Notes to Shakespeare, Volume III: The Tragedies. Samuel Johnson

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      I.ii.113 (118,9) Oh, when we bring forth weeds,/When our quick winds lie still] The sense is, that man, not agitated by censure, like soil not ventilated by quick winds, produces more evil than good.

      I.ii.128 (118,1)

      [The allusion is to the sun's diurnal course; which rising in the east, and by revolution lowering, or setting in the west, becomes the opposite of itself. WARB.] This is an obscure passage. The explanation which Dr. Warburton has offered is such, that I can add nothing to it; yet perhaps Shakespeare, who was less learned than his commentator, meant only, that our pleasures, as they are revolved in the mind, turn to pain.

      I.ii.146 (119,3) upon far poorer moment] For less reason; upon meaner motives.

      I.ii.169 (120,4) It shews to man the tailors of the earth; comforting therein] I have printed this after the original, which, though harsh and obscure, I know not how to amend. Sir Tho. Hanmer reads, They shew to man the tailors of the earth comforting him therein. I think the passage, with somewhat less alteration, for alteration is always dangerous, may stand thus; It shews to men the tailors of the earth, comforting them, &c.

      I.ii.187 (121,6) more urgent touches] Things that touch me more sensibly, more pressing motives.

      I.ii.190 (121,7) Petition us at home] Wish us at home; call for us to reside at home.

      I.ii.201 (121,9)

      This is hardly sense. I believe we should read,

      Tell our design of going away to those, who being by their places obliged to attend us, must remove in haste.

      I.iii.3 (122,1) I did not send you] You must go as if you came without my order or knowledge.

      I.iii.37 (123,2) a race of heaven] [i.e. had a smack or flavour of heaven. WARB.] This word is well explained by Dr. Warburton; the race of wine is the taste of the woil. Sir T. Hanmer, not understanding the word, reads, ray.

      I.iii.44 (124,3) Remains in use] The poet seems to allude to the legal distinction between the use and absolute possession.

      I.iii.54 (124,4) should safe my going] [T: salve] Mr. Upton reads, I think rightly,

      I.iii.62 (125,5)

      Alluding to the lachrymatory vials, or bottles of tears, which the Romans sometimes put into the urn of a friend.

      I.iii.77 (125,6) the tears/Belong to Egypt] To me, the queen of Egypt.

      I.iii.90 (126,7) Oh, ny oblivion is a very Antony,/And I am all forgotten] [The plain meaning is, My forgetfulness makes me forget myself. WARBURTON.] [Hanmer explained "all forgotten" as "apt to forget everything"] I cannot understand the learned critic's explanation. It appears to me, that she should rather have said,

      It was her memory, not her oblivion, that, like Antony, vas forgetting and deserting her. I think a slight change will restore the passage. The queen, having something to say, which she is not able, or would not seem able to recollect, cries out,

      The thought of which I was in quest is a very Antony, is treacherous and fugitive, and has irrevocably left me,

      If this reading stand, I think the explanation of Hanmer must be received, (see 1765, VII, 122, 6)

      I.iv.3 (127,9) One great competitor] Perhaps, Our great competitor.

      I.iv.12 (128,1) as the spots of heaven,/More fiery by night's blackness] If by spots are meant stars, as night has no other fiery spots, the comparison is forced and harsh, stars having been always supposed to beautify the night; nor do I comprehend what there is in the counter-part of this simile, which answers to night's blackness. Hanmer reads,

      I.iv.14 (128,2) purchas'd] Procured by his own fault or endeavour.

      I.iv.21 (128,3) say, this becomes him, (As his composure must be rare, indeed, Whom these things cannot blemish] This seems inconsequent. I read

      I.iv.25 (128,4) So great weight in his lightness] The word light it one of Shakespeare's favourite play-things. The sense is, His trifling levity throws so much burden upon us.

      I.iv.25 (129,5)

      Call on him, is, visit him. Says Caesar, If Antony followed his debaucheries at a time of leisure, I should leave him to be punished by their natural consequences, by surfeits and dry bones.

      I.iv.31 (129,6) boys; who being mature in knowledge] For this Hanmer, who thought the maturity of a boy an inconsistent idea, has put,

      but the words experience and judgment require that we read mature; though Dr. Warburton has received the emendation. By boys mature in knowledge, are meant, boys old enough to know their duty