Though well we may not pass upon his life
Without the form of justice; yet our power
Shall do a courtesy to our wrath]
_To do a courtesy_ is to gratify, to comply with. _To pass_, is to pass
a judicial sentence. (1773)
III.vii.29 (422,4) corky arms] Dry, wither'd, husky arms.
III.vii.54 (424,9) I am ty'd to the stake, and I must stand the course]
The running of the dogs upon me.
III.vii.65 (425,2) All cruels else subscrib'd] Yielded, submitted to the
necessity of the occasion.
III.vii.99-107 (426,3) I'll never care what wickedness I do] [This short
dialogue I have inserted from the old quarto, because I think it full of
nature. Servants could hardly see such a barbarity committed on their
master, without pity; and the vengeance that they presume canst overtake
the actors of it is a sentiment and doctrine well worthy of the stage.
THEOBALD.] It is not necessary to suppose them the servants of Glo'ster;
for Cornwall was opposed to extremity by his own servant.
IV.i.1 (427,1) Yet better thus, and known to be contemn'd] The meaning
is, _'Tis better_ to be _thus contemned, and_ known _to yourself_ to be
contemned. Or perhaps there is an error, which may be rectified thus:
Yet better thus unknown to be contemn'd.
When a man divests himself of his real character he feels no pain from
contempt, because he supposes it incurred only by a voluntary disguise
which he can throw off at pleasure. I do not think any correction
necessary.
IV.i.20 (429,3) Our mean secures us] [i.e. Moderate, mediocre condition.
WARBURTON.] Banner writes, by an easy change, _meanness_ secures us. The
two original editions have,