In the present chapter we have to examine three more Quarto plays, but only selected examples will be given. As before, the Quarto text is given first, and that of the Folio underneath. Readings which are unmetrical or necessitate false stress are marked with an asterisk. Under Hamlet the readings of modern editions are usually mentioned; for other plays this has been done only occasionally. As a rule editors follow the Folio in abbreviating, indifferent to false stressing or bad rhythm.

Hamlet

Selected Abbreviations

The Quarto's first “much” arises merely from the printer's confusing it with the second, but the Folio's “i'th'” and the consequent false stressing ruin the line. Editors give “i' the sun” in accordance with their uncritical practice of correcting one-half of such an abbreviated form and leaving the other. It is not clear how they expect their line to be delivered. If it is thus, “I | am too | much i'the | sun,” the stress on “am,” however slight, is false; neither “I” nor “am” should have the least stress. If it is, “I am | too much | i'the | sun,” the stress given to i', which they often make necessary elsewhere, is simply impossible.