P.S. The subject is, of course, capable of almost indefinite extension, but
the above hasty notes will probably occupy as much space as you would be
willing to spare for its consideration.
_Alcides' Shoes._--There is merit, in my opinion, in elucidating, if it
were only a single word in our great dramatist. Even the attempt, though
mayhap a failure, is laudable. I therefore have made, and shall make, hit
or miss, some efforts that way. For example, I now grapple with that very
odd line--
"As great Alcides' shoes upon an ass."--_King John_, Act II. Sc. 1.
out of which no one has as yet extracted, or I think ever will extract, any
good meaning: _Argal_, {267} it is corrupt. Now it appears to me that the
critic who proposed to read _shows_, came very near the truth, and would
have hit it completely if he had retained _Alcides'_, for it is the
genitive with _robe_ understood. To explain: