correctly printed the freeëst from mistakes. Hence, in the beginning it was all-too lightly regarded. In a later stage of civilisation, having regained its repute, and something more, it has come to be something of a fetish, and is vested with an authority, which, as SHAKESPEARE did not correct the proofs, seems a little fantastical. Thus, though it be the basis of the present Text, the Editor of that Text has not hesitated to accept amendments when occasion demanded, nor, when occasion demanded, to make amendments on his own account.

W. E. H.

FRONTISPIECE

PORTRAIT OF SHAKESPEARE. Engraved by
MARTIN DROESHOUT for the Title-page of the
First Folio.