1828.] The Witch. 385 



In this scene the Duchess, in concert with her woman Amoretto, arranges 

 and prepares her plans of revenge j and, at the commencement of the 

 third act, they appear to have reached their accomplishment, by Amal- 

 childes having been induced to believe himself beloved by the Duchess, 

 and to have engaged in the secret murder of the Duke, under the pro- 

 mise that he himself shall occupy the vacant throne and bed. The 

 remainder of the third act is occupied with the practices of Sebastian 

 (still disguised as Celio, servant to Antonio), to persuade Isabella that 

 Antonio is false to her bed. 



Nothing can be more beautiful, in point of character, than the way in 

 which Isabella receives and entertains the suggestions of Sebastian, 

 touching this matter. At first she rejects them with indignation, as 

 unworthy to be admitted even into her thoughts. But when the supposed 

 Celio's persistance in his charges against Antonio, and his offers to prove 

 the truth of them, seem to render that truth " probable to thinking," 

 mark how all her views and feelings change in an instant ! - 



Isa. Art thou yet 

 So impudent to stand in it ? 



Seb. Are you yet so cold, Madam, 

 In the belief on't ? There my wonder's fixt, 

 Having such blessed health and youth about you, 

 Which makes the injury mighty. 



Isa. Why I tell thee 



It were too great a fortune for thy lowness 

 To find out such a thing : thou dost not look 

 As if thou'rt made for it. By the precious sweets of love, 

 I would give half my wealth for such a bargain, 

 And think 'twere bought too cheap. Thou canst not guess 

 Thy means and happiness should I find this true. 

 First, I'd prefer thee to the lord my uncle : 

 He's Governor of Ravenna: all th' advancements 

 I* th' kingdom flow from him. What need I boast that 

 Which common fame can teach thee ? 



Seb. Then thus, Madam, 

 Since I presume now on your height of spirit, 

 And your regard to your own youth and fruitfulness 

 (Which every woman naturally loves and covets), 

 Accept but of my labour and directions, 

 You shall find both your wrongs (which you may right 

 At your own pleasure) yet not miss'd to-night 

 Here in the house neither. None shall take notice 

 Of any absence in you, as I've thought on't. 



Isa. Do this, and take my praise and thanks for ever. 



(Act II. Scene 2.) 



This act concludes with a short witch scene, introduced without any 

 very obvious purpose, unless it be that of keeping of the witch machinery 

 full in the reader's imagination throughout the whole piece. This short 

 scene, however, must certainly be made an exception to what we have 

 said above, as to the general want of merit of this portion of the drama ; 

 for it includes great poetical beauty, and considerable power of affecting 

 the imagination. It merely consists of a conference between the three 

 principal witches, preparatory to their ascent into the air on their nightly 

 rambles ; and it includes that fine song and chorus (sung up in the air 

 by the attendant witches, spirits, &c.) which was afterwards adopted 

 literally by Shakspeare into a similar scene in Macbeth : 



M. M. New Series. VOL. V. No. 28. 3 D 



