ties or dramas, who
was generally engaged in contests with the devil, by whom he was
finally carried away. Dr. Johnson says the modern Punch is
descended from the vice.]

[Footnote III.131:

_From a shelf the precious diadem stole_,
_And put it in his pocket!_]

In allusion to the usurper procuring the crown as a common
pilferer or thief, and not by open villainy that carried danger
with it.]

[Footnote III.132: _A king of shreds and patches._] This is said,
pursuing the idea of the _vice of kings_. The vice being dressed
as a fool, in a coat of party-coloured patches.]

[Footnote III.133: _Laps'd in time and passion_,] That having
suffered time to slip, and passion to cool, &c. It was supposed
that nothing was more offensive to apparitions than the neglect
to attach importance to their appearance, or to be inattentive to
their admonitions.]

[Footnote III.134: _Cool patience._] _i.e._, moderation.]

[Footnote III.135: _Make them capable._] Make them
intelligent--capable of conceiving.]

[Footnote III.136: _My stem effects:_] _i.e._, change the nature
of my purposes, or what I mean to effect.]

[Footnote III.137: _Nothing at all; yet all that is, I see._] It
is in perfect consistency with the belief that all spirits were
not only naturally invisible, but that they possessed the power
of making themselves visible to such persons only as they
pleased.]

[Footnote III.138: _My father, in his habit as he lived!_] In the
habit he was accustomed to wear when living.]

[Footnote III.139:

_This bodiless creation ecstasy_
_Is very cunning in._]

_i.e._, "Such shadows are the weak brain's forgeries." Ecstasy in
this place, as in many others, means a temporary alienation of
mind--a fit.]

[Footnote III.140: _Gambol from._] Start away from.]

[Footnote III.141: _Skin and film_,] Cover with a thin skin.]

[Footnote III.142:

_And when you are desirous to be bless'd_,
_I'll blessing beg of you_]

When you are desirous to receive a blessing from heaven (which
you cannot, seriously, till you reform), I will beg to receive a
blessing from you.]

ACT IV.

SCENE I.--A ROOM IN THE CASTLE.

_Enter_ KING _and_ QUEEN, _from_ (R.H.) _centre._

_King._ There's matter in these sighs, these profound heaves:
You must