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∣and the undeserved estimation of a pernicious Parasite. ∣
In the second part is discoursed, ∣ the perfect magnanimity
of a noble King ∣ in checking Vice and favouring Virtue:
∣ Wherein is shown ∣ the Ruin and Overthrow of dishonest
practices, ∣ with the advancement of upright dealing. ∣
(Cp. Hazlitt Shakespeare Library; Part II, Vol. ii.)In 1582 Whetstone included a prose version of the same
story in his Heptameron of Civil Discourses,--a version
probably known to Shakespeare; it has even been inferred
that "in this narrative he may well have caught the first
glimpse of a composition with nobler proportions."The old play of Promos and Cassandra may claim the
distinction of having provided the rough material for
Measure for Measure; the earlier production should be
read in order to understand, somewhat at least, how the
poet has transformed his crude original; how he has in-
fused into it a loftier motive; how he has ennobled its
heroine, and created new episodes and new characters.
The picture of the wronged, dejected mistress of the
moated grange is wholly Shakespeare's.
DURATION OF ACTION
The time of action consists of four days:--
Day 1. Act I, sc. i, may be taken as a kind of prelude,
after which some little interval must be supposed in order
to permit the new governors of the city to settle to their
work. The rest of the play is comprised in three consecu-
tive days.
Day 2 commences with Act I, sc. ii, and ends with Act
IV, sc. ii.
Day 3 commences with Act IV, sc. ii, and ends with Act
IV, sc. iv.
Day 4 includes Act IV, scs. v and vi, and the whole of
Act V, which is one scene only ( P. A. Daniel; On the
Times in Shakespeare's Plays: New Shakespeare Soc.,
1877-79).

-ix-

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Publication Information: Book Title: Measure for Measure. Contributors: William Shakespeare - author. Publisher: Funk & Wagnalls. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1909. Page Number: ix.
    
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