isfied with
any note, emendation, or restoration which does not make the passage
into which it is introduced "one entire and perfect chrysolite." But
this is unreasonable. We have direct evidence of the imperfect
character of much that Shakspeare wrote. When told that Shakspeare had
never blotted a line, Ben Jonson--no mean critic, and no unfriendly
one--wished he had "blotted a thousand." Would rare Ben have uttered
such a wish ignorantly and without cause? We believe the existence of
such defects in the writings of Shakspeare, as they were left by him.
It follows, therefore, that in our opinion Shakspeare is under great
obligations to the undeservedly-abused commentators.[3] It would be
strange indeed, when we consider how many men of genius and learning
have busied themselves to illustrate his writings, if none of them
should have caught any inspiration from his genius. We believe they
have done so. We believe Theobald's "babbled o' green fields" to be one
of many instances in which, with reference to some one particular
passage, the scholiast has proved himself worthy of and excelling his
author. Yes, Shakspeare, the greatest of all uninspired writers, was
but mortal; and his worshippers would sometimes do well bear in mind
that their golden image had but feet of clay.

[Footnote 1: We had not seen this very able article until our attention was
called to it by this letter. We regret that the author of it was not aware
of what had been written in "N. & Q." on many of the points discussed by
him. Such knowledge might have modified some of his views.]

[Footnote 2: On this point we would call especial attention to MR.
HALLIWELL'S communication on the _Difficulty of avoiding Coincident
Suggestions on the Text of Shakspeare_, which will be found in our present
Number.]

[Footnote 3: One of the most specious arguments which have been advanced
against the genuineness of the _Notes and Emendations_ is, that they agree
in many instances with readings which had been suggested many years before
the discovery of the MS. Notes. Of course it is obvious that, wherever the
readings are right, they must do so; and these coincidences serve to
satisfy us of the correctness of both.]

* * * * *

Notes.

MR. PEPYS AND EAST LONDON TOPOGRAPHY, ETC.

In "N. & Q." (Vol. i., p. 141.) there appeared an article upon the Isle of