4. To number the lines in each scene separately, so as to facilitate reference. 5. To add at the end of each play a few notes, (_a_) to explain such variations in the text of former editions as could not be intelligibly expressed in the limits of a foot-note, (_b_) to justify any deviation from our ordinary rule either in the text or the foot-notes, and (_c_) to illustrate some passage of unusual difficulty or interest. 6. To print the Poems, edited on a similar plan, at the end of the Dramatic Works. An edition of Shakespeare on this plan has been for several years in contemplation, and has been the subject of much discussion. That such an edition was wanted seemed to be generally allowed, and it was thought that Cambridge afforded facilities for the execution of the task such as few other places could boast of. The Shakespearian collection given by Capell to the Library of Trinity College supplied a mass of material almost unrivalled in amount and value, and in some points unique; and there, too, might be found opportunities for combined literary labour, without which the work could not be executed at all. At least, if undertaken by one person only, many years of unremitting diligence would be required for its completion. The first step towards the realization of the project was taken in the spring of 1860, when the first act of _Richard the Second_ was printed by way of specimen, with a preface signed 'W. G. Clark' and 'H. R. Luard,'[1] where the principles, on which the proposed Edition should be based, were set forth with the view 'of obtaining opinions as to the feasibility of the plan, and suggestions as to its improvement.' All the persons who answered this appeal expressed their warm approval of the general plan, and many favoured us with suggestions as to details, which we have either adopted, or at least not rejected without careful and respectful consideration. Since our work was commenced, we have learned that the need of such an Edition has presented itself, independently, to the minds of many literary men, and that a similar undertaking was recommended as long ago as 1852, by Mr Bolton Corney, in _Notes and Queries_, Vol. VI. pp. 2, 3; and again by a correspondent of the same journal who signs himself 'Este,' Vol. VIII. p. 362. This concurrence of opinion leads us to hope that our Edition will be found to supply a real want, while, at the same time, the novelty of its plan will exempt us from all suspicion of a design to supersede, or even compete with, the many able and learned Editors who have preceded us in the same field. We will first proceed to explain the principles upon which we have prepared our text. A. _With respect to the Readings._