FOOTNOTES:
[118:1] Hebona is the reading of the First Quarto (1603) and of the Second Quarto (1604), and is decided by the critics to be the true reading.
[119:1] Mr. Beisley suggests Enoron, i.e., Nightshade, which Mr. Dyce describes as "a villainous conjecture." In my first edition I expressed my belief that Hebenon was either Henbane or a general term for a deadly poisonous plant; but I had not then seen Dr. Nicholson's and Mr. Harrison's papers.
[119:2] Saxo Grammaticus: "Ubi datus parricidio locus, cruenta manu mentis libidinem satiavit; trucidati quoque fratris uxore potitus, incestum parricidio adjecit."—Historiæ Danorum, lib. iii, fol. xxvii, Ed. 1514.
"The Historye of Hamblet, Prince of Denmark:" Fergon "having secretly assembled certain men and perceiving himself strong enough to execute his enterprise, Horvendile, his brother, being at a banquet with his friends, sodainely set upon him, where he slewe him as treacherously, as cunningly he purged himselfe of so detestable a murder to his subjects."—Collier's Shakespeare's Library.
[119:3] "Hamlet's Cursed Hebenon," by Dr. R. B. Nicholson, M.D. (read Nov. 14, 1879). "Hamlet's Juice of Cursed Hebona," by Rev. W. A. Harrison, M.A. (read May 12, 1882). Both the papers are published in the "Transactions" of the Society.
HEMLOCK.
| (1) | Burgundy. | Her fallow leas The Darnel, Hemlock, and rank Fumitory Doth root upon. |
| Henry V, act v, sc. 2 (44). | ||
| (2) | 3rd Witch. | Root of Hemlock digg'd i' the dark. |
| Macbeth, act iv, sc. 1 (25). | ||
| (3) | Cordelia. | Crown'd with rank Fumiter and Furrow-weeds, With Burdocks, Hemlock, Nettles, Cuckoo-flowers. |
| King Lear, act iv, sc. 4 (3). | ||