Miko: annotations

The term “new moon” can have two different meanings. One is when the moon is completely dark. The other is when the first crescent moon appears. Both senses were in use in Shakespeare's day. In the context of this play, the term implies a new crescent moon.

In this scene, the First Folio and the First Quarto sometimes refer to Hippolyta as “Dut.” or “Dutch.”, meaning “Duchess”, because she is now married to the duke.

The First Quarto and First Folio have “see”. The Second Folio has “heare”. A few lines down, the Second Folio has “see” instead of “heare”. Presumably some editor of the Second Folio didn't get the joke.

A type of cupboard used for storing dishware.

The mandrake is a Mediterranean plant, the Mandragora officinarum. Supposedly when a mandrake was pulled from the ground it would issue a shriek that could kill you or drive you mad.

A mythical reptile that could kill by looking at someone.

An exclamation of sorrow, similar to “alas”. Early editions of Romeo and Juliet have the word as “welady”.

Phaëton was Phoebus’ son. Phaëton attempted to drive Phoebus’ chariot (the sun) across the sky but lost control. To keep the chariot from scorching the earth, Zeus killed Phaëton.

The Greek god, also known as Apollo, who drove the sun across the sky.

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