Note 391 — ACT I. SCENE I.
Reading edition
you must stale] “The quartos [there is but one 4to: see note, p. 205] read ‘you must stall,’ and it may be understood for forestall; I have no doubt, however, that the right word is restored. So Montaigne, in the Unnatural Combat of Massinger, act iv. sc. ii.:
——‘I'll not stale the jest
By my relation.’
[i. e. “render flat, deprive it of zest by previous intimation.” Gifford ad loc.] And many other places.” Editor of 1816.