ABSTRACT
[1. i. 1]. “As I remember, Adam, it was upon this fashion. He bequeathed me by will but a poor thousand crowns; and, as thou say’st, charged my brother, on his blessing, to breed me well” &c.] This is the reading of Sir William Blackstone. Dr. Johnson reads, “As I remember, Adam, it was on this fashion bequeathed me. By will but a poor thousand crowns; and, as thou sayest, &c.” “The nominative myfather” (says Dr. Johnson) “is certainly left out, but so left out that the auditor inserts it, in spite of himself.” Dr. Warburton reads, and Mr. Capell is of opinion, that “there was never a more certain emendation,” “As I remember, Adam, it was upon this my father bequeathed me, &c.” Amidst these various emendations, the reading and pointing of the old Copy are certainly right, “As I remember Adam, it was upon this fashion bequeathed me by will, … and as thou saist, charged my brother on his blessing.” Father is not the nominative case to charged, but the construction must be supplied by it was charged. His by the artifice of the poet relates to something understood, that the audience may be impressed with the idea of a previous conversation; and as if he had not sufficiently explained himselfin this place, he afterwards adds (122 [1. i. 70]) “My father charged you in his will.” It may be further observed on this passage, that the old Copy reads butpoore a thousand Crownes, which I believe to be right.
