we are se Measure, and ed for some when probab Iadam Isabel to. 1582. e rare Hist te informs medie on len into th here is daened tha then skilful or ligenc DiJohns tions this tion it's m and irvula cannot ma notices, cur, as and the r Shakes mos and 1578. S A hint. OBSERVATIONS. 1 MEASURE FOR MEASURE.] The story is taken from Cinthio's Novels, Decad. 8, Novel 5. POPE. We are sent to Cinthio for the plot of Measure for Measure, and Shakespeare's judgment hath been attacked for some deviations from him in the conduct of it, when probably all he knew of the matter was from Madam Isabella, in The Heptameron of Whetstone, Lond. to. 1582.-She reports, in the fourth dayes Exercise, he rare Historie of Promos and Cassandra. A marginal Ate informs us, that Whetstone was the author of the medie on that subject; which likewise had probably ften into the hands of Shakespeare. FARMER. here is perhaps not one of Shakespeare's plays more datened than this by the peculiarities of its author, and thenskilfulness of its editors, by distortions of phrase, or nyligence of transcription. JOHNSON. DJohnson's remark is so just respecting the corruptions this play, that I shall not attempt much reformation ins metre, which is too often rough, redundant, and irrular. Additions and omissions (however trifling) cannot made without constant notice of them; and such notices, the present instance, would so frequently occur, as become equally tiresome to the commentator and the rider. Shakespre took the fable of this play from the Promos and ssandra of George Whetstone, published in 1578. See heobald's note at the end. A hint, li a seed, is more or less prolific, according worde Bearer: one with a bunche of keyes. Phalla Promos Man. mich now in Julio staye, w my rule and power at lardge, unde I wyll: give heedeful eare. th the Kinges Letters Pattents, which must be ee what is our Soveraignes wyl, wish, that right, not might, beare swaye: care, to weede from good the yll, wights, good lawes that disobay. eares, unto the common weale, Es, the ignoraunt to save) ades, the lewde doo rigor feele, &c. &c. & |