“_Glend._ _Nay_, if you melt, then will she run mad.”
This “nay” so to be dwelt on in speaking, as to be equivalent to a
dissyllable - u, is characteristic of the solemn Glendower; but the
imperfect line
“_She bids you_
Upon the wanton rushes lay you down,” &c.,
is one of those fine hair-strokes of exquisite judgment peculiar to
Shakespeare;—thus detaching the Lady’s speech, and giving it the
individuality and entireness of a little poem, while he draws attention to
it.
“Henry IV.—Part II.”