If we examine the later version of the first of the two plays
— the Second Part of King Henry the Sixth — we shall find that
the first passage of any consequence which is common to this
play and the First Part of the Contention is in the second Scene
of the third Act. Previous Scenes contain many passages which
are based upon corresponding passages in the First Part of the
, Contention, also some comic Scenes which differ but little from
their earlier counterparts, and a few isolated lines which have
been bodily transplanted ; but the following is the iirst poetical
passage of any length or moment which the later version adopts
without inaterial change from the earlier : — f

War. Who finds the heifer dead and bleeding fresh, ^

And sees fast by a butcher with an axe.
But will suspect 'twas he that made the slaughter ?
Who finds the partridge in the puttock's nest.
But may imagine how the bird was dead,



* This view of the question has heretofore heen taken by Mr. Knight.
