250. Mrs. Ford. Nay, husband- -] This and the following little speech I have inserted from the old quartos. The retrenchment, I presume, was by the players. Sir Johnalstaff is sufficiently punished, in being disappointed and exposed. The expectation of his being prosecuted for the twenty pounds, gives the conclusion too tragical a turn: Besides, it is poetical justice that Ford should sustain this loss, as a fine for his unreasonable jealousy. THEOBALD. 255. laugh at my wife-] The two plots are excellently connected, and the transition very artfully made in this speech.

282.

JOHNSON.

—marry boys ?]This and the next speech are likewise restorations from the old quarto.

STEEVENS, 321. Page. Well, what remedy?] In the first sketch of this play, which, as Mr. Pope observes, is much inferior to the latter performance, the only sentiment of which I regret the omission, occurs at this critical time. When Fenton brings in his wife, there is this dialogue.

"Mrs. Ford. Come Mrs. Page, I must be bold with you,

'Tis pity to part love that is so true

Mrs. Page. [Aside.] Although that I have missed in my intent, Yet I am glad my husband's match is cross'd. -Here Fenton, take her.

Eva. Come, master Page, you must needs agree.

Ford.

Ford. I' faith, Sir, come, you see your wife is pleas'd.

Page. I cannot tell, and yet my heart is eas'd; And yet it doth me good the doctor miss'd.

Come hither Fenton, and come hither daughter."

THE END.

JOHNSON.

SPECIMENS of FANS.

from the Drawings of Tilian & Cesare Vecula,

as referred to in the Notes on the Merry Wives of Wint