Page:Romeo and Juliet (1917) Yale.djvu/138

126 too shares in the actions dictated by the promptings of affection.

fiery-footed steeds. The horses of the sun, which, when Phaethon undertook to drive them, ran away.

runaways' eyes. One of the difficult phrases in the text of Shakespeare about which it is possible to think almost anything and to prove nothing. The present editor is inclined to believe that, unless the text is hopelessly corrupt, the runaways are the horses of the sun referred to above, so that the wish that they may close their eyes in sleep is another way of wishing for the coming of darkness. Among the many other readings and explanations which have been offered, perhaps the most plausible is that of Stewart, who would read 'runaway's,' and who believes the runaway to be Juliet herself, who is running away from her maiden modesty.

hood, etc. Terms from falconry.

God save the mark. Originally a formula to avert an evil omen (?); hence one of apology for mentioning something disagreeable or improper.

rearward. This carries out the figurative suggestion of an army begun in l. 114. Possibly there may also be a play on 'rear word.'

conceal'd. Not the lady, but her being his lady, is concealed.

change eyes. The toad having beautiful eyes and the lark very ugly ones, there was a popular saying that there had been an exchange between the two.

Dry sorrow. Sorrow and anxiety were supposed to exhaust the blood, thus causing pallor.

dead. This word may be taken as part of either the preceding or the following clause, and thus serves the double meaning of the whole speech.