Notes

Abstract

THE tercentenary of Shakespeare's death is being commemorated this week, and tributes to his genius are being paid in many other parts of the civilised world. The event may not be regarded as of particu lar scientific significance, yet to let it pass unnoticed in these columns would be to show a want of pride for,the memory of the greatest master of our literature. In the Elizabethan age, the cockatrice, the mermaid, the phoenix, the unicorn, and like legendary creatures vvere realities to the general public, and as such were referred to in the works of the great dramatist and other contemporary writers. We have, for example, in “The Winter's Tale,” the line, “Make me not sighted like the basilisk,” and in “The Tempest,” “Now I will believe that there are unicorns.” Not only was more or less credulity given to the existence of these and other fabulous creatures, but a web of mystic lore encircled the most common and best known of beasts, birds, and fishes. But though Shakespeare gave credence to many of the legends he quoted, especially in regard to the animals and plants of distant lands, he had a greater knowledge of natural history than many of his contemporaries. An article in the Times of May 2 shows that he was familiar with the characteristics and habits of many birds, and the accuracy of his references to them would do credit to a modern field naturalist. The greatness of Shake speare, however, lies not so much in the fact that he reflected in his works the best knowledge of his time, which is more than can be said of most writers to-day, but that he enriched and defined with thought what most people feel, and perceived in Nature resemblances and meanings which are hidden to the ordinary mind. In these respects, poetry is independent of knowledge, which does not, however, destroy the magic and the mystery upon which the imaginative mind can play, but transfers them to higher planes. For Shakespeare's knowledge and his power to set in vibration every chord of the human spirit, we join this week in reverent admiration with lovers of good literature throughout the Empire.