Shakespeare and Precious Stones
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night, Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear; Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.
Romeo and Juliet, Act i, sc. 5, l. 47-49.
"Tragedies," p. 57, col. B, lines 59-61.
But chiefly to take thence from her dead finger A precious ring, a ring that I must use In dear employment.
Romeo and Juliet, Act v, sc. 3, l. 30-32.
"Tragedies," p. 75, col. A, lines 34-36.
A striking proof that Shakespeare had no fear of tautology when he wished to strengthen the impression of a word by constant reiteration is given in the Merchant of Venice (Act v, sc. 2), whence we have already quoted a few lines. The passage concerns the disposal by Bassanio of a ring he had received from Portia, and he answers her thus in the First Folio text:*
Bassanio. Sweet Portia,
If you did know to whom I gave the Ring, If you did know for whom I gave the Ring, And would conceive for what I gave the Ring, And how unwillingly I left the Ring, When naught would be accepted but the Ring, You would abate the strength of your displeasure.
1 First Folio, "Comedies," p. 183, col. B, lines 36-46.
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