Note 156:A — Chapter VI
Reading edition
Act iv. sc. 1. Reed's Shakspeare, vol. iv. p. 452, 453.—"The rite of this month," observes Mr. Steevens, "was once so universally observed, that even authors thought their works would obtain a more favourable reception, if published on May-day. The following is a title-page to a metrical performance by a once celebrated poet, Thomas Churchyard:
'Come bring in Maye with me, My Maye is fresh and greene; A subjectes harte, an humble mind, To serve a mayden Queene.
'A discourse of rebellion, drawne forth for to warne the wanton wittes how to kepe their heads on their shoulders.
'Imprinted at London, in Flete-streat by William Griffith, Anno Domini 1570. The first of Maye.'"