...own name in his sonnets. "A quibble was to Shakespeare, what luminous vapours are to the traveler; he follows it at all adventures, it is sure to lead...out of his way, and sure to engulf him in the mire." In other words, ai the core of this figure for Johnson is a buried pun, the pun on Will as in William...

...decided, expressed with customary vigour, and worth quoting almost in full: A quibble is to Shakespeare, what luminous vapours are to the traveller; he follows...over his mind, and its fascinations are irresistible ... A quibble is the golden apple for which he will always turn aside from his career, or stoop from...

...blasted by sudden frigidity. A quibble is to Shakespeare, what luminous vapors are to the traveler; he follows it at all adventures, it is sure to lead...irresistible. Whatever be the dignity or profundity of his disquisition, whether he be enlarging knowledge or exalting affection, whether he be amusing attention...