[121] Man omitted in the second edit.
[122] Flog him.
[123] [Edits., you. Welltried.]
[124] [Edits., meant.]
[125] [These lines appear to be taken from some song of "Little Boy Blue.">[
[126] This passage has been adduced by Dr Farmer to show that Falstaff was originally called by Shakespeare Oldcastle, according to the tradition mentioned by Rowe, and supported by Fuller in his "Worthies," and by other authorities. The point is argued at great length in Malone's Shakespeare by Boswell, xvi. 410, et seq., and the decisions of the learned have been various; but the balance of evidence is undoubtedly in favour of the opinion that Shakespeare made the change, perhaps to avoid the confusion of his very original character with the mere fat buffoon of the old play of "Henry V.," a point not adverted to in the discussion. Field's testimony seems tolerably decisive.
[127] Citizens and apprentices were called in derision flatcaps and what-d'ye-lacks in reference to their dress and occupation.
[128] [Edits., fair shop and wife.]
[129] [i.e., a servant.]
[130] Will satisfy all men, in the second edition.