superintendence over the actions of his deputy, for he resides at a distance, and learns the delinquency of Promos from the injured female who appeals to him. This is credible and natural, which is more than can be said of the conduct of the Duke. He resigns his government into the hands of deputies under the pretence of making a journey into Poland, whither he does not go; but remains concealed in Vienna overlooking the conduct of Angelo, and prying for intelligence in the disguise of a friar.

When the sovereign in the original makes his entrance into the city, due solemnity and state are observed on the occasion: the delegated authorities are assembled to receive him, and to resign their power into his hands; and proclamation is made throughout the streets for all those who think themselves aggrieved to apply to him for redress. Shakspeare has not omitted any of these circumstances; the public reception of the Duke he exhibits on the stage, whilst Angelo mentions the other particulars ;-" And why meet him at the gates, and re-deliver our authorities there?" Shakspeare has also copied the sovereign's salutation of the guilty magistrate both in substance and form:

"But see where Promos and the Mayor wait To welcome me with great solemnity.

With cheerful show I shadow will the hate

I bear to him for his insolency."

Promos, the good report of your good government
I hear :" *

Thus in Measure for Measure:

"Give me your hand,

And let the subject see, to make them know
That outward courtesies would fain proclaim
Favours that keep within.

We have made enquiry of you; and we hear
Such goodness of your justice, &c.

O, your desert speaks loud." +

The crimes of the iniquitous governors detected, they, in both plays, make confession.

My guilty heart commands my tongue, O King, to tell a truth,

I do confess this tale is true, and I deserve thy wrath." ↑

"No longer session hold upon my shame,
But let my trial be mine own confession;
Immediate sentence then, and sequent death,
Is all the grace I beg." §

* Promos and Cass. Part II. Act I. sc. 8 and 9. + Act V. sc. 1.

Promos and Cass. Part II. Act III. sc. 2. § Measure for Measure, Act V. sc. 1.

Promos and Angelo are both pardoned by the intercession of the females they have injured; they are both compelled to marry them, and both are similarly exhorted to repay by affection the unmerited kindness of their deliverers.

"Be loving to good Cassandra thy wife." *

I have confess'd her, and I know her virtue." +

Had it been only in view to prove that Promos and Cassandra, and not the novel of Cinthio formed the groundwork of Measure for Measure, many of the preceding extracts might have been spared; but the attaining of an insight into Shakspeare's process in the construction of his play has been the object, and for that reason we are still led to the notice of one or two other concurring particulars. In both plays, low officers take into custody the inmates of a brothel, and carry them before the deputy; and a woman of bad character bewails the enforcement of the laws against the vices of her trade. Whetstone's Rosko and Shakspeare's Clown are gentlemen

*Promos and Cass. Part II. Act V. sc. 4.
+ Meas. for Meas. Act V. sc. 1.

of the same calling, and equally worthy members of their profession; Rosko, however, is a keen, active, witty rogue, but the Clown is full of low cunning disguised under an affected simplicity. The stupid constable, Elbow, bears a greater resemblance to Dogberry, in Much Ado About Nothing, than to any personage in Whetstone's play. Bernardine indeed is the only character entirely original, and considering the small space he occupies in the play, it is astonishing with what distinctness his peculiarities are marked. Some sportive fancy of Shakspeare caused his appearance, for a character more unnecessary for the advancing of a plot was never placed in a list of dramatis personæ.

69

OTHELLO.

1604.

THE HE story of Othello is found in the seventh novel of the third decade of Cinthio's Hecatommithi.

A Moor once commanded the military force of Venice. His virtues, his talents, and the fame of his martial exploits captivated the affections of Desdemona, a lady of the city: the passion was reciprocal; and, heedless of the remonstrances of her kindred, she married the object of her love. The command of Cyprus was committed to the Moor, and he repaired to that island with his bride.

Among the officers of the army was a Lieutenant whose handsome person indicated nobleness of mind, and whose gaiety and frankness gained him the friendship of all his military associates to him the Moor was particularly attached, and their wives also were intimate.