[319] See note to "The City Nightcap," [act iv. sc. 4, vol. xiii.; and Dyce's "Shakespeare Glossary," _v._ Haggard.] [320] "_Stooping_," says Latham, "is when a hawke, being upon her wings at the height of her pitch, bendeth violently down to strike the fowle, or any other prey." So in "The Alchymist," act v. sc. 5-- "Here stands my dove: _stoop_ at her if you dare." "Again, Milton, in "Paradise Lost," bk. xi. 1. 185. "The bird of Jove, _stoop'd_ from his aery tour, Two birds of gayest plume before him drove." [321] _i.e._, Two footmen in _garded_ or _laced_ liveries. So in "The Merchant of Venice," act ii. sc. 2-- "Give him a livery More _garded_ than his fellows." --_Steevens._ [322] _i.e._, Embraced me. [323] [Old copy, _and_.] [324] The two stanzas decrease and then increase, after the manner of wings. See the Greek poet Simmias Rhodius.--_Pegge._ [325] [Old copy, _his_.] [326] Hitherto the reading has been-- "'Twas a hard passage; but not so dangerous As was this vessel." The true word and the measure have been restored from the old copy.--_Collier._ ACT IV., SCENE I. [ANTONIO _solus_.] ANT. Thus, by great favour of propitious stars, From fearful storms, shipwreck and raging billows, [And] merciless jaws of death, am I return'd To th' safe and quiet bosom of my country And wish'd embracements of my friends and kindred. The memory of these misfortunes pass'd Seasons the welcome, and augments the pleasure I shall receive of my son Lelio And daughter Flavia. So doth alloy Make gold, that else were useless, serviceable; So the rugg'd forehead of a threat'ning mountain Heightens[327] the smoothness of a smiling valley. SCENE II. _Enter_ CRICCA. CRI. What do I see? Is not this Trincalo, Transform'd t' Antonio? 'tis: and so perfectly That, did the right Antonio now confront him, I'd swear they both were true, or both were false. ANT. This man admires the unexpectedness Of my return. CRI. O wondrous power of stars, And skill of art t' apply't! You that are married May justly fear, lest this astrologer Clothe your wives' servants in your shape, and use you As Jupiter did Amphitryo. You, that are rich, In your own form may lose your gold. ANT. 'Tis Cricca. CRI. He seems so just the man he represents, That I dare hardly use him as I purpos'd. ANT. Cricca, well-met; how fares my friend Pandolfo? CRI. Your friend Pandolfo! how are your means improv'd, To style familiarly your master friend? ANT. What say'st thou? CRI. That I rejoice your worship's safe return From your late drowning. Th' Exchange hath giv'n you lost, And all your friends worn mourning three months past. ANT. The danger of the shipwreck I escap'd So desperate was, that I may truly say I am new-born, not sav'd.