Volume Xi Part 38 (1/2)

[119] The concluding thought of this pretty song has been in request by many poets of all countries: Eustachio Manfredi has carried it to an extreme that would seem merely absurd, but for the grace of the expression of his sonnet, _Il primo albor non appariva ancora_.

Appended to ”The Fatal Dowry” is ”a dialogue between a man and a woman” which commences with it, and which we may therefore a.s.sign to Field.

[120] [An allusion to the proverb.]

[121] _Man_ omitted in the second edit.

[122] Flog him.

[123] [Edits., _you_. _Welltried_.]

[124] [Edits., _meant_.]

[125] [These lines appear to be taken from some song of ”Little Boy Blue.”]

[126] This pa.s.sage has been adduced by Dr Farmer to show that Falstaff was originally called by Shakespeare _Oldcastle_, according to the tradition mentioned by Rowe, and supported by Fuller in his ”Worthies,” and by other authorities. The point is argued at great length in Malone's Shakespeare by Boswell, xvi. 410, _et seq._, and the decisions of the learned have been various; but the balance of evidence is undoubtedly in favour of the opinion that Shakespeare made the change, perhaps to avoid the confusion of his very original character with the mere fat buffoon of the old play of ”Henry V.,” a point not adverted to in the discussion. Field's testimony seems tolerably decisive.

[127] Citizens and apprentices were called in derision _flatcaps_ and _what-d'ye-lacks_ in reference to their dress and occupation.

[128] [Edits., _fair shop and wife_.]

[129] [_i.e._, a servant.]

[130] _Will satisfy all men_, in the second edition.

[131] [Edits., _means it_.]

ACT V., SCENE I.

_Enter_ SUBTLE, _with_ HUSBAND.

SUB. She is not to be cast.

HUS. It cannot be: Had you a wife, and I were in your case, I would be hang'd even at the chamber-door, Where I attempted, but I'd lay her flat.

SUB. Why, tell me truly, would it please you best, To have her remain chaste or conquered?

HUS. O friend, it would do me good at the heart To have her overcome: she does so brag, And stand upon her chast.i.ty, forsooth.

SUB. Why, then, in plain terms, sir, the fort is mine: Your wife has yielded; _up-tails_ is her song.

The deed is done. Come now, be merry, man.

HUS. Is the deed done indeed? Come, come, you jest.

Has my wife yielded? is _up-tails_ her song?

Faith, come to[132] prose: how got you to the matter first, ha?

Pis.h.!.+ you are so bashful now----