When Seyward, the martial earl of Northumberland, understood that his son, whom he had sent in service against the Scotchmen, was slain, he demanded whether his wounds were in the fore part or hinder part of his body. When it was answered, in the fore part, he replied, "I am right glad; neither wish I any other death to me or mine." General Observation. This play is deservedly celebrated for the propriety of its fictions, and solemnity, grandeur, and variety of its action; but it has no nice discriminations of character, the events are too great to admit the influence of particular dispositions, and the course of the action necessarily determines the conduct of the agents. The danger of ambition is well described; and I know not whether it may not be said in defence of some parts which now seem improbable, that, in Shakespeare's time, it was necessary to warn credulity against vain and illusive predictions. The passions are directed to their true end. Lady Macbeth is merely detested; and though the courage of Macbeth preserves some esteem, yet every reader rejoices at his fall. Vol. VII CORIOLANUS 1.i.19 (292,1) but they think, we are too dear] They think that the charge of maintaining us is more than we are worth. I.i.23 (292,3) ere we become rakes] It is plain that, in our authour's time, we had the proverb, _as lean as a rake_. Of this proverb the original is obscure. _Rake_ now signifies a _dissolute man_, a man worn out with disease and debauchery. But the signification is, I think, much more modern than the proverb. _Raekel_, in Islandick, is said to mean a _cur-dog_, and this was probably the first use among us of the word _rake_; _as lean as a rake_ is, therefore, as lean as it dog too worthless to be fed. 1.i.94 (294,4) I will venture/To scale't a little more] [Warburton had taken Theobald to task for emending to "stale't", offering two quotations to prove that "scale" meant "apply."] Neither of Dr. Warburton's examples afford a sense congruous to the present occasion. In the passage quoted, to _scale_ may be to _weigh_ and _compare_, but where do we find that _scale_ is to _apply_? If we _scale_ the two criticks, I think Theobald has the advantage. I.i.97 (295,5) fob off our disgraces with a tale] _Disgraces_ are _hardships, injuries_. I.i.104 (295,6) where the other instruments] _Where_ for _whereas_. I.i.112 (296,7) Which ne'er came from the lungs] with a smile not indicating pleasure, but contempt. I.i.120 (296,9) The counsellor heart] The heart was anciently esteemed the seat of prudence. _Homo cordatum_ is a _prudent man_. I.i.163 (297,1) Thou rascal, that art worst in blood, to ruin,/ Lead'st first, to win some 'vantage] I think, we may better read, by an easy change, _Thou rascal that art worst, in blood, to_ ruin [to run] _Lead'st first, to win_, &c.