[131] [Old copies, fare see.]
[132] An old word used by Chaucer, Spenser, Fairfax, and other writers, signifying a physician.
[133] The entrance of Mariana with the queen, &c., is not mentioned, though her exit is noticed: by the dialogue, which follows their departure from the walls, it is evident that she ought to be named, though hitherto omitted.—Collier.
[134] Dr Johnson observes that worm is the Teutonic word for serpent; and Dr Percy, that in the northern counties the same word is still used in that sense. See their several notes, and also Mr Tollet's to "Antony and Cleopatra," act v. sc. 2.
[135] [Greater, better.]
[136] [Former edits., dulat, which can surely have no meaning.]
[137] If Theobald had been as well read in our ancient dramatic writers as he pretended to be, he would have produced this passage in justification of the celebrated line in "The Double Falshood"—
"None but himself can be his parallel."
It is certain, if authorities would sanctify absurdity, he might have made a better defence against Mr Pope than that which he published. He might also have quoted the following line from Massinger's "Duke of Milan," act iv. sc. 3—
"And, but herself, admits no parallel."