Act v. sc. 2. In Biron’s speech to the Princess:

Act v. sc. 2. In Biron’s speech to the Princess:

“And, therefore, like the eye, Full of _straying_ shapes, of habits, and of forms”—

either read _stray_, which I prefer; or throw _full_ back to the preceding lines,—

“Like the eye, full Of straying shapes,” &c,

In the same scene:—

“_Biron._ And what to me, my love? and what to me?

_Ros._ You must be purged too, your sins are rank; You are attaint with fault and perjury: Therefore, if you my favour mean to get, A twelvemonth shall you spend, and never rest, But seek the weary beds of people sick.”

There can be no doubt, indeed, about the propriety of expunging this speech of Rosaline’s; it soils the very page that retains it. But I do not agree with Warburton and others in striking out the preceding line also. It is quite in Biron’s character; and Rosaline, not answering it immediately, Dumain takes up the question for him, and, after he and Longaville are answered, Biron, with evident propriety, says:—

“_Studies_ my mistress?” &c.

“Midsummer Night’s Dream.”