yourself into amazement how these things should be: all difficulties are but easy when they are known. Call your executioner, and off with Barnardine's head: I will give him a present shrift and 195 advise him for a better place. Yet you are amazed ; but this shall absolutely resolve you. Come away; it is almost clear dawn. \Exetuit.
SCEXE III. AnotJier room in iJic satnc.
Enter POMPEY.
Pom. I am as well acquainted here as I was in our house of profession : one would think it were Mistress Over- done's own house, for here be many of her old customers. First, here's young Master Rash; he's in for a commodity of brown paper and old ginger, nine-score and seventeen 5 pounds; of which he made five marks, ready money: marry, then ginger was not much in request, for the old women were all dead. Then is there here one Master Caper, at the suit of Master Three-pile the mercer, for some four suits of peach-coloured satin, which now peaches him a 10 beggar. Then have we here young Dizy, and young Master Deep-vow, and Master Copper-spur, and Master Starve-lackey the rapier and dagger man, and young Drop- heir that killed lusty Pudding, and Master Forthlight the tilter, and brave Master Shooty the great traveller, and 15 wild Half-can that stabbed Pots, and, I think, forty more;
18S. ///rt/] Fj F2 F3. Ti'/z/f/i F4. Z>/sri' Pope. Z)/V(T Sieevens conj. 191. tv7-it\ here lurit WdJWVitx. 14. ForlhligJit\ Ff. Forthright
Scene in.] Scene vin. Pope. Warburton.
5. paper\ pepper 'Ro\w&. 15. ShootylY^Y^Y^. ShoolieY^.
ir. Di~)'] F^ F3 F4. Dizic Fj. .W^^/cV Warburton. Shoo-/ye C3,'[ft\\.
362 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
all great doers in our trade, and arc now ' for the Lord's sake.'
* Enter Abhorson.
Abhor. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither.
Pom. Master Barnardine! you must rise and be hanged, Master Barnardine!
Abhor. What, ho, Barnardine!
Bar. [JVi/hh^] A pox o' your throats! Who makes that noise there .'' What are you ?
Pom. Your friends, sir; the hangman. You must be so good, sir, to rise and be put to death.
Bar. \_Withiif\ Away, you rogue, away! I am sleep}^
Abhor. Tell him he must awake, and tl;at quickly too.
Pom. Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you arc executed, and sleep afterwards.
Abhor. Go in to him, and fetch him out.
Pom. He is coming, sir, he is coming; I hear his straw rustle.
Abhor. Is the axe upon the block, sirrah.^
Pom. Very ready, sir.
Enter BARNARDINE.
Bar. How now, Abhorson.' what's the news with you.'
Abhor. Truly, sir, I would desire you to clap into your prayers; for, look you, the warrant's come.
Bar. You rogue, I have been drinking all night ; I am not fitted for 't. 4c
Pom. O, the better, sir; for he that drinks all night, and is hanged betimes in the morning, may sleep the sounder all the next day.
Abhor. Look you, sir; here comes your ghostly father: do we jest now, think you .' 4i
Enter Duke disguised as be/ore. Duke. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how
17. «>v] frj'Anon. conj. See nolo 25. friaids\Y ^Y ^. friend Y^V^.
(xix). 32. /lis] the Pope.
noui\ now in Pope.
SCENE III.] i^/^^5^A'i: FOR MEASURE. 363
hastily you are to depart, I am come to advise you, com- fort you and pray with you.
Bar. Friar, not I : I have been drinking hard all night, and I will have more time to prepare me, or they shall beat 50 out my brains with billets : I will not consent to die this day, that's certain.
Duke. O, sir, you must: and therefore I beseech you Look forward on the journey you shall go.
Bar. I swear I will not die to-day for any man's per- 55 suasion.
Duke. But hear you.
Bar. Not a word : if you have any thing to say to me, come to my ward ; for thence will not I to-day. \Exit.
Duke. Unfit to live or die: O gravel heart! 60
After him, fellows ; bring him to the block.
[E.xeuut A bhorson and Poinpey.
Re-enter Provost.
Prov. Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner.^
Duke. A creature unprepared, unmeet for death; And to transport him in the mind he is Were damnable.
Prov. Here in the prison, father, 65
There died this morning of a cruel fever One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate, A man of Claudio's years ; his beard and head Just of his colour. What if we do omit
This reprobate till he were well inclined; 70
And satisfy the Deputy with the visage Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio.-'
Duke. O, 'tis an accident that heaven provides! Dispatch it presently ; the hour draws on
Prefix'd by Angelo: see this be done, 75
And sent according to command ; whiles I
49. /] om. F4. 61. Given by Haiimer to /"/'OT/.
57. /icar'\ heave ¥ 2. 69. his]F^. om. F^ F3 F4.
59. Scene ix. Pope. do] om. Pope.
60. gravel hcart\ grovelling beast 76. iohiles\ zvhile Pope. Collier MS.
I
364 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
I
I
Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.
Prov. This shall be done, good father, presently. But Barnardine must die this afternoon:
And how shall we continue Claudio, 80^
To save me from the danger that might come If he were known alive.''
Duke. Let this be done.
Put them in secret holds, both Barnardine and Claudio: Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting To the under generation, you shall find 85
Your safety manifested.
Prov. I am your free dependant.
Duke. Quick, dispatch, and send the head to An- gelo. \Exit Provost.
Now will I write letters to Angelo, —
The provost, he shall bear them, — whose contents 90^
Shall witness to him I am near at home, And that, by great injun6lions, I am bound To enter publicly: him I'll desire To meet me at the consecrated fount, A league below the city; and from thence, 95^
By cold gradation and well-balanced form, We shall proceed with Angelo.
Re-enter Provost,
Prov. Here is the head; I'll carry it myself.
Duke. Convenient is it. Make a swift return ; For I would commune with you of such things loc
That want no ear but yours.
Prov. I'll make all speed. {Exit.
hah. [ Withi}i\ Peace, ho, be here !
Dnkc. The tongue of Isabel. She's come to know
83. both Barnardine and Claudio'] 88. Quii-k] Quic/l:, then, C.i]icll.
Claudio and Barnardine Hanmer. 96. zoell-\ Rowe. 'Meale- FjF^Fj.
See note (xx). weal F4.
85. the 7inder\\\?i\\\\\cx. yoidVi. 102. SCKNE X. Pope. jlw/aVrPope. 103. She's come'] S/ie eontes Vo-pt.
86. manifested] manifest Hanmer.
SCENEiu.] 3IE AS [/RE FOR MEASURE. 3^5
If yet her brother's pardon be come hither:
But I will keep her ignorant of her good, ^o5
To make her heavenly comforts of despair,
When it is least expe6led.
Enter Isabella.
Isab. Ho, by your leave !
Duke. Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter.
Isab. The better, given me by so holy a man. Hath yet the Deputy sent my brother's pardon .-' j lo
Duke. He hath released him, Isabel, from the world: His head is off, and sent to Angelo.
Isab. Nay, but it is not so.
Duke. It is no other: show your wisdom, daughter, In your close patience. 115
Isab. O, I will to him and pluck out his eyes!
Duke. You shall not be admitted to his sight.
Isab. Unhappy Claudio! wretched Isabel! Injurious world! most damned Angelo!
Duke. This nor hurts him nor profits you a jot; 120
Forbear it therefore; give your cause to heaven. Mark what I say, which you shall find By every syllable a faithful verity:
The Duke comes home to-morrow; — nay, dry your eyes; One of our covent, and his confessor, 125
Gives me this instance: already he hath carried Notice to Escalus and Angelo; Who do prepare to meet him at the gates, There to give up their power. If you can, pace your wisdom
106. comfo>is'\ comfort Ylsx\mtr. iio. norhurls\7iothjirtsY^. hurts
107. //(?,] om. Pope. not Rowe.
113, 114, 115. Ff make two lines 122. say\ say to you QoVixtx: ^l'6>. ending at other. . .patience. Text as pro- find'\ surely fi)id Pope, posed by Spedding. 124. ;/«j] om. Pope.
114, 115. shozu...patience\ In your 125. covent~\Yi. conz'ent ^o\ve. close patience, daughter, shezo yonrwis- 126. instance^ ne7cs Pope.
doin Capell. 129. If you can, pace] Rowe. If
114. your zvisdoni] -wisdom Vo'pe. you can pace Ff. Face Pope. S.
115. close'] closest Pope. Walker thinks a line is lost after 131. 119, Injurious] perjia-ioiis CoWi^r 129, 130. If you can pace. ...wish
MS. it, go, Edd. conj.
366 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
In that good path that I would wish it go; 130
And you shall have your bosom on this wretch, Grace of the Duke, revenges to your heart, And general honour.
Isab. I am dire6led by you.
Duke. This letter, then, to Friar Peter give ; 'Tis that he sent me of the Duke's return: US
Say, by this token, I desire his company At Mariana's house to-night. Her cause and yours I '11 perfe6l him withal ; and he shall bring you Before the Duke; and to the head of Angelo Accuse him home and home. For my poor self, i4«
I am combined by a sacred vow. And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter: Command these fretting waters from your eyes With a light heart ; trust not my holy order, If I pervert your course. — Who's here.' MS^
Enter LUCIO.
Liicio. Good even. Friar, where's the provost.'
Duke. Not within, sir.
Liicio. O pretty Isabella, I am pale at mine heart to see thine eyes so red: thou must be patient. I am fain to dine and sup with water and bran; I dare not for my head fill my belly; one fruitful meal would set me to't. But they say the Duke will be here to-morrow. By my troth, Isabel, I loved thy brother: if the old fantastical Duke of dark corners had been at home, he had lived.
\_Exit Isabella.
Duke. Sir, the Duke is marvellous little beholding to your reports ; but the best is, he lives not in them.
Lucio. Friar, thou knowest not the Duke so well as I do: he's a better woodman than thou takcst him for.
137. to-night^ om. Pope. 154. [Exit Isabella] Theobald.
141. comhined\ confined Johnson om. Ff.
conj. (withdrawn). 155. h'holding\ Ff. heholdcn
145. \Vho''s\ lohcse Fj. Rowe.
146. Scene xi. Pope.
.1
.).)
SCENE III.] i^/^"^ 5^^^ FOR MEASURE. 367
Duke. Well, you'll answer this one day. Fare ye well.
Lucio. Nay, tarry; I'll go along with thee: I can tell 1^0 thee pretty tales of the Duke.
Duke. You have told me too many of him already, sir, if they be true; if not true, none were enough.
Lucio. I was once before him for getting a wench with child. 165
Duke. Did you such a thing.^
Lucio. Yes, marry, did I: but I was fain to forswear it ; they would else have married me to the rotten medlar.
Duke. Sir, your company is fairer than honest. Rest you well. 170
Lucio. By my troth, I'll go with thee to the lane's end: if bawdy talk offend you, we'll have very little of it. Nay, friar, I am a kind of burr; I shall stick. [Exeunt.
Scene IV. A room in Angelo's house.
Enter Angelo and Escalus.
Escal. Every letter he hath writ hath disvouched other.
Aug. In most uneven and distrafted manner. His aftions show much like to madness: pray heaven his wis- dom be not tainted ! And why meet him at the gates, and redeliver our authorities there.'' 5
Escal. I guess not.
Aug. And why should we proclaim it in an hour be- fore his entering, that if any crave redress of injustice, they should exhibit their petitions in the street.'*
Escal. He shows his reason for that: to have a dis- 10 patch of complaints, and to deliver us from devices here- after, which shall then have no power to stand against us.
163. 7wt fnic] not Rowe. 2, sqq. Angelo's speeches in this
172. //] om. F^. ' scene Collier prints as verse.
Scene iv.] Scene xir. Pope. 5. redeliver^ Capell. rc-Uver^ Fj.
A room house.] Capell. The deliver Y ^Y-^Y 1,.
palace. Rowe.
368 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act iv.
Aug. Well, I beseech you, let it be proclaimed betimes i' the morn; I'll call you at your house: give notice to such men of sort and suit as are to meet him. 15
Escal. I shall, sir. Fare you well.
Aug. Goodnight. {Exit Escahis.
This deed unshapes me quite, makes me unpregnant, And dull to all proceedings. A deflower'd maid! And by an eminent body that enforced 20
The law against it! But that her tender shame Will not proclaim against her maiden loss, How might she tongue me! Yet reason dares her no; For my authority bears of a credent bulk,
That no particular scandal once can touch 25
But it confounds the breather. He should have lived, Save that his riotous youth, with dangerous sense, Might in the times to come have ta'en revenge, By so receiving a dishonour'd life
With ransom of such shame. Would yet he had lived ! 30
Alack, when once our grace we have forgot, Nothing goes right: we would, and we would not. [Exit.
Scene V. Fields ivithout the tozvn.
Enter DuKE in his oivn /labit, and Friar Peter. Dnkc. These letters at fit time deliver me :
{^Giving letters. The provost knows our purpose and our plot. The matter being afoot, keep your instruftion, And hold you ever to our special drift ;
13. A colon is put ^ii&x prodaim'd reason... 710] tivaj;oii dons her?
by Capell, who prints lines 13—16 as — N'o Jackson conj.
^erse. 2 4 . bears of a credent bulk] F j F^ F3 .
19. And] om. Hanmer. bears off a credent bulk F4. bears off
23. daivs tier no;]VL dares tier: all credence Vo-^g.. bears a credent bulk
Pope, dares her: no, Hanmer. dares Theobald, bears such a credent hulk
//^r A'c? Warburton. dares her? no: Collier MS. here's of a credent bulk
Capell. dares her note Theobald Singer, bears so credent bulk Dyce.
conj. da7-es her not Steevens conj. bears up a credent bulk Grant White.
dares her on Grant White (Becket Scene v.] Scene xiii. Pope.
'^^"j-)- Fkfar Petek] See note ^xxi).
SCENE v.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 369
Though sometimes you do blench from this to that, 5
As cause doth minister. Go call at Flavins' house,
And tell him where I stay: give the like notice
To Valentius, Rowland, and to Crassus,
And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate ;
But send me Flavius first.
Fri. P. It shall be speeded well. \Exit. 10
Enter Varrius.
Duke. I thank thee, Varrius; thou hast made good haste : Come, we will walk. There's other of our friends Will greet us here anon, my gentle Varrius. {Exeunt.
Scene VI. Street near the city-gate.
Enter Isabella and Mariana.
Isab. To speak so indire6lly I am loath: I would say the truth; but to accuse him so. That is your part: yet I am advised to do it; He says, to veil full purpose.
Mari. Be ruled by him.
Isab. Besides, he tells me that, if peradventure 5
He speak against me on the adverse side, I should not think it strange; for 'tis a physic That's bitter to sweet end.
Mari. I would Friar Peter —
Isab. O, peace! the friar is come.
Enter Friar Peter.
Fri. P. Come, I have found you out a stand most fit, 10 Where you may have such vantage on the Duke,
6. Go\ om. Hanmer. 2 . / would} rd Pope.
v^/fltvV/j'] Rowe. Flavia's¥i. 3. /^r ;«]/';« Pope.
8. To Valeiitii/s'] To Valencms Ff. 4. to veil full} Malone. to vaile
Unto Valentius Pope. To Valentinus full Fj Y^ F3. to vail full F4. /' a-
Capell. vailful Theobald, to ''vailful Han-
ScENE VI.] Scene xiv. Pope. mer.
VOL. I. B B
370 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets sounded; The generous and gravest citizens j
Have hent the gates, and very near upon The Duke is entering: therefore, hence, away ! \Excnnt. 15
ACT V.
Scene I. TJic city -gate.
Mariana veiled, Isabella, and Friar Peter, at their stand. Enter Duke, Varrius, Lords, Angelo, Escalus, Lucio, Provost, Officers, and Citizens, at several doors.
Diikc. My very worthy cousin, fairly met ! Our old and faithful friend, we are glad to see you.
rr^' J \ Happy return be to your royal Grace!
Duke. Many and hearty thankings to you both. We have made inquiry of you; and we hear 5
Such goodness of your justice, that our soul Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks. Forerunning more requital.
Aug. You make my bonds still greater.
Duke. O, your desert speaks loud; and I should wrong it. To lock it in the wards of covert bosom, 10
When it deserves, with chara6ters of brass, A forted residence 'gainst the tooth of time And razure of oblivion. Give me your hand, And let the subje6l see, to make them know That outward courtesies would fain proclaim 15
The city-gate] Capell. The street. 4. ikankings] F^. thankings be
Rowe. A public place near the city. Fj F3. ihinkings be F4, thanks be
Warburton. Capell adds: A vState Pope,
with chairs under it. 5- IVe have] We've Pope.
Mariana... stand.] Capell. om. Ff. 9. 'iuro7!g it] Y ^. wrottgY^Y^Y^.
Provost, Officers] Malone. om. 13. me] F3 F4. we Fj F^.
Ff. 14. siibjed] suhjetfls Theobald.
SCENE I.] ME A S URE FOR ME A S URE. 371
Favours that keep within. Come, Escalus; You must walk by us on our other hand: And good supporters are you.
Friar Peter and Isabella come forward.
Fri. P. Now is your time : speak loud, and kneel be- fore him.
Isab. Justice, O royal Duke! Vail your regard 20
Upon a wrong'd, I would fain have said, a maid ! O worthy prince, dishonour not your eye By throwing it on any other obje6l Till you have heard me in my true complaint. And given me justice, justice, justice, justice! 25
Duke. Relate your wrongs; in what? by whom? be brief Here is Lord Angelo shall give you justice: Reveal yourself to him.
Isab. O worthy Duke,
You bid me seek redemption of the devil:
Hear me yourself; for that which I must speak 30
Must either punish me, not being believed, Or wring redress from you. Hear me, O hear me, here!
Ang. My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm: She hath been a suitor to me for her brother Cut off by course of justice, —
Isab. By course of justice! 35
Ang. And she will speak most bitterly and strange.
Isab. Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak: That Angelo's forsworn; is it not strange? That Angelo's a murderer; is't not strange? That Angelo is an adulterous thief, 40
19. Scene ii. Pope. Hear jiie, 0 hear me, here!]
...come forward.] Capell. Enter... F3F4. Heare me : oh heare me, heere
Ff. Fj Fg. O hear me here. Pope. O,
21. I ivould] rdVo^e.. hear me, hear me ! Theobald.
25. giz'eti\ give F4. 35. By] om. Pope.
26. Printed as two lines in Ff, 36. and strange] Fj. cm. F^ e\\(]\ng'ivrongs... brief. F3F4. and strangely CoWx&r yi?>.
32. Two lines in Ff, ending jiw/... 37. strange, but yet] stratigely yet
heere. Collier MS.
B B 2
372 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
An hypocrite, a virgin-violator; Is it not strange and strange?
Diikc. Nay, it is ten times strange.
Isab. It is not truer he is Angelo Than this is all as true as it is strange:
Nay, it is ten times true ; for truth is truth 4."^
To th' end of reckoning.
Duke. Away with her! — Poor soul,
She speaks this in th' infirmity of sense.
Isab. O prince, I conjure thee, as thou believest There is another comfort than this world,
That thou negle6l me not, with that opinion 50
That I am touch'd with madness ! Make not impossible That which but seems unlike : 'tis not impossible But one, the wicked'st caitiff on the ground, May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute As Angelo; even so may Angelo, 55
In all his dressings, chara6ls, titles, forms, Be an arch-villain; believe it, royal prince: If he be less, he's nothing; but he's more, Had I more name for badness.
Duke. By mine honesty.
If she be mad, — as I believe no other, — 60
Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense, Such a dependency of thing on thing, As e'er I heard in madness.
Isab. O gracious Duke,
Harp not on that; nor do not banish reason For inequality; but let your reason serve 65
To make the truth appear where it seems hid, And hide the false seems true.
4-2. if w] om. Pope. O] om. Pope.
47. iiifirmity\ infirmiry F4. 64. ;/<;;■] attd Pope.
48. O prince, I conjicre t/iee,'\ 0, I 6^. inequality'] incredulity CoWitv cojijure thee, Prince, Vo-ps. O prince, MS.
I do conjure tkee, Capell. 6^,, 66. so-'e To make the truth}
54> 55- ^-f absolute As] F4. as Seive to tnahe tntth Vo^e.
absolute: As Y^Y^Y 2. 67. And hide] Not hide TheohaXd
57. believe it] trust me Vo-pQ. (Warburton). Attd hid, 'P'htX-^s. 63. e^er] ne'er Capell conj.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 373
Duke. Many that are not mad
Have, sure, more lack of reason. What would you say?
Isab. I am the sister of one Claudio, Condemn'd upon the a6l of fornication 70
To lose his head; condemn'd by Angelo: I, (in probation of a sisterhood,) Was sent to by my brother; one Lucio As then the messenger, —
Lucio. That's I, an't like your Grace:
I came to her from Claudio, and desired her 75
To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo For her poor brother's pardon.
Isab. That's he indeed.
Duke. You were not bid to speak.
Liicio. No, my good lord;
Nor wish'd to hold my peace.
Duke. I wish you now, then ;
Pray you, take note of it : and when you have 80
A business for yourself, pray heaven you then Be perfefl.
Lucio. I warrant your honour.
Duke. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to't
Isab. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale, —
Lucio. Right. 85
Duke. It may be right ; but you are i' the wrong To speak before your time. Proceed.
Isab. I went
To this pernicious caitiff Deputy, —
Duke. That's somewhat madly spoken.
Isab. Pardon it;
The phrase is to the matter. 90
Duke. Mended again. The matter; — proceed,
67. //;a/ «;r] om. Hanmer, Hanmer.
68. Two lines in Ff, ending rea- to'tl to it Capell.
son. ..say? 84. someivhat'[ F^. something Y^
73. Lucio] Lucio being Hanmer. F3 F4.
74. As] ^f^j Johnson. 91. Mended] Mend it Malowe con].
82. your honour] your honour, sir The matter;] The matter then; Hanmer. Hanmer. om. Capell. The matter?
83. take heed] be sure, take heed now Collier MS.
374 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
Isab. In brief, — to set the needless process by, How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd, How he refell'd me, and how I replied, —
For this was of much length, — the vile conclusion 95
I now begin with grief and shame to utter: He would not, but by gift of my chaste body To his concupiscible intemperate lust, Release my brother; and, after much debatement, My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour, 100
And I did yield to him: but the next morn betimes, His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant For my poor brother's head.
Duke. This is most likely!
Isab. O, that it were as like as it is true!
Diikc. By heaven, fond wretch, thou know'st not what
thou speak'st, 105
Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour In hateful pra6lice. First, his integrity Stands without blemish. Next, it imports no reason That with such vehemency he should pursue Faults proper to himself: if he had so offended, no
He would have weigh'd thy brother by himself. And not have cut him off Some one hath set you on : Confess the truth, and say by whose advice Thou camest here to complain.
Isab. And is this all }
Then, O you blessed ministers above, 115
Keep me in patience, and with ripen'd time Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up In countenance! — Heaven shield your Grace from woe. As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go!
Diikc. I know you'ld fain be gone. — An officer! 120
92. process\Y^. om. F2F3F4. fettingY^Y^Y-^. /otfoilingY^.
94. ;v/t7/V] n/^/A/ Pope. 107. First] om. Vo'pe.
98. co^icupisciblc] concupiscent 108. Next] om. Pope.
Pope. 109. vchefncucyl vehemence Pope.
99. and] om. Pope. 1 10—113. Hanmer ends the lines lor. /'/// //;^] om. Pope. so. ..by. ..one. ..say.
102. J«//:v////^'] Theobald. sur- m. Heivonld'\he'd\\:s.xm\cx.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 375
To prison with her! — Shall we thus permit
A blasting and a scandalous breath t-o fall
On him so near us? This needs must be a pra6lice.
Who knew of your intent and coming hither?
Isab. One that I would were here, Friar Lodowick. 125
Duke. A ghostly father, belike. Who kn6ws that Lo- dowick?
Lticio. My lord, I know him; 'tis a meddling friar; I do not like the man : had he been lay, my lord, For certain words he spake against your Grace In your retirement, I had swinged him soundly. 130
Duke. Words against me! this's a good friar, belike! And to set on this wretched woman here Against our substitute! Let this friar be found.
Lncio. But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar, I saw them at the prison: a saucy friar, 135
A very scurvy fellow.
Fri. P. Blessed be your royal Grace ! I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard Your royal ear abused. First, hath this woman Most wrongfully accused your substitute, i^o
Who is as free from touch or soil with her As she from one ungot.
Dtike. We did believe no less.
Know you that Friar Lodowick that she speaks of?
Fri. P. I know him for a man divine and holy ; Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler, i^^
As he's reported by this gentleman; And, on my trust, a man that never yet Did, as he vouches, misreport your Grace.
Liicio. My lord, most villanously; believe it.
Fri. P. Well, he in time may come to clear himself; 150
123. nccdsXo^m.. Pope. 143. that she speaks of ^Y ^. which
124. your] our PoYte. she speaks of Y^-^ i,. om. Hanmer. 131. this's] this' Fj Fj F3. this 145. tcmporar)^ tamperer and
F4. this is Rowe. See note (xxi). Johnson conj.
137. Blessed] Bless'd Hsxwn&x. 147. trtcst] truth Collier MS.
royal] om. Hanmei". troth Singer.
147, 143. Hanmer ends the lines 149. villanously ;] villanously he
believe... Lodowick. did; Hanmer.
376
MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
But at this instant he is sick, my lord, Of a strange fever. Upon his mere request, — Being come to knowledge that there was complaint Intended 'gainst Lord Angelo, — came I hither, To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know Is true and false ; and what he with his oath And all probation will make up full clear. Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman, To justify this worthy nobleman, So vulgarly and personally accused. Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes. Till she herself confess it.
E)uke. Good friar, let's hear it.
[Isabella is carried off guarded; and Mariana comes forzvard. Do you not smile at this. Lord Angelo.' — O heaven, the vanity of wretched fools! — Give us some seats. Come, cousin Angelo; In this I'll be impartial; be you judge Of your own cause. Is this the witness, friar? First, let her show her face, and after speak.
Marl Pardon, my lord ; I will not show my face Until my husband bid me.
Dnke. What, are you married }
Mari. No, my lord.
Duke. Are you a maid }
Mari. No, my lord.
D?ike. A widow, then.?
Mari. Neither, my lord.
155
160
16:
170
/o
152-
conj.
154. F4. 156.
157. 158.
strange'] strong S. Walker
''gainst'] Fj
against F2F3
what he with] he upon Pope. And] By Pope. Whensoever he's convented] Whenever he''s conven V Pope. When- ever he'' s convented Warburton.
162. [Isabella, &c.] Stage direc- tion to this efifecfl inserted here by
Capell. Hanmer, &c. to Johnson place it after line 166, where Ff have: Enter Mariana.
1 66. /'// be impartial] I xoill be partial Theobald.
168. Scene in. Pope.
her face] F2F3F4. your face
170 — 178. Printed as four verses by Steevens (Capell conj.).
175. A widoiv] /F/V/c'rc/ Capell.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 377
Duke. Why, you are nothing, then: — neither maid, widow, nor wife ?
Lticio. My lord, she may be a punk; for many of them are neither maid, widow, nor wife. 180
Duke. Silence that fellow: I would he had some cause To prattle for himself
Lucio. Well, my lord.
Mart. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married ; And I confess, besides, I am no maid: 185
I have known my husband ; yet my husband Knows not that ever he knew me.
Lucio. He was drunk, then, my lord : it can be no better.
Duke. For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so too !
Lucio. Well, my lord. 190
Duke. This is no witness for Lord Angelo.
Mari. Now I come to't, my lord: She that accuses him of fornication. In self-same manner doth accuse my husband ; And charges him, my lord, with such a time ip^
When I'll depose I had him in mine arms With all th' efifea of love.
Ang. Charges she more than me.''
Mari. Not that I know.
Duke. No } you say your husband.
Mari. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo, 200
Who thinks he knows that he ne'er knew my body. But knows he thinks that he knows Isabel's.
Ang. This is a strange abuse. Let's see thy face.
Mari. My husband bids me; now I will unmask.
[ Unveiling. This is that face, thou cruel Angelo, 205
Which once thou sworest was worth the looking on ; This is the hand which, with a vow'd contra6l. Was fast belock'd in thine ; this is the body That took away the match from Isabel,
177. Why\ IV/iai Ca-pell. 195. tuif/i sufA a fime] "with such,
youare\Y^. are yoiiY ^ -^ i,. « //;«t' Edd. conj. 186, 187. husband Knows iiot]Yi. 199. A^c.'] om. Hanmer.
husband knows not Pope. 202. he knows^ he knew Hanmer.
378 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
And did supply thee at thy garden-house 210
In her imagined person.
Duke. Know you this woman?
Luc 10. Carnally, she says.
Duke. Sirrah, no more!
Lucio. Enough, my lord.
Aug. My lord, I must confess I know this woman: And five years since there was some speech of marriage 215 Betwixt myself and her; which was broke off, Partly for that her promised proportions Came short of composition ; but in chief, For that her reputation was disvalued
In levity: since which time of five years 220
I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her, Upon my faith and honour.
Man. Noble prince,
As there comes light from heaven and words from breath. As there is sense in truth and truth in virtue, ^ I am affianced this man's wife as strongly 225
As words could make up vows : and, my good lord. But Tuesday night last gone in's garden-house He knew me as a wife. As this is true, Let me in safety raise me from my knees;
Or else for ever be confixed here, 230
A marble monument!
Aug. I did but smile till now:
Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice; My patience here is touch'd. I do perceive These poor informal women are no more
But instruments of some more mightier member 235
That sets them on: let mc have way, my lord, To find this pra6lice out.
Duke. Ay, with my heart ;
And punish them to your height of pleasure. Thou foolish friar; and thou pernicious woman,
213. my lord] om. Yiaximex. men
221. -with her, saw her, nor^ivitJi, 235. viightier\ mighty Vo^t..
saw, c'/'Hanmer. 238. td\ unto Pope, rjen to Ca-
234. informal} infonning Ilaii- pell.
I
(
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 379
Compa6l with her that's gone, think 'st thou thy oaths, 240
Though they would swear down each particular saint,
Were testimonies against his worth and credit.
That's seal'd in approbation? You, Lord Escalus,
Sit with my cousin ; lend him your kind pains
To find out this abuse, whence 'tis derived. 245
There is another friar that set them on ;
Let him be sent for.
Fri. P. Would he were here, my lord ! for he, indeed, Hath set the women on to this complaint:
Your provost knows the place where he abides, 250
And he may fetch him.
Duke. Go do it instantly, \Exit Provost.
And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin, Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth, Do with your injuries as seems you best.
In any chastisement: I for a while will leave you; 255
But stir not you till you have well determined Upon these slanderers.
Escal. My lord, we'll do it throughly. {Exit Di/kc.'] Signior Lucio, did not you say you knew that Friar Lodo- wick to be a dishonest person.-' 260
Lucio. ' CucuUus non facit monachum :' honest in nothing but in his clothes; and one that hath spoke most villanous speeches of the Duke.
Escal. We shall entreat you to abide here till he come, and enforce them against him: we shall find this friar a 26^ notable fellow.
Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my word.
Escal. Call that same Isabel here once again : I would speak with her. \Exit an Attendant?)^ Pray you, my lord, give me leave to question; you shall see how I'll handle 270 her.
Lucio. Not better than he, by her own report.
Escal. Say you.-*
1\^. against'\ Fj. gainst Y^. while Will. ..have IVell dekrmin'd
''gainst F3F4. upon Ff. -while Will.... well Deter-
251. Go\ora. Pope. inijied 7rponT\\e.oha\dL. while Will...
•255 — 257. while. . ..yoii ; But.... Iiave Delennin''d well upon W.z.\xca.Q\. detcrtnined Upon] Spedding conj. 258. Scene iv. Pope.
38o MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
Lucio. Marry, sir, I think, if you handled her privately, she would sooner confess: perchance, publicly, she'll be 275 ashamed.
Escal. I will go darkly to work with her.
Lucio. That's the way; for women are light at midnight.
Re-enter Officers with Isabella ; and Provost with the Duke in his friar's habit.
Escal. Come on, mistress: here's a gentlewoman de- nies all that you have said. 280
Liicio. My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke of; here with the provost.
Escal. In very good time: speak not you to him till we call upon you. . Lucio. Mum. 285
Escal. Come, sir: did you set these women on to slan- der Lord Angelo .'' they have confessed you did.
Duke. 'Tis false.
Escal. How! know you where you are.''
Duke. Respe6l to your great place! and let the devil 290 Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne! Where is the Duke.-* 'tis he should hear me speak.
Escal. The Duke's in us; and we will hear you speak: Look you speak justly.
Duke. Boldly, at least. But, O, poor souls, 295
Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox } Good night to your redress! Is the Duke gone.^ Then is your cause gone too. The Duke's unjust, 1
Thus to retort your manifest appeal,
And put your trial in the villain's mouth -500
Which here you come to accuse.
275. 7t)ould'\ Fj. j/;^;^/(/ F2F3F4. 290. and] then CoWiex MS.
shcUl] FjF2F3. she'ld F4. 295. at least] at least I'll speak
she''d Rowe. Hanmer.
278. Re-enter ] Enter Duke, 296. /cu-.'] F^ F3 F4. fox ; Y ^.
Provost, Isabella. Ff (after line 2 76). fox, Dyce.
289. Malone supposes a line pre- 299. retort] rejed Collier MS. ceding this to be lost.
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 381
Lucio. This is the rascal; this is he I spoke of.
Escal. Why, thou unreverend and unhallow'd friar, Is't not enough thou hast suborn'd these women To accuse this worthy man, but, in foul mouth, 305
And in the witness of his proper ear. To call him villain 1 and then to glance from him To the Duke himself, to tax him with injustice? Take him hence; to the rack with him! We'll touse you Joint by joint, but we will know his purpose. 310
What, 'unjust'!
Duke. Be not so hot ; the Duke
Dare no more stretch this finger of mine than he Dare rack his own: his subje6l am I not, Nor here provincial. My business in this state Made me a looker-on here in Vienna, 315
Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble Till it o'er-run the stew ; laws for all faults, But faults so countenanced, that the strong statutes Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, As much in mock as mark. 320
Escal. Slander to the state ! Away with him to prison !
Ang. What can you vouch against him, Signior Lucio? Is this the man that you did tell us of?
Lticio. 'Tis he, my lord. Come hither, goodman bald- pate: do you know me? 325
Duke. I remember you, sir, by the sound of your voice : I met you at the prison, in the absence of the Duke.
Lucio. O, did you so? And do you remember what you said of the Duke ?
Duke. Most notedly, sir. 33°
Lucio. Do you so, sir? And was the Duke a flesh-
305. /«] tvith Theobald. lier MS.
307—311. Capell ends the lines : 31 1- What,'\What? HeYizxmi&x.
villain ?. . .kitnself. . .hence ;...by joint, 311,312. the duke Bare no more]
...unjust? Capell. the duke dare N'o more Ff.
307. to glance] glance VoT^e. 311 — 313. Pope ends the lines:
309. yoic] him Malone conj. stretch. ..own. ..not.
310. Joint by Joint] Even joint 319. forfeits] forceps ]2.f:Vi.ox\.CQ\\]. by joint Hanmev. S^i- Two lines in Ff,
his] this Hanmer. yotir Col-
382 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
*
monger, a fool, and a coward, as you then reported him
to be?
Diikc. You must, sir, change persons with me, ere you make that my report: you, indeed, spoke so of him; and 335 much more, much worse.
Lucio. O thou damnable fellow! Did not I pluck thee by the nose for thy speeches ?
Duke. I protest I love the Duke as I love myself
Ang. Hark, how the villain would close now, after his 34°; treasonable abuses! I
Escal. Such a fellow is not to be talked withal. Away 1 with him to prison! Where is the provost .'' Away with him to prison ! lay bolts enough upon him : let him speak no more. Away with those giglets too, and with the other 345 confederate companion ! j
Duke. [To Provost] Stay, sir; stay awhile. I
A7i£: What, resists he? Help him, Lucio.
Liicio. Come, sir; come, sir; come, sir; foh, sir! Why, you bald-pated, lying rascal, you must be hooded, 350j must you .'' Show your knave's visage, with a pox to you ! show your sheep-biting face, and be hanged an hour ! Wiirt not off.?
[Pulls off the friar's hood, and discovers the Duke.
Duke. Thou art the first knave that e'er madest a
Duke. j
First, provost, let me bail these gentle three. 355]
\To Lucio] Sneak not away, sir; for the friar and you i
Must have a word anon. Lay hold on him.
Lucio. This may prove worse than hanging.
Duke. \To Escalus] What you have spoke I pardon: sit you down: We'll borrow place of him. \To Angclo] Sir, by your leave. 360 Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence, That yet can do thee office.^ If thou hast,
340. close\glozeQ.oVi\&cM.^. Lloyd conj. |
345- gigkts'\giglotsQ^-^ei\. l^l- Stage direaion inserted by
347. [To Provost] Capell. Rowe.
352. hanged an hoiir!'] hanged! 354. madest\ mad'st Ff. fnade
an hour? Hanmer. hanged — ati' Capell. hoiv? Joliiison conj. hanged anon!
SCENE!.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 383
Rely upon it till my tale be heard, And hold no longer out.
Aug. O my dread lord,
I should be guiltier than my guiltiness, 365
To think I can be undiscernible, When I perceive your Grace, like power divine, Hath look'd upon my passes. Then, good prince. No longer session hold upon my shame.
But let my trial be mine own confession: 370
Immediate sentence then, and sequent death. Is all the grace I beg.
Duke. Come hither, Mariana.
Say, wast thou e'er contra6led to this woman }
Aug. I was, my lord.
Duke. Go take her hence, and marry her instantly. 375
Do you the office, friar; which consummate. Return him here again. Go with him, provost.
[Exeunt A iigelo, Mariana, Fi iar Peter and Provost.
Escal. My lord, I am more amazed at his dishonour Than at the strangeness of it.
Duke. Come hither, Isabel.
Your friar is now your prince: as I was then 38°
Advertising and holy to your business, Not changing heart with habit, I am still Attorney'd at your service.
Isab. O, give me pardon.
That I, your vassal, have employ'd and pain'd Your unknown sovereignty !
Duke. You are pardon'd, Isabel: 385
And now, dear maid, be you as free to us. Your brother's death, I know, sits at your heart ; And you may marvel why I obscured myself. Labouring to save his life, and would not rather Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power 390
373. ^Vr] ei-e Fj. eiier F2F3F4. 379. of it.'] of— Capell.
om. Hanmer, who divides the lines; 381. a7id] «// Hanmer.
Come... thou Co7itraaed...lord. 39°- remonstrance] demonsf ranee
378. Scene v. Pope. Staunton (Malone conj.).
384 • MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
Than let him so be lost. O most kind maid,
It was the swift celerity of his death,
Which I did think with slower foot came on.
That brain'd my purpose. But, peace be with him !
That life is better life, past fearing death, 395
Than that which lives to fear: make it your comfort,
So happy is your brother.
Isab. I do, my lord.
Re-enter Angelo, Mariana, Friar Peter, and Provost.
Duke. For this new-married man, approaching here, Whose satlt imagination yet hath wrong'd
Your well-defended honour, you must pardon 4°°
For Mariana's sake : but as he adjudged your brother, — Being criminal, in double violation Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach Thereon dependent, for your brother's life, — The very mercy of the law cries out , 405
Most audible, even from his proper tongue, 'An Angelo for Claudio, death for death!' Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure ; Like doth quit like, and MEASURE still FOR MEASURE. Then, Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested; 410
Which, though thou wouldst deny, denies thee vantage. We do condemn thee to the very block Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste. Away with him !
Mari. O my most gracious lord,
I hope you will not mock me with a husband. 4^a
Duke. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband.
391. so bc\ Fj Fj F3. he so F4. 403. of promise-breac]i\ in promise-
394. b)'aiii\i\ hai>i\i Warburton. breach Hanmer. of promise Malone
But'\ But lunv Hanmer. conj.
398. Scene vi. Pope. 410. fault's tints manifested i\ Ff.
400. pard0n~\pardo7i kim Hanmer. faults are manifested; Rowe. faults
401. /le adjudged your brother^ a are vtaiiifest; Hanmer. fault thus judge Hanmer. manifested — Dyce.
402. Bei}ig criminal, in double vio- 411- deny, denies\ deny ''em, deny lationl Beingdoiibly criminal in viola- Hamner.
tion Hanmer. 413. haste.'\ haste, F4.
I
SCENE I.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 385
Consenting to the safeguard of your honour,
I thought your marriage fit ; else imputation,
For that he knew you, might reproach your life,
And choke your good to come: for his possessions, 420
Although by confiscation they are ours,
We do instate and widow you withal,
To buy you a better husband.
Mart. O my dear lord,
I crave no other, nor no better man.
Duke. Never crave him ; we are definitive. -25
Mari. Gentle my liege, — \Kiieeling.
Duke. You do but lose your labour.
Away with him to death! \To Luci6\ Now, sir, to you.
Mari. O my good lord ! Sweet Isabel, take my part ; Lend me your knees, and all my life to come I'll lend you all my life to do you service. 430
Duke. Against all sense you do importune her: Should she kneel down in mercy of this fa6l. Her brother's ghost his paved bed would break, And take her hence in horror.
Mari. Isabel,
Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me; 435
Hold up your hands, say nothing, — I'll speak all. They say, best men are moulded out of faults ; And, for the most, become much more the better For being a little bad: so may my husband. O Isabel, will you not lend a knee.^ 440
Duke. He dies for Claudio's death.
Isab. Most bounteous sir, {Kneeling.
Look, if it please you, on this man condemn'd, As if my brother lived : I partly think A due sincerity govern'd his deeds,
Till he did look on me : since it is so, 445
Let him not die. My brother had but justice. In that he did the thing for which he died:
421. confiscatio7t\ F2F3F4. con- withallY^Y^.
filiation Fj. 426. [Kneeling.] Johnson.
422. witkal'\ F4. 7uitk all Fj. 44 r. [Kneeling.] Rowe.
VOL. I. C C
386 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
For Angelo,
His a6l did not o'ertake his bad intent; j
And must be buried but as an intent 450?,
That perish'd by the way: thoughts are no subje6ls; f
Intents, but merely thoughts. l
Mart. Merely, my lord. \
Dttke. Your suit's unprofitable; stand up, I say. |
I have bethought me of another fault. •*
Provost, how came it Claudio was beheaded 455
At an unusual hour.''
Prov. It was commanded so.
Duke. Had you a special warrant for the deed .-*
Prov. No, my good lord ; it was by private message.
Duke. For which I do discharge you of your office : Give up your keys.
Prov. Pardon me, noble lord: 460
I thought it was a fault, but knew it not; Yet did repent me, after more advice: For testimony whereof, one in the prison, That should by private order else have died, I have reserved alive.
Duke. What's he.?
Prov. His name is Barnardine. 465
Duke. I would thou hadst done so by Claudio. Go fetch him hither ; let me look upon him, [Exit Provost.
Escal. I am sorry, one so learned and so wise As you, Lord Angelo, have still appear'd,
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood, 4-0
And lack of temper'd judgment afterward.
Aug. I am sorry that such sorrow I procure: And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart, That I crave death more willingly than mercy; 'Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it. 471
452. Ini{\ om. Hanmer, who ends Hanmer. See note (xx).
lines 448 — ^^2 2ii o''ertake...hut...-vay 466. ii<ould'\ Fj. looiilds/ F2F3
...tJioughts. F4. 7vish Capell (corretfled in MS.
456. It 7vas commanded sd\ ' Tivas to ivotdd).
so commanded Hanmer. 470. f/ie heat'\ heat Pope.
465. IVIiafs he ?] And ii<hat is he ?
SCENE I.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 387
Re-enter Provost, with Barnardine, Claudio nijtfflcd., and]\i\AYn.
Duke. Which is that Barnardine?
Prov. This, my lord.
Duke. There was a friar told me of this man. Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul, That apprehends no further than this world, And squarest thy life according. Thou'rt condemn'd: 480
But, for those earthly faults, I quit them all ; And pray thee take this mercy to provide For better times to come. Friar, advise him ; I leave him to your hand. What muffled fellow's that.''
Prov. This is another prisoner that I saved, 485
Who should have died Avhen Claudio lost his head ; As like almost to Claudio as himself \Unimiffles Claudio.
Duke. [To Isabelld\ If he be like your brother, for his sake Is he pardon'd ; and, for your lovely sake,
Give me your hand, and say you will be mine, 490
He is my brother too : but fitter time for that. By this Lord Angelo perceives he's safe; Methinks I see a quickening in his eye. Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well :
Look that you love your wife; her worth worth yours. 495
I find an apt remission in myself; And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon. \To Lncio'] You, sirrah, that knew me for a fool, a coward. One all of luxury, an ass, a madman;
Wherein have I so deserved of you, 500
That you extol me thus .-'
476. Scene VII. Pope. 490. and say yon 7v}ir\ say yoti'll
muffled] om. Ff. C. behind, Hanmer.
and J. both muffl'd up. Capell, 491. He w] And he's Hanmer,
my lord] my good lord Han- ending the line here,
mer. 495. her toorth worth yours] her
480. according] accordingly F4. worth works yours Hanmer. her
482. A7id] Fj. / F2 F3 F4. worth's worth yours Heath conj.
484. your hand] yon Hanmer. 500. so deserved] desei-dcd so Pope.
489. Is he pardon'd] He's par- so well desei-v'd Collier MS. so nn-
doned Hanmer. Is he too pardon'd deserv'dS. Walker conj. Capell.
CC 2
o
88 MEASURE FOR MEASURE. [act v.
Liicio. 'Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to the trick. If you will hang me for it, you may; but I had rather it would please you I might be whipt.
Duke. Whipt first, sir, and hang'd after. 505
Proclaim it, provost, round about the city, Is any woman wrong'd by this lewd fellow, As I have heard him swear himself there's one Whom he begot with child, let her appear.
And he shall marry her: the nuptial finish'd, 510
Let him be whipt and hang'd.
Lticio. I beseech your highness, do not marry me to a whore. Your highness said even now, I made you a Duke: good my lord, do not recompense me in making me a cuckold. 515
Duke. Upon mine honour, thou shalt marry her. Thy slanders I forgive ; and therewithal Remit thy other forfeits. — Take him to prison ; And see our pleasure herein executed.
Liicio. Marrying a punk, my lord, is pressing to death, 520 whipping, and hanging.
Duke. Slandering a prince deserves it.
[Exeunt Officers zuifh Lticio. She, Claudio, that you wrong'd, look you restore. Joy to you, Mariana! Love her, Angelo: I have confess'd her, and I know her virtue. Thanks, good friend Escalus, for thy much goodness: There's more behind that is more gratulate. Thanks, provost, for thy care and secrecy: We shall employ thee in a worthier place. Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home The head of Ragozine for Claudio's : The offence pardons itself Dear Isabel, I have a motion much imports your good ;
507. Is any •woman'\ Edd. If 527 — 532. Johnson conjecftm-es :
any woman Ff. If any woman'' s Ang. The offence pardons itsdf. Duke.
Ilanmer. T7iere''s more behind Thai is more
519. execMled'] execute Hunmer. gratulate. Dear Isabel,...
522. [Exeunt... Lucio] Dyce.
5-.)
SCENE I.] MEASURE FOR MEASURE. 389
Whereto if you'll a willing ear incline,
What's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. 535
So, bring us to our palace; where we'll show
What's yet behind, that's meet you all should know.
[ExetiJit.
537. (hat's] F3F3F4. that F,.
NOTES.
Note I.
I. I. 8, 9. The suggestion that a Hne has been lost in this place came first from Theobald. It is scarcely necessary to say that there is no mark of omission in the Folios. Malone supposes that a similar omission has been made ll. 4. 123. The compositor's eye (he says) may have glanced from 'succeed' to 'weakness' in a subsequent hemistich.
In order to relieve the plethoric foot-note we set down in this place some conjetflures for which we are indebted to Mr Halliwell's note on the passage.
(i) Then no more remains
To your sufficiency as your worth is able But that you let them work.
Wheler MS.
(2) But task to your sufficience. . .
Dent. MS.
(3) But that your sufficiency as your worth be able. . .
Monck Mason.
(4) Then no more remains :
To your sufficiency your worth be added, And let them work.
T. Hull's MS. Commentary.
(5) ...I let them work.
Chalmers.
The reading assigned in the foot-note to Steevens is found in a note to the Edition of 1778. He afterwards changed his mind.
Note II.
I. 2. 15. Hanmer's reading is recommended by the fa6l that in the old forms of 'graces' used in many colleges, and, as we are informed,
392 MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
at the Inns of Court, the prayer for peace comes always after, and never before, meat. But as the mistake may easily have been made by Shakespeare, or else deliberately put into the mouth of the ' First Gentleman,' we have not altered the text.
Note III.
I. 2. 22 — 26. In the remainder of this scene Hanmer and other Editors have made capricious changes in the distribution of the dia- logue, which we have not thought it worth while to chronicle. It is impossible to discern any difference of charafter in the three speakers, or to introduce logical sequence into their buffoonery.
Note IV.
I. 2. no. We retain here the stage direcflion of the Folio, ^ Enter ...Jziliet, &.C.' for the preceding Ime makes it evident that she was on the stage. On the other hand, line 140 shows that she was not within hearing, nor near Claudio while he spoke. We may suppose that she was following at a distance behind, in her anxiety for the fate of her lover. She appears again as a mute personage at the end of the play.
Note V.
I. 2. 115, 116. Johnson in the first Edition, 1765, says, 'I suspecfl that a line is lost.' This note was omitted in the Edition of 1778.
Note VI.
I. 4. 70. 'To soften Angelo: and that's my pith of business.' We have left this line as it is printed in the Folios. There is a line of similar length and rhythm in T/ie Two Gentlemen of Verona, iv. 2. 16.
* But here comes Thurio : now must we to her window.'
Note VII.
II. 2. 149. A writer, 'A. E. B.' in Notes and Queries (Vol. v. p. 325) points out that in Wickliffe's bible, 'shekels' is spelt 'sickles,' which he says ought, therefore, to be retained. There is no doubt of the meaning ; but we, in accordance with our custom, have modernized the spelling.
NOTES. 393
Note VI 1 1.
II. 2. 155 — 161. The printing in the Fohos gives no help towards the metrical arrangement of these and other broken lines. In the present case we might read :
^ Atig. Well, come to me to-morrow. Luc. Go to : 'tis well ;
Away ! Isab. Heaven keep your honour safe !
A»g. Amen:
For I, &c.'
Or, considering the first two lines as prose, we might read the last :
'^ Isab. Heaven keep your honour safe ! Aug. Amen: for I
Am that way going to temptation Where prayers cross.'
Note IX.
II. 4. 9. 'fear'd.' Mr Collier, in N'otcs and Qtieries, Vol. Vlii. p. 361, mentions that in Lord EUesmere's copy of the First Folio the reading is ' sear'd.'
Note X.
II. 4. 94. 'all-building.' 'Mr Theobald has binding in one of his copies.' Johnson,
Note XI.
II. 4. 103. 'That longing have been sick for.' Delius says in his note on this passage, ' Das / vor have lasst sich nach Shaksperischer Licenz leicht suppliren.' The second person singular of the go- verning pronoun is frequently omitted by Shakespeare in familiar questions, but, as to the first and third persons, his usage rarely differs from the modern. If the text be genuine, we have an in- stance in this play of the omission of the third person singular I. 4. 72, ' Has censured him.' See also the early Quarto of the Merry Wives of Windsor, Sc. xiv. 1. 40, p. 285 of our reprint :
' He cloath my daughter, and aduertise Slender To know her by that signe, and steale her thence. And vnknowne to my wife, shall marrie her.'
394 MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
Note XII.
II. 4. Ill — 113. Mr Sidney Walker adopts Steevens' emendation, and affirms that among all the metrical licenses used by Shakespeare, the omission of the final syllable of the line is not one. But if the reading of the first Folio be allowed to stand, we can find many in- stances of lines which want the final syllable. The line immediately preceding may be so scanned :
' Ignomy in ransom and free pardon.'
And in this same scene, line 143, we have
'And you tell me that he shall die for't.'
And in v. i. 83:
' The warrant's for yourself; take heed to't.
It is conceivable that ' mercy' may be pronounced as a trisyllable ; but in all the undoubted examples of such a metrical license, the liquid is the second of the two consonants, not the first. See, however, S. Walker's Shakespeare's Ve7'sificatlon, pp. 207 sqq.
Possibly a word may have dropt out, and the original passage may have stood thus :
•
' Ignomy in ransom and free pardon are Of two opposed houses : lawful mercy Is nothing kin to foul redemption.'
Note XIII.
III. I. 29. Mr Colher's copy of the second Folio has 'sire.' Notes and Queries, Vol. vi. p. 141.
Note XIV.
III. T. 56, 57. The metrical arrangement is uncertain here. It is not probable that the last word of the Duke's speech, ' concealed,' should be the first of a line which would be interrupted by his exit. Perhaps, too, the true reading of the following Jine may have been :
'As comforts all are good, most good indeed.'
Note XV.
III. I. 91, 94. The word 'prenzie,' occurring, as it does, twice in this passage, rests on such strong authority that it is better to seek to explain than to alter it. It may be etymologically connecfled with 'prin,' in old French, meaning 'demure;' also with 'princox,' a 'cox- comb,' and with the word ' prcnder,' which occurs more than once in Skelton : e. g.
NOTES. 395
' This pevysh proud, this prender gest, When he is well, yet can he not rest.'
Mr Bullock mentions, in support of his conjecture, that 'pensie' is still used in some north-country dialefls. ' Primsie' is also found in Burns' poems with the signification of ' demure, precise,' according to the glossary.
Note XVI.
III. I. 1 1 8. Johnson says the most plausible conjeflure is 'be- nighted.' It does not appear by whom this conjedure was made.
Note XVII.
III. I. i68. We must suppose that Claudio, as he is going out, stops to speak with his sister at the back of the stage within sight of the audience.
Note XVIII.
IV. 2. 91. This is a case in which we have thought it best to make an exception to our usual rule of modernizing the spelling. The metre requires ' Haply' to be pronounced as a trisyllable. Perhaps it would be well to retain the spelling of the first two Folios ' Happely,' and as a general rule it would be convenient if an obsolete spelling were retained in words used with an obsolete meaning. We have, however, abstained from introducing on our own authority this, or any other innovation in orthography. In IV, 3, 126, we have retained ' covent,' which had grown to be a distindl word from ' convent,' and differently pronounced. Shakespeare's ear would hardly have tolerated the harsh-sounding line
^ One of our convent and his cdnfessor.'
Note XIX.
IV, 3, 17. The reading ' cry' (i,e, ' crie') for ' are' was suggested by a passage in Nashe's Apologie for Pierce Pennilcsse, 1693, quoted by Malone: 'At that time that thy joys were in \h.t fleeting , and thus crying '■iox the Lord's sake' out at an iron window,'
39 6 MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
Note XX.
IV. 3. 83. In order to avoid the unmetrical line 83, as given in the FoHos and by all Editors to Johnson inclusive, the lines 82 — 85 have been arranged as five, thus :
If. . .Let. ..In secret. . .Ere To the under. . .Capell.
If. . .Let. . .Both The sun . . . The tinder Steevens.
If. . .Let. . .Both Ere To yonder Collier.
If. . .Let. . .Both The sun. . . To yond. Singer.
Perhaps the best arrangement, because requiring the least change from the printing of the Folio, would be to put the words ' And Clau- dio' in a line by themselves. Many examples of such a broken line in the middle of a speech may be found (e. g. v. i. 448), and it would add to the emphasis with which the Duke commends Claudio to the Provost's care. The long line v. i. 465, might be similarly reduced by reading
' His name Is Barnardine.'
Note XXI.
IV. 5. I. Mr Spedding suggests that A<fl v. should begin here. Dr Johnson says: "This play has two Friars, either of whom might singly have served. I should therefore imagine that ' Friar Thomas,' in the first A61, might be changed without any harm to ' Friar Peter :' for why should the Duke unnecessarily trust two in an affair which re- quired only one? The name of Friar Thomas is never mentioned in the dialogue, and therefore seems arbitrarily placed at the head of the scene."
Note XXII.
V. I. 131. Mr Sidney Walker, in his Shakespeare^ s Versification, pp. 80 sqq. suggests that in this and other passages we should read ' ihis^ because ' This is is not unfrcquently, like That is, &c. con- tracfted into a monosyllable.' For the reason assigned in Note (in) to The Tempest, i. 2. 173, we have preferred the more familiar spelling this 'j.
I
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS.
DRAMATIS PERSONiE\
Dromio of Ephesus, "j twin brothers, and attendants on Dromio of Syracuse,/ the two Antipholuses.
SOLINUS^ duke of Ephesus.
^GEON, a merchant of Syracuse.
Antipholus^ of Ephesus,'^ twin brothers, and sons to
Antipholus of Syracuse, / ^geon and Emilia.
J
Balthazar, a merchant.
Angelo, a goldsmith.
First Merchant, friend to Antipholus of Syracuse.
Second Merchant, to whom Angelo is a debtor.
Pinch, a schoolmaster.
.(Emilia, wife to ^geon, an abbess at Ephesus. Adriana, wife to Antipholus of Ephesus. LUCIANA, her sister. Luce, servant to Adriana. A Courtezan.
Gaoler, Officers, and other Attendants. Scene — Ephcsjis.
1 Dramatis Persons first given 2 Soltnus] See note (i).
by Rowe. ^ Antipholus] See note (i).
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS.
ACT I.
Scene I. A hall iji the 'Duk.'e!^ palace. ^
Enter Duke, tEgeon, Gaoler, Officers, and other Attendants.
^gc. Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall, And by the doom of death end woes and all.
Dnke. Merchant of Syracusa, plead no more ; I am not partial to infringe our laws : The enmity and discord which of late Sprung from the rancorous outrage of your duke To merchants, our well-dealing countrymen, Who, wanting guilders to redeem their lives, Have seal'd his rigorous statutes with their bloods, Excludes all pity from our threatening looks. For, since the mortal and intestine jars 'Twixt thy seditious countrymen and us, It hath in solemn synods been decreed, Both by the Syracusians and ourselves, To admit no traffic to our adverse towns: "^
A hall... palace.] Malone. The om. Ff.
Duke's palace. Theobald. ApubHck i. Soliniis\Y^. SalimisY^^^.
Place. Capell. lo. looks\ books Anon. conj.
.(Egeon,] Rowe. with the Mer- 14. Syraaisians\ Y/^. Siracusians
chant of Siracusa, Ff. - Fj F^ •F3. Syraousans Pope. See
Officers,] Capell. Officer, Staunton. note (i).
10
400 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act i.
Nay, more,
If any born at Ephesus be seen At any Syracusian marts and fairs; Again : if any Syracusian born Come to the bay of Ephesus, he dies, His goods confiscate to the duke's dispose; ■ Unless a thousand marks be levied, To quit the penalty and to ransom him. Thy substance, valued at the highest rate. Cannot amount unto a hundred marks; Therefore by law thou art condemn'd to die.
j!!Ege. Yet this my comfort : when your words are done, My woes end likewise with the evening sun.
Duke. Well, Syracusian, say, in brief, the cause Why thou departed'st from thy native home, And for Avhat cause thou camest to Ephesus.
^gc. A heavier task could not have been imposed Than I to speak my griefs unspeakable: Yet, that the world may witness that my end Was wrought by nature, not by vile offence, I '11 utter what my sorrow gives me leave. In Syracusa was I born ; and wed Unto a woman, happy but for me, And by me, had not our hap been bad. With her I lived in joy; our wealth increased 41
By prosperous voyages I often made To Epidamnum ; till my fa6lor's death, And the great care of goods at random left, Drew me from kind embracements of my spouse: From whom my absence was not six months old, 41
Before herself, almost at fainting under \
16, 17, 18. Nay more If... seen At 42. Epidamnnni] Pope. Epida-
any] Malone. A'ay, more, if...Ephe- mium Ff. Epidamnium Rowe. See
sus Be seen at any Ff. note (i).
18. ««_)'] om. Pope. 43. ///i'] then Edd. conj.
23. to ransomY? .^. ran'somY ^ -^ ^. the.. .. .care.. ..left"] Theobald.
27. //^m] V/j' Ilanmer. ' he. .. care... left ¥^. he. ..store. ..leaving
33. griefs'] Yj^. gi-ief-Y^. grief F2F3F4. heed... caves... I eft Jackson
F3 F4. conj.
35. nature] fortutie Q,o\\\&x M.'&. /rM/r^;;/] F3F4. ra^!doncY.^Y.2•
39. hy me] Fj. t'v me too F2F3F4.
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 401
The pleasing punishment that women bear,
Had made provision for her following me,
And soon and safe arrived where I was.
There had she not been long but she became 50
A joyful mother of two goodly sons;
And, which was strange, the one so like the other
As could not be distinguish'd but by names.
That very hour, and in the self-same inn,
A meaner woman was delivered 55
Of such a burden, male twins, both alike:
Those, for their parents were exceeding poor,
I bought, and brought up to attend my sons.
My wife, not meanly proud of two such boys,
Made daily motions for our hom.e return: 60
Unwilling I agreed; alas! too soon
We came aboard.
A league from Epidamnum had we sail'd.
Before the always-wind-obeying deep
Gave any tragic instance of our harm : 65
But longer did we not retain much hope ;
For what obscured light the heavens did grant
Did but convey unto our fearful minds
A doubtful warrant of immediate death ;
Which though myself would gladly have embraced, yo
Yet the incessant weepings of my wife,
Weeping before for what she saw must come,
And piteous plainings of the pretty babes.
That mourn'd for fashion, ignorant what to fear,
Forced me to seek delays for them and me. ^5
And this it was, for other means was none:
The sailors sought for safety by our boat.
And left the ship, then sinking-ripe, to us :
My wife, more careful for the latter-born,
50. had she\Y{. she had 'Rov.'e. 6i. sooji'] soon! Pope. soon. Ca-
55. ineaner\ Delius (S. Walker pell.
conj.). vicaueY^. poor incane F^. 70. gladly\ gently QoV^x^rWi.
poor mean Y 2,^ i^. 7'- weepings'\ Fj. weeping F^
56. burden, male twins] burthen F3 F4.
male, twists Fj. 76. this\ thus Collier MS.
61, 62. So Pope. One line in Ff. 79. latter-] elder- Rowe.
VOL. I. D D
402 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act i.
Had fasten'd him unto a small spare mast, 80
Such as seafaring men provide for storms;
To him one of the other twins was bound,
Whilst I had been like heedful of the other :
The children thus disposed, my wife and I,
Fixing our eyes on whom our care was fix'd,
Fasten'd ourselves at either end the mast ;
And floating straight, obedient to the stream.
Was carried towards Corinth, as we thought.
At length the sun, gazing upon the earth,
Dispersed those vapours that offended us ;
And, by the benefit of his wished light.
The seas wax'd calm, and we discovered
Two ships from far making amain to us,
Of Corinth that, of Epidaurus this :
But ere they came, — O, let me say no more! 95
Gather the sequel by that went before.
Duke. Nay, forward, old man ; do not break off so ; For we may pity, though not pardon thee.
j^gc. O, had the gods done so, I had not now Worthily term'd them merciless to us! 100
For, ere the ships could meet by twice five leagues. We were encounter'd by a mighty rock; Which being violently borne upon, Our helpful ship was splitted in the midst;
So that, in this unjust divorce of us, 105
Fortune had left to both of us alike What to delight in, what to sorrow for. Her part, poor soul! seeming as burdened With lesser weight, but not with lesser woe. Was carried with more speed before the wind; xio
And in our sight they three were taken up By fishermen of Corinth, as we thought.
86. cither end the mast] t/t' cmi of luas F4. sea was Rowe.
eitheri>iast Yianmex. 94. Efidai/nis'] E/idams F,.
87,88. And-.-JVas^Yi. And... Epidaninns T\\coha.\<\ con].
Were 'R.ovfe. lVAtch...JVas CapeW. 103. »/on] Pope. ;// l'\. up
91. wished] Y^. wisWd Y .^^Y ^. vponY^Y-^Y^.
92. seas ivax'd] seas zva.xt Fj. 104. helpful] helpless Ro\ve.
1
I
seas waxc F,. seas wax Yx
seas
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 4^3
At length, another ship had seized on us ;
And, knowing whom it was their hap to save.
Gave healthful welcome to their shipwreck'd guests; 115
And would have reft the fishers of their prey,
Had not their bark been very slow of sail ;
And therefore homeward did they bend their course.
Thus have you heard me sever'd from my bliss;
That by misfortunes was my life prolong'd, 120
To tell sad stories of my own mishaps.
Ditke. And, for the sake of them thou sorrowest for, Do me the favour to dilate at full What hath befall'n of them and thee till now.
Aige. My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care, 125
At eighteen years became inquisitive After his brother: and importuned me That his attendant — so his case was like, Reft of his brother, but retain'd his name — Might bear him company in the quest of him: * 13°
Whom whilst I labour'd of a love to see, I hazarded the loss of whom I loved. Five summers have I spent in furthest Greece, Roaming clean through the bounds of Asia, And, coasting homeward, came to Ephesus; 135
Hopeless to find, yet loath to leave unsought Or that, or any place that harbours men. But here must end the story of my life ; And happy were I in my timely death, Could all my travels warrant me they live. 14°
Diikc. Hapless ^geon, whom the fates have mark'd To bear the extremity of dire mishap! Now, trust me, were it not against our laws, Against my crown, my oath, my dignity,
113. a)iofhe7-\ the other YiMww&x. ty"] om. F4.
115. healthful^ Y^. helpful Y^ 128. so\Y ^. forY^-^^.
F3 F4. 1 30. the'X om. Pope.
117. barklhackeY ^. 131. I laboured of a\ he laboicr'd
120. ThafX 77///J Hanmer. Yet ^/ «// Collier MS. Anon. conj. 144, 145. These lines inverted by
122. sake'lY^. sokes Y ^Y -i^Y /^. Hanmer.
124. hath.... thee} have. ...they Fj.
DD 2
1
404 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act i.
Which princes, would they, may not disannul, 14
My soul should sue as advocate for thee.
But, though thou art adjudged to the death,
And passed sentence may not be recall'd
But to our honour's great disparagement,
Yet will I favour thee in what I can. ^ 5°
Therefore, merchant, I '11 limit thee this day
To seek thy help by beneficial help :
Try all the friends thou hast in Ephesus ;
Beg thou, or borrow, to make up the sum.
And live ; if no, then thou art doom'd to die. .
Gaoler, take him to thy custody.
Gaol. I will, my lord.
yEge. Hopeless and helpless doth ^geon wend, But to procrastinate his lifeless end. {Exeunt.
Scene II. The Mart.
Enter Antipholus of Syracuse, Dromio of Syracuse, and First
Merchant.
First Mcr. Therefore give out you are of Epidamnum, Lest that your goods too soon be confiscate. This very day a Syracusian merchant Is apprehended for arrival here; And, not being able to buy out his life. According to the statute of the town, Dies ere the weary sun set in the west. There is your money that I had to keep.
145. princes, woiild they, inay\ 156. C(7c/<v;] yailor, now Han-
Hanmer, Princes wotild they may Y ^. mer. So, Jailer, Capell.
Princes ivonld, they may F2F3F4. 1^9. Hfeless'\ Warbmton. Uveless
151. Therefore, merchant, IUr\ Ff. Ff. Therefore merchant, I Rowe. Scene n.] Pope. No division in /, therefore, merchant Pope. /'//, Ff. therefore, merchant Capell. The Mart.] Edd. A public place.
152. help. ..help] Ff. life. ..help Capell. The Street. Pope. See note Pope. help. ..means Steevens conj. (n). hope... help Zo\\\zx. f ne... help S>mgQ\: Enter...] Enter Antipholis Erotes,
by] thy Jackson conj. a Marchant, and Dromio. Ff.
155' "^] "o( R-Owe. 4. arrizal] a rivall F
i
!■
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 405
Ant. S. Go bear it to the Centaur, where we host, And stay there, Dromio, till I come to thee. 10
Within this hour it will be dinner-time: Till that, I '11 view the manners of the town, Peruse the traders, gaze upon the buildings, And then return, and sleep within mine inn ; For with long travel I am stiff and weary. 15
Get thee away.
Div. S. Many a man would take you at your word, And go indeed, having so good a mean. [Exit.
Ant. S. A trusty villain, sir; that very oft, When I am dull with care and melancholy, 20
Lightens my humour with his merry jests. What, will you walk with me about the town, And then go to my inn, and dine with me }
First Mcr. I am invited, sir, to certain merchants, Of whom I hope to make much benefit ; 25
I crave your pardon. Soon at five o'clock. Please you, I'll meet with you upon the mart, And afterward consort you till bed-time : My present business calls me from you now.
Ant. S. Farewell till then: I will go lose myself, 30
And wander up and down to view the city.
First Mcr. Sir, I commend you to your own content.
{Exit.
Ant. S. He that commends me to mine own content Commends me to the thing I cannot get.
I to the world am like a drop of water, 35
That in the ocean seeks another drop ; Who, falling there to find his fellow forth, Unseen, inquisitive, confounds himself:
mine\ F^. viy Y^ F3 F4.
37. falling\ failing Barron Field conj.
37,38. fellow forth, Unseen,'] fel- low, foi- Tli' unseen Anon. conj.
38. Unseen,] In search Spedding conj.
Unseen, .ittgtiisitive,] Unseen inquisitive! Staunton.
|
10. |
till] tell F^. |
|
11, |
12. The order of these lines is |
|
invert |
ed by F^ F3 F4. |
|
12. |
that] then Collier MS. |
|
18. |
mean] Fj. means F2F3F4. |
|
n- |
my]Y^. theY^Y^Y^. |
|
28. |
consort] consort with M alone |
|
conj. |
|
|
30- |
myself] Y^. my life Y^ F3 F4. |
|
Zl- |
Scene hi. Pope. |
4o6 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act i.
So I, to find a mother and a brother,
In quest of them, unhappy, lose myself. 4°
Enter Dromio of Ephesus.
Here comes the almanac of my true date.
What now.-* how chance thou art return'd so soon.''
Dro. E. Return'd so soon! rather approach'd too late: The capon burns, the pig falls from the spit ; The clock hath strucken twelve upon the bell ; 45
My mistress made it one upon my cheek: She is so hot, because the meat is cold ; The meat is cold, because you come not home; You come not home, because you have no stomach ; You have no stomach, having broke your fast; 5^^
But we, that know what 'tis to fast and pray, Are penitent for your default to-day.
Ant. S. Stop in your wind, sir: tell me this, I pray: Where have you left the money that I gave you }
Dro. E. O, — sixpence, that I had o' Wednesday last To pay the saddler for my mistress' crupper.'' The saddler had it, sir; I kept it not.
Ant. S. I am not in a sportive humour now: Tell me, and dally not, where is the money .-^ We being strangers here, how darest thou trust 6o
So great a charge from thine own custody.''
Dro. E. I pray you, jest, sir, as you sit at dinner: I from my mistress come to you in post; If I return, I shall be post indeed.
For she will score your fault upon my pate. 6^
Methinks your maw, like mine, should be your clock, And strike you home without a messenger.
Ant. S. Come, Dromio, come, these jests are out of season ; Reserve them till a merrier hour than this. Where is the gold I gave in charge to thee } 7C3J
40. i/tem'] Fj. /ii,n F^ F3 F4. scoin- F4.
unhappy,^ F^ F3 F4. {unhap- 66. your clocti] Pope, you?- cooke
pieci)Y^. ?/«//(7///t';', Edd. conj. Fj. yon cooke Y^. yo2tr cook Y ^ j^. 65. scorc\ Kowe. scoiire Y ^YJ?-^.
5o
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 40/
Dro. E. To me, sir? why, you gave no gold to me.
Ant. S. Come on, sir knave, have done your foolishness, And tell me how thou hast disposed thy charge.
Dro. E. My charge was but to fetch you from the mart Home to your house, the Phoenix, sir, to dinner: 75
My mistress and her sister stays for you.
Ant. S. Now, as I am a Christian, answer me, In what safe place you have bestow'd my money; Or I shall break that merry sconce of yours. That stands on tricks when I am undisposed: 80
Where is the thousand marks thou hadst of me.^
Dvo. E. I have some marks of yours upon my pate. Some of my mistress' marks upon my shoulders ; But not a thousand marks between you both. If I should pay your worship those again, 85
Perchance you will not bear them patiently.
A nt. S. Thy mistress' marks } what mistress, slave, hast thou .-'
Dro. E. Your worship's wife, my mistress at the Phoenix ; She that doth fast till you come home to dinner. And prays that you will hie you home to dinner. 90
Ant. S. What, wilt thou flout me thus unto my face. Being forbid } There, take you that, sir knave.
Dro. E. What mean you, sir.? for God's sake, hold your hands ! Nay, an you will not, sir, I '11 take my heels. [Exit.
Ant. S. Upon my life, by some device or other 95
The villain is o'er-raught of all my money. They say this town is full of cozenage ; As, nimble jugglers that deceive the eye. Dark-working sorcerers that change the mind, Soul-killing witches that deform the body, 100
Disguised cheaters, prating mountebanks.
76, stays] stay Rowe. Warburton.
86. w///] 7w;//(/ Collier MS. 99, 100. Dark-working..... Scml-
93. 6'(7c/'j] Hanmer. GodYi. killing] Soul-killing ....Dark-working
96. o' er-raicglit] Hanmer. ore- Johnson conj.
ii<r ought Ff. 100. Soul -killing] .Soul -selling
99. Dai'k-working] Dnig-ivoi-king Hanmer.
4o8 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act ii.
And many such-like liberties of sin:
If it prove so, I will be gone the sooner.
I'll to the Centaur, to go seek this slave:
I greatly fear my money is not safe. \_Exit. 103
ACT II.
Scene I. The house of Antipholus of Ephesus.
Enter Adriana and LuciANA.
Adr. Neither my husband nor the slave return'd, That in such haste I sent to seek his master ! Sure, Luciana, it is two o'clock.
Lnc. Perhaps some merchant hath invited him, And from the mart he's somewhere gone to dinner. Good sister, let us dine, and never fret: A man is master of his liberty : Time is their master; and when they see time, They'll go or come: if so, be patient, sister.
Adr. Why should their liberty than ours be more.'' ic
Lttc. Because their business still lies out o' door.
Adr. Look, when I serve him so, he takes it ill.
Luc. O, know he is the bridle of your will.
Adr. There's none but asses will be bridled so.
L71C. Why, headstrong liberty is lash'd with woe. There's nothing situate under heaven's eye But hath his bound, in earth, in sea, in sky: The beasts, the fishes, and the winged fowls, Are their males' subje6ls and at their controls : Men, more divine, the masters of all these, 20I
'=
102. liberties] liheiiines Ilanmer. Lidy" conj. ap. Steevens. lach''d or
The house... Ephesus.] Pope. The A/rV Becket conj.
same (i. e. A publick place). Capell, 17. hotimi, -f-^l)'."] hound:... .sky,
and passim. Anon. conj.
11. c' fl'i3(?;-] Capell. adore Y^Y^ 19. iuhjeclsl suhje<fl Q2C^€^.
F3. adoor F4. 20, 21. I\Ien . . . masters . . . Lords]
12. ///] F2F3F4. t/i7(sF^. Ilanmer. Man... ?iiaster... Lord VL 15. lash'd] leashhl "a learned
SCENE I.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 4^9
Lords of the wide world and wild watery seas,
Indued with intelle6lual sense and souls,
Of more pre-eminence than fish and fowls,
Are masters to their females, and their lords :
Then let your will attend on their accords. 25
Adr. This servitude makes you to keep unwed.
Ltic. Not this, but troubles of the marriage-bed.
Adr. But, were you wedded, you would bear some sway.
Lite. Ere I learn love, I'll pra6lise to obey.
Adr. How if your husband start some other where } 30
Lite. Till he come home again, I would forbear.
Adj\ Patience unmoved! no marvel though she pause ; They can be meek that have no other cause. A wretched soul, bruised with adversity,
We bid be quiet when we hear it cry ; 35
But were we burden'd with like weight of pain. As much, or more, we should ourselves complain : So thou, that hast no unkind mate to grieve thee, With urging helpless patience wouldst relieve me; But, if thou live to see like right bereft, 40
This fool-begg'd patience in thee will be left.
Luc. Well, I will marry one day, but to try. Here comes your man ; now is your husband nigh.
Enter Dromio of Ephesus.
Ad}'. Say, is your tardy master now at hand .-' Dro. E. Nay, he's at two hands with me, and that my 45 two ears can witness.
11. wild iuater}i\ iinlde watiy Fj. 40. see\ be Hanmer.
wide watry ¥ ^Y ^¥ ^. 41. fool-begg'd] fool-egg" d Jack-
22, 23. souls... fowls] Fj. sojil... son conj. fool-bagg''d Staunton conj.
foiulY^Y-^Y^. fool-badged Id. conj.
30. husband staii'lhusband's heart's 44. Scene li. Pope. Jackson conj. now] yet C&y>&\\.
other where] other hare ]o\\n%on 45. Nay] At hand? Nay CdiYitW.
conj. See note (iii). and] om Capell.
31. ,^t7Wt'] om. Boswell (ed. 1821). 45,46. two...t7iio] too...two F^. 39. wouldst] Rowe. would Ff.
4IO THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act ii.
Adr. Say, didst thou speak with him ? know'st thou his mind ?
Dro. E. Ay, ay, he told his mind upon mine ear : Beshrew his hand, I scarce could understand it.
LiiC. Spake he so doubtfully, thou couldst not feel his 50 meaning ?
Dro. E. Nay, he struck so plainly, I could too well feel his blows ; and withal so doubtfully, that I could scarce understand them.
Adr. But say, I prithee, is he coming home 1 [
It seems he hath great care to please his wife.
Dro. E. Why, mistress, sure my master is horn-mad.
Adj^. Horn-mad, thou villain !
Di'o. E. I mean not cuckold-mad ;
But, sure, he is stark mad. When I desired him to come home to dinner, 60
He ask'd me for a thousand marks in gold : ''Tis dinner-time,' quoth I; 'My gold!' quoth he: 'Your meat doth burn,' quoth I; 'My gold!' quoth he: 'Will you come home .'" quoth I; ' ]\Iy gold!' quoth he, 'Where is the thousand marks I gave thee, villain .-" 65
'The pig,' quoth I, 'is burn'd;' 'My gold!' quoth he: ' My mistress, sir,' quoth I ; ' Hang up thy mistress ! I know not thy mistress; out on thy mistress !'
Lite. Quoth who .-*
Dro. E. Quoth my master : )
'I know,' quoth he, 'no house, no wife, no mistress.' So that my errand, due unto my tongue.
50 — 53. douhffii I!}'] doubly CoWiQT viisfn'ss I ki!07v ttol WznmQv. T kmno
MS. not of thy mistress Capell. / know
53. withal] therewithal Capell. thy mistress not Seymour conj.
that'] om. C.ipell, who jiiints out ott thy mistress] F, F4.
lines 50—54 as four verses ending out on my mistress F2F3. ^ out on
feel...I...therc-(.vithal...thcm. thy mistress,'' Quoth he Capell. /
59. he is] he^s Pope. om. Han- Icho'lO no mistress ; out upon thy mis-
mer. tress Steevens conj.
61. a thousand] F4. a hundred 70. Quoth] IIV/v, quoth Hanmer.
Fj. a 1000 F2 F3. 71 — 74. Printed as prose in Ff.
64. home] Hanmer. om. Ff. Corrected by Pope.
68. I knoiv not thy mistress] Thv
SCENE I.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 411
I thank him, I bare home upon my shoulders ; For, in conclusion, he did beat me there.
Adi^. Go back again, thou slave, and fetch him home. 75
Dro. E. Go back again, and be new beaten home .'* For God's sake, send some other messenger.
Adi'. Back, slave, or I will break thy pate across.
Dro. E. And he will bless that cross with other beating: Between you I shall have a holy head. 80
Adr. Hence, prating peasant ! fetch thy master home.
Dro. E. Am I so round with you as you with me, That like a football you do spurn me thus.-* You spurn me hence, and he will spurn me hither: If I last in this service, you must case me in leather. \Exit. 85
Liic. Fie, how impatience lowereth in your face !
Adr. His company must do his minions grace, Whilst I at home starve for a merry look. Hath homely age the alluring beauty took
From my poor cheek 1 then he hath wasted it : 90
Are my discourses dull .'' barren my wit } If voluble and sharp discourse be marr'd, Unkindness blunts it more than marble hard : Do their gay vestments his affeftions bait }
That's not my fault; he's master of my state : 95
What ruins are in me that can be found, By him not ruin'd .'' then is he the ground Of my defeatures. My decayed fair A sunny look of his would soon repair :
But, too unruly deer, he breaks the pale, 100
And feeds from home ; poor I am but his stale.
Luc. Self-harming jealousy! fie, beat it hence!
Adr. Unfeeling fools can with such wrongs dispense. I know his eye doth homage otherwhere;
Or else what lets it but he would be here .'' 105
Sister, you know he promised me a chain ; Would that alone, alone he would detain,
73. bare\ bear Steevens. 93. hhinis\ Fj. blots F^ F3 F4. vn^thyY^. 107. alone, alone\Y ^ {P ^. alone,
74. there'\ thence Capell conj. a love Fj. alone, alas! Hanmer. a- 85. / last] I' fn to last Anon. conj. lone, 0 love, Capell conj. alone a
[Exit.] Fg. lone Nicholson conj.
87. Scene hi. Pope.
412
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act ii.
So he would keep fair quarter with his bed ! I see the jewel best enamelled Will lose his beauty; yet the gold bides still, That others touch, and often touching will Wear gold : and no man that hath a name, By falsehood and corruption doth it shame. Since that my beauty cannot please his eye, I'll weep what's left away, and weeping die.
Luc. How many fond fools serve mad jealousy!
[Exettnt.
IK
ii5i
Scene II. A public place.
Enter Antipholus of Syracuse.
Ant. S. The gold I gave to Dromio is laid up Safe at the Centaur ; and the heedful slave Is wander'd forth, in care to seek me out By computation and mine host's report. I could not speak with Dromio since at first I sent him from the mart. See, here he comes.
Enter Dro.mio of Syracuse.
How now, sir ! is your merry humour alter'd 1 As you love strokes, so jest with me again. You know no Centaur } you receiv'd no gold } Your mistress sent to have me home to dinner .''
no. yet ihe\ Ff. and the Theo- bald, and tlid' Hanmer. yet though Collier.
III. That others touch'] The tes- ter's touch Anon. (Fras. Mag.) conj. The triers'' tonch Singer.
djid] Ff. yet Theobald, an Collier, though Heath conj.
111, 112. will Wear'] Theobald (Warburton). luill, JFhere Fj.
112, 113. F2 F3 F4 omit these two lines. See note (iv).
112, and no man] Fj. and so no
man Theobald. and e^en so man Capell. and so a man Heath conj.
113. By]F^. ^///Theobald.
115. 7ahat's left aioa}^ {^what's left away) Fj. (what's left) away F^ F3F4.
Scene ii.] Capell. Scene iv. Pope.
A public place.] Capell. A street. Pope.
3, 4, 5. out By...re/'ort. I] F, F2F3. out By... .report, / F4. out. By... report, /Rowe.
10
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 41 3
My house was at the Phoenix ? Wast thou mad, That thus so madly thou didst answer me ?
Dro. S. What answer, sir ? when spake I such a word ?
A lit. S. Even now, even here, not half an hour since.
Dro. S. I did not see you since you sent me hence, 15
Home to the Centaur, with the gold you gave me.
Ant. S. Villain, thou didst deny the gold's receipt, And told'st me of a mistress and a dinner ; For which, I hope, thou felt'st I was displeased.
Dro. S. I am glad to see you in this merry vein : 20
What means this jest .-^ I pray you, master, tell me.
Ant. S. Yea, dost thou jeer and flout me in the teeth.'* Think'st thou I jest .? Hold, take thou that, and that.
[Beating him.
Dro. S. Hold, sir, for God's sake! now your jest is earnest : Upon what bargain do you give it me } 25
Ant. S. Because that I familiarly sometimes Do use you for my fool, and chat with you. Your sauciness will jest upon my love, And make a common of my serious hours.
When the sun shines let foolish gnats make sport, 30
But creep in crannies when he hides his beams. If you will jest with me, know my aspe6l. And fashion your demeanour to my looks. Or I will beat this method in your sconce.
Dro. S. Sconce call you it .'' so you would leave batter- 35 ing, I had rather have it a head : an you use these blows long, I must get a sconce for my head, and insconce it too; or else I shall seek my wit in my shoulders. But, I pray, sir, why am I beaten .''
Ant. S. Dost thou not know.-* 40
Dro. S. Nothing, sir, but that I am beaten.
Ant. S. Shall I tell you why.?
Dro. S. Ay, sir, and wherefore; for they say every why hath a wherefore.
12. didsfl did didst Y ^. 29. comvioiiX comedy Yi.'a.mae.x.
23. Beating him] Beats Dro. Ff. 35 — 107. Pope marks as spurious.
28. jest^ jd Dyce. 38. else\ om. Capell.
414 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act ii.
Ant. S. Why, first, — for flouting me; and then, where- fore,— 45 For urging it the second time to me.
Div. S. Was there ever any man thus beaten out of
season, 1
When in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme nor
reason ? j
Well, sir, I thank you. 1
A7it. S. Thank me, sir! for what.^ 50
Dro. S. Marry, sir, for this something that you gave me for nothing.
A7it. S. I'll make you amends next, to give you no- thing for something. But say, sir, is it dinner-time.-*
Di'o. S. No, sir: I think the meat wants that I have. 55
Ant S. In good time, sir; what's that.-*
Dro. S. Basting.
Ant. S. Well, sir, then 'twill be dry. ^ \
Dro. S. If it be, sir, I pray you, eat none of it. ■
Ant. S. Your reason .'' 60
Dro. S. Lest it make you choleric, and purchase me another dry basting.
Ant. S. Well, sir, learn to jest in good time: there's a time for all things.
Dro. S. I durst have denied that, before you were so 65 choleric.
Ant. S. By what rule, sir.-*
Dro. S. Marry, sir, by a rule as plain as the plain bald pate of father Time himself
Ant. S. Let's hear it. ^o
Dro. S. There's no time for a man to recover his hair that grows bald by nature.
Ant. S. May he not do it by fine and recovery,'*
Dro. S. Yes, to pay a fine for a periwig, and recover the lost hair of another man. 75
Ant. S. Why is Time such a niggard of hair, being, as it is, so plentiful an excrement.'*
45. IV/iy, firstl First, why Capell. 59. none] F^. not F^ F3 F4.
53. 7iext,to\ncxttiiiic,Q2i^&\\cQ\\i. 76. haii^ hair to mut Hqc^qW.
to] and Collier MS.
fc>
SCENE IL] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 415
Dro. S. Because it is a blessing that he bestows on beasts: and what he hath scanted men in hair, he hath given them in wit. . 80
Ajit. S. Why, but there's many a man hath more hair than wit.
Dro. S. Not a man of those but he hath the wit to lose his hair.
Ant. S. Why, thou didst conclude hairy men plain 85 dealers without wit.
Dro. S. The plainer dealer, the sooner lost: yet he loseth it in a kind of jollity.
Ajit. S. For what reason.-*
Dro. S. For two ; and sound ones too. 9°
Ant. S. Nay, not sound, I pray you.
Dro. S. Sure ones, then.
Ant. S. Nay, not sure, in a thing falsing.
Dro. S. Certain ones, then.
Ant. S. Name them. 95
Dro. S. The one, to save the money that he spends in trimming; the other, that at dinner they should not drop in his porridge.
Ant. S. You would all this time have proved there is no time for all things. 100
Dro. S. Marry, and did, sir; namely, no time to re- cover hair lost by nature.
A7it. S. But your reason was not substantial, why there is no time to recover.
Dro. S. Thus I mend it: Time himself is bald, and 105 therefore to the world's end will have bald followers.
Ant. S. I knew 'twould be a bald conclusion: But, soft! who wafts us yonder?
Enter Adriana and Luciana. A dr. Ay, ay, Antipholus, look strange and frown:
79. fueiil Pope, ed. i (Theobald). 97- trimming\ Rowe. trying Ff.
them Ff. tyring Pope. Hiring Collier.
91. sound] Fj. sound ones F^
F3F4.
93. fats ing]/(7 /ting Heath conj.
|
lOI. |
7to time] Fj F3 F4. in no |
|
time¥^. |
e''en no time Collier (Malone |
|
conj.). |
41 6 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act ii.
Some other mistress hath thy sweet aspe6ls; no
• I am not Adriana nor thy wife.
The time was once when thou unurged wouldst vow
That never words were music to thine ear,
That never objeft pleasing in thine eye,
That never touch well welcome to thy hand, 115
That never meat sweet-savour'd in thy taste.
Unless I spake, or look'd, or touch'd, or carved to thee.
How comes it now, my husband, O, how comes it,
That thou art then estranged from thyself.?
Thyself I call it, being strange to me, 120
That, undividable, incorporate,
Am better than thy dear self's better part.
Ah, do not tear away thyself from me!
For know, my love, as easy mayst thou fall
A drop of water in the breaking gulf, 125
And take unmingled thence that drop again, _
Without addition or diminishing,
As take from me thyself, and not me too.
How dearly would it touch thee to the quick,
Shouldst thou but hear I were licentious, 130
And that this body, consecrate to thee,
By ruffian lust should be contaminate !
Wouldst thou not spit at me and spurn at me,
And hurl the name of husband in my face,
And tear the stain'd skin off my harlot-brow, 135
And from my false hand cut the wedding-ring,
And break it with a deep-divorcing vow.?
I know thou canst ; and therefore see thou do it.
I am possess'd with an adulterate blot ;
My blood is mingled with the crime of lust: 140*
For if we two be one, and thou play false,
I do digest the poison of thy flesh.
|
no. |
//n-] Fj. some F2 F3 F4. |
119. |
i}icii\ thus Rowe. |
|
III. |
not...nor'\ but... and Capell |
130. |
hut'\ Fj. om. F2 F3 F4. |
|
conj. |
1.^5- |
off\ Hanmer. of Ff. |
|
|
112. |
it)utrgcd\ untirg''dst Pope. |
138. |
caiist^ wouldst Hanmer. |
|
117. |
orlook\{, oi-] looked, Steevens. |
140. |
crimc\ grime Warburton. |
|
to thee\ om. Pope. Ihcc S. |
142. |
%]F,. ;//;'F,F3F4. |
Walker conj.
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 417
Being strumpeted by thy contagion.
Keep, then, fair league and truce with thy true bed ;
I live distain'd, thou undishonoured. 145
Ant. S. Plead you to me, fair dame.!* I know you not: In Ephesus I am but two hours old, As strange unto your town as to your talk ; Who, every word by all my wit being scann'd, Wants wit in all one word to understand. 150
Luc. Fie, brother! how the world is changed with you! When were you wont to use my sister thus.'' She sent for you by Dromio home to dinner.
Ant. S. By Dromio.''
Dro. S. By me.'' 155
Adr. By thee; and this thou didst return from him, That he did buffet thee, and, in his blows, Denied my house for his, me for his wife.
Ant. S. Did you converse, sir, with this gentlewoman.'' What is the course and drift of your compaft.^ 160
Dro. S. I, sir.'' I never saw her till this time.
Ant. S. Villain, thou liest; for even her very words Didst thou deliver to me on the mart.
Dro. S. I never spake with her in all my life.
Ant. S. How can she thus, then, call us by our names, 165 Unless it be by inspiration.
Adr. How ill agrees it with your gravity To counterfeit thus grossly with your slave. Abetting him to thwart me in my mood !
Be it my wrong you are from me exempt, 170
But wrong not that wrong with a more contempt. Come, I will fasten on this sleeve of thine : Thou art an elm, my husband, I a vine.
143. contagioit\ catagio7i Y ^. WJio,... Wants] Whose every...,
145. disfain''d]jinsfain''d Hsnmtx JFrtz/z" Becket conj.
(Theobald conj.). dis-stain'd Theo- 150. Wants] ¥i. Want ]oh.\\%ox\.
bald, distained lie3ii\i cov.]. i55- By me?]'Po^e. By me. ¥L
undishonoured] dishonoured i-,6. this] Fj, Capell. t/ius F^
Heath conj. F3 F4.
149, 150. Marked as spurious by 167. your] you F^. Pope.
VOL. I. E E
4i8 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act ii.
Whose weakness, married to thy stronger state.
Makes me with thy strength to communicate: 175
If aught possess thee from me, it is dross,
Usurping ivy, brier, or idle moss ;
Who, all for want of pruning, with intrusion
Infe6l thy sap, and live on thy confusion.
A nt. S. To me she speaks ; she moves me for her theme : 1 80 What, was I married to her in my dream ? Or sleep I now, and think I hear all this ? What error drives our eyes and ears amiss? Until I know this sure uncertainty, I'll entertain the offer'd fallacy. 185
Liic. Dromio, go bid the servants spread for dinner.
Dro. S. O, for my beads! I cross me for a sinner. This is the fairy land ; — O spite of spites ! We talk with goblins, owls, and sprites:
If we obey them not, this will ensue, . 19°
They'll suck our breath, or pinch us black and blue.
Lite. Why pratest thou to thyself, and answer'st not? Dromio, thou drone, thou snail, thou slug, thou sot!
Dro. S. I am transformed, master, am I not.?
A)it. S. I think thou art in mind, and so am I. 195
Dro. S. Nay, master, both in mind and in my shape.
Ant. S. Thou hast thine own form.
Dro. S. No, I am an ape.
Luc. If thou art chang'd to aught, 'tis to an ass.
Dro. S. 'Tis true ; she rides me, and I long for grass.
174. stronga^ F4. stranger Fj Lettsom conj. Fj F3. o'wls\ ouphs Theobald.
180—185. Marked 'aside' by Ca- spriles] F,. ehes sf>r/Us l\
pell. ^3^4. eh'is/i sprite's Rowe (ed. ?).
180. moves] means Collier MS. etves and sprites Collier MS.
183. drives] draros CoUier MS. igi. or] and TheohciM.
184. snre tmeertainty] sure: un- 192. and ans-wer'st not?]Y ^. om. certainly Becket conj. F^ F3 F4.
185. offe7-''d] Capell. free'd Ff. 193. Dromio, thou drone, thou faz'onr'd Pope, pro^ered CoWier MS. j;/(7?7] Theobald. Dromio, thou Dro-
187 — 201. Marked as spurious by mio, thou snaile Fj. Dromio, thou
Pope. Dromio, snaile F^ F3 F4.
189. talk]u<alk and talk Know. C0T\\. 194. am I not?] Ff. am not /.'
goblins] ghosts and goblins Theobald.
SCENE IL] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 419
'Tis so, I am an ass; else it could never be 200
But I should know her as well as she knows me.
Adv. Come, come, no longer will I be a fool, To put the finger in the eye and weep, Whilst man and master laughs my woes to scorn. Come, sir, to dinner. Dromio, keep the gate. 205
Husband, I '11 dine above with you to-day, And shrive you of a thousand idle pranks. Sirrah, if any ask you for your master, Say he dines forth, and let no creature enter. Come, sister. Dromio, play the porter well. 210
Ant. S. Am I in earth, in heaven, or in hell.^ Sleeping or waking .-' mad or well-advised.^ Known unto these, and to myself disguised! I '11 say as they say, and persever so. And in this mist at all adventures go. 215
Dro. S. Master, shall I be porter at the gate }
A dr. Ay; and let none enter, lest I break your pate.
Luc. Come, come, Antipholus, we dine too late.
\_Exeu7it.
ACT III.
Scene I. Befoj^e the house <?/ Antipholus of Ephesus.
^«^^r Antipholus of Ephesus, Dromio of Ephesus, Angelo,
and Balthazar.
Ant. E. Good Signior Angelo, you must excuse us all ; My wife is shrewish when I keep not hours : Say that I linger'd with you at your shop To see the making of her carcanet, And that to-morrow you will bring it home.
203. the eye\lhy eyeY^-i. Scene i. Angelo andBALTHAZAR.]
■ 204. laiighs'X Ff. laugh Pope. Angelo the Goldsmith and Balthasar
■211— 215. Marked as 'aside' by the Merchant. Ff. Capell. I- «^^] o"^- PoP^-
EE 2
I
420 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act iii.
But here's a villain that would face me down
He met me on the mart, and that I beat him,
And charged him with a thousand marks in gold.
And that I did deny my wife and house.
Thou drunkard, thou, what didst thou mean by this? lo
Dro. E. Say what you will, sir, but I know what I know; (
That you beat me at the mart, I have your hand to show: If the skin were parchment, and the blows you gave were ink. Your own handwriting would tell you what I think.
Ant. E. I think thou art an ass.
D7-0. E. Marry, so it doth appear 15
By the wrongs I suffer, and the blows I bear. I should kick, being kick'd ; and, being at that pass. You would keep from my heels, and beware of an ass.
Ant. E. You're sad, Signior Balthazar: pray God our cheer May answer my good will and your good welcome here. 20
Bal. I hold your dainties cheap, sir, and your welcome dear.
Ant. E. O, Signior Balthazar, either at flesh or fish, A table full of welcome makes scarce one dainty dish.
Bal. Good meat, sir, is common ; that every churl affords.
Ant. E. And welcome more common; for that's no- thing but words. 25
Bal. Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.
Ajit. E. Ay to a niggardly host and more sparing guest : But though my cates be mean, take them in good part ; Better cheer may you have, but not with better heart. But, soft! my door is lock'd. — Go bid them let us in. 3°
Dro. E. Maud, Bridget, Marian, Cicely, Gillian, Ginn!
II — 14. Put in tlie margin as 19. You'' re] Y'are Ff. you are
spurious by Pope. Capell.
II. .%)'] )w/ ;;/;«/ .M^' Capell. 20. /^tvt'] om. Pope.
13. //^^j/'/«] ;«_)/ j/v;/ Collier MS. i\ — 29. Put in the margin as
14. OTfw] Fj. om. Fj F3 F4. spurious by Pope.
jw/] you for certain Collier 31. Giun'\ om. Pope, yen'' Ma-
MS. lone. Gin' Collier. Jin Dyce.
1-; doth^ dont Theobald.
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 421
Dro. S. [ Within'] Mome, malt-horse, capon, coxcomb, idiot, patch! Either get thee from the door, or sit down at the hatch. Dost thou conjure for wenches, that thou call'st for such
store. When one is one too many } Go get thee from the door, 35 Dro. E. What patch is made our porter .? My master
stays in the street. Dro. S. [ Withiii\ Let him walk from whence he came,
lest he catch cold on's feet. Ant. E. Who talks within there .!* ho, open the door! Dro. S. [Within] Right, sir; I'll tell you when, an you'll
tell me wherefore. Ant. E. Wherefore.'* for my dinner: I have not dined
to-day. 40
Dro. S. [ Within] Nor to-day here you must not ; come
again when you may. Ant. E. What art thou that keepest me out from the
house I owe.-* Dro. S. [ Within] The porter for this time, sir, and my
name is Dromio. Dro. E. O villain, thou hast stolen both mine office and my name ! The one ne'er got me credit, the other mickle blame. 45
If thou hadst been Dromio to-day in my place, Thou wouldst have changed thy face for a name, or thy name for an ass. Lttce. [Within] What a coil is there, Dromio.'' who are
those at the gate.-* Dro. E. Let my master in. Luce.
Lnce. [Within] Faith, no; he comes too late ;
And so tell your master.
Dro. E. O Lord, I must laugh ! 50
Have at you with a proverb; — Shall I set in- my staff.''
36—60. Put ill the margin as 48. Luce. [Within] Rowe. Enter
spurious by Pope. Luce. Ff.
32, sqq. [Within] Rowe. ///tvv, Dromio? w/io] there!
46. /w;/] Fj. bid F^ F3 F4. Dromio, who CapelL
47. an ass'] a face Collier MS.
(
422 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act iii.
Ltice. \_Withvi] Have at you with another; that's, — *
When ? can you tell ? Djv. S. [ Withiii] If thy name be call'd Luce, — Luce,
thou hast answer'd him well. A7it. E. Do you hear, you minion? you'll let us in, I
hope ? Luce. [Within'] I thought to have ask'd you. Dro. S. [ Withiii] And you said no. 55
Dro. E. So, come, help : — well struck ! there was blow
for blow. Ant. E. Thou baggage, let me in. Luce. [Withiii] Can you tell for whose sake.-'
Dro. E. Master, knock the door hard. Litce. [Within] Let him knock till it ache.
Ant. E. You'll cry for this, minion, if I beat the door
down. Luce. [ Within] What needs all that, and a pair of
stocks in the town.-* 60
A dr. [Withiii] Who is that at the door that keeps all
this noise .-• Dro. S. [ Within^ By my troth, your town is troubled
with unruly boys. Ant. E. Are you, there, wife.-* you might have come
before. Adr. [Within] Your wife, sir knave! go get you from
the door. Dro. E. If you went in pain, master, this 'knave'
would go sore. 65
Ang: Here is neither cheer, sir, nor welcome: we
would fain have either. Ba/. In debating which was best, we shall part with
neither. Dro. E. They stand at the door, master; bid them
welcome hither.
54. /lo/t'] f/v7o Theobald. Malone 65 — 83. Put in the margin as
supposes a line omitted ending tv/ic. spurious by Pope.
61. Adr. [Within]. Rowe. Enter 67. />t7)i] /la-ce />aff Warhmton. Adriana. Ff.
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 423
Ant. E. There is something in the wind, that we can- not get in. Dro. E. You would say so, master, if your garments
were thin. 7°
Your cake here is warm within ; you stand here in the cold :
It would make a man mad as a buck, to be so bought and
sold.
A nt. E. Go fetch me something : I '11 break ope the gate.
Dro. S. [Wit/iiu[ Break any breaking here, and I'll
break your knave's pate. Dro. E. A man may break a word with you, sir; and
words are but wind ; 75
Ay, and break it in your face, so he break it not behind. Dro. S. [Wtt/iin'] It seems thou want'st breaking: out
upon thee, hind! Dro. E. Here's too much 'out upon thee!' I pray
thee, let me in. Dro. S. [Wit/iin] Ay, when fowls have no feathers,
and fish have no fin. Anf. E. Well, I'll break in: — go borrow me a crow. 80
Dro. E. A crow without feather.^ Master, mean you so.-* For a fish without a fin, there's a fowl without a feather: If a crow help us in, sirrah, we'll pluck a crow together. Anl. E. Go get thee gone; fetch me an iron crow. Bal. Have patience, sir; O, let it not be so! 85
Herein you war against your reputation, And draw within the compass of suspe6l Th' unviolated honour of your wife. Once this, — your long experience of her wisdom, Her sober virtue, years, and modesty, go
Plead on her part some cause to you unknown ; And doubt not, sir, but she will well excuse Why at this time the doors are made against you. Be ruled by me: depart in patience,
71. cah here\ cake Capell. cake 89 Once this\ Own this Malone
|
there Anon. conj. |
conj. |
This once Anon. conj. |
|
7-2. inad'\ Fj. as mad F2F3F4. |
ker] Rowe. your Ff. |
|
|
as a buck'] om. Capell. |
91. |
her] Rowe. your Ff. |
|
75. you,-] your ¥^. |
93. |
made] barred Pope. |
|
85. so] thus Pope. |
424 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iii.
And let us to the Tiger all to dinner ; 95
And about evening come yourself alone
To know the reason of this strange restraint.
If by strong hand you offer to break in
Now in the stirring passage of the day, Ii
A vulgar comment will be made of it, ^°°
And that supposed by the common rout
Against your yet ungalled estimation,
That may with foul intrusion enter in,
And dwell upon your grave when you are dead ;
For slander lives upon succession, i°5
For ever housed where it gets possession.
Ant. E. You have prevail'd: I will depart in quiet, And, in despite of mirth, mean to be merry. I know a wench of excellent discourse.
Pretty and witty; wild, and yet, too, gentle : no
There will we dine. This woman that I mean, My wife — but, I protest, without desert — Hath oftentimes upbraided me withal: To her will we to dinner. \To Aug.] Get you home, And fetch the chain ; by this I know 'tis made: 1 15
Bring it, I pray you, to the Porpentine ; For there's the house : that chain will I bestow — Be it for nothing but to spite my wife — Upon mine hostess there : good sir, make haste. Since mine own doors refuse to entertain me, i::o
I'll knock elsewhere, to see if they'll disdain me.
A Jig-. I'll meet you at that place some hour hence.
Ant. E. Do so. This jest shall cost me some expense.
[Exetait.
105. sla}ider\ lasting slander ]oh.n- io8. ;«/>///] tcra/// Theobald.
son conj. "6. Porpentine] Ff. Porcupine
upon] upon its O'wn Capell Rowe (and passim),
conj. 117- it'/7//]Fj. /W///F2F3F4.
106. /loused... gets] Collier, /loiis'd 119. »iine]F^. wj' F^ F3 F4. ...getsF^. /lous'd... once gets F.^F;iF 4. 122. /iOHr]Fj^. /ionr, sir F^F^F 4. hoiis'' d lohere ''t gets Steevens.
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 425
Scene II. The same.
Enter LuciANA rt;z</ANTlPHOLUS of Syracuse.
Liic. And may it be that you have quite forgot
A husband's office.'' shall, Antipholus, Even in the spring of love, thy love-springs rot.''
Shall love, in building, grow so ruinous.'' If you did wed my sister for her wealth, ^
Then for her wealth's sake use her with more kindness : Or if you like elsewhere, do it by stealth ;
Muffle your false love with some show of blindness: Let not my sister read it in your eye;
Be not thy tongue thy own shame's orator; 10
Look sweet, speak fair, become disloyalty;
Apparel vice like virtue's harbinger ; Bear a fair presence, though your heart be tainted ;
Teach sin the carriage of a holy saint ; Be secret-false: what need she be acquainted.-' 15
What simple thief brags of his own attaint.'' 'Tis double wrong, to truant with your bed.
And let her read it in thy looks at board : Shame hath a bastard fame, well managed;
111 deeds are doubled with an evil word. 20
Alas, poor women ! make us but believe.
Being compa6l of credit, that you love us ; Though others have the arm, show us the sleeve;
We in your motion turn, and you may move us. Then, gentle brother, get you in again; 25
Comfort my sister, cheer her, call her wife : 'Tis holy sport, to be a little vain,
When the sweet breath of flattery conquers strife.
Scene ii. Enter Luciana] Y^. rninous\ Capell (Theobald
Enter Juliana Fj. conj.). ruinate Ff.
1. Luc] Rowe. Julia Ff. i6. «//iz/«/] Rowe. aitaitieY^Y^
2. A7itiphohcs\ Antipholis, hate F3. attain F4. Theobald. Antipholis, thus Id. conj. 20. ff;v] F^ F3 F4. is Y -^.
a nipping hate Heath conj. unkind 2r. z^///"] Theobald, not YL
debate Collier MS. 26. wife\ wise Y^.
^. building\Y\itoh3.\d, buildingsYi.
I
426 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iii.
Ant. S. Sweet mistress, — what your name is else, I know not,
Nor by what wonder you do hit of mine, — 30
Less in your knowledge and your grace you show not
Than our earth's wonder; more than earth divine. Teach me, dear creature, how to think and speak;
Lay open to my earthy-gross conceit, Smother'd in errors, feeble, shallow, weak, 35
The folded meaning of your words' deceit. Against my soul's pure truth why labour you
To make it wander in an unknown field.-' Are you a god.-* would you create me new.-'
Transform me, then, and to your power I'll yield. 40
But if that I am I, then well I know
Your weeping sister is no wife of mine, Nor to her bed no homage do I owe:
Far more, far more to you do I decline. • O, train me not, sweet mermaid, with thy note, 45
To drown me in thy sister flood of tears: Sing, siren, for thyself, and I will dote: ■
Spread o'er the silver waves thy golden hairs, And as a bed I'll take them, and there lie;
And, in that glorious supposition, think ^o
He gains by death that hath such means to die:
Let Love, being light, be drowned if she sink !
Luc. What, are you mad, that you do reason so.?
Ant. S. Not mad, but mated; how, I do not know.
Ltic. It is a fault that springeth from your eye. 55
A fit. S. For gazing on your beams, fair sun, being by.
Luc. Gaze where you should, and that will clear your sight.
Ajit. S. As good to wink, sweet love, as look on night.
Luc. Why call you me love.? call my sister so.
35. shano'u']Y^. shaddozvY^Fj,. Dyce. shadmv F4. thrm'\ Capell (Edwards conj.).
43. nd] Fj. a F^ F3 F4. t/ue Ff.
44. di-clinc] incline Collier MS. 5-2. she] he Capell. 46. sister] Fj. sister's F^ F3 F4. 57. zvherel Pope, when Ff. 49- bed^Y^V^Y^. budY^. bride
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 427
Aiit. S. Thy sister's sister.
L7ic. That's my sister.
Ant. S. No; 60
It is thyself, mine own self's better part, Mine eye's clear eye, my dear heart's dearer heart, My food, my fortune, and my sweet hope's aim, My sole earth's heaven, and my heaven's claim.
L71C. All this my sister is, or else should be. 65
Ant. S. Call thyself sister, sweet, for I am thee. Thee will I love, and with thee lead my life: Thou hast no husband yet, nor I no wife. Give me thy hand. ^
Lnc. O, soft, sir! hold you still:
I '11 fetch my sister, to get her good will. [Exit. 70
Enter Dromio of Syracuse.
Ant. S. Why, how now, Dromio! where runn'st thou so fast.^
Dro. S. Do you know me, sir.' am I Dromio.'' am I your man.-* am I myself?
Ant. S. Thou art Dromio, thou art my man, thou art 75 thyself.
Dro. S. I am an ass, I am a woman's man, and besides myself.
Ant. S. What woman's man? and how besides thyself?
Dro. S. Marry, sir, besides myself, I am due to a 80 woman ; one that claims me, one that haunts me, one that will have me.
Ant. S. What claim lays she to thee?
Di'o. S. Marry, sir, such claim as you would lay to your horse; and she would have me as a beast: not that, 85 I being a beast, she would have me; but that she, being a very beastly creature, lays claim to me.
Ant. S. What is she?
D7'o. S. A very reverent body ; ay, such a one as a man may not speak of, without he say Sir-reverence. I have 90
66. ain\ mean Pope, aim Capell. 71. Scene iir. Pope.
42 8 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iii.
but lean luck in the match, and yet is she a wondrous fat marriage.
Ant. S. How dost thou mean a fat marriage?
Dro. S. Marry, sir, she's the kitchen-wench, and all grease ; and I know not what use to put her to, but to make 95 a lamp of her, and run from her by her own light. I war- rant, her rags, and the tallow in them, will burn a Poland winter: if she lives till doomsday, she'll burn a week longer than the whole world.
Ant. S. What complexion is she of .'' loo
Dro. S. Swart, like my shoe, but her face nothing like so clean kept: for why she sweats; a man may go over shoes in the grime of it.
Ant. S. That's a fault that water will mend.
Dro. S. No, sir, 'tis in grain; Noah's flood could not 105 do it.
Ant. S. What's her name .-'
Dro. S. Nell, sir; but her name and three quarters, that's an ell and three quarters, will not measure her from hip to hip. no
Ant. S. Then she bears some breadth }
Dro. S. No longer from head to foot than from hip to hip: she is spherical, like a globe; I could find out countries in her.
Ant. S. In what part of her body stands Ireland } 115
Dro. S. Marry, sir, in her buttocks : I found it out by the bogs.
Ant. S. Where Scotland >
Dro. S. I found it by the barrenness ; hard in the palm of the hand. uo
Ant. S. Where France .-'
Div. S. In her forehead; armed and reverted, making war against her heir.
A nt. S. Where England }
93. Howl W7;i7/ Capell. 122. forchcad\ sore //frt(/ Jackson
97. J\>/aud] La^/and Warhurton. conj.
108. a/id]Thcoha\d (Thirlbyconj). rt-rerUi/] nT'ot/cd Gv^inlWhile. M Ff. 123. /u-ir] /u'/'re ¥j. //dtn- V^V^.
120. /Ac] Ff. /h-r Ruwe. /i,i/r V\.
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 429
Dro. S. I looked for the chalky cliffs, but I could find 125 no whiteness in them ; but I guess it stood in her chin, by the salt rheum that ran between France and it.
Ant. S. Where Spain .^
Dro. S. Faith, I saw it not; but I felt it hot in her breath. 130
Ant. S. Where America, the Indies.?
Dro. S. Oh, sir, upon her nose, all o'er embellished with rubies, carbuncles, sapphires, declining their rich as- pe6l to the hot breath of Spain ; who sent whole armadoes of caracks to be ballast at her nose. ^^^
Ant. S. Where stood Belgia, the Netherlands .?
Dro. S. Oh, sir, I did not look so low. To conclude, this drudge, or diviner, laid claim to me ; called me Dromio ; swore I was assured to her ; told me what privy marks I had about me, as, the mark of my shoulder, the 140 mole in my neck, the great wart on my left arm, that I, amazed, ran from her as a witch : And, I think, if my breast had not been made of faith, and
my heart of steel, She had transform'd me to a curtal dog, and made me turn i' the wheel.
A tit. S. Go hie thee presently, post to the road: — ^45
An if the wind blow any way from shore, I will not harbour in this town to-night: — If any bark put forth, come to the mart. Where I will walk till thou return to me.
If every one knows us, and we know none, 150
'Tis time, I think, to trudge, pack, and be gone.
Dro. S. As from a bear a man would run for life, So fly I from her that would be my wife. [Exit.
I as. chalky'\cIialkleY^. ^3^4-
135. caracks\ Hanmer. caii-cds 143. fa i(h'\ flint Yi^caimtx.
Fj. ca)TadlsY^Y-^Y^. 143, 144. Printed as prose in Ff.
baUast~\ ballasted Capell. As verse first by Knight. 138. drudge, or] drudge of the 144. curtal] F4. curtull Y ^.
Devil, this Warburton. curtail Y^Yt,. cur-tail Hanmer. or diviner] this divine one 146. ^4;/] Capell. AndYi.
Capell conj. 150. knows us] kno^u 7is Johnson.
140. mark] marke Fj. marks Y^
430 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iii.
Ant. S. There's none but witches do inhabit here; And therefore 'tis high time that I were hence. i55
She that doth call me husband, even my soul Doth for a wife abhor. But her fair sister, Possess'd with such a gentle sovereign grace, Of such enchanting presence and discourse,
Hath almost made me traitor to myself: i6o
But, lest myself be guilty to self-wrong, I'll stop mine ears against the mermaid's song.
Elite}' Angelo with the chain.
Aug. Master Antipholus, —
Ant. S. Ay, that's my name.
Ang. I know it well, sir: — lo, here is the chain. I thought to have ta'en you at the Porpentine : 165
The chain unfinish'd made me stay thus long.
Ant. S. What is your will that I shall do with this .-'
Ang. What please yourself, sir: I have made it for
you. ..
Ant. S. Made it for me, sir! I bespoke it not. '
Ang. Not once, nor twice, but twenty times you have. 170 Go home with it, and please your wife withal ; And soon at supper-time I'll visit you, And then receive my money for the chain.
Ant. S. I pray you, sir, receive the money now, For fear you ne'er see chain nor money more. ^5
Ang. You are a merry man, sir: fare you well. \Exit.
Ant. S. What I should think of this, I cannot tell:
But this I think, there's no man is so vain ,
I' That would refuse so fair an ofifer'd chain.
I see a man here needs not live by shifts, 180
When in the streets he meets such golden gifts.
I'll to the mart, and there for Dromio stay:
If any ship put out, then straight away. \Exit.
154. Scene IV. Pope. 177. Ant. S.] Ant. Fj F4. Dro.
161. td\ (?/Pope. F2F3.
164. here is\Vn^z. //ivvV Ff. i8i. .rZ/w/.r] .(•// vv/ Capell conj.
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 43 1
ACT IV. Scene I. A public place.
Enter Second Merchant, Angelo, a7id an Officer.
Sec. Mer. You know since Pentecost the sum is due, And since I have not much importuned you ; Nor now I had not, but that I am bound To Persia, and want guilders for my voyage : Therefore make present satisfa6lion, 5
Or I'll attach you by this officer.
Aug. Even just the sum that I do owe to you Is growing to me by Antipholus ; And in the instant that I met with you
He had of me a chain: at five o'clock lo
I shall receive the money for the same. Pleaseth you walk with me down to his house, I will discharge my bond, and thank you too.
Enter Antipholus of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus froju
the courtezan^s.
Off. That labour may you save : see where he comes.
Ant. E. While I go to the goldsmith's house, go thou 15 And buy a rope's end: that will I bestow Among my wife and her confederates, For locking me out of my doors by day. — But, soft ! I see the goldsmith. Get thee gone; Buy thou a rope, and bring it home to me. 20
Dro. E. I buy a thousand pound a year: I buy a rope.
{Exit.
A lit. E. A man is well holp up that trusts to you : I promised your presence and the chain ;
8. givwiug\ owing Pope. may F4.
12. Pleaseth yoii\Yi. Please yott 17. her\ Rowe. their Yi. these
hut Pope. Please it yoii. Anon. conj. Collier MS. 14. 7nay you] Fj F2 F3. you
432 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act iv.
But neither chain nor goldsmith came to me.
Belike you thought our love would last too long, 25
If it were chain'd together, and therefore came not.
Aug. Saving your merry humour, here's the note How much your chain weighs to the utmost carat, The fineness of the gold, and chargeful fashion, Which doth amount to three odd ducats more 30
Than I stand debted to this gentleman: I pray you, see him presently discharged, For he is bound to sea, and stays but for it.
A7it. E. I am not furnish'd with the present money; Besides, I have some business in the town. 35
Good signior, take the stranger to my house, i
And with you take the chain, and bid my wife 1
Disburse the sum on the receipt thereof: Perchance I will be there as soon as you. 'i
Aug. Then you will bring the chain to her yourself.-* 40!
Aiit. E. No; bear it with you, lest I come not time
enough. ^
Aug. Well, sir, I will. Have you the chain about you .''
Afit. E. An if I have not, sir, I hope you have; Or else you may return without your money.
Aug. Nay, come, I pray you, sir, give me the chain: 45 Both wind and tide stays for this gentleman. And I, to blame, have held him here too long.
Ant. E. Good Lord ! you use this dalliance to excuse Your breach of promise to the Porpentine.
I should have chid you for not bringing it, 5°
But, like a shrew, you first begin to brawl.
Sec. Mer. The hour steals on ; I pray you, sir, dispatch.
Aug. You hear how he importunes me; — the chain !
Ant. E. Why, give it to my wife, and fetch your money.
Ang. Come, come, you know I gave it you even now. 55
|
26. aiid\ om. Pope. |
46. |
stays'\ stay Pope. |
|
28. carat'\ Pope. chanrt Fj. |
fhis\ \\. the F2 F3 F4. |
|
|
Raccat F^ F3 F4. caraa Collier. |
47- |
to blame'] F3. too blame |
|
29. chargeful\ charge for Anon. |
F.F4. |
conj. 53. the chain 11 Dyce. the chain.
41. time cnpiigli] ill time W^wm^x. Ff. the chain — Johnson.
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 433
Either send the chain, or send me by some token.
Ant. E. Fie, now you run this humour out of breath. Come, where's the chain .^ I pray you, let me see it.
Sec. Mer. My business cannot brook this dalliance. Good sir, say whether you'll answer me or no : 60
If not, I'll leave him to the officer.
Ant. E. I answer you! what should I answer you.-*
Ang. The money that you owe me for the chain.
Ant. E. I owe you none till I receive the chain.
Ang. You know I gave it you half an hour since. 65
Ant. E. You gave me none: you wrong me much to say so.
Ang. You wrong me more, sir, in denying it: Consider how it stands upon my credit.
Sec. Mcr. Well, officer, arrest him at my suit.
Off. I do ; and charge you in the duke's name to obey me. 70
Ang. This touches me in reputation. Either consent to pay this sum for me, Or I attach you by this officer.
Ant. E. Consent to pay thee that I never had! Arrest me, foolish fellow, if thou darest. 75
Ang. Here is thy fee; arrest him, officer. I would not spare my brother in this case. If he should scorn me so apparently.
Off. I do arrest you, sir : you hear the suit.
Ant. E. I do obey thee till I give thee bail. 80
But, sirrah, you shall buy this sport as dear As all the metal in your shop will answer.
Ang. Sir, sir, I shall have law in Ephesus, To your notorious shame; I doubt it not.
Enter Dromio of Syracuse, from the bay. Dro. S. Master, there is a bark of Epidamnum 85
56. Z'////t'r] Cr Pope. 70. Printed as verse by Capell.
me by'\ by me Heath conj. 73. this\ Fj. the Y^ F3F4.
60. whefher\ whe^r Ff. ivhcre 74. thcc\ Fj. om. Fg F3 F4. for
Rowe. if Pope. Rowe.
62. w/za/] Fj. -whyY^Y^Y^. 85. Scene ir. Pope.
67. viore\ Fj. om. Y^ F3 F4. there is\ Pope, there V Ff.
VOL. I. F F
434 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iv.
That stays but till her owner comes aboard,
And then, sir, she bears away. Our fraughtage, sir,
I have convey'd aboard ; and I have bought
The oil, the balsamum, and aqua-vitse.
The ship is in her trim; the merry wind 9°
Blows fair from land : they stay for nought at all
But for their owner, master, and yourself
Ant. E. How now! a madman! Why, thou peevish sheep, What ship of Epidamnum stays for me?
Dro. S. A ship you sent me to, to hire waftage. 95
Ant. E. Thou drunken slave, I sent thee for a rope. And told thee to what purpose and what end.
Dro. S. You sent me for a rope's end as soon: You sent me to the bay, sir, for a bark.
A7it. E. I will debate this matter at more leisure, loo
And teach your ears to list me with more he.ed. To Adriana, villain, hie thee straight : Give her this key, and tell her, in the desk That's cover'd o'er with Turkish tapestry
There is a purse of ducats; let her send it : 105
Tell her I am arrested in the street, And that shall bail me : hie thee, slave, be gone ! On, officer, to prison till it come.
\Excnnt Sec. McrcJiant, Angclo, Officer, and Ant. E.
Dro. S. To Adriana ! that is where we dined, Where Dowsabel did claim me for her husband : ^^°
She is too big, I hope, for me to compass. Thither I must, although against my will, For servants must their masters' minds fulfil. {Exit.
87. And then, su\'\Y^. Then, sir, 98. You sent ine'\ A rope! You sent Fj F3 F4. And then Capell. me Capell. You sent me, Sir, Stee-
she] om. Steevens. vcns.
88. dou£-ht] F,. bnmght F3FJF4.
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 435
Scene II. The house of Antipholus of Ephesus.
Enter Adriana and Luciana.
A dr. Ah, Luciana, did he tempt thee so?
Mightst thou perceive austerely in his eye That he did plead in earnest ? yea or no.'*
Look'd he or red or pale, or sad or merrily } What observation madest thou, in this case, 5
Of his heart's meteors tilting in his face.-'
Lne. First he denied you had in him no right.
Adr. He meant he did me none; the more my spite.
Ltic. Then swore he that he was a stranger here.
Adr. And true he swore, though yet forsworn he were. 10
Luc. Then pleaded I for you.
Adr. And what said he .''
Lite. That love I begg'd for you he begg'd of me.
Adr. With what persuasion did he tempt thy love.-*
Luc. With words that in an honest suit might move. First he did praise my beauty, then my speech. 15
Adr. Didst speak him fair.-'
Luc. Have patience, I beseech.
Adr. I cannot, nor I will not, hold me still; My tongue, though not my heart, shall have his will. He is deformed, crooked, old, and sere,
Ill-faced, worse bodied, shapeless everywhere; 20
Vicious, ungentle, foolish, blunt, unkind; Stigmatical in making, worse in mind.
Liic. Who would be jealous, then, of such a one.^ No evil lost is wail'd when it is gone.
Adr. Ah, but I think him better than I say, 25
And yet would herein others' eyes were worse.
Scene ii.] Scene ni. Pope. 7. ;)w/];v«; ,jw/ Capell.
1. austere!}'] assuredly Heath conj. no\ a Rowe.
4. or sad 01^ sad Qdci;iQ\\. 18. //«] //V Rowe.
merrily^ merry Collier MS. 22. in mind] Fj. the mind F^
5. case,] F4. case? F^ F^ F3. F3 F4.
6. Of] Fa F3 F4. Oh, F,. 26. herein] he in Hanmer.
F F2
436
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iv.
Far from her nest the lapwing cries away :
My heart prays for him, though my tongue do curse.
Enter Dromio of Syracuse.
Dro. S. Here! go; the desk, the purse! sweet, now, make haste.
Luc. How hast thou lost thy breath?
Dro. S. By running fast. 3°
Adi\ Where is thy master, Dromio.? is he well.?
Dro. S. No, he's in Tartar limbo, worse than hell. A devil in an everlasting garment hath him ; One whose hard heart is button'd up with steel ; A fiend, a fury, pitiless and rough ; A wolf, nay, worse; a fellow all in bufif ; A back-friend, a shoulder-clapper, one that countermands The passages of alleys, creeks, and narrow lands ; A hound that runs counter, and yet draws dry-foot well ; One that, before the Judgment, carries poor souls to hell. 4°
Adr. Why, man, what is the matter.'
Dro. S. I do not know the matter : he is 'rested on the case.
Adr. What, is he arrested.'' Tell me at whose suit.
Dro. S. I know not at whose suit he is arrested well ; But he's in a suit of buff which 'rested him, that can I tell. 45 Will you send him, mistress, redemption, the money in his desk.?
35
29. Scene iv. Pope.
s-vt'ct] swift Collier MS.
33. hath him} hath him fell Col- lier MS. hath him by the heel Sped- ding conj.
34. One] F, F3 F4. On ¥,. After this line Collier MS.
inserts : Who knows no touch of mercy, cannot feel.
35. fur)i\ Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). Fairie Ff.
37. countermands'} cofnmands Theobald.
38. (P/]a«^ Collier MS. alleys} allies Ff.
lands} lanes Grey conj. See note (v).
37, 38. countermands The... lands} his court maintains F the. ..lanes Becket conj.
4'3, 45. 'r^jto/] Theobald, rested YL
43. Tell} Well, tell Edd. conj.
44. arrested -well;} Fj. arrested, -well; F2F3. arrested: luell: F4.
45. But he's} F3 F4. But is Fj F^. But ^a's Edd. conj.
(77« /] F, Fj. /<■<?;/ F3F4.
46. mistress, redemption} Hanmer. Mistris redemption F1F2F3. Mis iris Redemption F4. See note (vi).
SCENE II.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 437
A dr. Go fetch it, sister. \Exit Litciana?[ This I won- der at, That he, unknown to me, should be in debt. Tell me, was he arrested on a band.''
Dro. S. Not on a band, but on a stronger thing; 50
A chain, a chain! Do you not hear it ring?
Adr. What, the chain .^
D7'o. S. No, no, the bell : 'tis time that I were gone : It was two ere I left him, and now the clock strikes one.
Adr. The hours come back! that did I never hear. 55
Dro. S. O, yes ; if any hour meet a sergeant, 'a turns back for very fear.
Adr. As if Time were in debt! how fondly dost thou reason !
Dro. S. Time is a very bankrupt, and owes more than he's worth to season. Nay, he's a thief too: have you not heard men say, That Time comes stealing on by night and day.? 60
If Time be in debt and theft, and a sergeant in the way, Hath he not reason to turn back an hour in a day.-*
Re-enter Luciana with a purse.
Adr. Go, Dromio; there's the money, bear it straight;
And bring thy master home immediately. Come, sister: I am press'd down with conceit, — 65
Conceit, my comfort and my injury. [Exeunt.
48. That] T/utsY^.
49. 50. baud] bond Rowe.
50. but on] but Pope.
54 — 62. Put in the margin as spurious by Pope.
55. heai'\ here Fj.
56. 'a turns] it turns Pope, he
|
funis Capell. |
|||
|
58. |
bankrupt] bankrout Ff. |
||
|
to season] om |
Pope. |
||
|
61. |
Time] Rowe. |
/Ff. |
he Ma |
|
lone. |
'a Staunton. |
||
|
62. |
an hour] any |
hour CoW |
er MS |
438 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act iv
Scene III. A public place.
Enter Antipholus of Syracuse.
Ant. S. There's not a man I meet but doth salute me As if I were their well-acquainted friend ; And every one doth call me by my name. Some tender money to me; some invite me; Some other give me thanks for kindnesses; 5
Some offer me commodities to buy; — Even now a tailor call'd me in his shop, And show'd me silks that he had bought for me, And therewithal took measure of my body. Sure, these are but imaginary wiles, 10
And Lapland sorcerers inhabit here.
Enter Dromio of Syracuse.
Di'o. S. Master, here's the gold you sent me for. — What, have you got the pifture of old Adam new-apparelled .-'
Ant. S. What gold is this } what Adam dost thou mean }
Dro. S. Not that Adam that kept the Paradise, but that 15 Adam that keeps the prison : he that goes in the calf's skin that was killed for the Prodigal; he that came behind you, sir, like an evil angel, and bid you forsake your liberty.
Ant. S. I understand thee not.
Dro. S. No.-' why, 'tis a plain case: he that went, like a 2 base-viol, in a case of leather; the man, sir, that, when gen- tlemen are tired, gives them a sob, and 'rests them ; he, sir, that takes pity on decayed men, and gives them suits of durance; he that sets up his rest to do more exploits with his mace than a morris-pike. 25
Ant. S. What, thou meanest an officer.?
Scene hi.] Scene v. Pope. •22. soh'\ fob Rowe. hob Hanmer.
13. What, have\ Pope. What sop Dyce conj. stop Grant White.
have Ff. 'nsts'l Warburton. rests Ff.
got\ got rid of i:\iQo\,2i\iS.. not 25. viorris\ Moris Ff. Maurice
Anon. conj. Ilamnci' (Warburton).
i6i caiPs skiii'\ lalves-skiii Ff.
i
SCENE III.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 439
Dro. S. Ay, sir, the sergeant of the band; he that brings any man to answer it that breaks his band ; one that thinks a man ahvays going to bed, and says, ' God give you good rest!' 3°
A7it. S. Well, sir, there rest in your foolery. Is there any ship puts forth to-night? may we be gone?
Dro. S. Why, sir, I brought you word an hour since, that the bark Expedition put forth to-night ; and then were you hindered by the sergeant, to tarry for the hoy Delay. 35 Here are the angels that you sent for to deliver you.
Ant. S. The fellow is distra6l, and so am I; And here we wander in illusions : Some blessed power deliver us from hence!
Enter a Courtezan.
Cour. Well met, well met. Master Antipholus. 4°
I see, sir, you have found the goldsmith now: Is that the chain you promised me to-day?
Ajit. S. Satan, avoid! I charge thee, tempt me not.
Dro. S. Master, is this Mistress Satan?
A7it. S. It is the devil. 45
Dro. S. Nay, she is worse, she is the devil's dam ; and here she comes in the habit of a light wench: and thereof comes that the wenches say, 'God damn me;' that's as much to say, ' God make me a light wench.' It is written, they appear to men like angels of light : light is an effeft of 5° fire, and fire will burn ; ergo, light wenches will burn. Come not near her.
Cour. Your man and you are marvellous merry, sir. Will you go with me? We'll mend our dinner here?
Dro. S. Master, if you do, expe6l spoon-meat ; or be- T^^ speak a long spoon.
■28. haitd'\ bond Rowe. as spurious by Capell, MS.
•29. ja;/j] Capell. sales Y^. saidh 48,49- as much] as ftiiick asVo'ge.
Fj. saithY-iY^. 54- me?...tiere?] me,. ..here? Ff.
32. ship\Y^Y2,Y^. ships Y^. me?.../iere. Sieewens.
34. put] puts Vo^Q. 55- ifyoHdo,expe(ft\Y^Y^Y^. if
40. Scene vi. Pope. do expedl F^.
44—62. Put in the margin as o>^ cm. Rowe. so Capell.
spurious by Pope. either stay a^vay, or Vi.2\o\\&zo\\]. and
47—49. and. ..-wench:] Marked Ritson conj. C'/?/ Anon. conj.
440 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iv.
Ant. S. Why, Dromio?
Dro. S. Marry, he must have a long spoon that must eat with the devil.
A?it. S. Avoid then, fiend! what tell'st thou me of
supping? 60
Thou art, as you are all, a sorceress : I conjure thee to leave me and be gone.
Co?i7^. Give me the ring of mine you had at dinner, Or, for my diamond, the chain you promised. And I'll be gone, sir, and not trouble you. 6^
Dro. S, Some devils ask but the parings of one's nail, A rush, a hair, a drop of blood, a pin, A nut, a cherry-stone;
But she, more covetous, would have a chain. Master, be wise: an if you give it her, 70J
The devil will shake her chain, and fright us with it.
Cour. I pray you, sir, my ring, or else tlT« chain : I hope you do not mean to cheat me so.
Ant. S. Avaunt, thou witch! — Come, Dromio, let us go.
Dro. S. ' Fly pride,' says the peacock : mistress, that
you know. \_Excnnt A?it. S. and Dro. S. 75
Coiir. Now, out of doubt Antipholus is mad, Else would he never so demean himself A ring he hath of mine worth forty ducats, « And for the same he promised me a chain:
Both one and other he denies me now. 80
The reason that I gather he is mad, —
Besides this present instance of his rage, —
Is a mad tale he told to-day at dinner.
Of his own doors being shut against his entrance.
Belike his wife, acquainted with his fits, 85
On purpose shut the doors against his way.
My way is now to hie home to his house,
And tell his wife that, being lunatic,
60. t/ien'] Fj Fj F3. thou F4. line at co7'c'toiis. thee Dyce. 75. Put in the margin as spurious
61. are air\ all are Boswell. by Pope. (i(> — 71. Printed as prose by Ff, 76. Scene vii. Pope.
as verse by Capell, ending liie third 84. doors\ door ]<A\\\%oxi.
SCENE III.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 441
He rush'd into my house, and took perforce
My ring away. This course I fittest choose; 90
For forty ducats is too much to lose. \Exit.
Scene IV. A street
£'«/^r Antipholus of Ephesus and the Officer.
Ant. E. Fear me not, man; I will not break away: I'll give thee, ere I leave thee, so much money, To warrant thee, as I am 'rested for. My wife is in a wayward mood to-day,
And will not lightly trust the messenger. «
That I should be attach'd in Ephesus, I tell you, 'twill sound harshly in her ears.
Enter Dromio of Ephesus with a rope's-end.
Here comes my man ; I think he brings the money. How now, sir! have you that I sent you for?
Dro. E. Here's that, I warrant you, will pay them all. 10
Aftt. E. But where 's the money.-'
Dro. E. Why, sir, I gave the money for the rope.
Ant. E. Five hundred ducats, villain, for a rope.'*
Dro. E. I '11 serve you, sir, five hundred at the rate.
Ant. E. To what end did I bid thee hie thee home.^ 15
Dro. E. To a rope's-end, sir; and to that end am I returned.
Ant. E. And to that end, sir, I will welcome you.
\B eating him.
Off. Good sir, be patient.
Dro. E. Nay, 'tis for me to be patient ; I am in adversity. 20 j
Ojf. Good, now, hold thy tongue.
Scene iv.] Scene viii. Pope. messenger. That... Ephesus: Capell.
and the Officer.] Capell. with a 14. Dro. E.] Off. Edd. conj.
Jailor. Ff. 15- hie] high F^.
5,6. messenger. Thai... Ephesus, ^ 17. retitrned] come Koxix\. co'a].
Rowe. messenger. That... Ephesi4s,Yj^ 18. [Beating him.] Capell. [Beats
F2F3. 7nessetigcr; That...Ephesus,Y^. Dro. Pope. om. Ff.
442 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iv.
Dro. E. Nay, rather persuade him to hold his hands.
Ant. E. Thou whoreson, senseless villain!
D7'o. E. I would I were senseless, sir, that I might not feel your blows. 25
Ant. E. Thou art sensible in nothing but blows, and so is an ass,
Dro. E. I am an ass, indeed ; you may prove it by my long ears. I have served him from the hour of my nativity to this instant, and have nothing at his hands for my service 30 but blows. When I am cold, he heats me with beating; when I am warm, he cools me with beating: I am waked with it when I sleep ; raised with it when I sit ; driven out of doors with it when I go from home; welcomed home with it when I return: nay, I bear it on my shoulders, as 35 a beggar wont her brat ; and, I think, when he hath lamed me, I shall beg with it from door to door.
Ant. E. Come, go along; my wife is coming yonder.
£'«/^r Adrian A, Luciana, the Courtezan, ««</ Pinch.
Dro. E. Mistress, 'respice finem,' respeft your end; or rather, the prophecy like the parrot, ' beware the rope's-end.' 40
Ant. E. Wilt thou still talk.? \B eating him.
Cour. How say you now.-* is not your husband mad.'
A dr. His incivility confirms no less. Good Doflor Pinch, you are a conjurer;
Establish him in his true sense again, 45
And I will please you what you will demand.
L71C. Alas, how fiery and how sharp he looks!
Conr. Mark how he trembles in his ecstasy!
Pinch. Give me your hand, and let me feel your pulse.
29. cars^ See note (vii). pkesy Dyce.
38. Scene IX. Pope. The stage 39—41. or rat/ur... talk?] or rather,
direcTtion ' Enter .... Pinch, ' precedes ' prospice funcm,'' bcimre the rope's eud.
line 38 in Ff, and all editions till Ant. E. Wilt thou still talk like the
Dyce's. parrot? Edd. conj.
Pinch.] a schoolmaster, call'd 41. [Beating him.] [Beats Dro.
Pinch. Ff. Ff.
40. the prophecy^ the prophcsic Y ^ 46. lohat] in ivhat \\a\\\\\qx.
F3 J 3 F4. prophesic Rowe. to pro-
SCENE IV.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 443
Ant. E. There is my hand, and let it feel your ear. 50
[^Striking him.
Pinch. I charge thee, Satan, housed within this man, To yield possession to my holy prayers, And to thy state of darkness hie thee straight : I conjure thee by all the saints in heaven !
Ant. E. Peace, doting wizard, peace! I am not mad. 55
Adr. O, that thou wert not, poor distressed soul!
Ant. E. You minion, you, are these your customers.^ Did this companion with the saffron face Revel and feast it at my house to-day,
Whilst upon me the guilty doors were shut, 60
And I denied to enter in my house.''
Adr. O husband, God doth know you dined at home; Where would you had remain'd until this time. Free from these slanders and this open shame !
Ant. E. Dined at home! — Thou villain, what sayest
thou } 65
Dro. E. Sir, sooth to say, you did not dine at home.
Ant. E. Were not my doors lock'd up, and I shut out.-*
Dro. E. Perdie, your doors were lock'd, and you shut out.
Ant. E. And did not she herself revile me there .-'
Dro. E. Sans fable, she herself reviled you there. 70
Ant. E. Did not her kitchen-maid rail, taunt, and scorn me?
Dro. E. Certes, she did ; the kitchen-vestal scorn'd you.
Ant. E. And did not I in rage depart from thence ."^
Dro. E. In verity you did; my bones bear witness. That since have felt the vigour of his rage. 75
Adr. Is't good to soothe him in these contraries.?
Pinch. It is no shame: the fellow finds his vein, And, yielding to him, humours well his frenzy.
Ant.E. Thou hast suborn'd the goldsmith to arrest me.
Adr. Alas, I sent you money to redeem you, 80
By Dromio here, who came in haste for it.
65. /)/;/£•</]/?/'/;'</ /Theobald. / 74. bcar\ beares Y ^.
(//«VCapell. 75. vigour\rigonrQQ\S\&x'^\'S>.
-,i. Ceties] Pope, cetiis Ff. his] ycur Pope.
444 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, [act iv.
Dro. E. Money by me ! heart and good-will you might ; But surely, master, not a rag of money.
Ant. E. Went'st not thou to her for a purse of ducats?
Adr. He came to me, and I deliver'd it. 85,
Lite. And I am witness with her that she did.
Dro. E. God and the rope-maker bear me witness That I was sent for nothing but a rope !
Pinch. Mistress, both man and master is possess'd; I know it by their pale and deadly looks: - 90
They must be bound, and laid in some dark room.
Ant. E. Say, wherefore didst thou lock me forth to- day .'' And why dost thou deny the bag of gold .-^
A dr. I did not, gentle husband, lock thee forth.
Dro. E. And, gentle master, I received no gold; 95
But I confess, sir, that we were lock'd out.
Adr. Dissembling villain, thou speak'st false in both.
Ajit. E. Dissembling harlot, thou art false in all, And art confederate with a damned pack
To make a loathsome abje6l scorn of me: 100
But with these nails I'll pluck out these false eyes. That would behold in me this shameful sport.
Enter three or four, and offer to bind hint. He strives.
Adr. O, bind him, bind him ! let him not come near me.
Pinch. More company! The fiend is strong within him.
Luc. Ay me, poor man, how pale and wan he looks ! 103
Ant. E. What, will you murder me.? Thou gaoler, thou, I am thy prisoner: wilt thou suffer them To make a rescue.''
Off. Masters, let him go:
He is my prisoner, and you shall not have him.
83. mastei-] mistress Dyce conj. Rowe.
j-ag\ l>ag Becket conj. 102. [Flying at his wife. Capell.
84. iioi Ikoii] tJioii «(?/ Capell. Enter...] The stage direcftion 87. bcar\ do bear Pope, now bear is transferred by Dyce to follow 105.
Collier MS. 106. me? TIwH....i!iou,'\ Rowe.
89. w] are Rowe. me, iIiou...ihou? Ff.
loi. these false] Ff. t/iose false
SCENE IV.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 445
Pinch. Go bind this man, for he is frantic too. no
\_Tkey offer to bind Dro. E.
A dr. What wilt thou do, thou peevish officer? Hast thou dehght to see a wretched man Do outrage and displeasure to himself .-'
Off. He is my prisoner: if I let him go, The debt he owes will be required of me. 115
A dr. I will discharge thee ere I go from thee: Bear me forthwith unto his creditor, And, knowing how the debt grows, I will pay it. Good master do6lor, see him safe convey'd Home to my house. O most unhappy day! 120
Ant. E. O most unhappy strumpet!
Dro. E. Master, I am here entered in bond for you.
Ant. E. Out on thee, villain! wherefore dost thou mad me .''
Dro. E. Will you be bound for nothing.? be mad, good master: cry, The devil! 125
Luc. God help, poor souls, how idly do they talk!
Adr. Go bear him hence. Sister, go you with me.
\Excnnt all but Adriana, Liiciana, Officer and Cotirtczan^^ Say now; whose suit is he arrested at.-*
Off. One Angelo, a goldsmith: do you know him.''
Adr. I know the man. What is the sum he owes.-* 130
Off. Two hundred ducats.
Adr. Say, how grows it due."*
Off. Due for a chain your husband had of him.
Adr. He did bespeak a chain for me, but had it not.
Conr. When as your husband, all in rage, to-day Came to my house, and took away my ring, — 135
The ring I saw upon his finger now, — Straight after did I meet him with a chain.
Adr. It may be so, but I did never see it.
no. [They... Dro. E.] Edd. om. poorYl.
Yi. idly] Pope, idlely Ff.
117. [They bind Ant. and Dro. 127. go\stayVo^t.
j^owe. [Exeunt all but...] Exeunt.
124. 710/kijig?] nothing thus? Manet... Ff (after Ime 128).
Hanmer, readnig as verse. 129. SCENE X. Pope.
126. lu'/J^, poor] Theobald, help 133. for me] om. Hanmer.
446 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
Come, gaoler, bring me where the goldsmith is :
I long to know the truth hereof at large. 140
jE"«/^r Antipholus of Syracuse with his rapier draivti, and Dromio of Syracuse.
Luc. God, for thy mercy ! they are loose again.
Adv. And come with naked swords. Let's call more help to have them bound again.
Off. Away! they'll kill us.
[Exeunt all but A nt. S. and Dro. S.
Ant. S. I see these witches are afraid of swords. 145
Dro. S. She that would be your wife now ran from you.
Ant. S. Come to the Centaur; fetch our stuff from thence : I long that we were safe and sound aboard.
Dro. S. Faith, stay here this night ; they will surely do us no harm : you saw they speak us fair, give us gold : 150 niethinks they are such a gentle nation, that, but for the mountain of mad flesh that claims marriage of me, I could find in my heart to stay here still, and turn witch.
Ant. S. I will not stay to-night for all the town; Therefore away, to get our stuff aboard. [Exeunt. 155
ACT V.
Scene I. A street before a Priory.
Enter Second Merchant afid Angelo.
Aug. I am sorry, sir, that I have hinder'd you; But, I protest, he had the chain of me, Though most dishonestly he doth deny it.
141. Scene XI. Pope. spalx to us... give Rowc. sa7c>...s/,7/:e
143. [Kunnc all out. Ff. us... ga-'e Fope. sec.sfcak us...gire
144. [Exeunt...] Exeunt omnes, Capell.
as fast as may be, frighted. Ff. Scene I. A street.... riiory] Tope.
150. sa7c>....s/>eak us.. ..give] F, . Sec note (vni).
sa-d'.-.spakc us...give¥^Y^Y.^. saiv... 3. (iot/i]Y^. didY.^Y^T^.
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 447
Sec. Mcr. How is the man esteem'd here in the city?
Aug. Of very reverent reputation, sir, 5
Of credit infinite, highly beloved. Second to none that lives here in the city: His word might bear my wealth at any time.
Sec. Mer. Speak softly : yonder, as I think, he walks.
Enter Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse.
Aug. 'Tis so; and that self chain about his neck, lo
Which he forswore most monstrously to have. Good sir, draw near to me, I'll speak to him; Signior Antipholus, I wonder much That you would put me to this shame and trouble ; And, not without some scandal to yourself, 15
With circumstance and oaths so to deny This chain which now you wear so openly : Beside the charge, the shame, imprisonment, You have done wrong to this my honest friend ; Who, but for staying on our controversy, 20
Had hoisted sail and put to sea to-day: This chain you had of me; can you deny it?
Ant. S. I think I had; I never did deny it.
Sec. Mer. Yes, that you did, sir, and forswore it too.
Ant. S. Who heard me to deny it or forswear it? 25
Sec. Mer. These ears of mine, thou know'st, did hear thee. Fie on thee, wretch ! 'tis pity that thou livest To walk where any honest men resort.
Ant. S. Thou art a villain to impeach me thus: I'll prove mine honour and mine honesty 30
Against thee presently, if thou darest stand.
Sec. Mer. I dare, and do defy thee for a villain.
\Tliey draw.
9. Enter...] Enter Antipholis and ...thee. Pope. knmvest well... .thee.
Dromio againe. Ff. Hanmer. know^st....thee, sir. Capell.
12. to me\ with me Collier MS. know'' st... thee swear Qtxzxii Whiteconj.
18. Beside^Yl. Besides Vo^q. 30. mine honesty^ Y^Y^Yj,. my
•26. know^st...thee.'\ Ff. kuou'est honesty Y a,.
448 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
Enter Adriana, Luciana, the Courtezan, and others.
Adr. Hold, hurt him not, for God's sake! he is mad. Some get within him, take his sword away: Bind Dromio too, and bear them to my house. 35
Dro. S. Run, master, run ; for God's sake, take a house! This is some priory. — In, or we are spoil'd !
[Exeunt Ant. S. and Dro. S. to the Priory.
Enter the Lady Abbess.
Abb. Be quiet, people. Wherefore throng you hither .•*
Adr, To fetch my poor distra6led husband hence. Let us come in, that we may bind him fast, 4°
And bear him home for his recovery.
Aug. I knew he was not in his perfe6l wits.
Sec. Mer. I am sorry now that I did draw on him.
Abb. How long hath this possession held the man.-*
Adr. This week he hath been heavy, sour, sad, 45^
And much different from the man he was; But till this afternoon his passion Ne'er brake into extremity of rage.
Abb. Hath he not lost much wealth by wreck of sea.'' Buried some dear friend .-' Hath not else his eye 5°
Stray'd his afife6lion in unlawful love.'' A sin prevailing much in youthful men, Who give their eyes the liberty of gazing. Which of these sorrows is he subje6l to.-' i
Adr. To none of these, except it be the last; 55
Namely, some love that drew him oft from home.
Abb. You should for that have reprehended him.
Adr. Why, so I did.
Abb. Ay, but not rough enough.
Adr. As roughly as my modesty would let me. i
33. Scene n. Tope. 46. muc]{\ F, F4. much much
33, 36. God's God's-\ F3F4. F2F3.
God.... God's Fj ¥.^. 49. o/sca] F,. af sea F,F3F4.
38. quiet, pcople.'\ Theobald, quiet 50. Hath vot etse his eyc\ Ilath
people. Ff. iwugtit else his eye? Anon. conj.
45. j-c//;-] Rowe. so-werYi. 51. his...in'\ i)i...aud \\\o\\, zoxiy
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 449
Abb.^ Haply, in private.
Adr. And in assemblies too. 60
Abb. Ay, but not enough.
Adr. It was the copy of our conference: In bed, he slept not for my urging it ; At board, he fed not for my urging it ;
Alone, it was the subje6l of my theme; 65
In company I often glanced it; Still did I tell him it was vile and bad.
Abb. And thereof came it that the man was mad: — The venom clamours of a jealous woman.
Poisons more deadly than a mad dog's tooth. 70
It seems his sleeps were hinder'd by thy railing: And thereof comes it that his head is light. Thou say'st his meat was sauced with thy upbraidings: Unquiet meals make ill digestions;
Thereof the raging fire of fever bred ; 75
And what's a fever but a fit of madness.-' Thou say'st his sports were hinder'd by thy brawls: Sweet recreation barr'd, what doth ensue But moody and dull melancholy,
Kinsman to grim and comfortless despair; 80
And at her heels a huge infeftious troop Of pale distemperatures and foes to life.^ In food, in sport, and life-preserving rest To be disturb'd, would mad or man or beast: The consequence is, then, thy jealous fits 85
Have scared thy husband from the use of wits.
Luc. She never reprehended him but mildly,
61. Ay"] Ay, ay Hanmer. moody, moping Hanmer. moody sad-
66. it~\ at it Pope. ness Singer conj.
69. venotn'] veiiome F^ F2. ve- melajicholyl melancholia Anon.
nomotisYT^Y i^. z'^wf ;« V Pope. conj.
ivomaUjI zuoman Pope. 80. Kinsmatt] kins-woman Capell,
69,70. clamours... Poisons'\cla??iours ending line 79 at kins-. A'kin
...Poison Pope. clamour ...Poisons Hanmer.
Capell. Warburton marks this line as
72, 75. thereof '\ therefore Johnson. spurious.
74. ;//tf/v] Fj. makes Y ^Y -^Y j^. 81. her\ their Malone (Heath
77. by'\ with Pope. conj,).
79. moody} Fj. nntddy Y^Y^Y^. 86. Idavel F^ F3 F4. Hath Fj.
VOL. I. ' G G
450 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
When he demean'd himself rough, rude, and wildly. Why bear you these rebukes, and answer not?
Adr. She did betray me to my own reproof. 90
Good people, enter, and lay hold on him.
Abb. No, not a creature enters in my house.
Adr. Then let your servants bring my husband forth.
Abb. Neither: he took this place for san6luary, And it shall privilege him from your hands 95
Till I have brought him to his wits again. Or lose my labour in assaying it.
Adr. I will attend my husband, be his nurse, Diet his sickness, for it is my office,
And will have no attorney but myself; 100
And therefore let me have him home with me.
Abb. Be patient; for I will not let him stir Till I have used the approved means I have. With wholesome syrups, drugs and holy prayers, I
To make of him a formal man again: 105
It is a branch and parcel of mine oath, A charitable duty of my order. Therefore depart, and leave him here with me.
Adr. I will not hence, and leave my husband here: And ill it doth beseem your holiness no
To separate the husband and the wife.
Abb. Be quiet, and depart: thou shalt not have him.
[^Exit.
LiLC. Complain unto the Duke of this indignity.
Adr. Come, go: I will fall prostrate at his feet, And never rise until my tears and prayers 11-
Have won his Grace to come in person hither. And take perforce my husband from the abbess.
Sec. Mcr. By this, I think, the dial points at five: Anon, I'm sure, the Duke himself in person Comes this way to the melancholy vale, i2<
The place of death and sorry execution,
88. imldl}^ loild Capell. and Goldsmith. F,
89. thcsc\Y^Y^. ///^,r^F3F4. 121. (/.•«■///] F3 F4. (/,//// FjF I \^. [Exit.] Theobald. sorry'\ solemn Collier MS 117. [Exeunt. Enter Merchant
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 45 1
Behind the ditches of the abbey here.
Aug. Upon what cause.''
Sec. Mer. To see a reverend Syracusian merchant, Who put unluckily into this bay 125
Against the laws and statutes of this town, Beheaded publicly for his offence.
Ang. See where they come: we will behold his death.
Luc. Kneel to the Duke before he pass the abbey.
Enter Duke, attended; .^^geon bareheaded; with the Headsman
and other Officers.
Duke. Yet once again proclaim it publicly, 130
If any friend will pay the sum for him, He shall not die; so much we tender him.
Adr. Justice, most sacred Duke, against the abbess!
Duke. She is a virtuous and a reverend lady : It cannot be that she hath done thee wrong. 135
Adr. May it please your Grace, Antipholus my hus- band,— Whom I made lord of me and all I had, At your important letters, — this ill day A most outrageous fit of madness took him; That desperately he hurried through the street, — 140
With him his bondman, all as mad as he, — Doing displeasure to the citizens By rushing in their houses, bearing thence Rings, jewels, any thing his rage did like.
Once did I get him bound, and sent him home, 145
Whilst to take order for the wrongs I went, That here and there his fury had committed. Anon, I wot not by what strong escape. He broke from those that had the guard of him ;
|
124. |
reverend F3 F4. |
reverent |
134. rcverend'X Ff. |
|
|
F F |
137. ?F/w«] F^ F3 F4. WhoY |
|||
|
128. |
Enter Adriana and Lucia. |
F,. |
138. iiiipoylant'\Y ^. impoteantY,^ |
|
|
130. |
Scene in. Pope, attended] Theobald. |
impotent F3 F4. all-potent Rowe. lctteys\ Fj F^ F3. letter F4. |
||
|
132. |
Enter Adriana. F2. |
148. strong\ strange Malone conj GG 2 |
452 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
And with his mad attendant and himself, 150
Each one with ireful passion, with drawn swords.
Met us again, and, madly bent on us,
Chased us away; till, raising of more aid,
We came again to bind them. Then they fled
Into this abbey, whither we pursued them; 155
And here the abbess shuts the gates on us,
And will not suffer us to fetch him out.
Nor send him forth, that we may bear him hence.
Therefore, most gracious Duke, with thy command
Let him be brought forth, and borne hence for help. 160
Duke. Long since thy husband served me in my wars ; And I to thee engaged a prince's w^ord. When thou didst make him master of thy bed, To do him all the grace and good I could.
Go, some of you, knock at the abbey-gate, 165
And bid the lady abbess come to me. I will determine this before I stir.
Enter a Servant.
Serv. O mistress, mistress, shift and save yourself! My master and his man are both broke loose, ^
Beaten the maids a-row, and bound the do61:or, 170
Whose beard they have singed off with brands of fire ; |
And ever, as it blazed, they threw on him 1
Great pails of puddled mire to quench the hair: ;
My master preaches patience to him, and the while His man with scissors nicks him like a fool; 175^
And sure, unless you send some present help, Between them they will kill the conjurer.
A dr. Peace, fool ! thy master and his man are here ; And that is false thou dost report to us.
150. imt/t] here Capell. t/ien Rit- Enter a Messenger. Ff. son conj. 174. to hh!i\ om. Capell.
and himself \ viad himself am/] om. Hanmer. and the
Warburton. om. Steevens.
158. henee\Y^Y^. thence Y-^Y^. 176. some\ F,. some other Y^
168. Scene iv. Pope. F3 F4-
Enter a servant.] Capell. 179. /r»] F, F3 F4. ofY.^.
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 453
Serv. Mistress, upon my life, I tell you true; i8o
I have not breathed almost since I did see it. He cries for you, and vows, if he can take you. To scorch your face and to disfigure you. [Cu "within.
Hark, hark ! I hear him, mistress: fly, be gone!
Duke. Come, stand by me; fear nothing. Guard with
halberds! 185
Adv. Ay me, it is my husband ! Witness you, That he is borne about invisible: Even now we housed him in the abbey here ; And now he's there, past thought of human reason.
Enter Antipholus of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus.
Aiit. E. Justice, most gracious Duke, O, grant me
justice! 190
Even for the service that long since I did thee, When I bestrid thee in the wars, and took Deep scars to save thy life ; even for the blood That then I lost for thee, now grant me justice.
^ge. Unless the fear of death doth make me dote, 195 I see my son Antipholus, and Dromio.
Aiit. E. Justice, sweet prince, against that woman there ! She whom thou gavest to me to be my wife, That hath abused and dishonour'd me
Even in the strength and height of injury: 200
Beyond imagination is the wrong That she this day hath shameless thrown on me.
Duke. Discover how, and thou shalt find me just.
Ant. E. This day, great Duke, she shut the doors upon me, While she with harlots feasted in my house. 205
Duke. A grievous fault ! Say, woman, didst thou so }
Adr. No, my good lord: myself, he and my sister To-day did dine together. So befal my soul As this is false he burdens me withal !
Luc. Ne'er may I look on day, nor sleep on night, 210
183. scorcKl scotch Warburton. 208. To-da\^ om. Hanmer.
205. WJiilt^ Fj. Whilst F2F3F4. So befal\ So fall Capell.
454 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
But she tells to your Highness simple truth !
Ang. O perjured woman ! They are both forsworn: In this the madman justly chargeth them.
Ant. E. My liege, I am advised what I say; Neither disturbed with the effect of wine, 2 1 5
Nor heady-rash, provoked with raging ire, Albeit my wrongs might make one wiser mad. This woman lock'd me out this day from dinner: That goldsmith there, were he not pack'd with her, Could witness it, for he was with me then; 220
Who parted with me to go fetch a chain. Promising to bring it to the Porpentine, Where Balthazar and I did dine together. Our dinner done, and he not coming thither, I went to seek him: in the street I met him, 225
And in his company that gentleman. There did this perjured goldsmith swear me down That I this day of him received the chain. Which, God he knows, I saw not : for the which He did arrest me with an officer. 230 J
I did obey; and sent my peasant home For certain ducats: he with none return'd. Then fairly I bespoke the officer To go in person with me to my house.
By the way we met my wife, her sister, and a rabble more 235 Of vile confederates. Along with them They brought one Pinch, a hungry lean-faced villain, A mere anatomy, a mountebank, A threadbare juggler, and a fortune-teller,
A needy, hollow-eyed, sharp-looking wretch, 240
A living-dead man: this pernicious slave, Forsooth, took on him as a conjurer; And, gazing in mine eyes, feeling my pulse. And with no face, as 'twere, outfacing me. Cries out, I was possess'd. Then all together 2^5
i\i, 213. [To Mer. Capell. two verees of 11^. See note (ix).
228. of\Y ^. froniY^Y^Y^. ■235, 236. Pope ends these lines
^.^5- I^y tfie Tcwi'] To 7i)h>ch he and...coiifcderaics.
yielded: by the ivay Capell, making 236. Along with thevi] om. Pope.
SCENE I.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 455
They fell upon me, bound me, bore me thence,
And in a dark and dankish vault at home
There left me and my man, both bound together;
Till, gnawing with my teeth my bonds in sunder,
I gain'd my freedom, and immediately 250
Ran hither to your Grace ; whom I beseech
To give me ample satisfa6lion
For these deep shames and great indignities.
Ang. My lord, in truth, thus far I witness with him, That he dined not at home, but w^as lock'd out. 255
Dtike. But had he such a chain of thee or no.''
A7ig. He had, my lord: and when he ran in here, These people saw the chain about his neck.
Sec. Mcr. Besides, I will be sworn these ears of mine Heard you confess you had the chain of him, 260
After you first forswore it on the mart : And thereupon I drew my sword on you ; And then you fled into this abbey here. From whence, I think, you are come by miracle.
Ant. E. I never came within these abbey-walls; 265
Nor ever didst thou draw thy sword on me: I never saw the chain, so help me Heaven: And this is false you burden me withal !
Ditke. Why, what an intricate impeach is this! I think you all have drunk of Circe's cup. 270
If here you housed him, here he would have been; If he were mad, he would not plead so coldly: You say he dined at home; the goldsmith here Denies that saying. Sirrah, what say you. !*
Dro. E. Sir, he dined with her there, at the Porpentine. 275
Conr. He did; and from my finger snatch'd that ring.
Ant. E. 'Tis true, my liege; this ring I had of her.
Duke. Saw'st thou him enter at the abbey here }
Cour. As sure, my liege, as I do see your Grace.
Duke. Why, this is strange. Go call the abbess hither. 280
247. And iii\ Into Lettsom conj. F3 F4.
248. There] They Collier MS. 267, 268. chain, so... Heaven: And]
249. in sunder] Fj. asunder F^ chain. So... heaven As Byce.
456 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
I think you are all mated, or stark mad.
\Exit one to the A bbcss.
^ge. Most mighty Duke, vouchsafe me speak a word : Haply I see a friend will save my life, And pay the sum that may deliver me.
Duke. Speak freely, Syracusian, what thou wilt. 285
^ge. Is not your name, sir, call'd Antipholus .'' And is not that your bondman, Dromio.''
Dt'o. E. Within this hour I was his bondman, sir. But he, I thank him, gnaw'd in two my cords: Now am I Dromio, and his man unbound. 290
j^ge. I am sure you both of you remember me.
Dro. E. Ourselves we do remember, sir, by you; For lately we were bound, as you are now. You are not Pinch's patient, are you, sir.-*
yEge. Why look you strange on me.' you know me well. 295
Ant. E. I never saw you in my life till now.
yEge. O, grief hath changed me since you saw me last, And careful hours with time's deformed hand Have written strange defeatures in my face : But tell me yet, dost thou not know my voice .-* -^oo
A7it. E. Neither.
^ge. Dromio, nor thou ?
Dro. E. No, trust me, sir, nor I.
yEge. I am sure thou dost.
Dro. E. Ay, sir, but I am sure I do not ; and whatso- ever a man denies, you are now bound to believe him. :»o5
Aige. Not know my voice! O time's extremity, Hast thou so crack'd and splitted my poor tongue In seven short years, that here my only son Knows not my feeble key of untuned cares.'* Though now this grained face of mine be hid -.k
c 8 1 . ma(r\ made Y^. pell : But. . . whatsoez'cr A...h int .
[Exit...] FjF^. [Enter... F3F4. 307. cracked aud spUitcd\ crack''d
791. yoti botJi\Y ^. A'/zi F2F3F4. my voice, split Q.oVi\Qx '^\.?s.
298. dcfor))icd\ deform itigQ:v^QVi. 309. 0/ mttiiiicd cares] untuned of
304. Ay, sir,] Capell. I sir, Ff. cares Anon. conj.
/, sir? Pope. Ay, sir? Malone. cares'] ears Anon. conj. 304, 305. Printed as verse by Ca-
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 457
In sap-consuming winter's drizzled snow,
And all the conduits of my blood froze up,
Yet hath my night of life some memory,
My wasting lamps some fading glimmer left,
My dull deaf ears a little use to hear: 315
All these old witnesses — I cannot err —
Tell me thou art my son Antipholus.
Ant. E. I never saw my father in my life.
yEge. But seven years since, in Syracusa, boy, Thou know'st we parted : but perhaps, my son, 320
Thou shamest to acknowledge me in misery.
Anf. E. The Duke and all that know me in the city Can witness with me that it is not so: I ne'er saw Syracusa in my life.
Duke. I tell thee, Syracusian, twenty years 325
Have I been patron to Antipholus, During which time he ne'er saw Syracusa : I see thy age and dangers make thee dote.
Re-enter Abbess, with Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of
Syracuse.
Abb. Most mighty Duke, behold a man much wrong'd.
[All gather to see them. A dr. I see two husbands, or mine eyes deceive me. 330 Duke. One of these men is Genius to the other;
And so of these. Which is the natural man,
And which the spirit.'* who deciphers them.^
Dro. S. I, sir, am Dromio : command him away.
Dro. E. I, sir, am Dromio : pray, let me stay. 335
Ant. S. .^geon art thou not.-* or else his ghost .^
Dro. S. O, my old master! who hath bound him here.^
Abb. Whoever bound him, I will loose his bonds,
And gain a husband by his liberty.
314. lamps] lamp Pope. racusa boy Ff. Syracusa bay Rowe.
316. Air\ And all Rowe. Syracusa^ s bay Hanmer.
oldl hold Warburton. 329. Scene vil. Pope.
witnesses — / cannot err—] [AIL... them.] [All him.
zvitnesses, I cannot erre. Ff. Warburton.
319. Syracusa, boy] Capell. Sy- 332. t/iese. Uliich] these, "which Ff.
458 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
Speak, old yEgeon, if thou be'st the man 340
That hadst a wife once call'd ^Emilia, That bore thee at a burden two fair sons : O, if thou be'st the same ^geon, speak, And speak unto the same ^Emiha!
^ge. If I dream not, thou art yEmiHa: 345
If thou art she, tell me where is that son That floated with thee on the fatal raft?
Abb. By men of Epidamnum he and I And the twin Dromio, all were taken up ;
But by and by rude fishermen of Corinth 350
By force took Dromio and my son from them, And me they left with those of Epidamnum. What then became of them I cannot tell; I to this fortune that you see me in.
Diikc. Why, here begins his morning story right : 355
These two Antipholuses, these two so like, And these two Dromios, one in semblance, — Besides her urging of her wreck at sea, — These are the parents to these children.
Which accidentally are met together. 360
Antipholus, thou camest from Corinth first.'*
Ant. S. No, sir, not I; I came from Syracuse.
Dtikc. Stay, stand apart ; I know not which is which.
Ant. E. I came from Corinth, my most gracious lord, —
Dro. E. And I with him. ■^G^
Ant. E. Brought to this town by that most famous warrior,
355 — 360. IV/iy togetJic)^ Ff Capell.
insert this speech after 344. The al- 358. Besides her urging of her\
teration is due to Capell. Both sides emerging from their Han-
355. //w]FjF2. thisY-^^. iheVo^Q. mer. Besides his urging of his QoVii^x
story right'] story s light Ca- MS. Besides his urging of her Ttyce
pell. conj. Malone supposes a line, begin-
356. Antipholuses, these] Antipho- niiig with These, lost after 35S.
his, these Fj. AntiphoHs, these I*", ivreck at sea, — ] 'iV7-ech, — all
F3 F4. Antipholis''s Hanmer. See j(7r, Jackson conj.
note (i). 359. These are] These plainly are
357. thcse]Y^Y^. those Y^Y-i. Pope.
semblance] semblance prove 361. Ff prefix 'Duke.'
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 459
Duke Menaphon, your most renowned uncle.
Adr. Which of you two did dine with me to-day?
Aiit. S. \, gentle mistress.
Adr. And are not you my husband.'
A lit. E. No; I say nay to that. 370
Ant. S. And so do I; yet did she call me so: And this fair gentlewoman, her sister here, Did call me brother. [To Lticia^ What I told you then, I hope I shall have leisure to make good ; If this be not a dream I see and hear. " 075
Aug. That is the chain, sir, which you had of me.
Ajit. S. I think it be, sir; I deny it not.
Ant. E. And you, sir, for this chain arrested me.
Ang. I think I did, sir; I deny it not.
Adr. I sent you money, sir, to be your bail, 380
By Dromio ; but I think he brought it not.
Dro. E. No, none by me.
Aiit. S. This purse of ducats I received from you, And Dromio my man did bring them me.
I see we still did meet each other's man; 385
And I was ta'en for him, and he for me ; And thereupon these ERRORS are arose.
Ant. E. These ducats pawn I for my father here.
Duke. It shall not need ; thy father hath his life.
Coiir. Sir, I must have that diamond from you. 390
Ant. E. There, take it; and much thanks for my good cheer.
Abb. Renowned Duke, vouchsafe to take the pains To go with us into the abbey here, And hear at large discoursed all our fortunes ; — And all that are assembled in this place, 395
That by this sympathized one day's error Have sufifer'd wrong, go keep us company. And we shall make full satisfaftion. —
372. /ler sister} Fj. om. F2F3F4. conj.
373- [To Lucia.] [Aside to Lucia. 394. Iieai^ /i ere ]o\mso\\.
.Staunton conj. 398. ii<e shall i)ial-e\ ye shall have
387. are arose\Yi. all aroseV~.o\ve. Pope. rai'e arose Staunton, here arose Anon.
460
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. [act v.
Thirty-three years have I but gone in travail
Of you, my sons; and till this present hour 400
My heavy burthen ne'er delivered.
The Duke, my husband, and my children both,
And you the calendars of their nativity,
Go to a gossips' feast, and go with me;
After so long grief, such nativity ! 405
Duke. With all my heart, I'll gossip at this feast. \Exeimt all but Ant. S., Ant. E., Dro. S., and Dro. E.
Dro. S. Master, shall I fetch your stuff from ship- board .''
Ant. E. Dromio, what stuff of mine hast thou em- bark'd.?
Dro. S. Your goods that lay at host, sir, in the Centaur.
Ant. S. He speaks to me. — I am your master, Dromio: 410 Come, go with us; we'll look to that anon : Embrace thy brother there; rejoice with him. .
[Exeunt Ant. S. and Ant. E.
Dro. S. There is a fat friend at your master's house, That kitchen'd me for you to-day at dinner: |
She now shall be my sister, not my wife. 415
Dro. E. Methinks you are my glass, and not my brother : I see by you I am a sweet-faced youth. Will you walk in to see their gossiping?
399. Thirty-iJiree\ Ff. Tiventy-five Theobald. Tiventy-three Capell. See note (x).
but'\ Fj. been F3F3F4. om. Hanmer,
400. and ti/l'\ nor till Theobald. until Malone (Boaden conj.). and at Collier MS.
401. bini/ien ne''er\ Dyce. burthen are Fj. burthens are Y ^ F3 F4. bur- den not Capell. burden undelirered Collier, burden here Grant White. Imrden has Anon. conj. (ap. Ilalli- well).
404. Go....and go'\ Henee... .along Lettsom conj. So... all go Edd. conj.
and go"] F1F3F4. andgoe F^. and gaud Warbiirton. and joy Heath conj. and gout Jackson conj. and see Anon. conj.
405. nativity'] YL felicity Hanmer. festivity Dyce (Johnson conj.).
such nativity f\ suits festivity. Anon. conj.
406. [Exeunt...] [Exeunt omnes. Manet the two Dromio 's and two brothers. Ff.
407. Scene viii. Tope.
fetch] go fetch S. Walker conj . sh ip-board\ sh ipboa rd fo r you Capell conj.
412. [E.xeunt...] [Exit. Ff.
I
I
SCENE!.] THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. 461
Dro. S. Not I, sir; you are my elder.
Dro. E. That's a question : how shall we try it? 420
Dro. S. We'll draw cuts for the senior: till then lead
thou first. Dro. E. Nay, then, thus : — We came into the world like brother and brother; And now let's go hand in hand, not one before another.
[Exetint.
420. we try it?] we trie it. F,. ...first.
I t->y it. F2F3F4. ^oe try it, brother? senior] Pope, signior FjFj.
Capell. signiority F3 F4.
421. WeTl] PVe wii/ Capell, end- 422. [embracing. Rowe. ing lines 419 — 421 at question .. .di-aw
NOTES.
Note I.
In the spelling of the name of 'SoHnus' we have followed the first Folio. In the subsequent Folios it was altered, most probably by an accident in F2 to ' Salinus.' The name occurs only once in the copies, and that in the first line of the text. The name which we have given as ' Antipholus' is spelt indifferently thuS) and 'Antipho- lis' in the Folios. It will hardly be doubted that the lines in the rhyming passage, ill. 2. 2, 4, where the Folios read 'Antipholus,' are correflly amended by Capell, and prove that 'Antipholus' is the spell- ing of Shakespeare. Either word is evidently corrupted from ' Anti- philus.' These names are merely arbitrary, but the surnames, 'Erotes' and 'Sereptus,' are most probably errors for 'Errans,' or 'Erraticus' and 'Surrcptus,' of which the latter is plainly derived from P\a.uius' Me- iiachmtis Surreptus, a well-known chara(fler in Shakespeare's day : see Brian Melbancke's Philotimtis (1582), p. 160: ' Thou art like Menech- mus Subreptus his wife. ..whose "husband shall not neede to be justice of peace" for she "will have a charter to make her justice of coram."' See yl/«?;7j Wives, \. 1.4,5. I^ spelling 'Syracusian' in- stead of 'Syracusan' we follow the pracftice of the Folios in an indifferent matter. ' Epidamnum ' not ' Epidamium ' is found in the English translation of the MencEchmi, 1595, so the latter form in Fi is probably a printer's error.
Note II.
I. 2. I. That this scene is laid at the Mart appears fi'om Antipho- lus's allusion to this place in II. 2. 5, 6:
' I could not speak with Dromio since at first I sent him from the mart.'
As this play is derived from a classical prototype, Capell has supposed
NOTES. 463
no change of scene, but lays the whole aflion in 'a Publick Place;' evidently with much inconvenience to the Persons.
Note III.
11. I. 30. Johnson's ingenious conjecfture may have been suggested to him by a passage in Asyotc like it, iv. 3. 17 :
* Her love is not the hare that I do hunt.'
But the received reading of the Folios is perhaps confirmed by a line in the present play, in. 2. 7:
' Or if you like elsewhere, do it by stealth.'
Note IV.
II. I. 108 sqq. The only correclion of this passage which we be- lieve to be quite free from doubt is that in line 1 11, 'Wear' for 'Where.' Accordingly, with this exception, we have retained the precise words of the first Folio.
Note V.
IV. 2. 38. Grey's conjecfture of 'lanes ' for 'lands' is made somewhat more probable by the existence of copies of Fi in which the word appears ' lans.' A corre6lor would naturally change this rather to ' lands' than to ' lanes,' because of the rhyme.
Note VI.
IV. 2. 46. The Folios have ' send him Mistris redemption,' and Rowe, by his puncfluation and capital R, made Dromio call Luciana ' Redemption.' Pope and Theobald seem to have followed him, though they give the small r. The Folios cannot be made chargeable with this error, for the comma does not regularly follow vocatives in these editions where we expefl it. There is no comma, for instance, follow- ing the word ' Mistress' in iv. 3. 74 or in iv. 4. 39.
Note VII.
IV. 4. 29. The word 'ears ' might probably be better printed ' 'ears' for 'years;' for a pun — hitherto, however, unnoticed — seems to be indicated by the following words. A very farfetched explanation has been offered by Steevens, and accepted by Delius and, we believe,
464 THE COMEDY OF ERRORS.
by all the modern editors, namely, that Antipholus has wrung Dromio's ears so often that they have attained a length hke an ass's.
Note VIII.
V. I. I. Shakespeare uses the words 'Priory' and 'Abbey' as synonymous. Compare V. I. 37 and v. i. 122.
Note IX.
V. I. 235. It might possibly be better to print this line as two lines, the first being broken :
' By the way we met My wife...'
But the place is probably corrupt.
Note X.
V. I. 399- The number Thirty-three has been altered by editors to bring the figures into harmony with other periods named in the play. From I. i. 126, 133 the age of Antipholus has been computed at twenty-three; from I. i. 126 and v. i. 308 we derive twenty-five. The Duke says he has been patron to Antipholus for twenty years, V. I. 325 ; but three or five seems too small an age to assign for the commencement of this patronage. Antipholus saved the Duke's life in the wars ' long since,' v. i. 161, 191. His ' long experience ' of his wife's 'wisdom' and her 'years' are mentioned, ill. i. 89,90. But Shakespeare probably did not compute the result of his own figures with any great care or accuracy.
77 4
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