I think italics are something to be wary of when regarding omniscience within the poem, especially
since Kinbote reveals in the note to line 403, 'I have italicized the Hazel theme'.

It is Kinbote himself indicating his presence in editing the poem, rather than Shade acknowledging an
external all-knowing source.

Furthermore, I believe Kinbote's exposition that he has italicized parts of the poem leads to
questioning just how large his editorial presence has been. It appears that some of the other italics in
the poem could well have been chosen by Kinbote to promote his reading of the poem.

Finally, as the italics show, Kinbote is not afraid to modify the poem. Therefore, why did he not
append his line 1000 onto the poem's end?

Best,
Simon Rowberry