Notes & Queries Archive
REPLY1850

THE DISPUTED PASSAGE PROM THE TEMPEST

By A. E. B. (Leeds)

If one, who is but a charmed listener to Shakspeare, may presume to offer an opinion to practised interpreters, I should suggest to MR. SINGER and MR. COLLIER, another and a totally different reading of the passage in discussion by them from the exquisite opening scene of the 3d Act of the *Tempest*. There can be little doubt that "most busy" applies more poetically to *thoughts* than to *labours*; and, in so much, MR. SINGER'S reading is to be commended. But it is equally true that, by adhering to the early text, MR. COLLIER'S school of editing has restored force and beauty to many passages w…

Topics: Literature, Shakespearean Interpretation