Chapter CXXIV: Act IV

SC. 1. "One that feeds
On objects, arts, and imitations," etc.

I see no objection to this line; but Theobald read, and Dyce approves of, '_abject_ arts.'

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"Our best friends made, our means stretch'd _to the utmost_."

I most willingly adopt this excellent addition of Malone's, which is every way to be preferred to the usually adopted reading of the 2nd folio, "_and_ our _best_ means stretched _out_." Of Malone's reading Mr. Collier says, "which is not only a bad verse, but is supported by no authority," as if the 2nd folio was an authority! And "a bad verse!" Mr. Collier has strange ideas of metre.

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SC. 3. "_Yet_ let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself."

Some read '_And_ let me'; but 'Yet,' in which I had been anticipated, seems preferable.

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"Brutus, _bay_ not me."

Theobald's judicious correction; the folio has _baite_.

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"Set in a note-book, learn'd and conn'd by rote
To cast into my teeth."

The proper word is _his_, not 'my'; but it may be one of the poet's usual slips.

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"Cicero one!--_Yes_; Cicero is dead."

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"Came on refresh'd, new-aided, and encourag'd."

The reading of the folio is 'added.' Both Singer and Dyce agree in the correction.

ACT V.

SC. 1. "_You_ flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank thyself."

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"This is my birthday; as this very day."

For 'as' we should, I think, read _at_, as I have done.

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SC. 2. "And sudden push gives them the overthrow."

It might be better to read 'And _a_,' or rather _A_. See on Temp. i. 2.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.