[237] So in "Hamlet," act i. sc. 5.
"And each particular hair to stand on end
Like quills upon the fretful porcupine."
[238] [Old copies, or.]
[239] The measure was injured by the needless insertion of is in this line, not supported by any of the old copies.—Collier.
[240] The [later] quartos read, I'll despatch, &c.—Collier.
[241] Safeguards are outward petticoats, still worn by the wives of farmers, &c., who ride on horseback to market.—Steevens.
They are called so, says Minsheu, voce Saveguard, because they guard the other clothes from soiling. They are mentioned several times in "The Roaring Girl."
Again, in "Ram Alley," act i. sc. 1.
"On with your cloak and safeguard, you arrant drab."
[242] The quartos of 1626 and 1631 read, Here's a room in the very Homer and Illiads of a lodging, which may be right.—Collier. [Most probably not.]