Note 498:C — Chapter XII
Reading edition
Lectures on Dramatic Literature, vol. ii. p. 181.—That Shakspeare considered the romantic incidents of this play as properly designated by the appellation of an old tale, is evident from his own application of the phrase to several parts of the plot. Thus, in the second scene of the fifth act, we find it used in the following passages:—
"How goes it now, sir? this news, which is called true, is so like an old tale."
"2d Gent. What, pray you, became of Antigonus, that carried hence the child? 3d Gent. Like an old tale still."
And again, in the next scene:—
"Paul. That she is living, Were it but told, you should be hooted at, Like an old tale."