These three lines are very gay and pleasing. But why does Shakespeare give Romeo this involuntary cheerfulness just before the extremity of unhappiness? Perhaps to shew the vanity of trusting to these uncertain and casual exaltations or depressions, which many consider as certain foretokens of good and evil.
V.i.45 (123,6) A beggarly account of empty boxes] Dr. Warburton would read, a braggartly account; but beggarly is probably right: if the boxes were empty, the account was more beggarly, as it was more pompous.
V.iii.31 (127,1) a ring that I must use/In dear employment] That is, action of importance. Gems were supposed to have great powers and virtues.
V.iii.86 (129,4) her beauty makes/This vault a feasting presence full of light] A presence is a public room.
V.iii.90 (129,5) O, how may I/Call this a lightning?] I think we should read,
—O, now may I
Call this a lightning!—
V.iii.178 (135,1)
Raise up the Montagues.—Some others; search:—
We see the ground whereon these woes do lie;