ABSTRACT
Even after some centuries of continuous and industrious exploration on a scale unprecedented in literary history, there remain some small islands in the Sea of Shakespearia still practically unvisited and uncharted. The immense mass of commentary upon The Merchant of Venice almost neglects Launcelot's contribution to palmistry in 2.2, or dismisses it as mere nonsense. It is clear evidence that Shakespeare was well acquainted with the science, for he keeps Launcelot close to the principles laid down by early authority, even in respect of dangers of drowning and of widows and maids in the number of prospective wives. The political background to this story of Henry Windsor, son and heir of Sir Anthony Windsor, Lord of the Manor of Harting in West Sussex, and brother of Lord Windsor, is one of unrelieved hideousness. The most ample evidence is given by a variety of other witnesses to Windsor's competence in the managing of his affairs and of his Harting lands.
