I. 2. 113. Theobald refers to the stage direction of the Quarto in this place as a proof that Falstaff was originally called Oldcastle, and that 'the play being printed from the stage-manuscript, Oldcastle had been all along alter'd into Falstaff, except in this single place by an oversight: of which the printers not being aware, continued these initial traces of the original name.' Steevens suggested that Old. might have been the beginning of some actor's name, but this supposition is rejected by Malone, who maintains that 'there is no proof whatsoever that Falstaff ever was called Oldcastle in these plays.' 'The letters prefixed to this speech crept into the first Quarto copy,' he adds, 'I have no doubt, merely from Oldcastle being, behind the scenes, the familiar theatrical appellation of Falstaff, who was his stage-successor.'
[Note IV.]
I. 3. 36-38. We have left this passage as it stands in the Folios, agreeing with Mr Staunton that something has been lost or misprinted. Pope read:
'Yes, if this present quality of war
Impede the instant act; a cause on foot
Lives &c.'
Johnson suggested:
'Yes, in this present quality of war,
Indeed of instant action. A cause &c.'
Capell read:
'Yes, if the present quality of war
Impede the present action. A cause &c.'
Malone, partially adopting Johnson's emendation: