[173:5] These lines are introduced into Macbeth, act iv. sc. 1. According to Steevens, "the song was, in all probability, a traditional one." Collier says, "Doubtless it does not belong to Middleton more than to Shakespeare." Dyce says, "There seems to be little doubt that 'Macbeth' is of an earlier date than 'The Witch.'"
[173:6] See Chaucer, page [5].
[173:7] He 'as had a stinger.—Beaumont and Fletcher: Wit without Money, act iv. sc. 1.
[173:8] See Shakespeare, page [69].
[174:1] A Health to the Gentlemanly Profession of Servingmen (1598). Turn over a new leaf.—Dekker: The Honest Whore, part ii. act i. sc. 2. Burke: Letter to Mrs. Haviland.
[174:2] See Shakespeare, page [128].
[174:3] A happy accident.—Madame de Staël: L' Allemagne, chap. xvi. Cervantes: Don Quixote, book iv. part ii. chap. lvii.
SIR HENRY WOTTON. 1568-1639.
How happy is he born or taught,