I frown the while; and perchance wind up my watch, or play with my—some rich jewel. Twelfth Night, Act ii, sc. 5, l. 64-66.
"Comedies", p. 263, col. B, lines 32, 33.
A jewel in a ten-times-barr'd-up chest Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast. King Richard II, Act i, sc. 1, l. 180, 181.
"Histories", p. 24, col. B, lines 28, 29.
This royal throne of Kings, this scepter'd isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature for herself Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea, Which serves it in the office of a wall Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands, This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England. King Richard II, Act ii, sc. 1, l. 40-46.
"Histories", p. 28, col. B, lines 17-23.
In argument and proof of which contract, Bear her this jewel, pledge of my affection. I Henry VI, Act v, sc. 2, l. 46, 47.
"Histories", p. 115, col. A, lines 8, 9.
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night, Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear; Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. Romeo and Juliet, Act i, sc. 5, l. 47-49.
"Tragedies", p. 57, col. B, lines 59-61.
But chiefly to take thence from her dead finger A precious ring, a ring that I must use In dear employment. Romeo and Juliet, Act v, sc. 3, l. 30-32.
"Tragedies", p. 75, col. A, lines 34-36.
A striking proof that Shakespeare had no fear of tautology when he wished to strengthen the impression of a word by constant reiteration is given in the Merchant of Venice (Act v, sc. 2), whence we have already quoted a few lines. The passage concerns the disposal by Bassanio of a ring he had received from Portia, and he answers her thus in the First Folio text: [34]
Bassanio. Sweet Portia,
If you did know to whom I gave the Ring, If you did know for whom I gave the Ring, And would conceive for what I gave the Ring, And how unwillingly I left the Ring, When naught would be accepted but the Ring, You would abate the strength of your displeasure.
Portia. If you had knowne the virtue of the Ring, Or halfe her worthinesse that gave the Ring, Or your owne honour to contains the Ring, You would not then have parted with the Ring.