Notes to Shakespeare, Volume III: The Tragedies by Samuel Johnson
page 53 of 398 (13%)
page 53 of 398 (13%)
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I.iv.14 (311,9) nor a man that fears you less than he,/That's lesser than a little] The sense requires it to be read, _nor a man that fears you_ more _than he_, Or more probably, _nor a man_ but _fears you less than he, That's lesser than a little_. I.v.5 (314,4) prize their hours] In the first edition it is, _prize their_ hours. I know not who corrected it [to _prize their honours_]. A modern editor, who had made such an improvement, would have spent half a page in ostentation of his sagacity. I.vi.36 (317,6) Ransoming him, or pitying] i.e. _remitting his ransom_. I.vi.61 (318,8) swords advanc'd] That is, swords lifted high. I.vi.83 (319,9) Please you to march,/And four shall quickly draw out my command,/Which men are best inclin'd] I cannot but suspect this passage of corruption. Why should they _march_, that _four_ might select those that were _best inclin'd_? How would their inclinations be known? Who were the _four_ that should select them? Perhaps, we may read, --_Please you to march, And_ fear _shall quickly draw out_ of _my command, Which men are_ least _inclin'd_. |
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