Shakspeare and His Times [Vol. 2 of 2] / Including the Biography of the Poet; criticisms on his genius and writings; a new chronology of his plays; a disquisition on the on the object of his sonnets; and a history of the manners, customs, and amusements, superstitions, poetry, and elegant literature of his age

by Nathan Drake

With hair up-staring (then like reeds, not hair,)

Was the first man that leap'd; cried, Hell is empty,

And all the devils are here."[522:B]

The spirits of the water are divided into sea-nymphs, or elves of brooks and standing lakes. Under the first of these characters they are most exquisitely introduced as solacing Ferdinand, after the terrors of his shipwreck:—

"Come unto these yellow sands,

And then take hands

Court'sied when you have, and kiss'd,

(The wild waves whist,)

Foot it featly here and there;

And, sweet sprites, the burden bear."