Pet. Marry, peace it bodes, and love, and quiet life,
An awful rule, and right supremacy;
And, to be short, what not that's sweet and happy."
For "an awful rule" I propose to substitute and lawful rule, as agreeing better with the text and context; indeed, the whole passage indicates it. Petruchio means that the change in Katharina's temper and conduct bodes love, peace, law, and order, in contradistinction to awe or fear. The repetition of the conjunction and also makes the harmony of the language more equal; "and love, and quiet life, and lawful rule, and right supremacy," rings evenly to the ear. Considering the number and character of the emendations in Mr. Collier's volume, I have the less hesitation in proposing this one. The language of Shakspeare is, as we know it, for the most part so clear, harmonious, distinct, and forcible, that I think we are justified in considering any obscure, inconsistent, or harsh passage, as having met with some mishap either in hearing, transcribing, or in printing. Some months ago, and certainly before Mr. Collier's volume of corrections appeared, I forwarded to "N. & Q." (it never appeared) a correction from Antony and Cleopatra, Act V. Sc. 2., where Cleopatra, contemplating suicide, says it is—
"To do that thing that ends all other deeds,
Which shackles accidents, and bolts up change;
Which sleeps, and never palates more the dung.
The beggar's nurse and Cæsar's."
The word "dung" ending the third line, was so evidently dug, or nipple, that I thought no man to whom it was pointed out could have a doubt about it. Mr. Collier remarks in his recent volume, "This emendation may, or may not, have been conjectural, but we may be pretty sure it is right." I doubt if Mr. Collier would have accepted any authority other than that of his own folio, although Shakspeare has frequently used the word dug as a synonym for nipple, as see Romeo and Juliet, Act I. Sc. 3.:
"Nurse. And she was wean'd,—I never shall forget it,—