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.’
“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.
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.
“Brutus, bay not me.”
Theobald’s judicious correction; the folio has baite.
“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.
“Cicero one!—Yes; Cicero is dead.”
“Came on refresh’d, new-aided, and encourag’d.”
The reading of the folio is ‘added.’ Both Singer and Dyce agree in the correction.