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There may be yet another interpretation of line 992: Kinbote, in
his commentary to the previous line, says that Shade was "hampered
in his movements" as he descended the steps of the porch, and he
"relieved" him of his manuscript to help him. After the shooting,
he acts as if he were a drunk. Yet,it would mean that Shade, when
writing this line, was foreshadowing his forthcoming situation, a
little far-fetched, I grant it. We probably miss something.
I am tempted to make allowance for this possible interpretation in
my revision of the translation for the Pléiade edition.
Maurice Couturier