[18] “The Merry Pranks of Robin Goodfellow,” from which this stanza is taken, though attributed to Ben Jonson, is not found among his works.
[19] Shakspeare, it will be observed, represents Hermione as a colored statue. Paulina will not allow it to be touched, because the paint is not yet dry.
[20] A kiss appears to have been an established incident in ancient English marriage ceremonies.
[21] That by the impression of my kiss forever remaining on thy hand, thou mightst think on those lips through which a thousand sighs will be breathed for thee.
[22] A kiss was anciently in England the established fee of a lady’s partner. The custom is still prevalent among some of the country-people.
[23] Thus Bassanio, in “The Merchant of Venice,” when he kisses Portia:
“Fair lady, by your leave,
I come by note to give and to receive.”
[24] Queen Mab.
[25] Probable allusion to the kissing comfits mentioned by Falstaff, “Merry Wives,” v. 5.