The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 11.1585  Friday, 25 August 2000.

From:           W. L. Godshalk <
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Date:           Thursday, 24 Aug 2000 13:34:38 -0400
Subject: 11.1575 Re: Cymbeline
Comment:        Re: SHK 11.1575 Re: Cymbeline

Terence Hawkes writes:

>Second Gentleman:                You speak him far.

>First Gentleman:
>                   I do extend him, sir, within himself,
>                   Crush him together rather than, unfold
>                   His measure duly.
>                   (1. 1. 24 - 27)
>
><Is this 'wonderfully sharp, polished .  . . writing  '? It strikes me
>as over-elaborate, strained and clumsy.

I interpret these lines as an example of two courtiers being elaborately
courteous.  Yes, the imagery is "strained," but not necessarily clumsy.
It is, dear Terence, appropriate to the speakers.  I there a partial pun
on far/fair?

Yours,
Bill Godshalk