"The knyghtes were clothed in pall.". Dr. Warburton seems to mean the covering which is thrown over the dead.

To pall, however, in the present instance, (as Mr. Douce observes to me,) may simply mean to wrap, to invest. STEEVENS.

P. 26, 1. 28. The word knife, which at present has a familiar undignified meaning, was anciently used to express a sword or dagger.

STEEVENS.

To avoid a multitude of examples, which in the present instance do not seem wanted, I shall only observe that Mr. Steevens's remark might be con→ firmed by quotations without end. REED.

Blanket was perhaps suggested to our poet hy the coarse woollen curtain of his own theatre, through which probably, while the house was yet but half-lighted, he had himself often peeped.

MALONE.

P. 16, 1. 27-30. And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell! &c. &c.] On this passage there is a long criticism in the Rambler, Number 168. JOHNSON.

In this criticism the epithet dun is objected to as a mean one. Milton, however, appears to have been of a different opinion, and has repre sented Satan as flying

" in the dun air sublime" STEEVENS. The thought is taken from the old military laws which inflicted capital punishment upon "whosoever shall strike stroke at his adversary, either in the heat or otherwise, if a third do cry hold, to the intent to part them; except that they did fight a combat in a place inclosed and then no man shall be so hardy as to bid hold, but the ge

neral." P. 264 of Mr. Bellay's Instructions for the Wars, translated in 1589. TOLLET.

Mr. Tollet's note will likewise illustrate the last line in Macbeth's concluding speech;

"And damn'd be him who first cries, hold, enough!" STEEVENS

The

P. 16, last 1. Shakspeare has supported the character of lady Macbeth by repeated efforts, and never omits any opportunity of adding a trait of ferocity, or a mark of the want of human feelings, to this monster of his own creation. softer passions are more obliterated in her than in her husband, in proportion as her ambition is greater. She meets him here on his arrival from an expedition of danger, with such a salutation as would have become one of his friends or vassals; a salutation apparently fitted rather to raise his thoughts to a level with her own purposes, than to testify her joy at his return, or manifest an attachment to his person: nor does any sentiment expressive of love or softness fall from her throughout the play. While Macbeth himself, amidst the horrors of his guilt, still retains a character less fiend-like than that of his Queen, talks to her with a degree of tenderness, and pours his complaints and fears into her bosom, accompanied with terms of endearment. STEEVENS,

P. 17, 1. 4. Ignorant has here the signification of unknowing; that is, I feel by anticipation those future honours, of which, according to the process of nature, the present time would be ignorant. JOHNSON. Your face, my Thane, is as a book, &c.] That is, thy will awaken men's curiosity,

P. 17, 1. 12. 13.

looks are such as

excite their attention, and make room for suspicion. HEATH.

P. 17, last 1. Seat here means situation. Lord Bacon says, "He that builds à faire house upon an ill seat, committeth himself to prison."

REED.

This short dialogue between Duncan and Bauquo, whilst they are approaching the gates of Macbeth's castle, has always appeared to me a striking instance of what in painting is termed repose. Their conversation very naturally turns upon the beauty. of its situation, and the pleasantness of the air; and Banquo, observing the martlet's nests in every recess of the cornice, remarks, that where those birds most breed and haunt, the air is delicate. The subject of this quiet and easy conversation gives that repose so necessary to the mind after the tumultuous bustle of the preceding scenes, and perfectly contrasts the scene of horror that immediately succeeds. It seems as if Shakspeare asked himself, What is a Prince likely to say to his attendants on such an occasion. Whereas the modern writers seem, on the contrary, to be always searching for new thoughts, such as would never occur to men in the situation which is represent→ ed. This also is frequently the practice of Homer, who, from the midst of battles and horrors, relieves and refreshes the mind of the reader, by introducing some quiet rural image, or picture of familiar domestick life. SIR J. REYNOLDS.

man's sense.

P. 18, 1. 2. Senses are nothing more than each Gentle sense is very elegant, as it means placid, calm, composed, and intimates the peaceable delight of a fine day. JOHNSON.

martlet,] This bird is in the old

P. 18, 1. 4. edition called barlet. JOHNSON.

P. 18, 1. 7.

nient corner.

coigne of vantage, ] Conve

JOHNSON.

P. 18, l. 13 16. The love that follows us, &c. &c.] The attention that is paid us (says Duncan on seeing Lady Macbeth come to meet him,) sometimes gives us pain, when we reflect that we give trouble to others; yet sill we cannot but be pleased with such attentions, because they are a proof of affection. So far is clear; but of the following words, I confess, I have no very distinct conception, and suspect them to be corrupt. Perhaps the meaning is, By being the occasion of so much trouble I furnish you with a motive to pray to heaven to reward me for the pain I give you, inasmuch as the having such an opportunity of showing your loyalty may hereafter prove beneficial to you; and herein also I afford you a motive to thank me for the trouble I give you, because by showing me so much attention, (however painful it may be to me to be the cause of it,) you have an opportunity of displaying an amiable character, and of ingratiating yourself with your sovereign: which finally may bring you both profit and honour.

MALONE.

This passage is undoubtedly obscure, and the following is the best explication of it I am ableto offer.

Marks of respect importunately shown, are sometimes troublesome, though we are still bound to be grateful for them as indications of sincere attachment. If you pray for us on ac-count of the trouble we create in your house, and thank us for the molestations we bring with us, it must be on such a principle. Herein I teach you, that the inconuenience you suffer is the

result of our affection; and that you are therefore to pray for us, or thank us, only as far as prayers and thanks can be deserved for kindnesses that fatigue, and honours that oppress. in short, to make your acknowledgements for intended respect and love, however irksome our present mode of expressing them may have proved. To bid is here used in the Saxon sense to pray. STEEVENS.

You are,

To bid any one God-yeld him, i. e. Godyield him, was the same as God reward him.

WARBURTON. I believe yield, or, as it is in the folio of 1623, eyld, is a corrupted contraction of shield. The wish implores not reward, but protection.

JOHNSON. I rather believe it to be a corruption of Godyield, i. e. reward. STEEVENS. Hermits, for beadsmen.

P. 18, 1. 23.

WARBURTON.

That is, we as hermits shall always pray for you. STEEVENS. P. 18, 1. 31-33. and P. 19, 1. 1. 2. Your servants &c. &c.] The meta→ phor in this speech is taken from the Steward's compting house or audit-room. In compt, means, subject to account. The sense of the whole is:

We, and all who belong to us, look upon our lives and fortunes not as our own properties, but as things we have received merely for your. use, and for which we must be accountable whenever you please to call us to our audit; when, like faithful stewards, we shall be ready to answer your summons, by returning you what is STEEVENS. your own.

P. 19, 1, 10. Enter, and pass over the stage,