[142] Sir Thomas Browne in Vulgar Errors (Book 2, cap. 5) discusses this curious superstition at length:—'And first we hear it in every mouth, and in many good authors read it, that a diamond, which is the hardest of stones, not yielding unto steel, emery, or any thing but its own powder, is yet made soft, or broke by the blood of a goat. Thus much is affirmed by Pliny, Solinus, Albertus, Cyprian, Austin, Isidore, and many Christian writers: alluding herein unto the heart of man, and the precious blood of our Saviour, who was typified by the goat that was slain, and the scape goat in the wilderness: and at the effusion of whose blood, not only the hard hearts of his enemies relented, but the stony rocks and veil of the temple were shattered,' &c.
[143] The expression, to 'carry coals' (i.e. to put up with insults) is too common to need illustration.
[144] 4to. deaths prey. The change restores the metre.
[145] 'Owe' for 'own' is very common in Shakespeare.
[146] The 4to. prints this scene throughout as verse.
[147] 'Larroones,' from Fr. larron (a thief). Cf. Nabbes' Bride, iii. 3. 'Remercie, Monsieur. Voe call a me Cooke now! de greasie Larone!'
[148] Quy. rogues.
[149] Quy. had. There seems to be a reference to Stephen's martyrdom described in The Acts.
[150] "Black Jack" and "bombard" were names given to wide leathern drinking-vessels.
[151] A term in venery.