Note 166 — ACT III.
Reading edition
"The man who writ this wretched pun," says Mr. D., "would have picked your pocket:" which he proceeds to show not only bad in itself, but doubly so on so solemn an occasion. And yet, in that excellent play of Liberty Asserted, we find something very much resembling a pun in the mouth of a mistress, who is parting with the lover she is fond of:
"Ul. Oh, mortal woe! one kiss, and then farewell. Irene. The gods have given to others to fare well, O! miserably must Irene fare."
Agamemnon, in the Victim, is full as facetious on the most solemn occasion—that of sacrificing his daughter:
"Yes, daughter, yes; you will assist the priest; Yes, you must offer up your—vows for Greece."