* * * * *


NOTES

SHAKSPEARE AND MARLOWE.

A special use of, a use, indeed, that gives a special value to your
publication, is the communication through its means of facts and
conclusions for the information or assistance of editors or intending
editors. I do not suppose that any gentleman occupying this position
would be guilty of so much disrespect to the many eminent names which
have already appeared in your columns, as would be implied in not giving
all the attention it deserved to any communication you might see fit to
publish; and with this feeling, and under this shelter, I return to the
subject of Marlowe, and his position as a dramatic writer relative to
Shakspeare. I perceive that a re-issue of Mr. Knight's _Shakspeare_ has
commenced, and from the terms of the announcement, independently of
other considerations, I conclude that the editor will take advantage of
this opportunity of referring to doubtful or disputed points that may
have made any advance towards a solution since his previous editions. I
have read also an advertisement of an edition of Shakspeare, to be
superintended by Mr. Halliwell[1], which is to contain the plays of
"doubtful authenticity, or in the composition of which Shakspeare is
supposed only to have taken a part." Neither of these gentlemen can well
avoid expressing an opinion on the subject I have adverted to, and to
them more especially I would address my observations.

I think I have observed that the claims of Marlowe have been maintained
with something very like party spirit. I have seen latterly several