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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below 


SOUTHERN  BRANCH; 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA, 

LIBRARY, 

LOS  ANGELES,  CALIF. 


THE 


PLAYS 


O    F 


WILLIAM   SHAKSPEARE, 


1  VOL.  VII. 


THE 

PLAYS 

O    F 

WILLIAM     SHAKSPEARE. 

VOLUME  the   SEVENTH. 

CONTAINING 

KING   RICHARD  III. 
KING    HENRY  VIII. 
CORIOLANUS. 

LONDON, 

Printed  for  C.  Bathurft,  W.  Strahan,  J.  F.  and  C.  Rivington, 
J.  Hinton,  L.  Davis,  W.  Owen,  T.  Caflon,  E.  Johnfon,  S.  Crowder, 
B.  White,  T.  Longman,  B.  Law,  E.  and  C.  Dilly,  G.  Corbett, 
T.  Cadell,  H.  L.  Gardener,  J.  Nichols,  J.  Bew,  J.  Beecroft, 
W.  Stuart,  T.  Lowndes,  J.  Rcbfon,  T.  Payne,  T.  Becket, 
F.  Newbery,  G.  Robinfon,  R.  Baldwin,  J.  Williams,  J.  Ridley, 
T.  Evans,  W.  Davies,  W.  Fox,  and  J.  Murray, 

MDCCLXXVI1I. 


30324 


RICHARD    III. 


VOL.  VII. 


B 


Perfons   Reprefented. 

King  Edward  IV. 

Edward,  Prince  of  Wales,  after-  ") 

wards  Edward  V.  \Sons  to  Edward  -IV. 

Richard,  Duke  of  York,  J 

George,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Brother  to  Edward  IV. 
A  young  Son  of  Clarence. 
Richard,    Duke  of  Gloftcr,  Brother  to  Edward  IV. 

afterwards  King  Richard  III. 
Cardinal  Bourchier,  Arcbbijbop  of  Canterbury. 
ArcWijkop  of  York. 
Bijkop  of  Ely. 
Duke  of  Buckingham. 
Duke  of  Norfolk.     Earl  of  Surrey. 
Earl  Rivers,  brother  to  K.  Edwards'j  Queen. 
Marquis  of  Dorfet,  1  7      r 
jWGrc'jr.  W^K 

Earl  of  Richmond,  afterwards  King  Henry  VII. 
Lord  Haftings. 
Sir  Thomas  Vaughan. 
Sir  Richard  Ratcliff. 


Sir  William  Catefby. 

Sir  James  Tyrrel. 

Lord  Stanley. 

Earl  of  Oxford. 

Sir  James  Blount. 

Sir  Walter  Herbert. 

Sir  Robert  Brakenbury,  Lieutenant  of  the  Tower. 

Chriftopher  Urfwick,  a  Prieft.     Another  Prieft. 

Lord  Mayor. 

Elizabeth,  Queen  of  Edward  IV. 

Queen  Margaret,  Widotvo  of  Henry  VI. 

Anne,  Widow  of  Ed  ward  Prince  of  Wales,  Son  to  Hen- 

ry VI.  afterwards  married  to  the  Duke  of  Glofter. 
Dutchefs  of  York,  Mother  to  Edward  IV.  Clarence 

and  Richard  III. 

Sheriff,  Purfuivant,  Scrivener,  Citizens,  Ghofts,  Soldiers, 
and  other  Attendants. 


'LIFE     and     DEATH. 

O  F 

KING  RICHARD  III. 

• — — .      ,  — ••- 

ACT      I.       SCENE     I. 

England. 

London.     A  Street. 
Enter  Richard  Duke  of  Glojler. 

Glo.  Now  is  the  winter  of  our  difcontent 
Made  glorious  fummer  by  this  fun  of  York  •*••; 

And 

1  Life  and  Death  of  King  Richard  III.]  This  tragedy, 
though  it  13  called  the  Life  and  Death  of  this  prince,  comprizes, 
at  moft,  but  the  laft  eight  years  of  his  time ;  for  it  opens  with 
George  duke  of  Clarence  being  clapped  up  in  the  Tower,  which 
happened  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  14.77  5  a"d  clofes  with  the 
death  of  Richard  at  Bofworth  field,  which  battle  was  fought  on 
the  22d  of  Auguft,  in  the  year  1485.  THEOBALD. 

It  appears  that  feveral  dramas  on  the  prefent  fubjeft  had  been 
written  before  Shakefpeare  attempted  it.  See  the  notes  at  the 
conclufion  of  this  play,  which  was  firft  enter'd  at  Stationers'  Hall  by 
Andrew  Wife,  Oft.  20,  1597,  under  the  title  of  The  Tragedie  of 
King  Richard  the  Third)  with  the  Death  of  the  Duke  of  Clarence. 
Before  this,  viz.  Aug.  i;th,  1586,  was  entered,  A  Tragical  re- 
port of  King  Richard  the  Third,  a  Ballad.  It  may  be  necefTary 
to  remark  that  the  words,  fong,  ballad,  book,  enterlude  and  playy 
were  often  fynonymoufly  ufed.  STEEVENS. 

*•  'this  fun  of  Tork  ;]  Alluding  to  the  cognizance  of  Ed- 

ward IV.  which  was  a  fun,  in  memory  of  the  three  funs,  which 
are  faid  to  have  appeared  at  the  battle  which  he  gained  over  the 
Lancastrians  at  Mortimer's  Crofs. 

B  *  So, 


4        KING    RICHARD     fl'L. 

And  ail  the  clouds,  that  lowr'd  upon  our  houfe> 
In  the  deep  bofom  of  the  ocean  bury'd. 
Now  are  our  brows  bound  with  victorious  wreaths  £ 
Our  bruifed  arms  hungup  for  monuments ; 
Our  Item  alarums  chang'd  to  merry  meetings  J, 
Our  dreadful  marches  to  delightful  meafures. 
Grim-vifag'd  war  hath  fmooth'd  his  wrinkled  front ;• 
And  now, — inftead  of  mounting  barbed  fleeds  4, 

To 

So,  in  Di'ayton's  Miferies  of  £htcen  Sfargarrt : 

**  Threeyft/M  were  feen  that  inliant  to  appear, 

"  Which  loon  again  fluu  themielves  up  in  one, 

*'  Ready  to  buckle  as  the  armies  were, 

**  Which  this  brave  duke  took  to  himfelf  alone  &c." 
Again,  in  the  2id  Song  of  the  Polyollion: 

"  And  thankful  to  high  heaven  which  of  his  caufe  had1 
care, 

"  Three  funs  for  his  device  ftill  in  his  enfign  bare." 
Again,  in  the  Wrighte's  Play  in  the Chefter  Collection.  M.  S.  Harl. 
1013,  the  fame  prodigy  is  introduced  as  attending  on  a  more  fo- 
lenm  event : 

**  That  day  was  feene  veramente 

"  Three  fonnes  in  the  firmament, 

*'  And  wonderly  together  went 

tv  And  torned  into  one."    STEEVENS. 

3  »          merry  meetings,]  bo,  in  The  tragical  Life  and  Death  of 
King  Richard  the  Third)  which  is  one  of  the  metrical  monologues 
in  a  collection  entitled,  The  Mir r our  of  Magijt rates.     The  nut 
edition  ot  it  appeared  in  1587,  but  the  lines  quoted  on  the  pre- 
fent  as  well  as  future  occaftons  throughout  this  play,  are  not  found 
in  any  copy  before  that  of  16 10,  fo  that  the  author  was  more  pro* 
bably  indebted  to  Shakefpeare  than  Shakefpearc  to  him  : 

the  bat  tie  if  ought  infield*  before 

Were  turrfd  to  meetings  of  fvjeet  auntie  ; 

The  ivar-goJ's  tbundnng  cannons  dreadful  rore^ 
And  rattling  drum-founds*  warlike  hannonie^  • 
Tofweet-tnndnoife  of  pleajlng  ninjlrelfie. 

God  Man  laid  by  his  launce,  and  tookt  his  luie, 
And  turned  his  1  'iiggcti  frow?;ts  toftniiin?  lookes  ; 

Injliadof  eriMjan  fields,  wrs  fatal  fruit, 
He  bath'd  his  iimles  in  Cypris  <warlling  broolu, 
And  fet  his  thoughts  upon  her  wanton  lookcs.     STFEVENS, 

4  barbed  ft  eeds,]  I.  Haywarde,  in  his  L  :f*  a  nd  Raigne  of 

IV.   |  599,  fays,— The  duke  of  Hereford  came  to  the  barriers, 

n  a  white C9urftrt  barbed  with  blew  and  green  velvet,  &c. 


KING     RICHARD    111.        5 

To  fright  the  fouls  of  fearful  adverfaries,—  - 

5  He  capers  nimbly  in  a  lady's  chamber, 

To  the  lafcivious  pleating  of  a  lute. 

But  I,  —  that  am  not  lhapi'd  for  fportive  tricks, 

Nor  made  to  court  an  amorous  looking-glafs  ; 

I,  that  am   rudely  ftamp'd,    and  want  love's  ma- 

jefty, 

To  ftrut  before  a  wanton  ambling  nymph  ,; 
I,  that  am  curtail'd  of  this  fair  proportion, 

:So,  in  far  vis  Maikham's  E>igl:Jb  Arcadia,   1607  : 

"  -  armed  in  a  black  armour,  curioufly  damafk'd  with  in- 
teminding  wreaths  of  cyprefs  and  ewe,  his  larbe  upon  his  horfe, 
all  or"  black  abrofetta,  cut  in  broken  heopcs  upon  curled  cyprefs." 
.Again,  in  the  zd  Part  or"  K.EJwardlV.  by  Hey  wood,  1626  :  . 
k'  \\:ith  larked  horfe,  and  valiant  armed  foot." 


,  however,  may  be  no  more  than  a  corruption  of  larded. 
•Equus  bardatuS)  in  the  Latin  of  the  middle  ages,  was  a  horfe 
-.adorned  with  military  trappings.  I  have  met  with  the  word 
larded  many  times  in  our  ancient  chronicles  and  romances.  An 
inflance  or  t\vo  may  fuilice.  **  They  mounted  him  furely  upon 
a  good  and  mighty  courfer,  well  barded,  &c." 

liift.  of  Helyas  Knight  of  the  Swanne^  bl.  1.  no  date. 
Again,  in  HalFsChronide,  King  Hairy  VIII.  p.  4.^: 

"  —  appereilled  in  ryche  armure,  on  a  bardt'd  courfer  &c." 
Again,  in  the  Miracles  of  j\fof?s,  by  Drayton  : 

"  There  floats  the  bard  iteed  with  his  rider  drown  'd, 

"  Whofe  foot  in  his  caparifon  is  caft." 
Again,   in  Warner's  Albion  s  England^  B.  VIII.  chap.  38  : 

"  For  whether  that  be  trots,  or  turns,  or  bounds  his 

barded  fteed." 
Again,  in  Barrett's  Aivcarle^  or  f^uadrnplr  Dictionary  ,  1^80: 

*'  Bardts  or  trappers  of  horfes.     Phalerce,  Lat." 
Again,  Holinfl.eJ  fpeaking  of  the  preparations  for  the  battle  of 
Agincourt:    *'  -  -  to  the  intenc  that  if  the  barded  horfes  ran 
fiercely  upon  them,  &c  "     Again,  p.  802,  he  fays,  that  bards  and 
trappers  had  the  fame  meaning. 

It  is  obferved  in  the  Turkijh  Spy^  that  the  German  cuiraffiers, 
though  armed  and  barbed^  man  and  horfe,  were  not  able  to  ftand 
againit  the  French  .cavalry.  STEHVENS. 

5  He  capers  -  ]  War  capers.  This  is  poetical,  though  a 
little  harfh  ;  if  it  be  York  that  capers,  the  antecedent  is  at  fuch 
a  diibnce,  that  it  is  ulmuil  forgotten,  JOHNSON. 

B  i  Cheat- 


6        KING    RICHARD     III. 

6  Cheated  of  feature  by  diflembling  nature, 
Deform'd,  unfinifti'd/fent  before  my  time 
Into  this  breathing  world,  fcarce  half  made  up, 
And  that  fo  lamely  and  unfaftiionably, 
That  dogs  bark  at  me,  as  I  halt  by  them  ;— 
Why  I,  in  this  weak  piping  time  of  peace. 
Have  no  delight  to  pafs  away  the  time  ; 
Unlefs  to  fpy  my  fhadow  in  the  fun, 
And  defcant  on  mine  own  deformity  7 : 
And  therefore, — iince  I  cannot  prove  a  lover  *, 
To  entertain  thefe  fairwell-fpoken  days, — 
I  am  determined  to  prove  a  villain, 
And  9  hate  the  idle  pleafures  of  thefe  days. 
Plots  have  I  laid,  '  irfdu&ions  dangerous, 
By  drunken  prophefies,  libels,  and  dreams, 
To  fet  my  brother  Clarence,  and  the  king, 
In  deadly  hate  the  one  againft  the  other  : 

'  *  Cheated  of  feature  ly  diflembling  nature,]  By  diffcmlllng  is  not 
meant  hypocritical  nature,  that  pretends  one  thing  and  does  an- 
other :  but  nature  that  puts  together  things  of  a  diflknilar  kind, 
as  a  brave  foul  and  a  deformed  body.  WAR  EUR  TON. 

JDiJJeml'ling  is  here  put  very  licentioufly  iorfraudful,  deceitful: 

JOHNSON. 

7  And  defcant  on  mine  own  deformity:'}  Defcant  is  a  term  in 
Tnufic,  fignifying  in  general  that  kind  of  harmony  wherein  one 
part  is  broken  and  formed  into  a  kind  of  paraphrafe  on  the  other. 
The  propriety  and  elegance  of  the  above  figure,  without  fuch  an 
idea  of  the  nature  of  defcant^  could  not  be  difcerned. 

Sir  J.  HAWKINS. 

8  And  therefore,  Jince  I  cannot  prove  a  lover,']  Shakefpeare  very 
diligently  inculcates,  that  the  wickednefs  of  Richard  proceeded 
from  his  deformity,  from  the  envy  that  rofe  at  the  comparifon  of 
his  own  perfon  with  others,  and  which  incited  him  to  difturb  the 
pleafures  that  he  could  not  partake.     JOHNSON. 

9  And hate  the  idle  pleafures — ]  Perhaps  we  might  read  : 

Andbztt  the  idle  pleafures —     JOHNSON. 

i'ldu ftions  dangerous,  ]  Preparations   for  mifchief.     The 

jnetufiion  is  preparatory  to  the  action  of  the  play.     JOHNSON. 

Marfton  hus  put  this  line,  with  little  variation,  into  the  mouth 
of  Fame  : 

"  Plots  ha'  you  laid  ?  inductions  dangerous  ?" 

STEEVENS. 

An4 


KING    RICHARD    III.         7 

And,  if  king1  Edward  be  as  true  and  jufl, 
As  I  am  fubtle,  falfe,  and  treacherous, 
This  day  fhould  Clarence  clofely  be  mew'd  up  ; 
About  a  prophefy,  which  fays — that  G 
Of  lidward's  heirs  the  murderer  fhall  be. 
Dive,  thoughts,    down  to  my  foul  !  here  Clarence 
comes. 

Enter  Clarence  guarded,  and  Brakenbury. 

Brother,  good  day  :  What  means  this  armed  guard, 
That  waits  upon  your  grace  ? 

Clar.  His  majeity, 

Tendering  my  perfon's  fafety,  hath  appointed 
This  conduct  to  convey  me  to  the  Tower. 

Glo.  Upon  what  caufe  ? 

Cla.  Becaufe  my  name  is — George. 

Glo.  Alack,  my  lord,  that  fault  is  none  of  yours; 

He  fhould,  for  that,  commit  your  godfathers  : 

O,  belike,  his  majefty  hath  fome  intent, 

That  you  fliould  be  new  chriften'd  in  the  Tower. 

But  what's  the  matter,  Clarence  ?  may  I  know  ? 

Clar.  Yea,  Richard,  when  I  know  ;  for,  I  proteft, 
As  yet  I  do  not :  But,  as  I  can  learn, 
He  hearkens  after  prophefies,  and  dreams  ; 
And  from  the  crofs-row  plucks  the  letter  G, 
And  fays — a  wizard  told  him,  that  by  G 
His  iffue  difinherited  fhculd  be  ; 
And,  for  my  name  of  George  begins  with  G  J, 
It  follows  in  his  thought,  that  I  am  he  : 

z  — —Edward  be  as  true  and  juft,]  i.e.  as  open-hearted  and 
free  from  deceit.     WARBURTON. 
The  meaning  is  only  this ;  if  Edward  keeps  his  word. 

JOHNSON. 

3  And,  for  my  name  of  George  begins  with  G,  &c.]  Sp,  in  Ni- 
cols's  Tragical  Life  and  Death  of  Richard  III  : 
"  By  that  blind  riddle  of  the  letter  G, 
"  George  loll  his  life  ;  it  took  effeft  in  me."    STEEVENS. 

B  4  Thefe, 


8       KING    RICHARD    III, 

Thefe,  as  I  learn,  and  fuch  like  toys  as  thefe  *, 
Have  mov'd  his  highnefs  to  commit  me  now. 

Glo.  Why,   this  it   is,    when  men  are    rul'd  by 

women  :— 

JTis  not  the  king,  that  fends  you  to  the  Tower  ; 
My  lady  Grey  his  wife,  Clarence,  'tis  flie, 
That  tempts  him  to  this  harfli  extremity, 
\Vas  it  not  fhe,  and  that  good  man  of  worlhip, 
Anthony  Woodeville,  her  brother  there, 
That  made  him  fend  lord  Haftings  to  the  Tower; 
From  whence  this  prefent  day  he  is  deliver'd  ? 
We  are  not  fafe,  Clarence,  we  are  not  fafe, 

Clar.  By  heaven,  I  think,  there  is  no  man  fecure, 
But  the  queen's  kindred,  and  night-walking  heralds 
That  trudge  betwixt  the  king  and  miftrefs  Shore. 
Heard  you  not,  what  an  humble  fuppliant 
Lord  Haflings  was  to  her  for  his  delivery  ? 

Glo.  s  Humbly  complaining  to  her  deity 
Got  my  lord  chamberlain  his  liberty. 
I'll  tell  you  what,  —  I  think,  it  is  our  way, 
Jf  we  will  keep  in  favour  with  the  king, 
To  be  her  men,  and  wear  her  livery  : 
6  The  jealous  o'er-worn  widow,  and  herfelf, 
Since  that  our  brother  dubb'd  them  gentlewomen^ 
Are  mighty  goffips  in  this  monarchy. 

Erak.  I  befeech  your  graces  both  to  pardon  me  ; 
His  majefty  hath  ftraitly  given  in  charge, 
That  no  man  lhall  have  private  conference, 
Of  what  degree  foever,  with  his  brother. 

Glo.  Even  fo  ?  an  pleafe  your  worlhip,  Brakenbury, 
You  may  partake  of  any  thing  we  fay  ; 
We  fpeak  no  treafon,  man  ;-—  We  fay,  the  king 
Is  wife,  and  virtuous  ;  and  his  noble  queen 


*  ^~^°ys~^  Fancles»  freaks  of  imagination.     JOHNSON. 

Humbly  complaining  &c.]    I  think  thefe  two  lines  might  be 
better  given  to  Clarence.     JOHNSON. 

6  ne  jealous  o'er-worn  w/Vfcw,  and  btrfelf^  ThaKs.  the  queen 
and  Shore.    JOHNSON. 

Well 


KING    RICHARD    III.        9 

Well  ftruck  in  years 7 ;  fair,  and  not  jealous  : — 
We  fay,  that  Shore's  wife  hath  a  pretty  foot, 
A  cherry  lip,  a  bonny  eye,  a  pafling  pleafing  tongue ; 
That  the  queen's  kindred  are  made  gentle-folks : 
How  fay  you,  fir  ?  can  you  deny  all  this  ? 

Brak.  With  this,  my  lord,  myfelf  have  nought 

to  do. 
Gk.  Naught  to  do  with  miftrefs  Shore  ?  I  tell  thee, 

fellow, 

He  that  doth  naught  with  her,  excepting  one, 
Were  beft  to  do  it  fecretly,  alone. 
Brak.  What  one,  my  lord  ? 
Gk.  Her  hufband,  knave  : — Would'ft  thou  betray 

me  ? 
Brak*  I  befeech  your  grace  to  pardon  me ;    and, 

withal, 
Forbear  your  conference  with  the  noble  duke. 

Gar.  We  know  thy  charge,  Brakenbury,  and  will 

obey. 

Glo.  We  are  the  8  queen's  abjedls,  and  muft  obey. 
Brother,  farewel  :  I  will  unto  the  king  ; 
And  whatfoe'er  you  will  employ  me  in, — 
Were  it,  to  call  king  Edward's  widow — fifler  9, — 

I  will 

7  #V/ftruck  In  years ;]  This  odd  expreilion  in  our  language 
was  preceded  by  one  as  uncouth  though  of  a  fimilar  kind. 

«*  Well  ft\o\.  in  years  he  feentd  &c.]  Spenfer's  F<  Queen,  B.  V. 
c.  vi :  The  meaning  of  neither  is  very  obvious ;  but  as  Mr.  War- 
ton  has  obferved  in  his  EfTay  on  the  Faery  £>t!ecn,  by  an  imper- 
ceptible progreffion  from  one  kindred  fenfe  to  another,  words  at 
length  obtain  a  meaning  entirely  foreign  to  their  original  etymo- 
logy. STEEVENS. 

8  • the  queen's  aljefls ]  That  is,  not   the  queen's 

fuljefls,  whom  fhe  might  proteft,  but  her  abjefts,  whom  (he  drives 

away.     JOHNSON. 

9  Were  it  to  call  king  E(hjard'sivido°v— jifter,~]  This   is  a  very 
covert  and  fubtle  manner  of  iufmuating  treaibn.     The  natural 
exprelfion  would  have  been,  <-Mcrc  //  to  call  .kixg  Edward's  wife, 

jifter.  I  will  folicit  for  you,  though  it  fliould  be  at  the  expence 
of  ib  much  degradation  and  conilraint,  us  to  own  the  low-born 
wife  of  King  lidvyard  for  a  fitter.  But  by  Hipping,  as  it  were 

cafually, 


io       KING    RICHARD    III. 

I  will  perform  it,  to  enfranchife  you. 

Mean  time,  this  deep  difgrace  in  brotherhood, 

Touches  me  deeper  than  you  can  imagine.  ,-,,  .* 

Clar.  I  know,  it  pleafeth  neither  of  us  well. 

Clo.  Well,  your  imprifonment  fhall  not  be  long ; 
I  will  deliver  you,  or  elfe  lye  for  you  : 
Mean  time,  have  patience. 

Clar.  I  mud  perforce  ' ;  farewel. 

[Exeunt  Clarence  and  Rrakeiibury. 

Glo.  Go,  tread  the  path  that  thou  lhalt  ne'er  return, 
Simple,  plain  Clarence  ! — I  do  love  thee  fo, 
That  I  will  ftiortly  fend  thy  foul  to  heaven, 
If  heaven  will  take  the  prefent  at  our  hands. 
But  who  comes  here  ?  the  new-deliver'd  Haftings  ? 

Enter  Haftings. 

Haft.  Good  time  of  day  unto  my  gracious  lord 

Glo.  As  much  unto  my  good  lord  chamberlain  ! 
Well  are  you  welcome  to  this  open  air. 
How  hath  your  lordfhip  brook'd  imprifonment  ? 

Haft.  With  patience,  noble  lord,  as  prifoners  mud  : 
But  I  fliall  live,  my  lord,  to  give  them  thanks, 
That  were  the  caufe  of  my  imprifonment. 

Glo.  No  doubt,  no  doubt ;  and  fo  fliall  Clarence 

too ; 

For  they,  that  were  your  enemies,  are  his, 
And  have  prevail'd  as  much  on  him,  as  you. 

Hajl.  More  pity,  that  the  eagle  Ihould  be  mew'd  % 

While 

cafually,  ciuV&w,  into  the  place  of  wife,  he  tempts  Clarence 
with  an  oblique  propofal  to  kill  the  king.  JOHNSON. 

King  Edward's  widow  is,  I  believe,  only  an  expreffion  of  con- 
tempt, meaning  the  widow  Grey,  whom  Edward  had  chofen  for 
his  queen.  Glofter  has  already  called  her,  the  jealous  overworn 
iviiiew.  STEEVENS. 

'  I  muft  perforce.]  Alluding  to  the  proverb,  " Patience  per- 
force is  a  medicine  tor  a  mad  dog."  STEEVENS. 

*  Jhouldbc  mew'd,]  A  7««u  was  the  place  of  confinement 

where  a  hawk  was  kept  till  he  had  moulted.  So,  in  Albumazar  : 

"  Stand 


KING    RICHARD     III.        u 

While  kites  and  buzzards  prey  at  liberty. 

Glo.  What  news  abroad  ? 

Haft.  No  news  fo  bad  abroad,  as  this  at  home  ;— 
The  king  is  fickly,  weak,  and  melancholy, 
And  his  phyficians  fear  him  mightily. 

Glo.  Now,  by  faint  Paul 3,  that  news  is  bad  indeed. 
O,  he  hath  kept  an  evil  diet  long, 
And  over-much  confum'd  his  royal  perfon  ; 
'Tis  very  grievous  to  be  thought  upon. 
What,  is  he  in  his  bed  ? 

Haft.  He  is. 

Glo.  Go  you  before,  and  I  will  follow  you. 

[Exit  Haftings. 

He  cannot  live,  I  hope  ;  and  muft  not  die, 
'Till  George  be  pack'd  with  poft-horfe  up  to  heaven. 
I'll  in,  to  urge  his  hatred  more  to  Clarence, 
With  lies  well  fteel'd  with  weighty  arguments; 
And,  if  I  fail  not  in  my  deep  intent, 
Clarence  hath  not  another  day  to  live  : 
Which  done,  God  take  king  Edward  to  his  mercy, 
And  leave  the  world  for  me  to  buftle  in ! 
For  then  I'll  marry  Warwick's  youngeft  daughter  : 
WThat  though  I  kill'd  her  hufband,  and  her  father  ? 
The  readied  way  to  make  the  wench  amends, 
Is—to  become  her  hufband,   and  her  father : 
The  which  will  I ;  not  all  fo  much  for  love, 
As  for  another  fecret  clofe  intent, 
By  marrying  her,  which  I  muft  reach  unto. 
But  yet  I  run  before  my  horfe  to  market : 
Clarence  flill  breathes ;  Edward  ftill  lives,  and  reigns; 
When  they  are  gone,  then  muft  I  count  my  gains. 

[Exit. 

"  Stand  forth,  transform'd  Antonio,  fully  mevfd 
"  From  brown  foar  feathers  of  dull  yeomanry, 
"  To  the  glorious  bloom  of  gentry."    STEEVENS, 
]  The  " 


*  Now,  ly  faint  Paul, ]  The  folio  reads  : 

AW,  ly  faint  John,  —    STEEVENS. 


SCENE 


it       KING    RICHARD    HI. 

SCENE     II. 

Another  Street. 

Enter  tie  corfe  of  Henry  the  fixth,   with  halberds  t9 
guard  it ;  Lady  Awe  being  the  mourner. 

Ame.  Set  down,  fet  down  your  honourable  load, — 
If  honour  may  be  fhrouded  in  a  hearfe, — 
Whilft  I  a  while  obfequjoufly  lament  * 
The  untimely  fall  of  virtuous  Lancafter. — 
Poor  key-cold  figure 5  of  a  holy  king  J 
Pale  afhes  of  the  houfe  of  Lancafter  ! 
Thou  bloodlefs  remnant  of  that  royal  blood  ! 
Be  it  lawful  that  I  jnvocate  thy  ghoft, 
To  hear  the  lamentations  pf  poor  Anne, 
Wife  to  thy  Edward,  to  thy  flaughter'd  fon, 
Stabb'd    by  the   felf-fame  hand    that    made   thcfe 

wounds  ! 

Lo,  in  thefe  windows,  that  let  forth  thy  life, 
I  pour  the  helplefs  balm  of  my  poor  eyes  : — 
O,  curfed  be  the  hand,  that  made  thefe  holes  ! 
Curfed  the  heart,  that  had  the  heart  to  doit ! 
Curfed  the  blood,  that  let  this  blood  from  hence  J 
More  direful  hap  betide  that  hated  wretch, 
That  makes  us  wretched  by  the  death  of  thee, 
Than  I  can  wifti  to  adders,  fpiders,  toads, 

*  obfequioufly  lament'}  Ol>fcquioust  in  this  inftance,  means 

fuweaL     So,  in  Hamlet,  a<5t  I.   fc.  ii  : 

'*.  To  do  obfec]uiousyj>rr/>w."     STEEVENS. 

s  key -cold]  A  key,  on  account  of  the  coldnefs  of  the 

metal  of  which  it  is  compoled,  was  anciently  employed  to  flop 
any  llight  bleeding.  The  epithet  is  common  to  many  old  writers ; 
among  the^reft,  it  is  ufed  by  Decker  in  his  Satiramafrix  : 

*'  — It  is  heft  you  hide  your  head,  for  fear  your  wife  brain* 
take  key-cold" 
Again,  in  the  Country  G/r/,  by  T.  B.  1647  : 

"  The  key-cold  figure  of  a  man."    STEEVENS. 

Or 


KING    RICHARD    III.      13 

Or  any  creeping  venom'd  thing  that  lives  I 

If  ever  he  have  child,  abortive  be  it, 

Prodigious,  and  untimely  brought  to  light, 

Whole  ugly  and  unnatural  afpedt 

May  fright  the  hopeful  mother  at  the  view  3 

And  that  be  heh\to  his  unhappinefs  ! 

If  ever  he  have  wife,  let  her  be  made 

More  miferable  by  the  death  of  him, 

Than  I  am  made  by  my  young  lord,  and  thee  !— * 

Come,  now,  toward  Chertfey  with,  your  holy  load, 

Taken  from  Paul's  to  be  interred  there  ; 

And,  ftill  as  you  are  weary  of  the  weight, 

Reft  you,  whiles  I  lament  king  Henry's  corfe. 

Enter  Glo/ler* 

Glo.  Stay  you,  that  bear  the  corfe,  and  fet  it  down. 

Anne*  What  black  magician  conjures  up  this  fiend, 
To  flop  devoted  charitable  deeds  ? 

Glo.  Villains,  fet  down  the  corfe ;  ory  by  faint  Paul, 
I'll  make  a  corfe  of  him  that  difobeys  J. 

Gen.  My  lord,  ftand  back,  and  let  the  coffin  pafs* 

Glo.  Unmanner'd  dog  f  ftand  thou  when-  I  com- 
mand ; 

Advance  thy  halberd  higher  than  my  breaft, 
Or,  by  faint  Paul,  I'll  ftrike  thee  to  my  foot, 
And  fpurn  upon  thee,  beggar,  for  thy  boldnefs. 

Anne.  What,  do  you  tremble  ?  are  you  all  afraid  ? 
Alas,  I  blame  you  not ;  for  you  are  mortal, 
And  mortal  eyes  cannot  endure  the  devil.— 
A  vaunt,  thou  dreadful  minifter  of  hell ! 
Thou  had'Jft  but  power  over  his  mortal  body, 
His  foul  thou  canft  not  have  ;  therefore,  be  gone. 

Glo.  Sweet  faint,  for  charity,  be  not  fo  curll. 

Anne.  Foul  devil,    for  God's    fake,    hence,    and 
trouble  us  not ; 

5  III  make  a  corfe  of  him  that  Jifoleys.']  So,  in  Hamlet  I 
44  /'//  make  a  ghojl  of  him  that  lets  me ."    JOHNSO.Y. 

For 


i4       KING    RICHARD    III. 

For  thou  haft  made  the  happy  earth  thy  hell, 

Fill'd  it  with  curfing  cries,  and  deep  exclaims, 

If  thou  delight  to  view  thy  heinous  deeds, 

Behold  this  pattern  of  thy  butcheries  : — 6 

Oh,  gentlemen,  fee,  fee  !  dead  Henry's  wounds 

Open  their  congeal'd  mouths,  and  bleed  afrefti !— -7 

Blufh,  bluih,  thou  lump  of  foul  deformity ; 

For  'tis  thy  prefence  that  exhales  this  blood 

From  cold  and  empty  veins,  where  no  blood  dwells ; 

Thy  deed,  inhuman,  and  unnatural, 

Provokes  this  deluge  moft  unnatural. 

6  ——pattern  of  thy  butcheries  :~\  Pattern  is  injlance,  or  example. 

JOHNSON. 

Holinfhed  fays  :  "  The  dead  corps  on  the  Afceniion  even  was 
conveied  with  billes  and  glaives  pompouflie  (if  you  will  call  that 
a  funerall  pompe)  from  the  Tower  to  the  church  of  faint  Paule, 
and  there  laid  on  a  beire  or  coffen  bare-faced  ;  the  fame  in  the 
prefence  of  the  beholders  did  bleed  ;  where  it  relied  the  fpace  of 
one  whole  daie.  From  thenfe  he  was  carried  to  the  Biack-fricrs, 
and  bled  there  likewife  ;  &c."  STEEVENS. 

7   fee,  dead  Henry9 3  -wounds, 

Optn  their  congeal* d  mouths,  and  bleed  afrejli  ! — ] 
It  is  a  tradition  very  generally  received,  that  the  murdered  body 
bleeds  on  the  touch  of  the  murderer.     This  was  fo  much  be- 
lieved by  fir  Kenelm  Digby  that  he  has  endeavoured  to  explain 
the  rcafon.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  Arden  of  Fever/ham,   1592  : 

The  more  I  found  his  name,  the  more  he  bleeds  : 
4  This  blood  condemns  me,  and  in  gufliing  forth 
"  Speaks  as  it  falls,  and  afks  me  why  I  did  it." 
Again,  in  the  Widow's  Tears,  by  Chapman,   1612  : 

"  The  captain  will  aflay  an  old  conclufion  often  approved  ; 
that  at  the  murderer's  fight  the  blood  revives  again  and  boils 
afreih  ;  and  every  wound  has  a  condemning  voice  to  cry  out  guilty 
againft  the  murderer." 

Again,  in  the  46th  Idea  of  Dray  ton  : 

41  If  the  vile  afters  of  the  heinous  deed, 
*  Near  the  dead  body  happily  be  brought, 
"  Oft  t'hath  been  prov'd  the  breathlefs  corps  will  Meed." 
Mr.  Toilet  obferves  that  this  opinion  feems  to  be  derived  from 
the  ancient  Swedes,  or  Northern  nations  from  whom  we  defcend  ; 
for  they  pratfifed  this  method  of  trial  in  dubious  cafes,  as  ap- 
pears from  Pitt's  Atlasy  in  Sweden,  p.  20,    STEEVENS. 

O  God ! 


KING    RICHARD     III.       15 

O  God,  which  this  blood  mad'ft,  revenge  his  death ! 
O  earth,  which  this  blood  drink'ft,  revenge  his  death  ! 
Either,  heaven,  with  lightning  ftrike  the  murderer 

dead, 

Or,  earth,  gape  open  wide,  and  eat  him  quick  ; 
.As  thou  doit  fwallow  up  this  good  king's  blood, 
Which  his  hell-govern'd  arm  hath  butchered  ! 

Glo.  Lady,  you  know  no  rules  of  chanty, 
Which  renders  good  for  bad,  bleffings  for  curfes. 

Anne.  Villain,  thou  know'ft  no  law  of  God  nor 

man  ; 
No  beaft  fo  fierce,  but  knows  fome  touch  of  pity. 

Glo.  But  I  know  none,  and  therefore  am  no  beaft. 

Anne.  O  wonderful,  when  devils  tell  the  truth  ! 

Glo.  More  wonderful,  when  angels  are  fo  angry. — 
Vouch fafe,  divine  perfection  of  a  woman, 
-Of  thefe  fuppofed  evils,  to  give  me  leave, 
By  circumftance,  but  to  acquit  myfelf. 

Anne.  8  Vouchfafe,  diffus'd  infection  of  a  man, 
For  thefe  known  evils,  but  to  give  me  leave, 
By  circumftance,  to  curfe  thy  curfed  felf. 

Glo.  Fairer  than  tongue  can  name  thee,  let  me  have 
Some  patient  leifure  to  excufe  rnyfelf. 

Anne.  Fouler  than  heart  can  think  thee,,  thou  canft 

make 
No  excufe  current,  but  to  hang  thyfelf. 

Glo.  By  fuch  defpair,  I  Ihould  accufe  myfelf. 

8  Vouchfafe,  diffus'd  infe Rion  of  a  ;//««,]  I  believe,  dijfufd'm 
this  place  fignifies  irregular,  uncouth  ;  fuch  is  its  meaning  in  other 
paflages  of  Shakefpeare.  JOHNSON. 

Diffiis'd  infeflion  of  a  man  may  mean,  thou  that  art  as  danger- 
ous as  a  peililence,  that  infecls  the  air  by  its  diffufion.  Diffufd 
may,  however,  mean  irregular.  So,  in  'The  Merry  Wives ^  &c, 

"  rufti  at  once 

"  With  fome  dlffufed  fong.J' 
Again,  in  Green's  Farewell  to  Follie,  1617  : 

"  I  have  feen  an  Englifh  gentleman  {odefufed  in  his  futes ;  his 
doublet  being  for  the  wears  of  Caftile,  his  hole  for  Venice,  &c.'-* 

STEEVENS. 

Anne. 


16       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Anne.  And,  by  defpairing,  malt  thou  fland  excus'd 
For  doing  worthy  vengeance  on  thyfelf, 
That  didfl  unworthy  Daughter  upon  others. 

Glo.  Say,  that  I  flew  them  not  ? 

Anne.  Then  fay,  they  were  not  flam  : 
But  dead  they  are,  and,  devilifh  flave,  by  thee. 

Glo.  I  did  not  kill  your  hufband. 

Anne.  Why,  then  he  is  alive* 

Glo.  Nay,  he  is  dead ;  and  flain  by  Edward's  hand. 

Anne*  In  thy  foul  throat  thou  ly'fl ;  queen  Mar- 

garet  faw 

Thy  murderous  faulchion  fmcking  in  his  blood  ; 
The  which  thou  once  didfl  bend  againfl  her  breafl, 
But  that  thy  brothers  beat  afide  the  point. 

Glo.  I  was  provoked  by  her  fland'rous  tongue, 
9  That  laid  their  guilt  upon  my  guiltlefs  moulders^ 

Anne.  Thou  waft  provoked  by  thy  bloody  mind, 
That  never  dreamt  on  aught  but  butcheries  : 
Didfl  thou  not  kill  this  king  ? 

Glo.  I  grant  ye. 

Anne.  Dofl  grant  me,  hedge-hog  ?  then,  God  grant 

me  too, 

Thou  may'fl  be  damned  for  that  wicked  deed  ! 
O,  he  was  gentle,  mild,  and  virtuous  '. — 

Glo.  The  fitter  for  the  King  of  heaven  that  hath 
him. 

Anne.  He  is  in  heaven,   where  thou  lhalt  never 
come. 

Glo.  Let  him  thank  me,  that  hoip  to  fend  him 

thither ; 
For  he  was  fitter  for  that  place,  than  earth. 

9  That  laid  their  guilt ]  The  crime  of  my  brothers.     He 

has  juft  charged  the  murder  of  lady  Anne's  hufband  upon  Ed- 
ward.    JOHNSON. 

1  O,  he  ivas  gentle,  mild,  and  'virtuous. 
Glo.  The  Jitter  for  the  king  of  heaven,  &c.] 
So,  in  Pericles  Prince  of  Tyre,   1 609  : 

"  I'll  do't :  but  yet  (he  is  a  goodly  creature. 
"  Dion.  The  fitter  then  the  gods  Ihould  have  her."  STEEVENS. 

Anne, 


KING    RICHARD    III.       17 

Anne.  And  thou  unfit  for  any  place,  but  hell. 

Gh.  Yes,  one  place  elfe,    if  you  will  hear  me 
name  it. 

Anne.  Some  dungeorh 

Glo.  Your  bed-chamber. 

Anne.  Ill  reft  betide  the  chamber  where  thou  lyeft ! 

Glo.  So  will  it,  madam,  'till  I  lie  with  you. 

Anne.  I  hope  fo. 

Glo.  I  know  fo, — But,  gentle  lady  Anne,^— 
To  leave  this  keen  encounter  of  our  wits, 
And  fall  fomewhat  into  a  flower  method5 ;-— 
Is  not  the  caufer  of  the  timelefs  deaths 
Of  thefe  Plantagenets>  Henry,  and  Edward, 
As  blameful  as  the  executioner  ? 

Anne.  6  Thou  waft  the  caufe,  and  moft  accuts'd 
erTed:. 

Gh.  Your  beauty  was  the  caufe  of  that  effedt ; 
Your  beauty,  which  did  haunt  me  in  myileep, 
To  undertake  the  death  of  all  the  world, 
So  I  might  live  one  hour  in  your  fweet  bofom. 

Anne.  If  I  thought  that,  I  tell  thee,  homicide, 

a  a  flower  method', — ]  As  quick  was  ufed  tot  fyrigljtfy  fo 

Jliruier  was  put  forfenous.     In  the  next  fcene  lord  Grey  deiires 
the  queen  to 

——cheer  his  grace  with  quick  and  merry  words. 

STEEVENS. 

3  Thou  waft  the  caufe,  and  moft  accur?  d  effect ;]  Ejfefl,  for  exe- 
cutioner. He  alks,  was  not  the  caufer  as  ill  as  the  executioner  f 
She  anfwers,  Thou  waft  both.  But,  for  caufer,  ufmg  the  word 
<aufe,  this  led  her  to  the  word  tff:&,  for  ex;cution,  or  execrittonefi. 
But  the  Oxford  editor,  troubling  himfelf  with  nothing  of  this, 
will  make  a  fine  oratorical  period  of  it  : 

Thou  *wajl  the  caujc.     And  mojl  accurfd  til*  effefl  / 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

I  cannot  but  be  rather  of  fir  T.  Hanmer's  opinion  than  Dr. 
Warburton's,  becaufe  ejefl  is  ufed  immediately  in  its  common 
fenfe,  in  anfwer  to  this  line.  JOHXSOX. 

I  believe  the  old  reading  is  the  true  one,  So,  in  the  TorliJJiirt 
Trizptt/Vj  1608  : 

«« thou  art  the  caufe, 

"  fffitf,  quality,  property  ;  thou,  thou."     STE£VEVS. 

VOL.  VII.  C  Thefc 


18      KING    RICHARD    M, 

Thefe  nails  fhould  rend  that  beauty  from  my  cheeks. 

Glo.  Thefc  eyes  could  not  endure  that  beauty's 

wreck, 

You  Ihould  not  blemifh  it,  if  I  flood  by  : 
As  all  the  world  is  cheered  by  the  fun, 
So  I  by  that ;  it  is  my  day,  my  life. 

Anne.  Black  night  arer-fliade  thy  day,  and  death 
thy  life  f 

Glo.  Curfe  not  thyfelf,  fair  creature ;  thou  art  both. 

Anne.  I  would  I  were,  to  be  reveng'd  on  thee. 

Glo.  It  is  a  quarrel  molt  unnatural, 
To  be  reveng'd  on  him  that  loveth  thee. 

Anne.  It  is  a  quarrel  juft  and  reafonable, 
To  be  reveng'd  on  him  that  kill'd  my  hufband. 

Glo.  He  that  bereft  thee,  lady,  of  thy  hufband, 
Did  it  to  help  thee  to  a  better  hufband. 

Anne.  His  better  doth  not  breathe  upon  the  earth, 

Glo.  He  lives,  that  loves  you  better  than  he  could, 

Anne.  Name  him. 

Glo.  Plantagenet. 

Anne.  Why,  that  was  he. 

Glo.  The  felf-fame  name,  but  one  of  better  nature^ 

Anne.  Where  is  he  ? 

Glo.  Here  :  [Sbefpits  at  him.~]  WThy  doft  thou  fpit 
at  me  ? 

Anne.  Would  it  were  mortal  poifon,  for  thy  fake  I 

Glo.  Never  came  poifon  from  fo  fweet  a  place. 

Anne.  Never  hung  poifon  on  a  fouler  toad. 
Out  of  my  fight !  thou  doft  infedt  mine  eyes. 

Glo.  Thine  eyes,  fweet  lady,  have  infedted  mine. 

Anne.  'Would  they  were  bafililks,   to  ftrike  thee 
dead! 

Glo.  I  would  they  were,  that  I  might  die  at  once ; 
For  now  they  kill  me  with  a  living  death  *. 

4  dy  %M  ™e  with  a  living  dcatl.~\    In  imitation  of  thi* 

paflage,^and,  I  fuppofe,  of  a  thoufand  more,  Pope  writes : 

— <»  living  death  Ilear^ 
?  Say t  Doff  tn\iitt  and  funk  Itfd*  bis  char."    JOH.VSOK. 

Thofc 


KING    RICHARD    Ilf.       19 

Thofe  eyes  of  thine  from  mine  have  drawn  fait  tears* 
Sham'd  their  afpe&s  with  itore  of  childifli  drops  : 
5  Thefe  eyes,  which  never  ihed  remorfeful  tear,— 
Not,  when  my  father  York  and  Edward  wept, 
To  hear  the  piteous  moan  that  Rutland  made, 
When  black-fac'd  Clifford  fhook  his  fword  at  him  : 
Nor  when  thy  warlike  father,  like  a  child, 
Told  the  fad  ftory  of  my  father's  death  ; 
And  twenty  times  made  paufe,  to  fob,  and  weep, 
That  all  the  flanders-by  had  wet  their  cheeks, 
Like  trees  bedafh'd  with  rain  :  in  that  fad  time, 
My  manly  eyes  did  fcorn  an  humble  tear  ; 
And  what  thefe  forrows  could  not  thence  exhale, 
Thy  beauty  hath,  and  made  them  blind  with  weeping. 
I  never  fu'd  to  friend,  nor  enemy ; 
My  tongue  could  never  learn  fweet  foothing  word  ; 
But  now  thy  beauty  is  proposed  my  fee, 
My  proud  heart  fues,  and  prompts  my  tongue  to  fpeak. 
[She  looks  fcornfully  at  him. 
Teach  not  thy  lip  fuch  fcorn  ;  for  it  was  made 
For  killing,  lady,  not  for  fuch  contempt. 
If  thy  revengeful  heart  cannot  forgive, 
Lo  !  here  I  lend  thee  this  lharp-pointed  fword  ; 
Which  if  thou  pleafe  to  hide  in  this  true  breaft, 
And  let  the  foul  forth  that  adoreth  thee, 
I  lay  it  naked  to  the  deadly  ftroke, 
And  humbly  beg  the  death  upon  my  knee. 

[He  lays  bis  breaft  open,  jhe  offers  at  it  with  his  fword. 
Nay,  do  not  paufe  ;  for  I  did  kill  king  Henry  ; — 
6  But  'twas  thy  beauty  that  provoked  me. 
Nay,  now  difpatch  ;  'twas  I  that  ftabb'd  young  Ed- 
ward ; 

5  T7jefe  eyes,  which  never  &c.]    The  twelve  following  beauti- 
ful lines  added  after  the  firft  editions.     POPE. 

They  were  added  with  many  more.     JOHNSON. 

6  But  'twas  thy  beauty ; — ]   Shakefpeare  countenances 

the  obfervation,  that  no  woman  can  ever  be  offended  with  the 
mention  of  her  beauty.    JOHNSON. 

C  a  But 


20       KING    RICHARD    III. 

But  'twas  thy  heavenly  face  that  fet  me  on. 

[She  lets  fall  the  faoret. 
Take  up  the  fword  again,  or  take  up  me. 

Anne.  Arife,  diflembler  ;  though  I  wifh  thy  death, 
I  will  not  be  thy  executioner. 

Glo.  Then  bid  me  kill  myfelf>  and  I  will  x3o  it. 

Anne.  I  have  already. 

Glo.  That  was  in  thy  rage  : 
Speak  it  again,  and,  even  with  the  word, 
This  hand,  which  for  thy  love,  did  kill  thy  love., 
Shall,  for  thy  love,,  kill  a  far  truer  love  ; 
To  both  their  deaths- lhalt  thou  be  acceffary. 

Anne.  I  would,  I  knew  thy  heart. 

Glo.  'Tis  figur'd  in  my  tongue, 

Anne.  I  fear  me,  both  are  falfe^ 

Glo.  Then  never  man  was  true. 

Anne.  Well,  well,  put  up  your  fword. 

Glo.  Say  then,  my  peace  is  made. 

Anne.  That  fhall  you  know  hereafter. 

Glo.  But  fhall  I  live  in  hope  ? 

Anne.  All  men,  I  hope,  live  fo. 

Glo.  Vouchfafe  to  wear  this  ring. 

[£&*  puts  on  the  ring. 

Anne.  To  take  is  not  to  give. 

Glo.  Look,  how  this  ring  encompafTeth  thy  ringer, 
Even  fo  thy  breafl  enclofeth  my  poor  heart ; 
Wear  both  of  them,  for  both  of  them  are  thine. 
And  if  thy  poor  devoted  fervant  may 
But  beg  one  favour  at  thy  gracious  hand, 
Thou  doll  confirm  his  happinefs  for  ever. 

Anne.  What  is  it  ? 

Glo.  That  it  may  pleafe  you  kavc  thefe  fad  dcfigns 
To  him  that  hath  more  caufe  to  be  a  mourner, 
And  prefemly  repair  to  Crofbv-placc  7 : 

Where 

7  — —  Crojly -place:}  A  houfe  near  Blfhopfgate-ftreet,  belong- 
ing to  the  duke  of  Glorter.    JOHN-SOV. 

Cro/by-PIace  is  now  Cr/^-fijuare  in  Bifhopfgate-ftreet ;  part  of 

the 


KING    RICHARD    III.      21 

Where — after  I  have  folemnly  interr'd, 
At  Chcrtfey  monaft'ry  this  noble  king, 
And  wet  his  grave  with  my  repentant  tears,— 
I  will  with  all  expedient  duty  fee  you  : 
For  divers  unknown  reafons,  I  befeech  you, 
Grant  me  this  boon. 

Anne.  With  all  my  heart ;  and  much  it  joys  me  too, 
To  fee  you  are  become  fo  penitent. — 
Treflel,  and  Berkley,  go  along  with  me. 

Glo.  Bid  me  farewel. 

Anne.  'Tis  more  than  you  deferve  : 
But,  fince  you  teach  me  how  to  flatter  you 
8  Imagine  I  have  faid  farewel  already. 

[Exeunt  two,  with  lady  Anne. 

Glo.  Take  up  the  corfe,  firs. 

Gen.  Towards  Chertfey,  noble  lord  ? 

Glo.  No,    to    White-Fryars  ;    there   attend   -my 
coming.          [Exeunt  tJ:e  reft,  with  tl:e  corfe. 
Was  ever  woman  in  this  humour  woo'd 
Was  ever  woman  in  this  humour  won  ? 
I'll  have  her, — but  I  will  not  keep  her  long. 
What !  I,  that  kill'd  her  hufband,  and  his  father, 
To  take  her  in  her  heart's  extremeft  hate  ; 
With  curies  in  her  mouth,  tears  in  her  eyes, 
The  bleeding  witnefs  of  her  hatred  by  ; 
With  God,  her  confcience,  and  thefe  bars  againft  me, 
And  I  no  friends  to  back  my  fair  withal, 
But  the  plain  devii,  and  diitcmbHng  looks, 
And  yet  to  win  her,  — all  the  world  to  nothing  ! 
Ha! 
Hath  Ihe  forgot  already  that  brave  prince, 

the  houfe  is  yet  remaining,  and  is  a  meeting  place  for  a  pre'by- 

terian  congregation.     Sir  J.  HAWKINS. 

8  Imagine,   I  have  J'^iA  fare-wel  already.]  Gibber,  who  altered 

Rich.  III.  tor  the  ibige,  was  fo  thoro'jgtily  convinced  of  the  ri- 

diculoufnefs  and  improbability  of  this  icene,  that  he  thought  him- 

iclf  obliged  to  make  TreHel  lay  : 

When  future  chrmicks  Jbatt  fpcnk  of  this, 
yby  will  be  thought  romance,  not  ijifijrj.     ST 

c  3 


ft2      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Edward,  her  lord,  whom  I,  fome  three  months  firice, 

Stabb'd  in  my  angry  mood  at  Tewkfbury  ? 

A  fweeter  and  a  lovelier  gentleman, — 

9  Fram'd  in  the  prodigality  of  nature, 

Young,     valiant,    wife,     and,     no    doubt,    right 

royal  ',— 

The  fpacious  world  cannot  again  afford  : 
And  will  Ihe  yet  abafe  her  eyes  on  me, 
That  cropp'd  the  golden  prime  of  this  fweet  prince^ 
And  made  her  widow  to  a  woeful  bed  ? 
On  me,  whofe  all  not  equals  Edward's  moiety  ? 
On  me,  that  halt,  and  am  mifhapen  thus  ? 
My  dukedom  to  a  beggarly  denier, 
I  do  miftake  my  perfon  all  this  while  : 
Upon  my  life,  Ihe  finds,  although  I  cannot, 
Myfelf  to  be  a  marvellous  proper  man. 
I'll  be  at  charges  for  a  looking-glafs ; 
And  entertain  a  fcore  or  two  of  taylors, 
To  ftudy  fafhions  to  adorn  my  body  : 
Since  I  am  crept  in  favour  with  myfelf, 
I  will  maintain  it  with  fome  little  coft. 
But,  firft,  Til  turn  yon'  fellow  in  his  grave ; 
And  then  return  lamenting  to  my  love. — 

9  Framed  in  the  prodigality  of  nature,"]  i.  e.  when  nature  was  iQ 
a  prodigal  or  lavifli  mood.  WARBURTON. 

1  ar.d,  no  doubt )  right  royal,— ]  Of  the  degree  of  royalty- 
belonging  to  Henry  the  fixth  there  could  be  no  doubt,  nor  could 
Richard  have  mentioned  it  with  any  fuch  hefitation  ;  he  could 
not  indeed  very  properly  allow  him  royalty.  I  believe  we  mould, 
read ;  • 

and,  no  doubt,  right  loyal. 

That  is,  true  to  her  bed.  He  enumerates  the  reafons  for  which 
Ihe  mould  love  him.  He  VMS  young,  wife,  and  valiant',  thefe 
were  apparent  and  indifputable  excellencies.  He  then  mentions 
another  not  lefs  likely  to  endear  him  to  his  wife,  but  which  he  had 
lefs  opportunity  of  knowing  with  certainty,  and,  no  doubt  right 
loyal.  JOHNSON. 

Richard  is  not  fpeaking  of  king  Henry,  but  of  Edward  hisfon, 
whom  he  means  to  reprefent  as/W/  of  all  the  noble  properties  of  a 
fag.  No  doubt  ,^  right  royal,  may,  however,  be  ironically  fpoken, 
alluding  to  the  incontinence  of  Margaret,  his  mother,  STEEVENS. 

Shine 


KING    RICHARD    III.       ts 

Shine  out,  fair  fun,  'till  I  have  bought  a  glafs, 
That  I  .may  fee  my  lhadow  as  I  pafs.  [Exit. 

SCENE    HI. 

*Tbe  palace. 

Enter  the  Qyeen,   Lord  Rivers  her  brother,  and  Lord 
-Grey  her  fon* 

Riv.  Have  patience,  madam ;  there's  no  doubt, 

his  majefty 
Will  foon  recover  his  accuftom'd  health, 

Grey.  In  that  you  brook  it  ill,  it  makes  him  worfe : 
Therefore,  for  God's  fake,  entertain  good  comfort, 
And  chear  his  grace  with  quick  and  merry  words. 

Queen.  If  he  were  dead,  what  would  betide  of  me  ? 

Grey.  No  other  harm,  but  lofs  of  fuch  a  lord. 

Queen.  The  lofs  of  fuch  a  lord  includes  all  harms. 

Grey.  The  heavens  have  blefs'd  you  with  a  goodly 

fon, 
To  be  your  comforter,  when  he  is  gone. 

Queen.  Ah,  he  is  young  ;  and  his  minority 
Is  put  into  the  truft  of  Richard  Glofter, 
A  man  that  loves  not  me,  nor  none  of  you. 

Riv.  Is  it  concluded,  he  fliall  be  protector  ? 

Queen.  l  It  is  determined,  not  concluded  ye-t : 
But  fo  it  mufl  be,  if  the  king  mifcarry. 

Enter  Buckingham,  and  Stanley. 

Grey.  Here  come  the  lords  of  Buckingham  and 
Stanley '. 

Buck. 

a  It  is  determin'd,  not  concluded yct:~\  Determined  fignifies  the 
fiaal  conclufion  of  the  will :  concluded,  what  cannot  be  altered  by 
reafon  of  fome  adl,  confequent  on  the  final  judgment. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

3  Here  come  the  krds  of  Buckingham  and  Derby.j'This  is  a  blun- 
C  4  der 


z4      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Buck.  Good  time  of  day  unto  your  royal  grace  ! 
Stanley.  God  make  your  majefty  joyful  as  you  have 

been  ! 
gueen.  The  countefs  Richmond,  good  my  lord  of 

Stanley, 

To  your  good  prayer  will  fcarcely  fay — amen. 
Yet,  Stanley,  notwithftanding  flic's  your  wife, 
And  loves  not  me,  be  you,  good  lord,  affur'd, 
I  hate  not  you  for  her  proud  arrogance. 

Stanley.  I  do  befeech  you,  either  not  believe 
The  envious  fianders  of  her  falfe  accufers ; 
Or,  if  fhe  be  accus'd  on  true  report, 
Bear  with  her  weaknefs,  which,  I  think,  proceeds 
From  wayward  ficknefs,  and  no  grounded  malice. 
gtueen.  Saw   you  the  king   to-day,    my  lord  of 

Stanley  ? 

•Stanley.  But  now  the  duke  of  Buckingham,  and  I, 
Are  come  from  vifiting  his  majefty. 
,  Queen.  What  likelihood  of  his  amendment,  lords? 
Buck.  Madam,  good  hope  ;  his  grace  fpeaks  chear- 

fully. 
Queen.  God  grant  him  health  !    Did  you  confer 

with  him  ? 

Buck.  Ay,  madam  :  he  defires  to  make  atonement* 
Between  the  duke  of  Glofter  and  your  brothers, 

<ler  of  inadvertence,  which  has  run  through  the  whole  chain  of 
impretfions.  It  could  not  well  be  original  in  Shakefpeare,  who 
was  moft  minutely  intimate  with  his  hiftory,  and  the  intermar- 
riages of  the  nobility.  The  perfon  here  called  Derby,  was  Tho- 
mas lord  Stanley,  lord  fleward  of  king  Edward  the  fourth's  houf- 
hqld.  But  this  Thomas  lord  Stanley  was  not  created  earl  of  Derby 
till  after  the  acceffion  of  Henry  the  ieventh  ;  and  accordingly, 
afterwards,  in  the  fourth  and  fifth  ads  of  this  play,  before  the 
battle  of  Boiworth-field,  he  is  every  where  called  lord  Stanley. 
This  fufficiently  juflifies  the  change  I  have  made  in  his  title. 

THEOBALD. 

4  /fy,  mactam  :  he  drftres  to  make  atonement]   Thus  all   the   old, 
editions  that  I  have  feen  ;  but  Mr.  Pope  altered  it  thus  : 

"  Madam,  we  did  ;  he  feeks  to  make  atonement  ;'* 
anj  h:is  been  followed  by  fucceedin^  editors.    STEEVENS. 


KING    RICHARD    III.      25 

And  between  them  and  my  lord  chamberlain  ; 
And  fent  to  warn  them 5  to  his  royal  prefence. 

Queen.  'Would  all  were  well ! — But  that  will  never 

be;— 
I  fear,  our  happinefs  is  at  the  height. 

Enter  Gbfter,  Haft'ings,  and  Dorfet.   • 

Glo.  They  do  me  wrong,    and  I  will  not  endure 

it  : — 

Who  are  they,  that  complain  unto  the  king, 
That  I,  forfooth,  am  ftern,  and  love  them  not  ? 
By  holy  Paul,  they  love  his  grace  but  lightly, 
That  fill  his  ears  with  fuch  difientious  rumours. 
Becaufe  I  cannot  flatter,  and  fpeak  fair, 
Smile  in  men's  faces,  fmooth,  deceive,  and  cog, 
Duck  with  French  nods  and  apifh  courtefy, 
I  muft  be  held  a  rancorous  enemy. 
Cannot  a  plain  man  live,  and  think  no  harm, 
But  thus  his  fimple  truth  muft  be  abus'd 
By  filken,    fly,  infinuating  Jacks  ? 

Grey.  To  whom  in  all  this  prefence  fpeaks  your 
grace  ? 

Glo.  To  thee,  rtiat  hart  nor  honefty,  nor  grace. 
When  have  I  injur'd  thee  ?  when  done  thee  wrong  ? — 
Or  thee  ? — or  thee  ? — or  any  of  your  faction  ? 
A  plague  upon  you  all  !   His  royal  grace, — 
Whom  God  preferve  better  than  you  would  wifli ! — 
Cannot  be  quiet  fcarce  a  breathing  while, 
But  you  muft  trouble  him  with  lewd  complaints. 

vtyeen.  Brother  of  Glofter,  you  miftake  the  matter  : 
The  king — of  his  OWQ  royal  difpofition, 
And  not  provok'd  by  any  fuitor  elfe  ; 
Aiming,  belike,  at  your  interior  hatred, 
That  in  your  outward  action  fliews  itfelf, 
Againft  my  children,  brothers,  and  myfelf ; 

9  •  ii    ~to  warn  tbem~\  i.  e.  to  fummon.     So,  in  Julius  Cafar  : 
*'  They  mean  to  warn  us  at  Philippi  here."     STEEVENS. 

Makes 


*6      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Makes  him  to  fend  ;  that  thereby  he  may  gather 
The  ground  of  your  ill-will6,  and  fo  remove  it. 

Glo.  I  cannot  tell  ;—  The  world  is  grown  fo  bad, 
That  wrens  may  prey  where  eagles  dare  not  perch  : 
Since  every  Jack  became  a  gentleman, 
There's  many  a  gentle  perfon  made  a  Jack. 

Queen.   Come,    come,   we  know  your  meaning, 

brother  Glofler  ; 

You  envy  my  advancement,  and  my  friends  : 
God  grant,  we  never  may  have  need  of  you  ! 

Glo.  Meantime,  God  grants  that  we  have  need  of 

you  : 

Our  brother  is  imprifon'd  by  your  means, 
Myfelf  difgrac'd,  and  the  nobility 
Held  in  contempt  ;  while  great  promotions 
Are  daily  given,  to  enoble  thofe 
That  fcarce,  fome  two  days  lince,  were  worth  a  noble. 

Queen.  By  Him,  that  rais'd  me  to  this  careful  height 
From  that  contented  hap  which  I  enjoy'd, 
I  never  did  incenfe  his  majefly 
Againft  the  duke  of  Clarence,  but  have  been 
An  earneft  advocate  to  plead  for  him. 
My  lord,  you  do  me  fhameful  injury, 
Falfely  to  draw  me  in  thefe  vile  fufpe&s. 

Glo.  You  may  deny  that  you  were  not  the  caufe 
Of  my  lord  Haftings'  late  imprifonment. 

Riv.  She  may,  my  lord  ;  for  - 

Glo.  She  may,  lord  Rivers  ?  —  why,  who  knowsi 

not  fo  ? 

She  may  do  more,  fir,  than  denying  that  : 
She  may  help  you  to  many  fair  preferments  ; 
And  then  deny  her  aiding  hand  therein, 
And  lay  thofe  honours  on  your  high  defert. 
What  may  Ihe  not  ?  She  may,  —  ay,  marry,  may  flie,—  «, 

Riv.  What,  marry,  may  Ihe  ? 


«  Of  your  M-will,  &c,]  This  line  is  rcltored  from  thefirft  edi- 
tion.   POPE, 

fife 


KING    RICHARD    III.      27 

Glo.  What,  marry,  may  fhe  ?  marry  with  a  king, 
A  batchelor,  a  handfome  {tripling  too  : 
I  wis,  your  grandam  had  a  worfer  match. 

Queen.  My  lord  of  Glofter,  I  have  too  long  borne? 
Your  blunt  upbraidings,  and  your  bitter  feoffs  : 
By  heaven,  I  will  acquaint  his  majefty, 
Of  thofe  grofs  taunts  I  often  have  endur'd. 
I  had  rather  be  a-  country  fervant-maid, 
Than  a  great  queen,  with  this  condition- 
To  be  fo  baited,  fcorn'd,  and  (formed  at  : 
Small  joy  have  I  in  being  England's  queen. 

Enter  j$ueen  Margaret,  behind. 

§.  Mar.  And  leffen'd  be  that  fmall,  God,  I  befeecTi 

thee! 
Thy  honour,  ftate,  and  feat,  is  due  to  me. 

Glo.  What  !  threat  you  me  with  telling  of  the  king  ? 
7  Tell  him,  and  fpare  not  ;  look,  what  I  have  faid 
I  will  avouch  in  prefence  of  the  king  : 
I  dare  adventure  to  be  fent  to  the  Tower. 
JTis  time  to  fpeak,  8  my  pains  are  quite  forgot. 

<%.  Mar.  9  Out,  devil  !  I  remember  them  too  well  : 
Thou  kill'dfi:  my  hufband  Henry  in  the  Tower, 
And  Edward,  my  poor  fon,  at  Tewkfbury.    . 

Glo.  Ere  you  were  queen,  ay,    or  your  hufband 
king, 

7   Tell  him,  and  fpare  not  ;  look,  ivbat  I  bavefaiJ]     This  verfe 
I  have  reftored  from  the  old  quarto's.     THEOBALD. 

»  ——my  pains  -  ]  My  labours  ;  my  toils.     JOHNSON. 

9  Out,  devil!  -  ]  Read,  No.    WAR  BURTON. 

There  is  no  need  of  change  j  but  if  there  were,  the  commeru 
tator  does  not  change  enough.    He  fhould  read  : 
-  1  remember  them 


that  is,  his  pains.     JOHNSON. 

Mr.  Lambe  obferves  in  his  notes  on  the  ancient  metrical  hif- 
tory  of  the  Battle  of  Floddon  Field,  that  out  is  an  interjection  of 
abhorrence  or  contempt,  moll  frequent  in  the  mouths  of  the 
Common  people  of  the  north.     It  occurs  again  in  a£t  IV  : 
"  •"   out  on  ye,  owls!"    STEEVENS. 

I  was 


i8       KING    RICHARD    III. 

I  was  a  pack-horfe  in  his  great  affairs  ; 
A  weeder-out  of  his  proud  adversaries, 
A  liberal  rewarder  of  his  friends  ; 
To  royalize  '  his  blood,  I  fpilt  mine  own. 

j^.  Mar.  Ay,  and  much  better  blood  than  his,  or 
thine. 

Glo.  In  all  which  time,  you,   and  your  huiband 

Grey, 

Were  factious  for  the  houfe  of  Lancafter  ;^ 
And,  Rivers,  fo  were  you  : — *  Was  not  your  hufband 
In  Margaret's  battle  at  faint  Alban's  flain  ? 
Let  me  put  in  your  minds,  if  you  forget, 
What  you  have  been  ere  now,  and  what  you  are ; 
Withal,  what  I  have  been,  and  what  I  am. 
'   J3\  Mar.  A  murd'rous  villain,  and  fo  ftill  thou  art, 

Glo.  Poor  Clarence  did  forfake  his  father  Warwick, 
Ay,  and  forfwore  himfelf, — Which  Jefu  pardon  !— 

j^.  Mar.  Which  God  revenge  ! 

Glo.  To  fight  on  Edward's  party,  for  the  crown  ; 
And,  for  his  meed,  poor  lord,  he  is  mew'd  up  : 
I  would  to  God,  my  heart  were  flint,  like  Edward's, 
Or  Edward's  foft  and  pitiful,  like  mine ; 
I  am  too  childifh-foolifh  for  this  world. 

£>.  Mar.  Hie  thee  to  hell  for  fhame,  and  leave  this 

world, 
Thou  cacodaemon  !  there  thy  kingdom  is. 

Riv.  My  lord  of  Glofter,  in  thofe  bufy  days, 
Which  here  you  urge,  to  prove  us  enemies, 
We  follow'd  then  our  lord,  our  fovereign  king; 
So  Ihould  we  you,  if  you  ihould  be  our  king. 

1  royalize^\  i.  e.  to  make  royal.     So,  in  Claudius  Tiberius 

Nero,   1607  : 

"  Who  means  to-morrow  for  to  realize 
"  The  triumphs  &c."     STEEVENS, 

*    Was  not  your  bujband, 

In  Margaret's  battle, —  ] 

It  is  faid  in  Henry  VI,  that  he  died  in  quarrel  cf  the  houfe  ofTork. 

JOHNSON. 

Glo. 


KING    RICHARD     III.       29 

Glo.  If  I  fhould  be  ?— I  had  rather  be  a  pedlar : 
Far  be  it  from  my  heart,  the  thought  thereof ! 

Queen.  As  little  joy,  my  lord,  as  you  fuppofe 
You  fhould  enjoy,  were  you  this  country's  king  ; 
As  little  joy  you  may  fuppofe  in  me, 
That  I  enjoy,  being  the  queen  thereof. 

<%.  Mar.  A  little  joy  enjoys  the  queen  thereof; 
For  I  am  ihe,  and  altogether  joylefs. 
I  can  no  longer  hold  me  patient. —        [She  advances. 
3  Hear  me,  you  wrangling  pirates,  that  fallout 
In  lharing  that  which  you  have  pill'd  from  me4  : 
Which  of  you  trembles  not,  that  looks  on  me  ? 
If  not,  that,  I  being  queen,  you  bow  like  fubjecls  ; 
Yet  that,  by  you  deposed,  you  quake  like  rebels  ? — 
5  Ah,  gentle  villain,  do  not  turn  away  ! 

G/o.  Foul  wrinkled  witch,  what  mak'ft  thou  in  my 
fight  ? 

<^.  Mar.  But  repetition  of  what  thou  haft  marr'd ; 
That  will  I  make,  before  I  let  thee  go. 

Glo.  Wert  thou  not  banifhed,  on  pain  of  death  ? 

<^.  Mar.  I  was  ;  but  I  do  find  more  pain  in  ba- 

nifhment, 

Than  death  can  yield  me  here  by  my  abode. 
A  hufband,  and  a  fon,  thou  ow'ft  to  me, — 

3  Hear  me,  you  wrangling  pirates,  &c.]  This  fcene  of  Marga- 
ret's imprecations  is  fine  and  artful.  She  prepares  the  audience, 
like  another  Caflandra,  for  the  following  tragic  revolutions. 

WARBURTON. 

*  ivhicbyou  have  pill'd  from  me  :]  To  pill  is  to  pillage. 

So,  in  the  Martyr  d  Soldier,  by  Shirley,   1638  : 

"  He  has  not/tV/Vthe  rich,  nor  fTay'd  the  poor.'* 

STEEVENS. 
5  Ah,  gentle  villain,'  •  ]  We  fhould  read  : 

u  n  gentle  villain ,  — — — —     WA  R  B  u  R  T  o  .v . 

The  meaning  ok  gentle  is  not,  as  the  commentator  imagine*, 
tender  or  courteous,  but  high-lorn.  An  oppoiition  is  meant  be- 
tween that  and  villain,  which  means  at  once  a  wicked  and  a  lo-iv* 
lorn  wetfh.  So  before  : 


Since  ev'ry  Jack  is  made  a  gentleman, 

1' here's  many  a  gentle  perfoa  made  a  jack.     JOHNSO-V. 


And 


30      KING    RICHARD    II?. 

And  thou,  a  kingdom ;— all  of  you,  allegiance : 
This  forrow  that  I  have,  by  right  is  yours ; 
And  all  the  pleafures  you  ufurp,  are  mine. 

Glo.  The  curfe  my  noble  father  laid  on  thee, — 
When  thou  didft  crown  his  warlike  brows  with  paper, 
And  with  thy  fcorns  drew'ft  rivers  from  his  eyes ; 
And  then,  to  dry  them,  gav'ft  the  duke  a  clout, 
Steep'd  in  the  faultlefs  blood  of  pretty  Rutland  ;— 
His  curfes,  then  from  bitternefs  of  foul 
Denounc'd  againft  thee,  are  all  fallen  upon  thee  ; 
And  God,  not  we,  hath  plagu'd  thy  bloody  deed, 

6  Queen.  So  juft  is  God,  to  right  the  innocent. 

Haft.  O,  'twas  the  fouleft  deed,  to  flay  that  babe, 
And  the  mofl  mercilefs,  that  e'er  was  heard  of. 

Riv.  Tyrants  themfelves  wept    when  it  was  re- 
ported. 

Dorf.  No  man  but  prophefy'd  revenge  for  it. 

Buck.  Northumberland,  then  prefent,  wept  to  fee  it. 

£>.  Mar.  What !  were  you  fnarling  all,  before  I 

came, 

Ready  to  catch  each  other  by  the  throat, 
And  turn  you  all  your  hatred  now  on  me  ? 
Did  York's  dread  curfe  prevail  fo  much  with  heaven, 
That  Henry's  death,  my  lovely  Edward's  death, 
Their  kingdom's  lofs,  my  woeful  banifliment, 
Could  all  but  anfwer  for  that  peevifh  brat  ? 
Can  curfes  pierce  the  clouds,  and  enter  heaven  ? — 
Why,   then  give  way,  dull  clouds,    to  my  quick 

curfes ! 

Though  not  by  war, 7  by  furfeit  die  your  king, 
As  ours  by  murder,  to  make  him  a  king  I 
Edward,  thy  fon,  that  now  is  prince  of  Wales, 
For  Edward  my  fon,  that  was  prince  of  Wales, 
Die  in  his  youth,  by  like  untimely  violence  ! 

e  QJMar.  SojufiisGoJ,  &c.]  This  line  fhould  be  given  to 
Edward  IVth's  queen.    WARBURTON. 

L"  furfeit  die  your  king  /]  Alluding  to  his  luxurious  life. 

JOHNSON. 

Thy* 


KING    RICHARD    III.      3* 

Tliyfelf  a  queen,  for  me  that  was  a  queen, 
Out-live  thy  glory,  like  my  wretched  felf ! 
Long  may'ft  thou  live,  to  wail  thy  children's  lofs  ; 
And  fee  another,  as  I  fee  thee  now, 
Deck'd  in  thy  rights,  as  thou  art  ilall'd  in  mine ! 
Long  die  thy  happy  days  before  thy  death  ; 
And,  after  many  lengthen'd  hours  of  grief, 
Die  neither  mother,  wife,  nor  England's  queen  !—J 
Rivers, — and  Dorfet, — you  were  ftanders  by, — 
And  fo  waft  thou,  lord  Haflings, — when  my  fon 
Was  ftabb'd  with  bloody  daggers ;  God,  I  pray  him, 
That  none  of  you  may  live  your  natural  age, 
But  by  fome  unlook'd  accident  cut  off  ! 

Glo.  Have  done  thy  charm,  thou  hateful  withered 

hag. 
Q.  Mar.  And  leave  out  thee  ?  flay,  dog,  for  thou 

lhalt  hear  me. 

If  heaven  have  any  grievous  plague  in  ftore, 
Exceeding  thofe  that  I  can  wifh  upon  thee, 
O,  let  them  keep  it,  'till  thy  fins  be  ripe, 
And  then  hurl  down  their  indignation 
On  thee,  the  troubler  of  the  poor  world's  peace  ! 
The  worm  of  confcience  ftill  be-gnaw  thy  foul  ! 
Thy  friends  fufpeft  for  traitors  while  thou  liv'fr, 
And  take  deep  traitors  for  thy  deareft  friends  t 
No  fleep  clofe  up  that  deadly  eye  of  thine, 
Unlefs  it  be  while  fome  tormenting  dream 
Affrights  thee  with  a  hell  of  ugly  devils ! 
Thou  elvifti-mark'd 6  abortive,  7  rooting  hog  ! 

Thou 

*  g/i>//fr-mark*d]  The  common  people  in  Scotland  (as  I 
learn  from  Kelly's  Proverbs)  have  ftill  an  averfion  to  thole  who 
have  any  natural  defecl  or  redundancy,  as  thinking  them  mark'J 
out  for  rnifchief.     STEEVENS. 

*    rooting  bog  /]  The  expreffion  is  fine,  alluding  (in 

memory  of  her  young  fon)  to  the  ravage  which  hogs  make,  with, 
the  fineft  flowers,  in  gardens ;  and  intimating  that  Elizabeth  was 
Jo  expeft  no  other  treatment  for  her  fons.     WARBURTOX. 

She  calls  him  bogt  as  an  appellation  more  comemptuoui  than 


$i       KING    R  I  C'H  A  R  D    HI. 

Thou  that  waft  feal'd  in  thy  nativity 
1  The  flave  of  nature,  and  the  fon  of  hell ! 
Thou  flander  of  thy  mother's  heavy  womb  ! 
Thou  loathed  ifiue  of  thy  father's  loins  ! 
*  Thou  rag  of  honour  !   thou  detefted — 

Glo. 

loar,  as  he  is  elfewhere  termed  from  his  enfigns  armorial.  There 
Is  no  iuch  heap  of  allufion  as  the  commentator  imagines. 

JOHNSON. 

In  the  Mirror  for  Magiftrates  (a  book  already  quoted)  is  the 
following  Complaint  of  Collingbourne,  who  was  cruelly  executed  for 
•snaking  a  rime. 

For  where  I  meant  the  king  I>y  name  of  hog, 
I  only  alluded  to  his  badge  the  bore  : 

To  Level's  name  I  added  more, — our  Jog  ; 
JSecaufe  moft  dogs  have  borne  that  name  of  yore. 
Thefe  metaphors  I  us'd  with  other  more, 
As  cat  and  rat,  the  half-names  of  the  reft, 
To  hide  thefenfe  that  theyfo  wrongly  wrejl, 
That  Level  was  once  the  common  name  of  a  dog,  may  be  like- 
wife  known  from  a  paflage  in  The  Hiftorie  of  Jacob  and  Efau> 
an  interlude,  1 568  : 

"  Then  come  on  at  once,  take  my  quiver  and  my  bowe  j 
"  Fette  love II  my  hounde ,  and  my  home  to  blowe." 
The  rhime  for  which  Collingbourne  fuffered,  was  : 
'*  A  cat,  a  rat,  and  Lovel  the  dog, 
**  Rule  all  England  under  a  hog."    STEEVENS. 
1  Thejlave  of  nature, ]  The  expreflion  is  flrong  and  no- 
ble, and  alludes  to  the  ancient  cuftom  of  mafters  branding  their 
profligate  Haves  :  by  which  it  is  infmuated  that  his  mislhapen  per- 
fon  was  the  mark  that  nature  had  fet  upon  him  to  ftigmatize  his 
ill  conditions.     Shakefpeare  exprefles  the  lame  thought  in  The 
Comedy  of  Errors : 

'*  He  is  deformed,  crooked,  &c. 

"  Stigmatical  in  making, " 

But  as  the  fpeaker  rifes  in  her  refentment,  flie  exprefles  this  con- 
temptuous thought  much  more  openly,  and  condemns  him  to  a 
ftill  worle  ftate  of  flavery  : 

"  Sin,  death,  and  hell,  have  fet  their  marks  on  h-m." 
Only,  in  the  firft  line,  her  mention  of  his  moral  condition  infi- 
nuates  her  reflections  on  his  deformity  :  and,  in  the  laft,  her  men- 
tion of  his  deformity  infinuates  her  reflections  on  his  moral  con- 
dition :  And  thus  he  has  taught  her  to  fcold  in  all  the  elegance 
of  figure.  WARBURTON. 

a  Thou  rag  of  honour,  &c.]  We  fliould  certainly  read : 
Thou  wrack  of  honour 


KING    R  I«  H  A  R  D    III.      33 

trio.  Margaret. 
§.  Mar.  Richard  ! 
Glo.  Ha  ? 

©.  Mw.  I  call  thee  not. 
Glo.  I  cry  thee  mercy  then  ;  for  I  did  think, 
That  thou  had'rt  call'd  me  all  thefe  bitter  names, 
j^.  Mar.  Why,  fo  I  did  ;  but  look'd  for  no  reply, 

0,  let  me  make  the  period  to  my  curfe. 

Glo.  'Tis  done  by  me  ;  and  ends  in — Margaret. 
gtueen.  Thus  have  you  breath'd  your  curfe  againft 

yourfelf. 
<^.  Mar.  Poor  painted  queen,  vain  fiourifh  of  my 

fortune  J ! 

Why  ftrew'ft  thou  fugar  on  that  4  bottled  fpider, 
Whofe  deadly  web  enfnareth  thee  about  ? 
Fool,  fool  !  thou  whet'ft  a  knife  to  killthyfelf. 
The  day  will  come,  that  thou  lhaltwifhfor  me 
To  help  thee  curfe  this  pois'nous  bunch-back'd  toad. 
Haft.  Falfe-boding  woman,  end  thy  frantick  curfe ; 
Left,  to  thy  harm,  thou  move  our  patience. 

j^.  Mar.  Foul  ihame  upon  you  !  you  have  all  mov'd 
mine. 

1.  e.  the  ruin  and  deftruftion  of  honour ;  which,  I  fuppofe,  was 
firit  writ  rack,  and  then  further  corrupted  to  rag.     WAR  BURTON. 

Rag  is,  in  my  opinion,  right,  and  intimates  that  much  of  his 
honour  is  torn  away.  Patch  is,  in  the  fame  manner,  a  contemp- 
tuous appellation.  JOHNSON. 

This  word  of  contempt  is  ufed  again  in  Timon  : 

"  If  thou  wilt  curfe,  thy  father,  that  poor  rag, 
«  Muft  be  the  fubjedV 
Again,  in  this  play  : 

*'  Thefe  over-weening  rags  of  France."    STEEVENS. 

s  flourijh  of  my  fortune  /]  This  expreffion  is  likevvife  ufcd 

by  Maffinger  in  the  Great  Duke  of  Florence  : 
*'    .  I  allow  thefe 

*'  AsJIourifljings  of  fortune.9'     STEEVENS. 

4  • bottled  fpider,'}  A  fpider  is  called  bottled,  becaufe, 

like  other  infefts,  he  has  a  middle  flender  ami  a  belly  protuberant. 
Richard's  form  and  venom,  make  her  liken  him  to  a  fpider. 

JQKNSON. 

VOL.  VII.  D  Rto. 


34      KING    RICHARD     111 

RIv.  Were  you  well  ferv'd,  you  would  be  tauglst 
your  duty. 

£>.  Mar.  To  fcrve  me  well,  you  all  ihould  do  me 

duty, 

Teach  me  to  be  your  queen,  and  you  my  fubjedls  : 
O,  ferve  me  well,  and  teach  yourfelves  that  duty. 

Do>'f.  Dilpute  not  with  her,  Ihe  is  lunatic. 

j^.  Mar.  *  Peace,  mailer  marquis,  you  are  malapert; 
Your  fire-new  flamp  of  honour  is  icarce  current : 
O,  that  your  young  nobility  could  judge, 
What  'twere  to  lofe  it,  and  be  miferable  ! 
They  that  iland  high,   have  many  blafts  to  fhakc 

them  ; 
And,  if  they  fall,  they  daili  themfelves  to  pieces. 

Glo.  Good  counfel,   marry  ; — learn  it,    learn  it, 
marquis. 

Dorf.  It  touches  you,  my  lord,  as  much  as  me. 

Glo.  Ay,  and  much  more  :  But  I  was  born  fo  high, 
Our  aiery  buildeth  in  the  cedar's  top, 
And  dallies  with  the  wind,  and  fcorns  the  fun. 

j^.  Mar.  And  turns  the  fun  to  Ihade ; — alas  [  alasf — 
Witnefs  my  fun,  now  in  the  ihade  of  death  ; 
Whofe  bright  oiit-fhimng  beams  thy  cloudy  wrath 
Hath  in  eternal  darknefs  folded  up. 

s  Peace,  w after  marquis ;  you  arc  malaptrt ;  &C.]  Shakefpeare 
may  either  allude  to  the  late  creation  ot  the  marquis  of  Dorfet,  or 
to  the  inftitution  of  the  title  of  marquis  here  m  England,  as  a  fpecial 
dignity,  which  was  no  older  than  Richard  II.  Robert  Vere,  earl 
of  Oxford,  was  the  firll,  who,  as  a  diitinft  dignity,  received  the 
title  of  marquis,  ift  December,  anno  nono  RicbardifecunJl.  Sqe 
Afhmole's  Hiftory  of  the  Order  of  the  Garter,  p.  4^6.  GRAY. 

Peace ^  maftcr  marqui^  you  are  malapert ;]  As  near  a  hundred 
years  had  elapfed  between  the  time  when  the  title  of  marquis 
was  firft  inftituted  in  England,  and  the  creation  of  this  Thomas 
Grey  marquis  of  Dorfet,  I  think  Shakefpeare  can  hardly  allude 
to  the  inftitution  of  the  dignity  itfelf ;  much  lefs  could  he  call  it 
ajjrc-nt'-iujtamfl  of  honour  J'curce  current.  Robert  Verc,  the  firft 
created  marquis  received  thi?  new  title,  A.  D.  1386.  Thomas 
Grey  was  created  marquis  of  Dorfet,  A.  D.  1476.  PERCY. 

Your 


KING    RICHARD    III.      3B 

Your  aiery  buildeth  in  our  aicry's  neft 6 : — 
O  God,  that  fee'ft  it,  do  not  differ  it ; 
As  it  was  won  with  blood,  loft  be  it  fo  ! 

Buck.  Peace,  peace,  for  lhame,  if  not  for  charity. 

<3>.  Mar.  Urge  neither  chanty  nor  fhame  to  me ; 
Uncharitably  with  me  have  you  dealt, 
And  fhamefully  by  you  my  hopes  are  butcher'd. 
My  charity  is  outrage^  life  my  fhame, — 
And  in  my  lhame  Hill  live  my  forrow's  rage  ! 

Buck.  Have  done,  have  done. 

<£.  Mar.  O  princely  Buckingham,  I'll  kifs  thy  hand, 
In  fie;n  of  league  and  amity  with  thee  : 
Now  fair  befal  thee,  and  thy  noble  houfe  ! 
Thy  garments  are  not  fpottcd  with  our  blood, 
Nor  thou  within  the  compafs  of  my  curfe. 

Buck.  Nor  no  one  here  ;  for  curfes  never  pafs 
The  lips  of  thofc  that  breathe  them  in  the  air. 

£>.  Mar.  I'll  not  believe  but  they  afcend  the  fky, 
And  there  awake  God's  gentle-fleeping  peace. 
O  Buckingham,  beware  of  yonder  dog ; 
Look,  when  he  fawns,  he  bites ;  and,  when  he  bites, 
His  venom  tooth  will  rankle  to  the  death  : 
Have  not  to  do  with  him,  beware  of  him ; 
Sin,  death,  and  hell,  have  fet  their  marks  upon  him  ; 
And  all  their  minifters  attend  on  him. 

Glo.  What  doth  Ihe  fay,  my  lord  of  Buckingham  ? 

Buck.  Nothing  that  I  refpecl:,  my  gracious  lord. 

<£.  Mar.  What,  doft  thou  fcorn  me  for  my  gentle 

counfel  ? 
And  footh  the  devil  that  I  warn  thee  from  ? 

6  Tour  aiety  lulUetl  in  our  aiery 'j  neft : — ]  An  alery  is  a  hawk's 
or  an  eagle's  neft.     So,  in  Green's  Card  of  Fancy ',    1608  : 

"  It  is  a  fubtle  bird  that  breeds  among  the  aiety  of  hawks." 
Again,  in  Heywood's  Rape  of  Lucrecc,   1630  : 

"  His  high-built  alery  fliall  be  drown'd  in  blood." 
Again,  in  Maflinger's  Maul  of  Honour  : 

*'  One  aiery ,  with  proportion,  ne'er  difdofes 

"  The  eagle  and  the  wren."    STEEVENS. 

D  2  O,  but 


36       KING    RICHARD    III. 

O,  but  remember  this  another  day, 

When  he  fliall  fplit  thy  very  heart  with  forro\v  ; 

And  fay,  poor  Margaret  was  a  prophetefs. — 

Live  each  of  you  the  fubjects  to  his  hate, 

And  he  to  yours,  and  all  of  you  to  God's  7 !      [Exit. 

Buck.  My  hair  doth  (land  on  end  to  hear  her  curies. 

Riv.  And  fodoth  mine;  I  wonder,  Ihe's  at  liberty  8. 

Glo.  I  cannot  blame  her,  by  God's  holy  mother  ; 
She  hath  had  too  much  wrong,  and  I  repent 
My  part  thereof,  that  I  have  done  to  her. 

Qiteen.  I  never  did  her  any,  to  my  knowledge. 

Glo.  Yet  you  have  all  the  vantage  of  her  wrong* 
I  was  too  hot  to  do  fome  body  good, 
That  is  too  cold  in  thinking  of  it  now. 
Marry,  as  for  Clarence,  he  is  well  repay'd ; 
9  He  is  frank'd  up  to  fatting  for  his  pains ; — 
God  pardon  them  that  are  the  caufe  thereof ! 
Riv.  A  virtuous  and  a  chriflian-like  conclufion, 

7  Live  each  of  you  thefubjefls  to  his  bate, 

And  be  to  yours,  and  all  of  you  to  God*s  .'] 

It  is  evident  from  the  conduct  of  Shakefpeare,  that  the  houfe  of 
Tudor  retained  all  their .Lancaftrian  prejudices,  even  in  the  reign 
of  queen  Elizabeth.  In  this  play  of  Richard  the  Third,  he 
feems  to  reduce  the  woes  of  the  houfe  of  York  from  the  curfes 
which  queen  Margaret  had  vented  againft  them  ;  and  he  could 
not  give  that  weight  to  her  curfes,  without  fuppofing  a  right  in 
her  to  utter  them.  WALPOLE. 

*  /  wonder  JJx's  at  liberty.}  Thus  the  quarto.     The  folio 

reads  : 

—————  I  mufe,  why  {he's  at  liberty.     STEEVENS. 
9  He  is  frank'd  up  to  fatting  for  his  pains  j — ]  A  frank  is  an  old 
Englifh  word  for  a  hog-Jly.     'Tis  poffible  he  ufes  this   metaphor 
to  Clarence,  in  allufion  to  the  creft  of  the  family  of  York,  which 
was  a  boar.    Whereto  relate  thofe  famous  old  verfes   on  Rich«- 
ard.III : 

The  cat,  the  rat,  and  Level  the  dog^ 
Rule  all  England  under  a  hog. 
He  ufes  the  fame  metaphor  in  the  lait  fcene  of  aft  IV.     POPE. 

\frank  was  not  a  common  hog-Jlye,  but  the  pen  in  which  thofc 
hogs  were  confined  of  whom  brawn  was  to  be  made. 

STEEVENS. 

To 


KING    RICHARD    III.       37 

To  pray  for  them  that  have  clone  fcathe  to  us  '. 

Glo.  So  do  I  ever,  being  well  advis'd;  — 
For  had  I  curs'd  now,  I  had  curs'd  myfelf.      [Afide. 

Enter  Catejby. 

Catef.  Madam,  his  majefty  doth  call  for  you, — 
And  for  your  grace, — and  you,  my  noble  lords. 

Queen.  Catefby,    I   come  : — Lords,    will  you  go 
with  me  ? 

Riv.  Madam,  we  will  attend  your  grace. 

[Exeunt  all  but  Glofter. 

Glo.  I  do  the  wrong,  and  firft  begin  to  brawl. 
The  fecret  mifchiefs  that  I  fet  abroach, 
I  lay  unto  the  grievous  charge  of  others. 
Clarence, — whom  I,  indeed,  have  laid  in  darknefs,— 
I  do  beweep  to  many  fimple  gulls  ; 
Namely,  to  Stanley,  Haftings,  Buckingham ; 
And  tell  them— Vis  the  queen  and  her  allies, 
That  flir  the  king  againft  the  duke  my  brother. 
Now  they  believe  it ;  and  withal  whet  me 
To  be  reveng'd  on  Rivers,  Vaughan,  Grey  : 
But  then  I  figh,  and,  with  a  piece  of  fcripture, 
Tell  them — that  God  bids  us  do  good  for  evil  : 
And  thus  I  clothe  my  naked  villainy 
With  old  odd  ends,  flol'n  forth  of  holy  writ ; 
And  feem  a  faint,  when  moil  I  play  the  devil. 

Enter  two  Murderers, 

But  foft,  here  come  my  executioners.-^- 
How  now,  my  hardy,  flout,  rcfolved  mates  ? 
Are  you  now  going  to  difpatch  this  thing  ? 

1  • . — done  fcathe  to  ns.~\  Scqtbe  is  harm,  mifchief. 

So,  in  Soliman  and  Perfeda : 

"  Whom  now  that  paltry  ifland  keeps  from  feath" 
Again  : 

"  Millions  of  men  oppreft  with  ruin  QD&Jcatti" 

STEEVENS. 

D  3  I  Mir. 


38      KING    RICHARD    III. 

i  Mur.  We  arc,  my  lord  ;  and  come  to  have  the 

warrant, 
That  we  may  be  admitted  where  he  is. 

Glo.  Well  thought  upon,  I  have  it  here  about  me  : 
When  you  have  done,  repair  to  Crofby-place. 
But,  firs,  be  fudden  in  the  execution,    : 
Withal  obdurate,  do  not  hear  him  plead  ; 
For  Clarence  is  well  fpoken,  and,  perhaps, 
May  move  vour  hearts  to  pity,  if  you  mark  him. 

i  Mur.  Tut.,  tut,  my  lord,  we  will  not  Hand  tq 

prate, 

Talkers  are  no  good  doers ;  be  affur'd, 
We  go  to  ufe  our  hands,  and  not  our 'tongues. 

Glo.  Your  eyes  drop  mill-Hones,  when  fools' eyes 

drop  tears  * : 

I  like  you,  lads ; — about  your  bufinefs  ftraight ; 
Go,  go,  difpatch. 

I  Mitr.  We  will,  my  noble  lord.  [Exeunt, 


SCENE    IV. 

An  apartment  in  the  Tower. 

Enter  Clarence,   and  Bjrakenbury. 

£rak.  Why  looks  your  grace  fo  heavily  to-day  ? 

Gar.  O,  I  have  paft  a  miferable  night, 
So  full  of  fearful  dreams,  of  ugly  fights, 
That,  as  I  am  a  chriftian1  faithful  man, 
I  would  not  fpend  another  fuch  a  night, 
Though  'twere  to  buy  a  world  of  happy  days  ; 
So  full  of  difmal  terror  was  the  time. 

fo*r  eyts  fry  mill-Jlones,  -when  fools'  eyes  fop  tears  ;~\   This,  I 
lieve,  is  a  proverbial  expreffion.     It  is  ufed  again  in  the  tra- 
gedy of  Cxfar  andPompcy,    1607  5 

«'  Men's  eyes  muft  mill-Jlones  drop,  when  fools  (bed  tears." 

STEEVENS. 
' faithful  man,]  Not  an  infidel.     JOHNSO.V. 


KING    RICHARD    III.      39 

Brak.  What  was  your  dream,  my  lord  ?  I  pray 
you,  tell  me. 

Clar.  Mcthought,  that   I  had    broken   from   the 

Tower, 

And  was  cmbark'd  to  crofs  to  Burgundy  ; 
And,  in  my  company,  my  brother  Glofter  : 
Who  from  my  cabin  tempted  me  to  walk 
Upon  the  hatches;  thence  we  look'd  towards  Eng- 
land, 

And  cited  up  a  thoufand  heavy  times, 
During  the  wars  of  York  and  Lanca'fter 
Thnt  had  befall'ii  us.     As  we  pac'd  along 
Upon  the  giddy  footing  of  the  hatches,- 
Methoughr,  that  Gloftcr  {tumbled  ;  and,  in  falling, 
Struck  me,  that  thought  to  ftay  him,  over-board, 
Into  the  tumbling  billows  of  the  main. 
O  Lord  !  methought,  what  pain  it  was  to  drown  ! 
What  dreadful  noife  of  water  in  mine  ears  ! 
What  fights  of  ugly  death  within  mine  eyes  ! 
Methought,  I  faw  a  thoufand  fearful  wrecks ; 
A  thoufand  men,  that  fifties  gnaw'd  upon ; 
Wedges  of  gold,  great  anchors,  heaps  of  pearl, 
Ineftimable  {tones,  unvalued  jewels  4, 
All  fcatter'd  in  the  bottom  of  the  fea. 
Some  lay  in  dead  men's  ikulls  ;  and,  in  thofe  holes, 
Where  eyes  did  once  inhabit,  there  were  crept, 
(As  'twere  in  fcorn  of  eyes)  reflecting  gems, 
5  That  woo'd  the  flimy  bottom  of  the  deep, 
And  mock'd  the  dead  bones  that  lay  fcatter'd  by. 

4  Incftimallfftones,  unvalued yVi'.r/f,]    UiHM&fdn  here  ufed  for 
ix-jahtallc.     So,  in  Lovelace's  Pofthumous  Poems,   1659: 

"  the  unvalcvj'd  robe  Ihe  wore 

"  Made  infinite  lay  lovers  to  adore." 
Again  : 

"  And  what  fubfhntial  riches  I  poflefs, 

"  I  muft  to  thcie  f-v/ra/rcuV  dreams  confefs."     MALOKE. 

5  Tbat  woo'd   the  Jlimy  bottom ]  By  feeming  to  gaze 

upon  it  j  or,  as  we  now  fay,  to  ogk  it.    JOHNSON, 

D  4  Brat. 


40      KING    RICHARD     III. 

Brak.  Had  you  fuch  leifure  in  the  time  of  death, 
To  gaze  upon  rhefe  fecrets  of  the  deep  ? 

Clar.  Methought,  I  had  ;  and  often  did  I  drive 
To  yield  the  ghoft :  but  ftill  the  envious  flood 
Kept  in  my  foul,  and  would  not  let  it  forth 
To  feck  the  empty,  vaft,  and  wancTring  air ; 
But  fmother'd  it  within  my  panting  bulk, 
Which  almoft  burft  to  belch  it  in  the  fea. 

Erak.  Awak'd  you  not  with  this  fore  agony? 

Clar.  O,  no,  my  dream  was  lengthen'd  after  life  j 
O,  then  began  the  tempeft  to  my  foul  ! 
I  pafs'd,  methought,  the  melancholy  flood, 
With  that  grim  ferryman 6  which  poets  write  of, 
Unto  the  kingdom  of  perpetual  night. 
The  firft  that  there  did  greet  my  ftranger  foul, 
Was  my  great  father-in-law,  renowned  Warwick ,; 
Who  cry'd  aloud, — What  fcourge  for  perjury 
Can  this  dark  monarchy  afford  falje  Clarence  ? 
And  fo  he  vanifh'd  :  Then  came  wand'ring  by 
A  fhadow  like  an  angel,  with  bright  hairx 
Dabbled  in  blood  ;  and  he  ihriek'd  out  aloud, — , 
Clarence  is  come, — falfe,  *  fating*  perjur'd  Clarence, — • 
Thatjlabb'd  me  in  the  field  by  Tewkjlury ; — 
Seize  on  him,  furies,  take  him  to  your  torments  ! — 
With  that,  methought,  a  legion  of  foul  fiends 8 

Eqvi- 

6  •  'grim  ferryman.]  The  folio  reads -four  ferryman. 

STEEVENS. 

7  fleeting,  perjufd  Clarence,}  Fluting  is  the  fame  as 

Clanging  Jldes.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  Antony  and  Cleopatra  : 

1 now  \hcjlceting  moon 

No  planet  is  of  mine. 

Clarence  broke  his  oath  with  the  earl  of  Warwick,  and  joined 
the  army  of  his  brother  king  Edward  IV.  STEEVENS, 

-    a  legion  of  foul  fiends 
Environed  me,  &c.] 

Milton  feems  to  have  thought  on  this  paflage  where  he  is  defcnb- 
ing  the  midnnrht  iuffcrings  of  Our  Saviour,  in  the4th  book  of  Pa- 
radife 


KING    RICHARD     III.       4t 

Environed  me,  and  howled  in  mine  ears 
Such  hideous  cries,  that,  with  the  very  noife, 
I  trembling  wak'd,  and,  for  a  feafon  after, 
Could  not  believe  but  that  I  was  in  hell; 
Such  terrible  impreffion  made  my  dream. 

Brak.  No  marvel,  lord,  that  it  affrighted  you; 
I  am  afraid,  methinks,  to  hear  you  tell  it. 

Gar.  O,  Brakenbury,  I  have  done  thefe  things,— 
That  now  give  evidence  agamft  my  foul, — 
For  Edward's  fake ;  and,  fee,  how  he  requites  ine ! 
9  O  God  !  if  my  deep  prayers  cannot  appeafe  thce, 
But  thou  wilt  be  avcng'd  on  my  mifdeeds, 
Yet  execute  thy  wrath  on  me  alone  : 
O,  fpare  my  guiltlefs  wife,  and  my  poor  children  !— 
I  pray  thee,  gentle  keeper,  Itay  by  me  ; 
My  foul  is  heavy,  and  I  fain  would  fleep. 

Brak.  I  will,  my  lord ;  God  give  your  grace  good 
reft  !—  [Clarence Jleeps. 

1  Sorrow  breaks  feafons,  and  repofing  hours, 
Makes  the  night  morning,  and  the  noon-tide  night. 
*  Princes  have  but  their  titles  for  their  glories, 
An  outward  honour  for  an  inward  toil ; 

*'  nor  yet  ftay'd  the  terror  there, 

*'  Infernal  ghofts,  and  hellifh  furies,  round 

?•*  Environ'd    thee,    fome    howl'd,     iome    yell'd,    forae 

fhriek'd — "    STEEVENS. 

9  OGod!  if  my  deep  prayers  &c.]  The  four  following  lines  have 
been  added  fince  the  firit  edition.     POPE. 

1  Soi -row  , breaks  feafons,  &c.]  In  the  common  editions,  the 
keeper  is  made  to  hold  the  dialogue  with  Clarence  till  this  line. 
And  here  Brakenbury  enters,  pronouncing  thefe  words ;  which 
feein  to  me  a  reflection  naturally  refulting  from  the  foregoing  con- 
verfation,  and  therefore  continued  to  be  fpoken  by  the  fame  per- 
foo,  a&  it  is  accordingly  in  the  firil  edition.  POPE. 
*  Princes  have  but  their  titles  for  their  glories^ 

An  outward  honour,  for  an  inward  toil ;  ] 

The  firft  line  may  be  underltood  in  this  fenfe,  The  glories  ofprincef 
arc  nothing  more  than  empty  titles:  but  it  would  more  imprefs  the 
purpofe  or"  the  fpeaker,  and  correfpond  better  with  the  following 
lilies,  if  it  were  read  : 

Prjjices  have  but  their  titles  for  their  troubles.    JOHNSOK. 

And, 


42       KING    RICHARD    III. 

And,  J  for  unfelt  imaginations, 
They  often  feel  a  world  of  reftlefs  cares  : 
So  that,  between  their  titles,  and  low  name, 
There's  nothing  differs  but  the  outward  fame. 

Enter  the  two  Murderers. 

1  Murd.  Ho !  xvho's  here  ? 

Brak.  What  would'Il  thou,  fellow  ?  and  how  cam'ft 
thou  hither  ? 

2  Murd.  I  would  fpeak  with  Clarence,  and  I  came 
hither  on  my  legs. 

Brak.  What,  fo  brief  ? 

i  Murd.  O,  fir,  'tis  better  to  be  brief,  than  te- 
dious :— 
Shew  him  our  commiffion,  talk  no  more. 

Brak.  I  am,  in  this,  commanded  to  deliver 
The  noble  duke  of  Clarence  to  your  hands  :-— 
I  will  not  reafon  what  is  meant  hereby, 
Becaufe  I  will  be  guiltlefs  of  the  meaning. 
Here  are  the  keys  ; — there  fits  the  duke  aileep  : 
I'll  to  the  king ;  and  fignify  to  him, 
That  thus  I  have  refign'd  to  you  my  charge. 

1  Murd.  You  may,  fir ;  'tis  a  point  of  wifdom  : 
Fare  you  well.  [Exit  Brakenbury. 

2  Murd.  What,  fhall  we  flab  him  as  he  fleeps  ? 

1  Murd.  No ;  he'll  fay,  'twas  done  cowardly,  when 
he  wakes. 

2  Murd.  When  he  wakes !  why,  fool,  he  lhall  ne- 
ver wake  until  the  great  judgment  day. 

l  Murd.  Why,  then  he'll  fay,  we  flabb'd  him  flccp- 
ing. 

^  Murd.  The  urging  of  that  word,  judgment,  hath 
bred  a  kind  of  remorie  in  me, 


3  ——for  unfelt  imaginations, 

They  often  feel  a  wrM  of  reJHcfs 
They  often  fuffer  real  miferies  for  ima*ii 
tions,  JOHNSON. 


Icfs  cares :] 

iginary  and  unreal  gratifica- 

j  Murd* 


KING    RICHARD    III.       43 

1  Murd.  What  ?   art  thou  afraid  ? 

2  Murd.  Npt  to  kill  him,  having  a  warrant  for  it; 
but  to  be  damn'd  for  killing  him,  from  the  which 
no  warrant  can  defend  me, 

1  Murd.  I  thought,  thou  had'ft  been  refolute. 

2  Murd.  So  I  am,  to  let  him  live. 

1  Murd.  I'll  back  to  the  duke  of  Glofler,  and  tell 
fcim  fo. 

2  Murd.  Nay,  I  pr'ythee,  ftay  a  little  :  I  hope,  this 
compaffiunate  humour  of  mine  will  change  ;  it  was 
\vpnt  to  hold  me  but  while  one  would  tell  twenty. 

1  Muni   How  doft  thou  feel  thyfelf  now  ? 

2  Murd.  'Faith,  fome  certain  dregs  of  confcience 
are  yet  within  me. 

1  Murd.  Remember  our  reward,  when  the  deed's 
cjone. 

2  Murd.  Come,  he  dies;  I  had  forgot  the  reward. 

1  Murd.  Where's  thy  confcience  now  ? 

2  Murd.  In  the  duke  of  Gloftcr's  purfe. 

1  Murd.  When  he  opens  his  purfe  to  give  us  our 
reward,  thy  confcience  flies  out. 

2  Murd.  'Tis  no  matter ;  let  it  go ;  there's  few, 
pr  none,  will  entertain  it. 

j.  Murd.  WThat,  if  it  come  to  thee  again  ? 

2  Murd.  I'll  not  meddle  with  it,  it  is  a  dangerous 
thing,  it  makes  a  man  a  cpward ;  a  man  cannot  fleal, 
but  it  accufeth  him ;  a  man  cannot  fwear,  but  it  checks 
him;  a  man  cannot  lie  with  his  neighbour's  wife, 
but  it  detedts  him  :  'Tis  a  blufhing  ihame-fac'd  fpirit, 
that  mutinies  in  a  man's  bofom  ;  it  fills  one  full  of 
obftacles  :  it  made  me  once  reftore  a  purfe  of  gold, 
that  by  chance  I  found  ;  it  beggars  any  man  that 
keeps  it :  it  is  turn'd  out  of  all  towns  and  cities  for  a 
dangerous  thing ;  and  every  man,  that  means  to  live 
well,  endeavours  to  truft  to  himfelf,  and  live  with- 
out it. 

i  Murd.  'Zounds,  it  is  even  now  at  my  elbow, 
perfuading  me  nqt  to  kill  the  duke. 

2 


44       KING     RICHARD     III. 

2  Murd.  4  Take  the  devil  in  thy  mind,  and  believe 
him  not :  he  would  infinuate  with  thec,  but  to  make 
thee  figh. 

1  Murd.  I  am  flrong  fram'd,    he  cannot  prevail 
with  me". 

2  Murd.  *  Spoke  like  a  tall  fellow,  that  refpects 
his  reputation.     Come,  fhall  we  fall  to  work  ? 

1  Murd.  Take  him  over  the  colbrd  6  with  the  hilts 
of  thy  fword,  and  then  throw  him  into  the  malmfey- 
butt,  in  the  next  room. 

2  Murd.  O  excellent  device  !  and  make  a  fop  of 

him. 

1  Murd.  Soft  !  he  wakes. 

2  Murd.  Strike. 

i  Mttrd.  No,  7  we'll  reafon  with  him. 

Clar.  Where  art  thou,  keeper  ?  give  me  a  cup  of 

wine. 
i  Murd.  You  ftiall  have  wine  enough,   my  lord, 

anon. 

Clar.  In  God's  name,  what  art  thou  ? 
i  Murd.  A  man,  as  you  are. 
Clar.  But  not,  as  I  am,  royal, 
i  Murd.  Nor  you,  as  we  are,  loyal. 
Clar.  Thy  voice  is  thunder,    but  thy  looks  are 

humble. 

4  Take  the  devil  in  tJy  mind,  and  believe  him  not:  he  would iiiji- 
nuate  with  thee,  &c.]  One  villain  fays,  Confcience  is  at  his  elbows, 
perfuading  him  not  to  kill  the  duke.  The  other  lays,  take  the 
devil  into  thy  nearer  acquaintance,  into  thy  mind,  who  will  be  a 
match  for  thy  confcience,  and  believe  it  not,  &c.  It  is  plain 
then,  that  him  in  both  places  in  the  text  fhould  be  //,  namely, 
confcience.  WAR  BURTON, 

Shakefpeare  fo  frequently  ufes  both  thefe  pronouns  indifcrimi- 
nately,  that  no  correction  is  neeeflary.  STEEVENS. 

5  Spoke  like  a  tall  fellow,  ~]  The  meaning  of  tall,  in  old  Englifh, 
Kjtout,  daring,  fearlefs,  zn&Jirong.     JOHNSON. 

6  ——the  coftard]  /.  e.  the  head,  a  name  adopted  from  an  ap- 
ple fhap'd  like  a  man's  head.     So,  in  Arden  of  Feve rJJ:am^  1592  : 

"  One  and  two  rounds  at  his  cojlar,!." 
Hence  likcvvifc  the  term  c oft ar -monger.     STEEVENS. 

7  — ••  —  willreafcn— —  ]  We'll  talk,.     JOHNSOX. 

i  Murd. 


KING    RICHARD    III.       45 

1  Murd.  My  voice  is  now  the  king's,  my  looks  mine 

own. 
Clar.  How  darkly,    and   how  deadly  doft  thou 

fpeak  ! 

Your  eyes  do  menace  me  :  Why  look  you  pale  ? 
Who  fent  you  hither  >  Wherefore  do  you  come  ? 

2  Murd.  To,  to,  to, — 
Clar.  To  murder  me  ? 
Both.  Ay,  ay. 

Clar.  You  fcarce'y  have  the  hearts  to  tell  me  fo, 
And  therefore  cannot  have  the  hearts  to  do  it. 
Wherein,  my  friends,  have  I  offended  you  ? 

1  Murd.  Offended  us  you  have  not,  but  the  king. 
Clar.  I  fhall  be  reccncil'd  to  him  again. 

2  Murd.  Never,  my  lord ;  therefore  prepare  to  die. 
Clar. 8  Are  you  call'd  forth  from  out  a  world  of  men, 

To  flay  the  innocent  ?  What  is  my  offence  ? 
Where  is  the  evidence  that  doth  accufe  me  ? 
What  lawful 9  queft  have  given  their  verdict  up 
Unto  the  frowning  judge  ?  or  who  pronounc'd 
The  bitter  fentence  of  poor  Clarence'  death  ? 
Before  I  be  convict  by  courfe  of  law, 
To  threaten  me  with  death,  is  moft  unlawful. 
I  charge  you,  as  you  hope  to  have  redemption  % 
That  you  depart,  and  lay  no  hands  on  me  ; 
The  deed  you  undertake  is  damnable. 

i  Murd.  What  we  will  do,  we  do  upon  command. 

*  Are  you  call'd  forth  from  out  a  world  of  men,]  I  think  it  may 
be  better  read : 

Are  ye  c\\\\'£  forth  JOHNSON. 

The  folio  reads : 

Are  you  drawn  forth  among  a  world  of  men. 
I  adhere  to  the  reading  now  in  the  text.    So,  in  Nolojy  aid 
ScmeloJy,   \  598  : 

"  Art  thou  caWd  forth  amongft  a  thoufand  men 
"  To  minhler  this  foveraign  antidotq  ?"     STEEVENS. 
"  What  lawful  queft — ]  Queft  is  inqueft  or  jury.     JOHNSON. 

1  asyou  hope  to  have  redemption,]  The  folio  reads — » 

you  hope /or  any  goodnefs.     The  quarto  likewife  adds : 

By  Chrift's  dear  blood  fhed  for  our  grievous  fins.  STEEVEVS. 

2  Murd. 


46       KING    RICHARD    III. 

2.  Murd.  And  he,  that  hath  commanded,  is  our  king. 

Gar.  Erroneous  vaflal  !  the  great  King  of  kings 
Hath  in  the  table  of  his  law  commanded^ 
That  thou  ftialt  do  no  murder  ;  Wilt  thou  then 
Spurn  at  his  cdidt,  and  fulfil  a  man's  ? 
Take  heed  ;  for  he  holds  vengeance  in  his  hand^ 
To  hurl  upon  their  heads  that  break  his  law* 

2  Murd.  And  that  fame  vengeance  doth  he  hurl  on 

thee, 

For  falfe  forfwearing,  and  for  murder  too  : 
Thou  didft  receive  the  facrament,  to  fight 
In  quarrel  of  the  houfe  of  Lancafler. 

1  Murd.  And,  like  a  traitor  to  the  name  of  God, 
Didft  break  that  vow  ;  and,  with  thy  treacherous 

blade, 
XJnrip'dft  the  bowels  of  thy  fovereign's  fon. 

2  Murd.  Whom  thou  waft  fworn  to  cherilh  and 

defend. 

i  Murd.  How  canft  thou  urge  God's  dreadful  law 

to  us, 
When  thou  haft  broke  it  in  fuch  dear  degree  ? 

Clar.  Alas !  for  whofe  fake  did  I  that  ill  deed  ? 
For  Edward,  for  my  brother,  for  his  fake  : 
He  fends  you  not  to  murder  me  for  this ; 
For  in  that  fin  he  is  as  dee"p  as  I. 
If  God  will  be  avenged  for  the  deed, 
O,  know  you  yet,  he  doth  it  pnblickly  ; 
Take  not  the  quarrel  from  his  powerful  arm  ; 
J-le  needs  no  indirect  nor  lawlefs  courfe, 
To  cut  off  thofe  that  have  offended  him. 

i  Murd.  Who  made  thee  then  a  bloody  minifter, 
When  gallant-fpringing  ',  brave  Plantagenet, 

— Ringing  Plantagenet,'}  Blooming  Plantagenet;  a  prince 
in  tVc/fritte  of  life.     JOHNSON. 

When  gallant,  fpringing,]  This  (hould  be  printed  as  one  word, 
I  think  i—gaUaut-fyr'mgiHg.  Shakefpeare  is  fond  of  thefe  com- 
pound epithets,  in  which  the  firft  adjedive  is  to  be  confidered  as 
an  adverb.  So,  in  this  play  he  ufes  cbiMyb-foollJb*  fenfdcfc-objli- 
wut  and  tnorta!-J!ari«s.  TYRWHITT. 

That 


KING    RICHARD    III.      47 

That  princely  z  novice,  was  (truck  dead  by  thee  ? 

Clar.  My  brother's  love,  the  devil,  and  my  rage, 

Murd.  Thy  brother's  love,  our  duty,  and  thy  fault, 
Provoke  us  hither  now  to  Slaughter  thee. 

Clar.  If  you  do  love  my  brother,  hate  not  me ; 
I  am  his  brother,  and  I  love  him  well. 
If  you  are  hir'd  for  meed,  go  back  again, 
And  I  will  fend  you  to  my  brother  Glofter ; 
Who  fhall  reward  you  better  for  my  life, 
Than  Edward  will  for  tidings  of  my  death. 

2  Murd.  You  are  deceiv'd,  your  brother  Glofter 
hates  you. 

Clar.  Oh,  no ;   he  loves  me,  and  he  holds  me  dear : 
Go  you  to  him  from  me. 

Both.  Ay,  fo  we  will. 

Clar.  Tell  him,  when  that  our  princely  father  York 
Blefs'd  his  three  fons  with  his  victorious  arm, 
And  charg'd  us  from  his  foul  to  love  each  other, 
He  little  thought  of  this  divided  friendfhip  : 
Bid  Glofter  think  on  this,  and  he  will  weep  J. 

i  Murd.  Ay,  mili-ftones ;  as  he  leflbn'd  us  to  weep. 

Clar.  O,  do  not  flander  him,  for  he  is  kind. 

i  Murd.  Right,  as  fnow  in  harveft. — Come,  you 

deceive  yourfelf ; 
'Tis  he  that  fends  us  to  deftroy  you  here. 

Clar.  It  cannot  be  ;  for  he  bewept  my  fortune, 
And  hugg'd  me  in  his  arms,  and  fwore,  with  fobs, 
That  he  would  labour  my  delivery. 

1  Murd.  Why,  fo  he  doth,  when  he  delivers  yo\l 
From  this  earth's  thraldom  to  the  joys  of  heaven. 

2  Murd.  Make  peace  with  God,  for  you  muft  die, 

my  lord. 

*  — novice, — ]  Youth  ;  one  yet  new  to  the  world.     JoHlf  SON. 

3    •  •  he  "Mill  weep. 

i  Murd.  Ay,  millftones. 
So,  in  Maffinger's  City  Madam  : 

'*  He,   good  gentleman, 

"  Will  weep  when  he  hears  how  we  are  ufed.— - 
11  Y«s,  miUftonti.    STEEVEKS." 

Clar. 


48       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Clar.  Haft  thou  that  holy  feeling  in  thy  foul, 
To  counfel  me  to  make  my  peace  with  God, 
And  art  thou  yet  to  thy  own  foul  fo  blind, 
That  thou  wilt  war  with  God  by  murdering  me  ?-— 
O,  firs,  confider,  he,  that  fet  you  on 
To  do  this  eked,  will  hate  you  for  the  deed. 

2  Murd.  What  lhall  we  do  ? 

Clar.  Relent,  *  and  fave  your  fouls. 
Which  of  you,  if  you  were  a  prince's  fon, 
Being  pent  from  liberty,  as  I  am  now, — 
If  two  fuch  murderers  as  yourfelves  came  to  you,— 
Would  not  intreat  for  life  ?  as  you  would  beg, 
Were  you  in  my  diftrefs, 

i  Murd.  Relent !  'tis  cowardly,  and  womanilh. 

Clar.  Not  to  relent,  is  beaftly,  favage,  deviliih.— 
My  friend,  I  fpy  fome  pity  in  thy  looks  ; 
O,  if  thine  eye  be  not  a  flatterer, 
Come  thou  on  my  fide,  and  entreat  for  me  : 
A  begging  prince  what  beggar  pities  not '  ? 

2  Murd. 

4  — — andfaveyourfoul^  &c.]  The  fix  following  lines  are  not 
in  the  old  edition.    POPE. 

They  are  not  neceflary,  but  fo  forced  in,  that  fomething  feems 
omitted  to  which  thefe  lines  are  the  anfwer.     JOHNSON. 

5  what  beggar  pities  not  ?"]  I  cannot  but  fufpecl  that  the 

lines,  which  Mr.  Pope  obferved  not  to  be  in  the  old  edition,  are 
now  mifplaced,  and  fliould  be  inferted  here,  fomewhat  after  thia 
manner : 

Clar.  A  begging  prince  ivbat  beggar  pities  not  ? 
Vil.  A  begging  prinee  / 

Clar.  -Wljich  of  you,  if  you  were  a  prince's  fan,  &c. 
Upon  this  provocation,  the  villain  naturally  ftrikes  him.  JOHNSON, 
Mr.  Pope's  note  is  not  accurately  flated.     I  believe  this  paflTage* 
(hould  be  regulated  thus. 

Clar.  'Relent  and  fave  your  fouls. 
I  Vil.  Relent!  'tis  cowardly  and  womanifh. 
Clar.  Not  to  relent  is  beaftly,   favage,  devilifh. 
Which  of  you  if  you  were  a  prince's  fon 

Being  pent . 

If  two  fuch— — — 

Would  nof  intreat  for  life  ? 

My  friend,  I  fpy—— 


KING    klCHARD    III.      49 

2  Murd.  Look  behind  you,  my  lord. 

1  Murd.  Take  that,  and  that;  if  all  this  will  not 

ferve,  [Stabs  bim. 

I'll  drown  you  in  the  malmfey-butt  within.       [Exit. 

2  Murd.    A  bloody  deed,    and   defperately  dif- 

patch'd  ! 

How  fain,  like  Pilate,  would  I  wafli  my  hands 
Of  this  molt  grievous  guilty  murder  done  ! 

Re-enter  firft  Murderer. 

1  Murd.  How  now  ?  what  mean'fl  thou,  thatthou 

help'ft  me  not  ? 

fey  heaven,  the  duke  mail  know  how  flack  you  have 
been. 

2  Murd.  I  would  he  knew,  that  I  had  fav'd  his  bro- 

ther ! 

Take  thou  the  fee,  and  tell  him  what  I  fay; 
For  I  repent  me  that  the  duke  is  flain.  [Exit. 

i  Murd.  So  do  not  I ;  go,  coward,  as  thou  art. — 
Well,  I'll  go  hide  the  body  in  fome  hole, 
'Till  that  the  duke  give  order  for  his  burial  : 
And  when  I  have  my  meed,  I  will  away  ; 
For  this  will  out,  and  then  I  muft  not  ftay. 

[Exif9  with  the  body. 
O,  if  thine  eye 

Come  then  on  my  fide,  and  intreat  for  me, 
As  you  would  beg,  were  you  in  my  diftrefs. 
A  begging  prince  what  beggar  pities  not  ?  TYRWHITT. 

A  legging  prince  what  beggar  pities  not?]  To  this  in  the  quarto, 
the  murderer  replies : 

I,  thus  and  thus  :  .if  this  will  not  ferve, 
I'll  chop  thee  in  the  malmefey  but  in  the  next  roame. 
and  then  flabs  him.    STEEVENS. 


VOL.  VII.  E  ACT 


5o      KING    RICHARD    IIL 
A  C  T     II.        S  C  E  N  E     I. 

The  Court. 

Enter  King  Edward  fid,    the  Queen,   Dorfet,  'Rivers; 
Hajlings,  Buckingham,  Grey,  and  others. 

K.  Edw.  Why,  fo  : — now  have  I  done  a  good  day's 

work ; — 

You  peers,  continue  this  united  league  : 
I  every  day  expect  an  embaflage 
From  my  Redeemer  to  redeem  me  hence  ; 
And  now  in  peace  my  foul  lhall  part  to  heaven, 
Since  I  have  made  my  friends  at  peace  on  earth. 
Rivers,  and  Haflings,  take  each  other's  hand ; 
Diflemble  not  your  hatred,  fwear  your  love. 

Riv.  By  heaven,  my  foul  is  pnrg'd  from  grudging 

hate  ; 

And  with  my  hand  I  feal  my  true  heart's  love. 
Haft.  So  thrive  I,  as  I  truly  fwear  the  like  ! 
K.  Edzv.  Take  heed,  you  dally  not  before  your 

king; 

Left  he,  that  is  the  fupreme  King  of  kings, 
Confound  your  hidden  falfhood,  and  award 
Either  of  you  to  be  the  other's  end. 

Haft.  So  profper  I,  as  I  fwear  perfect  love ! 
Riv.  And  I,  as  I  love  Hailings  with  my  heart ! 
K.  Edw.  Madam,  yourfelf  are  not  exempt  in  this, — 
Nor  your  fon  Dorfet,— Buckingham,  nor  you  ; — 
You  have  been  fadious  one  againft  the  other. 
Wife,  love  lord  Haflings,  let  him  kifs  your  hand  ; 
And  what  you  do,  do  it  unfeignedly. 

$ueen.  There,  Hailings ;— I  will  never  more  re- 
member 

Our  former  hatred,  So  thrive  I,  and  mine  ! 
/T.  £fer.  Dorfet,  embrace  him ;—  Hailings,  love 
lord  marquis. 

Dor. 


KltiG    iiCHARD    lit.       51 

tior.  This  enterchange  of  love,  I  here  proteft, 
tjpon  my  part,  fhall  be  inviolable. 

Haft.  And  Ib  fwear  I. 

K.  Edw.  Now,  princely  Buckingham,   feal  thou 

this  league 

With  thy  embracements  to  my  wife's  allies, 
And  make  me  happy  in  your  unity. 

Buck.  Whenever  Buckingham  doth  turn  his  hate 
Upon  your  grace,  but  with  all  duteous  love 

[To  the  Queen. 

Doth  cherim  you*  and  yours,  God  punifh  me 
With  hate  in  thole  where  I  exped:  moft  love  ! 
When  I  have  moft  need  to  employ  a  friend, 
And  moft  affured  that  he  is  a  friend, 
JDeep,  hollow,  treacherous,  and  full  of  guile, 
Be  he  unto  me  !  this  do  I  beg  of  heaven, 
When  I  am  cold  in  love,  to  you,  or  yours. 

[Embracing  Rivers,  &c. 

K.  Edzv.  A  pleafing  cordial,  princely  Buckingham, 
Is  this  thy  vow  unto  my  iickly  heart* 
There  wanteth  now  our  brother  Glofter  here, 
To  make  the  blefled  period  of  this  peace. 

Buck.  And,  in  good  time,  here  comes  the  noble  duke* 

Enter  Glofter. 

Glo.  Good  morrow  to  my  fovereign,   king,  and 

queen ; 
And,  princely  peers,  a  happy  time  of  day  ! 

K.  Edzv.  Happy,  indeed,  as  we  have  fpent  the 

day  : — 

Brother,  we  have  done  deeds  of  charity  ; 
Made  peace  of  enmity,  fair  love  of  hate, 
Between  thefe  fwelling  wrong-incenfed  peers. 

Glo.  A  blefled  labour,  my  moft  fovereign  liege.— ^ 
Among  this  princely  heap,  if  any  here, 
By  falfe  intelligence,  or  wrong  furmife, 
Hold  me  a  foe  ;  if  I  unwittingly 
Have  aught  committed  that  is  hardly  borne 

E  2  By 


5i       KING    RICHARD    lit* 

By  any  in  this  prefence,  I  defire 

To  reconcile  me  to  his  friendly  peace  : 

'Tis  death  to  me,  to  be  at  enmity  ; 

I  hate  it,  and  defire  all  good  men's  love.— 

Fir  ft,  madam,  I  entreat  true  peace  of  you, 

Which  I  will  purchafe  with  my  duteous  iervice  ; — 

Of  you,  my  noble  coufin  Buckingham, 

If  ever  any  grudge  were  lodg'd  between  us ; — 

Of  you,  lord  Rivers, — and,  lord  Grey,  of  youf 

That  all  without  defert  have  frown'd  on  me ; — 

Of  you,  lord  Woodville,. — and  lord  Scales,  of  you, — 

Dukes,  earls,  lords,  gentlemen  ;  indeed,  of  all. 

I  do  not  know 6  that  Englishman  alive, 

With  whom  my  foul  is  any  jot  at  odds, 

More  than  the  infant  that  is  born  to-night ; 

I  thank  my  God  for  my  humility. 

Queen.  A  holy-day  this  Ihall  be  kept  hereafter  :— 
I  would  to  God,  all  ftrifes  were  well  compounded. — 
My  fovereign  lord,  I  do  befeech  your  highnefs 
To  take  our  brother  Clarence  to  your  grace.. 

Glo*  Why,  madam,  have  I  offer'd  love  for  this,  * 
To  be  fo  flouted  in  this  royal  prefence  ? 

6  Ida  not  know-  &c.}  Milton  in  his  EIKONOKAASTHS,  lias 
this  obfervation.  "  The  poets,  and  Ibme  Englifli,  have  been  in 
this  point  Ib  mindful  of  decorum,  as  to  put  never  more  pious 
words  in  the  mouth  of  any  perlbn,  than  of  a  tyrant.  I  fliall  not 
inftance  an  abftrufe  author,,  wherein  the  king  might  be  lefs  con- 
verfant,  but  one  whom  we  well  know  was  the  clofet-companion 
of  thefe  his  folitudes,  William  Shakefpeare  ;  who  introduced  the 
perfon  of  Richard  the  Third,  fpeaking  in  as  high  a  itrain  of 
piety  and  mortification  as  is  uttered'  in  any  paffage  in  this  book, 
and  fomctimes  to  the  fame  fenie  and  purpole  with  fome  words  in 
this  place;  I  Intended,  faith  he,  not  only  to  oblige  my,  friends,  but 
my  enemies.  The  like  faith  Richard,  act  II.  fc.  i  t 

I  do  not  know  that  Englifliman  alive 

With  whom  my  foul  is  any  jot  at  odds, 

More  than  the  infant  that  is  born  to-night  j 

I  thank  my  God  for  my  humility. 

Other  ftufF  of  this  fort  may  be  read  throughout  the  tragedy, 
wherein  the  poet  ufed  not  much  licence  in  departing  from  the 
truth  of  hiftory,  which  delivers  him  a  deep  diircmbler,  not  of 
his  affections  only,  but  of  religiou."  brtiiVJiNS* 

Who 


KING    RICHARD    III.      53 

W'ho  knows  not,  that  the  gentle  duke  is  dead  ? 

[They  alljlart. 
You  do  him  injury,  to  fcorn  his  corfe. 

K.  Edzv.  Who  knows  not,  he  is  dead  !  who  knowst 
•he  is  ? 

<Queen.  All-feeing  heaven,  what  a  world  is  this ! 

Buck.  Look  I  fo  pale,  lord  Dorfet,  as  the  reft  ? 

Dor.  Ay,  my  good  lord ;  and  no  man  in  the  prefence, 
But  his  red  colour  hath  forfook  his  cheeks. 

K.Etkv.  Is  Clarence  dead?  the  order  was  reversed. 

Glo.  But  he,  poor  man,  by  your  firft  order  died, 
And  that  a  winged  Mercury  did  bear  ; 
•Some  tardy  cripple  bore  the  countermand7, 
That  came  too  lag  to  fee  him  buried  : — 
God  grant,  that  fomc,  lefs  noble,  and  lefs  loyal, 
Nearer  in  bloody  thoughts,  and  not  in  blood, 
Defcrve  not  worfc  than  wretched  Clarence  did, 
And  yet  go  current  from  fufpicion  ! 

Enter  Lord  Stanley. 

Stan.  A  boon,  my  fovereign,  for  my  fervice  done  ! 
K.  Edw.  I  pr'ythee,  peace ;  my  foul  is  full  of  for- 

ro\v. 

Stan.  I  will  not  rife,  unlefs  your  highnefs  hear  me. 
K.  Edw.  Then  fay  at  once,  what  is  it  thou  requeft'ft. 
Stan.  8  The  forfeit,  fovereign,  of  my  fervant's  life; 
Who  flew  to-day  a  riotous  gentleman, 
Lately  attendant  on  the  duke  of  Norfolk. 

K.  Edw.  9  Have  I  a  tongue  to  doom  my  brother's 
death. 

And 

7  ——foiiu  tardy  cripple  &c.]  This  is  an  allufion  to  a  prover- 
bial expreffion  which  Drayton  has  vcrfified  in  the  fecond  canto  of 
the  Baron's  If  "ars  : 

"  111  news  hath  wings,  and  with  the  wind  doth  go ; 

*'  Comfort's  a  cr'tpple>  and  comes  ever  flow."    STEEVETNS. 

8  Tic  forfeit ~\  He  means  the  remiffion  of  the  forfeit. 

JOHNSON. 

5  Have  I  a  tottgue  to  doom  ny  IrotlMifsdeaib?}  This  lamentation 
£  3  is 


54      KING    RICHARD    III, 

And  fhall  that  tongue  give  pardon  to  a  flave  ? 
My  brother  kill'd  no  man,  his  fault  was  thought^ 
And  yet  his  punishment  was  bitter  death. 
Who  fu'd  to  me  for  him  ?  who,  in  my  wrath, 
Kneel'd  at  my  feet,  and  bid  me  be  advis'd  ? 
Who  fpoke  of  brotherhood  .;  who  fpoke  of  love  ? 
Who  told  me?  how  the  poo<*  foul  did  forfake 
The  mighty  Warwick,  and  did  fight  for  me  ? 
Who  told  me,  in  the  field  at  Tewkfbury, 
When  Oxford  had  me  down,  he  refcu'd  me, 
And  faid?  Dear  brother,  live,  and  be  a  king  f 
Who  told  me,  when  we  both  lay  in  the  field, 
Frozen  almoft  to  death^  how  he  difi  lap  me 
Even  in  his  garments  ;  and  did  give  himfelf, 
All  thin  and  naked,  to  the  numb-cold  night  ? 
All  this  from  my  remembrance  brutifh  wrath 
Sinfully,  pluck'd,  and  not  a  man  of  you 
Had  fo  much  grace  to  put  it  in  my  mind. 
But,  when  your  carters,  or  your  waiting  vaflals, 
Have  done  a  drunken  flaugfiter,  and  defac'd 
The  precious  image  of  our  dear  Redeemer, 
You  ftraight  are  on  your  knees  for  pardon,  pardon  \ 
And  I,  unjuftly  too,  muft  grant  it  you  :  — 
But  for  my  brother,  not  a  man  would  fpeak,-r- 
Nor  I  (ungracious)  fpeak  unto  myfelf 
For  him,  poor  foul.—  -The  proudeft  of  you  all 
Have  been  beholden  to  him  in  his  life  ; 
Yet  none  of  you  would  once  plead  for  his  life,—; 
O  God  !   I  fear,  thy  juftice  will  take  hold 
On  me,  and  you,  and  mine,  and  yours,  for  this.  —  • 
Come,  Haftings,  help  me  to  my  clofet.     Oh, 
Poor  Clarence  !        [Exeunt  King  and  Queen,  Ha/lings,^ 

Rivers,  Dorfet,  and  Grey. 

Qlo.  Thefe  are  the  fruits  of  ralhnefs  !  —  Mark'd 
you  not, 


^  tender  and  pathetick.  The  recolleftion  of  the  good  qua- 
lities of  the  dead  is  very  natural,  and  no  lefs  naturally  does  the 
king  endeavour  to  communicate  the  crime  to  others.  JOHNSON,  j 

How 


KING    RICHARD    III.       55 

How  that  the  guilty  kindred  of  the  queen 

Look'd  pale,  when  they  did  hear  of  Clarence'  death  > 

O !  they  did  urge  it  (till  unto  the  king  : 

God  will  revenge  it.     Come,  lords  ;   will  you  go, 

To  comfort  Edward  with  our  company  ? 

Buck.  We  wait  upon  your  grace,  [Exeunt. 


SCENE      II. 

The  fame. 

Enter  tie  Dutchefs  of  Tork,    with  the  two  children  of 
Clarence. 

Son.  Good  grandam,  tell  us,  is  our  father  dead  ? 

Dutcl.  No,  boy. 

Daugh.  Why  do  you  weep  fo  oft  ?  and  beat  your 

breaft  ? 
And  cry, — O  Clarence,  my  unhappy  fon  ! 

Son.  Why  do  you  look  on  us,  and  lhake  your  head, 
And  call  us — orphans,  wretches,  caft-aways, 
If  that  our  noble  father  be  alive  ? 

Dutch.  My  pretty  coufins,  you  miftake  me  both  ; 
I  do  lament  the  ficknefs  of  the  king, 
As  loth  to  lofe  him,  not  your  father's  death ; 
It  were  loft  forrow,  to  wail  one  that's  loft. 

Son.  Then,  grandam,  you  conclude  that  he  is  dead. 
The  king  mine  uncle  is  to  blame  for  this  : 
God  will  revenge  it ;  whom  I  will  importune 
With  earncft  prayers,  all  to  that  effedt. 

Daugh.  And  fo  will  I. 

Dutch.  Peace,  children,  peace !  the  king  doth  love 

you  well  : 

Incapable  and  (hallow  innocents, 
You  cannot  guefs  who  caus'd  your  father's  death. 

Son.  Grandam,  we  can  :  for  my  good  uncle  Gloftcr 
Told  me,  the  king,  provok'd  to't  by  the  queen, 

E  4  DC- 


56      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Devis'd  impeachments  to  imprifon  him  : 
And  when  my  uncle  told  me  fo,  he  wept, 
And  pitied  me,  and  kindly  kifs'd  my  cheek  ; 
Bade  me  rely  on  him,  as  on  my  father, 
And  he  would  love  me  dearly  as  his  child. 

Dutch.  Ah,  that   deceit  Ihould  fteal  fuch  gentle 

fhapes, 

And  with  a  virtuous  vizor  hide  deep  vice  ! 
He  is  my  fon,  ay,  and  therein  my  fhame. 
Yet  from  my  dugs  he  drew  not  this  deceit. 

Son.  Think  you,  my  uncle  did  diffemble,  gran- 
dam  ? 

Dutch.  Ay,  boy. 

Son.  I  cannot  think  it.     Hark  !  what  noife  is  this  ? 

Enter  the  ^ueen,  diftraftedly  ;  Riven,  and  Dorfet,  after 
her. 

Queen.  Ah  !  who  ftiall  hinder  me  to  wail  and  weep  ? 
To  chide  my  fortune,  and  torment  myfelf  ? 
I'll  join  with  black  defpair  againft  my  foul. 
And  to  myfelf  become  an  enemy. — 

Dutch.  What  means  this  fcene  of  rude  impatience  ? 

Queen.  To  make  an  ad:  of  tragic  violence  : — 
Edward,  my  lord,  thy  fon,  our  king,  is  dead. — 
Why  grow  the  branches,  when  the  root  is  gone  ? 
Why  wither  not  the  leaves,  that  want  their  lap  ?— 
If  you  will  live,  lament ;  if  die,  be  brief ; 
That  our  fwift- winged  fouls  may  catch  the  king's ; 
Or,  like  obedient  fubje&s,  follow  him 
To  his  new  kingdom  of  perpetual  reft. 

Dutch.  Ah,  fp  much  intereft  have  I  in  thy  forrow, 
As  I  had  title  in  thy  noble  hufband  ! 
I  have  bewept  a  worthy  hulband's  death, 
And  liv'd  by  looking  on  *  his  images  : 
But  now,  two  mirrors  of  his  princely  femblance 

1  • bis  images:]  The  children  by  whom  he  was  repre- 

feiited,    JOHNSON. 


KING    RICHARD  'III,      57 

Are  crack'd  in  pieces  by  malignant  death  ; 
And  I  for  comfort  have  but  one  falfe  glafs, 
That  grieves  me  when  I  fee  my  lhame  in  him. 
Thou  art  a  widow  ;  yet  thou  art  a  mother. 
And  haft  the  comfort  of  thy  children  left  thec  : 
But  death  hath  fnatch'd  my  hulband  from  mine  arms, 
And  pluck'd  two  crutches  from  my  feeble  hands, 
Clarence,  and  Edward.     O,  what  caufe  have  I, 
(Thine  being  but  a  moiety  of  my  grief) 
To  over-go  thy  plaints,  and  drown  thy  cries  ? 

Son.  Ah,  aunt !  [To  the  <$ueen.']  you  wept  not  for 

our  father's  death ; 
How  can  we  aid  you  with  our  kindred  tears  ? 

Daugh.  Our  fatherlefs  diftrefs  was  left  unmoanM, 
Your  widow  dolour  likewife  be  unwept ! 

Queen.  Give  me  no  help  in  lamentation, 
I  am  not  barren  to  bring  forth  laments  : 
All  fprings  reduce  their  currents  to  mine  eyes, 
That  I,  z  being  governed  by  the  watry  moon, 
May  fend  forth  plenteous  tears  to  drown  the  world! 
Ah,  for  my  hufband,  for  my  dear  lord  Edward  ! 

Cbil.  Ah,  for  our  father,  for  our  dear  lord  Clarence ! 

Dutch.  Alas,  for  both,  both   mine,  Edward  and 
Clarence  ! 

Queen.  What  ftay  had  I,  but  Edward  ?   and  he's 
gone. 

CJjil.  What  ftay  had  we,  but  Clarence  ?  and  he's 
gone. 

Dutch.  What  ftays  had  I,  but  they  ?   and  they  are 
'  gone. 

Queen.  Mras  never  widow,  had  fo  dear  a  lofs. 

Cbil.  Were  never  orphans,  had  fo  dear  a  lofs. 

Dutch.  Was  never  mother,  had  fo  dear  a  lofs. 
Alas !  I  am  the  mother  .of  thefe  griefs  ; 

a   —  being  governed  l>y   lie  ivatiy  mron,}   That  I  may  live 

^ercafter  under  the  influence  of  the  moon,  which  governs  the 
tides,  and  by  the  help  of  that  influence  dn.vvn  the  world.  The 
introduction  of  the  mcon  is  not  verv  mtural.  JOHNSQX. 

Their 


5S      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Their  woes  are  parcell'd,  mine  are  general. 
She  for  an  Edward  weeps,  and  fo  do  I ; 
I  for  a  Clarence  weep,  fo  doth  not  fhe  : 
Thefe  babes  for  Clarence  weep,  and  fo  do  I ; 
I  for  an  Edward  weep,  fo  do  not  they  : — 
Alas  !   you  three,  on  me,  threefold  diftrefs'd, 
Pour  all  your  tears  ;  I  am  your  forrow's  nurfe, 
And  I  will  pamper  it  with  lamentations. 

Dor.  Comfort,  dear  mother;  God  is  much  dif- 

pleas'd, 

That  you  take  with  imthankfulnefs  his  doing  : 
In  common  worldly  things,  'tis  call'd — ungrateful, 
With  dull  unwillingnefs  to  repay  a  debt, 
Which  with  a  bounteous  hand  was  kindly  lent; 
Much  more,  to  be  thus  oppofite  with  heaven, 
For  it  requires  the  royal  debt  it  lent  you. 

Riv.    Madam,  bethink  you,  like  a  careful  mo~ 

ther, 

Of  J:he  young  prince  your  fon  :  fend  ftraight  for  him, 
Let  him  be  crown'd  ;  in  him  your  comfort  lives  : 
Drown  defperate  forrow  in  dead  Edward's  grave, 
And  plant  your  joys  in  living  Edward's  throne. 

Enter  Gloftcr,  Buckingham,  Stanley,  Ha/lings,  and 
Ratcliff. 

Glo.  Sifter,  have  comfort :  all  of  us  have  caufe. 
To  wail  the  dimming  of  our  fhining  ftar; 
But  none  can  cure  their  harms  by  wailing  them.— 
Madam,  my  mother,  I  do  cry  you  mercy, 
I  did  not  fee  your  grace  : — Humbly  on  my  knee 
I  crave  your  blcffing. 

Dutch.  God  blefs  thec ;  and  put  meeknefs  in  thy 

breaft, 
Love,  charity,  obedience,  and  true  duty  ! 

Glo.  Amen  ;  and  rriake  me  die  a  good  old  man  ! — 
That  is  the  butt-end  of  a  mother's  bleffing  ;  [Aftde, 
I  marvel,  that  her  grace  did  leave  it  out. 

Buck. 


KING    RICHARD    III.       ?9 

Buck.  You  cloudy  princes,   and  heart-forrowing 

peers, 

That  bear  this  mutual  heavy  load  of  moan, 
Now  chear  each  other  in  each  other's  love  : 
Though  we  have  fpent  our  harveft  of  this  king, 
We  are  to  reap  the  harveft  of  his  fon. 
The  broken  rancour  of  your  high-fwoln  hearts, 
But  lately  fplinted,  knit,  and  join'd  together, 
Muft  gently  be  preferv'd,  cheriih'cl,  and  kept : 
Me  feemeth  good,  that,  with  fome  little  train, 
3  Forthwith  from  Ludlow  the  young  prince  be  fetch'd 
Hither  to  London,  to  be  crown'd  our  king. 

£jv.  Why  with  fome  little  train,  my  lord  of  Buck- 
ingham  ? 

Buck.  Marry,  my  lord,  left,  by  a  multitude, 
The  new-heal'd  wound  of  malice  fhould  break  out; 
Which  would  be  fo  much  the  more  dangerous, 
By  how  much  the  eftate  is  green,  and  yet  ungovern'd  : 
Where  every  horfe  bears  his  commanding  rein, 
And  may  direct  his  courfe  as  pleafe  himfelf, 
As  well  the  fear  of  harm,  as  harm  apparent, 
In  my  opinipn,  ought  to  be  prevented. 

Glo.  I  hope,  the  king  made  peace  with  all  of  us ; 
And  the  compact  is  firm,  and  true,  in  me. 

Riv.  And  fo  in  me ;  and  fo,  I  think,  in  all  ; 
Yet,  fince  it  is  but  green,  it  Ihould  be  put 
To  no  apparent  likelihood  of  breach, 
Which,  haply,  by  much  company  might  be  urg'd  : 
Therefore  I  fay,  with  noble  Buckingham, 
That  it  is  meet  fo  few  fhould  fetch  the  prince. 

3  Fortfnvitb  from  Ludlcrjj  the  young  prince  le  fetci'd]  Edward 
the  young  prince,  in  his  father's  lifetime,  and  at  his  demifc,  kept 
his  houfticld  at  Ludlow,  as  prince  of  Wales  ;  under  the  govern- 
ance of  Antony  Woodville,  earl  of  Rivers,  his  uncle  by  the 
mother's  fide.  The  intention  of  his  being  fent  thither  was  to  fee 
juftice  done  in  the  Marches ;  and,  by  the  authority  of  his  pre- 
fence,  to  reftrain  the  Welfiimen,  who  were  wild,  diflblute,  and 
ill-djfpofed,  from  their  accuftomed  murders  and  outrages.  Vid. 
pall,  Holinflied,  &c.  THEOBALD. 


60       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Haft.  And  fo  fay  I. 

Gb.  Then  be  it  fo ;  and  go  we  to  determine 
Who  they  lhall  be  that  ftraight  fhall  poll  to  Ludlow, 
Madam, — and  yon  my  mother, — will  you  go 
To  give  your  cenfures  4  in  this  weighty  buiinefs  ? 

[Exeunt  ®ueen,  &c? 

Manent  Buckingham^  and  Glojier. 

Buck.  My  lord,  whoever  journeys  to  the  prince, 
For  God's  fake,  let  not  us  two  flay  at  home  : 
For,  by  the  way,  I'll  fort  occafion, 
As  index  to  the  flory  we  late  talk'd  of  s> 
To  part  the  queen's  proud  kindred  from  the  prince, 

Gb.  My  other  felf,  my  counfel's  confiftory, 
My  oracle,  my  prophet ! — My  dear  coufin, 
I,  as  a  child,  will  go  by  thy  direction. 
Towards  Ludlow  then,  for  we'll  not  ftay  behind. 

[Exeunt. 

*  •      •    your  cenfures ]  TO  cenfure  formerly  meant 

liver  an  opinion.     So,  in  Heywood's  Golden  Age^  1611; 

,   *'  yet  if  I  cenfure  freely, 

*^  I  needs  muft  think  that  face  and  perfonage 
"  Was  ne'er  deriv'd  from  bafenefs." 
Again,  in  Marlus  and  Syllat    1594: 

**  Cinna  affirms  the  fenate's  cenfure  juft, 
"And  faith,  let  Marius  lead  the  legions  forth.** 
Again,  in  Orlando  Furiofo^  1 594. : 

**  Set  each  man  forth  his  paflions  how  he  can, 
"  And  let  her  cenfure  make  the  happieft  man." 

STEEVEN^ 
5  rilfort  occajion. 

As  index  to  the  fiery——] 
\.  e.  preparatory— by  way  of  prelude.     So,  in  Hamlet : 

44  That  ftorms  fo  loud  and  thunders  in  the  index" 
See  the  note  on  that  paflage.    MALONE. 


SCENE 


KING    RICHARD    IIL      61 

SCENE        III. 

A  Jlreet  near  the  court. 
Enter  two  Citizens,  meeting. 

1  Cit.  Good  morrow,  neighbour  :  Whither  away 

fo  faft  ? 

2  Cit.  I  promife  you,  I  hardly  know  myfelf ; 
Hear  you  the  news  abroad  ? 

1  Cit.  Yes,  that  the  king  is  dead. 

2  Cit.  Ill  news,  by'r  lady ;  feldom  comes  a  better : 
I  fear,  I  fear,  'twill  prove  a  giddy  world. 

Enter  another  Citizen. 

3  Cit.  Neighbours,  God  fpeed  ! 

1  Cit.  Give  you  good  morrow,  fir. 

3  Cit.  Doth  the  news  hold  of  good  king  Edward's 
death  ? 

2  Cit  Ay,  fir,  it  is  too  true ;  God  help,  the  while ! 

3  Cit.  Then,  matters,  look  to  fee  a  troublous  world. 

1  Cit.  No,  no ;  by  God's  good  grace,  his  fon  ftiall 

reign. 

3  Cit.  Woe  to  that  land,  that's  e;overn'd   by  a 
child6! 

2  Cit.  In  him  there  is  a  hope  of  government ; 
7  That,  in  his  nonage,  council  under  him, 
And,  in  his  full  and  ripen'd  years,  himfelf, 

No  doubt,  lhall  then,  and  'till  then,  govern  welL 

'  Woe  to  that  land  that's  governed  by  a  child  !~\ 

"  Woe  to  thee,  O  land,  when  thy  king  is  a  child." 

Ecclefiaftes,  ch.  x.     STEEVENS. 

7  Which  in  his  nonage, ]  -The  word .which  has   no  ante- 
cedent, nor  can  the  fenfe  or  connection  be  eafily  reftored  by  any 
change.^    I  believe  a  line  to  be  loft,  in  which  ibme  mention  was 
made  of  the  land  or  t\\e  people.     JOHNSON. 
The  quarto  reads,  that.    STEE,V^NS. 

i  Cit. 


62      KING    RICHARD    111. 

i  Cit.  So  flood  the  flate,  when  Henry  the  fixth 
Was  crown'd  in  Paris  but  at  nine  months  old. 

3  Cit.  Stood  the  ftate  fo  ?    no,    no,  good  friends, 

God  wot ; 

For  then  this  land  was  famoufly  enrich'd 
With  politick  grave  connfel ;  then  the  king 
Had  virtuous  uncles  to  protect  his  grace. 

i  Cit.  Why,  fo  hath  this,  both  by  his  father  and 
mother. 

3  Cit.  Better  it  were,  they  all  came  by  his  father ; 
Or,  by  his  father,  there  were  none  at  all : 
For  emulation  now,  who  lhall  be  neareft, 
Will  touch  us  all  too  near,  if  God  prevent  not. 
O,  full  of  danger  is  the  duke  of  Glofler ; 
And  the  queen's  fons,    and  brothers,    haught  and 

proud : 

And  were  they  to  be  rul'd  and  not  to  rule, 
This  fickly  land  might  folace  as  before. 

1  Cit.  Come,  come,  we  fear  the  worft ;  all  will  be 

well. 
3  Cit.  When  clouds  are  feen,  wife  men  put  on  their 

,    cloaks ; 

When  great  leaves  fall,  then  winter  is  at  hand  ; 
When  the  fun  fets,  who  doth  not  look  for  night  ? 
Untimely  ftorms  make  men  expedt  a  dearth  : 
All  may  be  well ;  but,  if  God  fort  it  fo, 
'Tis  more  than  we  deferve,  or  I  expect. 

2  Cit.  Truly,  the  hearts  of  men  are  full  of  fear : 
You  cannot  reafon  almoft  with  a  man 

That  looks  not  heavily,  and  full  of  dread* 

3  Git.  Before  the  days  of  change  8,  ftill  is  it  fo  : 
By  a  divine  inftinct,  men's  minds  miftruft 
Enftring  danger  ;  as,  by  proof,  we  fee 

8  Before  the  days  of  change,  &c.]  This  is  from  Holinflied's 
Chronicle,  Vol.  III.  p.  721.  "  Before  fuch  great  things,  men's 
hearts  ot  a  fecret  inftinft  of  nature  mifgive  them  ;  as  the  fea 
without  wind  fwelleth  of  himfejf  fome  time  before  a  tempeft." 

TOLLET. 

The 


KING    RICHARD    III.      63 

The  water  fwell  before  a  boift'rous  ftorm. 
But  leave  it  all  to  God.     Whither  away  ? 

2  Cit.  Marry,  we  were  fent  for  to  the  juftices. 

3  Cit.  And  fo  was  I ;  I'll  bear  you  company. 

[Exeunt. 

SCENE      IV. 

A  room  in  the  palace. 

Enter  Archbijhop  of  York,  the  young  Duke  of  York,  the 
Queen,  and  the  Dutchefs  of  Tork. 

Arch.  Laft  night,  I  heard,  they  lay  at  Northampton ; 
At  Stony-Stratford  they  do  reft  to-night : 
To-morrow,  or  next  day,  they  will  be  here. 

Dutch.  I  long  with  all  my  heart  to  fee  the  prince ; 
I  hope,  he  is  much  grown  iince  laft  I  faw  him. 

Queen.  But  I  hear,  no  ;  they  fay,  my  fon  of  York 
Has  almoft  overta'en  him  in  his  growth. 

York.  Ay,  mother,  but  I  would  not  have  it  fo. 

Dutch.  Why,  my  young  coufin  ?  it  is  good  to  grow. 

York.  Grandam,  one  night  as  we  did  fit  at  fupper, 
My  uncle  Rivers  talk'd  how  I  did  grow 
More  than  my  brother;  Ay,  quoth  my  uncle  Glofter, 
Small  herbs  have  grace,  great 'weeds  do  grow  apace  : 
And  fince,  methinks,  I  would  not  grow  fo  faft, 
Becaufe  fweet  flowers  are  flow,  and  weeds  make  hafte. 

Dutch.  Good  faith,  good  faith,  the  faying  did  not 

hold 

In  him  that  did  object  the  fame  to  thee  : 
He  was  9the  wretched'ft  thing,  when  he  was  young, 
So  long  a  growing,  and  fo  leifurely, 
That,  if  his  rule  were  true,  he  Ihould  be  gracious. 

Arch.  And  fo,  no  doubt,  he  is,  my  gracious  madam. 

9  —the  wretched'ft  /£/»£,——]  Wretched  is  here  ufed  in 

a  fenfe  yet  retained  in  familiar  language,  for  f>ahrjt  pitiful,  be- 
ing below  expectation.    JOHNSON. 

Dutch. 


64      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Dutch.  I  hope,  he  is ;  but  yet  let  mothers  doubt; 

York.  Now,  by  my  troth,  if  I  had  '  been  remem- 

ber'd, 

I  could  have  given  my  uncle's  grace  a  flout, 
To  touch  his  growth,  nearer  than  he  touch'd  mine. 

Dutch.  How,  my  young  York  >  I  pr'ythee,  let  me 
hear  it. 

York.  Marry,  they  fay,  my  uncle  grew  fo  faft, 
That  he  could  gnaw  a  crufl  at  two  hours  old  ; 
'Twas  full  two  years  ere  I  could  get  a  tooth. 
Grandam,  this  would  have  been  a  biting  jeft. 

Dutch.  I  pr'ythee,  pretty  York,  who  told  thec  this  ? 

York.  Grandam,  his  nurfe. 

Dutch.  His  nurfe !  why,  flie  was  dead  ere  thou  waft 
born. 

York.  If  'twere  not  me,  I  cannot  tell  who  told  me. 

<$ueen.  A  parlous  boy  *  : — Go  to,    you  are  too 
ihrewd. 

'Dutch.  Good  madam,  be  not  angry  with  the  child* 

Queen.  Pitchers  have  ears. 

Enter  a  Meffenger '. 

Arch.  Here  comes  a  meflenger  :  What  news  ? 

Mef.  Such  news,  my  lord,  as  grieves  me  to  unfold. 

Queen.  How  doth  the  prince  ? 

Me/.  Well,  madam,  and  in  health. 

Dutch.  What  is  thy  news  ? 

Mef.  Lord  Rivers,  and  lord  Grey, 
Are  fent  to  Pomfret,  prifoners ;  and,  with  them, 
Sir  Thomas  Vaughan. 

1       "    been  remembered,  ]   To  le  remembered  is  in  Shakefpeare,  to 
have  one's  memory  quick,  to  have  one's  thoughts  about  one. 

JOHXSON. 

*  A  parlous  Icy.}  Parlous  is  keen,  flirevvd.  So,  in  La-iv  Tricks t 
&C.  1608  : 

"  A^<7r/0aj  youth,  fliarp  and  fatirical."    STEEVENS. 
3  Enter  a  Meffcngcr.    The  quarto  reads— Enter  Dorfet. 

STEEVENS. 

Dutch. 


KING    RICHARD    III.       65 

Dutch.  Who  hath  committed  them  ? 

Mef.  The  mighty  dukes,  Glofler,   and  Bucking- 
ham. 

Queen.  4  For  what  offence  ? 

Mef.  The  fum  of  all  I  can,  I  have  difclos'd ; 
Why,  or  for  what,  the  nobles  were  committed, 
Is  all  unknown  to  me,  my  gracious  lady. 

Queen.  A\\  me,  I  fee  the  ruin  of  my  houfe  ! 
The  tyger  now  hath  feiz'd  the  gentle  hind  ; 
Infulting  tyranny  begins  to  jut 
Upon  the  innocent  and  6  awlefs  throne  : — 
Welcome  deftruction,  blood,  and  maffacre  ! 
I  fee,  as  in  a  map,  the  end  of  all. 

Dutch.  Accurfed  and  unquiet  wrangling  days  ! 
How  many  of  you  have  mine  eyes  beheld  ? 
My  hufband  loft  his  life  to  get  the  crown  ; 
And  often  up  and  down  my  fons  were  toft, 
For  me  to  joy,  and  weep,  their  gain,  and  lofs : 
And  being  feated,  and  domeftick  broils 
Clean  over-blown,  themfelves,  the  conquerors, 
Make  war  upon  themfelves  ;  brother  to  brother, 
Blood  to  blood,  felf  againft  felf  : — O,  prepofterous 
And  frantick  outrage,  end  thy  damned  fpleen ; 
7  Or  let  me  die,  to  look  on  death  no  more  ! 

4  For  what  offence?]  This  queftion  is  given  to  the  archbifliop 
in  former  copies,  but  the  meflenger  plainly  fpeaks  to  the  queen 
or  dutchefs.  JOHNSON. 

6  — ai'.'ic/s — ]    Not  producing  awe,   not  reverenced.     To 
jut  upon  is  to  encroach.     JOHNSON. 

7  Or  let  me  die,  to  look  on  earth  no  more.~\  This  is  the  reading  of 
nil  the  copies,  from  the  firft  edition  put  out  by  the  players,  down- 
wards.    But  I  have  reftored  the  reading  of  the  old  quarto  in  1 597, 
which  is  copied  by  all  the  other  authentic  quartos,   by  which  the 
thought  is  finely  and  properly  improved. 

Or  let  me  die,  to  look  on  death  no  wore.     THEOBALD. 
This  quarto  printed  in  i  597  I  have  never  feen,  neither  was  it 
in  Theobald's  collection  of  the  old  copies,  which  the  late  Mr. 
Tonfon  poflefled  entire.     STHEVENS. 

VOL.  VII,  F 


66       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Queen.  Come,   come,   my  boy,  we  will  to  fenc- 

tuary. — 
Madam,  farewel. 

Dutch.  Stay,  I  will  go  with  you. 

Queen.  You  have  no  caufe. 

Arch.  My  gracious  lady,  go., 
And  thither  bear  your  treafure  and  your  goods. 
For  my  part,  I'll  reiign  unto  your  grace 
The  feal  I  keep  ;  And  fo  betide  to  me, 
As  well  I  tender  you,  and  all  of  yours  ! 
Come,  I'll  conduct  you  to  the  fanctuary.      [Exeunt. 


ACT     III.       SCENE    I. 

In  London. 

The  trumpets  found.  Enter  the  Prince  of  Wales,  the 
Dukes  of  Glojler  and  Buckingham,  Cardinal  Bourchier, 
and  others.  • 

Buck.  Welcome,  fweet  prince,   to  London,  8to 

your  chamber. 
Glo.  Welcome,  dear  coufin,   my  thoughts'  fove- 

reign  : 
The  weary  way  hath  made  you  melancholy. 

Prince.  No,  uncle ;  but  our  croffes  on  the  way 
Have  made  it  tedious,  wearifome,  and  heavy  : 
I  want  more  uncles  here  to  welcome  me. 

Glo.  Sweet  prince,  the  untainted  virtue  of  your 
years 

8  •    *       toy  our  chamber.]  London  was  anciently  called  Ca' 
trier   regia.     POPE. 

So,  in  Heywood's  If  you  knoi':  not  me  you  know  Nobody ,  1633  : 
2d  Pai;t : 

**  This  city,  our  great  cbaml>.r"     S  TEE  YENS. 

'    Hath 


KING    RICHARD    III.      67 

Hath  not  yet  div'd  into  the  world's  deceit  : 

No  more  can  you  diftinguifh  of  a  man, 

Than  of  his  outwacd  fhew ;  which,  God  he  knows, 

Seldom,  or  never,  jumpeth  with  the  heart 9. 

Thofe  uncles,  which  you  want,  were  dangerous ; 

Your  grace  attended  to  their  fugar'd  words, 

But  look'd  not  on  the  poifon  of  their  hearts  : 

God  keep  you  from   them,    and  from  fuch  falfe 

friends  ! 
Prince.  God  keep  me  from  falfe  friends !  but  they 

were  none. 
Glo.  My  lord,  the  mayor  of  London  comes  to 

greet  you, 

Enter  the  Lord  Mayor,  and  his  train, 
Myor.  God  blefs  your  grace  with  health  and  hap- 


py days  1 
•ince.  I 


Prince.  I  thank  you,  good  my  lord ; — and  thank 

you  all. — 

I  thought,  my  mother,  and  my  brother  York, 
Would  long  ere  this  have  met  us  on  the  way  : — 
Fie,  what  a  Hug  is  Haftings  !    that  he  comes  not 
To  tell  us,  whether  they  will  come,  or  no. 

Enter  Haftings. 

Buck.  And,  in  good  time T,  here  comes  thefweating 

lord. 

Prince.  Welcome,  my  lord  :  What,  will  our  mo- 
ther come  ? 

Haft.  On  what  occafion,  God  he  knows,  not  I, 
The  queen  your  mother,  and  your  brother  York, 
Have  taken  fanctuary  :  The  tender  prince 

'  jumpeth  *xitb  the  heart:].  So,  in  Soliman  andPerfeda: 

"  Wert  thou  try  friend,  thy  mind  would  jump  with  mine." 

STEEVENS. 
*  •'  •  "  in  good  time )~\  A  la  bonne  heure.     Fr.    STEEVENS. 

F  a  Would 


68       KING    RICHARD     III. 

Would  fain  have  come  with  me  to  meet  your  grace, 
But  by  his  mother  was  perforce  withheld. 

Buck.  Fie  !  what  an  indirect  and  peevifh  courfe 
Is  this  of  hers  ? — Lord  cardinal,    will  your  grace 
Perfuade  the  queen  to  fend  the  duke  of  York 
Unto  his  princely  brother  prefently  ? 
If  flie  deny, — lord  Hailings,  you  go  with  him, 
And  from  her  jealous  arms  pluck  him  perforce. 

Card.  My  lord  of  Buckingham,  if  my  weak  oratory 
Can  from  his  mother  win  the  duke  of  York, 
Anon  cxpedt  him  here  :  But  if  flie  be  obdurate 
To  mild  entreaties,  God  in  heaven  forbid 
We  mould  infringe  the  holy  privilege 
Of  blefled  fanctuary  !  not  for  all  this  land, 
Would  I  be  guilty  of  fo  deep  a  fin, 

Buck.  You  are  too  fcnfelefs-obftinate,  my  lord, 
*  Too  ceremonious,  and  traditional  : 
J  Weigh  it  but  with  the  groffnefs  of  this  age, 

4  Too  ceremonious,  ^/traditional :]  Ceremonious  for  fu peril i- 
tious ;  traditional  for  adherent  to  old  cuftoms.  WARBURTON. 

3  Weigh  it  but  with  the  grollhefs  of  this  age,]  But  the  moregrofs, 
that  is,  the  more  iuperititious  the  age  was,  the  ftronger  would 
be  the  imputation  o I  violated  fan&uary.  The  queftion,  we  fee 
by  what  follows,  is  whether  fan&uary  could  be  claimed  by  an  in- 
fant. The  fpeaker  refolves  it  in  the  negative,  becaufe  it  could  be 
claimed  by  thofe  only  whole  actions  neceffitated  them  to  fly  thi- 
ther ;  or  by  thofe  who  had  an  understanding  to  demand  it ;  nei- 
ther of  which  could  be  an  inhmt's  cafe  :  It  is  plain  then,  the  fidt 
line,  which  introduces  this  reafoning,  mould  be  read  thus : 

Weigh  it  but  with  tie  greennefs  of  his  age, 

i,  c.  the  young  duke  of  York's,  whom  his  mother  had  fled  with 
to  fandtuary.  The  corrupted  reading  of  the  old  quarto  is  fome- 
thing  nearer  the  true  : 

the  greatnefs  of  his  age.    WAR  BUR  TON. 
This  emendation  is  received  by  Hanmer,  and  is  very  plaufiblci 
yet  the  common  reading  may  ftand  : 

Weigh  it  but  with  the  groffnefs  of  this  age, 

You  break  not  fanEluary ,- 

That  is,  compare  the  act  of  feizing  him  with  tliegrofs  and  licen- 
tious practices  of  tbtfi  times,  it  will  not  be  confidered  as  a  viola- 
tion of  faoftuary,  for  you  may  give  fucli  reafcms  as  men  are  now 
ttfed  to  admit.  JOHNSOXI 

You 


KING    RICHARD    III.      69 

You  break  not  fanftuary  in  feizing  him. 

The  benefit  thereof  is  always  granted 

To  thofe  whofe  dealings  have  dcferv'd  the  place, 

And  thofe  who  have  the  wit  to  claim  the  place  : 

This  prince  hath  neither  claim Jd  it,  nor  deferv'dit; 

Therefore,  in  mine  opinion,  cannot  have  it : 

Then,  taking  him  from  thence,  that  is  not  there, 

Your  break  no  privilege  nor  charter  there. 

Oft  have  I  heard  of  fanctuary  men  4  ; 

But  fandtuary  children,  ne'er  'till  now. 

Card.  My  lord,  you  fhall  o'er-rule  my  mind  for 

once. — 
Come  on,  lord  Haftings,  will  you  go  with  me  ? 

Haft.  I  go,  my  lord. 

Prince.  Good  lords,  make  all  the  fpeedy  hafle  you 
may.  [Exeunt  Cardinal,  and  Haft  ings. 

Say,  uncle  Glofter,  if  our  brother  come, 
Where  fhall  we  fojourn  'till  our  coronation  ? 

Glo.  Where  it  feems  befl  unto  your  royal  felf. 
If  I  may  counfel  you,  fome  day,  or  two, 
Your  highnefs  lhall  repofe  you  at  the  Tower : 
Then  where  you  pleafc,  and  fhall  be  thought  mod  fit 
For  your  befl  health  and  recreation. 

Prince.  I  do  not  like  the  Tower,  of  any  place  :— 
Did  Julius  Casfar  build  that  place,  my  lord  ? 

Glo.  He  did,  my  gracious  lord,  begin  that  place ; 
Which,  fince,  fucceeding  ages  have  re-edify'd. 

Prince.  Is  it  upon  record  ?  or  elfe  reported 
Succcffively  from  age  to  age,  he  built  it  ? 

Buck.  Upon  record,  my  gracious  lord. 

Prince.  But  fay,  my  lord,  it  were  not  regifter'd ; 
Methinks-,  the  truth  fhould  live  from  age  to  age, 

*  Oftbavelbeardoffanftuary  men\  &c.]    Thefe  arguments 
againft  the  privilege  of  fanftuary  are  taken  from  fir  Tho^  More's 

Life  of  K.  EJ-ivard  the  Fifth,  publifhed  by  Stowe  :  "  And 

verily,  I  have  often  heard  of  ian&uary  men,  but  I  never  heard 
fan&uary  children,  &c."    STEEVENS. 

F  a  As 


7o      KING    RICHARD    III. 

*  As  'twere  retail'd  to  all  poflcrity, 
Even  to  the  general  all-ending  day. 

Qlo.  So  wife  fo  young,  they  fay,    do  ne'er  live 
long 6.  \_4fide. 

Prince.  What  fay  you,  uncle  ? 
Glo.  I  fay,  .without  characters,  fanie  lives  long. 
7  Thus,  like  the  formal  vice,  Iniquity,        ?      ,c, 
I  moralize, — two  meanings  in  one  word.     $         e' 

Prince. 

5  As  'twere  retailed  to  all pojlerity ,]  And  fo  it  is  :  and,  by  that 
means,  like  mofl  other  retailed  things,  became  adulterated.     We 
fliould  read : 

intail'd  to  all  poflcrity ; 

which  is  finely  and  fenfibly  exprefied,  as  if  truth  was  the  natural 
inheritance  of  our  children  ;  which  it  is  impiety  to  deprive  them 
qf.  WARBURTON. 

Retailed  may  fignify  diffufed,  difperfed.     JOHNSON. 

6  So  wife,  &c.] 

Is  cadlt  antefenem,  quifapit  ante  diemt 
a  proverbial  line. 

*    Nov.  2!,  1576,  was  enter'd  on  the  books  of  the  Stationers* 
Company,  **  Carminum  proverbialium  totius  humans  vitas,  loci 
Communes."     From  this   collection,    perhaps,    the   pentameter, 
which  I  have  quoted  from  memory,1  is  derived.     STEEVENS. 
7  Thus,  like  the  formal  vice,  Iniquity, 

I  moralize  t"jjo  meanings  in  one  ivord,  ~\ 

By  vice,  the  author  means  not  a  quality,  but  aperfon.  There  was 
hardly  an  old  play,  till  the  period  of  the  Reformation,  which  had 
not  in  it  a  devil,  and  a  droll  character,  a  jefter  ;  (who  was  to  play 
upon  the  devil ;)  and  this  buffoon  went  by  the  name  of  a  f^icc. 
Tliia  buffoon  was  at  full  accoutred  with  a  long  jerkin,  a  cap  with 
a  pair  of  als's  ears,  and  a  wooden  dagger,  with  which  (like  an- 
other av'equin)  he  was  to  make  fport  in  belabouring  the  devil. 
This  was  the  conilant  entertainment  in  the  times  of  popery,  whilit 
fpirirs,  and  witchcraft,  and  exorcifmg  held  their  own.  When  the 
P  -nation  took  place,  the  flage  fhook  off  fome  groffities,  and 
encreafed  in  refinements.  The  mafter-devil  then  was  foon  dif- 
jnifTed  from  the  fcene  ;  and  this  buffoon  was  changed  into  a  fub- 
ordiuate  fiend,  whofe  bufinefs  *vas  to  range  on  earth,  and  feduce 
poor  mortals  into  that  perforated  vicious  quality,  which  he  occa- 
fionally  fupported ;  as,  i,-ii^\l:y  in  general,  lypocrtfy ,  -afury,  va- 
nity, -prodlgfility,  gluttony,  &c.  Now,  as  the  fiend  (or Wo-,)  who 
perfonated  Iniquity  (or  H)  pocrify,  for  inftance,)  could  never  hope 
to  play  his  game  to  the  purpofe  but  by  hiding  his  cloven  foot, 
fcnd  afiuming  a  fen.blance  q^uite  different  from  his  real  character ; 

he 


KING    RICHARD    III.       ?I 

Prince.  That  Julius  CWar  was  a  famous  man  ; 
With  what  his  valour  did  enrich  his  wit, 

His 

he  muft  certainly  put  on  a  formal  demeanour,  moralize  and  pre- 
varicate in  his  words,  and  pretend  a  meaning  directly  oppofite  to 
\i\sgenuine  K\\&  primitive  intention.  If  this  does  not  explain  the 
pafliigein  quelHon,  'tis  all  that  I  can  at  prefent  fuggeft  upon  it. 

THEOBALD, 

Thus,  like  the  formal  vice,  Iniquity, 
I  moralize  fovo  meanings  in  oneivord.] 

That  the  buffoon,  or  jefter  of  the  old  Englifh  farces,  was  called 
the  vice,  is  certain  :  and  that,  in  their  moral  reprefentations,  it 
was  common,  to  bring  in  the  deadly  fins,  is  as  true.  Of  thefe  we  ' 
have  yet  feveral  remains.  But  that  the  vice  ufed  to  a  flu  me  the 
perfonage  of  thole  fins,  is  a  fancy  of  Mr.  Theobald's,  who  knew 
nothing  of  the  matter.  The  truth  is,  the  vice  was  always  a  fool 
or  jefter :  And,  (as  the  woman,  in  the  Merchant  of  Venice,  calls 
the  clown,  alluding  to  this  character,)  a  merry  devil.  Whereas 
thefe  mortal  fins  were  fo  many  fad  ferious  ones.  But  what  milled 
our  editor  was  the  name,  Iniquity,  given  to  this  vice :  But  it  was 
only  on  account  of  his  unhappy  tricks  and  rogueries.  That  it 
was  given  to  him,  and  for  the  reafon  I  mention,  appears  from  the 
following  paflage  of  Jonfon's  Staple  of  Neves,  fecoud  intermeane  ; 
*'  M.  H'Jtv  like  you  the  vice  i  the  play  ? 
*'  T.  Here  if  never  a  fiend  to  carry  bim  away.  Befides  he  has 

never  a  wooden  dagger. 

"  M.  That  --Mas  the  old  ivay,gojf:p,  ivhen  Iniquity  came  in,  like 

Hocas  Pocas,  in  a  jagler's  jerkin,  iuith  falfe  Jkirts,  like  the  knave 

of  clubs." 

And,  in  The  DeviFs  an  Afs,  we  fee  this  old  vice,  Iniquity,  de- 
fcribed  more  at  large. 

From  all  this,  it  may  be  gathered,  that  the  text,  where  Rich- 
ard compares  himfelf  to  the  formal  vice,  Iniquity,  muft  be  cor- 
rupt :  And  the  interpolation  of  fome  toolifli  player.  The  vicct 
or  iniquity  being  not  a  formal  but  a  merry,  buffoon  char  rcter. 
Befides,  Shakefpeare  could  never  make  an  exact  fpeaker  refer  to 
this  character,  becaufe  the  fubjecl  he  is  upon  is  tradition  and  an- 
tiqnity,  which  have  no  relation  to  it ;  and  becaufe  it  appears  from 
the  turn  of  the  paflage,  that  he  is  apologizing  for  his  equivoca- 
tion by  a  refutable  practice.  To  keep  the  reader  no  longer  in 
fufpence,  my  conjecture  is,  that  Shakefpeare  wrote  and  pointed 
the  lines  in  this  manner  : 

Thus  like  the  formal-wife  Antiquity, 
I  moralize  :   Tkva  meaning  in  one  <v:ord» 

Alluding  to  the  mythologic  learning  cf  the  antients,  of  whom 
they  arc  all  here  fpeaking.  So  that  Richard's  ironical  apology 


72      KING    RICHARD    III, 

His  wit  fet  down  to  make  his  valour  live  :' 
Death  makes  no  conqueit  of  this  conqueror ;  • 

For 

is  to  this  effect,  You  men  of  morals  who  fo  much  extol  your  all- 
wife  antiquity,  in  what  am  I  inferior  to  it  ?  which  was  but  an 
equivocator  as  I  am.  And  it  is  remarkable,  that  the  Qreeks 
themfelves  called  their  remote  antiquity,  Aip/o^S©-  or  the  ctjui- 
•uocator.  So  far  as  to  the  general  fenfe  ;  as  to  that  which  ariics 
particularly  out  ot  the  corrected  expreffion,  I  {hall  only  obferve, 
tixsA  formal-wife  is  a  compound  epithet,  an  extreme  fine  one,  and 
admirably  fitted  to  the  character  ot  the  fpeaker,  who  thought  all 
luifdom  \t\\t  formality.  It  muft  therefore  be  read  for  the  future 
with  a  hyphen.  My  other  obfervation  is  with  regard  to  the 
pointing  ;  the  common  reading: 

/  moralize  i'MO  meanings 

is  nonfenfe  :  but  reformed  in  this  manner,  very  fenfible  : 
Thui  like  the  formal-wife  Antiquity 
I  moralise :  Two  meanings  in  one  word. 

i.e.  I  moralize  as  the  antients  did.  And  how  was  that?  the 
having  two  meanings  to  one  word.  A  ridicule  on  the  morality 
of  the  antients,  which  he  infinuates  was  no  better  than  equivo- 
cating. WAR  EUR  TON. 

This  alteration  Mr.  Upton  very  juftly  cenfures.  Dr.  Warbur- 
ton,  has,  in  my  opinion,  done  nothing  but  correct  the  punctua- 
tion, if  indeed  any  alteration  be  really  neceflary.  See  the  difler- 
tation  on  the  old  vice  at  the  end  of  this  play. 

To  this  long  collection  of  notes  may  be  added  a  queftion,  to 
what  equivocation  Richard  refers  ?  The  pofition  immediately 
preceding,  \\\<&  fame  lives  long  vjithout  characters,  that  is,  without 
the  help  of  letters,  feems  to  have  no  ambiguity.  He  muft  allude 
to  the  former  line  : 

So  young  fo  wife,  they  fay,  did  ne'er  live  long, 
in  which  he  conceals  under  -a  proverb,  his  defign  of  haftening  the 
prince's  death.    JOHNSON. 

From  the  following  fiage  direction,  in  an  old  dramatic  piece, 
entituled,  H:Jiriot:;aJiixt  or  the  Player  ivhipt,  1610,  it  appears, 
that  the  Fife  and  Iniquity  were  fometimes  d^ftinct  perfonages : 

**  Enter  a  roaring  devil,  with  the  Vice  on  his  back,  Iniquity  in. 

one  hand,  and  Juventus  in  the  other." 
The  devil  likewile  makes  the  diflinction  in  his  firft  fpcech  : 
"  //<?,  l>o,  bo  !  tbffe  lobes  mine  are  all, 
"  The  rice,  Iniquitic,  and  child  prodigal" 

The  following  part  of  this  note  was  obligingly  communicated 
by  the  rev.  Mr.  Bowie,  of  Idmeflone  near  Salifbury.  I  know- 
no  writer  who  gives  fo  complete  an  account  of  this  obfolete  cha- 
jradter,  as  archbifhop  Harfnet,  in  his  Declaration  of  Popijh  Im- 


KING    RICHARD    III.       73 

For  now  he  lives  in  fame,  though  not  in  life,— 
I'll  tell  you  what,  my  coufin  Buckingham. 

Buck.  What,  my  gracious  lord  ? 

Prince.  An  if  I  live  until  I  be  a  man, 
I'll  win  our  ancient  right  in  France  again, 
Or  die  a  foldier,  as  I  liv'd  a  king. 

Glo.  Short  fummers  8  lightly  have  a  forward  fpring. 


Enter  York,  He/lings,  and  the  Cardinal* 

Buck.  Now,  in  good  time,  here  comes  the  duke  of 
York. 

Prince.  Richard  of  York  !   how  fares  our  loving 
brother  ? 

York.  Well,  my  9  dread  lord  ;  fo  mufl  I  call  you 
now. 

Prince.  Ay,  brother;  to  our  grief,  as  it  is  yours  : 
'  Too  late  he  died,  that  might  have  kept  that  title, 
Which  by  his  death  hath  loft  much  majeily. 

Glo.  How  fares  our  coufin,  noble  lord  of  York  ? 

York.  I  thank  you,  gentle  uncle.     O,  my  lord, 
You  faid,  that  idle  weeds  are  fail  in  growth  : 
The  prince  my  brother  hath  outgrown  me  far. 

Glo.  He  hath,  my  lord. 

York.  And  therefore  is  he  idle  ? 

poftures,  p.  114,  Lond.  1603  :  "  It  was  a  pretty  part  (he  tells  us) 
in  the  old  church  playes,  when  the  nimble  Vice  would  fldp  up 
nimbly  like  a  jackanapes  into  the  devil's  necke,  and  ride  the  de- 
vil a  courfe,  and  belabour  him  with  his  wooden  dagger,  till  he 
made  him  roare,  whereat  the  people  would  laugh  to  fee  the  devil 
fo  vice- haunted.''  STEEVENS. 

s  lightly — ]  Cpmmonly,  in  ordinary  courfe.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  the  old  proverb  :  "  There's  lightning  lightly  before  thun- 
der." See  Ray's  Proverbs,  p.  130.  edit.  ^d.  STEEVENS. 

9  dread  lord ; • — ]  The  original  of  this  epithet 

applied  to  kings  has  been  much  difputed.  In  fome  of  our  old 
Itatutes,  the  king  is  called  Rex  metuendiffimus.  JOHNSON. 

*   Too  late  be  died, ]  i.  e.  too  lately,  the  lofs  is  too  frefh 

jn  our  memory.     But  the  Oxford  editor  makes  him  fay  : 
Top  foon  be  died    <    <          WA  R  B  u  R  TON  . 

O,  my 


y4       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Glo.  O,  my  fair  coufin,  I  muft  not  fay  fo. 
Tork.  Then  is  he  more  beholden  to  you,  than  I. 
Glo.  He  may  command  me,  as  my  fovereign  ; 
But  you  have  power  in  me,  as  in  a  kinfman. 
Tork.  I  pray  you,  uncle,  give  me  this  dagger. 
Glo.  My  dagger,  little  coulin  ?  with  all  my  heart. 
Prince.  A  beggar,  brother  ? 

Tork.  Of  my  kind  uncle,  that  I  know  will  give ; 
And,  being  but.  a  toy,  which  is  no  gift  to  give z. 
Glo.  A  greater  gift  than  that  I'll  give  my  coufin. 
Tork.  A  greater  gift !  O,  that's  the  fword  to  it  ? 
Glo.  Ay,  gentle  coufin,  were  it  light  enough. 
Tork.  O  then,  I  fee,  you'll  part  but    with  light 

_  gifts  ; 

In  weightier  things  you'll  fay  a  beggar,  nay. 
Glo.  It  is  too  weighty  for  your  grace  to  wear. 
Tork.  *  I  weigh  it  lightly,  were  it  heavier. 
Glo.  What,   would  you  have  my  weapon,    little 

lord  ? 
Tork.  I  would,  that  I  might  thank  you  as  you  call 

me. 

Glo.  How? 
Tork.  Little. 

Prince.  My  lord  of  York  will  ftill  be  crofs  in  talk ;-— 
Uncle,  your  grace  knows  how  to  bear  with  him. 

*   And,  leing  lut  a  toy,  ivbich  is  no  gift  to  give.]  This   is  the 
reading  of  the  quartos ;  the  firft  folio  reads  : 

And,  Icing  but  a  toy,  ivhicb  is  no  grief  to  give. 
This  reading,  made  a  little  more  metrical,   has  been  followed,  I 
think  erroneoully,  by  all  the  editors.    JOHNSON. 
The  quarto  1612  reads : 

no  grief STEEVENS. 

3  I  weigh  it  lightly,  &c.]  i.e.  I  fhould  ftill  efteem  it  but  a  tri- 
fling gift,  were  it  heavier.     But  the  Oxford  editor  reads  : 

I'd  ~wcigh  it  lightly,          •       *» 
i.  e.  I  could  manage  it,  tho'  ic  were  heavier.     WAR  BURTON". 

Dr.  Warburton  is  right.     So,  in  Love's  Labours  Loft,   aft  V. 
ic.  ii : 

"  You  iveigb  me  not,— O  that's  you  care  not  for  me." 

STEEVENS. 

Tork, 


KING    RICHARD     III.        75 

Tork.  You  mean,  to  bear  me,  not  to  bear  with 

me  : — 

Uncle,  my  brother  mocks  both  you  and  me  ; 
3  Bccaufe  that  I  am  little  'ike  an  ape, 
He  thinks  that  you  Ihould  bear  me  on  your  ihoulders. 

Buck.  With  what  a  Iharp-provided  wit  he  reafons ! 
To  mitigate  the  fcorn  he  gives  his  uncle, 
He  prettily  and  aptly  taunts  himfelf : 
So  cunning,  and  fo  young,  is  wonderful. 

do.  My  lord,   will't  pleafe  you  pals  along  ? , 
Myfeif,  and  my  good  coufin  Buckingham, 
Will  to  vour  mother  ;  to  entreat  of  her, 
To  meet  you  at  the  Tower,  and  welcome  you. 

York.  What,  will  you  go  unto  the  Tower,  my  lord  ? 

Prince.  My  lord  protestor  needs  will  have  it  fo. 

Tork.  I  ihall  not  ileep  in  quiet  at  the  Tower. 

Glo.  Why,  what  fhould  you  fear  ? 

Tork.  Marry,  my  uncle  Clarence'  angry  ghoft ; 
My  grandam  told  me,  he  was  murther'd  there. 

Prince.  I  fear  no  uncles  dead. 

Glo.  Nor  none  that  live,   I  hope. 

Prince.  An  if  they  live,  I  hope,  I  need  not  fear. 
But  come,  .my  lord,  and,  with  a  heavy  heart, 
Thinking  on  them,  go  I  unto  the  Tower. 

[Exeunt  Prince,  Tork,  Ha/lings,  Cardinal  and  attendants. 

Buck.  Think  you,    my  lord,    this  little  prating 

'York 

Was  not  incenfed  by  his  fubtle  mother, 
To  taunt  and  fcorn  you  this  opprobrioufly  ? 

3  Bccai/fe  that  lam  little  like  an  afe,~\  The  reproach  feems  to 
confilt  in  this  :  at  country  fhews  it  was  common  to  fet  the  mon- 
key on  the  back  of  fome  other  animal,  as  a  bear.  The  duke 
therefore,  in  calling  himfelf  d^V,  calls  his  uncle  bear.  JOHXSON. 
To  this  cuflom  there  feems  to  be  an  allufion  in  Ben  Jonfon'a 
of  Gypjics  : 

"  A  gypfy  in  his  fhape, 

"  More  calls  the  beholder, 

*'  Than  the  fellow  with  the  ape, 

**  Or  't'be  ape  on  hisfiottlder"     STEEVENS. 

Glo< 


76       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Glo.  No  doubt,  no  doubt :  O,  'tis  a  parlous  boy  ; 
Bold,  quick,  ingenious,  fprward,  capable  ; 
He's  all  the  mother's,  from  the  top  to  toe. 

Buck.  Well,  let  them  reft. — Come  hither,  Catefby ; 

thou  art  fworn 

As  deeply  to  effed:  what  we  intend, 
As  clofely  to  conceal  what  we  impart  : 
Thou  know'ft  our  reafons  urg'd  upon  the  way  ;— . 
What  think'ft  thou  ?  is  it  not  an  eafy  matter 
To  make  William  lord  Haftings  of  our  mind, 
For  the  inftalment  of  this  noble  duke 
In  the  feat  royal  of  this  famous  ifle  ? 

Catef.  He  for  his  father's  fake  fo  loves  the  prince, 
That  he  will  not  be  won  to  aught  againft  him. 

Buck.  What  think'ft  thou  then  of  Stanley  ?  will 
not  he  ? 

Catef.  He  will  do  all  in  all  as  Haftings  doth. 

Buck.  Well  then,  no  more  but  this:  Go,,  gentle 

Catefby, 

And,  as  it  were  far  off,  found  thou  lord  Haftings, 
How  he  doth  ftand  affected  to  our  purpofe ; 
And  fummon  him  to-morrow  to  the  Tower, 
To  fit  about  the  coronation. 
If  thou  doft  find  him  tractable  to  us, 
Encourage  him,  and  tell  him  all  our  reafons  : 
If  he  be  leaden,  icy,  cold,  unwilling, 
Be  thou  fo  too  ;  and  fo  break  off  the  talk, 
And  give  us  notice  of  his  inclination  : 
For  we  to-morrow  hold  '  divided  councils, 
Wherein  thyfelf  lhalt  highly  be  employ'd. 

Glo.  Commend  me  to  lord  William  :  tell  him, 

Catefby, 

His  ancient  knot  of  dangerous  adverfaries 
To-morrow  are  let  blood  at  Pomfret-caftle ; 

*  — divided  councils,]    That  is,  a  private  confutation^ 

fcparafe  from  the  known  and  publick  council.     So,  in  the  next 
fccne,  Haftings  fays  : 

Bid  him  not  fear  the  feparated  councils,    JOHNSON. 

And 


KING    RICHARD    III.       77 

And  bid  my  friend,  for  joy  of  this  good  news, 
Give  miftrefs  Shore  one  gentle  kifs  the  more. 

Buck.    Good   Catelby,    go,    effedt    this    bufinefs 
found  ly. 

Catef.  My  good  lords  both,  with  all  the  heed  I  can. 

Glo.  Shall  we  hear  from  you,  Catefby,  ere  wefleep  ? 

Catef.  You  fhall,  my  lord. 

Glo.  At  Crofby-place,  there  you  lhall  find  us  both. 

[Exit  Catejby. 

Buck.  Now,  my  lord,  what  lhall  we  do,  if  we  per- 
ceive 
Lord  Haftings  will  not  yield  to  our  complots  ? 

Glo.  Chop  off  his  head,  man  ;— fomewhat  we  will 

dos:  — 

And,  look,  when  I  am  king,  claim  thou  of  me 
The  earldom  of  Hereford,  and  all  the  moveables 
Whereof  the  king  my  brother  was  poflefs'd. 

Buck.  I'll  claim  that  promife  at  your  grace's  hand, 

Glo.  And  look  to  have  it  yielded  with  all  kindnefs. 
Come,  let  us  fup  betimes  ;  that  afterwards 
We  may  digeft  our  eomplots  in  fome  form.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    II.  • 

Before  Lord  Hafting?  looufe. 
Enter  a  Mejfmger. 

Mef.  My  lord,  my  lord, 

Haft.  [lVithm.-\  Who  knocks? 
Mef.  One  from  lord  Stanley, 
Haft.  What  is't  o'clock  ? 
JMef.  Upon  the  flroke  of  four. 

s  vcill  Jo  .-]  The  folio  reads — will  determine,    STEEVEN^. 

6  Scene  II.  Every  material  circumftance  in  the  following 
fcene  is  taken  from  the  Chronicles,  except  that  it  is  a  knight  with 
whom  Hallings  converfes,  inftead  of  Buckingham.  STEEVENS. 

Enter 


73       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Enter  Hqftings. 

Haft.  Cannot  thy  mafter  fleep  thefe  tedious  nights  ? 

Mef.  So  it  fhould  feem  by  that  I  have  to  fay. 
Firft,  he  commends  him  to  your  noble  iordfiiip. 

Haft.  And  then,— 

Mef.  Then  certifies  your  lordfhip,  that  this  night 
He  dreamt,  the  boar  had  rafed  off  his  helm  7 : 
Befides,  he  fays,  there  are  two  councils  held  ; 
And  that  may  be  determined  at  the  one, 
Which  may  make  you  and  him  to  rue  at  the  other. 
Therefore  he  fends  to  know  your  lordmip'spleafure,— 
If  prefently  you  will  take  horfe  with  him, 
And  with  all  fpeed  poft  with  him  toward  the  north, 
To  ihun  the  danger  that  his  foul  divines. 

Haft.  Go,  fellow,  go,  return  unto  thy  lord  ; 
Bid  him  not  fear  the  feparated  councils  : 
His  honour,  and  myfelf,  are  at  the  one  ; 
And,  at  the  other,  is  my  good  friend  Catefby  ; 
"Where  nothing  can  proceed,  that  toucheth  us, 
Whereof  I  fliall  not  have  intelligence. 
Tell  him,  his  fears  are  mallow,  9  wanting  inftance : 
And  for  his  dreams, — I  wonder,  he's  fo  fond 
To  truft  the  mockery  of  unquiet  {lumbers : 

7  ,  — fbg  boar  bad  rafed  off  his  helm.]  This  term  rafed  GV 
rajhed  is  always  given  to  defcribe  the  violence  inflicled  by  a  boar. 
So,  in  K.  Lear,  410  edit  : 

"  In  his  anointed  flefh  rajb  boarilh  fangs." 
Again,  in  Warner's  Albion's  England,   1602,  B.  VII,  ch.  36  : 

"  ha,  cur,  avaunt,  the  bore  fo  rafe  thy  hide  !" 

By  the  loar,  throughout  this  fcene,  is  meant  Glofter,  who  was 
called  the  boar  ,  or  the  bog,  from  his  having  a  loar  for  his  cog- 
nizance, and  one  of  the  fupporters  of  his  coat  of  arms. 

STEEVENS. 

8  wanting  injiance  :~\  That  is,  wanting  fome  example^ 

or  aft  of  malevolence,  by  which  they  may  be  jxiftified  :  or  which, 
perhaps,  is  nearer  to  the   true  meaning,  wanting  any  immediate 
ground  or  reafon.     JOHNSON. 

The  folio  reads  -^without  inftance.    STEEVENS, 

To 


KING     RICHARD    III.       79 

To  fly  the  boar,  before  the  boar  purfues, 
Were  to  incenfe  the  boar  to  follow  us, 
And  make  purfuit,  where  he  did  mean  no  chafe. 
Go,  bid  thy  mailer  rife  and  come  to  me  ; 
And  we  will  both  together  to  the  Tower, 
Where,  he  fliall  fee,  the  boar  will  ufe  us  kindly. 
Mef,  I'll  go,  my  lord,  and  tell  him  what  you  fay. 


Enter  Catejly. 

Catef.  Many  good  morrows  to  my  noble  lord  ! 
Haft.  Good    morrow,    Catefby  ;    you    are    early 

flirring  ; 
What  news,  what  news,  in  this  our  tottering  {late  ? 

Catef.  It  is  a  reeling  world,  indeed,  my  lord  ; 
And,  I  believe,  will  never  ftand  upright, 
'Till  Richard  wear  the  garland  of  the  realm. 

Haft.  How  !  wear  the  garland  ?  doft  thou  mean 

the  crown  ? 

Catef.  Ay,   my  good  lord. 
Hfift.  I'll  have  this  crown  of  mine  cut  from  my 

ihoulders, 

Before  I'll  fee  the  crown  fo  foul  mifplac'd. 
But  canft  thou  guefs  that  he  doth  aim  at  it  ? 

Catef.  Ay,  on  my  life  ;  and  hopes  to  find  you  for- 

ward 

Upon  his  party,  for  the  gain  thereof  : 
And,  thereupon,  he  fends  you  this  good  news,  — 
That,   this  fame  very  day,  your  enemies, 
The  kindred  of  the  queen,  muft  die  at  Pomfret. 

Haft.  Indeed,  I  am  no  mourner  for  that  news, 
Becaufe  they  have  been  flill  my  adverfaries  : 
But,  that  I'll  give  my  voice  on  Richard's  fide, 
To  bar  my  matter's  heirs  in  true  defcent, 
God  knows,  I  will  not  do  it,  to  the  death. 

Catef.  God  keep  your  lordfhip  in  that  gracious 
mind  ! 

Hajt. 


80       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Haft.  But  I  ihall  laugh   at  this  a  twelve-month 

hence, — 

That  they,  who  brought  me  in  my  matter's  hate, 
I  live  to  look  upon  their  tragedy. 
Weil,  Catefby,  ere  a  fortnight  make  me  older, 
I'll  fend  fome  packing,  that  yet  think  not  on'r. 

Catef.  'Tis  a  vile  thing  to  die,  my  gracious  lord, 
When  men  are  unprepar'd  and  look  not  for  it. 

Haft.  O  monftrous,  monftrous  !  and  fo  falls  it  out 
With  Rivers,  Yaughan,  Grey  :  and  fo  'twill  do 
With  fome  men  elfe,  who  think  themfelves  as  fafc 
As  thou,  and  I ;  who,  as  thou  know'ft,  are  dear 
To  princely  Richard,  and  to  Buckingham. 

Catef.  The  princes  both  make  high  account   of 

you,— 
For  they  account  his  head  upon  the  bridge.       [slfule. 

Haft.  I  know,  they  do ;  and  I  have  well  deferv'd  it. 

Enter  Stanley. 

Come  on,  come  on,  where  is  your  boar-fpear,  man  ? 
Fear  you  the  boar,  and  go  fo  unprovided  ? 

Stanl.  My  lord,  good  morrow ; — and  good  morrow, 

Catefoy : — 

You  may  jeft  on,  but,  by  the  holy  rood9, 
I  do  not  like  thefe  feveral  councils,  I. 

Haft.  My  lord, 

I  hold  my  life  as  dear  as  you  do  yours  ; 
And  never,  in  my  days,  I  do  proteft, 

9  the  holy  rood,]  i.  e.  the  crofs.     So,  in  the  old  myftery 

of  Candlemas-Day,    1512: 

**  Whan  hir  fwete  fone  fhall  on  a  rood  deye." 
Again,  in  Spenfer's  Faery  Qneen,  B.  VI.  c.  v  : 
"  And  nigh  thereto  a  little  chapell  ftoode 
*'  Which  being  all  with  yvy  overfpred, 
"  Deck'd  all  the  roofe,  and  fhadowing  the  roode* 
*'  Seem'd  like  a  grove  fair  branched  overhed." 

STEEVENS. 

Was 


KING    RICHARD    III.       81 

Was  it  more  precious  to  me  than  'tis  now  : 
Think  you,  but  that  I  know  our  flate  fecure, 
I  would  be  fo  triumphant  as  I  am  ? 

Stanl.  The  lords  at  Pomfret,  when  they  rode  from 

London, 

Were  jocund,  and  fuppos'd  their  ftates  \vere  fure, 
And  they,  indeed,  had  no  caufe  to  miftruft; 
But  yet,  you  fee,  how  foon  the  day  o'er-caft. 
This  fudden  flab  of  rancour  I  mifdoubt ; 
Pray  God,  I  fay,  I  prove  a  needlefs  coward  ! 
What,  ihall  we  toward  the  Tower  ?  the  day  is  fpent. 

Haft.  Come,  come, '  have  with  you. Wot  you 

what,  my  lord  ? 
To-day  the  lords  you  talk  of  are  beheaded. 

Stanl.  *  They,  for  their  truth,  might  better  wear 

their  heads, 

Than  fome,  that  have  accus'd  them,  wear  their  hats. 
But  come,  my  lord,  let's  away. 

Enter  a  Purfuivant. 

Haft.  Go  on  before,  I'll  talk  with  this  good  fellow. 
[Exeunt  Lord  Stanley,  and  Catefby. 
Sirrah,  how  now  ?  how  goes  the  world  with  thee  ? 

Purf.  The  better,  that  your  lordfhip  pleafe  to  afk. 

Haft.  I  tell  thee,  man,  'tis  better  with  me  now, 
Than  when  thou  met'ft  me  laft  where  now  we  meet : 
Then  I  was  going  prifoner  to  the  Tower, 
By  the  fuggeftion  of  the  queen's  allies  ; 
But  now,  I  tell  thee,  (keep  it  to  thyfelf) 
This  day  thofe  enemies  are  put  to  death, 
And  I  in  better  flatc  than  ere  I  was. 

Purf.  God  '  hold  it,  to  your  honour's  good  content ! 

1  have  with  you. ]  A  familiar  phrafe  in  parting,  as 

much  as,  take  fomcthing  along  with  you,  or  1  have  fometbing  to  fay 
toyou.  JOHNSON. 

a  They,  for  their  truth, ]  That  is,  with  refpedt  to 

their  hotiejiy.  JOHNSON. 

3  hold  it,  I,  .         ]  That  is,  continue  it.     JOHNSOK. 

VOL.  VII.  G  Haft. 


82      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Haft.  Gramercy,   fellow  :    There,  drink  that  for 

me.  [Throws  him  his  purje. 

Purf.  I  thank  your  honour.  [Exit  Purfuivant. 

Enter  a  Prieft. 

Prieft.  Well  met,  my  lord  ;  I  am  glad  to  fee  your 

.     honour. 
Hajl.  I  thank  thee,  good  fir  John,    with  all  my 

heart. 

I  am  in  your  debt  for  your  lafl  4  exercife ; 
Come  the  next  fabbath,  and  I  will  content  you, 

Enter  Buckingham. 

Buck.  What,  talking  with   a  prieft,    lord  cham- 
berlain ? 

Your  friends  at  Pomfret,  they  do  need  the  prieft  ; 
Your  honour  hath  no  5  fhriving  work  in  hand. 

Hajl.  Good  faith,  and  when  I  met  this  holy  man, 
The  men  you  talk  of  came  into  my  mind. 
What,  go  you  toward  the  Tower  ? 

Buck.  I  do,  my  lord  ;  but  long  I  mall  not  flay 

there : 
I  ftiall  return  before  your  lordfhip  thence. 

Haft.  Nay,  like  enough,  for  I  ftay  dinner  there. 

Suck.  And  fupper  too,  although  thou  know'ft  it 
.not.  [Ajide. 

Come,  will  you  go  ? 

Haft.  I'll  wait  upon  your  lordfhip.  [Exeunt. 

.    *  extrclfe\\  Performance  of  divine  fervice.    JOHNSON. 

3  »     fir  wing  work  in  hand.]   Shriving  ivork  is  confeffion. 

JOHNSON. 


SCENE 


KING    RICHARD    III.       83 

SCENE    III, 

Before  Pomfret-cajlk. 

Enter  Sir  Richard  Rat  cliff,  conducing  Lord  Rivers,  Lord 
Richard  Grey,  and  Sir  Thomas  Vaughan  to  execution* 

Rat.  Come,  bring  forth  the  prifoners  6. 

Riv.  Sir  Richard  Ratcliff,  let  me  tell  thee  this,-— 
To-day  ihalt  thou  behold  a  fubjeft  die, 
For  truth,  for  duty,  and  for  loyalty. 

Grey.  God  keep  the  prince  from  all  the  pack  of 

you  ! 
A  knot  you  are  of  damned  blood-fuckers. 

Vaugh.  You  live,  that  {hall  cry  woe  for  this  here- 
after. 

Rat.  Difpatch  ;  the  limit  of  your  lives  is  out. 

Riv.  O  Pomfret,  Pomfret !  O  thou  bloody  prifon, 
Fatal  and  ominous  to  noble  peers  ! 
Within  the  guilty  clofure  of  thy  walls, 
Richard  the  fecond  here  was  hack'd  to  death  : 
And,  for  more  {lander  to  thy  difmal  feat, 
We  give  thee  up  our  guiltlefs  blood  to  drink. 

Grey.  Now  Margaret's  curfe  is   fallen  upon  our 

heads, 

When  fhe  exclaim'd  on  Haftings,  you,  and  I, 
For  {landing  by  when  Richard  ftabb'd  her  fon. 

Riv.  Then  curs'd  {he  Haftings,  curs'd  fhe  Buck- 
ingham, 

Then  curs'd  flie  Richard  : — O,  remember,  God, 
To  hear  her  prayer  for  them,  as  now  for  us ! 
As  for  my  fifter,  and  her  princely  fons, — 
Be  fatisfied,  dear  God,  with  our  true  bloods, 
Which,  as  thou  know'ft,  unjuflly  muft  be  fpilt  ! 

6  Cowc,  Irlng  forth  the  trifoners.]   This   fpeech   is   wanting  in 
the  folio.    STEEVENS. 

G    2  fat. 


84       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Rat.  Make  hafte,  the  ho\ir  of  death  is  now  expir'J. 
Riv.  Come,  Grey, — come,  Vaughan,— let  us  here 

embrace  : 
Farevvcl,  until  we  meet  again  in  heaven.       [Exeunt. 

SCENE      IV. 

The  Tower. 

'Buckingham,  Stanley,  Ha/lings,  Rijbop  of  Ely,  Catefiy, 
Lovely  with  others,  at  a  table. 

Haft.  Now,  noble  peers,  the  caufe  why  we  are  met 
Is — to  determine  of  the  coronation  : 
In  God's  name,  fpeak,  when  is  the  royal  day  ? 

Buck.  Are  all  things  ready  for  that  royal  time  ? 

Stanl.  They  are,  and  wants  but  nomination. 

Ely.  To-morrow  then  I  judge  a  happy  day. 

Buck.  Who  knows  the  lord  protector's  mind  herein  ? 
Who  is  molt  inward  with  the  noble  duke  ? 

Ely.  Your  grace,  we  think,  ihould  fooneft  know 
his  mind. 

Buck.  We  know  each  other's  faces :  for  our  hearts,— 
He  knows  no  more  of  mine,  than  I  of  yours ; 
Nor  I  of  his,  my  lord,  than  you  of  mine : — 
Lord  Haftings,  you  and  he  are  near  in  love. 

Hcjl.  I  thank  his  grace,  I  know  he  loves  me  well; 
But,  for  his  purpofe  in  the  coronation, 
-1  have  not  founded  him,  nor  he  deliver'd 
His  gracious  pleafure  any  way  therein  : 
But  you,  my  noble  lord,  may  name  the. time  ; 
And  in  the  duke's  behalf  I'll  give  my  voice, 
Which,  I  prcfume,  he'll  take  in  gentle  part. 

Enter  Glofter. 

Ely.  In  happy  time,  here  comes  the  duke  himfelf. 
Glo.  My  noble  lords  and  coufins,  all  good  morrow  : 

I  have 


K  I  N  G    R  I  C  H  A  R  D    III.      85 

I  have  been  long  a  fleeper  ;  but,  I  truft, 
My  abfence  doth  negled:  no  great  defign, 
Which  by  my  prefence  might  have  been  concluded. 

Buck. 7  Had  you  not  come  upon  your  cue,  my  lord, 
William  lord  Haftings  had  pronounc'd  your  part,— 
I  mean,  your  voice, — for  crowning  of  the  king. 

Glo.  Than  my  lord  Haftings,  no  man  might  be 

bolder ; 

His  lordfhip  knows  me  well,  and  loves  me  well.— 
My  lord  of  Ely,  when  I  was  laft  in  Holborn, 
I  faw  good  ftrawberries 8  in  your  garden  there ; 
I  do  befeech  you,  fend  for  fome  of  them. 

Ely.  Marry,  and  will,  my  lord,  with  all  my  heart. 

[Exit  Ely, 

Glo.  Coufin  of  Buckingham,  a  word  with  yon. 
Catefby  hath  founded  Haftings  in  our  bufinefs ; 
And  finds  the  tefty  gentleman  fo  hot, 

7  Ha 'd you  not  come  upon  your  cue ]  This  expreflion  is  bor- 

x  rowed  from  the  theatre.     The  cue,   queue,  or  tail  of  a  fpeech, 

confifts  of  the  laft  words,  which  are  the  token  for  an  entrance  or 
anfwer.  To  come  on  the  cue,  therefore,  is  to  come  at  the  proper 
time.  JOHNSON. 

8  Ifcew  good  Jtra-T,vberriei\    The  reafon  why  the  bifliop 
was  difpatched  on  this  errand,  is  not  clearer  in  Holinfhed,  from 
whom  Shakefpeare  adopted  the  circumftance,  than  in  this  fcene, 
where  it  is  introduced.     Nothing  feems  to  have  happened  which 
might  not  have  been  tranfafted  with  equal  fecurity  in  the  pre- 
fence of  the  reverend  cultivator  of  tlxftjhwoierrief,  whofecom- 
plaifance  is  likewife  recorded  by  the  author  of  the  Latin  play  on 
the  fame  fubject,  in  the  Mufeum  : 

Elienjis  antljles  venis  ?  fenem  quies^ 

Jttvcnem  labor  dccet :  ferunt  bortiim  titum 

Decora  fraga  plurimum  producere. 
EPISCOPUS  ELIENSIS. 

Nil  tibi  claudetur  bortus  quod  meus 

Producit ;  cjfct  lautius  I'ellcm  mihi 

Quo  Jim  tibi  grains. 

This  circumftance  of  afking  for  the  ftrawberries,  however,  may- 
have  been  mentioned  by  the  hiftorians  merely  to  fiiew  the  unufual 
affability  and  good  humour  which  the  diflenibling  Glofter  aftecled 
at  the  very  time  when  he  had  determined  on  the  death  of  Hafting.. 

STEEVENS. 

G  3  Thar 


86      KING    RICHARD    III. 

That  he  will  lofe  his  head,  ere  give  confent, 
His  matter's  child,  as  worfhipfully  he  terms  it, 
Shall  lofe  the  royalty  of  England's  throne. 

Buck.  Withdraw  yourfelf  awhile,  I'll  go  with  you. 
[Exeunt  Glofter,  and  Buckingham. 

StanL  We  have  not  yet  fet  down  this  day  of  tri- 
umph. 

To-morrow,  in  my  judgment,  is  too  fudden  ; 
For  I  myfelf  am  not  fo  well  provided, 
As  elfe  I  would  be,  were  the  day  prolong'd. 

Re-enter  Bfoop  of  Ely. 

Ely.  Where  is  my  lord  protestor  ?  I  have  fent 
For  thefe  ilrawberries. 

Haft.  His  grace  looks  chearfully  and  fmooth  this 

morning ; 

There's  fome  conceit  or  other  likes  him  well, 
When  he  doth  bid  good  morrow  with  fuch  fpirit. 
I  think,  there's  ne'er  a  man  in  Chriftendom, 
Can  lefler  hide  his  love,  or  hate,  than  he  ; 
For  by  his  face  flraight  mail  you  know  his  heart. 

StanL  What  of  his  heart  perceive  you  in  his  face, 
By  any  9  likelihood  he  ihew'd  to-day  ? 

Haft.  Marry,  that  with  no  man  here  he  is  offended; 
For,  were  he,  he  had  Ihewn  it  in  his  looks. 

Re-enter  Glofter,  and  Buckingham. 

Glo.  I  pray  you  all,  tell  me  what  they  deferve, 
That  do  confpire  my  death  with  deviliih  plots 
Of  damned  witchcraft ;  and  that  have  prevail'd 
Upon  my  body  with  their  hellilh  charms  ? 

Haft.  The  tender  love  I  bear  your  grace,  my  lord, 
Makes  me  moft  forward  in  this  ncble  prefence 

9  likelihood ]   Semblance  ;  appearance.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  another  of  our  author's  plays : 

poor  likelihoods^  and  modern  feemings,    STEEVENS. 

To 


KING    RICHARD     III.      87 

To  doom  the  offenders  :  Whofoe'er  they  be, 
I  fay,  my  lord,  they  have  deferved  death. 

Glo.  Then  be  your  eyes  the  witnefs  of  their  evil, 
Look  how  I  am  bewitch'd  ;  behold,  mine  arm 
Is,  like  a  blafted  fapling,  wither'd  up  : 
And  this  is  Edward's  wife,  that  monftrous  witch, 
Conforted  with  that  harlot,  ftrumpet  Shore, 
That  by  their  witchcraft  thus  have  marked  me. 

Haft.  If  they  have  done  this  deed,  my  noble  lord,  — 

.Glo.  If!  thou  protestor  of  this  damned  ftrumpet, 
Talk'ft  thou  to  me  of  ifs  ?  —  Thou  art  a  traitor  :  — 
Off  with  his  head  :  —  now,  by  faint  Paul  I  fwear, 
I  will  not  dine  until  I  fee  the  fame.  - 
1  Lovel,  and  Catefby,  look,  that  it  be  done;  — 
The  reft,  that  love  me,  rife,  and  follow  me. 

[Exit  Council,  with  Richard  and  Buckingham. 

Haft.  Woe,  woe,  for  England  •!  not  a  whit  for  me  ; 
For  1,  too  fond,  might  have  prevented  this  : 
Stanley  did  dream,  the  boar  did  rafe  his  helm  ; 
But  I  difdain'd  it,  and  did  fcorn  to  fly. 


l^  and  Catejbv,  look,  that  it  be  done  ;  ]   In  former  copies  : 
Lovel,  and  RatciiJT,  look,  that  it  be  done. 

The  fcene  is  here  in  the  Tower  ;  and  lord  Haftings  was  cut  off 
on  that  very  day,  when  Rivers,  Grey,  and  Vaughnn  iuffered  at 
Pom  fret.  How  then  could  Ratciiff  be  both  in  Yorkfhire  and  the 
Tower  ?  In  the  fcene  preceding  this,  we  find  him  conducting 
thofe  gentlemen  to  the  block.  In  the  old  quarto,  we  find  it, 
Exeunt  :  Manet  Catejby  ivitb  Ha/lings.  And  in  the  next  fcene, 
before  the  Tower  walls,  we  find  Lovel  and  Catefby  come  back 
from  the  execution,  bringing  the  head  of  Haftings.  THEOBALD. 
Mr.  Theobald  fnould  have  added,  that,  in  the  old  quarto,  no 
names  are  mentioned  in  Richard's  Ipeech.  He  only  fays—  '•'•fame 
fee  it  done."  Ncr,  in  that  edition,  does  Lovel  appear  in  the 
next  fcene  ;  but  only  Catefiy,  bringing  the  head  of  Haftings.  The 
confufion  feems  to  have  arifen,  when  it  was  thought  neceflarv, 
that  Catejly  Ihould  be  employed  to  fetch  the  mayor,  who,  in  the 
quarto,  is  made  to  come  without  having  been  fent  for.  As  fome 
other  perfon  was  then  wanted  to  bring  the  head  of  Haftings,  the 
poet,  or  the  players,  appointed  Lovel  and  Ratciiff  to  that  office, 
without  reflecting  that  the  latter  was  engaged  in  another  fervice 
OB  the  fame  day  at  Pomfret.  TYRWHITT. 

G  4  Three 


88       KING    RICHARD     III. 

Three  times  to-day  my  foot-cloth  horfe  did  ftumble  % 

And  ftarted,  when  he  look'd  upon  the  Tower, 

As  loth  to  bear  me  to  the  flaughter-houfe. 

O,  now  I  need  the  priefl  that  fpake  to  me  : 

I  now  repent  I  told  the  purfuivant, 

As  too  triumphing,  how  mine  enemies 

To-day  at  Fornfret  bloodily  x'.'ere  butcher'd, 

And  I  myfelf  fecure  in  grace  and  favour. 

O,  Margaret,  Margaret,  now  thy  heavy  curfe 

Is  lighted  on  poor  Raftings'  wretched  head. 

Catef.  Difpatch,  my  lord,  the  duke  would  be  at 

dinner; 
Make  a  Ihort  fhrift,  he  longs  to  fee  your  head. 

Haft.  O  momentary  grace  of  mortal  men, 
Which  we  more  hunt  for  than  the  grace  of  God ! 
3  Who  builds  his  hope  in  air  of  your  fair  looks, 
Lives  like  a  drunken  failor  on  a  maft  ; 
Ready,  with  every  nod,  to  tumble  down 
Into  the  fatal  bowels  of  the  deep. 

*  Three  times  to-day  my  foot-cloth  horfe  did  ftumble,  &c.]  So,  in 
the  Legend  of  Lord  Haftings,  by  M.  D. 

My  palfrey,  in  the pla'uiejl paved Jlrect, 
Thrice  bovj'd  bis  bones,  thrice  kneeled  on  the  floor, 
Thrice  Jhumi'd  (m  Balaam's  afi)  the  dreaded  tower. 
Tojlumble  was  anciently  efteem'd  a  bad  omen.     So,  in  theHonffi 
Lawyer.     "  And  juft  at  the  threfhold  Matter  Bromley  Jtumbled. 
Signs !  figns !" 

The  houj'ings  of  a  horfe,  and  fometimes  a  horfe  himfelf,  were 
anciently  denominated  afoot-cloth.  So,  in  Ben  Jonfon's  play  called 
Tkc  Cafe  is  Altered: 

"  I'll  go  on  my  foot-doth,  I'll  turn  gentleman." 
Again,  in  A  fair  Quarrel,  'by  Middleton,    1617: 

—  thou  fhalt  have  a  phyfician, 
"  The  belt  that  gold  can  fetch  upon  his  foot-cloth." 
Again,  in  Ram- Alley,  or  Merry  Tricks,    1610: 

" nor  mail  I  need  to  try 

"  Whether  my  well-greas'd  tumbling  foot-cloth  nag 
"  Be  able  to  out-run  a  well-breath'd  catchpole." 

STEEVENS. 
3  Who  builds,  &c.]   So,  Horace  : 

Ncfiius  aurae  fallacis.    JOHNSON, 


KING    RICHARD    III.       89 

Lov.  Come,  come,  difpatch  ;  'tis  bootlefs  to  ex- 
claim. 

Haft.  Oh,  bloody  Richard  !—  miferable  England  ! 
I  prophefy  the  fearfuFft  time  to  thee, 
That  ever  wretched  age  hath  look'd  upon. — 
Come,  lead  me  to  the  block,  bear  him  my  head  ; 
They  fmile  at  me,  who  fhortly  ihall  be  dead.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE      V. 

¥be  Tower-walls. 

Enter  Glofter,  and  Buckingham,  in  rujfy  armour  4,  mar- 
vellous ill-favour*  d. 

Glo.  Come  coufin,  canft  thou  quake,  and  change 

thy  colour  ? 

Murder  thy  breath  in  middle  of  a  word, — 
And  then  again  begin,  and  flop  again, 
As  if  thou  wert  diftraught,  and  mad  with  terror  ? 

Buck.  Tut,  I  can  counterfeit  the  deep  tragedian ; 
Speak,  and  look  back,  and  pry  on  every  fide, 
Tremble  and  ftart  at  wagging  of  a  ftraw, 
Intending  deep  fufpicion  :  ghaftly  looks 
Are  at  my  fervice,  like  enforced  fmiles  ; 
And  both  are  ready  in  their  offices, 
At  any  time,  to  grace  my  ftratagems, 
But  what,  is  Catefby  gone  ? 

Glo.  He  is ;  and,  fee,  he  brings  the  mayor  along. 

Enter  the  Lord  Mayor,  and  Catejby. 

Suck.  Let  me   alone    to  entertain  him.  —  Lord 
mayor ! 

*  in  rufty  armour,  &c.]    Thus  Holinflied :  "  — himfelfe 

with  the  duke  of  Buckingham,  flood  harnefled  in  old  ill-faring 
briganders,  fuch  as  no  man  Ihould  weene  that  they  would  vouch- 
fafe  to  have  put  upon  their  backes,  except  that  feme  fudden  no 
ceflitie  had  conilreiried  them.'*  STEEVENS. 

Glo. 


$o      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Gk.  Look  to  the  draw-bridge  there, 

Buck.  Hark  !  a  drum. 

Gk.  Catefby,  o'erlook  the  walls. 

Buck.  Lord  mayor,  the  reafon  we  have  fent  for 

you,— 

Gk.  Look  back,  defend  thee,  here  are  enemies. 
Buck.  God  and  our  innocency  defend  and  guard  us ! 

Enter  Lovelt  andRatcllf,  with  .Hafting?  head.. 

Glo*  Be  patient,  they  are  friends ;  RatclirT,  and 
Lovel. 

Ij>v.  Here  is  the  head  of  that  ignoble  traitor, 
The  dangerous  and  unfufpected  Haftings. 

Gk.  So  dear  I  lov'd  the  man,  that  I  muft  weep. 
I  took  him  for  the  plainefl  harmlefs  creature, 
That  breath'd  upon  the  earth  a  chriftian  s ; 
Made  him  my  book,  wherein  my  foul  recorded 
The  hiftory  of  all  her  fecret  thoughts  : 
So  fmooth  he  daub'd  his  vice  with  Ihevv  of  virtue* 
That,  his  apparent  open  guilt  omitted, — 
I  mean,  his  converfation  with  Shore's  wife, — 
He  liv'd  from  all  attainder  of  fufpcdl. 

Buck*  Well,  well,  he  was  the  covert'ft  Ihelter'd 
traitor 

That  ever  liv'd Look  you,  my  lord  mayor, 

\Vould  you  imagine,  or  almoft  believe, 
(Were't  not,  that  by  great  prefervation 
We  live  to  tell  it  you)  the  fubtle  traitor 
This  day  had  plotted,  in  the  council-houfe, 
To  murder  me,  and  my  good  lord  of  Glofter  ? 

5  — —  the  earth  a  chriftian  ;]  Here  tt\e  quarto  adds  : 

Lookyou,  my  lord  mayor. 

This  hemiftich_I  have  inferted  in  the  following  fpeech  of  Buck-, 
ingham,  to  which  I  believe  it  originally  belonged  ;  as  without  it 
T&'e  meet  with  an  imperfeft  verfe. 

Well,  well,  he  was  the  covert'il  fhclter'd  traitor 

That  ever  lived. 

Would  you  imagine,  Sec.    STEEVENS. 

Mayor. 


KING    RICHARD    III.      9i 

Mayor.  What !   had  he  fo  ? 

Gk.  What !  think  you  we  are  Turks,  or  infidels  ? 
Or  that  we  would,  againft  the  form  of  law, 
Proceed  thus  rafhly  in  the  villain's  death ; 
But  that  the  extreme  peril  of  the  cafe, 
The  peace  of  England,  and  our  perfons*  fafety, 
Enforc'd  us  to  this  execution  ? 

Mayor.  Now,  fair  befal  you  !  he  deferv'd  his  death ; 
And  your  good  graces  both  have  well  proceeded, 
To  warn  faife  traitors  from  the  like  attempts. 
I  never  look'd  for  better  at  his  hands, 
After  he  once  fell  in  with  miflrefs  Shore. 

Buck.  Yet  had  we  not  determin'd  he  fhould  die, 
Until  your  lordfhip  came  to  fee  his  end ; 
Which  now  the  loving  hafte  of  thefe  our  friends, 
Somewhat  againft  our  meaning,  hath  prevented  : 
Becaufe,  my  lord,  we  would  have  had  you  heard 
The  traitor  fpeak,  and  timoroufly  confefs 
The  manner  and  the  purpofe  of  his  treafons ; 
That  you  might  well  have  fignify'd  the  fame 
Unto  the  citizens,  who,  haply,  may 
Mifconflrue  us  in  him,  and  wail  his  death. 

Mayor.  But,  my  good  lord,  your  grace's  word  fhall 

ferve, 

As  well  as  I  had  feen,  and  heard  him  fpeak  : 
And  do  not  doubt,  right  noble  princes  both, 
But  I'll  acquaint  our  duteous  citizens 
With  all  your  jufl  proceedings  in  this  cafe. 

Gk.  And  to  that  end  we  wifli'd  your  lordfhip  here, 
To  avoid  the  cenfures  of  the  carping  world. 

Buck.  But  fince  you  came  too  late  of  our  intent, 
Yet  witnefs  -what  you  hear  we  did  intend  : 
And  fo,  my  good  lord  mayor,  we  bid  farcwel. 

[Exit  Mayor. 

Gk.  Go,  after,  after,  coufin  Buckingham. 
The  mayor  towards  Guildhall  hies  him  in  all  port  : — 
There,  at  your  meetefl  vantage  of  the  time, 
Infer  the  baflardy  of  Edward's  children  : 

Tell 


92       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Tell  them,  how  Edward  put  to  death  a  citizen  e>, 

Only  for  faying  —  he  would  make  his  fon 

Heir  to  the  crown  ;  meaning,  indeed,  his  houfe, 

Which,  by  the  fign  thereof,  was  termed  fo. 

Moreover,  urge  his  hateful  luxury, 

And  beftial  appetite  in  change  of  luft  ; 

Which  llretch'd  unto  their  fervants,  daughters,  wives, 

Even  where  his  ranging  eye  7,  or  favage  heart, 

Without  controul,  lilted  to  make  his  prey. 

Nay,  for  a  need,  thus  far  come  near  my  perfon  :  — 

Tell  them,  when  that  my  mother  went  with  child 

Of  that  infatiate  Edward,  noble  York, 

My  princely  father,  then  had  wars  in  France  ; 

And,  by  juft  computation  of  the  time, 

Found,  that  the  iffue  was  not  his  begot  ; 

Which  well  appeared  in  his  lineaments, 

Being  nothing  like  the  noble  duke  my  father. 

Yet  touch  this  fparingly,  as  'twere  far  off; 

Becaufe,  my  lord,  you  know,  my  mother  lives. 

Buck.  Doubt  not,  my  lord  ;  I'll  play  the  orator, 
As  if  the  golden  fee,  for  which  I  plead, 
Were  for  myfelf  :  and  fo,  my  lord,  adieu. 

Glo.  If  you  thrive  well,  bring  them  to  Baynard's 

caille  ; 

Where  you  fhall  find  me  well  accompanied, 
With  reverend  fathers,  and  well-learned  biihops. 

Buck.  I  go  ;  and,  towards  three  or  four  o'clock, 
Look  for  the  news  that  the  Guild-hall  affords. 

[Exit  Buckingham. 

Glo.  Go,  Lovel,  with  all  fpeed  to  doctor  Shaw,  — 
Go  thou  to  friar  Penker  *  ;  —  bid  them  both 


6  -  put  to  death  a  citizen,"}  This  perfon  was  one 

a  fubftantial  citizen  and  grocer  at  the  Crown  in  Cheapfide. 

GRAY. 

7  -  bis  ranging  cyc,~\  Thus  the  modern  editors.     The  folip 
reaJs  —  raging  —  the  quartos  —  luftful.     STEEVENS. 

8  This  Pinker  or  Penker  was  provincial  of  {he  Augujline  friars. 
See  Speed.    STEEVENS. 

Meet 


KING    RICHARD    III.       93 

Meet  me,  within  this  hour,  at  Baynard's  caftle. 

[Exeunt  Lovel,  and  Cafe/by. 
Now  will  I  in,  to  take  fome  privy  order 
To  draw  the  brats  of  Clarence  out  of  fight ; 
And  to  give  notice,  that  no  manner  of  perfon 
Have,  any  time,  recourfe  unto  the  princes.       \_Exit. 

SCENE     VI. 

A  Street. 
Enter  a  Scrivener. 

Scriv.  Here  is  the  indictment  of  the  good  lord 

Haftings  -, 

Which  in  a  let  hand  fairly  is  engrofs'd, 
That  it  may  be  to-day  read  o'er  in  Paul's  9. 
And  mark  how  well  the  fequel  hangs  together  : — 
Eleven  hours  I  have  fpent  to  write  it  over, 
For  ycfternight  by  Catelby  was  it  fent  me ; 
The  precedent  was  full  as  long  a  doing  : 
And  yet  within  thefe  five  hours  Haftings  liv'd, 
Untainted,  unexamin'd,  free,  at  liberty. 

Here's  a  good  world  the  while  ! Who  is  fogrofs, 

That  cannot  fee  this  palpable  device  ? 
Yet  who  fo  bold,  but  fays — he  fees  it  not  ? 
Bad  is  the  world  ;  and  all  will  come  to  nought, 
When  fuch  bad  dealing  muft  be  \  feen  in  thought. 

[Exit. 

9  —read  o'er  in  Pau?s.]  The  fubftance  of  this  fpeech  is  from 
Stowe's  Chronicle,  p.  450.  "  Now  was  this  proclamation  made 
within  two  houres  after  that  he  was  beheaded,  and  it  was  fo  cu- 
rioully  indited,  and  fo  faire  written  in  parchment,  in  fo  well  a 
fet  hand,  and  therewith  of  itfelf  fo  long  a  procefle,  that  every 
child  might  well  perceive  that  it  was  prepared  before,  for  all  the 
time  between  his  death  and  the  proclaiming  could  fcant  have  fuf- 
Irccd  unto  the  bare  writing  alone,  &c."  STEEVENS. 

1  • fccK  In  thought. 1  That  is,  feen  in  filence,  without  no- 
tice or  detection.  JOHNSON. 

SCENE 


94      KING    RICHARD    III. 

SCENE      VII. 

Baynara"s  caftle. 
Enter  Glofter,  and  Buckingham,  at  feveral  doors. 

Glo.  How  now,  how  now  ?  what  fay  the  citizens  ? 

Buck.  Now  by  the  holy  mother  of  our  Lord, 
The  citizens  are  mum,  fay  not  a  word. 

Glo.  Touched  you  the  baftardy  of  Edward's  chil- 
dren ? 

Buck.  I  did ;  with  his  contract  with  lady  Lucy, 
And  his  contract  by  deputy  in  France  : 
The  infatiate  greedinefs  of  his  defires, 
And  his  enforcement  of  the  city  wives ; 
His  tyranny  for  trifles ;  his  own  baflardy,' — 
As  being  got,  your  father  then  in  France, 
And  his  refemblance,  being  not  like  the  duke. 
Withal,  I  did  infer  your  lineaments, — 
Being  the  right  idea  of  your  father, 
Both  in  your  form  and  noblenefs  of  mind  : 
Laid  open  all  your  victories  in  Scotland, 
Your  difcipline  in  war,  wifdom  in  peace, 
Your  bounty,  virtue,  fair  humility  ; 
Indeed,  left  nothing,  fitting  for  your  purpofe, 
Untouch'd,  or  flightly  handled,  in  difcourfe. 
And,  when  my  oratory  grew  toward  end, 
I  bade  them,  that  did  love  their  country's  good, 
Cry — God  fave  Richard,  England's  royal  lung  ! 

Glo.  And  did  they  fo  ? 

Buck.  No,  fo  God  help  me,  they  fpake  not  a  word ; 
But,  like  dumb  flatucs,  or  unbreathing  ftones, 
Star'd  on  each  other,  and  look'd  deadly  pale. 
Which  when  I  faw,  I  reprehended  them  ; 
And  afk'd  the  mayor,  what  meant  this  wilful  filence  ; 
His  anfwcr  was, — the  people  were  not  us'd 
To  be  fpoke  to,  but  by  the  recorder. 

Then 


KING    RICHARD    III.      95 

Then  he  was  urg'd  to  tell  my  tale  again  ; — 
Thus  faith  the  duke,  thus  hath  the  duke  inferred ; 
But  nothing  fpoke  in  warrant  from  himfelf.  ' 
When  he  had  done,  fome  followers  of  mine  own, 
At  lower  end  o'  the  hall,  hurl'd  up  their  caps, 
And  fome  ten  voices  cry'd,  Godfave  king  Richard! 
And  thus  I  took  the  vantage  of  thofe  few,— 
Thanks,  gentle  citizens,  and  friends,  quoth  I ; 
This  general  applaufe,  and  chearfuljhoitt, 
Argues  your  wifdom,  and  your  love  to  Richard: 
And  even  here  brake  off,  and  came  away. 

Glo.  What  tonguelefs  blocks  were  they ;  Would 

they  not  fpeak  ? 
Will  not  the  mayor  then,  and  his  brethren,  come  ? 

Buck.  The  mayor  is  here  at  hand  ;  *  Intend  fome 

fear; 

Be  not  you  fpoke  with,  but  by  mighty  fuit : 
And  look  you  get  a  prayer-book  in  your  hand, 
And  Hand  between  two  churchmen,  good  my  lord; 
For  on  that  ground  I'll  make  a  holy  defcant : 
And  be  not  eafily  won  to  our  requeft's  ; 
Play  the  maid's  part,  ftill  anfvver  nay,  and  take  it, 

Glo.  I  go ;  And  if  you  plead  as  well  for  them, 
3  As  I  can  fay  nay  to  thee  for  myfelf ; 
No  doubt  we'll  bring  it  to  a  happy  iflue. 

[Exit  Glofler, 

*   —  •"  '  mtendyg/.vc/iw ;]  Perhaps,  pretend',  though  intend 
will  ftand  in  the  fenfe  of  giving  attention.     JOHNSON. 

One  of  the  ancient  fenfes  of  to  intend  was  certainly  to  preiiniL 
So,  in  fc.  v.  of  this  aft  : 

Tremble  and  ftart  at  wagging  of  a  ftraw, 
Intending  deep  fufpicion.     STEEVENS. 
3  At  I  can  fay,  nay  to  tbee>~\  I  think  it  muft  be  read ; 

if  you  plead  as  well  for  them 

As  I  mujt  fay,  nay  to  them  for  myfelf.     JOHNSON". 
Perhaps  the  change  is  not  neceflary.     Buckingham  is  to  pleaii 
for  the  citizens ;  and  //(fays  Richard)  you  fpeak  for  them  as  plau- 
Jibly  as  I  in  my  own  perfont  or  for  my  ownpiirpofe^Jballfsem  to  deny 
your  fuit)  there  is  no  doubt  but  we  Jball  bring  ad  to  a  hnpfy  ijjue. 

STEEVENS.     " 

Bud. 


96       KING    RICHARD    III. 

Buik.  Go,  go,  up  to  the  leads ;  the  lord  mayor 
knocks.  [Exit  Glofter. 

Enter  the  Lord  Mayor,  and  Citizens. 

Welcome,  my  lord  :  I  dance  attendance  here  ; 
I  think,  the  duke  will  not  be  fpoke  withal.— 

Enter  Catejly. 

Now,  Catefby  ?  what  fays  your  lord  to  my  requeft  ? 

Catef.  He  doth  entreat  your  grace,  my  noble  lord, 
To  vifit  him  to-morrow,  or  next  day  : 
He  is  within,  with  two  right  reverend  fathers, 
Divinely  bent  to  meditation ; 
And  in  no  worldly  fuit  would  he  be  mov'd, 
To  draw  him  from  his  holy  exercife. 

Buck*  Return,  good  Cateiby,  to  the  gracious  duke; 
Tell  him,  myfelf,  the  mayor  and  aldermen, 
In  deep  defigns,  in  matter  of  great  moment, 
No  lefs  importing  than  our  general  good, 
Are  come  to  have  fome  conference  with  his  grace. 

Catef.  I'll  lignify  fo  much  unto  him  ftraight.  [Exit. 

Buck.  Ah,  ha,    my  lord,    this  prince  is  not  an 

Edward  ! 

He  is  not  lolling  on  a  lewd  day-bed, 
But  on  his  knees  at  meditation  ; 
Not  dallying  with  a  brace  of  courtezans, 
But  meditating  with  two  deep  divines  ; 
Not  fleeping, 4  to  engrofs  his  idle  body, 
But  praying,  to  enrich  his  watchful  foul  : 
Happy  were  England,  would  this  virtuous  prince 
Take  on  himfelf  the  fovereignty  thereof ; 
But,  fure,  I  fear,  we  mall  ne'er  win  him  to  it. 

Mayor.  Marry,  God  defend  his  grace  fhould  fay 
us  nay ! 

Buck.  I  fear,  he  will :  Here  Catefby  comes  again  :— 

-]  To  fatten ;  to  pamper.    JOHNSON-. 

Re-enter 


KING    RICHARD    III. 


97 


Re-enter  Catejby. 

Catefby,  what  fays  your  lord  ? 

Catef.  He  wonders  to  what  end  you  have  affembled 
Such  troops  of  citizens  to  come  to  him, 
His  grace  not  being  warn'd  thereof  before  : 
He  fears,  my  lord,  you  mean  no  good  to  him. 

Buck.  Sorry  I  am,  my  noble  coufin  Ihould 
Sufpedt  me,  that  I  mean  no  good  to  him  : 
By  heaven,  we  come  to  him  in  perfect  love; 
And  fo  once  more  return  and  tell  his  grace. 

[Exit  Catejby. 

When  holy  and  devout  religious  men 
Are  at  their  beads,  'tis  hard  to  draw  them  thence; 
So  fweet  is  zealous  contemplation. 

Enter  Glofter  above,  between  two  Bijhops s.     Catefby  re- 
turns. 

Mayor.  See,  where  his  grace   flands  'tween  two 
clergymen  ! 

Buck.  Two  props  of  virtue  for  a  chriflian  prince, 
To  ftay  him  from  the  fall  of  vanity  : 
And,  fee,  a  book  of  prayer  in  his  hand ; 
True  ornaments  to  know  a  holy  man. — 
Famous  Plantagenet,  molt  gracious  prince, 
Lend  favourable  ear  to  our  requefts  ; 
And  pardon  us  the  interruption 
Of  thy  devotion,  and  right-chriftian  zeal. 

Glo.  My  lord,  there  needs  no  fuch  apology ; 
I  rather  do  befeech  you  pardon  me, 
Who,  earneft  in  the  fervice  of  my  God, 

5  —  two  HJhops.}  It  fhould  feem  from  a  former  paflage  that 
thefe  two  clergymen,  here  called  bifhops,  were  Dr.  Sbawt  and 
Friar  P enter  already  mentioned. 

Go,  Lovel,  with  all  fpeed  to  Doflor  Shaw : 

Go  thou  to  Friar  Penker  ;  bid  them  both 

Meet  me  within  this  hour  at  Baynard's  caftle.  STEEVENS. 

VOL.  VII.  H  De- 


93       KING    RICHARD     III. 

Deferred  the  vifitation  of  my  friends. 

But,  leaving  this,  what  is  your  grace's  pleafure  ? 

Buck.  Even  that,  I  hope,  which  pleaicth  God  above, 
And  all  good  men  of  this  ungovern'd  ifle. 

Gib.  I  do  fufpedt,  1  have  done  fome  offence, 
That  feems  difgracious  in  the  city's  eye  ; 
And  that  you  come  to  reprehend  my  ignorance. 

Buck.  You  have,  my  loid  ;  Would  it  might  pleafc 

your  grace, 
On  our  entreaties,  to  amend  your  fault ! 

G/o.  Elfe  wherefore  breathe  I  in  a  Chriflian  land  ? 

Buck.  Know,  then,  it  is  your  fault,  that  you  refign 
The  fupreme  feat,  the  throne  majeflical, 
The  fcepter'd  office  of  your  anceflors, 
Your  ftate  of  fortune,  and  your  due  of  birth, 
The  lineal  glory  of  your  royal  houfe, 
To  the  corruption  of  a  blemifh'd  flock  : 
Whilfl,  in  the  miklnefs  of  your  fleepy  thoughts, 
(Which  here  we  waken  to  our  country's  good) 
The  noble  ifle  doth  want  her  proper  limbs  ; 
Her  face  defac'd  with  fears  of  infamy, 
Her  royal  flock  graft  with  ignoble  plants, 
6  And  alrnofl  fhoulder'd  in  the  fwallowing  gulph 
Of  dark  forgetfulnefs  and  deep  oblivion. 

*  And  almofi  fhoulder'd  in  the  fivallowing  gttlf 

Of  dark  forgetfulntfi ] 

What  it  is  to  bejheu&erdtm  a  gulpb,  Hanmer  is  the  only  editor 
who  leems  not  to  have  known  :  for  the  reft  let  it  pafs  without  ob- 
fervation.  He  reads : 

Almoft  Jbouldcr'd  into  tiff  wallowing  gulpb. 
I  believe  we  fhould  read  : 

Andalmojl  inioulder'd  In  tbefiuattowinggulpb, 
That  is,  almoft  fmotber*J,  covered  and  loft.     JOHNSON-. 

I  fuppofe  the  old  reading  to  be  the  true  one.     So,  in  the  B(t~ 
rons*  Wars,  by  Dray  ton,  canto  I  : 

"  Stoutly  t'  aftront  zndfiouMer  in  debate."     STEEVENS. 
Shouldered  is,  I  believe,  the  true  reading. — Not,  thruft  in  by  the 
fhoulders,  but,  immerfed  up  to  tbe  Jhculders. 
So,  M  Othello: 

««  Steep  me  in  poverty  to  tbt  very  lips."    MALONE. 

Which 


KING    RICHARD    III.       99 

Which  to  recure  7,  we  heartily  folicit 
Your  gracious  felf  to  take  on  you  the  charge 
And  kingly  government  of  this  your  land  : 
Not  as  protestor,  fteward,  fubflitute, 
Or  lowly  factor  for  another's  gain  ; 
But  as  fucceffively,  from  blood  to  blood, 
Your  right  of  birth,  your  empery,  your  own. 
For  this,  conforted  with  the  citizens, 
Your  very  wodhipful  and  loving  friends, 
And  by  their  vehement  inftigation, 
In  this  juft  fuit  corne  I  to  move  your  grace. 
Glo.  I  cannot  tell,  if  to  depart  in  filence, 
Or  bitterly  to  fpeak  in  your  reproof, 
Beft  fitteth  my  degree,  or  your  condition  : 
For,  not  to  anfwer,  you  might  haply  think, 
Tongue-ty'd  ambition,  not  replying,  yielded 
To  bear  the  golden  yoke  of  fovereignty, 
Which  fondly  you  would  here  impofe  on  me ; 
If  to  reprove  you  for  this  fuit  of  yours, 
So  feafon'd  with  your  faithful  love  to  me, 
Then,  on  the  other  fide,  I  checked  my  friends. 
Therefore, — to  fpeak,  and  to  avoid  the  firfl ; 
And  then,  in  fpenking,  not  to  incur  the  laft,— , 
Definitively  thus  I  anfwer  you. 
Your  love  deferves  my  thanks ;  but  my  defert 
Unmeritable,  fliuns  your  high  requeft. 
Firft,  if  all  obftacles  were  cut  away, 
And  that  my  path  were  even  to  the  crown, 
As  the  ripe  revenue  and  due  of  birth  ; 
Yet  fo  much  is  my  poverty  of  fpirit, 
So  mighty,  and  fo  many,  my  defecls, 
That  I  would  rather  hide  me  from  my  greatnefs,— 
Being  a  bark  to  brook  no  mighty  -fea, — 
Than  in  my  greatnefs  covet  to  be  hid, 

7  JFTiich  to  recure,]  To  recure  is  to  recover.  This  word  is  fre- 
quently ufed  by  Spenfer ;  and  both  as  a  verb  and  a  fabftantive  in 
Lylly's  Endymian.)  1591.  STEEVENS. 

H  2.  And 


ioo     KING     RICHARD     III. 

And  in  the  vapour  of  my  glory  fmother'd. 
Bur,  God  be  thank'd,  there  is  no  need  of  me  ; 
(7  And  much  I  need  to  help  you,  if  need  were) 
The  royal  tree  hath  left  us  royal  fruit, 
Which,  mellow'd  by  the  Healing  hours  of  time, 
Will  well  become  the  feat  of  majefty, 
And  make,  no  doubt,  us  happy  by  his  reign. 
On  him  I  lay  what  you  would  lay  on  me, 
The  right  and  fortune  of  his  happy  jftars, — 
Which,  God  defend,  that  I  Ihould  wring  from  him  ! 
Buck.  My  lord,  this  argues  conscience  in  your  grace ; 

But  the  refpedts  thereof  are  nice  and  trivial, 

All  circumftances  well  confidcred. 

You  fay,  that  Edward  is  your  brother's  fon ; 

So  fay  we  too,  but  not  by  Edward's  wife  : 

For  firft  was  he  contract  to  lady  Lucy, 

Your  mother  lives  a  witnefs  to  his  vow  ; 

And  afterwards  by  fubftitute  betroth'd 

To  Bona,  filler  to  the  king  of  France. 

Thefe  both  put  by,  a  poor  petitioner, 

A  care-craz'd  mother  to  a  many  fons, 

A  beauty-waning  and  diftrefled  widow, 

Even  in  the  afternoon  of  her  beft  days, 

Made  prize  and  purchafe  of  his  wanton  eye, 

Seduc'd  the  pitch  and  height  of  all  his  thoughts 

To  bafe  declenfion  and  loath'd  bigamy  : 

By  her,  in  his  unlawful  bed,  he  got 

This  Edward,  whom  our  manners  call — the  prince. 

More  bitterly  could  I  expoftulate, 

Save  that,  for  reverence  to  fome  alive, 

I  give  a  fparing  limit  to  my  tongue. 

Then,  good  my  lord,  take  to  your  royal  felf 

This  proffer'd  benefit  of  dignity  : 

If  not  to  blefs  us  and  the  land  withal, 
Yet  to  draw  forth  your  noble  anceftry 

8  And  much  I  need  to  help  you, — ]  And  I  want  much  of  the  ability 
requifite  to  give  you  help,  if  help  were  needed.    JOHNSON. 

From 


KING    RICHARD    III.      10I 

From  the  corruption  of  abufing  time, 
Unto  a  lineal  true-derived  courie. 

Mayor.  Do,  good  my  lord  ;  your  citizens  entreat 

»  •  y°u- 

Buck.  Refufe  not,  mighty  lord,  this  proffer'd  love. 

Catef.  O,  -make   them  joyful,   grant  their  lawful 
fuit. 

Glo.  Alas,  why  would  yon  heap  tHefe  cares  on  me  ? 
I  am  unfit  for  ftate  and  majefty  : — 
I  do  befeech  you,  take  it  not  amifs ; 
I  cannot,  nor  I  will  not  yield  to  you. 

Buck.  If  you  refufe  it, — as  in  love  and  zeal, 
Loth  to  depofe  the  child,  your  brother's  fon ; 
As  well  we  know  your  tendernefs  of  heart, 
And  gentle,  kind,  effeminate  remorfe 9, 
Which  we  have  noted  in  you  to  your  kindred, 
And  equally,  indeed,  to  all  eflates, — 
Yet  know,  whe'r  you  accept  our  fuit  or  no, 
Your  brother's  fon  fhall  never  reign  our  king  ; 
But  we 'will  plant  fome  other  in  the  throne, 
To  the  difgrace  and  downfal  of  your  houfe. 
And,  in  this  refolution,  here  we  leave  you;- — 
Come,  citizens,  we  will  entreat  no  more.      [Exeunt. 

Catef.  Call  them  again,  fweet  prince,  accept  their 

fuit; 
If  you  deny  them,  all  the  land  will  rue  it. 

Glo.  Will  you  enforce  me  to  a  world  of  cares  ? 
Well,  call  them  again  ;  I  am  not  made  of  ftone, 

[Exit  Catefby. 

But  penetrable  to  your  kind  entreaties, 
Albeit  againft  my  confcience  and  my  foul. — 

9   •  v     effeminate  remorfe.]    i.e.  pity.     So,  in  the  Miferiti  of 
enforced  Marriage,    1600  : 

"  Be  all  his  days,  like  winter,  comfortlefs  ; 
"  Reftlefs  his  nights,  his  wants  rcmorfelefs" 
i,  c,  unpitltd.    STEEVEKS, 


H  7  Re-enter 


IC2      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Re-enter  Buckingham,  and  the  reft. 

Coufin  of  Buckingham, — and  fage,  grave  men, — 

Since  you  will  buckle  fortune  on  my  back, 

To  bear  her  burden,  whe'r  I  will,  or  no, 

I  muft  have  patience  to  endure  the  load  : 

But  if  black  fcandal,  or  foul-fac'd  reproach, 

Attend  the  fequel  of  your  impofition, 

Your  meer  enforcement  fhall  acquittance  me 

From  all  the  impure  blots  and  ftains  thereof ; 

For  God  doth  know,  and  you  may  partly  fee, 

How  far  I  am  from  the  defire  of  this. 

Major.  God  blefs  your  grace  !  we  fee  it,  and  will 
fay  it. 

Glo.  In  faying  fo,  you  ftiall  but  fay  the  truth. 

Buck.'  Then  I  falute  you  with  this  royal  title, — 
Long  live  king  Richard,  England's  worthy  king  ! 

AIL  Amen. 

Buck.  To-morrow  may  it  pleafe  you  to  be  crown'd  ? 

Glo.  Even  when  you  pleafe,  for  you  will  have  it  fo. 

Buck.  To-morrow  then  we  will  attend  your  grace  ; 
And  fo,  moft  joyfully,  we  take  our.  leave. 

Glo.  [To  the  Clergymen."]  Come,  let  us  to  our  holy 

work  again  :— 

Farewel,  good  coufm  ; — farewel,  gentle  friends  T. 

[Exeunt. 

1  Farcwel,  good  conjin  ;  fareivel,  gentle  friends.]  To  this  aft 
iliould,  perhaps,  be  added  the  next  fcene,  fo  will  the  coronation 
pafs  between  the  acts  ;  and  there  will  not  only  be  a  proper  interval 
of  a&ion  but  the  conclufion  will  be  more  forcible.  JOHNSON. 


ACT 


KING    RICHARD    III.       103 

ACT    IV.       SCENE     I. 

Before  the  Tower* 

Enter  tbe  Queen,  Dutcbefs  of  Tork,  and  Marquis  of 
Dorfet,  at  one  door  ;  Anne  Dutcbefs  of  Glofter^  had- 
ing Lady  Margaret  Plantagenet)  Clarence's  young 
daughter •,  at  the  other, 

Dutch.  Who  meets  us  here  ?-^-my  niece  Planta- 

genet, 

Led  in  the  hand  of  her  kind  aunt  of  Glofter  *  ? 
Now,  for  my  life,  fhe's  wand'ring  to  the  Tower, 
On  pure  heart's  love,  to  greet  the  tender  prince.-^- 
Daughter,  well  met. 

Anne.  God  give  your  graces  both 
A  happy  and  a  joyful  time  of  day  ! 

Queen.  As  much  to  you,   good  lifter  !    Whither 
away  ? 

Anne.  No  further  than  the  Tower ;  and,  as  I  guefs, 
Upon  the  like  devotion  as  yourfelves, 
To  gratulate  the  gentle  princes  there. 

^ueen.  Kind  filter,  thanks  ;  we'll  enter  all  toge- 
ther: 

Enter  Brakenbury. 

And,  in  good  time,  here  the  lieutenant  comes.  —* 
Matter  lieutenant,  pray  you,  by  your  leave, 

*  pffio  meets  us  here  ?—my  niece  Plantagenet, 

Led  in  the  band  of  her  kind  aunt  of  Glofter  ?  ] 

Here  is  a  manilell  intimation,  that  the  dutchefs  of  Glofter  leads  in 
fomebody  in  her  hand  ;  but  there  is  no  direction  marked  in  any 
of  the  copies,  from  which  we  can  learn  who  it  is.  I  have  ventured 
to  guefs  it  muft  be  Clarence's  young  daughter.  The  old  dutchefs 
of  York  calls  her  niece,  i.  e.  grand-daughter  ;  as  grand-children 
are  frequently  called  nephews.  THEOBALD, 

H  4  Haw 


104     KING    RICHARD     III. 

How  doth  the  prince,  and  my  young  fon  of  York  ? 

Brak.  Right  well,  dear  madam  :  By  your  patience, 
I  may  not  iuffer  you  to  vifit  them  ; 
The  king  hath  llriclly  charg'd  the  contrary. 

Queen.  The  king  !   who's  that  ? 

Brak.  I  mean,  the  lord  protestor. 

Queen.  The  Lord  protect  him  from  that  kingly  title ! 
Hath  he  fet  bounds  between  their  love,  and  me  ? 
I  am  their  mother,  Who  fhall  bar  me  from  them  ? 

Dutch.  I  am  their  father's  mother,  I  will  fee  them. 

Anne.  Their  aunt  am  I  in  law,  in  love  their  mother  : 
Then  bring  me  to  their  fights  ;  I'll  bear  thy  blame, 
And  take  thy  office  from  thee,  on  my  peril. 

Brak.  No,  madam,  no,  3 1  may  not  leave  it  fo  ; 
I  am  bound  by  oath,  and  therefore  pardon  me. 

[Exit  Brakenbury. 

Enter  Stanley. 

Stanl.  Let  me  but  meet  you,  ladies,  one  hour  hence, 
And  I'll  falute  your  grace  of  York  as  mother, 
And  reverend  looker-on,  of  two  fair  queens. — 
Come,  madam,  you  muft  ftraight  to  Weftminfter, 

[To  the  Dut  chefs  of  Glofter. 
There  to  be  crowned  Richard's  royal  queen. 

Queen.  Ah,  cut  my  lace  afunder ! 
That  my  pent  heart  may  have  fome  fcope  to  beat, 
Or  elfe  I  fwoon  with  this  dead-killing  news. 

Anne.  Defpightful  tidings  !  O  unpleafing  news  ! 

Dor.  Be  of  good  chear  r — Mother,  how  fares  your 
grace  ? 

Queen.  O  Dorfet,  fpeak  not  to  me,  get  thee  gone, 
Death  and  dcflruclion  dog  thee  at  the  heels; 
Thy  mother's  name  is  ominous  to  children  : 
If  thou  wilt  out-firip  death,  go  crofs  the  feas, 
And  live  with  Richmond,  from  the  reach  of  hell. 

3  — I  may  not  leave  itfo.~\   That  is,  I  may  notfo  refigti  my  office  ^ 
which  you  oft'er  to  take  on  you  at  your  peril.    JOHNSON. 

Go3 


KING     RICHARD    III.      105 

Go,  hie  thee,  hie  thee  from  this  flaughter-houfe, 
Left  thou  encreafe  the  number  of  the  dead  ; 
And  make  me  die  the  thrall  of  Margaret's  curfe, — 
Nor  mother,  wife,  nor  England's  counted  queen. 

StanL  Full  oi  \vife  care  is  this  your  counfel,  madam: — 
Take  all  the  fwift  advantage  of  the  hours  ; 
You  ihall  have  letters  from  me  to  my  fon 
In  your  behalf,  to  meet  you  on  the  way  : 
Be  not  ta'en  tardy  by  unvvife  delay. , 

Dutch.  O  ill-difperfing  wind  of  mifery  ! — 
O  my  accurfed  xvomb,  the  bed  of  death  ; 
A  cockatrice  haft  thou  hatch'dto  the  world, 
Whofe  una voided  eye  is  murderous ! 

StanL  Come,  madam,  come  ;  I  in  all  hafte  was  fent. 

Anne.  And  I  with  all  unwillingnefs  will  go.— 
O,  would  'O  God,  that  the  inclufive  verge 
Of  golden  metal,  th  at  muft  round  my  brow, 
Were  red-hot  fteel,  to  fear  me  to  the  brain  4  ! 
Anointed  let  me  be  with  deadly  venom  ; 
And  die,  ere  men  can  fay — God  fave  the  queen  ! 

Qu.cen.  Go,  go,  poor  foul,  1  envy  not  thy  glory ; 
To  feed  my  humour,  wilh  thyfelf  no  harm. 

Anne.  No  !  why  ? — When  he,  that  is  my  hufband 

now, 

Came  to  me,  as  I  follow'd  Henry's  corfe  ; 
When  fcarce  the  blood  was  well  wafti'd  from  his  hands, 

4  Were  red-hot  Jieel,  to  fear  me  to  tie  brain!]  She  feems  to  allude 
to  the  ancient  mode  of  punifhing  a  regicide,  viz.  by  placing  a 
crown  of  iron  heated  red-hot,  upon  his  head.  In  the  Tragedy  of 
Hoffman,  1631,  this  puniftiment  is  introduced  : 

"  Fix  on  thy  mailer's  head  my  burning  crown," 
Again  : 

"  And  wear  his  crown  made  hot  with  flaming  fire. 

"  Bring  forth  the  burning  crown  there." 
Again  : 

"  was  adjudg'd 

"  To  have  his  headyiwV  with  a  burning  crown." 
In  fome  of  the  monkifh  accounts  of  a  place  of  future  torment,  a 
burning  croivn  is  appropriated  to  thofe  who  deprived  any  lawful 
monarch  of  his  kingdom.    STEEVENS. 

Which 


io6      KING    RICHARD     III. 

Which  iflu'd  from  my  other  angel  hufband, 

And  that  dead  faint  which  then  I  weeping  follow'd  ; 

O,  when,  I  fay,  I  look'd  on  Richard's  face, 

This  was  my  wilh, —  Be  thou,  quoth  I,  accursed, 

For  making  me,foyoung,fo  old  a  widozv  ! 

Andy  zvhen  thou  tved'Jt,  let  for  row  haunt  thy  bed ; 

And  be  tJ:y  wife  (if  any  be  Jo  mad) 

Afore  miserable  by  the  life  of  thee, 

Than  tbou  haft  made  me  by  my  dear  lord's  death  ! 

Lo,  ere  I  can  repeat  this  curfe  again, 

Even  in  fo  fhort  a  fpace,  my  woman's  heart 

Grofsly  grew  captive  to  his  honey  words, 

And  prov'd  the  fubjecl:  of  mine  own  foul's  curfe  : 

Which  ever  fince  hath  held  mine  eyes  from  reft ; 

For  never  yet  one  hour  in  his  bed 

Did  I  enjoy  the  golden  dew  of  fleep, 

5  But  with  his  timorous  dreams  was  ftill  awak'd. 

Befides,  he  hates  me  for  my  father  Warwick ; 

And  will,  no  doubt,  fhortly  be  rid  of  me. 

Queen.  Poor  heart,  adieu  ;  I  pity  thy  complaining. 

Anne.  No  more  than  with  my  foul  I  mourn  for  yours. 

Dor.  Farewel,  thou  woful  welcomer  of  glory  ! 

Anne.  Adieu,  poor  foul,  that  tak'ft  thy  lenve  of  it ! 

Dutch.  Go  thou  to  Richmond,  and  good  fortune 
guide  thee  !—  [71    Dorfet, 

Go  thou  to  Richard,  and  good  angels  tend  rh-    ! — • 

[To  Anne. 

Go  thou  to  fandtuary,  and  good  thoughts  poiielsthee! 

[T0  the  Queen. 

I  to  my  grave,  where  peace  and  reft  lie  with  me  ! 
Eighty  odd  years  of  forrow  have  I  feen, 
And  each  hour's  joy  wreck'd  with  a  week  of  teen  6. 

5  But  with  his  timorous  dreams  ]  'Tis  recorded  by  Poly-. 
dore  Virgil,  that  Richard  was  frequently  disturbed  by  terrible 
dreams :  this  is  therefore  no  fiftion.     JOHNSON. 

6  -of  teen.]   Teen  is  forrow.     So,  in  Romeo  and  Juliet; 
"  And  yet  to  my  teen  be  it  fpoken,  &c." 

Again,  in  the  Return  from  Pat-naffus,    1606  : 

"  Flies  have  their  fpleen,  each  filly  ant  his  teem" 

STEEVENS. 


KING    RICHARD     III.     107 

Queen.  Stay  yet ;  look  back,  with  me,  unto  the 

Tower.— 

Pity,  you  ancient  flones,  thofe  tender  babes, 
Whom  envy  hath  immur'd  within  your  walls  ! 
Rough  cradle  for  fuch  little  pretty  ones  ! 
7  Rude  ragged  nurfe  !  old  fullen  play-fellow 
Fqr  tender  princes,  ufe  my  babies  well  ! 
So  foolifh  forrow  bids  your  flones  farewel 8.    [E&tttth 


SCENE     II. 

'The  court. 

Flourijh  of  trumpets.     Enter  Richard,  as  King,  Bucking- 
ham,   Catejby,  a  Page,  and  others. 

K.  Rich.  Stand   all    apart.— Coufin  of  Bucking- 
ham,— 

Buck.  My  gracious  fovereign. 
K.  Rich.  Give  me  thy  hand.     Thus  high,  by  thy 

advice, 

And  thy  affiftance,  is  king  Richard  feated  :— 
But  lhall  we  wear  thefe  glories  for  a  day  ? 
Or  lhall  they  laft,  and  we  rejoice  in  them  ? 

Buck.  Still  live  they,  and  for  ever  let  them  laft  ! 
K.  Rich.  9  Ah,  Buckingham,  now  do  I  play  the 
touch, 

To 

^  7  Rude  ragged nurfe  !  old  fullen  play -fellow}  To  call  the  Tower 
vurfe  3.K&playfillovj  is  very  harfh  :  perhaps  part  of  this  Jpeech  is 
addrefled  to  the  Tower,  and  part  to  the  lieutenant.  JOHNSON. 

*  So  foolijh  forrtnv  bids  your  Jtones  fareiveh'}  Hither  the  third 
ad  fhould  be  extended,  and  here  it  very  properly  ends  with  a 
paufe  of  action.  JOHNSON. 

9  Ah,  Buckingham,  now  do  /play  the  touch,']    The    technical 
term  is  requifite  here.     The  poet  wrote : 
no*w  do  I  'ply  the  touch, 

i.  e.  apply  the  touch/tone ;  for  that  is  meant  by  what  he  calls  touch. 

So, 


io8     KING    RICHARD     III. 

To  try  if  thou  be  current  gold,  indeed  :  — 

Young  Edward  lives ; — Think  now  what  I  would 

fpeak. 

Buck.  Say  on,  my  loving  lord. 
K.  Rich.  Why,  Buckingham,   I  fay,  I  would   be 

king. 

Buck.  Why,  To  you  are,  my  thrice-renowned  liege. 
K.  Rich.  Ha  !  am  I  king  ?  'Tis  fo  :  but  Edward 

lives. 

Suck.  True,  noble  prince. 
K.  Rich.  O  bitter  confequence, 

•  That  Edward  ftill  fhould  live — true  !  noble  prince  !— 
Coufin,  thou  waft  not  wont  to  be  fo  dull : — 
Shall  I  be  plain  ?  I  wifti  the  baftards  dead  ; 
And  I  would  have  it  fuddenly  perform'd. 
\Vhat  fay'il  thou  now  ?  fpeak  fuddenly,  be  brief. 
Buck.  Your  grace  may  do  your  pleafure. 
K.  Ricb.  Tut,  tut,  thou  art  all  ice,  thy  kindnefs 

freezes  : 
Say,  have  I  thy  confent,  that  they  mall  die  ? 

Buck.  Give  me  fome  breath,  fome  little  paufe,  dear 

lord, 

Before  I  pofitively  fpeak  in  this  : 
I  will  refolve  your  grace  immediately. 

\_Exit  Buckingham. 

So,  again,  in  'Timon  of  Atbens,  fpeaking  of  gold,  he  fays  : 

— — O,  thou  touch  of  hearts  ! 

\.  e.  thou  trial,  touchftone.     WARBURTON. 

To  play  the  touch  is  to  reprcfent  the  toucbjlone.     No  emendation 
is  neceffary. 

So,  in  the  i6th  Song  of  Drayton's  Polyolblon: 

*'  With  alabafter,  tuch,  and  porphyry  adorn'd," 
Again,  in  the  epiflle  of  Mary  the  French  S>ueen  to  Charles  Brandon^ 
by  Drayton  : 

"  Before  mine  ^eye,  like  touch,  thy  fhape  did  prove." 
Again,  in  Spenfer's  Faery  j^mvz,  B.  I.  c.  iii  : 

'  Though  true  as  touch,  though  daughter  of  a  king." 

STEEVENS. 


KING    RICHARD     III.     109 

Catef.  The  king  is  angry  ;  fee,  he  gnaws  his  lip  '. 
K.  Rick.  I  will  converfe  with  iron-witted  fools, 
And  unrefpedtive  boys  * ;  none  are  for  me, 
That  look  into  me  with  confiderate  eyes  : — 
High-reaching  Buckingham  grows  circumfpeA.— 
Boy,-^- 

Page.  My  lord. 

K.  Rich.  Know'It  thou  not  any,  whom  corrupting 

gold 
Would  tempt  unto  a  '  clofe  exploit  of  death  ? 

Page.  1  know  a  difcontented  gentleman, 
Whofe  humble  means  match  not  his  haughty  mind  : 
Gold  were  as  good  as  twenty  orators, 
And  will,  no  doubt,  tempt  him  to  any  thing. 
K.  Rich.  What  is  his  name  ? 
Page.  His  name,  my  lord,  is — -Tyrrel. 
K.  Rich.  I  partly  know  the  man  ;  Go,  call  him  hi- 
ther, boy. —                                   [Exit  boy. 
The  deep-revolving  witty  4  Buckingham 
No  more  ihall  be  the  neighbour  to  my  counfels  : 
Hath  he  fo  long  held  out  with  me  untir'd, 
And  flops  he. now  for  breath  ? — well,  be  it  fo. 

1  'fee,  he  gnaws  bis  lip,']  Several  of  our  ancient  hiftoriana 

obferve,  that  this  was  an  accuftomed  a&ion  of  Richard,  whether 
he  was  penfive  or  angry.  STEEVENS. 

a  And  unrefpedive  boys  ; ]  Unrefpeflive  is  inattentive,  tak- 
ing no  notice,  inconfiderate. 
So,  in  Daniel's  Cleopatra,   1 599  : 

"  When  diflblute  impiety  poflefs'd 

"  The  unrefpefti-ve  minds  of  prince  and  people." 

STEEVENS. 

3  clofe  exploit ]  is  fecret  aft.     JOHNSON. 

*  witty]   in  this  place  fignifies  judicious  or  cunning.     A 

•wit  was  not  at  this  time  employed  to  fignify  a  man  of  fancy ,  but 
was  ufed  for  wifdom  or  judgment.  So,  in  Daniel's  Cleopatra^ 
1599: 

"  Although  unvvife  to  live,  had  iu;V  to  die." 
Again  : 

"  And  at  her  feet  do  ivitfy  ferpents  move." 

One  of  Ben  Jonfon's  Maf$ues.    STEEVENS, 

Enter 


iio     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Enter  Stanley. 

How  now,  lord  Stanley  ?  what's  the  news  ? 

Stanl.  Know,  my  loving  lord, 
The  marquis  Dorfet,  as  I  hear,  is  fled 
To  Richmond,  in  the  parts  where  he  abides. 

K.  Rich.  Come  hither,  Catefby  :  rumour  it  abroad. 
That  Anne  my  wife  is  very  grievous  fick  ; 
I  will  take  order  for  her  keeping  clofe. 
Enquire  me  out  fome  mean-born  gentleman, 
Whom  I  will  marry  flraight  to  Clarence'  daughter  :— 
The  boy  is  foolifh,  and  I  fear  not  him. — 
Look,  how  thou  dream'ft  ! — I  fay  again,  give  out, 
That  Anne  my  queen  is  fick,  and  like  to  die  : 
About  it ;  for  it  Hands  me  much  upon, 
To  flop  all  hopes,  whofe  growth  may  damage  me.— 

[Exit  Catefby t 

I  mufl  be  marry'd  to  my  brother's  daughter, 
Or  elfe  my  kingdom  ftands  on  brittle  glafs  : — 
Murder  her  brothers,  and  then  marry  her  ! 
Uncertain  way  of  gain  !  But  I  am  in 
So  far  in  blood,  *  that  fin  will  pluck  on  fin. 
Tear-falling  pity  dwells  not  in  this  eye.— 


Enter  TwreL 
Is  thy  name  —  Tyrrel  6  ? 


Tyr. 


So  far  in  blood,  that  Jin  will  pluck  onfinC\ 
The  fame  reflections  occur  in  Macbeth  : 
"      i.  —  /  am  in  Hood 

*'  Step'd  info  far,  that  .faould  1  wade  no  morft 
"  Returning  tvere  as  tedious,  &c. 
Again  : 

*'  -Things  lad  begun  make  ftrong  themfelves  by  ill."  STEEVENS. 

e  Is  thy  name  —  Tyrrel?]  It  feems,  that  a  late  editor  (who  boafls 

much  of  his  fidelity  in  "  marking;  the  places  of  adlion,  both  general 

and  particular,  and  fupplying  fcenical  directions")  throughout  this 

fcene,  has  left  king  Richard  on  his  throne  ;  whereas  he  might  have 

learnt 


KING    RICHARD    III.      m 

7>r.  James  Tyrrel,  and  your  moft  obedient  fubjedt 
'  K.  Rich.  Art  thou,  indeed  ? 
Jyr.  Prove  me,  my  gracious  lord. 
K.  Rich.  Dar'ft  thou  refolve   to  kill  a  friend  of 

mine  ? 

Tyr.  Pleafe  you ;  but  I  had  rather  kill  two  enemies. 
K.  Rich.  Why,  then  thou  hail  it ;  two  deep  ene- 
mies, 

Foes  to  my  reft,'  and  my  fweet  fleep's  diflurbers, 
Are  they  that  I  would  have  thee  deal  upon  : 
Tyrrel,  I  mean  thofe  bailards  in  the  Tower. 

Tyr.  Let  me  have  open  means  to  come  to  them, 
And  foon  I'll  rid  you  from  the  fear  of  them. 
K.  Rich  Thou  fing'ft  fweet  mufick.     Hark,  come 

hither,  Tyrrel  ; 
Go,  by  this  token  : — Rife,  and  lend  thine  ear  : 

[Wifpers. 

There  is  no  more  but  fo  : — Say,  it  is  done, 
And  I  will  love  thee,  and  prefer  thee  for  it. 

lyr.  I  will  difpatch  it  ftraight.  [Exit. 

Re-enter  Buckingham. 

Buck.  My  lord,  I  have  confider'd  in  my  mind 
That  late  demand  that  you  did  found  me  in.    . 
K.  Rich.  Well,   let  that  reft.      Dorfet  is  fled  to 

Richmond. 
Buck.  I  hear  the  news,  my  lord. 

learnt  from  the  following  paflage  in  fir  John  Harrington's  Mftamor- 
pbofis  ofAjax,  1 596,  that  the  monarch  appeared,  during  the  prefent 
interview  with  Tyrrel,  on  an  elevation  of  muchhfs  dignity.  **  The 
beft  part  (fays  fir  John)  of  our  chronicles,  in  all  men's  opinions 
is  that  of  ELichard  the  third,  written  as  I  have  heard  by  Moor- 
ton,  but  as  moft  fuppofe,  by  that  worthy  and  incorrupt  magiftrate 
fir  Thomas  More,  iometime  lord  chancellor  of  England,  where 
it  is  faid,  how  the  king  was  devifmg  with  Tcril  to  have  his  ne- 
phews privily  murdred  ;  and  it  is  added,  be  was  then  fitting  on  a 
draught ;  a  fit  carpet  for  fuch  a  counfel."  See  likewife  Holinjhedt 
vol.ii.  p.  735,  STEEVENS. 

K.  Rich. 


ii2      KING    RICHARD    III. 

K.  Rich.  Stanley,   he  13  your  wife's  fon  : — Well, 
look  to  it. 

Buck.  My  lord,  I  claim  the  gift,  my  due  by  pro- 

mife, 

For  which  your  honour  and  your  faith  is  pawn'd  ; 
The  earldom  of  Hereford,  and  the  moveables, 
W'hich  you  have  promifed  I  lhall  poffefs. 

K.  Rich.  Stanley,  look  to  your  wife  ;  if  fhe  convey 
Letters  to  Richmond,  you  fhall  anfwer  it. 

Buck.  What  fays  your  highnefs  to  my  juft  requefl  ? 

K.  Rich.  I  do  remember  me, — Henry  the  fixth 
Did  prophefy,  that  Richmond  fhould  be  king, 
When  Richmond  was  a  little  peevifh  boy. 
7  A  king  ! — perhaps — 

Buck.  My  lord, 

K.  Rich.   How  chance,  the  prophet  could  not  at 

that  time. 
Have  told  me,  I  being  by,  that  I  fhould  kill  him  ? 

Buck.  My  lord,  your  promife  for  the  earldom, — 

K.  Rich.  Richmond ! — When  laft  I  was  at  Exeter, 
The  mayor  in  courtfy  fhew'd  me  the  caftle, 
And  call'd   it — Rouge-mont  :    at  which  name,    I 

ftarted  ; 

Becaufe  a  bard  of  Ireland  told  me  once, 
I  fhould  not  live  long  after  I  faw  Richmond. 

Buck.  My  lord,— 

K.  Rich.  Ay,  what's  o'clock  ? 

Buck.  I  am  thus  bold  to  put  your  grace  in  mind 
Of  what  you  promis'd  me. 

K.  Rich.  Well,  but  what's  o'clock  ? 

Buck.  Upon  the  flroke  of  ten. 

K.  Rich.  Well,  let  it  ftrike. 

Buck.  Why  let  it  ftrike  ? 

7  A  king!  perhaps—]  From  hence  to  the  words,  Thou  troub- 
Jefl  me ,  lam  not  in  the  vein — have  been  left  out  ever  lince  the 
iirft  editions,  but  I  like  them  well  enough  to  replace  them.  POPE. 

The  allufions  to  the  plays  of  Henry  VI.  are  no  weak  proofs  of 
jhe  authenticity  of  thefe  difputed  pieces.  JOHNSON. 

K.  Rich. 


KING    RICHARD    III.     113 

it.  Rich.  8  Becaufe  that,  like  a  Jack,  thou  keep'ft 

the  flroke 

Betwixt  thy  begging  and  my  meditation. 
I  am  not  in  the  giving  vein  to-day. 

Buck.  Why,  then  relblve  me  whe'r  you  will,  or  no. 
K.  Rich.  Thou  troubled  me  ;  I  am  not  in  the  vein. 

Exit. 

8  Becarife,  that,  like  a  Jack,  &c.]  This  pailage,  though  I  do 
hot  believe  it  corrupted,  1  do. not  undeiftand.  JOHNSON. 

Becaufe  that,  like  a  Jack,  &c.]  An  image,  like  thofe  at  St. 
Dunftan's  church  in  Fleet-ltreet,  and  at  the  market- houfes  at  fe- 
Veral  towns  in  this  kingdom,  was  ufually  called  a  Jack  of  the  clock- 
houfe.  See  Cowley's  Dlfcourfe  on  the  Goverment  of  Oliver  Crom- 
well. Richard  refembles  Buckingham  to  one  of  thofe  automatons, 
and  bids  him  not  fufpend  the  itroke  on  the  clock-bell,  but  ftrike, 
that  the  hour  may  be  paft,  and  himfelf  be  at  liberty  to  purfue  his 
meditations.  Sir  J.  HAWKINS. 

So,  in  The  Fleire,  a  comedy,  1610  :— "  their  tongues  are,  like 
a  Jack  o*  the  clock,  ihill  in  labour." 
Again,  in  The  Coxcomb,  by  Beaumont  and  Fletcher : 
**   • '        Is  this  your  Jack  0'  the  c70o£-houfe  ? 
<  "  Will  yoMjlrike,  fir  ?" 
Again,  in  a  pamphlet  by  Deckar,  called  the  Guh  Hornbook , 

1609  :  "  but  howfoever,  if  Poxvles  Jacks  be  once  up  with 

their  elbowes,  and  quarrelling  to  ftrike  eleven,  as  foon  as  ever 
the  clock  has  parted  them,  and  ended  the  fray  with  his  hammer, 
let  not  the  duke's  gallery  conteyne  you  any  longer." 

Perhaps  thefe  figures  were  called  Jacks,  becaufe  the  engines  of 
that  name  which  turn  the  fpit  were  anciently  ornamented  with 
iuch  a  puppet.  In  the  Gentleman  tf/kcr,  a  comedy  by  Chapman, 
1606,  they  are  alluding  to  a  roafting  Jack,  and  a  man  fays  ; 

*'  — as  in  that  quaint  engine  you  have  feen 
"  A  little  man  Injhreds  ftand  at  the  winder, 
"  And  ieem  to  put  all  things  in  aft  about  him, 
"  Lifting  and  pulling  with  a  mighty  ftir, 
*'  Yet  adds  no  force  to  it,  nor  nothing  does." 
In  Lantern  and  Candle-light*  or   the  Bellman* s  Second  Night- 
fivalk,  &c.  by  Deckar,  is  a  paflage  "  of  a  new  and  cunning  draw- 
ing of  money  from  gentlemen,"  which  may  tend  to  a  fome- 
what  different  explanation.     "  There  is  another  fraternitie   of 
wandring  pilgrims,    who  merrily  call  themfelves  Jackes  of  the 
Clock-houfe.     The  jacke  of  a  clflck-houfe  goes  upon  fcrews,  and 
his  office  is-  to  do  nothing  \MtJirike:  fo  does  this  noife  (for  they 
walke  up  and  down  like  fldlers)  travaile  with  motions,  and  what- 
erer  their  motions  get  them,  is  called  Jinking"    STEEVEKS. 

VOL.  VII.  I  "  Buck. 


ii4    KING    RICHARD    III. 

Buck.  Is  it  even  fo  ?  repays  he  my  deep  fervice 
With  fuch  contempt  ?  made  I  him  king  for  this? 
O,  let  me  think  on  Haftings  ;  and  be  gone 
To  Brecknock,  while  my  fearful  head  is  on.     [Exit. 


SCENE    III. 

Enter  1'yrrel. 

7}T.  The  tyrannous  and  bloody  act  is  done  ; 
The  moft  arch  deed  of  piteous  maflacre, 
That  ever  yet  this  land  was  guilty  of. 
Dighton,  and  Forrcft,  whom  I  did  fuborn 
To  do  this  piece  of  ruthlefs  fnitchery, 
•Albeit  they  were  fkih'd  villains,  bloody  dogs, 
Melting  with  tendernefs  and  mild  compaffion, 
"Wept  like  two  children,  in  their  deaths'  fad  ftory.. 
O  thus,  quoth  Dighton,  lay  the  gentle  babes, — 
Thus,  thus,  quoth  Forreft,  girdling  one  another 
Within  their  alakajier  innocent  arms : 
'Their  lips  were  four  redrofes  on  aftalk^ 
Which,  in  their  fummer  beauty,  kifs'd  each  other. 
A  book  of  prayers  on  their  pillow  lay ; 
Which  once,  quoth  Forreft,  almoft  changed  my  mind :. 
But,  O,  the  devil — there  the  villain  llopp'd  ; 
When  Dighton  thus  told  on, — we  /mothered 
The  moft  replenifhed  jweet  work  of  nature, 
That,  from  the  •prime  creation,  e'er  Jhe  fram'd. — 
Hence  both  are  gone  with  confcience  and  remorfe, 
They  could  not  fpeak  ;  and  fo  I  left  them  both, 
To  bear  thefe  tidings  to  the  bloody  king. 

Enter  king  Richard. 

And  here  he  comes : — All  health,  my  fovereign  lord ! 
K.  Rich.  Kind  Tyrrel !  am  I  happy  in  thy  news  ? 
Tyr.  If  to  have  done  the  thing  you  gave  in  charge 

Beget 


KING    RICHARD    III.      115 

Beget  your  happinefs,  be  happy  then, 
For  it  is  done. 

K.  Rick  But  did  ft  thou  fee  them  dead  ? 

lyr.  I  did  my  lord. 

K.  Rick.  And  buried,  gentle  Tyrrel  ? 

'Tyr.  The  chaplain  of  the  Tower  hath  buried  them ; 
But  where,  to  fay  the  truth,  I  do  not  know.' 

K.  Rich.  Come  to  me,  Tyrrel,  foon  at  after  fupper, 
When  thou  lhalt  tell  the  procefs  of  their  death. 
Mean  time,  but  think  how  I  may  do  thee  good, 
And  be  inheritor  of  thy  defire, 
Farewel,  'till  then. 

Tyr.  I  humbly  take  my  leave.  [Exit. 

K.  Rich.  The  fon  of  Clarence  have  I  pen'd  up 

clofe  ; 

His  daughter  meanly  have  I  fnatch'd  in  marriage  ; 
The  fons  of  Edward  fleep  in  Abraham's  bofom, 
And  Anne  my  wife  hath  bid  the  world  good  night. 
Now,  for  1  know  the  Bretagne  Richmond  aims 
At  young  Elizabeth,  my  brother's  daughter, 
And,  by  that  knot,  looks  proudly  on  the  crown, 
To  her  go  I,  a  jolly  thriving  wooer. 

Enter  Gate/by. 

Catef.  My  lord, — 

K.  Rich.  Good  news  or  bad,  that  thou  com'ft  in  fo 

bluntly  ? 

Catef.  Bad  news,  my  lord  :  Morton  is  fled  to  Rich- 
mond ; 

And  Buckingham,  back'd  with  the  hardy  Wellhmen, 
Is  in  the  field,  and  ftill  his  power  encreafeth. 

K.  Rich.  Ely  with  Richmond  troubles  me  more 

near, 

Than  Buckingham  and  his  raih-levicd  ftrength. 
Come, — I  have  learn'd,  that 9  fearful  commenting 

Is 

9  • fearful  commenting 

Is  leaden  fervitor>  <••  •  •  •      ] 

1  2  Tiroo- 


n6     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Is  leaden  fervitor  to  dull  delay  ; 

Delay  leads  impotent  and  fnail-pac'd  beggary  : 

Then  fiery  expedition  be  my  wing, 

Jove's  Mercury,  and  herald  for  a  king  ! 

Go,  mutter  men  :  My  counfel  is  my  Ihield  ; 

We  muft  be  brief,  when  traitors  brave  the  field. 

[Exiu 

SCENE    IV. 

Enter  Queen  Margaret. 

<3>.  Mar.  So,  now  profperity  begins  to  mellow  T5 
And  drop  into  the  rotten  mouth  of  death. 
Here  in  thefe  confines  ilily  have  I  lurk'd, 
To  watch  the  wamng  of  mine  enemies. 
A  z  dire  induction  am  I  witnefs  to, 
And  will  to  France  ;  hoping,  the  confequencc 
Will  prove  as  bitter,  black,  and  tragical. 
Withdraw  thee,  wretched  Margaret  !    who  comes 
here  ? 

Enter  the  Queen,  and  the  Dutchefs  of  York* 

Queen.  Ah,  my  poor  princes  !  ah,  my  tender  babes* 
My  unblown  flowers,  new-appearing  fweets ! 
If  yet  your  gentle  fouls  fly  in  the  air, 
And  be  not  fix'd  in  doom  perpetual, 
Hover  about  me  with  your  airy  wings, 
And  hear  your  mother's  lamentation  ! 

Timorous  thought  and  cautious  difquilition  are  the  dull  attendants 
on  delay*    JOHNSON. 

1  begins  to  mclloiv,  &c.]  The  fame  thought  occurs  in 

Marfton's  Antonio  and  Mell'ida,    1602  : 

"  now  is  his  fate  grown  mellow, 

"  Inftant  to  fall  into  the  rotten  jaws 
*'  Of  chap-fall'n  death."     STEEVENS.. 

*'  — dire  indufiion ]  Induflion.  is  preface,  introduction,  firft 

part,    It  is  fo  ufed  by  Sackville  in  our  author's  time.    JOHNSON. 

>.  Mar. 


KING    RICHARD    III.     117 

j^.  Mar.  Hover  about  her ;  J  fay,  that  right  for  right 
Hath  dimm'd  your  infant  morn  to  aged  night. 

Dutch.  So  many  miferies  have  craz'd  my  voice, 
That  my  woe-wearied  tongue  is  ftill  and  mute. — 
Edward  Plantagenet,  why  art  thou  dead  ? 

^.  Mar.  Plantagenet  doth  quit  Plantagenet, 
Edward  for  Edward  pays  a  dying  debt. 

Queen.  Wilt  thou,  O  God,  fly  from  fuch  gentle 

lambs, 

And  throw  them  in  the  entrails  of  the  wolf  ? 
Why  didft  thou  fleep,  when  fuch  a  deed  was  done  ? 

<>>.  Mar.  When  holy  Henry  dy'd,  and  my  fweet  fon  ? 

Dutch.  Dead  life,  blind  fight,  poor  mortal  living 

ghoft, 
Woe's  fcene,    world's  fhame,  grave's  due  by  life 

ufurp'd, 

Brief  abftradt  and  record  of  tedious  qjays, 
Reft  thy  unrefl  on  England's  lawful  earth, 

[Sitting  down. 
.Unlawfully  made  drunk  with  innocent  blood ! 

Queen.  Ah,  that  thou  wouldft  as  foon  afford  a  grave, 
As  thou  canft  yield  a  melancholy  feat ; 
Then  would  I  hide  my  bones,  not  reft  them  here ! 
Ah,  who  hath  any  caufe  to  mourn,  but  we  ? 

[Sitting  down  by  her. 

Q.  Afar.  If  ancient  forrow  be  mofl  reverent, 

3  fay,  that  right  for  right]  It's  pjain   Shakefpeare 

wrote  : 

wrong  for  wrong 
but  the  players  thought  a  little  rhime  was  better  than  all  reafon. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

It  is  fo  unlikely  that  words  fo  plain  and  fo  proper,  as  wrong  for 
wong  would  have  been  either  ignorantly  or  officioufly  changed, 
that  I  believe  right  for  riglt  is  the  true  though  not  the  beft  reading^ 
This  is  one  of  thefe  conceits  which  our  author  may  be  fufpe&ed 
of  loving  better  than  propriety.  Right  for  right  \sjujlice  anfiver* 
ivg  to  the  claims  of  juftice.  So,  in  this  play  : 

That  forehead 

be  Irandsdy  if  that  right  were  right. — 

JOHNSON. 

I  3  Give 


n8    KING    RICHARD    III. 

Give  mine  the  benefit  of  4  figniory, 

And  let  my  griefs  frown  on  the  upper  hand. 

[Sitting  down  with  them. 
If  forrow  can  admit  fbciety, 
Tell  o'er  your  woes  again  by  viewing  mine  :— ? 
I  had  an  Edward,  'till  a  Richard  kilPd  him  ; 
I  had  a  hufband,  'till  a  Richard  kill'd  him  : 
Thou  hadft  an  Edward,  'till  a  Richard  kill'd  him  ; 
Thou  had'ft  a  Richard,  'till  a  Richard  kill'd  him. 
Dutch.  I  had  a  Richard  too,  and  thou  did'lt  kill 

him  ; 
I  had  a  Rutland  too,  thou  holp'ft  to  kill  him. 

j^.  Mar    Thou  had'fl  a  Clarence  too,  and  Richard 

kili'd  him. 

From  forth  the  kennel  of  thy  womb  hath  crept 
A  hell-hound,  that  doth  hunt  us  all  to  death  : 
That  dog  that 'had  his  teeth  before  his  eyes, 
To  worry  lambs,  and  lap  their  gentle  blood  ; 
That  foul  defacer  of  God's  handy-work  ; 
That  excellent  grand  tyrant  of  the  earth, 
That  reigns  in  galled  eyes  of  weeping  fouls y, 
Thy  womb  let  loofe,  to  chafe  us  to  our  graves. — : 
O  upright,  juft,  and  true-difpofing  God, 
How  do  I  thank  thee,  that  this  carnal  cur 
Preys  on  the  ifTue  of  his  mother's  body, 
And  makes  her 6  pue-fellow  with  others*  moan  ! 

Dutch. 

4  J*gni°ry  0  tor  feniority.     JOHNSON. 
So,  in  Stovve's  Chronicle,  edit.  1615,  P*  '49' 

**  — the  fon  of  Edmund,  the  fon  of  Edward  they^/gwar,  the 
fon  of  Alured,  &c."    STEEVEKS. 

5  That  reigns    &c.]  This  and  the  preceding  line  have  been 
omitted  by  all  the  modern  editors,  Rowe  excepted.     STEEVENS. 

6  And  makes  her  pue-fellovj — ]  Pue-fcllovj  feems  to  be  compa- 
nion.    We  have  now  a  new  phrafe,  nearly  equivalent,  by  which 
we  fay  of  perfons  in   the  fame  difficulties,  that  they  are  in  the 

fame  box.     JOHNSON. 

Pue-fiUtKv  is  a  word  yet  in  ufe.     Sir  J.  HAWKINS. 
In  find  the  word  in  Northward  Hoe.  a  comedv,  by  Decker  and 
Wpbfter,  1607: 

"  lie  would  make  him  pue-fcllcw  with  a  lord's  ileward  at 
kail." 

Again, 


KING    RICHARD    III.     n9 
Dutch.  O,  Harry's  wife,  triumph  not  in  my  woes ; 
God  witncfs  with  me,  I  have  wept  for  thine. 

£>.  Mar.  Bear  with  me  ;   i  :ini  hungry  for  revenge, 
And  now  I  cloy  me  with  beholding  it. 
Thy  Edward  he  is  dead,  that  kilFd  my  Edward  ; 
Thy  other  Edward  dead,  to  quittmy  Edwarcf ; 
7  Young  York  he  is  but  boot,  beoaufe  both  they 
Match  not  the  high  perfection  of  my  lofs. 
Thy  Clarence  he  is  dead,  that  ftabb'd  my  Edward  ; 
And  the  beholders  of  this  tragic  play, 
*  The  adulterate  Haftings,  Rivers,  Vaughan,  Grey, 
Untimely  fmother'd  in  their  duiky  graves. 
Richard  yet  lives,  hell's  black  intelligencer; 
Only  referv'd  their  fatftor,  to  buy  fouls, 
And  fend  them  thither  :  But  at  hand,  at  hand; 
Enfues  his  piteous  and  unpitied  end  : 
Earth  gapes,  hell  burns,  fiends  roar,  faints  pray, 
To  have  him  fuddenly  convey'd  from  hence  : — « 
Cancel  his  bond  of  life,  dear  God,  I  pray, 
That  I  may  live  to  fay,  The  dog  is  dead  ! 

<$ueen.  O,    thou  didft  prophefy,  the  time  would 
come, 

Again,  in  a  comedy,  by  Decker,  called,  If  this  Ic  not  a  good 
flay  the  Devil  is  in  it : 

"  Loft  not  a  minute,  pue-fillovj,  &c." 
Again,  in  Decker's  Satiromaftix : 

"  Conic,  pue-felliKV." 
Again,  in  Wcfiward-Hoe,  by  Decker  tnd  Webfter,   1606  : 

*'  — being  both  ray  fcholars,  and  your  honefrpuc-fe/bws.'" 

STEEVENS. 

7  Toung  Tork  he  is  but  loot ]  Boot  is  that  which  is  thrown 

in  to  mend  a  purchafe.jfoHNsoN. 

8  The  adulterate  ^fy^Sf^j — ]  I  believe  Shakefpeare  wrote  : 

The  adulterer  [raftings,  -  WAR  BUR  TON. 

Adulterate  is  right.  We  iay  metals  are  adulterate ;  and  adulte- 
rate fometimes  means  the  I'-.me  as  adulterer.  In  either  fenfe,  on 
this  occafion,  the  epithet  will  fuit.  Raftings  was  adulterate,  as 
Margaret  had  try'd  his  frienoihip  and  found  it  faithlefs  ;  he  was 
an  adulterer,  as  he  cohabited  with  Jane  Shore  during  the  life  of  • 
her  hufband.  So,  the  Ghort  in  Hamlet,  {peaking  of  the  King,  fays : 

"  —that  inceftuous,  that  adulterate  beaft."     STEEVENS. 

J  4  That 


120    KING    RICHARD    III. 

That  I  ihould  wilh  for  thee  to  help  me  curfe 
That  bottled  fpider,  that  foul  bunch-back'd  toad, 
j^.  Mar.  I  call'd  thee  then,  vain  flourilh  of  my 

fortune ; 

I  call'd  thee  then,  poor  fhadow,  painted  queen ; 
The  prefentation  of  but  what  I  was, 
1  The  flattering  index  of  a  direful  pageant, 
One  heav'd  a  high,  to  be  hurl'd  down  below  : 
A  mother  only  mock'd  with  two  fair  babes  ; 
A  dream  of  what  thou  waft  ;  a  garilh  flag  % 
To  be  the  aim  of  every  dangerous  ihot ; 
A  lign  of  dignity,  a  breath,  a  bubble  ; 
A  queen  in  jeft,  only  to  fill  the  fcene, 
Where  is  thy  huiband  now  ?  where  be  thy  brothers  ? 
Where  be  thy  two  ions  ?  wherein  doft  thou  joy  ? 
Who  fues,  and  kneels,  and  fays — God  fave  the  queen  ? 
Where  be  the  bending  peers  that  flatter'd  thee  ? 
Where  be  the  thronging  troops  that  follow'd  thee  ? 
Decline  all  this,  and  fee  what  now  thau  art. 
For  happy  wife,  a  mofl  diftrefled  widow  ; 
For  joyful  mother,  one  that  wails  the  name  ; 
For  one  being  fu'd  to,  one  that  humbly  fues  ; 
For  queen,  a  very  caitiff  crown'd  with  care  : 
For  one"  that  fcorn'd  at  me,  now  fcorn'd  of  me  ; 

9  7be  Jlattring  index  of  a,  direful  pageant,]  Without  doub$ 
Shakefpeare  wrote : 

'• ; — direful  page.     WARBURTON. 

Surely  there  is  no  need  of  change.  Pageants  are  dumb  (hews,  and 
the  poet  meant  to  allude  to  one  of  thefe,  the  index  of  which  pro- 
mifed  a  happier  conclufion.  The  pageants  then  difplayed  on  pub- 
lic occafions  were  generally  preceded  by  a  brief  account  of  the 
order  in  which  the  characters  were  to  walk.  Thefe  indexes  were 
diftributed  among  the  fpe&ators,  that  they  might  understand  the 
meaning  of  fuch  allegorical  fluff  as  was  ufually  exhibited.  The 
index  of  every  book  was  anciently  placed  before  the  beginning  of  it. 

STEEVKNS. 

*  — a  garijl}  flag, 

To  le  the  aim  of  every  dangerous  Jhot ;  ] 

Alluding   to  the  dangerous   fituation  of  thofe  perfons  to  whole 
care  the  ftandards  of  armies  were  entrusted.    STEEVENS. 

For 


KING    RICHARD    III.     m 

For  one  being  fear'd  of  all,  now  fearing  one  ; 

For  one  commanding  all,  obey'd  of  none. 

Thus  hath  the  courfe  of  juftice  wheel'd  about  *, 

And  left  thee  but  a  very  prey  to  time  ; 

Having  no  more  but  thought  of  what  thou  wert, 

To  torture  thee  the  more,  being  what  thou  art. 

Thou  didft  ufurp  my  place,  And  doft  thou  not 

Ufurp  the  juft  proportion  of  my  forrow  ? 

Now  thy  proud  neck  bears  half  my  burden'd  yoke  ; 

From  which  even  here  I  flip  my  wearied  head, 

And  leave  the  burden  of  it  all  on  thee. 

Farewel,  York's  wife, — and  queen  of  fad  mifchance,— 

Thefe  Englifh  woes  fhall  make  me  fmile  in  France. 

§Hieen.  O  thou  well  fkill'd  in  curfes  !  ftay  a  while, 
And  teach  me  how  to  curfe  mine  enemies. 

^  Mar.  Forbear  to  fleep  the  night,  and  fail  the 

day; 

Compare  dead  happinefs  with  living  woe  ; 
Think  that  thy  babes  were  fairer  than  they  were, 
And  he,  that  flew  them,  fouler  than  he  is  : 
Bettering  thy  lofs  makes  the  bad  caufer  worfe  ; 
Revolving  this  will  teach  thee  how  to  curfe. 

Queen.  My  words  are  dull,  O,  quicken  them  with 
thine  ! 

Q.  Mar.  Thy  woes  will  make  them  fliarp,  and 
pierce  like  mine.  [Exit  Margaret. 

Dutch.  Why  fhould  calamity  be  full  of  words  ? 

Queen.  J  Windy  attorneys  to  their  client  woes, 
*  Airy  fucceeders  of  inteftate  joys, 

Poor 

*  wheel'd  about,]  Thus  the  quartos.    The  folio— whirl1  J 

about.     STEEVENS. 

3  Windy  attorneys  to  their  client  woes,]    In  former  editions  this 
line  was  read  thus  : 

Windy  attorneys  to  your  client's  woes. 
The  emendation  is  fir  Thomas  Hanmer's.     JOHNSON. 

4  Airy  fucceeders  of  inteiline  joy**"]  I  cannot  underftand  this  read- 
ing.    I  have  adopted  another  from  the  quarto  in  1597  • 

Airy  fucceeders  of  inteflate  joji ; 

i.e. 


122    KING    RICHARD     III. 

Poor  breathing  orators  of  miferics  ! 

Let  them  have  fcope  :  though  what  they  do  impart 

Help  nothing  elfe,  yet  they  do  eafe  the  heart, 

Dutch.  If  fo,  then  be  not  tongue-tyM  :  go  with  me, 
And  in  the  breath  of  bitter  words  let's  (mother 
My  damned  fon,  that  thy  two  fweet  fons  fmother'd. 

[Drum i  within. 
I  hear  his  drum, — be  copious  in  exclaims. 

Enter  King  Richard,  and  his  train,  marching. 

K.  Rich.  Who  intercepts  me  in  my  expedition  ? 

Dutch.  O,  (he,  that  might  have  intercepted  thee, 
By  Wrangling  thee  in  her  accurfed  womb, 
From  all  the  (laughters,  wretch,  that  thou  haft  done. 

Queen.  Hid'ft    thou  that  forehead  with  a  golden 

crown, 

Where  (hould  be  branded,  if  that  right  were  right, 
The  (laughter  of  the  prince  that  ow'd  that  crown, 
And  the  dire  death  of  my  poor  fons,  and  brothers  ? 
Tell  me,  thou  villain-flave,  where  are  my  children  ? 

Dutch.  Thou  toad,  thou  toad,  where  is  thy  brother 

Clarence  ?  , 

And  little  Ned  Plantagenet,  his  fon  ? 

§>ueen.  Where  is  the  gentle  Rivers,  Vaughan,Grey  ? 

Dutch.  Where  is  kind  Haftings  ? 

K.  Rich.  A  flourim,   trumpets  !  —  ftrike  alarum, 

drums  ! 

Let  not  the  heavens  hear  thefe  tell-tale  women 
Rail  on  the  Lord's  anointed  :  Strike,  I  fay. — 

[_FlouriJh.     AlaMtms* 

Either  be  patient,  and  entreat  me  fair, 
Or  with  the  clamorous  report  of  war 
Thus  will  I  drown  your  exclamations. 

Dutch.  Art  thou  my  fon  ? 

i.  e.  words,  tun'd  to  complaints,  fucceed  joys  that  are  dead  ;  and 
unbequeath'd  to  them,  to  whom  they  fliould  properly  defcend. 

'£  HEOBALU, 

K.  Rich, 


KING    RICHARD    III.     123 

K.  Rick.  Ay;  I  thank  God,  my  father,  and  your- 
felf. 

Dutch.  Then  patiently  hear  my  impatience. 

K.  Rich.  Madam,  I  have  5  a  touch  of  your  condition, 
That  cannot  brook  the  accent  of  reproof. 

Dutch.  O,  let  me  fpeak. 

K.  Rich.  Do,  then  ;  but  I'll  not  hear. 

Dutch.   I  will  be  mild  and  gentle  in  my  words. 

K.  Rich.  And  brief,  good  mother ;   for  I  am  in 
hafle. 

Dutch.  Art  thou  fo  hafty  ?  I  have  ftaid  for  thee, 
God  knows,  in  torment  and  in  agony. 

A".  Rich.  And  came  I  not  at  laft  to  comfort  you  ? 

Dutch.  No,  by  the  holy  rood,  thou  know'ft  it  well, 
Thou  cam'ft  on  earth  to  make  the  earth  my  hell. 
A  grievous  burden  was  thy  birth  to  me  ; 
Tetchy  and  wayward  was  thy  infancy ; 
Thy  fchooi-days,    frightful,    defperate,   wild,    and 

furious, 

Thy  prjme  of  manhood,  daring,  bold,  and  venturous; 
Thy  age  confirmed,  proud,  fubtle,  fly,  and  bloody, 
More  mild,  but  yet  more  harmful,  kind  in  hatred  : 
What  comfortable  hour  canft  thou  name, 
6  That  ever  grac'd  me  in  thy  company  ? 

K.  Rich.  Faith,  none,  but  Humphry  Houre 7,  that 
call'd  your  grace 

To 

5  a  touch  of  your  condition,]  A  fpice  or  particle  of  your 

temper  or  difpofitlon.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  Chapman's  tranllation  of  the  24th  Iliad: 

**  his  cold  blood  embrac'd  a  fiery  touch 

"  Of  anger,  &c.     STEEVENS. 

6  That  ever  grac'd  me ]  To  grace  feems  here  to  mean  the 

fame  as  to  blc/s,  to  make  happy.     So,  gracious  is  kind,  and  graces 
are  favours.     JOHNSON. 

7  Humphry  Houre, — ]  This  may  probably  be  an  allu- 
fion  to  fome  affair  of  gallantry  of  which  the  dutchefs  had  been 
fufpefted.     I  cannot  find  the  name  in  Holinfhed.     Surely  the 
poet's  fondnefs  for  a  quibble  has  not  induced  him  at  once  to  per- 

fonify 


124     KING    RICHARD     III. 

To  breakfaft  once,  forth  of  my  company. 
If  I  be  fo  difgracious  in  your  fight, 

fonify  and  chriften  that  hour  of  the  day  which  fummon'd  his  mo- 
ther to  breakfaft. 

So,  in  Tic  Wit  of  a  Woman  ,   1592  : 

"  Gentlemen,  time  makes  us  brief  :  our  old  miftrefs,  Hourc 
is  at  hand." 

The  common  cant  phrafe  of  dining  vlith  duke  Humphrey,  I  have 
never  yet  heard  fatisraftorily  explained.  It  appears,  however, 
from  a  fatirical  pamphlet  called  the  Gu/s  Horn-bookc,  1609,  writ- 
ten by  T.  Deckar,  that  in  the  ancient  church  of  St.  Paul,  one 
of  the  ailes  was  called  Duke  Humphrey's  Walk  ;  in  which  thole 
who  had  no  means  of  procuring  a  dinner,  affected  to  loiter. 
Deckar  concludes  his  fourth  chapter  thus  :  "  By  this,  I  imagine 
you  have  walked  your  bellyful,  and  therupon  being  weary  r  or 
(vyhich  is  rather,  I  beleeve)  being  moft  gentleman-like,  hun- 
gry, it  is  fit  that  as  I  brought  you  unto  the  duke,  fo  (becaufe  he 
folloyves  the  fafhion  of  great  men  in  keeping  no  houfe,  and  that 
therefore  you  muft  gofeeke  your  dinner}  fufter  me  to  take  you  by 
the  hand  and  leade  you  into  an  ordinary."  The  title  of  this 
chapter  is,  "  How  a  gallant  mould  behave  himfelfe  in  Powlcs 


Hall,  in  the  7th  Satire,  B.  III.  feems  to  confirm  this  interpre- 
tation : 

"  'TisRuffio:  Trow'ft  thou  where  he  din'd  to-day  ? 
*'  In  footh  I  faw  him  fit  with  duke  Humfray  : 
"  Manie  good  welcoms,  and  much  gratis  cheere, 
"  Keepes  he  for  everie  flragling  cavaliere  ; 
"  An  open  houfe  haunted  with  greate  refort, 
*'  Longfervice  mixt  with  mufic  all  dif  port,  &c." 

Hall's  Satires,  Edit.  1602,  p.  60. 

See  likewife  Foure  Letters  and  certain  Sonnets,  by  Gabriel  Harvey, 
1592  : 

"  -to  feeke  his  dinner  in  Poules  with  duke  Humphrey  ? 

to  licke  dimes,  to  be  a  beggar." 

Again,  in  the  Return  of  the  Knight  of  the  Poft,  &c.  by  Nafh, 
1606  :  "  -  in  the  end  comming  into  Poules,  to  behold  the  old 
duke  and  his  gttcjls,  &c." 

Again,  in  A  wonderful,  Jlrangc,  and  miraculous  Prognojllccttion,for 
ibis  Tear,  &c.  1  59  1,  by  Naih  :  "  --  fundry  fellowes  in  their 
filkes  fliall  be  appointed  to  keepe  duke  Humfrye  company  in  Poules, 
becaufe  they  know  not  where  to  get  tkeir  dinners  abroad." 

It  it  be  objected  that  duke  Humphrey  was  buried  at  St.  Albans, 
let  it  likewife  be  remember'd  that  cenotaphs  were  not  uncommon. 

STEEVENS. 

Let 


KING    RICHARD    III.     125 

Let  me  march  on,  and  not  offend  you,  madam.— 
Strike  up  the  drum. 

Dutch.  I  pry'thee,  hear  me  fpeak. 

K.  Rich.  You  fpeak  too  bitterly. 

Dutch.  Hear  me  a  word ; 
For  I  lhall  never  fpeak  to  thee  again. 

K.  Rich.  So. 

Dutch.  Either  thou  wilt  die,  by  God's  jufl  ordinance, 
Ere  from  this  war  thou  turn  a  conqueror  ; 
Or  I  with  grief  and  extreme  age  fhall  periih, 
And  never  look  upon  thy  face  again. 
Therefore,  take  with  thee  my  moil  heavy  curfe  ; 
Which,  in  the  day  of  battle,  tire  thee  more, 
Than  all  the  compleat  armour  that  thou  wear'fl ! 
My  prayers  on  the  adverfe  party  fight ; 
And  there  the  little  fouls  of  Edward's  children 
Whifper  the  fpirits  of  thine  enemies, 
And  promife  them  fuccefs  and  victory  ! 
Bloody  thou  art,  bloody  will  be  thy  end  ; 
*  Shame  ferves  thy  life,  and  doth  thy  death  attend. 

[Exit. 

Queen.  Though  far  more  caufe,  yet  much  lefs  fpi- 

rit  to  curfe 
Abides  in  me ;  I  fay  amen  to  her.  [Going* 

K.  Rich.  9  Stay,    madam,    I  muft  fpeak  a  word 
with  you. 

Queen.  I  have  no  more  fons  of  the  royal  blood, 
For  thee  to  murder  :  for  my  daughters,  Richard,—* 
They  lhall  be  praying  nuns,  not  weeping  queens  ; 
And  therefore  level  not  to  hit  their  lives. 

K.  Rich.  You  have  a  daughter  call'd — Elizabeth, 
Virtuous  and  fair,  royal  and  gracious. 

Queen.  And  muft  Ihe  die  for  this  ?  O,  let  her  live, 

3  Shame  ferves  thy  life, ]  Tofervi  is  to  accompany,  fervant3 

being  near  the  perfons  of  their  matters.  JOHNSON. 

9  Stay,  madam, ]  On  this  dialogue  'tis  not  neceflary  ta 

beftovv  much  criticifm  :  part  of  it  is  ridiculous,  and  the  whole 
improbable.  JOHNSON, 

And 


iz6     KING    RICHARD    III. 

And  I'll  corrupt  her  manners,  ftain  her  beauty  ; 
Slander  myfelf,  as  falfe  to  Edward's  bed  ; 
Throw  over  her  the  veil  of  infamy  : 
So  fhe  may  live  unfcarr'd  of  bleeding  flaughter, 
I  will  cont'efs  Ihe  was  not  Edward's  daughter. 

K.  Rich.  Wrong   not  her  birth,  Ihe  is  of  royal 
blood  '. 

fteen.  To  lave  her  life,  I'll  fay — ihe  is  not  fo. 
Rich.  Her  life  is  fafeft  only  in  her  birth. 
Queen.  And  only  in  that  fafety  dy'd  her  brothers. 
K.  Rich.  Lo,  at  their  births  good  flars  were  op- 
polite  *. 

Queen.  No,  to  their  lives  bad  friends  were  contrary. 
K.  Rick.  All  unavoided  is  the  doom  of  deftiny. 
Queen.  True,  when  avoided  grace  makes  deftiny  : 
My  babes  were  deftin'd  to  a  fairer  death, 
If  grace  had  blefs'd  thee  with  a  fairer  life. 

K.  Rich.  You  fpeak,   as  if  that  I  had  flam  my 

coufins. 

Queen.  Coufins,  indeed ;  and  by  their  uncle  cozen'd 
Of  comfort,  kingdom,  kindred,  freedom,  life. 
Whofe  hands  foever  lanc'd  their  tender  hearts, 
Thy  head,  all  indiredtly,  gave  direction  : 
No  doubt  the  murderous  knife  was  dull  and  blunt, 
"Till  it  was  whetted  on  thy  ftone-hard  heart ?, 
To  revel  in  the  entrails  of  my  lambs. 

1   -      •  "  Jbe  is  of  royal  blood.~\    The  folio  reads — fhe  is  a  royal 
frhicefs.     STEEVENS. 

*  Lay  at  their  births — ]  Perhaps  we  fhould  read — No,  at  their 
births —    TYRWHITT. 

3   77/7  *'/  -was  whetted  on  thy  Jt  one-bard  heart,]    This   conceit 
feems  to  have  been  a  great  favourite  of  Shakefpeare.     We  meet 
with  it  more  than  once.     In  K.  Henry  IV.  zd  Part : 
Thou  bid'Ji  a  tboufand  daggers  in  thy  thoughts^ 
Winch  thou  baft  whetted  on  thy  ftony  hearty 
Tojlab,  &c." 
'Again,  in  the  Merchant  of  Venice  : 

4  Not  on  thy  foal,  but  on  thy  Joul,   harfl)  y^V, 
Thou.  jna'VJl  thy  knife  kcsn  •  •  •"     STEEVENS. 

But 


KING    RICHARD    III.     127 

But  that  ftill  ufe  of  grief  makes  wild  grief  tame, 
My  tongue  fhould  to  thy  ears  not  name  my  boys, 
'Till  thiit  my  nails  were  anchor'd  in  thine  eyes ; 
And  I,  in  luch  a  defperate  bay  of  death, 
Like  a  poor  bark,  of  fails  and  tackling  reft, 
Ruih  all  to  pieces  on  thy  rocky  bofom. 

K.  Rich.  Madam,  fo  thrive  I  in  my  enterprize, 
And  dangerous  fuccefs  of  bloody  wars, 
As  I  intend  more  good  to  you  and  yours, 
That  ever  you  or  yours  by  me  were  harm'd  ! 

®ueen.  What  good  is  cover'd  with  the  face  of  hea- 
ven, 
To  be  difcover'd,  that  can  do  me  good  ? 

K.  Rich.  The  advancement  of  your  children,  gentle 
lady. 

Queen.  Up  to  fome  fcaffold,  there  to  lofe  their  heads. 

K.  Rich.  No,  to  the  dignity  and  height  of  fortune, 

4  The  high  imperial  type  of  this  earth's  glory. 

Queen.  Flatter  my  forrows  with  report  of  it; 
Tell  me,  what  flate,  what  dignity,  what  honour, 

5  Canfl  thou  demife  to  any  child  of  mine  ? 

K.  Rich.  Even  all  I  have ;  ay,  and  myfelf  and  all, 
Will  I  withal  endow  a  child  of  thine ; 
So  in  the  Lethe  of  thy  angiy  foul 
Thou  drown  the  fad  remembrance  of  thofe  wrongs, 
Which,  thou  fuppofeft,  I  have  done  to  thee. 

Queen.  Be  brief,  left  that  the  procefs  of  thy  kindnefs 
Laft  longer  telling  than  thy  kindnefs'  date. 

K.  Rich.  Then  know,  that,  from  my  foul,  I  love 
thy  daughter. 

feeen.  My  daughter's  mother  thinks  it  with  her  foul. 
Rich.  What  do  you  think  ? 

*  The  high  imperial  type — ]   Type  is  exhibition,  (hew,  difplay. 

JOHNSON. 

5  Canft  tbou  demife — ]  The  fenfe  of  the  word  Jemife  is  evident, 
but  I  do  not  remember  it  any  where  fo  ufed :  perhaps  it  fhould 
be  t'cvife^  which  the  lawyers  ufe  for  to  transfer,  or  make  over. 

JOHNSON. 

The  common  meaning  of  the  verb  to  demife  is  to  grant,  from 
to  devolve  a  right  from  one  to  another.    STEEVENS. 


128     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Queen.  That  thou  doft  love  my  daughter,  from 

thy  foul  : 

So,  from  thy  foul's  love,  didft  thou  love  her  brothers ; 
And,  from  my  heart's  love,  I  do  thank  thee  for  it. 

K.  Rich.  Be  not  fo  hafly  to  confound  my  meaning: 
I  mean,  that  with  my  foul  I  love  thy  daughter, 
And  do  intend  to  make  her  queen  of  England. 
Queen.  Well  then,  who  doft  thou  mean  ihall  be  her 

king  ? 

K.  Rich.  Even  he,  that  makes  her  queen ;  Who 
elfe  fhould  be  ? 

f'tetn.  What,  thou  ? 
Rich.  I,  even  I :  What  think  you  of  it,  madam? 

Queen.  How  canft  thou  woo  her  ? 

K.  Rich.  That  I  would  learn  of  you, 
As  one  being  beft  acquainted  with  her  hurhour. 

Queen.  And  wilt  thou  learn  of  me  ? 

K.  Rich.  Madam,  with  all  my  heart. 

Queen.  Send  to  her,  by  the  man  that  flew  her  bn> 

thers, 

A  pair  of  bleeding  hearts  ;  thereon  engrave, 
Edward,  and  York ;  then,  haply,  will  Ihe  weep  : 
Therefore  prefent  to  her, — 6  as  fometime  Margaret 
Did  to  thy  father,  fteep'd  in  Rutland's  blood, — 
A  handkerchief;  which,  fay  to  her,  did  drain 
The  purple  fap  from  her  fweet  brothers'  bodies, 
And  bid  her  wipe  her  weeping  eyes  withal. 
If  this  inducement  move  her  not  to  love, 
Send  her  a  letter  of  thy  noble  deeds ; 
Tell  her,  thou  mad'fl  away  her  uncle  Clarence, 
Her  uncle  Rivers ;  ay,  and,  for  her  fake, 
Mad'fl  quick  conveyance  with  her  good  aunt  Anne. 

K.  Rich.  You  mock  me,  madam;  this  is  not  the  way 
To4  win  your  daughter. 

Queen.  There  is  no  other  way ; 
Unlefs  thou  could'fl  put  on  fome  other  fhape, 

6  as  fometime  Margaret}  Here  is  another  reference  to  th« 

plays  of  Henry  VI.    JOHNSON. 

And 


KING    RICHARD     III.     129 

And  not  be  Richard  that  hath  done  all  this. 

K.  Rick.  Say,  that  I  did  all  this  for  love  of  her  ? 

Queen.  Nay,  then   indeed,  file  cannot  chufe  but 

hate  thee  7, 
Having  bought  love  with  fuch  a  8  bloody  fpoil. 

K.  Rich.    Look,    what  is    done   cannot  be   now 

amended  : 

Men  fliall  deal  unadvifedly  fometimes, 
Which  after-hours  give  leifure  to  repent. 
If  I  did  take  the  kingdom  from  your  fons, 
To  make  amends,  I'll  give  it  to  your  daughter. 
If  I  have  kill'd  the  iflue  of  your  womb, 
To  quicken  your  encreafe^  I  will  beget 
Mine  iflue  of  your  blood  upon  your  daughter. 
A  grandam's  name  is  little  lefs  in  love, 
Than  is  the  doting  title  of  a  mother ; 
They  are  as  children,  but  one  flep  below, 
Even  of  your  metal,  of  your  very  blood ; 
Of  all  one  pain,— fave  for  a  night  of  groans 
Endured  of  her,  for  whom  you 9  bid  like  forrow; 
Your  children  were  vexation  to  your  youth, 
But  mine  iha-ll  be  a  comfort  to  your  age. 
The  lofs,  you  have,  is  but — a  fon  being  king, 
Andj  by  that  lofs,  your  daughter  is  made  queen. 
I  cannot  make  you  what  amends  I  would, 
Therefore  accept  fuch  kindnefs  as  I  can. 
Dorfet  your  fon,  that;  with  a  fearful  foul> 
Leads  difcontented  fteps  in  foreign  foil, 
This  fair  alliance  quickly  fhall  call  home 
To  high  promotions  and  great  dignity. 
The  king,  that  calls  your  beauteous  daughter — wife, 

7  Nay  then,  indeed,  Jbe  cannot  cbvfc  but  hate  thcc^]   The  fenfe 
feems  to  require  that  we  fliould  read  : 

lut  love  (bee, 

ironically.    TYRWHITT. 

8   lloedy  fpoil.~\  Spoil  is  \va'fte,  havock.     JOHNSON. 

'  lid  like  farrow,}  Bid  is  in  the  paft  tenle  from  bide. 

JOHNSON. 

VOL,  VIL  K  Fami- 


J3o      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Familiarly  {hall  call  thy  Doriet — brother  ; 
Again  fhall  you  be  mother  to  a  king, 
And  all  the  ruins  of  diftrefsful  times 
Repair'd  with  double  riches  of  content. 
What !  we  have  many  goodly  days  to  fee  : 
The  liquid  drops  of  tears  that  you  have  Ihed, 
Shall  come  again,  transform'd  to  orient  pearl ; 
'.Advantaging  their  loan,  with  intereil 
Of  ten  times  double  gain  of  happinefs. 
Go  then,  my  mother,  to  thy  daughter  go  ; 
Make  bold  her  balhful  years  with  your  experience  ; 
Prepare  her  ears  to  hear  a  wooer's  tale ; 
Put  in  her  tender  heart  the  afpiring  flame 
Of  golden  ibv'reignty ;  acquaint  the  princefs 
With  the  fweet  filent  hours  of  marriage  joys  : 
And  when  this  arm  of  mine  hath  chaftifed 
The  petty  rebel,  dull-brain'd  Buckingham, 
Bound  with  triumphant  garlands  will  I  come, 
And  lead  thy  daughter  to  a  conqueror's  bed ; 
To  whom  I  will  retail  my  conqueft  won, 
And  {he  fhall  be  fole  vidrefs,  Czfar's  Cafar. 

Queen.  What  were  I  beft  to  fay  ?  her  father's  brother 
Would  be  her  lord  ?  Or  {hall  I  fay,  her  uncle  ? 
Or,  he  that  flew  her  brothers,  and  her  uncles  ? 
Under  what  title  fliall  I  woo  for  thee, 
That  God,  the  law,  my  honour,  and  her  love, 
Can  make  feem  pleafmg  to  her  tender  years  ? 

1  Advantaging  their  love  with  in? reft, 
i     Oftentimes  double  gain  of  happinefs.'] 

My  eafy  emendation  will  convince  every  reader  Jove  and  lone  are 
made  out  of  one  another  only  by  a  letter  turned  upfide  down. 
Oftentimes  is  a  ftupid  concretion  ot  three  words.  My  emendation 
gives  this  apt  and  eafy  fenfe.  The  tears  that  you  have  lent  to  your 
riffli£{ions,jhalll>e  turn  d into  gems  ;  and  rcquiteyou  byway  fl/'intereft, 
•with  happinefs  twenty  times  as  great  as  your  farrows  have  been. 

THEOBALD, 

Theobald  found  this  concretion,  as  he  calls  it,  rather  loofely 
formed  in  the  folio,  where  it  ftands  thus, — Of  ten-times. 

STSEVENS. 

K.  Rid. 


KING    RICHARD    III.     131 

K.  Rich.  Infer  fair  England's  peace  by  this  alliance. 
Queen.  Which  Ihe  lhall  purchafe  with  ftill  lafting 

xvar. 
K.  Rich.  Tell  her,  the  king,  that  may  command, 

entreats. 
Queen.  That  at  her  hands,  which  the  king's  King 

forbids  \ 
K.  Rich.  Say,    flie    fliall  be  a  high  and  mighty 

queen. 

Queen.  To  wail  the  title,  as  her  mother  doth. 
K.  Rich.  Say,  I  will  love  her  everlaftingly. 
Queen.  But  how  long  lhall  that  title,  ever,  laft 3  ? 
K.  Rich.  Sweetly  in  force  unto  her  fair  life's  end. 
tueen.  But  how  long  fairly  lhall  her  fweet  life  laft? 
Ich.  As  long  as  heaven,  and  nature,  lengthens  it. 
Queen.  As  long  as  hell,  and  Richard,  likes  of  it. 
K.  Rich.  Say,    I,   her  fov'reign,  am  her  fubjeft 

low4. 

fteen.  But  Ihe,  your  fubjecl:,  loaths  fuch  fov'reignty. 
Rich.  Be  eloquent  in  my  behalf  to  her. 
Queen.  An  honeft  tale  fpeeds  belt,   being  plainly 

told. 
K.  Rich.  Then,  in  plain  terms  tell  her  my  loving 

tale. 

lueen.  Plain,  and  not  hone£,  is  too  harlh  a  ftyle. 
r.  Rich.   Your  reafons   are  too  lhallow  and  too 

quick. 

Queen.  O,  no,  my  reafons  are  too  deep  and  dead  ;— 
Two  deep  and  dead,  poor  infants,  in  their  graves. 

*  which  the  king's  King  forbids.  ~\  Alluding  to  the  prohibi- 
tion in  the  Levitical  law.     See  Leviticus  xviii.  14.     GRAY. 

3  But  hffw  long  Jhall  that  title,  ever,  laft  ?~\   Young  has  borrow'4 
this  thought  in  his  Univerfal  Pajjlon  : 

"  But  fay my  miftrefs  and  my  frie.ndy 

*'  IVhicb  day  next  week  the  eternity  Jhall  end?"     SrEEVENS. 

*  —am  her  fiibjeft  low.]  Thus  the  folio.     The  quartos  read  : 

—  htrfuljtft  love.    STEEVENS. 

"K  2  K.  Rich. 


i3a     KING    RICHARD    III. 

A'.  Rich.  Harp  not  on  that  firing,  madam  ;  that  is 

'  pafl 5. 
Q^  n.   Harp  on  it  flill  fhall  I,  'till  heart-firings 

break. 
K.  Rich.  Now,  by  my  george,  my  garter,  and  my 

crown, — 

Queen.  Profan'd,  difhonour'd,  and  the  third  ufurp'd. 
K.  Rich.  I  fwear. 

Queen.  By  nothing  ;  for  this  is  no  oath. 
The  george,  profan'd,  hath  loft  his  holy  honour  ; 
The  garter,  blemilh'd,  pawn'd  his  knightly  virtue ; 
The  crown,  ufurp'd,  difgrac'd  his  kingly  glory  : 
If  fomething  thou  wouldft  fwear  to  believ'd, 
Swear  then  by  fomething  that  thou  hafl  not  wrong'd. 
JC  Rich.  Now  by  the  world, — 
Queen.  'Tis  full  of  thy  foul  wrongs. 
K.  Rick.  My  father's  death, — 

*.  Thy  life  hath  that  difhonour'd. 
t.  Rich.  Then,  by  myfelf,— 
]ueen.  Thyfelf  is  felf-mif-us'd. 
?.  Rich.  Why  then,  by  heaven, — 
Queen.  Heaven's  wrong  is  mofl  of  all. 
If  thou  didft  fear  to  break  an  oath  with  heaven  6, 
The  unity,  the  king  my  hufband  made, 
Had  not  been  broken,  nor  my  brother  flain. 
If  thou  hadil  fear'd  to  break  an  oath  by  him  7, 
The  imperial  metal,  circling  now  thy  head, 
Had  grac'd  the  tender  temples  of  my  child  ; 
And  both  the  princes  had  been  breathing  here, 

5  Harp  not  See.]  In  the  regulation  of  thefe  fliort  fpeeehes  I 
have  followed  the  firft  and  fecoud  quartos.     STEEVENS. 

— tvit/j  heaven.]  The  quarto  reads — by  him.     The  folio 
—with  him.     STEEVENS. 

7  ~ly  him,]  Thus  all  the  old  copies.     The  modem 

ones  read : 

with  heaven. 

I  have  retlored  the  old  reading,  becaufe  him  (the  oblique  cafe  of 
fie)  was  anciently  ufed  for  /',  in  a  neutral  fen  ft.    STEEVENS. 

Which 


KING    RICHARD    III.      i3j 

8  Which  now,  two  tender  bed-fellows  for  duft, 
Thy  broken  faith  hath  made  a  prey  for  worms. 
What  can'ft  thou  fwear  by  now  ? 

K.  Rich.  By  time  to  come. 

Queen.  That  thou  haft  wronged  in  the  time  o'er- 

part; 

For  I  myfelf  have  many  tears  to  wafh 
Hereafter  time,  for  time  paft,  wrong'd  by  thee. 
The  children  live,  whofe  parents  thou  haft  flaughter'd, 
Ungovern'd  youth,  to  wail  it  in  their  age  : 
The  parents  live,  whofe  children  thou  haft  butcher'd, 
Old  barren  plants,  to  wail  it  with  their  age  . 
Swear  not  by  time  to  come  ;  for  that  thou  haft 
Milus'd  ere  ns'd,  by  times  ill-us'd  o'er-paft. 

K.  Rick.  As  I  intend  to  profper,  and  repent  ! 
So  thrive  I  in  my  dangerous  attempt 
Of  hoftile  arms  !  myfelf  myfelf  confound  ! 
Heaven,  and  fortune,  bar  me  happy  hours  !. 
Day,  yield  me  not  thy  light;  nor,  night,  thy  reft  ! 
Be  oppolite  all  planets  of  good  luck 
To  my  proceeding,  if,  with  pure  heart's  love, 
Immaculate  devotion,  holy  thoughts, 
I  tender  not  thy  beauteous  princely  daughter  ! 
In  her  confifts  my  happinefs,  and  thine  ; 
Without  her,  follows  to  myfelf,  and  thee, 
Herfelf,  the  land,  and  many  a  chriftian  foul, 
Death,  delbhtion,  ruin,  and  decay  : 
It  cannot  be  avoided,  but  by  this  ; 
It  will  not  be  avoided,  but  by  this, 
Therefore,  dear  mother,  (I  muft  call  you  fo) 
Be  the  attorney  of  my  love  to  her  ; 
Plead  what  I  will  be,  not  what  I  have  been  ; 
Not  my  deferts,  but  what  I  will  deferve  : 
Urge  the  neceffity  and  ftate  of  times, 

8   Which  nmu  two  tender,  See.]  Mr.  Roderick  pb&rves,  that  the 
word  t~vo  is  without  any  force,  and  would  read  : 
Which  now  too  tender    &c.     S' 


3  And 


i34     KING    RICHARD    III. 

And  be  not  peevifh  found  in  great  defigns. 
Queen.  §hall  I  be  tempted  of  the  devil  thus  ? 
K.  Rich.  Ay,  if  the  devil  tempt  thee  to  do  good, 

f'teen.  Shall  I  forget  myfelf,  to  be  myfelf? 
Rich.  Ay,   if  your  felfs  remembrance  wrong 

yourfelf. 

Queen*  But  thou  didft  kill  my  children. 
K.  Rich.  But  in  your  daughter's  womb  I  bury  them ; 
Where,  in  that  neft  of  fpicery 9,  they  lhall  breed 
Selves  of  themfelves,  to  your  recomforture. 

fieen.  Shall  I  go  win  my  daughter  to  thy  will  ? 
Rich.  And  be  a  happy  mother  by  the  deed. 
Queen.  I  go.— Write  to  me  very  fhortly, 
And  you  lhall  underftand  from  me  her  mind. 

A'.  Rich.  Bear  her  my  true  love's  kifs,  and  fo  fare- 
wel.  [Klffing  her.    Exit  Queen \ 

Relenting  fool,  and  fhallow,  changing — woman  ! 
Hew  now  ?  what  news  ? 

Enter  Raidiff,  and  Catejby. 

Rat.  Moft  mighty  fovereign,  on  the  weftern  coafl 
Rideth  a  puiflant  navy  ;  to  the  fhore 
Throng  many  doubtful  hollow-hearted  friends, 
Unarm'dj  and  unrefolv'd  to  beat  them  back  : 
*Tis  thought,  that  Richmond  is  their  admiral ; 
And  there  they  hull,  expecting  but  the  aid 
Of  Buckingham,  to  welcome  them  afhore. 

K.  Rich.  l  Some  light-foot  friend  poft  to  the  duke 

of  Norfolk;— 
Ratcliff,  thyfelf, — or  Catelby ;  where  is  he  ? 

Catef.  Here,  my  good  lord. 

K.  Rich.  Catefby,  fiy  to  the  duke. 

9  in  that  neft  of  fpicery  ^~\  Alluding  to  the  phoenix. 

STEEVEXS. 

*  Some  light-foot  friend  poft  to  the  Juke ]  Richard's  precipita- 
tion and  confufion  is  in  this  fcene  very  happily  represented  by  in- 
conjilieiit  orders,  and  fudden  variations  of  opinion.  JOHNSOX. 


KING    RICHARD    III.      135 

Catef.  I  will,  my  lord,  with  all  convenient  hafte. 
K.  Rich.  Ratcliff,  come  hither  :  Poft  to  Saliibury ; 
When  thou  com'ft  thither, — Dull  unmindful  villain, 

[To  Catejby. 

Why  ftay'ft  thou  here,  and  go'ft  not  to  the  duke  ? 
Catef.  Firft,  mighty  liege,  tell  me  your  highnefs* 

pleafure, 
What  from  your  grace  I  lhall  deliver  to  him. 

K.  Rich.  O,  true,  good  Catefby;— Bid  him  levy 

ftraight 

The  greateft  ftrength  and  power  he  can  make, 
And  meet  me  fuddenly  at  Salisbury. 

Catef.  I  go.  [Exit. 

Rat.  What,  may  it  pleafe  you,  lhall  I  do  at  Salif- 

bury  ? 
K.  Rick.  Why,  what  wouldfl  thou  do  there,  before 

I  go? 
Rat.  Your  highnefs  told  me,  I  mould  poft  before, 

Enter  Lord  Stanley. 

K.  Rich.  My  mind  is  chang'd. — Stanley,  what  news 

with  you  ? 
Stanl.  None  good,  my  liege,  to  pleafe  you  with  the 

hearing ; 
Nor  none  fo  bad,  but  well  may  be  reported. 

K.  Rich.  Heyday,  a  riddle  !  neither  good,  nor  bad  ! 
What  need'ft  thou  run  fo  many  miles  about, 
When  thou  may'fl  tell  thy  tale  the  neareft  way  ? 
Once  more,  what  news  ? 

Stanl.  Richmond  is  on  the  feas. 

K.  Rich.  There  let  him  fink,  and  be  the  feas  on 

him! 
White-liver'd  runagate  *,  what  doth  he  there  ? 

a  — —  white -liver'd  runagate,]  This  epithet,  defcriptive  of 
cowardice,  is  not  peculiar  to  Shakefpeare.  Stephen  Gorton  in 
bis  School  of  Abufe,  \  579,  fpeaking  of  the  Helots,  fays  : 

*'  Leave  thofe  precepts  to  the  white-livered  Hylotes." 

STEEVENS. 

K  4 


x36     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Stanl.  I  know  not,  mighty  fovereign,  but  by  guefs. 

K.  Rich.  Well,  as  you  guefs  ? 

Stanl.  Stirr'd  up   by  Dorfet,    Buckingham,    and 

Morton, 
He  makes  for  England,  here  to  claim  the  crown. 

K.  Rich.  Is  the  chair  empty  ?  is  the  fword  unfway'd  ? 
Is  the  king  dead  ?  the  empire  unpoflefs'd  ? 
What  heir  of  York  is  there  alive,  but  we  ? 
And  who  is  England's  king,  but  great  York's  heir  ? 
Then,  tell  me,  what  makes  he  upon  the  feas  ? 
Stanl.  Unlefs  for  that,  my  liege,  I  cannot  guefs. 
K.  Rich.  Unlefs  for  that  he  comes  to  be  your  liege. 
Yon  cannot  guefs  wherefore  the  Welfliman  comes. 
Thou  wilt  revolt,  and  fly  to  him,  I  fear. 

Stanl.  No,  mighty  liege ;  therefore  miftruft  me  not. 
K.  Rich.  Where  is  thy  power  then,  to  beat  him 

back  ? 

Where  be  thy  tenants,  and  thy  followers  ? 
'Are  they  not  now  upon  the  weflern  more, 
Safe-conduCting  the  rebels  from  their  mips  ? 

Stcjil.  No,  my  good  lord,  my  friends  are  in  the 

north. 
K.  Rich.  Cold  friends  to  me  :  What  do  they  in  the 

north, 

When  they  fhould  ferve  their  fovereign  in  the  weft  ? 
Stanl.  1  hey  have  not  been  commanded,  mighty 

king  : 

Pleafeth  your  majefty  to  give  me  leave, 
I'll  mufter  up  my  friends ;  and  meet  your  grace, 
Where,  and  what  time,  your  majefty  mall  pleafe. 
K.  Rich.  Ay,  ay,  thou  wouldft  be  gone  to  join 

with  Richmond  : 
But  I'll  not  truft  you,  fir. 

Stanl.  Moft  mighty  fovereign, 

'You  have  no  caufe  to  hold  my  friendfhip  doubtful ; 
J  never  was,  nor  never  will  be  falfe. 

K.  Rich.  Well  go,  mufter  thy  men.    But,  hear  you, 
leave  behind 

Your 


KING    RICHARD    III.     137 

Your  fon,  George  Stanley  :  look  your  heart  be  firm, 
Or  clfe  his  head's  affurance  is  but  frail. 

Stanl.  So  deal  with  him,  as  I  prove  true  to  you. 

[Exit  Stanley. 

Enter  a  Meffenger. 

Mef.  My  gracious  fovereign,  now  in  Devonfhire, 
As  I  by  friends  am  well  advertifed, 
Sir  Edward  Courtney,  and  the  haughty  prelate, 
Bifhop  of  Exeter,  his  elder  brother, 
With  many  more  confederates,  are  in  arms. 

Enter  another  MeJJenger. 

2  Mef.  In  Kent,  my  liege,  the  Guilfords  arc  in 

arms; 

And  every  hour  J  more  competitors 
Flock  to  the  rebels,  and  their  power  grows  flrong. 

Enter  another  MeJJenger. 

3  Mejf.  My   lord,    the  army  of  great  Bucking- 

ham— 

K.  Rich.  Out  on  ye,  owls !  nothing  but  fongs  of 
death  ?  \He  Jlrikes  him. 

There,  take  thou  that,  'till  thou  bring  better  news. 

3  Mef.  The  news  I  have  to  tell  your  majefly, 
Is. — that,  by  fudden  floods  and  fall  of  waters, 
Buckingham's  army  is  difpers'd  and  fcatter'd  ; 
And  he  himfelf  wander'd  away  alone, 
No  man  knows  whither. 

K.  Rich.  Oh,  I  cry  you  mercy  : 
There  is  my  purfe,  to  cure  that  blow  of  thine. 
Hath  any  well-advifed  friend  proclaim'd 
Reward  to  him  that  brings  the  traitor  in  ? 

3  Mef.  Such  proclamation  hath  been  made,    my 
liege. 

?  ——more  competitors]  That  is,  more  opponents.    JOHNSON. 

Enter 


138      KING    RICHARD    III, 

Enter  another  Mefenger. 

4  Mef.  Sir  Thomas  Lovel,  and  lord  marquis  Dorfet> 
*Tis  faid,  my  liege,  in  Yorkfhire  are  in  arms. 
But  this  good  comfort  bring  I  to  your  higbnefs, — 
The  Bretagne  navy  is  difpers'd  by  tempeft  : 
Richmond,  in  Dorfctfliire,  fent  out  a  boat 
Unto  the  Ihore,  to  aik  thofe  on  the  banks, 
If  they  were  his  affiants,  yea,  or  no; 
Who  anfwered  him,  they  came  from  Buckingham 
Upon  his  party  :  he,  miftrufcing  them, 
Hois'd  fail,  and  made  his  courfe  again  for  Bretagne. 

K.  Rich.  March  on,  march  on,  fince  we  are  up  in 

arms ; 

If  not  to  fight  with  foreign  enemies, 
Yet  to  beat  down  thcie  rebels  here  at  home. 

Enter  Cate/by. 

Catef.  My  liege,  the  duke  of  Buckingdam  is  taken, 
That  is  the  bert  news ;  That  the  cari  of  Richmond 
Is  with  a  mighty  power  landed  at  Milford, 
Is  colder  news,  but  yet  it  mutt  be  told. 

K.  Rich.  Away  towards  Salifbury ;  while  we  reafon 

here, 

A  royal  battle  might  be  won  and  loft  : — 
Some  one  take  order,  Buckingham  be  brought 
To  Saliibury ;— the  reft  march  on  with  me.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE      V. 

Lord  Stanley's  houfe* 
Enter  Lord  Stanley,  and  Sir  Chnjlopher  Urfwick. 

Stanl.  4  Sir  Chriftopher,  tell  Richmond  this  from 
me  :•— 

That 

*  SirCbriJlophcr,  tellRicbmond  this  from  tne: — ]  The  perfon,  who 
is  called  fir  Chriftopher  here,  and  who  has  been  filled  Co  in  the 


KING    RICHARD    III.     i39 

That,  in  the  five  of  this  moft  bloody  boar, 
My  fon  George  Stanley  is  frank'd  up  in  hold ; 
If  I  revolt,  off  goes  young  George's  head  ; 
The  fear  of  that  witholds  my  prefent  aid. 
But,  tell  me,  where  is  princely  Richmond  now  ? 

Chri.  At  Pembroke,  or  at  Ha'rford-weft,  in  Wales. 

Stanl  What  men  of  name  refort  to  him  ? 

Chri.  Sir  Walter  Herbert,  a  renowned  fold  ier; 
Sir  Gilbert  Talbot,  and  fir  William  Stanley; 
Oxford,  redoubted  Pembroke,  fir  James  Blunt, 
And  Rice  ap  Thomas,  with  a  valiant  crew ; 
And  many  other  of  great  name  and  worth : 
And  towards  London  do  they  bend  their  courfe, 
If  by  the  way  they  be  not  fought  withal. 

Stanl.  Well,  hie  thee  to  thy  lord;  commend  m$ 

to  him ; 

Tell  him,  the  queen  hath  heartily  confented 
He  lhall  efpoufe  Elizabeth  her  daughter. 
Thefe  letters  will  refolve  him  of  my  mind. 
Farewel.  [Exeunt. 

Dramatis  Perfonee  of  all  the  impreffions,  I  find  by  the  chronicles 
to  have  been  Chriftopher  Urfvvick,  a  bachelor  in  divinity  ;  and 
chaplain  to  the  countefs  of  Richmond,  who  had  intermarried 
with  the  lord  Stanley.  This  prielt,  the  hiftory  tells  us,  frequently 
went  backwards  and  forwards,  unlufpe6ted,  on  meflages  betwixt 
the  countefs  of  Richmond,  and  her  hufband,  and  the  young  earl 
of  Richmond,  whilft  he  was  preparing  to  make  his  defcent  on 
England.  THEOBALD. 

Dr.  Johnfon  has  obferved,  that  Sir  was  anciently  a  title  aflumed 
by  graduates.  This  the  late  Mr.  Guthrie  difputes  ;  and  fays,  it 
was  a  title  fold  by  the  pope's  legates,  &c.  that  his  holinefs  might 
be  on  the  fame  footing  with  the  king.  STEEVENS. 

In  the  Scornfull  Lady  of  Fletcher,  Welford  fays  to  Sir  Roger, 
the  curate,  "  I  acknowledge  you  to  be  your  ari'smafter," — "  I 
nm  but  a  bacbdor  of  art,  fir,"  replies  Sir  Roger.  Mr.  Guthrie 
would  have  done  well  to  have  informed  us,  how  Sir  Roger  could 
poffibly  have  lough  his  title  of  the  pope's  nuncio  ;  when,  as  Abi- 
gail tells  us,  he  had  only  "  twenty  nobles  de  claro,  befides  his 
pigges  in  fqffe."  FARMER. 

Perhaps,  after  all,  this  title  was  originally  derived  from  JFre9 
father.  Chaucer,  and  all  our  ancient  poets,  beflow  it  on  the 
clergy.  STEEVENS, 

ACT 


I4o     KING     RICHARD    III. 
ACT     V.        SCENE     I. 

Salisbury. 
'Enter  tloe  Sheriff,  with  Buckingham,  led  to  execution. 

Buck.  Will  not  king  Richard  let  me  fpeak  with 
him  5  ? 

Sher.  No,  my  good  lord  ;  therefore  be  patient. 

Buck.  Haftings,  and  Edward's  children,  Rivers, 

Grey, 

Holy  king  Henry,  and  thy  fair  fon  Edward, 
Vaughan,  and  all  that  have  mifcarried 
By  underhand  corrupted  foul  injuftice; 
If  that  your  moody  difcontented  fouls 
Do  through  the  clouds  behold  this  prefent  hour, 
Even  for  revenge  mock  my  deftruction  ! — 
This  is  All-Souls'  day,  fellows,  is  it  not  ? 

Sher.  It  is,  my  lord. 

Buck.    Why,  then  All-Souls'  day   is  my  body's 

doomfday. 

This  is  the  day,  which,  in  king  Edward's  time, 
I  wifh'd  might  fall  on  me,  when  I  was  found 
Falfe  to  his  children,  or  his  wife's  allies  : 
This  is  the  day,  wherein  I  wilh'd  to  fall 
By  the  falfe  faith  of  him  whom  moft  I  trufted ; 
This,  this  All-Souls'  day  to  my  fearful  foul, 

5   Will  not  king  Richard  Jet  me  fpeak  iv'ztb  him  ?]   The  reafon 
why  the  duke  of  Buckingham  foliated   an   interview  with  the 
king,  is  explained  in  K.  HcnryVlll,  aft  I  : 
—I  would  have  played 
The  part  my  father  meant  to  aft  upon 
The  ufurper  Richard;  who,  being  at  Salijbary, 
Madcfuit  to  come  in  his  pr  if  face  ;  <wbicb,  if  granted^ 
As  he  made  femblance  of  his  duty,  would 
Have  put  bis  knife  into  him.     STEEVENS, 

Is 


KING    RICHARD     III.     14, 

6  Is  the  determin'd  refpite  of  my  wrongs. 
That  high  All-feer  whom  I  dally'd  with, 
Hath  turn'd  my  feigned  prayer  on  my  head, 
And  given  in  earneft  what  I  begg'd  in  jeft. 
Thus  doth  he  force  the  fwords  of  wicked  men 
To  turn  their  own  points  on  their  mailers'  bofoms  : 
Thus  Margaret's  curfe  falls  heavy  on  my  neck,—- 
When  be,  quoth  fhe,  Jball  fpllt  thy  heart  with  forrow9 
Remember  Margaret  was  a  prophetefs. — - 
Come,  firs,  convey  me  to  the  block  of  ihame ; 
Wrong  hath  but  wrong,  and 7  blame  the  due  of  blame. 
[Exeunt  Buckingham,  &c. 

SCENE    II. 

'Tamworth,  on  the  borders  of  Leicefterflrire.     A  camp. 

Enter  Henry  Earl  of  Richmond,  Earl  of  Oxford,  Sir 
James  Blunt,  Sir  Walter  Herbert,  and  others,  with 
drum  and  colours. 

Richm.  Fellows  in  arms,    and  my   molt   loving 
friends, 

6  Is  the  determin'd  refpite  of  my  wrongs.]  This  is  nonfenfe,  we 
ftiould  read : 

refpeft  of  my  wrongs , 
i.e.  requital.     WARBURTON. 

Hanmer  had  rightly  explained  it,  the  time  to  which  the  puniih- 
ment  of  his  wrongs  was  refpited. 

Wrongs  in  this  line  means  -wrongs  done,  or  injurious  pra&ices. 

JOHNSON. 

7  llame  the  due  of  llame.~\  This  fcene  fhould,  in  my  opi- 
nion, be  added  to  the  foregoing  a£t,  fo  the  fourth  act  will  have  a 
more  full  and  ftriking  conclulion,  and  the  fifth  aft  will  comprife 
the  bulinefs  of  the  important  day,  which  put  an  end  to  the  com- 
petition of  York  and  Lancaiter.     Some  of  the  quarto  editions  arc 
not  divided  into  ads,  and  it  is  probable,  that  this  and  many  other 
plays  were  left  by  the  author  in  one  unbroken  continuity,  and  af- 
terwards diftributed  by  chance,  or  what  feems  to  have  been,  a  guide 
rery  little  better,  by  the  judgment  or  caprice  of  the  firft  editors. 

JOHNSON. 

Bruis'd 


i42     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Bruis'd  underneath  the  yoke  of  tyranny, 
Thus  far  into  the  bowels  of  the  land 
Have  we  march'd  on  without  impediment ; 
And  here  receive  we  from  our  father  Stanley 
Lines  of  fair  comfort  and  encouragement. 
The  wretched,  bloody,  and  ufurping  boar, 
That  fpoil'd  your  fummer  fields,  and  fruitful  vines, 
Swills  your  warm  blood  like  wafh,  and  makes  his 

trough 

In  your 8  embowell'd  bofoms, — this  foul  fwine 
Lies  now  even  in  the  centre  of  this  ifle, 
Near  to  the  town  of  Leicefter,  as  we  learn  : 
From  Tamworth  thither,  is  but  one  day's  march. 
In  God's  name,  chearly  on,  courageous  friends, 
To  reap  the  harveil  of  perpetual  peace 
By  this  one  bloody  trial  of  lharp  war. 

Oxf.  Every  man's  confcience  is  a  thoufand  fwords, 
To  fight  againfl  that  bloody  homicide. 

Herb.  I  doubt  not,  but  his  friends  will  turn  to  us. 

Blunt.  He  hath  no  friends,  but  who  are  friends  for 

fear  ; 
Which,  in  his  deareft  need,  will  fly  from  him. 

Richm.  All  for  our  vantage.     Then,  in  God's  name, 
march  ; 

8  emZ/0-T.vell'd  lofoms, ]  Exenterated ;  ripped  up  :  allud- 
ing, perhaps,  to  the  Promethean  vulture ;  or,  more  probably, 
to  the  fentence  pronounced  in  the  Englifh  courts  againft  traitors, 
by  which  they  are  condemned  to  be  hanged,  drawn,  that  is,  em- 
lowtlkd,  and  quartered.  JOHNSON. 

Drawn,  in  the  fentence  pronounced  upon  traitors  only,  fignifies 
to  be  drawn  ly  the  heels  or  on  a  hurdle  from  the  prifon  to  the  place 
of  execution.  So,  Dr.  Johnfon  has  properly  expounded  it  in 
Meafure  for  Meafure,  aft  II.  So,  Holinfhed  in  the  year  1569, 
and  Stowe's  Chronicle,  edit.  1614,  p.  p.  162,  171,  418,  763,  766. 
Sometimes  our  hiftorians  ufe  a  colloquial  inaccuracy  of  expreffion 
in  writing,  hanged,  drawn,  and  quarter'd ;  but  they  often  ex- 
prefs  it— drawn,  hanged,  and  quartered;  and  fometimes  they 
add — bowelled,  or  his  bowels  taken  out,  which  would  be  tauto- 
logy, if  the  fame  thing  was  implied  in  the  word  drawn. 

TOLLET. 

True 


KING    RICHARD    III.      143 

True  hope  is  fwift,  and  flies  with  fwallow's  wings; 
Kings  it  makes  gods,  and  meaner  creatures  kings. 

[Exeunt* 

SCENE    III. 

Bofworth  Field. 

Enter  King  Richard  In  arms,  with  the  Duke  of  Norfolk, 
Earl  of  Surrey,  and  others. 

K.  Rich.  Here  pitch  our  tent,  even  here  in  Bof- 

worth  field. — 
My  lord  of  Surrey,  why  look  you  fo  fad  ? 

Surr.  My  heart  is  ten  times  lighter  than  my  looks, 

K.  Rick.  My  lord  of  Norfolk,— 

Nor.  Here,  moft  gracious  liege. 

K.  Rich.  Norfolk,  we  muft  have  knocks ;   Ha ! 
muft  we  not  ? 

Nor*  We   muft  both  give  and  take,  my  loving 
lord.  _ 

K.  Rich.  Up  with  my  tent :  Here  will  I  lie  to-night; 
But  where,  to-morrow  ?— Well,  all's  one  for  that.— 
Who  hath  defcry'd  the  number  of  the  traitors  ? 

Nor.  Six  or  feven  thoufand  is  their  utmoft  power. 

K.  Rich.  Why,  our  battalia  trebles  that  account : 
Befides,  the  king's  name  is  a  tower  of  ftrength, 
Which  they  upon  the  adverfe  faction  want.— 
Up  with  the  tent. — Come,  noble  gentlemen, 
Let  us  furvey  the  vantage  of  the  ground ;— • 
Call  for  fome  men  of  9  found  direction  : — 
Let's  want  n<$  difcipline,  make  no  delay  ; 
For,  lords,  to-morrow  is  a  bufy  day.  [Exeunt. 

9  found  Jirettion  ;— ]  True  judgment ;  tried  military  (kill. 

JOHNSON. 


Enter 


i44     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Enter   on  the  other  fide  of  the  field,    Richmond,    Sir 
William  Brandon,  Oxford,  Dorfet,  fefr. 

Richm.  The  weary  fun  hath  made  a  golden  fet, 
And,  by  the  bright  track  of  his  fiery  car, 
Giv<^  token  of  a  goodly  day  to-morrow. — 
Sir  William  Brandon,  you  fhall  bear  my  flandard.— 
1  Give  me  fome  ink  and  paper  in  my  tent ; — 
I'll  draw  the  form  and  model  of  our  battle, 
Limit  each  leader  to  his  feveral  charge, 
And  part  in  juft  proportion  our  fmall  power. 
My  lord  of  Oxford, — you,  fir  William  Brandon, — i 
And  you,  fir  Walter  Herbert,  flay  with  me  : — 
The  earl  of  Pembroke  keeps  his  regiment ; — 
Good  captain  Blunt,  bear  my  good  night  to  him. 
And  by  the  fecond  hour  in  the  morning 
Defire  the  earl  to  fee  me  in  my  tent  : — 
Yet  one  thing  more,  good  captain,  do  for  me ; 
Where  is  lord  Stanley  quarter'd,  do  you  know  ? 

Blunt.  Unlefs  I  have  mifta'en  his  colours  muchy 
(Which,  well  I  am  afiur'd,  I  have  not  done) 
His  regiment  lies  half  a  mile  at  leaft 
South  from  the  mighty  power  of  the  king. 

Richm.  If  without  peril  it  be  pofiible, 
Sweet  Blunt,  make  fome  good  means  to  fpeak  with 

him, 
And  give  him  from  me  this  moft  needful  note. 

Blunt.  Upon  my  life,  my  lord,  I'll  undertake  it  j 

1  Give  me  fome  ink  and  paper — ]  I  have  placed  thefe  lines  here 
as  they  ftand  in  the  firft  editions :  the  reft  place  them  three  fpeeches 
before,  after  the  words  Sir  William  Brandon,  you  Jball  bear  my 
ftandard;  interrupting  what  there  follows  ;  The  earl  of  Pembroke^ 
&c.  I  think  them  more  naturally  introduced  here,  when  he  is 
retiring  to  his  tent ;  and  coniidering  what  he  has  to  do  that  night. 

POPE. 

I  have  followed  the  folio,  which,  of  this  play,  is  by  far  the 
moft  correct  copy.  I  do  not  find  my  felt  much  influenced  by  Mr. 
Pope's  remark.  STEEVENS. 

And 


KING    RICHARD    III.     145 

And  fo,  God  give  you  quiet  reft  to-night ! 

Ricbm.  Good  night,  good  captain  Blunt.     Come, 

gentlemen, 

Let  us  confult  upon  to-morrow's  bufinefs  ; 
In  to  my  tent,  the  air  is  raw  and  cold. 

\Tkey  withdraw  into  tie  tent. 

Enter,  to  bis  tent,  King  Richard,  Ratcliff,  Norfolk^  and 
Catejby. 

K.  Rich.  What  is't  o'clock  ? 

Catef.  It's  (upper  time,  my  lord  ; 
It's  nine  o'clock. 

K.  Rich.  I  will  not  fup  to-  night.-*- 
Give  me  fome  ink  and  paper. — 
What,  is  my  beaver  eafier  than  it  was  ?-— 
And  all  my  armour  laid  into  my  tent  ? 

Catef.  It  is,  my  liege  ;  and  all  things  are  in  readi- 
nefs. 

K.  Rich.  Good  Norfolk,  hie  thee  to  thy  charge  ; 
Ufe  careful  watch,  chufe  trufty  centinels. 

Nor.  I  go,  my  lord. 

K.  Rich.   Stir  with  the  lark  to-morrow,    gentle 
Norfolk. 

Nor.  I  warrant  you,  my  lord,  [Exit. 

K.  Rich.  Ratcliff,— 

Rat.  My  lord  ? 

K.  Rich.  Send  out  a  purfuivant  at  arms 
To  Stanley's  regiment  ;  bid  him  bring  his  power 
Before  fun-rifing,  left  his  fon  George  fail 
Into  the  blind  cave  of  eternal  night.— 
Fill  me  a  bowl  of  wine  : — z  Give  me  a  watch  :— 

[To  Catejby. 

Saddl^ 

*  Give  me  a  watch : — ]  A  ivatcb  has  many  figmfications, 

but  I  fhould  believe  that  it  means  in  this  place  not  a  centinel, 
which  would  be  regularly  placed  at  the  king's  tent ;  nor  an  inftru- 
inent  to  meafure  time,  which  was  not  uled  in  that  age  ;  but  a 

VOL.  VII,  L  vvutch- 


146     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Saddle  white  Surrey  for  the  field  to-morrow  \ — 
*  Look  that  my  itaves  be  found,  and  not  too  heavy, 
RatclifT, 

watch-light,  a  candle  to  burn  by  him  ;  the  light  tliat  afterwards 
burnt  blue  ;  yet  a  few  lines  after,  he  fays : 

Eld  my  guard  watch, 
which  leaves  it  doubtful  whether  watch  Is  not  here  a  fentinel. 

JOHNSON. 

A  watch,  i.  e.  guard,  would  certainly  be  placed  about  a  royal 
tent,  without  any  requeft  of  the  king  concerning  it. 

I  believe,  therefore,  that  particular  kind  of  candle  is  here 
meant,  which  was  anciently  called  a  watch,  becaufe,  being  mark- 
ed out  into  feftions,  each  of  which  was  a  certain  portion  of  time 
in  burning.,  it  fupplied  the  place  of  the  more  modern  inftrument 
by  which  we  meafure  the  hours.  I  have  feen  thefe  candles  repre- 
fented  with  great  nicety  in  Come  of  the  pictures  of  Albert  Durer. 
Barret,  in  his  Alvcarie,  1580,  mentions  wat-cbing  lamps  or 
candles.  So,  in  Love  in  a  Maze,  1632  : 

"  • flept  always  with  a  watching  candle." 

Again,  in  The  Noble  Soldier,   1634  : 

«*  Beauty  was  turn'd  into  a  watcbing-eandle  that  went  out 

{linking." 
Again  :  in  the  Return  from  ParnaJJus,  1606  r 

"  Sit  now  immur'd  within  their  private  cells, 
"  And  drink  a  long  lank  watching  candle's  fmoke." 
Again,  in  Albumazar,   1610  : 

"  Sit  up  all  night  like  a  watching  candle."    STEEVENS. 
Lord  Bacon  mentions  a  fpecies  of  light  called  an  all-night  t 
which  is  a  wick  fet  in  the  middle  of  a  large  cake  of  wax. 

JOHNSON. 

3  Saddle  white  Surrey  for  the  field  tomorrow.]  So,  in  Holinfhed, 
p.  754: 

" he  was  mounted  on  a  great  white  conrfer,  &c. 

STEEVENS. 

*  Look,  that  ffiy  flaves  lefounelt — ]  Staves  are  the  wood  of  the 
lances.  JOHNSON. 

As  it  was  ufual  to  carry  more  lances  than  one  into  the  field,  the 
lightnefs  of  them  was  an  object  of  confequence.  Hall  informs  us, 
that  at  the  jufts  in  honour  of  the  marriage  of  Mary,  the  younger 
filter  of  king  Henry  VIII.  with  the  king  of  France,  that  a  "  a 
gentleman  called  Anthony  Bownarme  came  into  the  feld  all  armed, 
and  on  his  body  brought  in  fight  x  fperes,  that  is  to  wyt,  iii  fperes 
fet  in  every  ftyroppe  forward,  and  under  every  thigh  ii  fperes  up- 
ivarde,  and  under  his  left  arme  was  one  fpere  backward,  and  the 
I0th  in  his  hand,  &c."  STEE.VENS. 

Rat. 


5        KING    RICHARD    III.     H7 

Rat.  My  lord  ? 

K.  Rich.  Saw'ft  thou  the  melancholy  lord  North- 
umberland ? 

Rat.  Thomas  the  earl  of  Surrey,  and  himfelf, 
Much  about  cock-fhut  time  S3  from  troop  to  troop, 

5  Much  a&w/ cock-fliut  time,— —  ]  Ben  Jonfon  ufes  the  fame 
expreifion  in  one  of  his  entertainments  : 

"  For  you  would  not  yefternight, 

"  Kifs  him  in  the  cock-Jbut  light." 

Again,  in  the  Widw,  by  B.  Jonfon,  Fletcher,  and  Middleton, 
1652  : 

"  Come  away  then  :  a  fine  cockfiut  evening." 
Again  : 

<{  In  the  twilight,  coclflmt  light.'* 

Arden  of  FeverJIjam,  1 59?* 

In  the  Treatyfe  of  Fyjhynge  with  the  Angle,  by  dame  Julyana 
Bernes,  1496,  among  the  directions  to  make  a  filhing  rod  is  the 
following:  "  Take  thenne  and  frette  him  fafte  with  a  cockejbott 
cordc,  &c."  but  I  cannot  interpret  the  word.  STEEVENS. 

Cockjbut  time,]  i.e.  twilight.  In  Mr.  Whalley's  note  upon  Sen. 
Jonfon,  Vol.  V.  p.  204.*  "  Cock/hut  is  faid  to  be  a  net  to  catch 
woodcocks ;  and  as  the  time  of  taking  them  in  this  manner  is  in. 
the  twilight,  either  after  fun-fet  or  before  its  rifing,  cockfuut  light 
may  very  properly  exprefs  the  evening  or  the  morning  twilight." 
The  particular  form  of  fuch  a  net,  and  the  manner  of  ufing  it, 
is  delineated  and  defcribed  in  Dittionarlum  RufiLum,  2  vols.  bvo- 
3d  edit.  1726,  under  the  word  cock-roads.  It  is  the  cuitom  of 
the  woodcock  to  lie  clofe  all  day,  and  towards  evening  he  takes 
wing,  which  aft  of  flight  might  anciently  be  termed  his  Jloot  or 
Jbot.  So,  the  ballaft  of  a  fliip  is  laid  to_/Zw/,  when  it  runs  from 
one  fide  to  the  other.  This  etymology  gives  us,  perhaps,  the 
original  fignification  of  the  word,  without  any  recourfe  for  it  to 
the  name  of  a  net,  which  might  receive  its  denomination  from 
the  time  of  the  day,  or  from  the  occanon  on  which  it  was  ufed  ; 
for  I  believe  there  was  a  net  which  was  called  a  cock-jbot.  Ho- 
linflied's  Defcription  of  Britain,  p.  nc,  calls  a  {tone  which  na- 
turally has  a  hole  in  it,  *'  an  apt  cocke-Jbot  for  the  devil  to  run 
through ;"  which,  I  apprehend,  alludes  to  the  refemblance  of 
the  hole  in  the  itone  to  the  mefhes  of  a  net.  TOLLET. 

Mr.  Toilet's  opinion  may  be  fupported  by  the  following  paflage 
in  a  little  metrical  performance,  called,  No  Wbippinge  nor  Trip- 
pinge  :  but  a  kinde  friendly  Snippingc,  j6oi  : 

"  A  filly  honeft  creature  may  do  well 

<s  To  watch  a  cockejbcott,  or  a  limed  bufli."    STEEVENS. 

L  z  Went 


148    KING    RICHARD    III. 

Went  through  the  army,  cheering  up  the  foldiers, 

A'.  Rick.  1  am  fatisfy'd.  Give  me  a  bowl  of  wine  : 
I  have  not  that  alacrity  of  fpirit  6, 
Nor  cheer  of  mind,  that  I  was  wont  to  have.— 
So,  fet  it  down, — Is  ink  and  paper  ready  ? 
Rat.  It  is,  my  lord. 

K.  Rich.  Bid  my  guard  watch,  and  leave  me. 
About  the  mid  of  night,  come  to  my  tent 
And  help  to  arm  me,  Ratcliff. — Leave  me,  I  fay. 

{Exit  Ratcliff'. 

Richmond's  tent  opens,  and  d/fcovers  loim,and  bis  officer s3  &V. 
Enter  Stanley. 

Stanl  Fortune  and  vldory  fit  on  thy  helm  f 
Richm.  All  comfort  that  the  dark  night  can  afford, 
Be  to  thy  perfon,  noble  father-in-law  ! 
Tell  me,  how  fares  our  loving  mother  ? 

Stanl.  I,  7  by  attorney,  bleis  thee  from  thy  mother, 
Who  prays  continually  for  Richmond's  good  : 
So  much  for  that.— The  filent  hours  fleal  on, 
And  flaky  darknefs  breaks  within  the  eaft. 
In  brief,  for  fo  the  feafon  bids  us  be, 
Prepare  thy  battle  early  in  the  morning  ; 
And  put  thy  fortune  to  the  arbitrement 
Of  bloody  flrokes,  and  mortal  flaring  war8. 
'I,  as  I  may,  (that  which  I  would,  I  cannot) 
With  beft  advantage  will  deceive  the  time, 

*  I  have  not  that  alacrity  offpirit,  &c.]    So,    in  Holinlhed, 
p.  775  :  "  —not  ufing  the  alacritie  of  mirth  and  mind  and  coun- 
tenance as  he  was  accuflomed  to  doo  before  he  came  toward  the 
battell."    STEEVENS. 

7  by  attorney     <     ]  By  deputation.     JOHNSON. 

*  mortal  {laving  ivar.]  Thus  the  old  copies.     I  fuppofe, 
\yyjiaring  war  is  meant — ivar  that  looh  big.     STEEVENS. 

»  /,  as  I  may,  ••     • 

With  beft  advantage  ivill  deceive  the  tlme^\ 
I  will  take  the  beft  opportunity  to  elude  the  dangers  of  this  con- 
juuiture.    JOHNSON. 

And 


KING    RICHARD    III.     149 

And  aid  thee  in  this  doubtful  fhock  of  arms : 
But  on  thy  fide  I  may  not  be  too  forward, 
Left,  being  feen,  thy  tender  brother  George 
Be  executed  in  his  father's  fight. 
Farewell  :  '  The  leifure,  and  the  fearful  time 
Cuts  off  the  ceremonious  vows  of  love, 
And  ample  enterchange  of  fweet  difcourfe, 
Which  fo  long  fundred  friends  fliould' dwell  upon; 
God  give  us  leifure  for  thefe  rites  of  love  ! 
Once  more,  adieu  : — Be  valiant,  and  fpeed  well ! 

Ricbm.  Good  lords,  conduct  him  to  his  regiment : 
I'll  ftrive,  with  troubled  thoughts,  to  take  a  nap  ; 
Left  leaden  flumber  peize  me  down  to-morrow  % 
When  I  fhould  mount  with  wings  of  victory  : 
Once  more,  good  night,  kind  lords  and  gentlemen. 

{Exeunt  Lords,  £sV. 

O  Thou  !  whofe  captain  I  account  myfelf, 
Look  on  my  forces  with  a  gracious  eye  ; 
Put  in  their  hands  thy  bruifing  irons  of  wrath, 
That  they  may  crufh  down  with  a  heavy  fall 
The  ufurping  helmets  of  our  adverfaries  ! 
Make  us  thy  minifters  of  chaflifement, 
That  we  may  praife  thee  in  thy  vidtory  ! 

1   • The  leifure,  and  the  fearful  time 

Cuts  off"  the  ceremonious  <uovjs  of  love,] 

We  have  ftill  a  phrafe  equivalent  to  this,  however  harfh  it  may 
feem,  /  would  do  this,  if  leifure  would  permit,  where  leifure^  as 
in  this  paflage,  ilands  for  want  of  leifure.  So,  again  : 

-More  than  I  have J ~uid 
The  leifure  and  enforcement  of  the  time 

Forbids  to  dwell  upon. JOHNSON. 

*  peize  me  down  to-morrow,]  Thus  the  old  copies.     The 

modern  editions  read— poize.  To  peizc,  i.  e.  to  weigh  down,  from 
pefcr,  French.  |W^ 

I  meet  with  the  word  in  the  old  play  of  The  Raigne  of  King 
Edward  the  third,    15^6: 

"  A&A peize  their  deeds  with  heavy  weight  of  lead." 
Again,  in  All  for  Money,   1574: 

**  Then  if  yqu  counter^^gf  me  learning  with  money,'* 

STEEVEN». 

L  *  To 


i$o    KING    RICHARD    III. 

To  thee  I  do  commend  my  watchful  foul, 

Ere  I  let  fall  the  windows  of  mine  eyes  ; 

Sleeping,  and  waking,  O,  defend  me  Hill  !      [Sleeps. 

Enter  the  Gkqft  J  of  Prince  Edward,  fan  to  Henry  the 
fixth. 


Let  me  fit  heavy  on  thy  foul  to-morrow  ! 

[To  K.  Rich. 

Think,  how  thou  flab'dft  me  in  the  prime  of  youth 
At  Tewkfbury  ;  Defpair  therefore,  and  die  !  — 
Be  chearful,  Richmond  ;  for  the  wronged  fouls 

[To  Richm. 

Of  butcher'd  princes  fight  in  thy  behalf  : 
King  Henry's  iflue,  Richmond,  comforts  thee. 

3  Enter  the  Ghojt,  &c.]  This  circumftance  is  likewife  found  in  the 
old  book  firft  called  the  Mirror  for  Magiftrates,  which  was  after- 
wards published  under  the  title  of  the  Falles  of  unfortunate  Princes. 
"  As  in  my  tent  onjlumbring  led  I  //<?, 
"  Horrid  afpcfts  appeared  unto  mine  eye  : 
"  /  thought  that  all  thofe  murder*  d  ghofts,  whom  I 

"  By  death  had  fent  to  their  untimely  grave, 
tl   With  baleful  noife  about  my  tent  did  crye, 

"  And  of  the  heavens,  ivith  fad  complaint,  did  crave 
'  '   That  they  on  guilty  -wretch  might  vengeance  have" 
His  terror  on  waking  is  hkcwife  very  forcibly  defcribed. 
Again,  Drayton  in  the  azd  Song  of  his  Polyofbion  : 

"  Where  to  the  guilty  king,  the  black  forerunning  night, 

"   Appear  the  dreadful  ghofts  of  Henry  and  hisy  "ont 

*'  Of  his  own  brother  George,  and  his  t=tvo  nephews  ^  done 

*'  Moft  cruelly  to  death  ;  and  of  his  ivifc,  VoAjriend. 

*'  Lord  Haftirtgs,  with  pale  hands  prepar'd  as  they  would 

rend 

tl  Him  piece-meal  ;  at  which  oft  he  roareth  in  his  fleep." 
It  is  not  unpleafant  to  trace  the  progrefs  of  a  poetical  idea. 
Some  of  our  oldeft  hiftorians  had  informed  us  that  king  Richard 
was  much  difturb'd  in  his  dreams.  The  author  of  a  metrical  le- 
gend, who  follows  next  in  fucceffion,  proceeds  to  tell  us  the  qua- 
lity of  thefe  ominous  vifions.  A  poet  who  takes  up  the  ftory, 
goes  further,  and  acquaints  us  with  the  names  of  thofe  who  are 
fuppofed  to  have  appeared  in  them  ;  r.nd  laft  of  all  comes  the 
dramatic  writer,  who  brings  the  phantoms,  fpeaking  in  their  par- 
ticular chara&ers,  on  the  ftage.  STEEVENS. 


KING    RICHARD    III. 


Enter  ihe  Ghoft  of  Henry  tke  Jixtt>. 

Gbcft.  When  I  was  mortal,  my  anointed  body 

[To  K.  ' 

By  thee  xvas  punched  full  of  deadly  holes  : 
Think  on  the  Tower,  and  me  ;  Defpair,  and  die; 
Henry  the  fixrh  bids  thee  defpair  and  die  I—- 

Virtuous and  holy,  be  thou  conqueror  !    [ToRickfH. 
Harry,   zthat  prophefy'd  thou  ihouldft  be  king, 
Doth  comfort  thee  in  thy  ileep  ;  Live,  and  fiourifti. 

Enter  tie  Gbcft  of  Clarence* 

Gkcft.  Let  me  fit  heavy  on  thy  foul  to-morrow  t 

[To  K.  Ricb. 

I,  that  was  waih'd  to  death  with  fulfom  wine, 
Poor  Clarence,  by  thy  guile  betray'd  to  death  ! 
To-morrow  in  the  battle  think  on  me, 
And  fall  thy  edgelefs  fvvord  ;  Defpair,  and  die  I—- 

Thou offspring  of  the  houfe  of  Lancafter, 

[To  Rlchm. 

The  wronged  heirs  of  York  do  pray  for  thee  ; 
Good  angels  guard  thy  battle  !  Live,  .and  flourish  ! 

Enter  the  Gbcft  s  of  Rivers,  Grey,  and  Vaughan. 

Riv.  Let  me  fit  heavy  on  thy  foul  to-morrow, 

[To  K.  Rid. 

Rivers,  that  dy'd  at  Pomfret  I  Defpair,  and  die  ! 
Grey.  Think  upon  Grey,  and  let  thy  foul  defpair  ! 

[To  K.  Ricb. 

Vnngb.  Think  upon  Vaughan;  and,  with  guilty  fear, 
Let  fall  thy  lance  !  Defpair,  and  die  !  — 

[To  K.  Rich. 


4  Harry  ,  that  prophefy'd  tbou  fioulnj}  be  &':gj\  This  prop'iecy, 
to  which  this  aliuiion  is  made,  was  uttered  ia  one  of  the  parts  or 
JLtity  thef.xtb.  JOHNSON. 

L  4  AIL 


I52    KING    RICHARD    III. 

All.  Awake !  and  think,  our  wrongs  in  Richard's 

bofom 
Will  conquer  him ; — awake,  and  win  the  day ! 

[To  Rickm< 

Enter  tie  Ghoft  of  Lord  Haftings. 

Ghoft.  Bloody  and  guilty,  guiltily  awake ; 

[To  K.  Rich. 

And  in  a  bloody  battle  end  thy  days  ! 
Think  on  lord  Haftings  ;  and  defpair,  and  die  !— 

Quiet  untroubled  foul,  awake,  awake  !  [To  Richm. 
Arm,  fight,  and  conquer,  for  fair  England's  fake  ! 

Enter  the  Ghoft  s  of  the  two  young  "Princes. 

Ghofis.  Dream   on  thy  coufins  fmother'd  in   thg 

Tower ; 
5  Let  us  be  lead  within  thy  bofom,  Richard, 

[To  K.  Rich. 

And  weigh  thee  down  to  ruin,  fhame,  and  death  ! 
Thy  nephews'  fouls  bid  thee  defpair  and  die. — 
Sleep,  Richmond,  fleep  in  peace,  and  wake  in  joy  ; 

[To  Richm* 

Good  angels  guard  thee  from  the  boar's  annoy  ! 
Live,  and  beget  a  happy  race  of  kings  ! 
Edward's  unhappy  fons  do  bid  thee  flouriih, 

Enter  the  Ghojl  of  Lady  Anne, 

Ghoft.  Richard,  thy  wife,  that  wretched  Anne  thy 
wife,  [To  K.  Rich. 

5  Let  us  le  laid  within  thy  lofom,  Richard,]  This  is  a  poor  feeble 
reading.  I  have  reftorcd  from  the  elder  quarto,  publifhed  in  1597, 
which  Mr.  Pope  does  not  pretend  to  have  feen  : 
Let  us  6e  lead  within  t!y  lofom,  Richard. 

This  correfponds  with  what  is  faid  in  the  line  immediately  fol- 
lowing : 

And  weigh  thee  down  to  ruin,  flame,  and  death  ! 

THEOBALD. 

That 


KING    RICHARD    III.    I55 

That  never  ilept  a  quiet  hour  with  theea 
Now  fills  thy  fleep  with  perturbations  : 
To-morrow  in  the  battle  think  on  me, 
And  fall  thy  edgelefs  fword  ;  Defpair,  and  die  !— 
Thou,  quiet  foul,  fleep  thou  a  quiet  fleep  ; 

[To  Rkknt. 

Dream  of  fuccefs  and  happy  victory  ; 
Thy  adverfary's  wife  doth  pray  for  thee. 

Enter  the  Ghoft  of  Buckingham. 
Ghoft.  The  firft  was  I,  that  help'd  thee  to  the  crown  • 

[To  K.  Rich. 

The  laft  was  I,  that  felt  thy  tyranny  : 
O,  in  the  battle  think  on  Buckingham, 
And  die  in  terror  of  thy  guiltinefs  ! 
Dream  on,  dream  on,  of  bloody  deeds  and  death  ; 
Fainting,  defpair  ;  defpairing,  yield  thy  breath  !— 
f  J  dy'd  for  hope,  ere  I  could  lend  thee  aid  : 

[70  Richm. 
But 


hope,—  }  i.  e.  I  died  for  wifhing  well  to  you.  But 
Mr.  Theobald,  with  great  fagacity,  conjectured  holpe  or  aid} 
which  gave  the  line  this  fine  fenfe,  I  died  for  giving  tbce  aid  be- 
fore I  could  give  thee  aid.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

Hanmer  reads  : 

7  died  forfook,  -  • 
and  fupports  his  conjecture  thus. 

This,  as  appears  from  hiftory,  was  the  cafe  of  the  duke  of 
Buckingham  :  that  being  ftopp'd  with  his  army  upon  the  banks 
of  Severn  by  great  deluges  of  rain,  he  was  deferted  by  his  ibl- 
diers,  who,  being  in  great  diftreis,  half  famiflied  for  want  of 
victuals,  and  deftitute  of  pay,  difbanded  themfelves  and  fled. 

Hanmer's  emendation  is  very  plaufible  ;  but  may  not  the  mean- 
ing of  the  expreffion  be,  I  died  for  only  having  hoped  to  give  you, 
that  ajjiftanct)  which  I  never  had  it  in  my  power  to  afford  you  in 
reality  ? 

It  may,  however,  be  obferved,  that/orr,  ov  for,  when  joined  to 
a  verb,  had  anciently  a  negative  iignification.  So,  in  Macbeth  : 

"   -  He  fliall  live  a  man/0rbid." 

As  to  3/Wwas  to  pray,  fo  to/orbid  had  the  meaning  directly  op- 
poiite,  /,  e  .  to  curfc.     In  Antony  and  Cleopatra^  toyi/vfpeak  is  to 

Steak 


KING 'RICHARD    III. 

But  cheer  thy  heart,  and  be  thou  not  difmay'd  : 
God,  and  good  angels,  fight  on  Richmond's  fide  ; 
And  Richard  fails  in  height  of  all  his  pride. 

[The  Ghofts  -vamjh. 
[K.  Richard flarts  out  of  his  dream. 

K.  Rich.  7  Give  me  another  horfe, bind  up  my 

wounds,- 

Have  mercy,  Jefu  1-^Sofr ;  I  did  but  dream. — . 
8  O  coward  confcience,  how  doft  thou  afflid:  me  !— « 
'  The  lights  burn  blue 9. — Is  it  not  dead  midnight  ? 

Cold 

fpeak  againft.  In  Hamlet,  and  the  Midfummer  Night's  Dream,  to 
fordo  is  the  very  reverfe  of  to  do.  Holpen  or  holp  is  the  old  par- 
ticiple paffive  of  help,  and  is  ufed  in  Macbeth  ': 

"  His  great  love,  (harp  as  his  fpur,  hath  holp  him 
"  To  his  home  before  us." 

Inftead  of  for  hope,  we  may  therefore  read,  forholpf,  which 
would  mean  unaided,  abandoned,  dcferted,  unhelp'd,  which  was 
the  real  misfortune  of  the  duke  of  Buckingham.  The  word 
holp  has  occurred  likewife  in  this  play  : 

"  Let  him  thank  me  that  holp  to  fend  him  thither.'* 
Again,  in  Coriolanus  : 

"  Have  holp  to  make  this  refcue."    STEEVENS. 

7  Give  me  another  horfe,  .  .]  There  is  in  this,  as  in  many 
of  our  author's  fpeeches  of  paffion,  fomething  very  trifling,  and 
fomething  very  ftriking.  Richard's  debate,  whether  he  fhould 
quarrel  with  himfelf,  is  too  long  continued,  but  the  fubfequent 
exaggeration  of  his  crimes  is  truly  tragical.  JOHNSON. 

*  O  f0<uwv/confcience.— ]  This  is  extremely  fine.  The  fpeaker 
had  entirely  got  the  better  of  his  confdtnce,  and  banifhed  it  from 
all  his  waking  thoughts.  Bat  it  takes  advantage  of  his  fleep,  and 
frights  him  in  his  dreams.  With  greater  elegance  therefore  he  is 
made  to  call  it  coward  confcience,  which  dares  not  encounter  him 
while  he  is  himfelf  awake,  and  his  faculties  entire ;  but  takes  ad- 
vantage of  reafon  being  oif  its  ^,u.rd,  and  the  powers  of  the  foul 
diflblved  in  Ueep.  But  the  players,  amongil  their  other  innu- 
merable abfurdities  in  the  repretentation  of  this  tragedy,  make 
Richard  fay,  inftead  of  O  coward  confcience,  O  tyrant  confcience  ! 
whereby  not  only  a  great  beauty  is  loft,  but  a  great  blunder  com- 
mitted. For  Richard  had  entirely  got  the  better  of  his  confdtnce  ; 
which  could,  on  no  account,  therefore,  be  laid  to  play  the  tyrant 
with  him.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

»  The  lights  bum  blue.}  So,  in  Lylly's  Galatkea,  1^92  :  "  I 
thought  there  was  fomeffirit  in  it  becaufe  it  burnt  fo  blue ;  for 

my 


KING    RICHARD    III.     15$ 

Cold  fearful  drops  {land  on  my  trembling  flefh. 

What  do  I  fear  ?  myfelf  ?  there's  none  elfe  by : 

Pvichard  loves  Richard  ;  that  is,  I  am  I. 

Is  there  a  murd'rer  here  ?  No  ; — Yes  ;  I  am  : 

Then  fly,— -What,  from  myfelf?  Great  reafon :  Why  ? 

Left  I  revenge.     What  ?  Myfelf  on  myfelf  ? 

I  love  myfelf '.     Wherefore  ?  for  any  good> 

That  I  myfelf  have  done  unto  myfelf  ? 

O,  no  :  alas,  I  rather  hate  myfelf, 

For  hateful  deeds  committed  by  myfelf. 

I  am  a  villain  :  Yet  I  lye,  I  am  not. 

Fool,  of  thyfelf  fpeak  well : — Fool,  do  not  flatter. 

My  confcience  hath  a  thoufand  feveral  tongues, 

And  every  tongue  brings  in  a  feveral  tale, 

And  every  tale  condemns  me  for  a  villain. 

Perjury,  perjury,  in  the  higheft  degree, 

Murder,  flern  murder,  in  the  dir'ft  degree  ; 

All  feveral  fins,  all  us'd  in  each  degree, 

Throng  to  the  bar,  crying  all, — Guilty  !  guilty! 

I  lhall  defpair. — There  is  no  creature  loves  me ; 

And,  if  I  die,  no  foul  fhall  pity  me  :— 

Nay,  wherefore  ihould  they  ?   fmce  that  I  myfelf 

Find  in  myfelf  no  pity  to  myfelf. 

*  Methought,  the  fculs  of  all  that  I  had  murder'd 

Came  to  my  tent ;  and  every  one  did  threat 

To-morrow's  vengeance  on  the  head  of  Richard. 

jny  mother  would  often  tell  me  when  the  candle  burnt  blue,  there 
was  fome  \\lfpirit  in  the  houle."  It  was  anciently  luppoled  that 
fire  was  a  preiervative  againft  evil  fpirits  ;  "  becaufe,"  (lays  Nafli, 
in  Pierce  Pcnmhfi's  Supplication  to  the  Devil,  1595)  "  when  any 
fpirit  appeareth,  the  lights  by  little  and  little  goe  out  as  it  were 
of  their  own  accord,  find  the  tckers  are  by  degrees  extinguiihed." 
The  takers  are  the  fpirits  who  biait  or  ta.';c.  bo^  in  K.  Lear  : 

*'  • ftrike  her  young  bones, 

"  Ye  taking  airs,  with  lamenefs  !?}     STEEVRXS. 
J  /  love  myfelf.']  The  old  copies  re..d — Alack,  I  love,  &c. 

STH.EVENS. 

*  Metboagbt,  the  fouls  &c.]  Thefe  lines  ibnd  with  fo  little 
propriety  at  the  end  or'  this  fpeech,  that  ]  cunnot  but  iufpeft  them 
to  be  mifplaced.  Where  then  iha!l  tncy  be  inferted  ?  Perhaps 
after  thefe  words  : 

foot,  do  notf.atter.    JOHNSON. 

Enter 


yi56    KING    RICHARD    III; 

Enter  Rat  cliff. 

"Rat.  My  lord, 

K.  Rick.  Who's  there  ? 

Rat.  My  lord,  'tis  I  :  The  early  village  cock 
Hath  twice  done  falutation  to  the  morn  ; 
Your  friends  are  up,  and  buckle  on  their  armour, 

K.  Rich.  O,    Ratcliff,   I  have  dream'd  a  fearful 

dream  ! — 
What  thinkeft  thou  ?  will  our  friends  prove  all  true? 

Rat.  No  doubt,  my  lord. 

K.  Rich.  Ratcliff,  I  fear,  I  fear,— 

Rat.  Nay,  good  my  lord,  be  not  afraid  of  lhadows, 

K.  Rich.  By  the  apoflle  Paul,  lhadows  to-night 
Have  ftruck  more  terror  to  the  foul  of  Richard, 
Than  can  the  fubflance  of  ten  thoufand  foldiers, 
Armed  in  proof,  and  led  by  lhallow  Richmond. 
It  is  not  yet  near  day.     Come,  go  with  me 
Under  our  tents ;  I'll  play  the  eaves-dropper, 
To  hear,  if  any  mean  to  Ihrink  from  me. 

{Exeunt  K.  Richard,  and  Ratcliff. 

Richmond  zvakes.     Enter  Oxford,  and  others. 

<  Lords.  Good  morrow,  Richmond. 

Richm.  'Cry  mercy,  lords,  and  watchful  gentlemen, 
That  you  have  ta'en  a  tardy  iluggard  here. 

Lords.  How  have  you  flept,  my  lord  ? 

Richm,  The    fweetefl    fleep,    and   faireft-boding 

dreams, 

That  ever  enter'd  in  a  drowfy  head, 
Have  I  fince  your  departure  had,  my  lords. 
Methought,  their  fouls,  whofe  bodies  Richard  mur~ 

der'd, 

Came  to  my  tent,  and  cry'd — On  !  victory  ! 
I  promife  you,  my  heart  is  very  jocund 
In  the  remembrance  of  fo  fair  a  dream. 
How  far  into  the  morning  is  ir,  lords  ? 

Lords.  Upon  the  ftroke  of  four. 


KING    RICHARD    III.    157 

Ricktn.  Why,  then  'tis  time  to  arm,  and  give  di- 
rection.—  [He  advances  to  the  troops* 
More  than  I  have  faid,  loving  countrymen, 
The  Icifure  and  enforcement  of  the  time 
Forbids  to  dwell  upon  :  Yet  remember  this,—— 
God,  and  our  good  caufe,  fight  upon  our  fide  ; 
The  prayers  of  holy  faints,  and  wronged  fouls, 
Like  high-rear'd  bulwarks,  fland  before  our  faces ; 
Richard  except,  thofe,  whom  we  fight  againft, 
Had  rather  have  us  win,  than  him  they  follow. 
For  what  is  he  they  follow  ?  truly,  gentlemen, 
A  bloody  tyrant,  and  a  homicide  ; 
One  rais'd  in  blood,  and  one  in  blood  eftablifh'd ; 
One  that  made  means  3  to  come  by  what  he  hath, 
And  flaughter'd  thofe  that  were  the  means  to  help  him; 
A  bafe  foul  flone,  made  precious 4  by  the  foil 
Of  England's  chair,  where  he  is  falfely  fet ; 
One  that  hath  ever  been  God's  enemy  : 
Then,  if  you  fight  againft  God's  enemy, 
God  will,  injuftice,  ward  you  as  his  foldiers  j 
If  you  do  fweat  to  put  a  tyrant  down, 
You  fleep  in  peace,  the  tyrant  being  flain  ; 
If  you  do  fight  againft  your  country's  foes, 
Your  country's  fat  lhall  pay  your  pains  the  hire  ; 
If  you  do  fight  in  fafeguard  of  your  wives, 

3  One  that  made  means ]  To  make  means  was,  in  Shake - 

Ipeare's  time,  always  ufed  in  an  unfavourable  fenfe,  and  fignified 
— to  come  at  any  thing  by  indirect  practices,  STEEVENS. 

+  ly  the  foil 

Of  England's  chair,  ] 

It  is  plain  that  foil  cannot  here  mean  that  of  which  the  obfcurity 
recommends  the  brightnefs  of  the  diamond.  It  mult  mean  the 
leaf  (feuille)  or  thin  plate  of  metal  in  which  the  ftone  is  fet. 

JOHNSON. 

Nothing  has  been,  or  is  ftill  more  common,  than  to  put  a 
bright-coloured  foil  under  a  cloudy  or  low-prized  flone.  The 
fame  allufion  is  common  to  many  writers.  So,  in  a  Song  pub- 
lifhed  in  England's  Helicon,  1614: 

"  Falfe  ftones  by  foiles  have  many  one  abus'd." 

STEEVENS. 

Your 


158     KING    RICHARD    III. 
Your  wives  lhall  welcome  home  the  conquerors ; 
3f  you  do  free  your  children  from  the  fword, 
Your  childrens'  children  quit  it  in  your  age. 
Then,  in  the  name  of  God,  and  all  thefe  rights, 
Advance  your  flandards,  draw  your  willing  fwords  I 
For  me,  s  the  ranfom  of  my  bold  attempt 
Shall  be  this  cold  corps  on  the  earth's  cold  face  ; 
But  if  I  thrive,  the  gain  of  my  attempt 
The  leaft  of  you  fhall  ihare  his  part  thereof. 
Sound,  drums  and  trumpets,  boldly  and  cheerfully  ; 
*  God,  and  faint  George  !  Richmond,  and  vidtory  ! 

[Exeunt. 

Re-enter 

5  'the  ranfom  of  ;ny  bold  attempt]  The  fine  paid  by  me  in 
atonement  for  my  raflmeis  fhall  be  my  dead  corpfe.     JOHNSON. 

6  Got!,  and  faint  George  ! — ]  Saint  George  was  the  common  cry 
of  the  Englifh  foltliers  when  they  charged  the  enemy.     The  au- 
thor of  the  old  Artc  of  Warre,  printed  in  the  latter  end  of  queen 
Elizabeth's  reign,    formally  enjoins  the  ufe  of  this  cry  among 
his  military  laws,  p.  84. 

"  Item,  that  all  fbuldiers  entring  into  battaile,  aflault,  ikirmifh, 
or  other  facYion  of  armes,  lhall  have  for  their  common  cry  and 
word,  Saint  George,  forward,  or  upon  them,  faint  George ,  where- 
by the  fouldiour  is  much  comforted,  and  the  enemy  difmaied  by 
calling  to  minde  the  ancient  valour  of  England,  which  with  that 
name  has  fo  often  been  victorious ;  and  therefore  he,  who  upon 
any  jlnifter  zeale,  mall  malicioujly  omit  fo  fortunate  a  name,  fliall 
\)t  fever rly punifljed  ioi  his  obftinate  erroneous  heart,  and  pcrverie 
mind." 

Hence  too  the  humour  of  the  following  lines  in  Marfton's  ner- 
vous but  neglected  fatires,  entitled  the  Scourge  of  yillainic,  print- 
ed in  1599.  1 1  T.  Lib.  Sat.  viii : 

A  pox  upon't  that  Batebis*  name  fhould  be 

The  watch-word  given  to  the  foldierie. 

Goe  troupe  to  field,  mount  thy  obfcured  fame, 

Cry  out  Saint  George,  invoke  thy  miftrefle'  name  j  . 

Thy  Miftrefs  and  Saittt  George,  £c." 
In  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  K?i!gbt  of  the  Burning  Pcjlle,  that  ad-' 
mirable  and  early  ridicule  of  romance-writing,  where  the  chain-* 
pion  Ralph  is  going  to  attack  the  Barber,  or  the1  huge  giant  Bar~ 
barofo,  the  burlefque  is  heightened,  when,  with  much  Iblemnity, 
and  as  if  a  real  heroic  encounter  hnd  been  going  forward,  he  cries 
out,  "  Saint  George !  let  on  before,  inarch  fquire  and  page.'* 
Act  III.  ic.  i.  vol.  vi.  p.  405.  And  afterwards,  when  the  en- 

gagemeni 


KING    RICHARD    III.     15^ 

Re-enter  King  Richard,  Ratcliff,  &?<:. 

K.  Rkb.  What  faid  Northumberland,  as  touching 

Richmond  ? 

Rat.  That  he  was  never  trained  up  in  arms. 
K.  Rich.  He  faid  the  truth  :  And  what  faid  Surrey 

then  ? 

Rat.  He  fmil'd  and  faid,  the  better  for  our  purpofe. 
K.  Rich.  He  was  i'the  right  ;  and  fo,  indeed,  it  is. 
Tell  the  clock  there.  —  Give  me  a  kalendar.  — 

[Clock  Jlrlkes. 

Who  favv  the  fun  to  day  ? 
Rat.  Not  I,  my  lord. 
K.  Rich.  Then  he  difdains  to  fliine  ;  for,  by  the 

book, 

He  fhould  have  brav'd  the  eaft  an  hour  ago  : 
A  black  day  it  will  be  to  fomebody,  - 


Rat.  My  lord  ? 

K.  Rich.  The  fun  will  not  be  feen  to-day  ; 
The  fky  doth  frown  and  lour  upon  our  army. 
I  would,  thefe  dewy  tears  were  from  the  ground. 
Not  ihine  to-day  !  Why,  what  is  that  to  me, 
More  than  to  Richmond  ?  for  the  felf-fame  heaven, 
That  frowns  on  me,  looks  fadly  upon  him. 

Enter  Norfolk. 

Nor.  Arm,  arm,  my  lord  ;  the  foe  vaunts  in  the 

field. 
K.  Rich.   Come,  buflle,  buftle  ;  —  Caparifon  my 

horfe  ;  — 

Call  up  lord  Stanley,  bid  him  bring  his  power  :  — 
I  will  lead  forth  my  foldiers  to  the  plain, 
And  thus  my  battle  lhall  be  ordered. 

gagement  begins,  Ralph  fays,  "  St.  George  for  me  :"  and  Bar- 
larcfot  "  Garagantua  for  me,"    WARTON. 

My 


'i6o     KING    RICHARD    III. 

My  foreward  lhall  be  drawn  out  all  in  length, 
Confiding  equally  of  horfe  and  foot ; 
Our  archers  lhall  be  placed  in  the  midft  : 
John  duke  of  Norfolk,  Thomas  earl  of  Surrey, 
Shall  have  the  leading  of  this  foot  and  horfe. 
They  thus  directed,  we  will  follow 
In  the  main  battle ;  whofe  puiflance  on  either  fide 
Shall  be  well  winged  with  our  chiefeft  horfe. 
I  This,  and  faint  George  to  boot ! — What  think'ft 
thou,  Norfolk  ? 

Nor.  A  good  direction,  warlike  fovereign.— » 
This  found  I  on  my  tent  this  morning. 

[Giving  a  fcrowL 

K.  Rich.  Jocky  of  Norfolk,  be  not  too  bold,     [Reads. 

For  Dickon  thy  mafter  8  is  bought  and  fold. 
A  thing  devifed  by  the  enemy. — 
Go,  gentlemen,  every  man  unto  his  charge  : 
Let  not  our  babbling  dreams  affright  our  fouls 9 ; 
For  confcience  is  but  a  word  that  cowards  ufe, 
Devis'd  at  firft  to  keep  the  ftrong  in  awe ; 
Our  flrong  arms  be  our  confcience,  fwords  our  la\v. 
March  on,  join  bravely,  let  us  to't  pell-mell ; 
If  not  to  heaven,  then  hand  in  hand  to  hell.— 


7  This,  and  St.  George  to  loot! ] 

That  is,  this  is  the  order  ofour  battle,  which  promifes  fuccefa  ; 
and  over  and  above  this,  is  the  protection  of  our  patron  faint, 

JOHNSON. 

To  loot  is  (as  I  conceive)  to  help,  and  not  over  and  above. 

HAWKINS. 

*  Dickon  thy  tnafter]   Diccon  is  the  ancient  abbreviation  of 
Richard.     In  Gammer  Gurton's  Needle,  1 57  (,  Diccon  is  the  name 
of  the  Bedlam.    In  the  words — bought  and  fold,  I  believe,  there 
is  fomewhat  proverbial.     So,  in  the  Comedy  of  Errors  : 

'*  It  would  make  a  man  as  mad  as  a  buck,  to  be  fo  bought 
andfold."    STEEVENS. 

*  Let  not  our  babbling  dreams,  &c.]   I  fufpecl:  thefe  fix  lines  to 
be  an  interpolation ;  but  if  Shakefpeare  was  really  guilty  of  them 
in  his  firft  draught,  he  probably  intended  to  leave  them  out  whem 
he  iubftituted  the  much  more  proper  harangue  that  follows. 

TYRWHITT. 

What 


KING    RICHARD    III.     ifo 

What  fhall  I  fay  more  than  I  have  infer'd  ? 
Remember  whom  you  are  to  cope  withal ; — - 
1  A  fort  of  vagabonds,  rafcals,  and  run-aways, 
A  fcum  of  Brittains,  and  bafe  lackey  peafants, 
Whom  their  o'er-cloyed  country  vomits  forth 
To  defperate  ventures  and  affur'd  deftruftion. 
You  Sleeping  fafe,  they  bring  you  to  unreft  ; 
You  having  lands,  and  bleft  with  beauteous  wives, 
*  They  would  diftrain  the  one,  diiiain  the  other. 
3  And  who  doth  lead  them,  but  a  paltry  fellow, 

Long 

1  A  fort  of  vagabonds,**  ]  A  fort,  that  is,  a  company ,  a 

colleRion.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  the  Mirror  for  Magifirates : 

"  And,  for  his  company,  a  fort  there  be 
**  Of  rafcal  French  and  Britifh  runawaies,  &c." 
Again,  in  Prejlons  Camlyfes  : 

"  There  is  &  forte  for  feare  the  king  doo  praife." 
Again,  in  Spenfer's  Faery  £>ueen,  B.  V.  c.  iv  : 

"  But  like  a  fort  of  flieep  difperfed  farre."    STEEVENS. 
*  They  would  reftrain  the  one ,  diftain  the  other. ~\   The  one  means 
the  lands  j  the  other,  their  wives.     It  is  plaiu  then  we  fliould 
read : 

They  would  diftrain.         .     . . 
i.  e.  feize  upon.     WARBURTON. 

3  And  who  doth  lead  them  but  a  paltry  felloe  ^ 
Long  kept  in  Britaine  at  our  mother's  cojl  ?] 

This  is  fpoken  by  Richard,  of  Henry  earl  of  Richmond :  but 
they  were  far  from  having  any  common  mother,  but  England : 
and  the  earl  of  Richmond  was  not  fubfifted  abroad  at  the  nation's 
public  charge.  During  the  greateft  part  of  his  refidence  abroad, 
he  was  watched  and  reftrained  almoir.  like  a  captive  ;  and  fubfifted 
by  fupplies  conveyed  from  the  countefs  of  Richmond,  his  mother. 
It  feems  probable,  therefore,  that  we  muft  read  : 

Long  kept  in  Rretagne  at  his  mother's  coft.     THEOBALD. 
Our  mother's  cojl .?]  Mr.  Theobald  perceives  to  be  wrong  :   he 
reads  therefore,  and  all  the  editors  after  him  : 

Long  kept  in  Bretagne  at  his  mother's  cojf. 

But  give  me  leave  to  tramcribe  a  few  more  lines  from  Holinfhed, 
and  you  will  find  at  once,  that  Shakefpeare  had  been  there  before 
me. 

*'  Ye  fee  further,  how  a  companie  of  traitors,  theeves,  out* 

laws  and  runnagates  be  aiders  and  partakers  of  his  feat  and  enter- 

prife.  —And  to  begin  with  the  erle  of  Richmond  captaine  ot  this 

VOL.  VII.'  M  rebel- 


162      KING    RICHARD    III. 

Long  kept  in  Brittaine  at  our  brother's  coft  ? 
A  milk-fop4,  one  that  never  in  his  life 
Felt  fo  much  cold  as  over  Ihoes  in  fnow  ? 
Let's  whip  thefe  ftragglers  o'er  the  feas  again ; 
Lafh  hence  thefe  over-weening  rags  of  France, 
Thefe  famifh'd  beggars,  weary  of  their  lives ; 
Who,  but  for  dreaming  on  this  fond  exploit, 
For  want  of  means,  poor  rats,  had  hang'd  themfelves  : 
If  we  be  conquer'd,  let  men  conquer  us, 
And  not  thefe  baftard  Brittains  ;  whom  our  fathers 
Have  in  their  own  land  beaten,  bobb'd,  and  thump'd, 
And,  on  record,  left  them  the  heirs  of  fhame. 
Shall  thefe  enjoy  our  lands  ?  lie  with  our  wives  ? 
Ravifh  our  daughters  ? — Hark,  I  hear  their  drum.  ' 

[Drum  afar  off. 

Fight,  gentlemen  of  England  !   fight,  bold  yeomen  1 
Draw,  archers,  draw  your  arrows  to  the  head  ! 
Spur  your  proud  horfes  hard,  and  ride  in  blood  ; 
s  Amaze  the  welkin  with  your  broken  Haves ! — 

rebellion,  he  is  a  Welch  milkfop — brought  up  by  my  moot her1 's 
meanes  and  mine,  like  a  captive  in  a  clofe  cage  in  the  court  of 
Francis  duke  of  Britaine."  p.  759. 

Holinlhed  copies  this  'verbatim  from  his  brother  chronicler 
Hall,  edit.  1548.  fol.  54.  but  his  printer  has  given  us  by  acci- 
dent the  word  moother  inftead  of  brother  ;  as  it  is  in  the  original, 
and  ought  to  be  in  Shakefpeare.  FARMER. 

*  A  milkfop,  &c.]  So,  in  the  Mirror  of  Magiftrates  already 
quoted : 

"  Firft  with  our  foe-inens  captnine  to  begin, 

**  A  weake  Welch  milkfop,  one  that  I  do  know 

*'  Was  ne'er  before,  &c."    STEEVENS. 

5  Amaze  the  welkin  with  your  Iroken  flaves  !~\  That  is,  frigfa 
the  Jkies  with  thejbivers  of  your  lances.     JOHNSON. 
So,  in  Soliman  and  Pcrfeda : 

'*  Now  by  the  marble  face  of  theowtt/a." 
The  feme  idea  is  more  tamely  exprefled  in  W.  Smith's  Palfgrave^ 
1613  : 

'*  Spears  flew  in  fplinters  half  the  way  to  heaven." 

STEEVENS. 


Enter 


KING    RICHARD    III.     163 

»    Enter  a  Mejfcnger. 

What  fays  lord  Stanley  ?  will  he  bring  his  power  ? 

Mef.  My  lord,  he  doth  deny  to  come. 

K.  Rich.  Off  with  his  Ton  George's  head. 

Nor.  My  lord,  the  enemy  hath  paft  the  marm  ; 
After  the  battle  let  George  Stanley  die. 

K.  Rich.  A  thoufand  hearts  are  great  within  my 

bofom  : 

Advance  our  ftandards  6,  fet  upon  our  foes  ; 
Our  ancient  word  of  courage,  fair  Saint  George, 
Infpire  us  with  the  fpleen  of  fiery  dragons  ! 
Upon  them  !  Vidtory  fits  on  our  helms.         [Exeunt, 

SCENE    IV. 

Another  part  of  the  field. 
Alarum.     Excurfwns.     Enter  Calefy. 

Catef.  Refcue,  my  lord  of  Norfolk  !  refcue  !  ref- 

cue  ! 

The  king  enadts  more  wonders  than  a  man, 
Daring  an  oppofite  to  every  danger  7 ; 

His 

6  Advance  our  flandards,  &c.]  So  again,    in   the  Mirror  for 
Magiftrates : 

"  Advance  then  captaines,  forward  to  the  fight, 
"  Draw  forth  your  fwords,  each  man  addrefs  his  flieeld; 

"  Hence  faint  conceites,  die  thoughts  of  coward  flight, 
«'  To  heaven  your  hearts,  to  fight  your  valours  yeeld  : 
"  Behold  our  foes  do  brave  us  in  the  field. 

"  Upon  them,  friends;  the  caufe  is  yours  and  mine; 
**  Saint  George  and  conqueft  on  our  helmes  doth  fhine." 

STEEVENS. 
7  Daring  an  oppofite  to  every  clanger ;  ]  Perhaps  the  poet  wrote  : 

Daring  and  oppofite  to  every  danger.     TYRWHITT. 
Perhaps  the  following  paflage  in  Chapman's  verfion  of  the  eighth 
book  of  Homer's  Odyjfiy  may  countenance  the  old  reading  : 

"  a  moft  dreadful  fight 

"  Daring  againjl  him,"    STEEYENS. 

M  z  Th« 


1 64      KING    RICHARD     III. 

His  horfe  is  ilain,  and  all  on  foot  he  fights, 
Seeking  for  Richmond  in  the  throat  of  death  : 
Rcfcue,  fair  lord,  or  elfe  the  day  is  loft  ! 

Alarum.     Enter  King  Richard. 

K.  Rick.  A  horfe  !   a  horfe  !    my  kingdom  for  a 

horfe8! 

Catef.  Withdraw,  my  lord,  I'll  help  you  to  a  norfe* 
K.  Rich.  Slave,  I  have  fet  my  life  upon  a  caft, 
And  I  will  ftand  the  hazard  of  the  dye  : 
I  think,  there  be  fix  Richmonds  in  the  field  ; 
Five  have  I  flam  to-day,  inftead  of  him  9 : — 
A  horfe  !  a  horfe  !  my  kingdom  for  a  horfe  ' ! 

[Exeunt. 
Alarums. 

The  old  reading  is  probably  rigftt.     An  oppofte  is  frequently 
ufed  by  Shakefpeare  and  the  contemporary  writers,  for  an  advcr- 

fary.     So,  in  Twelfth  Night :  "   your  ofpoji/e  hath  in  him 

'what  youth,  tfrength,  Ikill,  and  wrath,  can  furnifli  man  withal." 

Again:  " and  his  oppojite  the  youth,  bears  in   his  vifage  no 

prefage  of  cruelty."  So,  in  The  Fa-ivrr,  by  Marfton,  1605: 
*'  A  moft  protefted  oppojite  to  the  match."  Again,  \\\Biurt,  Mr. 
Con/raffle,  by  Middleton,  1602  :  "  To  ftrcngthen  us  ngainft  ait 
oppofites"  The  fenfe  then  fliould  feem  to  be,  that  king  Richard 
enafts  wonders,  daring  tbe  advcrfary  be  meets  ivitb  to  every  danger 
attending  Jingle  combat.  MALOKE. 

3  In  the  Battle  of  Alcazar +  1^98,  the  Moor  calls  out  in  ths 
fame  manner  : 

"  A  horfe,  a  horfe,  villain  a  horfe  ! 

*'  That  I  may  take  the  river  ftrait,  and  fly  \ 

" Here  is  a  horfe,  my  lord, 

"  As  fv.-iftly  pac'd  as  Fegafus, 

This  paffage  in  Shakefpeare  appears  to  have  been  imitated'  by  fe- 
veral  of  the  old  writers,  if  not  ftolen.  So,  -Hey wood,  ia  the 
Second  Part  of  his  Iron  Age>  1632  : 

" a  horfe,  a  horfe  ! 

"  Ten  kingdoms  for  a  horfe  to  enter  Troy  !"  STEEVENS. 
Marfton  feems  to  have  imitated  this  line  in  his  Satires^  i  ^99  : 

*'  A  man,  a  man,  a  kingdom  for  a  man  !"     MAUKVI:. 
9  Five  have  Iflain  to  day  ir.ReaJ  of  him  :  —  ]    Shakefpeare  had 
employ'd  this  incident  with  hiitorical  propriety  in  the  firit  Fart 
«t  K.  Henry  IV.    STEEVENS. 

1  A  horfe!  a  borfe  !  &c.  —  ]  Some  inquiry  liath  been  made  for 
the  firft  performers  of  the  capital  charadters'of  Shakcfpesre. 

We 


KING    RICHARD    III.      165 

Alarums.  Enter  King  Richard  and  Richmond ;  thy  fight, 
Richard  is  Jlain. 

Retreat  3  and  Jlouri/h.     Enter  Richmond,  Stanley,  bearing 
the  .crown,  with  divers  other  Lords. 

Richm.  God,  and  your  arms,  be  prais'd,  victorious 

friends  ; 
The  day  is  ours,  the  bloody  dog  is  dead. 

StanL  Courageous  Richmond,  well  haft  thou  ac- 
quit thec  ! 

Lo,  here,  thefe  long-ufurped  royalties, 
From  the  dead  temples  of  this  bloody  wretch 
Have  I  pluck'd  off,  to  grace  thy  brows  withal ; 
Wear  it,  enjoy  it,  *  and  make  ufe  of  it. 

Richm.  Great  God  of  heaven,  fay,  amen,  to  all ! — 
But,  tell  me,  is  young  George  Stanley  living  ? 

Sia;:L  He  is,  my  lord,  and  fafe  in  Leicester  town  ; 
Whither,  if  itpleafe  you,  we  may  now  withdraw  us. 

Richm.  What  men  of  name  are  ilain  on  either  fide  ? 

We  learn,  that  Burbage,  the  alter  Refers  of  Camuen,  was  the 
original  Richard,  from  a  pafiage  in  the  poems  of  biihop  Corbet; 
who  introduces  his  hoft  at  Bolworth  deicr:b:njj  the  battle  : 

"  But  when  he  would  have  faid  km 3  Lvichard  died, 

"  And  call'd  a  horfe,  a  borfe,  he  Burbage  cried." 

FARMER. 
4  • and  make  ufe  of  it."]  Some  old  books  read : 

-make  much  t>f  it : 

and  therefore  ]Mr.  Theobald  reads  fo  too  :  but  very  foolifhly. 
Without  doubt  Shakefpeare  himlelf  thus  corrected  it  to 

-make  ufe  of  it. 

Y\  hich  £gnifies,  don't  abufe  it  like  the  tyrant  you  have  deftroyed  : 
whereas  the  other  reading  : 

make  much  of  it, 

fignifies  be  fond  of  it ;  a  very  ridiculous  moral  for  the  concLifion 
of  the  play.     WAREURTON. 

Dr.  \\  arburton's  reading  may  receive  fupport  from  a  palTa^e  ia 
A".  Kcnry  VIII.  where  Wolfey  is  giving  advice  to  Cromwell: 

"  Negleft  hiip  not ;  maks  nfc  now,  and  provide 

"  For  thiue  own  future  lafety."    STEEVENS. 

M  ^  Sian\ 


166     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Stanl.  John  duke  of  Norfolk,  Walter  lord  Ferrers, 
Sir  Robert  Brakenbury,  and  fir  William  Brandon. 

Rich.  Interr  their  bodies  as  becomes  their  births. 
Proclaim  a  pardon  to  the  foldiers  fled, 
That  in  fubmiffion  will  return  to  us ; 
\  And  then,  as  we  have  ta'en  the  facrament J, 
We  will  unite  the  white  rofe  and  the  red  :— 
Smile  heaven  upon  this  fair  conjunction, 
That  long  hath  frown'd  upon  their  enmity  ! — 
What  traitor  hears  me,  and  fays  not, — amen  ? 
England  hath  long  been  mad,  and  fcarr'd  herfelf ; 
The  brother  blindly  Ihed  the  brother's  blood, 
The  father  rafhly  fiaughter'd  his  own  fon, 
The  fon*  compell'd,  been  butcher  to  the  fire  ; 
4  All  this  divided  York  and  Lancafter, 
Divided,  in  their  dire  divifion. — 
O,  now,  let  Richmond  and  Elizabeth, 
The  true  fucceeders  of  each  royal  houfe, 
By  God's  fair  ordinance  conjoin  together ! 
And  let  their  heirs,  (God,  if  thy  will  be  fo) 
Enrich  the  time  to  come  with  fmooth-fac'd  peace. 
With  fmiling  plenty,  and  fair  profperous  days  ! 
Abate  the  edge  of  traitors,  gracious  Lord, 
That  would  reduce  thefe  bloody  days  again, 

3   as  ivc  hav e  to* en  tkefacrame nt :  ]  So,  in  Holinflied, 

p.  745  :  **  The  earle  himfelfe  firft  tooke  a  corporall  oth  on  his 
honor,  promifing  that  incontinent  nfter  he  (huhl  be  poflefled  of 
the  crovvne  and  dignitie  of  the  realme  of  England,  he  would  be 
conjoined  in  matrimonie  with  the  ladie  Elizabeth  daughter  to  king 
Edward  the  fourth."  STEEVENS. 

4  All  this  divided  York  and  Lancafter^ 

Divided,  in  their  dire  divijion. — ] 

I  think  the  paflage  wilt  be  fomewhat  improved  by  a  flight  alte-? 
ration : 

All  that  divided  York  and  Lancajler, 

Divided  in  their  dire  divijion, 

O  now  let  Richmond  and  Elizabeth, 

The  true  fucceeders  of  each  royal  houfe, 

Jiy  God's  fair  ordinance  conjoin  together, 

Let  them  unite  all  that  York  and  Lancafter  divided.    JOHNSON. 

And 


KING    RICHAP.D     III.     167 

And  make  poor  England  weep  in  ftreams  of  blood  ! 
Let  them  not  live  to  tafte  this  land's  encreafe, 
That  would  with  treafon  wound  this  fair  land's  peace  ! 
Now  civil  wounds  are  ftopp'd,  peace  lives  again ; 
That  Ihe  may  long  live  here,  God  fay — Amen ! 

[Exeunt  *. 

5  This  is  one  of  the  moft  celebrated  of  our  authour's  perform- 
ances ;  yet  I  know  not  whether  it  has  not  happened  to  him  as  to 
others,  to  be  praifed  moft,  when  praife  is  not  moft  deferred. 
That  this  play  has  fcenes  noble  in  themfelves,  and  very  well  con- 
trived to  ftrike  in  the  exhibition,  cannot  be  denied.  But  fome 
parts  are  trifling,  others  (hocking,  and  fome  improbable. 

JOHNSON. 

P.  3.  THE  L(fe  and  Death  of  King  Richard  tie  Third.'}  The 
oldeft  known  edition  of  this  tragedy  is  printed  for  Andrew  Wife, 
1597  :  but  Harrington,  in  his  Apoiogle  of  Poetrie,  written  1590, 
and  prefixed  to  the  tranllation  of  Ariojlo,  fays,  that  a  tragedy  of 
Richard  the  Third,  had  been  acted  at  Cam  bridge.  His  words  are, 
*'  For  tragedies,  to  omit  other  famous  tragedies,  that  which  was 
played  at  St.  John's  in  Cambridge,  of  Richard  the  Third,  would 
move,  I  think,  Phalaris  the  tyrant,  and  terrifie  all  tyrannous 
minded  men,  &c."  He  moft  probably  means  Shakefpeare's ;  and 
if  fo,  we  may  argue,  that  there  is  fome  more  antient  edition  of 
this  play  than  what  T  have  mentioned ;  at  leaft  this  fhews  how 
early  Shakefpeare's  play  appeared  ;  or  if  fome  other  Richard  the 
Third  is  here  alluded  to  by  Harrington,  that  a  play  on  this  fub- 
jec"l  preceded  our  author's.  WAR  TON. 

It  appears  from  the  following  paflage  in  the  preface  to  Naflie's 
Have  with  you  fo  Saffron  Walden,  or  Gabriel  Harvey's  Hunt  is  upy 
i  $96,  that  a  Latin  tragedy  of  K.  Rich.  III.  had  been  acted  at 

Trinity  college,  Cambridge:  "  or  his  fellow  codfhead,  that 

in  the  Latine  tragedie  ot  King  Richard,  cried — Ad  urbs,  ad  ur&s, 
ad  vrbs,  when  his  whole  part  was  no  more  than — Urk,  vrbs,  ad 
arma,  ad  arma."  STEEVENS. 

The  play  on  this  fubjed  mentioned  by  fir  John  Harrington  in 
his  Apologle  for  Pcetrie,  1591,  and  fometimes  miftaken  for  Shake- 
fpeare's, was  a  Latin  one,  written  by  Dr.  Legge  ;  and  acted  at  St. 
John's  in  our  univerfity,  fome  years  before  1588,  the  date  of  the 
copy  in  the  Mufeum.  This  appears  from  a  better  MS.  in  our 
library  at  Emmanuel,  with  the  names  ot  the  original  performers. 

A  childiih  imitation  of  Dr.  Legge's  play  was  written  by  one  , 
Lacy,   1583  ;  which  had  not  been  worth  mentioning,  were  they 
not  confounded  by  Mr.  Capell.    FARMER. 

M  4  Hey\vood, 


i68     KING    RICHARD    III. 

Heywood,  in  his  Atfor's  Vindication,  mentions  the  play  of 
K.  Rich.  III.  "  afted  in  St.  John's  Cambridge,  Co  eflentially, 
that  had  the  tyrant  Phalarh  beheld  his  bloody  proceedings,  it  had 
mollified  his  heart,  and  made  him  relent  at  light  of  his  inhuman 
jnaflacres."  And  in  the  bookes  of  the  Stationers'  Company, 
Tune  iq,  i  TQ4,  Thomas  Creede  made  the  following  entry.  "An 
enterlude,  intitled  the  tragedie  of  Richard  the  Third,  wherein  is 
fhown  the  deathe  of  Edward  the  Fourthc,  with  the  fmotheringe 
of  the  twoo  princes  in  the  Tower,  with  the  lamentable  ende  of 
Shore's  wife,  and  the  contention  of  the  two  houfes  of  Lancafler 
and  Yorke."  This  could  not  have  been  the  work  of  Shakefpeare, 
unlefs  he  afterwards  difmifTed  the  death  of  Jane  Shore,  as  an  un« 
necefiary  incident,  when  he  revifed  the  play.  Perhaps,  how- 
ever, it  might  be  fome  tranflation  of  Lacey's  play,  at  the  end  of 
the  firft  aft  of  which  is,  "  The  fhowe  of  the  proceilion.  i. 
Tipftaffe.  2.  Shore's  wife  in  her  petticote,  having  a  taper  burn- 
ing in  her  hande.  3.  The  Verger.  4.  Querifters.  5.  Singing, 
men.  6.  Prebendary.  7.  Bifhoppe  of  London.  8.  Citizens." 
There  is  likewife  a  Latin  fong  lung  on  this  occafion  in  MS. 
Had.  2412.  STEEVENS. 

The  Latin  play  of  Richard  III.  (MS.  Harl.  n.  6926.)  has 
the  author's  name— Henry  Lacey,  and  is  dated — i<b6. 

The  pafiage,  which  I  would  mention,  is  upon  the  appearance 
of  Richard  to  Buckingham  and  the  others  who  came  to  offer  him 
the  crown  : 

Sed  nunc  dttolus  cinBus  eccc  epifcofis 
Apfaret  infumma  domo  princtps  plus. — 

It  is  difficult,  I  think,  to  account  for  fuch  a  co-incidence,  in  a 
circumftance  of  mere  invention,  without  fuppofing  that  one  of 
the  poets  muft  have  profited  by  the  other's  performance. 

TYRWHITT. 

This  circumftance  is  not  an  invention  of  either  poet,  but  taken 
from  Halfs  Chronicle : 

**  At  the  laft  he  came  out  of  his  chambre,  and  yet  not  doune  to 
theim,  but  in  a  galary  ouer  theim,  with  a  biihop  on  euery  hande 
of  hym,  where  thei  beneth  might  fe  hym  and  fpeke  to  hym,  as 
thoughe  he  woulde  not  yet  come  nere  them  til  he  wift,what  they 
meante,  &c."  FARMER. 

1  fhall  herefubjoin  two  DifTertations,  one  by  Dr.  Warburton,  and 
one  by  Mr.  Upton,  upon  the  f^icc, 

ACT    III.      SCENE     I. 

THUS  likf  the  formal  vice,  Iniquity,  &c.]  As  this  corrupt 
reading  in  the  common  books  hath  occafioned  our  faying  fome- 
thing  of  the  barbarities  of  theatrical  reprefentations  amongft  us 
before  the  time  of  Shakefpeare,  it  may  not  be  improper,  for  a 

beu 


KING    RICHARD    III.      169 

better  apprehenfion  of  this  whole  matter,  to  give  the  reader  forne 
general  account  of  the  rife  and  progrefs  ot  the  modern  ftage. 

The  firft  form  in  which  the  drama  appeared  in  the  weft  of  Eu-» 
rope,  after  the  deftrucYion  of  learned  Greece  and  Rome,  and  that 
a  calm  of  dulnefs  had  finiihed  upon  letters  what  the  rage  of 
barbarifm  had  begun,  was  that  of  the  Myfteries.  Thefe  were  the 
fafhionnble  and  favourite  diverfions  of  all  ranks  of  people  both  in 
France,  Spain,  and  England.  In  which  laft  place,  as  we  learn  by 
Stow,  they  were  in  ule  about  the  time  of  Richard  the  fecond  and 
Henry  the  fourth.  As  to  Italy,  by  what  lean  find,  the  firft  ru- 
diments of  their  ftage,  with  regard  to  the  matter,  were  prophane 
fubjedls,  and,  with  regard  to  the/0;v//,  a  corruption  of  the  ancient 
mimes  and  attellajies  :  by  which  means  they  got  fooner  into  the 
right  road  than  their  neighbours  ;  having  had  regular  plays 
amongft  them  wrote  as  early  as  the  fifteenth  century. 

As  to  thefe  myjleries,  they  were,  as  their  name  Ipeaks  them,  a 
reprefentation  of  ibme  icripture-ftory,  to  the  life  :  as  may  befeen 
from  the  following  paflage  in  an  old  French  hiftory,  intitled,  La 
Cbronique  de  Mctz  conipofee  par  le  cure  de  St.  ILvcbaire ;  Which  will 
give  the  reader  no  bad  idea  of  the  furprifing  ablurdity  of  thefe 
itrange  reprefentations  :  "  L'an  147  le  3  Juiiiet  (fays  the  boneft 
Chronicler]  fut  fait  le  Jeu  de  la  Pailion  de  N.  S.  en  la  plaine  de 
Veximiel,  Et  fut  Dieu  un  fire  appelle  Seigneur  Nicoile  Doin 
Neufchaftel,  leqii'.l  eroit  Cure  de  St  Victour  de  Metz,  lequel 
fut  prefque  mort  en  la  Croix,  s'il  ne  fut  etc  fecourus  ;  &  con- 
vient  (ju'un  autre  Pretre  fut  mis  en  la  Croix  pour  parfaire  le  Per- 
fonnage  du  Crucifiment  pour  cc  jo  u  ;  &  le  lendemain  le  dit  Curs 
de  St.  Vigour  parfir  la  Reiurrection,  et  fit  tres  hautement  foa 

perfonage  ;  &  dura  le  dit  Jeu Et  autre  Pretre  qui  &'  appelloit 

Mre.  Jean  de  Nicey,  qui  eftoit  Chapelain  de  Metrange,  fut 
(udas  :  lequel  fut  prefque  mort  en  pendant,  car  le  cuer  li  faillir, 
et  fut  bien  hativement  dependu  &  porte  en  Voye.  Et  etoit  la 
bouche  d'Enfer  tres-bien  faite  ;  car  elle  ouvroit  &  clooit,  qi;and 
les  Diables  y  vouloient  entrer  et  ifler ;  &  avoir  deux  grufs  Culs 
d'Acier,  &c."  Alluding  to  this  kind  of  reprefentations  avch- 
bifliop  Harfnet,  in  his  Declaration  of  Popijh  Impojiures,  p.  71. 
lays,  "  The  little  children  were  never  fo  afraid  of  Hell-mouth 
in  the  old  plays,  painted  with  great  gang  teeth,  ftaring  eyes, 
and  foul  bottle  nofe."  Carew,  in  his  Survey  of  Cornwall t  gives 
a  fuller  defcription  of  them  in  thefe  words,  "  The  Guary  Miracle^ 
in  Englifh  a  Miracle  Play,  is  a  kind  of  interlude  complied  in. 
Cornifh  out  of  fome  fcripture  hiftory.  For  repreientiiig  it,  they 
raife  an  earthen  amphitheatre  in  fome  open  field,  having  the  dia- 
meter of  an  inclofed  playne,  fome  40  or  so  toot.  The  country 
people  flock  from  all  fides  many  miles  off,  to  hear  and  fee  it. 
For  they  have  therein  devils  and  devices,  to  delight  as  well  the 
eye  as  the  ear.  The  players  conne  not  their  parts  without  book, 
t>ut  are  prompted  by  one  called  the  ordinary,  who  lollovveth  at 

their 


i7o     KING    RICHARD    III. 

their  back  with  the  book  in  his  hand,  &c.  &c."  There  was  al- 
ways a  droll  or  buffoon  in  thefe  myficries,  to  make  the  people 
mirth  with  his  fufferings  or  abfurdities  :  and  they  could  think  of 
no  better  a  perfonage  to  fuftain  this  part  than  the  devil  himitlf. 
Even  in  the  myjlery  of  the  Pnflion  mentioned  above,  it  was  con- 
trived to  make  him  ridiculous.  -  Which  circumitance  is  hinted  at 
by  Shakefpeare  (who  has  frequent  alluvions  to  thefe  things)  in  the 
Talking  of  the  Sbre-jj)  where  one  of  the  players  a&s  for  a  little 
vinegar  (as  a  property}  to  make  the  devil  roar.  For  after  rhe 
fpunge  with  the  gall  and  vinegar  had  been  employed  in  the  repre- 
fentation,  they  ufed  to  clap  it  to  the  nofe  of  the  devil ;  which 
making  him  roar,  as  if  it  had  been  holy-water,  afforled  infinite 
diverfion  to  the  people.  So  that  vinegar  in  the  old  farces,  was 
always-  afterwards  in  ufe  to  torment  their  devil.  We  have  divers 
old  Englifti  proverbs,  in  which  the  devil  is  reprefenttd  as  acting  or 
fuffering  ridiculoufiy  and  abfurdly,  which  nil  arofe  from  the  part 
he  bore  in  thefe  ?nyjleries,  as  in  that,  for  inilance,  of—  Great  cry 
and  little  vjool,  as  the  devil  faid  tJehai  be  Jheercd  bis  hogs.  For 
the  fheep-fhearing  of  Nabal  being  reprefented  in  the  myjlen  of 
David  and  Abigail,  and  the  devil  always  attending  Nd'.-.il,  was 
made  to  imitate  it  by  Jhearing  a  hog.  This  kind  of  abfurdity,  as 
it  is  the  propereft  to  create  laughter,  was  the  lubjecT:  of  the  ridi- 
culous in  the  ancient  mimes,  as  we  learn  from  thefe  words  of  faint 
Auftin  :  Ne  faciamus  ut  mimi  folent,  et  optemus  a  libero  aquam,  a 
Jympbis  vinum  -J-. 

Thefe  ?nyjlcrics,  we  fee,  were  given  in  France  at  firft,  as  well  as 
in  England  fub  dio,  and  only  in  the  provinces.  Afterwards  we 
find  them  got  into  Paris,  and  a  company  eftablifhed  in  the  Hotel 
de  Bourgogne  to  reprelent  them.  But  good  letters  and  religion  be- 
ginning to  make  their  way  in  the  latter  end  of  the  reign  or.  Francis 
the  firft,  the  ftupidity  and  prophanenefs  of  the  myjleries  made  the 
courtiers  and  clergy  join  their  intereft  for  their  fupprefnon.  Ac- 
cordingly, in  the  year  1541,  the  procureur-general,  in  the  name 
of  the  king,  prefented  a  r^«e/#againft  the  company  to  the  parlia- 
ment. The  three  principal  branches  of  his  charge  againft  them 
were,  that  the  reprefentation  of  the  Old  Teftament  ftories  inclined 
the  people  to  Judaifm  ;  that  the  New  Teftament  ftories  encouraged 
libertinifm  and  infidelity  ;  and  that  both  of  them  leflened  the  cha- 
rities to  the  poor  :  It  feems  that  this  profecution  fucceeded  ;  for, 
in  1548,  the  parliament  of  Paris  confirmed  the  company  in  the 
pofleffion  of  the  Hotel  de  Bourgogne,  but  interdicted  the  reprefenta- 
tion of  the  myjleries.  But  in  Spain,  we  find  by  Cervantes,  that 
they  continued  much  longer  ;  and  held  their  own,  even  after 
good  comedy  came  in  amongft  them  :  as  appears  from  the  excel- 
lent critique  of  the  canon,  in  the  fourth  book,  where  he  fliows 
how  the  old  extravagant  romances  might  be  made  the  foundation 

f  Civ.  D.  I.  iv, 

of 


KING    RICHARD    III.      171 

of  a  regular  epic  (which,  he  fays,  tamblen  pucde  cfcrivirfe  enprofa 
como  en  verfo  f  ;)  as  the  myjlery-plays  might  be  improved  into  art- 
ful comedy.  His  word  are  Pucf  qi'.cji  vcnimos  a  las  comedias  divi- 
tias,  qite  i!e  milagros  falfos  fiiigcti  en  ellas,  que  dc  cojlis  apocrifa$,ymal 
entcnilidas,  attribueyendo  a  un  fanto  los  milagros  de  otro  %  ;  which 
made  them  fo  fond  of  miracles  that  they  introduced  them  into/<arj 
comedias  humatias,  he  calls  them.  To  return  : 

Upon  this  prohibition,  the  French  poets  turned  thcmfelves  from 
religious  to  mural  farces.  And  in  this  we  foon  followed  them  : 
the  public  tafte  not  fuffering  any  greater  alteration  at  firft,  though 
the  Italians  at  this  time  afforded  many  juft  compofitions  for  better 
models.  Thefe  farces  they  called  moralities.  Pierre  Gringore,  one 
of  their  old  poets,  printed  one  of  thefe  moralities,  intitled  La  Me- 
ralite  de  I'  Homme  Olftine.  The  pertbns  of  the  drama  are  f  Homme 
Objline  —  Pugnition  Divine  —  Simonie  —  Hypocrijie  —  and  Djmerltes- 
Communes.  The  Homme  Obfiin's  is  the  atheift,  and  comes  in  blal- 
pheming,  and  determined  to  perfift  in  his  impieties.  Then  Pug- 
nit  ion  Divine  appears,  fitting  on  a  throne  in  the  air,  and  menacing 
the  atheift  with  punifhment.  After  this  fcene,  Simonie,  Hypocrijie, 
and  Demerites-Communes  appear  and  play  their  parts.  In  conclu- 
fion,  Pugnition  Divine  returns,  preaches  to  them,  upbraids  them 
ivith  their  crimes,  and,  in  fliort,  draws  them  all  to  repentance, 
all  but  the  Homme  Oljline,  who  perfifts  in  his  impiety,  and  is  de- 
flroyed  for  an  example.  To  this  fad  ferious  fubjeft  they  added, 
though  in  a  feparate  reprefcntation,  a  merry  kind  of  farce  called 
Sottie,  in  which  there  was  an  PayJ'an  [the  clown]  under  the  name 
of  Sot-Commun  [or  Fcol.~\  But  we,  who  borrowed  all  thefe  delica- 
cies from  the  French,  blended  the  Moralite  and  Softie  together  : 
So  that  the  Pay/an  or  Sot-Commun,  the  Clnvn  or  Fool,  got  a  place 
in  our  ferious  moralities  :  Whofe  bulinefs  we  may  underitand  in 
the  frequent  aUufions  our  Shakefpeare  makes  to  them  :  as  in  that 
fine  fpeech  in  the  beginning  of  the  third  acl  of  Meafurefor  Mea- 
fu're,  where  we  have  this  obfcure  pnflage  : 

"  -  merely  than  art  Death's  Fool, 
*'  For  him  tboti  labour^  ly  thy  f,i%ht  toj/mn, 
"    And  yet  runnfc  tovj'rdbimjtill." 

For,  in  thefe  moralities,  the  Fool  of  the  piece,  in  order  to  flieiv  the 
inevitable  approaches  of  Death,  (another  of  the  Dramatis  Pcrfonai) 
is  made  to  employ  all  his  ftratagems  to  avoid  him  ;  which,  z\  the 
matter  is  ordered,  bring  the  Fool,  at  every  turn,  into  the  very  jaws 
of  his  enemy  :  So  that  a  reprefentation  of  thefe  fcenes  would  af- 
ford a  great  deal  of  good  mirth  and  morals  mixed  together.  The 
very  fame  thing  is  again  alluded  to  in  thefe  lines  of  .l.ovg's  La- 
bour's Loft 

**  So  Portent-//7r  I  would  o*cr-rule  hisjtafc, 
"   That  heJbouU  be  my  Fool,  and  I  bh  Fate." 

.   Act  IV 


f  B.  iv.  c.  20.  J  Ib,  21. 

But 


I7*     KING    RICHARD    III. 

But  the  French,  as  we  fay,  keeping  thefe  two  forts  of  farces  dir 
tfinifl,  they  became,  in  time,  the  parents  of  tragedy  and  comedy  j 
while  we,  by  jumbling  them  together,  begot  in  an  evil  hour, 
that  mungrel  fpecies,  unknown  to  nature  and  antiquity,  called 
tragi-comedy.  WAR  BUR  TOW. 

TO  this,  when  Mr.  Upton's  Diflertation  is  fubjoined,  there 
will,  perhaps,  be  no  need  of  any  other  account  of  the  Vice. 

LIKE  the  old  Vice.]  The  allufion  here  is  to  the  Vice,  a  droll 
character  in  our  old  plays,  accoutred  with  a  long  coat,  a  cap  with 
n  pair  of  afs's  ears,  and  a  dagger  of  lath.     Shakefpeare  alludes  to 
his  buffoon  appearance  in  Twelfth  Night,  aft  IV  : 
"  In  a  trice,  like  to  the  old  Vice  ; 

*'   Who  with  dagger  of  lath,  in  his  rage  and  his  -wrath  >, 
"  Cries,  ah,  ha!  to  the  Devil. 

In  the  fecond  part  of  K.  Henry  IV.  act  III.  Falftaff  compares 
Shallow  to  a  Vice's  dagger  of  lath.  In  Hamlet,  act  III.  Hamlet 
calls  his  uncle  : 

A  vice  of  kings  : 

i.  e.  a  ridiculous  reprefentation  of  majefty.  Thefe  paflages  the 
editors  have  very  rightly  expounded.  I  will  now  mention  fome 
others,  which  feem  to  have  efcaped  their  notice,  the  allufions 
being  not  quite  fo  obvious. 

The  Iniquity  was  often  the  Vice  in  our  old  moralities  ;  and  is 
introduced  in  B.  Jonfon's  play  called  The  Devil's  an  Afs  ;  and, 
likewife  mentioned  in  his  Epigr.  cxv  : 

*'  Being  no  vitious  perfon,  lut  the  Vice 
*'  About  the  town. 
"  Afls  old  Iniquity,   and  in  the  fit 
'*  Of  miming,  gets  th*  opinion  of  a  wit." 

But  a  paflage  cited  from  his  play  will  make  the  following  obfer- 
vations  more  plain.  Aft  I.  Pug  afks  the  Devil  "  to  lend  him  a 
Vice: 

"  Satan.  What  Vice? 
"  What  kind  would  thou  have  it  of? 

"  Pug.  Why,  any  Fraud, 
"  Or  Covetoufnefi,  or  lady  Vanity, 
"  Or  old  Iniquity  :  I'll  call  him  hither. 
Thus  the  paflage  fliould  be  ordered  : 

Pug.  Why  any  :  Fraud, 
"  Or  Covetoufncfs,  or  lady  Vanity, 
"  Or  old  Iniquity." 

"  Satan.  I'll  call  him  hither. 

"  Enter  Iniquity  the  Vice. 
*'  Ini.  What  is  he  calls  upon  me,  and  would  feem  to  lack 


«'  Ere  his  words  be  half  fpoken,  I  am  with  him  in  a  trice." 

And 


KING    RICHARD    III.     173 

/Vnd  in  his  Staple  of  News,   act  II : 

44  Mirth.  How  like  you  the  rice  V  th'  play  ? 
*'  Expectation.  Which  is  he  ? 

44  Mirth.  Three  or  four ;  old  Covetoufuefs,  the  fordid 
«  Penny-boy,  the  Mony-baw4t  who  is  a  fiem-bawd  too,  they 

*  fay. 

44  Tattle,  But  here  is  never  a  Fiend  to  carry  him  away. 
«  Befides,  he  has  never  a  wooden  dagger  !  I'd  not  give  a 
»  ru(h  for  a  Pice,  that  has  not  a  wooden  dagger  to  fnap  at 

*  every  body  he  meets. 

44  Mirth.  That  was  the  old  way,  goflip,  when  Iniquity 
44  came  in,  like  hokos  pokes,  in  a  jugler's  jerkin,  &c." 
He  alludes  to  the  Pice  in  the  Akhymift,  aft  I.  fc.  3. 

44  Sub.  And,  on  your  ftall,  a  puppet,  with  a  F"ice" 
Some  places  of  Shakefpeare  will  from  hence  appear  more  eafy  :  as 
in  the  firft  part  of  Henry  IV.  act  ii.  where  Hal.  humouroufly 
characterizing  Falftaff,  calls  him,  That  reverend  Vice,  that  grey 
Iniquity,  that  father  Ruffian,  that  Vanity  in  years,  ill  allufion  to 
this  buffoon  character.  In  K.  Richard  III.  act  iii. 

Thus  like  the  formal  Pice,  Iniquity, 

/  moralize  two  meanings  in  one  word. 
Iniquity  is  the  formal  Vice.     Some  correct  the  paflage, 

Thus,  like  formal-wife  antiquity 

I  moralize  •   Tivo  meanings  in  one  ivorj. 

Which  correction  is  out  of  all  rule  of  criticifm.  In  Hamlet,  acl 
I.  there  is  an  allufion,  ftill  more  diftant,  to  the  Vice ;  which  will 
not  be  obvious  at  firft,  and  therefore  is  to  be  introduced  with  a 
Ihort  explanation.  This  buffoon  character  was  ufed  to  make  fun 
with  the  Devil  ;  and  he  had  feveral  trite  expreflions,  as,  /'//  lie 
•with  you  in  a  trice  :  Ah,  ha,  boy,  are  you  there  ?  &c.  And  this 
was  great  entertainment  to  the  audience,  to  fee  their  old  enemy 
fo  belabour'd  in  effigy.  In  K.  Henry  V.  act  iv.  a  boy  characteriz- 
ing Piftol,  fays,  Bardolph  and  Nim  had  ten  times  more  valour,  than 
this  roaring  Devil  fthe  old  play  ;  every  one  may  pare  his  nails  <uiith  a 
•wooden  dagger.  Now  Hamlet,  having  been  inftructed  by  his  fa- 
ther's ghoft,  is  refolved  to  break  the  fubiect  of  the  difcourfe  to 
hone  but  Horatio  ;  and  to  all  others  his  intention  is  to  appear  as 
a  fort  of  madman  ;  when  therefore  the  oath  of  fecrecy  is  given  to 
the  centinels,  and  the  Ghoft  unfeen  calls  out  fivear  •  Hamlet 
fpeaks  to  it  as  the  Pice  does  to  the  Devil.  Ah,  ha,  boy,  fayft  thou 
fo  ?  Art  thou  there,  Truepenny  ?  Hamlet  liad  a  mind  that  the  cen- 
tinels fhould  imagine  this  was  a  (hape  that  the  devil  had  put  on  j 
and  in  act  III.  he  is  fornewhat  of  this  opinion  himfelf, 

Thefpirit  that  I  have  feen 

My  be  the  devil. 

The  manner  of  fpeech  therefore  to  the  Devil  was  what  all  the  au- 
dience were  xvell  acquainted  with  ;  and  it  takes  oft"  in  Ibme  mca- 
fure  from  the  horror  of  the  icene.     Perhaps  too  the  poet  was  will- 
ing 


i74      KING    RICHARD     III. 

ing  to  inculcate,  that  good  humour  is  the  beft  weapon  to  deal  vvifk 
the  devil.  Truepenny,  either  by  way  of  irony,  or  literally  from 
the  Greek,  Tpwa»oi-,  veterator.  Which  word  the  Scholiaft  on 
Ariftophanes' Clouds,  ver.  447.  explains,  r^r,,  o  •sn^nn^^iwii  *' 
ro7j  -s^ay/***™,  o»V6'?  TPYflANON  x^ovpfv.  Several  have  tried  to 
find  a  derivation  of  the  Vice :  if  I  fhould  not  hit  on  the  right,  I 
fliould  only  err  with  others.  The,  Vice  is  either  a  quality  perfon- 
alized  as  BIH  and  KAPTOE  in  Hefiod  and  ^Efchylus.  Sin.  and 
Death  in  Milton ;  and  indeed  Vice  itfelf  is  a  perfon,  B.  xi.  517: 

"  And  took  his  Image  whom  they  fervid,  a  brutijli  Vice." 
bis  image,  i.e.  a  brutifh  Dice's  image  :  the  Vice,  Gluttony;  not" 
without  fome  allufion  to  the  Vice  of  the  plays :  but  rather,  I 
think,  'tis  an  abbreviation  of  vice-devil,  as  vice-roy,  vice-doges, 
£c.  and  therefore  properly  called  the  Vice.  He  makes  very  free 
with  his  mafter,  like  moft  other  vice-roys,  or  prime  minifters. 
So  that  he  is  the  Devil's  Vice,  and  prime  mim'fter  ;  and  'tis  this 
that  makes  him  fo  fawcy.  UPTON. 

Mr.  Upton's  learning  only  fupplies  him  with  abfurdities.  His 
derivation  of  vice  is  too  ridiculous  to  be  anfwered. 

I  have  nothing  to  add  to  the  obiervations  of  thefe  learned  critics, 
but  that  fome  traces  of  this  antiquated  exhibition  are  ftill  retained 
in  the  ruftic  puppet-plays,  in  which  I  have  feen  the  Devil  very 
luftily  belaboured  by  Punch,  whom  I  hold  to  be  the  legitimate 
fucceflbr  of  the  old  Vice.  JOHNSON. 


HENRY 


HENRY    VIII. 


Perfons   Reprefented. 

King  Henry  the  Eighth* 

Cardinal  Wolfey.     Cardinal  Campeius. 

Capucius,  Embajfador  from  the  Emperor,  Charles  V, 

Cranmer,  Arcbbifhop  of  Canterbury. 

Duke  of  Norfolk.     Duke  of  Buckingham. 

Duke  of  Suffolk.     Earl  of  Surrey. 

Lord  Chamberlain.     Sir  Tho.  Audley,  Lord  Keeper^ 

Gardiner,  Eifoop  of  Winchefter. 

B'tjhop  of  Lincoln.    Lord  Abergavenny.    Lord  Sands, 

Sir  Henry  Guildford.     Sir  Thomas  Lovell. 

Sir  Anthony  Denny.     Sir  Nicholas  Vaux. 

Sir  William  Sands  '. 

Cromwell,  Servant  to  Wolfey. 

Griffith,  Gentleman-UJher  to  ^ueen  Katharine, 

Three  other  Gentlemen. 

DoRor  Butts,  Phyfician  to  the  King. 

Garter,  King  at  Arms. 

Surveyor  to  the  Duke  of  Buckingham, 

Brandon,  and  a  Serjeant  at  arms. 

Door  Keeper  of  the  Council  Chamber.  Porter,  and  his  Man, 

Queen  Katharine, 

Anne  Bullen. 

An  old  Lady,  Friend  to  Anne  Bullen. 

Patience,  Woman  to  Queen  Katharine* 

Several  Lords  and  Ladies  in  the  dumb  flows.     Women  at" 

tending  upon  the  Queen  ;  Spirits,  which  appear  to  her. 

Scribes ,  Officers.     Guards,  and  other  Attendants* 

The  SCENE  lies  moflly  in  London  and  Wejlm'mjler ; 
once,  at  Kimbolton. 

1  Sir  William  Sands  was  created  lord  Sands  about  this  time,  but 
is  here  introduced  among  the  perfons  of  the  drama,  as  a  diftindU 
character.  Sir  William  has  not  a  lingle  fpeech  afligned  to  him  ; 
and  to  make  the  blunder  the  greater,  is  brought  on  after  lord  Sands 
has  already  made  his  appearance.  STEEVENS. 

There  is  no  enumeration  of  the  perfons  in  the  old  edition. 

JOHNSON. 


PROLOGUE. 

J  come  no  more  to  make  you  laugh  ;  things  now, 

¥hat  bear  a  weighty  and  a  ferious  brow, 

Sad,  high,  and  working,  full  of  ft  ate  and  woe, 

Such  noble  fcenes  as  draw  the  eye  tofloiv, 

We  noiv  prefent.     eTbofe,  that  can  pity,  her: 

May,  if  they  think  it  well,  let  fall  a  tear  ; 

*The  fubjeEt  will  deferve  it.     Such,  as  give 

*Their  money  out  of  hope  they  may  believe, 

May  here  find  truth  too.     Thofe,  that  come  to  fee 

Only  a  J/JQW  or  two,  and  fo  agree, 

The  play  may  pafs  ;  if  they  be  ft  ill,  ami  willing, 

Til  undertake,  may  fee  away  their  foilling 

Richly  in  two  floor t  hours.     Only  they, 

That  come  to  hear  a  merry,  bawdy  play, 

A  noife  of  targets  ;  *  or  to  fee  a  fellow 

In  a  long  motley  coat,  guarded  with  yellow, 

Will  be  deceived :  for,  gentle  hearers,  kno-zv, 

To  rank  our  chofen  truth  with  J  fitch  afkozu 

jfs 

a  or  to  fee  a  fellow 

In  a  long  motley  coat, *] 

Alluding  to  the  fools  and  buffoons,  introduced  for  the  generality  in 
the  plays  a  little  before  our  author's  time  :  and  of  whom  he  has 
left  us  a  fmall  talte  in  his  own.  THEOBALD. 

So,  Nafli,  in  his  Epiflle  Dedicatory  to  Have  with  you  to  Saf- 
fron Wal&n,  or  Gabriel  Harvey' 's  Hunt  is  Up,  1^96  :  '*  — foolea 
ye  know  ahvaies  for  the  moft  part  (efpeciallie  if  they  bee  natural! 
foolei)  are  futed  in  long  coats."  STEEVENS. 

3  fucb  ajho-vj 

As  fool  and  fight  is, ] 

This  is  not  the  only  palFage  in  which  Shakefpeare  has  difcovered 
his  conviction  of  the  impropriety  of  battles  represented  on  the 
ftage.  He  knew  that  five  or  fix  men  with  fwords,  gave  a  very 
unlatisfaclory  idea  of  an  army,  and  therefore,  without  much  care 
to  excufe  his  former  practice,  he  allows  that  a  theatrical  fight 
would  deflroy  all  opinion  of  truth,  and  leave  him  never  an  undsr* 
jlanding  friend.  Magnis  ingcniis  ct  multa  nihilcminus  habit ur is  Jim- 
plex  couvcr.lt  erroris  confefTio.  Yet  I  know  not  _\vhfether  the  coro- 
V«,.  Vli.  N  natioa 


178          P    R    O    L    O    G    U     E. 

A&  fool  and  fight  is,  (befide  forfeiting 

Our  own  brains^  and  4  the  opinion  that  we  bring 

To  make  that  only  true  we  now  intend) 

Will  leave  us  never  an  underjlanding  friend. 

Therefore,  for  goodnefs*  fake,  and  as  you  are  known 

The  firjl  and  happiefi.  hearers  of  the  town, 

Be 

nation  (hewn  in  this  play  may  not  be  liable  to  all  that  can  be  ob- 
jected againft  a  battle.    JOHNSON. 

*  the  opinion  that  ive  I  ring 

To  make  that  only  true  ive  now  intend^}~\ 

Thefe  lines  I  do  not  underftand,  and  fufpecT:  them  of  corruption, 
I  believe  we  may  better  read  thus  : 

th'  opinion,  that  ive  bring 

Or  make;  that  only  truth  ive  noiv  intend.     JOHNSON. 
To  intend  in  our  author,  has  fometimes  the  fame  meaning  as 
to  pretend.     So,  in  the  preceding  play- — 

"  Intend,  fome  deep  fufpicion."     STEEVENS. 
If  any  alteration  were  necelfary,  I  fhould  be  for  only  changing 
the  order  of  the  words  and  reading 

That  only  true  to  make  we  now  intend  : 
j.  e.  that  now  we  intend  to  exhibit  only  what  is  true. 

This  paflage,  and  others  of  this  Prologue,  in  which  great  ftrefs 
is  laid  upon  the  truth  of  the  enfiiing  representation,  would  lead 
one  to  fufpeft,  that  this  play  of  Henry  the  Vlllth,  is  the  very 
play  mentioned  by  Sir  H.  Wottnn,  [in  his  letter  of  2  July, 
1613,  Reliq.  Wotton,  p.  423.]  under  the  defcription  of  a  "  anew 
flay,  [acted  by  the  king's  players  at  the  Bank's  Side]  called,  All 
is  True,  representing,  fome  principal  pieces  of  the  reign  of  Henry 
the  Vlllth."  The  extraordinary  circuraftanccs  of  pomp  and  ma- 
jtfty,  with  which,  fir  Henry  fays,  that  play  was  fet  forth,  and 
the  particular  incident  of  certain  cannons  foot  off  at  the  king's  entry 
to  a  mafque  at  the  cardinal  Wolfey's  hor/fe,  (by  which  the  theatre 
was  fet  on  fire  and  burnt  to  the  ground,)  are  uri&ly  applicable 
to  the  play  before  us.  Mr.  Chamberlaine,  in  Winwood's  Memo- 
rials, Vol.  III.  p.  469,  mentions,  *«  the  burning  of  the  Globe, 
or  playhoufe,  on  the  Bankfitle,  on  St.  Peter's-day  [1613],  which, 
(fays  he)  fell  out  by  a  peak  of  chambers,  that  I  know  not  on  what 
occafion  were  to  be  ufed  in  the  play."  B.  Jonfon,  in  his  Exe- 
cration upon  F'rilcan,  fays,  they  were  two  poor  chambers.  [See 
the  ftage-direcYion  in  this  play,  a  little  before  the  king's  entrance. 
Drum  and  trumpet,  chambers  &fiaarfred.~\  The  continuator  of 
Stowe's  Chronicle,  relating  the  fame  accident,  p.  1003,  fays  ex- 
prefsly,  that  it  happened  at  the  play  of  Henry  the  VJHth. 

In  a  MS.  letter  of  Tho.  Lorkin  to  fir  Tho.  Puckering,  dated 

London ^ 


PROLOGUE.  179 

Be  fad,  as  we  would  make  ye :  s  Think,  ye  fee 
'The  very  perfons  of  our  noble  ftory, 
As  they  were  living ;  think,  you  fee  them  great, 
And  follo^u'd  with  the  general  throng,  and  jweat 
Of  thoufand  friends ;  then,  in  a  moment ',  fee 
H(nv  foon  this  mightinefs  meets  mifery  ! 
And,  if  you  can  be  merry  then,  Til  fay, 
A  man  may  weep  upon  his  wedding  day. 

Lai/Jon,  this  loft  of  June,  1613,  the  fame  fa<9:  is  thus  related. 
*'  No  longer  fince  irMa.ytftcrday,  while  Bourbage  his  compauie 
were  acting  at  the  Globe  the  play  of  Hen.  fill*  and  there  fhoot- 
ing  of  certayne  chambers  in  way  of  triumph,  the  fire  catch'd 
&c."  MS.  Harl.  7002.  TYRWHITT. 

s" Think,  ye  fee 

The  very  perfons  of  our  noble  Jtory^\ 

Why  the  rhyme  fhould  have  been  interrupted  here,  when  it  was  Co 
£afily  to  be  fupplied,  I  cannot  conceive.  It  can  only  be  account- 
ed for  from  the  negligence  of  the  prefs,  or  the  tranfcribers ;  and 
therefore  I  have  made  no  fcruple  to  replace  it  thus  : 

••  Think  before  ye.     THEOBALD. 

This  is  fpecious,  but  the  laxity  of  the  verfification  in  this  pro- 
logue, and  in  the  following  epilogue,  makes  it  not  neceflary. 

JOHNSON. 

The  author  of  the  Revifal  would  read  : 
— — ~  of  our  hiftory.    STEEVENS. 


N  a  KING 


KING  HENRY  VIII'. 


ACT      I.       SCENE     I. 

London. 
An  Antichamber  in  the  Palace. 

E/iter  the  Duke  of  Norfolk,  at  one  door ;  at  the  other  $ 
the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  and  the  Lord  Abergavenny. 

Buck.  Good  morrow,  and  well  met.     How  hare 

you  done, 
Since  laft  we  faw  in  France  ? 

Nor.  I  thank  your  grace  : 
Healthful ;  and  ever  fince  a 6  freih  admirer 
Of  what  I  faw  there. 

Buck.  An  untimely  ague 
Stay'd  me  a  prifoner  in  my  chamber,  when 
Thofe  fons  of  glory,  thofe  two  lights  of  men, 
Met  in  the  vale  of  Arde. 

Nor.  'Twixt  Guines  and  Arde  : 
I  was  then  prefent,  faw  them  falute  on  horfe-back ; 

5  We  are  unacquainted  with  any  dramatic  piece  on  the  fubject 
of  Henry  VIII.  that  preceded  this  of  Shakefpeare ;  and  yet  on 
the  hooks  of  the  Stationers'  Company  appears  the  following  entry. 
"  Nathaniel  Batter]  (who  was  one  of  our  author's  printers)  Feb. 
12,   1604.     That  he   get  good    allowance  for  the  enterlude  of 
K.  Henry  VIII.  before  he  begin  to  print  it;  and  with  the  war- 
dens hand  to  yt,    he  is  to  have  the  lame  for  his  copy."    Dr.  Far- 
mer in  a  note  on    the    epilogue    to    this  play,  ouferves    from 
Stow,  that  Robert  Greene  had  written  fomewhat  on  the  fa;i;c  ftory. 

STEETENS. 

6  r,  frejb  admire r ]  An  admirer  untired  ;   an  admirer  ftill 

feeling  the  impreffion  as  if  it  were  hourly  renewed.     JOHNSON. 

N  3  Be- 


i82       KING    HENRY    VIIL 

Beheld  them,  when  they  lighted,  how  they  clung 
In  their  embracement,  as  they  grew  together  ; 
Which  had  they,  what  four  thron'd  ones  could  have 

weigh'd 
Such  a  compounded  one  ? 

Buck.  All  the  whole  time* 
I  was  my  chamber's  prifoner. 

Nor.  Then  you  loft 

The  view  of  earthly  glory  :  Men  might  fay, 
7  'Till  this  time,  pomp  was  fingle  ;  but  now  marry'ci 
To  one  above  itfelf.     8  Each  following  day 
Became  the  next  day's  matter,  'till  the  lait 
Made  former  wonders  it's  :  To-day,  the  French^ 
9  All  clinquant,  all  in  gold,  like  heathen  gods, 
Shone  down  the  Englilh  ;  and,  to-morrow,  they 

7  Till  this  time  pomp  was  Jingle  \  lut  no^j  marry*  d- 

To  one  above  itfclf.~ ]r 

The  thought  Is  odd  and  whimfical ;  and  obfcure  enough,  to  need 
an  explanation — Till  this  time  (fays  the  fpeaker)  Pomp  led  a  fin- 
ale lite,  as  not  finding  a  hufband  able  to  fupport  her  according  to 
her  dignity  ;  but  fhe  has  now  got  one  in  Henry  VIII.  who  could 
fupport  her  even  above  her  condition  of  finery.  WAR  EUR  TON. 
Dr.  Warburton  has  here  difcovered  more  beauty  than  the  au- 
thor intended,  who  only  meant  to  fay  in  a  noify  periphrafe,  that 
pomp  li'as  encreafcd  on  tLis  ot'cnfion  to  more  tban  twice  as  much  as  ii 
bad  ever  been  before.  Pomp  is  no  more  married  to  the  Englifli 
than  to  the  French  king,  for  to  neither  is  any  preference  given 
by  the  fpeaker.  Pomp  is  only  married  to  pomp,  but  the  new 
pomp  is  greater  than  the  old.  JOHNSON. 
*  Each  following  day 

Became  the  next  day's  majlcr,  &c.] 

Dies  diem  docet.  Every  day  learned  fomething  from  tba  pre- 
ceding, till  the  concluding  day  collected  all  the  fplendor  of  all 
the  former  (hews.  JOHNSON. 

9  All  clinquant, — ]  A 11  glittering,  d\Jbitiing.  Clarendon  ufes 
this  word  in  his  description  of  the  Spanifli  Juego  de  Toros. 

JOHNSON". 

It  is  likewife  ufed  in  a  Memorable  Mafyue,  &c.  performed  be- 
fore king  James  at  Whitehall  in  1613,  at  the  marriage  of  the 
Palfgrave  andprincefs  Elizabeth: 

"  his  bufldns  clinquant  as  his  other  attire." 

STEEVENS. 

Made 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       183 

Made  Britain,  India  :  every  man,  that  flood, 
Shevv'd  like  a  mine.     Their  dwarfifh  pages  were 
As  cherubims,  all  gilt  :  the  madams  too, 
Not  us'd  to  toil,  did  almoft  fweat  to  bear 
The  pride  upon  them,  that  their  very  labour 
Was  to  them  as  a  painting  :  now  this  mafk 
\Vas  cry'd  incomparable^  and  the  enfuing  night 
Made  it  a  fool,  and  beggar.     The  two  kings, 
Equal  in  luftre,  were  now  belt,  now  worft, 
As  prefence  did  prefent  them  ;  '  him  in  eye, 
Still  him  in  praife  :  and,  being  prefent  both, 
'Twas  faid,  they  faw  but  one  ;  and  no  difcerner 
*  Durft  wag  his  tongue  in  cenfure.    When  thefe  funs, 
(For  fo  they  phrafe  *em)  by  their  heralds  chalieng'd 
The  noble  fpirits  to  arms,  they  did  perform 
Beyond  thought's  compafs;  that  former  fabulous  ftory, 
Being  now  feen  poffible  enough,  got  credit,    ' 
That  '  Bevis  was  believ'd. 

Buck.  Oh,  you  go  far. 

Nor*  As  I  belong  to  worfhip,  and  affect 
In  honour  honefly,  4  the  tradt  of  every  thing 
Would  by  a  good  difcourfer  lofe  fome  life, 
Which  action's  felf  was  tongue  to.    *  All  was  royal ; 

To 

Still  him  in  praife  \  *••  J  < 

So,  Dryden: 

"   TWO  f/v'f/f 

*'  So  matclSd  as  each  fccmd  worllncjl  when  alone.1*  JOHNSON. 

*  Dnrftivag  }}'13  tongue  in  cenfure.]  Cenfure  for  determination, 
of  which  had  the  noblelt  appearance.  WAR  EUR  TON. 

3  That  Bevis  "Mas  bcHev'tf.']  The  old  romantic  legend  of  Bevig 
of  Southampton.  This  Bevis  (or  Beavois)  a  Saxon,  was  for  his 
prowefs  created  by  William  the  Conqueror  earl  of  Southampton  : 
of  whom  Camden  in  his  Britannia.  THEOBALD. 

+  the  traSl  of  every  thing  &c.]  The  courfe  of  thefe 

triumphs  and  pleafure?,  however  well  related,  mufr.  lofe  in  the" 
defcription  part  of  that  fpirit  and  energy  which  were  exprefTed  in 
the  real  action.  JOHNSON. 

5  All  v:as  royal ;  Sec.]  This  fpeech  was  given  in  all  the 

editions  to  Buckingham;  but  improperly.  For  he  wanted  ir.for- 


j84       KINGH'ENRY    VIIIr 

To  the  difpofing  of  it  nought  rebell'd, 
Order  gave  each  thing  view  ;  6  the  office  did 
Diitindtly  his  full  fundion. 

Buck.  Who  did  guide, 
I  mean,  who  fet  the  body  and  the  limbs 
Of  this  great  fport  together,  as  youguefs? 

Nor.  One,  ccrtes,  that  promifes  no  7  element 
In  fuch  a  bufinefsr 

Buck.  I  pray  you,  who,  my  lord  ? 

Nor.  All  this  was  order'd  by  the  good  discretion 
Of  the  right  reverend  cardinal  of  York. 

Buck.  The  devil  fpeed  him  !  no  man's  pye  is  free'd 
From  his  ambitious  ringer.     What  had  he 
To  do  in  thefe  8  fierce  vanities  ?  I  wonder, 
9  That  fuch  a  kcech  can  with  his  very  bulk 

Take 

mntion,  having  kept  his  chamber  during  the  folemnity.     I  have 
therefore  given  it  to  Norfolk.     WARBUR.TON. 
I  would  point  thus  : 

all  was  royal 

To  the  difpofing  of  it ; 
i.  e.  even  to  the  difpofing  of  it.     MUSGRAVE. 

6   ' the  office  did 

Dijlinttly  bis  full  function.'] 

The  commiilion  for  regulating  this  fcftivity  was  well  executed, 
and  gave  exactly  to  every  particular  perfbn  and  adion  the  proper 
pl.ice.  JOHNSON. 

7  elftnent]  No  initiation,  no  previous  practices.     Elements 

are  the  firft  principles  of  things,  or  rudiments  of  knowledge.  The 
word  is  here  applied,  not  without  a  catacbrcfes^  to  a  peribn. 

JOHNSON. 

9:—~-$ercfvanitzts? ]  Fierce  is  here.  I  think,  ufed  like 

the  French  fier  foe  proud,  unlefs  we  fuppofe  an  allufion  to  the  mi- 
mical  ferocity  of  the  combatants  in  the  tilt.  JOHNSON. 

It  is  certaiujy  ufed  as  the  French  word  far.  So,  in  Ben  Jon- 
fon's  Bartholomew  Fair,  the  puritan  fays,  the  hobby  horfe  "is 
a  farce  and  rank  idol."  STEEVENS. 

9  That  fitch  a  keech ]  Ketch,  from  the   Italian  caiccbio, 

fignifying  a  tub,  barrel,  or  hogfhead,  Skinner.     POPE. 

The  wcrd  in  th.e  folio  is  fitetb,  which,  not  being  underflood,  is, 
changed  into  ketch. 

A  keccb  is  a  foJid  lump  or  mafs.  A  cake  of  wax  or  tallow  form- 
ed in  a  mould  is  called  yet  in  fome  places  a  keccb.  JOHNSON. 

These: 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      185 

.Take  up  the  rays  o'  the  beneficial  fun, 
And  keep  it  from  the  earth. 

Nor.  Surely,  fir, 

There's  in  him  fluff  that  puts  him  to  thefe  ends : 
For,  being  not  propt  by  anceftry,  (whofe  grace 
Chalks  fucceflbrs  their  way)  nor  call'd  upon 
For  high  feats  done  to  the  crown  ;  neither  ally'd 
To  eminent  affiflants,  but,  fpider-like, 

1  Out  of  his  felf-drawing  web,  he  gives  us  note, 
The  force  of  his  own  merit  makes  his  way  ; 

2  A  gift  that  heaven  gives  for  him,  which  buys 
A  place  next  to  the  king. 

Aber.  I  cannot  tell 

What  heaven  hath  given  him,  let  fome  graver  eye 
Pierce  into  that ;  but  I  can  fee  his  pride 
Peep  through  each  part  of  .him  :    Whence  has  he 

that? 

If  not  from  hell,  the  devil  is  a  niggard  ; 
Or  has  given  all  before,  and  he  begins 
A  new  hell  in  himfelf. 

Buck.  Why  the  devil, 
Upon  this  French  going-out,  took  he  upon  him, 

There  may,  perhaps,  be  a  fingular  propriety  in  this  term  of  con- 
tempt. Vfrolfy  was  the  foil  of  a  lutcber,  and  in  the  fecond  part 
of  King  Henry  IV.  a  butcher's  wife  is  called — Goody  Keech. 

STEEVENS. 

1  Out  of  hh  fflf-faw'mg  txel ;  —  ]  Thus  it  frauds  in  the  firft  edi- 
tion. The  later  editors,  by  injudicious  correclion,  have  printed  : 

Out  of  his  felf-drawn  iueb.     JOHNSON. 
4  A gifc  that  heaven  gives  for  him,  which  luys 

A  flace  next  to  the  king.] 

It  is  evident  a  word  or  two  in  the  fentence  is  mifplaced,  and  that 
we  fhould  rend : 

A  gift  that  heaven  gives  :   which  buy^  for  him 
A  place  next  to  the  kin-.     "W.vRBURTON. 
It  is  full  as  likely  that  Shakefpeare  wrote  : 

gives  to  him, 

which  will  fave  any  greater  alteration.     JOHNSON. 

I  am  too  dull  to  perceive  the  neceifity  of  any  change.     What 
^he  is  unable  to  give  himfelf,  heaven  gives  or  depofits  _/*>;•  him, 
and  that  gift,  or  depofit,  buys  a  place,  &c.     STEEVENS. 

With- 


i86       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Without  the  privity  o*  the  king,  to  appoint 

Who  fhould  attend  on  him  ?  He  makes  up J  the  fife 

Of  all  the  gentry  ;  for  the  moft  part  fuch 

Too,  whom  as  great  a  charge  as  little  honour 

He  meant  to  lay  upon  :  and  his  own  letter, 

The  honourable  board  of  4  council  out, 

5  Muft  fetch  in  him  he  papers. 

Aber.  I  do  know 

Kinfmen  of  mine,  three  at  the  leaft,  that  have 
By  this  fo  licken'd  their  eftates,  that  never 
They  lhall  abound  as  formerly. 

Buck.  O,  many 

Have  broke  their  backs  with  laying  manors  on  them 
For  this  great  journey  6.    7  What  did  this  vanity, 
But  mmifter  communication  of     . 
A  moft  poor  iffue  ? 

s  —the file]  That  is,  the  lift.    JOHNSON. 

*  council  out,]  Council  not  then  fitting.     JOHNSON. 

The  expreffion  rather  means,  "  all  mention  of  the  board  of 
council  being  left  out  of  his  letter."  STEEVENS. 

5  Muft  fetch  in  him  he  papers.]  He  papers,  a  verb,;  his  own 
letter,  by  his  own  fingle  authority,  and  without  the  concurrence 

of  the  council,  muft  fetch  in  him  whom  he  papers  down. 1 

don't  underftand  it,  unlefs  this  be  the  meaning.  POPE. 

Wolfey  published  a  lift  of  the  feveral  perfons  whom  he  had  ap- 
pointed to  attend  on  the  king  at  this  interview.  See  Hall's  Chro- 
nicle, RymerVjFVn&r*,  torn.  13,  &c.  STEEVENS. 

6  Have  Iroke  their  backs  with  laying  manors  on  them 
For  this  great  journey.] 

In  the  ancient  Interlude  of  Nature,  bl.  1.  no  date,  but  appa- 
rently printed  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VIII.  there  feema  to 
have  been  a  fimilar  ftroke  aimed  at  this  expenfive  expedition  : 
**  PryJe.  I  am  unhappy,  I  fe  it  well, 
For  thexpence  of  myne  apparell 
Towards  this  vyage — 
What  in  horfes  and  other  aray 
Har;  compelled  me  for  to  lay 
*  All  my  land  to  mortgage"     STEEVENS. 

7  • What  did  this  vanity 

Hut ] 

What  effeft  had  this  pompous  fliew  but  the  produdion  of  a  wretch- 
ed conclulkm.    JOHNSON. 

•    Nor. 


KING     HENRY    VIII.       187 

AV.  Grieyingly  I  think^ 

The  peace  between  the  French  and  us  not  values 
The  coft  that  did  conclude  it. 

Buck.  8  Every  man, 

After  the  hideous  florin  that  follow'd,  was 
A  thing  infpir'd  ;  and,  not  confulting,  broke 
Into  a  general  prophecy, — That  this  tempeft, 
Dafhing  the  garment  of  this  peace,  aboaded 
The  fuddcn  breach  on't. 

Nor.  Which  is  budded  out ; 

For  France  hath  flaw'd  the  league,  and  hath  attached 
Our  merchants'  goods  at  Bourdeaux. 

Aber.  Is  it  therefore 
I  The  ambafiador  is  filenc'd  ? 

AV.  Marry,  is'r. 

Aber.  '  A  proper  title  of  a  peace  ;  and  purchas'd 
At  a  fuperfluous  rate  ! 

Buck.  Why,  all  this  bufmefs 
Our  reverend  cardinal  carry'd. 

AV.  Like  it  your  grace, 
The  flate  takes  notice  of  the  private  difference 
Betwixt  you  and  the  cardinal.     I  advife  you, 
(And  take  it  from  a  heart  that  wifhes  towards  you 
Honour  and  plenteous  fafety)  that  you  read 

*  Every  man, 

After  the  hideous  Jlorm  that  follow?  J^  &c.] 

His  author,  Hall,  fays,  "  Monday,  \  %th  day  of  June ,  there  Hew 
fitch  jlorms  of  wind  and  weather,  that  marvel  was  to  Jjcar  ;  for 
•~vhicb  hideous  tempeft  fome  faid  it  ivas  a  i-cry  prcgnoftication  of  trou- 
ble and  hatred  to  came  between  princes  "  In  Henry  VIII.  p.  80. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

9  The  amlajjador  is  filenc'd  ?]  Silene'd  for  recall'd.  This  be- 
ing proper  to  be  faid  of  an  orator  ;  and  an  ambaflador  or  public 
mimfter  being  called  an  orator,  he  applies  fdencd  to  ambaflador. 

WAR  EUR  TON. 

I  underftand  it  rather  of  the  French  ambaffador  refiding  in 
England,  who,  by  being  refufed  an  audience,  may  be  faid  to  be 
filenc'd.  JOHNSON. 

^  '  A  proper  title  of  a  peace ; — ]  A  fine  name  01"  u  peace.     Iro« 
jnically.     foKxsox. 

The 


x$8       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

The  cardinal's  malice  and  his  potency 
Together  :  to  confider  further,  that 
What  his  high  hatred  would  effed,  wants  not 
A  minifter  in  his  power  i  You  know  his  nature, 
That  he's  revengeful ;  and  I  know,  his  fword 
Hath  a  lharp  edge  :  it's  long,  and,  it  may  be  faid,; 
It  reaches  far  ;  and  where  'twill  not  extend, 
Thither  he  darts  it.     Bofom  up  my  counfel, 
You'll  find  it  wholefome.     Lo,  where  z  comes  that 

rock, 
That  I  advife  your  Ihunning. 

Enter  Cardinal  Wolfey,  the  pur fe  borne  be  fore  him ,-  certain 
of  the  guard,  and  two  Secretaries  with  papers.  The 
Cardinal  in  his  pajfage  fixeth  his  eye  on  Buckingham > 
and  Buckingham  on  him,  both  full  of  difdain. 

Wol.  The  duke  of  Buckingham's  furveyor  ?  ha  ? 
Where's  his  examination  ? 

Seer.  Here,  fo  pleafe  you. 

Wol.  Is  he  in  perfon  ready  ? 

Seer.  Ay,  pleafe  your  grace. 

Wol.  Well,  we  mail  then  know  more ;  andBuck-^ 

ingham 
Shall  lefTen  this  big  look. 

[Exeunt  Cardinal,  and  his  train* 

Buck.  This  ?  butcher's  cur  is  venom-mouth'd,  and  I 

a  comes  that  rock,]  To  make  the  rock  come  i$  not  very 

juir.    JOHNSON. 

3  butcher's  cur ]  Wolfey  is  faid  to  have  been  the  font 

of  a  butcher.     JOHNSON. 

Dr.  Gray  obferves,  that  when  the  death  of  the  duke  of  Buck- 
ingham was  reported  to  the  emperor  Ch; '  v.s  V.  he  faid,  "  The 
firft  buck  of  England  was  worried  to  death  by  a  butcher's  dog." 
Skelton,  whofe  fatire  is  of  the  groflell  iJtvi ,  M  Hrby  come  you  not 
to  Cnurt,  has  the  fame  reflection  on  the  mcannels  of  cardinal 
.Wo Key's  birth  : 

"  For  drede  of  the  boucbefs  do$, 

"  Wold  winy  them  like  an  hog."     STKEVENS. 

Have 


KING    HENRY    VIII.        jg9 

Have  not  the  power  to  muzzle  him  ;  therefore,  belt 
Not  wake  him  in  his  ilumber.     4  A  beggar's  book 
Out-worths  a  noble's  blood, 

Nor.  What,  are  you  chaf 'd  ? 

Aik  God  for  temperance  ;  that's  the  appliance  only, 
Which  your  difeafe  requires. 

Suck.  I  read  in  his  looks 
Matter  againfl  me ;  and  his  eye  revil'd 
Me,  as  his  abject  objedt  :  at  this  inftant 
•*  He  bores  me  with  fome  trick  :    He's  gone  to  tho 

king  ; 
.  I'll  follow,  and  out-ftare  him. 

Nor.  Stay,  my  lord, 

And  let  your  reafon  with  your  choler  queftion 
What  'tis  you  go  about :  To  climb  fteep  hills, 
Requires  flow  pace  at  firft :  Anger  is  like  6 
A  full-hot  horfe ;  who  being  allow'd  his  way, 
Self-mettle  tires  him.     Not  a  man  in  England 
Can  advife  me  like  you  :  be  to  yourfelf, 
As  you  would  to  your  friend. 

Buck.  I'll  to  the  king ; 
And 7  from  a  mouth  of  honour  quite  cry  down 

4  •        >A  beggar's  look 

Out-worth's  a  noble's  blood.~\ 

That  is,  the  literary  qualifications  of  a  bookifh  beggar  are  more 
prized  than  the  high  defcent  of  hereditary  greatnefs.  This  is  a 
contemptuous  exclamation  very  naturally  put  into  the  mouth  of 
one  of  the  antient,  unletter'd,  martial  nobility.  JOHNSON. 

5  He  bores  me  with  fame  trick  : ]  He  ftabs  or  Wounds  me 

by  fome  artifice  or  fidtion.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  the  Life  and  Death  of  the  Lord  Cromwell,   1613: 

"  One  that  hath  gull'd  you,  that  hath  bor'd  you,  fir." 

STKEVENS. 
6  Anger  is  like 

A  full  hot  horfe; ] 

So,  Maifinger,  in  the  Unnatural  Combat : 

Let  pajjion  work,  and,  like  a  hot-rein' d  horfet 
'Twill  quickly  tire  itfelf.     STEEVENS. 

7  from  a  mouth  of  honour ]  I  will  crulh  this  bafebora 

fellow,  by  the  due  influence  of  my  rank,  or  fay  that  all  diftinc- 
tion  of  perfons  is  at  an  end.  JOHNSCN. 

This 


ipo       KING    HENRY    VIII, 

This  Ipfwich  fellow's  infolence  ;  or  proclaim, 
There's  difference  in  no  perfons. 

Nor.  Be  advis'd ; 

Heat  not  a  furnace  8  for  your  foe  fo  hot 
That  it  do  finge  yourfelf :  We  may  out-run, 
By  violent  fwiftnefs,  that  which  we  run  at, 
And  lofe  by  over-running.     Know  you  not, 
The  fire,  that  mounts  the  liquor  'till  it  run  o'er, 
In  feeming  to  augment  it,  waftes  it  ?  Be  advis'd ; 
I  fay  again,  there  is  no  Englifti  foul 
More  ftronger  to  dired:  you  than  yourfelf; 
If  with  the  fap  of  reafon  you  would  quench, 
Or  but  allay,  the  fire  of  paffion. 

Buck.  Sir, 

I  am  thankful  to  you  ;  and  I'll  go  along 
By  your  prefcription  : — but  this  top-proud  fellow, 
(Whom  from  the  flow  of  gall  I  name  not,  but 
From  9  imcere  motions)  by  intelligence, 
And  proofs  as  clear  as  founts  in  July,  when 
We  fee  each  grain  of  gravel,  I  do  know 
To  be  corrupt  and  treasonous. 

Nor.  Say  not,  treafonous. 

Buck.  To  the  king  I'll  fay't ;  and  make  my  vouch 

as  ftrong 

As  ihore  of  rock.     Attend.     This  holy  fox, 
Or  wolf,  or  both,  (for  he  is  equal  ravenous, 
As  he  is  fubtle  ;  and  as  prone  to  mifchief, 
As  able  to  perform't :  '  his  mind  and  place 

Infecl> 

8  Heat  not  a  furnace  &c.]  Might  not  Shakefpeare  allude  to 
Dan.  iii.  22  ?  "  Therefore  becaufe  the  king's  commandment  was 
urgent,  and  the  furnace  exceeding  hot,  the  flame  of  fire  flew 
thofe  men  that  took  up  Sbadrach,  Mejbac>  and  Abednego" 

STEEVENS. 

9  -fincere  motions^) — ]  Honeft  indignation  ;  warmth  of  in* 

tegrity.     Perhaps  name  not,  fhould  be  Uame  not. 

Whom  from  the  flow  of  gall  /blame  not.     JOHNSON. 
1   •  his  mind  and  place 

] 

This 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      ,9, 

Infe&ing  one  another,  yea,  reciprocally) 

Only  to  ihew  his  pomp  as  well  in  France 

As  here  at  home,  *  fuggefts  the  king  our  mailer 

To  this  laft  coftly  treaty,  the  interview, 

That  fwallow'd  fo  much  treafure,  and  like  a  glafs 

Did  break  i'  the  rinfing. 

Nor.  'Faith,  and  fo  it  did. 

Buck.  Pray,  give  me  favour,  fir.     This  cunning 

cardinal 

The  articles  o'  the  combination  drew, 
As  himfelf  pleas'd  ;  and  they  were  ratify'd, 
As  he  cry'd,  Thus  let  be  :  to  as  much  end, 
As  give  a  crutch  to  the  dead  :  But  our  court  cardinal J 
Has  done  this,  and  'tis  well ;  for  worthy  Wolfey, 
Who  cannot  err,  he  did  it.     Now  this  follows, 
(Which,  as  I  take  it,  is  a  kind  of  puppy 
To  the  old  dam,  'treafon) — Charles  the  emperor, 
Under  pretence  to  fee  the  queen  his  aunt, 
(For  'twas,  indeed,  his  colour  ;  but  he  came 
To  whifper  Wolfey)  here  makes  vifitation  : 
His  fears  were,  that  the  interview,  betwixt 
England  and  France,  might,  through  their  amity, 
Breed  him  fome  prejudice ;  for  from  this  league 
Peep'd  harms  that  menac'd  him  :  He  privily 
Deals  with  our  cardinal ;  and,  as  I  trow, — 
Which  I  do  well ;  for,  I  am  fure,  the  emperor 
Pay'd  ere  he  promis'd  ;  whereby  his  fuit  was  granted, 
Ere  it  was  afk'cl — but  when  the  way  was  made, 
And  pav'd  with  gold,  the  emperor  thus  defir'd  ; — 
That  he  would  pleafe  to  alter  the  king's  courfe, 
And  break  the  forefaid  peace.     Let  the  king  know, 

This  is  very  fatirical.  His  mind  he  reprefents  as  highly  corrupt ; 
and  yet  he  luppofes  the  conragion  of  the  place  of  firll  inimiter  as 
adding  an  infeftion  to  it.  WARBURTOX. 

'* — Tuggeils  the  king  our  majier~\  foggffli,  for  excites. 

WAR  BURTON. 
3   •  cur  court  cardinal.]  The  old  copy  reads  : 

1  count  cardinal,  which  may  be  right.   STEEVENS. 

(Ai 


ipi        KING    HENRY     VIII. 

(As  foon  he  lhall  by  me)  that  thus  the  cardinal 
t)oes  buy  and  fell  his  honour  as  he  pleafes, 
And  for  his  own  advantage. 

Nor*  I  am  forry 

To  hear  this  of  him  ;  and  could  wifh,  he  were 
Something  miftaken  in't. 

Buck.  No,  not  a  fyllable ; 
I  do  pronounce  him  in  that  very  lhape, 
He  lhall  appear  in  proof. 

Enter  Brandon  ;  a  Serjeant  at  arms  before  him,  an£  two 
or  three  of  the  guard. 

Bran.  Your  office,  ferjeant ;  execute  it. 

Serf.  Sir, 

My  lord  the  duke  of  Buckingham,  and  earl 
Of  Hereford,  Stafford,  and  Northampton,  I 
Arrefl  thee  of  high  treafon,  in  the  name 
Of  our  moft  fovereign  king. 
.  Buck.  Lo  you,  my  lord, 
The  net  has  fallen  upon  me ;  I  lhall  perifh 
Under  device  and  practice. 

Bran.  *  I  am  forry 

To  fee  you  ta'en  from  liberty,  to  look  on 
The  bufinefs  prefent :  'Tis  his  highnefs'  pleafurc, 
You  lhall  to  the  Tower. 

Buck.  It  will  help  me  nothing, 
To  plead  mine  innocence  ;  for  that  dye  is  on  me, 
Which  makes  my  whiteft  part  black.     The  will  of 

heaven 
Be  done  in  this  and  all  things !  — I  obey — , 

0  my  lord  Aberga'ny,  fare  you  well 

*  lam  forry 

To  fee  you  ta* en  from  liberty,  to  look  on 
The  lufinefs  prefent : ] 

1  am  forry  that  I  am  obliged  to  be  prefent  and  an  eye-witnefe  of 
your  lofs  of  liberty.    JOHNSON. 

Sran. 


1C  ING    HENRY    VIII.       193 

Bran.  Nay,  he  muft  bear  you  company  : — The 
king  [To  Aberg+ 

Is  pleas'd,  you  fhall  to  the  Tower,  'till  you  know 
How  he  determines  further. 
.   Abcr.  As  the  duke  faid, 

The  will  of  heaven  be  done,  and  the  king's  pleafure 
By  me  obey'd. 

Bran.  Here  is  a  warrant  from 

The  king,  to  attach  lord  Montacute  ;  and  the  bodies 
Of  the  duke's  confeflbr,  John  de  la  Court5, 
6  One  Gilbert  Peck,  his  chancellor,— 

Buck.  So,  fo  ; 
Thefe  are  the  limbs  of  the  plot :  No  more,  I  hope. 

Bran.  A  monk  o'  the  Chartrcux. 

Buck.  O,  7  Nicholas  Hopkins  ? 

Bran.  He. 

Buck.  My  furveyor  is  falfe  ;  the  o'er-great  cardinal 
Hath  fliew'd  him  gold  :  8  my  life  is  fpann'd  already: 
I  am  the  fhadow  of  poor  Buckingham  9 ; 

Whofe 

5  John  tie  la  Court,]  The  name  of  this  monk  of  the  Chartreuse 
was  John  de  la  Car,  alias  de  la  Court,     See  Holinfhed,  p.  865. 

STEEVENS. 

6  One  Gilbert  Peel;  bis  counfellor.]  So,  the  old  copies  have  it, 
but  I,  from  the  authorities  of  Hall  and  Holinflied,   chang'd  it 
to  chancellor.     And  our  poet  himfelf,  in  the  beginning  of  the  fe- 
cond  aft,  vouches  for  this  correction  : 

.///  tffhich  '•>  appear*  d  againjl  him  his  furveyor  t 
Sir  Gilbert  Peck  his  chancellor.     THEOBALD. 
Holinflied  calls  this  perfon,  "  Gilbert  Perke  prieft,   the  duke's 
chancellor."    STEEVENS. 

7  Michael  Hopkins.']  So  all  the  old  copies  had  it ;  and  fo  Mr. 
Rowe  and  Mr.  Pope  from  them.     But  here  again,  by  the  help  of 
the  chronicles,  I  have  given  the  true  reading.     THEOBALD. 

8  '    '     my  life  is  fpann'd  already  :]  Tofpan  is  to  gripe,  or  inclofe 
in  the  hand;  tofpan  is  alfo  to  meafure  by  the  palm  and  fingers. 
The  meaning,  therefore,  may  either  be,  that  hold  is  taken  of  my 
life,  my  life  is  in  the  gripe  of  my  enemies  ;   or,   that  my  time  is  mea- 
fured,  the  length  of  my  life  is  now  determined.     JOHNSON. 

y  I  am  thejhadovj  of  poor^  Buckingham  ; 
Whofe  figure  even  this  inftant  cloud  puts  ont 

By  darlfning  my  clear  fun. —  ] 

VOL.  VII.  O  Thefe 


i94       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Whofe  figure  even  this  inftant  cloud  puts  on, 
By  dark'ning  my  clear  fun. — My  lord,  farewel. 

[Exeunt. 

Thefe  lines  have  patted  all  the  editors.  Does  the  reader  under- 
Hand  them  ?  By  me  they  are  inexplicable,  and  muft  be  left,  I  fear, 
to  feme  happier  fagacity.  If  the  uiage  of  our  author's  time 
could  allow  figure  to  be  taken,  as  now,  for  dignity  or  importance, 
\ve  might  read : 

Wbofefigurt  even  this  inftant  cloud  puts  out. 
But  I  cannot  pleafe  myfelf  with  any  conje&ure. 

Another  explanation  may  be  given,  ibmewhat  harfh,  but  the 
bell  that  occurs  to  me : 

I  am  tbejbadmv  of  poor  Buckingham , 
Wljofe  figure  even  this  inftant  cloud  puts  on, 

whofe  port  and  dignity  is  ailumed  by  this  cardinal,  that  over- 
clouds and  opprefles  me,  and  who  gains  my  place 

By  darkening  my  clear  fun,     JOHNSON. 

Perhaps  Shakefpeare  has  exprefled  the  fame  idea  more  clearly  in 
the  Two  Gentlemen  of  Verona,  Antony  and  Cleopatra,  and  King 
John  : 

**  Oh,  how  this  fpring  of  love  refembeleth 
**  Th'  uncertain  glory  of  an  April  day, 
*'  Which  now  fliews  all  the  beauty  of  the  fun, 
"  And,  by  and  by,  a  cloud  takes  all  away." 
Antony  remarking  on  the  various  appearances  alTumed  by  the 
flying  vapours,  adds  : 

« now  thy  captain  is 

*'  Even  fuch  a  body  :  here  I  am  Antony, 
**  But  cannot  hold  this  vifible  fliape,  my  knave," 
Or  yet  more  appofitely  in  King  John : 

**  being  but  the  fhadow  of  your  fon 

$<•  Becomes  a  fun,  and  makes  your  fon  a  ftiadow." 
Such  another  thought  appears  in  the  famous  Hift.  of  Tho.  Stukely^ 
1605  : 

**  He  is  \\\zfubjiance  of  myy/Wo'uWlove." 
There  is  likewife  a  paflage  fimilar  to  the  conclufion  of  this, 
hi  the  Bloody  Brother  of  Beaumont  and  Fletcher  : 

**  is  drawn  fo  high,  that,  like  an  ominous  comet, 

,       **  He  darkens  all  your  light."     STEEVEN&. 


SCENE 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       195 

SCENE      II. 

The  Council-Chamber. 

Cornet.      Enter  King  Henry,    leaning  on  the  Cardinals 
Jhoulder  ;    the  Nobles,    and  Sir  Thomas  LoveL      The 
Cardinal  places  hlmfelf  under  the  King's  feet,  on  his 
right  fide. 

King.  My  life  itfelf,  '  and  the  bed  heart  of  it, 
Thanks  you  for  this  great  care  :  *  I  flood  i'  the  level 
Of  a  full-charg'd  confederacy  ;  and  give  thanks 
To  you  that  choak'd  it. — Let  be  call'd  before  us 
That  gentleman  of  Buckingham's  :  in  perfon 
I'll  hear  him  his  confeffions  juftify  ; 
And  point  by  point  the  treafons  of  his  mailer 
He  fhall  again  relate. 

A  noife  within,  crying,  Room  for  the  Queen.  Enter 
the  Queen,  vjhered  by  the  Dukes  of  Norfolk  and  Suffolk  : 
jhe  kneels.  The  King  rifeth  from  hisjlate,  takes  her  up, 
kiffes,  and  placeth  her  by  him. 

j^ueen.  Nay,  we  mufl  longer  kneel ;  I  am  a  fuitor. 

1  and  the  left  heart  of  it,~\  The  expreffion  is  monftrous. 

The  heart  is  fuppofed  the  feat  of  life :  but,  as  if  he  had  many 
lives,  and  to  each  of  them  a  heart,  he  fays,  bis  beft  heart.  A 
way  of  fpeaking  that  would  have  become  a  cat  rather  than  a  king. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

This  expreffion  is  not  more  monftrous  than  many  others.  Heart 
is  not  here  taken  for  the  great  organ  of  circulation  and  life,  but, 
in  a  common  and  popular  fenie,  for  the  molt  valuable  or  precious 
part.  Our  author,  in  Hamlet,  mentions  the  heart  of  heart.  Ex- 
haufted  and  effete  ground  is  faid  by  the  farmer  to  be  out  of  heart. 
The  hard  and  inner  part  of  the  oak  is  called  heart  of  oak. 

JOHNSON. 

*  flood  ?  the  level 

Of  a  full~c harg'el  confederacy ;  ] 

To  ftand  in  the  level  of  a  gun  is  to  (land  in  a  line  with  in  mouth, 
fo  as  to  be  hit  by  the  (hot.  JOHNIOX, 

O  z  King. 


i$       K  I  N  G     H  E  N  R  Y    VIII. 

King.  Arife,  and  take  your  place  by  us : — Half 

your  fuit 

Never  name  to  us  ;  you  have  half  our  power  : 
The  other  moiety,  ere  you  afk,  is  given  ; 
Repeat  your  will,  and  take  it. 

Queen.  Thank  your  majefty. 
That  you  would  love  yourfelf  ;  and,  in  that  love, 
Not  unconfider'd  leave  your  honour,  nor 
The  dignity  of  your  office,  is  the  point     '  V' 
Of  my  petition. 

King.  Lady  mine,  proceed. 

Queen.  1  am  folicited,  not  by  a  few, 
And  thofe  of  true  condition,  that  your  fubjedts 
Are  in  great  grievance  :    There  have  been  commif- 

fions 

Sent  down  among  them,  which  haveflaw'd  the  heart 
Of  all  their  loyalties : — wherein,  although,  [To  Wolfey* 
My  good  lord  cardinal,  they  vent  reproaches 
Mod  bitterly  oh  -you,  as  putter-on 
Of  thefe  exactions,  yet  the  king  our  mailer, 
(Whofe  honour  heaven  ihield  from  foil !)  even  he 

efcapes  not 

Language  unmannerly,  yea,  fuch  which  breaks 
The  fides  of  loyalty,  and  almoft  appears 
In  loud  rebellion. 

Nor.  Not  almoft  appears, 
It  doth  appear  :  for,  upon  thefe  taxations, 
The  clothiers  all,  not  able  to  maintain 
1  The  many  to  them  'longing,  have  put  off 
The  fpinflers,  carders,  fullers,  weavers,  who, 
Unfit  for  other  life,  compell'd  by  hunger 


3  The  many  to  them  'longing,— ]  The  many  is  the  me'niy,  the  train, 
the  people.     Dryden  is,  perhaps,  the  laft  that  ufed  this  word  : 

"  The  kings  before  their  many  rode"     JOHNSON. 
I  believe  the  many  is  only  the  multitude.  Thus,  Coriolanus,  fpeak- 
ing  of  the  rabble,  calls  them  : 

**  the  mutable  rank-fcented  many"    STEEVENS. 

And 


KING    HENRY     VIII.        i97 

4  And  lack  of  other  means,  in  defperate  manner 
Daring  the  event  to  the  teeth,  are  all  in  uproar, 

5  And  Danger  ferves  among  them. 

King.  Taxation  ! 

Wherein  ?  and  what  taxation  ? — My  lord  cardinal, 
You  that  are  blam'd  for  it  alike  with  us, 
Know  you  of  this  taxation  ? 

Wol.  Pleafe  you,  fir, 
I  know  but  of  a  fingle  part,  in  aught 
Pertains  to  the  ftate  ;  6  and  front  but  in  that  file 
Where  others  tell  fteps  with  me. 

§}uecn.  No,  my  lord, 

4  And  lack  of  other  means, — ]  Means  does  not  fignify  methods 
of  livelihood,  for  that  was  laid  immediately  before  : 

Unfit  for  other  life, 

but  it  lignifies,  nccejfarics — compelled^  fays  the  fpeaker,  for  ivant 
of  bread  and  other  necejjarics.  But  the  poet  ufing  for  the  thing 
\vjar.t  of  bread]  the  effect  of  it,  [hunger]  the  paflage  is  become 
doubly  obfcure  j  firft,  by  ufing  a  term  in  a  licentious  fenfe,  and 
then  by  putting  it  to  a  vicious  conflruclion.  The  not  apprehend- 
ing that  this  is  one  of  the  difHnguifhing  peculiarities  in  Shake^- 
fpeare's  ftile,  has  been  the  occafion  of  fo  much  ridiculous  cor- 
rection of  him.  WARBURTON. 

I  have  inferted  this  note  rather  becaufe  it  feems  to  have  been 
the  writer's  favourite,  than  becaufe  it  is  of  much  value.  It  explains 
what  no  reader  has  found  difficult,  and,  I  think,  explains  it  wrong. 

JOHNSON. 

5  And  Danger  ferves  among  them."]  Could  one  eafily  believe, 
that  a  writer,  who  had,  but  immediately  before,  funk  fo  low  in 
his  expreffion,  fhould  here  rife  again  to  a  height  fo  truly  fublime  ? 
where,  by  the  nobleft  ftretch  of  fancy,  Danger  is  perfonalized  as 
ferving  in  the  rebel  army,  and  fhaking  the  eftabliftied  govern- 
ment.    WAR  BURTON. 

Chaucer,  Gower,  Skelton,  and  Spenfer,  have  perfonified 
Danger,  The  firft,  in  his  Romaunt  of  the  Rofe',  the  fecond,  in 
his  firth  book  De  Confcffione  Amantis  ;  the  third  in  his  Bouge  of 
Court : 

"  With  that,  anone  out  ftart  dangcre" 

and  the  fourth,  in  the  icth  Canto  of  the  fourth  book  of  his 
paeiy  ^ueen^  and  again  in  the  fifth  book  and  the  ninth  Canto. 

STEEVENS. 

6  front  but  in  that  jlli\  I  am  but  primus  infer  pares.     I  am 
but  fir#  in  the  row  of  counfellors.    JOHNSON, 

O  3  You 


198        KING     HENRY    VIII. 

You  know  no  more  than  others  :  but  you  frame 
Things,  that  are  known  alike  ;  which  are  not  whole- 

fome 

To  thofe  which  would  not  know  them,  and  yet  muft 
Perforce  be  their  acquaintance.     Thefe  exactions, 
Whereof  my  fovereign  would  have  note,  they  are 
Mofl  peftilent  to  the  hearing  ;  and,  to  bear  them, 
The  back  is  facrifice  to  the  load.     They  fay, 
They  are  devis'd  by  you  ;  or  elfe  you  fuffer 
Too  hard  an  exclamation. 

King.  Still  exadtion  ! 

The  nature  of  it  ?  In  what  kind,  let's  know, 
Is  this  exadion? 

Queen.  I  am  much  too  venturous 
In  tempting  of  your  patience  ;  but  am  bolden'd 
Under  your  promis'd  pardon.     The  fubjedYs  grief 
Comes  through  commiflions,   which  compel  from 

each 

The  fixth  part  of  his  fubftance,  to  be  levy'd 
Without  delay  ;  and  the  pretence  for  this 
Is  nam'd,  your  wars  in  France  :   This  makes  bold 

mouths  : 

Tongues  fpit  their  duties  out,  and  cold  hearts  freeze 
Allegiance  in  them  ;  their  curfes  now, 
Live  where  their  prayers  did  ;  and  it's  come  to  pafs, 
That  tradable  obedience  7  is  a  Have 
To  each  incenfed  will.     I  would,  your  highnefs 
Would  give  it  quick  confideration,  for 
8  There  is  no  primer  bufincfs. 

King. 

*  ——traflabic  oled:ence  &c.]  i.  e.  thofe  who   are  tra&able  and 
obedient  muft  give  way  to  others  who  are  angry.     MVSGKAVE. 

8   There  is  no  primer  bufinefs.]   In  the  old  edition  : 

There  zs  no  primer  b:ifenefs. 

The  queen  is  here  complaining  of  the  fuffering  of  the  commons ; 
which,  fhe  fufpects,  arofe  from  the  abufe  of  power  in  fome  great 
men.  But  fhe  is  very  referved  in  fpeakins;  her  thoughts  concern- 
ing the  quality  of  it.-  We  may  be  aflured  then,  that  fhe  did  not, 
in  conclulion,  call  it  the  highelt  bajcnejs ;  but  rather  made  ufe  of 

a  word 


KING    HENRY     VIII.       i99 

King.  By  my  my  life, 
This  is  againft  our  pleafure. 

Wol.  And  for  me, 

I  have  no  further  gone  in  this,  than  by 
A  fmgle  voice  ;  and  that  not  paft  me,  but 
By  learned  approbation  of  the  judges.     If  I  am 
Traduc'd  by  ignorant  tongues, — which  neither  know 
My  faculties,  nor  perfon,  yet  will  be 
The  chronicles  of  my  doing, —  let  me  fay, 
'Tis  but  the  fate  of  place,  and  the  rough  brake 
That  virtue  muft  go  through.     We  muft  not  Hint9 
Our  neceflary  adtions,  in  the  fear 
1  To  cope  malicious  ccnfurers  ;  which  ever, 
As  ravenous  tifhes,  do  a  veffel  follow 
That  is  new  trimm'd  ;  but  benefit  no  further 
Than  vainly  longing.     What  we  oft  do  beft, 
*  By  lick  interpreters,  once  weak  ones  *,  is 


a  word  that  could  not  offend  the  cardinal,  and  yet  would  incline 
the  king  to  give  it  a  fpeedy  hearing.     I  read  therefore  : 

There  is  no  primer  bulinefs. 
i,  e.  no  matter  of  Hate  that  more  earneftly  prefles  a  difpatch. 

WARBURTON. 

9  We  muft  not  ftint]  To  flint  is  to  _/?#;>,  to  retard.  Many  in- 
ftances  of  this  fenfe  of  the  word  are  given  in  a  note  on  the  firft 
ad  of  Romeo  and  Juliet.  STEEVENS. 

1  To  cope — J  To  engage  with ;  to  encounter.     The  word  i* 
Hill  ufed  in  fome  counties.     JOHNSON. 
*  Byfak&c,]  The  old  edition  reads : 

Byjick  interpreters,    (Once  weak  ones)  is 

Not  ours, ; — 

I  do  not  know  that  the  old  reading  ought  to  be  reflored,  but  it 
may  be  noted.     JOHNSON, 

The  modern  editors  read or  weak  ones  ;  but  once  is  not 

unlrequently  uled  for  fomttime,  or  at  one  time  or  other,  among 
our  ancient  writers. 

So,  in  the  i  3th  Idea  of  Dray  ton  : 

*«  This  diamond  ihall  once  confume  to  duft." 
Again,  in  the  Merry  Wives  of  Windfor-,—"  I  pray  thee  once  tq. 
pight  give  my  fweet  Nan  this  ring."    STEEYENS. 

Q  4  Not 


tco       K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    VIII, 

Not  ours,  or  not  allow'd  ;  4  what  worft,  as  oft, 

Hitting  a  groffer  quality,  is  cry'd  up 

For  our  beft  act     If  we  ihall  ftand  ftill, 

In  fear  our  motion  will  be  mock'd  or  carp'd  at, 

We  fhould  take  root  here  where  we  fit,  or  fit 

State  ftatues  only. 

King.  Things  done  well, 

And  with  a  care,  exempt  themfelvcs  from  fear ; 
Things  done  without  example,  in  their  ifliie 
Are  to  be  fear'd.     Have  you  a  precedent, 
Of  this  commiflion  ?  I  believe,  not  any. 
We  muft  not  rend  our  fubjedb  from  our  laws, 
And  ftick  them  in  our  will.     Sixth  part  of  each  ? 
A  trembling  contribution  !  Why,  we  take, 
5  From  every  tree,  lop,  bark,  and  part  o'  the  timber ; 
And,  though  we  leave  it  with  a  root,  thus  hack'd, 
The  air  will  drink  the  fap.     To  every  county, 
Where  this  is  queftion'd,  fend  our  letters,  with 
Free  pardon  to  each  man  that  has  deny'd 
The  force  of  this  commiflion  ;  Pray,  look  to't ; 
I  put  it  to  your  care. 

IVol.  A  word  with  you.  [To  the  Secretary. 

Let  there  be  letters  writ  to  ever  ihire, 
Of  the  king's  grace  and  pardon.     The  griev'dcom-' 

mons 

'Hardly  conceive  of  me  ;  let  it  be  nois'd, 
That,  through  our  intercefjion  6,  this  revokement 

4  'iii.  v.-hat  worjl,  as  oft, 

Hitting  a  gr  offer  quality, ] 

The  \vorft  actions  of  great  men  are  commended  by  the  vulgar,  as 
jpore  accommodated  to  the  groflnefs  of  their  notions.     JOHNSON. 

5  From  every  tree,  lop,  bark,  and  part  o'  the  timber  ;  ]   Lop  is  a 
fubfiantive,  and  fignifies  the  branches.     WAX  BURTON. 

6  That  through  our  inter ceff.on,  &c.]  So,  in  Holinflied,  p.  892  : 
"  The  cardinal!,  to   deliver  himfelf  from  the  evill  will  of  the 
commons,  purchafed  by  procuring  and  advancing  of  this  demand, 
affirmed,  and  cauled  it  to  be  bruted  abrode  that  through  bis  inter- 
(.tjjien  the  king  had  pardoned,  and  releafed  all  things."  STEEVENS. 

And 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       201 

And  pardon  comes  :  I  fliall  anon  advife  you 
Further  in  the  proceeding.  [Exit  Secretary. 

Enter  Surveyor. 

Queen.  I  am  forry,  that  the  duke  of  Buckingham 
Is  run  in  your  difpleafure. 

King.  It  grieves  many  : 

The  gentleman  is  learn'd  %  a  moft  rare  fpeaker, 
To  nature  none  more  bound  ;  his  training  luch, 
That  he  may  furnifli  and  inftrucl:  great  teachers, 
And  never  feek  for  aid s  out  of  himfelf.     Yet  fee, 
When  thefe  fo  9  noble  benefits  fhall  prove 
Not  well  difpos'd,  the  mind  growing  once  corrupt, 
They  turn  to  vicious  forms,  ten  times  more  ugly 
Than  ever  they  were  fair.     x  This  man,  fo  compleat, 

Who 

7  The  gentleman  is  learn  V,  &c.]  It  appears  from  "  The  Pro- 
logue  of  the  tranflatour,"  that  the  Knyght  of  the  Swanne,  a 
French  romance,  was  tranflated  at  the  requeil  of  this  unfortunate 
nobleman.  Copland  the  printer,  adds,  "  this  prefent  hiftory 
compyled,  named  Helyas  the  Knight  of  the  Sivanne,  of  whom 
linially  is  defcended  my  faid  lord."  The  duke  was  executed  on 
Friday  the  i^th  of  May,  1521.  The  book  has  no  date. 

STEEVENS. 

8 out  of  himfelf. ]  Beyond  the  treafures  of  his  own 

mind.    JOHNSON. 

0  noble  benefits 

Not  well  difpos'd, ] 

Great  gifts  of  nature  and  education,  not  joined  with  good  difpo- 
Jitions.     JOHNSON. 

*   •         This  man,  fo  compleat, 

Wljo  ivas  enroll'd  'mongft  wonders,  and  when  ivet 
Almoft  with  lift'ning  ravifh'd,  could  not  find 
His  hour  of  fpeech,  a  minute  ;    he,  my  lady,  &c.  ] 
This  fentence  is  broken  and  confufed,  though,  with  the  allow- 
ances always  to  be  made  to  our  authour,  it  may  be  underftood. 
Yet  it  may  be  proper  to  examine  the  old  edition,  which  gives  it 
thus: 

1  — and  when  iw, 

flmojl  with  ravifh'd  liit'ning  ••  •         • 

I  know 


202        KING     HENRY    VIII. 

Who  was  enroll'd  'mongft  wonders,  and  when  we, 
Almoft  with  ravifh'd  lifc'ning,  could  not  find 
His  hour  of  fpeech  a  minute  ;  he,  my  lady, 
Hath  into  monftrous  habits  put  the  graces 
That  once  were  his,  and  is  become  as  black  * 
As  if  befmear'd  in  hell.     Sit  by  us ;  you  fliall  hear 
(This  was  his  gentleman  in  truft)  of  him 
Things  to  flrike  honour  fad. — -Bid  him  recount 
The  fore-recited  practices ;  whereof 
We  cannot  feel  too  little,  hear  too  much. 

Wol*  Stand  forth  ;  and  with  bold  fpirit  relate  what 

yen, 

Moft  like  a  careful  fubjedr.,  have  collected 
Out  of  the  duke  of  Buckingham, 

King.  Speak  freely. 

Sum*  Firft,  it  was  ufual  with  him,  everyday 
It  would  infect  his  fpeech,  That  if  the  king 
Should  without  iffue  die,  he'd  carry  it  fo 
To  make  the  fcepter  his  :  Thefe  very  words 
I  have  heard  him  utter  to  his  fon-in-law, 
Lord  Aberga'ny  ;  to  \vhom  by  oath  he  menac'cj 
Revenge  upon  the  cardinal. 

Wol*  Pleafe  your  highnefsj  note 

I  know  not  whether  we  may  not  read : 

this  man 

Who  was  enroled  with  wonder,  and  whom  i»e 

^.Imojl  were  ravijh'd  lijlening,   could  not  find 

His  hour  of  fpeech  a  minute. 

To  I'iften  a  man,  for,  to  hearken  to  him,  is  commonly  ufed  by  our 
authour.     So,  by  Milton  : 

"  Illjlendthem  a  while." 

I  do  not  rate  my  conje&ure  at  much  ;  but  as  the  common  read- 
ing is  without  authority,  fomething  may  be  tried.     Perhaps  the 
pairage  is  beft  as  it  was  originally  publifhed.     JOHNSON. 
a  — — —  is  become  as  black 

As  iflefmcar'd  in  bell.~\ 
So,  in  Othello  : 

4<  HT  name,  that  was  as  frefh 

'*  As  Dian's  vifage,  is  now  begrim'd  and  blacfc 

**  AS  mine  own  face."    STEEVENS. 

This 


KING     HENRY     VIII.       203 

?  This  dangerous  conception  in  this  point. 
Not  friended  by  his  wifh,  to  your  high  perfon. 
His  will  is  moft  malignant ;  and  it  flretches 
Beyond  yon,  to  your  friends. 

Queen.  My  learn'd  lord  cardinal, 
Deliver  all  with  charity. 

King.  Speak  on  : 

How  grounded  he  his  title  to  the  crown, 
Upon  our  fail  ?  to  this  point  haft  thou  heard  him 
At  any  time  fpeak  ought  ? 

Surv.  He  was  brought  to  this 
*By  a  vain  prophecy  of  Nicholas  Hopkins. 

King.  What  was  that  Hopkins  ? 

Surv.  Sir,  a  Chartreux  friar, 
His  confeflbr ;  who  fed  him  every  minute 
With  words  of  fovereignty. 

King.  How  know'ft  thou  this  ? 

Surv.  Not  long  before  your  highnefs  fped  to  France, 
The  duke  being  at  the  Rofe,  within  the  parifli 
Saint  Lawrence  Poultney,  did  of  me  demand 
What  was  the  fpeech  among  the  Londoners 
Concerning  the  French  journey  :  I  reply'd, 

3  This  dangerous  conception  in  this  poi;it.'\  Note  this  particular 
part  of  this  dangerous  defign.  JOHNSON. 

*  By  a  vain  prophecy  of  Nicholas  Kcpkins.]   In  former  editions  : 

By  a  vain  prophecy  of  Nicholas  Her.ton. 

We  heard  before,  from  Brandon,  of  one  Nicholas  Hopkins  ;  and 
now  his  name  is  changed  into  Henton ;  fo  that  Brandon  and  the 
furveyor  feem  to  be  in  two  ftories.  There  is,  however,  but  one 
and  the  fume  perfon  meant,  Hopkins ;  as  I  have  reftored  it  in  the 
text,  for  perspicuity's  fake  :  yet  will  it  not  be  any  difficulty  to  ac- 
count for  the  other  name,  when  we  come  to  contider,  that  he  was 
a  monk  of  the  convent,  call'd  Henton,  near  Briitol.  So  both  Hall 
and  Holinflied  acquaint  us.  And  he  might,  according  to  the 
cuftom  of  thefe  times,  be  called  Nicholas  of  Henton,  from  the 
place  ;  as  Hopkins  from  his  family.  THEOBALD. 

This  miikke,  as  it  was  undoubtedly  made  by  Shr.kefpeare,  is 
worth  a  note.  It  would  be  doing  too  great  an  honour  to  the  play- 
ers to  fuppoie  them  capable  of  being  the  authors  of  it.  STEEVENS. 

Men 


204       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Men  fear'd,  the  French  would  prove  perfidious, 

To  the  king's  danger.     Prefently  the  duke 

Said,  'Twas  the  fear,  indeed  ;  and  that  he  doubted, 

'Twould  prove  the  verity  of  certain  words 

Spoke  by  a  holy  monk  ;  that  oft,  fays  he, 

Hath  fent  to  me,  wifoing  me  to  permit 

John  de  la  Court,  my  chaplain,  a  choice  hour 

30  bear  from  him  a  matter  of  fome  moment  : 

Whom  after  s  under  the  confefliotfs  feat 

He  folemnly  had  /worn,  that,  what  he  fpoke, 

My  chaplain  to  no  creature  living,  but 

To  me,  jhould  utter,  with  demure  confidence 

^his  paitfingly  enfifd, — Neither  the  king  nor  his  heirs, 

("Tell you  the  duke)  fhattprofper  :  bidhimjlrive 

For  the  love  6  of  the  commonalty  ;  the  duke 

Shall  govern  England. . 

£>ueen.  If  I  know  you  well, 

.You  were  the  duke's  furveyor,  and  loft  your  office 
On  the  complaint  o'  the  tenants  :  Take  good  heed, 
You  charge  not  in  your  fpleen  a  noble  perfon, 
And  fpoil  your  nobler  foul ;  I  fay,  take  heed  ; 
Yes,  heartily  befeech  you. 

King.  Let  him  on  : — 
Go  forward. 

Surv.  On  my  foul,  I'll  fpeak  but  truth. 
I  told  my  lord  the  duke,  By  the  devil's  illufions 


s   — _  under  the  commiffion'j  feal 

He  folemnly  bad  f worn, ] 

So,  all  the  editions  down  from  the  very  beginning.  But  what 
com?K!/un's  feal  ?  That  is  a  queftion,  I  dare  fay,  none  of  our 
diligent  editors  ever  afked  themielves.  The  text  muft  be  rcilored, 
as  I  have  corrected  it ;  and  honeil  Holiufhed,  from  whom  our 
author  took  the  fubitancc  of  this  paflage,  may  be  called  in  as  a 
teflimony.—  "  The  duke  in  talk  told  the  monk,  that  he  had  done 
very  well  to  bind  his  chaplain,  John  de  !a  Court,  under  the  feal  of 
confcjfion,  tokeepfecret  fuch  matter."  Fid.  Life  of  Hen.  VIII. 
p.  863.  THEOBALD. 

6  For  the  lo"je\  The  old  copy  reads— To  the  love.    STEEVEKS, 

The 


KING     HENRY    VIII.        20<£ 

The    monk    might    be   deceiv'd  ;    and    that  'twas 

dang'rous  for  him 
To  ruminate  on  this  fo  far,  until 
It  forg'd  him  fome  defign,  which,  being  believ'd, 
It  was  much  like  to  do  :  He  anfwer'd,  <Tufh! 
It  can  do  me  no  damage  :  adding  further, 
That,  had  the  king  in  his  laft  ficknefs  fail'd, 
The  cardinal's  and  fir  Thomas  Level's  heads 
Should  have  gone  off. 

King.  Ha  !  what,  fo  rank  J  ?  Ah,  ha  ! 
There's  mifchief  in  this  man  : — Canft  thou  fay  fur- 
ther ? 

Surv.  I  can  my  liege. 

King.  Proceed. 

Surv.  Being  at  Greenwich, 
After  your  highnefs  had  reprov'd  the  duke 
About  fir  William  Blomer,—- 

King.  1  remember 

Of  fuch  a  time  : — 6  Being  my  fworn  fervant, 
The  duke  retain'd  him  his. — But  on ;  What  hence  ? 

Surv.  Iff  quoth  he,  /  for  this  had  been  committed, 
As  to  the  Tower,  I  thought)  I  would  have  play'd 
The  part  my  father  meant  to  aft  upon 
'The  ufurper  Richard :  who,  being  at  Salijbury, 
Made  fuit  to  come  in  his  prefence  ;  which  if  granted, 
As  he  made  femblance  of  his  duty,  would 
Have  put  his  knife  into  him. 

King.  A  giant  traitor  ! 

Wol.  Now,    madam,    may  his  highnefs  live   in 

freedom, 
And  this  man  out  of  prifon  ? 

5  — fo  rank? — ]  Rank  weeds,  are  weeds  that  are  grown  up  to 
great  height  and  ftrength.  IVbat,  fays  the  king,  ivas  be  advanced 
to  this  pitch  ?  JOHNSON. 

* Being  my  fiuorn  fervant,  &c.]  Sir  William  Blomer 

(Holinflied  calls  him  Htjmer)  was  reprimanded  by  the  king  in 
the  ftar-chamber,  for  that,  being  his  fworn  fervant,  he  had  left 
the  king's  fervice  for  the  dukefof  Buckingham's.  EtfwMrtft 

MSS.      S  TEE  YENS. 

Queen. 


2o6       KING    HENRY    VIII, 

Queen.  God  mend  all ! 

King.  There's  fomerhing  more  would  out  of  thee ; 
What  fay'fl  ? 

Surv.  After  —  the    duke  his  father, — with  —  the 

knife,— 

He  ftretch'd  him,  and,  with  one  hand  on  his  dagger, 
Another  fpre'ad  on  his  breaft,  mounting  his  eyes, 
He  did  difchnrge  a  horrible  oath  ;  whofe  tenour 
Was, — Were  he  evil  us'd,  he  would  out-go 
His  father,  by  as  much  as  a  performance 
Does  an  irrefolute  purpofe. 

King.  There's  his  period, 
To  fheath  his  knife  in  us.     He  is  attach'd  ; 
Call  him  to  prefent  trial  :  if  he  may 
Find  mercy  in  the  law,  'tis  his ;  if  none, 
Let  him  not  feek't  of  us  :  By  day  and  night, 
He's  traitor  to  the  height.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    III. 

An  Apartment  in  the  Palace. 
Enter  the  Lord  Chamberlain,  and  Lord  Sands. 

Cham.  7  Is  it  poffible,  the  fpells  of  France  fhould 

juggle 
Men  into  fuch  ftrange  myfteries  ? 

Sands. 

7  Is  itpojible,  the  fpells  of  France  Jbould juggle 

Men  into  fuch  Jlrange  myfteries  ?] 

Thefe  myfteries  were  the  fantaftic  court-fafhions.  He  fays  they 
were  occafioned  by  the  fpells  of  France.  Now  it  was  the  opinion 
of  the  common  people,  that  conjurers,  jugglers,  &c.  with  Jjbells 
and  charms  could  force  men  to  commit  idle  lantaitic  aftions ;  and 
change  even  their  fhapes  to  fomething  ridiculous  and  grotefque. 
To  this  fuperftition  the  poet  alludes,  who,  therefore,  we  muft 
think,  wrote  the  fecond  line  thus  : 

Men  into  fuch  Jlrange  mockeries. 

A  word  well  expreffive  of  the  whimfical  fafhions  here  complained 
of.  Sir  Thomas  More,  fpeaking  of  this  very  matter,  at  the  fame 
time,  fays : 

Ut 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       207 

Sands.  New  cuftoms, 
Though  they  be  never  fo  ridiculous, 
Nay,  let  'em  be  unmanly,  yet  are  follow'd. 

Cham.   As  far  as  I  fee,  all  the  good,  our  Englifli 
Have  got  by  the  late  voyage,  is  but  merely 
*  A  fit  or  two  o'the  face  ;  but  they  are  ihrewd  ones ; 
For,  when  they 'hold  'em,  you  would  fwear  dire&ly, 
Their  very  nofes  had  been  counfellors 
To  Pepin,  or  Clotharius,  they  keep  ftare  fo. 

Sands.  They  have  all  new  legs,  and  lame  ones ;  one 

would  take  it, 

That  never  faw  them  pace  before,  the  fpavin 
9  And  fpringhalt  reign'd  among  'em. 

Cham. 

**   Ut  more  firmae  iaboret  fingere 
"  Et  temulari  Gallicas  ineptias." 

But  the  Oxford  editor,  without  regard  to  the  metaphor,  but  in 
order  to  improve  on  the  emendation,  reads  mimiciriei ;  not  con- 
fidering  neither  that  whatfoe^er  any  thing  is  changed  <yc  juggled 
into  by  falls,  muft  have  z pa/jive  ngnification,  as  mockeries,  [i.e. 
vinble  figures]  not  an  afiivc,  as  mimick'ries.  WARBURTON. 

I  do  not  deny  this  note  to  be  plaufible,  but  am  in  doubt  whe- 
ther it  be  right.  I  believe  the  explanation  of  the  word  myfterles 
will  fpare  us  the  trouble  of  trying  experiments  of  emendation. 
Myfterics  were  allegorical  (hews,  which  the  mummers  of  thofe  time* 
exhibited  in  odd  and  tantaftic  habits.  Myjieries  are  ufed,  by  an 
eafy  figure,  for  thofe  that  exhibited  myjleries;  and  the  fenfe  is 
only,  that  the  travelled  Englishmen  were  metamorphofed,  by  fo- 
reign fafliions,  into  fueh  an  uncouth  appearance,  that  they  looked 
like  mummers  in  a  myftery.  JOHNSON. 

8  A  fit  or  Mi'u  #'  the  face; ]  A  fit  of  the  face  feems  to  be 

what  we  now  term  &  grimace,  an  artificial  caft  of  the  countenance. 

JOHNSON. 

Fletcher  has  more  plainly  exprefled  the  fame  thought  in  TJjt 
£Uer  Brother : 

44  learnt  new  tongues—— 

"  To  vary  his  face  as  ieamen  do  their  compafs. 

STEEVENS. 

9  And  fpringhalt  reigned  among  'em."]  The  ftringhalt^  ovfj>ri»g- 
halt)  (as  the  old  copy  reads)  is  a  difeafe  incident  to  horfes,  which 
gives  them  a  convullive  motion  in  their  paces. 

So,  in  MuleaJJis  the  Turk,    1610  : 

**  —by  reafon  of  a  general  fpring-halt  and  debility  in  their 
hams." 

Again, 


2o8       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Cham.  Death  !  my  lord, 
Their  cloaths  ar-e  after  fuch  a  pagan  cut  too, 
That,  fure,  they  have  worn  out  chriftendom.     HOT/ 

now  ? 
What  news,  fir  Thomas  Lovel  ? 

Enter  Sir  Thomas  Lovel. 

Lov.  Faith,  my  lord, 
I  hear  of  none,  but  the  new  proclamation 
That's  clapp'd  upon  the  court  gate. 

Cham.  What  is't  for  ? 

Lov.  The  reformation  of  our  travell'd  gallants, 
That  fill  the  court  with  quarrels,  talk,  and  tailors. 

Cham.  I  am  glad,  'tis  there  ;  now  I  would  pray1 

our  monfieurs 

To  think  an  Englifh  courtier  may  be  wife, 
And  never  fee  the  Louvre. 

Lov.  They  mufl  either 

(For  fo  run  the  conditions)  leave  thefe  remnants 
Of  fool,  and  feather  ',  that  they  got  in  France, 
With  all  their  honourable  points  of  ignorance 
Pertaining  thereunto,  (as  fights,  and  fire-works ; 

Again,  in  Ben  Jonfon's  Bartholomew-Fair: 

"  Poor  foul,  {he  has  had  ^.Jiringhalt"     STEEVENS. 

1 leave  thofe  remnants 

Of  fool  and  feather,] 

This  does  not  allude  to  the  feathers  anciently  worn  in  the  hats 
and  caps  of  our  countrymen,  (a  circumftance  to  which  no  ridi- 
<lule  could  juftly  belong)  but  to  an  effeminate  fafhion  recorded 
in  Greene's  Farewell  to  Folly,  1617;  from  whence  it  appears 
that  even  young  gentlemen  carried  fans  of  feathers  in  their 
hands :  "  we  ftrive  to  be  counted  womanifli,  by  keeping 

of  beauty,  by  curling  the  hair,  by  wearing  plumes  of  feathers  in 
our  hands,  which  in  wars,  our  anceftors  wore  on  their  heads." 
Again,  in  his  £>uip  for  an  upftart  Courtier,  1620:  "  Then  our 
young  courtiers  ftrove  to  exceed  one  another  in  vertue  not  in 
bravery  ;  they  rode  not  with  fannes  to  ward  their  faces  from  the 
wind,  &c."  Again,  in  Lingua,  &c.  1607.  Phantaftes,  who  is  a 
male  character,  is  equipped  with  a  fan,  STEEYENS. 

Abuf- 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      209 

Abufing  better  men  than  they  can  be, 

Out  of  a  foreign  wifdom)  renouncing  clean 

The  faith  they  have  in  tennis,  and  tall  itockings, 

Short  blifter'd  breeches',  and  thofe  types  of  travel, 

And  underftand  again  like  honeft  men  ; 

Or  pack  to  their  old  play-fellows  :  there,  I  take  it, 

They  may,  cum  privikgio,  wear  away 

The  lag  end  of  their  lewdnefs,  and  be  hugh'd  at. 

Sands.  'Tis  time  to  give  them  phy  fick,  their  difeafcs 
Are  grown  fo  catching. 

Cham.  What  a  lofs  our  ladies 
Will  have  of  thefe  trim  vanities  ! 

Lov.  Ay,  marry. 

There  will  be  woe  indeed,  lords  :  the  fly  whorefons 
Have  got  a  fpeeding  trick  to  lay  down  ladies  ; 
A  French  fong,  and  a  fiddle,  has  no  fellow. 

Sands.  The  devil  fiddle  'em  !  I  am  glad,   they're 

going ; 

(For,  fure,  there's  no  converting  of  'em)  now 
An  honeft  country  lord,  as  I  am,  beaten 
A  long  time  out  of  play,  may  bring  his  plain-fong, 
And  have  an  hour  of  hearing  ;  and,  by'r-lady, 
Held  current  mufick  too. 

Cham.  Well  faid,  lord  Sands  ; 
Your  colt's  tooth  is  not  caft  yet. 

Sands.  No,  my  lord  ; 
Nor  fliall  not,  while  I  have  a  flump. 

Cham.  Sir  Thomas, 
Whither  were  you  a  going  ? 

Lov.  To  the  cardinal's ; 
Your  lordlhip  is  a  gueft  too. 

Cham.  O,  'tis  true  : 

This  night  he  makes  a  fupper,  and  a  great  one, 
To  many  lords  and  ladies  ;  there  will  be 
The  beauty  of  this  kingdom,  I'll  affure  you. 

"*  — blifter'd  breeches,]  Thus  the  old  copy.  i.e.  breeches  puff'd, 
fwell'd  out  like  Uijlers.  The  modern  editors  read— boljlsr  d 
breeches,  which  has  the  fame  meaning.  ST££VENS. 

VOL.  VII.  P  Lov. 


zio       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Lov.  That  churchman  bears  a  bounteous  mind  in- 
deed, 

A  hand  as  fruitful  as  the  land  that  feeds  us ; 
His  dews  fall  every  where. 

Cham.  No  doubt,  he's  noble  ; 
He  had  a  black  mouth,  that  laid  other,  of  him. 

Sands.  He  may,  my  lord,  he  has  wherewithal ;  in 

him, 

Sparing  would  mew  a  worfe  fin  than  ill  do&rine  : 
Men  of  his  way  Ihould  be  mofl  liberal, 
They  are  fet  here  for  examples. 

Cham.  True,  they  are  fo  ; 

But  few  now  give  fo  great  ones.     My  barge  flays ; 
Your  lordfhip  mall  along : — Come,  good  fir  Tho- 
mas, 

We  mall  be  late  elfe  ;  which  I  would  not  be, 
For  I  was  fpoke  to,  with  fir  Henry  Guilford, 
This  night  to  be  comptrollers. 

Sands.  I  am  your  lordfhip's.  {Exeunt* 


SCENE    IV. 

Changes  to  Tork-Place. 

Hautboys.  A<fmall  table  under  a  Jlate  for  the  Cardinal, 
a  longer  table  for  the  guefts.  Then  enter  Anne  Bulkn, 
and  divers  other  ladies  and  gentlewomen,  as  guefts,  at 
one  door ;  at  another  door,  enter  Sir  Henry  Guilford. 

Guil.  Ladies,  a  general  welcome  from  his  grace 
Salutes  you  all  :  This  night  he  dedicates 
To  fair  content,  and  you  :  none  here,  he  hopes, 
In  all  this  ?  noble  bevy,  has  brought  with  hoi- 
One  care  abroad  ;  he  would  have  all  as  merry 

J  ~— noble  bevy — ]  Milton  has  copied  this  word  : 
**  A 'bevy  of  fair  dames"    JOHNSON. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      211 

*  As  firft-good  company,  good  wine,  good  welcome, 
Can  make  good  people. — O,  my  lord,  you  are  tardy ; 

Enter  Lord  Chamberlain,  Lord  Sands,  and  fir  Thomas  Lovd. 

The  very  thought  of  this  fair  company 
Clap'd  wings  to  me. 

Cham.  You  are  young,  fir  Harry  Guilford. 

Sands.  Sir  Thomas  Lovel,  had  the  cardinal 
But  half  my  lay-thoughts  in  him,  fome  of  thefe 
Should  find  a  running  banquet  ere  they  relied, 
I  think,  would  better  pleafe  'em  :  By  my  life, 
They  are  a  fweet  fociety  of  fair  ones. 

Lov.  O,  that  your  lordfliip  were  but  now  confeflbr 
To  one  or  two  of  thefe  ! 

Sands.  I  would,  I  were  ; 
They  fhould  find  eafy  penance. 

Lov.  'Faith,  how  eafy  ? 

Sands.  As  eafy  as  a  down-bed  would  afford  it. 
•  Cham.  Sweet  ladies,    will  it  pleafe  you  fit  ?    Sir 

Harry, 

Place  you  that  fide,  I'll  take  the  charge  of  this  : 
His  grace  is  entring. — Nay,  you  muft  not  freeze; 
Two  women  plac'd  together  make  cold  weather  :— 
My  lord  Sands,  you  are  one  will  keep  'em  waking  ; 
Pray,  fit  between  thefe  ladies. 

Sands.  By  my  faith, 

*  As,  firft,  good  company  ^  good  ivlne.  Sec.]  As  this  paflage  has 
been  all  along  pointed,  fir  Harry  Guiltord  is  made  to  include  all 
thefe  under  the./fr/?  article ;  and  then  gives  us  the  drop  as  to  what 
fliould  follow.  The  poet,  I  am  perfuaded,  wrote  : 

As  firrt-good  company,  goodiuine,  good  welcome,  &c. 
i.  e.  he  would  have  you  as  merry  as  thefe  three  things  can  make 
you,  the  belt  company  in  the  land,  of  the  beft  rank,  good  wine, 
&c.     THEOBALD. 

Sir  T.  Hanmer  has  mended  it  more  elegantly,  but  with  greater 
violence : 

i  good  company,  then  good  ivine,  8fC.     JOHNSON. 

P  a  And 


112       tflNG    HENRY    VIII. 

And  thank  you  lordfhip. — By  your  leave,  fweet  la*- 
dies :  [Sits. 

If  I  chance  to  talk  a  little  wild,  forgive  me ; 
I  had  it  from  my  father. 

Anne.  Was  he  mad,  fir  ? 

Sands.  O,  very  mad,  exceeding  mad,  in  love  too : 
But  he  would  bite  none ;  juft  as  I  do  now, 
He  would  kifs  you  twenty  with  a  breath.  [Ktffes  "her. 

Cham.  Well  faid,  my  lord. — 
So,  now  you  are  fairly  fcated  : — Gentlemen, 
The  penance  lies  on  you,  if  thefe  fair  ladies 
Pafs  away  frowning. 

Sands.  For  my  little  cure, 
Let  me  alone. 

Hautboys.     Enter  Cardinal  Wolfey,  and  takes  his  fate. 

Wol*  You  are  welcome,    my   fair  guefts  ;   that 

noble  lady, 

Or  gentleman,  that  is  not  freely  merry, 
Is  not  my  friend  :  This,  to  confirm  my  welcome  ; 
And  to  you  all  good  health.  [Drinks, 

Sands'.  Your  grace  is  noble  : — 
Let  me  have  fiich  a  bowl  may  hold  my  thanks, 
And  fave  me  fo  much  talking. 

IVoL  My  lord  Sands, 

I  am  beholden  to  you  :  cheer  your  neighbours.—* 
Ladies,  you  are  not  merry ; — Gentlemen, 
Whofe  fault  is  this  ? 

Sands.  The  red  wine  firft  muft  rife 
In  their  fair  checks,  my  lord  ;  then  we  ihall  have  'era 
Talk  us  to  filencc. 

Anne.  You  are  a  merry  gamefter, 
My  lord  Sands. 

'Sd;ids.  Yes,  if  I  make  my  play  7. 

»y/Ar/.]  i.e.  if  I  make  my  party. 

bTEEVENS. 

Here's 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       213 

Here's  to  your  ladyfhip  :  and  pledge  it,  madam, 
For  'tis  to  fuch  a  thing, — 

Anne.  You  cannot  ihew  rue. 

Sands.  I  told  your  grace,  they  would  talk  anon. 
[Drum  and  trumpets,  chambers  difchargd6. 

Wol.  What's  that  ? 

Cham.  Look  out  there,  fome  of  you.  {Exit  Servant. 

Wol.  What  warlike  voice  ? 

And  to  what  end  is  this  ? — Nay,  ladies,  fear  not ; 
By  all  the  laws  of  war  you  are  privileg'd. 

Re-enter  Servant. 
Cham.  How  now  ?  what  is't  ? 
Serv.  A  noble  troop  of  flrangers ; 
For  fo  they  fcem  :  they  have  left  their  barge,  and 

landed  ; 

And  hither  make,  as  great  ambaffadors 
From  foreign  princes. 

Wol.  Good  lord  chamberlain, 
Go,  give  'em  welcome,  you  can  fpeak  the  French 

tongue  ; 

And,  pray,  receive  'em  nobly,  and  conduct  'em 
Into  our  prefence,  where  this  heaven  of  beauty 
Shall  ihine  at  full  upon  them  : — Some  attend  him.— 
[All  arife,  and  tables  removed. 

6   Clambers  difcharg  d.~\  A  chamber  is  a  gun  which  ftands 

ereft  on  its  breech.  Such  are  ufed  only  on  occaiions  of  rejoicing, 
and  arc  fo  contrived  as  to  carry  great  charges,  and  thereby  to 
make  a  noife  more  than  proportioned  to  their  bulk.  They  are 
called  chambers  becaufe  they  are  mere  chambers  to  lodge  pow- 
der ;  a  chamber  being  the  technical  term  for  that  cavity  in  a  piece 
of  ordnance  which  contains  the  combutVibles.  Some  of  them  are 
Hill  fired  in  the  Park,  and  at  the  places  oppofite  to  the  parlia- 
ment-heuie,  when  the  king  goes  thither.  Camden  enumerates 
them  among  other  guns,  as  follows  : — "  cannons,  demi-cunnons, 
chambers,  arquebuie,  mufquet." 
Again,  in  A  Ne-iv  Trick  fo  cheat  the  Devil,  1636  : 

"  I  ftill  think  o'  the  Tower  ordinance, 

"  Or  of  the  peal  of  chambers,  that's  1H11  fir'd 

"  When  my  lord-muyor  takes  his  barge."    STEEVENS. 

P  3  You 


2i4       KING     HENRY    VIII. 

You  have  now  a  broken  banquet ;  but  we'll  mend  it. 
A  good  digeftion  to  you  all  :  and,  once  more, 
I  Ihower  a  welcome  on  you  ; — Welcome  all. 

Hautboys.  Enter  the  King,  and  others,  asMaJkers 7,  habited 
like  Shepherds*  vjher  d  by  the  Lord  Chamberlain. 
They  pafs  directly  before  the  Cardinal,  and  gracefully 
falute' him. 

A  noble  company  !  What  are  their  pleafures  ? 

Cham.  Becaufe  they  fpeak  no  Englifh,  thus  they 

pray'd 

To  tell  your, grace  ; — That,  having  heard  by  fame 
Of  this  fo  noble  and  fo  fair  aflembly 
This  night  to  meet  here,  they  could  do  no  lefs, 
Out  of  the  great  refpedt  they  bear  to  beauty, 
But  leave  their  flocks ;  and,  under  your  fair  conduct. 
Crave  leave  to  view  thefe  ladies,  and  entreat 
An  hour  of  revels  with  them. 

mi.  Say,  lord  chamberlain, 
They  have  done  my  poor  houfe  grace  ;  for  which  I 

pay  them 

A  thoufand  thanks,  and  pray  them  take  their  plea- 
fures. 
[Chufe  ladies  for  the  dance.     King,  and  Anne  Sullen. 

King.  The  faireft  hand  I  ever  touch'd  !  O,  beauty, 
'Till  now  I  never  knew  thee.  [Mujick.     Dance. 

mi.  My  lord,— 

Cham.  Your  grace  ? 

Wol.  Pray,  tell  'em  thus  much  from  me  : 
There  ihould  be  one  amongft  'em,  by  his  perfon, 
More  worthy  this  place  than  myfelf ;  to  whom, 
If  I  but  knew  him,  with  my  love  and  duty 
I  would  furrender  it. 

Cham.  I  will,  my  lord. 

[Cham,  goes  to  the  company,  and  returns. 

7  Enter  tie  king,  and  others,  as  m(i(kcrs.~\  For  an  account  of  this 
mafque  fee  Holinlhed,  Vol.11,  p.  921.     STEEVEXS. 

Wol. 


KING     HENRY     VIII.       215 

What  fay  they  ? 

Cham.  Such  a  one,  they  all  confefs, 
There  is,  indeed  ;  which  they  would  have  your  grace 
Find  out,  and  he  will 8  take  it. 

Wol  Let  me  fee  then. — 

By  all  your  good  leaves,  gentlemen  ; — Here  Fll  make 
My  royal  choice. 

King.  9  You  have  found  him,  cardinal  : 
You  hold  a  fair  affembly ;  you  do  well,  lord  : 
You  are  a  churchman,  or,  I'll  tell  you,  cardinal, 
I  fhould  judge  now  '  unhappily. 

Wol  I  am  glad, 
Your  grace  is  grown  fo  pleafant. 

King.  My  lord  chamberlain, 
Pry'thee,  come  hither  :  What  fair  lady's  that  ? 

Cbam.  An't  pleafe  your  grace,  fir  Thomas  Bullen's 

daughter, 
The  vifcount  Rochford,  one  of  her  highnefs' women. 

King.  By  heaven,  me  is  a  dainty  one. — Sweet  heart, 
I  were  unmannerly,  to  take  you  out,  [To  Anne  Bullen. 
And  not  to  kifs  you  *. — A  health,  gentlemen, 

8  •       take  it. ]  That  is,  take  the  chief  place.    JOHNSON*. 

9  You  have  found  him,  cardinal:"]   Holinfhed  fays  the  cardinal 
miftook,  and  pitched  upon  fir  Edward  Neville;  upon  which  the 
king  laughed,  and  pulled  oft'  both  his  own  malk  and  lir  Edward's. 
Edward's  MSS.     STEEVENS. 

1   unhappily. ~\  That  is,  unluckily,  mifcbievoujly.    JOHNSON. 

So,  in  A  merye  Jejl  of  a  Man  called  H&ivleglas ,  bl.  1.  no  date  : 

"  — in  fuch  manner  colde  he  cloke  and  hyde  his  unbappinejje 
'and  falfnefle."  STEEVENS. 

*  I  iv ere  unmannerly  to  take  you  ouft 
And  not  to  liifs  vou.~\ 


A  kifs  was  anciently  the  eftablilhed  fee  of  a  lady's  partner.  So, 
in  A  Dialogue  l/etiveeti  Cvftotn  and  Veritie^  concerning  the  fJ(e  and 
Abufe  of  Dauncitig  and  Mitiftrcljic,  bl.  1.  no  date.  "  Imprinted  at 
London,  at  the  long  fliop  adjoining  unto  faint  Mildreds  church  ia 
the  Pultrie,  by  John  Allde." 

"  But  fome  reply,  what  fqole  would  daunce, 

"If  that  when  daunce  is  doon, 
**  He  may  not  have  at  ludyes  lips 

**  That  which  in  duunce  he  woon  r"    STEEVENS. 

r  P  4  Let 


2i6       KING     HENRY    VIII. 

Let  it  go  round. 

WoL  Sir  Thomas  Lovel,  is  the  banquet  ready 
J'  the  privy  chamber  ? 
Lov.  Yes,  my  lord. 
Wol.  Your  grace, 

I  fear,  with  dancing  is  a  little  heated. 
King.  I  fear,  too  much. 
Wol.  There's  frefher  air,  my  lord, 
In  rhe  next  chamber. 

King.  Lead  in  your  ladies,  every  one. -Sweet 

partner, 

I  muft  not  yet  forfake  you  : — Let's  be  merry  ; — 
Good  my  lord  cardinal,  I  have  half  a  dozen  healths 
To  drink  to  thefe  fair  ladies,  and  a  meafure. 
To  lead  them  once  again  ;  and  then  let's  dream 
Who's  befl  in  favour. — Let  the  mufick  knock  it. 

,  [Exeunt,  with  trumpets. 


A  C  T     II.      S  C  E  N  E     I. 

A  Street. 
Enter  two  Gentlemen  at  feveral  doors. 

1  Gen.  Whither  away  fo  faft  ? 

2  Gen.  O, — God  fave  you  ! 

Even  to  the  hall,  to  hear  what  fhall  become 
Of  the  great  duke  of  Buckingham. 

1  Gen.  I'll  fave  you 

That  labour,  fir.     All's  now  done,  but  the  ceremony 
Of  bringing  back  the  prifoner. 

2  Gen.  Were  you  there  ? 

1  Gen.  Yes,  indeed,  was  I. 

2  Gen.  Pray,  fpeak,  what  has  happened  ? 

i  Gen. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       2i7 

1  Gen.  You  may  gucfs  quickly  what. 

2  Gen.  Is  he  found  guilty  ? 

1  Gen.  Yes,  truly,  is  he,  and  condemn'd  upon  it. 

2  Gen.  I  am  forry  for't. 

1  Gen.  So  are  a  number  more. 

2  G^«.  But,  pray,  how  pafs'd  it  ? 

1  Gen.  I'll  tell  you  in  a  little.     The  great  duke 
Came  to  the  bar  ;  where,  to  his  accufations, 

He  pleaded  Hill,  not  guilty,  and  alledg'd 
Many  ftiarp  reafons  to  defeat  the  law. 
The  king's  attorney,  on  the -contrary, 
Urg'd  on  the  examinations,  proofs,  confeffions 
Of  divers  witnefTes  ;  which  the  duke  defir'd 
To  have  brought,  vfodvoce,  to  his  face  : 
At  which  appear'd  againft  him,  his  furveyor; 
Sir  Gilbert  Peck  his  chancellor  ;  and  John  Court, 
Confeflbr  to  him  •,  with  that  devil-monk 
Hopkins,  that  made  this  mifchief. 

2  Gen.  That  was  he, 

That  fed  him  with  his  prophecies  ? 

1  Gen.  The  fame. 

All  thefe  accus'd  him  ftrongly  ;  which  he  fain 
Would  have  flung  from  him,  but,  indeed,  he  could 

not : 

And  fo  his  peers,  upon  this  evidence, 
Have  found  him  guilty  of  high  treafon.     Much 
He  Ipoke,  and  learnedly,  for  life  ;  but  all 
Was  either  pitied  in  him,  or  forgotten. 

2  Gen.  After  all  this,  how  did  he  bear  himfelf? 

i  Gen.  When  he  was  brought  again  to  the  bar,— 

to  hear 

His  knell  rung  out,  his  judgment, — he  was  ftirr'd 
With  fuch  an  agony,  he  fweat  extremely  ;, 
And  fomething  ipoke  in  choler,  ill,  and  hafty  : 

3  /'  bef-Mcat  extremely  ;]  TJiis  circumflanceis  taken  from 
Holinfhed.  -  "  After  Ke  was  round  guilty,  the  duke  was  brought 
to  the  bar,  fore  chafing,  and/iwvrt  ^narveloujly"     STEEVENS. 

But 


ziS        KING    HENRY    VIII. 

But  he  fell  to  himfelf  again,  and,  fweetly, 

In  all  the  reft  ihew'd  a  moft  noble  patience, 

2  Gen.  I  do  not  think,  he  fears  death. 

1  Gen.  Sure,  he  does  not, 

He  never  was  fo  womartifti ;  the  caufe 
He  may  a  little  grieve  at. 

2  Gen.  Certainly, 

The  cardinal  is  the  end  of  this. 

1  Gen.  'Tis  likely, 

By  all  conjectures  :  Firft,  Kildare's  attainder, 
Then  deputy  of  Ireland  ;  who  remov'd, 
Earl  Surrey  was  fent  thither,  and  in  hafte  too5 
Left  he  fhould  help  his  father. 

2  Gen.  That  trick  of  ftate 
Was  a  deep  envious  one. 

1  Gen.  At  his  return, 

No  doubt,  he  will  requite  it.     This  is  noted, 
And  generally  ;  whoever  the  king  favours, 
The  cardinal  inftantly  will  find  employment, 
And  far  enough  from  court  too. 

2  Gen.  All  the  commons 

Hate  him  pernicioufly,  and,  o'  my  confcienee, 
Wilh  him  ten  fathom  deep  :  this  duke  as  much 
They  love  and  doat  on  ;  call  him,  bounteous  Buck- 
ingham, 
The  mirrour  of  all  courtefy  ; — 

1  Gen.  Stay  there,  fir, 

And  fee  the  noble  ruin'd  man  you  fpeak  of, 

Enter  Buckingham  from  bis  arraignment,  (Tipftaves  before 
him,  the  axe  with  the  edge  toward  him  ;  halberds  on 
on  each  fide)  accompanied  with  Sir  'Thomas  Lovel,  Sir 
Nicholas  Faux,  Sir  William  4  Sands,  and  common 
people,  &c. 

2  Gen.  Let's  ftand  clofc,  and  behold  him. 
Buck.  All  good  people, 

*  Sir  William.']  The  old  copy  reads,  Sir  Walter.    STEEVEVS. 

You 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       2i9 

You  that  thus  far  have  come  to  pity  me, 

Hear  what  I  fay,  and  then  go  home  and  lofe  me. 

I  have  this  day  receiv'd  a  traitor's  judgment, 

And  by  that  name  muft  die ;  Yet,  heaven  bear  witnefs, 

And,  if  I  have  a  conference,  let  it  fink  me, 

Even  as  the  axe  falls,  if  I  be  not  faithful ! 

The  law  I  bear  no  malice  for  my  death, 

'T  has  done,  upon  the  premifes,  but  juftice  ; 

But  thofe,  that  fought  it,    I  could  wilh  more  chri- 

ftians  : 

Be  what  they  will,  I  heartily  forgive  'em  : 
Yet  let  'em  look  they  glory  not  in  mifchief, 
Nor  build  their  evils  on  the  graves  of  great  men  ; 
For  then  my  guiltlefs  blood  muft  cry  againfl  'em. 
For  further  life  in  this  world  I  ne'er  hope, 
Nor  will  I  fue,  although  the  king  have  mercies 
More  than  I  dare  make  faults.     5  You  few  that  lov'd 

me, 

And  dare  be  bold  to  weep  for  Buckingham, 
His  noble  friends,  and  fellows,  whom  to  leave 
Is  only  bitter  to  him,  only  dying, 
Go  with  me,  like  good  angels,  to  my  end  ; 
And,  as  the  long  divorce  of  ftecl  falls  on  me, 
Make  of  your  prayers  one  fweet  facrifice, 
And  lift  my  foul  to  heaven. — Lead  on,  o'  God's  name. 

Jjov.  I  do  befeech  your  grace,  for  charity, 
If  ever  any  malice  in  your  heart 
Were  hid  againft  me,  now  to  forgive  me  frankly. 
Buck.  Sir  Thomas  Lovcl,  I  as  free  forgive  you, 
As  I  would  be  forgiven  :  I  forgive  all  ; 
There  cannot  be  thofe  numberlefs  offences 
'Gainft  me,  that  I  can't  take  peace  with  :  6  no  black 

envy 

Shall 

5  -•  You  fe-w,   that  Imfd  me+  &c.]  Thefe  lines  are  re- 

markably tender  and  pathetic.     JOHNSON. 


6  -no  black  envy 


Shall  make  my  grave.  ] 

The 


220        KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Shall  make  my  grave. — Commend  me  to  his  grace-; 
And,  if  he  fpeak  of  Buckingham,  pray,  tell  him, 
You  met  him  half  in  heaven  :  my  vows  and  prayers 
Yet  are  the  king's;  and,  'till  my  foul  forfake  me, 

The  fenfe  of  this  is,  that  envy  fliould  not  procure  or  advance  his 
death.  But  this  is' not  what  he  would  fay  ;  he  believed  the  car- 
dinal's envy  did  procure  his  death.  He  is  fpeaking  not  of  an- 
cther's  envy  but  his  own.  And  his  thought  is,  that  he  would 
not  be  remembered  for  an  implacable  unforgiving  temper,  W§ 
fhould  read  therefore  : 

•  no  black  envy 

Shall  mark  my  grave.— — • 

alluding  to  the  old  cuftom  of  marking  good  or  ill,  by  a  white  or 
Hack  ilone.  WAR  HUSTON. 

Dr.  Warburton  has  with  good  judgment  obferved  the  error, 
but  has  not,  I  think,  very  happily  corrected  it.  I  do  not  fee  how 
the  envy  of  thofe  that  are  buried  can  mark  the  grave.  In  reading 
the  lines  I  cannot  but  fufpect  that  two  words,  as  it  may  naturally 
happen,  have  changed  places : 

7 here  cannot  be  thofe  mtmbcrlcfe  offences 

*GainJi  me,  I  can't  take  peace  with:  ua  black  envy 

Shall  m  ake  my  grave. 

I  would  read  thus  : 

There  cannot  be  thofe  numberlefs  affences 

*Gai?ift  tnCj  I  catft  make  peace  with,  HO  black  envy 

Shall  take  my  grave. 

TofaZe,  in  this  place,  is  to  blajl,  to  ftrike  with  malignant  influ* 
ence.  So,  in, Lear: 

" Strike  her  young  limbs  > 

"  Te  taking  airs,  -with  lamenefs. 
Again,  in  Hamlet: 

"  No  fpint  Hares  vsalk  abroad, 

"  No  planet  takes. "     JOHNSON. 

I  believe  Shakefpeare,  by  this  expreilion,  meant  no  more  than 
to  make  the  duke  lay,  No  atiicn  cxprejjive  of  malice  Jfyall condudt 
tny  lift:  Envy  by  our  author  is  ufed  for  malice  and  hatred  in 
other  places,  and,  perhaps,  in  this. 

Again,  in  the  ancient  metrical  romance  of  Syr  Btvis  of  Hamb* 
tony  bl.  1.  no  date  : 

"  Traytoure,  he  fayd  with  great  eitny^ 

«'  Turne  thee  now  i  tiiec  Jefye." 
Again  : 

*'  They  drevve  theyr  fwordes  hnftely 

"  And  fmot  together  witli  great  envy." 

And  Barrett,  in  his  Alvcari'c,  or  'QuadYttph  Dictionary ,  1580, 
fi.us  interprets  it.  STEEVENS. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.        221 

Shall  cry  for  bleffings  on  him :  May  he  live 
Longer  than  I  have  time' to  tell  his  years  ! 
Ever  belov'd,  and  loving,  may  his  rule  be  ! 
And,  when  old  time  fhall  lead  him  to  his  end, 
Goodnefs  and  he  fill  up  one  monument ! 

Lov.  To  the  water  fide  I  muft  conduct  your  grace  ; 
Then  give  my  charge  up  to  fir  Nicholas  Vaux, 
Who  undertakes  you  to  your  end. 

Vaux.  Prepare  there, 

The  duke  is  coming :  fee,  the  barge  be  ready  ; 
And  fit  it  with  fuch  furniture,  as  fuits 
The  greatnefs  of  his  perfon. 

Buck.  Nay,  fir  Nicholas, 
Let  it  alone  ;  my  ftate  now  but  will  mock  me. 
When  I  came  hither,  I  was  lord  high  conilab'e, 
And   duke   of   Buckingham ;    now,  poor  Edward 

Bohun 7 : 

Yet  I  am  richer  than  my  bafe  accufers, 
That  never  knew  what  truth  meant :  8 1  now  feal  it; 

'i  —poor  Edward  Bohun  :]  The  duke  of  Buckingham's  namfc  • 
was  Stafford,  Shakefpeare  was  led  into  the  miftake  by  Holinihed. 

STEEVENS. 

This  is  not  an  expreflion  thrown  ovit  at  random,  or  by  mif- 
take, but  one  ftrongiy  marked  with  hiltorical  propriety.  The 
name  of  the  cluke  of  Buckingham  moff  generally  knourn,  \vas 
Stafford;  but  the  H-ft.  of  Remarkable  Tr':als,  8vo.  1715,  p.  170, 
fays  :  "  itfeems  he  affe&ed  that  fumamc  [of  Bobun\  before  that  of 
Stafford,  he  being  defcended  from  the  Bohuns,  earls  of  Hereford.'" 
His  reafon  for  this  might  be,  beccmle  he  was  lord  high  conftable 
of  England  by  inheritance  of  tenure  from  the  Bobuns ;  and  as 
the  poet  has  taken  particular  notice  of  his  great  office,  -does  it 
not  feem  probable  that  he  had  fully  confidered  of  :the  duke's 
foundation  for  aijuming  tne  name  of  Bobun  ?  In  truth,  the  duke's 
name  was  BAGOT  ;  for  a  gentleman  ot  that  very  ancient  family 
married  the  heirefs  of  the  barony  of  Stafford,  and  their  fon  re- 
Knquifhing  his  paternal  lurname,  a  (Turned  that  of  his  fnother, 
which  continued  in  his  pofterity.  TOLLET. 

8  '  /  ntrjjfeal  if,  &:c.]  I  now  feal  my  truth,  my  loyalty, 
with  blood,  which  blood  ii.aii  one  day  make  them  groan. 

JOHN-SON. 

And 


42*       K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    VIIL 

And  with  that  blood,  will  make  'em  one  day  groan 

for't. 

My  noble  father,  Henry  of  Buckingham, 
Who  firft  rais'd  head  againft  ufurping  Richard, 
Flying  for  fuccour  to  his  fervant  Baniiler, 
Being  diftrefs'd,  was  by  that  wretch  betray'd, 
And  without  trial  fell ;  God's  peace  be  with  him  ! 
Henry  the  fcventh  fucceeding,  truly  pitying 
My  father's  lofs,  like  a  mofl  royal  prince, 
Reftor'd  me  to  my  honours,  and,  out  of  ruins, 
Made  my  name  once  more  noble.     Now  his  fon, 
Henry  the  eighth,  life,  •  honour,  name,  and  all 
That  made  me  happy,  at  one  ftroke  has  taken 
For  ever  from  the  world.     I  had  my  trial, 
And,  muft  needs  fay,  a  noble  one ;  which  makes  me 
A  little  happier  than  my  wretched  father  : 
Yet  thus  far  we  are  one  in  fortunes, — Both 
Fell  by  our  fervants,  by  thofe  men  we  lov'd  moft ; 
A  mofl  unnatural  and  faithlcfs  fervice  ! 
Heaven  has  an  end  in  all :  Yet,  you  that  hear  me, 

This  from  a  dying  man  receive  as  certain  : 

Where  you  are  liberal  of  your  loves,  and  counfels, 

Be  fure,  you  be  not  loofe ;  for  thofe  you  make  friends, 

And  give  your  hearts  to,  when  they  once  perceive 

The  leaft  rub  in  your  fortunes,  fall  away 

Like  water  from  ye,  never  found  again 

But  where  they  mean  to  fink  ye.     All  good  people, 

Pray  for  me !  I  muft  now  forfake  you ;  the  laft  hour 

Of  my  long  weary  life  is  come  upon  me. 

Farewel : 

And  when  you  would  fay  fomething  that  is  fad 9, 

9  And  when  you  would  fay  fometbing  that  is  fad  &c.]    So,  in 
K,  Richard  II : 

"  Tellthou  the  lamentable  tale  of  me, 

"  And  fend  the  hearers  weeping  to  their  beds. 

STEEVENS. 

Speak 


KING    HE  N  R  Y    VIII,       22J 

Speak  how  I  fell.— I  have  done  ;  and  God  forgive 
me  !  [Exeunt  Buckingham,  and  'Train, 

1  Gen.  O,  this  is  full  of  pity-!— Sir,  it  calls, 
I  fear,  too  many  curfes  on  their  heads, 

That  were  the  authors. 

2  Gen.  If  the  duke  be  guiltlefs, 

'Tis  full  of  woe  :  yet  I  can  give  you  inkling 
Of  an  enfuing  evil,  if  it  fall, 
Greater  than  this. 

1  Gen.  Good  angels  keep  it  from  us  ! 

What  may  it  be  ?  You  do  not  doubt  my  faith,  fir  ? 

2  Gen.  This  fecret  is  fo  weighty,  'twill  require 
1  A  ftrong  faith  to  conceal  it. 

1  Gen.  Let  me  have  it  j 
I.  do  not  talk  much. 

2  Gen.  I  am  confident ; 

You  lhall,  fir  :  Did  you  not  of  late  days  hear 
A  buzzing,  of  a  feparation 
Between  the  king  and  Katharine  ? 

1  Gen.  Yes,  but  it  held  not : 

For  when  the  king  once  heard  it,  out  of  anger 
He  fent  command  to  the  lord  mayor,  ftraight 
To  flop  the  rumour,  and  allay  thofe  tongues 
That  durft  difperfe  it. 

2  Gen.  But  that  flander,  fir, 

Is  found  a  truth  now  :  for  it  grows  again 
Frelher  than  e'er  it  was  ;  and  held  for  certain, 
The  king  will  venture  at  it.     Either  the  cardinal, 
Or  fome  about  him  near,  have,  out  of  malice 
To  the  good  queen,  poflefs'd  him  with  a  fcrnple 
That  will  undo  her  :  To  confirm  this  too, 
Cardinal  Campeius  is  arriv'd,  and  lately  ; 
As  all  think,  for  this  bufinefs. 

i  Gen.  'Tis  the  cardinal ; 
And  meerly  to  revenge  him  on  the  emperor, 
For  not  beftowing  on  him,  at  his  aiking, 

1  Strong  faith—  ]  is  great  fidelity.    JOHNSON. 

The 


KING    HENRY    VIII. 

The  archbifhoprick  of  Toledo,  this  is  purpos'd. 

2  Gen.  I  think,  you  have  hit  the  mark  :  But  is't 

not  cruel, 

That  Ihe  fhould  feel  the  fmart  of  this  ?  The  cardinal 
Will  have  his  will,  and  Ihe  muft  fall. 

i  Gen.  'Tis  woeful. 
We  are  too  open  here  to  argue  this ; 
Let's  think  in  private  more.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE      II. 

An  Antichamber  in  the  Palace. 

Enter  the  Lord  Chamberlain,  reading  a  letter. 

My  lord, — The  horfes  your  lordjhip  fent  for,  with  all 
the  care  I  had,  I  faw  well  chofen,  ridden,  and  furnffied. 
They  were  young,  and  handfome ;  and  of  the  beft  breed  in 
the  north.  Wl:en  they  were  ready  to  Jet  out  for  London, 
a  man  of  my  lord  cardinal's,  by  commijjion,  and  mam 
power,  took  'em  from  me  ;  with  this  reafon, — His  mafter 
•would,  lye  ferv'd  before  a  fubjecJ,  if  not  before  the  king  : 
which  Jlopp'd  our  mouths,  fir. 

I  fear,  he  will,  indeed  :  Well,  let  him  have  them ; 
He  will  have  all,  I  think. 

Enter  the  l}ukes  of  Norfolk,  and  Suffolk. 

Nor.  Well  met,  my  lord  chamberlain. 

Cham.  Good  day  to  both  your  graces. 

Suf.  How  is  the  king  employ'd  ? 

Cham.  I  left  him  private, 
Full  of  fad  thoughts  and  troubles. 

Nor.  What's  the  caufe  ? 

Cham.  It  feejns,  the  marriage  with  his  brother's  wife 
Has  crept  too  near  his  confcience. 

Suf.  No,  his  confcience 
Has  crept  too  'near  another  lady. 

Nor.  'Tis  fo  ; 

This 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       225 

'This  is  the  cardinal's  doing,  the  king-cardinal : 
That  blind  prieft,  like  the  eldeft  Ton  of  fortune, 
Turns  what  he  lifts.     This  king  will  know  him  one 
day. 

Suf.  Pray  God>  he  do  !  he'll  never  know  himfelf 
elfe. 

Nor.  How  holily  he  works  in  all  his  bufinefs ! 
And  with  what  zeal  !  For,  now  he  has  crack'd  the 

league 

Between  us  and  the  emperor, the  queen's  great  nephew, 
He  dives  into  the  king's  foul ;  and  there  fcatters 
Doubts,  dangers,  wringing  of  the  confcience, 
Fears,  and  defpairs,  and  all  thefe  for  his  marriage  : 
And,  out  of  all  thefe  to  reftore  the  king, 
He  counfels  a  divorce  :  a  lofs  of  her, 
That,  like  a  jewel,  has  hung  twenty  years 
About  his  neck,  yet  never  loft  her  luftre  ; 
Of  her,  that  loves  him  with  that  excellence 
That  angels  love  good  men  with  ;  even  of  her, 
That,  when  the  greateft  ftroke  of  fortune  falls, 
Will  blefs  the  king  :  And  is  not  this  courfe  pious  ? 

Cham.  Heaven  keep  me  from  fuch  counfel !  'Tis 

moft  true, 

Thefe  news  are  every  where ;  every  tongue  fpeaks  'em, 
And  every  true  heart  weeps  for't  :  All,  that  dare 
Look  into  thefe  affairs,  fee  his  main  end, 
The  French  king's  lifter  z.   Heaven  will  one  day  open 
The  king's  eyes,  that  fo  long  have  flept  upon 
This  bold  bad  man. 

Suf.  And  free  us  from  his  flavery. 

Nor.  We  had  need  pray, 
And  heartily,  for  our  deliverance  ; 
Or  this  imperious  man  will  work  us  all 
3  From  princes  into  pages  :  all  men's  honours 

-  Tix  French  king's  fijler.}  i.  e.  the  duchefs  of  Alei^on. 

STEEVENS. 

3  From  princes  into  pages : — ]  This  may  allude  to  the  retinue  of 
the  cardinal,  who  had  feveral  of  the  nobility  among  his  menial 
fervants.  JOHNSON. 

VOL.  VII.  Q_  Lie 


226       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Lie  like  one  lump  before  him,  to  be  falhion'd 
4  Into  what  pitch  he  pleafe. 

Suf.  For  me,  my  lords, 

I  love  him  not,  nor  fear  him  ;  there's  my  creed  : 
As  I  am  made  without  him,  fo  I'll  ftand, 
If  the  king  pleafe ;  his  curies  and  his  bleffings 
Touch  me  alike,  they  are  breath  I  not  believe  in. 
I  knew  him,  and  I  know  him  ;  fo  I  leave  him 
To  him,  that  made  him  proud,  the  pope. 

Nor.  Let's  in  ; 

And,  with  fome  other  bufinefs,  put  the  king 
From  thefe  fad  thoughts,  that  work  too  much  upon 

him  : — 
My  lord,  you'll  bear  us  company  ? 

Cham.  Excufe  me  ; 

The  king  hath  fent  me  other-where  :  befides, 
You'll  find  a  moft  unfit  time  to  difturb  him  : 
Health  to  your  lordfhips. 

Nor.  Thanks,  my  good  lord  chamberlain. 

[Exit  Lord  Chamberlain. 

A  Door  opens,  and  difcovcrs  the  King  fitting  and  reading 
penfwely  *. 

Suf.  How  fad  he  looks  !  fare,  he  is  much  afflicted. 

King.  Who's  there  ?  ha  ? 

Nor.  Pray  God,  he  be  not  angry. 

4  Into  what  pitch  at  pleafe,]  Here  is  a  flrange  diflbnance  in  the 
metaphor,  which  is  taken  from  unbak'd  dough.  I  read  : 

Into  what  pinch  he  pleafe. 
\.  e.  into  what  fhape  he  pleafe.     WAR  BURTON. 

I  do  not  think  this  emendation  neceflhry,  let  the  allufion  be  to 
what  it  will.  The  mafs  muft  be  faihioned  VOUQ  pitch  or  height,  as 
well  as  into  particular  form.  The  meaning  is,  that  the  cardinal 
can,  as  he  pleafes,  make  high  or  low.  JOHNSON. 

The  allufion  feems  to  be  to  the  2  ill  verfe  of  the  gth  chapter  of 
the  Epiftle  of  St.  Paul  to  the  Romans :  "  Hath  not  the  potter 
power  over  the  clay  of  the  fame  lump,  to  make  one  veflel  unto 
honour,  and  another  unto  difhonour  ?"  COLLINS. 

5  A  door  opens,  &c.]  The  ftage  direction  in  the  old  copy  is  a 
fingular  one.  £>xit  Lord  Chamberlain^  and  the  King  draws  the 
cur  tain  i  and  Jits  reading  penfivcly .  STEE.vt.N3. 

King. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      227 

King.  Who's  there,  I  fay  ?  How  dare  you  thruft 

yourfelves 

Into  my  private  meditations  ? 
Who  am  I  ?  ha  ? 

Nor.  A  gracious  king,  that  pardons  all  offences, 
Malice  ne'er  meant :  our  breach  of  duty,  this  way, 
Is  bufinefs  of  eftate ;   in  which,  we  come 
To  know  your  royal  pleafure. 

King.  You  are  too  bold  : 

Go  to ;  I'll  make  ye  know  your  times  of  bufinefs  : 
Is  this  an  hour  for  temporal  affairs  ?  ha  ? — 

Enter  Wolfey>  and,  Campeius  with  a  Commrffion. 

Who's  there  ?    my  good  lord  cardinal  ? — — O  my 

Wolfey, 

The  quiet  of  my  wounded  confcience> 
Thou  art  a  cure  fit  for  a  king. — You're  welcome, 

[To  Campeius. 

Mori:  learned  reverend  fir,  into  our  kingdom  ; 
Ufe  us,  and  it : — My  good  lord.,  6  have  great  care 
I  be  not  found  a  talker.  [To  Wolfey. 

WoL  Sir,  you  cannot. 

I  would,  your  grace  would  give  us  but  an  hour 
Of  private  conference. 

King.  We  are  bufy  ;  go.  £  To  Norf.  and  Suf. 

Nor.  This  prieft  has  no  pride  in  him  ? 

Suf.  Not  to  fpeak  of; 
I  would  not  be 7  fo  fick  though,  for  his  place  : 
But  this  cannot  continue.  Afide. 

Nor.  If  it  do> 
I'll  venture  one  heave  at  him. 

Suf.  I  another.  [Exeunt  Norfolk  and  Suffolk^ 

6  • have  great  care 

I  It  not  found  a  talker. ~\ 

I  take  the  meaning  to  be,  Let  care  le  taken  that  my  prom  if e  le  per- 
formed, that  my  profcffiotis  of  welcome  lie  not  found  empty  talk. 

JOHNSON. 
7  — -fojlcli  tbtvrb)—]  That  \39f«J£ck  as  he  is  proud.  JOHNSON. 


228       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

WoL  Your  grace  has  given  a  precedent  of  wifdom; 
Above  all  princes,  in  committing  freely 
Your  fcruple  to  the  voice  of  Chriilendom  : 
Who  can  be  angry  now  ?  what  envy  reach  you  ? 
The  Spaniard,  ty'd  by  blood  and  favour  to  her, 
Muft  now  confefs,  if  he  have  any  goodnefs, 
The  trial  juft  and  noble.     All  the  clerks, 
I  mean,  the  learned  ones,  in  chriftian  kingdoms, 
Have  their  free  voices  :  Rome,  the  nurfe  of  judgment. 
Invited  by  your  noble  felf,  hath  fent 
One  general  tongue  unto  us,  this  good  man, 
This  juft  and  learned  prieft,  cardinal  Campeius  ; 
Whom,  once  more,  I  prefent  unto  your  highnefs. 

King.  And,  once  more,  in  mine  arms  I  bid  him 

welcome, 

And  thank  the  holy  conclave  for  their  loves ; 
They  have  fent  me  fuch  a  man  I  would  have  wilh'd  for. 

Cam.  Your* grace  muft  needs  deferve  all  ftrangers* 

loves, 

You  are  fo  noble  :  To  your  highnefs'  hand 
I  tender  my  commiflion  ;  by  whofe  virtue, 
(The  court  of  Rome  commanding) — you,  my  lord 
Cardinal  of  York,  are  join'd  with  me  their  fervant, 
In  the  unpartial  judging  of  this  bufmefs. 

King.  Two  equal  men.     The  queen  lhall  be  ac- 
quainted 
Forthwith,  for  what  you  come  : — Where's  Gardiner  ? 

Wol.  I  know,  your  majefty  has  always  lov'd  her 
So  dear  in  heart,  not  to  deny  her  that 
A  woman  of  lefs  place  might  alk  by  law, 
Scholars,  allow'd  freely  to  argue  for  her. 

King.  Ay,  and  the  belt,  Ihe  lhall  have  ;  and  my 

favour 

To  him  that  does  belt;  God  forbid  elfe.     Cardinal, 
Pr'ythee,  call  Gardiner  ta  me,  my  new  fecretary  ; 
I  find  him  a  fit  fellow. 


Car. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       229 

Cardinal  goes  out,  and  re-enters  with  Gardiner. 

Wol  Give  me  your  hand  :  much  joy  and  favour  to 

you; 
You  are  the  king's  now. 

Gard.  But  to  be  commanded 

For  ever  by  your  grace,  whofe  hand  has  rais'd  me. 

\_4flde. 

King.  Come  hither,  Gardiner.    [Walks  andwlifpers. 

Cam.  My  lord  of  York,  was  not  one  do&or  Pace 
In  this  man's  place  before  him  ? 

Wol.  Yes,  he  was. 

Cam.  Was  he  not  held  a  learned  man  ? 

JVol  Yes,  furely. 

Cam.  Believe  me,  there's  an  ill  opinion  fpread  then 
Even  of  yourfelf,  lord  cardinal* 

Wd.  How  !  of  me  f 

Cam.  They  will  not  flick  to  fay,  you  envy'd  him; 
And,  fearing  he  would  rife,  he  'was  fo  virtuous, 
*  Kept  him  a  foreign  man  ftill :  which  fo  griev'd  him, 
That  he  ran  mad,  and  dy'd. 

Wol  Heaven's  peace  be  with  him  ! 
That's  chriftian  care  enough  :  for  living  murmurers, 
There's  places  of  rebuke.     He  was  a  fool ; 
For  he  would  needs  be  virtuous  :  That  good  fellow, 
If  I  command  him,  follows  my  appointment ; 
I  will  have  none  fo  near  elfe.     Learn  this,  brother, 
We  live  not  to  be  grip'd  by  meaner  perfons. 

King.  Deliver  this  with  modelty  to  the  queen.    , 

[Exit  Gardiner* 

The  mod  convenient  place  that  I  can  think  of, 
For  fuch  receipt  of  learning,  is  Black-Friars  ; 
There  ye  fliall  meet  about  this  weighty  bufmefs  :— 
My  Wolfey,  fee  it  furnifh'd. — O  my  lord, 
Would  it  not  grieve  an  able  man,  to  leave 

8  Kept  lint  a  foreign  manjlill:— ]   Kept  him  out  of  the  king's 
prefeuce,  employed  in  foreign  embaffies.    JOHNSON, 

So 


230       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

So  fweet  a  bedfellow  ?  But,  confcience,  conference, — • 
O,  'tis  a  tender  place,  and  I  muft  leave  her.    [Exeunt. 

SCENE        III. 

An  Antichamber  of  the  Queen's  Apartments. 
Enter  Anne  Sullen,  and  an  old  Lady. 

Anne.  Not  for  that  neither ; — Here's  the  pang  that 

pinches  : 

His  highnefs  having  liv'd  fo  long  with  her  ;  and  Ihc 
So  good  a  lady,  that  no  tongue  could  ever 
Pronounce  difhonour  of  her, — by  my  life, 
She  never  knew  harm-doing;— O  nov/,  after 
So  many  courfes  of  the  fun  enthron'd, 
Still  growing  in  a  majefly  and  pomp, — the  which 
To  leave  is  a  thoufand-fold  more  bitter,  than 
'Tis  fweet  at  firft  to  acquire, — after  this  procefs, 
9  To  give  her  the  avaunt !  it  is  a  pity 
Would  move  a  monfter. 

Old  L.  Hearts  of  moft  hard  temper 
Melt  and  lament  for  her. 

Anne.  O,  God's  will !  much  better, 
She  ne'er  had  known  pomp  :  though  it  be  temporal., 
1  Yet,  if  that  quarrel,  fortune,  do  divorce 

It 

9  To  give  her  the  avaunt ! ]  To  fend  her  away  contemp- 

tuouily  ;  to  pronounce  aguinft  her  a  fentence  of  ejection . 

JOHNSON. 

1  Yet,  if  that  quarrel,  Fortune, — "]  She  calls  Fortune  a  quarrel 
or  arrow,  from  her  linking  fo  deep  and  fuddenly.  Quarrel  was  a 
large  arrow  fo  called.  Thus  Fairfax  : 

"  T*M*£d  tbt  firing  out  Jlcvj  the  quarrel  long. 

WAR  EUR  TOM. 

Such  is  Dr.  Warburton'i  interpretation.  Sir  Thomas  Hanmcr 
reads  : 

That  quarreller  Fortune. 

I  think 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       231 

It  from  the  bearer,  'tis  a  fufferance,  panging 
As  foul  and  body's  fevering. 

Old  L.  Alas,  poor  lady  ! 
She's  z  ftranger  now  again. 

Anne.  So  much  the  more 
Muft  pity  drop  upon  her.     Verily, 
I  fwear,  'tis  better  to  be  lowly  born, 
And  range  with  humble  livers  in  content, 
Than  to  be  perk'cl  up  in  a  glittering  grief, 
And  wear  a  golden  forrow. 

Old  L.  Our  content 
Is  J  our  beft  having. 

I  think  the  poet  may  be  eaftly  fuppofed  to  ufe  quarrel  for  quarrel* 
ler,  as  murder  for  murderer,  the  aft  for  the  agent.     JOHKSON. 
Dr.  Johnfon  may  be  right.     So,  in  Antony  and  Cleopatra: 

•*     but  that  your  royalty 

"  Holds  idlenefs  your  fubjecl,  I  fhould  take  you 

"  For  Idlenefi  itfelf^ 

Like  Martial's — "  Non  vitiofus  homo  es,  Zoile,  fedyitivm"     We 
might,   however,  read 

Yet  if  that  quarrel  fortune  to  divorce 

It  from  the  bearer."— 

5.  e.  if  any  quarrel  happen  or  chance  to  divorce  it  from  the  bearer. 
To  fortune  is  a  verb  ufed  by  Shakefpeare  : 

"  I'll  tell  you  as  we  pafs  along, 

"  That  yon  will  wonder  what  hath  fortuned?" 
Again,  in  Spenfer's  Faery  $>ueen,  B.  I.  c.  ii : 

**  It  fortuned  (high  heaven  did  fo  ordaine)  &c.'* 

STEEVEKS. 

*  — — •granger  no^a  again.]  Again  an  alien  ;  not  only  no  longer 
queen,  but  no  longer  an  Engliflnvoman.  JOHNSON. 

It  rather  means,  flie  is  alienated  from  the  king's  affection,  is  a 
ftranger  to  his  bed  ;  for  fhe  ftill  retained  the  rights  of  an  Englifh- 
Hroman,  and  was  princefs  dowager  of  Wales.  So,  in  the  feccnd 
fcene  of  the  third  adt : 

"  Katharine  no  more 

"  Shall  be  call'd  queen  ;  but  princefs  dowager, 

"  And  widow  to  prince  Arthur."     TOLLET. 
3  our  beft  having.]  That  is,  our  beft  pojjcjfian.     So, 

)n  Haclftb  : 

"  Promifes 

"  Of  nolle  having  and  of  royal  hope* 
I".  Span'.fh,  ta^ienda.     JOHNSON. 

Q.  Anae. 


23'i       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Anne.  By  my  troth,  and  maidenhead, 
I  would  not  be  a  queen. 

Old  L.  Befhrew  me,  I  would, 
And  venture  maidenhead  for't ;  and  fo  would  you., 
For  all  this  fpice  of  your  hypocrify  : 
You,  that  have  fo  fair  parts  of  woman  on  you, 
Have  too  a  woman's  heart ;  which  ever  yet 
AfFedted  eminence,  wealth,  fovereignty  ; 
Which,  to  fay  footh,  arebleffings:  and  which  gifts 
CSaving  your  mincing)  the  capacity 
Of  your  foft 4  cheveril  confcience  would  receive. 
If  you  might  pleafe  to  ftretch  it. 

Anne.  Nay,  good  troth, — 

Old  L.  Yes,  troth  and  troth,— You  would  not  be 
a  queen  ? 

Anne.  No,  not  for  all  the  riches  under  heaven. 

Old  L.  'Tis  flrange ;  a  three-pence  bow'd  would 

hire  me, 

Old  as  I  am,  to  queen  it :  Bur,  I  pray  you, 
What  think  you  of  a  dutchefs  ?  have  you  limbs 
To  bear  that  load  of  title  ? 

Anne.  No,  in  truth. 

Old  £.  Then  you  are  weakly  made  :  5  Pluck  off  a 
little  ; 

*  — — - — cbeveril—~\  is  kid-fk'm,  fqft-leather.     JOHNSON. 
So,  in  Hiftriomaftix,   1 6 1  o  : 

"  The  cheveril  confcience  qf  corrupted  law."    STEEVENS. 

5  Pluck  off  a  little;'}  What  muft  {he  pluck  off  ?  I  thinly 

we  may  better  read  : 

Pluck  up  a  little. 

Pluck  up  !  is  an   idiomatical  expreflion  for  take  courage. 

JOHNSON. 

The  old  lady  firft  queftions  Anne  Bullen  about  being  a  quecn^ 
which  fhe  declares  her  averfion  to ;  flie  then  propofes  the  title  of 
a  Jutchcfs,  and  alks  her  if  ftie  thinks  herfelf  equal  to  the  tafk  of 
fuftaining  it ;  but  as  fhe  fall  declines  the  offer  of  greatnefs  ; 

Pluck  off  a  little, 

fays  (he,  i.  e.  let  us  defcend  {till  lower,  and  rpore  upon  a  level 
with  your  own  quality  ;  and  then  adds  : 

I  mould  not  be  a  youn*  count  in  your  nuay, 

which  is  ftill  an  inferior  degree  of  honour  to  any  yet  fpoken  of. 

STEEVENS. 

I  WQU14 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       233 

I  would  not  be  a  young  count  in  your  way, 
For  more  than  blufhing  eomes  to  :  if  your  back 
Cannot  vouch  fafe  this  burden,  'tis  too  weak 
Ever  to  get  a  boy. 

Anne.  How  you  do  talk  ! 
I  fwear  again,  I  would  not  be  a  queen 
For  all  the  world. 

Old  L.  In  faith,  for  little  England 
6  You'd  venture  an  emballing  :  I  myfelf 
Would  for  Carnarvonfhire,  although  there  'Jong'd 
No  more  to  the  crown  but  that.  Lo,  who  comes  here  ? 

Enter  the  Lord  Chamberlain. 

Cham.  Good  morrow,  ladies.    What  were't  worth, 

to  know 
The  fecret  of  your  conference  ? 

Anne.  My  good  lord, 

No:  your  demand  ;  it  values  not  your  afking  : 
Our  miftrcfc'  forrows  we  were  pitying. 

Cham.  It  was  a  gentle  bufinefs,  and  becoming 
The  action  of  good  women  :  there  is  hope, 
All  will  be  well. 

Anne.  Now  I  pray  God,  amen  ! 

Cham.  You   bear  a   gentle  mind,    and   heavenly 

blefiings 

Follow  fuch  creatures.     That  you  may,  fair  lady. 
Perceive  I  fpeak  iincerely,  and  high  note's 
Ta'en  of  your  many  virtues,  the  king's  majefly 
Commends  his  good  opinion  to  you,  and 
Does  purpofe  honour  to  you  no  lefs  flowing 
Than  marchionefs  of  Pembroke  ;  to  which  title 
A  thoufand  pounds  a  year,  annual  fupport, 
Out  of  his  grace  he  adds. 

Anne.  I  do  not  know, 

6  Tou'd  venture  an  emballing: — ]  You  would  venture  to  be 
diftinguiflied  by  the  ball,  the  enlign  of  royalty.  JOHNSON. 

Dr.  Johnfon's  explanation  cannot  be  right,  becaufe  a  qitecn- 
confort,  fuch  as  Aime  Bullen  was,  is  not  diftinguiihed  by  the  ball^ 
the  enfign  of  royalty,  nor  has  the  poet  expreffed  that  ftie  was  fo 
TOLLET, 

What 


23*       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

What  kind  of  my  obedience  I  fhould  tender; 
7  More  than  my  all  is  nothing  :  nor  my  prayers 
Are  not  words  duly  hallow'd,  nor  my  wifhes 
More  worth  than  empty  vanities ;  yet  prayers,  and 

wilhes, 

Are  all  I  can  return.     'Befeech  your  lordihip, 
Vouchfafe  to  fpeak  my  thanks,  and  my  obedience, 
As  from  a  blufhing  handmaid,  to  his  highnefs ; 
Whofe  health,  and  royalty,  I  pray  for. 

Cham,  Lady, 

*I  fhall  not  fail  to  approve  the  fair  conceit, 
The  king  hath  of  you. — I  have  perus'd  her  well 9  ; 
Beauty  and  honour  in  her  are  fo  mingled,         [Afide* 
That  they  have  caught  the  king  :  And  who  knows 

yet, 

But  from  this  lady  may  proceed  a '  gem, 
To  lighten  all  this  ifle  ?— I'll  to  the  king, 
And  fay,  I  fpoke  with  you. 

7  More  than  my  all,  is  nothing : ]    No  figure  can   free  this 

expreffion  from  nonfenie.     In  Ipite  of  the  exaftnefs  of  meafure, 
we  fhould  read  : 

More  than  my  all,  which  is  nothing. 
i.e.  which  all  is  nothing.    WARBURTON. 

It  is  not  nonfenfe,  but  only  a  hyperbole.  Not  only  my  all  is 
nothing^  but  if  my  all  were  more  than  it  is,  it  were  itill  nothing. 

JOHNSON. 

*  IJhall  not  fail  &c.]  I  fhall  not  omit  to  ftrengthen  by  my 
commendation,  the  opinion  which  the  king  has  formed. 

JOHNSON. 

9  — I  have  perus'd  her  well;']  From  the  many  artful  Itrokes  of 
addrefs  the  poet  has  thrown  in  upon  queen  Elizabeth  and  her 
mother,  it  fliould  feem,  that  this  play  was  written  and  performed 
in  his  royal  miftrefs's  time  :  if  fo,  fome  lines  were  added  by  him 
in  the  lafl  fcene,  after  the  acceffion  of  her  fucceflbr,  king  James, 

THEOBALD, 

1  • a  gem 

To  lighten  all  this  ijle  ? ] 

Perhaps  alluding  to  the  carbuncle,  a  gem  fuppofed  to  have  intrinfic 
light,  and  to  fhine  in  the  dark ;  any  other  gem  may  reflect  light, 
but  cannot  give  it.     JOHNSON. 
So,   in  Titus  Antlronicus : 

"  A  precious  ring  that  lightens  all  the  hole."    STEEVENS, 

Anne* 


KING    HENKY    VIII.        235 

Anne.  My  honour'd  lord.     [Exit  Lord  Chamberlain. 

Old  L.  Why,  this  it  is  ;  fee,  fee  ! 
I  have  been  begging  fixteen  years  in  court, 
(Am  yet  a  courtier'beggarly)  nor  could 
Come  pat  betwixt  too  early  and  too  late, 
For  any  fuit  of  pounds  :  and  you,  O  fate  !) 
A  very  frefti  fifli  here,  (fye,  fye  upon 
This  compell'd  fortune  !)  have  your  mouth  fill'd  up, 
Before  you  open  it. 

Anne.  This  is  ftrange  to  me. 

Old  L.  How  taftes  it  ?  is  it  bitter  ?  *  forty  pence,  no. 
There  was  a  lady  once,  ('tis  an  old  ftory) 
That  would  not  be  a  queen,  that  would  ihe  not, 

*  is  it  bitter  f  forty  pence  no.]  Mr.  Roderick,  in  his 

appendix  to  Mr.  Edvvards's  book,  propofes  to  read : 

—for  t-'jo-pc;icc. 

The  old  reading  may,  however,  {land.  Forty  pence  was  in  thofc 
days  the  proverbial  exprellion  of  a  fmall  wager,  or  a  fmall  fum. 
Money  was  then  reckoned  by  pounds,  marks,  and  nobles.  Forty 
pence  is  half  a  noble,  or  the  lixth  part  of  a  pound.  Forty  pence, 
or  three  and  four  pence,  ftill  remains  in  many  offices  the  legal 
and  eftablifhed  fee. 

So,  in  K,  Rich.  II.  aft  V.  fc.  v  : 

"  The  cheapeft  of  us  is  ten  groats  too  dear." 
Again,  in  Alfs  Well  that  Ends  Well,  ad  II;  the  clown  fays,  As 
jit  as  ten  groats  for  the  hand  of  art  attorney. 
Again,  in  The  IfildGoofe  Chafe  of  Beaumont  and  Fletcher: 

*'  Now  could  I  fpend  my  forty  pence , 

"  With  all  my  heart." 
Again,  in  Green's  Groundwork  of  Coneycatc hing  : 

"  wagers  laying;  &c.  forty  fence  gaged  againft  a  match 

of  vvreftling." 

Again,  in  Hiftriomaftixt  or  the  Player  Wliipt^   1610.     This  fum 
is  the  fee  of  fome  players  : 

"  Give  them  'forty  pence,  and  let  them  go." 
Again,   in  The  longer  tboit  Live/I,  the  more  Fool  tbou  art,    1570  : 

"  I  dare  ivagc  with  any  man  forty  pence.'" 

Again,  in  the  old  Enterlude  ot  the  Repentance  of  Mary  Magdalene, 
1567  : 

"  To  fe  her  fafiiion  I  would  bedew  my  forty  pence." 
Again,  in  the  Storye  of  King  Darius,   1565,  an  interlude  : 

*'  Na\,  taat  I  will  not  fa  four  ty  pence"     STEEVENS. 

For 


236       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

For  all  the  mud  in  jEgypt »  : — Have  you  heard  it  ? 

Anne.  Come,  you  are  pleafant. 

Old  L.  With  your  theme,  I  could 
O'er-mount  the  lark.  The  marchionefs  of  Pembroke! 
A  thoufand  pounds  a  year !  for  pure  refped: ; 
No  other  obligation  :  By  my  life, 
That  promifes  more  thoufands  :  Honour's  train 
Is  longer  than  his  fore-ikirt.     By  this  time, 
I  know,  your  back  will  bear  a  dutchefs ; — Say, 
Are  you  not  ftronger  than  you  were  ? 

Anne.  Good  lady, 

Make  yourfelf  mirth  with  your  particular  fancy, 
And  leave  me  out  on't.     'Would  I  had  no  being, 
If  this  falute  my  blood  a  jot ;  it  faints  me, 
To  think  what  follows. 
The  queen  is  comfortlefs,  and  we  forgetful 
In  our  long  ab fence  :  Pray,  do  not  deliver 
"^hat  here  you  have  heard,  to  her. 

Old  L.  What  do  you  think  me  ?  [Exeunt, 


SCENE    IV, 

A  Hall  m  Black-Fryars. 

Trumpets,    4  fennel,    and  comets.     Enter  two  Vergers, 
with  Jhort  Jilver  wands  ;  next  them,  two  Scribes,  in 

the 

3  For  all  the  mud  in  Egypt :]  The  fertility  of  Egypt  is  derived 
from  the  mud  and  ilime  ot  the  Nile.  STEEVENS. 

*  fcnnet^\  I  know  not  the  meaning  of  this  word,  \vhichisin 
all  the  editions,  except  that  of  Hanmer,  who,  not  undemanding 
it,  has  left  it  out.  JOHNSON. 

Dr.  Burney  (whofe  General  Hiftory  of  Mujtc  has  been  fo  highly 
and  defervedly  applauded)  undertook  to  trace  the  etymology,  and 
difcover  the  certain  meaning  of  this  term,  but  without  fuccefs. 
The  following  conjecture  of  his,  fhould  not,  however,  be  witheld 
from  the  public. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      237 

the  habits  of  doftvrs  ;  after  them,  the  Archbijhop  of 
Canterbury  alone  ;  after  him,  the  Biflwps  of  Lincoln, 
Ely,  Rocbefter,  and  faint  Afaph  ;  next  them,  with  fome 
fmall  diftance,  follows  a  Gentleman  bearing  the  purfe, 
with  the  great  fed,  and  a  cardinafs  hat  ;  then,  two 
Priefts,  bearing  each  a  filver  crofs  ;  then  a  Gentleman- 
itflw  bare-headed,  accompanied  with  a  Serjeant  at  arms, 
bearing  a  fiver  mace  ;  then  two  Gentlemen,  .  bearing 
two  great  .  fiver  *  pillars  ;  after  them,  fide  by  fide,  the 
two  Cardinals  ;  two  Noblemen  with  the  fword  and 


Senne  otfennle  de  1'Allemand  fat  qui  fignifie  afiemblee. 
de  vieux  Langage  : 

*'  Senne  aflemblee  a  fan  de  cloche."  Menage. 
Perhaps,  therefore,  fays  he,  fennet  mny  mean  a  flourilh  for  the 
purpofe  of  aflembling  chiefs,  or  apprizing  the  people  of  their 
approach*  I  have  likewifc  been  informed,  (as  is  elfevvhere  noted) 
thztfeneftc  is  the  name  of  an  antiquated  French  tune.  See  Julius 
€*far,  aft  I.  fc  ii.  STEEVE.VS. 

In  the  fecond  part  of  Marftons  Antonio  : 

*'  Cornets  found  a  cyxet."     FARMER. 

5  pillars  ;]  Pillars  were  fome  of  the  enfigns  of  dignity  carried 

before  cardinals.     Sir  Thomas  More,  when  he  was  fpeaker  to 

the  commons,  advifed  them  to  admit  Wolfey  into  the  houfe  with 

his  maces  uod  his  pillars.     Moris  Life  of  Sir  T.  More.    JOHNSON. 

Skelton,  in  his  Satire  againft  cardinal  Wolfey,  has  thefe  liaes  : 

«'  With  worldly  pom  pe  increc'ible, 
"  Before  him  rj'deth  two  preftes  ftronge  ; 
**  And  they  bear  two  crofles  right  longe, 

*'  Gapynge  in  every  man's  face: 
**  After  them  folowe  two  laye  men  fecular, 
**  And  cache  of  theym  holdyn  a.  pillar, 

"  In  their  hondes  fteade  of  a  mace."  STEEVEKS. 
—  —  t-joo  great  Jtlver  pillars.'}  At  the  end  of  Fiddes's  Life  of 
Cardinal  Wolfey,  is  a  curious  letter  of  Mr.  Anftis's  on  the  fubjedt 
of  the  two  finer  pillars  ufually  borne  before  Cardinal  Wolfey. 
This  remarkable  piece  of  pageantry  did  not  efcape  the  notice  of 
Shakefpeare.  PERCY. 

Wolfey  had  two  great  crofles  of  filver,  the  one  of  his  archbi- 
fhoprick,  the  other  of  his  legacy,  borne  before  whitherfoever 
he  went  or  rode,  by  t\vo  of  the  talleft  priefts  that  he  could  get 
within  the  realm.  This  is  from  Vol.  III.  p.  920  of  Holinflied, 
and  it  feems  from  p.  837,  that  one  of  the  pillars  was  a  token  of 
a  cardinal,  and  perhaps  he  bore  the  other  pillar  as  an  archbiihop. 

TOLLET. 

mace* 


238       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

mace.  The  King  takes  place  under  the  ckth  of  fiat e^ 
the  two  Cardinals  fit  under  kirn,  as  judges.  The 
Queen  takes  place,  fome  difiance  from  the  King.  The 
Bifiops  place  themfelves  on  each  fide  the  court,  m 
manner  of  a  confiftory  ;  below  them,  the  Scribes.  The 
Lords  fit  next  the  Biflwps.  The  reft  of  the  attendants 
Jland  in  convenient  order  about  the  fiage. 

Wol.  Whilft  our  commimon  from  Rome  is  read5 
Let  filence  be  commanded. 

King.  What's  the  need  ? 
It  hath  already  publickly  been  read, 
And  on  all  fides  the  authority  allow'd  3 
You  may  then  fpare  that  time. 

Wol.  Be't  Ib  : — Proceed. 

Scribe.  Say,  Henry  king  of  England,    come  into 
the  court. 

Crier.  Henry  king  of  England,  &c. 

King.  Here. 

Scribe.  Say,  Katharine  queen  of  England,  come 
Into  the  court, 

Crier.  Katharine  queen  of  England,  &c. 

{The  Queen  makes  no  anfwer,  rifes  out  of  her  chair,  goes 
about  the  court,  comes  to  the  ^ing,  and  kneels  at  his 
feet;  then  fpeaks.~] 

Queen.  Sir,  I  defire  you,  do  me  right  and  juflice  6£ 
And  to  beftow  your  pity  on  me  :  for 
I  am  a  moft  poor  woman,  and  a  ftranger, 
Born  out  of  your  dominions;  having  here 
l^o judge  indifferent,  nor  no  more  affurance 
Of  equal  friendfhip  and  proceeding.     Alas,  fir, 
In  what  have  I  offended  you  ?  what  caufe 
Hath  my  behaviour  given  to  your  difpleafure, 
That  thus  you  ihould  proceed  to  put  me  off, 

6  &V,  /  defire you  Ho  i*ic  right  and jitjlice  ;  &c.]  This  fpeech  bf 
the  queen,  and  the  king's  reply,  are  taken  from  Holinlhed  with 
the  moft  trifling  variations.  SfEEVfcNS. 

And 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       239 

And  take  your  good  grace  from  me  ?  Heaven  witnefs, 

I  have  been  to  you  a  true  and  humble  wife, 

At  all  times  to  your  will  conformable  : 

Ever  in  fear  to  kindle  your  diflike, 

Yea,  fubjecl:  to  your  countenance ;  glad,  or  forry, 

As  I  faw  it  inclined.     When  was  the  hour, 

I  ever  contradicted  your  defire, 

Or  made  it  not  mine  too  ?  Or  which  of  your  friends 

Have  I  not  ftrove  to  love,  although  I  knew 

He  were  mirus  enemy  ?  what  friend  of  mine, 

That  had  to  him  deriv'd  your  anger,  did  I 

Continue  in  my  liking  ?  8  nay,  gave  not  notice 

He  was  from  thence  difcharg'd  ?  Sir,  call  to  mind, 

That  I  have  been  your  wife,  in  this  obedience, 

Upward  of  twenty  years,  and  have  been  bleft 

With  many  children  by  you  :  If,  in  the  courfe 

And  procefs  of  this  time,  you  can  report, 

And  prove  it  too,  againft  mine  honour  aught, 

My  bond  to  wedlock,  or  my  love  and  duty 

Againft  your  facred  perfon,  in  God's  name, 

Turn  me  away  ;  and  let  the  foul'fl  contempt 

Shut  door  upon  me,  and  fo  give  me  up 

To  the  lharpeft  kind  of  juftice.     Pleafe  you,  fir, 

The  king,  your  father,  was  reputed  for 

A  prince  moft  prudent,  of  an  excellent 

And  unmatch'd  wit  and  judgment :  Ferdinand, 

My  father,  king  of  Spain,  was  reckon'd  one 

The  wifeft  prince,  that  there  had  reign'd  by  many 

A  year  before  :  It  is  not  to  be  queftion'd 

That  they  had  gathered  a  wife  council  to  them 

Of  every  realm,  that  did  debate  this  bufmefs, 

7  nay,  gave  not  notice}  In  former  editions : 

— — nay,  gave  notice, 

which,  though  the  author's  common  liberties  of  fpeech  might 
juftity.  yet  I  cannot  but  think  that  not  ^'as  dropped  before  notice^ 
having  the  fame  letters,  and  have  therefore  followed  fir  Thomas 
faanraer's  correction.  JOHNSOK. 

Who 


240       KING    HENRY    VIIL 

Who  deem'd  our  marriage  lawful  :  Wherefore  I 

humbly 

Befeech  you,  fir,  to  fpare  me,  'till  I  may 
Be  by  my  friends  in  Spain  advis'd  j  whofe  counfel 
I  will  implore  :  If  not ;  i'the  name  of  God, 
Your  pleafure  be  fulfill'd  ! 

Wol.  You  have  here,  lady, 

(And  of  your  choice)  thefe  reverend  fathers ;   men 
Of  fmgular  integrity  and  learning, 
Yea,  the  eledt  of  the  land,  who  are  aifembled 
To  plead  your  caufe  :  It  fliall  be  therefore  bootlefs^ 
That  longer  you  defer  the  court ;  as  well 
-For  your  own  quiet,  as  to  rectify 
What  is  unfettled  in  the  -king. 

Cam.  His  grace 

Hath  fpoken  well,  and  juftly  :  Therefore,  madam, 
It's  fit  this  royal  feflion  do  proceed  ; 
And.  that,  without  delay,  their  arguments 
Be  now  produc'd,  and  heard. 

Queen.  Lord  cardinal,  ••    -. 
To  you  I  fpeak. 

Wol.  Your  pleafure,  madam  ? 

Queen.  Sir, 

I  am  about  to  weep  8 ;  but,    thinking  that 
We  are  a  queen,  (or  long  have  dream'd  fo)  certain^ 
The  daughter  of  a  king,  my  drops  of  tears 
I'll  turn  to  fparks  of  fire. 

Wol.   Be  patient  yet. 

Queen*  I  will,  when  you  are  humble  ;  nay,  before, 
Or  God  will  puniih  me.     I  do  believe, 
Induc'd  by  potent  circumftanccs,  that 

8  7  am  about  to  iveep  ;  &c.]  Shakefpeare  has  given  aim  oft  a  fi- 
roilar  fentiment  to  Hermione  in  the  Winter's  Talc,  on  an  almoft 
iimilar  occafion  : 

*'  I  am  not  prone  to  weeping,  as  our  fex 

"  Commonly  are  &c.— but  I  have 

*'  That  honourable  grief  lodg'd  here,  which  burns 

"  Worfe  than  tears  drown  ;  &c."     STEEVENS. 

You 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       24| 

You  are  mine  enemy  ;  9  and  make  my  challenge, 

You  fhall  not  be  my  judge  :  for  it  is  you 

Have  blown  this  coal  betwixt  my  lord  and  me,  — 

Which  God's  dew  quench  !  —  Therefore,  I  fay  again, 

I  utterly  abhor,  yea,  from  my  foul 

Refufe  you  for  my  judge  ;  whom,  yet  once  more, 

I  hold  my  moft  malicious  foe,  and  think  not 

At  all  a  friend  to  truth. 

Wol.  I  do  profefs, 

You  fpeak  not  like  yourfelf  ;  who  ever  yet 
Have  flood  to  charity,  and  difplay'd  the  effects 
Of  difpofition  gentle,  and  of  wifdom 
O'er-topping  woman's  power.     Madam,  you  do  me 

wrong  : 

I  have  no  fpleen  againft  you  ;  nor  injuftice 
For  you,  or  any  :  how  far  I  have  proceeded, 
Or  how  far  further  lhall,  is  warranted 
By  a  commiflion  from  the  confiitory, 
Yea,  the  whole  confiftory  of  Rome.  You  charge  me, 
That  I  have  blown  this  coal  :  I  do  deny  it  : 
The  king  is  prefent  ;  If  it  be  known  to  him, 
That  I  gainfay  '  my  deed,  how  may  he  wound, 
And  worthily,  my  falfhood  ?  yea,  as  much 
As  you  have  done  my  truth.     If  he  know 
That  I  am  free  of  your  report,  he  knows, 
I  am  not  of  your  wrong.     Therefore  in  him 
It  lies,  to  cure  me  :  and  the  cure  is,  to 

9  •  '  and  make  my  challenge, 

Youjball  not  be  my  judge  :] 

Challenge  is  here  a  verbum  juris,  a  law  term.  The  criminal,  when 
he  refutes  a  juryman,  fays,  /  challenge  him.  I  think  there  is  a 
flight  errour  which  deftroys  the  connection,  and  would  read  : 

Indued  by  potent  circumftances,  that 

You  are  mine  enemy,  I  make  my  challenge. 

—You  Jball  not  be  my  judge.     JOHXSON. 
1  <       gainfay~\    i-  e.  deny.    So,    in  lord  Surrey's  tranflation 
of  the  fourth  book  of 


**  I  hold  thec  not,  nor  yet  gainfay  thy  words.'* 

STSEVENS. 

VOL.  VII.  R  Re- 


242       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Remove  thefe  thoughts  from  you  :  The  which  before 
His  highnefs  fhall  fpeak  in,  I  do  befeech 
You,  gracious  madam,  to  unthink  your  fpeaking, 
And  to  fay  fo  no  more. 

Queen.  My  lord,  my  lord, 
I  am  a  fimple  woman,  much  too  weak 
To  oppofe  your  cunning.   You  are  meek,  and  hum- 

ble-mouth'd ; 

1  You  fign  your  place  and  calling,  in  full  feeming, 
With  meeknefs  and  humility  :  but  your  heart 
Is  cramm'd  with  arrogancy,  fpleen,  and  pride. 
You  have,  by  fortune,  and  his  highnefs'  favours, 
Gone  flightly  o'er  low  fteps  ;  and  ROW  are  mounted  ', 
Where  powers  are  your  retainers  :  and  your  words, 
Domefticks  to  you,  ferve  your  will,  as't  pleafe 
Yourfelf  pronounce  their  office.     I  muil  tell  you, 
You  tender  more  your  perfon's  honour,  than. 

a  You  fign  jour  place  and  catting,  ]  Sign,  for  anfwer. 

WARBURTON. 

I  think,  to  Jtga,  muft  here  be  to./fow,  to  denote.  By  your  out- 
ward meeknefs  and  humility,  youjboiv  that  you  are  of  an  holy  or- 
der, but,  &c.  JOHNSON. 

3  now  are  mounted, 

IVljere  powers  are  your  retainers ;  andyour  words, 

Dome/licks  to  you,  ferve  your  will,' ] 

You  have  now  got  power  at  your  beck,  following  in  your  retinue  : 
and  words  therefore  are  degraded  to  the  fervile  flate  of  perform- 
ing any  office  which  you  fhall  give  them.  In  humbler  and  more 
common  terms  ;  Having  now  got  power,  yon  do  not  regard  your 
word.  JOHNSON. 
I  believe  we  ftiould  read  : 

"  Where  powers  are  your  retainers,  and  your  wards, 

"  Domefticks  to  you,  &e." 

The  Queen  rifes  naturally  in  her  defcription.  She  paints  the 
powers  of  government  depending  upon  Wolfey  under  three 
images ;  as  his  retainers,  his  wards,  his  domejlic  fervants. 

TYRWHITT. 

So,  in  Storer's  Life  and  Death  of  Thomas  JFolfey,  Cardinal,  a 
poem,  i 599 : 

*'  I  muft  have  notice  where  their  wards  mufl  dwell  ; 

**  I  car'd  not  for  the  gentry,  for  I  had 

**  Yong  nobles  of  the  land,  &c,"    STEEVEKS. 

Your 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       243 

Your  high  profeffion  fpiritual :  That  again 
I  do  refufe  you  for  my  judge  ;  and  here, 
Before  you  all,  appeal  unto  the  pope, 
To  bring  my  whole  caufe  'fore  his  holinefs, 
And  to  be  judg'd  by  him. 

[She  curfjies  to  the  King±  and  offers  to  depart* 

Cam.  The  queen  is  obflinate, 
Stubborn  to  juftice,  apt  to  accufe  it,  and 
Difdainful  to  be  try'd  by  it ;  'tis  not  well. 
She's  going  away. 

King.  Call  her  again. 

Crier.  Katharine,  queen  of  England,  come  into  the 
court. 

UJher.  Madam,  you  are  call'd  back. 

£$ueefa  What  need  you  note  it  ?  pray  you,  keep 

your  way : 

When  you  are  call'd,  return. — Now  the  Lord  help, 
They  vex  me  pafl  my  patience  !  — pray  you,  pafs  on  : 
I  will  not  tarry  ;  no,  nor  ever  more, 
Upon  this  bufinefs,  my  appearance  make 
In  any  of  their  courts. 

\Exev.nt  Gtueen,  and  her  Attendants. 

King.  Go  thy  ways,  Kate  : 
That  man  i'the  world,  who  fhall  report  he  has 
A  better  wife,  let  him  in  nought  be  trufted, 
For  fpeaking  falfe  in  that :  Thou  art,  alone, 
(If  thy  rare  qualities,  fweet  gentlenefs, 
Thy  meeknefs  faint-like,  wife-like  government,— 
Obeying  in  commanding, — and  thy  parts 
Sovereign  and  pious  elfe,  4  could  fpeak  thee  out) 
The  queen  of  earthly  queens  : — She  is  noble  born  ; 
And,  like  her  true  nobility,  flie  has 
Carried  herfelf  towards  me. 

WoL  Moft  gracious  fir, 
In  humbleft  manner  I  require  your  highnefs, 

*  could  fpeak  tlee  out)']  If  thy  feveral  qualities  had  tongues 

ta  fpeak  thy  praife.    JOHNSON. 

R  2  That 


244       KING    HENRY 

That  it  fnall  pieafe  you  to  declare,  in  hearing 

Of  all  thefe  ears,  (for  where  I  am  robb'd  and  boundy 

There  muft  I  be  unloosed  ;  *  although  not  there 

At  once  and  fully  fatisfy'd)  whether  ever  I 

Did  broach  this  buiinefs  to  your  highnefs ;  or 

Lay'd  any  fcruple  in  your  way,  which  might 

Induce  you  to  the  queftion  on't  ?  or  ever 

Have  to  you, — but  with  thanks  to  God  for  fuch 

A  royal  lady, — fpake  one  the  leaft  word,  that  might 

Be  to  the  prejudice  of  her  prefent  Hate, 

Or  touch  erf'  her  good  perfon  ? 

King.  My  lord  cardinal, 
I  do  excufe  you  ;  yea,  upon  mine  honour, 
I  free  you  from't.     You  are  not  to  be  taught 
That  you  have  many  enemies,  that  know  not 
Why  they  are  fo,  but,  like  to  village  curs, 
Bark  when  their  fellows  do  :  by  fome  of  thefe 
The  queen  is  put  in  anger.     You  are  excus'd  : 
But  will  you  be  more  juftify'd  ?  you  ever 
Have  wiih'd  the  fleeping  of  this  buiinefs  ;  never 
Defir'd  it  to  be  flirr'd  ;  but  oft  have  hindred,  oft, 
The  paffages  made  toward  it : — 6  on  my  honour, 

I  fpcak 

although  not  there 

At  once,  and  fully  fat  isficd)  •  --} 

What  lie  aims  at  is  this  ;  where  I  am  robbed  and  bound,  there 
mult  I  be  unloofed,  though  the  injurers  be  not  there  to  make  me 
fati&fa£tion-;  as  much  as  to  fay,  I  owe  fo  much  to  my  own  inno- 
cence, as  to  clear  up  my  character,  though  I  do  not  ex.pe£t  my 
wrongers  will  do  me  juflice.  It  feems  then  that  Shakefpeare 
Wrote  : 

Aton'd,  and  fully  fatisfied. WAR  BUR  TON. 

I  do  not  fee  what  is  gained  by  this  alteration.  The  fenfe, 
which  is  encumbered  with  words  in  either  reading,  is  no  more 
than  this.  I  muft  be  loofed,  though  when  fo  loofcd,  I  (hall  not  be 
fathfied  fully  and  at  once;  that  is,  I  (hall  not  be  immediately  fatil- 
fied.  JOHNSON. 

6  on  my  honour , 

Ifpeak  my  good  lard  cardinal  to  this  point ^\ 

The  king,  having  firft  addreiled  to  Wolfey,  breaks  off;  and   de- 
clares upon  his  honour  to  the  whole  court,  that  he  fpeaks  the  car- 
dinal'* 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       245 

I  ipeak  my  good  lord  cardinal  to  this  point, 
And  thus  far  clear  him.    Now,  what  mov'd  me  to't,—. 
I  will  be  bold  with  time,  and  your  attention  : — 
Then  mark  the  inducement.     Thus  it  came  ; — give 

heed  to't : — 

My  conference  firft  receiv'd  a  tendernefs, 
7  Scruple,  and  prick,  on  certain  fpeeches  utter'd 
By  the  bifhop  of  Bnyonne,  then  French  ambailador ; 
Who  had  been  hither  fent  on  the  debating 
A  marriage,  'twixt  the  duke  of  Orleans  and 
Our  daughter  Mary  ;  Tthe  progrefs  of  this  bufinefs, 
Ere  a  determinate  refolution,  he 
(I  mean,  the  bifhop)  did  require  a  refpite  ; 
Wherein  he  might  the  king  his  lord  advertife 
Whether  our  daughter  were  legitimate, 
Refpecting  this  our  marriage  with  the  dowager, 
Sometime  our  brother's  wife.     8  This  refpite  fhook 
The  bofom  of  my  confcience,  enter'd  me, 
Yea,  with  a  fplitting  power,  and  made  to  tremble 
The  region  of  my  breaft  ;  which  forc'd  fuch  way, 
That  many  maz'd  confiderings  did  throng, 

dinars  fentiments  upon  the  point  in  queftion  ;  and  clears  him 
from  any  attempt,  or  wifli,  to  fHr  that  bufmefs.     THEOBALD. 

7  Scruple,  and  prick, 3  Prick  of  conscience  was  the  term 

in  confeifion.     JOHNSON. 

The  expreffion  is  from  Holinfhed,  where  the  king  fays  :  "  The 
fpecial  caufe  that  moved  me  unto  this  matter  was  a  certaine  fcru- 
pulofkie  that  pricked  my  confcience  &c."  See  Holinjbcd,  p.  907. 

STEEVENS. 

8  Tbi '$  refpite  Jhook 

The  bofom  of  my  confcience^    •        •      ] 

Though  this  reading  be  ienfe,  yet,  I  verily  believe,  the  poet 
wrote  : 

The  bottom  of  my  confc'ence, 

Shakefpeare,  in  all  his  hiftorical  plays,  was  a  moft  diligent  ob- 
ferver  of  Holinftied's  Chronicle.  Now  Holinftied,  in  the  fpeech 
which  he  has  given  to  king  Henry  upon  this  fubjecT:,  makes  him 
deliver  himfelf  thus :  "  Which  words,  once  conceived  within  the 
fecret  bottom  of  my  confcience,  ingendred  fuch  a  fcrupulous  doubt, 
that  my  confcience  was  incontinently  accombred,  vexed,  and  dif- 
Fid,  Lite  of  Henry  V11L  p.  907.  THEOBALD. 

R  2  And 


246       K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    VIII. 

And  prefs'd  in  with  this  caution.    Firft,  methought, 

J  flood  not  in  the  fmile  of  heaven  ;  who  had 

Commanded  nature,  that  my  lady's  womb, 

Jf  it  conceiv'd  a  male  child  by  me,  Ihould 

Do  no  more  offices  of   life  to't,  than 

The  grave  does  to  the  dead  :  for  her  male-ifTue 

Or  died  where  they  were  made,  or  fhortly  after 

This  woild  had  air'd  them  :  Hence  I  took  a  thought, 

This  was  a  judgment  qn  me  ;  that  my  kingdom, 

Well  worthy  the  beft  heir  o'the  world,  fhould  not 

Be  gladded  in't  by  me  :  Then  follows,  that 

I  weigh'd  the  danger  which  my  realms  flood  in 

By  this  my  iflue's  fail ;  and  that  gave  to  me 

Many  a  groan;  g  throe.     Thus 9  hulling  in 

The  wild  fea  of  my  confcience,  I  did  fleer 

Toward  this  remedy,  whereupon  we  are 

£Jow  prefcnt  here  together  ;  that's  to  fay, 

I  meant  to  redtify  my  confcience,— which 

I  then  did  feel  full  fick,  and  yet  not  well,— 

By  all  the  reverend  fathers  of  the  land, 

And  doctors  learn'd. — Firft,  I  began  in  private 

With  you,  my  lord  of  Lincoln  ;  you  remember 

How  under  my  oppreflion  I  did  reek, 

When  I  firft  mov'd  you. 

Lin.  Very  well,  my  liege. 

King.  I  have  fpoke  long ;  be  pleas'd  yourfelf  to  fay 
How  far  you  fatisfy'd  me. 

Lin.  So  pleafe  your  highnefs, 
The  queflion  did  at  firfl  fo  ftagger  me,-^» 

»  hulling  in 

The  iviMfea  ] 

That  is,  floating  without  guidance  ;  tofs'd  here  and  there. 

JOHNSON. 

The  phr&fe  belongs  to   navigation.     A  fhip    is  faid  to   hull, 
when  fhe  is  difmafted,  and  only  her  hull,  or  hulk,  is  left  at  the 
direction  and  mercy  of  the  waves. 
So,  in  the  Alarum  for  London ,    1602  : 

"  And  they  lye  butting  up  and  dawn  the  ftream." 

STEEVENS. 

Bear- 


KING    HENRY     VIII.       247 

Bearing  a  ftate  of  miehty  moment  in't, 
And  confequence  of  dread, — that  I  committed 
The  daring'ft  counfel  which  I  had,  to  doubt ; 
And  did  entreat  your  highnefs  to  this  courfe, 
Which  you  are  running  here. 
King.  '  1  then  mov'd  you, 
My  lord  of  Canterbury  ;  and  got  your  leave 
To  make  this  prefent  fummons  : — Unfolicited 
I  left  no  reverend  perfon  in  this  court ; 
But  by  particular  confent  proceeded, 
Under  your  hands  and  feals.     Therefore,  go  on; 
For  no  diflike  i'the  world  againft  the  perfon 
"Of  our  good  queen,  but  the  {harp  thorny  points 
Of  my  alledged  reafons,  drive  this  forward  : 
Prove  but  our  marriage  lawful,  by  my  life, 
And  kingly  dignity,  we  are  contented 
To  wear  our  mortal  ftate  to  come,  with  her, 
Katharine  our  queen,  before  the  primeft  creature 
*  That's  paragon'd  o'the  world. 

1  I  then  mov'd  you,]  I  have  refcued  the  text  from  Holinfiied,— 
"  I  moved  it  in  confeffion  to  you,  my  lord  of  Lincoln,  then 
ghoftly  father.  And  forafmuch  as  then  you  yourfelf  were  in 
fome  doubt,  you  moved  me  to  afc  the  counfel  of  all  thele  my 
lords.  Whereupon  I  moved  you,  my  lord  of  Canterbury,  firft 
to  have  your  licence,  in  as  much  as  you  were  metropolitan,  to  put 
this  matter  in  queftion  ;  and  Jo  I  did  of  all  you,  my  lords."  Ho- 
linfhed's  Life  of  Henry  fill.  p.  908.  THEOBALD. 

*  That's  paragon'd  i'th'<ow/*/.]  Hanmer  reads,  I  think,  better; 

The  primcjl  creature 

Thai* s  paragon  o'th'w0r/</.     JoHNSON. 
So,  in  the  Two  Gentlemen  of  fcrona  : 

No  :  but  (he  is  an  earthly  paragon. 
Again,  in  another  of  our  author's  plays : 

an  angel !  or,  if  net, 

An  earthly  paragon. 

To  paragon,  however,  is  a  verb  ufed  by  Shakefpeare  both  u) 
Antony  and  Cleopatra,  and  Othello : 

If  thou  with  Csefar  paragon  again 

My  man  of  men 

That  paragons  defcription  and  wild  fame,    STEEVENS, 

R  4  Cam. 


248        KING     HENRY    VIII, 

Cam.  So  pleafe  your  highnefs, 
The  queen  being  abfent,  'tis  a  needful  fitnefs 
That  we  adjourn  this  court  to  further  day  : 
Mean  \vhile  muft  be  an  earneft  motion 
Made  to  the  queen,  to  call  back  her  appeal 
She  intends  unto  his  holinefs.     [They  rife  to  depart  J, 

King,  I  may  perceive, 
Theie  cardinals  trifle  with  me  :  I  abhor 
This  dilatory  floth,  and  tricks  of  Rome. 
My  learn'd  and  well  beloved  fervant,  Cranmer, 
Tr'ythee,  return  !  with  thy  approach,  I  know, 
My  comfort  comes  along.     Break  up  the  court : 
I  fay,  let  on.  [Exeunt,  in  manner  as  they  enter' d. 


ACT     III.      SCENE     I. 

The  Speeds  Apartments. 
The  Queen  and  her  Women,  as  at  work. 

Queen.  Take  thy  lute,  wench  :  my  foul  grows  fad 

with  troubles  ; 

Sing,  and  difperfe  thema  if  thou  canft  :  leave  work-« 
ing. 

3  T'bey  rife  to  depart.}  Here  the  modern  editors  add  :  The  king 
fpcaks  to  Cranmer.  \  This  marginal  direction  is  not  found  in  the 
old  folio,  and  was  wrongly  introduced  by  fome  fubfequent  editor. 
Cranmer  was  now  abfent  from  court  on  an  embafly,  as  appears 
from  the  laft  icene  of  this  acl,  where  Cromwell  informs  Wolfeyy 
that  he  is  return'd  and  inftall'd  archbifhop  of  Canterbury : 

My  learned  and  well-beloved fervant^  Cranmer, 

Pr'ytbee,  return  ! 

is  no  more  than  an  apoflrophe  to  the  abfent  bifhop  of  that  name. 

RIDLEY. 

SONG, 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       249 
SONG. 

Orpheus  with  his  lute  made  trees, 
And  the  mountain-tops,  that  freeze, 

Bffiv  themfelves,  when  he  did  fing  : 
To  bis  mvfick,  plants,  and  flowers, 
Ever  fprung  ;  as  fun,  and  flowers, 

I'here  had  made  a  lajling  faring. 

Every  thing   that  heard  him  play, 
Even  the  billows  of  the  fea, 

Hung  their  heads,  and  then  lay  ly. 
In  fweet  mufick  is  fuch  art ; 
Killing  care,  and  grief  of  heart, 

Fallajleep,  or,  hearing,  die. 

Enter  a  Gentleman. 

Queen.  How  now  ? 

Gent.  An't  pleafe  your  grace,  the  two  great  car- 
dinals 
Wait  in  the  prefence  4. 

Queen.  Would  they  fpeak  with  me  ? 
Gent.  They  will'd  me  fay  fo,  madam. 
<$ueen.  Pray  their  graces 
To  come  near.  [Exit.  Gent.']  What  can  be  their  bu- 

fmefs 

With  me,  a  poor  weak  woman,  fallen  from  favour  ? 
I  do  not  like  their  coming,  now  I  think  on't. 
*  They  fhould  be  good  men  ;  their  affairs  are  righ- 
teous : 

But 

*  Wait  in  the  prefence.]  i.  e.  in  tbeprefence-clamler. 

STEEVENS. 

5  They fyould  le  good  men;  their  affairs  are  righteous:]  jQ fairs 
for  profcjpons ;  and  then  the  fenfe  is  clear  and  pertinent:.  The 
proportion  is  they  are  priefts.  The  illation^  therefore  they  are 
good  men  ;  for  being  underftood  :  but  if  affairs  be  interpreted  in 
its  common  lignificatbn,  the  fentence  is  abfurd.  WARBURTON. 

The 


250       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

But,  All  hoods  make  not  monks 6. 

Enter  Wolfey,  and  Campeius. 

Wol.  Peace  to  your  highnefs ! 

Queen.  Your  graces  find  me  here  part  of  a  houfe- 

vvife ; 

I  would  be  all,  againft  the  worfl  may  happen. 
What  are  your  pleafures  with  me,  reverend  lords  ? 

Wol.  May  it  pleafe  you,  noble  madam,  to  withdraw 
Into  your  private  chamber,  we  ihall  give  you 
The  full  caufe  of  our  coming. 

Queen.  Speak  it  here  ; 

There's  nothing  I  have  done  yet,  o'  my  eonfcience, 
Deferves  a  corner  :  'Would,  all  other  women 
Could  fpeak  this  with  as  free  a  foul  as  I  do  1 
My  lords,  I  care  not,  (fo  much  I  am  happy 
Above  a  number)  if  my  adtions 
Were  try'd  by  every  tongue,  every  eye  faw  'em, 

7  Envy  and  bafe  opinion  fet  againfl  'em, 
I  know  my  life  fo  even  :  If  your  bufmefs 

8  Seek  me  out  9,  and  that  way  I  am  wife  in, 
Out  with  it  bpldly  ;  Truth  loves  open  dealing. 

The  fentence  has  no  great  difficulty  :  Affairs  means  not  their 
prcfent  errand^  but  the  bufinefs  of  their  calling.     JOHNSON. 

6  — All  hoods  make  not  monks.'}   Cucullus  not  facit  monachum, 

STEEVENS. 

7  Envy  and  lafe  opinion  fet  againfl  '#»,]   I  would  be  glad  that 
my  conduct  were  in  fome  publick  trial  confronted  with  mine  ene- 
mies, that  envy  and  corrupt  judgment  might  try  their  utmoft 
power  againft  me.     JOHNSON. 

8  Seek  me  out,]  I  believe  that  a  word  has  dropt  out  here,  and 

that  we  fhould  read if  your  bufincfs  feck  me,  fpeak  out,   and 

that  way  1  am  wife  In.  i.  e.  in  the  way  that  I  can  underftand. 

TYRWHITTT 

*  and  that  way  lam  wife  /«,]  That  is,  if  you  come 

to  examine  the  title  by  which  I  am  the  king's  ivifc ;  or,  if  you 
come  to  know  how  I  have  behaved  as  a  wife.  The  meaning^ 
whatever  it  be,  is  fo  coarfely  and  unfkilfully  exprefTed,  that  the 
latter  editors  have  liked  nonfenfe  better,  and  contrarily  to  the 
ancient  and  only  copy,  have  publifhed  : 

And  slat  way  I  am  wile  /«.    JOHNSON. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       251 

Wol.  Tanta  eft  erga  te  mentis-  integritaS)  regina  fere- 
nijjima^ — 

§>ueen.  O,  good  my  lord,  no  Latin  ' ; 
I  am  not  fuch  a  truant  fince  my  coming, 
As  not  to  know  the  language  I  have  liv'd  in  : 
A  ftrange  tongue  makes  my  caufe  more  ftrange,  fuf- 

picious; 

Pray,  fpeak  in  •  nglifh  :  here  are  fome  will  thank  you, 
If  you  fpeak  truth,  for  their  poor  miftrefs*  fake  ; 
Believe  me,  fhe  has  had  much  wrong :  Lord  cardinal, 
The  willing'ft  fin  I  ever  yet  committed, 
May  be  abfolv'd  in  Englifti. 

Wol.  Noble  lady, 

I  am  forry,  my  integrity  fhould  breed, 
(And  fervice  to  his  majefty  and  you) 
So  deep  fufpicion,  where  all  faith  was  meant. 
We  come  not  by  the  way  of  accufation, 
To  taint  that  honour  every  good  tongue  blefles  ; 
Nor  to  betray  you  any  way  to  forrow  ; 
You  have  too  much,  good  lady  :  but  to  know 
How  you  ftand  minded  in  the  weighty  difference 
Between  the  king  and  you  ;  and  to  deliver, 
Like  free  and  honeft  men,  our juft  opinions, 
And  comforts  to  your  caufe. 

Cam.  Mofl  honour'd  madam, 
My  lord  of  York, — out  of  his  noble  nature, 
Zeal  and  obedience  he  flill  bore  your  grace  ; 
Forgetting,  like  a  good  man,  your  late  cenfure 
Both  of  his  truth  and  him,  (which  was  too  far)— I 
Offers,  as  I  do,  in  a  fign  of  peace, 

His  fervice,  and  his  counfel. 

Queen.  To  betray  me. 
My  lords,  I  thank  you  both  for  your  good  wills, 


1  0,  good  my  lord)  no  Latin, ,]  So,  Holinflied  p.  908  : 

**  Then  began  the  cardinall  to  fpeake  to  her  in  Latine.    Naic 

;. 

Ye 


good  my  lord  (quoth  foe)  fpeake  to  me  in  Englifh." 

STEEVENS. 


252       K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    VIII. 

Ye  fpeak  like  honeft  men,  (pray  God,  ye  prove  fo !) 

But  how  to  make  ye  fuddenly  an  anfwer, 

In  fuch  a  point  of  weight,  fo  near  mine  honour, 

(More  near  my  life,  I  fear)  with  my  weak  wit, 

And  to  fuch  men  of  gravity  and  learning, 

In  truth,  I  know  not.     I  was  fet  at  work 

Among  my  maids ;  full  little,  God  knows,  looking 

Either  for  fuch  men,  or  fuch  bufinefs. 

For  her  fake  that  I  have  been  %  (for  I  feel 

The  laft  fit  of  my  greatnefs)  good  your  graces, 

Let  me  have  time,  and  counfel,  for  my  caufe  ; 

Alas !   I  am  a  woman,  friendlefs,  hopelefs. 

WoL  Madam,  you  wrong  the  king's  love  with  thefe 

fears ; 
Your  hopes  and  friends  are  infinite. 

<!>)ueen.  In  England, 

But  little  for  my  profit :  Can  you  think,  lords, 
That  any  Englifhman  dare  give  me  counfel  ? 
Or  be  a  known  friend,  'gainft  his  highnefs'  pleafure, 
(3  Though  he  be  grown  fo  defperate  to  be  honcft) 
And  live  a  fubjedt?  Nay,  forfooth,  my  friends, 
They  that  muft  4  weigh  out  my  afflictions, 
They  that  my  truft  mufl  grow  to,  live  not  here; 
They  are,  as  all  my  other  comforts,  far  hence, 
In  mine  own  country,  lords. 

Cam.  I  would,  your  grace 

*  For  her  fake  that  I  have  been,  &c.]  For  the  fake  of  that  roy- 
alty 'thtft  I  have  heretofore  poflefled.     MALONE. 

3  (Though  he  be  grown  fo  defperate  to  be  boneft}~\   Do  you  think 
that  any  Englifhman  dare  advife  me  ;  or,  if  any  man  fhould  ven- 
ture to  advife  with  honefty,  that  he  could  live  ?     JOHNSON. 

4  weigh  out  my  afflictions,"}  This  phrafe  is  obfcure, 

To  weigh  out,  is,  in  modern  language,  to  deliver  by  weight ;  but 
this  fenie  cannot  be  here  admitted.     To  weigh  is  likewiie  to  deli- 
berate upon,  to  confider  with  due  attention.     This  may,  perhaps, 
be  meant.     Or  the  phrale,  to  weigh  out,  may  iignify  to  counter- 
balance, to  countcrah  with  equal  force.     JOHNSON. 

To  nw'gh  out  is  the  fame  as  to  outweigh.     In  Macbeth,  Shake - 
fpearc  has  overcome  for  come  over.     STEEYENS, 

Would 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       2^ 

Would  leave  you*  griefs,  and  take  my  counfel. 

Queen.  How,  fir? 

Cam.  Put  your  main  caufe  into  the  king's  pro- 
tection ; 

He's  loving,  and  moft  gracious  :  'twill  be  much 
Both  for  your  honour  better,  and  your  caufe ; 
For,  if  the  trial  of  the  law  o'ertake  you, 
You'll  part  away  difgrac'd. 

Wol.  He  tells  you  rightly. 

Queen.  Ye  tell  me  what  ye  wifh  for  both,  my  ruin: 
Is  this  your  chriftian  counfel  ?  out  upon  ye  ! 
Heaven  is  above  all  yet ;  there  (its  a  judge, 
That  no  king  can  corrupt. 

Cam.  Your  rage  miftakes  us. 

Queen.  6  The  more  fhame  for  ye  ;    holy  men  I 

thought  ye, 

Upon  my  foul,  two  reverend  cardinal  virtues  ; 
But  cardinal  fins,  and  hollow  hearts,  I  fear  ye  : 
Mend  'em  for  fhame,  my  lords.  Is  this  your  comfort  ? 
The  cordial  that  ye  bring  a  wretched  lady  ? 
A  woman  loft  among  ye,  laugh'd  at,  fcorn'd  ? 
I  will  not  wifh  ye  half  my  miferies, 
I  have  more  charity  :  But  fay,  I  warn'd  ye  ; 
Take  heed,  for  heaven's  fake,  take  heed,  left  at  once 
The  burden  of  my  forrows  fall  upon  ye. 

Wol.  Madarn,  this  is  a  mere  diftrad:ion ; 
You  turn  the  good  we  offer  into  envy. 

Queen.  Ye  turn  me  into  nothing  :  Woe  upon  ye, 
And  all  fuch  falfe  profefibrs  !  Would  ye  have  me 
(If  you  have  any  juftice,  any  pity  ; 
If  you  be  any  thing  but  churchmen's  habits) 
Put  my  lick  caufe  into  his  hands  that  hates  me  ? 
Alas  !   he  has  baniih'd  me  his  bed  already  ; 
His  love,  too  long  ago  :  I  am  old,  my  lords, 

6   The  more  Jhame  for  je  ; ]  If  I  miftake  you,  it  is    by  yeur 

fault,  not  mine;  for  I  thought  you  good.  The  diftrefs  of  Ka- 
tharine might  have  kept  her  from  the  quibble  to  which  Ihe  is  ir- 
refiftibly  tempted  by  the  word  cardinal.  JOHNSON. 

And 


4$4       K  I  N  G     H  E  N  R  Y     VIII, 

And  all  the  fellowlhip  I  hold  now  with  him 
Is  only  my  obedience.     What  can  happen 
To  me,  above  this  wretchednefs  ?  all  your  fludies 
Make  me  a  curfe  like  this. 

Cam.  You  fears  are  worfe. 

Queen.  Havelliv'dthus  long, — let  me  fpeakmyfelf, 
Since  virtue  finds  no  friends,— a  wife,  a  true  one  ? 
A  woman,  (I  dare  fay,  without  vain-glory) 
Never  yet  branded  with  fufpicion  ? 
Have  I  with  all  my  full  affections 
Still  met  the  king  ?  lov'd  him  next  heaven  ?  obey'd 

him  ? 

Been,  out  of  fondnefs,  7  fuperflitious  to  him  ? 
Almoft  forgot  my  prayers  to  content  him  ? 
And  am  1  thus  rewarded  ?  'tis  not  well,  lords. 
Bring  me  a  conftant  woman  to  her  hufband, 
One  that  ne'er  dream'd  a  joy  beyond  his  pleafure  ; 
And  to  that  woman,  when  ihe  has  done  mofl, 
Yet  will  I  add  an  honour, — a  great  patience. 

Wol.  Madam,  you  wander  from  the  good  we  aim  at. 

Queen.  My  lord,  I  dare  not  make  myfelf  fo  guilty, 
To  give  up  willingly  that  noble  title 
Your  mafter  wed  me  to  :  nothing  but  death 
Shall  e'er  divorce  my  dignities. 

Wol.  Pray,  hear  me. 

Queen.  'Would  I  had  never  trod  this  Englifh  earth, 
Or  felt  the  flatteries  that  grow  upon  it ! 
*  Ye  have  angels'  faces,  but  heaven  knows  your  hearts. 

What 

7  — —  fuperflitious  to  himf]  That  is,  ferved  him  with  fuper- 
ftitious  attention  ;  done  more  than  was  required.     JOHNSON. 

8  Te  have  angel?  faces^ ]  She  may  perhaps  allude  to  the 

old  jingle  of  Angli  and  AngcU.    JOHNSON. 

I  find  this  jingle  in  the  Arrangement  of  Pan's,  1584.  The 
goddefles  refer  the  difpute  about  the  golden  apple  to  the  decifion 
of  Diana,  who  fetting  afide  their  refpe&ive  claims,  awards  it  to 
queen  Elizabeth  ;  and  adds  : 

"  Her  people  are  ycleped  angeli^ 
"  Or  if  I  miss  a  letter,  is  the  mofl." 
In  this  paftoral,  as  it  is  called,  the  queen  herfelf  may  be  al- 

moil 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       2£5 

What  will  become  of  me  now,  wretched  lady  ? 
I  am  the  moft  unhappy  woman  living — 
Alas  !  poor  wenches,  where  are  now  your  fortunes  ? 

[To  her  women. 

Shipwreck'd  upon  a  kingdom,  where  no  pity, 
No  friends,  no  hope1;  no  kindred  weep  for  me, 
Almoft,  no  grave  allow'd  me  : — Like  the  lilly, 
That  once  was  miflrefs  of  the  field,  and  flourifli'd, 
I'll  hang  my  head,  and  perifh. 

IVol.  If  your  grace 

Could  but  be  brought  to  know,  our  ends  are  honed, 
You'd  feel  more  comfort :  why  Ihould  we,  good  lady, 
Upon  what  caufe,  wrong  you  ?  alas!  our  places, 
The  way  of  our  profeffion  is  againft  it ; 
We  are  to  cure  fuch  forrows,  not  to  fow  yem. 
For  goodnefs'  fake,  confider  what  you  do ; 
How  you  may  hurt  yourfelf,  ay,  utterly 
Grow  from  the  king's  acquaintance,  by  this  carriage. 
The  hearts  of  princes  kifs  obedience, 
So  much  they  love  it ;  but,  to  ftubborn  fpirits, 
They  fwell,  and  grow  as  terrible  as  forms. 
I  know,  you  have  a  gentle,  noble  temper, 
A  foul  as  even  as  a  calm ;  Pray,  think  us 
Thofe  we  profefs,  peace-makers,  friends,  and  fer- 

vants. 
Cam.  Madam,  you'll  find  it  fo.     You  wrong  your 

virtues 

With  thefe  weak  women's  fears.     A  noble  fpirit, 
As  yours  was  put  into  you,  ever  cafts 

moft  faid  to  have  been  a  performer,  for  at  the  conclufion  of  it, 
Diana  gives  the  golden  apple  into  her  hands,  and  the  Fates  de- 
polit  their  infignia  at  her  feet.  It  was  prefented  before  her  ma- 
jefty  by  the  children  of  her  chapel. 

It  appears  from  the  following  paflage  in  The  Spanifh  Mafque* 
rado,  by  Greene,  i  ,8  ,  that  this  quibble  was  originally  the 
quibble  of  a  faint." — England,  a  little  illand,  where,  as  faint 
Augujlin  faith,  there  be  people  with  angels  faces,  fo  the  inhabi- 
tants have  the  courage  and  hearts  of  lyons,"  STEEVENS. 

Such 


256        KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Such  doubts,  as  falfe  coin,  from  it.     The  king  loves 

you; 

Beware,  you  lofe  it  not :  For  us,  if  you  pleafe 
To  truft  us  in  your  bufinefs,  we  are  ready 
To  ufe  our  utmoft  ftudies  in  your  fervice. 

®ueen.  Do  what  yc  will,  my  lords :  And,  pray, 

forgive  me, 

If  I  have  us'd  myfelf  unmannerly ; 
You  know,  I  am  a  woman,  lacking  wit 
To  make  a  feemly  anfwer  to  fuch  perfons. 
Pray,  do  my  fervice  to  his  majefty  : 
He  has  my  heart  yet ;  and  mall  have  my  prayers, 
While  I  ftiall  have  my  life.    Come,  reverend  fathers, 
Beflow  your  counfels  on  me  :  me  now  begs, 
That  little  thought,  when  ihe  fet  footing  here, 
She  Ihould  have  bought  her  dignities  fo  dear. 

[Exeunt. 

SCENE    II. 

Antkhamber  to  the  King's  Apartment. 

Enter  Duke  of  Norfolk,   Duke  of  Suffolk,   the  Earl  of 
Surrey,  and  the  Lord  Chamberlain* 

Nor.  If  you  will  now  unite  in  your  complaints, 
And  9  force  them  with  a  conftancy,  the  cardinal 
Cannot  ftand  under  them  :  If  you  omit 
The  offer  of  this  time,  I  cannot  promife, 
But  that  you  mall  fuftain  more  new  difgraces, 
With  thefe  you  bear  already. 

Sur.  I  am  joyful 

To  meet  the  leaft  occafion,  that  may  give  me    - 
Remembrance  of  my  father-in-law>  the  duke, 
To  be  reveng'd  on  him. 

Suf.  Which  of  the  peers 

»  And  force  them  ]  Force  is  enforce  t  urge.    JOHNSON-. 

Have 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       257 

Have  uncontemn'd  gone  by  him,   '  or  at  leaft 
Strangely  negledted  ?  when  did  he  regard  4 
1  he  ftamp  of  noblenefs  in  any  perfon, 
Out  of  himfelf  ? 

Chain.  My  lords,  you  fpeak  your  pleifures  : 
What  he  deierves  of  you  and  me,  I  know  ; 
What  we  can  do  to  him,  (though  now  the  t;ms 
Gives  way  to  us)  I  much  fear.     If  you  cannot 
Bar  his  accefs  to  the  king,  never  attempt 
Any  thing  on  him  ;  for  he  hath  a  witchcraft 
Over  the  king  in  his  tongue. 

Nor.  O,  fear  him  not  ; 

His  fpell  in  that  is  out  :  the  king  hath  found 
Matter  againft  him,  that  for  ever  mars 
The  honey  of  his  language.     No,  he's  fettled, 
Not  to  come  off,  in  his  difplcafure. 

Sur.  Sir, 

I  fhould  be  glad  to  hear  fuch  news  as  this 
Once  every  hour. 

Nor.  Believe  it,  this  is  true. 


or 

Strangely  negleftedf  -  ] 
The  plain  fenfe  requires  us  to  read  : 

Stood  not  neglefted  ?  -     WAR  BUR  TON. 
Dr.  Warburton's  alteration  makes  a  more  correct  fentence,  but 
in  our  authour's  licentious  Englifli,    the  paflage,  as  it  ftands, 
means  the  fame  as,  •which  of  the  peers  has  not  gone  by  him  contemned 
orneglcflcd?     JOHNSON. 

*  whe  n  did  he  regard 

The  Jlamp  of  nobJencfs  in  any  perfon^ 
Out  of  himfelf?] 

The  expreffion  is  bad,  and  the  thought  falfe.     For  it  fuppofes 
Wolfey  to  be  nolle,  which  was  not  fo  :  Ve  fliould  read  and  point  : 
•  -  ivhen  did  he  regard 
The  Jlamp  of  noblenefs  in  any  perfon  ; 
Out  oftbimfelf? 

i.  e.  when  did  he  regard  nollenefs  of  blood  in  another  j  having 
none  of  his  own  to  value  himfelf  upon  ?     WAREURTOX. 

I  do  not  think  this  correction  proper.  The  meaning  of  the 
prefent  reading  is  eafy.  When  did  he,  however  careful  to  carry 
his  own  dignity  to  the  utmoit  height,  regard  any  dignity  of  another  f 

JOHNSON. 

VOL.  VII.  S  In 


258       KING    HENRY 

In  the  divorce,  his 5  contrary  proceedings 
Are  all  unfolded  ;  wherein  he  appears,. 
As  I  would  wifh  mine  enemy. 

Sur.  How  came 
His  practices  to  light  ? 

Suf.  Moft  ftrangely. 

Sur.  O,  how,  how  ? 

Suf.  The  cardinal's  letter  to  the  pope  mifcarried,. 
And  came  to  the  eye  o'  the  king  :  wherein  was  read, 
How  that  the  cardinal  did  entreat  his  holinefs 
To  flay  the  judgment  o*  the  divorce  ;  For  if 
It  did  take  place,  J  do,  quoth  he,  perceive, 
My  king  is  tangled  In  affeftion  to 
A  creature  of  the  queen's,  lady  Anne  Sullen. 

Sur.  Has  the  king  this  ? 

Suf.  Believe  it. 

Sur.  Will  this  work  ? 

Cham.  The  king  in  this  perceives  him,   how  he 
coafts, 

*  And  hedges,  his  own  way.     But  in  this  point 
All  his  tricks  founder,  and  he  brings  his  phyfick 
After  his  patient's  death  ;  the  king  already 
Hath  married  the  fair  lady. 

Sur.  'Would  he  had  ! 

Suf.  May  you  be  happy  in  your  wifh,  ray  lord  ; 
For,  I  profefs,  you  have  it. 
Sur.  Now  all  my  joy 

*  Trace  the  conjun<ftion  ! 

Suf. 

3  '  •  contrary  proceedings]  Private  practices  oppofite  to  hi* 
public  procedure.     JOHNSON. 

4  And  hedges,  Ins  own  way.  ]   It  is  not  faid,  that  the 
king  perceives  how  he  olftniat  his  own  way  ;  but  how  obliquely 
he  purfues  it :  we  fhould  read  therefore  : 

edges  bis  own  way.  >  WARBURTON. 

To  hedge,  is  to  creep  along  by  the  hedge  :  not  to  take  the  di» 
reft  and  open  path,  but  to  fleal  covertly  through  circumvolutions. 

JOHNSON. 

5  Trace  the  conjunftion  /]  To  trace ,  is  tofollo-iv,     JOHNSON. 
So,  in  Macbeth ; 

«  all 


KING-HENRY    VIII.      259 

Suf.  My  amen  to'c  ! 

Nor.  All  men's. 

Suf.  There's  order  given  for  her  coronation  : 
Marry,  this  is  yet  but  young,  and  may  be  left 
To  fome  ears  unrecounted. — But,  my  lords, 
She  is  a  gallant  creature,  and  compleat 
In  mind  and  feature  :  I  perfuade  me,  from  her 
Will  fall  ibme  bleffing  to  this  land,  which  fhall 
In  it  be  memoriz'd  6. 

Sur.  But,  will  the  king 
Digeft  this  letter  of  the  cardinal's  ? 
The  lord  forbid  ! 

Nor.  Marry,  Amen  ! 

Suf.  No,  no  ; 

There  be  more  wafps  that  buz  about  his  nofe, 
Will  make  this  fling  the  fooner.     Cardinal  Campeius 
Is  ftolen  away  to  Rome  ;  hath  ta'en  no  leave ; 
Has  left  the  caufe  o'  the  king  unhandled  ;  and 
Is  polled,  as  the  agent  of  our  cardinal, 
To  fecond  all  his  plot.     I  do  allure  you, 
The  king  cry'd,    ha  !  at  this. 

Cbam.  Now,  God  incenfe  him, 
And  let  him  cry,  ha,  louder  ! 

Nor.  But,  my  lord, 
When  returns  Cranmer  ? 

Suf.  He  is  return'd,  in  his  opinions ;  which 
Have  fatisfy'd  the  king  for  his  divorce, 
Together  with  all  famous  colleges 
Almoft  in  Chriftendom  7  :  ihortly,  I  believe, 

His 

**  all  unfortunate  fouls 

**  That  trace  him  in  his  line."     STEEVEXS. 
6  In  It  be  memoriz'd.]  To  memorize  is  to  make  memorable. 
The  word  has  been  already  uled  in  Macbeth,  aft  I.  fc.  ii : 

STEEVEXS. 

7  He  is  returned  in  his  opinions  ;  which 
Have  fatiijy* d  the  king  for  his  divorce^ 
Together  with  all  famous  colleges^ 

Almofi  in  Cbrijiendom ; ] 

S  z  Thui 


z6a       KING     HENRY    VIII. 

His  fecond  marriage  fhall  be  publifh'd,  and 
Her  coronation.     Katharine  no  more 
Shall  be  call'd,  queen  ;  but  princefs  dowager, 
And  widow  to  prince  Arthur, 

Nor.  This  fame  Cranmer's 
A  worthy  fellow,  and  hath  ta'en  much  pain 
In  the  king's  bulinefs. 

Suf.  He  has  ;  and  we  lhall  fee  hina 
For  it,  an  archbilhop. 

Nor.  So  I  hear. 

Suf.  Tis  fo. 
The  cardinal 

Enter  Wolfey,  and  Cromwell. 

Nor.  Obferve,  obferve,  he's  moody. 

Wol.  The  packet,  Cromwell, 
Gave't  you  the  king? 

Crom.  To  his  own  hand,  in  his  bed-chamber. 

Wol.  Look'd  he  o'  the  infide  of  the  paper  ? 

Crom.  Prefently 

He  did  unfcal  them  :  and  the  firft  he  view'd, 
He  did  it  with  a  ferious  mind  ;  a  heed 
Was  in  Iris  countenance:  You,  he  bade 
Attend  him  here  this  morning. 

Wol.  Is  he  ready 
To  come  abroad  ? 

Thus  the  old  copy.  The  meaning  is  this  :  Crantxer,  fays  Suffolk, 
is  returned  In  his  opinions,  i.  e.  with  the  fame  fentiments,  which  he 
entertained  before  he  went  abroad,  which  (fentiments)  have 
fatisfied  the  king,  together  with  all  the  famous  colleges  referred 

to  on  the  occaiion. Or,  perhaps,   the  paffage   (as  Mr.  Tyr- 

whitt  obierves)  may  mean — He  is  return' d  in  efFed,  having  fent 
bit  opinions,  i.e.  the  opinions  of  divines,  &c.  collected  by  him. 
Mr.  Rowe  altered  thefe  lines  as  follows,  and  all  fucceeding  edi- 
tors have  filently  adopted  his  unneceflary  change : 

He  is  return' d  with  his  opinions,  which 

Have  fatitfy'd  the  king  for  his  divorce, 

Gather'd  from  all  the  famous  colleges 

Almoft  in  Cbrijlcndom,  STEEVEXS. 

Crom. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      261 

Crom.  I  think,  by  this  he  is. 

Wol.  Leave  me  a  while. —  [Exit  Cromwell. 

It  fhall  be  to  the  dutchefs  of  Alencon, 
The  French  king's  fitter  :  he  fhall  marry  her. — 
Anne  Bullen  !  No  ;  I'll  no  Anne  Bullens  for  him  : 
There's  more  in't  than  fair  vifage. — Bullen  ! 
No,  we'll  no  Bullens ! — Speedily  I  wilh 
To  hear  from  Rome. — The  marchionefs  of  Pem- 
broke ! — 

Nor.  He's  difcontented. 

Suf.  May  be,  he  hears  the  king 
Does  whet  his  anger  to  him. 

Sur.  Sharp  enough, 
Lord,  for  thy  juftice  ! 

Wol.  The  late  queen's  gentlewoman  ;  a  knight's 

daughter, 

To  be  her  miftrefs'  miftrefs  !  the  queen's  queen  ! — 
This  candle  burns  not  clear  :  'tis  I  muft  muff  it ; 
Then,  out  it  goes. — What  though  I  know  her  vir- 
tuous. 

And  well-deferving  ?  yet  I  know  her  for 
A  fpleeny  Lutheran  ;  and  not  wholefome  to 
Our  cauie,  that  ihe  fhould  lie  i'  the  bofom  of 
Our  hard-rul'd  king.      Again,  there  is  fprung  up 
An  heretic,  an  arch  one,  Cranmer  ;  one 
Hath  crawl'd  into  the  favour  of  the  king, 
And  is  his  oracle. 

Nor.  He  is  vex'd  at  fomething. 

Sur.  I  would,  'twere  fomething  that  would  fret  the 

firing, 
The  mafler  cord  of  his  heart ! 

8  Enter  the  King,  reading  a  fcleduk ;  and  Lovel. 
Suf.  The  king,  the  king. 

King.  What  piles  of  wealth  hath  he  accumulated 

To 

8  Enter  the  King,  reading  a fckedule \\  That  the  cardinal  gave 

the  king  an  inventory  of  his  "own  private  wealth,  by  miflake, 

S  3  and 


262       KING     HENRY    VIII. 

To  his  own  portion  !  and  what  expence  by  the  hone 
Seems  to  flow  from  him  !   How,  i'the  name  of  thrift, 
\Does  he  rake  this  together  ! — Now,  my  lords  ; 
Saw  you  the  cardinal  ? 

Nor,  My  lord,  we  have 

Stood  here  obferving  him  :  Some  ftrarere  commotion 
Is  in  his  brain  :  he  bites  his  lip,  and  ihirts  ; 
Stops  on  a  fudden,  loo.ks  upon  the  ground, 
Then,  lays  his  finger  on  his  temple  ;  ftraight, 

and  thereby  ruined  himfelf,  is  a  known  variation  from  the  truth 
of  hiftory.  Shakefpeare,  however,  has  not  injudlcioufly  repre- 
fented  the  fall  of  that  great  man,  as  owing  to  an  incident  which 
he  had  once  improved  to  the  deftruftion  of  another.  See  Holin- 
fbcd,  Vol.  II.  p.  796  and  797. 

"  Thomas  Kuthiill,  bifhop  of  Durham,  was,  after  the  death, 
of  king  Henry  VII.  one  of  the  privy  council  to  Henry  VIII. 
to  whom  the  king -gave  in  charge  to  write  a  book  of  the  whole 
eftate  of  the  kingdom,  &c.  Afterwards,  the  king  commanded 
cardinal  Wolfey  to  go  to  this  biftiop,  and  to  bring  the  book  away 

with  him. This  biftiop  having  written  two  books  (the  one  to 

jinfwer  the  king's  command,  and  the  other  intreating  of  his  own 
private  affairs)  did  bind  them  both  after  one  fort  in  vellum,  &c. 
!Now,  when  the  cardinal  came  to  demand  the  book  due  to  the 
king,  the  bifliop  unadvifedly  commanded  his  fervant  to  bring  him 
the  book  bound  in  white  vellum,  lying  in  his  ftudy,  in  fuch  a 
place.  The  fervant  accordingly  brought  forth  one  of  the  books 
fo  bound,  being  the  book  intreating  of  the  Hate  of  the  bifhop, 
Sec.  The  cardinal  having  the  book,  went  from  the  bifiiop,  and 
after,  (in  his  ftudy  by  himfelf)  understanding  the  contents  there- 
of, he  greatly  rejoiced,  having  now  occafkm  (which  he  long 
fought  for)  offered  unto  him,  to  bring  the  bilhop  into  the  king's 
difgrace. 

"  Wherefore  he  went  forthwith  to  the  king,  delivered  the  book 
into  his  hands,  and  briefly  informed  him  of  the  contents  there- 
of; putting  further  into  the  king's  head,  that  if  at  any  time  he 
were  deftiuite  of  a  mafs  of  money,  he  ftiould  not  need  to  feek 
further  therefore  than  to  tjie  coffers  of  the  bifhop.  Of  all  which 
^vhen  the  bifliop  had  intelligence,  tic.  he  was  ftricken  with  fuch 
grief  of  the  fame,  that  he  fhortly,  through  extreme  forrow,  ended 
his  life  at  London,  in  the  year  of  Chrift  1573.  After  which, 
the  cardinal,  who  had  long  before  gaped  after  his  bifhoprick,  in 
Angular  hope  to  attain  thereunto,  had  now  his  wifh  in  effecl:,  &c," 

STEEVENS. 

SA  rings 


KING    HENRY    VIII.        263 

Springs  out  into  fafl  gait ;  then,  flops  again  ', 
Strikes  his  breaflhard;   and  anon,  he  cafls 
His  eye  againfl  the  moon  :  in  mofl  ftrange  poftures 
We  have  feen  him  fet  himfelf. 

King.  It  may  well  be  ; 

There  is  a  mutiny  in  his  mind.     This  morning 
Papers  of  flate  he  fent  me  to  perufe, 
As  I  requir'd  ;   And,  wot  you,  what  I  found 
There  ;  on  my  confcience,  put  unwittingly? 
Forfooth,  an  inventory,  thus  importing, — 
The  feveral  parcels  of  his  plate,  his  treafure, 
Rich  fluffs,  and  ornaments  of  houfhold  ;  which 
I  find  at  fuch  proud  rate,  that  it  out-fpeaks 
Poffeflion  of  a  fubjedr.. 

Nor.  It  is  heaven's  will ; 
Some  fpirit  put  this  paper  in  the  packet, 
To  blefs  your  eye  withal. 

King.  If  we  did  think 
His  contemplations  were  above  the  earth, 
And  fix'd  on  fpiritual  object,  he  mould  flill 
Dwell  in  his  mufings  ;  but,  I  am  afraid, 
His  thinkings  are  below  the  moon,  not  wortfe 
His  ferious  confidering. 
\IJe  takes  his  feat;  andwhifpers  Lovel,  who  goes  to  Wolfey. 

Wol.  Heaven  forgive  me  !  — 
Ever  God  blefs  your  highnefs  ! 

King.  Good  my  lord, 

You  are  full  of  heavenly  fluff,  and  bear  the  inventory 
Of  your  beft  graces  in  your  mind  ;  the  which 
You  were  now  running  o'er  :  you  have  fcarce  time 
To  fleal  from  fpiritual  leifure  a  brief  fpan, 
To  keep  your  earthly  audit :  Sure,  in  that 
I  deem  you  an  ill  hufband ;  and  am  glad 
To  have  you  therein  n^y  companion. 
'  Wd.  Sir, 

*  .,..  , ,  .  then,  flops  again,}  Salluft  defcribing  the  difturbed 
ftate  of  Cataline's  mind,  takes  notice  of  the  fame  circumfhmce. 
«f  —caws  modo,  modo  tardus  inceffus,"  STEEVEKS, 

S  For 


264       K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    VIII. 

For  holy  offices  I  have  a  time  ;  a  time 
To  think  upon  the  part  of  bufmefs,  which 
I  bear  i'the  flate  ;  and  nature  does  require 
Her  times  of  prefervadon,  which,  perforce, 
I  her  frail  fon,  amongfl  my  brethren  mortal, 
Mufl  give  my  tendance  to. 

King.  You  have  faid  well. 

WoL  And  ever  may  your  highnefs  yoke  together, 
As  I  will  lend  you  caufe,  my  doing  well 
With  my  well  faying  ! 

King.  '  f  is  well  faid  again  ; 
And  'tis  a  kind  of  good  deed,  to  fay  well  : 
And  yet  words  are  no  deeds.     Kjy  father  lov'd  you  : 
He  faid,  he  did  ;  and  with  his  deed  did  crown 
His  word  upon  you.     Since  I  had  my  office, 
I  have  kept  you  next  my  heart ;  have  not  alone 
Employ'd  you  where  high  profits  might  come  home, 
But  par'd  my  prelent  havings,  to  bellow 
My  bounties  upon  you. 

IVol.  What  ihoulcl  this  mean  ?  [^/?^» 

Sur.  The  Lord  increale  this  bufmefs  !  \_Afide. 

King.  Have  1  not  made  you 

The  prime  man  of  the  flate  ?  I  pray  you,  tell  me, 
If  what  1  now  pronounce,  you  have  found  true  : 
And,  if  you  may  confefs  it,  fay  withal, 
If  you  are  bound  to  us,  or  no.     What  fay  you  ? 

Wol.  My  fovereign,  I  confefs,  your  royal  graces, 
Shower'd  on  me  daily,  have  been  more,  than  could 
My  fludied  purpofes  requite ;  which  went 
1  JBeyond  all  man's  endeavours  :  my  endeavours 

1  Beyond  all  mean's  endeavours——]  Endeavours  for  deferts. 
But  the  Oxford  editor  not  knowing  the  fenfe  in  which  the  word 
is  here  ufed,  alters  it  to  ambition.  WARBURTCN. 

To  put  ambition  in  the  place  of  endeavours  is  certainly  wrong ; 
and  to  explain  endeavours  by  deferts  is  not  right.  The  fenfe,  and 
that  not  very  difficult,  is,  my  purpofes  went  beyond  all  human  r«- 
rfeavour.  I  purpofed  for  your  honour  more  than  it  falls  within 
jhe  compafc  of  nian's  natu,r?  to  attempt.  JOHNSON, 

Have 


KING     HENRY    VIII.       265 

Have  ever  come  too  fhort  of  my  defires, 
*  Yet,  fil'd  with  my  abilities  :  Mine  own  ends 
Have  been  mine  fo,  that  evermore  they  pointed 
To  the  good  of  your  moft  facred  perfon,  and 
The  profit  of  the  ftate.     For  your  great  graces 
Heap'd  upon  me,  poor  undeferver,  I 
Can  nothing  render  but  allegiant  thanks ; 
My  prayers  to  heaven  for  you  ;  my  loyalty, 
Which  ever  has,  and  ever  fhall  be  growing, 
'Till  death,  that  winter,  kill  it. 

King.  Fairly  anfwer'd ; 
A  loyal  and  obedient  fubject  is 
Therein  illuftrated  :  the  honour  of  it 
Does  pay  the  aft  of  it ;  as,  3  i'the  contrary, 
The  foulnefs  is  the  punifhment.     I  prcfume, 
That,  as  my  hand  has  open'd  bounty  to  you, 
My  heart  dropp'd  love,  my  power  rain'd  honour,  more 
On  you,  than  any ;  fo  your  hand,  and  heart, 
Your  brain,  and  every  function  of  your  power, 
Should,  4  notwithstanding  that  your  bond  of  duty, 
As  'twere  in  love's  particular,  be  more 
To  me,  your  friend,  than  any. 

Wol.  I  do  profefs, 

That  for  your  highnefs'  good  I  ever  laboured 
More  than  mine  own ;  that  am,  have,  and  will  be. 
Though  all  the  world  fhould  crack  their  duty  to  you, 

1  Tety  fil'd  with  my  abilities  •' — ]    My  endeavours,  though  led 
than  my  defires,  havejf/V,   that  is,  have  gone  an  equal  pace  with 
my  abilities.     JOHNSON. 
So,  in  a  preceding  fcene  : 

front  but  in  that  file 

Where  others  tellfleps  with  ate.     SrEEVENJ. 

3   • o'  the  contrary 

Ihe  foulnefs  is  the  punijhment.] 
So  Hanmer.     The  reft  read : 

i'  the  contrary.     JOHNSON. 

*  — —  notivitbftanding  that  your  land  of  duty,]  Befides  the  ge- 
neral bond  of  duty,  by  which  you  are  obliged  to  be  a  loyal  and 
'obedient  fubjeft,  you  owe  a  particular  devotion  of  yourfelf  to  me, 
#s  your  particular  benefactor.  JOHNSON. 

VOL.  VII,  And 


266       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

And  throw  it  from  their  foul ;  though  perils  did 
Abound,  as  thick  as  thought  could  make  'em,  and 
Appear  in  forms  more  horrid  ;  yet  my  duty, 
As  doth  a  rock  againft  the  chiding  flood, 
Should  the  approach  of  this  wild  river  break, 
And  ftand  unlhaken  yours. 

King.  'Tis  nobly  fpoken  : — 
Take  notice,  lords,  he  has  a  loyal  breaft, 
For  you  have  feen  him  open't. — Read  o'er  this; 

[Giving  him  papers. 

And,  after,  this :  and  then  to  breakfaft,  with 
JVhat  appetite  you  have. 

[Exit  King,  frowning  upon  Cardinal  Wolfey ;    the 
Nobles  throng  after  lolmy  whlfpering  and  falling* 
Wol  What  fhould  this  mean  ? 
What  fudden  anger's  this  ?  how  have  I  reap'd  it  ? 
He  parted  frowning  from  me,  as  if  ruin 
Leap'd  from  his  eyes  :  So  looks  the  chafed  lion 
Upon  the  daring  huntfman  that  has  gall'd  him  ; 
Then  makes  him  nothing.     I  mud  read  this  paper; 
I  fear,  the  flory  of  his  anger. — 'Tis  fo ; 
This  paper  has  undone  me  : — 'Tis  the  account 
Of  all  that  world  of  wealth  I  have  drawn  together 
For  mine  own  ends ;  indeed,  to  gain  the  popedom, 
And  fee  my  friends  in  Rome.     O  negligence, 
Fit  for  a  fool  to  fall  by  !  What  crofs  devil 
Made  me  put  this  main  fecret  in  the  packet 
I  Tent  the  king  ?  Is  there  no  way  to  cure  this  ? 
No  new  device  to  beat  this  from  his  brains  ? 
I  know,  'twill  ftir  him  ftrongly  ;  Yet  I  know 
A  way,  if  it  take  right,  in  might  of  fortune 
Will  bring  me  off  again.     What's  this — To  tie  Pope? 
The  letter,  as  I  live,'  with  all  the  bufinefs 
I  writ  to  his  holinefs.     Nay  then,  farewel ! 
I  have  touch'd  the  higheft  point  of  all  my  greatnefs; 
And,  from  that  full  meridian  of  my  glory, 
I  hafte  now  to  my  fetting  :  I  lhall  fall 

Like 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       267 

Like  a  bright  exhalation  in  the  evening, 
And  no  man  fee  me  more. 

Re-enter  tie  Dukes  of  Norfolk,  and  Suffolk,  the  Earl  of 
Surrey,  and  the  Lord  Chamberlain. 

Nor.  Hear  the  king's  pleafure,    cardinal  :    who 

commands  you 

To  render  up  the  great  feal  prefently 
Into  our  hands  ;  and  to  confine  yourfelf 
To  Efher  houfe  ',  my  lord  of  Winchefter's, 
?Till  you  hear  further  from  his  highnefs. 

IVol  Stay, 

Where's  your  commiffion,  lords  ?  words  cannot  carry 
Authority  fo  mighty. 

Suf.  Who  dare  crofs  'em  ? 

Bearing  the  king's  will  from  his  mouth  exprefsly  ? 
Wol.  6  'Till  1  find  more  than  will,  or  words,  to 
do  it, 

(I  mean 

5  To  Eflier  boufe,]  The  old  copy  reads — AJher.     It  was  anci- 
pptly  io  called,  as  appears  from  Holinjked : 

*f  —  and  everie   man  took  rheir  horfes  and  rode  {trait  to 
Afar."    Hollaed,  p.  90  .  Vol.  II.   WARNER. 
6   Till  I  find  more  than  will  or  words  to  do  it, 

(I  mean  your  malice')  know, 

I  dare deny  //.] 

They  bid  him  render  up  \\\%feal.  He  anfwers,  where1  s your  com- 
rnijjion?  They  fay,  ive  bear  the  king's  will  from  his  mouth.  He 
replies,  //'// 1  find,  &c.  i.  e.  all  the  will  or  words  I  yet  difcover 
proceed  from  your  malice  ;  and  till  I  find  m  Tt  than  that,  I  (hall 
not  comply  with  your  demand.  One  wouid  think  this  plain 
enough  ;  yet  the  Oxford  editor,  in  the  rage  of  emendation,  alters 
the  line  thus  : 

Whilft  /  find  mart  than  his  will  or  words  to  do  it, 

I  mean  your  malice,   &C. 

which  bears  this  noble  fenfe,  worthy  a  wife  lord  chancellor : 
Whilft  I  find  your  malice  joined  to  the  king's  will  and  pleaiuie, 
I  (hall  not  obey  that  will  and  pleafure.     WARBURTON. 
'    Wolfey  had  faid  : 

v.-ords  cannot  carry 

Authority  fo  mighty, 

To 


268        KING     HENRY    VIIL 

(I  mean,  your  malice)  know,  officious  lords, 

I  dare,  and  muft  deny  it.     Now  I  feel 

Of  what  coarfe  metal  ye  are  moulded, — envy. 

How  eagerly  ye  follow  my  difgrace, 

As  if  it  fed  ye  ?  and  how  fleek  and  wanton 

Ye  appear  in  every  thing  may  bring  my  ruin  ? 

Follow  your  envious  courfes,  men  of  malice  ; 

You  have  chriftian  warrant  for 'em,  and,  no  doubt, 

In  time  will  find  their  fit  rewards.     That  feal, 

You  afk  with  fuch  a  violence,  the  king, 

(Mine,  and  your  mafter)  with  his  own  hand  gave  me  : 

Bade  me  enjoy  it,  with  the  place  and  honours, 

During  my  life  ;  and,  to  confirm  his  goodnefs, 

Ty'd  it  by  letters  patents  :  Now,  who'll  take  it  ? 

Stir.  The  king,  that  gave  it. 

Wol.  It  muft  be  himfelf  then. 

Sur.  Thou  art  a  proud  traitor,  prieft. 

WoL  Proud  lord,  thou  Heft  ; 
Within  thefe  forty  hours  Surrey  durft  better 
Have  burnt  that  tongue,  than  faid  fo. 

Sur.  Thy  ambition, 

Thou  fcariet  fin,  robb'd  this  bewailing  land 
Of  noble  Buckingham,  my  father-in-law  : 
The  heads  of  all  thy  brother  cardinals, 
(With  thee,  and  all  thy  beft  parts  bound  together) 
Weigh 'd  not  a  hair  of  his.     Plague  of  your  policy  ! 
You  fent  me  deputy  for  Ireland  ; 
Fa.r  from  his  fuccour,  from  the  king,  from  all 
That  might  have  mercy  on  the  fault  thou  gav'ft  him  ; 
Whilft  your  great  goodnefs,  out  of  holy  pity, 
Abfolv'd  him  with  an  axe. 

WoL  This,  and  all  elfe 
This  talking  lord  can  lay  upon  my  credit, 

To  which  they  reply  : 

Who  dare  crofs  'em  f  &c. 

Wolfey,  anfwering  them,  continues  his  own  fpeech,  Till  I ftmi, 
mo;  c  than  *ivill  or  "jjordi  (I  mean  more  than^vx/'  malicious  will  and 
words)  to  do  it ;  that  is,  to  carry  authority  fo  mighty,  I  will  deny 
to  return  what  the  king  has  given  me.  JOHNSON. 

I  an* 


KING    HENRY    VIIL       269 

I  anfvver,  is  mod  falfe.     The  duke  by  law 
Found  his  deferts  :  how  innocent  I  was 
From  any  private  malice  in  his  end, 
His  noble  jury  and  foul  caufe  can  witnefs. 
If  I  lov'd  many  words,  lord,  I  fhould  tell  you, 
You  have  as  little  honefty  as  honour; 
That  I,  in  the  way  of  loyalty  and  truth 
Toward  the  king,  my  ever  royal  matter, 
Dare  mate  a  founder  man  than  Surrey  can  be, 
And  all  that  love  his  follies. 

Sur.  By  my  foul, 
Your  long  coat,  prieft,  protects  you  ;  thou  ihould'ft 

feel 

My  fword  i'the  life-blood  of  thee  elfe. — My  lords, 
Can  ye  endure  to  hear  this  arrogance  ? 
And  from  this  fellow  ?  If  we  live  thus  tamely, 
To  be  thus  jaded  by  a  piece  of  fcarlet, 
Farewel  nobility  ;  let  his  grace  go  forward, 
And  dare  us  with  his  cap,  like  larks  7. 

fyrol.  All  goodnefs 
Is  poifon  to  thy  ftomach. 

Sur.  Yes,  that  goodnefs 
Of  gleaning  all  the  land's  wealth  into  one, 
Into  your  own  hands,  cardinal,  by  extortion ; 
The  goodnefs  of  your  intercepted  packets, 
You  writ  to  the  pope,  againft  the  king :  your  goodnefs, 
Since  you  provoke  me,  lhall  be  moft  notorious.— 
My  lord  of  Norfolk, — as  you  are  truly  noble, 
As  you  refpedt  the  common  good,  the  flate 
Of  our  defpis'd  nobility,  our  iflues, 
Who,  if  he  live,  will  fcarce  be  gentlemen, — 
Produce  the  grand  fum  of  his  fins,  the  articles 
Collected  from  his  life  :— I'll  flartle  you 

7  And  dare  us  ivltb  bis  cap,  like  larks.]  It  is  well  known  that 
the  hat  of  a  cardinal  is  fcarlet ;  and  the  method  of  daring  larks 
was  by  fmall  mirrors  fattened  on  fcarlet  cloth,  which  engaged 
Ihe  attention  ofthefe  birds  while  the  fowler  drew  his  net  over  them. 

STEEVENS. 

Worfe 


270       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

8  Worfe  than  the  facring  bell,  when  the  brown  wench 
Lay  kiffing  in  your  arms,  lord  cardinal. 

IVol.  How  much,  methinks,  I  could  defpife  this 

man, 
But  that  I  am  bound  in  charity  againft  it ! 

Nor.  Thofe  articles,  my  lord,  are  in  the  king's 

hand  : 
But,  thus  much,  they  are  foul  ones. 

W"ol.  So  much  fairer, 
And  fpotlefs,  fhall  mine  innocence  arife, 
When  the  king  knows  my  truth. 

Sur.  This  cannot  fave  you  : 
I  thank  my  memory,  1  yet  remember 
Some  of  thefe  articles  ;  and  out  they  ihall. 
Now,  if  you  can  blufti,  and  cry  guilty,  cardinal., 
You'll  fhew  a  little  honefty. 

Wol.  Speak  on,  fir; 

I  dare  your  worft  objections  :  if  I  blufh, 
It  is,  to  lee  a  nobleman  want  manners. 

Sur*  I'd  rather  want  thofe,  than  my  head.    Have 

at  you. 
Firft,  that,  without  the  king's  afTent,  or  knowledge, 

8  Worfe  than  the  facring  bell, — ]  The  little  bell,  which  is  rung 
to  give  notice  of  the  Hoji  approaching  when  it  is  carried  in  pro- 
ceffion,  as  alfo  in  other  offices  of  the  Romifti  church,  is  called 
the  fairing  or  confecratlon  bell ;  from  the  French  word,  facrer. 

THEOBALD. 

So,  in  Heywood's  Rape  of  Lucrece,   1614  : 
"  Love  is  perhaps  the  facring  £<?//, 
"  That  rings  all  in  to  heaven  or  hell." 
Again,  the  abbefs  in  the  Merry  Devil  of  Edmonton^   1626,  fays  : 

" you  fhall  ring  the  facring  bell, 

"  Keep  your  hours,  and  toll  your  knell." 
Again,  in  Reginald  Scott's  Difcovery  of  Witchcraft,   1584  : 

"  He  heard  a  \\tt\efacring  bell  ring  to  the  elevation  of  a 

tomorrow  mafs." 

Again,  in  Drayton's  Epiftle  from  King  John  to  Matilda  : 
"  Who  would  not  rife  to  ring  the  morning  knell, 
"  When  thy  fweet  lips  might  be  the  facring  bell  ?" 
The  now  obfolete  verb  tofacre,  is  ufed  by  P.  Holland  in  his  tranf- 
lation  of  Pliny's  Nat,  H\ft,  B,  X,  ch,  vi,    ST£EYENS. 

You 


KING    HENRY    VIII.        271 

You  wrought  to  be  a  legate;  by  which  power 
You  maim'd  the  jurifdiction  of  all  bifhops. 

Nor.  Then,  that,  in  all  you  writ  to  Rome,  or  elfe 
To  foreign  princes,  Ego  &?  Rex  meus 
Was  flill  infcrib'd  ;  in  which  you  brought  the  king 
To  be  your  fervant. 

Suf.  Then,  that,  without  the  knowledge 
Either  of  king  or  council,  when  you  went 
AmbaiTador  to  the  emperor,  you  made  bold 
To  carry  into  Flanders  the  great  feal. 

Sur.,  Item,  you  fent  a  large  commiffion 
To  Gregory  de  CaiTalis,  to  conclude, 
Without  the  king's  will,  or  the  Hate's  allowance, 
A  league  between  his  highneis  and  Ferrara. 

Suf.  That,  out  of  mere  ambition,  you  have  caus'd 
Your  holy  hat  to  be  ftampt  on  the  king's  coin. 

Sur.  Then,  that  you  have  fent  innumerable  fub- 

ftance, 

(By  what  means  got,  I  leave  to  your  own  confcience) 
To  furnim  Rome,  and  to  prepare  the  ways 
You  have  for  dignities  ;  to  the  mere  undoing  9 
Of  all  the  kingdom.     Many  more  there  are; 
Which,  lince  they  are  of  you,  and  odious, 
I  will  not  taint  my  -mouth  with. 

Cham.  O  my  lord, 

Prefs  not  a  falling  man  too  far ;  'tis  virtue  : 
His  faults  lie  open  to  the  laws;  let  them, 
Not  you,  corred:  him.     My  heart  weeps  to  fee  him 
So  little  of  his  great  felf. 
Sur.  I  forgive  him. 

Suf.  Lord  cardinal,  the  king's  further  pleafure  is,— 
Becaufe  all  thofe  things,  you  have  done  of  late 
By  your  power  legatine  within  this  kingdom, 

9  to  the  mere  undoing ]  Mere  is  abfolute.     So,  in  the- 

Honefl  Man's  Fortune,  by  B.  and  Fletcher  : 

"    1  am  as  happy 

*'  In  my  friend's  good,  as  if  'twere  merely  mine." 

STEEYENS. 
Fall 


272       KING    HENRY    Vlll. 

Fall  into  the  compafs  of  a  Premunirgj  '  — 

That  therefore  fuch  a  writ  be  fu'd  againft  you  ; 

To  forfeit  all  your  goods,  lands,  tenements, 

*  Caftles,  and  whatfoever,  and  to  be 

Out  of  the  king's  protection  : — I  his  is  my  charge. 

Nor.  And  fo  we'll  leave  you  to  your  meditations 
How  to  live  better.     For  your  ftubborn  anfwer, 
About  the  giving  back  the  great  feal  to  us, 
The  king  lhall  know  it,  and,  no  doubt,  lhall  thank 

you. 
So  fare  you  well,  my  little  good  lord  cardinal. 

[Exeunt  all  but  Wolfey. 

IVol.  So  farewel  to  the  little  good  you  bear  me. 
Fnrewel,  a  long  farewel,  to  all  my  greatnefs  ! 
This  is  the  flate  of  man  ;  To-day  he  puts  forth 
The  tender  leaves  of  hope,  to-morrow  bloflbms, 
And  bears  his  blulhing  honours  thick  upon  him  : 
The  third  day,  comes  a  froft,  a  killing  froft; 
And, — when  he  thinks,  good  eafy  man,  full  furely 
His  greatnefs  is  a  ripening, — '  nips  his  root, 

And 

1  of  a  pramunire,]  It  is  almoft  unneceflary  to  obferve  that 
premunire  is  a  barbarous  word  ufed  inftead  of  pramonere. 

STEEVENS. 

*  Caftles,  and  whatfoe vc r, 

I  have  ventured  to  fubftitute  chattels  here,  as  the  author's  genuine 
word,  becaufe  the  judgment  in  a  writ  of  Premunire  is,  that  the 
defendant  fhall  be  out  of  the  king* s  protection  ;  and  his  lands  and  te- 
nements, goods  and  chattels  forfeited  to  the  king ;  and  that  his 
body  lhall  remain  in  prifon  at  the  king's  pleafure.  This  very  de- 
fcription  of  the  Premunire  is  fet  out  by  Holinfhed  in  his  Life  of 
King  Henry  VIII.  p.  909.  THEOBALD. 

8  nips  his  root,"]  As  fpring  frofts  are  not  injurious  to  the 

roots  of  fruit-trees,  I  fhould  imagine  the  poet  wrote  Jboot,  i.  e.  that 
tender  Jboot  on  which  are  the  young  leaves  and  llojjbms.     The 
comparifon,  as  well  as  expreffion  of  nips,    is  jufter  too   in  this 
reading.     He  has  the  fame  thought  in  Love's  Labour* s Loft : 
**  Biron  is  like  an  envious  J neaping  froft 
"  That  lites  the  firft-born  infants  of  the  fpring." 

So, 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       273 

,  And  then  he  falls,  as  I  do.     I  have  ventur'd, 
Like  little  wanton  boys  that  fwim  on  bladders, 
Thefe  many  fummers  in  a  fea  of  glory  j 
But  far  beyond  my  depth  :  my  high-blown  pride 
At  length  broke  under  me ;  and  now  has  left  me, 
Weary,  and  old  with  ferviee,  to  the  mercy 
Of  a  rude  ftream,  that  muft  for  ever  hide  me. 
Vain  pomp,  and  glory  of  this  world,  I  hate  ye  ; 
I  feel  my  heart  new  open'd  :  O,  how  wretched 
Is  that  poor  man,  that  hangs  on  princes'  favours ! 
There  is,  betwixt  that  fmile  we  would  afpire  to, 
That  fweet  afpec~l  of  princes,  and  our  ruin  % 
More  pangs  and  fears  than  wars  or  women  have  ; 
And  when  he  falls,  he  falls  like  Lucifer  5, 
Never  to  hope  again,  — 

Enter  Cromwell^   amaze dly. 
Why,  how  now,  Cromwell  ? 

So,  Milton  in  Sampfon  Agoniftes : 

**  Abortive  as  the  firft-born  bloom  of  fpring, 
*'  Nip'd  ivitb  the  lagging  fear  of  winter's  froft." 
which  feems  to  be  taken  trom  the  place  in  queftion.  WARBURTON. 
Here  is  a  long  note.     But  at  lait  we  may  as  well  continue  the  an- 
cient reading.     Vernal  frofts  indeed  do  not  kill  the  root,  but  then 
to  nip  thejbwfs  does  not  kill  the  tree  or  make  it  fall.     The  meta- 
phor will  not  in  either  reading  correfpond  exactly  with  nature* 

JOHNSON. 

I  adhere  to  the  old  reading,  which  is  countenanced  by  the  fol- 
lowing paflage  in  A.  W's  Commendation  cf  Gafioigne  and  bit  Poe* 
jus: 

"  And  frofts  fo  nip  the  rootes  of  vertuous  meaning  minds.'* 
See  Gafcoigne1* ;  ff^r^s,    1587.     STEEVENS. 

4  — and  our  raz'«,]  The  old  copy  reads  : 

their  ruin.     STEEVENS. 

5  A*4<*»btn  be  falls,  he  falls  like  Lvcifer,]    In  the  Life  and 
Death  of  Thomas  Wolfcy,  &c.  a  poem,  by  Tho.  Storer,  ftudentof 
Chrift-church,  in  Oxford,  1599,  the  cardinal  exprefles  himfelf  in 
a  manner  fomewhat  nmilar  : 

"  If  once  we  fall,  we  fall  Coloflus-like, 

"  We  fall  at  once  like  pillars  of  the  funne,  &c." 

STEEVENS. 

VOL.  VII.  T  Crom. 


274       K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    VHL 

Crow*  I  have  no  power  to  fpeak,  fir. 

Wol.  What,  amaz'd 

At  my  misfortunes  ?  can  thy  fpirit  wonder, 
A  great  man  ihould  decline  ?  Nay,  an  you  weep, 
I  am  fallen  indeed. 

Crom.  How  does  your  grace  ? 

WoL  Why,  well ; 

Never  fo  truly  happy,  my  good  Cromwell. 
I  know  myfelf  now  ;  and  I  feel  within  me 
A  peace  above  all  earthly  dignities, 
A  ftill  and  quiet  confcience.     The  king  has  cur'd  me, 
I  humbly  thank  his  grace  ;  and  from  thefc  fhoulders, 
Thefe  ruin'd  pillars,  out  of  pity,  taken 
A  load  would  fink  a  navy,  too  much  honour  : 
O,  'tis  a  burden,  Cromwell,  'tis  a  burden, 
Too  heavy  for  a  man  that  hopes  for  heaven. 

Crom.  I  am  glad,  your  grace  has  made  that  right 
ufe  of  it. 

Wol.  I  hope,  I  have  :  I  am  able  now,  mcthinks, 
(Out  of  a  fortitude  of  foul  I  feel) 
To  endure  more  miferies,  and  greater  far, 
Than  my  weak-hearted  enemies  dare  offer. 
What  news  abroad  ? 

Crom.  The  heaviest,  and  the  worft, 
Is  your  difpleafure  with  the  king. 

Wol.  God  blefs  him  ! 

Crom.  The  next  is,  that  fir  Thomas  More  is  chofcn 
Lord  chancellor  in  your  place. 

Wol.  That's  fomewhat  fudden  : 
But  he's  a  learned  man.     May  he  continue 
Long  in  his  highnefs'  favour,  and  do  iuftice 
For  truth's  fake,  and  his  confcience  ;  that  his  bones, 
When  he  has  run  his  courfe,  and  ileeps  in  bleffings, 
May  have  6  a  tomb  of  orphans'  tears  wept  on  them  ! 
What  more  ? 

6   "  ••     a  tomb  of  orphans'  tears  ivept  on  them  /]  The  chancellor 
is  the  general  guardian  of  orphans.    A  tomb  of  tear*  is  very  harlh. 

JOHNSON. 

Gr'om* 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       275 

Crom.  That  Cranmer  is  return'd  with  welcome, 
Inftall'd  lord  archbilhop  of  Canterbury. 

Wol.  That's  news  indeed. 

Crom.  Laft,  that  the  lady  Anne, 
Whom  the  king  hath  in  fecrecy  long  marry'd, 
This  day  was  vievv'd  in  open,  as  his  queen, 
Going  to  chapel ;  and  the  voice  is  now 
Only  about  her  coronation. 

Wol.  There  was  the  weight  that  pulPd  me  down, 

O  Cromwell, 

The  king  has  gone  beyond  me,  all  my  glories 
In  that  one  woman  I  have  loft  for  ever  : 
No  fun  fiiLill  ever  ulher  forth  mine  honours, 
Or  gild  again  the  noble  troops  that  waited 
Upon  my  fmiles.    Go,  get  thee  from  me,  Cromwell ; 
I  am  a  poor  fallen  man,  unworthy  now 
To  be  thy  lord  and  mailer  :  Seek  the  king  ; 
That  fun,  I  pray,  may  never  fet !  I  have  told  him 
What,  and  how  true  thou  art :  he  will  advance  thee  ; 
Some  little  memory  of  me  will  flir  him, 
I  know  his  noble  nature,  not  to  let 
Thy  hopeful  fervice  perifh  too  :  G<Jod  Cromwell, 
Neglect  him  not ;  make  ufe  now,  and  provide 
For  thine  own  future  fafety. 

Crom.  O  my  lord. 

Mull  I  then  leave  you  ?  muft  I  needs  forego 
So  good,  fo  noble,  and  fo  true  a  mailer  r — 
Bear  witnefs,  all  that  have  not  hearts  of  iron, 
With  what  a  forrow  Cromwell  leaves  his  lord.— 
The  king  mall  have  my  fervice  ;  but  my  prayers 
For  ever,  and  for  ever,  {hail  be  yours. 

Wol.  Cromwell,  I  did  not  think  to  flied  a  tear 
In  all  my  mifcrics  ;  but  thou  hail  forc'd  me, 
Out  of  thy  honcfl  truth,  to  play  the  woman. 
Let's  dry  our  eyes  :  And  thus  far  hear  me,  Cromu'dl ; 
And, — when  I  am  forgotten,  as  I  fnail  be  ; 
And  deep  in  dull  coM  marble,  where  no  mention 
Of  me  mo;c  ir.uft  be  heard  of, — fay,  I  taught  thee, 
T  2  Say, 


£76        KING    H  E  N  P.  Y    VTIIl 

Say,  Wolfey, — -that  once  trod  the  ways  of  glory, 
And  founded  all  the  depths  and  fnoals  of  honour,-— 
Found  thee  a  way,  out  of  his  wreck,  to  rife  in  ; 
A  fure  and  fafe  one,  though  thy  mailer  mifs'd  ir. 
Mark  but  my  fall,  and  that  that  ruin'd  me. 
Cromwell,  I  charge  thee,  fling  away  ambition  ; 
By  that  fin  fell  the  angels,  how  can  man  then, 
The  image  of  his  Maker,  hope  to-  win  by't  ? 
Love  thyfelf  laft  :  7  cheriih  thofe  hearu  that  hate 

thee; 

Corruption  wins  not  more  than  honefty. 
Still  in  thy  right  hand  carry  gentle  peace, 
To  filence  envious  tongues.     Be  juft,  and  fear  not  t 
Let  all  the  ends,  thou  aim'ft  at,,  be  thy  country's, 

7  chcrijb  thofe  hearts  that  hate  thee  ;J  Though  this  be  good 

divinity,  and  an  admirable  precept  for  our  conduct in  private  life; 
it  was  never  calculated  or  defigned  for  the  magiftrate  or  public 
minifter.  Nor  could  this  be  the  diredtion  of  a  man  experienced, 
in  affairs,  to  his  pupil.  It  would  make  a  good  chriftian  but  a 
very  ill  and  very  unjuft  ftatefman..  And  we  have  nothing  ib  in- 
famous in  tradition,  as  the  fuppofed  advice  given  to  one  of  our 
kings,  to  cherljb  his  eaemies,  and  be  in  no  pain  for  bis  friends.  I 
am  of  opinion  the  poet  wrote  : 

cberijb  thofe  hearts  that  wait  thee  f 

\.  e.  thy  dependants.  For  the  contrary  practice  had  contributed 
to  Wolfey's  ruin.  He  was  not  careful  enough  in  making  depen- 
dants by  his  bounty,  while  intent  in  amaffing  wealth  to  himielf.. 
The  following  line  feems  to  confirm  this  correction : 

Corruption  voins  not  more  than  honejiy. 

i.  e.  You.  will  never  find  men  won  over  to  your  temporary  occa- 
lions  by  bribery,  fo  uleful  to  you  as  friends  made  by  a  juft  and 
generous  munificence.  WARBURTOX. 

I  am  unwilling  wantonly  to  contradict  fo  ingenious  a  remark, 
but  that  the  reader  may  not  be  mifled,  and  believe  the  emenda- 
tion propofed  to  be  absolutely  neceflary,  he  fhould  remember  that 
this  is  not  a  time  for  Wolfey  to  fpeak  only  as  *  ft  ate. /'man,  but  as 
a  cbriftian,  Shakefpeare  would  have  debafed  the  character,  juft 
when  he  was  employing  his  ftrongeit  efforts  to  raiie  it,  had  he 
drawn  it  otherwife.  Nothing  makes  the  hour  of  difgrace  more 
irktbme,  than  the  reflection,  that  we  have  been  deaf  to  offers  of 
reconciliation,  and  perpetuated  that  enmity  which  we  might  have 
converted  into  friendfhip.  STEEYENS. 


XING    HENRY     VIII.      277 

Thy  God's,   and  truth's ;    then  if  thou  fall'ft,    O 

Cromwell, 

Thou  fall'il  a  bleflbd  martyr.     Serve  the  king; 
And, — Pr'ythee,  lead  me  in  : 
There  take  an  inventory  of  all  I  have, 
To  the  laft  penny  ;  'tis  the  king's  :  my  robe, 
And  my  integrity  to  heaven,  is  all 
I  dare  now  call  mine  own.     O  Cromwell,  Cromwell, 
8  Had  I  but  ferv'd  myGod  with  half  the  zeal 
I  ferv'd  my  king,  he  would  not  in  mintage 
Have  left  me  naked  to  mine  enemies. 

Crom.  Good  .fir,  have  patience. 

Wol.  So  I  have.     Fare  we  1 

The  hopes  of  court  i  my  hopes  in  heaven  do  dwell. 

{Exeunt* 


A  C  T    IV.       S  C  E  N  E     I. 

A  Street  in  Wefminfter. 
Enter  two  Gentlemen,  meeting  one  another, 

'    i  Gen.  You  are  well  met 9  once  again. 
2,  Gen.  So  are  you. 

j  Gen,.  You  come  to  take  your  fland  here,  and  be- 
hold 

8  Had  I  kit  fern? d  my  God,  &c.]  This  fentence  was  really  ut- 
ttred  by  Wolfey.  JOHNSON. 

When  Samrah,  the  deputy  governor  of  Baforah,  was  depofed 
by  Moawiyah  the  fixth  caliph,  he  is  reported  to  have  expreisi'd 
himfelf  in  the  lame  manner  :  — "  If  I  had  ferved  God  fo  well 
as  I  have  ferved  him,  he  would  never  have  condemned  me  to  ail 
eternity."  STEEVENS. 

»  once  again.]  Alluding  their  former  meeting  in 

&e  fecond  aft.  JOHKSON. 

T  3  Thq 


178       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

The  lady  Anne  pafs  from  her  coronation  ? 

2  Gen.  "Tis  all  my  bufinefs.    At  our  laft  encounter, 
The  duke  of  Buckingham  came  from  his  trial. 

1  Gen.  vf  is  very  true  :  but  that  time  offer'd  for- 

row ; 
This,  general  joy. 

2  &en.  'Tis  well :  the  citizens, 

I  am  fure,  have  fhewn  at  full  their  royal  minds ; 
As,  let  'em  have  their  rights,  they  are  ever  forward 
In  celebration  of  '  this  day  with  Ihews, 
Pageants,  and  fights  of  honour. 

1  Gen.  Never  greater, 

Nor,  I'll  affure  you,  better  taken,  fir. 

2  Gen.  May  I  be  bold  to  aik  what  that  contains, 
That  paper  in  your  hand  ? 

1  Gen.  Yes ;  'tis  the  lift 

Of  thofe,  that  claim  their  offices  this  day, 

By  cuftom  of  the  coronation. 

The  duke  of  Suffolk  is  the  firft,  and  claims 

To  be  high  fteward  ;  next,  the  duke  of  Norfolk^ 

To  be  earl  marfhal  :  you  may  read  the  reft. 

2  Gen.  I  thank  you,  fir  ;  had  I  not  known  thofc 

cuftoms, 

I  Ihould  have  been  beholden  to  your  paper. 
But,  I  befeech  you,  what's  become  of  Katharine, 
The  princefs  dowager  ?  how  goes  her  bufinefs  ? 

i  Gen.  That  I  can  tell  you  too.     The  archbifhop 
Of  Canterbury,  accompanied  with  other 
Learned  and  reverend  fathers  of  his  order, 
Held  a  late  court  at  Dunftable,  fix  miles  off 
From  Ampthill,  where  the  princefs  lay;  to  which 
She  oft  was  cited  by  them,  but  appear'd  not : 
And,  to  be  ihort,  for  not  appearance,  and 

1  this  day  •"•  ]  Hanmer  reads ; 

but  Shakefpeare  meant  fucb  a  Jay  as  this,  a  coronation  day.  And 
fuch  is  the  Engiifh  idiom,  which  our  authour  commonly  prefers 
to  grammatical  nicety.  JOHNSON. 

The 


KING    HENRY    VIII.        279 

The  king's  late  fcruple,  by  the  main  affent 
Of  all  thefe  learned  men  ihe  was  divorc'd, 
And  the  late  marriage  made  of  none  efFed:  : 
Since  which,  ihe  was  removed  to  Kimbolton, 
Where  ihe  remains  now,  fick. 
2  Gen.  Alas,  good  lady  ! — 

The  trumpets  found  :  ftand  clofe,  the  queen  is  com- 
ing. [Hautboys. 

THE  ORDER  OF  THE  CORONATION. 

1.  A  lively  fiourffi  of  trumpets. 

2.  Then  two  Judges. 

3.  Lord  Chancellor ;  with  tie  purfe  and  mace  before  him. 

4.  Chorifters  finging.  \ Mufick. 

5.  Mayor  of  London,  bearing  the  mace.     'Then  Garter, 
in  his  coat  of  arms,   and   on  his  head  a  gilt  copper  • 
crown. 

6.  Marquis  Dorfet,    bearing   a  fcepter  of  gold,  on  bis 
head  a  demi-coronal  of  gold.      With  him,  the  Earl  of 
Surrey,  bearing  the  rod  ofjiher  with  the  dove,  crown' d 
with  an  earfs  coronet.     Collars  of  SS. 

7.  'Duke  of  Suffolk,  in  his  robe  of  eftate,    his  coronet  on 
his  head,  bearing  a  long  white  wand,  as  high  fteward. 
With  him,  the  Duke  of  Norfolk,  with  the  rod  of  mar- 

Jhalfoip,  a  coronet  on  his  head.     Collars  of  SS. 

8.  A  canopy  borne  by  four  of  the  Cinque  ports ;  under  it, 
the  Queen  in  her  robe  ;  in  her  hair  richly  adorned  with 
pearl,  crowned.     On  each  fide  her,  the  b'Jhops  of  Lon- 
don and  Winchefier. 

9.  The  old  Dut  chefs  of  Norfolk,  in  a  coronal  of  gold, 
wrought  with  flowers,  bearing  the  Queens  train. 

jo.  Certain  Ladies  or  Count  cjj'es,    with  plain  rirckti  tf 

gold  without  floivers. 
They  pafs  over  the  ft  age  in  order  and  jlate. 

T  4  2  Gen. 


28o        K  I  N  G     H  E  N  R  Y    VIII. 

2  Gen.  A  royal  train,  believe  me. — Thefel  know ;— « 
Who's  that,  that  bears  the  fcepter  ? 

1  Gf«.  Marquis  Dorfet : 

And  that  the  earl  of  Surrey,  xvith  the  rod. 

2  Gen.  A  bold  brave  gentleman.     That  fhould  be 
The  duke  of  Suffolk. 

1  Gen.  'Tis  the  fame  ;  high-fteward. 

2  Gen.  And  that  my  lord  of  Norfolk. 

1  Gen.  Yes. 

2  Gen.  Heaven  blefs  thee  !     [Looking  on  the  queen. 
Thou  haft  the  fweetefl  face  I  ever  look'd  on. — 
Sir,  as  I  have  a  foul,  me  is  an  angel ; 

Our  king  has  all  the  Indies  in  his  arms, 

And  more,  and  richer,  when  he  ftrains  that  lady  : 

I  cannot  blame  his  confcience. 

1  Gen.  They,  that  bear 

The  cloth  of  honour  over  her,  are  four  barons 
Of  the  Cinque-ports, 

2  Gen.  Thofe  men  are  happy ;  fo  are  all,  are  near  hert 
I  take  it,  fhe  that  carries  up  the  train, 

Is  that  old  noble  lady,  dutchefs  of  Norfolk. 

1  Gen.  It  is  ;  and  all  the  reft  are  countefles. 

2  Gen.  Their  coronets  fay  fo.     Thefe  are  ftars,  in- 

deed ; 
And,  fometimes,  falling  ones. 

1  Gen.  No  more  of  that. 

[Exit  Proctffion,  ivltb  a  great  jhurifi  of  trumpet^ 

Enter  a  third  Gentleman. 

God  fave  you,  fir  !  Where  have  you  been  broiling  ? 

2  Gen.  Among  the  croud  i'  the  abbey ;  where  a, 

finger 

Could  not  be  wedg'd  in  more  :  I  am  ftifled, 
With  the  mere  ranknefs  of  their  joy. 

2  Gen.  You  faw  the  ceremony  ? 

3  Gen.  That  I  did. 

j  Gen.  How  was  it  ? 

3  Gen, 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       281 

3  Gen.  Well  worth  the  feeing. 

2  Gen.  Good  fir,  fpeak  it  to  us. 

3  Gen.  As  well  as  1  am  able.     The  rich  ftream 
Of  lords,  and  ladies,  having  brought  the  queen 
To  a  prepared  place  in  the  choir,  fell  off 

A  diftance  from  her  ;  while  her  grace  fat  down 
To  re  it  awhile,  fome  half  an  hour,  or  fo, 
In  a  rich  chair  of  ft'ate,  oppofing  freely 
The  beauty  of  her  perfon  to  the  people. 
Believe  me,  fir,  fhe  is  the  goodlieft  woman 
That  ever  lay  by  man  :  which  when  the  people 
Had  the  full  view  of,  fuch  a  noife  arofe 
As  the  fhrouds  make  at  fea  in  a  fliff'tempeft, 
As  loud,  and  to  as  many  tunes  :  Hats,  cloaks, 
(Doublets,  I  think)  flew  up  ;  and  had  their  faces 
Been  loofe,  this  day  they  had  been' loft.     Such  joy 
I  never  faw  before.     Great-belly 'd  women, 
That  had  not  half  a  week  to  go,  2  like  rams 
In  the  old  time  of  war,  would  fhake  the  prefs, 
And  make  'em  reel  before  'em.     No  man  living 
Could  fay,  This  is  my  wife,  there  ;  all  were  woven 
So  ftrangely  in  one  piece. 

2  Gen.  But,  what  follow'd  ? 

3  Gen.  At  length  her  grace  rofe,  and  with  modeft 

paces 

Came  to  the  altar ;  where  fhe  kneel'd,  and,  faint-like, 
Caft  her  fair  eyes  to  heaven,  and  pray'd  devoutly. 
Then  rofe  again,  and  bow'd  her  to  the  people  : 
When  by  the  archbifhop  of  Canterbury, 
She  had  all  the  royal  makings  of  a  queen  ; 
As  holy  oil,  Edward  Confeffor's  crown, 
The  rod,  and  bird  of  peace,  and  all  fuch  emblems 
Lay'd  nobly  on  her  :  which  performed,  the  choir, 
With  all  the  choiceft  mufick  of  the  kingdom, 
Together  fung  Te  Deum.    So  fhe  parted, 
,And  with  the  fame  full  Hate  pac'd  back  again 

*  r* — like  ram]  That  is,  like  battering  rams.    JOHNSON. 

To 


i82        KING    HENRY    VIII. 

To  York  place,  where  the  feaft  is  held. 

1  Gen.  You  mufl  no  more  call  it  York  place,  that's 

paft  : 

For,  fince  the  cardinal  fell,  that  title's  loft  ; 
'Tis  now  the  king's,  and  call'd — Whitehall. 

3  Gen.  I  know  it ; 

But  'tis  fo  lately  alter'd,  that  the  old  nam<? 
Is  frefh  about  me. 

2  Gen.  What  two  reverend  bifnops 

Were  thofe  that  went  on  each  fide  of  the  queen  ? 

3  Gen.  Stokeily,  and  Gardiner;  the  one,  of  Win- 

ch efter, 

(Newly  preferr'd  from  the  kirig's  fecretary) 
The  other,  London. 

2  Gen.  He  of  Winchefter 

Is  held  no  great  good  lover  of  the  archbifhop's, 
The  virtuous  Cranmer. 

3  Gen.  All  the  land  knows  that: : 

However,  yet  there's  no  great  breach  ;  when  it  comes, 
'Cranmer  will  find  a  friend  will  not  fhrink  from  him. 

2  Gen.  Who  may  that  be,  I  pray  you  ? 

3  Gen.  Thomas  Cromwell ; 

A  man  in  much  efteem  with  the  king,  and  truly 
A  worthy  friend.     The  king  has  made  him 
Mailer  o'  the  jewel-houfe, 
And  one,  already,  of  the  privy-council. 

2  Gen.  He  will  deferve  more. 

3  Gen.  Yes,  without  all  doubt. 

Come,  gentlemen,  ye  fhall  go  my  way,  which 
Is  to  the  court,  and  there  fhsll  be  my  gucffo ; 
Something  I  can  command.     As  I  walk  thither,, 
I'll  tell  ye  more. 

Both.  You  may  command  us,  fir.  [Exeunt. 


SCENE 


KING    HENRY    VIII.        283 


'SCENE      II. 

Kimlolton. 

Enter  Katharine,  Dowager,  Jtck,  led  between  Griffith  her 
gentlenian-ufoer,  and  Patience  her  woman. 

Grif.  How  does  your  grace  ? 

Kath.  O,  Griffith,  fick  to  death  : 
My  legs,  like  loaded  branches,  bow  to  the  earth, 
Willing  to  leave  their  burden  :  Reach  a  chair; 
$0> — now,  methinks,  I  feel  a  little  cafe. 
Didft  thou  not  tell  me,  Griffith,  as  thou  led'ft  me, 
That  the  great  child  of  honour,  cardinal  Wolfey 
Was  dead  ? 

Grif.  Yes,  madam  ;  but,  I  think,  your  grace, 
Out  of  the  pain  you  ftiffer'd,  gave  no  ear  to't. 

Kath.  Pry'thcc,  good  Griffith,  tell  me  how  he  dy'd : 
If  well,  he  ftep'd  before  me,  happily  *, 
For  my  example. 

Grif.  Well,  the  voice  goes,  madam  : 
For  after  the  flout  earl  Northumberland 
Arrefted  him  at  York,  and  brought  him  forward 
(As  a  man  forely  tainted)  to  his  anfwcr, 
He  fell  fick  fuddenly,  and  grew  fo  ill, 
He  could  not  fit  his  mule. 

3  SCENE  II.]  This  fcene  is  above  any  other  part  of  Shake- 
fpeare's  tragedies,  and  perhaps  above  any  Iceneof  any  other  poet, 
tender  and  pathetick,  without  gods,  or  furies,  or  poifons,  or  pre- 
cipices, without  the  help  of  romantick  circumftances,  without 
improbable  Tallies  of  poetical  lamentation,  and  without  any  throes 
ot  tumultuous  mifery.  JOHNSON. 

4   hefiepp'd  lefore  me,  happily, 

For  my  example.] 

Happily  feems  to  mean  on  this  occafion — peradventure^  haply.  I 
Jiave  been  more  than  once  of  this  opinion,  when  I  have  met  with 
the  fame  word  thus  fpelt  in  other  paflagcs.  STEEVENS. 

Katb. 


aS-4        KING    HENRY     VIII. 

Kath.  Alas,  poor  man  ! 

Grif.  At  laft,  with  eafy  roads  5,  he  came  to  Lei- 

cefter, 

Lodg'd  in  the  abbey  ;  where  the  reverend  abbot, 
With  all  his  convent,  honourably  receiv'd  him  ; 
To  whom  he  gave  thefe  words, — O  father  abbot, 
An  old  man,  broken  with  the  ftorms  of  Jlate, 
Is  come  to  lay  his  weary  bones  among  ye ; 
Give  htm  a  little  earth  for  .charity  /" 
So  went  to  bed  :  where  eagerly  his  ficknefs 
Purfu'd  him  ftill;  and,  three  nights  after  this, 
About  the  hour  of  eight,  (which  he  himfelf 
Foretold,  fhould  be  his  laft)  full  of  repentance, 
Continual  meditations,  tears,  and  forrows, 
He  gave  his  honours  to  the  world  again, 
His  blefled  part  to  heaven,  and  flept  in  peace. 

Kath.  So  may  he  reft ;  his  faults  lie  gently  on  him! 
Yet  thus  far,  Griffith,  give  me  leave  to  fpeak  him, 
And  yet  with  charity, — He  was  a  man 
Of  an  unbounded  ftomach,  6  ever  ranking 
Himfelf  with  princes ;  7  one,  that  by  fuggeftion 

Ty'd 

5  with  eafy  roads,*——  ]  i.  c.  by  fhort  ftage?.     STEEVENS. 

*  Of  an  unbounded  ftomach,  J  i.  e.  of  unbounded  pridt^ 

or  baugbtincfs.     So,  Holinfhed,  fpeaking  of  king  Richard  III : 
*'  Such  a  great  audacitie  and  fuch  zftotnacb  reigned  in  his 

bodie."     STEEVENS. 
7          —  oney  that  ly  fuggeftion 

Ty'd  all  the  kingdom  :] 

i.e.  by  giving  the  king  pernicious  counfel,  he /y V or  enflaved 
the  kingdom.  He  ufes  the  word  here  with  great  propriety,  and 
feeming  knowledge  of  the  Latin  tongue.  For  the  late  Roman 
writers,  and  their  gloflers,  agree  to  give  this  fenfe  to  it :  Suggeftio 
eft  cum'  magiftratus  quillbet  principi  falubre  conJUlumfuggcrit.  So 
that  nothing  could  be  feverer  than  this  reflection,  that  that  whole- 
fome  counlel,  which  it  is  the  minifter's  duty  to  give  his  prince,  ' 
was  fo  empoifoned  by  him,  as  to  produce  llavery  to  his  country. 
Yet  all  this  fine  fenie  vanilhes  inltantaneouily  before  the  touch  of 
the  Oxford  editor,  by  his  happy  thought  of  changing  ty'd  into 
tjtVd.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

The  viorAfnggeftion,  fays  the  critick,  is  here  ufed  with  great 

pro* 


KING. HENRY    VIII.        &$ 

Ty'd  all  the  kingdom  :  fimony  was  fair  play  ;- 
His  own  opinion  was  his  law  :  1'  the  pretence 

He 

propriety,  and  feemlng  knowledge  of  the  Latin  tongue  :  and  he 
proceeds  to  fettle  the  fenfe  of  it  from  the  late  Roman  writers  and 
their  glojjers.  But  Shakefpeare's  knowledge  was  from  Holiuflied, 
whom  he  follows  verbatim  : 

"  This  cardinal  was  of  a  great  ftomach,  for  he  compted  him- 
felr  equal  with  princes,  and  by  crattie  fuggejlion  got  into  his 
hands  innumerable  trcafure :  he  forced  little  on  lunonie,  and  was 
not  phifull,  and  flood  affectionate  in  his  own  opinion  :  in  open 
pretence  he  would  lie  and  ieie  untruth,  and  was  double  both  in 
fpeech  and  meaning  :  he  would  promife  much  and  perform  little  : 
he  was  vicious  of  his  bodie,  and  gave  the  clergie  euil  example." 
Edit,  i  587,  p.  922. 

Perhaps  after  this  quotation,  you  may  not  think,  that  fir  Tho- 
mas Hanmer,  who  reads  tytVd — inftead  of  iy'd  all  the  kingdom  ^ 
deferves  quite  fo  much  or  Dr.  Warburton's  ieverity. — Indifput- 
ubly  the  pafiage,  like  every  other  in  the  fpeech,  is  intended  to 
exprefs  the  meaning  of  the  parallel  one  in  the  chronicle ;  it  can- 
not therefore  be  credited,  that  any  man,  when  the  original  was 
produced,  mould  Hill  chufe  to  defend  a  cant  acceptation,  and  in- 
form us,  perhaps,  ferioujly,  that  in  gaming  language,  from  I 
know  not  what  practice,  to  tye  is  to  equal !  A  fenfe  of  the  word, 
as  far  as  I  have  yet  found,  unknown  to  our  old  writers  ;  and,  if 
kno-jjn^  would  not  furely  have  been  ufed  in  this  place  by  our  au- 
thor. 

But  let  us  turn  from  conjecture  to  Shakefpeare's  authorities. 
Hall,  from  whom  the  above  defcription  is  copied  by  Holinfhed, 
is  very  explicit  in  the  demands  of  the  cardinal:  who  having  in- 
folenrly  told  the  lord-mayor  and  aldermen^  "  For  fothe  I  thinke, 
that  halfe  your  fubftance  were  too  little,"  allures  them  by  way  of 
comfort  at  the  end  of  his  harangue,  that  upon  an  average^  the 
tytbe  fliould  be  fufficient ;  "  Sers,  fpeake  not  to  breake  that  thyug 
thr.t  is  concluded,  for  fame  ftiall  not  paie,  the  tenth  parte,  and  feme 
more." — And  again,-  "  Thei  faied,  the  cardinall  by  vifnacions, 
imkyng  of  abbottes,  probates  of  teftamentes,  grauntingof  facul- 
ties, licences,  and  other  pollyngs  in  his  courtes  legantines,  had 
made  his  threafore  egall  with  the  kyngei."  Edit.  1548,  p.  138,  and, 
143.  FARMER. 

in  Storer's  Life  and  Death  of  Tlo.  Wolfcy,  a  poem,  1599,  the 
cardinal  fays  : — 

**  I  car'd  not  for  the  gentrie,  for  I  had 

"  7/V^-gentlemen,  yong  nobles  of  the  land,  &c." 

STEEVEXS. 

Ty'd  all  the  kingdom  :]  J.  e.  He  was  a  man  of  an  unbounded 
fiomach,  or  pride,  ranking  himlelf  with  princes,  and  by  fug- 

geftion 


286       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

He  would  fay  untruths  ;  and  be  ever  double, 
Both  in  his  words  and  meaning  :  He  was  never, 

gefHon  to  the  king  and  the  pope,  he  ty'd,  \.  e.  limited,  circum- 
fcribed,  and  fet  bounds  to  the  liberties  and  properties  of  all  per- 
fons  in  the  kingdom.  That  he  did  fo,  appears  from  various 
paflages  in  the  play.  Aft  II.  fc.  ii.  "  free  us  from  his  ilavery,"  "  or 
this  imperious  man  will  work  us  all  from  princes  into  pages  ;  all 
men's  honours,  &c.  Aft  III.  fc.ii.  *'  You  wroughtto  be  a  legate,  by 
which  power  you  maintd  the  jurifdiftion  of  all  bifhops."  See  alfo 


.  fc.  i.  and  Aft  III.  fc.  ii.  This  conftruftion  of  the  pafiage 
may  be  fupported  from  D'Ewes's  Journal  of  Queen  Elizabeth''  i 
Parliaments^  p.  644.  "  Far  be  it  from  me  that  the  Hate  and  pre- 
rogative of  the  prince  mould  be  tied  by  me,  or  by  the  act  of  any 
other  fubjeft." 

Dr.  Farmer  has  difplayed  fuch  eminent  knowledge  of  Shake- 
fpeare,  that  it  is  with  the  utmoft  diffidence  I  diflent  from  the  al- 
teration which  he  would  eftablifh  here.  He  would  read  tytb\l, 
and  refers  to  the  authorities  of  Hall  and  Holinfhed  about  a  tax  of 
the  tenth  ^  or  tytbe,  of  each  man's  fubftance,  which  is  not  taken 
notice  of  in  the  play.  Let  it  be  remarked  that  it  is  queen  Ka- 
tharine fpeaks  here,  who,  in  Aft  I.  fc.  ii.  told  the  king  it  was  a  de- 
mand of  the  Jlxtb  part  of  each  fubjeft's  fubftance,  that  caufed 
the  rebellion.  Would  (he  afterwards  fay  that  he,  /.  e.  Wolfey, 
had  tytbed  all  the  kingdom,  when  (he  knew  he  had  almoft  doub'lc- 
tythed\tt  Still  Dr.  Farmer  infills  that  "  the  patfage,  like  every 
other  in  the  fpeech,  is  intended  to  exprefs  the  meaning  of  the 
parallel  one  in  the  Chronicle"  i.e.  The  cardinal  "by  craftie 
i'uggeftion  got  into  his  hands  innumerable  treafure."  This  pafTage 
does  not  relate  to  a  public  tax  of  the  tenths,  but  to  the  cardinal's 
own  private  acquilitions.  If  in  this  fenfe  I  admitted  the  altera- 
tion, tyth'a1^  I  would  fuppofe  that,  as  the  queen  is  defcanting  on 
the  cardinal's  own  acquirements,  flie  borrows  her  term  from  the 
principal  emolument  or  payment  due  to  priefts  ;  and  means  to  in- 
timate that  the  cardinal  was  not  content  with  the  tythcs  legally 
accruing  to  him  from  his  own  various  pluralities,  but  that  he  ex- 
torted fomeching  equivalent  to  them  throughout  all  the  kingdom. 
So  Buckingham  fays,  Aft  I.  fc.  i.  "  No  man's  pye  is  freed  from 
his  ambitious  finger."  So,  again,  Surrey  fays,  Aft  III.  fc.  ult. 
*'  Yes,  that  goodnefs  of  gleaning  all  the  land's  wealth  into  one,  into 
your  own  hands,  cardinal,  by  extortion  :"oi)d  /£/<&».  "  You  have 
fent  innumerabU  fuljlatice  (by  what  means  got,  I  leave  to  your  own 
confcience)  to  the  mere  undoing  of  all  the  kingdom."  This  cx- 
tortiou  is  fo  frequently  fpokcu  of,  that  perhaps  our  author  pur- 
pofely  avoided  a  repetition  of  it  in  the  paflagc  under  ccnfidera- 
tion,  and  therefore  gave  a  different  ientiment  declarative  of  the 
confequeuce  of  his  unbounded  pride,  that  mull  humble  all  others. 

TbiiET. 
But 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       287 

But  where  he  meant  to  ruin,  pitiful  : 
His  prcmifes  were,  as  he  then  was,  mighty  ; 
But  his  performance,  as  he  is  now,  nothing  8, 
Of  his  own  body  he  was  ill  9,  and  gave 
The  clergy  ill  example. 

Grif.  Noble  madam, 

Men's  evil  manners  live  in  brafs  ;  their  virtues 
We  write  in  water  '.     May  it  plcafe  your  highnefs 
To  hear  me  fpeak  his  good  no'.v  ? 

Kath.  Yes,  good  Griffith  ; 
I  were  malicious  elfe. 

Grif.  This  cardinal, 

Though  from  an  humble  flock,  undoubtedly 
Was   falhion'd  to  much  honour.     From  his  cradle, 
He  was  a  fcholar,  and  a  ripe,  and  good  one  : 
Exceeding  wife,  fair  fpoken,  and  perfuading  : 
Lofty,  and  four,  to  them  that  lov'd  him  not  ; 
But,  to  thofe  men  that  fought  him,  fweet  as  fummer. 

8  as  be  is  #<nv,  nothing.]  So,  in  Mallinger's  Great  Dukf  of 
Florence: 

*'  --  Great  men 

**  Till  they  have  gain'd  their  ends,  we  giants  in 
"   Their  prom'fes  ;  but  thole  obtai-n'd,  weak  pygmies 
**  In  their  performance"     STEEVKNS. 

9  Of  his  oivn  body  beivas  ///,]  A  criminal  connection  with  wo- 
men was  anciently  called  the  vice  of  the  body.     So,  in  Hollnjbed^ 
p.  1258  :  "  he  laboured  by  all  meanes  to  cleare  miftrefle  Sanders 
of  committing  cvill  of  her  lodie  with  him.     STEEVENS. 

*   •     •         their  virtues 

'*   We  ivrite  in  water.  —  —  -  ] 
Beaumont  and  Fletcher  have  the  fame  thought  in  their  Pbilaf.tr: 

"  -  all  your  better  deeds 

"  Shall  be  in  water  writ,  but  this  in  marble."  STEEVENS, 
This  reflexion  bears  a  great  rcfemblance  to  a  pafiags  in  iir 
Tho.  More's  H'tjl.  of  Richard  III.  whence  Shakefpeare  undoubt- 
edly formed  his  play  on  th  ;t  fubject.  Speaking  of  the  ungrate- 
ful turns  which  Jane  Shore  experienced  hx>m  thole  whom  file  had 
ferved  in  her  profperity  ;  More  adds,  "  Men  ufe,  it  they  have 
an  evil  turne,  to  write  it  in  marble,  «nd  \/hofo  doth  us  a  good 
turne,  we  write  it  iu  dufte."  JLW.f  V/'o>.  •.•>,  LU  1.  1557,  p.  59. 


And 


238         KING    HENRY    VIlL 

And  though  he  were  unfatisfy'd  in  getting, 

(Which  was  a  fin)  yet  in  beftowing,  madam, 

He  was  mofl  princely  :   Ever  witnefs  for  him 

Thole  twins  of  learning,  that  he  rais'd  in  you, 

Ipfwich,  and  Oxford  !  one  of  which  fell  with  him? 

Unwilling  to  out-live  the  good  he  did  it z ; 

The  other,  though  unfinilh'd,  yet  fo  famous, 

So  excellent  in  art,  and  flill  fo  rifing, 

That  Chriftendom  ihall  ever  fpeak  his  virtue. 

His  overthrow  heap'd  happinefs  upon  him  ; 

For  then,  and  not  'till  then,  he  felt  himfelf, 

And  found  the  bleffednefs  of  being  little  : 

And,  to  add  greater  honours  to  his  age 

Than  man  could  give  him,  he  dy'd,  fearing  God. 

Katb.  After  my  death  I  wifli  no  other  herald, 
No  other  fpeaker  of  my  living  actions, 
To  keep  mine  honour  from  corruption,' 
But  fuch  an  honeil  chronicler  as  Griffith. 
Whom  I  moft  hated  living,  thou  haft  made  me^ 
With  thy  religious  truth,  and  modefty, 
Now  in  his  allies  honour  :  Peace  be  with  him  !— 
Patience,  be  near  me  flill  ;  and  fet  me  lower  : 
I  have  not  long  to  trouble  thee. — Good  Griffith, 
Caufe  the  muficians  play  me  that  fad  note 
I  nam'd  my  knell,  whilft  I  fit  meditating 
On  that  celeftial  harmony  I  go  to. 

Sad  and  folemn  mujick. 
Grif.  She  is  afleep :  Good  wench,  let's  fit  down 

quiet, 
For  fear  we  wake  her  :  — Softly,  gentle  Patience. 

The  vifwn.     Enter,  folemnly  tripping  one  after  another  *, 
fix  perfonages,  clad  in  white  robes,   wearing  on  their 

*  he  did  it ;]  The  old  copy  reads : 

•          •  that  did  it.     STEEVENS. 

3  folemnly  tripping   one  after  another ,]   This  whimfical 

ftage-diredion  is  exa&ly  taken  from  the  old  copy.     STEEVENS. 

heads 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       289 

garlands  of  bays,  and  golden  vizards  on.  their 
faces  ;  branches  of  bays,  or  palm,  in  their  hands.    They 
jirjl  congee  unto   her,    then   dance  ;    and,    at  certain 
changes,  the  firft  two  hold  a  fpare  garland  ovtr  her 
head  ',  at  which,  the  other  four  make  reverend  courte- 
fies ;  then  the  two,  that  held  the  garland,  deliver  the 
fame  to  the  other  next  two,  who  obferve  the  fame  order 
in  their  changes,  and  holding  the  garland  over  her  head  : 
ivhich  done,  they  deliver  the  fame  garland  to  the  lajl 
two,  who  likewife  obferve  the  fame  order :  at  wbicb, 
(as  it  were  by  inspiration)  fhe  makes  in  her  Jleepfigns 
of  rejoicing,  and  holdeth  up  her  hands  to  heaven  :  and 
fo  in  their  dancing  they  vani/h,  carrying  the  garland  with 
them.     The  mujick  continues. 

Kath.  Spirits  of  peace,  where  are  ye  ?  Are  ye  all 

gone  ? 
And  leave  me  here  in  wretchednefs  behind  ye  ? 

Grif.  Madam,  we  are  here. 

Kath.  It  is  not  you  I  call  for  : 
Saw  ye  none  enter,  lince  I  flept  ? 

Grif.  None,  madam. 

Kath.  No  ?  Saw  you  not,  even  now,  a  blefled  troop 
Invite  me  to  a  banquet ;  whofe  bright  faces 
Call  thoufand  beams  upon  me,  like  the  fun  ? 
They  promis'd  me  eternal  happinefs  ; 
And  brought  me  garlands,  Griffith,  which  I  feel 
I  am  not  worthy  yet  to  wear  :  I  ihall, 
AiTuredly. 

Grif.  I  am  mofl  joyful,  madam,  fuch  good  dreams 
Poffefs  your  fancy. 

Kath.  Bid  the  mufick  leave, 
They  are  harfh  and  heavy  to  me.  [Mufick  ceafes* 

Pat.  Do  you  note, 

How  much  her  grace  is  alter'd  on  the  fudden  ? 
How  long  her  face  is  drawn  ?  How  pale  Ihe  looks, 
And  of  an  earthy  cold  ?    Mark  her  eves. 

VOL.  VII.  U  Grif, 


290       K  I  N  G    H  E  N  R  Y    VII 

Grlf.  She  is  going,  wench  ;  pray,  pray. 
Pat.-  Heaven  comfort  her  \ 

Enter  a 

Mcf.  An't  like  your  grace, — 

Katb.  You  are  a  fawcy  fellow  ;. 
Deferve  we  no  more  reverence  ? 

Grlf.  You  are  to  blame, 

Knowing,  Ihe  will  not  lofe  her  wonted  greatnefs,- 
To  ufe  fo  rude  behaviour  :  go  to,  kneel. 

Mef.  I  humbly  do  entreat  your  highnefs'  pardon  ;: 
My  hafte  made  me  unmannerly  :  There  is  flaying 
A  gentleman,  fent  from  the  king,  to  fee  you. 

Katb.  Admit   him  entrance,    Griffith  :    But  this 

fellow 
Let  me  ne'er  fee  again. 

[Exeunt  Griffith,  andMeflenger* 

Re-enter  Griffith,  with  Capudus. 

If  my  fight  fail  not, 

You  fhould  be  lord  ambaflador  from  the  emperor, 

My  royal  nephew,  and  your  name  Capucius. 

Cap.  Madam,  the  fame,  your  fervant. 

Katb.  O  my  lord, 

The  times,  and  titles,  now  are  alter'd  flrangely 
With  me,  fince  firft  you  knew  me.    But,  I  pray  youa 
What  is  your  pleafure  with  me  ? 

Cap.  Noble  lady, 

Firft,  mine  own  fervice  to  your  grace  ;  the  next, 
The  king's  requeft  that  I  would  vifit  you  ; 
Who  grieves  much  for  your  vveaknefs,  and  by  me 
Sends  you  his  princely  commendations, 
And  heartily  entreats  you  take  good  comfort. 

Kath.Q  my  good  lord,  that  comfort  comes  too  late  ; 
JTis  like  a  pardon  after  execution  : 

That 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       291 
That  gentle  phyfick,  given  in  time,  had  cur'd  me; 
But  now  I  am  pail  all  comforts  here,  but  prayers. 
How  does  his  highnefs  ? 

Cap.  Madam,  in  good  health. 

Kath.  So  may  he  ever  do  !  and  e.ver  flourifh, 
When  I  mall  dwell  with  worms,  and  my  poor  name 
Banifh'd  the  kingdom  ! — Patience,  is  that  letter^ 
I  caus'd  you  write,  yet  fent  away  ? 

Pat.  No,  madam. 

Katrj.  Sir,  I  moft  humbly  pray  you  to  deliver  » 
This  to  my  lord  the  king 9. 

Cap.  Mofl  willing,  madam. 

Kath.  In  which  I  have  commended  to  his  goodnefe 
The  model  of  our  chafle  loves,  his  young  daugh- 
ter : — 

The  dews  of  heaven  fall  thick  in  bleffings  on  her  !—» 
Befeeching  him,  to  give  her  virtuous  breeding  ; 
(She  is  young,  and  of  a  noble  modeit  nature ; 
I  hope,  Ihe  will  deferve  well)  and  a  little 
To  love  her  for  her  mother's  fake,  that  lov'd  him, 
Heaven  knows  how  dearly.    .My  next  poor  petition 
Is,  that  his  noble  grace  would  have  fome  pity 
Upon  my  wretched  women,  that  fo  long 
Have  follow'd  both  my  fortunes  faithfully  : 
Of  which  there  is  not  one,  I  dare  avow, 
(And  now  I  fhould  not  lye)  but  will  deferve, 
For  virtue,  and  true  beauty  of  the  foul, 
For  honefty,  and  decent  carriage, 
A  right  good  hufband  ;  let  him  be  a  noble  ; 
And,  fure,  thofe  men  are  happy  that  mall  have  'emi 

4  This  to  my  lord  the  king, "\  So,  Hollnjbed^  p.  939:  "  — per-* 
ceiving  hir  felfe  to  wax  verie  weak  and  feeble,  and  to  feele  death 
approaching  at  hand,  caufed  one  of  hir  gentlewomen  to  -.vrire  a 
letter  to  the  king  commending  to  him  hir  daughter  and  his,  be- 
feeching  him  to  {land  good  father  unto  hir ;  and  further  defired 
him  to  have  fome  confideration  of  hir  gentlewomen  that  had 
ferved  hir,  and  to  fee  them  beftowed  in  marriage.  Further  that 
it  would  pleafe  him  to  appoint  that  hir  fervants  might  have  their 
due  wages,  and  a  yeares  wages  befide."  STEEVENS, 

U  z  The 


*5>2       KING    H  E  N  R  Y    VIII. 

The  laft  is,  for  my  men  ; — they  are  the  pooreft, 

But  poverty  could  never  draw  'em  from  me  ; — 

That  they  may  have  their  wages  duly  paid  *em, 

And  fomething  over  to  remember  me  by  : 

If  heaven  had  pleas'd  to  have  given  me  longer  life, 

And  able- means,  we  had  not  parted  thus. 

Thefe  are  the  whole  contents  : — And,  good  my  lord, 

By  that  you  love  the  deareft  in  this  world, 

As  you  wifh  chriitian  peace  to  fouls  departed, 

Stand  thefe  poor  people's  friead,  and  urge  the  king 

To  do  me  this  laft  right. 

Cap.   By  heaven,  1  will  ; 
Or  let  me  lofe  the  fafhion  of  a  man  I 

Katb.  I  thank  you,  honeft  lord.     Remember  me 
In  all  humility  unto  his  highnefs  : 
Say,  his  long  trouble  now  is  paffing. 
Out  of  this  world  :  tell  him,  in  death  I  bleft  him, 
For  fo  I  will. — Mine  eyes  grow  dim. — Farewel, 

My  lord. Griffith,  farewel. Nay,  Patience, 

You  mud  not  leave  me  yet.     I  muft  to  bed  ; 

Call  in  more  women. — When  lam  dead,  good  wench, 
Let  me  be  us'd  with  honour  ;  ftrew  me  over 
With  maiden  flowers,  that  all  the  world  may  know 
I  was  a  chaile  wife  to  my  grave  :  embalm  me, 
Then  lay  me  forth  :  although  unqueen'd,  yet  like 
A  queen,  and  daughter  to  a  king,  interr  me. 
I  can  no  more.  [Exeunt,  leading  Katharine. 


ACT 


XING    HENRY     VIII.       293 


A  C  T     V.      S  C  E  N  E     I. 

Some  part  of  the  Palace. 

Enter  Gardiner  Bifiop  of  Wmckefter,  a  Page  with  & 
torch  before  him^  met  by  Sir  'Thomas  Lovel. 

Card.  It's  one  a'  clock,  boy,  is't  not  ? 

Boy.  It  hath  ftruck. 

Card.  Thefe  Ihould  be  hours  for  neceffities, 
5  Not  for  delights ;  times  to  repair  our  nature 
With  comforting  repofe,  and  not  for  us 
'To   wafte  thefe  times. — Good  hour  of  night,   fir 

Thomas  ! 
Whither  fo  late .? 

Lov.  Came  you  from  the  king,  my  lord  ? 

Card.  I  did,  fir  Thomas ;.  and  left  him  at  primcro6 
With  the  duke  of  Suffolk. 

Lov.  I  muft  to  him  too, 
Before  he  go  to  bed.     I'll  take  my  leave. 
•Card.  Not  yet,  fir  Thomas  Lovel.     What's  the 
matter  ? 

s  Not  for  iklig'jts ; ]  Gardiner  himfelf  is  not  much  delight- 

«d.     The  delight  at  which*  he  hints,  feems  to  be  the  king's  diver- 
lion,  which  keeps  him  in  attendance.     JOHNSON, 

6   at  primero]  Primero  and  primavifta,  two  games  at 

Cards,  H.  I.  Primera  Prituavifta.     La  Primierc,    G.  Prime,  f. 
Prime  vcuc.     Primum^   et  primum   vifum,  that  is,  firft,  and  firft 
feen  :  becaufe  he  that  can  fiiew  fuch  an  order  of  cards  firit,  wins 
the  game.     Minjfhieifs  Guide  into  Tongues^  col.  575.     GRAY. 
So,  in  Woman  s  a  Weathercock,    1 6 1 2 . 

"  Come  will  your  lordfliip  make  one  at  primero  ?" 
.ftgain,  in  the  Preface  to  The  Rival  Friends,   1632  : 

"  • when  it  may  be,  fome  of  our  butterfly  judgment* 

expected  a  fet  at  maw  or  primavifta  from  them." 

STEEVENS, 

U3  It 


KING    HENRY    VIII. 

It  feems,  you  are  in  hafte  :  an  if  there  be 
No  great  offence  belongs  to't,  give  your  friend 

7  Some  touch  of  your  late  bufinefs  :    Affairs,  tha* 

walk 

(As,  they  fay,  fpirits  do)  at  midnight,  have 
In  them  a  wilder  nature,  than  the  bufmefs 
That  feeks  difpatch  by  day. 

Lw.  My  lord,  I  love  you  ; 
And  durft  commend  a  fecret  to  your  ear 
Much  weightier  than  this  work.     The  queen's  jrj 

labour, 

They  fay,  in  great  extremity  ;  and  fear'd, 
She'll  with  the  labour  end. 

Gard.  The  fruit,  Ihe  goes  with, 
I  pray  for  heartily  ;  that  it  may  find 
Good  time,  and  live  :  but  for  tjie  flock,  fir  Thomas^ 
I  wifh  it  grubb'd  up  now. 

Lov.  Methinks,  I  could 
Cry  the  amen  ;  and  yet  my  confcience  fays 
She's  a  good  creature,  and,  fweet  lady,  does 
Deferve  our  better  wilhes. 

Gard.  But,  fir,  fir, — — 
Hear  me,  fir  Thomas  :  You  are  a  gentleman 

8  Of  mine  own  way  ;  1  know  you  wife,  religious  j 
And,  let  me  tell  you,  it  will  ne'er  be  well, — 
'Twill  not,  fir  Thomas  Lovel,  take't  of  me, — 
'Till  Cranmer,  Cromwell,  her  two  hands,  and  flic, 
^leep  in  their  graves. 

Lov.  Now,  fir,  you  fpeak  of  two 
The  moft  rcmark'd  i'the  kingdom.     As  for  Crorru 

well,— 

Befide  that  of  the  jewel-houfe,  he's  made  mafter 
O'the  rolls,  and  the  king's  fecretary  j  further,  fir., 

7  Some  touch  of  your  late  Infuse fs : ]  Some  hint  of  the  bufii 

jjpfs  that  keepi  you  awake  fo  late.     JOHNSON. 

v;r.  way  ; ]  Mine  own  opinion  in  religion. 

JOHNSON, 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       295 

Stan'ds  in  the  gap  and  trade  of  more  preferments, 
"With  which  the  time  will  load  him  :  The  archbilhpp 
Is  the  kirrg's  hand,  and  tongue*;  And  who  dare  fpeak 
-"One  fyllable  againft  him  ? 

Gard.  Yes,  yes,  fir  Thomas, 
There  are  that  dare  ;  and  I  myfelf  have  ventur'd 
To  fpcak  my  mind  of  him  :  and,  indeed,  this  day., 
Sir,  (I  may  tell  it  you)  I  think,  I  have  l 
Incens'd  the  lords  o'the  council,  that  he  is 
(For  fo  I  know  he  is,  they  know  he  is) 
A  moft  arch  heretick,  a  peftilencc 
That  does  infedt  the  land  :  with  which  they  moved, 
Have  *  broken  with  the  king ;  who  hath  fo  far 
Given  ear  to  our  complaint,  (of  his  great  grace 
And  princely  care  ;  forefeeing  thofe  fell  mifchiefs 
Our  reafons  laid  before  him)  he  hath  commanded, 
To-morrow  morning  to  the  council-board 
He  be  convented  '.     He's  a  rank  weed,   fir  Thomas, 
And  we  mud  root  him  out.     From  your  affairs 
J  hinder  you  too  long  :  good  night,  fir  Thomas. 

Jjyv.  Many  good  nights,    my  lord  ;    I  reft  your 
fervant.  {Exeunt  Gar  diner ,  and  Page. 

9  Stands  in  the  gap  and  trade  of  more  preferments,  ]  We  fliould 
feadfftth/,  i.e.  road.  WARBURTONT. 

Trade  is  the  praft  'fed  me thod,  the  general  courfe.     JOHNSON. 

Trade  has  been  already  ufed  by  Shakefpearc  with  this  meaning 
jn  K.  Richard  II: 

*'  Some  way  of  common  trade."    STEEVEXS. 

Incens'd  the  lords  o*  the  council,  that  he  is,  &c. 

A  moft  arch  heretick, ] 

Thispaflage,  according  to  Shakefpeare's  licentious  grammar,  may 
mean — I  have  incens'd  the  lords  of  the  council,  for  that  he  is, 
.  e.  becaufe.  STEEA'EXS. 

z  ——''broken  with  the  king; ]  They  have  broken  filence; 

told  their  minds  to  the  king.     JOHNSON. 

3  tie  be  convented.]   Conventfdi^  fummoacd^  convened. 

STEEVENS, 

U4  & 


296        KING     HENRY    VIII. 


As  Lovel  is  going  out,    enter  the  King,  and  the  Duke  of 
Suffolk. 

King.  Charles,  I  will  play  no  more  to-night  ; 
My  mind's  not  on't,  you  are  too  hard  for  me. 

Suf.  Sir,  I  did  never  win  of  you  before. 

King.  But  little,  Charles ; 

Nor  lhall  not,  when  my  fancy's  on  my  play. —  • 
Now,  Lovel,  from  the  queen  what  is  the  news  ? 

Lov.  I  could  not  perfonally  deliver  to  her 
What  you  commanded  me,  but  by  her  woman 
I  fent  your  mefiage  ;  who  return'd  her  thanks 
In  the  greateft  humblenefs,  and  defir'd  your  highnef$ 
Moil  heartily  to  pray  for  her. 

King.  What  fay'ft  thou  ?  ha  ! 
To  pray  for  her  ?  what,  is  flie  crying  out  ? 

Lov.  So  faid  her  woman  ;  and  that  her  fufferance 

made 
Almoft  each  pang  a  death. 

King.  Alas,  good  lady  ! 

Suf.  God  fafely  quit  her  of  her  burden,  and 
With  gentle  travel,  to  the  gladding  of 
Your  highnefs  with  an  heir  ! 

King.  'Tis  midnight,  Charles, 
Pr'ythee,  to  bed  ;  and  in  thy  prayers  remember 
The  eftate  of  my  poor  queen.     Leave  me  alone  ; 
For  I  muit  think  of  that,  which  company 
Would  not  be  friendly  to. 

Suf.  I  wifh  your  highnefs 
A  quiet  night,  and  my  good  miilrefs  will 
Kemember  in  my  prayers. 

King.  Charles,  good  night. —  [Exit  Suffolk* 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       297 

Enter  Sir  Anthony  Denny  *. 

Well,  fir,  xvhat  follows  ? 

Denny.  Sir,  I  have  brought  my  lord  the  archbifhop, 
As  you  commanded  me. 

King. 

4  Enter  Sir  Anthony  Denny.'}  The  fubftance  of  this  and  the  two 
follou'ing  icenes  is  taken  from  Fox's  A&s  and  Monuments  of  tat 
Cbrijilan  Martyrs^  &c.  1563. 

"  When  night  came,  the  king  fent  fir  Anthonie  Denie  about 
midnight  to  Lambeth  to  the  archbifhop,  willing  him  forthwith, 
to  relort  unto  him  at  the  court.  The  melTage  done,  the  arch- 
bifliop  fpeedily  addrelTed  himfelfe  to  the  court,  and  comming  into 
the  galerie  where  the  king  walked  and  taried  for  him,  his  high- 
nefle  faid,  Ah,  my  lorde  of  Canterbury,  I  can  tell  you  newes. 
For  divers  weighty  conliderations  it  is  determined  by  me  and  the 
counfaile,  that  you  to-morrowe  at  nine  of  the  clocke  fhall  be 
committed  to  the  Tower,  for  that  you  and  your  chaplaines  (as 
information  is  given  us)  have  taught  and  preached,  and  thereby 
fown  within  the  realme  fuch  a  number  of  execrable  herefies,  that 
it  is  feared  the  whole  realme  being  infected  with  them,  no  frnall 
contention  and  commotions  will  rile  thereby  amongft  my  fubjefts, 
as  of  late  daies  the  like  was  in  divers  parts  of  Germanic,  and 
therefore  the  counfell  have  requefted  me  for  the  trial!  of  the  mat- 
ter, to  fuffer  them  to  commit  you  to  the  Tower,  or  elfe  no  man 
dare  come  forth,  as  witnefle  in  thefe  matters,  you  being  a  coun- 
fellor. 

When  the  king  had  faid  his  mind,  the  archbifhop  kneeled 
down,  and  faid,  I  am  content  if  it  pleafe  your  grace  with  al 
my  hart,  to  go  thither  at  your  highnefs  commandement ;  and  I 
moil  humbly  thank  your  majefty  that  I  may  come  to  my  triall, 
for  there  be  that  have  many  waies  flandered  me,  and  now  this 
way  I  hope  to  trie  myfelre  not  worthy  of  fuch  reporte. 

The  king  perceiving  the  mans  uprightneiTe,  joyned  with  fuch 
funplicitie,  faid;  Oh  Lorde,  what  mciner  a  man  be  you  ?  What 
iimplicitie  is  in  you  ?  I  had  thought  that  you  would  rather  have 
fued  to  us  to  have  taken  the  paines  to  have  heard  you  and  your 
accufers  together  for  your  triall,  without  any  fuch  indurance. 
Do  not  you  know  what  itate  you  be  in  with  the  whole  world,  and 
how  many  great  enemies  you  have  ?  Do  you  not  confider  what 
an  eafie  thing  it  is  to  procure  three  or  foure  falfe  knaves  to 
witnelTe  againft  you  ?  Thinke  you  to  have  better  lucke  that  waie 
than  your  m after  Chrift  had  ?  I  fee  by  it  you  will  run  headlong 
Jo  your  undoing,  if  I  would  fuffer  you.  Your  enemies  fhall  not 

fo 


KING    HENRY    VIII. 

King.  Ha  !  Canterbury  f 
Denny.  Ay,  my  good  lord. 

King, 

fo  prcvaile  agairrft  you ;  for  I  hax-e  otherwite  dcvifed  with  my 
felfe  to'  keep  you  out  of  their  handes.  Yet  notwithstanding 
tomorrow  when  the  counfaile  fhall  fit,  and  fend  for  you,  refort 
*mto  them,  and  if  in  charging  you  with  this  matter,  they  do 
commit  you  to  the  Tower,  require  of  them,  becaufe  you  are  one 
of  them,  a  counfailer,  that  you  may  have  your  accufers  brought 
tefore  them  without  any  further  indurance,  and  ufe  for  your  felfe 
as  good  perfuafions  that  way  as  you  may  devife ;  and  if  no  Jn- 
treatie  or  reafonable  requeft  will  ferve,  then  deliver  unto  them 
this  my  ring  (which  then  the  king  delivered  unto  the  archbifhop) 
and  faie  unto  them,  if  there  be  no  remedie  my  lords,  but  that  I 
onuft  needes  go  to  the  Tower,  then  I  revoke  niy  caufe  from  you, 
and  appeale  to  the  kinges  ovvne  perfon  by  this  token  unto  you  all, 
for  (faide  the  king  then  unto  the archbifhop)  fo  foone  as  they  (hall 
•fee  this  my  ryng,  they  knowe  it  fo  well,  that  they  (hall  underirande 
that  I  have  referved  the  whole  caufe  into  mine  owne  handes  and 
determination,  and  that  I  have  difcharged  them  thereof. 

The  archbifhop  perceiving  the  kinges  benignity  foinuch  to  him 
wards,  had  much  ado  to  forbeare  teares.  Well,  faid  the  king,  go 
your  waies,  my  lord,  and  do  as  I  have  bidden  you.  My  lord, 
tumbling  himielfe  with  thankes,  tooke  his  kave  of  the  kinges 
ihighnefle  for  that  night. 

On  the  morrow,  about  nine  of  the  clocke  before  noone,  the 
.counfaile  lent  a  gentleman  ufher  for  the  archbifhop,  who,  when  hee 
came  to  the  oounfaile  chamber  doore,  could  not  be  let  in,  but  of 
purpofe  (as  it  feemed)  was  compelled  there  to  waite  among  the 
pages,  lackies,  and  ferving  men  all  alone.  D.  Buts  the  king's 
phyfition  reforting  that  way,  and  efpying  how  my  lord  of  Can- 
terbury was  handled,  went  to  the  king's  highneile,  and  faid  ;  My 
lord  of  Canterbury,  if  it  pleafe  your  grace,  is  well  promoted  ; 
for  nowe  he  is  become  a  lackey  or  a  ferving  man,  for  yonder 
hee  ftandeth  this  halfe  hower  at  the  counfaile  chamber  doorc 
amongfte  them.  It  is  not  fo,  (quoth  the  king)  I  trowe,  nor  the 
counfaile  hath  not  fo  little  difcretion  as  to  ufe  the  metropolitans 
of  the  realme  in  that  fort,  fpeciaily  being  one  of  their  own 
number.  But  let  them  alone  (faid  the  king)  and  we  (hall  heare 
?nore  foone. 

Anone  the  archbifhop  was  called  into  the  counfaile  chamber, 
to  whom  was  alleadged  as  before  is  rehearfed.  The  archbifhop 
aunfwered  in  like  fort,  as  the  king  had  advifed  him ;  and  in  the 
end  when  he  perceived  that  no  maner  of  perluaiion  or  intreatic 
could  ferve,  he  delivered  them  the  king's  ring,  revoking  his  caufe 
into  the  kings  hands.  The  whole  counfaile  being  thereat  fome- 

wh^t; 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       299 

King.  Tis  true  :  Where  is  he,  Denny  ? 
Denny.  He  attends  your  highnefs'  pleafure. 
King.  Bring  him  to  us.  \_ExitDenny. 

Lov.  This  is  about  that  which  the  bifliop  fpake ; 
1  am  happily  come  hither»  [Afide. 

Re-enter  Denny,  with  Cranmer. 
King,  Avoid  the  gallery.         [Lavel  feemeth  to  Jlay* 

xvhat  amazed,  the  earle  of  Bedford  with  a  loud  voice  confirming 
Ills  words  with  a  folemn  othe,  faid ;  When  you  firft  began  the 
matter,  my  lordes,  1  told  you  what  would. come  of  it.  Do  you 
thinke  that  the  king  would  fuffer  this  man's  finger  to  ake  ?  Much 
more  (I  warrant  you)  will  hee  defend  his  life  againit  brabling 
varlets.  You  doe  but  cumber  yourfelves  to  hear  tales  and  fables 
againft  him.  And  incontinently  upon  the  receipt  of  the  kings 
token,  they  all  rofe,  and  carried  to  the  king  his  ring,  furrendring 
that  matter  as  the  order  and  ufe  was,  into  his  own  hands. 

When  they  were  all  come  to  the  kings  preience,  his  highnefs, 
with  a  fevere  countenance,  faid  unto  them  ;  ah,  my  lordes,  I 
thought  I  had  had  wifer  men  of  my  counfaile  than  now  I  find 
you.  What  difcretion  was  this  in  you  thus  to  make  the  primate 
of  the  realme,  and  one  of  you  in  office,  to  wait  at  the  counfaile 
chamber  doore  amongft  ferving  men  ?  You  might  have  conndered 
that  he  was  a  counfailer  as  wel  as  you,  and  you  had  no  fuch 
commiflkm  of  me  fo  to  handle  him.  I  was  content  that  you 
ihould  trie  him  as  a  counfellor,  and  not  as  a  meane  fubjecT:.  But 
now  I  well  perceive  that  things  be  done  againft  him  malicioullie, 
and  if  fome  of  you  might  have  had  your  mindes,  you  would  have 
tried  him  to  the  uttermoft.  But  I  doe  you  ail  to  wit,  and  pro- 
teft,  that  if  a  prince  may  bee  beholding  unto  his  fubject  (and  fo 
folemnelie  laying  his  hand  upon  his  breft)  faid,  by  the  faith  I 
owe  to  God  I  take  this  man  here  my  lord  of  Canterburie,  to  bee 
pf  all  other  a  moil  faithfull  fubjeft  unto  us,  and  one  to  whome 
we  are  much  beholding,  giving  him  great  commendations  other- 
wife.  And,  with  that,  one  or  two  of  the  chiefeft  of  the  coun- 
faile, making  their  excufe,  declared,  that  in  requefting  his  in- 
tluraunce,  it  was  rather  ment  for  his  triall  and  his  purgation 
againft  the  common  fame  and  flander  of  the  worlde,  then  for  any 
malice  conceived  againft  him.  Well,  well,  my  lords,  (quoth  the 
Icing)  take  him,  and  well  ufe  him,  as  hee  is  worthy  to  bee,  and 
make  no  more  adoe.  And  with  that,  every  man  caught  him  by 
the  hand,  and  made  faire  weather  of  altogethers,  which  might 
cafilie  be  done  with  that  man,"  STEEVENS. 

Ha! 


3oo       KING    HENRY     VIII. 

Ha  ! — I  have  faid. — Be  gone. 

What! —  {Exeunt  Level,  and  Denny* 

Cran.  I  am  fearful  : — Wherefore  frowns  he  thus  ? 
'Tis  his  afpedt  of  terror.     All's  not  well. 

King.  How  now,  my  lord  ?  You  do  defire  -to  know 
WTherefore  I  fent  for  you. 

Cran.  It  is  my  duty, 
To  attend  your  highnefs'  pleafure- 

King.  Pray  you,  arife, 
My  good  and  gracious  lord  of  Canterbury. 
Come,  you  and  I  muft  walk  a  turn  together ; 
I  have  news  to  tell  you  :  Come,  come,  give  me  your 

hand. 

Ah,  my  good  lord,  I  grieve  at  what  I  fpeak, 
And  am  right  forry  to  repeat  what  follows  : 
I  have,  and  moil  unwillingly,  of  late 
Heard  many  grievous^  I  do  fay,  my  lord, 
Grievous  complaints  of  you  ;  which,  being  confider'd, 
Have  mov'd  us  and  our  council,  that  you  fhall 
This  morning  come  before  us ;  where,  I  know, 
You  cannot  with  fuch  freedom  purge  youriclf, 
But  that,  'till  further  trial,  in  thofc  charges 
Which  will  require  your  aniwer,  you  muft  take 
Your  patience  to  you,  and  be  well  contented 
To  make  your  houfe  our  Tower  :  5  You  a  brother  o( 

us, 

It  fits  we  thus  proceed,  or  elfe  no  witnefs 
Would  come  again  ft  you. 

Cran.  I  humbly  thank  your  highnefs  ; 
And  am  right  glad  to  catch  this  good  occafion 
Moft  thoroughly  to  be  winnow'd,  where  my  chaff 
And  corn  fnall  fly  afunder  :  for,  I  know, 
7'here's  none  ftands  under  more  calumnious  tongues,, 


*   *—l~cu  a  tirntver  of  «j,]   You  being  nr.c  of  the  council, 

Jt  is  neceirary  to  itnprifon  you,  that  the  \vitiK-iies  a  gain  ft  you  may 
not  be  deterred.     JOHNSON. 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       3or 

Than  I  myfelf,  poor  man6. 

King.  Stand  up,  good  Canterbury  ; 
Thy  truth,  and  thy  integrity,  is  rooted 
In  us,  thy  friend  :  Give  me  thy  hand,  (land  up ; 
Pr'ythee,  let's  walk.     Now,  by  my  holy-dame, 
What  manner  of  man  are  you  ?  My  lord,  I  look'd 
You  would  have  given  me  your  petition,  that 
I  flaould  have  ta'en  fome  pains  to  bring  together 
Yourfelf  and  your  accufers ;  and  to  have  heard  you, 
Without  indurance,  further. 

Cran.  Moft  dread  liege, 

7  The  good  I  ftand  on  is  my  truth,,  and  honefiy ; 
If  they  lhall  fail,  I,  with  mine  enemies, 
Will  triumph  o'er  my  perfon ;  which  I  weigh  not, 
Being  of  thofe  virtues  vacant.     I  fear  nothing 
What  can  be  faid  againil  me. 

King.  Know  you  not 
How  your  flate  ftands  i' the  world,  with  the  whole 

world  ? 

Your  enemies  are  many,  and  not  fmall ;  their  prac- 
tices 

Muft  bear  the  fame  proportion  :  and  not  ever 
The  juftice  and  the  truth  o'  the  queflion  carries 
The  due  o'  the  verdift  with  it  :  At  what  eafe 
Might  corrupt  minds  procure  knaves  as  corrupt 
To  fwear  againft  you  ?  fuch  things  have  been  done. 
You  are  potently  oppos'd  ;  and  with  a  malice 
Of  as  great  fize.     Ween  you  of  better  luck  % 
I  mean,  in  perjur'd  witnefs,  than  your  mailer, 
Whofe  minifter  you  are,  whiles  here  he  liv'd 

6  Than  I  myfelf ,  poor  man. \  Poor  man  probably  belongs  to  the 
king's  reply.  "JOHNSON. 

7  The  good  Iftand  on ]  Though  good  may  be  taken  for  ad- 
vantage orfupcriority,  or  any  thing  which  may  help  or  fupporr, 
yet  it  would,  I  think,  be  more  natural  to  fay  : 

The  ground  IJland  on •     JOHNSON. 

8  Ween  you  of  letter  luck,  ]  To  <ween  is  to  tbinky  to  imagine. 
Though  now  obfolete,  the  word  was  common  to  all  our  ancient 
writers.    STEEVENS, 

Upon 


3d>2       KING    HENRY    Vllt 

Upon  this  naughty  earth  ?  Go  to,  go  to  ; 
You  take  a  precipice  for  no  leap  of  danger^ 
And  woo  your  own  deftrudion. 

Cran.  God,  and  your  majefly, 
Protect  mine  innocence,  or  I  fall  into 
The  trap  is  laid  for  me  ! 

King.  Be  of  good  cheer  ; 

They  ihall  no  more  prevail,  than  we  give  way  to** 
Keep  comfort  to  you  ;  and  this  morning  fee 
You  do  appear  before  them  :  if  they  Ihall  chance^ 
In  charging  you  with  matters,  to  commit  you, 
The  beft  perfuafions  to  the  contrary 
Fail  not  to  ufe,  and  with  what  vehemency 
The  occafion  ihall  inilrucl  you  :  if  entreaties 
Will  render  you  no  remedy,  this  ring 
Deliver  them,  and  your  appeal  to  us 
There  make  before  them.  -  Look,  the  good  man 

weeps  ! 

He's  honeft,  on  mine  honour.     God's  bleft  mother  ! 
I  fwear,  he  is  true-hearted  ;  and  a  foul 
None  better  in  my  kingdom.  —  Get  you  gone, 
And  do  as  I  have  bid  you.  —  He  has  flrangled 
His  language  in  his  tears.  [Exit  Cranmer* 


Enter  an 

Gen.  [within."]  Come  back  ;  What  mean  you  ? 

Lady.  I'll  not  come  back  ;  the  tidings  that  I  bring 
Will  make  my  boldnefs  manners.  —  Now,  good  angels 
Fly  o'er  thy  royal  head,  and  fhade  thy  perfon 
Under  their  blefled  wings  ! 

King.  Now,  by  thy  looks 
I  gueis  thy  meflage.     Is  the  queen  deliver'd  ? 
Say,  ay  ;  and  of  a  boy. 

Lady.  Ay,  ay,  my  liege  ; 
And  of  a  lovely  boy  :  The  God  of  heaven 
iBoth  now  and  ever  9  blefs  her  !  -  'tis  a  girl, 

9  -kiefs  her!  -  ]  It  is  doubtful  whether  her  is  referred 

to  the  queen  or  the  girl.    JOHNSON, 

Pro- 


KING    HENRY    VIII. 

?romifes  boys  hereafter.     Sir,  your  queen 
Defircs  your  vifitation,  and  to  be 
Acquainted  with  this  ftranger  ;  'tis  as  like  you, 
As  cherry  is  to  cherry. 

King.  Lovel  ",— 

Enter  LoveL 

Lov.-  Sir* 

King.  Give  her  an  hundred  marks.     I'll  to  the1 
queen  ^  [Exit  King* 

Lady-  An  hundred  marks  !  By  this  light,  I'll  have 

more. 

An  ordinary  groom  is  for  fuch  payment. 
I  will  have  more  or  fcold  it  out  of  him. 
Said  I  for  this,  the  girl  was  like  to  him  ? 
I  will  have  more,  or  elfe  unfay't  ;  and  now, 
While  it  is  hot,  I'll  put  it  to  the  iffue.         [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IL 

Before  the  Council-Chamber. 
Cranmer,  Servants,  Door-keeper  &c.  attending* 

Cran.  I  hope,  I  am  not  too  late  ;  and  yet  the  gen- 

tleman, 

That  was  fent  to  me  from  the  council,  pray'd  me 
To  make  great  hafte.     All  faft  ?  what  means  this  ?— 

Hoa! 
Who  waits  there  ?  —  Sure,  you  know  me  ? 

D.  Keep.  Yes,  my  lord  ; 
But  yet  1  cannot  help  you. 
Cran.  Why  ? 

D.  Keep.  Your  grace  muft  wait,  'till  you  be  call'd 
for. 


/,——]  Lovel  has  been  juft  fent  out  of  the  prefence, 
and  no  notice  is  given  of  his  return  :  I  have  placed  it  here  at  the 
ioflant  when  the  king  calls  for  him.  STEEVEI*S. 

Enter 


304       KING    HENRY 

Enter  DoElor  Butts. 

Cran.  So. — 

Butts.  This  is  a  piece  of  malice.     I  am  glad, 
I  came  this  way  fo  happily  :  The  king 
Shall  underftand  it  prefently.  [Exit  SuttSt 

-  Cran.  [dfide.~]  'Tis  Butts, 
The  king's  phyfician  ;  As  he  paft  along, 
How  earneftly  he  caft  his  eyes  upon  me  ! 
Pray  heaven  he  found  not  my  difgrace  !   For  certain, 
This  is  of  purpofe  lay'd,  by  fome  that  hate  me, 
(God  turn  their  hearts !  I  never  fought  their  malice) 
To  quench  mine  honour :  they  would  fhame  to  make 

me 

Wait  elfe  at  door  ;  a  fellow  counfellor, 
Among  boys,  grooms,  and  lackeys.     But  their  plea- 

fures 
Muft  be  fulfill'd,  and  I  attend  with  patience. 

Enter  tie  King,  and  Butts,  at  a  window  above. 

Butts.  I'll  fliew  your  grace  the  ftrangcft  fight, — 

King.  What's  that,  Butts  ? 

Butts.  I  think,  your  highnefs  faw  this  many  a  day. 

King.  Body  o'  me,  where  is  it  ? 

Butts.  There,  my  lord  : 

The  high  promotion  of  his  grace  of  Canterbury ; 
Who  holds  his  flate  at  door,  'mongft  purfuivants, 
Pages,  and  foot-boys. 

King.  Ha  !  'Tis  he,  indeed  : 
Is  this  the  honour  they  do  one  another  ? 
'Tis  well,  there's  one  above  'em  yet.     I  had  thought, 
They  had  parted  fo  much  honefty  among  'em, 
(At  leaft,  good  manners)  as  not  thus  to  fuffer 
A  man  of  his  place,  and  fo  near  our  favour, 
To  dance  attendance  on  their  lordlhips'  pleafures, 
And  at  the  door  too,  like  a  poft  with  packets. 
By  holy  Mary,  Butts,  there's  knavery  : 

Let 


KING     HENRY    VIIL       305 
Let  'em  alone,  and  draw  the  curtain  clofe ; 
We  lhall  hear  more  anon.— 

Enter  the  Lord  Chancellor,  places  himfelf  at  the  upper  end 
cf  the  table  on  the  left  hand ;  a  leaf  being  left  'void 
above  him,  as  for  the  Archbifiop  of  Canterbury.  Duke 
of  Suffolk,  Duke  of  Norfolk,  Surrey,  Lord  Chamberlain^ 
vnd  Gardiner,  feat  themfehes  in  order  on  each  fide. 
Cromwell  at  the  lower  end^  as  fecreta/y. 

1  Chan.  Speak  to  the  bufinefs,  mafler  Secretary : 
Why  are  we  met  in  council  ? 

Crom.  Pleafe  your  honours, 
The  chief  caufe  concerns  his  grace  of  CanterburVt 

Card.  Has  he  had  knowledge  of  it  ? 

Crom.  Yes. 

Nor.  Who  waits  there  ? 

D.  Keep.  Without,  my  noble  lords  ? 

Card.  Yes. 

JD.  Keep.  My  lord  archbifhop  ; 
And  has  done  half  an  hour,  to  know  your  pleafurcs. 

Chan.  Let  him  come  in. 

D.  Keep.  Your  grace  may  enter  now. 

[Cranmer  approaches  the  council  table. 

Chan.  My  good  lord  archbilhop,  I  am  very  forry 
To  fit  here  at  this  prefent,  and  behold 


1  Chan.  Speak  to  the  bujinefs, — ]  This  lord  chancellor,  though 
a  character,  has  hitherto  had  no  place  in  the  Dramatis  Perfon** 
In  the  laft  fcene  of  the  fourth  act,  we  heard  that  fir  Thomas 
More  was  appointed  lord  chancellor  :  but  it  is  not  he,  whom  the 
poet  here  introduces.  Wolfey,  by  command,  delivered  up  the 
feals  on  the  i8th  of  November,  ip9  ;  on  the  2$th  of  the  fame 
month,  they  were  delivered  to  fir  Thomas  More,  who  furrendered 
them  on  the  i6th  of  May,  1532.  Now  the  conclufion  of  this 
fcene  taking  notice  of  qtieen  Elizabeth's  birth,  (which  brings  it 
down  to  the  year  1534)  fir  Thomas  Audlie  muft  neceflarily  be 
our  poet's  chancellor  ;  who  fucceeded  fir  Thomas  More,  and  held 
the  ieals  many  years.  THEOBALD. 

VOL.  VII.  X  That 


,06       K  I  N  G     H  E  N  R  Y    VTII. 

That  chair  {land  empty  :  But  *  we  all  are  men, 
In  our  own  natures  frail  ;  and  capable 
Of  our  flefh,  few  are  angels  :    out  of  which  frailty,. 
And  want  of  xvifdom,  you,  that  beft  mould  teach  us, 
Have  mifdemean'd  yourfelf,  and  not  a  little, 
Toward  the  king  firft,  then  his  laws,  in  filling 
The  whole  realm,  by  your  teaching,  and  your  chap- 
lains', 

(For  fo  we  are  informed)  with  new  opinions, 
Divers,  and  dangerous  ;  which  are  herelies, 
And,  not  reform'd,  may  prove  pernicious. 

Card.  Which  reformation  muft  be  fudden  too, 
My  noble  lords  :  for  thofe,  that  tame  wild  horfes, 
Pace  'em  not  in  their  hands  to  make  'em  gentle ; 

*  <iVg  are  all  mm 

In  our  own  natures  frail,  and  capable 

Of  frailty, ] 

If  all  men  were  actually  frail,  they  were  more  than  capable  of 
fiailty;  to  underftand  this  therefore,  as  only  faid  of  the  natural 
vveaknefs  of  humanity,  it  is  nbfurdly  exprefied  ;  but  this  was  not 
our  authour's  fenfe :  By  in  our  oivn  natures  frail,  he  alludes  to 
the  doctrine  of  original  fin  :  fo  that  the  fentiment  is  this,  We  are 
finners  by  imputation,  and  liable  to  become  actually  ib. 

WAR  EUR  TON. 

This  fentence,  I  think,  needed  no  commentary.  The  meaning, 
and  the  plain  meaning,  is,  ive  are  men  frail  by  nature,  and  there- 
fore liabk  to  acts  of  frailty,  to  deviations  from  the  right.  I  wifh 
'every  commentator,  before  he  fufters  his  confidence  «o  kindle, 
would  repeat : 

• ivc  arc  all  men 

In  our  o-ivn  natures  frail,  and  capable 
Of  frailty  ;  few  arc  angels.     JOHNSON. 

There  are  no  fuch  words  as  thofe  which  either  commentator 
has  been  ambitious  to  explain.  The  firii  and  only  ancient  copy 
reads  : 

•  -and  capable 

Of  our  flefh,  fciv  are  angels :  — — — 

If  this  paflage  means  any  thing,  it  may  mean,  few  are  perfect, 
while  they  remain  in  their  mortal  capacity. 
bhakefpeare  ulcs  the  word  capable  as  perverfely  in  A".  Lear : 

and  of  my  land, 

Loyal  and  natural  boy,  I'll  work  the  m  ean 
To  make  thee  capable.    STEEVENS. 

But 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       307 

feut  flop  their  mouths  with  flubborn  bits,  and  fpur 

'cm, 

'Till  they  obey  the  manage.     If  we  fufTer 
(Out  of  our  eafmefs,  and  childifh  pity 
To  one  man's  honour)  this  contagious  ficknefs, 
Farewel  all  phyfick  :  And  what  follows  then  ? 
Commotions,  uproars*  with  a  general  taint 
Of  the  whole  date  :  as,  of  late  days,  our  neighbours. 
The  upper  Germany  J,  can  dearly  witnefs, 
Yet  f refill y  pitied  in  our  memories. 

Cran.  My  good  lords,  hitherto,  in  all  theprogrefs 
Both  of  my  life  and  office,  I  have  labour'd, 
And  with  rto  little  iludy,  that  my  teaching, 
And  the  flrong  courfe  of  my  authority, 
Might  go  one  way,  and  fafely  ;  and  the  end 
Was  ever,  to  do  well  :  nor  is  there  living 
(I  fpeak  it  with  a  fingle  heart,  my  lords) 
A  man,  that  more  detefts,  more  flirs  againft, 
Both  in  his  private  confcience,  and  his  place, 
Defacers  of  a  publick  peace,  than  I  do. 
Pray  heaven,  the  king  may  never  find  a  heart 
With  lefs  allegiance  in  it  !  Men,  that  make 
Envy,  and  crooked  malice,  nourishment, 
Dare  bite  the  beft.     I  do  befeech  your  lordfliips, 
That,  in  (his  cafe  of  juftice,  my  accufers, 
Be  what  they  will,  may  ftand  forth  face  to  face, 
And  freely  urge  againft  me. 

Suf.  Nay,  my  lord, 
That  cannot  be  ;  you  are  a  counfellor, 
And,  by  that  virtue,  no  man  dare  accufe  you. 

Gard.  My  lord,  becaufe  we  have  bufinefs  of  more 

moment, 
We  will  be  fhort  with  you.     'Tis  his  highnefs*  plea- 

fure, 
And  our  confent,  for  better  trial  of  you, 

3  Tlje  upper  Germany,  &c.]  Alluding  to  the  herefy  of  Thomas 
Muntzer,  which  fprung  up  in  Saxony  in  the  years  1521  and 
1522.  GRAY. 

X  2  From 


3c8       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

From  hence  you  be  committed  to  the  Tower  ; 
Where,  being  but  a  private  man  again, 
You  fhall  know  many  dare  accufe  you  boldly, 
More  than,  I  fear,  you  are  provided  for. 

Cran.  Ah,  my  good  lord  of  Winchester,  I  thank 

you, 

You  are  always  my  good  friend  ;  if  your  will  pafsy 
I  fhall  both  find  your  lordfhip  judge  and  juror, 
You  are  fo-  merciful :  I  fee  your  end, 
'Tis  my  undoing  :  Love,,  and  meeknefs,  lord, 
Become  a  churchman  better  than -ambition  ; 
Win  {fraying  fouls  with  modefly  again, 
Caft  none  away.     That  I  fhall  clear  myfelf, 
Lay  all  the  weight  ye  can  upon  my  patience, 
I  make  as  little  doubt,  as  you  do  conicience 
In  doing  daily- wrongs.     I  could  fay  more, 
But  reverence  to  your  calling  makes  me  modeft. 

Gard.  My  lord,  my  lord,  you  are  a  fedtary, 
That's  the  plain  truth  ;  4  your  painted  glofs  difcovers, 
To  men  that  underftand  you,  words  and  weakncfs. 

Crem.  My  lord  of  Winchefter,  you  are  a  little, 
By  your  good  favour,  too  fharp  ;  men  fo  noble* 
However  faulty,  yet  fhould  find  refpcct 
For  what  they-  have  been  :  'tis  a  cruelty  >', 
To  load  a  falling  man. 

Gard.  Good  mafter  Secretary, 
I  cry  your  honour  mercy  ;  you  may,  worft 
Of  all  this  table,  fay  fo. 

Crom.  Why,  my  lord  ? 

Card.  Do  not  I  know  you  for  a  favourer 

*  .  .  -your  painted  glofs  &c.].  Thofe  that  underftand  you,  un- 
der this jfc«»/#/ ^/o/V  this  fair  outlide,  difcover  your  empty  t?ik 
and  your  falfe  reifoning,  JOHXSON-. 

5   V/j  a  cruelly 

To  had  &  falling  m<an.~\   ' 

This  fentitBeiit  haJ  occurred  before.  The  lord  chamberlain 
checking  the  earl  of  Surrey  for  bib  reproaches  to  \Volfey ,  faj-s  : 

O  my  IorJy 

Prefs  not  a  falling  man  too  far.  •  SrfiEVENS* 

Of 


KING    HENRY    VIII.      309 

Of  this  new  fed:  ?  ye  are  not  found. 

Crom.  Not  found  ? 

Gard.  Not  found,  I  fay. 

Crom.  'Would  you  were  half  fo  honeft  ! 
Men's  prayers  then  would  feek  you,  not  their  fears. 

Gard.  I  fhall  remember  this  bold  language. 

Crom.  Do  : 
Remember  your  bold  life  too. 

Cham.  This  is  too  much ; 
Forbear,  for  fhame,  my  lords. 

Gard.  I  have  done. 

Crom.  And  I. 

Cham.  Then  thus  for  you,    my  lord, — It  Hands 

agreed, 

I  take  it,  by  all  voices,  that  forthwith 
You  be  convey'd  to  the  Tower  a  prifoner  ; 
There  to  remain,  'till  the  king's  further  pleafure 
Be  known  unto  us  :  Are  ycu  all  agreed,  lords  ? 

All.  We  are. 

Cran.  Is  there  no  other  way  of  mercy, 
But  I  muft  needs  to  the  Tower,  my  lords  ? 

Gard.  What  other 

Would  you  expect  ?  You  areftrangely  troubkfome . 
Let  ibme  o'  the  guard  be  ready  there. 

Enter  Guard, 

Cran.  For  me  ? 
Muft  I  go  like  a  traitor  thither  ? 

Curd.  Receive  him, 
And  fee  him  fafe  i'  the  Tower. 

Cran.  Stay,  good  my  lords? 
I  have  a  little  yet  to  fay.     Look  there,  my  lords  j 
By  virtue  of  that  ring,  I  take  my  caule 
Out  of  the  gripes  of  cruel  men,  and  give  it 
To  a  moft  noble  judge,  the  king  my  mafter, 

Cham.  This  is  the  king's  ring. 

Sar.  'Tis  no  counterfeit. 

X  3  Suf. 


310       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Suf.  JTis  the  right  ring,  by  heaven  :  I  told  ye  all, 
When  we  firft  put  this  dangerous  ftone  a  rolling, 
'Twould  fall  upon  ourfelves. 

Nor.  Do  you  think,  my  lords, 
The  king  will  fuffer  but  the  little  finger 
Of  this  man  to  be  vex'd  ? 

Cbam.  'Tis  now  too  certain  : 
How  much  more  is  his  life  in  value  with  him  ? 
'Would  I  were  fairly  out  on't. 

Crom.  My  mind  gave  me, 
In  feeking  tales,  and  informations, 
Agairift  this  man,  (whole  honefty  the  devil 
And  his  difciples  only  envy  at) 
Ye  blew  the  fire  that  burns  ye  :  Now  have  at  ye, 

Enter  King)  froTxr.iiig  on  them  ;  takes  bis  feat. 

Card.  Dread  fovereign,  how  much  are  we  bound 

to  heaven 

In  daily  thanks,  that  gave  us  fuch  a  prince  ; 
Not  only  good  and  wife,  but  moll  religious  : 
One  that,  in  all  obedience,  makes  the  church 
The  chief  aim  of  his  honour  ;   and,  to  ftrengthen 
That  holy  duty,  out  of  dear  refpedt, 
His  royal  felf  in  judgment  comes  to  hear 
The  caufe  betwixt  her  and  this  great  offender. 

King.  You  were  ever  good  at  fudden  commen- 

dations, 

Bifhop  of  Winchefter.     But  know,  I  come  not 
To  hear  fuch  flatteries  now,  and  in  my  prefence; 
They  arc  too  thin  and  bafe  to  hide  offences. 
To  me  you  cannot  reach  :  You  play  the  fpaniel, 
And  think  with  wagging  of  your  tongue  to  win  me  ; 
But,  whatfoe'er  thou  tak'ft  me  for,  1  am  fure, 
Thou  haft  a  cruel  nature,  and  a  bloody.  — 
Good  man,  fit  down.     Now  let  me  fee  the  proudeft 


He,  that  dares  moft,  but  wag  his  finger  at  thee  :• 

By 


XING    HENRY    VIII.        311 

By  ail  that's  holy,  he  had  better  ftarve, 

Than  but  once  think  this  place  becomes  thee  not. 

Sur.  May  it  pleafe  your  grace, 

King.  No,  fir,  it  does  not  p!eafc  me. 
I  had  thought,  I  had  men  of  ibme  underftanding 
And  wifdom,  of  my  council ;  but  I  find  none. 
Was  it  difcretion,   lords,  to  let  this  man, 
This  good  man,  (few  of  you  deferve  that  title) 
This  honeft  man.,  wait  like  a  lowfy  foot-boy 
At  chamber  door  ?  and  one  as  great  as  you  are  ? 
Why,  what  a  fhame  was  this  ?  Did  my  commiffion 
Bid  ye  fo  far  forget  yourfelves  ?  I  gave  ye 
Power  as  he  was  a  counfellor  to  try  him, 
Not  as  a  groom  :  There's  fome  of  ye,  I  fee, 
More  out  of  malice  than  integrity, 
Would  try  him  to  the  utmoft,  had  ye  mean  ; 
Which  ye  (hall  never  have,  while  I  live. 

Chan.  Thus  far, 

My  mod  dread  jfovere'ign,  may  it  like  your  grace 
To  let  my  tongue,  excufe  all.     What  was  purpos'd, 
Concerning  his  imprifonment,  was  rather 
(If  there  be  faith  in  men)  meant  for  his  trial, 
And  fair  purgation  to  the  world,  than  malice  ; 
I  am  fure,  in  me. 

King.  Well,  well,  my  lords,  refpecft  him  ; 
Take  him,  and  ufe  him  well,  he's  worthy  of  it, 
I  will  fay  thus  much  for  him,  If  a  prince 
May  be  beholden  to  a  fubjedr.,  I 
Am,  for  his  love  and  fervice,  fo  to  him. 
Make  me  no  more  ado,  but  all  embrace  him  ; 
Be  friends,  for  fhame,  my  lords. — My  lord  of  Can- 
terbury, 

I  have  a  fuit  which  you  mufl  not  deny  me  : 
There  is  a  fair  young  maid,  that  yet  wants  baptifm  ; 
You  muft  be  godfather,  and  anfwer  for  her. 

Cran.  The  greateil  monarch  now  alive  may  glory 
In  fuch  an  honour  ;  How  may  I  deferve  it, 
That  am  a  poor  and  humble  fubjed:  to  you  ?. 

X  4  KM** 


5i2        KING    HENRY    VIII. 

King.  Come,  come,  my  lord,    6  you'd  fpare  your 

ipoons  :  you  {hall  have 
Two  noble  partners  with  you  ;  the  old  dutchefs  of 

Norfolk, 

And  lady  marquifs  Dorfct ;  Will  thefe  pleafe  you  ?•— 
Once  more,  my  lord  of  Winchefter,  I  charge  you* 
Embrace,  and  love  this  man. 

Card.  With  a  true  heart, 
And  brother's  love,  I  do  it. 

Gran.  And  let  heaven 

'    6  yorfdfpare  your  fpoons :]  It  appenrs  by  this  and  another 

paffage  in  the  next  fcene,  that  the  goffips  gave  ipoons.  JOHNSON. 
It  was  the  cuftom,  long  before  the  time  of  Shakefpeare,  for 
the  fponfors  at  chriftenings,  to  offer  gilt  ipoons  as  a  prefent  to 
the  child.  Thefe  fpoons  were  called  apcftle  fpoons,  becaufe  the 
figures  of  the  apoflles  were  carved  on  the  tops  of  the  handles. 
Such  as  were  at  once  opulent  and  generous,  gave  the  whole 
twelve  ;  thofe  who  were  either  more  moderately  rich  or  liberal, 
efcaped  at  the  expence.  of  the  four  evangeliils ;  or  even  fome- 
times  contented  themfelves  with  prefenting  one  fpoon  only,  which 
exhibited  the  figure  of  any  faint,  in  honour  of  whom  the  child 
received  its  name. 

Ben  Jonfon,  in  his  Bartholomew  Fair,  mentions  fpoons  of  this 

kind  : "  and  all  this  for  the  hope  of  a  couple  of  apojlk  fpoons, 

and  a  cup  to  eat  caudle  in." 

So,  in  Middleton's  comedy  of  A  ckafte  MaidinCbcapjide,  1620: 

"  What  h;;s  he  given  her  ? — what  is  it,  goilip  ? 

*'  A  faire  high  ilanding-cup,  and  two  great 

"  *PoftlefpooiU)  one  of  them  gilt. 

"  Sure  that  was  Judas  with  the  red  beard." 
Again  : 

"  E'en  the  fame  gornp  'twas  that  gave  \hefpoons" 
Again,  in  fir  W.  D'avenant's  comedy  of  The  Ifffs,   1636: 

«  my  pendants,  carcanets,  and  rings, 

*'  My  chrift'ning  caudle-cup,  ftodj^ftmtf, 

*'  Are  dilfolv'd  into  that  lump." 
Again,  in  the  Maid  in  the  Mill,  by  B.  and  Fletcher  : 

"  Did  ft  aflc  her  name  ? 

**  Yes,  and  who  gave  it  her  ; 

"  And  what  they  promis'd  more,  befides  a  fpoon, 

**  And  what  apoftles  picture" 
Again,  in  the  Na&le  Gentleman,  by  the  fame  authors  : 

"  I'll  be  a  goflip,  Bewford, 

"  I  have  an  odd  apoftleffoon,"    STEEVENS. 

Wit- 


KING     HENRY     VIII.       313 

Witnefs,  how  dear  I  hold  this  confirmation. 

King.  Good  man,  thofe  joyful  tears  fliew  thy  true 

heart. 

The  common  voice,  I  fe  e ,  is  verify'd 
Of  thee,  which  fays  thus,   Do  my  lord  of  Canterbury 
A  forewd  turn,  and  he  is  your  friend  for  ever.-~ 
Come,  lords,  we  trifle  time  away  ;  I  long 
To  have  this  young  one  made  a  chriftian. 
As  I  have  made  ye  one,  lords,  one  remain  ; 
So  I  grow  itronger,  you  more  honour  gain.    [Exeunt, 


SCENE    III. 

The  Palace  Yard. 
Noife  and  tumult. within  :  Enter  Porter,  and  his  Man. 

Port.  You'll  leave  your  noife  anon,  ye  rafcals  :  Do 
you  take  the  court  for 7  Paris-garden  ?  ye  rude  Haves, 
leave  your  gaping. 

'  Paris-garden?]  The  bear-garden  of  that  time.     JOHNSON. 
So,  in  Sir  W.  Davenant's  Newifrom  Pllmoutb  :  \ 

do  you  take  this  manfion  for  Pift- hatch  ? 

You  would  be  fuitors :  yes,  to  a  ftie-deer, 
And  keep  your  marriages  in  Paris-garden" 


Again, 


n  Ben  Jonfon's  Execration  on  Vulcat, 


And  cried,  it  was  a  threatning  to  the  bears, 
And  that  accurfed  ground  the  Paris-gari r«." 
The  Glole  theatre,  in  which  Shakeipeare  was  a  performer,  flood 
on  the  fouthern  lide  of  the  river  Thames,  and  was  contiguous  to 
this  noted  place  of  tumult  and  difofder.  St.  Mary  Overy's  church 
is  not  far  from  London  Bridge,  and  almoft  oppoGte  to  Fifh- 
mongers'  Hall.  Wmchefter  Houfe  was  over-againlt  Cole  Har- 
bour. Paris-garden  was  in  a  line  with  Bridewell,  and  the  Globe 
playhoufe  faced  Blackfryars,  Fleetditch,  or  St.  Paul's.  It  was  a 
hexagonal  building  of  ftone  or  brick.  Its  roof  was  of  rufhes, 
with  a  flag  on  the  top.  See  a  South  View  of  London,  (as  it  ap- 
peared in  i  ^99)  publifhed  by  T.  Wood,  in  Bifhop's  Court,  in 
Chancery-Lane,  in  1771.  STEEVENS. 


314       KING     HENRY    VIII. 

W~itbin.  Good  matter  porter,  I  belong  to  the  larder. 

Port.  Belong  to  the  gallows,  and  be  hang'd,  you 
rogue.  Is  this  a  place  to  roar  in  ? — Fetch  me  a  do- 
zen crab-tree  ftaves,  and  ftrong  ones ;  8  thefe  are  but 
fwitches  to  'em. — I'll  fcratch  your  heads  :  You  muii 
be  feeing  chriftenings  ?  Do  you  look  for  ale  and  cakes 
here,  you  rude  rafcals  ? 

Man.  Pray,  fir,  be  patient 9 ;  'tis  as  much  impoffi- 

ble 

(Unlefs  we  fweep  them  from  the  door  with  cannons) 
To  fcatter  'em,  as  'tis  to  make  'em  flecp 
On  May-day  morning  '  ;  which"  will  never  be  : 
We  may  as  well  pufh  againft  Paul's,  as  iHr  'em. 

Port.  How  got  they  in,  and  be  hang'd  ? 

Man.  Alas,  I  know  not ;  How  gets  the  tide  in  ? 
As  much  as  one  found  cudgel  of  four  foot 
(You  fee  the  poor  remainder)  could  diftribute, 
I  made  no  fpare,  fir. 

Port.  You  did  nothing,  fir. 

Man.  I  am  not  Samplon,  nor  *  fir  Guy,  nor  Col- 
brand,  to  mow  'em  down  before  me  :  but,  if  I  fpar'd 
any,  that  had  a  head  to  hit,  either  young  or  old,  he  or 

•  — tbefc  are  Ivt  fivitches  to  V;«.]  To  what,  or  whom  ?  We 
fliould  point  it  thus,  thefe  are  t>nt  faitches. — To  'em,  i.  e.  have  at 
you,  as  we  now  fay.     He  fays  this  as  he  turns  upon  the  mob. 

WAR  BUR  TON-. 

The  prefent  pointing  feems  to  be  right.     JOHNSON. 

9  Pray,  Jlr,  be  patient ;  ]  Part  of  this  fcene  in  the  old  copy  ic 
printed  as  verfe,  and  part  as  profe.  Perhaps  the  whole,  with  the 
occafional  addition  and  omiffion  of  a  few  harmlefs  fyllables, 
might  be  reduced  into  a  loofe  kind  of  metre  ;  but  as  I  know  not 
what  advantage  would  be  gained  by  "making  the  experiment,  I 
have  left  the \vhole  as  I  found  it.  STKHVENS. 

1  On  May-day  morning ;]  It  was  anciently  the  cuilom  for  all 
ranks  of  people  to  go  out  a  Maying  on  the  firit  of  May.  It  is 
on  record  that  king  Henry  VIII.  and  queen  Katharine  partook  of 
this  diverfion.  STEEVENS. 

*  — -fir  Guy,  nor  Colbrand,']  Of    Guy  of  Warwick  every  one 
has  heard.     Colbrand  was  the  Danifh  giant,  whom  Guy  fubdued 
at  Winchefter.     Their  combat  is  very  elaborately  defcribcd  by 
Drayton  in  his  Polyolblon.     Jor.xso:;. 

flie, 


KING    HENRY    VIII.        315 

flie,  cuckold  or  cuckold-maker,  let  me  never  hope  to 
fee  a  chine  again  ;  and  that  I  would  not  for  a  cow, 
God  fave  her. 

Within.  Do  you  hear,  mafter  Porter  ? 

Port.  I  fliall  be  with  you  prefently,  good  mafter 
puppy. — Keep  the  door  clofe,  firrah. 

Man.  What  would  you  have  me  do  ? 

Port.  What  Ihould  you  do,  but  knock  'em  down 
by  the  dozens  ?  Is  this  5  Morefields  to  muiler  in  ?  or 
have  we  ibme  ftrange  Indian  *  with  the  great  tool  come 
to  court,  the  women  fo  beiiege  us  ?  Blefs  me,  what 
a  fry  of  fornication  is  at  door  !  O'  my  chriilian  con- 
fcience,  this  one  chriftening  will  beget  a  thoufand  ; 
Jiere  will  be  father,  god-father,  and  all  together. 

Man.  The  fpoons  will  be  the  bigger,  fir.  There  is 
a  fellow  fomewhat  near  the  door,  he  *  fhould  be  a 
brafier  by  his  face,  for,  o'  my  conference,  twenty  of 
the  dog-days  now  reign  in's  nofe ;  all  that  fland  a- 
bout  him  are  under  the  line,  they  need  no  other  pe- 
nance :  That  fire-drake  did  I  hit  three  times  on  the 

3  Morefields  to  miifter  in?]  The  train-bands  of  the  city  were 
exercifed  in  Morefields.  JOHNSON. 

+  — -fame  jirange  Indian]  To  what  circumftance  this  refers, 
perhaps,  cannot  now  be  exactly  known.  A  fimilar  one  occurs  ia 
Ram- Alley,  or  Merry  Tricks,  1 6 1 1  : 

"  You  (hall  fee  the  ftrange  nature  of  an  outlandifh  beaft 
"  Lately  brought  from  the  land  of  Cataia." 
Again,  in  The  Tkvo  Noble  Kinfmen,  by  Beaumont,  Fletcher,  an4 
Shakefpeare  : 

"  The  Bavian  with  long  tail  and  eke  long  TOOL." 

COLLINS. 

Fig.  I.  in  the  print  of  Morris-dancers,  at  the  end  of  King 
Henry  IV.  has  a  bib  which  extends  below  the  doublet ;  and  its 
length  might  be  calculated  for  the  concealment  of  the  phallic  ob- 
fcenity  mentioned  by  Beaumont  and  Fletcher,  of  which  perhaps 
the  Bavian  fool  exhibited  an  occafional  view  for  the<liverfion  of 
our  indelicate  anceftors.  TOLLET. 

5  —  bcjhould  be  a  brafier  ly  bis  face ;]  A  IraJIer  fignifies  a  man 
that  manufactures  brafs,  and  a  refervoir  for  charcoal  occasionally 
^eated  to  convey  warmth.  Both  thefe  fenfes  are  here  underftood. 

JOHNSON. 

head, 


316        KING     HENRY    VIII. 

head,  and  three  times  was  his  nofe  difcharg'd  againft 
me  ;  he  (lands  there,  like  a  mortar-piece,  to  blow  us. 
There  was  a  haberdafher's  wife  of  fmall  wit  near  him, 
that  rail'd  upon  me  'till  her  pink'd  porringer  fell  off 
her  head,  for  kindling  fuch  a  combuftion  in  the  ftate. 
I  mifs'd  the  6  meteor  once,  and  hit  that  woman,  who 
cry'd  out,  clubs  !  when  I  might  fee  from  far  fome 
forty  truncheoneers  draw  to  her  fuccour,  which  were 
7  the  hope  of  the  ftrand,  where  fhe  was  quarter'd. 
They  fell  on ;  I  made  good  my  place ;  at  length  they 
came  to  the  broomftaff  with  me,  I  defy'd  'em  flill  ; 
when  fuddenty  a  file  of  boys  behind  'em,  loofe  Ihot, 
deliver'd  fuch  a  Ihower  of  pebbles,  that  I  was  fain 
to  draw  mine  honour  in,  and  let  'em  win  the  work  : 
The  devil  was  amongft  'em,  I  think,  furely. 

Port.  Thefe  are  the  youths  that  thunder  at  a  play- 
houfe,  and  fight  for  bitten  apples8 ;  that  no  audience, 

but 

«  — the  meteor}  The  fire-drake,  the  brafier.     JOHNSON. 
— Fire-drake.     A  fire-drake  is  both  a  ferpent,  anciently  called 
a  Ircnning-drake,  or  dipfas,  and  a  name  formerly  given  to  a  Will 
e'ttiWifp,  or  ignis  fatuus.     So,  in  Albert  us  IVallenJlein,    1640: 
**  Your  wild  irregular  luft,  which  like  tboftjirtdrakes 
"  Mifguiding  nighted  travellers,   will  lead  you 
"  Forth  from  the  fair  path,  &c," 
Again,  in  Dray  ton's  Nymphidia  : 

"  By  the  hilling  of  the  fnake, 
"   The  ruftling  of  \hzfire-drake." 

^Awain,  in  Ccefar  and  Pompcy,  a  tragedy,  by  Chapman,   1631; 
'*  So  have  I  feene  a  fire-drake  glide  along 
"  Before  a  dying  man,  to  point  his  grave, 
"  And  in  it  ftick  and  hide." 

A  fire-drake  was  likewife  an  artificial  firework.  So,  in  Tour 
Five  Gallants,  by  Middleton  : 

"  but  \i\ie,  fire-drakes, 

"  Mounted  a  little,  gave  a  crack,  and  fell."    STEEVENS. 
?  — the  hope  of  tbejlrand)]  Hanmer  reads,  the  forlorn  hope. 

JOHNSON. 

1  —that  thunder  at  aplaybou/e,  and  fight  for  litten  apples.]  The 
prices  of  feats  for  the  vulgar  in  our  ancient  theatres  were  fo  very 
low,  that  we  cannot  wonder  if  they  were  filled  with  the  tumul- 
tuous company  defcribed  by  Shakefpeare  in  this  fcene.  So,  in 
the  Gul's  Hornbook t  by  Deckar,  1609  : 

"  Your 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       317 

but  '  the  Tribulation  of  Tower-hill,  or  the  limbs  of 
Limehoufe,  their  dear  brothers,  are  able  to  endure. 

I  have 

"  Your  groundling  and  gallery  commoner  buys  his  fport  by 


In  Wit  without  Money,  by  B.  and  Fletcher,  is  the  following 
mention  of  them  : 

««  -  break  in  at  plays  like  prentices,  for  three  a  groat,  and 

crack  nuts  with  the  fcholars  in  penny  rooms  again." 
Again,  in  the  Black  Book,   1604:  Sixpenny  rooms  in    playhoufes 
are  fpoken  of. 
Again,  in  the  Bellman's  Night~Wallt$,  by  Decker,  1616  : 

«*  Pay  thy  twopence  to  a  player  in  this  gallery,  thou  may'ft 

fit  by  a  harlot." 
Again,  in  the  Prologue  to  Beaumont  and  Fletcher's  Mad  Lover; 

"  How  many  t-ivopences  you've  ftow'd  to-day  !" 
The  prices  of  the  boxes  indeed  were  greater. 
Again,  in  the  Gut's  Hornbook,  by  Deckar,   1609:  "  —  At  a  new 
playe  you  take  up  the  twclvepenny  room  next  the  ftage,  becaufe 
the  lords  and  you  may  feeme  to  be  haile  fellow  well  met,  &c." 
In  Wit  without  Monfy  : 

"  And  who  extoll'd  you  in  the  half-crown  boxes, 
"  Where  you  might  lit  and  mufter  all  the  beauties.'* 
and  laftly,  it  appears    from  the  induction  to  Bartholomew  Fairt 
by  Ben  Jonfon,  that  tobacco  was  fmoked  in  the  fame  place  : 

"  He  looks  like  a  fellow  that  I  have  feen  accommodate  gen- 

tlemen with  tobacco  at  our  theatres." 

And  from  B.  and  Fletcher's  Woman-Hater,  1607,  it  fhould  feem 
that  beer  was  fold  there  :  "  There  is  no  poet  acquainted  with 
more  ftiakings  and  quakings  towards  the  latter  end  of  his  new 
play,  when  he's  in  that  cafe  that  he  {lands  peeping  between  the 
curtains  fo  fearfully,  that  a  bottle  of  ale  cannot  be  opened,  but  he 
thinks  fomebody  hifles."  STEEVENS. 

9  —  the  Tribulation  of  Tower-hill,  or  the  limbs  of  Limehoufe,  ]  I 
fufpecl  the  Tribulation  to  have  been  a  puritanical  meeting-houfe. 
The  limbs  of  Limehoufe,  I  do  not  underftand.  JOHNSON. 

Dr.  Johnibn's  conjecture  may  be  countenanced  by  the  follow- 
ing paflage  in  "  Magnificence,  a  goodly  interlude  and  a  mery,  de- 
viled and  made  by  mayfter  Skelton,  poet-laureate,  lately  deceafyd." 
Printed  by  John  Raftel,  fol.  no  date  : 

«*  Some  fall  to  foly  them  felfe  for  to  fpyll, 
*'  And  fome  fall  prechynge  on  toure  byll"    STEEVENS. 
Alliteration  has  given  rife  to  many  cant  expreflions,  confifling 
of  words  paired  together.     Here  we  have  cant  names  for  the  in- 
habitants of  theie  places,  who  were  notorious  puritans,  coined 
for  the  humour  of  the  alliteration,     In  the  mean  time  it  mutt  not 

be 


318       KING     HfiNRY    VIM. 

I  hav«  fome  of  'em  in  Limbo  Patrum,  and  there  they 
are  like  to  dance  thefe  three  days ;  befides  the  l  run- 
ning banquet  of  two  beadles,  that  is  to  come. 

Enter  the  Lord  Chamberlain* 

Cham.  Mercy  o*  me,  what  a  multitude  are  here  ! 
They  grow  ftill  too,  from  all  parts  they  are  coming, 
As  if  we  kept  a  fair  !  Where  are  thefe  porters, 
Thefe  lazy  knaves  ? — Ye  have  made  a  fine  hand, 

fellows. 

There's  a  trim  rabble  let  in  :   Are  all  thefe 
Your  faithful  friends  o'the  fuburbs  ?  We  fliall  have 
Great  ftore  of  room,  no  doubt,  left  for  the  ladies, 
When  they  pafs  back  from  the  chriflening. 

Port.  Pleafe  your  honour, 
We  are  but  men  ;  and  what  fo  many  may  do, 

be  forgotten,  that  "  precious  limbs"  was  a  common  phrafe  of 
contempt  for  the  puritans.  WAR  TON. 

Limehoufe  was  before  the  time  of  Shakefpeare,  and  has  conti- 
nued to  be  ever  lince,  the  refidence  of  thofe  who  furnifh  ftores, 
fails,  &c.  for  fhipping.  A  great  number  of  foreigners  having 
been  conftantly  employed  in  thefe  manufaftures  (many  of  which 
were  introduced  from  other  countries)  they  affembled  themfelves 
under  their  feveral  paftors,  and  a  number  of  places  of  different 
worlhip  were  built  in  conference  of  their  refpeftive  afibciations. 
As  they  claflied  in  principles,  they  had  frequent  quarrels,  and 
the  place  has  ever  fince  been  famous  for  the  variety  of  its  fe£s, 
and  the  turbulence  of  its  inhabitants.  It  is  not  improbable  that 
Shakefpeare  wrote — the  lands  of  Limchoujc. 

A  limb  of  the  devil,  is,  however,  a  common  vulgarifm ;  and 
•in  A  JVkv  Trick  to  cheat  the  Devil,  1636,  the  fame  kind  of  ex- 
preflion  occurs : 

"  I  am  a  puritan  ;  one  that  will  eat  no  pork, 
"  Doth  ufe  to  {hut  his  fhop  on  Saturdays, 
"  And  open  them  on  Sundays  :  a  familitl, 
"  And  one  of  the  arch  limls  of  Belzebub." 
Again,  in  Every  Man  out  of  bis  Humour : 

"  I  cannot  abide  thefe'fatds  of  fattin,  or  rather  Satan,  &c." 

STEEVENS. 
11  ^wining  lanquct  of  two  leadleS)]  A  publick  whipping. 

JOHNSON. 

Not 


KING     HENRY     VIII.        3r0 

Not  being  torn  a  piece?,  we  have  done  : 
An  army  cannot  rule  'em. 

Cham.  'As  I  live, 

If  the  king  blame  me  for'r,  I'll  lay  ye  all 
By  the  heels,  and  fuddenly  ;  and  on  your  heads 
Clap  round  fines,  for  negledt :  You  are  lazy  knaves  5 
And  5  here  ye  lie  baiting  of  bumbards,  when 
Ye  iliould  do  fervice.     Hark,  the  trumpets  found  ; 
They  are  come  already  from  the  chriftening  : 
Go,  break  among  the  prefs,  and  find  a  way  out 
To  let  the  troop  pafs  fairly  ;  or  I'll  find 
A  Marfhalfea,  mall  hold  you  play  thefe  two  months. 

Port.  Make  way  there  for  the  princefs. 

Man.  You  great  fellow,  ftancl  clofe  up,  or  I'll 
make  your  head  ake. 

Port.  You  i'the  camblet,  get  up  o'the  rail ;  I'll 
peck  you  o'er  the  pales  elle.  [Exeunt. 

S  C  E  N  E    IV. 

The  Palace. 

Enter  Trumpets,  founding  ;  then  two  Aldermen,  Lord' 
Mayor,  Garter,  Cranmcr,  Duke  of  Norfolk  with  bis 
Marfials  ftfff,  T)nke  of  Suffolk,  two  Noblemen  bear- 
ing great  ponding  bowls  for  the  chriftening 'gifts  ;  thm 
four  Noblemen  bearing  a  canopy,  under  which  the  Dut- 
chefs  of  Norfolk,  godmother,  bearing  the  child  richly 
habited  in  a  mantle,  &fc.  Train  borne  by  a  Lady  : 
then  follows  the  Marchionefs  of  Dorfet,  the  other  goa- 
wotfar,  and  ladies.  The  troop  pafs  once  about  the 
fiage,  and  Garter  fpeaks. 

4  — here  ye  lie  baiting  of  bumbards,]  A  litmlard  is  an  ah-larrcl\ 
to  I  ait  bumbards  is  to  tipple ,  to  lie  at  thcfpigot.  JOHNSOX. 

It  appears  from  a  paflage  already  quoted  in  a  fiote  on  the  Tem- 
pcft,  adt  II.  fc.  ii.  out  ot  Shirley's  Martyred  Soldier,  1638,  that 
bumlarJs  were  the  large  veflels  in  which  the  beer  was  carried  to 
foldiers  upon  duty.  They  releinbled  black  jacks  of  leather.  So, 
in  H'cmans  a  Weathercock,  1612  :  "  She  looks  like  a  black  bom- 
lard  with  a  pint  pot  waiting  upon  it."  STEEVENS. 

Cart. 


320        KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Gart.  Heaven,  from  thy  endlefs  goodnefs,  fend 
profperous  life,  long,  and  ever  happy,  to  the  high 
and  mighty  princefs  of  England,  Elizabeth  ! 

Flourijh.     Enter  King,  and  Train. 

Cran.  [Kneeling.]  And  to  your  royal  grace,  and  the 

good  queen, 

My  noble  partners,  and  myfelf,  thus  pray; — 
All  comfort,  joy,  in  this  mofl  gracious  lady, 
Heaven  ever  laid  up  to  make  parents  happy, 
May  hourly  fall  upon  ye  ! 

King.  Thank  you,  good  lord  archbilhop  : 
What  is  her  name  ? 

Cran.  Elizabeth. 

King.  Stand  up,  lord. —  [The  King  kiffes  the  child. 
With  this  kifs  take  my  bleffing :  God  protect  thee ! 
Into  whofe  hand  I  give  thy  life. 

Cran.  Amen. 

King.  My  noble  goffips,  ye  have  been  too  prodigal : 
I  thank  ye  heartily ;  fo  lhall  this  lady, 
When  Ihe  has  fo  much  Englilh. 

Cran.  Let  me  fpeak,  fir, 

For  Heaven  now  bids  me  ;  and  the  words  I  utter 
Let  none  think  flattery,  for  they'll  find  'em  truth. 
This  royal  infant,  (heaven  ftill  move  about  her  f) 
Though  in  her  cradle,  yet  now  promifes  ' 
Upon  this  land  a  thoufand  thoufand  bleflings, 
Which  time  fhall  bring  to  ripenefs  :  She  lhall  be 
(But  few  now  living  can  behold  that  goodnefs) 
A  pattern  to  all  princes  living  with  her, 
And  all  that  ihall  fucceed  :   Shcba  was  never 
More  covetous  of  wifdnm,  and  fair  virtue, 
Than  this  pure  foul  ihall  be  :  all  princely  graces, 
That  mould  up  fuch  a  mighty  piece  as  this  is, 
With  all  the  virtues  that  attend  the  good, 
Shall  ftiil  be  doubled  on  her  :  truth  lhall  nurfe  her, 
Holy  and  heavenly  thoughts  flill  counfel  her  : 

She 


KING    HENRY    VIII.       321 

She  ihall  be  lov'd,  and  fcar'd  :  Her  own  lhall  blefs 

her ; 

Her  foes  lhake  like  a  field  of  beaten  corn, 
And  hang  their  heads  with  forrow  :  Good  grows  with 

her  : 

In  her  days,  every  man  Ihall  eat  in  fafety  J, 
Under  his  own  vine,  what  he  plants  ;  and  fing 
The  merry  fongs  of  peace  to  all  his  neighbours  : 
God  lhall  be  truly  known  ;  and  thofe  about  her 
From  her  lhall'  read  the  perfedt  way  of  honour, 
And  by  thofe  claim  their  greatncfs,  not  by  blood, 
£4  Nor  lhall  this  peace  fleep  with  her  :  But  as  when 
The  bird  of  wonder  dies,  the  maiden  phcenix, 
Her  afhes  new  create  another  heir, 
As  great  in  admiration  as  herfelf ; 
So  lhall  Ihe  leave  her  bleflednefs  to  one, 
(When  heaven  lhall  call  her   from  this   cloud  of 

darknefs) 

3  —  every  manjhalleat  infafety,~\  This  part  of  the  prophecy 
feems  to  have  been  burlefqued  by  B.  and  Fletcher  in  iheJlrggar's 
Bujb,  where  orator  Higgin  is  making  his  congratulatory  fpeecH 
to  the  new  king  of  the  beggars  : 

"  Each  man  fhall  eat  his  own  ftolen  eggs,  and  butter, 

*'  In  his  own  fhade,  or  funfhine,  &c," 

The  original  thought,  however,  is  borrowed  from  the  4th  chap- 
ter of  the  firft  book  of  Kings :  "  Every  man  dwelt  fafely  under 
his  vine."  STEEVENS. 

4  [NorJ/iall  this  peace  Jleep  tvit/j  her: ]  Thefe  lines,  to  the 

interruption  by  the  king,  feem  to  have  been  inferted  at  fome  re- 
vifal  of  the  play,  after  the  acceffion  of  king  James.     If  the  pai- 
fage,  included  in  crotchets,  be  left  out,  the  fpeech  of  Cranmer 
proceeds  in  a  regular  tenour  of  prediction  and  continuity  of  fen- 
timents  ;  but,  by  the  interpofition  of  the  new  lines,  he  firft  cele- 
brates Elizabeth's  fucceflbr,  and  then  withes  he  did  not  know  that 
fiie  was  to  die  ;  firil  rejoices  at  the  confequence,  and  then  laments 
the  caufe.    Our  authour  was  at  once  politick  and  idle  ;  he  refolved 
to  flatter  James,  but  neglec~h>d  to  reduce  the  whole  fpeech  to  pro- 
priety, or  perhaps  intended  that  the  lines  inferted  fhould  be  fpo« 
ken  in  the  aftion,  and  omitted  in  the  publication,  if  any  publi* 
cation  ever  was  in  his  thoughts.     Mr.  Theobald  has  made  the 
fame  oblervation.     JOHNSON. 

VOL.  VII.  Y  Who, 


322       KING    HENRY    VIII. 

Who,  from  the  facred  alhes  of  her  honour, 
Shall  ftar-like  rife,  as  great  in  fame  as  Ihe  was, 
And  fo  Hand  fix'd  :  Peace,  plenty,  love,  truth,  terror, 
That  were  the  fervants  to  this  chofen  infant, 
Shall  then  be  his,  and  like  a  vine  grow  to  him  ; 
Wherever  the  bright  fun  of  heaven  fhall  Ihine, 
His  honour,  and  the  greatnefs  of  his  name 
Shall  be,  and  make  new  nations  :  He  lhall  flourilh, 
And,  like  a  mountain  cedar,  reach  his  branches 
To  all  the  plains  about  him : — Our  children's  children 
Shall  fee  this,  and  blefs  heaven. 

King.  Thou  fpeakeft  wonders.] 

Cran.  She  lhall  be,  to  the  happinefs  of  England, 
An  aged  princefs  $ ;  many  days  lhall  fee  her, 
And  yet  no  day  without  a  deed,  to  crown  it. 
'Would  I  had  known  no  more  !  but  Ihe  mull  die, 
She  muft,  the  faints  muft  have  her  ;  yet  a  virgin, 
A  molt  unfpotted  lily  lhall  Ihe  pafs 
To  the  ground,  and  all  the  world  lhall  mourn  her. 

King.  O  lord  archbilhop, 
Thou  haft  made  me  now  a  man  ;  never,  before 

5  Sbejball  le,  to  the  happinefs  of  England, 

An  aged  princefs,] 

The  tranfition  here  from  the  complimentary  addrefs  to  king  Jama 
the  firft  is  fo  abrupt,  that  it  feems  obvious  to  me,  that  compli- 
ment was  inferted  after  the  acceffion  of  that  prince.  If  this  play 
was  wrote,  as  in  my  opinion  it  was,  in  the  reign  of  queen  Eli- 
zabeth ;  we  may  eafily  determine  where  Cranmer's  eulogium  of 
that  princefs  concluded.  I  make  no  queftion  but  the  poet  refted 
here : 

And  claim  by  tbofe  their  grcatnefs,  not  by  blood. 
All  that  the  bifhop  fays  after  this,  was  an  occafional  homage  paid 
to  her  fucceflbr ;  and  evidently  inferted  after  her  demife.     How 
naturally,  without  this  infertion,  does  the  king's  joy  and  fatisfac- 
tory  reflection  upon  the  bifhop's  prophecy,  come  in  ! 
King.  Thou  fpeakejl  wonders.     O  lord  arcbbijhop, 

Tboujl  made  me  now  a  man.     Never,  before 
This  happy  child,  did  I  get  any  thing,  &c. 

Whether  the  king  would  fo  properly  have  made  this  inference, 
upon  hearing  that  a  child  of  fo  great  hopes  fliould  die  without 
iflue,  is  fubmitted  to  judgment.  THEOBALD. 

This 


K  i  N  G  HENRY  vm.     323 

This  happy  child,  did  I  get  any  thing  : 
This  oracle  of  comfort  has  fo  pleas'd  me. 
That,  when  I  am  in  heaven,  I  fhall  defire 
To  fee  what  this  child  does,  and  praife  my  Maker.— ^ 
I  thank  ye  all. — To  you,  my  good  lord  mayor, 
6  And  your  good  brethren,  I  am  much  beholden  ; 
I  have  receiv'd  much  honour  by  your  pre(ence, 
And  ye  fhall  find  me  thankful.  Lead  the  way,  lords;— 
Ye  muft  all  fee  the  queen,  and  Ihe  muft  thank  ye, 
She  will  be  lick  elfe.     This  day,  no  man  think 
He  has  buiinefs  at  his  houfe  ;  for  all  fhall  flay, 
This  little  one  fhall  make  it  holiday.  [Exeunt; 

*  And  you  good  Iretbren^ ]  But  the  aldermen  were  never 

called  brethren  to  the  king.     The  top  of  the  nobility  are  but  cou- 
fins  and  counfellors.     Dr.  Thirlby,  therefore,  rightly  advifed  ; 

And  your  good  brethren 

i.  e.  the  lord  mayor's  brethren ;  which  is  properly  their  flyle. 

THEOBALD. 

THE  play  of  Henry  the  Eighth  is  one  of  thofe,  which  ftill  keeps 
pofleffion  of  the  ftage,  by  the  fplendour  of  its  pageantry.  The 
coronation,  about  forty  years  ago  drew  the  people  together  in 
multitudes  for  a  great  part  of  the  winter.  Yet  pomp  is  not  the 
only  merit  of  this  play.  The  meek  forrows  and  virtuous  diftreff 
of  Katharine  have  furnifhed  fome  fccnes,  which  maybejuftly 
numbefed  among  the  greateft  efforts  of  tragedy.  But  the  genius 
of  Shakefpeare  comes  in  and  goes  out  with  Katharine.  Every 
•ther  part  may  be  eafily  conceived  and  eafily  written.  JOHNSON, 


EPI- 


EPILOGUE. 

}eTis  ten  to  one,  this  play  can  never  pleafe 
All  tha't  are  here  :  Some  ccme  to  take  their  eafe, 
And  jleep  an  aR  or  two  ;  but  thofe,  we  fear, 
We  have  frighted  with  our  trumpets  ;  fo,  'tis  clear 9 
They'll  fay,  'tis  naught :  other ~s,  to  hear  the  city 
Abus'd  extremely,  and  to  cry, — that's  witty  ! 
Which  we  have  not  done  neither  :  that,   1 fear  y 
All  the  expetted  good  we  are  like  to  hear 
For  this  play  at  this  time,  ts  only  in 
The  merciful  conftruftion  of  good  women  j 
.For  fuch  a  one  we  fiew'd  'em*  :  If  they  fmile7, 
•  And  jay,  'twill  do,   I  know,  within  a  while 
All  the  beji  men  are  ours  ;  for  'tis  ill  hap, 
If  they  hold,  zvhen  their  ladies  bid  'em  clap. 

,  *  In  the  character  of  Katharine. 

7  If  they  f mile,  &c.]  This  thought  is  too  much  hackney'd.  It 
had  been  ufed  already  in  the  Epilogues  to  As  Tou  Like  //,  and 
the  fecond  part  of  King  Henry  //^.  STEEVENS. 

Though  it  is  very  difficult  to  decide  whether  fhort  pieces  be  ge- 
nuine or  fpurious,  yet  I  cannot  reftrain  myfelf  from  expreffing 
my  fufpicion  that  neither  the  prologue  nor  epilogue  to  this  play 
is  the  work  of  Shakefpeare  ;  non  vultus,  non  color.  It  appears  to 
me  very  likely  that  they  were  fupplied  by  the  friendfhip  or  offici- 
oufnefs  of  Jonfon,  whofe  manner  they  will  be  perhaps  found  ex- 
actly to  refemble.  There  is  yet  another  fuppofition  poffible  :  the 
prologue  and  epilogue  may  have  been  written  after  Shakefpeare's 
departure  from  the  ftage,  upon  ibme  accidental  revifal  of  the  play, 
and  there  will  then  be  reafon  for  imagining  that  the  writer,  who- 
ever he  was,  intended  no  jrreat  kindnefs  to  him,  this  play  being 
recommended  by  a  fubtle  and  covert  cenfure  of  his  other  works. 
There  is  in  Shakefpeare  fo  much  of  fool  and  fight : 

the  fellow 

In  a  long  niniley  coat,  guarded  with  ycllovj, 

nppears  fo  often  in  his  drama,  that  I  think  it  not  very  likely  that 
he  would  have  animadverted  fo  feverely  on  himfelf.  All  this, 
however,  muft  be  received  as  very  dubious,  fince  we  know  not 
the  exact  date  of  this  or  the  o^her  plays,  and  cannot  tell  how  our 
avithour  might  have  changed  his  practice  or  opinions. 

JOHNSON. 
I  en- 


KING    HENRY     VIII.      '325 

I  entirely  agree  in  opinion  with  Dr.  Johnfon,  that  Ben  Jonfon 
wrote  the  prologue  and  epilogue  to  this  play.  Shakefpeare  had  a 
little  before  aflifted  him  in  his  Sejanus ;  and  Ben  was  too  proud  to 
receive  affiftance  without  returning  it.  It  is  probable,  that  he 
drew  up  the  directions  for  the  parade  at  the  chriflening,  &c. 
which  his  employment  at  court  would  teach  him,  and  Shakefpeare 
mult  be  ignorant  of:  I  think,  I  now  and  then  perceive  his  hand 
in  the  dialogue. 

It  appears  from  St<nve,  that  Robert  Green  wrote  fomewhat  oa 
this  fubjecl.  FARMER. 

In  fupport  of  Dr.  Johnfon's  opinion,  it  may  not  be  amifs   to 
<pote  the  following  lines  from  old  Ben's  prologue  to  his  Every 
laa  in  his  Humour  : 

To  make  a  child  now  fwaddlcd,  to  proceed 
'  Man,  anJ'tbeti  Jlioot  up,  in  one  beard  and  weedy 
'  Paft  tbrcefcore  years :  or  with  three  ruftyfwords, 
'  And  help  nf  fame  few  foot-and-half -foot  words ) 
Fight  over  York  and  Lancafter's  long  wars, 
And  in  the  tyring-houfc,  &c."     STEEVENS. 

THE  historical  dramas  are  now  concluded,  of  which  the  two 
parts  of  Henry  the  Fourth,  and  Henry  the  Fifth,  are  among  the 
nappiefl  of  our  author's  competitions  ;  and  King  John,  Richard 
the  Third,  and  Henry  the  F^ighth,  defervedly  ftand  in  the  fecond 
clafs.  Thofe  whofe  curiofity  would  refer  the  hiftorical  fcenes  to 
their  original,  may  confult  Holinfhed,  and  fometimes  Hall :  from 
HolinPred  Shakefpeare  has  often  inlerted  whole  fpeeches  with  no 
inore  alteration  than  was  neceflary  to  the  numbers  of  his  verfe. 
To  tranfcribe  them  into  the  margin  was  unnecefiary,  becaufe  the 
original  is  eafily  examined,  and  they  are  feldom  lei's  perfpicuous 
in  the  poet  than  in  the  hiilorian. 

To  play  hiftories,  or  to  exhibit  a  fucceffion  of  events  by  action 
and  dialogue,  was  a  common  entertainment  among  our  rude  an- 
ceftors  upon  great  feftivities.  The  parifh  clerks  once  performed 
at  Clerkenwell  a  play  which  lafted  three  days,  containing  The 
Hiftory  of  the  World.  JOHNSON. 

It  appears  from  more  than  one  MS.  in  the  Britifh  Mufeum, 
that  the  tradefmen  of  Chefter  were  three  days  employed  in  the 
reprefentation  of  their  twenty-rour  \Vhitfun  plays  or  myfteries. 
The  like  performances  at  Coventry  muft  have  taken  up  a  longer 
time,  as  they  are  no  lels  than  forty  in  number..  The  exhibition 
of  them  began  on  Corpus  Cbrijli  day,  which  was,  ''according  to 
Dugdale)  one  of  their  ancient  fairs.  See  the  Harleian  MSS. 
No.  2013,  21:4,  212$,  and  MS.  Cott.  Vcfp.  D.  VIII.  and 
/>' .  ,  p.  116.  STEEVENS. 


Y  3  CORIO* 


CORIOLANUS. 


PER- 


Perfons   Reprefented. 

Caius  Marcius  Coriolanus,  a  noble  Rowan. 

Com^usmUS'    }  Generah  a£alnft  the  Volfc 
Menenius  Agrippa,  friend,  to  Coriolanus. 

Sicinius  Velutus.   7,—  .,          r  ,7     -r,      , 
^unes  of  the  People. 


Junius  Brutus, 

Tullus  Aufidius,  General  of  the  Volfcians* 

Lieutenant  to  Aufidius. 

Toung  Marcius,  Son,  to  Coriolanus. 

Confpirators  with  Aufidius. 

Volumnia,  Mother  to  Coriolanus. 
"Virgilia,  Wife  to  Coriolanus. 
Valeria,  Friend  to  Virgilia. 

Roman  and  Volfdan  Senators,  &diles,  Liftors,  Soldiers^ 
Common  People,  Servants  to  Aufidius,  and  other 
Attendants. 


SCENE    is  partly  in  Rome  ;  and  partly  In  th$ 
Territories  of  the  Volfdans  and  Antiates. 


The  whole  hiftory  is  exaftly  followed,  and  many  of  the  prin- 
cipal fpeeches  exadtly  copied  from  the  Life  of  Coriolanus  in 
Plutarch.  POPE. 

Of  this  play  there  is  no  edition  before  that  of  the  players,  in 
folio,  in  1623.  JOHNSON. 


C  O  R  I  O- 


CORIOLANUS. 

ACT    I.       SCENE      I. 

A  Street  In  Rome. 

Enter  a  company  of  mutinous  Citizens,  with  ftaves,  clubs, 
and  other  weapons. 

i  Cit.  Before  we  proceed  any  further,  hear  me 
fpeak. 

AIL  Speak,  fpeak. 

i  Cit.  You  are  refolv'd  rather  to  die,  than  to  fa- 
mifh  ? 

All.  Refolv'd,   refolv'd. 

i  Cit.  Firft,  you  know,  Caius  Marcius  is  chief 
enemy  to  the  people. 

All.  We  know't,  we  know't. 

i  Cit.  Let  us  kill  him,  and  we'll  have  corn  at  our 
own  price.  Is't  a  verdict  ? 

All.  No  more  talking  on't ;  let  it  be  done  :  away, 
away. 

2,  Cit.  One  word,  good  citizens  T. 

I  Cit.  We  are  accounted  poor  citizens ;  the  patri- 
cians, good  :  What  authority  'forfeits  on,  would  re- 

*  One  <word,  good  citizens. 

i  Cit.  We  are  accounted /<w  citizens  ;  the  patricians,  good.] 
Good  is  here  ufed  in  the  mercantile  fenfe.  So,  Touchftonc  in  Eajt- 
nvard  Hoe  : 

"  known  good  men,  well  monied."    FARMER. 

in,  in  the  Merchant  of  Venice  : 

"  Antonio's  a  good  man."    MALONE. 

licve 


330  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S, 

lieve  us  :  If  they  would  yield  us  but  the  fuperfluity, 
while  it  were  wholefome,  we  might  guefs,  they  re- 
lieved us  humanely  :  *  but  they  think,  we  are  too 
dear  :  the  leannefs  that  afHidh  us,  the  objedt  of  our 
mifery,  is  as  an  inventory  to  particularize  their  abun- 
dance ;  our  fufferance  is  a  gain  to  them. — *  Let  us 
revenge  this  with  our  pikes,  4  ere  we  become  rakes : 

*  But  they  think,  we  are  too  dear .-]  They  think  that  the  charg« 
of  maintaining  us  is  more  than  we  are  worth.  JOHNSON. 

3  Let  us  revenge  this  <witb  our  pikes,  ere  we  become  rakes  :]  It 
was  Shakefpeare's  defign  to  make  this  fellow  quibble  all  the  way. 
But  time,  who  has  done  greater  things,  has  here  flifled  a  mifer- 
«ble  joke  j  which  was  then  the  fame  as  if  it  had  been  now  wrote, 
Let  us  now  revenge  this  with  forks,  ere  tue  become  rakes  :  for  pikes 
then  fignified  the  fame  as  forks  do  now.     So  Jewel  in  his  own 
tranflation  of  his  Apology,  turns  Chrijlianos  ad  iurcas  condemnaret 
to— To  condemn  Chriftians  to  the  pikes.     But  the  Oxford  editor, 
without  knowing  any  thing  of  this,  has  with  great  fagacity  found 
out  the  joke,  and  reads  on  his  own  authority,  pitch-forks. 

AVAR BUR TON. 

4  ere  *we  lecome  rakes  :]  It  is  plain  that,  in  our  authour's  time, 
we  had  the  proverb,  as  lean  as  a  rake.     Of  this  proverb  the  ori-« 
ginal  is  obfcure.     Rake  now  fignifies  a  dijjblute  man,  a  man  worn 
out  with  difeafe  and  debauchery.    But  the  fignification  is,  I  think, 
much  more  modern  than  the  proverb.     R&kef,  in  Ulandick,  is 
faid  to  mean  a  cur-dog,  and  this  was  probably  the  firft  ufe  among 
us  of  the  word  rah ;  as  lean  as  a  rake  is,  therefore,  as  lean  as  a 
dog  too  worthlefs  to  be  fed.     JOHNSON. 

It  may  be  fo  :  and  yet  I  believe  the  proverb,  as  lean  as  a  rake, 
owes  its  origin  fimply  to  the  thin  taper  form  of  the  inftrument 
made  ufe  of  by  hay-makers.  Chaucer  has  this  fimile  in  his  de- 
fcription  of  the  clerk's  horfe  in  the  prologue  to  the  Canterbury 
Tales,  late  edit.  v.  2%%  : 

"  As  lene  was  his  hors  as  is  a  rale" 

Spenfer  introduces  it  in  the  fecond  book  of  his  Faery  %ueent 
Canto  II : 

"  His  body  lean  and  meagre  as  a  rake" 
As  thin  as  a  whipping-pojl ,  is  another  proverb  of  the  fame  kind. 

Stanyhurft,  in  his  tranllation  of  the  third  book  of  Virgil,  i  582, 
defcribing  Achcemenides,  fays  : 

**  A  meigre  leane  rake,  &c." 

This  paffage  fecms  to  countenance  Dr.  Johnfon's  fuppofition. 

STEEVENS. 

for 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  33i 

for  the  gods  know,  I  fpeak  this  in  hunger  for  bread, 
not  in  thirft  for  revenge. 

2  Cit.  Would  you  proceed  efpecially  againfl  Caius 
Marcius  ? 

All.  Againfl  him  firft ;  he's  a  very  dog  to  the 
commonalty. 

2  Cit.  Confider  you  what  fervices  he  has  done  for 
his  country  ? 

I  Cit.  Very  well ;  and  could  be  content  to  give 
him  good  report  for't,  but  that  he  pays  himfelf  with 
being  proud. 

All.  Nay,  but  fpeak  not  malicioufly. 

1  Cit.  I  fay  unto  you,  what  he  hath  done  famoufly, 
he  did  it  to  that  end :  though  foft-confcienc'd  men 
can  be  content  to  fay,  it  was  for  his  country,  he  did 
it  to  pleafe  his  mother,  and  to  be  partly  proud ;  which 
he  is,  even  to  the  altitude  of  his  virtue. 

2  Cit.  What  he  cannot  help  in  his  nature,  you  ac- 
count a  vice  in  him  :  You  muft  in  no  way  fay,  he 
is  covetous. 

1  Cit.  If  I  muft  not,  I  need  not  be  barren  of  accu- 
fetions  ;  he  hath  faults,  with  furplus,  to  tire  in  repe- 
tition. [Shouts  within.]  What  fhouts  are  thefe?  The 
other  fide  o'the  city  is  rifen  :  Why  ftay  we  prating 
here  ?  to  the  Capitol. 

All.  Come,  come. 

j  Cit.  Soft ;  who  comes  here  ? 

Enter  Menenius  Agrippa. 

2  Cit.  Worthy  Menenius  Agrippa  ;  one  that  hath 
always  lov'd  the  people. 

j  Cit.  He's  one  honeft  enough  ;  'Would,  all  the 

reft  were  fo  ! 
Men.  What  work's,  my  countrymen,  in  hand  ? 

Where  go  you 

With  bats  and  clubs  ?  The  matter  ?  Speak,  I  pray 
you. 

2  Cit. 


332  -CORI.OLANUS. 

2  Ctt.  Our  bufinefs  is  not  unknown  to  the  fenate  ; 
they  have  had  inkling,  this  fortnight,  what  we  intend 
to  do,  which  now  we'll  fhew  'em  in  deeds.  They  fay, 
poor  fuiters  have  ilrong  breaths  ;  they  fliall  know, 
we  have  flrong  arms  too. 

Men.  Why,  mailers,  my  good  friends,  mine  honeft 

neighbours, 
Will  you  undo  yourfelves  ? 

2  Cit.  We  capnot,  fir,  we  are  undone  already, 

Men.  I  tell  you, .  friends,  moll  charitable  care 
Have  the  patricians  of  you.     For  your  wants, 
Your  fuffering  in  this  dearth,  you  may  as  well 
Strike  at  the  heaven  with  your  flaves,  as  lift  them 
Againfl  the  Roman  ilate  ;  whofe  courfe  will  on 
The  way  it  takes,  cracking  ten  thoufand  curbs 
Of  more  flrong  link  afunder,  than  can  ever 
Appear  in  your  impediment  :   For  the  dearth, 
The  gods,  not  the  patricians,  make  it ;  and 
Your  knees  to  them,  not  arms,  mufl  help.     Alack^ 
You  are  tranfported  by  calamity 
Thither  where  more  attends  you  ;  and  you  {lander 
The  helms  o'the  flate,  who  care  for  you  like  fathers^ 
When  you  curfe  them  as  enemies. 

2  Cit.  Care  for  us  !— True,  indeed  ! — They  ne'er 
car'd  for  us  yet.  Suffer  us  to  famiih,  and  their  flore^ 
houfes  cramm'd  with  grain  ;  make  edi:l~s  for  ufury, 
to  fupport  ufurers  :  repeal  daily  any  wholefome  adl 
eflabliftied  againfl  the  rich  ;  and  provide  more  pier- 
cing flatutes  daily,  to  chain  up  and  reftrain  the  poor. 
If  the  wars  eat  us  not  up,  they  will ;  and  there's  all 
the  love  they  bear  us. 

Men.  Either  yoVTmiift 
Confefs  yourfelves  wond'rous  malicious, 
Or  be  accus'd  of  folly.     I  mall  tell  you 
A  pretty  tale ;  it  may  be,  you  have  heard  it ; 
But,  iince  it  ferves  my  purpofe 5,  I  will  venture 

To 

b   .     '      •        /  iv ill  venture 

To  fcale't  a  little  more.'}  Thus 


CORIOLANUS.  333 

Yo  fcale't  a  little  more. 

2  Cit.  Well,  I'll  hear  it,  fir  :   yet  you  muft  not 

Thus  all  the  editions,  as  Mr.  Theobald  confefles,  who  alters  it 
tojtale't.  And  for  a  good  reafon,  lecaufe  be  can  find  nofrnfe  (he 
fays)  in  the  common  reading.  For  as  good  a  reafon,  I,  who  can, 
have  reftored  the  old  one  to  its  place.  Tofiale't  fignifying  to 
weigh,  examine,  and  apply  it.  The  author  ufes  it  again,  in  the 
fame  fenfe,  in  this  very  play  : 

Scaling  his  prcfent  bearing  with  bis  pafl» 
And  fo,   Fletcher,   in  The  Maid  of  the  Mill: 

*'  What  fcale  my  invention  before  hand?  you  Jball pardon 

me  for  that ."     WARBURTON. 

Neither  of  Dr.  Warburton's  examples  afford  a  fenfe  congruous 
to  the  prefent  occafion.  In  the  paflage  quoted,  to  fcale  may  be 
to  iveigh  and  compare,  but  where  do  we  find  that  fcale  is  to  apply  ? 
If  \\efcatc  the  two  criticks,  I  think  Theobald  has  the  advantage. 

JOHNSON. 

To  fcale  is  to  di/Jserfe.  The  Word  is  ftill  ufed  in  the  North.  If 
emendation  were  at  all  neceflary,  Theobald's  is  as  good  a  one  as 
could  be  propofed.  The  fenfe  of  the  old  reading  is,  Though 
fome  of  you  have  heard  the  ftory,  I  will  fpread  it  yet  wider,  and 
diffufe  it  among  the  reft. 

A  meafure  of  wine  fpilt,  is  called — "  z.fca?d  pottle  of  wine'1 
in  Decker's  comedy  of  The  Honejl  H^jorc,  1635.  So,  in  T7je 
Hyftorie  of  Clyomon,  Knight  of  the  Golden  Shield,  &c.  a  play  pub* 
lifhed  in  1 £99  : 

*'  The  hugieheapes  of  cares  that  lodged  in  my  minde 
"  Axejkaied  from  their  rieftling  place,  and  pleafures  paf« 

fage  find." 
Again,  in  Deckar's  Hontjl  IVljore,  already  quoted  : 

" ; — Cut  off  his  beard. , 

"  Fye,  fye  ;  idle,  idle  ;  he's  no  Frenchman,  to  fret  at  the  lofs 
of  a  little  >tf/V  hair."  In  the  North"  they  fay  fcale  the  corn,  /.  e. 
icatter  it :  fcale  the  muck  well,  /.  e.  fpread  the  dung  well.  The 
two  foregoing  inftances  are  taken  from  Mr.  Lambe's  notes  on  the 
old  metrical  hiftory  of  -Floddon  Field. 

Again,  Holinjbt^  vol.  ii.  p.  499,  fpeaking  of  the  retreat  of  the 
Welchmcn  during  the  abfence  of  Richard  II.  fays  :  "  — they 
would  no  longer  abide,  butfcaled  and  departed  away."  So  again, 
p.  530  :  "  — whereupon  their  troops  fcaled,  and  fled  their  waies." 
In  the  Gloflary  to  Gawin  Douglas's  Tranflation  of  Virgil,  the 
following  account  of  the  word  is  given.  Skail^  jkale,  to  fcaffcr, 
to_/^;v.7r/,  perhaps  from  the  Fr.  efcl-cvelcr,  Ital.  fcaf>i^liaret  crinea 
paffos,  feu  fparfos  habere.  All  from  the  Latin  capittus.  Thus 
^  fcbevel,  Jkail ;  but  of  a  more  general  fignification. 

STEEVEXS. 

think 


334  CORIOLANUS. 

think  to  fob  off  our  6  difgrace  with  a  tale  :  but,  anft 
pleafe  you,  deliver. 

Men.  There  was  a  time,  when  all  the  body's  mem- 
bers 

Rebell'd  againft  the  belly ;  thus  accus'd  it  :— . 
That  only  like  a  gulf  it  did  remain 
I'  the  midft  o'  the  body,  idle  and  unaclive, 
Still  cupboarding  the  viand,  never  bearing 
Like  labour  with  the  reft  ;  7  where  the  other  inftru- 

ments 

Did  fee,  and  hear,  devife,  inflrud,  walk,  feel, 
And  mutually  participate,  did  minifter 
Unto  the  appetite  and  affection  common 
Of  the  whole  body.     The  belly  anfwer'd, — • 

2  Cit.  Well,  fir,  what  anfwer  made  the  belly  ? 

Men.  Sir,  I  lhall  tell  you. — With  a  kind  of  (mile, 
8  Which  ne'er  came  from  the  lungs,  but  even  thus, 
(For,  look  you,  I  may  make  the  belly  fmile, 
As  well  as  fpeak)  it  tauntingly  reply'd 
To  the  difcontented  members,  the  mutinous  parts 
That  envy'd  his  receipt ;  9  even  fo  moft  fitly 
As  you  malign,  our  fenators,  for  that 
They  are  not  fuch  as  you. 

2  Cit.  Your  belly's  anfwer  :  What ! 
The  kingly-crowned  head,  the  vigilant  eye, 
1  The  counfellor  heart,  the  arm  our  foldier, 
Our  (teed  the  leg,  the  tongue  our  trumpeter, 
With  other  muniments  and  petty  helps 
In  this  our  fabrick,  if  that  they 

tt  difgrace  with  a  tale  :]  D  If  graces  are  hard/trips,  injuries. 

JOHNSON. 

7  •  --where  tJie  other  inftruments\  Where  for  whereas. 

JOHNSON. 

8  WlAck  ne'er  came  from  the  lungi, ]  With  a  fmile  not  in- 
dicating pleafure,  but  contempt.     JOHNSON. 

9  "-even fo  moft  filly,]  i.e.  exaftly.    WARBURTON. 

1  The  couf/fellor  heart, ]  The  heart  was  anciently  efteemed 

the   feat  at  prudence.     Hamo  cordatus  is  a  prude  at  man. 

JOHNSON. 

Men. 


CORJOLANUS. 

Men.  What  then  ? — 
'Fore  me,  this  fellow  fpeaks ! — what  then  ?  what  then  ? 

2  Cit.  Should  by  the  cormorant  belly  be  reftrain'd, 
Who  is  the  fink  o'  the  body, — 

Men.  Well,  what  then  ? 

i  Cit.  The  former  agents,  if  they  did  complain, 
What  could  the  belly  anfwer  ? 

Men.  I  will  tell  you  ; 

If  you'll  beftow  a  fmall  (of  what  you  have  little) 
Patience,  a  while,  you'll  hear  the  belly's  anfwer. 

i  Cit.  You  are  long  about  it. 

Men.  Note  me  this,  good  friend  ; 
Your  moft  grave  belly  was  deliberate, 
Not  rafh  like  his  accufers,  and  thus  anfwer'd. 
True  is  it,  my  incorporate  friends,  quoth  he, 
That  I  receive  the  general  food  at  firft, 
Wtchyou  do  live  upon  :  and  Jit  it  is  ; 
Becaufe  I  am  the  ftore-houfe,  and  the  Jhop 
Of  the  whole  body  :  But,  if  you  do  remember, 
I  fend  it  through  the  rivers  of  your  blood, 
Even  to  the  court,  the  heart,  to  the  feat  o'tbe  brain  l ; 
And,  through  the  cranks  and  offices  of  man, 
The  Jlrongejl  nerves,   and  fmall  inferior  veins9 
From  me  receive  that  natural  competency 
Whereby  they  live  :  And  though  that  all  at  once,  • 
Tou,    my  good  friends,   (this   fays  the  belly)    mark 
me, — 

4  To  th'fcat  o1  the  brain  ; — ]  feems  to  me  a  very  languid  expreG- 
fion.     I  believe  we  fhould  read,  with  the  omiffion  of  a  particle  ; 

Even  to  the  court,  the  heart,  to  the  feat,  the  brain. 
He  ufesjeat  tor  throne,  the  royal  feat,  which  the  firlt  editors  pro- 
bably not  apprehending,  corrupted  the  paflage.     It  is  thus   ufed 
in  Richard  II.   aft  III.  fc.  iv  :   " 

*'  Yea,  diftaft- women  manage  ruity  bills 

"  Agairvft  thyfeaf." 

It  fliould  be  oblerved  too,  that  one  of  the  Citizens  had  juft  be- 
fore charafterifed  thefe  principal  parts  of  the  human  fabrick  by 
fimilar  metaphors : 

The  kingly -crowned  head,  the  vigilant  eye, 

The  counfellor  heart.    .      •>     TYRWHITT. 

2  Cit. 


336  CORIOLANU3 

2  Cit.  Ay,  fir ;  well,  well. 
Men.  Though  all  at  once  cannot 

See  what  I  do  deliver  out  to  each ; 

Tet  I  can  make  my  audit  up,  that  all 

From  me  do  back  receive  the  flower  of  all, 

And  leave  me  but  the  bran.     What  fay  you  ro't  ? 

2  Cit.  It  was  an  anfwer  :   How  apply  you  this  ? 

Men.  The  fenators  of  Rome  are  this  good  belly, 
And  you  the  mutinous  members :  For  examine 
Their  counfels,  and  their  cares ;  digeft  things  rightly. 
Touching  the  weal  o'  the  common ;  you  fhall  find, 
No  publick  benefit,  which  you  receive, 
But  it  proceeds,  or  comes,  from  them  to  you, 
And  no  way  from  yourfelves. — What  do  you  think  ? 
You,  the  great  toe  of  this  affembly  ? — 

2  Cit.  I  the  great  toe  ?  Why  the  great  toe  ? 

Men.  For   that,  being  one   o'the  lowefl,  bafeft, 

poorefr, 

Of  this  mod  wife  rebellion,  thou  go 'ft  foremoft  : 
?  Thou  rafcal,  that  art  worft  in  blood,  to  run 
Lead'il  firft,  to  win  fome  vantage. — 
But  make  you  ready  your  (lift'  bats  and  clubs ; 
Rome  and  her  rats  are  at  the  point  of  battle, 

3  Thou  rafcal,  that  art  ivtrft  In  blood,  to  run 
Lead'ji  firft,  to  ivzn  fome  'vantage, ] 

I  think,  we  may  better  read,  by  an  eafy  change, 
Thou  rafcal  that  art  ivorjlt  in  blood,  to  ruin 
Lead'Jlfirft,  to  TV///,  Sic. 

Thou  that  art  the  meaneft  by  birth,  art  the  foremoft  to  lead  thy 
fellows  to  ruin,  in  hope  of  Ibme  advantage.  The  meaning,  how- 
ever, is  perhaps  only  this,  Thou  that  art  a  hound,  or  running  dog 
of  the  lowefl  breed,  lead'ft  the  pack,  when  any  thing  is  to  be 
gotten.  JOHXSON. 

IForft  in  blood  may  be  the  true  reading.    In  K.  Henry  VI.  P.  I : 

"  If  we  bee  Englifh  deer,  be  then  in  llooJ" 
i,  t.  high  fpiriis. 

Again,  in  this  play  of  Coriolanus,  a&IV.  fc.  v.  "  But  when  they  fnall 
fee  his  creft  up  again,  and  the  man  in  blood,  &c."     STEEVEVS. 
To  win  fome  vantage,  is  to  get  the  flart,  or  to  begin  the  chacc 
before  another  dog.    TOLLET. 

The 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  337 

4  The  one  fide  muft  have  bale. — Hail,  noble  Mar* 

.  cius  ! 

Enter  Cams  Mardus. 

Mar*  Thanks.— What's  the  matter,  you  diflentious 

rogues, 

That,  rubbing  the  poor  itch  of  your  opinion, 
Make  yourfelves  fcabs  ? 

2  Cit.  We  have  ever  your  good  word. 

Afar.  He  that  will  give  good  words  to  thee,  will 

flatter 
Beneath  abhorring. — What  would  have,  you  curs, 

5  That  like  nor  peace,  nor  war  ?  the  one  ajFrights 

you, 

The 

4  The  onefiac  mujl  have  bale. — ]  Bale  is  an  old  Saxon  word,  for 
mifery  or  calamity. 

"  For  light  the  hated  as  the  deadly  lak." 

Spenfer's  Fairy  $>ueen. 
STEF.VENS» 
5   That  like  nor  peace,  nor  war  ?  Tfje  one  affrights  you. 

The  other  makes  you  proud  j 

That  they  did  not  like  war  is  evident  from  the  reafon  affigned,  of 
its  frighting  them  j  but  why  they  fhould  not  like  peace  (and  the 
reafon  of  that  too  is  aifigned)  will  be  very  hard  to  conceive. 
Peace,  he  fays,  made  them  proud,  by  bringing  with  it  an  increafe 
of  wealth  and  power,  for  thofe  are  what  make  a  people  proud ; 
but  then  thofe  are  what  they  like  but  too  well,  and  fo  m-jft  needs 
like  peace  the  parent  of  them.  This  being  contrary  to  what  the 
text  fays,  we  may  be  allured  it  is  corrupt,  and  that  Shakefpeare 
wrote  : 

That  likes  notpeacet  nor  war  f 

i.  e.  whom  neither  peace  nor  war  fits  or  agrees  with,  as  making 
them  either  proud  or  cowardly.  By  this  reading,  peace  and  ivar, 
from  being  the  accufatives  to  likes,  become  the  nominatives.  But 
the  editors  not  understanding  this  conftruclion,  and  feeing  likes  a 
verb  fingular,  to  curs  a  noun,  plural,  which  they  fuppofed  the  no- 
minative to  it,  would,  in  order  to  fhew  their  flcill  in  grammar,  al- 
ter it  to  like  ;  but  likes  for  plea fes  was  common  with  the  writers  of 
this  time.  So  Fletcher's  Maid's  Tragedy  : 

"  WbatlocikV&u*yv*litfl?     WAR  BURTON. 
That  to  like  is  to  pleafe^  every  one  knows,  but  in  that  fenfe  it 
VOL.  VII.  Z  ii 


338  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

The  other  makes  you  proud.    He  that  trufts  to  you,. 

Where  he  fhould  find  you  lions,  finds  you  hares  ; 

Where  foxes,  geefe  :  You  are  no  furer,  no, 

Than  is  the  coal  of  fire  upon  the  ice, 

Or  hailfcone  in  the  fun.     6  Your  virtue  is, 

To  make  him  worthy,  whofe  offence  fubdues  him, 

And  curfc  that  juftice  did  it.     Who  deferves  great- 

nefs,, 

Deferves  your  hate  :  and  your  affections  are 
A  fick  man's  appetite,  who  defires  mofl  that 
Which  would  increafc  his  evil.     He  that  depends 
Upon  your  favours,  fwims  with  fins  of  lead, 
And  hews  down  oaks  with  rufhes.     Hang  ye  !   Truft 

jr4* 

With  every  minute  you  do  change  a  mind  ; 
And  call  him  noble,  that  was  now  your  hate, 
Him  vile,  that  was  your  garland.     What's  the  mat- 
ter, 

That  in  thefe  feveral  places  of  the  eity 
You  cry  againft  the  noble  fenate,  who, 
Under  the  gods,  keep  you  in  awe,  which  elfe 
Would  feed  on  one  another  ? — What's  their  feek- 
ing7? 

is  as  hard  to  fay  why  peace  fhould  not  like  the  people,  as,  in  the 
other  ienfe,  why  the  people  fhould  not  like  peace.  The  truth  is, 
that  Coriolanus  does  not  ufe  the  two  fentences  confequentially, 
but  firfi  reproaches  them  with  unfteadinefs,  then  with  their  other 
occafional  vices.  JOHNSON. 
6  Tour  virtue  is, 

To  make  him  worthy,  whofe  offence  ful  dues  him. 

And  curfc  that  jitjiice  did  it.- ] 

i»e.  Your  virtue  is  to  fpeak  well  of  him  whom  his  own  offences 
have  fubjedtcd  to  juilice  ;  and  to  rail  at  thofe  laws  by  which  h& 
whom  you  praife  wus  punished.  STEEVENS. 

7  I'} 'bat's  their  feck:ng?~\  I  believe  Shakefpeare  wrote  : 

What  is't  they  Mefeckizg  ? 

which  from  the  fimilarity  of  found  might  eafily  have  been  con- 
founded with  the  prevent  text.  Had  feeking  been  ufed  fubftan- 
fively,  the  anfwer  would  have  been,  not— -fur  corn — but  corn. 

MALONE. 

Mm, 


C  6  R  1  O  JL  A  N  U  S.  33£ 

Men.  For  corn  at  their  own  rates;  whereof,  they 

fay, 
The  city  is  well  flor'd. 

Mar.  Hang  'em  !  They  fay  ? 
They'll  fit  by  the  fire,  and  prefume  to  know 
What's  done  i'  the  Capitol  :  who's  like  to  rife, 
Who  thrives,  and  who  declines  :  fide  factions,  and 

give  out 

Conjectural  marriages ;  making  parties  ftrong, 
And  feebling  fuch,  as  fland  not  in  their  liking, 
Below  their  cobled  Ihoes.  They  fay,  there's  grain 

enough  ? 

Would  the  nobility  lay  afide  their  ruth  % 
And  let  me  ufe  my  fword,  9  I'd  make  a  quarry 
With   thoufands   of"  thefe  quarter'd  flaves,  as  high 
x\s  I  could  pitch  my  lance  '. 

Men.  Nay,  thefe  are  almoft  thoroughly  perfuaded ; 
For  though  abundantly  they  lack  difcretion, 
Yet  are  they  paffing  cowardly.     But,  I  befeech  you, 
What  fays  the  other  troop  ? 

Mar.  They  are  diflblv'd  :  Hang  'em  ! 
They  faid,  they  were  an-hungry  ;  figh'd  forth  pro- 
verbs ; 
That,  hunger  broke  ftone  walls ;    that,  dogs  muft 

eat  ; — 

That,  meat  was  made  for  mouths ;  that,    the  gods 
fent  not 

8  their  ruth,]  i.  e.  their  pity,  companion.     Fairfax  and 

Spenfer  often  ufe  the  word.     STEEVENS. 

9   Vd  make  a  quarry 

With  thoufands ] 

Why  a  quarry  ?  I  fuppofe,  not  becaufe  he  would  pile  them  fquare, 
but  becaufe  he  would  give  them  for  carrion  to  the  birds  of  prey. 

JOHNSON. 
So,  in  the  Miracles  of  Mofes,  by  Drayton  : 

"  And  like  a  quarry  call  them  on  the  land."     STEEVENS. 

1    pitch  my  lance.]  The  old  copy  reads— pickc  my  lance  : 

and  fo  the  word  is  ftill  pronounced  in  Staffordfhire,  where  they 
hy— pickc  me  fuch  a  thing,  that  is,  throw  any  thing  that  the 
demander  wants.  TOLLET. 

Z  2  Corn 


340  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Corn  for  the  rich  men  only  : — With  thefe  fhreds 
They  vented  their  complainings  ;  which  being  an- 

fwer'd, 

And  a  petition  granted  them,  a  flrange  one, 
(To  break  *  the  heart  of  generofky, 
And  make  bold  power  look  pale)  they  threw  their  caps 
As  they  would  hang  them  on  the  horns  o'the  moon, 
Shouting  their  emulation. 

Men.  What  is  granted  them  ? 

Mar.  Five  tribunes,  to  defend  their  vulgar  wif- 

doms, 
Of  their  own^  choice  :  One's  Junius  Brutus, 

Sicinius  Velutus,  and  I  know  not s'  death  ! 

The  rabble  fhould  have  firft  unroof  d  the  city, 
Ere  ib  prevailed  with  me  :  it  will  in  time 
Win  upon  power,  and  throw  forth  greater  themes 
For  infurreclion's  arguing. 

Men.  This  is  flrange. 

Mar.  Go,  get  you  home,  you  fragments  I 

Enter  a  Meffenger. 

Mef.  Where's  Caius  Marcius  ? 

Mar.  Here  :  What's  the  matter  ? 

Mef.  The  news  is,  fir,  the  Voices  are  in  arms. 

Mar.  I  am  glad  on't ;  then  we  mall  have  means  to 

vent 
Our  mufty  fuperfluity  : — See,  our  beft  elders. 

Enter    Commits,    Titus  Lartius,   with  other  Senators ; 
Junius  Brutus,  and  Sicinius  Velutus. 

i  Sen.  Marcius,   5  'tis  true,  that  you  have  lately 
told  us; 

The 

^  the  heart  of  generouty,]  To  give   the  final  blow  to  the 

nobles.     Gcncrojity  is  high  birth.     JoHNSO\. 
3   '  —  //.>•  true,  that  you  have  lately  told  m  ; 
The  Irolces  are  in  arms.} 

Corio- 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  341 

The  Voices  are  in  arms. 

Mar.  They  have  a  leader, 
Tullus  Aufidius,  that  will  put  you  to'f. 
I  fin  in  envying  his  nobility  : 
And  were  I  any  thing  but  what  I  am, 
I  would  wifh  me  only  he. 

Com.  You  have  fought  together. 

Mar.  Were  half  to  half  the  world  by  the  cars, 

and  he 

Upon  my  party,  Fd  revolt,  to  make 
Only  my  wars  \vith  him  :  He  is  a  lion 
That  I  am  proud  to  hunt. 

i  Sen.  Then,  worthy  Marcius, 
Attend  upon  Cominius  to  thefe  wars. 

Com.  It  is  your  former  promife. 

Mar.  Sir,  it  is  ; 

And  I  am  conftant. — Titus  Lartius,  thou 
Shalt  fee  me  once  more  .flrike  at  Tullus'  face  : 
What,  art  thou  ftiff  ?  ftand'ft  out  ? 

'Tit.  No,  Caius  Marcius  ; 

I'll  lean  upon  one  crutch,  and  fight  with  the  other, 
Ere  Hay  behind  this  bnfinefs. 

Men.  O,  true  bred  ! 

i  Sen.  Your  company  to  the  Capitol ;  where,  I 

know, 
Our  greateil:  friends  attend  us. 

'Tit.  Lead  you  on  : — 
Follow,  Cominius ;  we  muft  follow  you  ; 
Right  worthy  you  priority. 

Com.  Noble  Lartius  ! 

i  Sen.  Hence  !  To  your  homes,  be  gone, 

[70  the  Citizen's* 

Mar.  Nay,  let  them  follow  : 
The  Voices  have  much  corn  ;  take  thefe  rats  thither, 

Coriolanus  had  been  but  juil  told  himfelf  that  the  Voices  i<vre 
in  arms.  The  meaning  is,  The  intelligence  which  you  gave  us  fume 
little  time  ago  of  the  dejigns  of  the  Voices  are  nvx  CY;V/£'«  ;  tbcy 
fire  tit  arms .  JOHNSON. 

Z  3  To 


34?  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

To  gnaw  their  garners  :  —  Worfhipful  mutineers, 
*  Your  valour  puts  well  forth  :  pray,  follow'.  - 


Citizens  jleal  away.     Manen-t  Sicinius,  and  Brutus. 

Sic.  Was  ever  man  fo  proud  as  is  this  Marcius  ? 

£ru.  He  has  no  equal. 

Sic.  When  we  were  chofen  tribunes  for  the  peo- 

ple,— 

Bru.  Mark'd  you  his  lip,  and  eyes  ? 
S/c.  Nay,  but  his  taunts, 
Bru.  Being  mov'd,  he  will  not  fpare  to  5  gird  the 

gods. 

Sic.  Be-mock  the  modeft  moon. 
Em.  6  The  prefent  wars  devour  him  !   he  is  grown 

Too 

4  Tour  valour  puts  well  forth  :•  >  ]  That  is,  You  have  in 
this  mutiny  fhevvn  fair  bloflbms  of  valour.  JOHNSON. 

s  -  to  sirj,  -  ]  'To  fneer,  to  gibe.     So  Falftaff  ufes  the 
fioun,  when  he  fays,  every  man  has  a  gircl  at  me.    JOHNSON. 
6  The  prefent  wars  devour  but:  !  be  is  grown 

loo  proud  to  be  Jo  valiant.] 

Mr.  Theobald  fays,  This  is  olfcurely  exprcjjcd,  but  that  the  poet's 
meaning  muff.  certainly  be,  that  Marcins  is  Jo  ccnfcious  of,  and  fo 
(late  upon  the  notion  of  his  own  valour,  that  he  is  eaten  tip  tuitl) 
pride,  &c.  According  to  this  critick  then,  we  inuft  conclude,  that 
when  Shakefpeare  had  a  mind  to  fay,  A  man  was  eaten  up  with 
pride,  he  was  fo  great  a  blunderer  in  expreffion,  as  to  fay,  He 
was  eaten  up  with  war.  But  our  poet  wrote  at  another  rate,  and 
the  blunder  is  his  critick's.  The  prefent  wars  devour  him,  is  an 
imprecation,  and  fhould  be  fo  pointed.  As  much  as  to  fay,  May 
hefallintkcfevjars!  The  reafon  of  the  curfe  is  fubjoined,  for 
(fays  the  fpeaker)  having  fo  much  pride  with  fo  much  valour,  his 
life,  with  increafe  of  honours,  is  dangerous  to  the  republick, 
But  the  Oxford  editor  alters  it  to, 

y  oo  proud  si  being  fo  valiant. 

and  by  that  means  takes  away  the  reafon  the  fpeaker  gives  for 
Jiis  curling.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

I  am  by  no  means  convinced  that  Dr.  Warburton's  punctuation, 
pr  explanation,  is  right.  The  fenfe  may  be,  that  the  prefent  wars 
Annihilate  his  gentler  qualifies.  To  cat  up,  and  conlequently  to 


devour. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  343 

Too  proud  to  be  fo  valiant. 

Sic.  Such  a  nature, 

Tickled  with  good  fuccefs,  difdains  the  fliadow 
Which  he  treads  on  at  noon  :  But  I  do  wonder, 
His  infolence  can  brook  to  be  commanded 
Under  Cominius. 

Bru.  Fame,  at  the  which  he  aims,  — 
In  whom  already  he  is  well  grac'd,  —  cannot 
Better  be  held,  nor  more  attain'd,  than  by 
A  place  below  the  firft  :  for  what  mi  (carries 
Shall  be  the  general's  fault,  though  he  perform 
To  the  utmoft  of  a  man  ;  and  giddy  ccniurc 
Will  then  cry  out  on  Marcius,  O,  if  be 
Had  borne  the  bujlnefs  .' 

Sic.  Befides,  if  things  go  well, 
Opinion,  that  fo  flicks  on  Marcius,  Ihall 
7  Of  his  demerits  rob  Cominius. 

Bru.  Come  : 

Half  all  Cominius'  honours  are  to  Marcius, 
Though  Marcius  earn'd  them  not  ;  and  all  his  faults 
To  Mc'.rcius  fhall  be  honours,  though,  indeed, 
In  aught  he  merit  not. 

Sic.  Let's  hence,  and  hear 
How  the  difoatch  is  made  ;  and  in  what  fafhion, 


devour,  has  this  meaning.    "So,  in  the  fecond  part  cf  K. 
IV.  aft  IV.  fc.  iv  : 

But  thou   (the  crown)  rnoft  fine,  moil  honour'd,  mod 

renown  'd, 

liaji  cat  thy  learcr  up. 

He  is  grovin  ton  proud  to  lefo  valiant,  may  fignify,  his  pride  is 
fuch  as  not  to  defer  ve  the  accompany  ment  of  fo  much  valour. 

SftEVENS. 

7  Of  his  demerits  rob  Comin'nis.~\  Merits  and  Demerits  had  an- 
ciently the  fame  meaning  :  So,  \nOthello: 
-  and  my  demerits 
May  fpeak,  £c. 

Again,  in  Stowe's  Cbronkle,  cardinal  Wolfey  fays  to  his  fervants, 
"  -  1  have  not  promoted,  preferred,  and  advanced  you  all  ac- 
cording to  your  demerits"  Again,  in  P.  Holland's  tranllation  of 
PHav's  Eptjite  to  T.  faftafian,  1600:  "  —his  demerit  had  been 
fce  greater  to  luive  continued  his  ftory,"  STEEVENS. 

2i  4  More 


344  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

8  More  than  his  fingularity,  he  goes 
Upon  this  preient  adtion. 
Bru.  Let's  alon. 


. 


SCENE     II. 

tfhe  Senate-Hottfe  in  Corioli. 
Enter  ^Tullus  Aufdius?  with  Senators,, 

i  Sen.  So,  your  opinion  is,  Aufidius, 
That  they  of  Rome  are  enter'd  in  our  counfels, 
And  know  how  we  proceed. 

Auf.  Is  it  not  yours  ? 

What  ever  hath  been  thought  on  in  this  ftate, 
That  could  be  brought  to  bodily  aft  ere  Rome 
Had  circumvention  ?  JTis  not  four  days  gone  9, 
Since  I  heard  thence  ;  thefe  are  the  words  :  I  think, 
I  have  the  letter  here  ;  yes,  here  it  is  ; 
They  have  prefs'd  a  power,  but  it  is  not  known  [Pleading, 
Whether  for  eqft,  or  weft  ;  The  dearth  is  great ; 
^hc  people  mutinous  :  and  it  is  rumoured, 
Cor.:ixius,  Mardus your  old  enemy, 
(Who  is  of  Rome  worje  hated  than  of  you) 
And  Titus  Lartius,  a  mojl  valiant  Roman, 
%'befe  three  lead  on  this  preparation 
Whither  'tis  bent :  r.tofl  likely,  'tis  for  you  : 
Conf.der  of  it. 

i  Sen    Cur  army's  in  the  field  : 
We  never  yet  made  doubt  but  Rome  was  ready 
To  anfwer  us. 

Auf.  Nor  did  you  think  it  folly, 

s  Morc.than  his  Angularity,  &c.J  We  v.'ill  learn  what  he  is  to 
4o,  befides  going  himfelf;  what  are  his  powers,  and  what  is  his 
Appointment.  JOHNSON. 

9 ~^Tis  not  four  Jays  gone,]  i.  e.  four  days^«^. 

STEHVENS. 

To 


CORIOLANUS. 

To  keep  your  great  pretences  veil'd,  'till  when 
They'  needs  muft  (hew  therhfelves  ;  which  in  the 

hatching, 

It  feem'd,  appear'd  to  Rome.     By  the  difcovery, 
We  fhall  be  fhorten'd  in  our  aim;   which  was/ 
Tp  take  in  many  towns,  ere,  almoft,  Rome 
Should  know  we  were  afoot. 

1  Sen.  Noble  Aufidius, 

Take  your  commiffion  ;  hie  you  to  your  bands  ; 
Let  us  alone  to  guard  Corioli  : 
If  they  fet  down  before  us,  '  for  the  remove 
Bring  up  your  army  ;  but,  I  think,  you'll  find 
They  have  not  prepar'd  for  us. 

Auf.  O,  doubt  not  that ; 
I  fpeak  from  certainties.     Nay,  more, 
Some  parcels  of  their  power  are  forth  already, 
And  only  hitherward.     I  leave  your  honours. 
If  we  and  Caius  Marcius  chance  to  meet, 
'Tis  fworn  between  us,  we  ihall  ever  ilrike 
'Till  one  can  do  no  more. 

All.  The  gods  affifl  you  ! 

Auf.  And  keep  your  honours  fafe  ! 

I  Sen.  Farewel. 

1  —————for  the  remove 

Bring  up  your  army  ~] 

The  firft  part  of  this  fentence  is  without  meaning.  The  general 
had  told  the  fenators  that  the  Romans  had  preft  a  power,  which 
was  on  foot.  To  which  the  words  in  queftion  are  the  anfwer  of 
a  fenator.  And,  to  make  them  pertinent,  we  fhould  read  them 
thus  : 

'fore  they  remove 

Bring  up  your  army  :  ————— 

i.  e.  Before  that  power,  already  on  foot,  be  in  motion,  bring  up 
your  army  ;  then  he  corrects  himfelf,  and  fays,  but  I  believe  you 
will  find  your  intelligence  groundlefs,  the  Romans  are  not  yet 
prepared  for  us.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

I  do  not  fee  the  nonfenfe  or  impropriety  of  the  old  reading. 
Says  the  fenator  to  Aufidius,  Go  to  your  troops,  ivc  will  garrifon 
Corioli.     If  the  Romans  beliegc  us,  bring  up  your  army  to  re- 
move them.     If  any  change  fliould  be  made,  I  \vould  read  : 
for  their  remove.     Jomv»ON. 

I  Sen* 


346  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

2  Sen.  Farewel. 

All.  Farewel.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE     III. 

Calm  Marcius*  Houfe  in  Rome. 

Enter  Volumnia,  and  Vlrgllla  :  They  fit  down  on  two  low 
ftools,  and  few. 

Vol.  I  pray  you,  daughter,  fing  ;  or  exprefs  your- 
felf  in  a  more  comfortable  fort  :  If  my  fon  were 
my  hufband,  I  mould  freelier  rejoice  in  that  abfence 
wherein  he  won  honour,  than  in  the  embracements  of 
his  bed,  where  he  would  mew  moft  love.  When  yet 
he  was  but  tender-body'd,  and  the  only  fon  of  my 
womb;  when  youth  with  comelinefs  pluck'd  all  gaze 
his  way  ;  when,  for  a  day  of  king's  entreaties,  a  mo- 
ther fhouki  not  fell  him  an  hour  from  her  beholding  ; 
I,-— -confidering  how  honour  would  become  fuch  a  per- 
fon  ;  that  it  was  no  better  than  picture-like  to  hang 
by  the  wall,  if  renown  made  it  not  ftir, — was  pleas'd 
to  let  him  feek  danger  where  he  was  like  to  find  fame. 
To  a  cruel  war  I  fent  him ;  from  whence  he  return'd, 
his  1  brows  bound  with  oak  :  I  tell  thee,  daughter, — 
I  fprang  not  more  in  joy  at  firft  hearing  he  was  a  man- 
child,  than'  now  in  firft  feeing  he  had  proved  him- 
ielf  a  man. 

Vir.  But  had  he  died  in  the  buiinefs,  madam  ?  how 
then  ? 

Vol.  Then  his  good  report  mould  have  been  my 
fon  ;  I  therein  would  have  found  iffue.  Hear  me 
profefs  fincerely  : — Had  I  a  dozen  fons, — each  in  my 
love  alike,  and  none  lefs  dear  than  thine  and  my  good 

a  lro-MS  lound  ivith  oak :]  The  crown  given  by  the  Romans  to 
Mm  that  faved  the  life  of  a  citizen,  which  was  accounted  more 
honourable  than  any  other.  JOHNSON. 


CORIOLANUS.  347 

Marcius, — I  had  rather  had  eleven  die  nobly  for  their 
country,  than  one  voluptuoufly  forfeit  out  of  action. 

Enter  a  Gentlewoman. 

Gent.  Madam,  the  lady  Valeria  is  come  to  vifit  you. 

Vir.  'Befeech  you,  give  me  leave  to  retire  myfelf. 

Vol.  Indeed,  you  lhall  not. 
Methinks,  I  hither  hear  your  hufband's  drum; 
See  him  pluck  down  Aufidius  by  the  hair ; 
As  children  from  a  bear,  the  Voices  ihunning  him : 

Methinks,  I  fee  him  {tamp  thus,  and  call  thus, 

Come  on  you  cowards  ;  you  were  got  in  fear, 
Though  you  were  born  in  Rome  :  His  bloody  brow 
With  his  mail'd  hand  then  wiping,  forth  he  goes ;  » 
Like  to  a  harveft-man,  that's  taik'd  to  mow 
Or  all,  or  lofe  his  hire. 

Vir.  His  bloody  brow  !    O,  Jupiter,  no  blood  ! 

Vol.  Away,  you  fool !  it  more  becomes  a  man, 
3  Than  gilt  his  trophy  :  The  breafls  of  Hecuba, 
When  fhe  did  fuckle  Hector,  look'd  not  lovelier 
Than  Hector's  forehead,  when  it  fpit  forth  blood 
At  Grecian  fwords'  contending. — Tell  Valeria  4, 
We  are  fit  to  bid  her  welcome,  [Exit  Gcni. 

Vir.  Heavens  blefs  my  lord  from  fell  Aufidius  ! 

Vol.  He'll  beat  Aufidius'  head  below  his  knee, 
And  tread  upon  his  neck. 

3  Than  gilt  bis  trophy.  ]  Gilt  means  a  fuperficial  difplay 

of  gold,  a  word  now  obfolete.     So,  in  Hen.  V  : 

Our  gaynefs  and  our  gilt,  are  all  befmirch'd. 

STEEVEXS. 

*  At  Grecian  f-Mords  contending.  Tell  Valeria^}  The  accuracy 
of  the  editors  of  the  firft  folio  may  be  known  from  the  manner  in 
which  they  have  given  this  line  : 

4*  Grecian  fword.    Ccntenning,  tell  Valeria.    STEEVENS. 


SLnter 


348  CORIOLANUS. 


Enter  Valeria,  with  an  Ufher,  and  a  Gentlewoman. 

Val.  My  ladies  both,,  good  day  to  you.  ' 

Vol.  Sweet  madam, 

Vir.  I  am  glad  to  fee  your  lady  (hip. 

Val.  How  do  you  both  ?  you  are  manifefl  houfe- 
keepers.  What,  are  you  fewing  here  ?  A  fine  fpot,  in 
good  faith. — How  does  your  little  fon  ? 

Vir.  I  thank  your  ladyftiip  ;  well,  good  madam. 

Vol.  He  had  rather  fee  the  fvvords,  and  hear  a  drum, 
Than  look  upon  his  fchool-mafter. 

VaL  O'  my  word,  the  father's  fon  :  I'll  fwear,  'tis 
a  very  pretty  boy.  O'  my  troth,  I  lock'd  upon  him  o* 
wednefday  half  an  hour  together  :  he  has  fuch  acon- 
firm'd  countenance.  I  faw  him  run  after  a  gilded 
butterfly  ;  'and  when  he  caught  it,  he  let  it  go  again  ; 
and  after  it  again  ;  and  over  and  over  he  comes,  and 
up  again  ;  catch'd  it  again  :  or  whether  his  fall  en- 
rag'd  him,  or  how  'twas,  he  did  fo  fet  his  teeth,  and 
tear  it ;  O,  I  warrant,  how  he  mammock'd  it 5 ! 

Vol.  One  of  his  father's  moods. 

Vol.  Indeed  la,  'tis  a  noble  child. 

Vir.  A  crack,  madam 6. 

Val. 

5  mammock'd  *>.]  To  mammock  is  to  cut  in  pieces,  or  to  tear, 
So,  in  The  Devil's  Charier,   1607  : 

"  That  he  were  chop'd  in  mammocks,  I  could  eat  him." 

STEEVF.NS. 

6  A  crack,  madam.}  Thus  in  Cynthia  s  Revels  by  Ben  J  onion  : 

"  « Since  \7e  are  turn'd  cracks,  let's  iludy  to  be  like 

cracks,  acl  freely,  careleily,  and  capricioully." 
Again,  in  the  Four  Prentices  of  London,   163  2  : 
"  A  nbtable,  diffembling  lad,  a  crack." 

Crack  fignifies  a  lay  child.     See  Mr.  Tyrvvhitt's  note  on  the  firil 
of"  the  following  paflages  quoted  by  Mr.  Malone.    STEEVENS. 
This  word  is  ufed  in  the  2d  part  of  K.  Hen.  IV  :    "  — I  law  him 
break  Skogan's  head  at  the  court  gate  when  he  was  a  crack,  not 
this  high." 

Again, 


C  O  R  I  O   L  A  N  U  S.  549 

Vol.  Come,  lay  afide  your  ftitchery ;  I  muft  have 
•you  play  the  idle  hufvvife  with  me  this  afternoon. 

Vir.  No,  good  madam  ;  I  will  no.t  out  of  doors. 

Val.  Not  out  of  doors  ! 

Vol.  She  (hall,  flie  fliall. 

Vir.  Indeed,  no,  by  your  patience  :  I  will  not  over 
the  threftioid,  'till  my  lord  return  from  the  wars. 

Vol.  Fie,  you  confine  yourfelf  moft  unreafonably  : 
Come,  you  muft  go  vifit  the  good  lady  that;  lies  in. 

Vir.  I  will  wilh  her  fpeedy  flrength,  and  vifit  her 
with  my  prayers  ;  but  I  cannot  go  thither. 

Vol.  Why,  I  pray  you  ? 

Vir.  'Tis  not  to  fave  labour,  nor  that  I  want  love. 

Val.  You  would  be  another  Penelope  :  yet,  the/ 
fay,  nil  the  yarn,  ihe  fpun  in  Ulyfles*  abfence,  did 
but  fill  Ithaca  full  of  moths.  Come  ;  I  would,  your 
cambrick  were  feniible  as  your  finger,  that  you  might 
leave  pricking  it  for  pity.  Come,  you  fliall  go  with 
us. 

Vir.  No,  good  madam,  'pardon  me  ;  indeed,  I 
will  not  forth. 

Val.  In  truth  la,  go  with  me  ; ,  and  I'll  tell  you  ex- 
cellent news  of  your  hulband. 
•     Vir.  O,  good  madam,  there  can  be  none  yet. 

Val.  Verily,  I  do  not  jeft  with  you  ;  there  came 
news  from  him  laft  night. 

Vir.  Indeed,  madam  ? 

Val.  In  earneft,  it's  true  ;  I  heard  a  fenator  fpeak 
it.  Thus  it  is  : — The  Voices  have  an  army  forth  ; 
again!!  whom  Cominius  the  general  is-gone,  with  one 
part  of  our  Roman  power  :  your  lord,  and  Titus 
Lartius,  are  fet  down  before  their  city  Corioli ;  they 
nothing  doubt  prevailing,  and  to  make  it  brief  wars. 

Again,  in  May-Day,  a  comedy  by  Chapman,   161 1  : 

"  Lor.  The  page  hath  perl'uaded  himfmce,  that  it  was  but 

a  gullcry. 
"  An*.  'Tis  a  notable  crack."     MALONE. 

'    This 


350  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

This  Is  true,  on  mine  honour ;  and  fo,  I  pray,  go 
with  us. 

fir.  Give  me  excufe,  good  madam  ;  I  will  obey 
you  in  every  thing  hereafter. 

Vol.  Let  her  alone,  lady ;  as  Ihe  is  now,  ftie  will 
but  difeafe  our  better  mirth. 

Vol.  In  troth,  I  think,  Ihe  would  : — Fare  you  well 
then. — Come,  good  fweet  lady. — Pry'thee,  Virgilia, 
turn  thy  folemnnefs  out  o'  door,  and  go  along  with  us. 

Vlr.  No  :  at  a  word,  madam  ;  indeed,  I  muft  not. 
I  wiih  you  much  mirth. 

Val.  Well,  then  farewel.  [Exeunt* 

S  C  E.N  E    IV. 

Before  Corioli. 

Enter  Marcius,  Titus  Lartius,    with  Drum  and  Colours, 
Captains  and  Soldiers*     To  them  a  MeJJenger. 

Mar.  Yonder  comes  news  : — A  wager,  they  have 
met. 

Lart.  My  horfe  to  yours,  no. 

Mar.  'Tis  done, 

Lart.  Agreed. 

Mar.  Say,  has  our  general  met  the  enemy  ? 

Mef.  They  lie  in  view ;  but  have  not  fpoke  as  yet. 

Lart.  So,  the  good  horfe  is  mine. 

Mar.  I'll  buy  him  of  you. 

Lart.  No,  I'll  not  fell,  nor  give  him  :  lend  you 

him,  I  will, 
For  half  a  hundred  years. — Summon  the  town. 

Mar.  How  far  off  lie  thefe  armies  ? 

Mef.  Within  this  mile  and  half. 

Mar.  Then  fhall  we  hear  their  'larum,  and  they  ours* 
Now,  Mars,  I  pr'ythee,  make  us  quick  in  work  ; 
That  we  with  fmoking  fwords  may  march  from  hence, 
To  help  our  fielded  friends ! — Come,  blow  thy  blaft. 

They 


CORIOLANUS. 


35* 


¥hey  found  a  parley*    Enter  Senators,  zvilb  others,  on  tbe 

walls. 

Tullus  Aufidius,  is  he  within  your  walls  ? 

i  Sen.  No, 7  nor  a  man  that  fears  you  lefs  than  he, 
That's  leffer  than  a  little.     Hark,  our  drums 

[Drum  afar  off. 

Are  bringing  forth  our  youth  :  We'll  break  our  walls, 
Rather  than  they  lhall  pound  us  up  :  our  gates, 
Which  yet  feem  fhutywe  have  but  pinn'd  with  rufhes ; 
They'll  open  of  themfelves.     Hark  you,  far  off; 

[Alarum,  far  of. 

There  is  Aufidius  :  lift,  what  work  he  makes 
Amongft  your  cloven  army. 

Mar.  O,  they  are  at  it ! 

Lart.  Their  noife  be  our  inftrudtion. — Ladders,  ho ! 

Enter  tie  Pokes.     . 

Mar.  They  fear  us  not,  but  iffue  forth  their  city. 
Now  put  your  ihields  before  your  hearts,  and  fight 
With  hearts  more   proof  than  Ihields. — Advance, 

brave  Titus  : 

They  do  difdain  us  much  beyond  our  thoughts, 
Which  makes  me  fweat  with  wrath. — Come,  on  my 

fellows  ; 

He  that  retires,  I'll  take  him  for  a  Voice, 
And  he  lhall  feel  mine  edge. 

[Alarum  ;  the  Romans  beat  back  to  their  trenchesl 

7  nor  a  man  that  fears  you  lefs  than  bey 

That's  lejjer  than  a  little. ] 

The  fenfe  requires  it  to  be  read  : 

—  nor  a  man  that  fears  you  more  than  be  ; 

Or,  mare  probably  : 

-nor  a  man  but  fears  you  lefs  than  be> 

That's  lejjer  than  a  little. — •—     JOHNSON. 


Re-enter 


352.  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 


Re-enter  Marcius  *. 

Mar.  All  the  contagion  of  the  fouth  light  on  you, 
You  fliames  of  Rome,   you  !    Herds  of  boils  and 

plagues 

Flatter  you  o'er  ;  that  you  may  be  abhorr'd 
Farther  than  feen,  and  one  infedt  another 
Againft  the  wind  a  mile  !  You  fouls  of  geefe, 
That  bear  the  lhapes  of  men,  how  have  you  run 
From  Haves  that  apes  would  beat  ?  Pluto  and  hell  ! 
All  hurt  behind  ;  backs  red,  and  faces  pale 
With    flight  and  agued  fear  !    Mend,   and  charge 

home, 

Or,  by  the  fires  of  heaven,  I'll  leave  the  foe, 
And  make  my  wars  on  you  :  look  to't  :  Come  on  ; 
If  you'll  ftand  faft,  well  beat  them  to  their  wives, 
As  they  us  to  our  trenches  followed. 

Another  Alarum ,  and  Marcius  follows  them  to  the  gates. 

So,  now  the  gates  are  ope : — Now  prove  good  feconds : 
'Tis  for  the  followers  fortune  widens  them, 
Not  for  the  fliers :  Mark  me,  and  do  the  like. 

[He  enters  the  gates. 

1  SoL  Fool  hardinefs ;  not  I. 

2  Sol.  Norl. 

3  Sol.  See,  they  have  fliut  him  in. 

[Alarum  continues. 
All.  To  the  pot,  I  warrant  him. 

Enter  I'itus  Lartius. 

Lart.  What  is  become  of  Marcius  ?• 
AH.  Slain,  fir,  doubtlefs. 
i  Sol.  Following  the  fliers  at  the  very  heels, 
With  them  he  enters  :  who,  upon  the  fudden, 

*  Re-Enter  Mardui,~\   The  old  copy  reads— Enter  Marciui 
cnrjing.    STEEVENS. 

Claps 


C  6  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  Si  353 

Clapt  to  their  gates ;   he  is  himfelf  alone, 
To  anfwer  all  the  city. 

Lor?*  O  noble  fellow  ! 

8  Who,  fenfible,  out-dares  his  fenfelefs  fword, 
And,  when  it  bows,  Hands  up  !  Thou  art  left,  Mar* 

cius  : 

A  carbuncle  entire,  as  big  as  thou  art, 
"Were  not  fo  rich  a  jewel.     Thou  waft  a  foldier 
Even  to  9  Cato's  wifh  :  not  fierce  and  terrible 
Only  in  (trokcs  ;  but,  with  thy  grim  looks,  and 
The  thunder-like  percufiion  of  thy  founds, 
Thou  mad'ii  thine  enemies  fhake,  as  if  the  world 
Were  feverous,  and  did  tremble. 

Re-enter  Mar  cm  bleeding,  ajfaultul  by  tks  enemy '. 

i  Sol.  Look,  fir. 
Lart.  O,  'tis  Marcius : 
Let's  fetch  him  off,  or  l  make  remain  alike. 

[They  fight)  and  all  enter  the  city; 

8  Who,  fenfible)  cut-fares ]  The  old  editions  read : 

Who  fenlibly  out-darts 
Thlrlby  reads : 

IVljo^  fenfible,   outdoes  bis  fenfelefs  fiuord. 

He  is  followed  by  the  later  editors,  but  I  have  taken  only  half  his 
correction.  JOHNSON. 

The  thought  feems  to  have  been  adopted  from  Sidney's  Arcadia^ 
edit.  1633,  p.  293  : 

"  Their  very  armour  by  piece-meale  fell  away  from  them  : 
and  yet  their  flcfu  abode  the  wounds  conftaatly,  as  though  it  were 
lefle  fenfible  of  fmart  than  the  fenfelefie  armour,  £c." 

STEEVENS. 

9  —Cato's  vjijb: ]   In  the  old  editions  it  was  : 

Calvus'  -Mijb : 

Plutarch,  in  the  Life  of  Coriclanus,  relates  this  as  the  opinion  of 
Cato  the  Elder,  that  a  great  foldier  fhould  carry  te'rrour  in  his 
looks  and  tone  of  voice  ;  and  the  poet,  hereby  following  the  hif- 
torian,  is  fallen  into  a  great  chronological  impropriety. 

THEOBALD. 

1   —  make  remain ]  Is  an  old  manner  of  fpeakingf  which 

means  no  more  than  remain,     HANMER, 

VOL.  VII,  A  a  SCENE 


354  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S, 

SCENE      V. 

Within  the  to^n. 
Enter  certain  R.omans,  with  fpolls. 

1  Ren:.  This  will  I  carry  to  Rome. 

2  Rcm.  And  I  this. 

3  Rom.  A  murrain  on't !   I  took  this  for  filver. 

\_Alart;m  continues  fiill  afar  off. 

Enter  Marcius^  and  Titm  Lartius,  with  a  trumpet. 

Mar.  See  here  thefe  movers,  that  do  *  prize  their 

hours 

At  a  crack'd  drachm  !   Cushions,,  leaden  fpoons, 
Irons  of  a  doit,  doublets  that  hangmen  would 
Bury  with  thofe  that  wore  them,  thefe  bafe  Haves, 
Ere  yet  the  fight  be  done,  pack  up  : — Down  with 

them. — 
And   hark,    what  noile   the  general  makes ! — To 

him  : — — 

There  is  the  man  of  my  foul's  hate,  Aufidius, 
Piercing  our  Romans  :  Then,  valiant  Titus,  take 
Convenient  numbers  to  make  good  the  city  ; 
Whilft  I,  with  thofe  that  have  the  fpirit,  will  hafte 
To  help  Cominius. 

Lart.  Worthy  fir,  thou  blcedTt ; 

a   -         i  —prize  their  honours]  In  the  firil  edition  it  is, 

—prize  their  hours. 

I  know  not  who  corre&eu  it.  A  modern  editor,  who  had  made 
fuch  an  improvement,  would  have  fpent  half  a  page  in  oilenta- 
tion  of  his  fagacity.  JOHNSON. 

Yet  the  old  reading  is  perhaps  right,  and  may  bear  this  fenfe. 
Coriolanus  blames    the  Roman   foldiers  only  for  wailing  their 
time  in  packing  up  trifles  of  fuch  fmall  value. 
So,  in  fir  Tho.  North's  Tmnflatioa  Of  Plutarch ; 

— he  cried,  it  was  110  time  now  to  looke  after  fpoil,  &c." 

NS. 

Thy 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  8.  355 

Thy  exercife  hath  been  too  violent  for 
A  fecond  courie  of  fight. 

Mar.  Sir,  praife  me  not : 

My  work  hath  yet  not  warm'd  me  :  Fare  you  well* 
The  blood  I  drop  is  rather  phyfical 
Than  dangerous  to  me  :  To  Aufidius  thus 
I  will  appear,  and  fight, 

Lart.  Now  the  fair  goddefs,  Fortune, 
Fall  deep  in  love  with  thee  ;   and  her  great  charms 
Mifguide  thy  oppofers'  fwords !  Bold  gentleman, 
Prosperity  be  thy  page  ! 

Mar.  Thy  friend  no  lefs 
Than  thofe  fhe  places  higheft  !  So,  farewel. 

Lart.  Thou  worthieft  Marcius  I—- 
Go, found  thy  trumpet  in  the  market-place  j 
(Tall  thither. all  the  officers  of  the  town, 
Where  they  lhall  know  our  mind  :  Away.      [Exeunt, 

SCENE      VI. 

The  Roman  Camp* 
Enter  Cominius  retreating,  with  foldiers. 

Com.  Breathe   you,    my   friends ;    well  fought : 

we  are  come  off 

Like  Romans,  neither  foolifh  in  our  {lands, 
Nor  cowardly  in  retire  :  believe  me,  firs, 
We  lhall  be  charg'd  again.     Whiles  we  have  ftruck, 
By  interims,  and  conveying  gufts,  we  have  heard 
The  charges  of  our  friends  : — J  Ye  Roman  gods, 
Lead  their  fuccefles  as  we  wilh  our  own  ; 

*  The  Roman  gods,  &c. 
That  both  our  powers 

May  give  you  thankful facrifice  I ] 

This  is  an  addrefs  and  invocation  to  them,  therefore  we  fhould 
read: 

'•  -Ye  R«man  gods.    WARBURTON. 

A  a  2  That 


356  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

That  both  our  powers,  with  fmiling  fronts  encoun* 
tring, 

Enter  a  MeJJenger* 

May  give  you  thankful  facrifice  ! — Thy  news  ? 

Mef.  The  citizens  of  Corioli  have  iflued, 
And  given  to  Lartius  and  to  Marcius  battle  : 
I  faw  our  party  to  the  trenches  driven, 
And  then  I  came  away. 

Com.  Though  thou  fpeak'fl  truth, 
Mctliinks,  thou  fpeak'il  not  well.      How  long  is't 
fince  ? 

Mef.  Above  an  hour,  my  lord. 

Com.  'Tis  not    a  mile  ;    briefly    we  heard  their 

drums  : 

How  could'ft  thou  in  a  mile  confound  an  hour  *, 
And  bring  thy  news  fo  late  ? 

Mef.  Spies  of  the  Voices 
Held  me  in  chafe,  that  I  was  forc'd  to  wheel 
Three  or  four  miles  about  ;  clfe  had  I,  fir, 
Half  an  hour  fince  brought  my  report. 

Enter  Marcius. 

Com.  Who's  yonder, 

That  does  appear  as  he  were  flead  ?  O  gods  ! 
He  has  the  ftamp  of  Marcius ;  and  I  have 
Before-time  feen  him  thus. 

Mar.  Come  I  too  late  ? 

Com,  The  ihepherd  knows  not  thunder  from  a 
tabor, 

3  Confound  an  bour,~\  Confounds  here  ufed  not  in  its  common 
acceptation,  but  in  the  fenfe  of— to  expend.     Conterere  tempus. 

MALONE. 
So,  m  K.  Henry  IV.  Part  I.  a£  I.  fc.  iii : 

He  did  confound  the'  beft  part  of  an  hour,  &c. 

STEEVENS. 

More 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  357 

More  than  I  know  the  found  of  Marcius*  tongue 
From  every  meaner  man's. 

Mar.  Come  I  too  late  ? 

Com.  Ay,  if  you  come  not  in  the  blood  of  others, 
But  mantled  in  your  own. 

Mar.  O  !  let  me  clip  yon 
In  arms  as  found,  as  when  I  woo'd  ;  in  heart 
As  merry,  as  when  our  nuptial  day  was  done, 
And  tapers  burnt  to  bedward4. 

Com.  Flower  of  warriors, 
How  is't  with  Titus  Lartius  ? 

Mar.  As  with  a  man  bufied  about  decrees  : 
Condemning  fome  to  death,  and  fome  to  exile  ; 
5  Ranfoming  him,  or  pitying,  threatening  the  other ; 
Holding  Corioli  in  the  name  of  Rome, 
Even  like  a  fawning  greyhound  in  the  learn, 
To  let  him  flip  at  will. 

Com.  Where  is  that  flave, 

Which  told  me  they  had  beat  you  to  your  trenches  ? 
Where  is  he  ?  Call  him  hither. 

Mar.  Let  him  alone, 

He  did  inform  the  truth  :  But  for  our  gentlemen, 
The  common  file,  (A  plague !  Tribunes  for  them  !) 
The  moufe  ne'er  Ihunn'd  the  cat,  as 'they  did  budge 
From  rafcals  worfe  than  they. 

Com.  But  how  prevail'd  you  ? 

Mar.  Will  the  time  ferve  to  tell  ?  I  do  not  think — 
Where  is  the  enemy  ?  Are  you  lords  o'  the  field  ? 
If  not,  why  ceafe  you  'till  you  are  fo  ? 

Com.  Marcius,  we  have  at  difadvantage  fought, 
And  did  retire,  to  win  our  purpofe. 

Mar.  How  lies  their  battle  ?  Know  you  on  what 
fide6 

They 

*  ——to  bedward.]     So,  in  Allumazar,  1610: 

"  Sweats  hourly  for  a  diy  brown  cruft  to  ledward" 

STEEVENS. 

3  Ranfomivg  him,  or  pitying, ]  i.  e.  remitting  bis  ranfom. 

JOHNSON. 

*  __  CM.  i'.'!<<;t  f.Je  Sec.]  So,  in  the  old  tranflation  of  Plutarch  ; 

A  a  3  "  Mar. 


35S  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

They  have  plac'd  their  men  of  truft  ? 

Com.  As  I  guefs,  Marcius, 
Their  bands  i'  the  vaward  are  the  Antiates  7, 
Of  their  beft  trufl :  o'er  them  Aufidius, 
Their  very  heart  of  hope. 

Mar.  I  do  befeech  you, 
By  all  the  battles  wherein  we  have  fought, 
By  the  blood  we  have  fhed  together,  by  the  vows 
We  have  made  to  endure  friends,  that  you  diredtly 
Set  me  againft  Aufidius,  and  his  Antiates  : 
*  And  that  you  not  delay  the  prefent ;  but, 
Filling  the  air  with  9  fwords  advanc'd,  and  darts4 
We  prove  this  very  hour. 

Com.  Though  I  could  wifh 
You  were  conducted  to  a  gentle  bath, 
And  balms  applied  to  you,  yet  dare  I  never 
Deny  your  asking ;  take  your  choice  of  thofe 
That  beft  can  aid  your  adtion. 

Mar,  Thofe  are  they 

That  moft  are  willing  : — If  any  fuch  be  here, 
(As  it  were  fin  to  doubt)  that  love  this  painting 
Wherein  you  fee  me  fmear'd  ;  if  any  fear 


"  Martius  alked  him  howe  the  order  of  their  enemies  battcll 
was,  and  on  which  fide  they  had  placed  their  bed  fighting  men. 
The  conful  made  him  aunfwer  that  he  thought  the  bandes  which, 
were  in  the  vaward  of  their  battell,  were  thofe  of  the  Antiates, 
whom  they  efteerned  to  be  the  warlikeft  men,  and  which  for  va- 
liant corage  would  geve  no  place  to  any  of  the  hofte  of  their 
enemies.  Then  prayed  Martins  to  be  let  directly  againft  them. 
The  couful  graunted  him,  greatly  pray  ring  his  corage." 

STEEVENS. 

7  Antiates]  The  old  copy  reads — A?itients,  which  might 

mean  veterans ;  but  a  fallowing  line,  as  well  as  the  previous  quo- 
tation, feems  to  prove  Antiates  to  be  the  proper  reading.     "  Set 
ime  againft  Aufidius  and  his  Antiatcs"     STEEVENS. 

8  And  that  you  not  delay  the  prefent  %  -j— —  ]  Delay,  for  let  flip. 

WAR  BURTON. 

advanc'J)  •      •  ••  ]  That  is,  fwords   lifted  high. 
JOHNSON, 

Leffer 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  3j9 

Lefler  his  pcrfon  than  an  ill  report '  ; 
If  any  think,  brave  death  outweighs  bad  life, 
And  that  his  country's  dearer  than  himfelf; 
Let  him,  alone,  or  fo  many,  fo  minded, 

avcthus,  to  exprefs  his  difpofuion, 

'    follow  Marcius.  \jydvlng  his  band. 

[fTbey  all  Jhcut,  and.  "Jvave  their  fwords,  take  him 

tip  in  tbcir  arms,  and  raft  v.p  their  caps* 
,O  me,  alone  !  Make  you  a  fw.orcl  of  me  ? 
If  thefc  fhe;vs  be  not  outward,  xvhich  of  you 
But  is  four  Voices  ?  None  of-  you,  but  is 
Able  to  bear  againft  the  great  Aufidius 
A  fhield  as  hard  as  his.     A  certain  number, 
Though  ftafcks  to  all,  muft  I  feled  from  all  : 
The  reft  fhall  bear  the  bufinefs  in  fome  other  fight, 
As  caufe  will  be  obey'd,     *  Pkafe  you  to  march  ; 

And 

1  Lef]£;  ty ;  per/on  than  an  ill  report;]  The  old  copy  has  leffe*,-, 
1  fufpecl  the  authour  wrote  : 

Lefs  /«*his  perfon  than  in  ill  report.     MALONE. 
a    P  leaf e  you  to  march, 

And  tourjball  quickly  dravi  out  my  command^ 

Which  men  arc  btft  indind.~\ 

I  cannot  but  fufpeft  this  paflage  of  corruption.  Why  flioulJ  they 
march,  that  four  might  felecl  thofe  that  were  beft  inclined  f  How 
would  their  inclinations  be  known  f  Who  were  the  four  that 
fhould  (ele&  them  ?  Perhaps,  we  may  read  : 

Pkafc you  to  march*. 

And  tezrjball  quickly  dravj  out  of  my  command \ 

ll-'hich  men  are  leaft  ia.clin'd. 

It  is  cafy  to  conceive  that,  by  a  little  negligence,  fear  might  be 
changed  to/0#r,  and  leaft  to  heft.  Let  us  march,  and  that  fear 
which  incites  defertion  will  free  my  army  from  cowards. 

JOHNSON. 
The  author  of  the  Me-vifal  thinks  the  poet  wrote  : 

"  And  fo  I  thall  quickly  draw  out."  &c. 

Some  fenfe,  however,  may  be  extorted  from  the  ancient  reading. 
Coriclanus  may  mean  that  as  all  the  foldiers  have  offered  to  at- 
tend him  on  this  expedition,  and  he  wants  only  a  part  of  them, 
he  will  fubmit  the  feleclion  to  four  indifferent  perfons,  that  he 
fcinifelf  may  efcape  the  charge  of  partiality.  If  this  be  the  drift 
A  a  4  of 


360  CORIOLANUS* 

And  four  Ihall  quickly  draw  out  my  command, 
Which  men  are  beft  inclin'd. 

Com.  March  on,  my  fellows  : 
Make  good  this  oftentation,  and  you  fhall 
Pivide  in  all  with  us.  [Exeunt  ± 

SCENE      VII. 

The  Gates  of  Goriolu 

Tfittts  Lartius,  laving  fet  a  guard  upon  Corioli,  going 
with  a  drum  and  trumpet  toward  Cominius  and  Cams 
Martins,  enters  with  a  lieutenant,  other  foldiers,  and 
a  fcout. 

Lart.  So,  let  the  ports J  be  guarded  :  Keep  your 

duties, 

As  I  have  fet  them  down.     If  I  do  fend,  rlifpatch 
Thofe  centuries  to  our  aid  ;  the  reft  will  ferve 
For  a  fhort  holding  :  if  we  lofe  the  field, 
"We  cannot  keep  the  town, 

Lieu.  Fear  not  our  care,  fir. 

Lart.  Hence,  and  Ihut  your  gates  upon  us. — 
Our  guidcr,  come  ;  to  the  Roman  camp  conduft  us. 

[Exeunt* 

of  Shakcfpeare,  he  has  exprefTed  it  with  uncommon  obfcurity. 
The  old  tranflation  of  Plutarch  only  fays,  "  Wherefore,  with 
thofe  that  willingly  offered  themfelves  to  followe  him,  he  went 
out  of  thecittie."  STEEVENS. 

If  we  Ihould  read  forth  inftead  of  four,  forth  cannot  fignify 
forthwith,  but  advancing  forward. 

Something  like  this  expreffion  occurs  in  K.  Richard  HI  : 
Are  you  drawn  forth   from  out  a  world  of  men. 

TOLLET. 

3  7- — the  ports]  i.  e.  th^  gates.    STEEVENS, 


SCENE 


CORIOLANUS.  36r 

SCENE      VIII. 

Ti:e  Field  of  P. 
Alarum.     Enter  Mareit:s9  end  Aitfidius.  ' 

Mar.  I'll  fight  with  none  but  thec ;  for  I  do  hate 

thee 
Worfe  than  a  promife-brcaker. 

Auf.  We  hate  alike  ; 
Not  Africk  owns  a  ferpent,  I  abhor 
More  than  thy  fame  and  envy  :  Fix  thy  foot. 

.Mzr.  Let  the  firft  budger  die  the  other's  Have, 
And  the  gods  doom  him  after  ! 

Auf.  If  I  fly,  Marcius, 
Halloo  me  like  a  hare. 

Mar.  Within  thefe  three  hours,  Tullus, 
Alone  I  fought  in  your  Corioli  walls, 
And  made  what  work  I  pieas'd  :  'Tis  not  my  bloody 
Wherein  thou  feeft  me  maik'd  ;  for  thy  revenue, 
Wrench  up  thy  power  to  the  higheft. 

Auf.  4  Wen  thou  the  Hedtor, 
That  was  the  whip  of  your  bragg'd  progeny, 
Thou  ihould'ft  not  fcape  me  here. — 

[Here  tbey  fight,  and  certain  Voices  come  ta 
the  aid  of  Aufidius.  Marcius  figbts  till  tbey 
be  driven  in  bredtklefs* 

*  Wert  tlou  the  HeRor, 

That  ^'as  the  whip  of  your  bragged  progeny,"] 
The  Romans  boafted  themielves  defcended  from  the  Trojans;  how 
then  vfras  Hector  the  ivbip  of  their  progeny  ?  It  muft  mean  the  whip 
;vith  which  the  Trojans  Icourged  the  Greeks,  which   cannot  be 
but  by  a  very  unufual  conftruclion,  or  the  authour  muft  have  for- 
gotten the  original  of  the  Romans  j   unlels  ^ii-bip  has  fome  mean- 
;ng  which  includes  advantage  or  fnperlority,  as  we  fay,  he  has  the 
whip  hand,  for  be  has  the  advantage.     JOHNSON. 
Schoolboys  at  this  day  ufe  a  fimilar  expreffion  :  — 

"  He  is  the  crack  of  the  fchool."    MALONE. 

Offi- 


362  CORIOLANUS. 

Officious,  and  not  valiant ! — *  you  have  fham'd  me 
In  your  condemned  feconds.  [Exeunt  fighting. 

SCENE      IX. 

The  Roman  Camp. 

Alarum.  A  retreat  is  founded.  Enter  at  'one 
door,  Cominius  with  the  Romans  ;  at  another  door, 
Marcius,  with  his  arm  in  a  fcarf,  &c. 

Com.  If  I  fhould  tell  thee'o'er  this  thy  day's  work, 
Thou'lt  not  believe  thy  deeds  :  but  I'll  report  it, 

s  you  bavejham'j  me 

In  your  condemned  fcconds.~\ 

For  condemned,  we  may  read  contemned.     You  have,, to  my  fhame, 
fent  me  help  which  I  defpifc.     JOHNSON. 

Why  may  we  not  as  well  be  contented  with  the  old  reading, 
and  explain  it,  Tou  have,  to  my  fiame,  fent  me  help,  which  I  mujl 
condemn  as  intrujive,  in/lead  of  applauding  it  as  nccejjary  ? 

STEEVENS. 

*  If  I  jhould  tell  tbce  &C.]  So,  in  the  old  tranflation  of  Plu- 
tarch: "  There  the  conful  Cominius  going  vp  to  his  chayer  of 
Hate,  in  the  prefence  of  the  whole  armie,  gaue  thankes  to  the 
goddes  for  fo  great,  glorious,  and  profperous  a  vi&orie  :  then  he 
fyake  to  Martius,  whofe  valliantnes  he  commended  beyond  the 
inoone,  both  for  that  he  him  felfe  fawe  him  doe  with  his  eyes, 
as  alfo  for  that  Martius  had  reported  vnto  him.  So  in  the  ende 
he  willed  Martius,  he  fhould  choofe  out  of  all  the  horfes  they  had 
taken  of  their  enemies,  and  of  all  the  goodes  they  had  wonne 
(whereof  there  was  great  ilore)  tenne  of  euery  forte  which  he 
liked  beft,  before  any  diftribution  fhould  be  made  to  other.  Be- 
fides  this  great  honorable  offer  he  had  made  him,  he  gaue  him 
in  teftimonie  that  he  had  wonne  that  daye  the  price  of  prowes  a- 
boue  all  other,  a  goodly  horfe  with  a  capparifon,  and  all  furni- 
ture to  him  :  which  the  whole  armie  beholding,  dyd  marveloully 
praife  and  commend.  But  Martius  flopping  forth,  told  the  con- 
ful, he  moft  thar.ckefully  accepted  the  giite  of  his  horfe,  and 
was  a  glad  man  belides,  that  his  feruice  had  deferred  his  generalls 
commendation  :  and  as  for  his  other  offer,  which  was  rather  a 
mercenary  reward,  than  an  honourable  rcccmpcnce,  he  would 
none  of  it,  but  was  contented  to  haue  his  equall  parte  with  other 
fouldiers."  BTEEVENS. 

Where 


CORIOLANUS.  3^3 

Where  fenators  fhall  mingle  tears  with  fnailes ; 
Where  great  patricians  fhall  attend,  and  fhrug, 
I*  the  end,  admire  ;  where  ladies  fhall  be  frighted, 

7  And,  gladly  quak'd,  hear  more  ;  where  the  dull  Tri- 

bunes, 

That,  with  the  fufty  plebeians,  hate  thine  honours, 
Shall  fay,  againft  their  hearts, — We  thank  the  gods^ 
Our  Rome  hatb  fuch  a  foldier  /— 
Yet  canvft  thou  to  a  morfel  of  this  feaft, 
Having  fully  din'd  before. 

Enter  Tiius  Lartius,  with  its  power,  from  tie  purfmt.  ' 

Lart.  O  general, 

8  Here  is  the  fleed,  we  the  caparifons  ! 
Had'ft  thou  beheld— 

Mar.  Pray  nov/,  no  more  :  my  mother, 
Who  has  9  a  charter  to  extol  her  blood, 
When  fhe  docs  praife  me,  grieves  me. 
3  have  done  as  you  have  done  ;  that's,  what  I  can  : 
Induc'd,  as  you  have  been  ;  that's  for  my  country  : 
He,  that  has  but  effedted  his  good  will, 
Hath  overta'en  mine  aft. 

Com.  You  fhall  not  be 

The  grave  of  your  defcrving ;  Rome  mufl  know 
The  value  of  her  own  :  'twere  a  concealment 
Worfe  than  a  theft,  no  lefs  than  a  traducement, 
To  hide  your  doings  ;  and  to  filence  that, 

7  And,  gladly  quatfd, ]  i.e.  thrown  into  grateful  trepida- 
tion. 

To  quake  is  ufed  likewife  as  a  verb  a&ive  by  T.  Heyvvood,  in 
his  Silver  Age,   1613  : 

"  — We'll  quake  them  at  that  bar 

"  Where  all  fouls  wait  for  fentence."     STEF.VENS. 

8  Here  is  the  fteed,  ive  the  caparifons  /]   This  is  an  odd  enco- 
mium.     The  meaning  is,  this  man  performed  the  afHont  and  we 
fitly  filled  up  the  fooiv .     JOHNSON. 

9  — —  a  charter  to  extol         ]  A  privilege  to  praife  her  own  fon, 

JOHNSON. 

Which, 


364  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Which,  to  the  fpire  and  top  of  praifes  vouch'd, 
Would  feem  but  modeft  :  Therefore,  I  befeech  you, 
(In  iign  of  what  you  are,  not  to  reward 
What  you  have  done)  before  our  army  hear  me. 

Mxr.  I  have  fome  wounds  upon  me,  and  they  fmart 
To  hear  themfelves  remembered. 

Com.  l  Should  they  not, 
Well  might  they  fefter  'gainft  ingratitude, 
And  tent  themfelves  with  death.     Of  all  the  horfes, 
(Whereof  we  have  ta'en  good,  and  good  {tore)  of  all 
The  treafure,  in  the  field  atchiev'd,  and  city, 
We  render  you  the  tenth  ;  to  be  ta'en  forth, 
Befpre  the  common  diftribution,  at 
Your  only  choice. 

Mar.  I  thank  you,  general ; 
But  cannot  make  my  heart  confent  to  take 
A  bribe,  to  pay  my  fword  :  I  do  refufe  it ; 
And  fland  upon  my  common  part  with  thofe 
That  have  beheld  the  doing. 

\_A  long  flourijb,  'They  all  cry.,  Marc  his  !  Marcius  ! 
caft  up  their  caps  and  lances  :  Comimus,  and  Lar* 
tiuSj  fland  bars. 

Mar.  May  thefe  fame  infiruments,  which  you  pro- 
fane, 

Never  found  more !  *  When  drums  and  trumpets  fhall 

1'th' 

1  Should  they  nol^\  That  is,  not  be  remembered.     JOHNSON. 
£  W~h:~  drums  and  trumpets  Jball  &c.]  In  the  old  copy  : 

_.  when  drums  and  trumpets  foal!, 

F  the  field,  prove  flatterers,  let  courts  and  cities 

Be  made  all  of  falfe-fac'd foothing. 

When  ficcl  grows  foft  as  we  partffite  s.Jttk, 

Let  him  le  made  an  overture  for  the  wars : 

All  here  is  miferably  corrupt  and  disjointed.     \Ve  (hould  read  the 
whole  thus  : 

. when  drums  and  trumpets  flail, 

T  th*  field  prove  flatterers,  let  camps,  as  cities, 

Be  made  of  falfe-fac\l fettling  '.    When  ficcl  grows 

Soft  as  the  parajite'sjllk,  let  hymns  le  made 

rfn  overture  fcr  the  v:ars ,' 

The 


CORIOLANUS.  565 

I*  the  field  prove  flatterers,  let  courts  and  cities  be 

Made  all  of  falfe-fac'd  foothing  !  When  fleel  gro\vs 

Soft  as  the  parafite's  filk,  let  him  be  made 

A  coverture  for  the  v/ars  ! — No  more,  I  fay  ; 

For  that  I  have  not  wafh'd  my  nofe  that  bled, 

Or  foil'd  fome  debile  wretch, — which,  without  note, 

Here's  many  elfe  have  done, — you  ftiout  me  forth 

In  acclamations  hyperbolical  ; 

As  if  I  lov'd  my  little  fliould  be  dieted 

In  praifes  fauc'd  with  lyes. 

Com.  Too  inodcfl  are  you  ; 
More  cruel  to  your  good  report,  than  grateful 
To  us  that  give  you  truly  :  by  your  patience, 

The  thought  is  this,  If  one  thing  changes  its  ufual  nature  to  a, 
thing  moft  oppolite,  there  is  no  reafon  but  that  all  the  reft  which 
depend  on  it  fhouiu  clo  fo  too.  [If  drums  and  trumpets  prove 
flattere^,  let  the  camp  bear,  the  falle  face  of  the  city.]  And  if 
another  changes  its  utiutl  nature,  that  its  oppofite  fliould  do  fo  too. 
£When  fteel  foftens  to  the  condition  of  the  parafite's  filk,  the 
peaceful  hymns  of  devotion  fhould  be  employed  to  excite  to  the 
charge.]  Now,  in  the  firft  inftance,  the  thought,  in  the  com- 
mon reading  was  entirely  loft -by  putting  in  courts  for  camps:  and 
the  latter  miferably  involved  iu  uonfenfe  by  blundering  hymns  into 
him.  WAR  EUR  TON. 

The  firft  part  of  the  paflage  has  been  altered,  in  my  opinion, 
unneceffarily  by  Dr.  Warbui  ton  ;  and  the  latter  not  fo  happily,  I 
think,  as  he  often  conjectures.  In  the  latter  part,  which  only  I 
mean  to  confider,  inftead  of,  him,  (an  evident  corruption)  he 
fubftitutes  hymns;  which  perhaps  may  palliate,  but  certainly  has 
not  cured,  the  wounds  of  the  lentence.  I  would  propofe  an  al- 
teration of  two  words : 

" when  fteel  grows 

"  Soft  as  the  parafite's  filk,  let  this  [i.  e.  filk]  be  made 
"  A  coverture  for  the  wars  !" 

The  fenfe  will  then  be  apt  and  complete.     Wlxn  fteel  grows  foft 
as  filk,  let  armour  le  made  of  filk  hi/lead  of  fteel.     TYRWHITT. 

It  fhould  be  remembered,  that  the  perfonal  him,  is  not  unfre- 
quently  ufed  by  our  author,  and  other  writers  of  his  age,  inftead 
of  it,  the  neuter;  and  that  overture,  in  its  mufical  fenfe,  is  not 
fo  ancient  as  the  age  of  Shakefpeare.  What  Martial  has  faid  of 
Mutius  Scsevola,  may  however  be  applied  to  Dr.  Warburton's 
propofed  emendation  : 

Si  non  erraffet,  fecerat  ilk  minus.    STEEVENS, 

If 


336  CORIOLANUS. 

If  'gainfl  yourfelf  you  be  incens'd,  we'll  put  you 
(Like  one  that  means  his  proper  harm)  in  manacles, 
The_n    reafon   fafely  with  you. — Therefore,    be    it 

known, 

As  to  us,  to  all  the  world,  that  Caius  Marcius 
"Wears  this  war's  garland  :  in  token  of  the  which, 
My  noble  fteed,  known  to  the  camp,  I  give  him, 
With  all  his  trim  belonging ;  and,  from  this  time, 
For  what  he  did  J  before  Corioli,  call  him, 
With  all  the  applaufe  and  clamour  of  the  hofl, 
Cains  Marcius  Coriolanus  4. — 
Bear  the  addition  nobly  ever! 

[Fkffrijh,     Trumpets  found,  and  drums. 

Omnes.  Caius  Marcius  Coriolanus  ! 

Car.  I  will  go  walh  ; 

And  when  my  face  is  fair,  you  ihall  perceive 
Whether  1  blufh,  or  no  :  Howbeit,  I  thank  ypu  :— 
I  mean  to  ftride  your  fteed  ;  and,  at  all  times, 

5  To  undercreft  your  good  addition, 

6  To  the  fairnefs  of  my  power. 

Com.  So,  to  our  tent : 
Where,  ere  we  do  repofe  us,  we  will  write 

3  For  what  be  did  &c.]  So,  in  the  old  tranflation  of  Plutarch; 
"  After  this  fhowte  and  noyfe  of  the  aflembly  was  fomewhat  ap- 
peafed,  the  conful  Cominius  beganne  to  fpeake  in  this  forte. 
We  cannot  compell  Martius  to  take  thefe  giftes  we  offer  him,  if 
he  will  not  receaue  them  :  but  we  will  geue  him  ftiche  a  rewarde 
for  the  noble  feruice  he  hath  done,  as  he  cannot  refufe.     There- 
fore we  doe  order  and  decree,  that  henceforth  he  be  called  Corio- 
lanus,  onles  his  valliant  a&s  haue  wonne  him  that  name  before 
our  nomination."    STEEVENS. 

4  The  folio — Marcus  Caius  Coriolanus.     STEEVENS. 

5  To  undercreft y oar  good  addition,]  A  phrafe  from   heraldry, 
fignifying,  that  he  would  endeavour  to  fupport  his  good  opinion 
of  him.     WAR  BURTON. 

6  To  the  fairnefs  of  my  power.]  Fairnefs ,  for  utmofl. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

I  know  not  how  fairnefs  can  mean  utmvft.  When  two  engage- 
on  equal  terms,  we  fay  it  is  fair ;  fairnefs  may  therefore  be  equality  j 
in  proportion  equal  to  my  power.  JOHNSON. 

To 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  367 

To  Rome  of  our  fuccefs.  —  You,  Titus  Lartius, 
Muft  to  Corioli  back  :  fend  us  to  Rome 
7  The  belt,  with  whom  we  may  articulate  3, 
For  their  own  good,  and  ours. 

•Lart.  I  mail,  my  lord. 

Cor.  The  gods  begin  to  mock  me.     I  that  now 
Refus'd  molt  princely  gifts,  am  bound  to  beg 
Of  my  lord  general. 

Com.  Take  it  :  'tis  yours.  —  What  is't  ? 

Cor.  I  fometime  lay,  here  in  Corioli, 
At  a  poor  man's  houfe  9  ;  he  us'd  me  kindly  : 
He  cry'd  to  me  ;  I  faw  him  prifoner  ; 
But  then  Aufidius  was  within  my  view, 
And  wrath  o'erwhelm'd  my  pity  :  I  requefl  you 
To  give  my  poor  hoft  freedom. 

Com.  O,  well  begg'd  ! 
Were  he  the  butcher  of  my  fon,  he  mould 
Be  free,  as  is  the  wind.     Deliver  him,  Titus. 

Lart.  Marcius,  his  name? 

Cor.  By  Jupiter,  forgot  :  — 
I  am  weary  ;  yea,  my  memory  is  tir'd.— 
Have  we  no  wine  here  ? 

Com.  Go  we  to  our  tent  : 


7  The  beft  -  ]  The  chief  men  of  Gorioli.     JOHNSON. 

8  -  with  whom  ive  may  articulate,]   i.  e.  enter  into  arlLus, 
This  word  occurs  again  inJfen.  IV: 

"  Indeed  thefe  things  you  have  articulated" 

i.  e.  fct  down  article   ly  article.     So,  in  Holinfhed's  Chronicles  of 
Ireland,  p.  163  :  "  The  carl  of  Defmond's  treafons  articulated" 

STEEVENS. 

9  At  a  po»r  marts  houfe  ;]    So,  in  the  old  translation  of  Plu- 
tarch :  "  Only  this  grace  (faid  he)  I  traue,  and  befeeche  you  to 
grant  me.     Among  the  Volfces  there  s  an  olde  friende  and  hofle 
of  mine,  an  honeft  wealthie  man,  and  now  a  prifoner,  who  liuing 
before  in  great  wealth  in  his  owne  countrie,  liueth  now  a  poore 
prifoner  in  the  handes  of  his  enemies  :  and  yet  notwithftanding  all 
this  his  miferie  and  misfortune,  it  wou.d  doe  me  great  pleafu  re  if 
I  could  faue  him  from  this  one  daungcr  :  to  keepe  him  from  being 
(bide  as  a  Jlaue."    STEEVENS» 


368  CORIOLANUS 

The  blood  upon  your  vifage  dries  ;  'tis  time 

It  Ihould  he  look'd  to  :  come.  [Exeunt 

SCENE      X. 

> 

The  Camp  of  tie  Voices. 

Aflourtjh.     Cornels.     Enter  Tullus  Aufidlus  bloody,  with 
two  or  three  foldiers. 

Ai'.f.  The  town  is  ta'en  ! 

Sol.  'Twill  be  deliver'd  back  on  good  condition. 

Auf.  Condition ! — 

I  would,  I  were  a  Roman  ;  for  I  cannot, 

II  Being  a  Voice,  be  that  I  am. — Condition  ! 
What  good  condition  can  a  treaty  find 

I'  the  part  that  is  at  mercy  ?  Fives  times,  Marcius^ 

I  have  fought  with  thee ;  fo  often  had  thou  beat  me  $ 

And  would'ft  do  fo,  I  think,  fhould  we  encounter 

As  often  as  we  eat, —  By  the  elements, 

If  e'er  again  I  meet  him  beard  to  beard, 

He  is  mine,  or  I  am  his  :  Mine  emulation 

Hath  not  that  honour  in't,  it  had  ;  for  where 

I  thought  to  crufh  him  in  an  equal  force, 

True  fword  to  fword,  *  I'll  potch  at  him  fome  way  £ 

Or  wrath,  or  craft,  may  get  him. 

1  Being  a  Volcinn,  &c.]  It   may  be  nift  obferved,  that  Shake-* 
fpeare  calls  the    Fold,    Voices,  which  'the  modern  editors  have 
changed  to  the  modern  termination.     I  mention  it  here,  becaufe 
here  the  change  has  fpoilsd  the  mcafure  : 

Being  a  Voice,  lethat  I  an.     Conation!     JOHNSON*. 
The  Folci  are  called  Vdces  in  fir  Tho.  North's  Plutarch,    and 
fo  I  have  printed  the  wore  throughout  this  tragedy.     STEEVEXS. 

2  /'//potch  at  bimjvme  ivay  ;]  The  Rev-fal  reads  poach  ; 

but  patch,  to  which  the  objection  is  made  as  no  Englilh  word,  is 
wfed  in  the  midland  counts  for  a  rough,  violent pufo.  STEEVENS. 

In  Carew's  Survey  of  Ctrn-Mall,  the  word  patJj  is  ufed  in  nl- 
mofl  the  fame  fenfe,  p.  31 :  "  They  tife  alfo  to poche  them  (fifli) 
with  an  inftrument  fomewhat  like  a  falmon-fpearc,"  TOLLET. 

ScL 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  369 

Sol.  He's  the  devil. 

Auf.  Bolder,  though  not  fo  fubtle :  My  valour's  poi- 

fon'd  », 

With  only  fuflfering  flain  by  him  ;  *  for  him 
Shall  flie  out  of  itfelf  :  f  nor  fieep,  nor  fan&uary, 
Being  naked,  fick  ;  nor  fane,  nor  Capitol, 
The  prayers  of  priefts,  nor  times  of  facrifice, 
Embarquements  all  of  fury,  lhall  lift  up 

3  My  valour's  foi/0ttJt~\  The  conftrudtion  of  this  paffage  would 
be  clearer,  if  it  were  written  thus  : 

« my  valour,  poiforid 

With  only  fuffer  ing  fialn  by  him,  for  him 
Shall  Jlic  out  of  itfelf .     TYRWH'ITT. 

4  for  him 

Shall  file  out  of  itfelf: ] 

To  mifchief  him,  ray  valour  fhould  deviate  from  its  own  native 
generality.  JOHNSON. 

5   norjleep  nor  fanftuary ,  &c. 

Embarquements  all  of  fury,  &c.] 

The  dramatick  art  of  this  fpeech  is  great.  For  after  Aufidius  had  fo 
generoufly  received  Coriolanus  in  exile,  nothing  but  the  memory 
of  this  fpeech,  which  lets  one  fo  well  .into  Aufidius's  nature, 
could  make  his  after-perfidy  and  bafenefs  at  all  probable.  But 
the  fecond  line  of  this  impious  rant  is  corrupt.  For  though,  in- 
deed, he  might  call  the  ajjaulting  Marcius  at  any  of  thofe  facred 
feafons  and  places  an  embarkntent  of  fury  ;  yet  he  could  not  call 
\\azfeafons  and  places  themfelves,  fo.  We  may  believe  therefore 
that  Shakefpeare  wrote  : 

Embarrments  all  of  fury,  &c. 

i.  e.  obftacles.  Though  thofe  feafons  and  places  are  all  obflaclea 
to  my  fur)',  yet,  &c.  The  Oxford  editor  has,  in  his  ufual  way, 
refined  upon  this  emendation,  in  order  to  make  it  his  own  ;  and 
fo  reads,  embankments,  not  confidering  how  ill  this  metaphor  a- 
grees  with  what  is  faid  juft  after  of  their— lifting  up  their  rotten 
privilege,  which  evidently  refers  to  a  wooden  bar,  not  to  an 
earthen  bank.  Thefe  two  generals  are  drawn  equally  covetous  of 
glory  :  But  the  Volfcian  not  fcrupulous  about  the  means.  And 
his  immediate  repentance,  after  the  aflaffinate,  well  agrees  with 
fuch  a  character.  WAREUKTOX. 

The  conteited  word,  in  the  old  copy,  is  fpelt  embarquementsy 
and,  as  Cotgrave  fays,  meant  not  only  an  embarkation,  but  an 
embargoing.  The  rotten  privilege  and  cujlom  that  follow,  feem  to 
favour  this  explanation,  and  therefore  the  old  reading  may  well 
enough  ftand,  as  an  tixtarga  is  undoubtedly  an  impediment. 

STEEVENS. 
VOL.  VII.  B  b  Their 


370  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S, 

Their  rotten  privilege  and  cuftom  'gainft 

My  hate  to  Marcius  :  where  I  find  him,  were  it 

6  At  home,  upon  my  brother's  guard,  even  there, 

Againft  the  hofpitable  canon,  would  I 

Walh  my  fierce  hand  in  his  heart.     Go  you  to  the 

city  ; 

Learn,  how  'tis  held  ;  and  what  they  are,  that  muft 
Be  hoftages  for  Rome. 

Sol.  Will  not  you  go  ? 

Auf.  I  am  attended  at  the  cyprefs  grove  : 
I  pray  you, 

('Tis  fouth  the  city  mills7)  bring  me  word  thither 
How  the  world  goes  ;  that  to  the  pace  of  it 
I  may  fpur  on  my  journey. 

SoL  I  Ihall,  fir.  {Exeunt. 


A  C  T     II.       S  C  E  N  E    I. 

Rome. 
Enter  Menenhts,  iritb  Siciiiiv.s,  and  Brutus. 

Men.  The  augurer  tells  me,  we  fhall  have  news  to 
night. 

*  At  h*me,  upon  my  brother's  guard, — ]  In  my  own  houfe, 
with  my  brother  pofted  to  protect  him.  JOHNSON. 

7  ('Tisfoutbtbc  city  mills)]  But  where  could  Shakefpeare  have 
heard  of  thefe  mills  at  Antium  ?  I  believe  \ve  ftiould  read : 

('Tisfoutb  the  city  a  mile.) 
The  old  edition  reads  mils.     TYRWHITT. 

Shakefpeaie  is  feldom  careful  about  fuch  little  improprie- 
ties. 

Coriolanvs  fpeaks  of  our  divines,  and  Menenius  of  gravrs  in  the 
holy  churchyard.  It  is  fuid  afterwards,  thutCoriolanus  talks  like  a 
knell  \  and  drums,  and  Hob  and  Z>Ai,  arc  with  as  little  attention 
to  time  or  place,  introduced  in  this  tragedy.  STEEVENS. 


Bru.  Good,  or  bad  ? 

Men.  Not  according  to  the  prayer  of  the  people, 
for  they  love  not  Marcius. 

Sic.  Nature  teaches  beafts  to  know  their  friends. 

Mvn  *  Pray  you,  who  does  the  wolf  love  ? 

'Sic.  The  lamb. 

Men.  Ay,  to  devour  him ;  as  the  hungry  plebeians 
would  the  noble  Marcius. 

Brit.  He's  a  lamb  indeed,  that  baes  like  a  bear. 

Men.  He's  a  bear,  indeed,  that  lives  like  a  lamb* 
You  two  are  old  men ;  tell  me  one  thing  that  I  fhall 
alk  you. 

Both.  Well,  fir. 

Men.  In  what  enormity  is  Marcius  poor,  that  you 
two  have  not  in  abundance  ? 

Bru.  He's  poor  in  nb  one  fault,  but  ftor'd  with  all. 

Sic.  Efpecially,  in  pride. 

Bru.  And  topping  all  others  in  boafling. 

Men.  This  is  ftrange  now  :  Do  you  two  know 
how  you  are  cenfur'd  here  in  the  city,  I  mean  of  us 
o'  the  right  hand  file  ?  Do  you  ? 

Bru.  Why,  how  are  we  cenfur'd  ? 

Men.  Becaufe  you  talk  of  pride  now, — Will  you 
not  be  angry  ? 

Both*  Well,  well,  fir,  well. 

Men.  Why,  'tis  no  great  matter  ;  for  a  very  little 
thief  of  occafion  will  rob  you  of  a  great  deal  of  pa- 
tience ;  give  yourdifpofitions  the  reins,  and  be  angry 
at  your  pleafures  ;  at  the  leaft,  if  you  take  it  as  a 
pleafure  to  you,  in  being  fo.  You  blame  'Marcius 
for  being  proud  ? 

Bru.  We  do  it  not  alone,  fir. 

Men.  I  know,  you  can  do  very  little  alone  ;  £>r 

v  '  Pray  you,  &c.]  When  the  tribune,  in  reply  to  Menenius's 
remark,  on  the  people's  hate  of  Coriolanus,  had  obierved  that 
even  beafts  know  their  friends,  Meneaius  alk:,  <wbm  docs  the  wolf 
love  ?  implying  that  there  are  beafts  which  love  nobody,  and  that 
among  thofe  beafts  are  the  people.  JOHNSON. 

B  b  2  your 


572  CORIOLANUS. 

your  helps  are  many  ;  or  elfe  your  actions  would  groW 
wondrous  fingle  :  your  abilities  are  too  infant-like, 
for  doing  much  alone.  You  talk  of  pride  :  Oh,  that 
you  could  turn  your  eyes  *  towards  the  napes  of  your 
necks,  and  make  but  an  interior  furvey  of  your  good 
felves  !  O,  that  you  could  ! 

Bru.  What  then,  fir  ? 

Men.  Why,  then  you  mould  difcover  a  brace  of  as 
unmeriting,  proud,  violent,  tefty  magiftrates,  (alias, 
fools)  as  any  in  Rome. 

Sic.  Menenius,  you  are  known  well  enough  too. 

Men.  I  am  known  to  be  a  humorous  patrician,  and 
one  that  loves  a  cup  of  hot  wine  with  not  a  drop  of 
allaying  Tiber  in't :  faid  to  be  fomething  imperfect, 
in  favouring  the  firft  complaint ;  hafty,  and  tinder- 
like,  upon  too  trivial  motion  :  9  one  that  converfes 
more  with  the  buttock  of  the  night,  than  with  the  fore- 
head of  the  morning.  What  I  think,  I  utter ;  and  fpend 
my  malice  in  my  breath  :  Meeting  two  fuch  weals- 
men  as  you  are,  (I  cannot  call  you  LycurgufTes)  if  the 
drink  you  give  me,  touch  my  palate  adverily,  I  make 
a  crooked  face  at  it.  I  can't  fay,  your  wormips  have 
deliver'd  the  matter  well,  when  I  find  the  afs  in  com- 
pound with  the  major  part  of  your  fyllables :  and 
though  I  muft  be  content  to  bear  with  thofe  that  fay 
you  are  reverend  grave  men  ;  yet  they  lye  deadly,  that 
tell  you  you  have  good  faces.  If  you  fee  this  in  the 
map  of  my  microcofm,  follows  it,  that  I  am  known 
\vell  enough  too  ?  What  harm  can  your  '  biffon  con- 
fpectuities  glean  out  of  this  character,  if  I  be  known 
well  enough  too  ? 

*  towards  tlie  napes  of  your  necks,"]  With  allufion  to  the  fable, 
which  fays,  that  every  man  has  a  bag  hanging  before  him,  in 
which  he  puts  his  neighbour's  faults,  and  another  behind  him,  in 
which  he  flows  his  own.  JOHNSON. 

9  one  that  converfes  more  &c.]  Rather  a  late  Her  down  than  an 
early  rifer.  JOKXSCN. 

1  billon  confpc£luities,~\  BiJJbn,  blind,  in  the  old  copies,  is  lee- 
fomet  reftored  by  Mr.  Theobald.  JOHNSON. 

Bru. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  373 

£ru.  Come,  fir,  come,  we  know  you  well  enough. 

Men.  You  know  neither  me,  yourfelv.es,  nor  any 
thing.  You  are  ambitious  for  poor  knaves'  caps  and 
legs  :  z  you  wear  out  a  good  wholefome  forenoon,  in 
hearing  a  caufe  between  an  orange-wife  and  a  foflet- 
i'eller ;  and  then  rejourn  the  controverfy  of  three- 
pence to  a  fecond  day  of  audience. — When  you  are 
hearing  a  matter  between  party  and  party,  if  you 
chance  to  be  pinch'd  with  the  cholic,  you  make  faces 
like  mummers  ;  J  fet  up  the  bloody  flag  againft  all 
patience,  and,  in  roaring  for  a  chamber-pot,  difmifs 
the  controverfy  bleeding,  the  more  entangled  by  your 
hearing  :  all  the  peace  you  make  in  their  caufe,  is, 
calling  both  the  parties  knaves  :  You  are  a  pair  of 
grange  ones. 

Bru.  Come,  come,  you  are  well  underftood  to  be 
a  perfedter  giber  for  the  table,  than  a  neceflary 
bencher  in  the  Capitol. 

Men.  Our  very  priefls  muft  become  mockers,  if 
they  lhall  encounter  fuch  ridiculous  fubje&s  as  you 
are.  When  you  fpeak  beft  unto  the  purpofe,  it  is 
not  worth  the  wagging  of  your  beards ;  and  your 
beards  deferve  not  fo  honourable  a  grave,  as  to  fluff 
a  botcher's  cufnion,  or  to  beejitomb'd  in  an  afs's  pack- 
faddle.  Yet  you  muft  be  faying,  Marcius  is  proud ; 
who,  in  a  cheap  eilimation,  is  worth  all  your  prede- 
cefTors,  iince  Deucalion  ;  though,  perad venture,  fome 
of  the  beft  of  them  were  hereditary  hangmen.  Good- 
e'en  to  your  worfhips  :  more  of  your  converfation 
would  infed:  my  brain,  being  the  4  herdfmen  of  the 

*  you  wear  out  a  good  &c.]  It  appears  from  this  whole  fpeech 
that  Shakefpeare  mittook  the  office  of  prafeRus  urbis  for  the  tri- 
bune's office.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

3  fet  up  the  bloody  flag  againft  all  patience, ,]  That  is,  declare  war 
flgamtt  patience.  There  is  not  wit  enough  in  this  fatire  to  re- 
compenfe  its  groflhefs.  JOHNSON. 

.  *  herdfmen  of  plebeians. ,]  As  kings  are  called  OTOJ^WJ  *««». 

JOHNSON. 

B  b  3  beaftly 


374  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

bcaflly  plebeians  :  I  will  be  bold  to  tajce  my  leave 
of  you. 

Enter  Volumnia,  Virgiha,  and  Valeria* 

How  now,  my  fair  as  noble  ladies,  (and  the  moon, 
were  fhe  earthly,  no  nobler)  whither  do  you  follow 
your  eyes  fo  faft  ? 

Vol.  Honourable  Menenius,  my  boy  Marcius  ap- 
proaches ;  for. the  love  of  Juno,  lets  go. 

Men.  Ha  !  Marcius  coming  home  ? 

Vol.  Ay,  worthy  Menenius ;  and  with  moft  prof- 
perous  approbation. 

Men.  °  Take  my  cap,  Jupiter,  and  I  thank  thee  : — 
Hoo  !  Marcius  coming  home  ! 

Both.  Nay,  ?tis  true. 

Vol.  Look,  here's  a  letter  from  him  ;  the  flate  hath 
another,  his  wife  another;  and,  I  think,  there's  one 
at  home  for  you. 

Men.  I  will  make  my  very  houfe  reel  to.  night :— ? 
A  letter  for  me  ? 

Vir.  Yes,  certain,  there's  a  letter  for  you  ;  I  fawit. 

Men.  A  letter  for  me  ?  It  gives  me  an  eftate  of  fe- 
ven  years'  health  ;  in  which  time,  I  will  make  a  lip  at 
the  phyfician  ;  the  moil  fovereign  prefcription  in  Ga-r 

*  Take  my  cap,  Jupiter \  an  A 1 thank  thee  : ]  Though  Me- 
nenius is  rrjade  a  prater  and  a  boon  companion,  yet  it  was  not  the 
defign  of  the  poet  to  have  him  prophane,  and  bid  Jupiter  tale 
his  cap.  Shakefpeare's  thought  is  very  different  from  what  his 
pditors  dreamed  of.  He  wrote  : 

Take  nty  cup,  Jupiter,-  •    .-  ••• 

j.  e.  J  will  go  offer  a  tibation  to  thee,  for  this  good  news :  which 
was  the  cuitcm  of  that  time.  There  is  a  pleafantr^,  indeed,  iri 
his  way  of  exprefling  it,  very  agreeable  to  his  convivial  charac- 
ter, liut  the  editors,  not  knowing  the  ufe  of  this  cup^  altered  it 
(  to  cap.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

Shakefpeare  fo  often  mentions  throwing  up  caps  in  this  play, 
fhat  Menenius  may  be  \yell  enough  fuppofed  to  throw  up  his  cap 
)n  thanks  to  Jupiter.  JOHNSON. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  375 

kn  is  but  empiric  %  and,  to  this  prefervative,  of  no 
better  report  than  a  horfe-drench.  Is  he  not  wound- 
ed ?  he  was  wont  to  come  home  wounded. 

Vir.  O,  no,  no,  no. 

Vol.  O,  he  is  wounded,  I  thank  the  gods  for'r. 

Men.  So  do  I  too,  if  it  be  not  too  much  :  —  Brings 
a'  victory  in  his  pocket  ?—  The  wounds  become  him. 

Vol.  On's  brows,  Menenius  ;  he  comes  the  third 
time  home  with  the  oaken  garland. 

Men.  Has  he  difciplin'd  Aufidius  foundly  ? 

Vol.  Titus  Lartius  writes,  —  they  fought  together, 
but  Aufidius  got  off. 

Men.  And  'twas  time  for  him  too,  I'll  warrant  him 
that  :  'an  he  had  ftaid  by  him,  I  would  not  have  been 
fo  fidius'd  for  all  the  chefts  in  Corioli,  and  the  gold 
that's  in  them.  Is  the  fenate  8  poflefs'd  of  this  ? 

Vol.  Good  ladies,  let's  go  :  —  Yes,  yes,  yes  :  the  fe- 
nate has  letters  from  the  general,  wherein  he  gives  my 
fon  the  whole  name  of  the  war  :  he  hath  in  this  ac- 
tion outdone  his  former  deeds  doubly. 

Val.  In  troth,  there's  wondrous  things  fpoke  of 
him. 

Men.  Wondrous  ?  ay,  I  warrant  you,  and  not 
without  his  true  purchafing. 

Vir.  The  gods  grant  them  true  ! 

Vol.  True  ?  pow,  wow. 

Men.  True?  I'll  be  fworn  they  are  true  :  —  Where 
is  he  wounded  ?  —  God  fave  your  good  worships  ! 
[To  the  Tribunes.~\  Marcius  is  coming  home  :  he  has 
more  caufe  to  be  proud.—  Where  is  he  wounded  ? 

Vol.  F  the  fhouldcr,  and  i'  the  left  arm  :  There  will 
be  large  cicatrices  to  fhew  the  people,  when  he  fliall 

7  -  is  lut  empiric,]    The  old  copy  reads  —  is  but  empirick 
e—  of  which  the  reader  muft  make  what  he  can.   STEEVENS. 


8  poffiffdof&isl]  Po/ffM,  in  ourauthour'i  language,  is  fully 
iiiforraed,     JOHNSON. 

B  b  ftand 


376  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

ftand  for  his  place.     9  He  receiv'd  in  the  repulfe  of 
Tarquin,  feven  hurts  i'  the  body. 

Men.  One  i'  the  neck,  and  one  too  i'the  thigh  ;— «• 
There's  nine  that  I  know. 

Vol  He  had,  before  this  laft  expedition,  twenty-five 
wounds  upon  him. 

Men.  Now  'tis  twenty-feven  :  every  gafli  was  arj 
enemy's  grave  :  Hark,  the  trumpets. 

[Ajhout,  and  fiourljh. 

Vol.  Thefe  are  the  ulhers  of  Marcius  :  before  him 
he  carries  naife,  and  behind  him  he  leaves  tears ; 
Death,  that  dark  fpirit,  in's  nervy  army  doth  lie  ; 
*  Which  being  advanc'd,  declines,  and  then  men  die, 

A  Sennet.  Trumpets  found.  Enter  Com'tnius  the  general, 
and  Titus  Lartius  ;  between  them,  Coriolanus,  crown  d 
with  an  oaken  garland ;  with  captains  and  foldiers,  and 
a  herald. 

Her.  Know,  Rome,  that  all  alone  Marcius  did  fight 
Within  Corioli'  gates  :  where  he  hath^won, 
With  fame,  a  name  to  Caius  Marcius ;  thefe 
In  honour  follows,  Coriolanus z  : — 

9  He  receiv'd  in  the  repulfe  of  T'arquin,  feven  hurts  i'the  body. 
Men.  One  i'  the  neck,  and  two  i  the  thigh :  there's  nine  that  I 
tnow.']  Seven, — one, — and  two,  and  thefe  make  but  nine  ?  Surely, 
we  may  fafely  affift  Menenius  in  his  arithmetick.  This  is  a  itupid 
blunder  ;  but  wherever  we  can  account  by  a  probable  reafon  for 
the  caufe  of  it,  that  directs  the  emendation.  Here  it  was  eafy  for 
a  negligent  tranfcriber  to  omit  the  fecond  one,  as  a  needlefs  repe- 
tition of  the  firft,  and  to  make  a  numeral  word  of  too. 

WARBURTON. 

The  old  man,  agreeable  to  his  character,  is  minutely  particular : 
Seven  wounds  ?  let  me  fee  ;  one  in  the  neck,  tivo  in  tht  thivh — Nay 
lamfure  there  are  more ;  there  are  nine  that  I  know  of.  UPTON. 

1   Which  being  aJvanc'd^    declines, Volumnia,  in  her 

boafting  ftrain,  fays,  that  her  fon  to  kill  his  enemy,  has  nothing 
to  do  but  to  lift  his  hand  up  and  let  it  fall.     JOHNSON. 

*  Coriolanus.}     The  old  copy.     Martins  Caius  Coriolanus. 

STEEVENS. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  377 

Welcome  to  Rome,  renown'd  Coriolanus ! 

[Sound.     Fkurifo. 

All.  Welcome  to  Rome,  renown'd  Coriolanus  ! 

Cor.  No  more  of  this,  it  does  offend  my  heart ; 
Pray  now,  no  more. 

Com.  Look,  fir,  your  mother, 

Cor.  O! 

You  have,  I  know,  petition'd  all  the  gods 
For  my  profperity.  [Kneels. 

Vol.  Nay,  my  good  foldier,  up; 
My  gentle  Marcius,  worthy  Caius,  and 
By  deed-atchieving  honour  newly  nam'd, 
What  is  it  ?  Coriolanus,  muft  I  call  thee  ? 
But  O,  thy  wife 

Cor.  5  My  gracious  filence,  hail ! 

Would'ft 

3  My  gracious  filence,  hail  !~\  The  epithet  to  filence  fhews  it  not 
to  proceed  from  referve  or  fullennefs,  but  to  be  the  effeft  of  a  vir- 
tuous mind  pofieffing  itfelf  in  peace.  The  expreffion  is  extremely 
fublime  ;  and  the  fenfe  of  it  conveys  the  fineft  praife  that  can  be 
given  to  a  good  woman.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

By  my  gracious  Jjlence,  I  believe,  the  poet  meant,  tbou  ivbofe 
Jilent  tears  are  more  eloquent  and  grateful  to  me,  than  the  clamorous 
applaufc  of  the  rejl !  So,  Crafhaw  : 

"  Sententious  Jbwfrs  !  O!  let  them  fall ! 

*'  Their  cadence  is  rhetorical," 
Again,  in  the  Martial  Maid  of  Beaumont  and  Fletcher  : 

"  A  lady's  tears  are  filent  orators, 

**  Or  Jbould  befo  at  leafi,  to  move  beyond 

"  The  honey-tongued  rhetorician.'" 
Again,  in  Daniel's  Complaint  of  Rofamond;    1 599  : 

"  Ab  beauty,  Jyren,  fair  enchanting  good  ! 

"  Swce /  file nt  r.hetorick  of  fcrfuading  eyes  ! 

**  Dumb  eloquence,  w/joje power  doth  move  the  Hood, 

**  More  than  the  ivords,  or  cwifdom  of  the  wife  /" 
Again,  in  Every  Man  out  of  his  Humour  : 

' '  You  fliall  fee  fweet^ifc nt  rhetor ick,  and  dumb  eloquence  fpeak  • 

ing  in  her  eye."     STEEVENS. 

I  believe  the  meaning  of  my  gracious  filence  is  only  tbou  vjbofe 
filcHce  isfo  graceful  and  becoming.  Gracious  leems  to  have  had  the 
fame  meaning  formerly  that  graceful  has  at  this  day.  So,  in  the 
^tcrcbant  cf  Venice  : 

"  But  being  feafon'd  with  a  gracious  voice." 

Again, 


378  CORIOLANUS. 

Would'ft  thou  have  laugh'd,   had  I  come  coffm'd 

home, 

That  weep'ft  to  fee  me  triumph  ?  Ah,  my  dear, 
Such  eyes  the  widows  in  Corioli  wear, 
And  mothers  that  lack  fons. 

Men.  Now  the  gods  crown  thee  ! 

Cor.  And  live  you  yet  ? — O  my  fwect  lady,  pardon. 

[To  Valeria. 

Vol.  I  know  not  where  to  turn : — O  welcome  home; 
And  welcome,  general; — And  you  are  welcome  all. 

Men.  A  hundred  thoufand   welcomes  :    I  could 

weep, 

And  I  could  laugh  ;  I  am  light,  and  heavy.     Wel- 
come : 

A  curfe  begin  at  very  root  of's  heart, 
That  is  not  glad  to  fee  thee  ! — You  are  three, 
That  Rome  mould  dote  on  :  yet,  by  the  faith  of  men, 
We  have  fome  old  crab-trees  here  at  home,   that 

will  not 

£e  grafted  to  your  relifh.     Yet  welcome,  warriors  : 
We  call  a  nettle,  but  a  nettle  ;  a.nd 
The  faults  of  fools,  but  folly. 

Com.  Ever  right4. 

Cor.  Menenius,  ever,  ever. 

Her.  Give  way  there,  and  go  on. 

Again,  in  Titus  Andronicus : 

"  'Tis  not  the  difference  of  a  year  or  two 

"  Makes  me  lefs  gracious,  or  thee  more  fortunate.'1 
.Again,  in  King  John: 

"  There  was  not  fuch  a.  gracious  creature  born." 
Again,  in  Marfton's  Antonio  and  Mettida,  Part  II : 

"  Live  gracious  youth  to  clofe  thy  mother's  eyes." 
Again,  in  Lingua,   1607  : 

"  But  all  their  fpeeches  were  fo  equal  wrought, 

"  And  alike  gracious"    MALONE. 
4  Com.  Ever  right. 

Cor.  Menenius,  ever,  ever.'] 
Jlather,  I  think  : 

Com .  Ever  right  Menenius. 

Cor.  Ever,  ever.    TYRWHITT, 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  379 

Cor.  Your  hand,  and  yours  : 

[To  his  wife  and  mother. 
Ere  in  our  own  houfe  I  do  lhade  my  head, 
The  good  patricians  muft  be  vifited  ; 
From  whom  I  have  rcceiv'd  not  only  greetings^ 
5  Bur  with  them  change  of  honours. 

Vol.  I  have  liv'd 

To  fee  inherited  my  very  wifhes, 
And  the  buildings  of  my  fancy  : 
Only  there's  one  thing  wanting,  which  I  doubt  not, 
But  our  Rome  will  caft  upon  thee. 

Cor.  Know,  good  mother, 
I  had  rather  be  their  fervant  in  my  way, 
Than  fway  with  them  in  theirs. 

Com.  On,  to  the  Capitol.  [Flourifb.     Cornets. 

[Exeunt  in  Jlatey  as  before. 

Brutus  and  Stcinius  come  forward. 

Bru.  All  tongues  fpeak  of  him,  and  the  bleared 

fights 

Are  fpedtacled  to  fee  him  :  Your  pratling  nurfe 
*  Into  a  rapture  lets  her  baby  cry, 
While  Ihe  chats  him  :  the  kitchen  malkin 7  pins 

Her 

5  But,  with  them,  change  of  honours.]  So  all  the  editions  read. 
But  Mr.  Theobald  has  ventured  (as  he  exprefles  it)  to  fabftitvte* 
charge.     For  change,  he  thinks,  is  a  ve ry  poor  exprcjfion,  and  covi- 
municates  but  a  very  poor  idea.     He  had  better  have  told  the  plain 
truth,  and  confefled  that  it  communicated  none  at  all  to  him  : 
However  it  has  a  very  good  one  in  itfelf ;  and  fignifies  variety  of 
honours  ;   as  change  of  rayment,  among  the  yvriters  of  that  time, 
Signified  variety  of  rayment,     WARBURTON. 

6  Into  a  rapture*  ]  Rapture,  a  common  term  at  that  time 
yfed  tor  a  fit,  limply.     So,  to  be  rap'J,  fignified,  to  be  in  a  jit. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

?  A  maukin  or  malkin]  A  kind  of  mop  made  of  clouts  for  the 
ufe  of  fweeping  ovens  :  thence  a  frightful  figure  of  clouts  drefled 
up  :  thence  a  dirty  wench.  Maukin  in  fome  parts  of  England 
fignifies  a  figure  of  clouts  fet  up  to  fright  birds  in  gardens,  a 
fcarecrow.  F, 

So, 


380  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Her  richefl  lockram  8  'bout  her  reechy  neck, 
Clambering  the  walls  to  eye  him  :  Stalls,  bulks,  win-> 

dovvs, 

Are  fmother'd  up,  leads  fill'd,  and  ridges  hors'd 
"With  variable  complexions  ;  all  agreeing 
In  earneftnefs  to  fee  him  :  9  feld-fnown  flamens 
Do  prefs  among  the  popular  throngs,  and  puff 
To  win  a  vulgar  ftation  :  our  veil'd  dames 
1  Commit  the  war  of  white  and  darri'afk,  in 

Their 

So,  in  the  Bride,  a  comedy  by  Nabbes,  1640: 

44   you  malkin  of  fuburb  authority,  fet  up  only  to  fright 

crows  from  the  carrion  of  the  commonwealth." 
After  the  morris-dance  degenerated  into  a  piece  of  coarfe  buf- 
foonery, and  Maid  Marian  was  perfonated  by  a  clown,  this  once 
elegant  queen  of  May  obtained  the  name  of  Malkin,     To  this 
JJeaumont  and  Fletcher  allude  in  "MonjUur  Thomas  : 
"  Put  on  the  fhape  of  order  and  humanity, 
*^  Or  you  muft  marry  Malkyn  the  May-Lady ." 

STEEVENS. 

8  Her  ricbejl  lockram,  -&c.]  Lockram  was  fome  kind  of  cheap 
linen.    Greene,  in  his  Vijion,  defcribing  the  dreis  ot  a  man,  fays  : 

*'  His  ruffe  was  of  fine  lockeram,  ftitched  very  faire  with 

Coventry  blue." 

Again,  in  the  'Spanijb  Curate  of  Beaumont  and  Fletcher,  Diego 
fays  : 

"  I  give  per  annum  two  hundred  ells  of  lockram, 

"  That  there  be  no  {trait  dealings  in  their  linnens." 
Again,  in  Glapthorne's  IVit  in  a  Coiiftabk,   1639: 

"  Thou  thought'ft,  becaufe  I  did  wear  lockram  fhirts, 

**  I  had  no  wit." 
Again,  in  the  Northern  Lafs,  by  Brome,    1633  : 

*'  let  all  the  good  you  intended  me,  be  a  lockram  coif, 

a  blue  gown,  and  a  clean  whip."     STEEVEXS. 

9  — — -feld-Jhonun  flamtni\  i.  e.  priefts  who  feldom  exhibit  them- 
;  felves  to  public  view.     The  word  is  ufed  in  Humour  out  of  Breath^ 

a  comedy,  by  John  Day,   1607  : 

**  O  feLi-feeii  metamorphofis." 
The  fame  adverb  occurs  in  the  old  play  of  Hieronimo  : 

**  Why  is  not  this  a  ftrange  and_/77^/-leen  thing  ? 
Seld  is  often  ufed  by  antient  writers  lor  fcLlom.     So,  in  Kyd's 
Cornelia,    1 595  : 

"  So  that  \\-efiU  Mefecn  aswifdom  \vould."     STEEVENS. 
1   Commit  the  \var  of  -white  and  damafk,   in 

Iheir  nicely  gadded  cheeky  ] 

This 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S,  381 

Tncir  nicely  gawded  cheeks,  to  the  wanton  fpoil 
Of  Phoebus'  burning  kifles  :  fich  a  pother, 
1  As  if  that  whatfoever  god,  who  leads  him, 
Were  flily  crept  into  his  human  po\vers> 
And  gave  him  graceful  pofture. 

Sic.  On  the  fudden, 
I  warrant  him  conful. 

Bru.  Then  our  office  may, 
During  his  power,  go  ileep. 

Sic.  He  cannot  temperately  tranfport  his  honour* 
3  From  where  he  fhould  begin,  and  end  ;  but  will 
Lofe  thofe  he  hath  won. 

Bru.  In  that  there's  comfort. 

This  commixture  of  white  and  red  could  not,  by  any  figure  of 
fpeech  be  called  a  war,  becaufe  it  is  the  agreement  and  union  of 
the  colours  that  make  the  beauty.  We  Ihould  read  : 

the  ware  of  white  and  damajk 

i.e.  the  commodity,  the  merchandize.     WAR  BUR  TON. 

Has  the  commentator  never  heard  of  rofes  contending  with  liliea 
for  the  empire  of  a  lady's  cheek?   The  oppofition  of  colours, 
though  not  the  commixture^  may  be  called  a  war.     JOHNSON. 
So,  in  Shakefpeare's  Tanjuin  and  Lvcrece : 

lt  The  lilent  war  ot  lilies  and  of  rofes, 

"  Which  Tarquin  view'd  in  her  fair  face's  field." 
Again,  in  the  Taming  of  the  Shrew  : 

**  Such  war  of  white  and  red,  &c." 
Again,   in  Chaucer's  Knight's  Ta/e^  late  edit.  v.  1040: 

"  For  with  the  rofe  colour  Jlrof  hire  hewe." 

Again,  in  Damcstas*  Madrigal  in  Praifeefhis  Daphnis,  by  J.  WooN 
ton;  published  in  England's  Helicon,  1614.: 

*«  Amidft  her  cheek  the  rofe  and  \\\\y  Jtrive." 
Again,  in  Mallmger's  Great  Duke  of  Florence  : 

"   the  lillies 

"  Contending  with  the  rofes  in  her  cheek."     STEEVENS* 
Cli3~>e1and  introduces  this,  according  to  his  quaint  manner  : 

"  her  cheeks, 

"  Where  rofes  mix  :  no  civill  war 

"  Between  her  York  and  Lancafter."     FARMER. 

a   As  if  that  whatfiever  god, ]    That  is,  as  if  that  god  wh# 

leads  him,  whatfoever  gcd  he  be.     JOH.VSON. 

3  From  where  he  Jbcidd  begin,  and  end;  ]  Perhaps  it 

fhould  be  read : 

From  where  he  JboidJ  begin  t'an  end.— —     JOHNSON. 

Sic. 


3&2  CORIOLANU  & 

Sic.  Doubt  not, 

The  commoners,  for  whom  we  ftand,  but  they^ 
Upon  their  ancient  malice,  will  forget, 
With  the  leaft  caufe,  thefe  his  new  honours  ;  which 
That  he  will  give  them,  make  I  as  little  queftion 
*  As  he  is  proud  to  do't. 

Bru.  I  heard  him  fwear, 
Were  he  to  ftand  for  conful,  never  would  he 
Appear  i'the  market-place,  nor  on  him  put 
The  naplefs  vefture  s  of  humility ; 
Nor,  fhewing  (as  the  manner  is)  his  wounds 
To  the  people,  beg  their  (linking  breaths. 

Sic.  'Tis  right. 

Bru.  It  was  his  word  :  O,  he  would  mifs  it,  rather 
Than  carry  it,  but  by  the  fuit  o'  the  gentry  to  him, 
And  the  defire  of  the  nobles. 

Sic.  I  wifli  no  better, 

Than  have  him  hold  that  purpofe,  and  to  put  it 
In  execution. 

Bru.  'Tis  mod  like,  he  will. 

Sic.  It  Ihall  be  to  him  then,  as  our  good  will's  % 
A  fure  deftru&ion. 

Bru.  So  it  muft  fall  out 
To  him,  or  our  authorities.     For  an  end, 
We  muft  fuggeft  the  people,  in  what  hatred 
He  ftill  hath  held  them ;  that,  to   his  power,  he 

would 

Have  made  them  mules,  filenc'd  their  pleaders,'  and 
Difproperty'd  their  freedoms  :  holding  them, 

4  As  be  is  proud  to  dt?t.~\  I  fliould  rather  think  the  author  wrote 
front:  becauie  the  common  reading  is  fcarce  fenfe  or  Englifh. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

Proud  to  Jo,  is  the  fame  as,  proud  of  doing,  very  plain  fcnfe, 
and  very  common  Englifh.     JOHNSON. 

5  The  naplefs  vefture}  The  players  read— the  Naples, 

STEEVENS. 
6  Itjbaule  to  him  then,  as  our  good  wills, 

A  fure  deftriiftion.] 
This  fhould  be  written  will's  for  w//7  is.    TYR WHITT« 

In 


CORIOLANUS.  383 

In  human  adtion  and  capacity, 

Of  no  more  foul,  nor  fitnefs  for  the  world, 

Than  camels  in  their  war  ;  who  have  their  provand  7 

Only  for  bearing  burdens,  and  fore  blows 

For  linking  und«r  them. 

Sic.  This,  as  you  fay,  fuggefled 
At  fome  time  when  his  foaring  infolence 
Shall  reach  the  people,  (which  time  lhall  not  want, 
If  he  be  put  upon't ;  and  that's  as  eafy, 
As  to  fet  dogs  on  fheep)  will  be  the  fire  * 
To  kindle  their  dry  flubble  ;  and  their  blaze 
Shall  darken  him  for  ever. 

Enter  a  Mejfcnger. 

£ri(.  What's  the  matter  ? 

Mef.  You  are  fent  for  to  the  Capitol.   Tis  thought, 
That  Marcius  lhall  be  conful :  I  have  feen 
The  dumb  men  throng  to  fee  him,  and  the  blind 
To  hear  him  fpeak  :  Matrons  flung  gloves, 
Ladies  and  maids  their  fcarfs  and  handkerchiefs, 
Upon  him  as  he  pafs'd :  the  nobles  bended, 

7  — —  their  provand]  So  the  old  copy,  and  rightly,  though 
all  the  modern  editors  read  provender.  The  following  inftances 
may  ferve  to  eftablifh  the  ancient  reading.  Thus,  in  Stowe's 

Chronicle,  edit.  1615,  p.  737:  ** the  provaunte  was  cut  oft", 

and  every  foldier  had  half  a  crowne  a  weeke."  Again  :  "  The 
horfmenne  had  foure  Ihillings  the  weeke  bane,  to  find  them  and 
their  horfe,  which  was  better  than  the  provaunt."  Again,  in 
Sir  Walter  Raleigh's  Works,  1751,  Vol.  II.  p.  229.  Again,  in 
Hakevil  on  the  Providence  of  God,  p.  1 1 8,  or  Lib.  II.  c.  vii.  fec"h 

I'  "  At  the  fiege  of  Luxenburge,   1543,  the  weather  was 

fo  cold,  that  the  provant  wine,  ordained  for  the  army,  being 
frozen,  was  divided  with  hatchets,  &c."  Again,  in  Aj/jrs/W 
"Nigbtcap,  &c.  1623  : 

"  Sometimes  feeks  change  of  pafture  and  provant^ 
"  Becaufe  her  commons  be  at  home  fo  fcant." 
The  word  appears  to  be  derived  from  the  French,  provendet  pro- 
vender.   STEEVENS. 

»  the  fire.]  The  folio  reads— £/V  fire— Perha^w  we  feould 

read — as  fire.    MALONE. 

As 


384  CORIOLANUS. 

As  to  Jove's  ftatue ;  and  the  commons  made 

A  fhower,  and  thunder,  with  their  caps,  and  iliouts  i 

I  never  faw  the  like. 

Bru.  Let's  to  the  Capitol ; 
And 9  carry  with  us  ears  and  eyes  for  the.  time, 
But  hearts  for  .the  event. 

Sic.  Have  with  you.  [Exeunt* 

SCENE     II. 

The  Capitol. 
Enter  two  Officers,  to  lay  cujhions '. 

i  Off.  Come  come,  they  are  almoft  here  :  How 
many  (land  for  conmlfhips  ? 

2,  Of.  Three,  they  fay  :  but  'tis  thought  of  every 
one,  Coriolanus  will .  carry  it. 

1  Off.  That's  a  brave  fellow  ;  but  he's  vengeance 
proud,  and  loves  not  the  common  people. 

2  Of.  'Faith,  there  have  been  many  great  men  that 
have  flatter'd  the  people,  who  ne'er  lov'd  them  ;  and 
there  be  many  that  they  have  lov'd,  they  know  not 
wherefore  :  fo  that,  if  they  love  they  know  not  why, 
they  hate  upon  no  better  a  ground  :  Therefore,  for 
Coriolanus  neither  to  care  whether  they  love,  or  hate 
him,  manifefts  the  true  knowledge  he  has  in  their  dif- 
pofition  ;  and,  out  of  his  noble  careleffnefs,  lets  them 
plainly  fee't. 

i  Off,  If  he  did  not  care  whether  he  had  their  love, 
or  no,  *  he  wav'd  indifferently  'twixt  doing  them 
neither  good,  nor  harm  ;  but  he  feeks  their  hate  with 

9  carry  with  us  ears  and  eyes,  &c.]  That  is,  let  us  ob- 

ferve  what  palles,  but  keep  our  hearts  fixed  on  our  defign  of 
ci'Uihir.g  Coriolanus.  JOHNSON. 

1  Enter  tvjo  officers,  &c.]  The  old  copy  reads:  "  Enter  two 
officers  to  lay  cufhions,  as  it  were,  in  the  capitoll."  STEEVENS. 

*  be  w<K/V]  That  is,  he  would  wave  Indijferently.     JOHNSON. 

greater 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  385 

greater  devotion  than  they  can  render  it  him  ;  and 
leaves  nothing  undone,  that  may  fully  difcover  him 
their  oppofite.  Now,  to  feem  to  affefr.  the  malice 
and  difplcafure  of  the  people,  is  as  bad  as  that  which 
he  diflikes,  to  flatter  them  for  their  love. 

2  Off.  He  hath  deferred  worthily  of  his  country  : 
And  his  afcent  is  not  by  fuch  eafy  degrees  as  thofc, 
who  have  been  }  fupple  and  courteous  to  the  people  $ 
bonnetted,  without  any  further  deed  to  heave  them 
at  all  into  their  estimation  and  report :  but  he  hath 
fo  planted  his  honours  in  their  eyes,  and  his  actions 
in  their  hearts,  that  for  their  tongues  to  be  filent,  and 
not  confefs  fo  much,  were  a  kind  of  ingrateful  in- 
jury ;  to  report  otherwife,  were  a  malice,  that,  giv- 
ing itfelf  the  lye,  would  pluck  reproof  and  rebuke 
from  every  ear  that  heard  it. 

i  Offi.  No  more  of  him ;  he  is  a  worthy  man  :  Make 
way,  they  are  coming. 

A  Sennet.  Enter  the  Patricians,  and  the  Tribunes  of  the 
people^  Lifiors  before  them  ;  Coriolanus,  Menenius,  Co- 
minius  the  Conful:  Sicinius  and  Brutus,  as  Tribunes,  take 
their  plates  by  tbemfelves. 

Men.  Having  determin'd  of  the  Voices,  and 
To  fend  for  Titus  Lartius,  it  remains, 
As  the  main  point  of  this  our  after-meeting, 
To  gratify  his  noble  fervice,  that 
Hath  thus  flood  for  his  country  :  Therefore,  plcafe 

you, 
Moft  reverend  and  grave  elders,  to  defire 

3  fupple  and  courteous  to  the  people  ;  bonr.etted,']  The  fenfe,  I  think, 
requires  that  we  fliould  read,  unbonnetted.     Who  have  rifen  only 
by  pulling  off  their  bats  to  the  people.     Eonnetted  may  relate  to 
people^  but  not  without  harlhnefs.     JOHNSON. 

Bonntter,  Fr.  is  to  pull  off  one's  cap,  therefore  there  is  no  occa- 
fion  t»  read  \\nbonncttcd.     See  Cotgrave. 
The  old  copy  reads — who-fjaviag  been——     STEEVENS. 

VOL.  VII.  C  c  The 


386  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

The  prcfent  ccnful,  and  lafl  general 

In  our  well-found  fucceflcs,  to  report 

A  little  of  that  worthy  work  perform'd 

By  Caius  Marcius  Coriolanus  ;  whom 

We  meet  here,  both  to  thank,  and  to  remember 

With  honours  like  himfelf. 

i  Sen.  Speak,  good  Cominius  : 
Leave  nothing  out  for  length  ;  and  make  us  think, 
Rather  our  ftate's  defective  for  requital, 
Than  we  to  flretch  it  out. — Matters  o'  the  people, 
We  do  requeft  your  kindeft  ear  ;  and,  after, 

4  Your  loving  motion  toward  the  common  body, 
To  yield  what  palfes  here. 

Sic.  We  are  convented 
Upon  a  pleafing  treaty  ;  and  have  hearts 
Inclinable  to  honour  and  advance 

5  The  theme  of  our  afiembly. 

Bru.  Which  the  rather 
We  fhall  be  blefl  to  do,  if  he  remember 
A  kinder  value  of  the  people,  than 
He  hath  hereto  priz*d  them  at. 

Men.  6  That's  off,  that's  off; 

*  Tour  loving  motion  toward  the  common  body  ,~\  Your  kind  In- 
terpofition  with  the  common  people.  JOHNSON. 

5  The  theme  of  our  ajfimbly.']  Here  is  a  fault  in  the  expreffion  : 
And  had  it  affected  our  author's  knowledge  of  nature,  I  fiiould 
have  adjudged  it  to  his  tranfcribers  or  editors ;  but  as  it  affcfts 
only  his  knowledge  in  hiitory,  I  fuppofe  it  to  be  his  own.     He 
fliould  have  laid  your  afiembly.     For  till  the  Lex  Attinia,  (the  au- 
thor or"  which  is   fuppofed  by  Sigonius,  \Dc  veicrc  Italic  Jure] 
to  have  been  contemporary  with  Quintus  Metellus  Macedonicus) 
the  tribunes  had  not  the  privilege  of  entering  the  fenate,  but  had 
feats  placed  for  them  near  the  door  on  the  outfide  of  the  houfe. 

WARBURTON. 

Had.Shakefpe.nre  been  as  learned  as  his  commentator,  he  could 
not  have  conducted  this  fcene  otherwife  than  as  it  liands. 
-The  prefence  of  .Brutus  and  Sicinius  was  necetfary  ;  and  how 
was  our  author  to  have  exhibited  the  outfide  and  infide  of  the 
fenate  houfe  at  one  and  the  fame  inilant  ?  S  TEEVEXS. 

6  Mat's  off,  that's  off -t\  Tlut  is,  that  is  nothing  to  thepurpofe. 

JOHNSON. 

I  would 


CORIOLANUS, 

I  would  you  rather  had  been  filent  :  Pleafe  you 
To  hear  Cominius  fpeak  ? 

Bru.  Moft  willingly  : ' 
But  yet  my  caution  was  more  pertinent. 
Than  the  rebuke  you  give  it. 

Men.  He  loves  your  people  ; 
But  tye  him  not  to  be  their  bed-fellow. — 
Worthy  Cominius,  fpeak. — Nay,  keep  your  place. 

[Coriolanus  rifes^  and  offers  to  go  aivay 
t  Sen.  Sit,  Coriolanus  ;  never  fliame  to  hear 
What  you  have  nobly  done. 

Cor.  Your  honours'  pardon  ; 
I  had  rather  have  my  wounds  to  heal  again, 
Than  hear  fay  how  I  got  them. 

Bru.  Sir,  I  hope,    ' 
My  words  dif-bench'd  you  not  ? 

Cor.  No,  fir  :  yet  oft, 

When  blows  have  made  me  ftayj  I  fled  from  words. 
You  footh'd  not,  therefore  hurt  not 7  :  But,  your 

people, 

1  love  them  as  they  weigh. 
Men.  Pray  now,  fit  down. 
Cor.  I  had  rather  have  one  fcratch  my  head  i'  the 

fun, 

When  the  alarum  were  ftruck,  than  idly  fit 
To  hear  my  nothings  monfter'd.        [Exit  Coriolanus* 

Men.  Matters  o*  the  people, 
Your  multiplying  fpawn  8  how  can  he  flatter, 
(That's  thoufand  to  one  good  cne)  when  you  now 
fee, 

7  Tou  footh  not,  therefore  hurt  not.]  The  old  copy  reads  : 

Ton  footh'd  not 

I  think  rightly. — You  did  not  flatter  me,  and  therefore  did  not 
offend  me.— Hurt  is  commonly  ufed  by  our  author  tor  buried* 

MALONE.  ( 

»   how  can  be  flatter  S\  The  reafoning  of  Menenius  is 

this  :  How  can  he  be  expe&ed  to  pra&ife  flattery  to  others,  who 
abhors  it  fo  much,  that  he  cannot  hear  it  even  when  offered  to 
himfelf?  JOHNSON. 

C  c  2  He 


588  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

He  had  rather  venture  all  his  limbs  for  honour, 
Than  one  of  his  ears  to  hear  it  ? — Proceed,  Comi- 

nius. 

'  Com.  I  fnall  lack  voice  :  the  deeds  of  Coriolanus 
Should  not  be  utter'd  feebly. — It  is  held, 
That  valour  is  the  chiefefl  virtue,  and 
Molt  dignifies  the  haver  :  if  it  be, 
The  man  I  fpeak  of  cannot  in  the  world 
Be  fingly  counterpois'd.     At  fixteen  years, 
9  When  Tarquin  made  a  head  for  Rome,  he  fought 
Beyond  the  mark  of  others  :  our  then  dictator, 
Whom  with  all  praife  I  point  at,  faw  him  fight, 
When  with  his  Amazonian  chin  '  he  drove 
The  briftled  lips  before  him  :  he  beftrid 
An  o'er-preft  Roman,  and  i'  the  confuTs  view 
Slew  three  oppofers ;  Tarquin's  felf  he  met, 
And  itruck  him  on  his  knee  :  in  that  day's  feats, 
When  he  might  aft  the  woman  in  the  fcene  % 
He  prov'd  beft  man  i'  the  field,  and  for  his  meed 
Was  brow-bound  with  the  oak.     His  pupil  age 
Man-enter'd  thus,  he  waxed  like  a  fea ; 
And,  in  the  brunt  of  feventeen  battles  fince, 
He  lurched  all  fwords  o'the  garland  '.     For  this  la  ft. 
Before  and  in  Corioli,  let  me  fay, 
I  cannot  fpeak  him  home  :  He  ftopt  the  fliers ; 
And,  by  his  rare  example,  made  the  coward 
Turn  terror  into  fport :  as  waves  before 

*  Wljcn  Tarquin  made  a  head  far  Rome, ]  When  Tarqui« 

who  had  been  expelled,  raifui  a po-iver  to  recover  Rome. 

JOHNSON. 

*  .    hi*  Amazonian  din* ]  i.e.  his   chin  on  which 

there  was  no  teard.     The  players  read,  Jbin tic.     STEEVENS. 

*  When  he  might  aft  the  woman  in  thefcene,~\  It  has  been  more 
than  once  mentioned,  that  the  parts  of  women  were,  in  Shake- 
fpeare's  time,  reprefented  by  the  moft  fmooth-fuoed  young  men 
io  be  found  among  the  players.     STEEVENS. 

3  He  lurched  all  fiuordi  <?  the  garland.}  Ben  Jonfon  has  the 
•fame  exprelfiou  iu  the  Silent  Woman:  "  — you  have  lurJSd  your 
friend's  of  the  butter  half  of  the  garland  "  STEEVENS. 

A  VCf- 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  389 

A  vcffel  under  fail,  fo  men  obey'd, 

And   fell    below    his  item 4  :    his  fword    (death's 

ftamp  5) 

Where  it  did  mark,  it  took  ;  from  face  to  foot 
He  was  a  thing  of  blood,  whofe  6  every  motion 
Was  tim'd  with  dying  cries  :  alone  he  enter'd 
7  The  mortal  gate  olthe  city,  which  he  painted 
With  fhunlefs  deftiny  8 ;  aidlefs  came  off, 
And  with  a  fudden  re-inforcement  ftruck 
Corioli,  like  a  planet  :   Now  all's  his  : 
When  by  and  by  the  din  of  war  'gan  pierce 
His  ready  fenfe  :  then  flraight  his  doubled  fpirit 
Re-quicken'd  what  in  fiefh  was  fatigate, 
And  to  the  battle  came  he  ;  where  he  did 
Run  reeking  o'er  the  lives  of  men,  as  if 

4  And 'fill  lelovj  hit  ftern.— —  ]  We  fiiould  read,  according  to 
the  old  copy : 

Thtjtem  is  that  end  of  the  fhip  which  leads,     fromjlem  to  fern 
is  an  expreffion  ufed  by  Dryden  in  his  tranllation  of  Virgil: 

"  Orontes'  bark  — — 

**  fromjiem  tojlern  by  waves  was  over-borne." 

STEEVENS. 
*  ——Hit  faord,  death*  s  ftamp, 

Wl>crc  it  did  mark,  it  took  from  face  to  foot. 

He  "Mas  a  thing  of  Hood,  ivhofe  every  motion 

Was  tim'd  with  dying  cries.] 
This  paflage  fliould  be  pointed  thus  : 

His  fword  (death's  ftamp) 

Where  it  did  mark,  it  took;  from  face  to  foot 

He  was  a  thing  of  blood,  &c.     TYRWHITT. 
I  have  followed  the  punctuation  recommended.     STEEVENS. 
6  every  motion 

ffas  tim'd  with  dying  cries. ] 

The  cries  of  the  flaughter'd  regularly  followed  his  motions,  as 
mutick  and  a  dancer  accompany  each  other.     JOHNSON. 

7  The  mortal  gate ]  The  gate  that  was  made  the  fcene  of 

death.     JOHNS.O.V. 

8  IVitb  Jkunlcfs  deftiny  :]  The  fecond  folio  reads,  whether  by 
accident  or  choice : 

With  ftiunlefs  Jefamy. 
•Dcfawle  is  an  old  French  word  fignifying  infar.j.     TYRWHITT. 

C  c  3  'Twcre 


390  CORIOLANUS. 

Twere  a  perpetual  fpoil  :  and,  'till  we  call'd 
Both  field  and  city  ours,  he  never  flood 
TO  cafe  his  breaft  with  panting. 

Men.  Worthy  man ! 

i  Sen.  9  He  cannot  but  with  meafure  fit  the  ho- 
nours 
Which  we  devife  him. 

Com.  Our  fpoils  he  kick'd  at ; 
And  look'd  upon  things  precious.,  as  they  were 
The  common  muck  o?  the  world  :  he  covets  lefs 
J  Than  mifery  itfelf  would  give  ;  rewards 
His  deeds  with  doing  them  ;  *  and  is  content 
To  fpend  his  time,  to  end  it. 

Men.  He's  right  noble  ; 
Let  him  be  call'd  for. 

9  He  cannot  but  ivitb  meafurejit  tbe  honours,]  That  is?  no  ho- 
pour  will  be  too  great  for  him  ;  he  will  fhew  a  mind  equal  to  any 
elevation.  JOHNSON. 

1  Than  mi  iery  itfelf  would  give ',——  ]  Mifery  for  avarice ;  be* 
caufe  a  mifer  fignifies  an  avaricious.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

2   Corn.    — and  is  content 

To  fpend  bis  time  to  end  it. 

Men.  He's  right  noble. 

The  laft  words  of  Cominius's  fpeech  are  altogether  unintelligible, 
Shakefpeare,  I  fuppofe,  wrote  the  paflage  thus : 

— and  is  content 

To  fpend  bis  time  -  ••"    ' 

Men.   To  end  it,  be's  rigbt  nolle. 

Pominius,  in  his  laft  words,  was  ente.ring  upon  a  new  topic  in 
praife  of  Coriolanus ;  when  his  warm  friend  Menenius,  impa- 
tient to  come  to  the  lubjetl  of  the  honours  defigned  him,  inter- 
rupts Cominius,  and  takes  him  fhort  with,  —to  endit^  \.  e.  to  end 
this  long  difcourle  in  one  word,  he's  rigbt  nolle. — Let  bhn  be  called 
for.  This  is  exactly  in  character,  and  reltores  the  paflage  to  fenfe. 

WAR  BURTON. 

I  know  not  whether  my  conceit  will  be  approved,  but  I  cannot 
forbear  to  think  that  our  authour  wrote  thus  : 

• — he  rewards 

His  deeds  ivitb  doing  thetnt   and  is  content 
Tt>  fpend  bis  time,  to  fpend  it. 

To  do  great  a&s,  for  the  fake  of  doing  them  ;  to  fpen4  his  life, 
for  thp  fajce  of  fpending  it.  JOHNSON, 

I  Sen, 


CORIOLANUS.  391 

I  Sen,  Call  Coriolanus. 
Of.  He  doth  appear. 

Re-enter  Coriolanus. 

Men.  The  fenate,  Coriolanus,  arc  'well  pleas'd 
To  make  thee  con-fuk 

Cor.  I  do  owe  them  ftill 
My  life,  and  fervices. 

Men.  J  It  then  remains, 
That  you  do  fpeak  to  the  people. 

Cor.  I  do  befeech  you, 
Let  me  o'er-leap  that  cuftom  ;  for  I  cannot 
Put  on  the  gown,  (land  naked,  and  entreat  them, 
For  my  wounds'  fake,  to  give  their  fuffrage  :  plcafe 

you, 
That  I  may  pafs  this  doing. 

Sic.  Sir,  the  people 

Mud  have  their  voices ;  neither  will  they  bate 
One  jot  of  ceremony. 

Men.  Put  them  not  to*t : 
Pray  you,  go  fit  you  fro  the  cuftom  ;  and 
Take  to  you,  as  your  predeceflbrs  have, 
Your  honour  with  your  form. 

3  It  then  remains. 

That  you  do  fpeak  to  the  people,] 

Coriolanus  was  baniflied  U.  C.  262.  But  till  the  time  of  Man- 
lius  Torquatus,  U.  C.  393,  the  fenate  chofe  loth  the  confuls  : 
And  then  the  people,  afliited  by  the  feditious  temper  of  the  tri- 
bunes, got  the  choice  of  one.  But  it  he  makes  Rome  a  democracy, 
which  at  this  time  was  a  perfect  ariftocracy ;  he  fets  the  balance 
even  in  his  TtmoK,  and  turns  Athens,  which  was  a  perfecl  demo- 
cracy, into  an  ariitocracy.  But  it  would  be  unjuit  to  attribute 
this  entirely  to  his  ignorance  ;  it  fometimes  proceeded  from  the 
too  powerful  blaze  of  his  imagination,  which  when  once  lighted 
tip,  made  all  acquired  knowledge  fade  and  difappear  before  it. 
For  fometimes  again  we  find  him,  when  occafion  ferves,  not  only 
writing  up  to  the  truth  of  hiftory,  but  fitting  his  fentiments  to 
the  niceil  manners  of  his  peculiar  fubject,  as  well  to  the  dignity  o£ 
IMS  charaders,  or  the  diftatcs  of  nature  in  general. 

WARBURTON. 

C  c  4  Cor, 


392  CORIOLANUS. 

Cor.  It  is  a  part      • 

That  I  fhall  blufh  in  acting,  and  might  well 
Be  taken  from  the  people. 

Brit.  Mark  you  that  ? 

Car.  To  brag  unto  them, — Thus  I  did,  and  thus;— 
Shew  them  the  unaking  fears,  which  I  fhould  hide, 
As  if  I  bad  receiv'd  them  for  the  hire 
Of  their  breath  only  : — 

Men,  Do  not  Hand  upon't. — 
We  recommend  to  you,  tribunes  of  the  people, 
Our  purpofe  to  them ; — and  to  our  noble  conful 
Wifh  we  all  joy  and  honour. 

Sen.  To  Coriolanus  come  all  joy  and  honour  ! 

[Flouri/h  cornets.     'Then  Exeunt. 

Manent  Sicinius,  and  Brutus. 

Bru.  You  fee  how  he  intends  to  life  the  people. 

Sir.  May  they  perceive  his  intent !  He  will  require 

them, 

As  if  he  did  contemn  what  he  requefted 
Should  be  in  them  to  give. 

Bru.  Come,  we'll  inform  them 
Of  our  proceedings  here  :  on  the  market  place, 
I  know,  they  do  attend  us.  [Exeunt. 

S  C  EN  E     III. 

The  Forum. 

Enter  feven  or  eight  Citizens. 

i  Cit.  *  Once,    if  he  do  require  our  voices,   we 
ought  not  to  deny  him. 

4  Oncet~\  Once  here  means  the  fame  as  when  we  fay,  once  for 
all.     WAR  BUR  TON. 

This  ufe  of  the  word  once  is  found  in  the  Suppofes  by  Gaf- 
coigne  : 

"  Once,  twenty-four  ducattes  he  cofl  me."     FARMER. 

2  Cit. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  393 

2  Cit.  We  may,  fir,  if  we  will. 

3  Cit.  *  We  have  power  in  ourfelves  to  do  it,  but 
it  is  a  power  that  we  have  no  power  to  do  :  for  if  he 
fhew  us  his  wounds,  and  tell  us  his  deeds,  we  are  to 
put  our  tongues  into  thofe  wounds,  and  fpeak  for 
them  ;  fo,  if  he  tell  us  his  noble  deeds,  we  muit  alfo 
tell  him  our  noble  acceptance  of  them.     Ingratitude 
is  monftrous  :  and  for  the  multitude  to  be  ingrateful, 
were  to  make  a  monfter  of  the  multitude  ;  of  the 
which,  we  being  members,  fhould  bring  ourfelves  to 
be  monftrous  members. 

i  Cit.  A-nd  to  make  us  no  better  thought  of,  a  little 
help  will  ferve  :  for  once,  when  we  flood  up  about 
the  corn,  he  himfelf  ftuck  not  to  call  us — the  °  many- 
headed  multitude. 

3  Cit.  We  have  been  call'd  fo  of  many  ;  not  that 
our  heads  are  fome  brown,  fome  black,  fome  au- 
burn 7,  fome  bald,  but  that  our  wits  are  fo  diverfly 
coloui'd  :  and  truly,  I  think,  *  if  all  our  wits  were 

to 

5  We  have  power  in  ourfelves  to  Jo  it,  lut  it  is  a  power  that  we 
have  no  power  to  do :]  I  am  perfuaded  this  was  intended  as  a  ridi- 
cule on  the  AugufHne  manner  of  defining  free-will  at  that  time 
in  the  fchools.     WAR  BUR  TON. 

A  ridicule  may  be  intended,  but  the  fenfe  is  clear  enough. 
Power  firit  fignifies  natural  power  or  force,  and  then  moral  power 
or  right.  Davies  has  uied  the  fame  word  with  great  variety  of 
meaning : 

Ufe  all  thy  powers  that  heavenly  power  to  pra!fey 
1  hat  gave  thee  po.ver  to  do.       •     •          JOHNSON. 
Shakefpeare  could  not  mean  to  ridicule  a  circumftance  of  which 
it  was   hardly  poffible  for  him  to  have  the  leair,  knowledge.     He 
fpent  his  time  better  than  in  reading  fcholaftic  trafli.     See  the  JRe- 
vifal)  p.  4',-6.     STEEVENS.     • 

6  many -headed  multitude.]   Hanmer  reads,  many-headed  monfter, 
but  without  necelfity.      To  be  many-headed  includes  monftroufnefs* 

JOHNSON. 

7  fame  auburn,]  The  folio  reads,  fome  Abram.     I  fhould  un- 
willingly fuppofe  this  to  be  the  true  reading  ;   but  we  have  already 
heard  of  Cain  and  ^^ram-coloured  beards.     STEEVFNS. 

8  if  all  our  wits  were  to  ijfuc  out  of  one  fcul!,  &c.]    Meaning, 
though  our  having  but  one  intereft  was  moil  apparent,  yet  our 
tyilhes  and  projects  would  be  infinitely  discordant.     This  me:.n- 

ing 


394  CORIOLANUS. 

to  ifTue  out  of  one  fcull,  they  would  fly  eafl,  weft, 
trorth,  fouth  ;  and  their  content  of  one  direct  way 
ihould  be  at  once  to  all  the  points  o'  the  compafs. 

2  Cit.  Think  you  fo  ?  Which  way,  do  you  judge, 
my  vf  it  would  fly  ? 

3  Cit.  Nay,  your  wit  will  not  fo  loon  out  as  an- 
other man's  will,  'tis  ftrongly  wedg'd  up  jn  ablock- 
hc,ad  :  but  if  it  were  at  liberty,  'twould,  fure,  fouth- 
.ward. 

2  Cit.  Why  that  way  ? 

3  Cit.  To  lofe  itfelf  in  a  fog  ;  where  being  three 
parts  melted  away  with  rotten  dews,  9  the   fourth 
would  return  for  confcience  fake,  to  help  to  get  thee 
a  wife. 

2  Cit.  You  are  never  without  your  tricks : — You 
fnay,  you  may. 

3  Cit.  Are  you  all  refolv'd  to  give  your  voices  ? 
But  that's  no  matter,  the  greater  part  carries  it.     I 
fay,    if  he  xvould  incline  to  the  people,   there  was 
never  a  worthier  man. 

Eater  Coriolams,  and  Menenius. 

Here  he  comes,  and  in  the  gown  of  humility ;  mark 
his  behaviour.  We  are  not  to  flay  all  togecher,  but 
to  come  by  him  where  he  flands,  by  ones,  by  twos, 
and  by  threes.  He's  to  make  his  requefts  by  particu- 
lars ;  wherein  every  one  of  us  has  a  fingle  honour,  in 
giving  him  our  own  voices  with  our  own  tongues  : 
therefore  follow  me,  and  I'll  dircdt  you  how  you 
ihall  go  by  him. 

ing  the  Oxford  editor  has  totally  difcharged,  by  changing  the 

text  thus, [ff'ut-  out  of  ourjlul/s,     WAR  BURTON. 

9  the  fourth  would  return  for  confcience  fake,  to  help  to  get  thee  a 
«M.v/f.]  A  fly  fatirical  infinuation  how  fmall  a  capacity  of  wit  is 
necefiary  for  that  purpofe.  But  eveiy  day's  experience  of  the 
fex's  prudent  difpofal  of  themfelves,  may  be  fufficient  to  inform 
us  how  unjuft  it  is.  WARBURTON. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  395 

All.  Contcnr,  content. 

Men.  O  fir,  you  are  not  right ;    Have  you  not 

known 

The  worthieft  men  have  done't  ? 
4       Cor.  What  muft  I  fay  ? — 

I  pray,  fir, Plague  upon't !  I  cannot  bring 

My  tongue  to  fuch  a  pace  :  —  Look,    fir  ;  —  ray 

wounds ; — 

I  got  them  in  my  country's  fervice,  when 
Some  certain  of  your  brethren  roar'd,  -and  ran 
From  the  noife  of  our  own  drums. 

Men  O  me,  the  gods  ! 

You  mull  not  {peak  of  that ;  you  mufl  defire  them 
To  think  upon  you. 

Cor.  Think  upon  me  ?  Hang  'em  !       fc 
I  would  they  would  forget  me,  like  the  virtues 
Wnich  our  divines  lofe  by  'em. 

Men.   You'll  mar  all  ; 

I'll  leave  you  :   Pray  you,  fpeak  to  'em,  I  pray  you, 
Jn  wfrolefome  marmer.  [Exit. 

Citizens  approach. 

Cor.  Bid  them  wafh  their  faces, 
And  keep  their  teeth  clean. — So,  here  comes  a  brace. 
You  know  the  caufe,  firs,  of  my  (landing  here. 

I  Cit.  We  do,  fir ;  tell  us  what  hath  brought  you 
to't. 

Cor.  Mine  own  defert. 

2.  Cit.  Your  own  defert  ? 

Cor.  Ay,  not  mine  own  defire  f. 

i  Cit.  How  !  not  your  own  defire  ? 

Cor.  No,  fir  :   'Twas  never  my  defire  yet 
To  trouble  the  poor  with  begging. 

1  not  mine  own  defire."]  The  old  copy — lut  mine  own  defire.  If 
lut  be  the  true  reading,  it  mult  fignify,  as  in  the  North — without. 

STEEVENS. 

I  Cit. 


396  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

i  Cit.  You  muft  think,  if  we  give  you  any  thing, 
we  hope  to  gain  by  you. 

Cor.  Well  then,  I  pray,  your  price  o'the  conful- 

fliip? 

I  Cit.  The  price  is,  to  afk  it  kindly. 
.  Cor.  Kindly  ? 

Sir,  I  pray,  let  me  ha't :  I  have  wounds  to  mew  you, 
Which  fliall  be  yours  in  private. — Your  good  voice, 

fir; 
What  fay  you  ? 

Both  Cit.  You  fhall  have  it,  worthy  fir. 

'Cor.  A  match,  fir : — There's  in  all  two  worthy 

voices  bcgg'd  : — 
I  have  your  alms  ;  adieu. 

1  Cit.  But  this  is  fomething  odd. 

2  Cit.  An  'twere  to  give  again, — But  'tis  no  matter. 

\_Exeunt. 

Enter  two  other  Citizens. 

Cor.  Pray  you  now,  if  it  may  {land  with  the  tune 
of  your  voices,  that  I  may  be  conful,  I  have  here 
the  cuftomary  gown. 

i  Cit.  You  have  deferv'd  nobly  of  your  country, 
and  you  have  not  deferv'd  nobly. 

Cor.  Your  amigma  ? 

i  Cit.  You  have  been  a  fcourge  to  her  enemies, 
you  have  been  a  rod  to  her  friends;  you  have  not, 
indeed,  loved  the  common  people. 

Cor.  You  Ihould  account  me  the  more  virtuous, 
that  I  have  not  been  common  in  my  love.  I  will, 
fir,  flatter  my  fworn  brother  the  people,  to  earn  a 
dearer  eftimation  of  them  ;  *tis  a  condition  they  ac- 
count gentle  :  and  fince  the  wifdom  of  their  choice  is 
rather  to  have  my  hat  than  my  heart,  I  will  practife 
the  infinuating  nod,  and  be  off  to  them  moft  counter- 
feitly  ;  that  is,  fir,  I  will  counterfeit  the  bewitch-* 
ment  of  fome  popular  man,  and  give  it  bountifully 

to 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  397 

to  the  defirers.     Therefore,  befeech  you,  I  may  be 

COTlful. 

2  Cif.  We  hope  to  find  you  our  friend ;  and  there- 
fore give  you  our  voices  heartily. 

i  Cit.  You  have  received  many  wounds  for  your 
country. 

Cor.  *  I  will  not  feal  your  knowledge  with  mewing 
them.  I  will  make  much  of  your  voices,  and  fo 
trouble  you  no  further. 

Both.  The  gods  give  you  joy,  fir,  heartily  ! 

[Exeunt. 

Cor.  Moft  fweet  voices  ! — 
Better  it  is  to  die,  better  to  ftarve, 
Than  crave  the  hire  which  firfl  we  do  deferve. 
J  Why  in  this, woolvifh.  gown  mould  I  ftand  here, 

To 

*  I  will  not  feal_y0ar  k%*&jUJgi\  I  will  not  ftrengthen  or  com- 
pleat  your  knowledge.  The  leal  is  that  which  gives  authenticity 
to  a  writing.  JOHNSON. 

3   jyiy Jbould  I  fiand  here, 

To  beg  of  Hob  and  Dicky  that  do  appear •, 

Their  needlefs  voucher  ? ] 

Why  ftand  I  here  in  this  ragged  apparel  to  beg  of  Hob  rmd-Dick, 
and  fuch  others  as  make  their  appearance  here,  their  unaccejary 
•votes.  I  rather  think  we  fhould  read  : 

Their  ntedlefs  vouches. 

But  voucher  may  ferve,  as  it  may  perhaps  fignify  either  the  a£l 
or  the  agent.     JOHNSON. 
The  old  copy  reads  : 

Their  needlcfs  vouches.     STEEVENS. 

thh  woolvijb  gown]  Signifies  this  rough  hirfute  gown. 

JOHNSON-. 

I  own  I  was  furprized,  on  confulting  the  old  copy,  to  find  the 
paflage  printed  thus  :  . 

"  Why  in  this  woolvifh  tongue" 

Mr.  Rowe  received  gown  from  the  fecond  folio,  and  has  beea 
followed  (perhaps  without  necelluy)  by  all  the  editors. 

The  white  robe  worn  by  a  candidate  was  made,  I  think,  of 
white  lamb  Ikins.  How  comes  it  then  to  be  called  woDfaiJh,  unlefs 
in  allufion  to  the  fable  of  the  wolf  injheep'i  cloathing  ?  Perhaps 
the  p6et  meant  only,  IVly  do  TJand  with  a  tongue  deceitful  as  that 
of  the  wolf,  andfeem  to  flatter  thrift  whom  I  could  wljh  to  treat  with 
rny  ufual ferocity  ?  We  may  perhaps  more  diitin&ly  read  : 


395  CORIOLANUS 

To  beg  of  Hob,  and  Dick,  that  does  appear, 
Their  needlcfs  vouches  ?  CuiTom  calls  me  to't :— « 
What  cuftom  wills,  in  all  things  ihould  we  do't, 
The  duft  on  antique  time  would  lie  unfwept, 
And  mountainous  error  be  too  highly  heap'd 
For  truth  to  over-peer. — Rather  than  fool  it  fo, 
Let  the  high  office  and  the  honour  go 
To  one  that  would  do  thus. — I  am  half  through  'r 
The  one  part  fuiFer'd,  the  other  will  I  do. 

TLiiter  three  Citizens  more. 

Here  come  more  voices. — 
Your  voices  :   for  your  voices  I  have  fought ; 
Watch'd  for  your  voices  ;  for  your  voices,  bear 
Of  wounds  two  dozen  odd  ;  battles  thrice  fix  4 

I  haver 

with  this  woolvifh  tongue, 

unlefs  tongue  be  ufed  for  tone  or  accent.  7'ongv.c  might,  indeed, 
be  only  a  typographical  miitake,  and  the  word  designed  be  togct 
which  is  uled  in  Othello.  Shakefpeare,  however,  does  not  appear 
to  have  known  what  the  toga  hirfuta  was,  becaufe  he  has  juft  be- 
fore called  it  the  naplcfs  gown  of  humility. 

Since  the  foregoing  note  was  written,  I  met  with  the  following 
pafluge  in  "  A  Merye  Jeft  of  a  Man  called  HowitgZSu,"  bl.  1.  na 
date.  Howlcglas  hired  himfelf  to  a  taylor,  who  "  cafte  unto 
him  a  hufbande  mans  govvne,  and  bad  him  take  a  ivolfe,  and  make 
it  up. — Than  cut  Hovjlcglas  the  hufbandmans  gowne  and  made 
thereof  a  vjoulfc  with  the  head  and  feete,  &c.  Then  fayd  the 
irniiiter,  I  ment  that  you  fhould  have  made  up  the  ruffet  gown, 
for  a  hulbandman's  gowne  is  here  called  a  ivolfc."  By  a  wol'vijb 
gown,  therefore,  (if  £0w«be  the  true  reading)  Shakefpeare  might 
have  meant  Coriolanus  to  compare  the  drefs  of  a  Roman  candidate 
to  the  coarfe  frock  of  a  ploughman,  who  cxpoled  himfelf  to  folicic 
the  votes  of  his  fellow  rufticks.  STEEVENS. 

Why  in  this  ivolviJJj  tongue.]  The  old  copy's  reading  in.  and 
not  ivitb  fhews  that  tongue  was,  as  Mr.  Steevens  conjeitures,  i\n 
errour  of  the  prefs  for  toge.  The  very  fame  miilakc  has  happen- 
ed in  Othello,  where  we  meet  "  the  tongucd  confuls,"  inftead  of 
toged  confuls.  MALONE. 

4  Coriolanus  feems  now,  in  earnelt,  to  petition  for  the  confulate  i 
perhaps  we  may  better  read  ; 

—battles 


CORIOLANUS.  S99 

I  have  feen,  and  heard  of;  for  your  voices,  have 
Done  many  things,    fome  lefs,  feme  more  :  your 

voices  : 
Indeed,  I  would  be  conful. 

1  Cit.  He  has  done  nobly,  and  cannot  go  without 
any  honefl  man's  voice. 

2  Cit.  Therefore  let   him  be  conful  :    The  gods 
give  him  joy,   and  make  him  good  friend  to  the 
people  ! 

AIL  Amen,  amen. — God  favc  thee,  noble  conful ! 

[Exeunt. 
Cor.  Worthy  voices ! 

Enter  Menenius,  with  Brutus,  and  Sicinins. 

Men.  You  have  flood  your  limitation;  and  the 

tribunes 

Endue  you  with  the  people's  voice  :  Remains, 
That,  in  the  official  marks  invefted,  you 
Anon  do  meet  the  fenate. 

Cor.  Is  this  done  ? 

Sic.  The  cultom  of  requeft  you  have  difcharg'd  :  • 
The  people  do  admit  you  ;   and  are  fummon'd 
To  meet  anon,  upon  your  approbation. 

Cor.  Where  ?  at  the  fenate-houfe  ? 

Sic.  There,  Coriolanus. 

Cor.  May  I  change  thefe  garments  ? 

Sic.   You  may,  fir. 

Cor.  That  I'll  ftraight  do ;  and,  knowing  myfelf 

again, 
Repair  to  the  fenate-houfe. 

Men.  I'll  keep  you  company. — Will  you  along  ? 

Bru.  We  flay  here  for  the  people. 

Sic.  Fare  you  well.  [Exeunt  Coriol.  and  Men. 

battles  thrice  fix 

r<veff£n,  and  you  have  heard  of;  for  your  voices 
Done  many  things,  &c.    FARMSR. 

He 


400  CORIOLANUS. 

He  has  it  now  ;  and  by  his  looks,  methinks, 
'Tis  warm  at  his  heart. 

Bru.  With  a  proud  heart  he  wore 
His  humble  weeds  :  Will  you  difmifs  the  people  ? 

Re-enter  Citizens. 

Sic.  How  now,  my  mailers  ?  have  you  chofe  this 

man  ? 

i  Cif.  He  has  our  voices,  fir. 
Bru.  We  pray  the  gods,  he  may  deferve  your  loves. 
i  Cif.  Amen,  fir  :  To  my  poor  unworthy  notice, 
He  mock'd  us,  when  he  begg'd  our  voices. 
3  Cit.  Certainly,  he  flouted  us  down-right. 

1  Cit.  No,  'tis  his  kind  of  fpeech,  he  did  not  mock 

us. 

2  Cit.  Not  one  amongft  us,  fave  yourfelf,  but  fays, 
He  us'd  us  fcornfully  :  he  fhould  have  fhew'd  us 
His  marks  of  merit,  wounds  receiv'd  for  his  country. 

•  Sic.  Why,  fo  he  did,  I  am  fure. 
AIL  No,  no  man  faw  'em. 
'  3  Cit.  He  faid,  he  had  wounds,  which  he  coulc! 

Ihew  in  private  ; 

And  with  his  hat,  thus  waving  it  in  fcorn, 
I  would  be  conful,  fays  he  :  4  aged  citftom, 
But  by  your  voices,  will  not  fo  permit  me  ; 
Tour  voices  therefore  :  When  we  granted  that, 
Here  was, — /  thank  you  for  your  voices, — t  bank  you, — 
Tour  moft  fa'rtt  voices  : — now  you  have  left  your  voices, 
I  have  nothing  further  with  you  : — Was  not  this  mock- 
ery 3 
Sic.  Why,  either,  were  you  J  ignorant  to  fee't  ? 

Or, 

4 agej  cufiom,}  This  was  a  ftrange  inattention.  The 

Romans  at  this  time  had  but  lately  changed  the  regal  for  the  con- 
fular  government :  for  Coriolanus  was  baniflied  the  eighteenth 
year  after  the  expulfion  of  the  kings.  WARBITRTON. 

5  .  ignorant  to/eft  ?]  The  Oxford  editor  alters  ^lorant 

to 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  4o, 

Or,  feeing  it,  of  fuch  childifh  friendlinefs 
To  yield  your  voices  ? 

Bru.  Could  you  not  have  told  him, 
As  you  were  Leffbn'd, — When  he  had  no  power, 
But  was  a  petty  fervant  to  the  flate, 
He  was  your  enemy  ;  ever  fpake  againft 
Your  liberties,  and  the  charters  that  you  bear 
F  the  body  of  the  weal :  and  now,  arriving  6 
A  place  of  potency,  and  fway  o'  the  Hate, 
If  he  iliould  flill  malignantly  remain 
Fait  foe  to  the  plebeii,  your  voices  might 
Be  curfes  to  yourfelves  :  You  fliould  have  faid, 
That,  as  his  worthy  deeds  did  claim  no  lefs 
Than  what  he  flood  for ;  fo  his  gracious  nature 
Would  think  upon  you  for  your  voices,  and 
Translate  his  malice  towards  you  into  love, 
Standing  your  friendly  lord. 

Sic.  Thus  to  have  faid, 

As  you  were  fore-advis'd,  had  touch'd  his  fpirit, 
And  try'd  his  inclination  ;  from  him  pluck'd 
Either  his  gracious  promife,  which  you  might, 
As  caufe  had  call'd  you  up,  have  held  him  to  ; 
Or  elfe  it  would  have  gall'd  his  furly  nature, 
Which  eafily  endures  not  article, 
Tying  him  to  aught ;  fo,  putting  him  to  rage, 
You  fhould  have  ta'en  the  advantage  of  his  choler, 
And  pafs'd  him  unelecled, 

to  impotent^  not  knowing  that  ignorant  at  that  time  fignified  impo- 
tent.   WAR  BUR  TON. 

That  ignorant  at  any  time  has,  otherwife  than  confequentially, 
the  fame  meaning  with  impotent,  I  do  not  know.     It  has  no  fuch 
meaning  in  this  place.     Were  you  ignorant  to  fee  it,  is,  did  you 
want  knowledge  to  i.-fcern  it.     JOHNSON. 
6   •  arriving 

A  place  of  potency, 

Thus  the  old  copy,  and  rightly.     So  in  the  third  part  of  K.  Henry 
VI.  aft  V.  fc.  iii  : 

*«   thofe  powers  that  the  queen 

"  Hath  rais'd  in  Gallia,  have  arriv V our  coaft. 

STEEVENS. 

VOL.  VII.  D  d  Bru, 


402  CO.RI-OLANUS. 

Bru.  Did  you  perceive, 
He  did  folicit  you  in  7  free  contempt, 
When  he  did  need  your  loves  ;  and  do  you  think, 
This  his  contempt  {hall  not  be  bruiting  to  you, 
When  he  hath  power  to  crufti  ?  Why,   had  your 

bodies 

No  heart  among  you  ?  Or  had  you  tongues,  to  cry 
Againft  the  redorfhip  of  judgment  ? 

Sic.  Have  you, 

Ere  now,  deny'd  the  afker  ?  and,  now  again, 
On  him,  that  did  not  afk,  but  mock,  bellow 
Your  fu'd-for  tongues  8  ? 

3  Cit.  He's  not  confirm'd,  we  may  deny  him  yet. 

2  Cit.  And  will  deny  him  : 
I'll  have  five  hundred  voices  of  that  found. 

i  Cit.  I  twice  five  hundred,  and   their  friends  to 
piece  'em. 

Bru.  Get   you   hence   inflantly  ;    and  tell   thofe 

friends, — 

They  have  chofe  a  conful,  that  will  from  them  take 
Their  liberties ;  make  them  of  no  more  voice 
Than  dogs,  that  are  as  often  beat  for  barking,. 
As  therefore  kept  to  do  fo. 

Sic.  Let  them  affemble  ; 
And,  on  a  fafer  judgment,  all  revoke 
Your  ignorant  election  :  9  Enforce  his  pride, 
And  his  old  hate  unto  you  :  befides,  forget  not 
With  what  contempt  he  wore  the  humble  weed  ; 
How  in  his  full  he  fcorn'd  you  :  but  your  loves, 
Thinking  upon  his  fcrvices,  took  from  you 
The  apprehenfion  of  his  prefent  portance  ', 

7  free  contempt,]  That  is,  with  contempt  open  and  unre- 

jftrained.     JOHNSON. 

8  Your  ft*  d- for  tongues  f\  Your  tongues  that  have  been  hitherto 
foliated.     STEEVENS. 

»  Enforce  his  pride,]  Objeft  his  pride,  and  enforce  the 

objection.     JOHNSON. 

*  bin  prefent  portance.]  i.e.  carriage.     So,  in  Othello  : 

"  And  portance  in  my  travels'  hiltory."    STEEVENS. 

Which 


C  O  R  I  6  L  A  N  U  S.  403 

Which  moft  gibingly,  urigravely,  he  did  fa'fhion 
After  the  inveterate  hate  he  bears  you: 

Bru.  Lay 

A  fault  on  us^  your  tribunes  ;  that  we  labour'dj 
(No  impediment  between)  but  that  you  muft 
Caft  your  eledtion  on  him. 

Sic.  Say,  you  chofe  him 
More  after  our  commandment,  than  as  guided 
By  your  own  true  affedtions  :  and  that,  your  minds 
Pre-occupy'd  with  what  you  rather  muft  do 
Than  what  you  ihould,  made  you  againft  the  grain 
To  voice  him  conful  :  Lay  the  fault  on  us. 

Bru.  Ay,  fpare  us  not.     Say,  we  read  lectures  t5 

you, 

How  youngly  he  began  to  ferve  his  country, 
How  long  continued  :  and  what  flock  he  fprings  of, 
The  noble   houfe  o'  the  Marcians  ,*    from  whence 

came 

That  Ancus  Marcius,  Numa's  daughter's  fon, 
Who,  after  great  Hoftilius,  here  was  king  : 
Of  the  fame  houfe  Publius  and  Quintus  were$ 
That  our  befl  water  brought  by  conduits  hither ; 
*  And  Cenforinus,  darling  of  the  people, 
And  nobly  nam'd  fo,  twice  being  cenfor^ 
3  Was  his  great  anceftor* 

Sic. 

*  And  Cenforinus^  darling  of  the  people ',  ]  This  verfe  I  have  fup- 
plied  ;  a  line  having  been  certainly  left  out  in  this  place,  as  will 
appear  to  any  one  who  confults  the  beginning  of  Plutarch's  Life 
if  Coriolanus,  from  whence  this  paflage  is  diredly  tranllated. 

POPE. 

3  And  Cenforinus 

Was  his  great  anceftor.~] 

Now  the  firft  cenfor  was  created  U.  C.  314,  and  Coriolanus  was 
banifhed  U.  C.  262.  The  truth  is  this,  the  paflage,  as  Mr.  Pope 
obferves  above,  was  taken  from  Plutarch's  Life  of  Coriolanus  ; 
who,  fpeaking  of  the  houfe  of  Coriolanus,  takes  notice  both  of 
his  ancejiors  and  of  his/0^r//y,  which  our  author's  haile  not  giv- 
ing him  leave  to  obferve,  has  here  confounded  one  with  the  other. 
Another  inftance  of  his  inadvertency,  from  the  fame  caufe,  we 
D  d  4  have 


404  C  O  R.  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Sic.  One  thus  defccnded, 
That  hath  befide  well  in  his  perfon  wrought 
To  be  fee  high  in  place,  we  did  commend 
To  your  remembrances  :  but  you  have  found, 
*  Scaling  his  prefent  bearing  with  his  paft, 
That  he's  your  fixed  enemy,  and  revoke 
Your  fudden  approbation. 

Bru.  Say,   you  ne'er  had  don't, 
(Harp  on  that  ftill)  but  by  our  putting  on  : 
And  prefently,  when  you  have  drawn  your  number, 
Repair  to  the  Capitol. 

All.  We  will  fo  :  almoft  all 
Repent  in  their  election.  \JLmmt  Citizens. 

Bru.  Let  them  go  on  ; 
This  mutiny  were  better  put  in  hazard, 
Than  ftay,  paft  doubt,  for  greater  : 
If,  as  his  nature  is,  he  fall  in  rage 
With  their  rcfufal,  both  5  obferve  and  anfwcr 
The  vantage  of   his  anger. 

Sic.  To  the  Capitol,  come ; 

We  -Will  be  there  before  the  ftream  o'  the  people  ; 
And  this  Ihall  fecm,  as  partly  'tis,  their  own, 
Which  we  have  goaded  onward.  [Exeunt. 

have  in  the  firft  part  of  Henry  IV.  where  an  account  is  given  of 
the  prifoners  took  on  the  plains  ot  Holmedon  : 

Mordake  the  carl  of  Fife,  and  eldeft  fan 

To  beaten  Douglas 

But  the  carl  of  Fife  was  not  Ion  to  Douglas,  but  to  Robert  duke 
of  Albany,  governor  ot  Scotland.  He  took  his  account  from  //<>- 
lirifhed,  whofe  words  are,  And  of  pr  [fan  en  uS&tigft  others  <nvr<- 
tr.<i'?,  Mordack  eai'l  #f  -/'V/''>  Jtm  to  the  governor  Arkimbald,  carl 
Doi>*las,  &c.  And  he  imagined  that  the  governor  and  earl  Doug- 
las were  one  and  the  fame  perfon.  \\ 'ARBUK  TON-. 

4  Scaling  bis  prefent  bearing  ivitb  InspftJJ^  TJiat  is,  <wtigbing\JA& 
paft  and  prefent  behaviour.     JOHN-SON. 
s  obferve  und  an  fiver 

Ibc  vantage  <'f  bis  anger,] 

Mark,  catch,  and  improve  the  opportunity,  which  his  haiiy 
nnger  will  afford  us.  JOHNSO.V. 

ACT 


CQRIOtA-NUS. 


405 


ACT     III.      SCENE     I. 

A  Street, 

Cornets.     Enter  Coriolanus,  Menenius,    Committs,    'Titus 
Lartius,  and  other  Senators. 

Cor.  Tullus  Aufidius  then  had  made  new  head  ? 

Lart.  He  had,  my  lord  ;  and  that  it  was,  which 

caus'd 
Our  fwifter  competition. 

Cor.  So  then  the  Voices  (land  but  as  at  firft  ; 
Ready,  when  time  lhall  prompt  them,  to  make  road 
Upon  us  again. 

Com.  They  are  worn,  lord  conful,  fo, 
That  we  lhall  hardly  in  our  ages  fee 
Their  banners  wave  again. 

Cor.  Saw  you  Aufidius  ? 

Lart.  On  fafe-guard  he  came  to  me ;  and  did  curfc 
Againft  the  Voices,  for  they  had  fo  vilely 
Yielded  the  town  :  he  is  retir'd  to  Antium. 

Cor.  Spoke  he  of  me  ? 

Lart.  He  did,  my  lord. 

Cor.  How?  what? 

Lart.  How  often  he  had  met  you,  fword  to  fword  : 
That,  of  all  things  upon  the  earth,  he  hated 
Your  perfon  moft  :  that  he  would  pawn  his  fortunes 
To  hopelefs  reftitution,  fo  he  'might 
Be  call'd  your  vanquisher. 

Cor.  At  Antium  lives  he  ? 

Lart.  At  Antium. 

Cor.  I  wim  I  had  a  caufe  to  feek  him  there, 
To  oppofe  his  hatred  fully. — Welcome  home. 

t  i-  —^       — 

[To  Lartms* 
D  d  3  Enter 


CORIOLANUS. 


Enter  Sicimusy  and  Brutus. 

Behold  !  tbefe  are  the  tribunes  of  the  people, 
The  tongues  o'the  common  mouth.     1  do  defpife 

them  ; 

For  they  do  6  prank  them  in  authority, 
Againft  all  noble  fufferance. 
Sic.  Pafs  no  further. 
Cor.  Ha  !  what  is  that  ? 

Bru.  It  will  be  dangerous  to  go  on  :  no  further. 
Cor.  What  makes  this  change  ? 
Men.  The  matter  ? 
Com.  Hath  he  not  pafs'd  the  nobles,  and  the  com-: 

mons  ? 

Bru.  Cominius,  no. 
Cor.  Have  I  had  children's  voices  ? 
Sen*  Tribunes,  give  way  ;  he  fhall  to  the  market- 

place. 

Bru.  The  people  are  incens'd  againfl  him.. 
Sic.  Stop, 
Or  all  will  fall  in  broil. 

Cor.  Are  thefe  your  herd  ?— 
Muft  thefe  have  voices,  that  can  yield  them  now, 
And  ftraight   difclaim  their   tongues  ?  —  What  are 

your  offices  ? 
ITqu  being  their  mouths,    7  wh.y  rqle  you  not  their 

teeth  ? 

Have  you  not  fet  them  on  ? 
Men.  Be  calm,  tie  calm. 
Cor.  It  is  a  purpos'd  thing,  and  grows  by  plot, 
To  curb  the  will  of  the  pobility  :  — 


€    .  ,          -pranlc  them  in  authority,]  Plu^if^  Jeck^  dignify  them^ 
felves.    JOHNSON. 

7  -  cwfay  rvjg  you  not  fj-ffif  teeth  ?]  The  metaphor  is 
from  men's  fetting  a  bull-dog  01  mafliff  upcn  any  one. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

Suf- 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  40? 

Suffer't,  and  live  with  fuch  as  cannot  rule, 
Nor  ever  will  be  rul'd. 

Bru.  CalFt  not  a  plot  : 

The  people  cry,  you  mock'd  them ;  and,  of  late, 
When  corn  was  given  them  gratis,  you  repin'd  ; 
Scandal'd  the  fuppliants  for  the  people  ;  callM  them 
Time-plcafers,  flatterers,  foes  to  noblenefs. 

Cor.  Why,  this  was  known  before. 

Bru.  Not  to  them  all. 

Cor.  Have  you  inform'd  them  iince  8  ? 

Bru.  How  !  I  inform  them  ! 

Cor.  You  are  like  to  do  fuch  bufinefs* 

Bru.  9  Not  unlike, 
Each  way,  to  better  yours. 

Cor.  Why  then  fhould  I  be  conful  ?  By  yon  clouds, 
Let  me  deferve  fo  ill  as  you,  and  make  me 
Your  fellow  tribune. 

Sic.  You  (hew  too  much  of  that, 
Far  which  the  people  ftir :  If  you  will  pafs 
To  where  you  are  bound,  you  muft  enquire  your  way, 
Which  you  are  out  of,  with  a  gentler  fpirit ; 
Or  never  be  fo  noble  as  a  conful, 
Nor  yoke  with  him  for  tribune. 

Men.  Let's  be  calm. 

Com.  The  people  are  abusM: — Set  on.—1  This  pal- 

t'ring 
Becomes  not  Rome ;  nor  has  Coriolanus 

De~ 

8  Jtace."]  The  old  copy fithcnce.    STEEVENS. 

9  Not  unlike, 

Each  way,  to  better  yours.] 

/.  e .  likely  to  provide  better  for  the  fecurity  of  the  commonwealth 
than  you  (whofe  bufnefs  it  is)  will  do.  To  which  the  reply  is 
pertinent : 

H7y  tbenjboM  I  be  conful  f 

Yet  the  reftlefs  humour  of  reformation  in  the  Oxford  editor  dik 
turbs  the  text  to, 

better  you.     WARBUR.TQN. 

1   This  paltering 

Becomes  not  Rome  ;<     >     ] 
That  is,  this  trick  of  diffimulation, 
D  d  4 


408  CORIOLANUS. 

Deferv'd  this  fo  difhonour'd  rub,  laid  J  fairly 
I'  the  plain  way  of  his  medt. 

Cor.  Tell  me  of  corn  ! 
This  was  my  fpeech,  and  I  will  fpeak't  again  ; 

Men.  Not  now,  not  now. 

Sen.  Not  in  this  heat,  fir,  now. 

Cor.  Now,  as  I  live,  I  will. — My  nobler  friends, 
I  crave  their  pardons  : — 

For  the  mutable,  rank-fcentcd  many,  let  them  * 
Regard  me  as  I  do  not  flatter,  and 
Therein  behold  themfelves  :  I  fay  again, 
In  foothing  them,  we  nourifh  'gainil  our  fenate 
5  The  cockle  of  rebellion,  iniulence,  fedition, 
Which  we  ourfelves  have  plough'd  for,  fow'd  and  fcat- 

ter'd, 

By" mingling  che^m  with  us,  the  honour'd  number; 
Who  lack  not  virtue,  no,  nor  power,  but  that 
Which  they  have  given  to  beggars. 

Men.  Well,  no  more. 

Sen.  No  more  words,  we  befeech  you. 

Cor.  How  !   no  more  ? 
As  for  my  country  I  have  Ihed  my  blood, 
Not  fearing  outward  force,  fo  fhall  my  lungs 
Coin  words  'till  their  decay,  againft  thofe  meazels  *, 

And  Ic  tbefc  }ttglbig  fiends  no  nwre  believed. 

That  palter  with  us  i;i  a  double  fcnfe.  Macbeth.     JOHNSON* 

3   laid f(t[fly~\  Falfiy  for  treacheroujly.     JoHNSON', 

4  let  them 

Regard  me  as  I  do  not  flatter,  and 

Therein  behold  thenif elves  : ] 

t/et  them  look  in  the  mirror  which  I  hold  up  to  them,  a  mirrot 
which  dees  not  flatter,  and  fee  themfelves.  JOHNSON. 

s  The  cockle  of  rebellion, ]  Cockle  is  a  weed  which  grows  up 

with  the  corn.  The  thought  is  from  fir  Tho.  North's  tranf- 
lation  of  Plutarch^  where  it  is  given  as  follows  :  "  Moreover, 
he  faid,  that  they  nourifhed  againft  themfelves  the  naughty  feed 
and  cockle  of  iniblency  and  fedition,  which  had  been  fowed  and 
fe'attered  abroad  among  the  people,  &c."  STEEVENS. 

*  weazds^\  Meft-llis  ufed  in  Pierce.  Plowman's  Vijion  for 

a  leper  *  The  fame  word  frequently  occurs  in  the  London  Pro- 
flfFal,  STEEVENS. 

Which 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  4o9 

Which  we  difdain  fhould  tetter  us,  yet  fought 
The  very  way  to  catch  them. 

Bnt.  You  fpeak  o'  the  people, 
As  if  you  were  a  god  to  punilh,  not 
A  man  of  their  infirmity. 

Sic*  Twere  well, 
We  let  the  people  know't. 

Men.  What,  what  ?  his  choler  ? 

Cor.  Choler! 

Were  I  as  patient  as  the  midnight  flcep, 
By  Jove,  'twould  be  my  mind. 

Sic.  It  is  a  mind 

That  fhali  remain  a  poifon  where  it  is, 
Not  poifon  any  further. 

Cor.  Shall  remain  ! — 

Hear  you  this  Triton  of  the 6  minnows  ?  mark  vou 
His  abfolute /;«///> 

Com.  7  'Twas  from  the  canon. 

Cor.  SMI! 

O  gods  ! — But  moft  unwife  patricians,  why, 
You  grave  8,  but  recklefs  fenators,  have  you  thus 
Given  Hydra  here  to  choofe  an  offices, 
That  with  his  peremptory  flail,  being  but 
'  The  horn  and  noife  o'the  monfters,  wants  not  fpirit 
To  fay,  he'll  turn  your  current  in  a  ditch, 
And  make  your  channel  his  ?  If  he  have  power, 

6  minnows?—]  i.e.  fmall  fry.     WAS  BUR  TON. 

A  minnow  is  one  of  the  fmalleft  river  fifh,  called  in  fome  coun- 
ties a //«.£.     JOHNSON. 

7  "Tkxasfrom  the  canon.]  Was  contrary  to  the  eftabliflied  rule; 
it  was  a  form  of  fpeech  to  which  he  has  no  right.     JOHNSON. 

8   O  gods  !— but  moft  vn-ivife patricians,  ivby 

Tou  grave )  &c.] 
Thus  the  old  copy.     Succeeding  editors  had  altered  it : 

O  good,  but  moft  utr.vlff,  &C. 

When  the  only  authentic  copy  affords  fenfe,  why  fhould  we  de- 
part from  it  ?     STEKVENS. 

9  The  born  and  noife ]  Alluding  to  his  having  called  him 

Triton  before.    WARBURTON. 

Then 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

1  Then  vail  your  ignorance  :  if  none,  awake 

Your  dangerous  lenity.     If  you  are  learned, 

Be  not  as  common  fools ;  if  you  are  not, 

Let  them  have  cuihions  by  you.    *  You  are  plebeians, 

If  they  be  fenators :  and  they  are  no  lefs, 

When,  both  your  voices  blended,  the  greateft  tafte 

Moft  palates  theirs.     They  choofe  their  magiftrate ; 

And  fuch  a  one  as  he,  who  puts  hhjhall, 

His  popular^//,  againft  a  graver  bench 

Than  ever  frown' d  in  Greece  !  By  Jove  himfelf, 

It  makes  the  confuls  bafe  :  3  and  my  foul  akes, 

1  Tfjen  vail  your  ignorance  j— — —  ]  Ignorance  for  impotence  ; 
becaufe  it  makes  impotent.  The  Oxford  editor  not  underftanding 
this,  tranfpofes  the  whole  fentence  according  to  what  in  his  fancy 
is  accuracy.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

Hanmer's  tranfpofition  deferves  notice. 

If  they  have  power ) 

Let  them  have  cujhions  by  you  ;   if  none,  awake 
your  dangerous  lenity  ;   if  you  are  learned, 
Be  not  as  common  fools  ;  if  you  are  not, 
TJxn  vail  your  ignorance.     You  are  Plebeians,  &c. 
I  neither  think  the  tranfpofition  of  one  editor  right,  nor  the  in- 
terpretation of  the  other.     The  fenfe  is  plain,  enough  without 
fuppofing  ignorance  to  have  any  remote  or  confequential  lenfe.    If 
this  man  has  power,  let  the  ignorance  that  gave  it  him  vail  or  bow 
down  before  him.     JOHNSOX. 
1  —You  are  plebeians, 

If  they  be  fenators ;  and  they  are  no  lefs, 

Wl;en,  both  your  voices  blended,  the  greateft  tajle 

Moji  palatts  theirs. ] 

Thefe  lines  may,  I  think,  be  made  more  intelligible  by  a  very 
flight  corre&ion  : 

they  no  lefs  [than  fenators'] 

When,  both  your  voices  blended,  the  greatcfl  tajle 
Muft  palate  theirs. 

When  the  tajle  of  the  great,  the  patricians,  muft  palate,  muft 
pleafe  [or  muft  try]  that  of  the  plebeians.     JOHNSON. 

The  plain  meaning  is,  that  fenators  and  plebeians  arc  equal,  wLett 
the  higbejl  tajle  is  bejl  pleafed  with  that  which  pleafe s  the  lonvcft. 

STEEVENS. 

3  and  my  foul  akei\    The  mifchief  and  abiurdity  of 

^hat  is  called  in$crium  in  imperio,  is  here  finely  expreiied. 

WAR  BUS  TON, 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  411 

To  know,  when  two  authorities  are  op, 
Neither  fupreme,  how  foon  confufion 
May  enter  'rwlxt  the  gap  of  both,  and  take 
The  one  by  the  other. 

Com.  Well, — on  to  the  market-place. 

Cor.  Whoever  gave  that  counfel  *,  to  give  forth 
The  corn  o'the  ftore-houfe  gratis,  as  'twas  us'd 
Sometime  in  Greece, 

Mgn.  Well,  well,  no  more  of  that. 

Cor.  (Though  there  the  people  had  more  abfolute 

power) 

I  fay,  they  nouriih'd  difobedience,  fed 
The  ruin  of  the  ftate. 

Brit.  Why,  mall  the  people  give 
One,  that  fpeaks  thus,  their  voice  ? 

Cor.  I'll  give  my  reafons, 

*  WTjoever  gave  that  counfel*  &c.]  So,  in  the  old  tranflation  of 
Plutarch  :  "  Therefore  iayed  he,  they  that  gauc  counfell,  and  per- 
fuadec  'iiat  the  come  fhould  be  giuen  out  to  the  common  people 
grati^  •••'•:  they  vfed  to  doe  in  citties  of  G-jece,  where  the  people 
had  more  abfoiun  power;  dyd  but  only  nourilhe  their  dilbbedi- 
ence,  which  would  bveake  put  in  the  code,  to  the  vtter  ruine  and 
oucrthrowe  of  the  whole  ftate.  For  they  will  not  thincke  it  is 
done  in  recompenfe  of  their  feruice  paft,  fithence  they  know  well 
enough  they  haue  fo  ofte  refufed  to  go  to  the  warres,  when  they 
were  commaunded :  neither  for  their  mutinies  when  they  went 
with  vs,  whereby  they  haue  rebelled  and  forfaken  their  countne  : 
neither  for  their  accufations  which  their  flatterers  haue  preferred 
vnto  them,  and  they  haue  recevued,  and  made  good  againlt  the 
fenate  :  but  they  will  rather  iudge  we  geue  and  graunt  them  this, 
as  abafing  our  felues,  and  {landing  in  feare  of  them,  and  glad  to 
flatter  them  euery  way.  By  this  meanes,  their  difobedience  will 
{till  growe  worfe  and  worfe  :  and  they  will  neuer  leave  to  prac- 
tife  newe  fedition,  and  vprores.  Therefore  it  were  a  great  follie 
for  vs,  me  thinckes  to  do  it :  yea,  (hall  I  faye  more  ?  we  fhould 
if  we  were  wife,  take  from  them  their  tribunelhippe,  which  moll 
rnanifeftly  is  the  embaling  of  the  confulfliippe,  and  the  caufe  of 
the  diuifion  of  the  cittie.  The  flate  whereof  as  it  ftandeth,  is 
not  now  as  it  was  wont  to  be,  but  becommeth  difmembred  in, 
two  factions,  which  mainteines  allwayes  ciuill  dilFention  and  dif- 
corde  betwene  vs,  and  will  neuer  fuffer  vs  againe  to  be  vnited  into 
j)ne  bodie."  STEEVENS. 

More 


4i2  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

More  worthier  than  their  voices.  They  know,  the  corn 

Was  not  our  recompence  ;  refting  well  affur'd 

They  ne'er  did  fervice  for't :  Being  ^ -.fs'd  to  the  war, 

Even  when  the  navel  of  the  ftate  was  touch'd, 

5  They  would  not  thread  the  gates  :  this  kind  of  fervice 

Did  not  deferve  corn  gratis  :  Being  i'  the  war, 

Their  mutinies  and  revolts,  wherein  they  fnew'd 

Molt  valour,  fpoke  not  for  them  :  The  accufation 

Which  they  have  often  made  againfl  the  fenate, 

All  caufe  unborn,  6  could  never  be  the  native 

Of  our  fo  frank  donation.     Well,  what  then  ? 

How  (hall  this  bofom  multiplied  digeft 

The  fenate's  courtefy  ?  Let  deeds  exprefs 

What's  like  to  be  their  words  : — We  did  reqvejl  //;— 

We  are  the  greater  poll,  and  in  true  fear 

They  gave  us  our  demands  : — Thus  we  debafe 

The  nature  of  our  feats,  and  make  the  rabble 

Call  our  cares,  fears  :  which  will  in  time  break  ope 

The  locks  o'  the  fenate,  and  bring  in  the  cro\vs 

To  peck  the  eagles 

Men,  Come,  enough. 

Bru.  Enough,  with  over-meafure. 

Cor.  7  No,  take  more : 

What 


5  They  "Mould  not  thread  the  gates  ; ]  That  is,  pafs  them. 

We  yet  fay,  to  thread  an  alley.     JOHNSON. 

6  •   could  never  be  the  native]  Native  for  natural  birth. 

WAR  BURTON. 

Native  is  here  not  natural  birth,  but  natural  parent,  or  caufe  of 
forth.     But  I  would  read  motive,  which,  without  any  diftortioa 
of  its  meaning,  fuits  the  fpeaker's  purpofe.     JOHNSON. 
7  No,  take  more  : 

Wl.iat  may  be  fivorn  by,  both  divine  and  human, 
Seal  iv hat  I  end  withal !          ] 

The  falfe  pointing  hath  made  this  unintelligible.     It  fhould  be 
read  and  pointed  thus  : 
No,  take  more ; 
What  may  bcfworn  by.     Both  divine  and  human, 

Seal  what  I  end  withal !  — 

i.  e.  No,  I  will  Hill  proceed,  and  the  truth  of  what  I  fhall  fay  may 

be 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  413 

What  may  be  fworn  by,  both  divine  and  human, 
Seal  what  I  end  withal  !  —  This  double  worfhip,  — 
Where  one  part  does  difdain  with  caufe,  the  other 
Infult  without  all  reafon  ;  where  gentry,  title,  wifdom 
Cannot  conclude,  but  by  the  yea  and  no 
Of  general  ignorance,  —  it  muft  omit 
Real  neceffities,  and  give  way  the  while 
To  unftable  ilightnefs  :  8  purpofe  fobarr'd,  it  follows, 
Nothing  is  done  to  purpofe  :   Therefore,    befeech 

you,  — 

You  that  will  be  lefs  fearful  than  difcrcet  ; 
9  That  love  the  fundamental  part  of  flate, 
More  than  you  doubt  the  change  oft  ;  that  prefer 
A  noble  life  before  a  long,  and  wifh 
To  jump  a  body  '  with  a  dangerous  phyfic, 

That's 

be  fworn  to.     And  may  both  divine  and  human  powers,  [i.  e.  the 
gods  of  Rome  and  the  fenate]  confirm  audfupport  my  conclufion. 

WAR  BLR  TON. 

•  —purpofe  fo  barr'J,  it  follows  , 

Nothing  is  done  to  purpofe,  -  ] 

This  is  fo  like  Polonius's  eloquence,  and  fo  much  unlike  the  reft 
of  Coriolanus's  language,  that  I  am  apt  to  think  it  fpurious, 


»  Tlat  love  the  fundamental  part  of  fiate^ 

More  than  you  ilonbt  the  change  of  't  ;  -  ~\ 

\.  e.  Who  are  fo  wedded  to  accuitomed  forms  in  the  adminiura- 
tion,  that  in  your  care  for  the  prefervation  of  thofe,  you  overlook 
the  danger  the  conititution  incurs  by  ftri<5tly  adhering  to  them. 
This  the  fpeaker,  in  vindication  of  his  conduct,  artfully  reprefents 
to  be  his  cafe  ;  yet  this  pertinent  obfervation,  the  Oxford  editor, 
with  one  happy  dafh  of  his  pen,  in  amending  doubt  to  //<?,  entirely 
abolifhes.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

To  tloubt  is  to  fear.  The  meaning  is,  You  whofe  zeal  predo- 
minates over  your  terrours  ;  you  who  do  not  fo  much  fear  the  dan- 
ger of  violent  meafures,  as  wifh  the  good  to  which  they  are  necef- 
fary,  the  prefervation  of  the  original  conftitution  of  our  govern- 
ment. JOHNSON, 

1  To  jump  a  body  —  ]  Thus  the  old  copy.  Modern  editors  read  : 

To  vamp  -- 

TojuMf  anciently  lignified  toyV/,  to  give  a  rude  concuffion  to 
any  thing.  To  jump  a  body  may  therefore  mean,  to  put  it  into  a 
violent  agitation  or  ieii;mo!iout 

So, 


4i4  CORIOLANUS. 

That's  fure  of  death  without  it, — at  once  pluck  but 
The  multitudinous  tongue,  let  them  not  lick 
The  fvveet  which  i.s  their  poifon  :  Your  diihonour 
*  Mangles  true  judgment,  and  bereaves  the  ftate 
Of  that  integrity  ?  which  fhould  become  it ; 
Not  having  power  to  do  the  good  it  would, 
For  the  ill  which  doth  controul  it. 

Bru.  He  has  faid  enough. 

Sic.  He  has  fpoken  like  a  traitor,  and  fhall  anfwer 
As  traitors  do. 

Cor.  Thou  wretch  !  defpight  overwhelm  thee  ! — 
What  fhould  the  people  do  with  thefe  bald  tribunes  ? 
On  whom  depending,  their  obedience  fails 
To  the  greater  bench  :  In  a  rebellion, 
When  what's  not  meet,  but  what  muft  be,  was  law, 
Then  were  they  chofen  ;  in  a  better  hour, 
Let  what  is  meet,  be  faid,  4  it  muft  be  meet, 
And  throw  their  power  i'  the  dufl. 

Bru.  Manifeft  treafon. 

Sic.  This  a  conful  ?  no. 

Bru.  The  zediles,  ho  !-~Let  him  be  apprehended. 

So,  in  Phil.  Holland's  tranflation  of  Pliny's  Nat.  Hift.  B.  XXV, 
ch.  v.  p.  219:  "  If  we  looke  for  good  fuccelfe  in  our  cure  by 
miniftring  ellebore,  &c.  for  certainly  it  putteth  the  patient  to  a 
jttmpey  or  great  hazard."  STEEVENS. 

a  Manglts  true  judgment,— —  ]  Judgment  for  government* 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

'Judgment  is  judgment  in  its  common  fenfe,  or  the  faculty  by 
which  right  is  diflinguiflied  from  wrong.  JOHNSONS 

3  ivbich  Jhottid  become  it  j]  Become,  for  adorn. 

WAR  BUS  TON. 

Integrity  is  in  this  place  foundnefs,  uniformity,  confiftency,  in 
•he  fame  fenfe  as  Dr.  Warburton  often  ufes  it,  when  he  mentions 
the  integrity  of  a  metaphor.  To  become,  is  lofuit,  to  bejit. 

JOHNSON. 

4  it  muft  be  met*,]  Hanmer  reads : 

//  ntuft  be  law. 

And  Dr.  Warburton  follows  him,  furely  without  neceffity. 

JOHNSON. 

Sic- 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  4I^ 

Sk.  Go,  call  the  people:  [Exit  Brutus.]  in  whofe 

name,  myfelf 

Attach  thee,  as  a  traiterous  innovator, 
A  foe  to  the  publick  weal  :  Obey,  I  charge  thee, 
And  follow  to  thine  anfwer. 

Cor.  Hence,  old  goat ! 

All.  We'll  furety  him. 

Com.  Aged  fir,  hands   off. 

Cer.  Hence,  rorten  thing,  or  I  fliall  lhake  thy  bones 
Out  of  thy  garments  5. 

Sic.  Help  me,  citizens. 

Re-enter  Brutus,  with  a  rabble  of  Citizens,  with  ibt 
Mdik;. 

Men.  On  both  fides  more  refpect. 

Sic.  Here's  he,  that  would 
Take  from  you  all  your  power. 

Bru.  Seize  him,  sediles. 

AIL  Down  with  him,  down  with  him  ! 

2,  Sen.  Weapons,  weapons,  weapons ! 

[They  all  bvjlle  about  Cor'tolanxs. 
Tribunes,  patricians,  citizens  !— what  ho  !-r 
Sicinius,  Brutus,  Coriolanus,  citizens  ! 

All.  Peace,  peace,  peace ;  ftay,  hold,  peace ! 

Men.  What  is  about  to  be  ? — I  am  out  of  breath ; 
Confufion's  near ;  I  canndt  fpeak  : — You,  tribunes 
To  the  people 6, — Coriolanus,  patience  :— 
Speak,  good  Sicinius. 

5  flake  thy  loncs 

Out  of  thy  garment *.~\ 
So,  in  K.  John  : 

" here's  a  % 

**  That  fiakes  the  rotten  carcafe  of  old  death 
"  Out  of  his  rags .'"     STEEVE\S. 

*  To  theptople, — Coriolanus,  patience ;]  I  would  read; 
Speak  to  the  people.     Coriolanus,  patience  :•— 
good  Sicinius.     TyRWHITT. 

Sic. 


416  CORIOLANUS. 

Sic.  Hear  me,  people  ; Peace. 

All.  Let's  hear  our  tribune  : Peace.     Speak, 

fpeak,  fpeak. 

Sic.  You  are  at  point  to  lofe  your  liberties  ; 
Marcius  would  have  all  from  you  ;  Marcius, 
Whom  late  you  nam'd  for  conful. 

Men.  Fie,  fie,  fie  ! 
This  is  the  way  to  kindle,  not  to  quench. 

i  Sen.  To  unbuild  the  city,  and  to  lay  all  flat. 
Sic.  What  is  the  city,  but  the  people  ? 
AIL  True, 
The  people  are  the  city. 

Bru.  By  the  confent  of  all,  we  were  eftablilh'd 
The  people's  magiftrates. 
All.  You  fo  remain. 
Men.  And  fo  are  like  to  do. 
Cor.  That  is  the  way'  to  lay  the  city  flat ; 
To  bring  the  roof  to  the  foundation  ; 
And  bury  all,  which  yet  diftindtly  ranges, 
In  heaps  and  piles  of  ruin. 
Sic.  This  deferves  death. 
Brit.  Or  let  us  (land  to  our  authority, 
Or  lettis  lofe  it  : — We  do  here  pronounce, 
Upon  the  part  o*  the  people,  in  whofe  power 
We  were  elected  theirs,  Marcius  is  worthy 
Of  prefent  death. 

Sic.  Therefore,- lay  hold  of  him  ; 
Bear  him-  to  the  rock  Tarpcian,    and  from  thence 
Into  deftruftion  caft  him. 
Bru.  JEdilcs,  feize  him. 
All.  Yield,  Marcius,  yield. 
'Men.  Hear  me  one  word. 
Befcech  yon,  tribunes,  hear  me  but  a  word* 
JEdiles.  Peace,  peace. 

Men.  Be  that  you  feem,  truly  your  country's  friend, 
And  temperately  proceed  to  what  you  would 
Thus  violently  rcdrc'fs. 

Bru. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  417 

Bru.  Sir,  thofe  cold  ways, 

That  feem  like  prudent  helps,  are  7  very  poifonous 
Where  the  difeafe  is  violent : — Lay  hands  upon  him, 
•   And  bear  him  to  the  rock. 

[Coriolanus  draws  his  fword. 
Cor.  No  ;  I'll  die  here. 

There's  fome  among  you  have  beheld  me  fighting  ; 
Come,  try  upon  yourfelves  what  you  have  feen  me. 
Men.  Down  with  that  fword ; — Tribunes,  with- 
draw a  while. 

Eru.  Lay  hands  upon  him. 
Men.  Help,  Marcius  !  help, 
You  that  be  noble  ;  help  him,  young,  and  old  ! 
Ml.  Down  with  him,  down  with  him  !     [Exeunt* 
[In  this  mutiny,  the  Tribunes,  the  /Ediles,  and  the 

people  are  beat  in. 

Men.  Go,  get  you  to  your  houfe ;  be  gone,  away^ 
All  will  be  naught  elfe. 
2  Sen.  Get  you  gone. 
8  Cor.  Stand  faft  ; 

We  have  as  many  friends  as  enemies. 
Men.  Shall  it  be  put  to  that  ? 
i  Sen.  The  gods  forbid  ! 
I  pr'ythee,  noble  friend,  home  to  thy  houfc  ; 
Leave  us  to  cure  this  caufe. 

Men.  For  'tis  a  fore  upon  us, 
You  cannot  tent  yourfelf  :  Be  gone,  'befeech  you. 
Com.  Come,  fir,  along  with  us. 
Cor.  I  would  they  were  barbarians,  (as  they  are 
Though  in  Rome  litter'd  ;)  not  Romans,  (as  they  are 
not, 


7 very  poifonous,']  I  read  : 

-are  very  poiibns.     JOHNSON. 


*  Com.  Stand  faft,  &c.]  This  fpeech  certainly  fliould  be  given 
to  Coriolanus  ;  for  all  his  friends  perfuade  him  to  retire.  So, 
Cominius  prefently  after  : 

Come,  fir,  along  with  vs.     WAR  BUR  TON. 

VOL.  VII.  E  e  Though 


4i8  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Though  calv'd   i'  the  porch  o'  the  Capitol.)— Be 
gone  9. 

Men.  Put  not  your  worthy  rage  into  your  tongue  ; 
*  One  time  will  owe  another. 

Cor.  On  fair  ground, 
I  could  beat  forty  of  them. 

Men.  I  could  myfelf 

Take  up  a  brace  of  the  beft  of  them  ;  yea,  the  two 
tribunes. 

Com.  But  now  'tis  odds  beyond  arithmetick ; 
And  manhood  is  call'd  foolery,  when  it  Hands 
Againft  a  falling  fabrick. — Will  you  hence, 
Before  the  tag  return1  ?  whofe  rage  doth  rend 
Like  interrupted  waters,  and  o'crbear 
What  they  are  us'd  to  bear. 

Men.  Pray  you,  be  gone  : 
I'll  try  whether  my  old  wit  be  in  requeft 
With  thofe  that  have  but  little  ;  this  muft  be  patch'd 
With  cloth  of  any  colour. 

Com.  Nay,  come  away. 

[Exeunt  Coriolanvs,  and  Com'mius. 

i  Sen.  This  man  has  marr'd  his  fortune. 

Men.  His  nature  is  too  noble  for  the  world  : 

9  Men.]  /  would  they  IK  ere  barbarians  (as  they  are 

Though  in  Rome  litter'd;)    not  Romans  (as  they  are  not, 
T'/JO'  calnfd?  the  porch  o1  the  capital.) — Brjoae,  &c. 
The  beginning  of  this  Ipeech,  I  am  periuaded,  ihould  be  given 
to  Coriolanus.     The  latrer  part  only,  belongs  to  Menenius  : 

Put  not  your  worthy  rage,  &c.     TYRWHITT. 
I  have  divided  this  fpeech  according  to  Mr.  Tyrvvhitt's  direction. 

STKEVENS. 

1  One  time  will  owe  another. "\  I  know  not  whether  to  owe  in 
this  place  means  to  pojfifs  by  right,  or  to  be  inJubted.  Either  fenfe 
may  be  admitted.  Otie  time,  in  which  the  people  are  ieditious, 
will  %lve  us  power  in  fome  other  time:  or,  this  time  of  the  people's 
predominance  will  run  them  in  debt :  that  is,  will  lay  them  open 
to  the  law,  and  expofe  them  hereafter  to  more  fervilc  fubjection. 

JOHNSON. 

a  Before  the  tag  re  turn,  —  ]  The  loweft  and  moft  defpicablc 
of  the  populace  are  {till  denominated  by  thofe  a  little  above  them, 
T/fg,  r0gt  aniiboltail.  JOHNSON. 

He 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  4j9 

He  would  not  flatter  Neptune  for  his  trident, 

Or  Jove  for  his  power  to  thunder.     His  heart's  his 

mouth  : 

What  his  bread  forges,  that  his  tongue  mutt  vent  j 
And,  being  angry,  doth  forget  that  ever 
He  heard  the  name  of  death.  [A  nolfe  within* 

Here's  goodly  work  ! 

2  Sen.  I  would  they  were  a-bed  ! 

Men.  1  would  they  were  in  Tiber ! What,  the 

vengeance, 
Could  he  not  fpeak  'em  fair  ? 

Enter  Brutus }  and  Sicmius,  with  the  rabbk  again* 

Sic.  Where  is  this  viper, 
That  will  depopulate  the  city,  and 
Be  every  man  himfelf  ? 

Men.  You  worthy  tribunes,— 

Sic.  He  fhall  be  thrown  down  the  Tarpeian  rocl; 
With  rigorous  hands  ;  he  hath  refilled  law, 
And  therefore  law  fhall  fcorn  him  further  trial 
Than  the  feverity  of  publick  power, 
Which  he  fo  fets  at  nought. 

i  Cif.  He  lhall  well  know, 
The  noble  tribunes  are  the  people's  mouths, 
And  we  their  hands. 

All.  He  lhall  fure  out. 

Men.  Sir,  lir, 

Sic.  Peace. 

Men..  '  Do  not  cry,  havock,  where  you  Ihould  but 
hunt 

With 

3  Do  not  ay  havock, ]  i.  e.  Do  not  give  the  iignal  for  un- 
limited Slaughter,  &c.     STEEVENS. 

Do  not  cry  bavocli,  where  you  Jhould  but  hunt 
With  mode/I  warrant.] 

To  cry  havock,  was,  I  believe,  originally  a  fporting  phrafe,  from 
kafoc,  which  in  Saxon  fignifies  a  hawk.  It  was  afterwards  ulec} 
in  war.  So,  in  K.  John  : 

E  e  2  "  -Cry 


420  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

With  modeft  warrant. 

Sic.  Sir,  how  comes  it,  that  you 
Have  holp  to  make  this  refcue  ? 

Men.  Hear  me  fpeak  : — 
As  I  do  know  the  conful's  worthinefs, 
So  can  I  name  his  faults  : — 

Sic.  Conful  I — what  conful  ? 

Men.  The  conful  Coriolanus. 

Bru.  He  conful  ! 

AIL  No,  no,  no,  no,  no. 

Men.  If,  by  the  tribunes*  leave,  and  yours,  good 

people, 

I  may  be  heard,  I'd  crave  a  word  or  two  ; 
The  which  fhall  turn  you  to  no  further  harm, 
Than  fo  much  lofs  of  time. 

Sic.  Speak  briefly  then  ; 
For  we  are  peremptory,  to  cifpatch 
This  viperous  traitor  :  to  ejedt  him  hence, 
"Were  but  one  danger  ;  and,  to  keep  him  here, 
Our  certain  death  ;  therefore,  it  is  decreed, 
He  dies  to-night. 

Men.  Now  the  good  gods  forbid, 
That  our  renowned  Rome,  whofe  gratitude 
Towards  her  deferved  children  is  enrol  I'd 
In  Jove's  own  book,  like  an  unnatural  dam 
Should  now  eat  up  her  own  f 

I        "  Cry  bavock,  kings." 

AM  in  Julius  Ctefar  : 

"  Cry  bavock,  and  let  flip  the  dogs  of  war.'* 
It  feems  to  have  been  the  fignal  for  general  flaug-hter,  and  is  cx- 
prefsly  forbid  in  the  Ordinances  Jes  Bctailk*,  9  R.  ii.  art.  10  : 

"  Item,  c]ue  nul  foil  fi  hardy  de  crier  bavok  fur  peine  d'avoir 
la  teft  coupe." 

The  fecond  article  of  the  fame  Ordinances  feems  to  have  been 
fatal  to  Bardolph.  It  was  death  even  to  touch  the  fix  of  little 
price. 

**  Item  qe  nul  foit  fi  hardy  de  toucher  le  corps  de  noftre  Seig- 
neur, n!  If  vejjfl  en  quel  il  eft,  fur  peyne  d'eltre  trainez  &  pendu, 
et  le  teiie  avoir  coupe."  M.S.  Cotton.  Nero  D.  VI. 

TYRWHITT. 

Sic. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  421 

Sic.  He's  a  difeafe,  that  mufl  be  cut  away. 

Men.  O,  he's  a  limb,  that  has  but  a  difeafe; 
Mortal,  to  cut  it  off;  to  cure  it,  eafy. 
What  has  he  done  to  Rome,  that's  worthy  death  ? 
Killing  our  enemies  ?  The  blood  he  hath  loft, 
(Which,  I  dare  vouch,  is  more  than  that  he  hath, 
By  many  an  ounce)  he  dropp'd  it  for  his  country  : 
And,  what  is  left,  to  lofe  it  by  his  country, 
Were  to  us  all,  that  do't,  and  fuffer  it, 
A  brand  to  the  end  o'  the  world. 

Sic.  4This  is  clean  kam. 

Eru.  Meerly  awry  :  When  he  did  love  his  country, 
It  honour'd  him. 

5  Men.  The  fervice  of  the  foot 
Being  once  gangren'd,  is  not  then  refpcdted 
For  what  before  it  was  ? 

Bru.  WV11  hear  no  more  : — 
Purfue  him  to  his  houfe,  and  pluck  him  thence  ; 
Left  his  infection,  being  of  catching  nature, 
Spread  further. 

4  This  is  clean  kam.]  i.e.  Awry.  So  Cotgrave  interprets, 
Tout  va  a  contrcpoil.  All  goes  clean  kam.  Hence  a  kanibrel  for  a 
crooked  ftick,  or  the  bend  in  a  horfe's  hinder  leg. 

WAR  BUR  TOX. 

The  Welch  word  for  crooked  is  kam\  and  in  Lylly's  E.nJymion, 
1591,  is  the  following  paflage  :   *'  But  timely,  madam,    crooks 
that  tree  that  will  be  a  camack^  and  young  it  pricks  that  will  be 
a  thorn." 
Again,  \R.$4f/pbo  and  Phao,   1591  : 

"  Camocks  maft  be  bowed  with  Height  not  ilrength." 
Vulgar  pronunciation  has  corrupted  clean  kam  into  klm  hew,  and 
this  corruption  is   preferved  in  that  great  repoiitory  ot  ancient 
vulgarsfms,  Stanyhurft's  tranflation  of  Virgil,   1:582: 
"  'Sdnditur  incertum  Jludia  in  contraria  vulgus." 
"  The  wavering  commons  in  kym  kam  lettes  are  haled." 

STEEYENS. 

5  Men.  The  fervice  of  the  foot  &c.~\ 

Nothing  can  be  more  evident,  than  that  this  could  never  be  faici 
by  Coriolanus's  apologifl,  and  that  it  was  faid  by  one  of  the  tii- 
bunes  ;  I  hax'e  therefore  given  it  to  Sicinius.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

I  have  refior'd  it  to  Menenius,  placing  an  interrcg::tion  point  at 
the  conclulion  of  the  fpeech.  STEEVENS. 

E  e  3  Men. 


412  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Men.  One  word  more,  one  word. 
This  tyger-footed  rage,  when  it  fhall  find 
The  harm  of  unfcann'd  fwiftnefs,  will,  too  late, 
Tie  leaden  pounds  to  his  heels.  Proceed  by  procefs ', 
Left  parties  (as  he  is  belov'd)  break  out, 
And  fack  great  Rome  with  Romans. 

Bn>.  If  it  were  fo — 

Sic.  What  do  ye  talk  ? 
Have  we  not  had  a  tafte  of  his  obedience  ? 
Our  «diles  fmote  ?  ourfelves  refitted  ? — Come — 

Men.  Confider  this; — He  hath  been  bred  i'  the  wars 
Since  he  could  draw  a  fword,  and  is  ill  fchool'd 
In  boulted  language  ;  meal  and  bran  together 
He  throws  without  diftinction.     Give  me  leave, 
I'll  go  to  him,  and  undertake  to  bring  him 
Where  he  lhall  anfwer,  by  a  lawful  form, 
(In  peace)  to  his  utmoft  peril. 

i  Sen.  Noble  tribunes, 
It  is  the  humane  way  :  the  other  courfe 
Will  prove  too  bloody  ;  and  the  end  of  it 
Unknown  to  the  beginning  6. 

Sic.  Noble  Menenius, 
Be  you  then  as  the  people's  officer  : — 
Mafters,  lay  down  your  weapons. 

Bru.  Go  not  home. 

Sic.  Meet  on  the  market-place  : — We'll  attend  you 

there : 

Where,  if  you  bring  not  Marcius,  we'll  proceed 
In  our  firft  way. 

Men.  I'll  bring  him  to  you  : — 
Let  me  defire  your  company.  [_To  tie  Senators.^  He 

muft  come, 
Or  what  is  worft  will  follow. 

i  Sen.  Pray  you,  let's  to  him.  [Exeunt. 

*  <    -  the  end  of  it 

Unknown  to  the  beginning.] 
"So,  in  the  Tcmpeft,  afr  II.  ic.  i : 

"  The  latter  end  of  his  commonwealth  forgets  its  begin- 
ning."   STEVENS. 

SCENE 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  423 

SCENE     II. 

Coriolanus's  Honfe. 
"Enter   Coriolanus,   with  Patricians* 

Cor.  Let  them  pull  all  about  mine  ears ;  prefent 

me 

Death  on  the  wheel,  or  at  wild  horfes*  heels ; 
Or  pile  ten  hills  on  theTarpeian  rock, 
That  the  precipitation  might  down  ftretch 
Below  the  beam  of  fight,  yet  will  I  ftill 
Be  thus  to  them. 

Enter  Volumnia* 

Pat.  You  do  the  nobler. 

Cor.  7 1  mufe,  my  mother 
Does  not  approve  me  further,  who  was  wont 
To  call  them  woollen  vaffals,  things  created    . 
To  buy  or  fell  with  groats  ;  to  mew  bare  heads 
In  congregations,  to  yawn,  be  ftill,  and  wonder, 
When  one  but  of  8  my  ordinance  flood  up 
To  fpeak  of  peace,  or  war.  [To  Vol.']  I  talk  of  you  ; 
Why  did  you  wifli  me  milder  ?  Would  you  have  me 
Falfe  to  my  nature  ?  Rather  fay,  I  play 
The  man  I  am. 

Vol.  O,  fir,  fir,  fir, 

I  \vould  have  had  you  put  your  power  well  on, 
Before  you  had  worn  it  out. 

Cor.  Let  go. 

Vol.  You  might  have  been  enough  the  man  you  are, 
With  flriving  lets  to  be  fo  :  Lefler  had  been 

7  I mj.ff, ]   That  is,  I zander ,  lam  at  a  lofs.     JOHNSON. 

8  my  ordliuiuce •         •  ]  My  rank.     JOHNSON. 

E  e  4  The 


424  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

The  thwartings  of  your  difpofitions 9,  if 

You  had  not  Ihew'd  them  how  you  were  difpos'd 

Ere  they  lack'd  power  to  crofs  you. 

Cor.  Let  them  hang. 

Vol.  Ay,  and  burn  too. 

Enter  Menenius,  with  the  Senators. 

Men.  Come,    come,    you  have  been  too  rough, 

fomething  too  rough ; 
You  muft  return,  and  mend  it. 

Sen.  There's  no  remedy  ; 
Unlefs,  by  not  fo  doing,  our  good  city 
Cleave  in  the  midft,  and  perilh. 

Vol.  Pray,  be  counfel'd  : 
I  have  a  heart  as  little  apt  as  yours, 
But  yet  a  brain,  that  leads  my  ufe  of  anger, 
To  better  vantage. 

Mm.  Well  faid,  noble  woman  : 
1  Before  he  fhould  thus  ftoop  to  the  herd,  but  that 
The  violent  fit  o'  the  time  craves  it  as  phyfick 
For  the  whole  ftate,  I  would  put  mine  armour  on, 
Which  I  can  fcarcely  bear. 

Cor.  What  muft  I  do  ? 

Men.  Return  to  the  tribunes. 

Cor.  Well,  what  then  ?.  what  then  ? 

Men.  Repent  what  you  have  fpoke. 

Cor.  For  them  ? — I  cannot  do  it  to  the  gods ; 
I  then  do't  to  them  ? 

Vol.  You  are  too  abfolute  ; 

0  The  thwartings  of  your  difpcjrticns, ]  The  folio  reads : 

The  things  of  your  d'ifpofiticns, 

Mr.  Rowe  made  the  alteration,  which  I  have  followed,  as  my 
predeceflbrs  had  done,  though  without  diftinguifliiug  it  to  the 
reader.  S  TEE  YENS. 

*  Before  he  Jhould  thus  Jloop  to  the  heart—-—]  This  nonfenfe 
fliould  be  reformed  thus  : 

Before  he  Jhould  thus  Jloop  to  the  herd, 
i,  e,  the  people,    WARBURTON, 

Though 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  425 

Though  therein  you  can  never  be  too  noble. 

But  when  extremities  fpeak*,  I  have  heard  you  fay, 

Honour  and  policy,  like  unfever'd  friends, 

I*  the  war  do  grow  together  :  Grant  that,  and  tell  me, 

In  peace,  what  each  of  them  by  the  other  lofe, 

That  they  combine  not  there  ? 

Cor.  Tufh,  tufh! 

Men.  A  good  demand. 

Vol.  If  it  be  honour,  in  your  wars,  to  feem 
The  fame  you  are  not,  (which,  for  your  belt  ends, 
You  adopt  your  policy)  how  is  it  lefs,  or  worfe, 
That  it  fhall  hold  companionfhip  in  peace 
With  honour,  as  in  war ;  fince  that  to  both 
It  {lands  in  like  requeft  ? 

Cor.  ?  Why  force  you  this  ? 

Vol.  Becaufe, 

That  now  it  lies  you  on  to  fpeak  to  the  people : 
Not  by  your  own  inftruction,  nor  by  the  matter 
Which  your  heart  prompts  you  to ;  but  with  fuch 

words 
That  are  but  roated  in  your  tongue,  but  4  baftards, 

and  fyllables 

Of  no  allowance,  to  your  bofom's  truth. 
Now,  this  no  more  dilhonours  you  at  all, 
Than  to  take  in  a  town  with  gentle  words, 

*  But  ivben  extremities  fpeak.     I  have  beard,  &c.]  Should  not 
this  paffage  be  pointed  thus  ? 

,  You  can  never  le  too  nolle. 

But  when  extremities  fpeak,  I  have  beard,  &c.     MALONE. 

3  VWy  force  you ]  Why  urge  you.     JOHNSON. 

4  bajlards,  and  fyllables 

Of  no  allowance,  to  your  bofonfs  truth.~\ 
I  read : 

Of  no  alliance, 

therefore  baJJarJs.   Yet  allowance  may  well  enough  fland,  as  menn-» 
ing  legal  right,  ejlablijbed  rank,  or  fettled  authority.     JOHNSON. 
The  old  copy  reads — Though  but  baftards,  &c. 
Allowance  is  certainly  right.     So,  in  Othello,  aft  II.  fc.  i : 

" his  pilot 

*'  Qf  very  expert  and  approv'd  a/loivance.1'    STEEVENS. 

Which 


4t6  CORIOLANUS. 

Which  elfe  would  put  you  to  your  fortune,  and 

The  hazard  of  much  blood. 

I  would  difTcmble  with  my  nature,  where 
My  fortunes,  and  my  friends,  at  flake,  requir'd, 
I  fhould  do  fo  in  honour  :  5  I  am  in  this, 
Your  wife,  your  fon,  thefe  fenators,  the  nobles  ; 
And  you  will  rather  fliew  6  our  general  lowts 
How  you  can  frown,  than  fpend  a  fawn  upon  'em, 
For  the  inheritance  of  their  loves,  and  fafeguard 
Of  what 7  that  want  might  ruin. 

Men.  Noble  lady  !  — 

Come,  go  with  us ;  fpeak  fair  :  you  may  falve  fo, 
8  Not  what  is  dangerous  prefent,  but  the  lofs 
Of  what  is  paft. 

Vol.  I  pr'ythee  now,  my  fon, 
Go  to  them,  with  this  bonnet  in  thy  hand  ; 
And  thus  far  having  ftretch'd  it,  (here  be  with  them) 
Thy  knee  buffing  the  ftoncs,  (for  in  fuch  bufinefs 
Aclion  is  eloquence,  and  the  eyes  of  the  ignorant 
More  learned  than  the  ears)  9  waving  thy  head, 

With 


zu  this 


Tour  wife,  your  fon  :  tbcfcnators,  tbc  nobles. 

Andyou,^  &c.] 

The  pointing  of  the  printed  copies  makes  ftark  nonfenfe  of  this 
paffage.  Volumnia  is  perfuading  Coriolanus  that  he  ought  to 
flatter  the  people,  as  the  general  'fortune  was  at  flake  ;  and  fays, 
that  in  this  advice,  flic  fpeaks  as  his  wire,  as  his  fon  ;  as  the  fe- 
nate.  and  body  of  the  patricians  ;  who  were  in  fome  meafure 
link'd  to  his  conduct.  WARBURTON. 

I  rather  think  the  meaning  is,  I  am  in  their  condition,   lam  at 
fiakc,  together  wkhjww  mr/V,  your  Jon.     JOHNSON. 

6  —  our  general  lowts,~\   Our  common  clowns.     JOHNSON. 

7  that  want — ]  The  want  of  their  loves.     JOHNSON. 

8  Not  -jakat— — •  ]  In  this  place  not  feems  to  fignify  not  only. 

JOHNSON. 

a waving  thy  head, 

Which  often,  thus,  corrc  fling  thy  flout  heart, "\ 
But  do  any  of  the  ancient  or  modern  matters  of  elocution  prefcrihe 
the  wai-in%  tbc  head,  when  they  treat  of  aclion  ?  Or  how  does  the 
waving  the  head  correct  the  iloutnefs  of  the  heart,  or  evidence  hu- 
mility ?  Or,  lailly,  where  is  the  fenfe  or  grammar  of  thefe  words, 

'Which 


CORtOLANUS.  427 

With  often,  thus,  correcting  thy  flout  heart, 

Now  humble  as  the  ripeft  mulberry  % 

That  will  not  hold  the  handling  :  Or,  fay  to  them, 

Thou  art  their  foldier,  and  being  bred  in  broils, 

Haft  not  the  fofc  way,  which,  thou  doft  confefs, 

Were  fit  for  thee  to  ufe,  as  they  to  claim, 

In  afking  their  good  loves  ;  but  thou  wilt  frame 

Thyfelf,  forfooth,  hereafter  theirs,  ib  far 

As  thou  haft  power,  and  perfon. 

Men.  This  but  done, 
Even  as  Ihe  fpeaks,  why,  their  hearts  were  yours  : 

Wicb  often  thus,  &c  ?  Thefe  queftions  are  fufficient  to  fhew  that 
the  lines  are  corrupt.  I  would  read  therefore  : 

iv  ay  ing  thy  hand, 

Which  {"often  thus,  correcting  thy  Jl out  heart. 

This  is  a  very  proper  precept  of  aclion  fuiting  the  occafion  : 
Wave  thy  hand,  lays  fhe,  and  foften  the  action  ot  it  thus, — then 
ftrike  upon  thy  breaft,  and  by  that  adlion  fhew  the  people  thou 
haft  corrected  thy  flout  heart.  All  here  is  fine  and  proper. 

WAREURTON. 

The  correction  is  ingenious,  yet  I  think  it  not  right.  Head  or 
hand  is  indifferent.  The  hand  is  waved  to  gain  attention  ;  the 
head  is  fhaken  in  token  of  forrovv.  The  word  ivave  fuits  better 
to  the  hand,  but  in  confidering  the  authour's  language,  too  much 
ftrefs  muft  not  be  laid  on  propriety,  againft  the  copies.  I  would 
read  thus: 

waving  thy  head, 

With  often,  thus,  correfting  tfyjlout  heart. 

That  is,  flaking  thy  head,  xaAJtr  iking  thy  breaft.     The  alteration 
is  llighr,  and  the  gefture  recommended  not  improper.    JOHNSON. 
Shakefpeare  ufes  the  fame  expreifion  in  Hamlet : 

"  And  thrice  his  head  waving  thus,  up  and  do-wi" 

STEEVENS. 

I  have  fometimes  thought  that  this  paflage  might  originally  have 
food  thus  : 

waving  thy  head, 

(Which  humble  thus  ;)  correcting  thy  ftout  heart, 
Nowy^/toVas  the  ripeft  mulberry.     TYRWHITT. 
1  — humble  as  the  riffft  mulberry,"]  This  fruit,  when  thoroughly 
.ripe,  drops  from  the  tree.     STEEVENS. 

./Efchylus  (as  appears  from  a  fragment  of  his  4>PYrES  >j  FK- 
TOPOE  AYTPA,  preierved  by  Athenaeus,  lib.  ii.)  lays  of  Hcdtor 
that  he  was  fofter  thnn  mulberries. 

MlTSGRAVE. 

For 


428  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

For  they  Have  pardons,  being  afk'd,  as  free 
As  words  to  little  purpofe. 

Vol.  Pr'ythee  now, 
Go,  and  be  rul'd  :  although,    I  know,  thou  had'ft 

rather 

Follow  thine  enemy  in  a  fiery  gulf, 
Than  flatter  him  in  a  bower.   Here  is  Cominius. 


Enter  Cominius. 

Com.  I  have  been  i'  the  market-place  :  and,  fir, 

'tis  fit 

You  make  ftrong  party,  or  defend  yourfelf 
By  calmnefs,  or  by  abfence  ;  all's  in  anger. 
Men.  Only  fair  Ipeech. 
Com.  I  think,  'twill  ferve,  if  he 
Can  thereto  frame  his  fpirit. 

Vol.  He  muft,  and  will : — 
Pr'ythee,  now,  fay,  you  will,  and  go  about  it. 
GOT.  Muft  I  go  fhew  them  *  my  unbarb'd  fconce  ? 
Mufti, 

With 

*  my  unbarVd fconce  ?          •  ]  The  fuppliants  of  the  p£o- 

plc  ufed  to  prefent  themfelves  to  them  in  fordid  and  neglected 
drefles.     JOHNSON. 

Unvaried,  bare,  uncover'd.  In  the  times  of  chivalry  when  a 
horfe  was  fully  armed  and  accoutered  for  the  encounter,  he  was 
faid  to  be  larled;  probably  from  the  old  word  barbe  which 
Chaucer  ufes  for  a  veil  or  covering.  HAWKINS. 

Unbarled fconce  is  untrimrrfd  or  unjlicfven  head.  To  larb  a  man, 
was  to  (have  him.  So,  in  Promos  and  Cnjfandra,  1578: 

*'  Grim,  ——you  are  fo  clean  a  young  man. 

*'  Row.  And  who  larbes  you,  Grimball  ? 

"  Grim.  A  dapper  knave,  one  Rolco. 

"  Row.  I  know  him  not,  is  he  a  deaft  barber  V* 
To  barle  the  field  was  to  cut  the  corn. 
So,  in  Drayton's  Polyollnon,  Song  XIII : 

"  The  lab'ring  hunter  tufts  the  thick  unbarled  grounds." 
Again,   in  the  Malcontent,  by  Marfton  : 

"  The  {looping  fcytheman  that  doth  larle  the  field." 
Unvaried  may,  however,  bear  the  lignification  which  the  late 

Mr, 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  429 

With  my  bafe  tongue,  give  to  my  noble  heart 
A  lie,  that  it  muft  bear  ?  Well,  I  will  do't : 
Yet  were  there  but  this J  Tingle  plot  to  lofe, 
This  mould  of  Marcius,  they  to  duft  fhould  grind  itv 
And  throw  it  againft  the  wind. — To   the  market- 
place : — 

You  have  put  me  now  to  fuch  a  part,  which  never 
1  lhall  difcharge  to  the  life. 

Com*  Come,  come,  we'll  prompt  you. 

VoL  I  pr'ythee    now,    fweet  fon ;    as    thou  haft 

fai'd, 

My  praifes  made  thee  firft  a  foldier,  fo, 
To  have  my  praife  for  this,  perform  a  part 
Thou  haft  not  done  before. 

Cor.  Well,  I  muft  do't  : 

Away,  my  difpofition,  and  poflefs  me 

Some  harlot's  fpirit  !  My  throat  of,  war  be  turn'd, 

4  Which  quired  with  my  drum,  into  a  pipe 
Small  as  an  eunuch,  or  the  virgin  voice 

That  babies  lulls  afleep  !  The  fmiles  of  knaves 

5  Tent  in  my  cheeks ;  and  fchool-boys'  tears  take  up 
The  glafles  of  my  fight !   A  beggar's  tongue 
Make  motion  through  my  lips ;  and  my  arm'd  knees. 
Who  bow'd  but  in  my  ftirrop,  bend  like  his 
That  hath  receiv'd  an  alms  ! — I  will  not  do't ; 
Left  I  furceafe  6  to  honour  mine  own  truth, 

Mr.  Hawkins  would  affix  to  it.     So,  in  Magnificence,  an  inter- 
lude by  Skelton,  Fancy  fpeaking  of  a  hooded  hawk,  fays  : 

"  Barlyd  like  a  nonne,  for  burnynge  of  the  fonne." 

STEEVENS. 

3  Jiugle  plot  ]  i.e.  piece,  portion;    applied  to  a 
piece  of  earth,  and  here  elegantly  transferred  to  the  body,  car- 
cafe.     WARBURTON. 

4  Which  quired  ivitb  my  drum, ]  Which  played  in  concert 

with  my  drum.     JOHNSON. 

5  Tent  in  my  cheeks ; ]  To  tent  is  to  take  up  rejidence. 

JOHNSOK. 

6 to  honour  mine  otvn  truth,"\ 

^i/no  e-atrrw.    Pythagoras.    JOHNSOW. 

And, 


430  CORIOLANUS. 

And,  by  my  body's  action,  teach  my  mind 
A  mod  inherent  bafenefs. 

Vol.  At  thy  choice  then  : 
To  beg  of  thee,  it  is  my  more  dishonour, 
Than  thou  of  them.     Come  all  to  ruin ;  7  let 
Thy  mother  rather  feel  thy  pride,  than  fear 
Thy  dangerous  jftoutnefs  :  for  I  mock  at  death 
With  as  big  heart  as  thou.     Do  as  thon  lift. 
Thy  valiantnefs  was  mine,  thou  fuck'dft  it  from  me  ; 
But  own  thy  pride  thyfelf. 

Cor.  Pray,  be  content  ; 
Mother,  I  am  going  to  the  market-place  ; 
Chide  me  no  more.     I'll  mountebank  their  loves, 
Cog  their  hearts  from  them,  and  come  home  belov'd 
Of  all  the  trades  in  Rome.     Look,  I  am  going  : 
Commend  me  to  my  wife.     I'll  return  conful ; 
Or  never  truft  to  what  my  tongue  can  do 
1*  the  way  of  flattery,  further. 

Vol.  Do  your  will.  [Exit  Volumnia, 

Com.  Away,    the  tribunes  do    attend  you  :    arm 

yourfelf 

To  anfwer  mildly ;  for  they  are  prepar'd 
With  accufations,  as  I  hear,  more  ttrong 
Than  are  upon  you  yet. 

Cor.  The  word  is,  mildly  : — Pray  you,  let  us  go : 
Let  them  accufe  me  by  invention,  I 
Will  anfwer  in  mine  honour. 

Men.  Ay,  but  mildly. 

Cor.  Well,  mildly  be  it  then  ;  mildly.—  [Exeunt* 

Thy  mother  rather  feel  thy  pride,  than  fear 

Thy  dangerous  jloutncfs  ; ] 

This  is  obfcure.  Perhaps,  flie  means,  Go,  do  thy  worft ;  let  me 
rather  feel  the  utmotf  extremity  that  thy  pride  can  bring  upon  us,  than 
live  thus  in  fear  of  thy  dangerous  obftinacy.  JOHNSON. 


SCENE 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  431 

SCENE      III. 

The  Forum. 
Enter  Sicihius,  and  Brutus. 

Brit.  In  this  point  charge  him  home,  that  he  aflfe&s 
Tyrannical  power  :  If  he  evade  us  there, 
Inforce  him  with  his  envy  to  the  people ; 
And  that  the  fpoil,  got  on  the  Antiatcs, 
Was  ne'er  diftributed. — What,  will  he  come  ? 

Enter  an  jEdile. 

<£Ld.  He's  coming. 

Bru.  How  accompanied  ? 

JEd.  With  old  Mcnenius,  and  thofe  fenators 
That  always  favour'd  him. 

Sic.  Have  you  a  catalogue 
Of  all  the  voices  that  we  have  procur'd, 
Set  down  by  the  poll  ? 

Md,  I  have  ;  'tis  ready. 

Sic.  Have  you  collected  them  by  tribes  ? 

JEd.  I  have. 

Sic.  Aflemble  prefently  the  people  hither  : 
And  when  they  hear  me  fay,  Itjhall  be  fo, 
r  the  right  andftrength  o  the  commons,  be  it  either 
For  death,  for  fine,  or  banimment,  then  let  them, 
If  I  fay,  fine,  cry  fine  ;  if  death,  cry  death ; 
Infilling  on  the  old  prerogative 
And  power  8  i'  the  truth  o'  the  caufe. 

JILd.  I  lhall  inform  them. 

Bru.  And  when  fuch  time  they  have  begun  to  cry, 

8  z*  the  truth  <?  tie  caufe.~\  This  is  not  very  ealily  under* 

flood.     We  might  read  : 

•  o'er  the  truth  o'  the  caufe.     JOHNSON. 

Let 


432  CORIOLANUS 

Let  them  not  ceafe,  but  with  a  din  confus'd 
Inforce  the  prefent  execution 
Of  what  we  chance  to  fentence. 

Md.  Very  well. 

Sic.  Make  them  be  ftrong,  and  ready  for  this  hint, 
When  we  fhall  hap  to  give't  them. 

Bru.     Go  about  it. [Exit  JRdile. 

Put  him  to  choler  ftraight :  He  hath  been  us'd 
Ever  to  conquer,-9 and  to  have  his  worth  ' 
Of  contradiction  :  Being  once  chaf'd,  he  cannot 
Be  rein'd  again  to  temperance  * ;  then  he  fpeaks 
What's  in  his  heart;  and  that  is  there, }  which  looks 
With  us  to  break  his  neck. 

Enter 


9   i  and  to  have  bis  word 

Of  contradiction ] 

The  fenfe  here  falls  miferably.  He  hath  lecn  ufed,  fays  the 
ipeaker,  ever  to  conquer — And  what  then  ? — and  to  contradict, 
We  fhould  read  and  point  it  thus : 

and  to  have  his  word, 

Off  contradiction.* 

i.  e.  to  have  his  opinion-  carry  it  without  contradiction.  Here  the 
fenfe  rifes  elegantly.  He  ufed  ever  to  conquer  j  nay,  to  conquer 
•without  oppojit ion.  WARBURTON. 

To  have  his  word  of  contradiction  is  no  more  than,  be  is  ufed  to 
contradifi;  and  to  have  his  word,  that  is,  not  to  le  oppofcd.  We 
ftill  lay  of  an  obflinate  difputant,  be  will  have  the  loft  word. 

JOHNSON. 
1  — and  to  have  his  worth 

Of  contradiction  : ] 

The  modern  editors  fubftituted  word ;  but  the  old  copy  reada 
not  word,  but  worth,  which,  I  apprehend,  is  right. — He  has 
been  ufed  to  have  his  worth,  or  (as  we  fliould  now  fay)  his 
pennyworth  of  contradiction  ;  his  full  quota  or  proportion. 

MALONE. 

*  Se  rein'd  again  to  temperance;]  Our  poet  feems  to  have 
taken  feveral  of  his  images  from  the  old  pageants.  In  the  new 
edition  of  Lehnd's  CoUeCtanea,  Vol.  IV.  p.  190,  the  virtue  tem- 
perance ii  reprefented  "  holdyng  in  hyr  haund  a  litt  of  an  horfe." 

TOLLET. 

3  which  looks 

With  us  to  break  his  neck."} 

A  familiar  phrafe  of  that  time,  fignifymg  works  with  us.    But  the 

Oxford 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  433 


Enter  Coriolanus,  Mcnenius,  and  Comimus,  with  often* 

Sic.  Well,  here  he  comes. 

Men.  Calmly,  I  do  befeech  you. 

Cor.  Ay,  as  an  oftler,  that  for  the  pooreft  piece 
Will  bear  the  knave  by  the  volume4.  —  The  honour'd 

gods 

Keep  Rome  in  fafety,  and  the  chairs  of  juftice 
Supply'd  with  worthy  men  !  *  plant  love  among  us  ! 
Throng  our  large  temples  with  the  Ihews  of  peace, 
And  not  our  flreets  with  war  ! 

i  Sen.  Amen,  amen  ! 

Men.  A  noble  wifh. 

Re-enter  the  MdV.e,  with  the  Plebeians. 

Sic.  Draw  near,  ye  people. 

jEJ.  Lift  to  your  tribunes  ;    audience  :  Peace,    I 
/ay. 

Cor.  Firft,  hear  me  fpeak. 

Both  Tri.  Well,  fay.  —  Peace,  ho. 

Cor.  Shall  I  be  charg'd  no  farther  than  this  prefent  ? 
Mult  all  determine  here  ? 

Sic.  I  do  demand, 
If  you  fubmit  you  to  the  people's  voices, 

Oxford  editor,  underfhnding  the  fenfe  better  than  the  expreffion, 
gives  us  here  Shakefpeare's  meaning  in  his  own  words. 

WARBURTOX. 

To  holt  is  to  wait  or  exfcft.     1  he  fenfe  I  believe  is,  H'h«t  l.e 
has  in  bis  heart  is  waiting  there  to  help  us  to  Ircak  his  neck. 

JOHNSON. 

4  Will  Icc.r  the  knave  ly  :ie  volum.\~\  i,  e.  would  bear  being 
called  a  knave  as  often  as  \vou!d  fill  out  a  volume.     STEEVENS.  • 
s    ---   lant  lavj   (t:r.o,      us  ! 


Through  our  large  tea.ples  with  tbeJbfOJS  of  peace  , 

And  fat  ourjir^ts  with  ivar.'] 
\Ve  fliould  rcau  : 

Throng  cur  large  temples 
The  other  is  rank  nonfenfe.     WAREUK.TON. 

VOL.  VII.  F  f  Allow 


434  CORIOLANU  S, 

Allow  their  officers,  and  are  content 
To  fufTer  lawful  cenfnre  for  fuch  faults 
As  ihall  be  prov'd  upon  you  ? 

Cor.  I  am  content. 

Men.  I.o,  citizens,  he  fays,  he  is  content : 
The  warlike  fervice  he  has  done,  confider  ;  think 
Upon  the  wounds  his  body  bears,  which  ihew 
Like  graves  i'  the  holy  church-yard. 

Cor.  Scratches  with  briars,  fears  to  move  laughter 
only. 

Men.  Confider  further, 
That  when  he  fpeaks  not  like  a  citizen, 
You  find  him  like  a  foldier  :  Do  not  take 
His  rougher  accents  6  for  malicious  founds ; 
But,  as  I  fay,  fuch  as  become  a  foldier, 
Rather  than  7  envy  you. 

Com.  Well,"  well,  no  more. 

Cor.  What  is  the  matter, 
That  being  paft  for  conful  with  full  voice, 
I  am  fo  difconour'd,  that  the  very  hour 
You  take  it  off  again  ? 

SU:  Anfwer  to  us. 

Cor.  Say  then  :  'tis  true,  I  ought  fo. 

Sic:  We  charge  you,  that  you  have  contriv'd  to  take 
From  Rome  all  8  icafon'd  office,  and  to  wind 
Yourfeif  into  a  power  tyrannical  ; 
For  which,  you  are  a  traitor  to  the  people. 

Cor.  HQW  !   Traitor  ? 

Men.  Nay  ;  temperately  :  Your  promife. 

Cor.  The  fires  i'theloweft  hell  fold  in  the  people  ! 
Call  me  their  traitor  ! — Thou  injurious  tribune  ! 
Within  thine  eyes  fat  twenty  thoufand  deaths, 

6  H.;s  milker  accents]  The  old  copy  reads — atf/otis.   Theobald 
made  the  ch.ingc.     STEEVKNS. 

7  Ratbcr  than  envy  you.'}  Envy  is  here  taken  at  large  for  ma- 
lignity or  ill  intention.     JOHNSON* 

8   feafondiiffice) — ]'  All  office  fftabliflj.-j  nnd  fettled  by  time, 

and  made  familiar  to  the  people  by  long  uie.     JOHNSON. 

In 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  435 

In  thy  hands  clutch'd  as  many  millions,  in 
Thy  lying  tongue  both  numbers,  I  would  fay, 
Thou  lieft,  unto  thee,  with  a  voice  as  free 
As  I  do  pray  the  gods. 

Sic.  Mark  you  this,  people  ? 

All.  To  the  rock  with  him  !  to  the  rock  with  him  ! 

Sic.  Peace. 

We  need  not  lay  new  matter  to  his  charge  : 
What  you  have  feen  him  do,  and  heard  him  fpeak, 
Beating  your  officers,  curling  yourfelves, 
Oppofing  laws  with  flrokes,  and  here  defying 
Thofe  whofe  great  power  muft  try  him  ;  even  this, 
So  criminal,  and  in  fuch  capital  kind, 
Deferves  the  extreameft  death. 

Eru.  But  fince  he  hath 
Serv'd  well  for  Rome, 

Cor.  What  do  you  prate  of  fervice  ? 

Bru.  I  talk  of  that,  that  know  it. 

Cor.  You  ? 

Men.  Is  this  the  promife  that  you  made  your  mo- 
ther ? 

Com.  Know,  I  pray  you — 

Cor.  I'll  know  no  further  : 
Let  them  pronounce  the  deep  Tarpeian  death, 
Vagabond  exile,  fleaing  :  Pent  to  linger 
But  with  a  grain  a  day,  I  would  not  buy 
Their  mercy  at  the  price  of  one  fair  word  ; 
Nor  check  my  courage  for  what  they  can  give, 
To  have't  with  faying,  Good  morrow. 

Sic.  For  that  he  has 

(As  much  as  in  him  lies)  from  time  to  time 
Envy'd  againil  the  people 9,  feeking  means 
To  pluck  away  their  power ;  '  as  now  at  laft 

Given 

9  Emy'dzgaai&.tbepeoplt.'}  i.e.  behaved  with  figus  of  hatred 
to  the  people.     STEEVENS. 

1  as  no-iu  at  laft^\  Read  rather  : 

———has  n<Kv  at  laft.    JOHNSON-. 

'  F  f  2  I  am 


436  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Given  hcftile  ftrokes,  and  that  *  not  in  the  prefence 

Of  dreaded  juftice,  but  on  the  minifters 

That  do  diftribme  it ;   In  the  name  o'  the  people, 

And  in  the  power  cf  us  the  tribunes,  we, 

Even  from  this  inftant,  baniih.  him  our  city  ; 

In  peril  of  precipitation 

From  off  the  rock  Tarpcian,  never  more 

To  enter  our  Rome  gates  :  F  the  peopled  name, 

I  fay,  itlhallbe  fo. 

All.  It  fhall  be  fo,  it  fhall  be  fo  ;  let  him  away  : 
He's  banifh'd,  and  it  fhall  be  fo. 

Com.  Hear  me,    my  mailers,    and    my  common 
friends  ;-— 

Sic.  He's  fentenc'd  :  no  more  hearing. 

Com.   Let  me  fpeak  : 

I  have  been  conful,  and  can  mew  from  Rome, 
Her  enemies'  marks  upon  me.     I  do  love 
My  country's  good,  with  a  refpect  more  tender, 
More  holy,  and  profound,  than  mine  own  life, 
3  My  dear  wife's  eftimate,  her  womb's  increafe, 
And  trcafure  of  my  loins  :  then  if  I  would 
Speak  that — 

Sic.  We  know  your  drift :  Speak  what  ? 

Bru.  There's  no  more  to  be  faid,  but  he  is  banifh'd, 
As  enemy  to  the  people,  and  his  country  : 
It  lhall  be  fo. 

All.  It  lhall  be  fo,  it  lhall  be  fo. 

Cor.  You  common  cry  of  curs  !  whofe  breath  I  hate 
As  reek  os  the  rotten  fens,  whofe  loves  I  prize 

I  am  not  certain  but  that  as  in  this  inftance,  has  the  power  of 
as  well  as.  The  fame  mode  of  expreffion  I  have  met  with  among 
our  ancient  writers.  STEEVENS. 

a  not  In  the  prefiiu-e]  Not  {lands  again  for  not  only. 

JOHNSON. 
It  is  thus  ufed  in  the  New  Teftament,   i  ThefT.  iv.  8. 

"  He  therefore  that  defplfeth,  defpifeth  not  man  but  God,  &c." 

STEEVENS. 

3  My  dear  wife's  eftimatc, ]  I  love  my  country  beyond  the 

fate  at  which  I  i\ilue  my  dear  ivife.     JOHNSON. 

As 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  437 

As  the  dead  carcafles  of  nnburied  men 
That  do  corrupt  my  air,  I  banifh  you  ; 
And  here  remain  with  your  uncertainty ! 
Let  every  feeble  rumour  fhake  your  hearts ! 
Your  enemies,  with  nodding  of  their  plumes, 
Fan  you  into  defpair  !  4  Have  the  power  flill 
To  banifh  your  defenders :  'till,  at  length, 
Your  ignorance  (which  finds  not,   'till  it  feels ; 
Making  but  refervation  of  yourfelves, 
Still  your  own  foes)  deliver  you,  as  moft 
Abated  captives  s,  to  fome  nation 
That  won  you  without  blows  !  Defpifing, 
For  you,  the  city,  thus  I  turn  my  back : 
There  is  a  world  elfewhere. 

[Exeunt  Coriolanus,  Commit*  st  and  others.     The 
people  Jhout,  and  throw  up  their  caps. 

&d.  The  people's  enemy  is  gone,  is  gone  ! 

AIL  Our  enemy  is  banifh'd  !  he  is  gone  !  Hoo  ! 
hoo  ! 

Sic.  Go,  fee  him  out  at  gates,  and  follow  him, 

4  Have  the  power  Ji  ill 

To  banijh  your  defenders  ;   till,  at  length, 
Your  ignorance,   (which  finds  not,   till  it  feels,  &C.J 
Still  retain  the  power  of  banijhing  your  defenders,  till  your  undifcern- 
ing  folly,  which  can  forcfee  no  confluences,  leave  none  in  the  city 
but  yourfelves,  who  are  always  labouring  your  own  dejiruflion. 

It  is  remarkable,  that,  among  the  political  maxims  of  the  fpe- 
culative  Harrington,  there  is  one  which  he  might  have  borrowed 
from  this  fpeech.  The  people,  fays  he,  cannot  fee,  but  they  can  feel. 
It  is  not  much  to  the  honour  of  the  people,  that  they  have  the 
fame  character  of  ftupidity  from  their  enemy  and  their  friend. 
Such  was  the  power  of  our  authour's  mind,  that  he  looked  through 
life  in  all  its  relations  private  and  civil.  JOHNSON-. 

5  Abated  captives.']  Abated  is  dejefted,  fubduecl,  deprefied  iq 
fpirits.     So,  in  the  tragedy  of  Darius  by  lord  Sterline,  1603  ; 
"  Star-boafting  Babylon,  bluih  to  behold 
"  One  call'd  thy  king,  furmounted  and  abated" 
Abated  has  the  fame  power  as  the  French  abattu. 
Again,  in  Crcefus,   1604,  by  the  fame  author: 

"  To  advance  the  humble,  and  abate  the  proud."  i.  et 
Parctt-ffitbjcflis  et  debellare  fnpv -los.     STEEVENS. 

F  f  As 


438  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

As  he  hath  follow'd  you,  with  all  defpight ; 
Give  him  deferv'd  vexation.     Let  a  guard 
Attend  us  through  the  city. 

AIL  Come,  come,  let  us  fee  him  out    at  gates ; 

come  : — 
The  gods  prefcrve  our  noble  tribunes ! — Come. 

[Exeunt. 


A  C  T     IV.       S  C  E  N  E    I. 

Before  the  Gates  .of  'Rome. 

Enter  Cor'wlani'.s,  Folumnia,  Hrgilia,  Mencnhis,  Cominius, 
ivith  tke  young  Nobility  of  Rome. 

Cor.  Come,  leave  your  tears  ;  a  brief  farewel  : — 

the  beaft 

With  many  heads  butts  me  away. — Nay,  mother,1 
Where  is  your  ancient  courage  ?   You  were  us'd 
To  fay,  extremity  was  the  trier  of  fpirits; 
That  common  chances  common  men  could  bear  ; 
That,  when  the  fea  was  calm,  all  boats  alike 
Shew'd  mafterfhip  in  floating  :  6  fortune's  blows, 

When 


•  fortune' 's 


Ml/en  moft  Jlruck  borne  ^  being  'gentle  wounded,  craves 
A  noble  cunning.] 

This  is  the  ancient  and  authentick  reading.  The  modern  edi- 
tors have,  for  gentle  wounded,  filently  fubftituted  gently  warded, 
and  Dr.  Warburton  has  explained  gently  by  ?:o!>lv.  It  is  good  to 
be  lure  of  our  authour's  words  before  we  go  about  to  explain  their 
meaning. 

The  fenfe  is,  When  Fortune  ftrikes  her  hardeft  blows,  to  be 
wounded,  and  yet  continue  calm,  requires  a  generous  policy. 
He  calls  this  calmnefs  cunning,  becaufe  it  is  the  effedt  of  reflection 
and  philofophy.  Perhaps  the  firit  emotions  of  nature  are  nearly 

uni- 


CORIOLANUS.  439 

When    moft  ftruck  home,   being  gentle  wounded* 

craves 

A  noble  cunning  :  you  were  us'd  to  load  me 
With  precepts,  that  would  make  invincible 
The  heart  that  conn'd  them. 

Vir.  O  heavens  !   O  heavens  ! 

Cor.  Nay,  I  pr'ythee,  woman, 

Vol.  Now  the  redpeftilence  flrike  all  trades  in  Rome, 
And  occupations  perifh  ! 

Cor.  What,  what,  what! 

I  fhall  be  lov'd,  when  I  am  lack'd.      Nay,  mother, 
Refume  that  fpirit,  when  you  were  wont  to  fay, 
If  you  had  been  the  wife  of  Hercules, 
Six  of  his  labours  you'd  have  done,  and  fav'd 
Your  hufband  fo  much  fweat. — Cominius, 
Droop  not ;  adieu  : — Farewel,  my  wife !  my  mother  ! 
I'll  do  well  yet. — Thou  old  and  true  Menerius, 
Thy  tears  are  falter  than  a  younger  man's, 
And  venomous  to  thine  t?yes. — My  fometimc  go; 
I  have  feen  r.hee  ftern,  and  thou  haft  oft  beheld 
Heart-hard'riing  fpectacles ;  tell  thefc  fad  women, 
7  'Tis  fond  to  \vail  inevitable  ftrokes, 
As  'tis  to  laugh  at  them. — My  mother,  you  wot  well, 
My  hazards  ilill  have  been  your  folace  :  and 
Believe't  not  lightly,  (though  I  go  alone, 
Like  to  a  lonely  dragon,  that  his  fen 
Makes  fear'd,  and  talk'd  of  more  than  feen)  your  fon 
Will,  or  exceed  the  common,  or  be  caught 
With  8  cautelous  baits  and  practice. 

Vol.  9  My  firft  fon, 

Whi- 

uniform,  and  one  man  differs  from  another  in  the  power  of  en- 
durance, as  he  is  better  regulated  by  precept  and  instruction. 
They  lore  as  heroes,  lut  they  felt  as  men.     JOHNSON. 

7  *Tu fond ]  i.e.  'tis  fool'ifli.     STEEVENS. 

8   cautelous  baits  and praflice.]   By   artful  and  falfe  tricks, 

and  treafon.     JOHNSOX. 

9  My  firft  yi«,]  Firft,  i.e.  nobleft,  and  moft  eminent  of  men. 

WAR  BURTON. 
F  f  4  The 


440  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Whither  wilt  thou  go  ?  Take  good  Cominius 
With  thee  a  while  :  Determine  on  fome  courfe, 
More  than  a  wild  expoftureto  each  chance 
That  ftarts  i'  the  way  before  thee. 

Cor.  O  the  gods  ! 

Com.  I'll  follow  thee  a  month,  devife  with  thee 
Where  thou  fhalt  reft,  that  thou  may'ft  hear  of  us, 
.And  we  of  thee  :  fo,  if  the  time  thruft  forth, 
A  caufe  for  thy  repeal,  we  ihall  not  fend 
O'er  the  vaft  world,  to  feek  a  fingle  man  ; 
And  lofe  advantage,  which  doth  ever  cool 
I'  the  abfence  of  the  needcr. 

Cor.  Fare  ye  well : — 

Thou  haft  years  upon  thee  ;  and  thou  art  too  full 
Of  the  war's  furfeits,  to  go  rove  with  one 
That's  yet  unbruis'd  :  bring  me  but  out  at  gate. — 
Come,  my  fweet  wife,  my  dearcft  morhcr,  and 
1  My  friends  of-  noble  touch  :  when  I  am  forth, 
Bid  me  farewel,  and  fmile.     I  pray  you,  come. 
While  I  remain  above  the  ground,  you  ihall 
Hear  from  me  ftill ;  and  never  of  me  aught 
But  what  is  like  me  formerly. 

Men.  That's  worthily 

As  any  ear  can  hear. — Come,  let's  not  weep. — 
If  I  could  fhake  off  but  one  feven  years 
From  thefe  old  arms  and  legs,  by  the  good  gods, 
I'd  with  thee  every  foot. 

Cor.  Give  me  thy  hand  : — Come.  \_Exenn!. 


The  author  of  the  Rcvifal  would  read  : 
My  fierce  fon.    STEEVF.NS. 

1    "My  friends  of  noble  touch: ]  i.e.  of  true  metal  un- 

allay'd.     Metaphor  taken  troin  trying  gold  on  ti-e  touchftpne. 


SCENE 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  44I 

SCENE     II. 

A  Street. 
Enter  Sicimus,  and  Brutus,  with  an  JEdile. 

Sic.  Bid  them  all  home  ;  he's  gone,  and  we'll  no 

further.  — 

The  nobility  are  vex'd,  who,  we  fee,  have  fided 
In  his  behalf. 

Bru.  Now  we  have  Ihewn  our  power, 
Let  us  feem  humbler  after  it  is  done, 
Than  when  it  was  a  doing. 

Sic.  Bid  them  home  : 
Say,  their  great  enemy  is  gone,  and  they 
Stand  in  their  ancient  ftrength. 

Bru.  Difmifs  them  home.  [Exit  JEdilc. 

Enter  Polumma,  Virgdia,  and  Menemus. 

Here  comes  his  mother. 
Sic.  Let's  not  meet  her. 
Bru.  Why  ? 

Sic.  They  fay,  (he's  mad. 
Bru.  They  have  ta'en  note  of  us  : 
Keep  on  your  way. 

Vol.  O,  you're  well  met  :    The   hoarded  plague 

o'the  gods 
Requite  your  love  ! 

Men.  Peace,  peace  ;  be  not  fo  loud. 

Vol.    If   that  I  could  for  weeping,    you  Ihould 

hear ; — 

Nay,  and  you  lhall  hear  fome. — Will  you  be  gone  ? 

[To  Brutus. 
Vir.  [To  Sidn.]  You  lhall  ftay  too  :  I  would,  I  had 

the  power 
To  fay  fo  to  my  hulband. 

Sic. 


442  CORIOLANU  S. 

a  Sic.  Are  you  mankind  ? 

Vol.  Ay,  foci ;   Is  that  a  lhame  ? — Note   but  thi^ 

fool.— 

Was  not  a  man  my  father  ?  3  Hadlt  thou  foxfhip 
To  banim  him  that  {truck  more  blows  for  Rome, 
Than  thou  haft  fpoken  words  ? 

Sic.  O  Wetted  heavens  ! 

Vol.  More  noble  blows,  than  ever  thou  wife  words ; 
And  for  Rome's  good.— I'll  tell  thee  what ; — Yet 

go;— 

Nay,  but  thou  ihalt  ftay  too  :— - 1  would  my  fon 
Were  in  Arabia,  and  thy  tribe  before  him, 
His  good  fword  in  his  hand. 

Sic.  What  then  ? 

Virg.  What  then  ? 
He'd  make  an  end  of  thy  pofterity. 

Vol.  Baftards,  and  all. — 
Good  man,  the  wounds  that  he  does  bear  for  Rome  ! 

Men.  Come,  come,  peace. 

Sic.  I  would  he  had  continu'd  to  his  country, 

-  Sic.  Are  you  mankind  ? 

Vol.  Wy,  fool;  I 3  that  a  fbamc  ? — Note  but  this  fool. — 

Was  not  a  man  my  father  ?  — - —  ] 

The  word  mankind  is  ufed  nialicioufly  by  the  firft  fpeaker,  and 
taken  perverfely  by  the  fecond.  A  mankind  woman  is  a  woman 
with  the  roughnefs  of  a  man,  and,  in  an  aggravated  fenfe,  a  wo- 
man ferocious,  violent,  and  eager  to  flied  blood.  In  this/  fenfe 
Sicinius  alks  Volumnia,  if  fhe  be  mankind.  She  takes  mankind 
for  a  human  creature,  and  accordingly  cries  out  : 

Note  but  this  fool.  — 

Wai  not  a  man  my  father  ?     JOHNSON. 
So,  Jonfon,  in  the  Silent  Woman: 

"  O  mankind  generation  !" 
Shakefpeare  himfelf,  in  the  Winter 's  Tale  : 

"   «— — a  mankind  witch." 
Fairfax,  in  his  transition  of  Taflo  : 

"  See,  fee  this  mankind  ilrumpet ;    fee,   ilie  cry'd, 

"  This  fliamelefs  whore." 
So,  Ben  Jonfon  : 

"  Pallas,  nor  thee  I  call  on,  iwtffe$/W  maid."   STEEVENS. 
3  Hadft  thou  fox/Jnp\  Hadft  thou,  fool  as  thou  art,  mean  cun- 
ning enough  to  banifn  Coriolanus  ?     JOHNSON, 

As 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  443 

As  he  began  ;  and  not  unknit  himfelf 
The  noble  knot  he  made. 

Eru.  I  would  he  had. 

Pol.  I  would  he  had  ?    'Twas  you  incens'd  the 

rabble  : 

Cats,  that  can  judge  as  fitly  of  his  worth, 
As  I  can  of  thofe  myfteries  which  heaven 
Will  not  have  earth  to  knov,r. 

Eru.  Pray,  let  us  go. 

Vol.  Now,  pray,  fir,  get  you  gone  : 
You  have  done  a  brave  deed.    Ere  you  go,  hear  this : 
As  far  as  doth  the  Capitol  exceed 
The  meaneft  houfe  in  Rome  ;    fo  far,    my  fon, 
(This  lady's  hufband  here,  this,  do  you  lee) 
Whom  yon  have  banifh'd,  does  exceed  you  all. 

Eru.  Well,  well,  we'll  leave  you. 

Sic.  Why  ftay  we  to  be  baited 
With  one  that  wants  her  wits  ? 

Vol.  Take  my  prayers  with  you. — 
I  would  the  gods  had  nothing  elfe  to  do, 

[Exeunt  Tribunes. 

But  to  confirm  my  curfes !  Could  I  meet  'em 
But  once  a  day,  it  would  unclog  my  heart 
Of  what  lies  heavy  to't. 

Men.  You  have  told  them  home., 
And,  by  my  troth,   you   have  caufe.     You'll  fup 
with  me  ? 

Vol.  Anger's  my  meat ;  I  fup  upon  myfelf, 
And  fo  mall  ftarve  with  feeding. — Come,  let's  go : 
Leave  this  faint  puling,  and  lament  as  I  do, 
In  anger,  Juno-like.     Come,  come,  come. 

Men.  Fie,  fie,  fie  !  [Exeunt. 


SCENE 


444  CORIOLANUS. 

SCENE    III. 
Between  Rome  and  Antlum. 
'Enter  a  Roman,  and  a  Voice. 

Rom.  I  know  you  well,  fir,  and  you  know  .me: 
your  name,  I  think,  is  Adrian. 

Vol.  It  is  fo,  fir :  truly,  I  have  forgot  you. 

Rom.  I  am  a  Roman  ;  and  my  fervices  are,  as  you 
are,  againft  'em  :  Know  you  me  yet  ? 

Vol.  Nicanor  ?  No. 

Rom.  The  fame,  fir. 

Vol.  You  had  more  beard,  when  I  laft  faw  you ; 
3  but  your  favour  is  well  appcar'd  by  your  tongue. 
What's  the  news  in  Rome  ?  I  have  a  note  from  the 
Volcian  ftate,  to  find  you  out  there  :  You  have  well 
faved  me  a  day's  journey. 

Rom.  There  hath  been  in  Rome  ftrange  infurrec- 
tion  :  the  people  againfl  the  fenators,  patricians, 
and  nobles. 

Vol.  Hath  been  !  Is  it  ended  then  ?  Our  ftate  thinks 

3  ••  •  lut  your  favour  Is  i:\"tl  appear'd  by  your  tongue."}  This  is 
flrange  nonlenfe.  We  fliould  read : 

is  ivell  appeal 'd, 

i.e.  brought  into  remembrance.     WASEURTOX. 
I  ftiould  read : 

•  is  well  affear'd. 
That  is,  ftrengtlened,  attpfted,  a  word  ufed  by  our  authour. 

"  My  title  is  aftear'd."     Macbeth. 

To  repeal  may  be  to  bring  to  remembrance,  but  appeal  has  another 
meaning.    JOHNSON. 
I  would  read  : 

Tour  favour  is  ive/l  approv'd  ly  your  tongue, 
i.  e.  your  tongue  ftrengthens  the  evidence  of  your  face. 
So,  in  Hamlet,  fc.  i  : 

**  That  if  again  this  apparition  come, 

**  He  may  approve  our  eyes,  and  fpeak  to  it." 

STEEVENS. 

not 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  445 

not  fo ;  they  are  in  a  mcft  warlike  preparation,  and 
hope  to  come  upon  them  in  the  heat  of  their  divifion. 

Rom.  The  main  blaze  of  it  is  paft,  but  a  fmall  thing 
would  make  it  flame  again.  For  the  nobles  receive 
fo  to  heart  the  banifhment  of  that  worthy  Coriolanus, 
that  they  are  in  a  ripe  aptnefs,  to  take  ail  power  from 
the  people,  and  to  pluck  from  them  their  tribunes 
for  ever.  This  lies  glowing,  I  can  tell  you,  and  is 
almoft  mature  for  the  violent  breaking  out. 

Vol.  Coriolanus  banifh'd  ? 

Rom.  Baniih'd,  fir. 

Vol.  You  will  be  welcome  with  this  intelligence, 
Nicanor. 

Rom.  The  day  ferves  well  for  them  now.  I  have 
heard  it  faid,  The  fitted  time  to  corrupt  a  man's  wife, 
is  when  fhe's  fallen  out  with  her  hufband.  Your  no- 
ble Tullus  Aufidius  will  appear  well  in  thefe  wars, 
his  great  oppofer  Coriolanus  being  now  in  no  re- 
queft  of  his  country. 

Vol.  He  cannot  choofe.  I  am  moft  fortunate,  thus 
accidentally  to  encounter  you  :  You  have  ended  my 
bufinefs,  and  I  will  merrily  accompany  you  home. 

Rom.  I  fhall,  between  this  and  fupper,  tell  you 
moft  flrange  things  from  Rome ;  all  tending  to  the 
good  of  their  advcrfaries.  Have  you  an  army  ready, 
lay  you  ? 

Vol.  A  moft  royal  one  :  the  centurions,  and  their 
charges,  diftindily  billeted,  4  already  in  the  entertain- 
ment, and  to  be  on  foot  at  an  hour's  warning. 

Rom.  I  am  joyful  to  hear  of  their  readinefs,  and 
am  the  man,  I  think,  that  fhall  fet  them  in  prefcnt 
adion.  So,  fir,  heartily  well  met,  and  molt  glad 
of  your  company. 

4  — already  in  tie  entertainment,]  That  is,  though  not  aftually 
encamped,  yet  already  in  pay.  To  entertain  a::  army  is  to  take 
them  into  pay.  JOHNSON. 

Vol. 


446  CORIOLANUS. 

Vol.  You  take  my  part  from  me,  fir ;  I  have  the 
mod  caufe  to  be  glad  of  yours. 

Rom.  Well,  let  us  go  together.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV. 

Antium. 

Before  Aufidiuss   Houfe. 
Enter  Coiiolani'.s,  In  mean  apparel,  difguifd^  and  miffled. 

Cor.   A  goodly  city  is  this  Antium  :  City, 
'Tis  I  that  made  thy  widows  ;  many  an  heir J 
Of  thefe  fair  edifices  for  my  wars 
Have  I  heard  groan,  and  drop  :  then  know  me  not ; 
Leit  that  thy  wives  with  fpits,  and  boys  with  flones, 

Enter  a  Citizen. 

In  puny  battle  flay  me. — Save  you,  fir. 

Citt  And  yon. 

Cor.  Dire<ft  me,  if  it  be  your  will, 
Where  great  Anfidius  lies  :  Is  he  in  Antium  ? 

Cit.  He  is,  and  feafts  the  nobles  of  the  ftate, 
At  his  houfe  this  night. 

5  many  an  heir,  Sec.]  Heir  Is,  probably,  here  ufed  in  its  ob- 
vious and  ordinary  fenie,  ivKprefumpti'vefuccejjor;  the  younger 
part  of  the  inhabitants  of  Antium  being  moft  likely  to  have 
been  engaged  in  battle.  However,  the  words  many  an  heir  may 
iignify  the  aftual  owners,  or  pcffejjbrs  ;  for  to  inherit,  and  to  pof- 
Jlfs,  ate  ufed  by  our  author  as  fynonimous  terms.  So,  in  Romeo 
and  JK.  ct : 

fuch  delight. 

Among  fr.fli  female  buds,  fliall  you  this  night 

'Inherit  at  my  houfe." 
A;;';: in  in  Tifus  AnJronicus  : 

To  bury  fo  much  gold  under  a  tree, 

And  ne'^cr  alter  to  inherit  it."     MALONE. 


G  O  R  I  O  L  ANUS.  457 

Cor.  Which  is  his  houfe,  'befeech  you  ? 

Cit.  This,  here,  before  you. 

Cor.  Thank  you,  fir  ;  farewel.  [Exit  Citizen. 

6  Q,  world,  thy  flippery  turns  !    Friends  now  faft 

fworn,    - 

Whofe  double  bofoms  fcem  to  wear  one  heart, 
Whofe  hours,  whofe  bed,  whofe  meal,  and  exercife^ 
Are  flill  together,  who  twin,  as 'twere,  in  love 
Unfeparable,  mall  within  this  hour, 
On  a  diflention  of  a  doit,  break  out 
To  bittereft  enmity  :  So,  felleft  foes, 
Whofe  paffions  and  whofe  plots  have  broke  their 

fleep 

To  take  the  one  the  other,  by  fome  chance, 
Some  trick  not  worth  an  egg,  lhall  grow  dear  friends, 

And  interjoin  their  ifiues.     7  So  with  me  : 

My 

6  O,  war///,  tbyjlippcry  turns  !  &c.]  This  fine  picture  of  com- 
mon friendfhips,  is  an  artful  introduction  to  the  fuclden  league, 
which  the  poet  made  him  enter  into  with  Aufidius,  and  no  lei's 
artful  an  apology  for  his  commencing  enemy  to  Rome. 

WAR  BUR  TON-. 

7  So  with  me : 

My  country  havp  I  and  my  lovers  left ; 
This  enemy's  to-vti  Pll  enter  \   if  be  Jlay  me,  &c. 
He  who  reads  this  would  think  that  he  was  reading  the  lines  of 
Shakefpeare :  except  that  Coriolanus,  being  already  in  the  town, 
lays,  he  ivill  enter  it.     Yet  the  old  edition  exhibits  it  thus  : 

So  -ivith  mey 

My  birth -place  have  7,  and  my  loves  upon 
7 his  enemic  towne :  I II  enter  if  be  Jlay  me,  &c. 
The  intermediate  line  feems  to  be  loft,  in  which,  conformably  to 
his  former  obfervatjons,  he  fays,  that  he  has  loft  his  birth-place, 
and  his  loves  upon  a  petty  difpute,  and  is  trying  his  chance  in  this 
enemy  town  :  he  then '  cries,  turning  to  the  houfe  of  Aufidius,  /'// 
enter  if  be  Jlay  me. 

I  have  preferved  the  common  reading,  becaufe  it  is,  though 
faulty,  yet  intelligible,  and  the  original  paflage,  for  want  of  co- 
pies, cannot  be  reftored.  JOHNSON. 

Perhaps  the  alteration  of  a  fingle  letter  may  recover  fufficient 
fcnfe.  I  read ; 

My 


448  C  O  R  I  O  t  A  N  U  S. 

My  birth-place  hate  I,  and  my  love's  upon 

This  enemy  town. — I'll  enter  :  if  he  flay  me, 

He  does  fair  juflice  ;   if  he  give  me  way, 

I'll  do  his  country  fervicc.  [Exit. 

SCENE    V. 

A  Hall  in  Aitfidius's  Houfe. 
Mufick  plays.     Enter  a  Serving-man. 

1  Serv.  Wine,  wine,  wine  !  What  fervice  is  here ! 
I  think  our  fellows  are  afleep.  [Exit.' 

Enter  another  Serving-man. 

2  Ser.  Where's  Cotus  ?  my  mafler  calls  for  him. 
Cotus !  [Exit. 

Enter  Coriolanus. 

Cor.  A  goodly  houfe  :  The  feaft  fmells  well :  but  I 
Appear  not  like  a  gucft. 

Re-enter  thefirjl  Serving-man. 

1  Serv.  What  would  you  have,  friend  ?    Whence 
,  are  you  ?  Here's  no  place  for  you  :  Pray,  go  to  the 

door.  [Exit. 

Cor.  I  have  deferv'd  no  better  entertainment, 
In  being  Coriolanus. 

Re-entsr  Second  Servant. 

2  Serv.  Whence  are  you,  fir  ?  Has  the  porter  his 

My  llrtb-placc  hate  7,  and  my  love's  upon 
This  enemy  town.     I'll  enter  :  if  bejlay  me, 
He  docs^  &c. 

This  alteration,  on  account  of  its  fiightnefs,  may  be  admitted  in 
preference  to  the  former  one  made  by  Mr.  Rowe.    STEEVENS. 

eyes 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S«  449 

eyes  in  his  head,  that  he  gives  entrance  to  fuch  com- 
panions 8  ?  Pray,  get  you  out. 

Cor.  Away  ! 

2  Serv.  Away  ?  Get  you  away. 

Cor.  Now  thou  art  troublefome. 

2  Serv.  Are  you  fo  brave  ?  I'll  have  you  talk'd  with 
anon. 

Enter  a  third  Servant.     The  firft  meets  him. 

3  Serv.  What  fellow's  this  ? 

i  Serv.  A  flrange  one  as  ever  I  look'd  on  :  I  can- 
not get  him  out  o'  the  houfe  :  Pr'ythee,  call  my  maf- 
ter  to  him. 

3  Serv.  What  have  you  to  do  here,  fellow  ?  Pray 
you,  avoid  the  houfe. 

Cor.  Let  me  but  (land  ;  I  will  not  hurt  your  hearth* 

3  Serv.  What  are  you  ? 

Cor.  A  gentleman. 

3  Serv.  A  marvellous  poor  one. 

Cor.  True,  fo  I  am. 

3  Serv.  Pray  you,  poor  gentleman,  take  up  fome 
other  ftation :  here's  no  place  for  you  ;  pray  you, 
avoid  :  come. 

Cor.  Follow  your  function,  go, 
And  batten  on  cold  bits.  [Pitfhes  him  away* 

3  Serv.  What,  will  you  not  ?  Pr'ythee,  tell  my  mat- 
ter what  a  ftrange  gucft  he  has  here. 

2  Serv.  And  I  lhall.  ,  [£*//« 

3  Serv.  Where  dwell'ft  thou  ? 
Cor.  Under  the  canopy. 

3  Serv.  Under  the  canopy  ? 

Cor.  Ay. 

3  Serv.  Where's  that  ? 

Cor.  I'the  city  of  kites  and  crows. 

*Ybat  be  gives  entrance  to  fuch  companions?]  Companion  was 
formerly  uied  in  the  fame  fenfe  as  we  novr  ufe  the  word/dSfow. 

MALONE. 

VOL.  VII.  G  g  3  Ser. 


45o  COR1QLANUS. 

3  Serv.  I'the  city  of  kites  and  crows? — What 
an  afs  it  is  ! — Then  thou  dwell'ft  with  daws  too  ? 

Cor.  No,  I  ferve  not  thy  mafter. 

3  Serv.  How,  fir !  Do  you  meddle  with  my  mafter  ? 

Cor.  Ay  ;  'tis  an  honefler  fervice,  than  to  meddle 
with  thy  miftrefs  : 

Thou  prat'ft,  and  prat'ft  ;  ferve  with  thy  trencher, 
hence  !  [Beats  him  away. 

Enter  Avfidius,  with  the  ficond  Serving-man* 

Auf.  Where  is  this  fellow  ? 
2  Sew.  Here,  fir  ;  I'd  have  beaten  him  like  a  dog, 
tut  for  diflurbing  the  lords  within. 

Auf.  Whence  comeft  thou  ?  what  wouldeft  thou  ? 

Thy  name  ? 

Why  fpeak'ft  not?  Speak,  man  :  What's  thy  name  ? 
Cor.  If,  Tullus  9, 

Not 

9  If  TuUus,  &c.]  Thefe  fpeeches  are  taken  from  the  following 
jn  fir  Thomas  North's  tranflation  of  Plutarch : 

"  If  thou  Tcnowefl  me  not  yet,  Tullus,  and  feeing  me,  doft 
not  perhappes  beleeue  me  to  be  the  man  I  am  in  dede,  I  muft  of 
neceflitie  bewraye  my  felfe  to  be  that  I  am.  I  am  Cains  Mar- 
tiufi,  who  hath  done  to  thy  felf  particularly,  and  to  all  the  Voices 
generally,  great  hurte  and  mifchief,  which  I  cannot  denie  for  my 
furuame  of  Coriolanus  that  I  beare.  For  I  neiier  had  other  bene- 
fit nor  recompence,  of  all  the  true  and  paynefuli  feruice  I  hatie 
<kme>  and  the  extreme  daungers  I  haue  beoe  in,  but  this  only 
furname  :  a  good  meraorie  and  witnes  of  the  malice  and  difpleafure 
thou  ftiouldcft  bear  me.  In  deede  the  name  only  reinaincth  with 
me:  for  the  reft,  the  enuie  and  crueltie  of  the  people  of'  Rorre 
haue  taken  from  me,  by  the  fufferance  of  the  darlhn  dly  nobSiitie 
and  magiftrates,  who  haue  forlaken  me,  and  let  me  be  banilhed 
by  the  people.  This  extremitie  hath  now  driven  rne  to  come  a» 
a  poore  luter,  to  take  thy  chimney  harthe^  not  oi  any  hope  I  haue 
to  faue  my  life  thereby.  For  if  I  had  feared  death,  I  would  not 
haue  come  hither  to  haue  put  my  life  in  hazard :  but  prickt  for- 
ward with  fpite  and  detire  I  have  to  be  reuenged  of  them  that 
thus  haue  banifned  me,  whom  now  I  beginne  to  be  auenged  oo, 
putting  my  perfone  betweene  thy  enemies.  Wherefore,  if  thou 
haft  any  harte  to  be  wrecked  of  the  injuries  thy  enemies  haue  done 

thce 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S,  451 

Not  yet  thou  know'ft  me,  and  feeing  me,  doft  not 
Think  me  for  the  man  I  am,  nccefiity 
Commands  me  name  myfelf. 

Auf.  What  is  thy  name  ? 

Cor.  A  name  unmufical  to  the  Voices'  ears, 
And  harm  in  found  to  thine. 

Auf.  Say,  what's  thy  name  ? 
Thou  haft  a  grim  appearance,  and  thy  face 
Bears  a  command  in't ;  though  thy  tackle's  torn, 
Thou  mew'ft  a  noble  veflel  :  What's  thy  name  ? 

Cor.  Prepare  thy  brow  to  frown  :  Know'ft  thou 
me  yet  ? 

Auf.  I  know  thee  not :— Thy  name  ? 

Cor.  My  name  is  Caius  Marcius,  who  hath  done 
To  thee  particularly,  and  to  all  the  Voices, 
Great  hurt  and  mifchief ;  thereto  witnefs  may 
My  furname,  Coriolanus  :  The  painful  fervice, 
The  extream  dangers,  and  the  drops  of  blood 
Shed  for  my  thanklefs  country,  are  requited 
But  with  that  furname ;   '  a  good  memory^ 
And  witnefs  of  the  malice  and  difpleafure 
Which  thou  mouldft  bear  me,  only  that  name  re«» 

mains  : 

The  cruelty  and  envy  of  the  people, 
Permitted  by  our  daftard  nobles,  who 
Have  all  forfoolc  me,  hath  devour'd  the  reft  ; 

thee,  fpede  thee  now.  and  let  my  miferie  ferue  thy  turne,  and  fo 
vfe  it,  as  my  feruice  maye  be  a  benefit  to  the  Voices  :  promifing 
thee,  that  I  will  fight  with  better  good  will  for  all  you,  than  euer 
I  dyd  when  I  was  againft  you,  knowing  that  they  fight  more  val- 
liantly,  who  knowe  the  force  of  their  enemie,  then  fuch  as  haue 
neuer  proued  it.  And  if  it  be  fo  that  thou  dare  not,  and  that 
thou  art  wearye  to  proue  fortune  any  more :  then  arn  I  alfo  weary 
to  liue  any  longer.  And  it  were  no  wifedome  in  thee,  to  faue  the 
life  of  him,  who  hath  bene  heretofore  thy  mortall  enemie,  an4 
whofe  feruice  now  can  nothing  helpe  nor  pleafure  thee." 

STEEVENS. 

*  a  good  memory,]  The  Oxford  editor,  not  knowing 

tliat  memory  was  ufed  at  that  time  for  memorial,  alters  it  to  memorial. 

JQH.NSON, 

G  g  2  An4 


4^2  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

And  fufferVl  me  by  the  voice  of  Haves  to  be 

Whoop'd  out  Rome.     Now,  this  extremity 

Hath  brought  me  to  thy  hearth  ;  Not  out  of  hope7 

Miftake  me  not,  to  fave  my  life  ;  for  if 

I  had  fear'd  death,  of  all  the  men  i'  the  world 

I  would  have  'voided  thee  :  but  in  mere  fpite, 

To  be  full  quit  of  thofe  my  banifners, 

Stand  I  before  thee  here.     Then  if  thou  haft 

z  A  heart  of  wreak  in  thee,  that  wilt  revenge 

Thine  own  particular  wrongs,  and  Hop  thofe  s  maims 

Of   fliame  fcen    through   thy  country,    fpeed  thee 

ftraight, 

Arrd  make  my  mifery  ferve  thy  turn  ;  fo  ufe  it, 
That  my  revengeful  fervices  may  prove 
As  benefits  to  thee  ;  for  I  will  fight 
Againft  my  canker'd  country  with  the  fpleen 
Of  all  the  under  fiends.     But  if  fo  be 
Thou  dar'ft  not  this,  and  that  to  prove  more  fortunes 
Thou  art  tir'd,  then,  in  a  word,  I  alfo  am 
Longer  to  live  moft  weary,  and  prefent 
My  throat  to  thee,  and  to  thy  ancient  malice  : 
Which  not  to  cut,  would  fhew  thee  but  a  fool  ; 
Since  I  have  ever  follow'd  thee  with  hate, 
Drawn  tuns  of  blood  out  of  thy  country's  breaft,. 
And  cannot  live  but  to  thy  mame,  unlefs 
It  be  to  do  thee  fervice. 

.Auf.  O  Marcius,  Marcius, 
Each  word  thou  haft  fpoke  hath  weeded    from  my 

heart 

2  A  heart  of  wreak  in  thee,     •  -..—•  ]  A  heart  of  refentment. 

JOHNSON. 
Wreak  is  an  ancient  term  for  revenge.    So,  in  Titvs  Andronieus : 

"  Take  weak  on  Rome' for  this  ingratitude." 
Again,   in  Gower,  De  ConfeJJiaue  Amantis,  Lib.  V.  fol.  83  : 
"  She  faith  that  hir'fcife  flie  fliolde 
"  Do  wrecbf  with  hir  owne  honde."     STEEVENS. 

3  maims 

Of  flame —  ] 

That  is,  difgruceful  diminutions  of  territory,     JOHNSON. 

A  root 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  453 

A  root  of  ancient  envy,     If  Jupiter 
Should  from  yon  cloud  fpeak  divine  things,  and  fay, 
"Tis  true  ;  I'd  not  believe  them  more  than  thee, 
All  noble  Marcius. — Let  me  twine 
Mine  arms  about  that  body,  where  againfl 
My  grained  am  an  hundred  times  hath  broke, 
And  fcar'd  the  moon  with  fplinters  4  !   Here  I  clip 
The  anvil  of  my  fvvord  ;  and  do  conteft 
As   hotly  and  as  nobly  with  thy  love, 
As  ever  in  ambitious  ftrength  I  did 
Contend  againft  thy  valour.     Know  thou  firft, 
I  lov'd  the  maid  I  marry M  ;  never  man 
Sigh'd  truer  breath  ;  but  that  I  fee  thee  here, 
Thou  noble  thing  !   more  dances  my  rapt  heart, 
Than  when  I  firft  my  wedded  miftrefs  faw 
Beftride  my  threfhold.  Why,  thou  Mars  !  I  tell  thee, 
We  have  a  power  on  foot ;  and  I  had  purpofe 
Once  more  to  hew  thy  target  from  thy  brawn, 
Or  lofe  mine  arm  for't :  Thou  haft  beat  me  out 
Twelve  feveral  times-,  and  I  have  nightly  fnice 
Dreamt  of  encounters  'twixt  thyfelf  and  me  ; 
We  have  been  down  together  in  my  ileep, 
Unbuckling  helms,  fitting  each  other's  throat, 
And  wak'd  half  dead  with  nothing.     Worthy  Mar- 
cius, 

Had  we  no  quarrel  elfe  to  Rome,  but  that 
Thou  art  thence  banifh'd,  we  would  mufter  all 
From  twelve  to  fevcnty  ;  and,  pouring  war 
Into  the  bowels  of  ungrateful  Rome, 
Like  a  bold  flood  o'er-beat.     O,  come,  go  in, 
And  take  our  friendly  fenators  by  the  hands; 
Who  now  are  here,  taking  their  leaves  of  me, 
WTho  am  prepar'd  againft  your  territories, 
Though  not  for  Rome  itfelf. 

*  And  fcar'd  the  moon.']  Folio— fiarr'J.  Perhaps  rightly,  to 
diftinguifh  it  horn  feared  or  frightened  :— yet  it  fhould  not  be  con. 
cealed  that  in  King  Rich.  III.  we  meet: 

«'  Amaze  the  welkin  with  your  broken  Haves."    MALONE, 
G  g  3  Cor. 


454  CORlOLANUSi 

Cor.  You  blefs  me,  Gods  ! 

Av-f.  Therefore,    moft  abfolute   fir,    if  thou  wile 

have 

'The  leading  of  thine  own  revenges,  take 
The  one  half  of  my  commiffion  ;  and  fet  down,—* 
As  beft  thou  art  experienced,  fince  thou  know'il 
Thy  country's  ftrength  and  weaknefs, — thine  own 

ways  : 

Whether  to  knock  againft  the  gates  of  Rome, 
Or  rudely  viiit  them  in  parts  remote, 
To  fright  them,  ere  deflroy.  But  come  in  : 
Let  me  commend  thee  firft  to  thofe>  that  fhall 
Say,  yea,  to  thy  defires.     A  thoufand  welcomes  ! 
And  more  a  friend  than  e'er  an  enemy  ; 
Yet,  Marcius,  that  was  much.     Your  hand  :  Moft 

welcome  !  [Exeunt, 

1  Serv.   Here's  a  ftrange  alteration  ! 

2  Serv.  By  my  hand,  I  had  thought  to  have  flrucken 
him  with  a  cudgel ;    and  yet  my  mind  gave  me,  his 
clothes  made  a  falfe  report  of  him. 

1  Serv.  What  an  arm  he  has  !  He  turned  me  about 
•with  his  finger  and  his  thumb,  as  one  would  fet  up  a 
top. 

2  Serv.  Nay,  I  knew  by  his  face  that  there  was 
fomething  in  him  :  He  had,  fir,  a  kind  of  face,  me- 
thought, — I  cannot  tell  how  to  term  it. 

1  Serv.  He  had  fo  ;  looking,  as  it  were, — 'Would  I 
were  hang'd,  but  I  thought  there  was  more  in  him 
than  I  could  think. 

2  Strv.  So  did  I,  I'll  be  fworn  :  He  is  fimply  the 
rareil  man  i'  the  world. 

j  Serv.  I  think,  he  is :  but  a  greater  foldier  than  he, 
you  wot  one. 

2  Sen).  Who  ?  my  mafter  ? 

1  Serv.  Nay,  it's  no  matter  for  that. 

2  Serv.  Worth  fix  of  him. 

i  Serv.  Nay,  not  fo  neither  :  but  I  take  him  to  be 
the  greater  foldier. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  45- 

2,  Serv.  'Faith,  look  you,  one  cannot  tell  how  to  fay 
that  :  for  the  defence  of  a  town,  our  general  is  excel- 
lent. 

i  Serv.  Ay,  and  for  an  afiault  too. 

Enter  a  third  Servant. 

3  Serv.  O,  flaves,  I  can  tell  you  news  ;  news,  you 
rafcals. 

Both.  What,  what,  what  ?  let's  partake. 

3  Serv.  I  would  not  be  a  Roman,  of  all  nations ;  I 
had  as  lieve  be  a  condemn'd  man. 

Both.  Wherefore  ?  wherefore  ? 

5  Serv.  Why,  here's  he  that  was  wont  to  thwack 
our  general,  Caius  Marcius. 

1  Serv.  Why  do  you  fay,  thwack  our  general  ? 

3  Serv.  I  do  not  fay,  thwack  our  general ;  but  he 
was  always  good  enough  for  him. 

2  Serv.  Come,  we  are  fellows,  and  friends  :  he  was 
ever  too  hard  for  him  ;  I  have  heard  him  fay  fo  him- 
felf. 

1  Serv.  He  was  too  hard  for  him  directly,  ro  fay  the 
troth  on't  :    before  Corioli,    he  fcotch'd  him  and 
notch'd  him  like  a  carbonado. 

2  Serv.  An  he  had  been  cannibally  given,  he  might 
have  broii'd  and  eaten  him  too. 

i  Serv.  But,  more  of  thy  news  ? 

3  Serv.  Why,  he  is  fo  made  on  here  within,  as  if  he 
were  fon  and  heir  to  Mars  :  fet  at  upper  end  o*  the 
table  :  no  queftion  aik'd  him  by  any  of  the  fenators, 
but  they  ftand  bald  before  him  :  Our  general  himfelf 
makes  a  miftrefs  of  him  ;  J  fanclifies  himfelf  with's 
ha-nd,  and  turns  up  the  white  o'the  eye  to  his  dif- 
courfe.     But  the  bottom  of  the  news  is,  our  general 
is  cut  i'the  middle,  and  but  one  half  of  what  he  was 

*  fanftijies  himfelf  ivith's  ban.d,']  Alluding,  improperly,  to  the 
aft  oi  crojfing  upon  any  ftrange  event.  JOMNION. 


g  4 


vcfter- 


456  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

yefterday  :  for  the  other  has  half,  by  the  intreaty  and 
grant  of  the  whole  table.  6  He  will  go,  he  fays,  and 
fowle  the  porter  of  Rome  gates  by  the  ears :  He  will 
mow  down  all  before  him,  and  leave  7  his  paflagc 
poll'd. 

2  Serv.  And  he's  as  like  to  do't,  as  any  man  I  can 
imagine. 

3  Serv.  Do't?  he  will  do't:  For,  look  you,  fir,  he  has 
as  many  friends  as  enemies  ;  which  friends,  fir,  (as 
it  were)   durfl  not  (look  you,  fir)  Ihew  themfelves 
(as  we  term  it)  his  friends,  whilft  he's  in  direditude. 

i  Serv.  Direditude  !  What's  that  ? 
3  Serv.  But  when  they  lhall  fee,  fir,  his  creft  up 
again,  and  the  man  in  blood,  they  will  out  of  their 

6  He  will  —  fowle  the  porter  of  Rome  gates  by  tU  ears.'}  That 
4s,  I  fuppofe,  drag  him  down  by  the  ears  into  the  dirt.  Souil- 
ler,  Fr.  JOHNSON. 

Dr.  Johnion's  fuppofition,  though  not  his  derivation,  is  juft. 
Skinner  fays  the  word  is  derived  fromfow,  i.  e.  to  take  hold  of 
a  pcrfori  by  the  ears,  as  a  dogfeizes  one  of  tbefe  animals .  So,  Hey- 
wood,  in  a  comedy  called  Love's  Mijlrefs,  1636  : 

"  Venus  will  fowls  me  by  the  ears  for  this." 
Perhaps  Shakefpeare's  allufion  is  to  Hercules  dragging  out  Cerberus. 

STEEVENS. 

Whatever  the  etymology  of  fowle  may  be,  it  appears  to  have 
,baen  a  familiar  word  in  the  laft  century.  Lord  StrafFord's  cor* 
respondent,  Mr.  Garrard,  ufes  it  as  Shakcfpeare  does.  Straff.  Lett. 
Vol.11,  p.  149-  "  A  lieutenantyflW  him  well  by  the  ears,  and 
drew  him  by  the  hair  about  the  room."  Lord  Stratford  himfelf 
ufes  it  in  another  fenfe,  Vol.  II.  p.  158.  "  It  is  ever  a  hopeful 
throw,  where  the  caller  felcs  his  bowl  well."  In  this  paflage  to 
fole  feems  to  fignify  what,  I  believe,  is  ulually  called  to  ground -A 
bowl.  TYRWHITT. 

7   — his  pajjage  poird.~\   That  is,   bared,  cleared.      JoHNSON. 
To  poll  a  perlbn  anciently  meant  to  cut  off  his  hair.     So,  in 
Damatas'  Madrigal!  in  praife  of  bis  Dapbttis,  by  J.  Wootton,  pub- 
liflied  in  England' s-Hc!:caK,    1614  : 

"  Like  Nifus  golden  hair  that  Scilla/fl/V." 
Jt  likcwife  fignify'd  to  cut  off  the  head.     So,  in  the  ancient  me- 
trical hiftory  of  the  battle  of  Fhddon  Field: 

**  But  now.we  will  withiland  his  grace, 

"  Or  thoufnnJ  heads  fkall  there  be  foiled."    STEEVENS. 

'      •  bur- 


V 

C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  457 

burrows,  like  conies   after  rain,  and  revel  all  with 
•  him. 

1  Serv.  But  when  goes  this  forward  ? 

3  Serv.  To-morrow  ;  to-day ;  prefently.  You  (hall 
have  the  drum  flruck  up  this  afternoon  :  'tis,  as  it 
were,  a  parcel  of  their  feaft,  and  to  be  executed  ere 
they  wipe  their  lips. 

2  Serv.  Why,  then  we  fliall  have  a  ftirring  world 
again.     This  peace  is  nothing  8,  but  to  ruft  iron,  en- 
creafe  tailors,  and  breed  ballad-makers. 

1  Serv.  Let  me  have  war,  fay  I  ;  it  exceeds  peace, 
a^  far  as  day  does  night  ;  it's  fprightly,  waking,  au- 
dible, and  9  full  of  vent.     Peace  is  a  very  apoplexy, 
lethargy  ;  mull'd  ',  deaf,  fleepy,  infenfible  ;  a  getter 
of  more  baftard  children,  than  war's  a  deilroyer  of 
men. 

2  Serv.  'Tis  fo  :  and  as  war,  in  fome  fort,  may  be 
faid  to  be  a  ravifher  ;  fo  it  cannot  be  denied,  but 
peace  is  a  great  maker  of  cuckolds. 

i  Serv.  Ay,  and  it  makes  men  hate  one  another. 

3  Serv.  Reafon  ;  2  becaufe  they  then  lefs  need  one 
another.    The  wars,  for  my  money.     I  hope  to  fee 
Romans  as  cheap  as  Voices. — They  are  riling,  they 
are  rifing. 

All.  In,  in,  in,  in.  [Exeunt. 

8  This  peace  is  nothing  but  to  rvjt,  &c.]   I  believe  a  word  or  two 
have  been  loft  : 

This  peace  is  good  for  nothing  but,  &c.     MALONE. 

9  full  of  •vent.']  Full  of  rumour,  full  of  materials  for  difcouife. 

JOHNSON. 

«  midTd, —  ]  i.  e.foften'd  and  difpirited,  as  wine  is  when 

burnt  and  fweeten'd.     Lat.  Mollitus.     HANMER. 

»  —lecavfe  they  then  lefs  need  one  another  .-]  bhakefpeare,  when  he 
choofes  to  give  us  fome  weighty  obfervation  upon  human  nature, 
not  much  to  the  credit  of  it,  generally  (as  the  intelligent  reader 
may  obferve)  puts  it  into  the  mouth  et  fome  low  buffoon  charafter. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

SCENE 


458  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S, 

SCENE    VI. 
A  publick  Place  in  Rome. 
Enter  Sicinius,   and  Brutus* 

Sic.  We  hear  not  of  him,  neither  need  we  fear  him  j 
3  His  remedies  are  tame  i'  the  prefent  peace 
And  quietnefs  o*  the  people,  which  before 
Were  in  wild  hurry.     Here  do  we  make  his  friends 
Blulh,  that  the  world  goes  well  ;  who  rather  had, 
Though  they  themfelves  did  fuffer  by't,  behold 
Diflentious  numbers  peftering  ftreets,  than  fee 
Our  tradefmen  ringing  in  their  Ihops,  and  going 
About  their  functions  friendly. 

Enter  Menenius. 

Bru.  We  flood  to't  in  good  time.  Is  this  Menenius  ? 
Sic.  'Tis  he,  'tis  he  :  O,  he  is  grown  mofl  kind 
Of  late.— Hail,  fir  ! 
Men.  Hail  to  you  both  ! 
Sic.  Your  Coriolanus  is  not  much  mifs'd, 

3  His  remedies  are  tame  i  the  prefent  peace ^\  The  old  reading  is, 

His  remedies  are  tame,   the  prefent  peace. 

I  do  not  underftand  either  line,  but  fancy  it  fhould  be  read  thus : 
neither  need  ivc  fear  him  ; 

His  remedies  are  ta'en,  the  prefent  peace ^ 

And  quiet nefs  o*  the  people , 

The  meaning,  fomewhat  harfhly  exprefled,  according  to  our  au- 
thour's  cuftom,  is  this  :   llrc  need  not  fear  him,  the  proper  remedies 
againft  him  are  taken,  by  re&oring  peace  and  quittnefe.    JOHNSON. 
I  rather  fuppofe  the  meaning  of  Sicinius  to  be  this  : 

His  remedies  are  tame, 

\.  e.  ineffectual  in  times  of  peace  like  thefe.  When  the  people 
were  in  commotion,  his  friends  might  have  it  rove  to  remedy  his 
difgrace  by  tampering  with  them  ;  but  now,  neither  wanting  to 
employ  his  bravery,  nor  remembering  his  former  actions,  they 
are  unfit  fubjedts  for  the  factious  to  work  upon,  STEEYENS. 

But 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  459 

But  with  his  friends  :  the  common-wealth  doth  ftand ; 
And  fo  would  do,  were  he  more  angry  at  it. 

Men.  All's  well ;  and  might  have  been  much  bet- 
ter, if 

He  could  have  temporiz'd. 
Sic.  Where  is  he,  hear  you  ? 
Men.  Nay,  I  hear  nothing  ;  his  mother  and  his 

wife 
Hear  nothing  from  him. 

Enter  three  or  four  Citizens. 

All.  The  gods  preferve  you  both  ! 

Sic.  Good-e'en,  our  neighbours. 

Bru.  Good-e'en  to  you  all,  good-e'en  to  you  all. 

i  Cit.  Ourfelves,  our  wives,  and  children,  on  our 
'••  V  ^        knees, 
Are  bound  to  pray  for  you  both. 

Sic.  Live,  and  thrive  ! 

Bru.  Farewel,  kind  neighbours :  We  wifh'd  Co- 

riolanus 
Had  lov'd  you  as  we  did. 

AIL  Now  the  gods  keep  you  ! 

Both  "Tri.  Farewel,  farewel.  \Exeunt  Citizens. 

Sic.  This  is  a  happier  and  more  comely  time, 
Than  when  thefe  fellows  ran  about  the  ftreets, 
Crying,  Confufion. 

Bru.  Caius  Marcius  was 
A  worthy  officer  i*  the  war ;  but  infolent, 
O'ercome  with  pride,  ambitious  paft  all  thinking, 
Self-loving, 

Sic.  And  4  affecting  one  fole  throne, 
Wkhout  affiftance. 

Men.  I  think  nor  fo. 

4  — — - — •  offering  one  fole  tlrone, 

Without  ajiftance. 
That  is,  without  afffj/brs;  withput  any  other  fuffrage.   JOHNSOK. 

Sic. 


460  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Sic.  We  had  by  this,  to  all  our  lamentation, 
If  he  had  gone  forth  conful,  found  it  fo. 

Bru.  The  gods  have  well  prevented  it,  and  Pvomc 
Sits  fafe  and  flill  without  him. 

Enter  Mdlle. 

Mdlle.  Worthy  tribunes, 

There  is  a  flave,  whom  we  have  put  in  prifon, 
Reports, — the  Voices  with  two  feveral  powers 
Are  enter'd  in  the  Roman  territories ; 
And  with  the  deepeft  malice  of  the  war 
Deftroy  what  lies  before  'em. 

Men.  'Tis  Aufidius, 

Who,  hearing  of  our  Marcius'  banimment, 
Thrufts  forth  his  horns  again  into  the  world  ; 
Which  were  in-fhell'cl,  when  Marcius  flood  for  Rome, 
And  durft  not  once  peep  out. 

Sic.  Come,  what  talk  you  of  Marcius  ? 

Bru.  Go  fee  this  rumourer  whipp'd. — It  cannot  be, 
The  Voices  dare  break  with  us. 

Men.  Cannot  be  ! 

We  have  record,  that  very  well  it  can  ; 
And  three  examples  of  the  like  have  been 
Within  my  age.     But 5  reafon  with  the  fellow, 
Before  you  punim  him,  where  he  heard  this ; 
Left  you  fhall  chance  to  whip  your  information, 
And  beat  the  mefienger  who  bids  beware 
Of  what  is  to  be  dreaded. 

Sic.  Tell  not  me : 
I  know,  this  cannot  be. 

Bru.  Not  poffible. 

s  ———reafon  with  the  fellow]  That  is,  have  fome  talk  with 
him.     In  this  fenfe  Shakefpeare  often  ufcs  the  word.    JOHNSON. 


Enter 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  46i 

Enter  a  Mejjenger. 

Mejf.  The  nobles,  in  great  earncftnefs,  are  going 
All  to  the  fenate-houfe  :  fome  news  is  come, 
That  turns  their  countenances. 

Sic.  'Tis  this  Have  ; 

Go  whip  him  'fore  the  people's  eyes  : — his  railing ! 
Nothing  but  his  report ! 

Mejf.  Yes,  worthy  fir, 
The  Have's  report  is  feconded ;  and  more, 
More  fearful,  is  deliver'd. 

Sic.  What  more  fearful  ? 

Mef.  It  is  fpoke  freely  out  of  many  mouths, 
(How  probable,  I  do  not  know)  that  Marcius, 
Join'd  with  Aufidius,  leads  a  power  'gainft  Rome ; 
And  vows  revenge  as  fpacious,  as  between 
The  young'ft  and  oldeft  thing. 

Sic.  This  is  moft  likely  ! 

Bru.  Rais'd  only,  that  the  weaker  fort  may  wifh 
Good  Marcius  home  again. 

Sic.  The  very  trick  on't. 

Men.  This  is  unlikely  : 
He  and  Aufidius 6  can  no  more  atone, 
Than  violentcil  contrariety. 

Enter  another  Me/finger. 

Mef.  You  are  fent  for  to  the  fenate  : 
A  fearful  army,  led  by  Caius  Marcius, 

6  can  no  more  atone,]  This  is  a  very  elegant  erpref- 

fion,  and  taken  from  unifon  ftrings  giving  the  fame  to.ie  or  found. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

Dr.  Warburton's  etymology  is  not  juft.  Atone  feems  to  be  de- 
rived from  at  and  one — to  reconcile  to,  or,  to  be  at,  onion. 

MALONE. 

To  atone,  in  the  acYive  fenfe,  is  to  reconcile,  and  is  fo  ufed  by 
our  authour.  To  atone  here,  is,  in  the  neutral  fenfe,  to  come  to 
reconciliation.  To  atone  is  to  unite.  JOHNSON. 

Aflb- 


461  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

AfTociared  with  Aufidius,  rages 
Upon  our  territories  ;  and  have  already 
O'er-borne  their  way,  confum'd  with  fire,  and  took 
What  lay  before  them. 

Enter  Comlnlus. 

Com.  O,  you  have  made  good  work ! 

Men.  What  news  ?  what  nexvs  ? 

Com.  You  have  holp  to  ravifti  your  own  daughters, 

and 

To  melt  the  city  leads  upon  your  pates ; 
To  fee  your  wives  dilhonour'd  to  your  nofes  ; — 

Men.  What's  the  news  ?  what's  the  news  ? 

Com.  Your  temples  7  burned  in  their  cement ;  and 
Your  franchifes,  whereon  you  flood,  confm'd 
Into  an  augre's  bore. 

Men.  Pray  now,  the  news  ?— 
You  have  made  fair  work,  I  fear  me  : — Pray,  your 

news  ? 
If  Marcius  Ihould  be  joined  with  the  Voices, r 

Com.  If! 

He  is  their  god  ;  he  leads  them  like  a  thing 
Made  by  fome  other  deity  than  nature, 
That  lhapes  man  better  :  and  they  follow  him, 
Againft  us  brats,  with  np  leis  confidence, 
Than  boys  purfuing  fumnier  butter-flies, 
Or  butchers  killing  flies. 

Men.  You  have  made  good  work, 
You,  and  your  apron-men  ;  you  that  flood  fo  much 
Upon  the  voice  of  occupation  8,  and 

7  — —burned in  their  cement, ]   Cement,  for  clnfture  or 

inclofure  ;  becaufe  both  have  the  idea  of  holding  together. 

WAR  BURTON. 
Cement  has  here  its  common  fignification.     JOHNSON. 

8  Upon  the  'voice  of  occupation.]  Occupation   is  here  ufed  for 
mecbanicks,  men  occupied  \n  daily  bufinefs.     So,  Horace  ufes  artes 
for  artifices. 

"  Urit  enim  fulgore  fuo  qiti  prtegravat  artes 
li  Infra  fe  pojitas."     MAX  ONE. 

The 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  463 

J  The  breath  of  garlick-eaters ! 

Com.  He'll  fliake  your  Rome  about  your  ears. 

Men.  As  Hercules  did  make  down  mellow  fruit1. 
You  have  made  fair  work  ! 

Bru.  But  is  this  true,  fir  ? 

Com.  Ay ;  and  you'll  look  pale 
Before  you  find  it  other.     All  the  regions 
Do  fmilingly  revolt  * ;  and,  who  refift, 
Are  mock'd  for  valiant  ignorance, 
And  perim  conflant  fools.    Who  is't  can  blame  him  ? 
Your  enemies,  and  his,  find  fomething  in  him. 

Men.  We  are  all  undone,  unlefs 
The  noble  man  have  mercy. 

Com.  Who  mall  aft.  it  ? 

The  tribunes  cannot  do't  for  mame  ;  the  people 
Deferve  fuch  pity  of  him,  as  the  wolf 
Does  of  the  fhepherds :  for  his  befl  friends,  if  they 

9  The  breath  of  garlick- eaters  !~\  To  fmell  of  garlick  was  once 
fuch  a  brand  of  vulgarity,  that  garlick 'was  a  food  forbidden  to 
an  ancient  order  of  Spanifh  knights,  mentioned  by  Guevara. 

JOHNSON. 

To  fmell  of  leeks  was   no  lefs  a  mark  of  vulgarity  among  the 
Roman  people  in  the  time  of  Juvenal.     Sat.  iii  : 
**  yuu  tecum  JeHile  porrum 

"  Sutor,  et  elixi  vervech  lair  a  come  Jit  ?" 

And  from  the  following  paflage  in  Decker's  If  this  le  not  a  good 
flay  the  Devil  is  in  it,  1612,  it  fhould  -appear  that  garlick  was 
once  much  ufed  in  England,  and  after.vards  as  much  out  of 
fafhion. 

".Fortune  favours  nobody  but  garlick,  nor  garlick- neither 
flow  ;  yet  (he  has  ftrong  reafon  to  love  it :  for  though  garlick 
made  her  fmell  abominably  in  the  ncftrils  of  the  gallants,  yet  flie 
bad  fmelt  and  ftunk  worfe  but  for  garlick." 

Hence,  perhaps,  the  cant  denomination  Pil-garlick  for  a  de- 
ferted  fellow,  a  perfon  left  to  fufter  without  friends  to  affift  him. 

STEEVHNS. 

1  As  Hercules  i  &c.j  An  alluvion  to  the  apples  of  the  Hefperides. 

STEEYENS. 

*  Do  fmilingly  revolt ;  ]  Smilingly  is  the  word  in  the 

old  copy,  for  which  feemingfy  has  been  printed  in  late  editions. 

To  revolt  fmilirtgly  is  to  revolt  with  figns  of  pleafure,  or  with 
marks  of  contempt.  STEEVENS. 

Should 


464  CORIOLANUS 

Should  fay,  Be  good  to  Rome,  5  they  charg'd  him  even 
As  thofe  ihould  do  that  had  deferv'd  his  hate, 
And  therein  Ihew'd  like  enemies. 

Men.  'Tis  true  : 

If  he  were  putting  to  my  houfe  the  brand 
That  fhould  confume  it,  I  have  not  the  face 
To  fay,  'Befeech you,  ceafe. — You  have  made  fair  hands. 
You,  and  your  crafts !  you  have  crafted  fair ! 

Com.  You  have  brought 
A  trembling  upon  Rome,  fuch  as  was  never 
So  incapable  of  help. 

Tri.  Say  not,  we  brought  it. 

Men.  How !    Was  it  we  ?    We  lov'd  him ;  but, 

like  beafls, 

And  cowardly  nobles,  gave  way  to  your  clufters, 
Who  did  hoot  him  out  o'  the  city. 

Com.  But,  I  fear, 

4  They '11  roar  him  in  again.     Tullus  Aufidius, 
The  fecond  name  of  men,  obeys  his  points 
As  if  he  were  his  officer  : — Defperation 
Is  all  the  policy,  ftrength,  and  defence, 
That  Rome  can  make  againft  them. 

Enter  a  troop  of  Citizens. 
Men.  Here  come  the  clufters. — 
And  is  Aufidius  with  him  ? — You  are  they 

3  they  charge  him,  &c.]   Their  charge  or  injun&ion  would 
fliew  them  infenfible  of  his  wrongs,  and  make  them  fie-vj  like  ene- 
mies.    I  read^m?,  notjhe-ived,  Ufa  enemies.     JOHNSON. 

Dr.  Johnfon  propofes  to  read  : 

And  therein  fhew : 

The  old  copy  has  chargd  and.  Jbewfd.     If  one  is  changed,  fo 
ought  the  other.     I  read  : 

7"Zvy'd  charge  him 

and  therein  fliew.     M.A.LONE.  T 

The  old  reading,  which  I  have  reftor'd,  is  undoubtedly  the  true 
one.     STEEVENS. 

4  they'll  roar  him  in  again. ]   As  they   Looted  at  his  de« 

parture,  they  will  roar  at  his  return  ;  as  he  went  out  with  feoffs, 
he  will  come  back  with  lamentations.    JOHNSOX. 

That 


CORIOLANUS.  46^ 

*That  made  the  air  unwholefome,  when  you  caft 
Your  ftinking,  greafy  caps,  in  hooting  at 
Coriolanus'  exile.     Now  he's  coming  ; 
And  not  a  hair  upon  a  foldier's  head, 
Which  will  not  prove  a  whip  ;  as  many  coxcombs, 
As  you  threw  caps  up,  will  he  tumble  down, 
And  pay  you  for  your  voices^     'Tis  no  matter ; 
If  he  could  burn  us  all  into  one  coal, 
We  have  deferv'd  it. 

Omnes.  'Faith,  we  hear  fearful  news. 

1  Cit.  For  mine  own  part, 

When  I  faid,  banifli  him,  I  faid,  'twas  pity. 

2  Cit.  And  fo  did  I. 

3  Cit.  And  fo  did  I ;  and,  to  fay  the  truth  i  fo  did 
very  many  of  us  :  That  we  did,  we  did  for  the  beft ; 
and  though  we  willingly  confented  to  his  banifhmenr, 
yet  it  was  agairift  our  will. 

Com.  You  are  goodly  things,  you  voices ! 

Men.  You  have  made  you 

Good  work,  you  and  your  cry  s ! — Shall  us  to  the  Ca- 
pitol ? 

Com.  O,  ay  ;  what  elfe  ?          [Exit  Com.  and  Men. 

Sic.  Go,  matters,  get  you  home,  be  not  difmay'd  ; 
Thefe  are  a  fide,  that  would  be  glad  to  have 
This  true,  which  they  fo  feem  to  fear.     Go  home, 
And  Ihew  no  fign  of  fear. 

1  Cit.  The  gods  be  good  to  us !  Come,  matters, 
let's  home.     I  ever  faid,  we  were  i'  the  wrong,  when 
we  banifli 'd  him. 

2  Cit.  So  did  we  all.     But  come,  let's  home. 

[Exeunt  Citizens. 
Bru.  I  do  not  like  this  news. 
Sic.  Nor  I. 

Bru.  Let's  to  the   Capitol  : — Would,    half  my 
wealth 

5  You  and  your  cry  !]  Alluding  to  a  pack  of  hounds.  So,  in 
Hamlet  y  a  company  of  players  are  contemptuoufly  called  a  cry  of 
players.  STEEVENS. 

VOL.  VII.  H  h  Would 


466  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Would  buy  this  for  a  lie  ! 

Sic.  Pray,  let  us  go.  [Exeunt  Tribunes. 

SCENE     VII. 

A  Camp  ;   at  a  fmall  dijlance  from  Rome. 
Enter  Avfidius,   with  his  Lieutenant. 

Auf.  Do  they  (till  fly  to  the  Roman  ? 

Lieu.  I  do  not  know  what  witchcraft's  in  him  ;  bus 
Your  foldiers  ufe  him  as  the  grace  'fore  meat, 
Their  talk  at  table,  and  their  thanks  at  end  ; 
And  you  are  darken'd  in  this  action,  fir, 
Even  by  your  own. 

Auf.  I  cannot  help  it  now  ; 
Unlcfs,  by  uiing  means,  I  lame  the  foot 
Of  our  defign.     He  bears  himfelf  more  proudly 
Even  to  my  perfon,  than  I  thought  he  would, 
When  firft  I  did  embrace  him  :  Yet  his  nature 
In  that's  no  changeling ;  and  I  muft  excufe 
What  cannot  be  amended. 

Lieu.  Yet  I  wrfh,  fir, 

(I  mean,  for  your  particular)  you  had  not 
Join'd  in  commiffion  with  him  :  but  either  borne 
The  action  of  yourfelf,  or  elfe  to  him 
Had  left  it  folely. 

Auf.  I  understand  thee  well ;  and  be  thou  fure, 
When  he  fhall  come  to  his  account,  he  knows  not 
•  What  1  can  ur,ge  againft  him.     Although  it  feems, 
And  fo  he  thinks,  and  is  no  lefs  apparent 
To  the  vulgar  eye,  that  he  bears  all  things  fairly, 
And  fliews  good  tnifbandry  for  the  Volcian  itate ; 
Fights  dragon-like,  and  does  atchieve  as  foon 
As  draw  his  fword  :  yet  he  hath  left  undone 
That,  which  fliall  break  his  neck,  or  hazard  mine,, 
Whene'er  we  come  to  our  account. 

•  •  'Lieut 


CORIOLANUS. 

Lieu.  Sir,    I  befeech  you,  think  you  he'll  carry 
Rome  ? 

Anf*  All  places  yield  to  him  ere  he  fits  down  ; 
And  the  nobility  of  Rome  are  his  : 
The  fenators,  and  patricians,  love  him  too  : 
The  tribunes  are  no  foldiers ;  and  their  people 
Will  be  as  rafh  in  the  repeal,  as  hafty 
To  expel  him  thence.     I  think,  he'll  be  to  Rome 
6  As  is  the  ofprey  to  the  nfh.  who  takes  it 
By  fovereignty  of  nature;     Firfl  he  was 
A  noble  fervant  to  them ;  but  he  could  not 
Carry  his  honours  even  :  [  whether  'twas  pride, 

6  As  is  the  ofprey ]  Ofprey,  a  kind  of  eagle,  ojjifraga. 

POPE. 

We  find  in  Michael  Drayton's  P olyollioii,  Song  xxv.  a  full  ac- 
count of  the  efpnj,  which  "fhews  the  juiluefs  and  beauty  of  the 
iimile  : 

"  The  ofprey,  oft  here  feen,  though  feldom  here  it  breeds, 
*'  Which  over  them  ihejifh  no  fooner  do  cfuv, 
"  But,  betwixt  him  and  them  by  an  antipathy, 
*'  Turning  their  bellies  up,  as  though  their  death  they  faw, 
"  They  at  his  pleafure  lie,  to  fluff  his  gluttonous  maw." 

LAKGTON. 
So,  in  the  Battle  of  Alcazar  ^  \  594  : 

"   I  will  provide  thee  with  a  princely  ofprey, 
"  That  as  fhe  flyeth  over  fifh  in  pools, 
"  The  fifli  flinll  turn  their  glitt'ring  bellies  up, 
"  And  thou  flialt  take  thy  liberal  choice  of  all." 
Such  is  the  fabulous  hiflory  of  the  ofprey.     I  learn,  however, 
from  Mr.  Lambe's  notes  to  the  ancient   metrical  legend  of  the 
Battle  of  Floddon,  that   the   ofprey  is   a  "  rare,  large,  blackifh 
hawk,  with  a  long  neck,  and  blue  legs.     Its  prey  is  fifh,  and  it 
is  fometimes  feen  hovering  over  the  Tweed."    STEEVENS. 

7  -        whether  >civai  pride ^ 

Which  out  of  daily  fortune  ever  taints 
The  happy  man  ;  ivhetber  ] 

Aufidius  affigns  three  probable  reafons  of  the  mifcarriage  of  Co- 
riolanus ;  pride,  which  eafily  fallows  an  uninterrupted  train  of 
fuccefs ;  unikilrulnefs  to  regulate  the  confequences  of  his  own 
Yi&ories  ;  a  ftubborn  unirbrmity  of  nature,  which  could  not 
make  the  proper  tranfition  from  the  cafque  or  hdmct  to  the  cujtion 
or  chair  of  civil  authority  ;  bu:  scled  with  the  fame  defpotifm  in 
peace  as  in  war.  JOHNSON. 

H  h  2  Which 


468  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Which  out  of  daily  fortune  ever  taints 

The  happy  man  ;  whether  defeat  of  judgment^ 

To  fail  in  the  difpofing  of  thofe  chances 

Which  he  was  lord  of ;  or  whether  nature, 

Not  to  be  other  than  one  thing,  not  moving 

From  the  cafque  to  the  cufhion,  but  commanding 

peace 

Even  with  the  fame  aufterity  and  garb 
As  he  controll'd  the  war  :  but,  one  of  thefe, 
(As  he  hath  fpices  of  them  all,  not  all, 
For  I  dare  fo  far  free  him)  made  him  fear'd, 
So  hated,  and  fo  baniih'd  :  But 8  he  has  a  merit, 
To  choak  it  in  the  utterance.     So  our  virtues 
Lie  in  the  interpretation  of  the  time  : 
9  And  power,  unto  itfelf  moft  commendable, 
Hath  not  a  tomb  fo  evident  as  a  chair 
To  extol  what  it  hath  done. 
One  'fire  drives  out  one  fire  ;  one  nail,  one  nail ; 
1  Right's  by  right  fouler,  flrengths  by  ftrength  do  fail. 

Come, 

8  be  has  a  merit 

To  choak  it  in  the  utterance  •       .     ...  ] 

He  has  a  merit,  for  no  other  purpofe  than  to  deitroy  it  by  boaft- 
ing  it.     JOHNSON. 

9  And  power,   unto  itfelf  moft  commendable, 
Hath  not  a  tomb  fo  evident  as  a  chair 
To  extol  --i<:hat  it  hath  done.] 

This  is  a  common  thought,  but  miferably  ill  exprefled.     The 
fenfe  is,  The  virtue  which  delights  to  commend  itfelf,  will  find 
:  the  fureft  tomb  in  that  chair  wherein  it  holds  forth  its  own  com- 
mendations : 

.       *. unto  itfelf  mojl  commendable. 

i.  e.  which  hath  a  very  high  opinion  of  itfelf.     WAR  EUR  TON. 

1  Right's  ly  right  fouler,——]  This  has  no  manner  of  feufa. 
We  fiiould  read : 

Right's  by  right  fouled, — 

Or,  as  it  is  commonly  written  in  Englifh,  foiled,  from  the  French, 
'  fouler,  to  tread  or  trample  under  foot.     WAR  BURTON. 

I  believe  rights,  like  Jlrengths,  is  a  plural  noun.     I  read  : 
Rights  by  rights  founder,  Jlrengths  ly  Jlrengths  do  fail. 
That  is,  by  the  exertion  of  one  right  another  right  is  lamed. 

JOHNSON. 
Rizht's 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  469 

Come,  let's  away.     When,  Caius,  Rome  is  thine, 
Thou  art  poor'fl  of  all ;  then  fliortly  art  thou  mine.' 

[Exeunt. 


ACTV.      SCENE    L 

A  public  Place  in  Rome. 

Enter  Menenius,    Cominius,  Siciniusy    and  Brutus,  with 
others. 

Men.  No,  I'll  not  go  :  you  hear,  what  he  hath 

faid, 

Which  was  fometime  his  general  ;    who  lov'd  him 
In  a  moft  dear  particular.     He  call'd  me,  father  : 
But  what  o'that  ?  Go,  you  that  baniih'd  him, 
A  mile  before  his  tent  fall  down,  and  knee 
The  way  into  his  mercy  :  Nay,  if  he  coy'd 
To  hear  Cominius  fpeak,  I'll  keep  at  home. 

Com.  He  would  not  feem  to  know  me. 

Men.  Do  yon  hear  ? 

Com.  Yet  one  time  he  did  call  me  by  my  name  : 
I  urg'd  our  old  acquaintance,  and  the  drops 
That  we  have  bled  together.     Coriolanus 

Right's  ly  right  fouler,      •  ] 

i.  e.  What  is  already  right,  and  is  received  as  fuch,  becomes 
lefs  clear  when  fupported  by  fupernumerary  proofs.  Such  ap- 
pears to  me  to  be  the  meaning  of  this  pafTage,  which  may  be  ap- 
plied with  too  much  jultice  to  many  of  my  own  comments  on 
Shakefpeare. 

Fouled,  however,  is  certainly  an  Englifh  word,  and  is  ufed  in 
Sidney's  Arcadia,  edit.  1633,  p.  441  : 

"  Thy  all-beholding  eye  foufd  with  the  fight." 
There  is  likewife  the  following  proverb — York  doth  foul  Sutton— 
I,  e.  exceeds  it  on  comparifon>  and  makes  it  appear  mean  and  poor. 

STEEYENS. 

H  h  3      .  He 


470  CORIQLANUS. 

He  would  not  anfwer  to  :  forbad  all  names  ; 
He  was  a  kind  of  nothing,  titlelefs, 
*Till  he  had.  forg?d  himfelf  a  name  i'  the  fire 
Of  burning  Rome. 

Men.  Why,  -fo  ;  you  have  made  good  work  : 
A  pair  of  tribunes,  *  that  have  rack*d  for  Rome, 
To  make  coals  cheap  :  A  noble  memory  5  ! 

Com.  I  minded  him,  how  royal  'twas  to  pardon 
When  leaft  it  was  expected  :  He  reply'd, 
*  }t  was  a  bare  petition  of  a  ftate, 
To  one  whom  they  had  punilh?d. 

Men.  Very  well  : 
Could  he  fay  lefs  ? 

Com.  I  offer'd  to  awaken  his  regard 
For  his  private  friends  :  His  anfwer  to  me  was, 
He  could  not  ftay  to  pick  them  in  a  pile 
Of  noifome;  mufty  chaff  :  He  faid,  'twas  folly, 


*  -that  have  ra.ck'd/or  Rome,]  We  fhould 

i.e.  been  careh.il,  provident  for.  In  this  infinuation  of  their 
pnly  minding  trifles,  he  fatirizes  them  for  their  inju&ce  to  Co- 
jtolanus;  which  was  like  to  end  ip  the  ruin  of  their  country.  The 
Oxford  ed'itor,  feeing  nothing  of  this,  reads  : 

-  have  fack'd  fair  Rome.     WARBURTON. 
Ractid  for  Rome  is  furely  the  right  reading.     To  rack  means 
to  harrafs  by  exaftions,  and  in  this  fenfe  the  poet  ufes  it  in  other 
places  : 

\\  The  commons  haft  thou  racltd;  the  clergy's  bags 
?'  Are  lank  and  lean  with  thy  extortions." 

I  believe  it  here  means  in  general,  You  that  have  been  fuch  good 
Rewards  for  the   Roman  people,  as  to  get  their  houfes  burned 
over  their  heads,  to  lave  them  the  expence  of  coals.     STEEVENS, 
3.  -  memory  for  memorial.     So,  in  ds  Ton  Like  It  ; 
",  -  O,  you  memory 
"  Of  old  fir  Rowland  !  -  "    STEEVENS. 
4  //  Tjcas  a  bare  petition  -  ]  Bare,  for  mean,  beggarly. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

I  believe  rather,  a  petition  unfupported,  unaided  by  names  that 
might  give  it  influence.  JOHNSON. 

A  bare  petition,  I  believe,  means  only  a  mere  petition.  Corio- 
Janus  weighs  the  confequence  of  verbal  fupplication  againfl  that 
gf  adtual  punifhment,  STEEVENS, 

Fof 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  471 

For  one  poor  grain  or  two,  to  leave  unburnt, 
And  ftill  to  nofe  the  offence. 

Men.  For  one  poor  grain  or  two  ? 
I  am  one  of  thofe  ;  his  mother,  wife,  his  child, 
And  this  brave  fellow  too,  we  are  the  grains  : 
You  are  the  mufly  chaff;  and  you  are  fmelt 
Afcovc  the  moon  :  We  mult  be  burnt  for  you. 

Sk.  Nay,  pray,  be  patient :  If  you  refufe  your  aid 
In  this  fo  never-needed  help,  yet  do  not 
Upbraid  us  with  our  diftrefs.     But,  fure,  if  you 
Wpuld  be  your  country's  pleader,  your  good  tongue, 
More  than  the  inftant  army  we  can  make, 
Might  flop  our  countryman. 

Men.  No  ;  I'll  not  meddle. 

Sk.  Pray  you,  go  to  him. 

Men.  What  Ihould  I  do  > 

Eru.  Only  make  trial  what  your  love  can  do 
For  Rome,  towards  Marcius. 

Men.  Well,  and  fay  that  Marcius 
Return  me,  as  Cominius  is  returned, 
Unheard  ;  what  then  ?— 
But  as  a  difcontented  friend,  gnef-fhot 
With  his  unkindnefs  ?  Say't  be  fo  ? 

Sic.  Yet  your  good  will 

Muft  have  that  thanks  from  Rome,  after  the  meafure 
As  you  intended  well. 

Men.  I'll  undertake  it : 
I  think,  he'll  hear  me.     Yet  to  bite  his  lip, 
And  hum  at  good  Cominius,  much  unhearts  me, 
5  He  was  not  taken  well ;  he  had  not  din'd  : 
The  veins  unfiU'd,  our  blood  is  cold,  and  then 
We  pout  upon  the  morning,  are  unapt 
To  give  or  to  forgive ;  but  when  we  have  ftufFd 

5  He  ivas  not  taken -veil',  be  bad  not  dix'J,  &c.]  This  obferva- 
*ion  is  not  only  from  nature,  and  finely  exprefled,  but  admirably 
befits  the  mouth  of  one,  who  in  the  beginning  of  the  play  had 
{old  us,  that  he  loved  convivial  doings.  WAR  BUR  TON. 

H  h  Thefe 


472;  CORIOLANUS. 

Thefe  pipes,  and  thefe  conveyances  of  our  blood 
With  wine  and  feeding,  we  have  fuppler  fouls 
Than  in  our  prieft-like  falls :    therefore  I'll  watch 

him 

'Till  he  be  dieted  to  my  requeft, 
And  then  I'll  fet  upon  him. 

Bru.  Yon  know  the  very  road  into  his  kindnefs, 
And  cannot  lofe  your  way. 

Men.  Good  faith,  I'll  prove  him, 
Speed  how  it  will.  '  I  {hall  ere  long  have  knowledge 
Of  my  fuccefs.  [Exit. 

Com.  He'll  never  hear  him. 
Sic.  Not  ? 

Com.  6 1  tell  yon,  he  does  fit  in  gold,  his  eye 
Red  as  'twould  burn  Rome  :  and  his  injury 
The  goaler  to  his  pity.     I  knecl'd  before  him  : 
'Twas  very  faintly  he  faid,  Rife  ;  difmifs'd  me 
Thus,  with  his  fpeechiefs  hand  :  What  he  would  do, 
J-Ie  fent  in  writing  after  me  ;  what  he  would  not, 
*  Bound  with  an  oath,  to  yield  to  his  conditions : 

So, 

6  I  tell  you,  he  docs  jit  in  gold', «•  ]  He  is  inthroned  in  all  the 

pomp  and  pride  of  imperial  fplendour. 

Xgwrofif'oi'©'  "H£»J Horn.     JOHNSON. 

So,  in  the  old  tranflation  of  Plutarch:  " he  xvas  fet  in  his 

chaire  of  tfate,  with  a  marvelous  and  unfpeakable  majeftie." 
Shakefpeare  has  a  fomevvhat  fimilar  idea  in  K.  Henry  VIII.  aft  I. 
fc.  i ; 

f<  All  clinquant,  all  in  grid,  like  heathen  gods."  STEEVENS. 
*  Bound  with  an  oath  to  yield  to  his  conditions:]    This   is  appa- 
rently wrong.     Sir  T.  Hanmer,  and  Dr.  Warburton  after  hirrij 
read : 

"Bound  yvitb  an  oath  not  to  yield  to  new  conditions, 
They  might  have  read  more  fmoothly  : 

to  yield  no  new  conditions. 

But  the  whole  fpeech  is  in  confufion,  and  I  fufpeft  fomething 
left  out.  1  ftiould  read : 

What  he  would  do^ 

He  fen  f  in  writing  after  ;   vjbat  he  would  not, 

Bound  *0)ltk  an  oat}}.      To  yield  to  his  conditions. 
Here  is,  I  think,  a  chafin.    T;hc  fpeaker's  purpofe  feems  to  be 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  473 

*  So  that  all  hope  is  vain  ; 

Unlefs  his  noble  mother,  and  his  wife, 

Who,  as  I  hear,  mean  to  ibliclt  him 

For  mercy  to  his  country — Therefore,  let's  hence, 

And  with  our  fair  entreaties  hafte  the.n  on.    [Exeunt, 

SCENE      II. 

Tbe  Vokian  Camp. 
Enter  Menenlus  to  the  Watch,  or  Guard. 

1  Watch.  Stay  :  Whence  are  you  ? 

2  Watch.  Stand,  and  go  back. 

Men.  You  guard  like  men  ;  'tis  well :'  But,  by 
your  leave, 

this :  To  yield  to  b's  conditions  is  ruin,  and  better  cannot  be  ob-» 
tained,  Jo  that  all  hope  .-'..  vain.  JOHNSON. 

I  fuppofe,  Coriolanus  means,  that  he  had  fworn  to  give  way  to 
the  conditions,  into  which  the  ingratitude  of  his  country  ha4 
forced  him.  FARMER. 

3  So  that  ail  hope  is  vain  ', 

Unlefs  bis  noble  mother,  and  his  ivtfft 

Who,  as  I  hear,  mean  tofolicit  him 

for  mercy  to  bis  country ] 

Unlefs  bis  mother  and  wife — do  what  (  The  fentence  is  imperfect,1 
We  fhould  read  : 

Force  mercy  to  his  country. 
and  then  all  is  right.    WAR  BUR  TON. 

Dr.  Warburton's  emendation  is  furely  harfh,  and  may  be  ren- 
dered unneceflary  by  printing  the  paflage  thus  : 

mean  to  follicit  him 

For  mercy  to  bis  country Therefore,  &c. 

This  liberty  is  the  more  juflifiable,  becaufe,  as  foon  as  the  re- 
maining hope  crofles  the  imagination  of  Menenius,  he  might  fup- 
prefs  what  he  was  going  to  add,  through  hafte  to  try  the  fuccefr 
pf  a  laft  expedient. 

It  has  been  propofed  to  me  to  read  ; 

So  that  all  hope  is  -vain, 

Unlefs  in  his  nolle  mother  and  his  wife,  &c. 
In  bis,  abbreviated  in\  might  have  been  eafiJy  miftaken  by  fuch 
inaccurate  printers.    STEEVENS, 

I  am 


474  C  O  R  I  O  L 

I  am  an  officer  of  ftate,  and  come 
To  fpeak  with  Coriolanus. 

i  Watch.  From  whence  ? 

Men.  From  Rome. 

1  fPatcb.  You  may  not  pafs,   you  mufl  return  j 

our  general 
Will  no  more  hear  from  thence. 

2  Watch.  You'll  fee  your  Rome  embrac'd  with  fire, 

before 
You'll  fpeak  with  Coriolanus. 

Men.  Good  my  friends, 

If  you  have  heard  your  general  talk  of  Rome, 
And  of  his  friends  there,  it  is  9  lots  to  blanks, 
My  name  hath  touch'd  your  ears  :  it  is,  Menenius. 

i  Watch.  Be  it  fo  ;  go  back  :  the  virtue  of  your 

name 
Is  not  here  paflable. 

Men.  I  tell  thee,  fellow, 
Thy  general  is  my  lover  :  I  have  been 
The  book  of  his  good  a<fts,  whence  men  have  read 
His  fame  unparallel'd,  hapily,  amplified  ; 
1  For  I  have  ever  verify'd  my  friends, 

(Of 

»  -lots  to  Hanks,"}  A  lot  here  is  a  prize.     JOHNSON. 

c        *  For  I  have  ever  verified  my  frit-nth 

fultb  all  tbejize  that  verity,  &c.] 

Shakefpe.ire's  mighty  talent  in  painting  the  manners  is  efpecially 
remarkable  in  this  place.  Menenius  here,  and  Polonius  in  Ham- 
let, have  much  of  the  fame  natural  character.  The  difference  is 
only  accidental.  The  one  was  a  fenator  in  a  free  ftate  ;  and  the 
other  a  courtier  and  minifter  to  a  king  ;  which  two  circumftances 
afforded  matter  for  that  inimitable  ridicule  thrown  over  the  cha- 
racter of  Polonius.  For  the  reft,  there  is  an  equal  complaifance 
for  thofe  they  follow  ;  the  fame  difpofition  to  be  a  creature ;  the 
fame  love  of  prate ;  the  fame  affectation  of  wifdom,  and  forward-* 
nefs  to  be  in  bufmefs.  But  we  mufl  never  believe  Shakefpeare 
could  make  either  of  them  fay,  /  have  verified  my  friends  ivitb  all 
the  Jlze  of  verity  ;  nay,  what  is  more  extraordinary,  vtrljied  t/jetx 
beyond  vcr'ty.  Without  doubt  he  wrote  : 

For  I  have  ever  narrified  my  friends: 
i.  €.  made  their  encomium.     This  too  agreeg  with  the  foregoing 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  5: 

(Of  whom  he's  chief)  with  all  the  fize  that  verity 
Would  without  lapfing  fuffer  :  nay,  fometimes, 
Like  to  a  bowl  upon  a  fubtle  ground  *, 
I  have  tumbled  paft  the  throw  ;  and  in  his  praife 
Have,  almoft,  ftamp'd  the  leafing  :  Therefore,  fellow, 
I  muft  have  leave  to  pafs. 

i  Watch.  'Faith,  'fir,  if  you  had  told  as  many  lies 
in  his  behalf,  as  you  have  utter'd  words  in  your  own, 
you  Ihould  not  pafs  here  :  no,  though  it  were  as  vir- 
\ uous  to  lie,  as  to  live  chaftly.  Therefore,  go  back. 

Men.  Pr'ythee,   fellow,    remember  my  name    is 

metaphors  of  look,  read,  and  conftitutes  an  uniformity  amongft 
them.  From  whence  the  Oxford  editor  took  occafion  to  read 
magnified:  which  makes  the  abfurdity  much  worfe  than  he  found 
it :  for,  to  magnify  fignifies  to  exceed  the  truth  ;  fo  that  this  cri- 
tic makes  him  fay,  he  magnified  his  friend  within  the  fize  of  ve- 
rity :  i.  e.  he  exceeded  truth,  even  while  he  kept  within  it. 

WARBURTOY. 

If  the  commentator  had  given  any  example  of  the  word  narrify^ 
the  correction  would  have  been  not  only  received,  but  applauded. 
Now,  fince  the  new  word  Hands  without  authority,  we  mull  try 
what  fenfe  the  old  one  will  afford.  To  verify  is  to  efiablljb  by 
tefilmony.  One  may  fay  with  propriety,  be  brought  falfe  ivitneffes 
to  verify  his  title.  Shakefpeare  confidered  the  word  with  his  ufual 
laxity,  as  importing  rather  tejlimony  than  //•«/£,  and  only  meant 
to  fay,  /  bore  witnefs  to  my  friends  with  all  the  fize  that  verity 
•would  fuffer. 

I  muffremark,  that  to  magnify  fignifies  to  exalt  or  enlarge,  but 
not  neceflarily  to  enlarge  beyond  the  truth.  JOHNSON. 

Mr.  Edwards  would  read  varnijlied ;  but  Dr.  Johnfon's  expla- 
nation of  the  old  word  renders  all  change  unneceflary. 

To  verify  may,  however,  lignify  to  difplay.  Thus  in  an  an- 
cient metrical  pedigree  in  poffeffion  of  the  late  dutchefs  of  North- 
umberland, and  quoted  by  Dr.  Percy  in  the  Rcliques  of  ancient 
EngUJb  Poetry ,  Vol.1,  p.  279.  3d  edit : 

"  In  hys  fcheld  did  fchyne  a  mone  vcryfying  her  light." 

STEEVKNS. 

*  upon  a  fubtle  ground,]  Subtle  means/moot!?,  level.     So, 

Jonfon,  in  one  of  his  mafques  : 

**  Tityus's  breaft  is  counted  the  fubtleji  bowling  ground  in 
all  Tartarus." 

Subtle ,  however,  may  mean  artificially  unlevel^  as  many  bowl- 
jng-greens  are.  STEEVENS. 

Mene- 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Mencnius,  always  factionary  on  the  party  of  your 
general . 

2  Watch.  Hoivfoever  you  have  been  his  liar,  (as 
you  fay,  you  have)  I  am  one  that,  telling  true  under 
jiim,  nruft  fay,  you  cannot  pafs.  Therefore,  go  back. 

Men.  Has  he  din'd,  can'il  thou  tell  ?  for  I  vyould 
not  fpeak  with  him  'till  after  dinner. 

i  Watch.  You  are  a  Roman,  are  you  ? 

Men.  I  am  as  thy  general  is. 

i  {Patch.  Then  you  Ihould  hate  Rome,  as  he  does. 
Can  you.  when  you  havepulh'd  out  of  your  gates  the 
very  defender  of  them,  and,  in  a  violent  popular 
ignorance,  given  your  -enemy  your  fhield,  think  to 
front  his  revenges  with  the  eafy  groans  of  old  wo- 
jnen,  3  the  virginal  palms  of  your  daughters,  or  with 

the 

*  the  virginal  palms  of  your  daughters ,  ]  By  virginal  pains  may 
be  indeed  underilood  the  holding  up  the  hands  in  fupplication. 
Therefore  I  have  altered  nothing.  But  as  this  fenfe  is  cold,  and 
gives  us  even  a  ridiculous  idea ;  and  as  the  paffions  of  the  fevera! 
interceifors  feem  intended  to  be  here  reprefented,  I  fufpect  Shake- 
fpeare  might  \\r\tGpafmes  or  panes,  i.  e.  fwooning  fits,  from  the 
French  pafmer  or  pamer.  I  have  frequently  uied  the  liberty  to 
give  fenfe  to  an  unftieamng  paflage  by  the  introduction  of  a 
French  word  of  the  fame  found,  which  I  fuppofe  to  be  of  Shake- 
fpeare's  own  coining.  And  I  am  certainly  to  be  juflified  in  fo 
doing,  by  the  great  number  of  fuch  fort  of 'words  to  be  found  in 
the  common  text.  But  for  a  further  j unification  of  this  liberty, 
take  the  following  inftance  ;  where  all  muit  agree,  that  the  com- 
mon reading  is  corrupt  by  the  editors  inferring  an  Englilh  word 
they  underftood,  inftead  of  one  coined  by  Shakefpeare  out  of  the 
French,  which  they  underftood  not.  It  is  in  his  Tarquln  a>.tl 
Lucrece,  where  he  is  fpeaking  of  the  office  and  empire  of  Time, 
and  the  effefts  it  produces  in  the  world  : 

Tine's  glory  is 

To  fill  v~'!tb  ~j?orm-holes  jlatcly  monuments^ 

To  feed  oblivion  with  dec cy  of  things  ; 
To  blot  old  books  and  alter  their  contents ; 

To  pluck  tie  quills  from  ancient  ra-vcin  wing;  • 

Tf>  dry  the  old  oatfsfap,  and  cherifh  fprings. 

The  two  latl  words,  if  they  make  any  fenfe,  it  is  fuch  as  is  direct- 
ly contrary  to  the  fentiments  here  advanced  ;  which  is  concerning 
ihe  decays ,  not  the  repairs  or  time.  The  poet  certainly  wrote  : 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  477 

the  pnlfy'd  interceffion  of  fuch  a  decay'd  dotant  4  as 
you  feem  to  be  ?  Can  you  think  to  blow  out  the  in- 

tended 

To  dry  the  old  oaVsfap,  and  tarifh  Jfirings. 

i.  c.  to  dry  up  fprings,  from  the  French  tarir  or  tarijjcnu/it,  exarc- 
faccre,  cxjiccatio  :  thefe  words  being  peculiarly  applied  to  fprings 
or  rivers.  WARBURTON. 

I  have  inferred  this  note,  becaufe  it  contains  an  apology  for 
many  others.  It  is  not  denied  that  many  French  words  were  min- 
gled in  the  time  of  Elizabeth  with  our  language,  which  have  fince 
been  ejeSed,  and  that  any  which'  are  known  to  have  been  then  in 
ufe  may  be  properly  recalled  when  they  will  help  the  fenfe.  But 
when  a  word  is  to  be  admitted,  the  firft  quellion  fliould  be,  by 
whom  was  it  ever  received  ?  In  what  book  can  it  be  {hewn  ?  If  it 
cannot  be  proved  to  have  been  in  ufe,  the  reafons  which  can  juili- 
fy  its  reception  rrmft  be  ftronger  than  any  critick  will  often  have 
to  bring.  Even  in  this  certain  emendation,  the  new  word  is  very 
liable  to  contefl.  I  fiiould  read  : 


-  an 

The  \vcrdpcrifi.'  is  commonly  neutral,  but  in  converfation  is  of- 
ten ufed  actively,  and  why  not  in  the  works  of  a  writer  negligent 
beyond  all  others  of  grammatical  niceties  ?  JOHNSON. 

After  all,  I  believe  the  former  reading  of  the  paffage  in  Tar- 
qu:n  and  Lucrece  to  be  the  true  one.  Shakefpeare's  meaning  is, 
that  Time  was  varioufly  employed,  both  in  defraying  old  things, 
and  in  railing  up  young  ones.  The  next  ftanza  fufttciently 
proves  it  : 

«*  To  fliew  the  beldame  daughters  of  her  daughter, 

*'  To  make  the  child  a  man,  the  man  a  child; 

"  To  chear  the  ploughman  with  encreafeful  crops, 

"  And  wiifte  huge  ftones  with  little  water-drops. 

"  To  dry  the  old  oak's  fap,  and  cberi/h^fyrings;" 
i.  e.  to  dry  up  the  old  oak's  fap,  and  confequently  to  deflroy  it  ; 
and  Hkewife  to  cberifo  fprings,  i.e.  to  raite  up  or  nourish  the 
(hoots  of  coppice-wood,  or  of  young  trees,  groves,  and  planta- 
tions. The  word,  fprings  is  ufed  in  this  fenfe  by  Chaucer,  Spcn- 
fer,  Fairfax,  Drayton,  Donne,  and  Milton,  as  well  as  by  the 
old  writers  on  hufbandry,  Fitzherbert,  Tufler,  Markham,  and  by 
Shakefpcare  himfelf  in  the  ComeJy  of  Errors  .- 

"   -  (hall,  Antipholus, 

"  Even  in  the  Jpring  of  love,  thy  \ove-fyrings  rot  ?" 
Again,  in  Holinfiied's  Defcriptlon  of  England^  both  the  contefted 
words  in  the  latter  part  of  the  verfe,  occur.  "  We  have  manic 
woods,  forrefts,  ar.d  parks  which  cberijb  trees  abundantlie,  befide 
infinit  numbers  ot  hedge  rovve's,  groves,  and  fprings,  that  are 
niainteined  &c."  Thus  far  Mr.  Toilet. 

Dr.  Warburton  is  furely  unfortunate  in  the  afibrtnaem  of  French 

words 


CORIOLANUS, 

tended  fire  your  city  is  ready  to  fiame  in,  with  fuck 
weak  breath  as  this?  No,  you  are  deceiv'd ;  therefore, 
back  to  Rome,  and  prepare  for  your  execution  :  you 
are  condemn'd,  our  general  has  fworn  you  out  of  re- 
prieve and  pardon. 

Men.  Sirrah,  if  thy  captain  knew  I  were  here,  he' 
would  ufe  me  with  eftimation. 

2  Watch.  Come,  my  captain  knows  you  not. 

Men.  I  mean,  thy  general. 

i  Watch.  My  general  cares  not  for  you.  5  Back, 
I  fay,  go,  left  I  let  forth  your  half  pint  of  blood ; — • 
back,— that's  the  utmoft  of  your  having  : — back. 

Men.  Nay,  but  fellow,  fellow, — 

words  exhibited  on  the  prefent  occafion,  fince  the  firjl  never  was 
admitted  as  a  noun  into  the  French  language,  nor  can  the  latter 
poffibly  be  claimed  by  any  language  at  all.  The  attempt  to  in- 
troduce pafines  inftead  or"  palms  ridicules  itfelf. 

The  adjective  virginal  is  ufed  in  Woman  is  a  Weathercock,  1612: 

"  Lav'd  in  a  bath  of  contrite  virginal  tears." 
Again,  in  Spenfer's  Faerie  Queen,  B.  II.  c.  ix  : 

*'  She  to  them  made  with  mildnefs  virginal.'1  STEEVENTS. 
Whether  the  word  perijb  be  right  or  not  in  this  place,  Dr.  John-- 
fon  truly  obferves,  that  it  is  fometimes  ufcd  adtively.  In  the 
Maid's  Tragedy  : 

"  Let  not  my  fins,"  fays  Evadne  to  Amintor, 

"  Perijb  your  noble  youth."     FARMER. 
Again,  in  the  Second  Eclogue  of  Drayton  : 

"  And  hath  for  ever  per ijbtd  my  fale." 
Again,  in  the  Hone/?  Man's  Fortune,  by  B.  and  Fletcher  : 

"  his  wants 

"  And  miferies  have perffid  his  good  face."     STEEVESS. 

4  a  decay*  d  dotant\  Thus  the  old  copy.     Modern  editors  read 
—dotard.     STEEVENS. 

5  Back)  I  fay,  go;  left  T  let  forth  your  half  pint  of  blood.  B-ackr 
that's  the  utmoft  of  your  having,  backJ\   As  theie  words  are  read  and 
pointed,  the  fentence  [that's  the  utmoft  of  your  having\  ilgnifies, 
you  are  like  to  get  no  further.     Whereas  the  author  evidently  in- 
tended it  to  refer  to  the  half  pint  of  blood  he  fpeaks  of,  and  to 
mean,  that  that  was  all  he  had  in  his  veins.     The  thought  is  hu- 
mourous ;  and  to  difembarnts  it  from  the  corrupt  expreffion,  we 
Ihould  read  and  point  it  thus,  Left  I  let  forth  your  half  pint  of  blood : 
that's  the  ut  moft  of  your  having.     Eatli,  back.     WARBURTOX. 

I  believe  the  meaning  never  was  miilaken,  and- therefore  do  not 
chwige  the  reading.    JOHNSON'. 

Enter 


CORIOLANUS. 


479 


Enter  Corlolanus,  with 

Cor.  What's  the  matter  '? 

Men.  Now,  you  companion,  I'll  fay  an  errand  for 
you  ;  you  fhall  know  now,  that  I  am  in  eftknation ; 
you  fnall  perceive  that  a  Jack  guardant  cannot  office 
me  from  my  fon  Coriolanus  :  6  guefs,  by  my  enter- 
tainment with  him,  if  thou  fland'ft  not  i'  the  ftate  of 
hanging,  or  of  fome  death  more  long  in  fpedlatorfhip, 
and  crueller  in  fuffering ;  behold  now  prefently,  and 
iwoon  for  what's  to  come  upon  thee. — The  glorious 
gods  fit  in  hourly  fynod  about  thy  particular  profpe- 
rity,  and  love  thee  no  worfe  than  thy  old  father  Me- 
nenius  does !  O,  my  fon,  my  fon  !  thou  art  preparing 
fire  for  us ;  look  thee,  here's  water  to  quench  it.  1 
was  hardly  moved  to  come  to  thee  :  but  being  aflured, 
none  but  myfelf  could  move  thee,  I  have  been  blown 
out  of  your  gates  with  lighs ;  and  conjure  thee  to  par- 
don Rome,  and  thy  petitionary  countrymen.  Thq 
good  gods  afiwage  thy  wrath,  and  turn  the  dregs  of 
it  upon  this  varlet  here  ;  this,  who,  like  a  block,  hath 
denied  my  accefs  to  thee. 

Cor.  Away  ! 

Men.  How  !  away  ? 

Cor.  Wife,  mother,  child,  I  know  not.   My  affairs 
Are  fervanted  to  others  :  7  Though  I  owe 
My  revenge  properly,  my  remiffion  lyes 
In  Volcian  breafts.   'That  we  have  been  familiar, 
Ingrate  forgetfulnefs  lhall  poifon,  rather 

6  — g"ffs  but  "y  entertainment  with  him  ;]  I  read,  Guefs  by  ay 
entertainment  witJj  him,  if  tbouftandtft  not  i  the  ftate  of  hanging. 

JOHNSON. 

Mr.  Edwards  had  propofed  the  fame  emendation  in  his  MS. 
notes  already  mentioned.  STEEVENS, 

7 : Though  I  ow>e 

My  revenge  properly,  •—  1 

Though  I  have  a.  peculiar  right  in  revenge,  in  the  power  of  for* 
giveneis  the  Volcians  are  conjoined.     JOHNSON 


480  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Than -pity  note  how  much. — Therefore,  be  gone* 
Mine  ears  againft  your  fuits  are  flronger,  than 
Your  gates  agaihft  my  force.     Yet,  for  I  lov'd  thee^ 
Take  this  along  ;  I  writ  it  for  thy  fake, 

[Gives  him  a  letter  < 

And  would  have  fent  it.     Another  word,  Menenius, 
I  will  not  hear  thee  fpeak.— This  man,  Aufidius, 
Was  my  belov'd  in  Rome  :  yet  thou  behold'ft — 
Auf.  You  keep  a  conflant  temper.  [Exeunt. 

Manent  the  Guard,  and  Menenius. 

1  Watch.  Now,  fir,  is  your  name  Menenius. 

2  Watch.  'Tis  a  fpell,  you  fee,  of  much  power : 
You  know  the  way  home  again. 

1  Watch.  Do  you  hear  how  we  are  8  Ihent  for  keep- 
ing your  greatnefs  back  ? 

2  Watch.  What  caufe,  do  you  think,    I  have  to 
fwoon  ? 

Men.  I  neither  care  for  the  world,  nor  your  gene- 
ral :  for  fuch  things  as  you,  I  can  fcarce  think  there's 
any,  you  are  fo  flight.  He  that  hath  a  will  to  die  by 
himfelf,  fears  it  not  from  another.  Let  your  general 
do  his  worft.  For  you,  be  that  you  are,  long ;  and 
your  mifery  increafe  with  your  age  !  I  fay  to  you,  as 
I  was  faid  to,  Away  !  [Exit* 

1  Watch.   A  noble  fellow,  I  warrant  him. 

2  Watch.  The  worthy  fellow  is  our  general  :  He  is 
the  rock,  the  oak  not  to  be  wind-fhaken.       [Exeunt. 

8  — -  bow  zve  arc  ment]  Shent  is  Irougbt  todejlruftion.  JOHNSON. 
Shent  does  not  mean  Irougbt  to  Jejintftion,  butjbamed,  di/graced, 
made  ajhamed  of  himfelf.    See  the  old  ballad  of  the  Heir  of  Linne, 
itt  the  fecond  volume  of  Rdiques  of  Ancient  Englij%  Poetry ; 
"  Sorely  foent  with  this  rebuke 

"  Sorely  Jbent  was  the  heir  of  Linne ; 
*{  His  heart,  I  vvis,  was  near-to  braft 

"  With  guilt  and  farrow,  fhame  and  iinnc."    PERCY. 


SCENE 


CORIOLANUS.  HSi 

SCENE      III. 

A  Tent* 
Enter   Corioianus  and  Aufidius. 

Cor.  We  will  before  the  walls  of  Rome  to  morrow 
Set  down  our  holt. — My  partner  in  this  action, 
You  muft  report  to  the  Voleian  lords,  9  how  plainly 
I  have  borne  this  bufinefs. 

Auf.  Only  their  ends 

You  have  refpedted ;  ftopp'd  your  ears  againft 
The  general  fuit  of  Rome  ;  never  admitted 
A  private  whifper,  no,  not  with  fuch  friends 
That  thought  them  fure  of  you. 

Cor.  This  laft  old  man, 

Whom  with  a  crack'd  heart  I  have  fent  to  Rome, 
Lov'd  me  above  the  meafure  of  a  father  ; 
Nay,  godded  me,  indeed.     Their  latefl  -refuge 
Was  to  fend  him  :  for  whofe  old  love,  I  have 
(Though  I  fhew'd  fourly  to  him)  once  more  offer'd 
The  firft  conditions,  which  they  did  refufe, 
And  cannot  now  accept,  to  grace  him  only, 
That  thought  he  could  do  more ;  a  very  little 
I  have  yielded  too :  Frelh  embaflies,  and  fuits, 
Nor  from  the  flate,  nor  private  friends,  hereafter 
Will  I  lend  ear  to.— Ha !  what  Ihout  is  this  ? 

[Shout  wit  hi tii 

Shall  I  be  tempted  to  infringe  my  vow 
In  the  fame  time  'tis  made  ?  I  will  not. — 

Enter  tlrgilia,  Volumnia,  Valeria,  young  Marcius,  with 
Attendants^  all  in  mourning. 

My  wife  comes  foremoft ;  then  the  honour'd  mold 

9  '  •  bow  plainly 

I  have  borne  this  bufinefs."] 

That  is,  bow  openly,  b<nu  remotely  from  artifice  or  concealment.. 

JOHNSON. 

VOL.  VII,  I  i  Wherein 


482,  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Wherein  this  trunk  was  fram'd,  and  in  her  hand 

The  grandchild  to  her  blood.     But,  out,  affe&ion  ! 

All  bond  and  privilege  of  nature,  break  ! 

Let  it  be  virtuous,  to  be  obftinate. — 

What  is  that  curt'fy  worth  ?  or  thofe  dove's  eyes, 

Which  can  make  gods  forfworn  ? — I  melt,  and  am 

not 

Of  flronger  earth  than  others. — My  mother  bows ; 
As  if  Olympus  to  a  mole-hill  mould 
In  fupplication  nod  :  and  my  young  boy 
Hath  an  afped:  of  interceflion,  which 
Great  nature  cries,  Deny  not. — Let  the  Voices 
Plough  Rome,  and  harrow  Italy ;  I'll  never 
Be  fuch  a  gofling  to  obey  inftinct  ;  but  ftand, 
As  if  a  man  were  author  of  himfelf, 
And  knew  no  other  kin. 

Virg.  My  lord  and  hufband  ! 

Cor.  Thefe  eyes  are  not  the  fame  I  wore  in  Rome. 

Vlrg.  The  forrow,  that  delivers  us  thus  chang'd, 
Makes  you  think  fo 9. 

Cor.  Like  a  -dull  actor  now, 
I  have  forgot  my  part,  and  I  am  out, 
Even  to  a  full  difgrace. — Beft  of  my  flefh, 
Forgive  my  tyranny  ;  but  do  not  fay, 
For  that,  Forgive  our  Romans. — O,  a  kifs 
Long  as  my  exilej  fweet  as  my  revenge  ! 
1  Now  by  the  jealous  queen  of  heaven,  that  kifs 
I  carried  from  thee,  dear ;  and  my  true  lip 

5  The  forrow,  that  delivers  us  thus  changed, 

Makes  you  think  fo.~\ 

Virgilia  makes  a  voluntary  mifinterpretation  of  her  hufband's 
words.  He  fays,  Thefe  eyes  are  not  the  fame,  meaning,  that  he 
faw  things  with  other  eyes,  or  other  difpofitions.  She  lays  hold  on 
the  word  eyes,  to  turn  his  attention  on  their  prefent  appearance. 

JOHNSON. 

1  Now  ly  the  jealous  queen  of  heaven,  — — -  ]  That  is,  ly  Juno, 
the  guardian  of  marriage,  and  confefjuently  the  avenger  01  con- 
nubial perfidy.  JOHNSON-. 

Hath 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  483 

Hath  virgin'd  it  e'er  fmce.— You  gods  !  I  prate  % 
And  the  fnofl  noble  mother  of  the  world 
Leave  unfaluted  :  Sink,  my  knee,  i'  the  earth  ; 

[Kneels. 

Of  thy  deep  duty  more  impreflion  fhew 
Than  that  of  common  fons. 

Vol.  O,  Hand  up  bleft  ! 
Whilft,  with  no  fofter  cufhion  than  the  flint, 
I  kneel  before  thee  ;  and  un properly 
Shew  duty,  as  miftaken  all  the  while  [Kneels. 

Between  the  child  and  parent. 

Cor.  What  is  this  ? 

Your  knees  to  me  ?  to  your  corrected  fon  ? 
Then  let  the  pebbles  on  the  hungry  beach 
Fillop  the  ftars  :  then  let  the  mutinous  winds 
Strike  the  proud  cedars  'gainft  the  fiery  fun  ; 
Murd'ring  impoffibility,  to  make 
What  cannot  be,  flight  work. 

Vol.  Thou  art  my  warrior ; 
I  holp  to  frame  thee.     Do  you  know  this  lady  ? 

[Pointing  to  Valeria. 

Cor.  3  The  noble  fitter  of  Publicola,' 
The  moon  of  Rome ;  chafle  as  the  ificle  * 

That's 

*  ——/prate.]  The  old  copy— I  fray.    The  merit  of  the  al- 
teration is  Theobald's.     STEEVENS. 

3  The  noble  fifler  of  Pttblicola,']  Valeria,  methinks,  fhould  not 
have  been  brought  only  to  fill  up  the  procelfion  without  fpeaking. 

JOHNSON. 

It  is  not  improbable,  but  that  tlie  poet  defigned  the  following 
words  of  Volumnia  for  Valeria.  Names  are  not  unfrequently 
confounded  by  the  player-editors ;  and  the  lines  that  compofe  this 
fpeech  might  be  given  to  the  fitter  of  Publicola  without  impropriety. 
It  may  be  added,  that  though  the  fcheme  to  folicit  Coriolanus  was 
originally  propofed  by  Valeria,  yet  Plutarch  has  allotted  her  no 
addrefs  when  (he  comes  with  his  wife  and  mother  on  this  occa- 
fion.  STEEVENS. 

*  chafle  as  the  ificle,  £sV.]  I  cannot  forbear  to  quote  the  fol- 
lowing beautiful  paflage  from  Shirley's  Gentleman  of  Venict^  in 
which  the  praife  of  a  lady's  cbaftity  is  likewife  attempted  : 

I  i  a  tlx>* 


484  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

That's  curdled  by  the  froft  from  pureft  mo\v, 
And  hangs  on  Dian's  temple  :  Dear  Valeria  ! 

Vol.  This  is  a  poor  s  epitome  of  yours, 

[Shewing  young  Marc'iitf. 
Which  by  the  interpretation  of  full  time 
May  fliew  like  all  yourfelf. 

Cor.  The  god  of  foldiers, 
6  With  the  confent  of  fupreme  Jove,  inform 
Thy    thoughts  with    noblenefs  ;    that  thou  may  'ft 

prove 

To  lhame  invulnerable,  and  flick  i'the  wars 
Like  a  great  fea-mark,  {landing  7  every  flaw, 
And  faving  thofe  that  eye  thee  ! 

VoL  Your  knee,  firrah. 

Cor.  That's  my  brave  boy. 

VoL  Even  he,  your  wife,  this  lady,  and  myfelf, 
Are  fuitors  to  you. 

Cor.  I  befeech  you,  peace  : 
Or,  if  you'd  alk,  remember  this  before  ; 
The  things,  I  have  forfworn  to  grant,  may  never 
Be  held  by  you  denials.     Do  not  bid  me 
Difmifs  my  foldiers,  or  capitulate 
Again  xvith  Rome's  mechanics  :  —  Tell  me  not 
\V  herein  I  feem  unnatural  :  Defire  not 

«  -  'tbouartcbajle 

"  As  the  white  down  of  heaven,  whofe  feathers  play 

*  '   Upon  tbe  wings  of  a  cold  winter's  gale, 

*'   Trembling  with  fear  to  touch  tW  impurcr  earth" 

STEEVENS. 
s    —  i    •  epitome  of  yours,  ]  I  read  : 

—  —  —  —  epitome  of  you. 

An  epitome  of  you,  which,  enlarged  ly  the  commentaries  of  timet 
may  equal  you  in  magnitude.     JOHNSON. 

*  With  the  confent  of  fupreme  Jove,  ]  This  is   inferted 

with  great  decorum.     Jupiter  was  the  tutelary  God  of  Rome. 


WARBURTON. 
evcry  flaw,]  That  is,  every  £•«/?,  every  farm. 

JOHNSON. 


To 


CORIOLANUS.  485 

To  allay  my  rages  and  revenges,  with 
Your  colder  reafons. 

VoL  Oh,  no  more,  no  more  ! 
You  have  faid,  you  will  not  grant  us  any  thing  ; 
For  we  have  nothing  e!fe  to  afk,  but  that 
Which  you  deny  already  :  Yet  we  will  alk  ; 
That,  if  we  fail  in  our  requeft,  the  blame 
May  hang  upon  your  hardnefs  :  therefore  hear  us. 

Cor.  Aufidius,  and  you  Voices,  mark  ;  for  we'll 
Hear  nought  from  Rome  in  private. — Your  requeft  ? 

VoL  Should  we  be  filent  and  not  fpeak,  our  rai- 
ment 3 

And 

8  Should  we  le  filent  and  not  f peak,  our  raiment,  &c.]  "  The 
fpeeches  copied  from  Plutarch  in  Coriolanns  may  (fays  Mr.  Pope) 
be  as  well  made  an  inibnce  of  the  learning  of  Shakefpeare,  as 
thole  copied  from  Cicero,,  in  Catallne,  of  Ben  Jonfon's."  Let 
us  inquire  into  this  matter,  and  tranfcribe  ^.fpcech  for  a  fpecimen. 
Take  the  famous  one  of  Volumnia  ;  for  our  author  has  done  little 
more,  than  thrown  the  very  words  of  North  into  blank  verfe. 

"  If  we  helde  our  peace  (my  fonne)  and  determined  not  to 
fpeake,  the  ftate  of  our  poore  bodies,  and  prefent  light  of  our  ray-- 
ment,  would  eafely  bewray  to  thee  what  life  we  haue  led  at  home, 
fince  thy  exile  and  abode  abroad.  But  thinke  now  with  thy  felfe, 
howe  much  more  unfortunately,  then  all  the  women  liuinge  we 
are  come  hether,  confidering  that  the  light  which  Ihould  be  moft 
pleafaunt  to  all  other  to  beholde,  fpirefull  fortune  hath  made  moft 
fearfull  to  us  :  making  my  felfe  to  fee  my  fonne,  and  my  daugh- 
ter here,  her  hulband,  belieging  the  walles  of  his  natiue  countrie. 
So  as  that  which  is  the  only  comfort  to  all  other  in  their  advenine 
and  miierie,  to  pray  unto  the  gpddes,  and  to  call  to  them  for  aide, 
is  the  onely  thinge  which  plongeth  us  into  moft  deep  perplexitie. 
For  we  cannot  (alas)  together  pray,  both  for  vi&orie,  for  our 
countrie,  and  for  fafety  of  thy  life  alfo  :  but  a  worlde  of  grievou* 
curfes,  yea  more  then  any  mortall  enemie  can  heape  uppon  us, 
arc  forcibly  wrapt  up  in  our  prayers.  For  the  bitter  foppe  of  moft 
harde  choyce  is  offered  thy  wife  and  children,  to  foregoe  the  one 
of  the  two  :  either  to  lofe  the  perfone  of  thy  felfe,  or  the  nurfe 
of  their  natiue  contrie.  For  my  felfe  (my  foniie)  I  am  deter- 
mined not  to  tarrie,  till  fortune  in  my  life  time  doe  make  an  cnde 
of  this  warre.  For  if  I  cannot  perfuade  thee,  rather  to  doe  good 
unto  both  parties,  then  to  ouerthrowe  and  deflroye  the  one,  pre- 
I  i  3  fcrring 


486  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

And  ftate  of  bodies  would  bewray  what  life 
We  have  led  fince  thy  exile.     Think  with  thyfelf, 
How  more  unfortunate  than  all  living  women 
Are  we  come  hither  :    fmce  that  thy  fight,  which 

Ihould 
Make  our  eyes  flow  with  joy,  hearts  dance  with  com- 

forts, 
*  Conftrains  them  weep,  and  ihake  with  fear  and  for- 

row  ; 

Making  the  mother,  wife,  and  child,  to  fee 
The  fon,  the  hufband,  and  the  father,  tearing 
His  country's  bowels  our.     And  to  poor  we, 
Thine  enmity's  moft  capital  :  thou  barr'ft  us 
Our  prayers  to  the  gods,  which  is  a  comfort 
That  all  but  we  enjoy  :  For  hoiv.  can  we, 
Alas  !  how  can  we  for  our  country  pray, 
Whereto  we  are  bound  ;  together  with  thy  victory^ 
Whereto  we  are  bound  ?  Alack  !  or  we  muft  lofe 
The  country,  our  dear  nurfe  ;  or  elfe  thy  perfon, 
Our  comfort  in  the  country.     We  muft  find 
An  evident  calamity,  though  we  had 
Our  wifh,  which  fide  Ihould  win  :  for  either  thou 
Muft,  as  a  foreign  recreant,  be  led 
With  manacles  thorough  our  ftreets  ;  or  elfe 
Triumphantly  tread  on  thy  country's  ruin  ; 
And  bear  the  palm,  for  having  bravely  fhed 
Thy  wife  and  children's  blood.     For  myfelf,  fon, 
I  purpofe  not  to  wait  on  fortune,  'till 
Thefe  wars  determine  :  if  I  cannot  perfuade  thee 
Rather  to  Ihew  a  noble  grace  to  both  parts, 
Than  feek  the  end  of  one,  thou  ihalt  no  fooner 


ferring  loue  and  nature  before  the  malice  and  calamitie  of  warres  ; 
thou  (halt  fee,  my  tonne,  and  truft  unto  it,  thou  fhalt  no  foner 
marchs  forward  to  aflault  thy  countrie,  but  thy  foote  fnall  tread 
upon  thy  mother's  wombe,  that  brought  thee  firit  into  this  world." 

FARMER. 

9  Conftrains  them  weep,  atfd  Jbake-  •         •]  That  is,    conftrains 
the  eye  to  vjerft  and  the  heart  tofoakc.    JOHNSON, 

March 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  487 

March  to  aflault  thy  country,  than  to.  tread 
(Truft  to't,  thou  ihalt  not)  on  thy  mother's  womb, 
That  brought  thee  to  this  world. 

Virg.  Ay,  and  mine, 

That  brought  you  forth  this  boy,  to  keep  your  name 
Living  to  time. 

Boy.  He  mall  not  tread  on  me ; 
I'll  run  away  'till  I  am  bigger,  but  then  I'll  fight. 

Cor.  Not  of  a  woman's  tendernefs  to  be, 
Requires  nor  child  nor  woman's  face  to  fee. 
I  have  fat  too  long. 

Vol.  Nay,  go  not  from  us  thus. 
If  it  were  fo,  that  our  requeft  did  tend 
To  fave  the  Romans,  thereby  to  deftroy 
The  Voices  whom  you  ferve,  you  might  condemn 

us, 

As  poifonous  of  your  honour  :  No ;  our  fuit 
Is,  that  you  reconcile  them  :  while  the  Voices 
May  fay,  This  mercy  we  have  fliew'd  ;  the  Romans, 
This  we  receh'd ;  and  each  in  either  fide 
Give  the  all-hail  to  thee,  and  cry,  Be  bleft 
For  making  up  this  peace  !  Thou  know'ft,  great  fon, 
The  end  of  war's  uncertain  ;  bur  this  certain, 
That,  if  thou  conquer  Rome,  the  benefit 
Which  thou  Ihalt  thereby  reap,  is  fuch  a  name, 
Whofe  repetition  will  be  dogg'd  with  curfes  ; 
Whofe  chronicle  thus  writ, — 'The  man  was  noble, 
&;t  with  his  laft  attempt  he  wip'd  it  out ; 
Deftrofd  his  country,  and  his  name  remains 
To  the  enfuing  age,  abhorred.     Speak  to  me,  fon  : 
Thou  haft  affedted  '  the  fine  ftrains  of  honour, 
To  imitate  the  graces  of  the  gods  ; 
To  tear  with  thunder  the  wide  cheeks  o'the  air, 
1  And  yet  to  charge  thy  fulphur  with  a  bolt 

That 
o 

•  the  fine Jlralns ]  The  niceties,  the  refinements. 

JOHNSON. 

*  Andyct  to  chzngp  (lyfulpbar ]  We  flwuld  read  charge. 

I  i  4  The 


488  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

That  fhould  but  rive  an  oak.     Why  doft  not  fpeak  ? 
Think'ft  thou  it  honourable  for  a  noble  man 
Still  to  remember  wrongs  ?  —  Daughter,  fpeak  you  : 
He  cares  not  for  your  weeping.  —  Speak  thou,  boy  ; 
Perhaps,  thy  childilhnefs  will  move  him  more 
Than  can  our  reafons,  —  There  is  no  man  in  the 

world 
More  bound  to  his  mother  ;  yet  here  he  lets  me  prate, 

3  Like  one  i'  the  (locks.     Thou  haft  never  in  thy  life 
Shew'd  thy  dear  mother  any  courtefy  ; 

When  fhe,  (poor  hen  !)  fond  of  no  fecond  brood, 
Has  cluck'd  thee  to  the  wars,  and  fafely  home, 
Loaden  with  honour.     Say,  my  requeft's  unjuft, 
And  fpurn  me  back  :  But,  if  it  be  not  fo, 
Thou  art  not  honeft  ;  and  the  gods  will  plague  thee, 
That  thou  reftrain'ft  from  me  the  duty,  which 
To  a  mother's  part  belongs.  —  He  turns  away  ; 
Down,  ladies  ;  let  us  lhame  him  with  our  knees, 
To  his  furname  Coriolanus  'longs  more  pride, 
Than  pity  to  our  prayers.     Down  :  An  end  ; 
This  is  the  laft  :  —  So  we  will  home  to  Rome, 
And  die  among  our  neighbours.  —  Nay,  behold  us  : 
This  boy,  that  cannot  tell  what  he  would  have?j 
But  kneels,  and  holds  up  hands,  for  fellowmip, 

4  Does  reafon  our  petition  with  more  ftrength 
Than  thou  haft  to  deny't.-—  Come,  let  us  go  : 
This  fellow  had  a  Voice  unto  his  mother  ; 
His  wife  is  in  Corioli,  and  this  child 

Like  him  by  chance  :  —  Yet  give  us  our  difpatch  j 
I  am  hufii'd  until  our  city  be  afire, 
And  then  I'll  fpeak  a  little, 


The  meaning  of  the  paflage  is,  To  threaten  much,  and  yet  be 
jnercitul.     WAR  BURTON. 

3  Like  one  ?  the  flocks.—  —  ]  Keep  me  in  a  fhte  of  ignominy 
falking  to  no  purpoie.     JOHNSON. 

4  Decs  rnifon  cur  petition  •        .  ]  Does  argue  for  us  andouj: 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  489 

Cor.  Mother,  mother  s  I 

[Holds  her  by  the  hands^  fiknt. 

What  have  you  done  ?  Behold,  the  heavens  do  ope,, 
The  gods  look  down,  and  this  unnatural  fcene 
They  laugh  at.     O  my  mother,  mother  !   O  ! 
You  have  won  a  happy  victory  to  Rome  : 
But,  for  your  fon, — believe  it,  O,  believe  it, 
Moft  dangeroufly  you  have  with  him  prevail'd, 
If  not  molt  mortal  to  him.     But,  let  it  come  : — 
Aufidius,  though  I  cannot  make  true  wars, 
I'll  frame  convenient  peace.     Now,  good  Aufidius, 
Were  you  in  my  ftead,  fay,  would  you  have  heard 
A  mother  lefs  ?  or  granted  lefs,  Aufidius  ? 

Auf.  I  was  mov'd  withal. 

Cor.  I  dare  be  fworn,  you  were  : 
And,  fir,  it  is  no  little  thing,  to  make 
Mine  eyes  to  fweat  companion.     But,  good  fir, 
What  peace  you'll  make,  advife  me  :  For  my  part, 
I'll  not  to  Rome,  I'll  back  with  you  :  and  pray  you, 
Stand  to  me  in  this  caufe. — O  mother  !  wife  ! 

Auf.  I  am  glad,  thou  haft  fet  thy  mercy  and  thy 

honour 

At  difference  in  thee  :  out  of  that 6  I'll  work 
Myfelf  a  former  fortune.  [AJide. 

\Tihe  Ladles  make  figns  to  Coriolanus, 

Cor.  Ay,  by  and  by  ; 
But  we  will  drink  together ;  and  you  fhall  bear 

[To  Volumnia,  Virgilia^  &V. 
A  better  witnefs  back  than  words,  which  we, 

5  Mother,  mother  ! — ]  So,  in  the  old  tranflation  of  Plutarch  : 
'*  Oh  mother,  what  have  you  done  to  me  ?  And  holding  her 
harde  by  the  right  hande,  oh  mother,  fayed  he,  you  have  wonne 
a  happy  victorie  for  your  countrie,  but  mortall  and  unhappy  for 
your  fonne  :  for  I  fee  myfelf  vanquifhed  by  you  alone." 

STEEVENS, 

6  P II  work 

j\fyfe/f  a  former  fortune.} 

I  will  take  advantage  of  this  conceffion  to  reftore  myfelf  to  my 
former  credit  and  power.    JOHNSON, 

On 


490  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

On  like  conditions,  will  have  counter-feal'd. 

7  Come,  enter  with  us.     Ladies,  you  deferve 

To  have  a  temple  built  you  8  :  all  the  fwords 

In  Italy,  and  her  confederate  arms, 

Could  not  have  made  this  peace.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE    IV. 

The   Forum,    in   Rome. 
Enter  Menenius,    and  Sicinius. 

Men,  See  you  yon  coign  o*  the  Capitol ;  yon  cor- 
ner-ftone  ? 

Sic.  Why,  what  of  that  ? 

Men.  If  it  be  poffible  for  you  to  difplace  it  with 
your  little  finger,  there  is  fome  hope  the  ladies  of 
Rome,  efpecially  his  mother,  may  prevail  with  him. 

7  Cor.  — Come  enter  <voith  us ;  Ladies,  you  Jefer<ve,-&c,]  This 
fpeech,  beginning  at  Ladies  yau  deferve  —  which  is  abfurdly  given 
to  Coriolanus,  belongs  to  Aufidius.  For  it  cannot  be  fuppofed 
that  the  other,  amidft  all  the  diibrder  of  violent  and  contrary  pai- 
iioqs,  could  be  calm  and  difengaged  enough  to  make  fo  gallant  a 
compliment  to  the  ladies.  Let  us  farther  oWerve  from  this  fpeech, 
where  he  fays : 

all  the  fworJs 

In  Italy>  and  her  confederate  arms. 
And  from  that  a  little  before  : 

Let  the  Folc^s 

Plough  Rome,  and hdrrovj  Italy ; ••    • 

That  the  poet's  head  was  running  on  the  later  grandeur  of  Rome, 
when  as  at  this  time  her  dominion  extended  only  a  few  miles  round 
the  city.  WAR  EUR  TON. 

The  fpeech  fails  Aufidlus  juftly  enough,  if  it  had  been  written 
for  him  ;  but  it  may,  without  impropriety,  be  fpoken  by  Corio- 
Innus :  and  fince  the  copies  give  it  to  him,  why  mould  we  dif- 
poflefs  him  ?  JOHNSQN. 

8  To  have  a  temple  built  you.]  Plutarch  informs  us,  that  a  tem- 
ple dedicated  to  the  Fortune  of  the  Ladies^  was  built  on  this  occa- 
iiom  by  order  of  the  fenate.  ST^EVEN-. 

Put. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  49, 

But,  I  fay,  there  is  no  hope  in't ;  our  throats  are  fen- 
tenc'd,  and  ftay  upon  execution. 

Sic.  Is't  poffible,  that  fo  fhort  a  time  can  alter  the 
condition  of  a  man  ? 

Men.  There  is  difference  between  a  grub,  and  a 
butterfly  ;  yet  your  butterfly  was  a  grub.  This  Mar- 
cins  is  grown  from  man  to  dragon  :  he  has  wings ; 
he's  more  than  a  creeping  thing. 

Sic.  He  lov'd  his  mother  dearly. 

Men.  So  did  he  me  :  and  he  no  more  remembers 
his  mother  now,  than  '  an  eight  year  old  horfe.  The 
tartnefs  of  his  face  fours  ripe  grapes.  When  he  walks, 
he  moves  like  an  engine,  and  the  ground  fhrinks  be- 
fore his  treading.  He  is  able  to  pierce  a  corflet  with 
his  eye  ;  talks  like  a  knell,  and  his  hum  is  a  battery. 
1  He  fifs  in  his  ftate,  as  a  thing  made  for  Alexander. 
What  he  bids  be  done,  is  finilh'd  with  his  bidding. 
He  wants  nothing  of  a  god,  but  eternity,  and  a  hea- 
yen  to  throne  in. 

Sic.  Yes,  mercy,  if  you  report  him  truly. 

Men.  I  paint  him  in  the  character.  Mark  what 
mercy  his  mother  (hall  bring  from  him  :  There  is  no 
more  mercy  in  him,  than  there  is  milk  in  a  male  ty- 
ger  ;  and  that  lhall  our  poor  city  find  :  and  all  this  is 
'long  of  you. 

Sic.  The  gods  be  good  unto  us 

Men.  No,  in  fuch  a  cafe  the  gods  will  not  be  good 
unto  us.  When  we  baniih'd  him,  we  refpecled  not 
them  :  and,  he  returning  to  break  our  necks,  they 
refpeft  not  us. 

s  — than  an  eight  year  oldborfe.]  Subintelligitur  remcmlersbisjatn. 

WAR  BUR  TON. 

1  He  fit  sin  hiijlati]  In  a  foregoing  note  he  was  faid  to  //  in  gold. 
The  phrafe,  as  a  thing  made  for  Altxander,  means,  as  one  made  to 
refemblt  Alexandtr,  J  o  UN  SON. 

Enter 


49*  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S. 

Enter  a  Mejfenger. 

Mef.  Sir,  if  you'd  fave  your  life,  fly  to  your  houfe : 
The  plebeians  have  got  your  fellow-tribune, 
And  hale  him  up  and  down  ;  all  fwearing,  if 
sThe  Roman  ladies  bring  not  comfort  home, 
They'll  give  him  death  by  inches. 

Enter  another  Me/finger. 

«     Sic.  What's  the  news  ? 

Mef.  Good  news,  good  news ; — The  ladies  have 

prevail'd, 

The  Voices  are  diflodg'd,  -and  Marcius  gone  ; 
A  merrier  day  did  never  yet  greet  Rome, 
No,  not  the  expulfion  of  the  Tarquins. 

Sic.  Friend, 
Art  thou  certain,  this  is  true  ?  is  it  moft  certain  ? 

Mef.  As  certain,  as  I  know  the  fun  is  fire  : 
'Where  have  you  lurk'd,  that  you  make  doubt  of  it  ? 
Ne'er  through  an  arch  fo  hurry'd  the  blown  tide, 
As  the  recomforted  through  the  gates.     Why,  hark 
you  ; 

[Trumpets,  hautboy  s^  drums  beat,  all  together. 
The  trumpets,  fackbuts,  pfalteries,  and  fifes, 
Tabors,  and  cymbals,  and  the  Ihouting  Romans, 
Make  the  fun  dance.     Hark  you  !      \_Ajhout  within* 

Men.  This  is  good  news  : 
I  will  go  meet  the  ladies.     This  Volumnia 
Is  worth  of  confuls,  fenators,  patricians, 
A  city  full ;  of  tribunes,  fuch  as  you, 
A  fea  and  land  full :  You  have  pray'd  well  to-day ; 
This  morning,  for  ten  thoufand  of  your  throats 
I'd  not  have  given  a  doit.    -Hark,  how  they  joy  ! 

\_SoundJlilly  with  the  flouts, 

Sic.  Firft,  the  gods  blefs  you  for  your  tidings :  next, 
Accept  my  thankfulnefs. 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  493 

Mef.  Sir,  we  have  all  great  caufe  to  give  great 

thanks. 

Sic.  They  are  near  the  city  ? 
Mef.  Almoft  at  point  to  enter. 
Sic.  We*!!  meet  them,  and  help  the  joy.     [Exeunt. 

Enter  two  Senators,  with  the  Ladies,  paffing  over  ibt 
ftage,  fcfc.  &fc. 

Sen.  Behold  our  patronefs,  the  life  of  Rome  : 
Call  all  your  tribes  together,  praife  the  gods, 
And   make  triumphant  fires;  ftrew  flowers  before 

them  : 

Unfhout  the  noife  that  banifh'd  Marcius, 
Repeal  him  with  the  welcome  of  his  mother  : 

Cry,, — Welcome,  ladies,  welcome  ! 

All.  Welcome,  ladies,  welcome! 

[_A  flour  ijh  with  drums  and  trumpets.    Exeunt* 

SCENE      V. 

A  publick  place  in  Antlum. 
Enter  Tuttus  Aufidius,  with  Attendants. 

Auf.  Go  tell  the  lords  of  the  city,  I  am  here  : 
Deliver  them  this  paper :  having  read  it, 
Bid  them  repair  to  the  market-place ;  where  I, 
Even  in  theirs  and  in  the  commons'  ears, 
Will  vouch  the  truth  of  it.     He  I  accufe, 
The  city  ports  by  this  hath  enter'd,  and 
Intends  to  appear  before  the  people,  hoping 

To  purge  himfelf  with  words  :  Difpatch. Moft 

welcome  ! 

Enter  three  or  four  Confplrators  of  Aufidtu?  faSlion. 

i  Con.  How  is  it  with  our  general  ? 
Auf.  Even  fo, 

A* 


494  CORIOLANt/S. 

As  with  a  man  by  his  own  alms  impoifon'd, 
And  with  his  charity  flain. 

2  Con.  Moft  noble  fir, 

If  you  do  hold  the  fame  intent  wherein 
You  wifh'd  us  parties,  we'll  deliver  you 
Of  your  great  danger. 

Auf.  Sir,  I  cannot  tell ; 
We  mufl  proceed,  as  we  do  find  the  people. 

3  Con.  The  people  will  remain  uncertain,  whilft 
'Twixt  you  there's  difference  ;  but  the  fall  of  either 
Makes  the  furvivor  heir  of  all. 

Auf.  I  know  it ; 

And  my  pretext  to  ftrike  at  him  admits 
A  good  conftru&ion.     I  rais'd  him,   and  I  pawn'd 
Mine  honour  for  his  truth  :  Who  being  fo  heighten'd, 
He  water'd  his  new  plants  with  dews  of  flattery, 
Seducing  fo  my  friends  :  and,  to  this  end, 
He  bow'd  his  nature,    never  known  before 
But  to  be  rough,  unfwayable,  and  free. 

3  Con.  Sir,  his  ftoutnefs, 
When  he  did  ftand  for  conful,  which  he  loft 
By  lack  of  {looping, — 

Auf.  That  I  woul$  have  fpoke  of : 
Being  banilh'd  for't,  he  came  unto  my  hearth  ; 
Prefented  to  my  knife  his  throat :  I  took  him  ; 
Made  him  joint  fervant  with  me  ;  gave  him  way 
In  all  his  own  defires  ;  nay,  let  him  choofe. 
Out  of  my  files,  his  projects  to  accomplish, 
My  beft  and  freiheft  men  ;  ferv'd  his  defignments 
In  mine  own  perion  ;  holp  to  reap  the  tame, 
Which  he  did  end  all  his ;   and  took  fome  pride 
To  do  myfeU"  this  \vrong  :  'till,  at  the  laft, 
I  feem'd  his  follower,  not  partner  ;  and 
*  He  wag'd  me  with  his  countenance,  as  if 
I  had  beeri  mercenary. 

i  Con. 

*  He  wag'd  tne  with  his  countenance, — ]   This  is  obfcure.     The 
,  I  think,  is,  he  frefcribed  to  me  with  an  air  of  author- 
ity, 


CORIOLANUS.  495 

i  Con.  So  he  did,  my  lord  : 
The  army  marvell'd  at  it.     And,  in  the  laft, 
When  he  had  carried  Rome ;  and  that  we  look'd 
For  no  lefs  fpoil,  than  glory, 

Auf.  There  was  it; 

'  For  which  my  finews  mall  be  ftretch'd  upon  him. 
At  a  few  drops  of  "women's  rheum,  which  are 
As  cheap  as  lies,  he  fold  the  blood  and  labour 
Of  our  great  action  ;  Therefore  fliall  he  die, 
And  I'll  renew  me  in  his  fall.     But,  hark  ! 

[Drums  and  trumpets  found,  with  great  foouts 
of  the  people. 

1  Con.  Your  native  town  you  enter'd  like  a  poft, 
And  had  no  welcomes  home  ;  but  he  returns, 
Splitting  the  air  with  noife. 

2  Con.  And  patient  fools, 

ity,  and  gave  me  his  countenance  for  my  wages ;  thought  me  fuflj- 
ciently  rewarded  with  good  looks.  JOHNSON. 

The  verb,  to  wage,  is  ufed  in  this  fenfe  in  the  Wife  Woman  of 
Hogfden,  by  Hey  wood,  1638  : 

"  1  receive  thee  gladly  to  my  houfe, 

"  And  wage  thy  (lay. " 

Again,  in  Greene's  Mamillia,   1^93  :  "  by  cuftom  common 

to  all  that  could  wage  her  honefty  with  the  appointed  price." 

To  wage  a  tajk  was,  anciently,  to  undertake  a  tafk  for  waget. 
So,  in  -Geo.  Wither's  ferfes  prefixed  to  Drayton's  Polyolblon  : 

"  Good  fpeed  befall  thee  who  haft  wag* el  a  toft, 

11  That  better  cenfures,  and  rewards  doth  afk." 
Again,  in  Spenfer's  Faery  Qiiecn,  B.  II.  c.  vii : 

"  — — — muft  wage 

**  Thy  works  for  wealth,  and  life  for  gold  engage." 
Again,  in  lord  Surry's  tranllation  of  the  Second  Book  otVirgiTs 
^Eaeis : 

"  what  Dolopes  ? 

"  What  ftern  Ulyfles*  waged  foldier  ?" 

Again,   in  Holinlhed's  Reign  of  K.  John,  p.  168:  ««  the 

fumme  of  28  thoufand  markes  to  levie  and  wage  thirtie  thoufand 
men."  Again,  fpeaking  of  K.  Hen.  IV.  p.  524:  "  —the  kbg 
wanted  money  for  that  enterprise,  and  to  wage  his  foldiers." 

STEEVENS. 

3  For  ivbick  my  finmsfiallleftretcWd—  ]  This  is  the  point  oa 
which  I  will  attack  him  with  my  utmoft  abilities.    JOHNSON. 

Whofc 


496  CORIOLANUS 

Whofe  children  he  hath  flain,  their  bafe  throats  tear 
With  giving  him  glory. 

3  Con.  Therefore,  at  your  vantage, 
Ere  he  exprefs  himielf,  or  move  the  people 
With  what  he  would  fay,  let  him  feel  your  fword, 
Which  we  will  fecond.     When  he  lies  along, 
After  your  way  his  tale  pronounc'd  fliall  bury 
His  reafons  with  his  body'. 

Auf.  Say  no  more  ; 
Here  come  the  lords. 

Enter  the  Lords  of  the  city. 

Lords*  You  are  moft  welcome  home.  • 

Auf.  I  have  not  deferv'd  it. 
But,  worthy  lords,  have  you  with  heed  perus'd 
What  I  have  written  to  you  ? 

Lords.  We  have. 

i  Lord.  And  grieve  to  hear  it. 
What  faults  he  made  before  the  laft,  I  think, 
Might  have  found  eafy  fines  :  but  there  to  end, 
Where  he  was  to  begin  :  and  give  away 
The  benefit  of  our  levies,  4  anfwering  us 
With  our  own  charge  ;  making  a  treaty,  where 
There  was  a  yielding  ;  This  admits  no  excufe. 

Auf.  He  approaches,  you  fhall  hear  him. 

Enter  Coriolanus,  with  drums  and  colours ;   the  Commom 

being  with  him. 

Cor.  Hail,  lords  !  I  am  return'd  your  foldier  ; 
No  more  inferred  with  my  country's  love, 
Than  when  I  parted  hence,  but  ftill  fubfiiting 
Under  your  great  command.     You  are  to  know, 

*  ttn/kveriKg  us 

With  our  own  ch&gf ;   ] 

Thnt  is,  rewarding  us  tyit£>  our  own  cxpences ;  making  the  coft  or 
the  war  its  recompence.     JOHNSON. 

That 


C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S.  497 

That  profperoufly  I  have  attempted,  and 

With  bloody  paflage  led  your  wars,  even  to 

The  gates  of  Rome.     Our  fpoil,  we  have  brought 

home, 

Doth  more  than  counterpoife,  a  full  third  part, 
The  charges  of  the  adion.     We  have  made  peace, 
With  no  lefs  honour  to  the  Antiates, 
Than  fhame  to  the  Romans :  And  we  here  deliver, 
Subfcrib'd  by  the  confuls  and  patricians, 
Together  with  the  feal  o'the  fenate,  what 
We  have  compounded  on. 

Auf.  Read  it  not,  noble  lords ; 
But  tell  the  traitor,  in  the  higheft  degree 
He  hath  abus'd  your  powers. 

Cor.  Traitor  ! — How  now  ?— 

Auf.  Ay,  traitor,  Marcius. 

Cor.  Marcius ! 

Auf.  Ay,  Marcius,  Caius  Marcius;  Doft  thou  think 
I'll  grace  thee  with  that  robbery,  thy  ftol'n  name 

Coriohnus  in  Corioli  ? 

You  lords  and  heads  of  the  ftate,  perfidioufly 
He  has  betray'd  your  buiinefs,  and  given  up, 
For  certain  drops  of  fait,  your  city  Rome 
(I  fay,  your  city)  to  his  wife  and  mother : 
Breaking  his  oath  and  refolwtion,  like 
A  twift  of  rotten  filk ;  never  admitting 
Counfel  o'  the  war  ;  but  at  his  nurfe's  tears 
He  whin'd  and  roar'd  away  your  victory ; 
That  pages  blulh'd  at  him,  and  men  of  heart 
Look'd  wondering  each  at  other. 

Cor.  Hear'ft  thou,  Mars  ?— 

Auf.  Name  not  the  god,  thou  boy  of  tears,— 

Cor.  Ha! 

Auf.  No  more  5. 

*  Auf.  No  more.']  This  fliould  rather  be  given  to  the  'firft  lord. 
It  was  not  the  builnefs  of  Auf-.ilui  to  put  a  itop  to  the  alterca- 
tion. TYRWHITT, 

VOL.  VII.  K  k  Cor. 


498  CORIOL'ANUS. 

Cor.  Meafurelefs  liar,  thou  haft  made  my  heart 
Too  great  for  what  contains  it.     Boy  !  O  flave  !— 
Pardon  me,  lords,  'tis  the  firft  time  that  ever 
I  was  forc'd  to  fcold.  Your  judgments,  my  grave  lords^ 
Muft  give  this  cur  the  lie  :  and  his  own  notion, 
(Who  wears  my  ftripes  impreft  upon  him  ;  that 
Muft  bear  my  beating  to  his  grave)  fhall  join 
To  thruft  the  lie  unto  him. 

1  Lord.  Peace,  both,  and  hear  me  fpeak. 
Cor.  Cut  me  to  pieces,  Voices,  men  and  lads, 

Stain  all  your  edges  in  me. — Boy  !  Falfe  hound  J 
If  you  have  writ  your  annals  true,  'tis  there, 
That,  like  an  eagle  on  a  dove-cote,  I 
Flutter'd  your  Voices  in  Corioli : 
Alone  I  did  it — Boy  ! 

Auf.  Why,  noble  lords, 

Will  you  be  put  in  mind  of  his  blind  fortune, 
Which  was  your  ihame,  by  this  unholy  braggart, 
'Fore  your  own  eyes  and. ears  ? 

All  Con.  Let  him  die  for't. 

All  People.  Tear  him  to  pieces,  do  it  prefently. 

\_The  Croud  fpeak  promifcuovjly. 
He  kill'd  my  fon, — My  daughter,— He  kill'd   my 

coufin  Marcus. 
He  kill'd  my  father.— 

2  Lord.  Peace,  ho  ; — no  outrage  ; — peace.— 
The  man  is  noble,  and  6  his  fame  folds  in 
This  orb  o'  the  earth  :  His  laft  offences  to  us 
Shall  ;have  judicious  hearing. — Stand,  Aufidius^ 
And  trouble  not  the  peace. 

Cor.  O,  that  I  had  him, 
With  fix  Aufidiufes,  or  more,  his  tribe, 
To  ufe  my  lawful  fword  ! 

Auf.  Infolent  villain  ! 

6   i  his  fame  folds  in 

77jis  orb  o*  the  earth  : ] 

Jrlis  fame  overfpreads  the  world.    JOHNSON. 

All 


CORIQLANUS. 

AUCon.  Kill,  kill,  kill,  kill,  kill  him. 

[Aufidius  and  the  Confpirators  draw,  and  kill  Mar* 
cius,  who  falls,  and  Aufidius  Jlands  on  bini,   "' 
Lords.  Hold,  hold,  hold,  hold. 
Auf.  My  noble  mailers,  hear  me  fpeak. 

1  Lord.  O  Tullus,— 

2  Lord.  Thou  haft  done  a  deed,  whereat 
Valour  will  weep. 

3  Lord.  Tread  not  upon  him. — Mailers  all, be  quiet; 
Put  up  your  fwords. 

Auf.  My  lords,  when  you  fhall  know,  (as  in  this  rage, 
Provok'd  by  him,  you  cannot)  the  great  danger 
Which  this  man's  life  did  owe  you,  you'll  rejoice 
That  he  is  thus  cut  off.     Pleafe  it  your  honours 
To  call  me  to  your  fenate,  Til  deliver 
Myfelf  your  loyal  fervant,  or  endure 
Your  heaviefl  cenfure. 

1  Lord.  Bear  from  hence  his  body, 

And  mourn  you  for  him  :  let  him  be  regarded 
As  the  moft  noble  corfe,   that  ever  herald 
Did  follow  to  his  urn. 

2  Lord.  His  own  impatience 

Takes  from  Aufidius  a  great  part  of  blame. 
Let's  make  the  beft  of  it. 
Auf.  My  rage  is  gone, 

And  I  am  ftruck  with  forrow. — Take  him  up  : — 
Help,  three  o'  the  chiefeft  foldiers  ;  I'll  be  one.— 
Beat  thou  the  drum,  that  it  fpeak  mournfully  :  — 
Trail  your  fteel  pikes. — Though  in  this  city  he 
Hath  widow'd  and  unchilded  many  a  one, 
Which  to  this  hour  bewail  the  injury, 
Yet  he  fliall  have  a  noble  memory  7. — 

[Exeunt,  bearing  the  body  of  Marcius.     A  dead 
march  founded. 

7  a  nolle  memory.]  Memory  for  Memorial.'}    So,  in  As  you 

Like  It; 

— O,  you 


5oo  C  O  R  I  O  L  A  N  U  S* 

.  -      O,  you*  Memory 

Of  old  fir 'Rowland  !     STEEVEXS. 

THE  tragedy  of  Corlolanm  is  one  of  the  moft  amufing  of  our 
author's  performances.  The  old  man's  merriment  in  Menenhis  ; 
the  lofty  lady's  dignity  in  Volumnia  ;  the  bridal  modefty  in  Vir- 
gilia  ;  the  patrician  and  military  haughtinefs  in  Coriolanus  ;  the 
plebeian  malignity  and  tribunitian  infolence  in  Brutus  and  Sicinius, 
make  a  very  plcaiing  and  interefting  variety :  and  the  various  re- 
volutions of  the  hero's  fortune  fill  the  mind  with  anxious  curioftty* 
There  is,  perhaps,  too  much  buiUe  in  the  firft  aft,  and  too  little 
in  the  laft.  JOHNSON. 


f 

'END   OF   VOLUME  THE   SEVENTH. 


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