In editing Webster, Mr. Hazlitt had the advantage (except in a single doubtful play) of a predecessor in the Rev. Alexander Dyce, beyond all question the best living scholar of the literature of the times of Elizabeth and James I. If he give no proof of remarkable fitness for his task, he seems, at least, to have been diligent and painstaking. His notes are short and to the point, and—which we consider a great merit—at the foot of the page. If he had added a glossarial index, we should have been still better pleased. Mr. Hazlitt seems to have read over the text with some care, and he has had the good sense to modernize the orthography, or, as he says, has "observed the existing standard of spelling throughout." Yet—for what reason we cannot imagine—he prints "I" for "ay," taking the pains to explain it every time in a note, and retains "banquerout" and "coram" apparently for the sake of telling us that they mean "bankrupt" and "quorum." He does not seem to have a quick ear for scansion, which would sometimes have assisted him to the true reading. We give an example or two:
"The obligation wherein we all stood bound
Cannot be concealed [cancelled] without great
reproach."
"The realm, not they,
Must be regarded. Be [we] strong and bold,
We are the people's factors."
"Shall not be o'erburdened [overburdened] in
our reign."
"A merry heart
And a good stomach to [a] feast are all."
"Have her meat serv'd up by bawds and
ruffians." [dele "up.">[
"Brother or father
In [a] dishonest suit, shall be to me."
"What's she in Rome your greatness cannot awe,
Or your rich purse purchase
Promises and threats." [dele the second "your.">[
"Through clouds of envy and disast [rous] change."
"The Devil drives; 'tis [it is] full time to go."