The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Israel Gollancz William Shakespeare [2466]
Will be himself.
Ant. But stirr'd by Cleopatra]
But, in this passage, seems to have the old Saxon signification of without, unless, except. Antony, says the queen, will recollect his thoughts. Unless kept, he replies, in commotion by Cleopatra. (see 1765, VII, 108,1)
I.ii.5 (113,2) change his horns with garlands] [W: charge] Sir Thomas Hanmer reads, not improbably, change for horns his garlands. I am in doubt, whether to change is not merely to dress, or to dress with changes of garlands.
I.ii.23 (114,3) I had rather heat my liver] To know why the lady is so averse from heating her liver, it must be remembered, that a
heated liver is supposed to make a pimpled face.
I.ii.35 (114,5) Then, belike, my children shall have no names] If I have already had the best of my fortune, then I suppose I shall never name children, that is, I am never to be married. However, tell me the truth, tell me, how many boys and wenches?
1.ii.38 (114,6) If every of your wishes had a womb, and foretel every wish, a million] [W: fertil ev'ry] For foretel, in ancient editions, the latter copies have foretold. Foretel favours the emendation, which is made with great acuteness; yet the original reading may, I think, stand. If you had as many wombs as you will have wishes; and I should foretel all those wishes, I should foretel a million of children. It is an ellipsis very frequent in conversation; I should shame you, and tell all; that is, and if I should tell all. And is for and if, which was anciently, and is still provincially, used for if.
I.ii.105 (117,8) extended Asia] To extend, is a term used for to seize; I know not whether that be not the sense here.
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 present pleasure,
By revolution lowring, does become
The opposite of itself]
[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)
Say, our pleasure
To such whose places under us, requires
Our quick remove from hence]
This is hardly sense. I believe we should read,
Their quick remove from hence.
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,
—safe my going.
I.iii.62 (125,5)
O most false love!
Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill
With sorrowful water?]
Alluding to the lachrymatory vials, or bottles