164 THE WORD "moth" IN SHAKSPEARE. 



term does not awaken many pleasing associations. 

 In the minds of most people, it stands for an insect 

 either contemptible from its size and inertness, or 

 positively obnoxious from its attacks on many articles 

 of clothing. The destructive power it exerts, is 

 referred to by Pope, when contrasting the false with 

 the true critics : — 



" Some on the leaves of ancient authors pre>'. 

 Nor time, nor moths, e'er spoil'd so much as they." 



Essay on Criticism, Line 112. 



Shakspeare employs the word " moth," to denote 

 something trifling or extremely minute ; and a doubt 

 may be entertained, whether, in some passages, he 

 intended any reference to the insect. Thus, in the 

 touching appeal of Prince Arthur to Hubert, 



" Arthur. — Is there no remedy ? 



Hubert.— 'Sone ; but to lose your eyes. 



Arthur. — Oh Heaven ! that there were but a moth in yours ; 

 A grain, a dust, a g'nat, a wandering hair. 

 Any annoyance in that precious sense ! 

 Then, feeling what small things are boist'rous there. 

 Your vile intent must needs seem horrible." 



King John, Act IV. So. I. 



In the same manner we have, 



"A moth will turn the balance." 



Midsummer Nighfs Dream, Act V. Sc. I. 



And in " King Henry the Fifth," — 



"Wash every moth out of his conscience." — Act I. Sc. IV. 



Vou may, perhaps, then, not be prepared to learn. 



