ABSTRACT
A double meaning was likewise intended by Shakespeare in the sentence before us, and there is an allusion to the proverb, which Dr. Johnson imagines. In the present instance Orlando uses the word in an ironical sense, and means to say that his "brother by coming before him is nearer to a respectable and venerable elder of a family". The phrase, His reverence, is still thus ironically applied, though with somewhat of a different meaning; and we frequently use the expression of your worship both with a grave and ludicrous signification nearly in the same manner. The rhyme requires that we should read it with Dr. Farmer Ducdame, placing the accent on the last syllable. It is common for persons in their addresses to young and helpless animals, either to make diminutives of themselves, or of the animals which they are addressing.
