Notes to Shakespeare — Volume 01: Comedies by Samuel Johnson
page 33 of 292 (11%)
page 33 of 292 (11%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
|
V.i.267 (97,5) [Mark but the badges of these men, my lords, Then say, if they be true] That is, _honest_. _A true man_ is, in the language of that time, opposed to a thief. The sense is, _Mark what these men wear, and say if they are honest_. Epilogue.10 (100,7) With the help of your good hands] By your applause, by clapping hands. (1773) General Observation (100) It is observed of _The Tempest_, that its plan is regular; this the author of _The Revisal_ thinks, what I think too, an accidental effect of the story, not intended or regarded by our author. But whatever might be Shakespeare's intention in forming or adopting the plot, he has made it instrumental to the production of many characters, diversified with boundless invention, and preserved with profound skill in nature, extensive knowledge of opinions, and accurate observation of life. In a single drama are here exhibited princes, courtiers, and sailors, all speaking in their real characters. There is the agency of airy spirits, and of an earthly goblin. The operation of magick, the tumults of a storm, the adventures of a desert island, the native effusion of untaught affection, the punishment of guilt, and the final happiness of the pair for whom our passions and reason are equally interested. (1773) |
|


