[208] A remarkable instance is afforded in the present work; see the
note to the article on _Newspapers_, in Vol. I., detailing one which
has spread falsity to an enormous extent throughout our general
literature.
[209] The pretended "antique manuscripts" preserved among the
Chatterton papers in the British Museum, as well as the fac-simile
of the "Yellow Roll," published in the Cambridge edition of
Chatterton's works, are, however, so totally unlike the writing of
the era to which they purport to belong, that no doubt need be
entertained as to their falsity.
[210] They are, however, so far determined by the fragments of
Gaelic originals, since published by Scottish antiquaries, that the
amplifications of Macpherson can be detected.
[211] Mr. Charles Knight, in his edition of Shakspeare, first
clearly pointed out the true nature of the bequest. The great poet's
estates, with the exception of a copyhold tenement, expressly
mentioned in the will, were freehold. _His wife was entitled to
dower_, or a life interest of one-third of the proceeds arising from
lands or tenements the property of Shakspeare, and which were of
considerable value, she was thus amply provided for by the clear and
undeniable operation of the law of England. Mr. Halliwell has
further proved that such bequests were the constant modes of showing
regard to such relatives as were well provided for by the usual
legal course of events; and he adds, "so far from this bequest being
one of slight importance, and exhibiting small esteem, it was the
usual mode of expressing a mark of great affection."