Note 79 — ACT I.
Reading edition
An expression vastly beneath the dignity of tragedy, says Mr. D—s, yet we find the word he cavils at in the mouth of Mithridates less properly used, and applied to a more terrible idea:
"I would be drunk with death."—"Mithridates."
The author of the new Sophonisba taketh hold of this monosyllable, and uses it pretty much to the same purpose:—
"The Carthaginian sword with Roman blood Was drunk."
I would ask Mr. D—s which gives him the best idea, a drunken king, or a drunken sword?
Mr. Tate dresses up king Arthur's resolution in heroic:
"Merry, my lord, o' th' captain's humour right, I am resolved to be dead drunk to-night."
Lee also uses this charming word:
"Love's the drunkenness of the mind."—"Gloriana."