Scene 1. Page 21.
Buck. ... but this top-proud fellow
(Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but
From sincere motions)
Dr. Johnson explains sincere motions to be honest indignation; and, for name not, would substitute blame not. But is not the following the plain sense, without any alteration? "this top-proud fellow, whom I call so, not from an excess of bitterness, but from a genuine impulse of the mind."
Scene 1. Page 26.
Buck. I am the shadow of poor Buckingham,
Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on,
By dark'ning my clear sun.
It is no easy matter on some occasions to comprehend the precise meaning of Shakspeare's metaphors, which are often careless and confused; and of this position the present lines are, doubtless, an example. We have here a double comparison. Buckingham is first made to say that he is but a shadow; in other terms, a dead man. He then adverts to the sudden cloud of misfortune that overwhelms him, and, like a shadow, obscures his prosperity.
Scene 3. Page 42.
Cham. Is it possible the spells of France should juggle
Men into such strange mysteries?
Dr. Johnson's explanation is much too fanciful. Mysteries are arts, and here artificial fashions.