reading of the first Quarto, 'female,' is commonly substituted in modern editions.
I. ii. 32–33. No satisfactory explanation of these lines has been offered. It is possible that they mean, When you see the many beauties at my house, you may include my daughter among them, even though you consider her to be relatively insignificant. Old Capulet later affects a similar modesty when he speaks of his 'trifling, foolish banquet.' He seems to be quibbling on the common idea that one is 'no number.'
I. ii. 45. In good time. Seeing two gentlemen, the servant thinks that they can help him, and says, 'At just the right time.'
I. iii. 33. 'Shake,' etc. A phrase to indicate the moment of the earthquake.
I. iii. 52. it brow. Shakespeare uses both 'it' and 'its' as the possessive.
I. iii. 86. margent. Lady Capulet compares the indications of character which may be found in the eyes to the commentary printed on the margin of a page. In speaking of a 'cover' (l. 88) she also quibbles on the contemporary French law term for a married woman, 'feme covert.'
I. iii. 89. fish lives in the sea. Since it is said that fish-skin was sometimes used for binding books, this probably means that the girl who is to be the cover for this fair book has not yet been caught.
I. iv. 1. this speech. It was common for those who came uninvited to a feast to appear masked and preceded by a messenger, sometimes dressed as Cupid, who made a formal, complimentary apology for the intrusion.
I. iv. 37. proverb'd. Two proverbs are implied in the following lines: 'A good candle-holder (spectator) proves a good gamester'; and one to the effect that he does well who is done when the game's at the fairest.
