The sentiment of Shakespeare is partly just, and partly romantic.
—Rightly to be great,
Is not to stir without great argument;
is exactly philosophical.
But greatly to find quarrel in a straw,
When honour is at stake,
is the idea of a modern hero. But then, says he honour is an argument, or subject of debate, sufficiently great, and when honour is at stake, we must find cause of quarrel in a straw.
IV.iv.56 (287,7) Excitements of my reason and my blood] Provocations which excite both my reason and my passions to vengeance.
IV.v.37 (289,4) Larded all with sweet flowers] The expression is taken from cookery. (1773)
IV.v.53 (290,6) And dupt the chamber-door] To dup, is to do up; to lift the latch. It were easy to write,