Page:Macbeth (1918) Yale.djvu/120



Macbeth was first published in the First Folio, in 1623. The First Folio provides the only authoritative text, and all subsequent editions are based upon it, directly or indirectly. Unfortunately the First Folio was very carelessly printed, and Macbeth is one of the plays that suffered most. There are many obvious misprints which are easily corrected; but there are also many passages which are apparently corrupt but which cannot be corrected with any assurance. Hence arise many differences between the texts of modern standard editions; for editors are not agreed as to the propriety of altering the text in doubtful cases, nor as to the best manner of revision when some revision is clearly necessary. The present text is based, by permission, upon that of Craig's Oxford Shakespeare (Oxford University Press); but the present editor has here and there deviated from Craig's text, usually in the interest of fidelity to the First Folio. Exclusive of stage-directions (in which the First Folio readings have been restored wherever practicable), and a few unimportant details of spelling and punctuation, the departures from Craig's text are indicated in the following list. The words before the colon are the words of this text; after the colon, Craig's. The reading of the First Folio is also indicated.

chops (F1): chaps

thine, or his (F1): thine or his

Craig has a comma at the end of the line (not in F1)

tale (F1): hail

help and vantage (F1): help or vantage