"In the next scene, [of "Othello,">[ Shakespeare gives us a very distinct proof that he was acquainted with Admiralty law, as well as with the procedure of Westminster Hall. Describing the feat of the Moor in carrying off Desdemona against her father's consent, which might either make or mar his fortune, according as the act might be sanctioned or nullified, Iago observes,—
"'Faith, he to-night hath hoarded a land carack:
If it prove a lawful prize, he's made forever';
the trope indicating that there would be a suit in the High Court of Admiralty to determine the validity of the capture"!—p. 91.
"Why did not his Lordship go farther, and decide, that, in the figurative use of the term, "land carack," Shakespeare gave us very distinct proof that he was acquainted with maritime life, and especially with the carrying-trade between Spain and the West Indies? We respectfully submit to the court the following passage from Middleton and Rowley's "Changeling,"—first published in 1653, but written many years before. Jasperino, seeing a lady, calls out,—
"Yonder's another vessel: Ile board her: if she be lawfall prize, down goes her topsail." Act i. Sig. B. 2.
And with it we submit the following points, and ask a decision in our favor. First, That they, the said Middleton and Rowley, have furnished, in the use of the phrase "lawful prize," in this passage, very distinct proof that they were acquainted with Admiralty law. Second, That, in the use of the other phrases, "board," and especially "down goes her topsail," they have furnished yet stronger evidence that they had been sailors on board armed vessels, and that the trope indicates, that, had not the vessel or lady in question lowered her topsail or top-knot, she would then and there have been put mercilessly to the sword.
But what shall we think of the acumen and the judgment of a Chief Justice, a man of letters, and a man of the world, who brings forward such passages as the following as part of the evidence bearing upon the question of Shakespeare's legal acquirements?—
"Come; fear not you; good counsellors lack no clients." Measure for Measure. Act i. Sc. 2.
"One that before the judgement carries poor
souls to hell."
Comedy of Errors. Act iv. Sc. 2.
"Well, Time is the old Justice that examines all such offenders,—and let Time try." As You Like It. Act iv. Sc. 1.