Page:Henry VI Part 1 (1918) Yale.djvu/118



 The numeral is invariably spelled 'Sixt' in the old editions, the new form of the word being very rare in Shakespeare's time. So 'fift' for 'fifth' as for instance in the opening stage direction and in line 6 below.

 Hung be the heavens with black. This meteorological reference receives added point from the Elizabethan practice of draping the stage in black when a tragedy was to be acted. Cf., for example, lines 74, 75 of the Induction to A Warning for Fair Women (perhaps by Thomas Heywood), printed in 1599:

'The stage is hung with black, and I perceive

The auditors prepar'd for Tragedy.'

The play cited was acted by Shakespeare's company.

 marish. Pope's emendation for the Nourish (i.e., nurse?) of the Folios, which many modern editors retain.

 These lines illustrate the freedom with which the play everywhere alters historic fact. Two of the places named, Orleans and Poitiers, were not in English possession. The others were not lost till periods varying from seven to nearly thirty years after the date represented in the scene. Possibly we should understand that the first Messenger is reporting exaggerated rumors. His statement in regard to Orleans is contradicted by what the third Messenger says in line 157 (cf. also line 111).

 Another anachronism. The crowning of Charles VII at Rheims, the culmination of Joan of Arc's triumphs, actually occurred seven years later (July 12, 1429). Charles had, however, been