A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 05

Note 382 — ACT V.

Reading edition

So both the ancient editions. Mr Dodsley altered it to tearing unnecessarily and improperly. To tire is a term in falconry, and signifies to prey on, or tear in pieces.

So in Ben Jonson's "Poetaster," act iv. sc. 3—

"What, and be tir'd on by yond' vulture?"

In "The Honest Man's Fortune," by Beaumont and Fletcher, [edit. Dyce, iii. 383]—

"Ye dregs of baseness, vultures amongst men, That tire upon the hearts of generous spirits."

And in Dekker's "Match me in London"—

"The vulture tires Upon the eagle's heart."

Return to ACT V.