HAMLET AND HORATIO. 231 at my child! [Sarnem prepares to measure.] Villain, stop! You measure 'gainst the sun. Ges. And what of that? What matter whether to or from the sun ? Tell. I'd have it at my back. mark, and not on him that shoots: Ges. Give him his way. The sun should shine upon the Tell. I should like to see the apple I must hit. Tell. You've picked the smallest one. Ges. I know I have. Thy skill will be the greater if thou hittest it. Tell. True, true! I did not think of that. I wonder I did not think of that. A larger one had given me a chance to save my boy. Give me my bow and quiver. Ges. [To an attendant.] Give him a single arrow. Tell. [Looks at it and breaks it.] Let me see my quiver. It is not one arrow in a dozen I would use to shoot with at a dove, much less a dove like that. Ges. Shew him the quiver. [Sarnem takes the apple, and leads out the boy to place them: meanwhile Tell conceals an arrow under his garment. He then selects another arrow.] Tell. Is the boy ready? Keep silence now for Heaven's sake, and be my witnesses, that, if his life's in peril from my hand, 'tis only for the chance of saving it. For mercy's sake keep motionless and silent! [He aims and shoots in the direction of the boy. Sarnem enters with the apple on the arrow's point.] Sar. The boy is safe-no hair of him is touched! Tell. Thank Heaven! [As he raises his arms the concealed arrow falls.] Ges. Unequalled archer!—Ha! why this concealed? Tell. To kill THEE, tyrant, had I slain my boy. KNOWLES. HAMLET AND HORATIO. The following dialogue describes the first meeting between Hamlet and Horatio, on his return from the University. Horatio has to report to him that his father's ghost walks the ramparts of the castle every night. Hor. Hail to your lordship! Hor. The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever. Ham. Sir, my good friend; I'll change that name* with you: But what make you3 from Wittenberg, Horatio? Hor. A truant disposition; good my lord. Ham. I would not hear your enemy say so: Nor shall you do mine ear that violence, To make it truster of your own report Against yourself:-I know you are no truantBut what is your affair at Elsinore ? We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart. Hor. My lord, I came to see your father's funeral. I think it was to see my mother's wedding. Hor. Indeed, my lord, it followed hard upon't. Hor. Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral baked meats Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven My father! methinks I see my father! Ham. In my mind's eye, Horatio! Hor. I saw him once; he was a goodly king. I shall not look upon his like again! Hor. My lord-I think I saw him yesternight. Hor. My lord, the king, your father. Ham. The king, my father! Hor. Season your admiration for a while With an attent7 ear; 'til I may deliver 8 Upon the witness of these gentlemen, This marvel to you. Ham. For heaven's love, let me hear. Hor. Two nights together had these gentlemen, Marcellus and Bernardo, on their watch, In the dead waste and middle of the night Been thus encountered 10 :-a figure like your father Appears before them, and with solemn march Goes slow and stately by them: thrice he walked Within his truncheon's length; whilst they, distilled Stood dumb and spoke not to him. This to me In dreadful secrecy impart they did, And I, with them, the third night kept the watch, HAMLET AND HORATIO. Form of the thing, each word made true and good, The apparition comes! Ham. But where was this? Mar. My lord, upon the platform where we watched. Mar. My lord, I did, But answer made it none: yet once methought Itself to motion, like as it would speak : Ham. "Tis very strange! Hor. As I do live, my honoured lord, 'tis true, To let you know of it. Ham. Indeed, indeed, sirs, but this troubles me. Hor. We do, my lord. Ham. Armed, say you? Hor. Armed, my lord. Ham. From top to toe? Hor. My lord, from head to foot. Ham. Then saw you not his face? Hor. O yes, my lord, he wore his beaver up. Ham. What, looked he frowningly? Hor. A countenance more In sorrow than in anger. Ham. Pale or red? Hor. Nay, very pale. Ham. And fixed his eyes on you? Hor. Most constantly. Ham. I would I had been there. Hor. It would have much amazed you. Stayed it long? 233 SHAKSPEARE. MEANINGS:-1. The emphasis is on myself. 2. The name of servant. 3. What are you doing? 4. Business. 5. Most determined foe. 6. Wonder. 7. Attentive. 8. Testimony. 9. Silence. 10. Met. 11. Head to foot. WOLSEY AND CROMWELL. The following is the interview between Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell, after the king has stripped Wolsey of all his honours, and dismissed him from all his offices. Wol. Why, how now, Cromwell? Crom. I have no power to speak, sir. Crom. Wol. How does your grace? Why, well; Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell. A peace above all earthly dignities— A still and quiet conscience. The king has cured me, A load would sink a navy-too much honour. Oh, 'tis a burden, Cromwell, 'tis a burden Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven. Crom. I'm glad your grace has made that right use of it. Out of a fortitude of soul I feel, T'endure more miseries, and greater far, Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. Crom. The heaviest and the worst God bless him! Is your displeasure with the king. Wol. Crom. The next is, that Sir Thomas More is chosen That's somewhat sudden Wol. Long in his highness' favour, and do justice For truth's sake and his conscience; that his bones, Crom. That Cranmer is returned with welcome; Wol. That's news, indeed! Last, that the Lady Ann, Whom the king hath in secrecy long married, WOLSEY AND CROMWELL. 235 Wol. There was the weight that pulled me down, O Cromwell, The king has gone beyond me. All my glories In that one woman I have lost for ever. No sun shall ever usher forth my honours, To be thy lord and master. Seek the king. I know his noble nature, not to let Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell, Crom. Wol. Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention Love thyself last; cherish those hearts that hate thee; Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace, To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not. Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's, Thy God's, and truth's; then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell, And-prithee, lead me in.. There, take an inventory of all I have: |