[Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head]
It was the current opinion in Shakespeare's time, that in the
head of an old toad was to be found a stone, or pearl, to which
great virtues were ascribed. This stone has been often sought,
but nothing has been found more than accidental or perhaps morbid
indurations of the skull.
II.i.18 (254,4) [I would not change it] Mr. Upton, not without
probability, gives these words to the Duke, and makes Amiens begin,
_Happy is your grace_.
II.i.67 (256,6) [to cope him] To encounter him; to engage with him.
II.iii.8 (257,8) [The bony priser] So Milton, _Giants of mighty_ bone.
II.iii.37 (258,9) [diverted blood] Blood turned out of the course of
nature.