34 -impious innocent,] Mr. M. Mason reads pious innocent. 35 Sail seas in cockles,] Witches were supposed capable of sailing in nut-shells, cockle-shells, and such small vehicles. Gower says, "lend me your imagination, and we will perform like wonders." 36 How a dozen of virginities?] What is the price of a dozen? 37 -a number to be chaste.] There are many words which a commentator might substitute for number that would make this speech intelligible: but such an alteration would not be allowed, unless some reason appeared for believing one to be the original word of the author. Whatever that might be, I imagine, all will agree that number it was not. 38 my dish of chastity with rosemary and bays!] Anciently many dishes were served up with this garniture, during the season of Christmas. The bawd means to call her a piece of ostentatious virtue. 39 You would not do me violence.] This refers to a part of the story that seems to be made no use of in the present scene. Thus, in Twine's translation: "Then Apollonius fell in rage, and forgetting all courtesie, &c. rose up sodainly and stroke the maiden." See also page 338, at reference 41. 40 -you make more rich to owe?] You make these endowments more valuable by your possessing them. 41 ————when I did push thee back,] See note 39. 42 No motion?] i. e. no puppet. The hand of Shakspeare is eminently conspicuous in this pathetic scene. 43 If he be none of mine, my sanctity &c.] 'The holy life I have so long professed will guard me from wishing for any other man than my own husband, let him be never so handsome to the view.' END OF VOLUME X. |