[311] [An apparent reference to the story told in one of the early jest-books of a fellow who was led to execution, and who, when on the gallows, instead of a neck-verse, cried out, "Have at you daisy that grows yonder!" and leapt off the ladder. See "Pasquil's Jests," 1604, repr. Hazlitt, p. 48.]
[312] For the love of God, of heaven, or anything sacred, are adjurations frequently used at this day, and appear likewise to have been so at the time this play was written. From the indiscriminate use of them, it became customary on very earnest occasions to request of all loves, or for all the loves on earth. Of these modes of expression, Mr Steevens hath produced the following examples: "Conjuring his wife of all loves to prepare cheer fitting."—"Honest Whore," part 1.
"Desire him of all loves to come over quickly."
—Plautus's Menæchmi, 1595.
"I pray thee for all loves be thou my mynde sens I am thyne."
—Acolastus, 1540.
"Mrs Arden desired him of all loves to come back againe."—Holinshed's Chronicle, p. 1064.—"Notes on Shakspeare," vol. i., p. 279.
Again—
"Speak of all loves."
—Midsummer Night's Dream, act. ii., sc. 3.