I ratify this my rich gift," etc.

158. [In a fool's paradise.] Malone cities A handfull of Pleasant Delightes, 1584:—

"When they see they may her win,

They leave then where they did begin;

They prate, and make the matter nice,

And leave her in fooles paradise."

and Barnaby Rich's Farewell: "Knowing the fashion of you men to be such, as by praisyng our beautie, you think to bring into a fooles paradize."

162. [Weak.] Explained by Schmidt as "stupid." Clarke thinks that "she intends to use a most forcible expression, and blunders upon a most feeble one."

177. [And stay], etc. The pointing is White's. Most editors follow the early eds. and read "And stay, good nurse, behind the abbey wall, etc."

180. [A tackled stair.] That is, a rope-ladder. Cf. "ladder-tackle" in Per. iv. 1. 61.