Works by William Shakespeare [2, 1 ed.] 0852291639

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12.

LUCRETIUS EPICTETUS MARCUS AURELIUS

13.

VIRGIL

14.

PLUTARCH

15.

TACITUS

16.

PTOLEMY

Introductory Volumes: 1.

2.

3.

The Great Conversation

The Great The Great

Ideas

Ideas II

***************

4.

5.

I

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HOMER

COPERNICUS KEPLER

AESCHYLUS SOPHOCLES

17.

PLOTINUS

18.

AUGUSTINE

19.

THOMAS AQUINAS

I

THUCYDIDES

20.

THOMAS AQUINAS

II

7.

PLATO

21.

DANTE

8.

ARISTOTLE

I

22.

CHAUCER

9.

ARISTOTLE

II

23.

HIPPOCRATES GALEN

MACHIAVELLI HOBBES

24.

RABELAIS

EUCLID

25.

MONTAIGNE

ARCHIMEDES APOLLONIUS

26.

SHAKESPEARE

I

NICOMACHUS

27.

SHAKESPEARE

II

EURIPIDES

ARISTOPHANES 6.

10.

11.

HERODOTUS

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II

PAPERS THE FEDERALIST J. S. MILL

FRANCIS BACON

DESCARTES SPINOZA

44.

BOSWELL

32.

MILTON

45.

33.

PASCAL

LAVOISIER FOURIER

34.

NEWTON

31.

FARADAY

HUYGENS 35.

LOCKE BERKELEY

46.

HEGEL

47.

GOETHE

48.

MELVILLE

49.

DARWIN

50.

MARX

HUME 36.

SWIFT STERNE

ENGELS 37.

FIELDING 51.

TOLSTOY

38.

MONTESQUIEU ROUSSEAU

52.

DOSTOEVSKY

39.

ADAM SMITH

53.

WILLIAM JAMES

40.

GIBBON

54.

FREUD

I

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GREAT BOOKS OF THE WESTERN WORLD ROBERT MAYNARD HUTCHINS, EDITOR IN CHIEF -> *»»» mm »»«

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M M M M M M M M M M M M M MM M

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and

Sonnets of William Shakespeare Volume Two Edited by William George Clarke and William Aldis Wright

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Number: 55-10334 Book Number: 0—85229-163-9

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11

25414

Contents,

Two

Volume as

Twelfth Night;

or,

What You Will,

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, 29 The Merry Wives of Windsor, 73 Troilus and Cressida, 103 All's

Well That Ends Well,

Measure for Measure,

142

174

Othello, the Moor of Venice, 205

King Lear, 244 Macbeth, 284

Antony and Cleopatra,

3

1

Coriolanus, 351

Timon of Athens,

393

Pericles, Prince of Tyre, 42

Cymbeline, 449 The Winter's Tale, 489

The Tempest,

524

The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eighth, 549 Sonnets, 586

i

TWELFTH NIGHT

**

What You

Or,

Will

DRAMATIS PERSONA Two

Orsino, Duke of Illyria Sebastian, brother to Viola Antonio, a sea captain, friend to Sebastian A Sea Captain, friend to Viola A NTINE Sentkmen Ending on the Duke

C

rio

Sir Sir

Toby Belch, uncle to Olivia Andrew Aguecheek

to

a

Clown

I

to

">

Olivia's

woman

Non-Speaking: Lords,

Olivia

*—»

Olivia

Olivia

Viola Maria,

I

Malvolio, steward

Officers

A Priest A Servant to

0li

Sailors,

Officers,

Musicians,

and other Attendants

™

Scene:

A

city in Illyria,

and

the sea-coast near

it

*z ACT Scene

i.

The element itself,

I

The Duke

till

seven years' heat,

Shall not behold her face at

s palace

ample view;

But, like a cloistress, she will veiled

Enter duke, curio, and other Lords; Musicians attending.

fresh

And lasting in her sad remembrance. Duke. O, she that hath a heart of that fine frame

That strain again! it had a dying fall: O, it came o'er my ear like the sweet sound, That breathes upon a bank of violets, Stealing and giving odour! Enough; no more: 'Tis not so sweet now as it was before.

To pay this debt of love but to a brother,

How will she love, when the rich golden shaft: Hath kill'd the flock of all affections else That live in her; when liver, brain, and heart, These sovereign thrones, are all supplied, and

O spirit of love! how quick and fresh art thou, 10

fill'd

Receiveth as the sea, nought enters there,

Her sweet perfections with one self king!

Of what validity and pitch soe'er,

Away before me to sweet beds of flowers

But

falls

into abatement and

low

is

fancy

Why,

Vio.

so

I

rich

do, the noblest that

I

O, when mine eyes did see Olivia first, Methought she purged the air of pestilence! That instant was I turn'd into a hart; And my desires, like fell and cruel hounds, E'er since pursue me.

Vio.

20

ii.

What country,

Cap. This

have:

:

40

when canopied with [Exeunt.

Scene

The hart.

Duke.

lie

The sea-coast

Enter viola, a captain, and Sailors.

What, Curio?

Duke. Cur.

Love-thoughts bowers.

price,

Even in a minute: so full of shapes That it alone is high fantastical. Cur. Will you go hunt, my lord?

50

A brother's dead love, which she would keep

Duke. If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.

That, notwithstanding thy capacity

walk

And water once a day her chamber round With eye-offending brine: all this to season

is Illyria,

friends, is this?

lady.

And what should I do in Illyria?

My brother he Perchance he

is

is

in

Elysium.

not drown'd: what think you,

sailors?

Cap.

It is

perchance that you yourself were

saved.

Enter valentine.

How now! what news from her? Val. So please my lord, I might not be admitted; But from her handmaid do return this answer:

O

my poor brother! and so perchance may he be. Cap. True, madam: and, to comfort you with Vio.

chance,

TWELFTH NIGHT;

OR,

What else may hap to time I

Assure yourself, after our ship did split, When you and those poor numbers saved with

you

10

Hung on our driving boat, I saw your Most provident

WHAT YOU WILL

I'll

tongue blabs, then

Vio.

tice,

I

thank thee: lead

Scene

Where, like Arion on the dolphin's back, I saw him hold acquaintance with the waves So long as I could see.

The like of him. Know'st thou this

enemy 20

country?

What is his name?

my father name him:

He was a bachelor then. Cap.

And so is now,

For but

And

a

month ago

or was so very late;

I

then 'twas fresh

50 went from hence, in murmur as, you know,

—

What great ones do the less

will prattle

That he did seek the love of fair Vio. What's she? Cap.

of

Olivia.

sure care's an

my

troth, Sir

Why,

Sir To.

let

her except, before excepted.

and so be these boots too: an they be not,

let

them hang themselves in their own straps. Mar. That quaffing and drinking will undo you: I

heard

my

lady talk of

foolish knight that

yesterday: and of a

it

you brought

in

one night here

Who,

Andrew Aguecheek?

Sir

he.

He's as tall a man as any's Mar. What's that to the purpose?

Why,

in Illyria.

21

he has three thousand ducats a

year.

Mar. Ay,

for

I

niece, to take

am

Toby, you must come in your cousin, my lady, takes great exceptions to your ill hours.

Sir To.

O that

my

Sir To.

since, then leaving

whose dear love, They say, she hath abjured the company And sight of men.

I

life.

Mar. By

Sir To.

In the protection of his son, her brother,

Vio.

to

Mar. Ay,

her

Who shortly also died:

means

to be her wooer.

A virtuous maid, the daughter of a count

That died some twelvemonth

a plague

Mar. Ay, but you must confine yourself within the modest limits of order. p Sir To. Confine! I'll confine myself no finer than I am: these clothes are good enough to drink in;

Cap. Orsino.

have heard

house

earlier o' nights:

Who governs here? Cap. A noble duke, in nature as in name. I

What

Sir To.

Vio.

Vio. Orsino!

[Exeunt.

hi. Olivia's

the death of her brother thus?

Cap. Ay, madam, well; for I was bred and born Not three hours' travel from this very place.

Vio.

me on.

Enter sir toby belch and maria.

so, there's gold:

Mine own escape unfoldeth to my hope, Whereto thy speech serves for authority,

mine eyes not

let

see.

To a strong mast that lived upon the sea;

For saying

60

be:

When my

Courage and hope both teaching him the prac-

Vio.

commit;

Only shape thou thy silence to my wit. Cap. Be you his eunuch, and your mute

brother,

in peril, bind himself,

ACT

will

40

served that lady

And might not be delivered to the world, I had made mine own occasion mellow,

Till

What my estate is! Cap That were hard to compass Because she will admit no kind of suit, No, not the Duke's. Vio. There is a fair behaviour in thee, captain; And though that nature with a beauteous wall Doth oft close in pollution, yet of thee I will believe thou hast a mind that suits 50 With this thy fair and outward character. I prithee, and I'll pay thee bounteously, Conceal me what I am, and be my aid For such disguise as haply shall become The form of my intent. I'll serve this duke: Thou shalt present me as an eunuch to him: It may be worth thy pains; for I can sing And speak to him in many sorts of music That will allow me very worth his service.

he'll

have but a year

in all these

ducats: he's a very fool and a prodigal. Sir To. Fie, that you'll say so! he plays o' the viol-de-gamboys, and speaks three or four lan-

guages word for word without book, and hath all the good gifts of nature. 29 Mar. He hath indeed, almost natural: for besides that he's a fool, he's a great quarreller;

and

but that he hath the gift of a coward to allay the gust he hath in quarrelling,

'tis

thought

among

the prudent he would quickly have the gift of a grave. Sir To.

By

they are scoundrels and Who are they? that add, moreover, he's drunk

this hand,

substractors that say so of him.

Mar. They

nightly in your company. Sir To.

With

55)

drinking healths to

drink to her as long as there

is

niece:

I'll

a passage in

my

throat and drink in Illyria: he's a coystrill that will not drink to

my

coward and

my

niece

brains turn o' the toe like a parish-top.

wench!

Castiliano

Andrew Agueface.

vulgo!

for

till

a

his

What,

here comes

Sir

— SCENE

TWELFTH NIGHT;

III

OR,

WHAT YOU WILL

Sir To.

Enter sir

And.

Sir

andrew aguecheek.

Toby

Sir

how now,

Belch!

Toby

Sir

Sweet Sir Andrew! Sir And. Bless you, fair shrew. 50 Mar. And you too, sir. Sir To. Accost, Sir Andrew, accost. Sir And. What's that? Sir To. My niece's chambermaid. Sir And. Good Mistress Accost, I desire better Sir To.

acquaintance.

Mar. My name is Mary, sir. Sir And. Good Mistress Mary Accost

You

Sir To.

mistake, knight: "accost"

her, board her,

woo her,

is

front

60

assail her.

And. By my troth, I would not undertake her in this company. Is that the meaning of Sir

"accost"?

Mar. Fare you well, gentlemen. Sir To. An thou let part so, Sir Andrew, would thou mightst never draw sword again.

And.

An you

part so, mistress,

I

would

I

might never draw sword again. Fair lady, do you think you have fools in hand? Mar. Sir, I have not you by the hand. 70 Sir And. Marry, but you shall have; and here's

my hand. Mar. Now,

sir,

"thought

free."

is

I

pray you,

bring your hand to the buttery-bar and let

it

And. Wherefore, sweetheart? what's your

metaphor?

Mar. It's dry, sir. Sir And. WTiy, I think so: I am not such an ass but I can keep my hand dry. But what's your So

jest?

Mar. A dry jest, sir. Sir And. Are you full of them? Mar. Ay, sir, I have them at my fingers' ends: marry, now I let go your hand, I am barren. [Exit. Sir To. O knight, thou lackest a cup of canary: when did I see thee so put down? Sir And. Never in your life, I think; unless you see canary put me down. Methinks sometimes I have no more wit than a Christian or an ordinary man has but I am a great eater of beef and :

I

believe that does Sir To.

Sir

ride

harm to my

No question. An I thought that,

And.

home to-morrow,

Sir To. Pourquoi,

Sir

wit.

I'd

forswear

91 it. I'll

Toby.

I

have in fencing, dancing, and bear-baiting: I but followed the arts!

O, had

Why, would

that have

mended

my

Sir To. Past question; for thou seest

by nature. Sir And. But it becomes

it

will not

curl

me well

enough, does't

not? it hangs like flax on a distaff; hope to see a housewife take thee between no her legs and spin it off. Sir And. Faith, I'll home to-morrow, Sir Toby: your niece will not be seen; or if she be, it's four to one she'll none of me: the Count himself here

Sir To. Excellent;

and

I

hard by woos her. Sir To. She'll none o' the Count: she'll not match above her degree, neither in estate, years, nor wit; I have heard her swear't. Tut, there's life in't, man. Sir And. I'll stay a month longer. I am a fellow o' the strangest mind i' the world; I delight in masques and revels sometimes altogether. 121 Sir To. Art thou good at these kickshawses,

knight?

And. As any man in Illyria, whatsoever he under the degree of my betters; and yet I will not compare with an old man. Sir To. What is thy excellence in a galliard, Sir

be,

knight? Sir And. Faith, I can cut a capei

And

can cut the mutton to't. 130 I think I have the back-trick simply as strong as any man in Illyria. Sir

I

And. And

Sir To.

Wherefore are these

things hid? where-

fore have these gifts a curtain before 'em? are

they like to take dust, like Mistress Mall's picture? why dost thou not go to church in a galliard and come home in a coranto? very walk should be a jig; I would not so much as make water but in a sink-a-pace. What dost thou mean? Is it a world to hide virtues in? I did think, by the excellent constitution of thy leg, it was formed under the star of a galliard. Sir And. Ay, 'tis strong, and it does indifferent

My

well in a flame-coloured stock. Shall

we set about

some revels? Sir To.

What

shall

we do

else?

were we not

born under Taurus? Sir And. Taurus! That's sides and heart. Sir To. No, sir; it is legs and thighs. Let

me

thee caper: ha! higher: ha, ha! excellent!

my dear knight?

Sir And. What is pourquoi} do or not do? I would I had bestowed that time in the tongues

that

101

And.

Sir

Sir To.

drink. Sir

hadst thou had an excellent head

hair?

Belch!

Sir

Then

ofhair.

see 151

[Exeunt.

Scene

iv.

The Duke's palace

Enter valentine, and viola in man's attire. Val. If the

Duke

continue these favours to-

TWELFTH NIGHT;

OR,

wards you, Cesario, you are like to be much advanced: he hath known you but three days, and already you are no stranger.

You

Vio.

humour or

either fear his

gence, that

you

my

negli-

question the continuance

call in

he inconstant, sir, in his favours? Val. No, believe me. Vio. I thank you. Here comes the count.

of

his love:

WHAT YOU WILL

ACT

world needs to fear no colours.

this

Mar Make that good. Clo. He shall see none to fear. .

Mar. where

A

good lenten answer: I can saying was born, of "I

thee

tell

that

fear

no

colours."

is

Therefore, good youth, address thy gait unto her;

Clo. Where, good Mistress Mary? // Mar. In the wars; and that may you be bold to say in your foolery. Clo. Well, God give them wisdom that have it; and those that are fools, let them use their talents. Mar. Yet you will be hanged for being so long absent; or to be turned away, is not that as good as a hanging to you? jp Clo. Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage; and, for turning away, let summer bear it

Be not denied

out.

Enter duke, curio, and Attendants.

Duke. Vio.

Who

w

saw Cesario, ho?

On your attendance, my lord;

here.

Duke. Stand you a while aloof. Cesario, but all; I have unclasp'd

Thou know'st no less

To thee the book even of my secret soul: access, stand at her doors,

And tell them,

there thy fixed foot shall

grow

Mar. You are resolute, then?

Till thou have audience.

Clo.

Sure,

Vio.

If she be so abandon' d to her

As

it is

my noble lord,

sorrow 20

then?

She will attend

it

better in thy youth

Than in a nuncio's of more grave think not so,

aspect.

my lord. Dear

Duke.

lad, believe it;

yet belie thy happy years, 50 That say thou art a man: Diana's lip Is not more smooth and rubious; thy small pipe

For they

Is as

but

am

I

two

resolved on

if one break, the

other will hold; or,

your gaskins fall. Clo. Apt, in good faith; very apt. Well, go thy way; if Sir Toby would leave drinking, thou wert as witty a piece of Eve's flesh as any in if both break,

Illyria.

Duke. O, then unfold the passion of my love, Surprise her with discourse of my dear faith: It shall become thee well to act my woes;

I

so, neither;

Mar. That

spoke, she never will admit me.

Duke. Be clamorous and leap all civil bounds Rather than make unprofited return. Vio. Say I do speak with her, my lord, what

Vio.

Not

points.

shall

5/

Mar. Peace, you rogue, no more o' that. Here comes my lady: make your excuse wisely, you were best. [Exit. Clo. Wit, an't be thy will, put me into good fooling! Those wits, that think they have thee, do very oft prove fools; and I, that am sure I lack thee, may pass for a wise man: for what says Quinapalus? "Better a witty fool than a foolish wit."

40

Enter lady olivia with malvolio.

the maiden's organ, shrill and sound,

And I know thy constellation is right apt For this affair. Some four or five attend him; All, if you will; for I myself am best

God bless thee,

When least in company. Prosper well in this,

OH. Go to, you're a dry fool; I'll no more of you: besides, you grow dishonest. Clo. Two faults, madonna, that drink and good

all is

semblative a woman's

And thou shalt live as

To call his

part.

freely as thy lord,

I'll

To woo your lady:

do

my best

4.0

[Aside] yet, a barful strife!

Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his

wife. [Exeunt.

v. Olivia's house

Enter maria and clown.

Mar. Nay,

either tell

me where

thou hast been,

or I will not open my lips so wide as a bristle may enter in way of thy excuse: my lady will hang thee for thy absence. Clo.

Let her hang me: he that

is

not hear, fellows?

Take away

the

counsel will amend: for give the dry fool drink,

then

well hanged in

is

mend

the fool not dry: bid the dishonest

man

no longer

dis-

himself; if he mend, he

is

honest; if he cannot let the botcher

Any Scene

Do you

Clo.

lady.

fortunes thine.

Vio.

lady!

OH. Take the fool away.

thing that's

that transgresses that this

amends

is

mended is

is

but patched: virtue

but patched with sin; and sin

but patched with virtue. If that

simple syllogism will serve, so;

what remedy?

mend him.

if it will not,

no true cuckold but calamity, so beauty's a flower. The lady bade take

away

her away.

x\s there is

the fool; therefore,

I

say again, take

!

TWELFTH NIGHT;

SCENE V

60 bade them take away you. Misprision in the highest degree! Lady, cucullus nonfacit nwnachum; that's as much to say Oli. Sir, I

Clo.

as

I

wear not motley

give

in

my brain. Good madonna,

me leave to prove you a fool.

OIL Can you do

good madonna.

Make your proof.

OIL

must catechize you for it, madonna: good answer me. OIL Well, sir, for want of other idleness, I'll bide your proof. 7/ Clo. Good madonna, why mournest thou? Clo.

I

my mouse of virtue,

my brother's death.

Oli

Good fool,

Clo

I

Oli

know his soul is in heaven, fool. The more fool, madonna, to mourn for brother's soul being in heaven. Take away

Clo

f

think his soul

is

in hell,

madonna.

What

Malvolio? So doth he not mend? Mc I. Yes, and shall do till the pangs of death shal e him: infirmity, that decays the wise, doth ever

make the

Clo.

God

this fool,

better fool.

send you,

sir,

I

am no

home; what you will, to disNow you see, sir, how

[Exit malvolio.]

your fooling grows old, and people dislike it. Clo. Thou hast spoke for us, madonna, as if thy eldest son should be a fool; whose skull Jove cram with brains! for here he comes one of thy kin has a most weak pia mater.

—

—

Enter sir toby.

By mine

Oli.

honour, half drunk.

What is

he at

A gentleman. A gentleman! what gentleman?

Oli.

Toby

will be

—

Sir To. 'Tis a

gentleman here

pickle-herring!

How now, sot!

Good Sir Toby

Oli. Cousin, cousin,

by

early

how

a plague o' these

75 o have you come so

this lethargy?

Sir To. Lechery!

I

defy lechery. There's one at

the gate. Oli.

a speedy infirmity, for

the better increasing your folly! Sir

sworn that

sick, or not at it.

Clo.

you of

think

am

Sir To.

gentlemen.

>ol,

Oli

I

the gate, cousin?

I

youi the

for

Oli. Fetch him off, I pray you; he speaks nothing but madman: fie on him! [Exit maria.] Go you, Malvolio: if it be a suit from the Count,

miss

it?

Clo. Dexteriously,

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

Ay, marry, what is he? Let him be the devil, an he

Sir To.

not: give

me faith,

say

T.

Well,

will,

it's all

I

care

one.

fox; but he will not pass his

[Exit.

brain than a stone.

What's a drunken man like, fool? Clo. Like a drowned man, a fool, and a mad man: one draught above heat makes him a fool; the second mads him; and a third drowns him. Oli. Go thou and seek the crowner, and let him sit o' my coz; for he's in the third degree of

his

drink, he's drowned: go, look after him.

word Oli.

two pence that you are no fool. How say you to that, Malvolio? for

Oli.

Mai. I marvel your ladyship takes delight in such a barren rascal: I saw him put down the other day with an ordinary fool that has no more

Look you now, he's out of guard already; unless you laugh and minister occasion to him, he is gagged. I protest, I take these wise men, that crow so at these set kind of fools, no better than the fools' zanies. OIL O, you are sick of self-love, Malvolio, and taste with a distempered appetite. To be generous, guiltless, and of free disposition, is to take those things for bird-bolts that you deem cannonbullets: there is no slander in an allowed fool, though he do nothing but rail; nor no railing in a known discreet man, though he do nothing but reprove. Clo.

Now

Mercury endue thee with

leasing,

for thou speakest well of fools!

is

at the gate a

I

know

not,

madam:

'tis

Mai. Madam, yond young fellow swears he will speak with you. I told him you were sick; he takes on him to understand so much, and therefore comes to speak with you. I told him you were asleep; he seems to have a foreknowledge of that too, and therefore comes to speak with you. What is to be said to him, lady? he's fortified against

a fair

any

denial.

Tell him he shall not speak with me.

Mai. Has been told so; and he says he'll stand your door like a sheriffs post and be the supporter to a bench, but he'll speak with you. at

young gen-

tleman much desires to speak with you. Oli. From the Count Orsino, is it?

Mar.

He is but mad yet, madonna; and the fool look to the madman. [Exit. Re-enter malvolio.

Oli.

Re-enter maria.

Mar. Madam, there

Clo.

shall

young man,

and well attended. OIL Who of my people hold him in delay? Mar. Sir Toby, madam, your kinsman.

What kind o' man is he? Why, of mankind. Oli. What manner of man? Mai. Of very ill manner; he'll Oli.

Mai.

///

160

speak with you,

you or no. Oli. Of what personage and years

will

is

he?

TWELFTH NIGHT;

Mai. Not yet old enough for a man, nor young enough for a boy; as a squash is before 'tis a peascod, or a codling

with him

when

'tis

almost an apple:

between boy and man. He is very well-favoured and he speaks very shrewishly; one would think his mother's iji milk were scarce out of him. Oli. Let him approach: call in my gentlewoman. [Exit. Mai. Gentlewoman, my lady calls. 'tis

in standing water,

Re-enter maria. Oli.

Give me my

veil:

it

o'er

my

Enter viola, and Attendants.

The honourable

lady of the house, which

she?

Oli.

I

shall

answer for her. Your 180

will?

Most

radiant, exquisite, and unmatchable pray you, tell me if this be the lady of the house, for I never saw her: I would be loath

beauty

—

to cast

I

away

my

speech, for besides that

I

am

it

is

have taken great pains me sustain no scorn; very comptible, even to the least sinister

excellently well penned, to con

it.

Good

I

beauties, let

usage. Oli.

Vio.

Some

sweet lady. Tell

mollification for

me your

mind:

your

I

am

giant,

mes220

a

senger. Oli. Sure,

you have some hideous matter

when

deliver,

Speak your

the courtesy of

I

to hull here a

is

it

to

so fearful.

office.

alone concerns your ear.

I bring no overture of war, no taxation of homage: I hold the olive in my hand; my words are as full of

Vio.

It

Vio. The rudeness that hath appeared in me have I learned from my entertainment. What I am, and what I would, are as secret as maidenhead; to your ears, divinity, to any other's pro-

fanation.

Speak to me;

Vio.

longer.

little

ACT

am

I

Oli. Yet you began rudely. What are you? what would you? 229

We'll once more hear Orsino's embassy.

Vio.

No, good swabber;

Vio.

peace as matter.

come, throw

face.

is

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

Give us the place alone: we will hear this [Exeunt maria and Attendants.] Now, what is your text?

Oli.

divinity. sir,

Vio.

Most sweet lady

Oli.

A

comfortable doctrine, and

said of it.

much may

Where lies your text?

be

240

bosom. bosom! In what chapter of his bosom? answer by the method, in the first of

Vio. In Orsino's Oli. In his

Vio.

To

his heart.

Whence came you, I

can say

little

sir?

189

more than

I

have studied,

and that question's out of my part. Good gentle me modest assurance if you be the lady of the house, that I may proceed in my speech. Oli. Are you a comedian? Vio. No, my profound heart: and yet, by the very fangs of malice I swear, I am not that I play. Are you the lady of the house? Oli. If I do not usurp myself, I am. Vio. Most certain, if you are she, you do usurp yourself; for what is yours to bestow is not yours to reserve. But this is from my commission: I will on with my speech in your praise, and then show you the heart of my message. Oli. Come to what is important in't: I forgive one, give

you the praise. Vio. Alas,

I

took great pains to study

it,

and

'tis

poetical. Oli. It is the more like to be feigned: I pray you, keep it in. I heard you were saucy at my gates, and allowed your approach rather to wonder at you than to hear you. If you be not mad, be gone; if you have reason, be brief: 'tis not that time of moon with me to make one in so skipping a dialogue.

Mar. Will you way.

hoist

sail,

sir?

here

lies

your

Oli. O, I have read no more to say?

it is

it:

heresy.

Have you

Good madam, let me see your face. Have you any commission from your lord negotiate with my face? You are now out of

Vio. Oli.

to

your

text: but

you the

we will draw the curtain and show

picture.

this present: is't

Look you,

sir,

such a one

I

was

not well done? [Unveiling.]

Vio. Excellently done, if God did Oli. 'Tis in grain, sir; 'twill

all.

endure wind and

weather.

beauty truly blent, whose red and white Nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on: Lady, you are the cruell'st she alive, 260 If you will lead these graces to the grave And leave the world no copy. Oli. O, sir, I will not be so hard-hearted; I will give out divers schedules of my beauty: it shall be inventoried, and every particle and utensil Vio. 'Tis

labelled to

red;

item,

my will:

as,

two grey

item,

two

lips, indifferent

eyes, with lids to them;

item, one neck, one chin, and so forth.

me? see you what you

Were you

sent hither to praise Vio.

I

are,

you

are too

proud; But, if you

were the

devil,

you

are

fair.

My lord and master loves you. O such love

270

:

TWELFTH NIGHT;

SCENE V

OR,

Could be but recompensed, though you were crown'd The nonpareil of beauty! How does he love me? OH. Vio. With adorations, fertile tears, With groans that thunder love, with sighs of fire.

OH. Your lord does

know my mind;

I

cannot

love him:

Yet

I

suppose him virtuous,

know him noble,

WHAT YOU WILL Re-enter malvolio.

Mai. Here, madam, at your service. OH. Run after that same peevish messenger, The County's man: he left this ring behind him, Would I or not: tell him I'll none of it. 52/ Desire him not to flatter with his lord, Nor hold him up with hopes; I am not for him: If that the youth will come this way to-morrow,

him reasons

Of great estate, of fresh and stainless youth;

I'll

In voices well divulged, free, learn'd, and valiant;

Mai. Madam, I will. OH. I do I know not what, and fear to find Mine eye too great a flatterer for my mind. Fate, show thy force: ourselves we do not

And in dimension and the

shape of nature 2 So gracious person: but yet I cannot love him; He might have took his answer long ago.

A

Vio. If I did love

With such a

you in master's

I

would

find

for't: hie thee,

Malvolio. [Exit.

owe;

flame,

What is decreed must be,

suffering, such a deadly life,

In your denial

give

and be

this so.

[Exit.

no sense;

would not understand it. Why, what would you? OH. Vio. Make me a willow cabin at your gate, And call upon my soul within the house; Write loyal cantons of contemned love And sing them loud even in the dead of night; Halloo your name to the reverberate hills 291 And make the babbling gossip of the air

Ant. Will you stay no longer? nor will you not that I go with you? Seb. By your patience, no. My stars shine darkly over me: the malignancy of my fate might

Cry out "Olivia!" O, you should not rest

perhaps distemper yours; therefore

Between the elements of air and earth, But you should pity me! You might do much. OH. What is your parentage?

of your leave that I may bear my evils alone: it were a bad recompense for your love, to lay any of them on you. Ant Let me yet know of you whither you are

ACT

I

Vio. I

Above my

fortunes, yet

am a gentleman.

Get you to your lord let him send no more; Unless, perchance, you come to me again, 300 To tell me how he takes it. Fare you well: I thank you for your pains spend this for me. :

I

am no fee'd post,

lady; keep your purse:

My master, not myself, lacks recompense. Love make his heart of flint that you shall love; And let your fervour, like my master's, be Placed in contempt! Farewell,

fair cruelty.

[Exit.

OH.

"What is your parentage?"

"Above my

fortunes, yet

my state is well:

am a gentleman." I'll be sworn thou art; Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions, and I

5/0

spirit,

Do give thee five-fold blazon:

not too

fast: soft,

soft!

Unless the master were the man. How now! Even so quickly may one catch the plague? Methinks I feel this youth's perfections

With an invisible and

subtle stealth

To creep in at mine eyes. What ho, Malvolio!

Well,

let it be.

II

The sea-coast

Enter antonio and Sebastian.

bound. Seb.

cannot love him:

Vio.

i.

I

shall

crave

.

my state is well:

OH.

I

Scene

No,

10

sooth,

sir:

my

determinate voyage is perceive in you so ex-

mere extravagancy. But I cellent a touch of modesty that you will not extort from me what I am willing to keep in; therefore it charges me in manners the rather to express myself. You must know of me then, Antonio, my name is Sebastian, which I called Roderigo. My father was that Sebastian of Messaline, whom I know you have heard of. He left behind him myself and a sister, both born in an hour: if the heavens had been pleased, would we had so ended! but you, sir, altered that; for some hour before you took me from the breach of the sea was my sister drowned. Ant. Alas the day! Seb. A lady, sir, though it was said she much resembled me, was yet of many accounted beautiful: but, though I could not with such estimable wonder overfar believe that, yet thus far I will boldly publish her; she bore a mind that envy could not but call fair. She is drowned already, sir, with salt water, though I seem to drown her remembrance again with more. Ant. Pardon me, sir, your bad entertainment. Seb. good Antonio, forgive me your trouble.

O

TWELFTH NIGHT;

8

Ant. If you will not murder

me

for

my love,

me be your servant. you will not undo what you have done, him whom you have recovered, desire it not. Fare ye well at once: my bosom is full of kindness, and I am yet so near the manners of my mother, that upon the least occasion more mine eyes will tell tales of me. I am bound to [Exit. the Count Orsino's court: farewell. Ant. The gentleness of all the gods go with Seb. If

that

kill

is,

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

let

My state

have

many enemies

—

Scene

ii.

O time

!

thou must untangle

Scene

49

bed then,

Even now,

sir;

on

a

moderate pace

I

have

Mai. She returns this ring to you, sir: you might have saved me my pains, to have taken it away yourself. She adds, moreover, that you should put your lord into a desperate assurance she will none of him: and one thing more, that you be never so hardy to come again in his affairs, unless it be to report your lord's taking of this. Receive it so. Vio. She took the ring of me: I'll none of it. Mai. Come, sir, you peevishly threw it to her; and her will is, it should be so returned: if it be worth stooping for, there it lies in your eye; if it

his that finds

I left

[Exit.

it.

no ring with her: what means

this

lady?

Fortune forbid my outside have not charm'd her! She made good view of me; indeed, so much, 20 That sure methought her eyes had lost her tongue,

For she did speak in starts distractedly. She loves me, sure; the cunning of her passion

[Exit.

house

hi. Olivia's

andrew.

night

false conclusion:

I hate it as an unbe up after midnight and to go to early: so that to go to bed after mid-

is

go bed betimes. Does not our

life

were

I

women's waxen hearts

For such

as

is

to set their forms!

the cause, not we!

we are made of,

such

we be.

How will this fadge? my master loves her dearly;

it

rather

And. Here comes the fool, i' faith. How now, my hearts! did you never see

Sir

Clo.

the picture of "we three"? Sir To. Sir

Welcome,

And. By

my

ass.

Now let's have a catch.

troth, the fool has an excellent

had rather than forty shillings I had and so sweet a breath to sing, as the fool has. In sooth, thou wast in very gracious fooling last night, when thou spokest of Pigrogromitus, of the Vapians passing the equinoctial of Queubus: 'twas very good, i' faith. I sent thee sixpence for thy leman: hadst it? Clo. I did impeticos thy gratillity; for Malvolio's nose is no whipstock: my lady has a white hand, and the Myrmidons are no bottle-ale breast.

such a

I

leg,

And. Excellent! why, all is

done.

Now,

Come on;

this is the best fooling,

a song.

there

have a song. Sir And. There's a

is

5/

sixpence for you:

testril

of

me

too:

if

let's

one

knight give a

see,

Alas, our frailty

think

Enter clown.

Sir To.

better love a dream.

How easy is it for the proper-false

I

Sir To. Thou'rt a scholar; let us therefore eat and drink. Marian, I say! a stoup of wine!

when

thou art a wickedness, Wherein the pregnant enemy does much. Disguise,

10

And. Faith, so they say; but consists of eating and drinking. Sir

Sir

me in this churlish messenger.

lady, she

I

To

to

is

not: but

houses.

None of my lord's ring! why, he sent her none. I am the man: if it be so, as 'tis,

In

41

I

consist of the four elements?

since arrived but hither.

Poor

A

filled can.

Olivia?

Invites

not

Sir And. Nay, by my troth, I know know, to be up late is to be up late. Sir To.

A street

Enter viola, malvolio following.

Vio.

this,

me to untie

too hard a knot for

It is

Sir To.

Were not you even now with the Countess

not, be

love;

after

I

[Exit.

Vio.

my master's

Approach, Sir Andrew: not to be abed midnight is to be up betimes; and "diluculo surgere" thou know'st

in Orsino's court,

very shortly see thee there. But, come what may, I do adore thee so, That danger shall seem sport, and I will go.

Mai.

desperate for

is

I

Enter sir toby and sir

Else would

II

am woman now alas the day! What thriftless sighs shall poor Olivia breathe!

As

thee! I

ACT

And I, poor monster, fond as much on him; And she, mistaken, seems to dote on me. What will become of this? As I am man,

Clo.

50

good

Would you have

Sir To.

Sir

a love-song, or a song of

life?

A love-song, a love-song.

And. Ay, ay:

I

care not for good

life.

Clo. [Sings]

"O mistress, where are you roaming? O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,

40

1

SCENE

TWELFTH NIGHT;

III

That can sing both high and low: Trip no further, pretty sweeting; Journeys end in lovers meeting, Every wise man's son doth know." Sir And. Excellent good, i' faith. Sir To. Good, good.

Enter malvolio.

Clo. [Sings]

"What is

love?

'tis

not hereafter;

Present mirth hath present laughter;

What's

come

unsure: 50 no plenty; Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty, to

is still

In delay there lies

Youth's a stuff will not endure."

A

And.

Sir

mellifluous voice, as

I

am

true

knight. Sir To.

A contagious breath.

And. Very sweet and contagious, i' faith. Sir To To hear by the nose, it is dulcet in conSir

But

tagion.

deed? shall

shall we make the welkin dance inwe rouse the night-owl in a catch that

souls out of

draw three

will

one weaver?

shall

we do that? Sir

And.

An you love me,

let's do't: I

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

am dog

at

Mai. My masters, are you mad? or what are you? Have you no wit, manners, nor honesty, but to gabble like tinkers at this time of night? Do ye make an alehouse of my lady's house, that ye squeak out your coziers' catches without any mitigation or remorse of voice? Is there no respect of place, persons, nor time in you? Sir To. did keep time, sir, in our catches. Sneck up! 10 Mai. Sir Toby, I must be round with you. My lady bade me tell you, that, though she harbours you as her kinsman, she's nothing allied to your disorders. If you can separate yourself and your misdemeanours, you are welcome to the house; if not, an it would please you to take leave of her, she is very willing to bid you farewell.

We

sir,

And. Most

certain.

Clo.

Let our catch be, "Thou

"Hold thy peace, thou knave," knight? be constrained

in't

to call

I

thee knave,

70

knight.

And. 'Tis not the first time I have constrained one to call me knave. Begin, fool: it begins "Hold thy peace." Sir

Clo. I shall

Sir

never begin

And. Good,

i'

faith.

if I

hold

Come,

my peace.

Clo."0

no, no, no, no,

Sir To.

Out

Clo. i'

the Sir

a caterwauling

My lady's a Cataian, we are politicians,

Malvolio's a Peg-a-Ramsey, and "Three merry

Am

not I consanguineous? am I not of her blood? Tilly-vally. Lady! [Sings] "There dwelt a man in Babylon, lady, lady!" Clo. Beshrew me, the knight's in admirable

men be we."

Yes, by Saint Anne, and ginger shall be hot mouth too. To. Thou'rt i' the right. Go, sir, nib your

A stoup of wine, Maria! Mai. Mistress Mary, if you prized my lady's favour at any thing more than contempt, you chain with crumbs.

do you keep here! If my lady have not called up her steward Malvolio and bid him turn you out of doors, never trust me. 79 Sir To.

would not give means for this uncivil rule: she shall know of it, by this hand. [Exit. Mar. Go shake your ears. Sir And. 'Twere as good a deed as to drink when a man's a-hungry, to challenge him the field, and then to break promise with him and

make

a fool

or

And. Ay, he does well enough if he be disposed, and so do I too: he does it with a better grace, but I do it more natural. Sir To. [Sings] "O, the twelfth day of Decem-

mouth.

Sir

Mar. For the love o' God, peace!

9i

of him.

Sir To. Do't, knight:

fooling.

ber"-

you dare not." 121 ye lie. Art any more

o' tune, sir:

ale?

Enter maria.

What

Is't

than a steward? Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and

begin.

Catch sung.

Mar.

days are almost

Sir To.

knave." shall

his

even so? "But I will never die." Clo. Sir Toby, there you lie. Mai. This is much credit to you. Sir To. "Shall I bid him go?" Clo. "What an if you do?" Sir To. "Shall I bid him go, and spare not?"

and some dogs will catch

well. Sir

must

done."

Mai.

By'r lady,

I

no

Mar. Nay, good Sir Toby. Clo. "His eyes do show

a catch. Clo.

To. "Farewell, dear heart, since

Sir

needs be gone."

I'll

I'll

write thee a challenge;

deliver thy indignation to

him by word of 141

Mar. Sweet Sir Toby, be patient for to-night: since the youth of the Count's was to-day with my lady, she is much out of quiet. For Monsieur Malvolio, let me alone with him: if I do not gull him into a nayword, and make him a common

TWELFTH NIGHT;

10

have wit enough to lie straight in my bed: I know I can do it. Sir To. Possess us, possess us; tell us some-

recreation,

do not think

I

/jo

thing of him.

Mar. Marry,

sometimes he

sir,

is

a kind

of

Sir To.

not

i'

Sir

you

If

And. O,

Sir To.

if I

thought that, I'd beat him like

What,

Sir To.

And. I have no exquisite reason for't, but have reason good enough. Mar. The devil a puritan that he is, or any thing constantly, but a time-pleaser; an affectioned ass, that cons state without book and utters it by great swarths: the best persuaded of himself, so crammed, as he thinks, with excellencies, that it is his grounds of faith that all that look on him love him; and on that vice in him will my revenge find notable cause to work.

What wilt thou do?

will drop in his way some obscure of love; wherein, by the colour of his beard, the shape of his leg, the manner of his gait, the expressure of his eye, forehead, and complexion, he shall find himself most feelingly personated. I can write very like my lady your niece: on a forgotten matter we can hardly make distinction of our hands. I

Sir To. Excellent!

And.

Sir To.

I

He

smell a device.

I

have't in

my nose too. by the letters that thou come from my niece, and

shall think,

wilt drop, that they

that she's in love with him.

My

purpose

is,

1S0

indeed, a horse of that

colour.

And. And your horse now would make him

Scene

Mar. Ass, I doubt not. Sir And. O, 'twill be admirable! Mar. Sport royal, I warrant you: physic will

'tis

know my

work with him. I will plant you two, make a third, where he shall find it.

For

and dream on the event. Fare-

well. Sir To.

[Exit.

Good night,

And. Before me,

Penthesilea. she's a

good wench. one that

Sir To. She's a beagle, true-bred, and

adores me: what o' that? Sir And.

I

The duke's palace

was adored once too.

Thou hadst need send for more money. Sir And. If I cannot recover your niece, I am a 201 foul way out. Sir To. Let's to bed, knight.

Now, good mor-

More than light airs and recollected terms

Of these most brisk and giddy-paced times: Come, but one verse.

He

Cur.

is

not here, so please your lordship,

that should sing

it.

Who was it?

w my

lady Olivia's father took

lord; a fool that the

much

delight

in.

He

about the house. Duke. Seek him out, and play the tune the while. [Exit curio. Music plays.

is

Come hither,

boy:

if ever

In the sweet pangs of it

thou shalt love,

remember me;

For such as I am all true lovers are, Unstaid and skittish in all motions else, Save in the constant image of the creature That is beloved. How dost thou like this tune? Vio. It gives a very echo to the seat 21

Where Love is throned. Duke. Thou dost speak masterly:

My life upon't, young though thou art, thine eye Hath stay'd upon some favour that it loves: Hath it not, boy? A little, by your favour.

Vio. I

the fool

this night, to bed,

iv.

Now, good Cesario, but that piece of song, That old and antique song we heard last night: Methought it did relieve my passion much,

Duke.

the letter: observe his construction of

Sir

how

go burn some sack;

Duke. Give me some music. row, friends.

Vio.

ass.

let

it

[Exeunt.

Cur. Feste, the jester,

epistles

and

I'll

knight.

Duke.

Sir To.

Sir

me, take

Enter duke, viola, curio, and others.

Sir

an

not, never trust

Come, come,

for being a puritan? thy exquisite

I

Mar.

do

11

her

will.

reason, dear knight?

Sir

I

if thou hast

me cut.

the end, call

And.

a dog!

Mar.

ACT

Send for money, knight:

too late to go to bed now: come, knight; come,

puritan. Sir

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

Duke. i'

What kind of woman is 't? Of your complexion. She is not worth thee, then. What years,

faith?

About your years, my lord. Duke. Too old, by heaven: let still the woman take 50 An elder than herself: so wears she to him, So sways she level in her husband's heart: Vio.

For, boy,

however we do praise ourselves,

Our fancies are more giddy and unfirm, More longing, wavering, sooner lost and worn, Than women's are. Vio.

Duke.

I

Then

let

think

it

well,

my lord.

thy love be younger than thy-

self,

Or thy affection cannot hold the bent;

— SCENE

TWELFTH NIGHT;

IV

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

For women are as roses, whose fair flower Being once display'd, doth fall that very hour. 40 Vio. And so they are: alas, that they are so; To die, even when they to perfection grow!

11

Get thee to yond same sovereign cruelty: my love, more noble than the world,

Tell her,

Prizes not quantity of dirty lands;

The parts that fortune hath bestow'd upon her,

Re-enter curio and

clown.

Duke. O, fellow, come, the song

Tell her,

we had

last

But

Mark it, Cesario, it is old and plain; The spinsters and the knitters in the sun And the free maids that weave their thread with bones

Do use to chant it:

it is silly

sooth,

And dallies with the innocence of love, Like the old age. Go. Are you ready, sir? Duke. Ay; prithee, sing.

$0

Music.

Fly away,

fly

But if she cannot love you, Duke. I cannot be so answer'd.

big, to hold so

Alas, their love

O, prepare it!

My part of death, no one so true

much; they lack retention.

may be call'd appetite,

100

That suffer surfeit, cloyment, and revolt; But mine is all as hungry as the sea, And can digest as much: make no compare Between that love a woman can bear me

And that I owe Olivia.

it.

Vio.

not a flower sweet,

On my black coffin let

you must.

No motion of the liver, but the palate,

am slain by a fair cruel maid.

Not a friend,

90

heart

My shroud of white, stuck all with yew,

Not a flower,

Sooth, but

Vio.

my soul.

sir?

Say that some lady, as perhaps there is, Hath for your love as great a pang of heart As you have for Olivia: you cannot love her; You tell her so; must she not then be answer'd? Duke. There is no woman's sides Can bide the beating of so strong a passion As love doth give my heart; no woman's So

away, breath;

Did share

queen of gems

in attracts

Vio.

Song.

"Come away, come away, death, And in sad cypress let me be laid; I

hold as giddily as fortune;

I

that miracle and

That nature pranks her

night.

Go.

'tis

60 there be strown;

Ay, but I know What dost thou know? Too well what love women to men may

Duke. Vio.

owe:

not a friend greet

My poor corpse, where my bones shall

In faith, they are as true of heart as we.

My father had a daughter loved a man,

be thrown:

A thousand thousand sighs to save,

110

might be, perhaps, were I a woman, I should your lordship And what's her history? Duke. Vio. A blank, my lord. She never told her

As

Lay me, O, where Sad true lover never find my grave,

To weep there!"

it

love,

Duke. There's for thy pains. Go. No pains, sir; I take pleasure in singing,

70 Duke. I'll pay thy pleasure then. Go. Truly, sir, and pleasure will be paid, one time or another. Duke. Give me now leave to leave thee. Go. Now, the melancholy god protect thee; and the tailor make thy doublet of changeable taffeta, for thy mind is a very opal. I would have men of such constancy put to sea, that their business might be everything and their intent everywhere; for that's it that always makes a good voyage of nothing. Farewell. 81 sir.

[Exit.

Duke. Let

all

the rest give place.

[curio and Attendants retire. Once more, Cesario,

But let concealment, like a worm i' the bud, Feed on her damask cheek: she pined in thought, And with a green and yellow melancholy She sat like patience on a monument, Smiling at grief.

We

Was not this love indeed?

mer may say more, swear more: but

in-

deed are more than will; for still we prove Much in our vows, but little in our love. 121 Duke. But died thy sister of her love, my boy? Vio. I am all the daughters of my father's house, And all the brothers too: and yet I know not.

Our shows

Sir, shall I

to this lady?

Duke.

To her in haste;

Ay,

that's the

theme.

give her this jewel; say

My love can give no place, bide no denay. [Exeunt.

TWELFTH NIGHT;

12

OR,

WHAT YOU WILL O,

Sir To.

Scene

v. Olivia s

garden

Come thy ways, Signior Fabian.

Nay,

Fab.

come:

I'll

me

this sport, let

if

I

lose a scruple of

be boiled to death with melan-

Wouldst thou not be glad to have the niggardly rascally sheep-biter come by some notSir To.

able shame?

would

I

me out o'

exult,

man: you know, he brought

my lady about a bear-bait-

favour with

10

ing here.

To

To.

Sir

anger him we'll have the bear

again; and

we

we not,

Andrew?

Sir

him

in the

Mai. Calling my officers about me, in my branched velvet gown; having come from a daybed, where I have left Olivia sleeping Sir To. Fire and brimstone! Fab. O, peace, peace!

choly.

Fab.

for a stone-bow, to hit

11

eye!

Enter sir toby, sir andrew, and fabian. Sir To.

ACT

Sir

will fool

him black and

And. An we do not, Here comes the

Sir To.

it is

blue: shall

Mai. And then to have the humour of state; and after a demure travel of regard, telling them I know my place as I would they should do theirs, to ask for my kinsman Toby 61 Sir To. Bolts and shackles! Fab. O peace, peace, peace! now, now. Mai. Seven of my people, with an obedient start, make out for him: I frown the while; and perchance wind up my watch, or play with my

—

some

pity of our lives.

rich jewel.

there to

little villain.

Toby

approaches; courtesies

me

Sir To. Shall this fellow live?

Enter maria.

How now, my metal of India! Mar. Get ye all three into the box-tree: Malcoming down this walk: he has been

volio's

yonder

the sun practising behaviour to his

i'

own

shadow this half hour: observe him, for the love of mockery; for I know this letter will make a contemplative idiot of him. Close, in the name of jesting! Lie thou there [throws dovm a letter]; for here comes the trout that must be caught [Exit. with tickling. Enter malvolio.

Mai. 'Tis but fortune; all is fortune. Maria once told me she did affect me: and I have heard herself come thus near, that, should she fancy, it should be one of my complexion. Besides, she

me

uses

one

with a more exalted respect than any What should I think

else that follows her.

on't?

overweening rogue! O, peace! Contemplation makes

Sir To. Here's an

Fab.

how he

turkey-cock of him: vanced plumes Sir

And.

'Slight, I

Sir To. Peace,

Mai.

I

jets

under his ad-

40

pistol

him.

example

for't;

the lady of the

Strachy married the yoeman of the wardrobe. Sir And. Fie on him, Jezebel!

now

he's deeply in: look

how

imagination blows him.

Mai. Having been three months married to her, sitting in

does not

Toby

take you a blow

then?

Mai. Saying, "Cousin Toby, my fortunes havme on your niece give me this prerogative of speech" Sir To. What, what? 80 Mai. "You must amend your drunkenness." Sir To. Out, scab! Fab. Nay, patience, or we break the sinews of our plot. Mai. "Besides, you waste the treasure of your time with a foolish knight" Sir And. That's me, I warrant you. Mai. "One Sir Andrew"— Sir And. I knew 'twas I; for many do call me ing cast

90

Mai. What employment have Taking up the letter. Sir To.

Sir To. Peace, peace!

Fab. O, peace!

And

we here?

O, peace! and the

spirit

of humours

intimate reading aloud to him!

say.

To be Count Malvolio!

is

Sir To. o' the lips

Fab.Now is the woodcock near the gin.

Sir To.

Mai. There

control

fool.

a rare

could so beat the rogue!

Ah, rogue! Sir And. Pistol him,

Though our silence be drawn from us with cars, yet peace. 7/ Mai. I extend my hand to him thus, quenching my familiar smile with an austere regard of Fab.

my state

50

Mai. By

my

life, this is

my

lady's hand: these

be her very Cs, her U's and her T's; and thus makes she her great F's. It is, in contempt of question, her hand. Sir And. Her C's, her L/'s and her T's: why 100 that?

Mai. [Reads] "To the unknown beloved, this, and my good wishes" her very phrases! By your leave, wax. Soft! and the impressure her

—

Lucrece, with which she uses to seal: To whom should this be?

lady.

'tis

my

TWELFTH NIGHT;

SCENE V

OR,

Fab. This wins him, liver and all. Mai. [Reads] "Jove knows I love: But who? Lips, do not move; no No man must know." "No man must know." What follows? the num-

"No man must know."

bers altered!

If this

should be thee, Malvolio?

may command where

I,

doth sway

would

Sir To. Excellent

"M, O, A,

but

my life."

wench, say

120

I.

doth sway

I,

my

Nay,

life."

me see, let me see, let me see. What dish o'poison has she dressed him! To. And with what wing the staniel checks

first, let

Fab. Sir at

may command where I adore." Why, she may command me: I serve her; she is my lady. Why, this is evident to any formal capacMai. "I

end

there

and the

in this:

—what should that alphabetical position por-

tend? If in

no obstruction

is

I

could

me—Softly

!

make

Af

,

that resemble something

0,AJ—

make up

Sir To. 0, ay,

that:

he

is

now

at a

cold scent.

though

Fab. Sowter will cry upon't for

all this,

be as rank as a fox. Malvolio; Mai.

that begins

it

M—

my

name.

work

it

out? the

excellent at faults.

is

M—but then there

Mai. the

say he would

I

sequel;

that

suffers

should follow, but

And

Fab.

Sir To.

I'll

140

no consonancy under probation: is

in

A

does.

shall end,

Ay, or

I

hope.

make him

0,

A

y

I; this

in

is

little, it

would

to me, for every one of these letters are

my name. Soft! here follows prose. stars I

am

above thee; but be not afraid of

greatness,

some are born great, some achieve and some have greatness thrust upon

Thy

Fates open their hands; let thy blood

greatness:

'em.

this, that

now

my

I

wash

will

off

fool myself, to let ima-

lady loves me. She did

yellow stockings of

late,

commend

my

she did praise

leg being cross-gartered; and in this she manifests herself to

my

junction drives

me

love,

and with a kind of

in-

to these habits of her liking.

my

stars I am happy. I will be strange, yellow stockings, and cross-gartered, even with the swiftness of putting on. Jove and my stars be praised! Here is yet a postscript. [Reads] "Thou canst not choose but know who I am. If thou entertainest my love, let it appear in thy smiling; thy smiles become thee well; I

thank

stout, in

sweet,

I I

my

presence

still

smile, dear

my

prithee."

thank thee:

I

will smile;

I

will

do

everything that thou wilt have me. [Exit. Fab. I will not give my part of this sport for a pension of thousands to be paid from the Sophy. Sir To. I could marry this wench for this Sir

200

And. So could

Sir

And

I

too.

ask no other

dowry with her but

jest.

And. Nor I neither. Here comes my noble gull-catcher.

Fab.

Re-enter maria.

not as the

[Reads] "If this fall into thy hand, revolve. In

my

Toby,

will be point-devise the

i$o

simulation

former: and yet, to crush this a

bow

do not

such another

behind.

fortunes before you.

M,

I

I

gination jade me; for every reason excites to

Sir To.

And then /comes

Fab. Ay, an you had any eye behind you, you might see more detraction at your heels than

Mai.

will baffle Sir

device.

cudgel him, and

cry 0!

Mai.

I

very man.

Jove,

Fab. Did not

cur

authors,

therefore in

M—why,

worthy

alter services

gross acquaintance,

mv

it!

ity;

see thee a stew-

with thee, The Fortunate-Unhappy" Daylight and champaign discovers not more: this is open. I will be proud, I will read politic

A fustian riddle!

Mai.

me

the fellow of servants, and not

still,

to touch Fortune's fingers. Farewell. She that

silence, like a

M, O, A,

stock-

and wished to see thee ever cross-gartered: say, remember. Go to, thou art made, if thou

ard

adore;

I

gore:

Fab.

Remember who commended thy yellow I

Lucrece knife, With bloodless stroke my heart doth But

gularity: she thus advises thee that sighs for thee.

desirest to be so; if not, let

Mai. [Reads] "I

*3

embrace them; and, to inure thyself to what thou art like to be, cast thy humble slough and appear fresh. Be opposite with a kinsman, surly with servants; let thy tongue tang arguments of state; put thyself into the trick of sinspirit

ings,

Marry, hang thee, brock!

Sir To.

WHAT YOU WILL

and

Wilt thou set thy foot o' my neck? And. Or o' mine either? Sir To. Shall I play my freedom at tray-trip, and become thy bond-slave? Sir And. V faith, or I either? 210 Sir To. Why, thou hast put him in such a dream, that when the image of it leaves him he must run mad. Sir To. Sir

TWELFTH NIGHT;

*4

true; does

Mar. Nay, but say him?

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

work upon

it

ACT

fool, sir,

III

she be mar-

till

and fools are as like husbands as pilchards

ried;

Sir To. Like aqua-vitae with a midwife.

keep no

folly: she will

are to herrings; the husband's the bigger.

I

am

you will then see the fruits of the sport, mark his first approach before my lady: he will come to her in yellow stockings, and 'tis a

indeed not her fool, but her corrupter of words. Vio. I saw thee late at the Count Orsino's.

colour she abhors, and cross-gartered, a fashion she detests; and he will smile upon her, which

I would be but the fool should be as oft with your master as with my mistress: I think I saw your

Mar.

If

now

will

be so unsuitable to her disposition,

being addicted to a melancholy as she is, that it cannot but turn him into a notable contempt. If you will see Sir To.

To

cellent devil Sir

And.

it,

follow me.

the gates of Tartar, thou most ex-

of wit!

I'll

make one too.

Foolery,

Clo.

like the sun,

sorry,

it

does walk about the orb

sir,

shines everywhere.

sir,

wisdom there. Vio. Nay, an thou

pass

upon me,

[Exeunt.

Vio.

my

By

troth,

I'll

tell

sick for one; [Aside] though

grow on my chin.

ACT III i.

Olivia s garden

thou

Save thee, friend, and thy music: dost by thy tabor?

live

No, sir, I live by the church. Art thou a churchman? Clo. No such matter, sir: I do live by the church; for I do live at my house, and my house doth stand by the church. Vio. So thou mayst say, the king lies by a Clo.

Vio.

beggar, if a beggar dwell near him; or, the church stands by thy tabor, if thy tabor stand by the church.

//

You have

Clo.

sentence

is

said,

sir.

To

see this age!

A

but a cheveril glove to a good wit:

quickly the wrong side may be turned outward! Vio. Nay, that's certain; they that dally nicely with words may quickly make them wanton. Clo. I would, therefore, my sister had had no 20 name, sir.

how

Vio. Clo.

Why, man? Why, sir,

dally with that

her name's a word;

word might make

my

and to

sister

wan-

But indeed words are very rascals since bonds disgraced them.

ton.

Vio.

Thy reason, man?

Troth, sir, I can yield you none without words; and words are grown so false, I am loath to prove reason with them. Vio. I warrant thou art a merry fellow and Clo.

carest for nothing. Clo.

in

Not

my

5/

do care for something; but do not care for you: if nothing, sir, I would it would

so, sir, I

conscience,

that be to care for

sir, I

make you invisible. Vio.

Art not thou the Lady Olivia's

Clo.

No, indeed,

sir;

the

Lady

Is

thee, I

I

am

almost

would not have

it

thy lady within? sir?

and put to use. Clo. I would play Lord Pandarus of Phrygia, sir, to bring a Cressida to this Troilus. Vio. I understand you, sir; 'tis well begged. Clo. The matter, I hope, is not great, sir, begging but a beggar: Cressida was a beggar. Vio. Yes, being kept together

Enter viola, and clown with a tabor. Vio.

no more

Would not a pair of these have bred,

Clo. }

Scene

I'll

with thee. Hold, there's expenses for thee. Clo. Now Jove, in his next commodity of hair, send thee a beard! 57

fool?

Olivia has no

My lady is within, sir. I will construe to them whence you come; who you are and what you would are out of my welkin, I might say "element," but the word is over- worn. [Exit. Vio. This fellow is wise enough to play the fool;

And to do that well craves a kind of wit. He must observe their mood on whom he jests, The quality of persons, and the time, 70 And, like the haggard, check at every feather That comes before his eye. This is a practice

As

full of labour as a wise man's art: For folly that he wisely shows is fit; But wise men, folly-fall'n, quite taint their wit.

Enter sir toby, and sir Andrew.

Save you, gentleman. you, sir. Sir And. Dieu vous garde, monsieur. Vio. Et vous aussi; votre serviteur. Sir And. I hope, sir, you are; and I am yours. 81 Sir To. Will you encounter the house? my niece is desirous you should enter, if your trade Sir To.

And

Vio.

be to her.

am bound

to your niece, sir; I mean, she of my voyage. Sir To. Taste your legs, sir; put them to moVio.

is

the

I

list

tion.

My

Vio.

legs

do better understand me, sir, mean by bidding me

understand what you

than

I

taste

my legs.

Sir To.

I

mean, to go,

91 sir,

to enter.

—

:

scene Vio.

But

TWELFTH NIGHT;

i

answer you with gait and entrance.

will

I

OR,

WHAT YOU WILL

15

That very oft we pity enemies.

we are prevented.

Oli.

Why,

then, methinks

'tis

time to smile

again.

Enter olivia and maria.

world,

excellent accomplished lady, the heavens

Most

on you! And. That youth's a rare

To fall before the lion than the wolf!

rain odours Sir

courtier:

"Rain

odours"; well. matter hath no voice, lady, but to Vio. your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear. 100

My

And. "Odours," "pregnant," and "vouchI'll get 'em all three all ready.

Sir

safed";

Let the garden door be shut, and leave my hearing. [Exeunt sir toby, sir Andrew, and maria.] Give me your hand, sir. Vio. My duty, madam, and most humble servOli.

me

how apt the poor are to be proud! how much the better

If one should be a prey,

Clock

140

strikes.

The clock upbraids me with the waste of time. Be not afraid, good youth,

I

will not have you:

And yet, when wit and youth is come to harvest, Your wife is like to reap a proper man: There lies your way, due west. Vio. Then westward-ho! Grace and good

dis-

position

to

Attend your ladyship! You'll nothing,

madam,

to

mv

lord

by me?

0/i. Stay:

ice.

Oli.

Vio.

What is your name? Cesario

is

1

your servant's name,

fair prin-

Vio.

are.

cess.

My servant, sir!

'Twas never merry world no Since lowly feigning was call'd compliment: You're servant to the Count Orsino, youth. Vio. And he is yours, and his must needs be Oli.

yours

Your

servant's servant

For him,

Oli.

I

is

your servant, madam.

think not on him:

for

his

thoughts,

Would they were

blanks, rather than

fill'd

with

same of you. am not what I am. Oli. I would you were as I would have you be! Vio. Would it be better, madam, than I am? I wish it might, for now I am your fool. Oli. O, what a deal of scorn looks beautiful In the contempt and anger of his lip! A murderous guilt shows not itself more soon Than love that would seem hid: love's night is Oli. If I think so, I think the

Vio.

me! I

come

to

whet your gentle

behalf.

I

O, by your

pray you, I bade you never speak again of him: But, would you undertake another suit, I had rather hear you to solicit that Than music from the spheres. Oli.

leave,

Give me

leave, beseech you.

After the last enchantment

A ring in chase of you: Myself,

120

my servant,

so did

and,

I

I

did send,

you did here, I

fear

abuse

me, you:

Under your hard construction must I sit, To force that on you, in a shameful cunning, Which you knew none of yours: what might you

Have you not

Vio.

I

maugre

all

thy pride,

Do not extort thy reasons from this clause, For that I woo, thou therefore hast no cause; But rather reason thus with reason fetter, Love sought is good, but given unsought is better. Vio. By innocence I swear, and by my youth, ijo I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth, And that no woman has; nor never none Shall mistress be of it, save I alone. And so adieu, good madam: never more Will I my master's tears to you deplore. Oli. Yet come again; for thou perhaps mayst move to like his love.

[Exeunt.

Scene

shown: a cypress, not a bosom,

Sir Sir

pity you.

n. Olivia s house

Enter sir toby, sir Andrew, and fabian.

my heart. So, let me hear you speak.

That's a degree to love. Vio. No, not a grize; for 'tis a vulgar proof,

Oli.

honour, truth, and everything,

set

receiving is

roses of the spring,

love thee so, that,

mine honour at the stake And baited it with all the unmuzzled thoughts 73 That tyrannous heart can think? To one of your

Enough

160

by the

That heart, which now abhors,

think?

Hideth

right: I

Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide.

I

Dear lady

Vio. Oli.

Cesario,

By maidhood,

thoughts

On his

Then think you

noon.

Madam,

Vio.

me what thou think'st of me. i$o That you do think you are not what you

prithee, tell

And. No, To.

faith, I'll

Thy

reason,

not stay a jot longer. dear venom, give thy

reason.

Fab.

You must

Andrew.

needs yield your reason, Sir

TWELFTH NIGHT;

16 Sir

And. Marry,

I

OR,

saw your niece do more

WHAT YOU WILL

act

We shall have a rare letter from him:

Fab.

m

but

favours to the Count's serving-man than ever she

you'll not deliver't?

bestowed upon me; I saw 't i' the orchard. Sir To. Did she see thee the while, old boy?

Never trust me, then; and by all means stir on the youth to an answer. I think oxen and wainropes cannot hale them together. For x\ndrew, if he were opened, and you find so

Tell

me that.

Sir

10

And. As plain as I see you now. Fab. This was a great argument of love in her toward you. Sir And. 'Slight, will you make an ass o' me? Fab. I will prove it legitimate, sir, upon the oaths of judgement and reason. Sir To. And they have been grand- jurymen since before Noah was a sailor. Fab. She did show favour to the youth in your sight only to exasperate you, to awake your dormouse valour, to put fire in your heart and brimstone in your liver. You should then have accosted her; and with some excellent jests, firenew from the mint, you should have banged the youth into dumbness. This was looked for at your hand, and this was balked: the double gilt of this opportunity you let time wash off, and you are now sailed into the north of my lady's opinion; where you will hang like an icicle on a Dutchman's beard, unless you do redeem it by some laudable attempt either of valour or Sir

policy. Sir

5/

And. An't be any way,

valour;

for policy

Brownist

I

hate.

I

it must be with had as lief be a

as a politician.

Why,

me

thy fortunes upon the basis of valour. Challenge me the Count's youth to fight with him; hurt him in eleven places; my niece shall take note of it; and assure thyself, there is no love-broker in the world can more prevail in man's commendation with Sir To.

then, build

much blood flea, I'll

And

Fab.

Sir To.

Look, where the youngest wren of nine

comes.

Mar.

you

If

[Exit SIR

a dear manikin to you, Sir

Sir To. I have been dear to him, thousand strong, or so.

lad,

ANDREW. Toby. some two

gull

stockings. Sir To.

And cross-gartered?

Mar. Most

villainously;

keeps a school

i'

the letter that

jp like

a pedant

that

I have dogged him, does obey every point of dropped to betray him. He

the church.

like his murderer. I

He

does smile his face into more lines than is in the new map with the augmentation of the Indies: You have not seen such a thing as 'tis. I can hardly forbear hurling things at him. I know my lady will strike him: if she do, he'll smile and take't for a great favour. Sir To.

Come, bring us, bring us where he is. [Exeunt.

Scene m.

90

A street

Enter Sebastian and antonio.

will

would not by my will have troubled you; you make your pleasure of your pains, no further chide you.

Ant.

I

Seb.

I

could not stay behind you:

my desire,

More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth; And not all love to see you, though so much As might have drawn one to a longer voyage, But jealousy what might befall your travel, Being skilless in these parts; which to a stranger, 10 Unguided and unfriended, often prove Rough and unhospitable: my willing love, The rather by these arguments of fear, Set forth in your pursuit.

Sir

is

Yond

Malvolio is turned heathen, a very renegado; for there is no Christian, that means to be saved by believing rightly, can ever believe such impossible passages of grossness. He's in yellow

I

Fab. This

7/ desire the spleen, and will laugh

yoursleves into stitches, follow me.

Sir To.

About it. And. Where shall I find you? Sir To. We'll call thee at the cubiculo: go.

his opposite, the youth, bears in his

Enter maria.

lenge to him?

matter.

of a

visage no great presage of cruelty.

But, since

shall not be amiss; and as many lies as will lie in thy sheet of paper, although the sheet were big enough for the bed of Ware in England, set 'em down: go, about it. Let there be gall enough in thy ink, though thou write with a goose-pen, no

in his liver as will clog the foot

eat the rest of the anatomy.

woman than report of valour. 41 Fab. There is no way but this, Sir Andrew. Sir. And. Will either of you bear me a chalGo, write it in a martial hand; be curst and brief; it is no matter how witty, so it be eloquent and full of invention: taunt him with the license of ink: if thou thou'st him some thrice, it

61

To.

Seb.

My kind x\ntonio,

can no other answer make but thanks, And thanks; and ever thanks; and oft good turns Are shuffled off with such uncurrent pay: But, were my worth as is my conscience firm, You should find better dealing. What's to do? I

SCENE Shall

TWELFTH NIGHT;

III

we go see the reliques of this town?

Ant. To-morrow,

best

sir:

first

lodging.

OR,

go see your 20

I am not weary, and 'tis long to night: pray you, let us satisfy our eyes With the memorials and the things of fame

Seb.

Go

OH.

do not without danger walk these streets Once, in a sea-fight, 'gainst the Count his

mad

call

him

hither. [Exit maria.]

I did some service; of such note indeed, That were I ta'en here it would scarce be an-

Belike

you slew great number of

his

merry madness equal

offence

is

not of such a bloody na-

50

ture;

I

sent for thee

I

some obstruction in the what of that?

me

of one,

"Please one, and please

might have since been answer'd in repaying which, for traffic's sake,

my

in

For which, if I be lapsed I shall pay dear.

mands

in this place,

fit

me. Hold,

sir,

here's

my

to lodge:

will bespeak our diet,

40 Whiles you beguile the time and feed your knowledge With viewing of the town: there shall you have me. Seb. Why I your purse? Ant. Haply your eye shall light upon some I

toy is

not for idle markets,

sir.

Seb. I'll be your purse-bearer and leave you For an hour.

To the Elephant.

Seb.

I

Scene

do remember.

iv. Olivia's

[Exeunt.

garden

Enter olivia and maria.

have sent after him: he says he'll come; what bestow of him? For youth is bought more oft than begg'd or borrow'd. I speak too loud. Where is Malvolio? he is sad and civil, And suits well for a servant with my fortunes: Where is Malvolio? Mar. He's coming, madam; but in very

OH.

is,

my

come

man? what

is

the

mind, though yellow

to his hands, and

be executed:

I

think

com-

we do know

Roman hand.

5/

God

comfort thee!

Why

dost thou smile

so and kiss thy hand so oft?

How do you, Malvolio? Mai. At your request! yes; nightingales answer daws. Mar. Why appear you with this ridiculous Mar.

boldness before

my lady?

Mai. "Be not afraid of greatness"

:

41 'twas well

writ.

You have desire to purchase; and your store,

Ant.

very true sonnet

all."

OH. Wilt thou go to bed, Malvolio? Mai. To bed! ay, sweetheart, and I'll come to OIL

In the south suburbs, at the Elephant,

think,

the eye

thee.

purse.

I

shall

the sweet

Do not then walk too open. doth not

legs. It did

as the

make cross-

this

if it please

dost thou,

matter with thee? Mai. Not black in

Most of our city did: only myself stood out;

Seb.

with

Why, how

OH.

What we took from them;

blood,

gartering; but it is

20

could be sad: this does

Might well have given us bloody argument.

Is best

be.

upon a sad occasion.

Albeit the quality of the time and quarrel

It

as

Mai. Sweet lady, ho, ho. OH. Smilest thou? Mai. Sad, lady!

people.

Ant.

am

How now, Malvolio!

swer'd.

It

I

Re-enter maria, with malvolio.

galleys

The

madam.

as he,

If sad and

I

Ant.

17

sure, possessed,

is,

tainted in's wits.

Would you' Id pardon me;

Seb.

He

OH. Why, what's the matter? does he rave? Mar. No, madam, he does nothing but smile: your ladyship were best to have some guard about you, if he come; for, sure, the man is

city.

Ant.

WHAT YOU WILL

strange manner.

I

That do renown this

——

——

:

I

How shall I feast him?

OH. What meanest thou by that, Malvolio? Mai. "Some are born great" O/i.Ha! Mai. "Some achieve greatness" OIL What sayest thou? Mai. "And some have greatness thrust upon them." 50 OH. Heaven restore thee! Mai. "Remember who commended thy yellow stockings"

OH. Thy yellow stockings! Mai. "And wished to see thee cross-gartered." OH. Cross-gartered! Mai. "Go to, thou art made, if thou desirest to be so" OH. Am I made? 55* Mai. "If not, let me see thee a servant still." OIL Why, this is very midsummer madness.

TWELFTH NIGHT;

i8

OR,

Ser.

Madam,

young gentleman of the Count returned: I could hardly entreat him the

Orsino's is back: he attends your ladyship's pleasure. [Exit servant.] OH. I'll come to him.

Good

looked to. Where's my cousin Toby? Let some of my people have a special care of him: I would not have him miscarry for the half of my dowry. 70 [Exeunt olivia and maria. Maria,

let

fellow

this

be

Mai. O, ho! do you come near me now? no worse man than Sir Toby to look to me! This concurs directly with the letter: she sends him on purpose, that I may appear stubborn to him; for she incites me to that in the letter. "Cast thy humble slough," says she; "be opposite with a kinsman, surly with servants; let thy tongue tang with arguments of state; put thyself into the trick of singularity" and consequently sets down the manner how; as, a sad face, a reverend carriage, a slow tongue, in the habit of some sir of note, and so forth. I have limed her; but it is Jove's doing, and Jove make me thankful! And when she went away now, "Let this fellow be looked to": "fellow!" not Malvolio, nor after my degree, but "fellow." Why, every thing adheres together, that no dram of a scruple, no scruple of a scruple, no obstacle, no incredulous or unsafe circumstance What can be said? Nothing that can be can come between me and the full prospect of my hopes. Well, Jove, not I, is the doer of this, and he is to be thanked. ;

—

toby and fabian.

Re-enter maria, with sir

Which way

Sir To.

sanctity? If

is

he,

in the

the devils of hell be

all

name of drawn in

and Legion himself possessed him, yet I'll speak to him. Fab. Here he is, here he is. How is't with you, sir? how is't with you, man? Mai. Go off; I discard you: let me enjoy my 100 private: gooff. Mar. Lo, how hollow the fiend speaks within little,

him! did not I tell you? Sir Toby, prays you to have a care of him. Mai. Ah, ha! does she so?

Go

Sir To.

to,

go

to; peace, peace;

deal gently with him: let

how

me

alone.

my

lady

:

is't

if

I

live.

more than I'll Mai. How now, Mar. O Lord!

for

My

lady would not lose

How do you,

him

mistress!

Sir To. Prithee, hold thy peace; this

not the

is

way: do you not see you move him?

let

alone with him.

me 122

No way

Fab.

the fiend

is

but gentleness; gently, gently: rough, and will not be roughly used.

Why, how now, my bawcock! how

Sir To.

dost thou, chuck?

Mai.

Sir!

Sir To.

Ay, Biddy, come with me. What, man!

not for gravity to play at cherry-pit with Satan: hang him, foul collier! 75 'tis

Mar. Get him to say Toby, get him to pray. Mai.

good

his prayers,

Sir

My prayers, minx!

Mar. No,

I

warrant you, he will not hear of

godliness.

Mai. Go, hang yourselves all! you are idle I am not of your element: you

shallow things:

know more hereafter.

shall

[Exit.

Sir To. Is't possible?

Fab. If this were played upon a stage now,

could condemn

it

as

an improbable

fiction.

I

14.1

His very genius hath taken the inman. Mar. Nay, pursue him now, lest the device take air and taint. Fab. WTiy, we shall make him mad indeed. Mar. The house will be the quieter. Sir To. Come, we'll have him in a dark room and bound. My niece is already in the belief that he's mad: we may carry it thus, for our pleasure and his penance, till our very pastime, tired out of breath, prompt us to have mercy on him: at which time we will bring the device to the bar and crown thee for a finder of madmen. But see, but see. Sir To.

fection of the device,

Enter sir andrew. Fab. Sir

More matter

for a

May morning.

And. Here's the challenge, read

Fab.

we must

act hi

sav.

rant there's vinegar and pepper

with you? What, man! defy the devil consider, he's an enemy to mankind. no Mai. Do you know what you say? Mar. La you, an you speak ill of the devil, how he takes it at heart! Pray God, he be not bewitched! Fab. Carry his water to the wise woman. Mar. Marry, and it shall be done to-morrow Malvolio?

WHAT YOU WILL

morning,

Enter servant.

Sir

Is't

I

war-

so saucy?

And. Ay,

is't,

I

warrant him:

do but 161

read. Sir

it.

in't.

To.

ever thou

Give me. art,

thou art

"Youth, whatsobut a scurvy fellow." [Reads]

Fab. Good, and valiant. Sir To. [Reads] 'Wonder not, nor admire not in thy mind, why I do call thee so, for I will show thee no reason for't." Fab. good note; that keeps you from the 169 blow of the law.

A

— SCENE

TWELFTH NIGHT;

IV

[Reads]

To.

Sir

Olivia,

"Thou comest

and in

my

to

OR,

the lady

sight she uses thee kindly:

but thou liest in thy throat; that

not the matter

is

Very

Fab.

—

and to exceeding good sense

brief,

"I

[Reads]

To.

home; where Fab. Good.

if it

will

waylay thee going

be thy chance to

kill

me"

Sir To. [Reads]

"Thou

killest

me

like a

rogue 180

you keep

Still

o' the

windy

side of the

law: good. Sir To. [Reads] "Fare thee well; and God have mercy upon one of our souls He may have mercy upon mine; but my hope is better, and so look to thyself. Thy friend, as thou usest him, !

and thy sworn enemy. If this letter

move him

Andrew Aguecheek." not, his legs cannot:

I'll

give'thim. fit

occasion

for't.

some commerce with my lady, and will by and by depart. Sir To. Go, Sir Andrew; scout me for him at

now

is

With

in

soon as ever thou seest him, draw; and, as thou drawest, swear horrible; for that a terrible oath, with a

sharply twanged off, gives

it

comes

to pass oft

swaggering accent

manhood more

ap-

probation than ever proof itself would have

earned him.

Away!

And. Nay,

let

200

me alone for swearing. [Exit.

Sir.

To.

Now

will not

I

deliver his letter: for

young gentleman gives him out to be of good capacity and breeding; his employment between his lord and my niece conthe behaviour of the

firms

your passion

for

me,

no

'tis

Refuse

it

less:

therefore this letter, being so ex-

no terror in the comes from a clodpole. But, sir, I will deliver his challenge by word of mouth; set upon Auguecheek a notable report of cellently ignorant, will breed

youth: he will find

it

valour; and drive the gentleman, as I know his youth will aptly receive it, into a most hideous opinion of his rage, skill, fury, and impetuosity. This will so fright them both that they will kill one another by the look, like cockatrices.

not;

it

Nothing but

Vio.

this;

250

your true love for

Fab. Here he comes with your niece: give them way till he take leave, and presently after

him. I

will meditate the while

horrid message for a challenge Oli. I

upon some 220

[Exeunt sir toby, fabian, and maria. have said too much unto a heart of stone

my

master. Oli.

How

with mine honour

may

I

give

him

that

Which I have given to you? Vio.

will acquit you.

I

Well, come again to-morrow. Fare thee

well:

A fiend like thee might bear my soul to hell. [Exit.

Re-enter sir Sir To. Vio.

Gentleman,

And you,

toby and fabian.

God

save thee.

sir.

239

That defence thou hast, betake thee of what nature the wrongs are thou hast

Sir To. to't:

done him, I know not; but thy intercepter, full of despite, bloody as the hunter, attends thee at the orchard-end: dismount thy tuck, be yare in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skilful and deadly. Vio. You mistake, sir; I am sure no man hath any quarrel to me: my remembrance is very free and clear from any image of offence done to any man. 250

Sir To. You'll find

therefore, if

it

otherwise,

you hold your

life at

I

assure you:

any

price, be-

take you to your guard; for your opposite hath in him what youth, strength, skill, and wrath can furnish Vio.

I

man withal. pray you,

Sir To.

He

rapier and

is

sir,

what

is

he?

knight, dubbed with unhatched

on carpet consideration; but he

is

a

devil in private brawl; souls and bodies hath he

divorced three; and his incensement at this Re-enter olivia, with viola.

Sir To.

my

hath no tongue to vex you;

And I beseech you come again to-morrow. What shall you ask of me that I'll deny, That honour saved may upon asking give?

the corner of the orchard like a bum-baily: so

Sir

that

Goes on my master's grief. Oli. Here, wear this jewel

Oli.

Mar. You may have very

He

mocks reproof. the same 'haviour

but

it

picture;

and a villain." Fab.

Vio.

my fault;

bears

less.

Sir

19

mine honour too unchary out:

laid

There's something in me that reproves But such a headstrong potent fault it is

That

challenge thee for."

I

WHAT YOU WILL

And

ment

is

mo-

so implacable that satisfaction can be

none but by pangs of death and sepulchre. Hob, nob, is his word; give't or take't. Vio. I will return again into the house and desire some conduct of the lady. I am no fighter. I have heard of some kind of men that put quarrels purposely on others, to taste their valour: belike this

is

a

man of that quirk.

TWELFTH NIGHT;

20

OR,

Sir To. Sir, no; his indignation derives itself

WHAT YOU WILL Fab.

He

out of a very competent injury: therefore, get you on and give him his desire. Back you shall not to the house, unless you undertake that with

heels.

me which

will fight

with as much safety you might answer

him: therefore, on, or strip your sword stark naked; for meddle you must, that's certain, or forswear to wear iron about you. Vio. This is as uncivil as strange. I beseech you, do

me

courteous

this

office, as to

know of

my offence to him is: it is something of my negligence, nothing of my purpose. the knight what

I will do so. Signior Fabian, stay you [Exit. gentleman till my return. Vio. Pray you, sir, do you know of this matter? Fab. I know the knight is incensed against you, even to a mortal arbitrement; but nothing of the circumstance more. Vio. I beseech you, what manner of man is

Sir To.

by

this

289

he?

Fab. Nothing of that wonderful promise, to

read him by his form, as you are like to find him

proof of his valour. He is, indeed, sir, the bloody, and fatal opposite that you could possibly have found in any part of Illyria. Will you walk towards him? I will make your peace with him if I can. Vio. I shall be much bound to you for't. I am one that had rather go with sir priest than sir knight. I care not who knows so much of my

ACT

of him; and

as horribly conceited

is

III

pants and looks pale, as if a bear were at his Sir To. [To viola] There's

no remedy, sir; he with you for's oath sake: marry, he hath better bethought him of his quarrel, and he finds that now scarce to be worth talking of; therefore draw, for the supportance of his vow, he protests he will not hurt you. 550 Vio. [Aside] Pi ay God defend me! A little thing would make me tell them how much I lack of a man. Fab. Give ground, if you see

Come,

Sir To.

Sir

Andrew,

him

furious.

there's

no remedy;

the gentleman will, for his honour's sake, have

one bout with you; he cannot by the duello avoid it: but he has promised me, as he is a gentleman and a soldier, he will not hurt you. Come on; to't.

340

And. Pray God, he keep his oath! Vio. I do assure you, 'tis against my will. They draw. Sir

in the

most

Enter antonio.

skilful,

[Exeunt.

mettle. Re-enter sir toby, with sir

300

Andrew.

Why,

man, he's a very devil; I have not seen such a firago. I had a pass with him, rapier, scabbard, and all, and he gives me the stuck in with such a mortal motion that it is inevitable; and on the answer, he pays you as surely as your feet hit the ground they step on. They say he has been fencer to the Sophy. Sir And. Pox on't, I'll not meddle with him. Sir To. Ay, but he will not now be pacified: Sir To.

Fabian can scarce hold him yonder. 5/0 Sir And. Plague on't, an I thought he had been valiant and so cunning in fence, I'd have seen him damned ere I'd have challenged him. Let him let the matter slip and I'll give him my horse, grey Capilet. Sir To.

I'll

make

the motion: stand here,

make

a good show on't: this shall end without the perdition of souls. [Aside] Marry, I'll ride your

horse as well as

I

ride you.

5/p

Ant. Put up your sword. If this young gentle-

man Have done offence, I take the

fault on me; him defy you. Sir To. You, sir! why, what are you? Ant. One, sir, that for his love dares yet do more Than you have heard him brag to you he will. Sir To. Nay, if you be an undertaker, I am

If you offend him,

[To Fabian] I have his horse to take up the quarhave persuaded him the youth's a devil.

rel: I

for

you.

for

5 jo

They draw. Enter officers. Fab.

O

good

Sir

Toby,

hold!

Here come

the

officers.

Sir To.

I'll

be with you anon.

Vio. Pray, sir, put

Sir

And. Marry,

ised you,

you

I'll

your sword up,

will

I, sir;

be as good as

if you please.

and, for that

my word:

I

prom-

he will bear

easily and reins well.

Off. This is the man; do thy office. 2nd Off. Antonio, I arrest thee at the suit of Count Orsino. 361 Ant. You do mistake me, sir. 1st Off. No, sir, no jot; I know your favour 1st

well,

Though now you have no sea-cap on your head. Take him away: he knows I know him well. Ant.

Re-enter fabian and viola.

I

I

must obey. [To viola] This comes with

seeking you.

But there's no remedy;

I

shall

answer

What will you do, now my necessity

it.

— scene

TWELFTH NIGHT;

iv

OR,

Makes me to ask you for my purse? It grieves me Much more for what I cannot do for you 370 Than what befalls myself. You stand amazed; But be of com fort. 2nd Off. Come, sir, away. Ant. I must entreat of you some of that money. Vio.

What money,

For the fair kindness you have show'd me here, And, part, being prompted by your present trouble,

Out of my lean and low ability I'll lend you something: my having is not much; I'll make division of my present with you: 380

For him I imitate. O, if it prove, Tempests are kind and salt waves fresh

Is't

Lest that

make me

it

Sir To.

thy sword.

me now?

And.

Fab.

let's

[Exit.

money

dare lay any

I

430

see the event.

be nothing

'twill

yet.

[Exeunt.

man

to upbraid

That

ACT

IV

I

Nor know I you by voice or any feature. I hate ingratitude more in a man Than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness, Or any taint of vice whose strong corruption

Scene

Ant.

Enter Sebastian and clown.

35)0

O heavens themselves! pray you, go. speak a little. This youth that you

2nd Off. Come, Ant. Let

me

sir, I

see here

Will you make me believe that I am not sent for you? Seb. Go to, go to, thou art a foolish fellow: Let me be clear of thee. Clo. Well held out, i' faith! No, I do not know you; nor I am not sent to you by my lady, to bid you come speak with her; nor your name is not Master Cesario; nor this is not my nose neither. Nothing that is so is so.

snatch'd one half out of the jaws of death,

Relieved him with such sanctity of love,

And to his

Seb.

image, which methought did promise

Most venerable worth, did I devotion. 1 st Off. What's that to us? The time goes by: away! Ant. But

Sebastian, done

prithee, vent thy folly

401

!

I

am

lady

:

Seb.

shall I I

by the devil. 1 st Off. The man grows mad: away with him! Come, come, sir. [Exit with officers. Ant. Lead me on. Vio. Methinks his words do from such passion

I

Clo.

wise

money

Sir To.

Come

bian: we'll

to a

prithee

I

me what

I

now, ungird thy shall

vent to

my

Greek, depart from me:

for thee: if you tarry longer,

20

By my troth, thou hast an open hand. These men diat give fools money get themselves a

—

after fourteen years' purchase.

Andrew,

And. Now,

sir

toby, and fabian.

have

sir,

I

met you again?

there's for you.

410

come hither, Facouplet or two of most

hither, knight;

whisper o'er a

it

worse payment.

good report

Sir

applies

vent to her that thou art coming?

Enter sir

That he believes himself: so do not I. Prove true, imagination, O, prove true, That I, dear brother, be now ta'en for you!

tell

prithee, foolish

shall give

word of fool. Vent

has heard that

afraid this great lubber, the world,

strangeness and

There's

o'erflourish'd

somewhere else: 11

He

folly!

will prove a cockney.

beauty, but the beauteous evil

Are empty trunks

my

Vent

some great man and now

good feature shame.

no blemish but the mind; None can be call'd deform'd but the unkind: is

Clo.

O how vile an idol proves this god!

In nature there's

Virtue

I

Thou know'st not me.

my folly

Thou hast,

Before Olivia's house

i.

Clo.

Inhabits our frail blood.

I

An I do not

Come,

Sir To.

Do not tempt my misery, so unsound a

And. 'Slid, I'll after him again and beat him. Do; cuff him soundly, but never draw

Sir

vou with those kindnesses have done for you. I know of none; Vio.

As

a hare: his dishonesty appears in

him; and for his cowardship, ask Fabian. Fab. A coward, a most devout coward, religious ink.

my deserts to you

lack persuasion?

A very dishonest paltry boy, and more a

coward than

Sir

Will you deny

possible that

in love. [Exit.

Sir To.

Hold, there's half my coffer.

Can

21

colour, ornament,

leaving his friend here in necessity and denying

sir?

Ant.

WHAT YOU WILL

Still in this fashion,

Seb.

Are

Why, there's

all

the people

Sir To. Hold,

for thee, and there,

and there.

mad?

sir,

or

I'll

throw your dagger o'er

sage saws.

the house.

He named Sebastian: I my brother know Yet living in my glass; even such and so In favour was my brother, and he went

This will I tell my lady straight: I would not be in some of your coats for two pence. [Exit.

Vio.

5/

Clo.

Sir To.

Come on,

sir;

hold.

TWELFTH NIGHT;

22

OR,

go another way to work with him; I'll have an action of battery against him, if there be any law in Illyria: though I struck him first, yet it's no matter for that. Seb. Let go thy hand. 40 Sir

And. Nay,

Sir To.

Come,

Seb.

I

alone:

you

go.

Come,

put up your iron: you are well

come on. from

will be free

What wouldst

thee.

WHAT YOU WILL Enter sir toby and maria.

Sir To. Jove bless thee, master Parson. Clo. Bonos dies, Sir Toby: for, as the old hermit of Prague, that never saw pen and ink, very wittily said to a niece of King Gorboduc, "That that is is"; so I, being master Parson, am master Parson; for, what is "that" but "that," and "is"

Sir To. Clo.

To him, Sir Topas.

What,

Sir To.

ho,

life I

Clo. Sir

charge thee, hold!

Madam!

OH. Will

it

50

be ever thus? Ungracious wretch,

Fit for the mountains and the barbarous caves,

Where manners

ne'er

were preach'd! out of my

sight!

Be not offended, dear Cesario. Rudesby, begone! [Exeunt sir toby, I

In this

Andrew, and fabian.

prithee, gentle friend,

The knave

Do not deny. Beshrew his soul for me, He started one poor heart of mine in thee. Seb. What relish is in this? how runs the stream? Or I am mad, or else this is a dream: still

my sense in Lethe steep;

OH. Nay, come, ruled by me! Seb.

Madam,

I

still let

me sleep!

would thou'ldst be

prithee;

I will.

O, say

OH.

Scene

ii.

so,

and so be!

[Exeunt.

Olivia's house

beard;

I

prithee, put

make him

curate: do

it

on

this

I'll

call Sir

this

Topas the

Toby the whilst. [Exit.

Well, I'll put it on, and I will dissemble myself in 't; and I would I were the first that ever dissembled in such a gown. I am not tall enough to become the function well, nor lean enough to be thought a good student; but to be said an honest man and a good housekeeper goes as fairly as to say a careful man and a great scholar. The competitors enter. Clo.

curate,

who comes

to visit

Malvolio the lunatic. Mai. Sir Topas, Sir Topas, good Sir Topas, go to

my

lady.

Out, hyperbolical fiend! how vexest thou this man! talkest thou nothing but of ladies? 50 Sir To. Well said, master Parson. Mai. Sir Topas, never was man thus wronged: good Sir Topas, do not think I am mad they have Clo.

laid

me here in hideous darkness.

thou dishonest Satan! I call thee by the for I am one of those gentle ones that will use the devil himself with courtesy: sayest thou that house is dark? Mai. As hell, Sir Topas. 39 Clo. Why, it hath bay windows transparent as barricadoes, and the clearstores toward the south north are as lustrous as ebony; and yet complainest thou of obstruction? Mai. I am not mad, Sir Topas: I say to you, this house is dark. Clo. Madman, thou errest: I say, there is no darkness but ignorance; in which thou art more puzzled than the Egyptians in their fog. Mai. I say, this house is as dark as ignorance, though ignorance were as dark as hell; and I say, there was never man thus abused. I am no more mad than you are: make the trial of it in any Clo.

gown and

believe thou art Sir

quickly;

Who calls there?

Topas the

constant question.

Enter maria and clown.

Mar. Nay,

good

Clo. Fie,

Against thy peace. Go with me to my house, And hear thou there how many fruitless pranks This ruffian hath botch'd up, that thou thereby 60 Mayst smile at this: thou shalt not choose but go:

If it be thus to dream,

counterfeits well; a

most modest terms;

fair

Let fancy

20

say! peace in this prison!

:

sir

wisdom, not thy passion, sway uncivil and unjust extent

Let thy

I

knave.

Mai. [Within] Enter olivia.

Sir To.

IV

but "is"?

thou now? If thou darest tempt me further, draw thy sword. Sir To. What, what? Nay, then I must have an ounce or two of this malapert blood from you.

OH. Hold,Toby; on thy

ACT

I'll

will not let

sir, I

my young soldier, fleshed;

him

let

What

is

the opinion of Pythagoras con-

cerning wild fowl?

Mai. That the soul of our grandam might haply inhabit a bird. Clo. What thinkest thou of his opinion? Mai. I think nobly of the soul, and no way 60 approve his opinion. Clo. Fare thee well. Remain thou still in darkness: thou shalt hold the opinion of Pythagoras ere I will allow of thy wits, and fear to kill a woodcock, lest thou dispossess the soul of thy grandam. Fare thee well. Mai. Sir Topas, Sir Topas!

.

!

SCENE

TWELFTH NIGHT;

II

Str To.

1

.

OR,

My most exquisite Sir Topas!

Mai. Believe me,

Nay, I am for all waters. Mar. Thou mightst have done this without thy jo beard and gown: he sees thee not. Sir To. To him in thine own voice, and bring me word how thou findest him: I would we were

Clo.

Clo.

may

well rid of this knavery. If he ently delivered,

would he were,

I

so far in offence with

my

I

niece that

Nay,

his brains.

I'll I

Mai. Fool, I

I'll

requite

Clo. [Singing] "I

cannot

Tell

me how

Robin, thy lady does."

for't.

Master Malvolio? Mai. Ay, good fool.

90

you

besides your five

wits?

abused:

I

am as

well in

man

my wits,

so notoriously

fool, as

thou

art.

But as well? then you are mad indeed, if you be no better in your wits than a fool. Mai. They have here propertied me; keep me in darkness, send ministers to me, asses, and do all they can to face me out of my wits 10 Clo. Advise you what you say; the minister is here. Malvolio, Malvolio, thy wits the heavens restore! endeavour thyself to sleep, and leave thy Clo.

vain bibble babble.

Mai. Sir Topas Clo. Maintain no words with him, good fellow. Who, I, sir? not I, sir. God be wi' you, good Sir Topas. Marry, amen. I will, sir, I will. Mai. Fool, fool, fool, I say! no Clo. Alas, sir,

be patient.

What

with dagger of lath,

In his rage and his wrath,

Like a mad lad, Pare thy nails, dad; Adieu, good man devil."

say you,

sir? I

am shent for speaking to you. Mai. Good fool, help me to some light and some paper: I tell thee, I am as well in my wits as any man in Illyria. Clo. Well-a-day that you were, sir! Mai. By this hand, I am. Good fool, some ink, paper, and light; and convey what I will set down to my lady: it shall advantage thee more than ever the bearing of letter did 12 Clo. I will help you to't. But tell me true, are

you not mad indeed? or do you but counterfeit?

140 [Exit.

Scene

hi. Olivia' s

garden

Enter Sebastian. Seb. This is the air; that is the glorious sun; This pearl she gave me, I do feel't and see't; And though 'tis wonder that enwraps me thus, Yet 'tis not madness. Where's Antonio, then? I

Mai. Fool, there was never

sustain;

Cries, ah, ha! to the devil:

Clo.

fell

/50

be with you again,

Who,

unkind, perdy."

how

in the highest degree:

jolly

—

Clo. Alas, sir,

see

Like to the old Vice,

Clo. "Alas, why is she so?" Mai. Fool, I say! Who calls, ha? Clo. "She loves another" Mai. Good fool, as ever thou wilt deserve well at my hand, help me to a candle, and pen, ink and paper: as I am a gentleman, I will live to be

thankful to thee

it

Your need to

So is

till I

and paper and

In a trice,

[Exeunt sir toby and maria.

Mai. Fool! Clo. "My lady Mai. Fool!

madman

light

am gone, sir, And anon, sir,

I'll

Come by and by to my chamber. "Hey, Robin,

thee true.

prithee, be gone.

pursue with any safety this sport to the upshot.

Clo. [Singing]

you

will fetch

23

I tell

ne'er believe a

am now I

am

I

not;

ink.

be conveni-

for

WHAT YOU WILL

could not find him at the Elephant:

Yet there he was; and there I found this credit, That he did range the town to seek me out. His counsel now might do me golden service; For though my soul disputes well with my sense That this may be some error, but no madness, 10 Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune So far exceed all instance, all discourse, That I am ready to distrust mine eyes And wrangle with my reason that persuades me To any other trust but that I am mad Or else the lady's mad; yet, if 'twere so, She could not sway her house, command her followers,

Take and give back affairs and their dispatch With suca a smooth, discreet, and stable bearing As I perceive she does: there's something in't 20 That is deceivable. But here the lady comes. Enter olivia and priest. Oli.

Blame not this haste of mine.

If you

mean

well,

Now go with me and with this holy man Into the chantry by: there, before him,

And underneath that consecrated roof, Plight me the full assurance of your faith;

my most jealous and too doubtful soul May live at peace. He shall conceal it

That

Whiles you are willing it

shall

come to note,

TWELFTH NIGHT; OR WHAT YOU WILL

24

What time we will our celebration keep According to my birth. What do you say? Seb.

I'll

follow this good

3

man and go with

you; And, having sworn truth, ever will be true. Oliv. Then lead the way, good father; and

heavens so shine,

That they may

fairly

note this act of mine! [Exeunt.

ACT V Scene

i.

:

Before Olivia

s

house

Vio.

Enter clown and fabian.

Now,

Fab.

as thou lovest

me,

Here comes the man,

me

let

that did rescue

see his

Enter antonio and officers.

Go. Good Master Fabian, grant

me

Duke. That face of his

another re-

Yet,

quest.

As

Fab. Anything.

is,

to give a dog, and in

recompense

my dog again.

Duke. Belong you to the Lady Olivia, friends? 10 Go. Ay, sir; we are some of her trappings. I

know

thee well:

good fellow? Go. Truly, sir, the better worse for my friends.

how for

dost thou,

my

foes and the

Duke.

no; though

it

please

you

Thou

shalt not be the

worse

for

there's gold.

me: 5/

Go. But that it would be double-dealing, sir, I would you could make it another. Duke. O, you give me ill counsel. Go. Put your grace in your pocket, sir, for this once, and let your flesh and blood obey it. Duke. Well, I will be so much a sinner, to be a Go. Primo, secundo, the old saying triplex, sir, is a

is,

teitio, is a

good play; and

the third pays for

all:

the

good tripping measure; or the

Antonio

is

he that did the Tiger board,

of shame and

in the streets, desperate

state,

we apprehend him.

He did me kindness,

sir,

drew on

my side;

speech upon me: jo

know not what 'twas but distraction. Duke. Notable pirate! thou salt-water thief! What foolish boldness brought thee to their merI

cies,

Whom thou, in terms so bloody and so dear, Hast made thine enemies? Orsino, noble

sir,

Be pleased that I shake off these names you give me: Antonio never yet was thief or pirate, Though I confess, on base and ground enough, Orsino's enemy. A witchcraft drew me hither: That most ingrateful boy there by your side, 80 From the rude sea's enraged and foamy mouth Did I redeem; a wreck past hope he was. His life I gave him and did thereto add

My love, without retention or restraint, All his in dedication; for his sake

Did

double-dealer: there's another.

that

in conclusion put strange

But

Ant.

Why, this is excellent.

my troth, sir, my friends.

is

When your young nephew Titus lost his leg:

Vio.

to be one of

Duke.

Off. Orsino, this

That took the Phoenix and her fraught from Candy;

In private brabble did

foes.

60

matter? 1st

How can that be?

Go. By

was besmear'd smoke of war:

That very envy and the tongue of loss Cried fame and honour on him. What's the

Here the worse.

Go. Marry, sir, they praise me and make an ass of me; now my foes tell me plainly I am an ass: so that by my foes, sir, I profit in the knowledge of myself, and by my friends I am abused: so that, conclusions to be as kisses, if your four negatives make your two affirmatives, why then, the worse for my friends and the better for my Duke.

black as Vulcan in the

And this

friends. sir,

do remember well;

For shallow draught and bulk unprizable,

my

Duke. Just the contrary; the better for thy

Go. No,

I

it last, it

With which such scathful grapple did he make With the most noble bottom of our fleet,

Enter duke, viola, curio, and Lords.

Duke.

when I saw

A bawbling vessel was he captain of,

Do not desire to see this letter.

Fab. This desire

sir,

me.

letter.

Go.

ACT V

of Saint Bennet, sir, may put you in mind; one, two, three. Duke. You can fool no more money out of me at this throw: if you will let your lady know I am here to speak with her, and bring her along with you, it may awake my bounty further. Go. Marry, sir, lullaby to your bounty till I come again. I go, sir; but I would not have you to think that my desire of having is the sin of covetousness but, as you say, sir, let your bounty take a nap, I will awake it anon. [Exit. bells

I

expose myself, pure for his love,

Into the danger of this adverse town;

Drew to defend him when he was beset: Where being apprehended, his false cunning,

— SCENE

—

— TWELFTH NIGHT;

I

WHAT YOU WILL

OR,

Not meaning to partake with me in danger, 90 Taught him to face me out of his acquaintance, And grew a twenty years removed thing While one would wink; denied me mine own

Come, boy, with me; I'll

OH.

How can this be?

I

do

And I, most jocund,

love,

apt,

and willingly,

a thousand deaths

would die.

Where goes Cesario? After him

Vio.

When came he to this town? Ant. To-day, my lord; and for three months

More than

I

I

love these eyes,more than

love

my life,

More, by all mores, than e'er I shall love wife. If I do feign, you witnesses above 140

before,

No interim, not a minute's vacancy, Both day and night did

lamb that

sacrifice the

Vio.

Vio.

my thoughts are ripe in

To spite a raven's heart within a dove.

To do you rest,

Duke.

25

mischief:

purse,

Which I had recommended to his use Not half an hour before.

.

:

my life for tainting of my love! Ay me, detested! how am I beguiled!

Punish

we keep company.

OH.

Who does beguile you? who does do you wrong? OH. Hast thou forgot thyself? is it so long? Vio.

Enter olivia and Attendants.

Duke. Here comes the Countess:

now heaven

walks on earth.

100

Call forth the holy father.

But for thee, fellow; fellow, thy words are mad-

Duke. OH. Whither,

ness:

Three months

this

youth hath tended upon me;

:

Her husband,

No,

109

Enter priest.

My lord would speak; my duty hushes me.

OH. If it be aught to the old tune, my and fulsome to mine ear As howling after music.

O, welcome,

lord,

Duke.

Still

so cruel?

so constant, lord.

Duke. What, to perverseness? you uncivil lady,

To whose ingrate and unauspicious altars

My soul the faith full' st offerings hath breathed out

That e'er devotion tender'd! What shall I do? OH. Even what it please my lord, that shall be-

come him. Duke.

Why should I not, had I the heart to do 120

it,

Like to the Egyptian thief at point of death, Kill what I love? a savage jealousy That sometime savours nobly. But hear me this: Since you to non-regardance cast my faith, And that I partly know the instrument That screws me from my true place in your

—

favour,

Live you the marble-breasted tyrant still; But this your minion, whom I know you love,

And whom, by heaven I

swear,

I

Him will I tear out of that cruel eye,

130 spite.

I

Hath newly pass'd between this youth and me. Priest. A contract of eternal bond of love, Confirm'd by mutual joinder of your hands, 160 Attested by the holy close of lips, Strengthen'd by interchangement of your rings; And all the ceremony of this compact Seal'd in my function, by my testimony: Since when, my watch hath told me, toward my grave have travell'd but two hours. thou dissembling cub! what wilt thou Duke. be WTien time hath sow'd a grizzle on thy case? Or will not else thy craft so quickly grow, That thine own trip shall be thine overthrow? ijo Farewell, and take her; but direct thy feet WTiere thou and I henceforth may never meet. I

O

Vio.

tender dearly,

Where he sits crowned in his master's

father!

charge thee, by thy reverence, Here to unfold, though lately we intended To keep in darkness what occasion now Reveals before 'tis ripe, what thou dost know Father,

It is as fat

Still

my lord, not I

the baseness of thy fear

strangle thy propriety i$o Fear not, Cesario; take thy fortunes up; Be that thou know'st thou art, and then thou art As great as that thou fear'st.

What do you say, Cesario? Good my

lord

it is

That makes thee

Madam!

Vio.

sirrah!

Vio.

OH. Alas,

Duke. Gracious Olivia

OH.

Ay, husband can he that deny?

OH. Duke.

have,

Wherein Olivia may seem serviceable? Cesario, you do not keep promise with me.

OH.

Cesario, husband, stay.

Duke. Husband!

But more of that anon. Take him aside. OH. What would my lord, but that he may not

Vio.

Come, away!

my lord?

My lord,

I

OH.

Hold little fear.

faith,

do protest

O, do not swear! though thou hast too much

TWELFTH NIGHT;

26

Enter sir

OR,

Andrew.

Duke.

incardinate.

lifelings,

is!

You broke

and two

A natural perspective, that is and is not! Seb. Antonio,

O my dear Antonio!

How have the hours rack'd and tortured me, Since

I

have

lost thee!

Ant. Sebastian are you? Fear'st thou that, Antonio?

Seb.

Ant.

How have you made division of yourself?

An apple, cleft in two,

is

not

more twin

Than these two creatures. Which OH. Most wonderful! Seb.

here he

One face, one voice, one habit,

persons,

My gentleman, Cesario?

And. 'Od's

Sir

ACT V

We made each other but so late ago.

Sir And. For the love of God, a surgeon! Send one presently to Sir Toby. OH. What's the matter? Sir And. He has broke my head across and has given Sir Toby a bloody coxcomb too: for the love of God, your help! I had rather than forty 181 pound I were at home. OH. Who has done this, Sir Andrew? Sir And. The Count's gentleman, one Cesario: we took him for a coward, but he's the very devil

Duke.

WHAT YOU WILL

Do I

stand there?

I

is

250

Sebastian?

never had a brother;

Nor can there be that deity in my nature,

my

Of here and everywhere.

set

Whom the blind waves and surges have devour'd.

head for nothing; and that that I did, I was on to do't by Sir Toby. Vio. Why do you speak to me? I never hurt you:

190

You drew your sword upon me without cause; bespake you fair, and hurt you not. And. If a bloody coxcomb be a hurt, you have hurt me: I think you set nothing by a bloody coxcomb.

But

I

Sir

I

had a sister,

Of charity, what kin are you to me? What countryman? what name? what parentage? Vio. Of Messaline: Sebastian was my father; Such a Sebastian was my brother too, 240 So went he suited to his watery tomb. If spirits can assume both form and suit

You come to

fright us.

A spirit I am indeed; am in that dimension grossly clad Which from the womb I did participate. Were you a woman, as the rest goes even, Seb.

But

Enter sir toby and clown.

Here comes

Sir

Toby

halting;

you

shall

hear

more: but if he had not been in drink, he would have tickled you othergates than he did. Duke. How now, gentleman! how is't with you? 200 Sir To. That's all one: has hurt me, and there's the end on't. Sot, didst see Dick surgeon, sot? Clo. O, he's drunk, Sir Toby, an hour agone; his eyes were set at eight i' the morning. Sir To. Then he's a rogue, and a passy measures panyn: I hate a drunken rogue. OH. Away with him! Who hath made this havoc with them? Sir And. I'll help you, Sir Toby, because we'll be dressed together. 211 Sir To. Will you help? an ass-head and a coxcomb and a knave, a thin- faced knave, a gull! OH. Get him to bed, and let his hurt be look'd to. [Exeunt clown, fabian, sir toby, and SIR

ANDREW.

Enter Sebastian. Seb. I

am

sorry,

madam,

I

have hurt your kins-

man; been the brother of my blood, I must have done no less with wit and safety. You throw a strange regard upon me, and by that I do perceive it hath offended you 220 Pardon me, sweet one, even for the vows

But, had

it

I

my tears let fall upon your cheek,

should

And say Vio.

Seb. Vio.

"Thrice- welcome, drowned Viola!"

My father had a mole upon his brow. And so had mine. 250 And died that day when Viola from her

birth

Had number'd thirteen years. Seb. O, that record is lively in my soul! He finished indeed his mortal act That day that made my sister thirteen years. Vio. If nothing lets to

But

this

make us happy both

my masculine usurp'd attire,

Do not embrace me till each circumstance Of place, time, fortune, do cohere and jump That I'll

I

am

bring

Viola: which to confirm,

you to

260

a captain in this town,

Where lie my maiden weeds; by whose gentle help

was preserved to serve

this noble count. All the occurrence of my fortune since I

Hath been between this lady and this lord. Seb. [To olivia] So comes it, lady, you have been mistook: But nature to her bias drew in that. You would have been contracted to a maid; Nor are you therein, by my life, deceived, You are betroth'd both to a maid and man. 270 Duke. Be not amazed; right noble is his blood.

;

SCENE

I

TWELFTH NIGHT;

If this be so, as yet the glass

seems

OR,

true,

Clo.

have share in this most happy wreck. [To viola] Boy, thou hast said to me a thousand shall

I

times shouldst love woman like to me. And all those sayings will I over-swear;

Thou never Vio.

And all those swearings keep as true in As doth that orbed continent the fire That severs day from

soul

Ay, madam.

Duke. This savours not much of disti action. Oli. See him deliver'd, Fabian; bring him hither. [Exit FABIAN. lord, so please you, these things further thought on, To think me as well a sister as a wife,

My

Give me thy hand .

2 80

Here

my house and at my proper cost.

at

Duke.

Madam,

shore

now in durance, at Malvolio's suit, and follower of my lady's. gentleman, A Oli. He shall enlarge him: fetch Malvolio Is

[To viola] Your master quits you; and for your service done him, So much against the mettle of your sex, 550 So far beneath your soft and tender breeding,

And yet, alas, now I remember me, They say, poor gentleman, he's much distract. with a

letter,

and fabian.

From my remembrance clearly

Re-enter fabian, with malvolio.

Duke.

banish'd his.

How does he, sirrah?

290

Truly, madam, he holds Belzebub at the stave's end as well as a man in his case may do: has here writ a letter to you; I should have given 't you to-day morning, but as a madman's episClo.

are no gospels, so

they are delivered. Oli. Open 't, and read

it skills

not

much when

Is this

the

madman? Ay,

Oli.

my lord, this same.

How now, Malvolio! Mai. Madam, you have done me wrong, Notorious wrong. Oli. Have I, Malvolio? no. Mai. Lady, you have. Pray you, peruse that letter.

You must not now deny it is your hand:

it.

Look then to be well edified when the fool madman. [Reads] "By the Lord, ma-

delivers the

dam"— Oli.

for so long,

Here is my hand: you shall from this time be Your master's mistress. Oli. A sister! you are she.

A most extracting frenzy of mine own

Clo.

am most apt to embrace your

And since you call'd me master

hither:

tles

I

offer.

Hath my maid's garments: he upon some action

clown

so please

you,

And let me see thee in thy woman' s weeds Vio. The captain that did bring me first on

Re-enter

*7

One day shall crown the alliance on't,

night.

Duke.

WHAT YOU WILL

300

How now! art thou mad?

Clo. No, madam, I do but read madness: an your ladyship will have it as it ought to be, you must allow Vox. Oli. Prithee, read i' thy right wits. Clo. So I do, madonna; but to read his right wits

Write from it,

if you can, in

hand or phrase;

favour,

Bade me come smiling and cross-garter'd to you,

To put on yellow stockings and to frown

to read thus: therefore perpend, my princess, and give ear. Oli. Read it you, sirrah. [To fabian.]

Upon Sir Toby and the lighter people;

Fab. [Reads] "By the Lord, madam, you wrong me, and the world shall know it: though you have put me into darkness and given your drunken cousin rule over me, yet have I the benefit of my senses as well as your ladyship. I have your own letter that induced me to the semblance I put on; with the which I doubt not but to do myself much right, or you much shame. Think of me as you please. I leave my duty a little unthought of and speak out of my injury. The madly-used Malvolio." Oli. Did he write this? 520

Kept

is

34.0

Or say 'tis not your seal, not your invention: You can say none of this: well, grant it then And tell me, in the modesty of honour, Why you have given me such clear lights of

And,

acting- this in

an obedient hope,

Why have you suffer'd me to be imprison'd, dark house, visited by the

in a

priest,

550

And made the most notorious geek and gull That e'er invention play'd on? tell me why. Malvolio, this

Oli. Alas,

Though,

I

confess,

is

not

my writing,

much like the character:

But out of question 'tis Maria's hand. And now I do bethink me, it was she First told me thou wast mad; then earnest in smiling,

And in such forms which here were presupposed

Upon thee in the letter. Prithee,

be content:

TWELFTH NIGHT;

28

OR,

This practice hath most shrewdly pass'd upon thee;

360 But when we know the grounds and authors of it, Thou shalt be both the plaintiff and the judge

Of thine own cause. Fab. Good madam, hear me speak, And let no quarrel nor no brawl to come

Taint the condition of this present hour, Which I have wonder'd at. In hope it shall not, Most freely I confess, myself and Toby Set this device against Malvolio here, Upon some stubborn and uncourteous parts had conceived against him: Maria writ }jo The letter at Sir Toby's great importance; In recompense whereof he hath married her. How with a sportful malice it was follow'd, May rather pluck on laughter than revenge; If that the injuries be justly weigh'd That have on both sides pass'd. OH. Alas, poor fool, how have they baffled thee! Clo. Why, "some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrown upon them." I was one, sir, in this interlude; one Sir Topas, sir; but that's all one. "By the Lord, fool,

WHAT YOU WILL

ACT V

A solemn combination shall be made Of our dear souls.

Meantime, sweet

sister,

We will not part from hence. Cesario, come; For so you shall be, while you are a man; But when in other habits you are seen, Orsino's mistress and his fancy's queen. [Exeunt all, except clown. Clo. [Sings]

"When that I was With hey,

and a

ho, the

little

tiny boy,

wind and the

rain,

A foolish thing was but a toy, For the rain

it

400

raineth every day.

We

am not mad." But do you remember? "Madam, why laugh you at such a barren rascal? an you I

smile not, he's gagged"; and thus the whirligig of time brings in his revenges. Mai. I'll be revenged on the whole pack of you. [Exit.

OH.

He hath been most notoriously abused.

Duke. Pursue him, and entreat him to a peace: He hath not told us of the captain yet: 390 When that is known and golden time convents,

But when

I

came

With hey,

to man's estate,

ho, &c.

'Gainst knaves and thieves

men

shut their

gate,

For the But when

rain,

I

&c.

came,

alas! to

With hey, ho, &c. By swaggering could I For the But when

rain,

I

wive,

never thrive,

&c.

came unto my

beds,

410

With hey, ho, &c. With toss-pots still had drunken heads, For the

rain,

&c.

A great while ago the world begun, With hey, But that's

all

ho, &c.

one, our play

is

done,

And we'll strive to please you every day." [Exit.

.

HAMLET,

n>

Prince of

Denmark

DRAMATIS PERSONS Claudius, King of Denmark son to the late, and nephew King Polonius, Lord Chamberlain Horatio, friend to Hamlet Laertes, son to Polonius

Hamlet,

Two

Clowns,

gravediggers

Fortinbras, Prince of Norway

to the present,

A Captain English Ambassadors

A A

Lord Soldier

Two Messengers A Servant to Horatio

voltimand Cornelius rosencrantz

Danes Ghost

Courtiers

GuiLDENSTERN

of Hamlet's father

OSRIC

A Gentleman A Priest MARCELLUS Bernardo

I

|

Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, and mother Ophelia, daughter

^SKceTS _

&

Non-Speaking:

Francisco, a soldier

Reynaldo, servant Five Players

to

Hamlet

Polonius

Lords,

Ladies,

Officers,

Soldiers^

and other Attendants

Sailors,

to

to

Polonius

Scene: Denmark

*z ACT Scene

i.

to

Give you good Mar.

him bernardo.

Who's there?

Fran.

Hor.

Long live the

king!

Ber.

Fran. Bernardo? Ber.

Horatio there?

A piece of him Welcome, Horatio: welcome, good Mar20

cellus.

You come most carefully upon your hour. now struck twelve; get thee to bed,

this thing appear'd again to-

night? Ber.

Ber. 'Tis

I

have seen nothing.

Mar. Horatio says

Francisco. Fran. For this relief much thanks:

is

Mar. What, has

He.

Fran.

[Exit.

Holla! Bernardo!

Say,

What,

stand, and unfold your-

self.

Ber.

night.

Ber.

Nay, answer me:

my place.

Bernardo has

Fran.

Elsinore: a platform before the castle

francisco at his post. Enter Ber.

Who hath relieved you?

I

'tis

Touching

but our fantasy,

dreaded sight, twice seen of us: have entreated him along With us to watch the minutes of this night, That if again this apparition come, He may approve our eyes and speak to it. Hor. Tush, tush, 'twill not appear.

cold,

And I am sick at heart. Ber. Have you had quiet guard? Fran. Not a mouse stirring,

'tis

And will not let belief take hold of him

bitter

Therefore

w

Well, good night. If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus, The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste. Fran. I think I hear them. Stand, ho! Who's Ber.

this I

Ber.

Sit

down awhile; 50

And let us once again assail your ears, That

there?

are so fortified against our story,

What we have two nights seen.

Enter horatio and marcellus.

Hor.

Well,

sit

we down,

Hor. Friends to this ground. Mar. And liegemen to the Dane.

And let us hear Bernardo speak of this.

Give you good night. Mar. O, farewell, honest

When yond same star that's westward from the

Ber. Last night of all,

Fran.

pole

soldier:

29

HAMLET

3

Had made his course to illume that part of heaven Where now it burns, Marcellus and myself, The bell then

beating one

Enter ghost.

Mar. Peace, break thee off; look, where it comes again! Ber. In the same figure, like the King that's

At 40

Mar. Thou art a scholar; speak to it, Horatio. Ber. Looks it not like the King? mark it,

Ber. It

harrows

me with fear and

Question

it,

Horatio.

So

of our known world esteem'd

this Fortinbras;

who, by

a seal'd

com-

ratified

forfeit,

by law and heraldry,

with

his life, all those his lands

Which he stood seized of,

to the conqueror: Against the which, a moiety competent Was gaged by our king; which had return'd

offended.

as,

by the same coven-

ant,

See,

Ber.

Hor. Stay! speak, speak!

I

it

stalks

away!

50

charge thee, speak! [Exit GHOST.

Mar. 'Tis gone, and will not answer. Ber. How now, Horatio! you tremble and look pale:

not this something

po

To the inheritance of Fortinbras, Had he been vanquisher;

speak!

more than

fantasy?

What think you on't? Hor. Before my God, I might not this believe Without the sensible and true avouch Of mine own eyes. Is it not like the King? Mar. Hor. As thou art to thyself: Such was the very armour he had on When he the ambitious Norway combated So frown'd he once, when, in an angry parle, He smote the sledded Polacks on the ice.

60

'Tis strange.

Mar. Thus twice before, and jump

at this

dead

hour,

With martial

stalk hath he gone by our watch. Hor. In what particular thought to work I know

not;

But in the gross and scope of my opinion, This bodes some strange eruption to our state. Mar. Good now, sit down, and tell me, he that knows, jo Why this same strict and most observant watch So nightly toils the subject of the land, And why such daily cast of brazen cannon, And foreign mart for implements of war; Why such impress of shipwrights, whose sore task

Well Did

Together with that fair and warlike form In which the majesty of buried Denmark Did sometimes march? by heaven I charge thee,

Is

but

pact,

What art thou that usurp'st this time of

It is

this side

him Did slay

night,

Mar.

Our last king, now appear'd to us,

the whisper goes so.

let—

would be spoke to.

Mar. Hor.

least,

Whose image even

For so

Horatio. like: it

I

Was, as you know, by Fortinbras of Norway, Thereto prick'd on by a most emulate pride, Dared to the combat; in which our valiant Ham-

dead.

Hor. Most wonder.

ACT

Does not divide the Sunday from the week; What might be toward, that this sweaty haste Doth make the night joint-labourer with the day: Who is't that can inform me? Hor. That can I;

And

carriage of the article design'd, His fell to Hamlet. Now, sir, young Fortinbras. Of unimproved mettle hot and full, Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there Shark'd up a list of lawless resolutes, For food and diet, to some enterprise That hath a stomach in't; which is no other As it doth well appear unto our state 101 But to recover of us, by strong hand And terms compulsatory, those foresaid lands So by his father lost: and this, I take it, Is the main motive of our preparations, The source of this our watch and the chief head Of this post-haste and romage in the land. Ber. I think it be no other but e'en so:

Well may it sort that this portentous Comes armed through our watch;

figure

so like the

King That was and is the question of these wars. Hor. A mote it is to trouble the mind's eye. In the most high and palmy state of Rome,

no

A little ere the mightiest Julius fell, The

graves stood tenantless and the sheeted dead Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets. As stars with trains of fire and dews of blood, Disasters in the sun; and the moist star Upon whose influence Neptune's empire stands

Was

sick almost to

And even

doomsday with

As harbingers preceding

And

eclipse. 120

the like precurse of fierce events,

prologue to the

still

the fates

omen coming

on,

—— SCENE

HAMLET

I

3i

Mar. Let's

Have heaven and earth together demonstrated Unto our climatures and countrymen. But soft, behold! lo, where it comes again!

do't,

I

pray; and

I

th's

morning

know Where we shall find him most conveniently. [Exeunt

Re-enter ghost.

though it blast me. Stay, illusion! If thou hast any sound, or use of voice, Speak to me: 150 If there be any good thing to be done, That may to thee do ease and grace to me, Speak to me: If thou art privy to thy country's fate, Which, happily, foreknowing may avoid, I'll

cross

Or if thou hast uphoarded

it,

stay,

and speak!

Marcellus.

Mar. Shall I strike at it with Hor. Do, if it will not stand.

my partisan? 14.1

'Tis here!

Ber.

'Tis here!

Hor.

[Exit ghost. Mar. 'Tis gone! We do it wrong, being so majestical, To offer it the show of violence; it is,

Ber. It

Hor.

as the air, invulnerable, vain blows malicious mockery.

was about

And then it

to speak,

when the cock crew.

started like a guilty thing

Upon a fearful summons. I have heard, The cock, that is the trumpet to the morn, Doth with

Awake

room of state

in the castle

Attendants.

King. Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death The memory be green, and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief and our whole king-

Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature That we with wisest sorrow think on him, Together with remembrance of ourselves. Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen,

death,

Speak of it: [Cock crows.]

For

A

king,

the

To be contracted in one brow of woe,

in thy life

Extorted treasure in the womb of earth, For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in

And our

ii.

queen, hamlet, polonius, LAERTES, VOLTIMAND, CORNELIUS, Lords, and

Enter

dom

O, speak!

Stop

Scene

it,

/yo

and shrill-sounding throat the god of day; and, at his warning, his lofty

Whether in sea or fire, in earth or air, The extravagant and erring spirit hies

To his confine: and of the truth herein This present object made probation. Mar. It faded on the crowing of the cock. Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated, The bird of dawning singeth all night long: 160 And then, they say, no spirit dare stir abroad; The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike,

No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, So hallow'd and so gracious is the time. Hor. So have I heard and do in part believe it. But, look, the morn, in russet mantle clad, Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill: Break we our watch up; and by my advice, Let us impart what we have seen to-night Unto young Hamlet; for, upon my life, 170 This spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him. Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it, As needful in our loves, fitting our duty?

The imperial jointress to this warlike state, Have we, as 'twere with a defeated joy 10 With an auspicious and a dropping eye, With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, In equal scale weighing delight and dole

Taken to wife: nor have we herein barr'd Your

better wisdoms,

With

this affair along.

which have freely gone For all, our thanks. Now follows, that you know, young Fortinbras, Holding a weak supposal of our worth, Or thinking by our late dear brother's death Our state to be disjoint and out of frame, 20 Colleagued with the dream of his advantage, He hath not fail'd to pester us with message, Importing the surrender of those lands Lost by his father, with all bonds of law, To our most valiant brother. So much for him. Now for ourself and for this time of meeting:

Thus much

the business

is

:

we have here writ

To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras Who,

impotent and bed-rid, scarcely hears

Of this his nephew's purpose His further

The lists,

—to suppress

50

gait herein; in that the levies,

and

full

proportions are

all

made

and we here dispatch You, good Cornelius, and you, Voltimand, For bearers of this greeting to old Norway; Giving to you no further personal power To business with the king, more than the scope

Out of his

subject:

Of these delated articles allow. Farewell, and let your haste Cor. (In that and Vol.

)

King.

all

commend your

things will

duty.

we show

our

duty.

We doubt

40 it

nothing: heartily farewell.

[Exeunt voltimand and Cornelius.

And now, Laertes, what's the news with you? You told us of some suit; what is't, Laertes?

HAMLET

32

You cannot speak of reason to the Dane, And lose your voice: what wouldst thou beg,

ACT

I

King. 'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet,

To give these mourning duties

Laertes,

The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father.

to your father: you must know, your father lost a father; That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound In filial obligation for some term pi To do obsequious sorrow but to persever

What wouldst thou have,

In obstinate condolement

That

shall not

be

my offer, not thy asking?

But,

:

Laertes?

My dread lord,

Laer.

Your leave and favour From whence though

50

to return to France;

willingly

came

I

It

to

Den-

To show my duty in your coronation,

My

I

And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon. King. Have you your father's leave? What says Polonius? lord,

wrung from me

my

I

Take thy

fair

60

hour, Laertes; time be

thine,

And thy best graces spend it at thy will! But now,

Ham.

my cousin Hamlet, and my son

A

[Aside]

more than

kin,

and

that the clouds

still

hang on

little

less

than kind.

King.

How

is it

you?

Ham. Not

my

so,

lord;

I

am

too

much

i'

the

sun.

Queen.

And

Good Hamlet, cast thy nigh ted colour off, thine eye look like a friend

on Denmark.

Do not for ever with thy vailed lids

70

Seek

let

for thy noble father in the dust.

Thou know'st

'tis

common;

that lives

all

must

it is

corse

Ham. Seems, madam!

nay,

it

till

who

still hath cried, he that died to-day, pray you, throw to

We

This unprevailing woe, and think of us As of a father: for let the world take note, You are the most immediate to our throne; And with no less nobility of love no Than that which dearest father bears his son, Do I impart toward you. For your intent In going back to school in Wittenberg, It is most retrograde to our desire: And we beseech you, bend you to remain Here, in the cheer and comfort of our eye, Our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son. Queen. Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet: I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg.

Ham.

I

King.

Why,

shall in all 'tis

my best obey you, madam.

a loving and a fair reply:

121

as ourself in

Sits smiling to

If it be,

is;

I

know

not

"seems." 'Tis not alone

first

my heart: in grace whereof, No jocund health that Denmark drinks to-day,

common.

Why seems it so particular with thee?

But the great cannon to the clouds shall tell, the King's rouse the heavens shall bruit

And

again,

my inky cloak, good mother,

Re-speaking earthly thunder.

Nor customary suits of solemn black, Nor windy suspiration of forced breath, No, nor the

death of fathers, and

From the

Denmark. Madam, come; This gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet

Passing through nature to eternity. Queen.

100

a fault to heaven,

To reason most absurd; whose common theme

Be

die,

Ham. Ay, madam,

'tis

earth

do beseech you, give him leave to go. King.

to heart? Fie!

it

"This must be so."

slow leave

By labour some petition, and at last Upon his will I seal'd my hard consent:

sense,

A fault against the dead, a fault to nature, Is

my

hath,

a will

Why should we in our peevish opposition Take

France

He

unmanly grief; most incorrect to heaven, heart unfortified, a mind impatient,

shows

As any the most vulgar thing to

must confess, that duty done,

thoughts and wishes bend again toward

Pol.

A

a course

'tis

An understanding simple and unschool'd: For what we know must be and is as common

mark,

Yet now,

is

Of impious stubbornness;

Ham. O, So

fruitful river in the eye,

Nor the dejected Together with

all

but hamlet.

that this too too solid flesh

forms, moods, shapes of grief,

That can denote me truly: these indeed seem, For they are actions that a man might play But I have that within which passeth show; These but the trappings and the suits of woe. :

would

melt, a dew Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd

Thaw, and resolve itself into

'haviour of the visage,

all

Come away.

[Exeunt

is

His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God! God! How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable, Seem to me all the uses of this world! Fieon't! ah

fie! 'tis

an unweeded garden,

—

— SCENE

—

:

HAMLET

II

That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature it merely. That it should come to this! But two months dead: nay, not so much, not two: So excellent a king; that was, to this,

Possess

Hyperion to a satyr; so loving to my mother 140 That he might not beteem the winds of heaven Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth! Must I remember? why, she would hang on him,

As if increase of appetite had grown By what it fed on: and yet, within a month Let me not think on't Frailty, thy name is woman! A little month, or ere those shoes were old With which she follow'd my poor father's body,

—

—

why she, even she 14.9 wants discourse of reason, Would have mourn' d longer married with my Like Niobe,

God!

tears

all

:

a beast, that

—

uncle,

My father's brother, but no more like my father Than

I

Had

within a month of most unrighteous tears

to Hercules

Ere yet the left

salt

:

33

Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables. Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven

Or ever I had seen that day, Hor. Where,

Ham.

my lord? In my mind's eye, Horatio.

saw him once; he was a goodly king. a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again. Hor. My lord, I think I saw him yesternight. Ham. Saw? who? 190 Hor. My lord, the King your father. Ham. The King my father! Hor.

I

Ham. He was

Hor. Season your admiration for a while

With an attent ear, till I may deliver, Upon the witness of these gentlemen, This marvel to you.

Ham.

For God's

Armed

She married. O, most wicked speed, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! It is not nor it cannot come to good: But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue.

love, let

me hear.

Hor. Two nights together had these gentlemen, Marcellus and Bernardo, on their watch, In the dead vast and middle of the night,

Been thus encounter'd.

the flushing in her galled eyes,

Horatio!

My father! —methinks I see my father.

A figure like your father,

200 Appears before them, and with solemn march Goes slow and stately by them thrice he walk'd By their oppress'd and fear-surprised eyes, Within his truncheon's length; whilst they, disat point exactly, cap-a-pie,

:

till'd

Enter horatio, marcellus, and bernardo.

Almost

Hor. Hail to your lordship!

Ham.

I

—

am glad

Stand

to see

you

160

well:

Horatio or I do forget myself. Hor. The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever.

Ham. Sir, my good friend; I'll change that name with you: And what make you from Wittenberg, Horatio? Marcellus?

Mar.

My good lord

I am very glad to see you. Good even, sir. But what, in faith, make you from Wittenberg? Hor. A truant disposition, good my lord. Ham. I would not hear your enemy say so, Nor shall you do mine ear that violence, iyi To make it truster of your own report Against yourself: I know you are no truant. But what is your affair in Elsinore? We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart.

Ham.

Hor.

My

lord,

I

came

to see your father's

funeral.

Ham.

pray thee, do not

I

mock me,

fellow-

student; 1

think

was

it

Hor. Indeed,

Ham.

my mother's wedding. my lord, it follow'd hard upon.

to see

and speak not to him. This to

180

me

In dreadful secrecy impart they did;

And I with them the third night

kept the watch: they had deliver'd, both in time, of the thing, each word made true and good,

Where,

as

Form The apparition comes

:

I

knew your

These hands are not more

father;

211

like.

Ham.

But where was this? Mar. My lord, upon the platform where we watch 'd. Ham. Did you not speak to it? Hor. My lord, I did; But answer made it none: yet once methought It lifted up it head and did address Itself to motion, like as it would speak; But even then the morning cock crew loud, And at the sound it shrunk in haste away, And vanish'd from our sight. 'Tis very strange. 220 Ham. Hor. As I do live, my honour'd lord, 'tis true; And we did think it writ down in our duty To let you know of it. Ham. Indeed, indeed, sirs, but this troubles me. Hold you the watch to-night? r

Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral baked

meats

to jelly with the act of fear,

dumb

^j Ham. Arm'd,

We do, my lord. say you?

HAMLET

34 r

^

'|Arm'd,mylord.

Ham. From top to toe? r

^

My lord, from head to foot.

*

|

Ham. Then saw you not his face? my lord; he wore his beaver up. Ham. What, look'd he frowningly? 25/ Hor. A countenance more in sorrow than in Hot. O, yes,

anger.

Ham.

Pale or red?

Hor. Nay, very pale.

And fix'd his eyes upon you? Ham. Hor. Most constantly. Ham. I would I had been there. Hor. It would have much amazed you. Ham. Very like, very like. Stay'd it long? Hor. While one with moderate haste might tell a hundred.

^-

And

Longer, longer.

J

was, as

It

I

have seen

I

will

it

240

Ham. 'twill

walk

watch to-night;

May give his saying deed;

again.

Than the main voice of Denmark goes withal. Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain, If with too credent ear you list his songs, 50

I warrant it will. assume my noble father's person, I'll speak to it, though hell itself should gape And bide me hold my peace. I pray you all, If you have hitherto conceal'd this sight, Let it be tenable in your silence still; 2$o And whatsoever else shall hap to-night, Give it an understanding, but no tongue: I will requite your loves. So, fare you well:

Ham.

If it

Upon the platform, I'll

visit

'twixt eleven and twelve,

you.

All.

Our duty to your honour.

Ham. Your loves,

as

mine to you: [Exeunt

farewell.

all

but hamlet.

My father's spirit in arms! all is not well; doubt some foul play. Would the night were come! Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise, Though all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's I

eyes.

[Exit.

Scene

hi.

A

room

in Polonius house

My necessaries are embark'd:

sister, as

And convoy is

is

no further

Or lose your heart,

or your chaste treasure open unmaster'd importunity. Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister, And keep you in the rear of your affection, Out of the shot and danger of desire. The chariest maid is prodigal enough, If she unmask her beauty to the moon: Virtue itself 'scapes not calumnious strokes: The canker galls the infants of the spring,

To his

Too oft before their buttons be disclosed, And in the morn and liquid dew of youth

Be wary then; best safety lies in fear: Youth to itself rebels, though none else near. Oph. I shall the effect of this good lesson keep, As watchman to my heart. But, good my brother, Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven; Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads, 50

And recks not his own rede. O,

Laer. I

stay too long: but here

my

fear

me not.

father comes.

the winds give benefit assistant,

do not

But let me hear from you. Oph.

40

Contagious blastments are most imminent.

fare-

well:

And,

which

Whiles, like a purT'd and reckless libertine,

1

Enter laertes and ophelia. Laer.

loves

you, It fits your wisdom so far to believe it As he in his particular act and place

in his life,

A sable silver'd. Perchance Hor.

1

therefore must his choice be circumscribed

Unto the voice and yielding of that body Whereof he is the head. Then if he says he

Hor. Not when I saw't. His beard was grizzled, no? Ham. Hor.

act

For Hamlet and the trifling of his favour, Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood, A violet in the youth of primy nature, Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting, The perfume and suppliance of a minute; No more. Oph. No more but so? Laer. Think it no more: 10 For nature, crescent, does not grow alone In thews and bulk, but, ar this temple waxes, The inward service of the mind and soul Grows wide withal. Perhaps he loves you now, And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch The virtue of his will: but you must fear, His greatness weigh'd, his will is not his own; For he himself is subject to his birth. He may not, as unvalued persons do, Carve for himself; for on his choice depends 20 The safety and health of this whole state; Laer.

sleep,

Enter polonius.

A double blessing is a double grace; Do you doubt that?

Occasion smiles upon a second leave.

t

iscene

HAMLET

in

Yet here, Laertes! aboard, aboard, for

Pol.

35

pooh! you speak like a green

Pol. Affection!

shame!

The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail, And you are stay'd for. There; my blessing with

And these few precepts in thy memory See thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue, 60 Nor any unproportion'd thought his act. Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel; But do not dull thy palm with entertainment Of each new-hatch'd, unfledged comrade. Be-

ware

Take each man's

think.

Marry,

Pol.

80

my blessing season this in thee! Most humbly do I take my leave, my

lord.

The time

invites

you; go; your servants

tend. Laer. Farewell, Ophelia; and

remember well

What I have said to you. Oph.

'Tis in

my memory lock'd,

And you yourself shall keep the key of it. Laer. Farewell.

What is't,

[Exit.

Ophelia, he hath said to you?

Oph. So please you, something touching the Lord Hamlet.

That you have ta'en these tenders for true pay, Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly;

—not to crack the wind of the poor phrase, Running thus — tender me a Oph. My he hath importuned Or

you'll

it

Marry, well bethought: po me, he hath very oft of late Given private time to you; and you yourself Have of your audience been most free and bounso, as so 'tis

put on me,

Ay, fashion you may

Oph.

And

speech,

With Pol.

behoves

He

with

call it;

go

to,

go to.

countenance

to

his

my lord,

almost

all

the holy

vows of heaven.

Ay, springes to catch woodcocks. I do know,

When the blood burns, how prodigal the soul Lends the tongue vows: these blazes, daughter, Giving more light than heat, extinct in both,

Even in their promise, as it is a-making, You must not take for fire. From this time 120 Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence; Set your entreatments at a higher rate Than a command to parley. For Lord Hamlet, Believe so

much in him,

that he

is

young,

And with a larger tether may he walk Than may be given you: in few, Ophelia, Do not believe his vows; for they are brokers, Not of that dye which their investments show, But mere implorators of unholy suits, Breathing like sanctified and pious bawds, i$o The better to beguile. This is for all: I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth, Have you so slander any moment leisure, As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet. Look to't, I charge you: come your ways. [Exeunt. Oph. I shall obey, my lord. Scene

The platform

rv.

Enter hamlet, horatio, and marcellus.

Ham. The air bites shrewdly; Hor.

It is a

Mar. No,

it is

nipping and an eager

hath,

my

give lord,

me up the truth. of

late

very cold.

air.

think

100

A

it

lacks of twelve.

struck. I

heard

it

Wherein the spirit held

made many

tenders

Of his affection to me.

I it is

Hor. Indeed? the season

my daughter and your honour.

What is between you? Oph.

given

hath

Hor.

And that in way of caution, I must tell you, You do not understand yourself so clearly it

me

Ham. What hour now?

tous:

As

fool.

no

Pol.

'Tis told

be

teach you: think yourself a

I'll

baby;

Pol.

Farewell:

it

you call them? what I should

lord,

In honourable fashion.

censure, but reserve thy judge-

And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

If

as

my

do not know,

love

ment. Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, 70 But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man, And they in France of the best rank and station Are of a most select and generous chief in that. Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft: loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true,

Pol.

I

lord,

Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, Bear't that the opposed may beware of thee. Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;

Pol.

Do you believe his tenders, Oph.

thee!

Laer.

Unsifted in such perilous circumstance.

not: then

his

flourish of trumpets, within.

it

draws near

wont to walk. and ordnance shot

What does this mean, my lord?

off,

HAMLET

36

Ham. The King doth wake

to-night and takes

his rouse,

Keeps

he drains his draughts of Rhenish down, // kettle-drum and trumpet thus bray out

The The triumph of his

pledge.

Hor.

Js it a

Ham. Ay, marry,

custom?

is't:

my mind, though I am native here And to the manner born, it is a custom More honour'd in the breach than the observance. But to

This heavy-headed revel east and west Makes us traduced and tax'd of other nations: They clepe us drunkards, and with swinish phrase 20 Soil our addition; and indeed it takes From our achievements, though perform'd at height,

and

So, oft

chances in particular men,

for

marrow of our

some

vicious

As, in their birth

ghost beckons hamlet. It beckons you to go away with it, As if it some impartment did desire To you alone. Mar. Look, with what courteous action It waves you to a more removed ground: But do not go with it. Hor. No, by no means Hor.

Ham. Hor.

It will

in

set

waves me forth

What

—

Go on;

it

I'll

Mar. You

Ham.

To his own scandal. comes!

Enter ghost.

Ham. Angels and Be thou

ministers of grace defend us!

a spirit of health or goblin damn'd,

40

intents

wicked or

charitable,

Thou comest in such a questionable I

will speak to thee.

I'll

call

shape

thee Hamlet,

King, father, royal Dane: O, answer me! Let me not burst in ignorance; but tell

Why thy canonized bones, hearsed in death, Have burst their cerements; why the sepulchre, Wherein we saw thee quietly inurn'd, Hath oped

jo

It

waves

me still.

shall

not go,

my lord.

Hold shall

off your hands.

80

not go.

My fate cries out, Ham. And makes each petty artery in this body As hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve. Still am I call'd. Unhand me, gentlemen. By heaven, I'll make a ghost of him that lets me! I

say,

away!

Go on;

I'll

follow thee.

[Exeunt ghost and hamlet.

He waxes desperate with imagination. Mar. Let's follow; 'tis not fit thus to obey him. Hor. Have after. To what issue will this come? Mar. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Hor. Heaven will direct it. 90 [Exeunt. Mar. Nay, let's follow him. Hor.

hell,

That

flood,

follow thee.

Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from

Be thy

it.

roar beneath.

Hor. Be ruled; you

the noble substance of a doubt

it

follow

Without more motive, into every brain That looks so many fathoms to the sea

dram of eale

my lords,

I'll

tempt you toward the

And there assume some other horrible form, Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason And draw you into madness? think of it. The very place puts toys of desperation,

From that

Look,

again:

beetles o'er his base into the sea,

Shall in the general censure take corruption

Hor.

if it

lord,

And hears Ham.

Being nature's livery, or fortune's star Their virtues else be they as pure as grace, As infinite as man mav undergo

all

my life at a pin's fee;

for my soul, what can it do to that, Being a thing immortal as itself?

That

guilty,

Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason, Or by some habit that too much o'er-leavens The form of plausive manners, that these men, 50 Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect,

Doth

it.

Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff

them,

the o'ergrowth of some complexion,

particular fault: the

will follow

And

my

mole of nature

I

Why what should be the fear?

do not

Hor.

—wherein they are not

not speak; then

60

Do not, my lord.

Ham. I

attribute.

Since nature cannot choose his origin

By

do?

It

The pith That

With thoughts beyond the reaches of our souls? Say, why is this? wherefore? what should we

and the swaggering up-spring

as

it

I

'

wassail,

reels;

And,

ACT

ponderous and marble jaws, 50 To cast thee up again. What may this mean, That thou, dead corse, again in complete steel Revisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon, Making night hideous; and we fools of nature So horridly to shake our disposition

Scene

v. Anotiier part

of the platform

Enter ghost and hamlet.

his

Ham. Where go no Ghost.

Ham. Ghost.

wilt thou lead

me? speak;

further.

Mark me. I

will.

My hour is almost come,

I'll

—

— HAM LEI

scene v

When I to sulphurous and tormenting flames

Ghost. Pity

me

not, but lend thy serious hearing

To those of mine!

shall unfold.

Speak; I am bound to hear. Ghost. So art thou to revenge, when thou Shalt

Ham.

hear.

Ham. What? Ghost. I am thy father's spirit, Doom'd for a certain term to walk the night, And for the day confined to fast in fires,

w

could a tale unfold whose lightest

Would harrow up thy

word

soul, freeze

thy young

blood,

Make

thy two eyes, like

stars, start

from

their

spheres,

Thy knotted and combined locks to part And each particular hair to stand an end, 20

Like quills upon the fretful porpentine. But this eternal blazon must not be To ears of flesh and blood. List, list, O, If thou didst ever thy dear father love

Ham.

list!

Revenge

foul

and most unnatural

Ham. Murder! Ghost.

me be. Sleeping within my orchard,

Murder most

foul, as in the best it is;

most foul, strange, and unnatural. Ham. Haste me to know't, that I, with wings

That swift

as quicksilver

it

courses through

The natural gates and alleys of the body, And with a sudden vigour it doth posset And curd, like eager droppings into milk, The thin and wholesome blood. So did it mine; 70 And a most instant tetter bark'd about, Most lazar-like, with vile and loathsome crust,

my smooth body. I,

sleeping,

by a brother's hand

Of life, of crown, of queen,

at

once dispatch'd:

With O,

all

5

May sweep to my revenge. I find

Ghost.

thee apt;

And duller shouldst thou be than the

fat

sin,

my imperfections on my head.

horrible!

O,

horrible!

most

weed

That roots itself in ease on Lethe wharf, Wouldst thou not stir in this. Now, Hamlet,

80

horrible!

If thou hast nature in thee, bear

as swift:

As meditation or the thoughts of love,

60

Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole, With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial, And in the porches of my ears did pour The leperous distilment; whose effect Holds such an enmity with blood of man

Unhousel'd, disappointed, unaneled, No reckoning made, but sent to my account

this

it

not;

Let not the royal bed of Denmark be A couch for luxury and damned incest. But, howsoever thou pursuest this act, Taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive Against thy mother aught: leave her to heaven

And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge,

To prick and sting her. Fare thee well at once!

hear:

'Tis given out that, sleeping in

A serpent stung me;

my orchard,

so the whole ear of Denmark

by a forged process of my death Rankly abused: but know, thou noble youth,

The serpent that did sting thy

O

And

O my prophetic soul! that

incestuous,

that

adulterate

beast,

With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts

O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power So to seduce! won to his shameful lust The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen: O Hamlet, what a falling-off was there!

—

O

shall I

couple hell? O,

fie!

Hold, hold,

my

heart;

40

My uncle! Ay,

90

else?

father's life

Now wears his crown. Ham.

The glow-worm shows the matin to be near, And 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire:

Adieu, adieu! Hamlet, remember me. [Exit. all you host of heaven! Ham. earth! what

Is

Ghost.

never will be moved,

Cut off even in the blossoms of my

murder.

But

it

My custom always of the afternoon,

Thus was his

as

court it in a shape of heaven, So lust, though to a radiant angel link'd, Will sate itself in a celestial bed, And prey on garbage. But, soft! methinks I scent the morning air;

All

O God!

Ghost.

But virtue,

Though lewdness

Brief let

done in my days of nature Are burnt and purged away. But that I am forbid To tell the secrets of my prison-house, Till the foul crimes

I

From me, whose love was of that dignity it went hand in hand even with the vow I made to her in marriage, and to decline $0 Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor

That

Must render up myself. Alas, poor ghost! Ham.

To what I

37

And you, my sinews, grow not instant old, But bear me stiffly up. Remember thee! Ay, thou poor ghost, while memory holds a seat In this distracted globe. Remember thee! Yea, from the table of my memory I'll

wipe away

all trivial

All saws of books,

all

fond records,

forms,

all

pressures past,

That vouth and observation copied

there;

101

HAMLET

38

And thy commandment

all

Within the book and volume of my brain, Unmix'd with baser matter. Yes, by heaven! O most pernicious woman! villain, villain, smiling, damned villain! My tables meet it is I set it down, That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain; At least I'm sure it may be so in Denmark:

—

you

are.

Now to my word;

"Adieu, adieu! remember me." have sworn't. -

[Within] 1

My lord, my lord-

my lord.

you have

seen,

my sword.

Ham. Hie et ubique? then

tell it.

Come higher, And

we'll shift our ground.

gentlemen,

lay your hands again

Never to speak of this Swear by my sword.

Ham. Well

upon my sword: you have heard,

that

160

my lord.

ne'er a villain dwelling in

said, old

mole! canst

work

i'

the

earth so fast?

A worthy pioner! all

Once more remove, good

friends.

Hor.

O

day and night, but

this is

wondrous

strange!

my

come from

lord,

Ham. And

therefore as a stranger give

it

wel-

come.

the grave

To tell us this.

There are more

Why, right; you are Ham. And so, without more circumstance that

we shake hands

i'

the right;

at

things in heaven and earth,

Horatio,

Than are dreamt of in your

all,

and part:

You, as your business and desire shall point you; For every man has business and desire, 730 Such as it is; and for mine own poor part, Look you, I'll go pray. Hor. These are but wild and whirling words,

my lord.

philosophy.

But come; Here, as before, never, so help you mercy, How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself, As I perchance hereafter shall think meet

ijo

To put an antic disposition on, That you,

at

such times seeing me, never shall, or this head-

With arms encumber'd thus,

sorry they offend you, heartily;

shake,

'faith, heartily.

There's no offence, Yes,

Swear by

to speak of this that

Ghost. [Beneath] Swear.

But he's an arrant knave. Hor. There needs no ghost,

Hor.

75

this fellow in the cellarage

Ghost. [Beneath] Swear.

Ay, by heaven,

Ham.

say'st thou so? art thou

Propose the oath,

Hor.

[

Ham. I'm

my sword, indeed.

ha, boy!

—you hear Consent to swear.

once think it? But you'll be secret?

Yes,

in faith.

We have sworn, my lord, already Indeed, upon

Come on

Ham. No; you'll reveal it. Hor. Not I, my lord, by heaven. 120 Nor I, my lord. Mar. Ham. How say you, then; would heart of man

it fit

I.

Ham. Never

Good my lord,

Ham. There's Denmark

In faith,

My lord, not

there, truepenny?

Ham. O, wonderful!

'

Nay, but swear't.

Ham. Ah,

What news, my lord?

Hor.

not.

J

Mar. r.)

Ghost. [Beneath] Swear.

How is't, my noble lord?

Hor.

hold

to-night.

Hor '[MyLord,wewil

Ham.

Enter horatio and marcellus.

I

What is't, my lord? we will.

Ham. Never make known what you have seen

Mar.

Ham. So be it! Hor. [Within] Hillo, ho, ho, my lord! Ham. Hillo, ho, ho, boy! come, bird, come.

V^

Hor.

Nor I, my lord, Ham. Upon my sword.

Hamlet [Within] Heaven secure him!

Hor.

r

141

request.

Mar.

[Within] Lord

Afar.

Mar.

are friends, scholars, and soldiers,

Give me one poor

Hor. ///

It is

M" r

As you

1

friends,

as

't

Ham.

Writing. So, uncle, there

1

act

you may. And now, good

O'ermaster

alone shall live

by Saint

Patrick,

my lord.

but there

is,

Horatio,

And much offence too. Touching this vision here, It is an honest ghost, that let me tell you, For your desire to know what is between us,

Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase, As "Well, well, we know," or "We could, an we would," Or "If we list to speak," or "There be, an they might," Or such ambiguous giving out, to note That you know aught of me: this not to do,

if

if

— —

;

HAMLET

scene v

So grace and mercy

at

your most need help you,

Swear. Rest,

it

[They

spirit!

swear.] So, gentlemen,

That he

i

s

That's not

open to nconti nency my meaning. But breathe

5

i

his faults so

With all my love I do commend me to you: And what so poor a man as Hamlet is

That they may seem the taints of liberty,

May do,

The flash and

God

quaintly

to express his love and friending to you,

willing, shall not lack.

Let us go in to-

That ever I was born to set it right! Nay, come, let's go together.

ACT Scene

i.

A

room

190 [Exeunt.

II

in Polonius

Give him

money and

this

house

As 'twere a thing a little soil'd Mark you,

these notes,

Reynaldo. Rey.

I

You

will,

my lord. do marvellous wisely, good

shall

make inquire

My lord,

Rey. Pol.

Marry, well

you, Inquire

said;

I

did intend

very well

Look

does he this

lord.

—he does

Rey.

At

"closes in the consequence," at "friend

or so," and "gentleman."

What company,

at

what expense; and

finding

At

Pol.

him;

"closes in the consequence," ay, marry;

He closes thus: I

"I

know the gentleman;

saw him yesterday, or t'other day,

Or then,

nearer

Than your particular demands will touch it. Take you, as 'twere, some distant knowledge of

or then; with such, or such; and, as

you

say,

There was a' gaming; there o'ertook in's rouse; There falling out at tennis" or perchance, "I saw him enter such a house of sale," 60 :

know his

father and his friends,

And in part him" do you mark this, Reynaldo? :

Rey. Ay, very well,

"And

in part

my lord. him; but" you

may

say

"not well: if't be he I mean, he's very wild; Addicted so and so" and there put on him 19 What forgeries you please; marry, none so rank As may dishonour him; take heed of that; But, sir, such wanton, wild, and usual slips As are companions noted and most known To youth and liberty. Rey. As gaming, my lord.

But,

:

Ay, or drinking,

fencing, swearing, quar-

relling,

Drabbing: you may go so far. Rey. lord, that would dishonour him.

My

sir,

I about to say? By the mass, I was about to say something. Where did I leave? 57

By this encompassment and drift of question 10 That they do know my son, come you more

Pol.

And then,

Pol.

what was are in Paris;

keep,

Pol.

Very good, my

Rey.

it.

said.

sir,

me first what Danskers

thus, "I

the working, 40

Your party in converse, him you would sound, Having ever seen in the prenominate crimes The youth you breathe of guilty, be assured He closes with you in this consequence;

And how, and who, what means, and where they

As

i'

"Good sir," or so, or "friend," or "gentleman," According to the phrase or the addition Of man and country.

Reynaldo, Before you visit him, to Of his behaviour.

But, my good lord Wherefore should you do this? Rey. Ay, my lord, I would know that. Pol. Marry, sir, here's my drift; And, I believe, it is a fetch of wit. You laying these slight sullies on my son,

Rey.

Pol.

Enter polonius and reynaldo.

Pol.

outbreak of a fiery mind,

A savageness in unreclaimed blood, Of general assault.

gether;

And still your fingers on your lips, I pray. The time is out of joint: O cursed spite,

Pol.

in the

You must not put another scandal on him,

perturbed

rest,

you may season

as

charge.

1S1

Ghost. [Beneath] Swear.

Ham.

39 'Faith, no;

Pol.

Videlicet, a brothel, or so forth. See you now; Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth: And thus do we of wisdom and of reach, With windlasses and with assays of bias,

By indirections

find directions out.

So by my former lecture and advice, Shall you my son. You have me, have you not? Rey.

My lord,

Rey. Pol.

have.

you; fare you well.

Good my lord!

Observe

Rey. Pol.

I

God be wi'

Pol.

I

shall,

70

his inclination in yourself.

my lord.

And let him ply his music.

Rey. Pol. Farewell!

Well, [Exit

my lord.

reynaldo.

HAMLET

4o

actii

More grief to hide than Enter ophelia.

hate to utter love. [Exeunt,

How now, Ophelia! what's the matter? Oph. O,

my

lord,

my

lord,

I

have been so

Pol.

Scene

af-

Enter king,

frighted!

With what,

name of God? was sewing in my

the

i'

ii.

A

room

in the castle

queen, rosencrantz, stern, and Attendants.

guilden-

closet, Oph. My lord, as I Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbraced; No hat upon his head; his stockings foul'd, So Ungarter'd, and down-gyved to his ancle; Pale as his shirt; his knees knocking each other;

that we much did long to see you, The need we have to use you did provoke Our hasty sending. Something have you heard

And with a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell

Sith nor the exterior nor the inward

To speak of horrors—he comes Pol. Mad for thy love? Oph. But truly, Pol.

Oph.

My lord, I

do

fear

I

King. Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern!

Moreover

Of Hamlet's transformation; Resembles that

before me.

More do not know;

his arm; hand thus o'er his brow, He falls to such perusal of my face 90 Ashe would draw it. Long stay'd he so; At last, a little shaking of mine arm And thrice his head thus waving up and down, He raised a sigh so piteous and profound As it did seem to shatter all his bulk And end his being. That done, he lets me go; And, with his head over his shoulder turn'd, He seem'd to find his way without his eyes; For out o'doors he went without their helps, And, to the last, bended their light on me. 100 Pol. Come, go with me: I will go seek the King. This is the very ecstasy of love, his other

Whose violent property fordoes itself And leads the will to desperate undertakings As oft as any passion under heaven That does afflict our natures. I am sorry.

good

lord, but, as

you did com-

Queen.

within our remedy. gentlemen, he hath much talk'd

lies

Good

of you;

And sure I am two men there are not living

20

To whom he more adheres. If it will please you To show us so much gentrv and good will As to expend your For the supply and

time with us awhile, profit of our hope,

shall receive such

thanks

remembrance. Both your Majesties Ros. Might, by the sovereign power you have of us, Put your dread pleasures more into command fits

a king's

no

am

sorry that with better heed and judgement had not quoted him. I fear'd he did but trifle, to

wreck

thee; but,

beshrew

my jea-

To

proper to our age cast beyond ourselves in our opinions

As

it is

as

common

younger sort To lack discretion. Come, go we to the King: This must be known; which, being kept close, might move for the

we

both obey,

here give up ourselves, in the

full

bent

50

King. Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern.

Queen. Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz:

And

lousy! it is

But

Guil.

To lay our service freely at your feet, To be commanded.

That hath made him mad.

Pol.

By heaven,

thus,

That, open'd,

And

did repel his letters and denied

And meant

so neighbour' d to his youth and humour. That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court Some little time; so by your companies To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather, So much as from occasion you may glean, Whether aught, to us unknown, afflicts him

Than to entreaty.

my

His access to me.

I

him,

Your visitation

late?

I

be,

And sith

As

What, have you given him any hard words of

I

What it should

than his father's death, that thus hath put

So much from the understanding of himself, I cannot dream of. I entreat you both 10 That, being of so young days brought up with

Then goes he to the length of all

Oph. No, mand,

it,

man

him

it.

What said he? He took me by the wrist and held me hard;

And, with

was.

it

so call

I

beseech you instantly to

visit

My too much changed son. Go, some of you, And

Hamlet is. Heavens make our presence and our

bring these gentlemen where

Guil.

practices

Pleasant and helpful to him! Queen.

Ay, amen!

SCENE

HAMLET

II

[Exeunt rosencrantz, guildenstern, and

The ambassadors from Norway, my good

Have

I,

hast been the father of

good

I

assure

my good liege,

Therefore, since brevity

I

49

King. O, speak of that; that do I long to hear. Pol. Give first admittance to the ambassadors;

My news shall be the fruit to that great feast. He tells me, my dear Gertrude, he hath found source of all your son's distemper. it is no other but the main;

doubt

Volt.

Most

Upon our

fair

friends!

Norway?

return of greetings and desires.

61 he sent out to suppress His nephew's levies; which to him appear'd To be a preparation 'gainst the Polack; But, better look'd into, he truly found It was against your Highness whereat grieved, That so to his sickness, age and impotence first,

:

Was falsely borne in hand, sends out arrests On Fortinbras; which he, in brief, obeys; Receives rebuke from Norway, and in fine Makes vow before his uncle never more

To

Pol.

More matter,

Madam, is

And pity

I

swear

mad,

Or rather say,

70

our more consider'd time we'll read, this business.

will use

effect defective

pity;

no

art.

101

comes by cause.

Reads.

"To

my

the celestial and

most

soul's idol, the

no

beautified Ophelia"

That's an

ill

phrase, a vile phrase; "beautified"

you

is

Thus: [Reads.] "In her excellent white bosom, these, &c." Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her?

a vile phrase: but

Pol.

Good madam,

shall hear.

stay awhile;

I

will be faith-

"Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt dear Ophelia,

So

art to

I

reckon

King. Received his love?

at

all.

remains and the remainder thus. Perpend. have while she is mine I have a daughter Who, in her duty and obedience, mark, Hath given me this. Now gather, and surmise.

"O

down.

Answer, and think upon

'tis

it

As

And

true

the cause of this defect,

have not

us well;

'tis

Mad let us grant him, then; and now remains That we find out the cause of this effect,

Gives him three thousand crowns in annual fee, And his commission to employ those soldiers, So levied as before, against the Polack: With an entreaty, herein further shown, Giving a paper. That it might please you to give quiet pass Through your dominions for this enterprise, On such regards of safety and allowance It likes

I

less art.

A foolish figure;

true.

for

it,

with

ful. [Reads.]

Whereon old Norway, overcome with joy,

King.

mad.

use no art at

I

true:

'tis

'tis 'tis

But farewell

give the assay of arms against your Majesty.

therein are set

is

—

voltimand and good

90

let that go.

Queen.

Thus

CORNELIUS.

my

But

For this

His father's death, and our o'erhasty marriage. King. Well, we shall sift him.

Welcome,

your noble son

will be brief:

That he

King. Thyself do grace to them, and bring [Exit polonius. them in.

Say, Voltimand, what from our brother

day, and time.

the soul of wit,

Mad call I it; for, to define true madness, What is't but to be nothing else but mad?

As it hath used to do, that I have found The very cause of Hamlet' s lunacy

Re-enter polonius, with

is

And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,

And I do think, or else this brain of mine Hunts not the trail of policy so sure

I

What majesty should be, what duty is, Were nothing but to waste night,

my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God and to my gracious king:

Queen.

well ended.

is

Why day is day, night night, and time is time, my lord?

hold

The head and

This business

Pol.

My liege, and madam, to expostulate

Are joyfully return'd.

I

[Exeunt voltimand and Cornelius.

40 still

at night we'll feast together.

Most welcome home!

lord,

King. Thou news.

your well-took

for

labour.

Go to your rest;

Enter polonius.

Pol.

4i

Meantime we thank you

some Attendants.

Pol.

—

—

.

I

love.

am

ill

119 at these

my groans

:

numbers;

but that

I

I

love

O most best, believe it. Adieu. "Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst this machine is to him, Hamlet" This, in obedience, hath my daughter shown me, thee best,

And more above, hath his

solicitings,

As they fell out by time, by means, and place, All given to mine ear.

Pol.

King.

But

how hath she

What do you think of me? As of a man faithful and honourable.

HAMLET

42 Pol.

would

I

prove

fain

so.

But what might you

think,

131

When I had seen this hot love on the wing As

perceived

I

must

it, I

tell

you

that,

my daughter told me—what might you,

Before

Or my dear Majesty your queen here,

think,

Or given my heart a winking, mute and dumb, Or look'd upon this love with idle sight; What might you think? No, I went round to work, 140 And my young mistress thus I did bespeak :

'Lord Hamlet

is

a prince, out

This must not be" and then :

I

of thy

Honest,

Pol.

If I had play'd the desk or table-book,

4

ACT

my lord!

Ham. Ay,

sir;

to be one

man

is

to be honest, as this world goes,

picked out often thousand.

my lord. 180 the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a god kissing carrion Have you a That's very true,

Pol.

Ham. For

if

—

daughter?

star;

prescripts gave her,

Pol.

have,

I

Ham. Let

That she should lock herself from his resort, Admit no messengers, receive no tokens.

is

my lord. her not walk

a blessing, but not as

Which done, she took the fruits of my advice; And he, repulsed a short tale to make

ceive. Friend, look to

Fell into a sadness, then into a fast,

ing

Thence to a watch, thence into a weakness, Thence to a lightness, and, by this declension,

first;

—

Into the madness wherein

And

all

now he raves,

It

Hath there been such

Pol.

i$o

a time

—

fain

this

from

this, if this

Within the

is

hid,

be otherwise:

Pol.

me, I will find though it were hid indeed

How may we try it further?

You know, sometimes he walks

four hours

160

together

Here

in the lobby.

Pol.

At such

a time

I'll

loose

my

my lord. rogue

satirical

men have grey

beards, that

that they have a of wit, together with most weak hams; all which, sir, though I most powerfully and potently believe, yet I hold it not honesty to have it thus set down, for yourself, sir, should be old as I am, if like a crab you could go backward. Pol. [Aside] Though this be madness, yet there is method in't. Will you walk out of the air, my

But keep a farm and carters. King.

We will try

it.

where sadly the poor wretch

comes reading. Away, I do beseech you, both away: board him presently. [Exeunt king, queen, and Attendants.

Pol.

my grave.

210

out o' the

air.

[Aside]

How

sanity could not so prosperously be delivered of. I will leave him, and suddenly contrive the means of meeting between him and my daughter. My honourable lord, I will most humbly take my leave of you. Ham. You cannot, sir, take from me any thing

—

that

O, give me leave, 170

will

I

more

willingly part withal: except

my life, except my life. Pol. Fare you well, my lord.

life,

Ham. These tedious old

my 221

except

Enter hamlet, reading.

How does my good Lord Hamlet?

Into

Pol. Indeed, that is

pregnant sometimes his replies are! a happiness that often madness hits on, which reason and

arras then;

Mark the encounter. If he love her not And be not from his reason fall'n thereon, Let me be no assistant for a state,

I'll

the

amber and plum-tree gum and

Ham. daughter to

him:

Be you and I behind an

Queen. But, look,

for

lord?

So he does indeed.

Queen.

sir:

plentiful lack

centre.

King.

Slanders,

their faces are wrinkled, their eyes purging thick

and shoulder] Take

If circumstances lead

Where truth

mean, the matter that you read,

says here that old

[Pointing to his head

speak to

What is the matter, my lord?

Ham.

Not that I know

King

this. I'll

What do you read, my lord?

Ham. Between who? Pol. I

positively said '"Tis so,"

When it proved otherwise? Pol.

not at

Ham. Words, words, words.

know that That I have

again.

Pol.

I'd

harp-

Still

me

he said I was a fishmonger: he is far gone, and truly in my youth I suffered much

extremity for love; very near

him

may be, very likely.

my

't.

How

far gone,

Do you think 'tis this?

Queen.

on

i' the sun. Conception your daughter may con-

say you by that? daughter: yet he knew

Pol. [Aside]

we mourn for.

King.

II

Ham. Well, God-a-mercy. Pol. Do you know me, my lord? Ham. Excellent well; you are a fishmonger. Pol. Not I, my lord. Ham. Then I would you were so honest a man.

fools!

Enter rosencrantz and guildenstern Pol.

You go to seek the Lord Hamlet;

is.

there he

HAMLET

scene n

God save you,

Ros. [To polonius]

[Exit POLONIUS.

My honoured lord! Ros. My most dear lord! Ham. My excellent good Guil.

thou, Guildenstern?

how do ye

both?

dost

Ah, Rosencrantz! Good lads, 250

As the indifferent children of the earth.

Ros.

Happy,

Guil.

Ham. Nor the

soles

my

is

of her shoe?

lord.

a strumpet.

None,

Ros.

my lord,

What's the news?

240

but that the world's

grown

honest.

Ham. Then is

is

not true. Let

doomsday

me

What have you, my good

your news

near. But

question

more

in particular.

friends, deserved at the

hands of fortune, that she sends you to prison hither? Guil. Prison,

my lord!

confines, wards, and dungeons,

one

Ros.

there are many Denmark being

We think not so, my lord.

Ham. Why,

then,

none to you;

'tis

for there

is

nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it

so.

Ros. 'tis

To me it is a prison.

too narrow for your mind.

252

O

God, I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that

I

have bad dreams.

Which dreams

Guil.

shadow of a dream. Ham. A dream itself is but Ros. Truly, and

I

light a quality that

a

merely the

is

shadow.

hold ambition of so airy and it is

but a shadow's shadow.

Ham. Then are our beggars bodies, and our monarchs and outstretched heroes the beggars' shadows. Shall we to the court? I cannot reason.

^.'

for,

by

my

fay,

matter.

I

will not sort

you with you like

the rest of my servants, for, to speak to

an honest man, I But, in the beaten

you

at Elsinore?

thing, but to the purpose. is

You

a kind of confession in

or no?

What say you? 300 have an eye of you.

Ros. [Aside to guildenstern]

Ham.

—

[Aside]

If you love

Nay,

then,

me, hold not

I

off.

My lord, we were sent for. I

will tell

you why; so

shall

my

anticipa-

your discovery, and your secrecy to the king and queen moult no feather. I have of late but wherefore I know not lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory, this most excellent canopy, the air, tion prevent

—

—

appears no other thing to

am most dreadfully attended. way of friendship, what make

me

than a foul and

pestilent congregation of vapours.

What

a piece

man! how noble in reason! how infifaculty! in form and moving how express

of work

is

a

and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? man delights not me: no, nor

woman

neither,

though by your

you seem to say so. My lord, there was no such

smiling Ros.

stuff in

my

thoughts.

Ham. Why did you laugh "man delights not me"? Ros.

We'll wait upon you. I

Ham. No such

a free

Come,

your looks which your modesties have not craft enough to colour. I know the good king and queen have sent for you. 291 Ros. To what end, my lord? Ham. That you must teach me. But let me conjure you, by the rights of our fellowship, by the consonancy of our youth, by the obligation of our ever-preserved love, and by what more dear a better proposer could charge you withal, be even and direct with me, whether you were sent for,

nite in

indeed are ambition, for

the very substance of the ambitious

it

look you, this brave o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it

Why then, your ambition makes it one;

Ham.

Were you

inclining? Is

deal justly with me.

sent for; and there

Ham. 2$o

the worst.

o'

Come,

own

What should we say, my lord?

Guil.

Ham. Denmark's a prison. Ros. Then is the world one. Ham. A goodly one; in which

your

Is it

come; nay, speak.

were

Ham. Then you live about her waist, or in the middle of her favours? Guil. 'Faith, her privates we. Ham. In the secret parts of fortune? O, most true; she

visitation?

Guil.

On fortune's cap we are not the very button. Ros. Neither,

thanks are too dear a halfpenny.

not sent for?

Ham. Why, any

we are not over-happy;

in that

no other occasion. Ham. Beggar that I am, I am even poor in thanks; but I thank you: and sure, dear friends,

my

How

friends!

43

To visit you, my lord;

Ros.

sir!

To

think,

my

lord, if

then,

you

when

I

said

delight not in

man, what lenten entertainment the players shall coted them on the way; receive from you. and hither are they coming, to offer you service. Ham. He that plays the king shall be welcome; his majesty shall have tribute of me; the adventurous knight shall use his foil and target; the

We

H AM LET

44

humorous man clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickle o' the sere; and the lady shall say her mind freely, or the blank lover shall not sigh gratis; the

shall

end

his part in peace; the

verse shall halt for't. What players are they? 540 Ros. Even those you were wont to take delight in,

How

they travel? their residence, both in reputation and profit, was better both ways. Ros.

it

think their inhibition comes

I

of the

chances

3$o

lowed?

No,

indeed, are they not.

How comes it? do they grow rusty?

Ham.

endeavour keeps in the wonted an aery of children, little eyases, that cry out on the top of question, and are most tyrannically clapped for't. These are now the fashion, and so berattle the common that many wearing so they call them stages rapiers are afraid of goose-quills and dare scarce

Nay,

Ros.

their

pace; but there

is, sir,

—

—

come thither. Ham. What, 'em?

how

360 are they children?

who

maintains

are they escoted? Will they pursue the

quality no longer than they can sing? will they

not say afterwards,

if

Guil. In what, I

am

the wind

tell

I

my dear lord? mad

but

southerly

is

north-north-west. I

know

WTien

hawk from

a

a

handsaw. Re-enter polonius.

Well be with you, gentlemen! Ham. Hark you, Guildenstern; and you Pol.

Ham. Do they hold the same estimation they did when I was in the city? are they so folRos.

my extent to the you, must show fairly outward, should more appear like entertainment than yours. You are welcome; but my uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived.

by the means

late innovation.

11

ply with you in this garb, lest

players, which,

Ham.

the tragedians of the city.

Ham.

act

they should grow them-

— —

too: at

each ear a hearer: that great baby you see there is not yet out of his swaddling-clouts. Ros. Happily he's the second time come to them; for they say an old man is twice a child. Ham. I will prophesy he comes to tell me of the players; mark it. [Aloud.] You say right, sir: o' Monday morning; 'twas so indeed. Pol. My lord, I have news to tell you. Ham. My lord, I have news to tell you. When Roscius was an actor in Rome 410

The actors are come hither, my lord. Ham. Buz, buz! Pol. Upon mine honour Ham. Then came each actor on his ass Pol. The best actors in the world, either Pol.

tragedy,

comedy, history,

comical,

historical-pastoral,

for

pastoral-

pastoral,

common players as it is most like, means are no better their writers do them wrong, to make them exclaim against their

tragical-comical-historical-pastoral, scene indi-

own succession?

too heavy, nor Plautus too

selves to

if their

much

do on both sides; and the nation holds it no sin to tarre them to controversy. There was, for a while, no money bid for argument, unless the poet and the player went to cuffs in the question. Ros. 'Faith, there has been

to

Ham.

Is't

Guil.

O, there has been much throwing about

possible?

of brains.

Ay,

carry

that they do,

it

away?

my

lord;

his load too.

Ham.

Ham.

It is

57p not very strange; for mine uncle

is

King of Denmark, and those that would make at him while my father lived, give twenty,

mows

hundred ducats a-piece for his 'Sblood, there is something in more than natural, if philosophy could find it

this

little.

out.

Pol.

421

What a treasure had he, my lord?

Ham. Why, "One fair daughter, and no more, The which he loved passing well."

Am

Pol. If

not

I

you

call

daughter that

Ham. Nay, Pol.

I

on my daughter.

i'

the right, old Jephthah?

me

Jephthah,

my

lord,

I

have a

love passing well.

431

that follows not.

What follows, then, my lord?

Ham. Why, "As by lot, God wot," and then, you know, "It

the

Flourish of trumpets within. There are the players.

For the law of

O Jephthah, judge of Israel, what a treas-

forty, fifty, an

picture in

light.

ure hadst thou!

Ham. Hercules and

unlimited; Seneca cannot be

writ and the liberty, these are the only men.

Pol. [Aside] Still

Ham. Do the boys Ros.

poem

vidable, or

tragical-historical,

first

came to

row of the

pass, as

most

like

it

pious chanson will

more; for look, where

was" show you

my abridgement comes.

Guil.

Ham. Gentlemen, you are welcome to Elsinore. Your hands, come then. The appurtenance of welcome

is

fashion and ceremony. Let

me com-

Enter four orfive players.

You

are welcome, masters; welcome,

glad to see thee well.

all. I

Welcome, good

am

friends.

—

"

scene

HAMLET

ii

O, my old friend! thy face is valanced since I saw thee last; comest thou to beard me in Denmark? What, my young lady and mistress! By'r lady, your ladyship is nearer to heaven than when I saw you last, by the altitude of a chopine. Pray God, your voice, like a piece of uncurrent gold, be not cracked within the ring. Masters, you are all welcome. We'll e'en to't like French falconers, fly at

straight.

anything

we

Come, give

have a speech

see: we'll

us a taste of your quality;

come, a passionate speech. ist

Play.

Ham. it

I

What speech, my lord? me a speech

heard thee speak

was never

for the play,

acted; or, if I

it

once, but was, not above once;

remember, pleased not the million;

'twas caviare to the general; but

was

it

—

as

I

and others,whose judgements in such an excellent play, well digested in the scenes, set down with as much modesty as cunning. I remember, one said there were no sallets in the lines to make the matter savoury, nor no matter in the phrase that might indict the author of affectation; but called it an honest method, as wholesome as sweet, and by very much more handsome than fine. One speech in it I chiefly loved: 'twas ^Eneas' tale to Dido; and thereabout of it especially, where he speaks of Priam's slaughter. If it live in your received

it,

—

matters cried in the top of mine

memory, begin see

"The

—

it is

:

at this line:

let

me

see, let

me

47/ rugged Pyrrhus, like the Hyrcanian beast"

not so.

It

begins with Pyrrhus:

"The rugged Pyrrhus, he whose

Black as his purpose, did the night resemble When he lay couched in the ominous horse, Hath now this dread and black complexion

smear'd With heraldry more dismal; head to foot Now is he total gules; horridly trick'd

With blood of fathers, mothers,

Ilium,

Seeming to

feel this blow, with flaming top Stoops to his base, and with a hideous crash

Takes prisoner Pyrrhus'

daughters,

ear; for, lo! his

sword,

Which was

on the milky head $00 seem'd i' the air to stick. So, as a painted tyrant, Pyrrhus stood, And like a neutral to his will and matter, declining

Of reverend Priam,

Did nothing. But, as

we often see,

against

some storm,

A silence in the heavens, the rack stand

still,

The bold winds speechless, and the orb below As hush as death, anon the dreadful thunder Doth rend the region, so, after Pyrrhus' pause, Aroused vengeance sets him new a- work; j/o

And never did the Cyclops' hammers

fall

On Mars's With

less

armour forged for proof eterne remorse than Pyrrhus' bleeding

sword

Now falls on Priam. Out, out, thou strumpet, Fortune! All you gods,

away her power; Break all the spokes and fellies from her wheel, And bowl the round nave down the hill of In general synod, take

heaven,

As low Pol.

sable arms,

45

Pyrrhus at Priam drives; in rage strikes wide; But with the whiff and wind of his fell sword The unnerved father falls. Then senseless

This

as to the fiends!"

too long.

520 your beard. Prithee, say on; he's for a jig or a tale of bawdry, or he sleeps. Say on; come to Hecuba. 1st Play. "But who, O, who had seen the mobled queen Ham. "The mobled queen"? Pol. That's good; "mobled queen" is good. 1st Play. "Run barefoot up and down, threaten-

Ham.

is

It shall

to the barber's, with

—

ing tie flames

sons,

Baked and impasted with the parching streets, That lend a tyrannous and damned light To their lord's murder: roasted in wrath and

With bisson rheum; a clout upon that head Where late the diadem stood, and for a robe, About her lank and

all

o'er-teemed loins,

And thus o'er-sized with coagulate gore, With eyes like carbuncles, the hellish Pyrrhus

Who this had seen, with tongue in venom

Old grandsire Priam seeks."

'Gainst Fortune's state would treason have

So, proceed you. Pol.

'Fore God,

my

good accent and good ist

Play.

55/

A blanket, in the alarm of fear caught up;

fire,

lord,

well spoken, with

discretion.

"Anon he

finds

him

Striking too short at Greeks; his antique

sword, lies where it falls, Repugnant to command. Unequal match'd,

Rebellious to his arm,

steep'd,

pronounced But if the gods themselves did see her then When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sport In mincing with his sword her husband's limbs, The instant burst of clamour that she made, Unless things mortal move them not at all, Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven,

540

HAMLET

46

And passion in the gods." Look, whether he has not turned his colour and has tears in's eyes. Pray you, no more. Ham. Tis well; I'll have thee speak out the rest Pol.

soon.

Good my

well bestowed?

lord, will

Do you

And Upon whose property

you

see the players

hear, let

them be well

of the time; after your death you were better have a bad epitaph than their ill report icles

Pol.

$$i

live.

My lord,

I

will use

them according

to their

Ham. God's bodykins, man, much better. Use every man after his desert, and who should 'scape whipping? Use them after your own honour and dignity; the less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty. Take them in. Come,

sirs.

5^9

Ham. Follow him, friends: we'll hear a play to-morrow. [Exit polonius with all the players but the first.] Dost thou hear me, old friend; can you play "The Murder of Gonzago"? i st

Play.

and most dear

life

I

Plucks off my beard, and blows

Tweaks me by the nose?

gives

it

in

my face?

me the lie

i'

the

throat,

601

As deep as to the lungs? who does me this? Ha! 'Swounds, I should take it: for it cannot be But I am pigeon-liver' d and lack gall

To make oppression bitter, or ere this

desert.

Pol.

HI

A damn'd defeat was made. Am a coward? Who calls me villain? breaks my pate across?

used; for they are the abstract and brief chron-

while you

ACT

can say nothing; no, not for a king,

Ay,

my lord.

to-morrow night. You could, of some dozen or sixteen lines, which I would set down and insert in't, could you not? ist Play. Ay, my lord. $69 Ham. Very well. Follow that lord; and look you mock him not. [Exit first player.] My good friends, I'll leave you till night: you are welcome to Elsinore.

Ham. We'll

ha't

for a need, study a speech

Ros. Good my lord Ham. Ay, so, God

be wi' ye; [Exeunt rosenCRANTZtfwdGuiLDENSTERN.] Now I am alone. O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I! Is it not monstrous that this player here, But in a fiction, in a dream of passion, Could force his soul so to his own conceit That from her working all his visage wann'd, $80 Tears in his eyes, distraction in's aspect, A broken voice, and his whole function suiting With forms to his conceit? and all for nothing! For Hecuba! What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba, That he should weep for her? What would he do, Had he the motive and the cue for passion That I have? He would drown the stage with tears

I

should have fatted

With this

the region kites

all

slave's offal. Bloody,

bawdy villain!

Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless

vil-

lain!

O, vengeance!

610

Why, what an ass am I

!

This

is

most brave,

That I, the son of a dear father murder'd, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words, iVnd

fall

a-cursing, like a very drab,

A scullion! Fie upon't! foh! About,

That

my brain!

I

have heard

guilty creatures sitting at a play

Have by the very cunning of the scene Been struck so

to the soul that presently

620

They have proclaim'd their malefactions; For murder, though

it

have no tongue, will speak I'll have these

With most miraculous organ. players

Play something like the murder of my father Before mine uncle. I'll observe his looks; I'll tent him to the quick. If he but blench, I know my course. The spirit that I have seen May be the devil; and the devil hath power To assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps Out of my weakness and my melancholy, 630 As he is very potent with such spirits, Abuses me to damn me. I'll have grounds More relative than this. The play's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King. [Exit.

ACT Scene

i.

A

III

room

in the castle

Enter king, queen, polonius, ophelia, ROSENCRANTZ, tf/Z^GUILDENSTERN.

And cleave the general ear with horrid speech, Make mad the guilty and appal the free, $90

King. And can you, by no drift of circumstance, Get from him why he puts on this confusion,

Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed faculties of eyes and ears. Yet I, A dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak, Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause,

Grating so harshly all his days of quiet With turbulent and dangerous lunacy? Ros. He does confess he feels himself distracted; But from what cause he will by no means speak. Guil. Nor do we find him forward to be sounded,

The very

— scene

HAMLET

i

47

But, with a crafty madness, keeps aloof,

How smart a lash that speech doth give my con-

When we would bring him on to some confession Of his true state.

The harlot's

Did he receive you well?

Queen. Ros.

Most

10

much

Is

not more ugly to the thing that helps

forcing of his disposition.

heavy burthen! I hear him coming:

Ros. Niggard of question; but, of our demands,

Most

50 cheek, beautied with plastering art,

Than is my deed to my most

like a gentleman.

Guil. But with

science!

Pol.

my lord.

Enter hamlet.

Madam,

so

it

fell

out, that certain players

We o'er-raught on the way; of these we told him,

And there did seem in him a kind of joy To hear of it. They are about the court, 20

And, as I think, they have already order This night to play before him.

most

'Tis

Pol.

beseech'd

Ham. To be, or not to be: that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die; to sleep; 60 No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That

true.

me to entreat your Majesties

To hear and see the matter. King. With all my heart; and tent me To hear him so inclined.

flesh

To sleep? it

doth

much

is

heir to,

'tis

Devoutly to be wish'd.

con-

a

consummation

To die, to sleep;

perchance to dream. Ay, there's the

rub;

For

in that sleep

may come

of death what dreams

When we have shuffled off this mortal Must give us pause. There's

Good gentlemen, give him a further edge, And drive his purpose on to these delights. Ros.

withdraw,

Did you assay him

Queen.

And he

let's

[Exeunt king and polonius.

free in his reply.

To any pastime? Ros.

it

painted word:

coil,

the respect

That makes calamity of so long life; For who would bear the whips and scorns of

We shall, my lord. [Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.

Sweet Gertrude, leave us too; For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither, That he, as 'twere by accident, may here 50 King.

time,

jo

The oppressor's wrong,

the proud man's con-

tumely,

Affront Ophelia.

The pangs of despised love, the law's delay, The insolence of office and the spurns

Her

That

father and myself, lawful espials, Will so bestow ourselves that, seeing, unseen, may of their encounter frankly judge, And gather by him, as he is behaved, If't be the affliction of his love or no That thus he suffers for. Queen. I shall obey you. And for your part, Ophelia, I do wish That your good beauties be the happy cause Of Hamlet's wildness: so shall I hope your vir-

We

tues

4.0

Will bring him to

wonted way

his

again,

To both your honours. Oph. Madam, Pol.

I

[Exit queen. it may. you here. Gracious, so

wish

Ophelia, walk

please you,

We

will bestow ourselves. [To ophelia] Read on this book; That show of such an exercise may colour Your loneliness. are oft to blame in this 'Tis too much proved that with devotion's vis-

We

With

unworthy

takes,

a bare bodkin?

who would

fardels bear,

To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscover'd country from whose bourn

No traveller returns,

puzzles the will

So

And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us Is sicklied o'er

with the pale cast of thought,

And enterprises of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry, And lose the name of action. Soft you now! The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons

—

Be

all

my sins remember'd. Good my lord,

Oph.

'tis

too true!

90

How does your honour for this many a day? Ham. I humbly thank you; Oph.

well, well, well.

My lord, I have remembrances of yours,

That

age

all;

And thus tie native hue of resolution

—

And pious action we do sugar o'er The devil himself. King. [Aside] O,

patient merit of the

When he himself might his quietus make

1

I have longed long to re-deliver; pray you, now receive them.

Ham. I

never gave you aught.

No, not

I;

HAMLET

48

Oph. My honour'd lord, you know right well

you did; And, with them, words of so sweet breath composed

As made the things more rich. Their perfume lost,

700 Take these again; for to the noble mind Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.

my lord.

There,

Ham. Ha, Oph. Oph.

fair?

What means your lordship?

Ham. That

if

you be honest and

fair,

no merce than with honesty? Ham. Ay, truly; for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty can translate beauty into his likeness. This was sometime a love

now

the time gives

Ham. You

it

proof.

I

did

should not have believed me; for

Oph.

I

of it.

I

loved you not.

thee to a nunnery;

ways

all;

to a nunnery.

Oph. At home, my lord. Ham. Let the doors be

Go thy

shut upon him, that he

play the fool nowhere but in's

own

house.

I

see!

way

qo spake, though

it

lack'd form a

little,

not like madness. There's something in his

soul,

O'er which

melancholy sits on brood; and the disclose Will be some danger; which for to prevent, I have in quick determination Thus set it down: he shall with speed to his

And I do doubt the hatch

England,

For the demand of our neglected

Haply the

tribute.

seas and countries different

With variable objects

shall expel

This something-settled matter

father?

what

King. Love! his affections do not that

Was

believe none of us.

see

Re-enter king and polonius.

why

Where's your

woe is me,

To have seen what I have seen,

Nor what he

We

out of tune and harsh;

youth Blasted with ecstasy: O,

120

to put them in, imagination to give them shape, or time to act them in. What should such fellows as I do crawling between earth and heaven?

are arrant knaves,

bells jangled,

tend;

wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest; but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me. I am very proud, revengeful, ambitious, with more offences at my beck than I have thoughts

may

Like sweet

That unmatch'd form and feature of blown

we

was the more deceived.

Ham. Get

160

That suck'd the honey of his music vows, Now see that noble and most sovereign reason,

my lord, you made me believe so.

virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but shall relish

soldier's, scholar's, eye, tongue,

And I, of ladies most deject and wretched,

you once.

Oph. Indeed,

here o'erthrown!

down!

your hon-

esty should admit no discourse to your beauty. Oph. Could beauty, my lord, have better com-

paradox, but

is

sword, The expectancy and rose of the fair state, The glass of fashion and the mould of form, The observed of all observers, quite, quite

My lord?

m

[Exit.

Oph. O, what a noble mind

The courtier's, you honest?

ha! are

Ham. Are you

act

and you lisp, and nick-name God's creatures, and make your wantonness your ignorance. Go to, I'll no more on't; it hath made me mad. I say, we will have no more marriages. Those that are married already, all but one, shall live; the rest shall keep as they are. To a nunnery, go.

180

in his heart,

Whereon his brains still beating puts him thus From fashion of himself. What think you on't? Pol. It shall

do well: but yet do

I

believe

Farewell.

The origin and commencement of his

Oph. O, help him, you sweet heavens! Ham. If thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery, go. Farewell. Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool; for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly too. Fare-

Sprung from neglected love. How now, Ophelia! You need not tell us what Lord Hamlet said; heard it all. My lord, do as you please;

well.

Oph.

Ham.

O heavenly powers, restore him!

have heard of your paintings too, well enough; God has given you one face, and you make yourselves another. You jig, you amble, I

grief

We

But, if you hold

Let

his

it fit,

To show his grief: And

after the play

queen mother

I'll

let

all

alone entreat

him

190

her be round with him;

be placed, so please you, in the ear

Of all their conference. If she find him not, To England send him, or confine him where Your wisdom

best shall think.

King.

Madness

in great

It shall be so. ones must not unwatch'd go.

[Exeunt.

—

—

HAMLET

scene n

Scene Enter

ii.

A hall in the castle

49

How now, my lord!

will the

King hear

this piece

of work?

hamlet and players.

And the Queen too, and that presently. Ham. Bid the players make haste. [Exit polonius.] Will you two help to hasten them? Pol.

Ham. Speak

pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue: but if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town-crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently; for in the very torrent, tempest, and, as I may say, the whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that

may

give

it

the speech,

I

smoothness. O,

it

offends

me

to the

soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the

ears of the groundlings,

who

for the

most part dumb-

are capable of nothing but inexplicable

shows and noise. I would have such a fellow whipped for o'erdoing Termagant. It out-herods Herod. Pray you, avoid it. i st Play. I warrant your honour. Ham. Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor. Suit the action to the word, the word to the action; with this special observance, that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature; for anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is, to hold, as 'twere, the mirror up to nature; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. Now this overdone, or come tardy off, though it make the unskilful laugh, cannot but

make

^

We will, my lord.

y

I

[Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.

Ham. What ho!

Horatio! Enter horatio.

Hor. Here, sweet lord, at your service. Ham. Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man As e'er my conversation coped withal. 60 Hor. O, my dear lord Ham. Nay, do not think I flatter;

For what advancement may I hope from thee That no revenue hast but thy good spirits,

To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flatter'd?

No,

let

the candied tongue lick absurd

pomp,

And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee Where thrift may follow fawning. Dost thou hear?

my dear soul was mistress of her choice

Since

And could of men distinguish, Hath

her election

seal'd thee for herself; for thou hast

been

As one, in suffering all, that suffers nothing, A man that fortune's buffets and rewards

Hast ta'en with equal thanks; and blest are those Whose blood and judgement are so well commingled,

the judicious

which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre of others. O, there be players that I have seen play, and

That they

heard others praise, and that highly, not to speak it profanely, that, neither having the accent of

In

As I do thee.

Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor

There is

man, have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature's journeymen had made men and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably. i st Play. I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us, sir. 4/ Ham. O, reform it altogether. And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them; for there be of them that will themselves laugh, to set on some quantity of

One scene of it comes near the circumstance Which I have told thee of my father's death: I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot,

grieve; the censure of the

are not a pipe for fortune's finger

To sound what stop she please. Give me that man That

is

not passion's slave, and

my heart's core,

ay, in

I

will

wear him

my heart of heart,

—Something too much of

this.

a play to-night before the King.

It is

damned ghost that we have

a

And my imaginations As Vulcan's For

I

stithy.

mine eyes

seen,

are as foul

Give him heedful note;

will rivet to his face,

90

And after we will both our judgements join

mean

In censure of his seeming.

uses

it.

Go, make you ready. [Exeunt players. Enter polonius, rosencrantz, and

Hor.

San Jose,

my lord. is

playing,

And 'scape detecting, I will pay the theft. Ham. They are coming to the play; I must be idle.

ARCHBISHOP MITTY HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY 9>

Well,

If he steal aught the whilst this play

Get you a place.

GUILDENSTERN.

80

Even with the very comment of thy soul Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt Do not itself unkennel in one speech,

barren spectators to laugh too; though, in the time, some necessary question of the play be then to be considered: that's villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that

7/

California

HAMLET

SO

Danish march. A flourish. Enter king, queen, POLONIUS, OPHELIA, ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENstern, and others. King.

How fares our cousin Hamlet?

Ham. Excellent, I

faith;

i'

of the chameleon's dish. You cannot feed

wo

so.

have nothing with this answer, Hamlet; these words are not mine. Ham. No, nor mine now. [To polonius] lord, you played once i' the university, you say? Pol. That did I, my lord; and was accounted a I

My

good

I

declines his

down upon

head upon her neck; lays him

a bank of flowers. She, seeing

asleep, leaves

hi

him.

Anon comes

him

in a fellow, takes

it, and pours poison in the and exit. The Queen returns; finds the King dead, and makes passionate action. The Poisoner, with some two or three Mutes, comes in

off his crown, kisses ears,

The dead body away. The Poisoner wooes the Queen with gifts; she seems loath and unwilling awhile, but in the end accepts his love. [Exeunt. Oph. What means this, my lord? again, seeming to lament with her. carried

is

Ham. Marry,

this is

miching mallecho;

it

means

mischief.

actor.

Ham. What did you enact? Pol.

and

Kings

eat the air, promise-crammed.

capons King.

act

did enact Julius Caesar.

Oph. Belike I

was

killed

i'

the

this

show imports

the argument of

the play.

/

jo

Capitol; Brutus killed me.

was a brute part of him to kill so /// Be the players ready? Ros. Ay, my lord; they stay upon your patience. Queen. Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me. Ham. No, good mother, here's metal more at-

Ham.

tractive. Pol.

Enter prologue.

It

capital a calf there.

[To the king] O, ho! do you mark that?

Ham. Lady,

shall

I lie

in

your

lap?

[Lying down

at

Ophelia's feet.

120 Oph. No, my lord. Ham. I mean, my head upon your lap? Oph. Ay, my lord. Ham. Do you think I meant country matters? Oph. I think nothing, my lord. Ham. That's a fair thought to lie between maids'

Ham.

We shall know by this fellow. The play-

keep counsel; they'll tell all. Oph. Will he tell us what this show meant? Ham. Ay, or any show that you'll show him. Be not you ashamed to show, he'll not shame to tell you what it means. Oph. You are naught, you are naught: I'll mark ers cannot

the play.

For

Pro.

and for our tragedy,

us,

Here stooping to your clemency,

We beg your hearing patiently. Ham.

Is this a

Oph. 'Tis

160 [Exit.

prologue, or the posy of a ring?

brief,

my lord.

Ham. As woman's

love.

legs.

Enter two Players as king and queen.

What is, my lord?

Oph.

Ham. Nothing. Oph. You are merry, Ham. Who, I? Oph. Ay,

P. King. Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart

my lord. 130

my lord.

O

God, your only jig-maker. What but be merry? for, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within these two hours. Oph. Nay, 'tis twice two months, my lord. Ham. So long? Nay then, let the devil wear

Ham.

should a

man do

O

have a suit of sables. heavens! ago, and not forgotten yet? Then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life half a year; but, by'r lady, he must build churches, then; or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse, whose epitaph is "For, O, for, O, the hobby-horse is forgot." black, for

die

I'll

two months

Hautboys play. The dumb-show enters. Enter a King and a Queen very lovingly; the Queen

embracing him, and he her. She kneels and makes show of protestation unto him. He takes her up,

gone round Neptune's salt wash and Tellus' orbed ground, And thirty dozen moons with borrow'd sheen About the world have times twelve thirties been, Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands ijo Unite commutual in most sacred bands. P. Queen. So many journeys may the sun and

moon Make us again count o'er ere love be done! But, woe is me, you are so sick of late, So far from cheer and from your former state, That I distrust you. Yet, though I distrust, Discomfort you, my lord, it nothing must; For women's fear and love holds quantity,

In neither aught, or in extremity.

Now, what my love is, proof hath made you know;

And

as

my love is sized, my fear is so.

vVhere love

is

Where little fears grow great, there.

180

great, the littlest doubts are fear;

great love grows

— SCENE

HAMLET

II

P. King. 'Faith,

I

must leave thee,

love,

and

My operant powers their functions leave to do; And thou shah live in this fair world behind, Honour'd, beloved: and haply one as kind For husband shalt thou O, confound the rest! P. Queen. Such love must needs be treason in my breast. In second husband let me be accurst! 189 None wed the second but who kill'd the first. Ham.

Wormwood, wormwood. The instances that second marriage

[Aside]

P. Queen.

move Are base

me day and night! To desperation turn my trust and hope! An anchor's cheer in prison be my scope! Sport and repose lock from

shortly too;

Each opposite that blanks the face of joy 230 Meet what I would have well and it destroy! Both here and hence pursue me lasting strife, If, once a widow, ever I be wife! Ham. If she should break it now! P. King. 'Tis deeply sworn. Sweet, leave me he^e awhile;

My spirits grow dull, and fain The tedious day with

And never come mischance between us twain!

kill my husband dead, When second husband kisses me in bed.

[Exit.

I

Ham. Madam, how like you this play? 239 Queen. The lady doth protest too much, me-

I do believe you think what now you speak; But what we do determine oft we break. Purpose is but the slave to memory,

P. King.

Of violent birth, Which now,

would beguile

Sleep rock thy brain;

P. Queen.

respects of thrift, but none of love:

A second time

I

sleep. [Sleeps.]

but poor validity:

thinks.

Ham. O, but she'll keep her word. King. Have you heard the argument? 199

no offence

in

Is

there

't?

that we forget To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt: What to ourselves in passion we propose,

Ham. No, no, they do but jest, poison in jest; no offence i' the world. King. What do you call the play? Ham. "The Mouse-trap." Marry, how? Tropically. This play is the image of a murder done in Vienna. Gonzago is the duke's name; his wife,

The passion ending, doth the purpose lose. The violence of either grief or joy Their own enactures with themselves destroy. Where joy most revels, grief doth most la-

of work, but what o' that? your Majesty and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the galled jade wince, our withers are un wrung.

like fruit unripe, sticks

on the

tree;

But

unshaken,

fall,

Most necessary

when they mellow be.

'tis

ment; Grief joys, joy grieves, on slender accident. This world is not for aye, nor 'tis not strange That even our loves should with our fortunes change;

For

'tis

favourite

The poor advanced makes friends of enemies. And hitherto doth love on fortune tend; For who not needs shall never lack a friend, And who in want a hollow friend doth try, Directly seasons him his enemy. fates

That our devices

Our thoughts

where I begun, do so contrary run

still

are overthrown;

heaven

It

Nor earth to me give light!

food, nor

a knavish piece

my lord, you are keen.

would cost you

a

groaning to take off

my edge.

260

and worse. Ham. So you must take your husbands. Begin, mumerer; pox, leave thy damnable faces, and begin. Come, "the croaking raven doth bellow for revenge." Luc. Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing; Confederate season, else no creature seeing; Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected, With Hecate's ban thrice blasted, thrice infected, Thy natural magic and dire property, 270 On wholesome life usurp immediately. Still better,

Pours the poison

Ham. He

dead. P. Queen.

220

are ours, their ends none of our

own. So think thou wilt no second husband wed; But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is

'tis

This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king. Oph. You are as good as a chorus, my lord. Ham. I could interpret between vou and your

Oph.

flies;

Our wills and

anon;

Enter lucianus.

Ham.

love.

But, orderly to end

shall see

Oph. You are keen,

love lead fortune, or else fortune

The great man down, you mark his

You

love, if I could see the puppets dallying.

a question left us yet to prove,

Whether

Baptista.

into the sleeper's ears.

poisons him

i' the garden for's estate. His name's Gonzago; the story is extant, and writ in choice Italian. You shall see anon how

HAMLET

52

the murderer gets the love of Gonzago's wife.

Oph. The King rises. Ham. What, frighted with

280

but

hamlet and horatio.

Ham. Why, let the stricken deer go weep, The hart ungalled play;

So runs the world away. Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers if with the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get me a fellowship in a cry of players, sir? Hor. Haifa share. 290 Ham. A whole one, I. For thou dost know, O Damon dear, This realm dismantled was Of Jove himself; and now reigns here

—

—

A very, very—pajock. You might have rhymed. Ham. O good Horatio, I'll take the ghost's

Guil.

What,

I

my lord?

make, you

command;

shall

for a thousand pound. Didst perceive? Hor. Very well, my lord. Ham. Upon the talk of the poisoning? 300 Hor. I did very well note him. Ham. Ah, ha! Come, some music! come, the

recorders

it

Good my

lord,

vouchsafe

me

a

whole history.

sir,

5/0

sir

what of him?

Guil. Is in his retirement marvellous distem-

pered.

We

Ham. mother. Ros.

My lord, you once did love me. do

I

No,

my lord, rather with choler. show

349 your cause of distemper? you do, surely, bar the door upon your own liberty, if you deny your griefs to your

Good my

lord,

more

richer to signify this to his doctor; for, for

me to

should

put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge into far

more choler.

Good my

5/9

your discourse into some frame and start not so wildly from my affair. Guil.

what

is

friend.

Ham. Ros.

Sir,

lack advancement.

I

How can that be,

of the King himself mark? sir, is

but,

for

when you have

the voice

your succession

"While

the grass

in

grows"

something musty.

players with let

—

me

Den-

^yp

recorders.

see one.

To

withdraw

why do you go about to recover the with you: wind of me, as if you would drive me into a toil? Guil. O, my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly. Ham. I do not well understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?

My lord,

Guil. Believe

itself

him

by these pickers and

still,

I

cannot.

Ham. I pray you.

sir?

Ham. Your wisdom

obey, were she ten times our further trade with us?

shall

Have you any

Ham. So

Guil.

Ham. With drink, Guil.

you say,

O

O, the recorders!

word

with you.

Ham. Ay,

can

Ham. wonderful son, that can so astonish a mother! But is there no sequel at the heels of this mother's admiration? Impart. Ros. She desires to speak with you in her closet, ere you go to bed.

Re-enter

Sir, a

or, rather, as

I

Then thus she says; your behaviour hath struck her into amazement and admiration. 55^

the proverb

not, perdy.

rosencrantz ^iw^guildenstern.

The King,

such answer as

My

Come, some music!

Guil.

sir,

mother. Therefore no more, but to the matmother, you say,

Ham. Ay,

king like not the comedy,

Why then, belike, he likes

Ham.

my

wholesome answer;

a

But,

ter.

550

cannot.

wit's diseased

Ros.

word

Guil.

III

make

stealers.

Hor.

Re-enter

to

Ros.

sleep;

if the

Sir,

my

For some must watch, while some must

For

Ham.

Ham. Make you

All. Lights, lights, lights! all

you

turn shall be the end of my business.

Give o'er the play. King. Give me some light. Away!

Pol.

[Exeunt

shall please

me a wholesome answer, I will do your mother's commandment; if not, your pardon and my re-

false fire!

How fare? my lord?

Queen.

ACT

of the right breed. If it

lord, put

Ham. I am tame, sir; pronounce. Guil. The Queen, vour mother,

me,

I

cannot.

Ham. I do beseech you. Guil. I know no touch of it, my lord. Ham. 'Tis as easy as lying. Govern

370 these

ventages with your fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse

most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops.

in

most great

of spirit, hath sent me to you. Ham. You are welcome. Guil. Nay, good my lord, this courtesy

affliction

is

not

Guil. But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony; I have not the skill. Ham. Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon

.

HAMLET

scene n

53

We will ourselves provide.

me; you would seem to know my stops; you would pluck out the heart of my mystery; you would sound me from my lowest note to the top

To keep those many many bodies

of my compass; and there

That

is

much

music, excel-

lent voice, in this little organ, yet cannot

make

it

speak. 'Sblood, do

to be played

on than

you think

a pipe? Call

I

am

you

easier

me what

in-

strument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me. Enter polonius.

God bless you,

My

Pol.

390

sir!

lord,

Queen would speak with

the

you, and presently.

Ham. Do you

see yonder cloud that's almost in

shape of a camel? Pol. By the mass, and

'tis

like a camel, indeed.

Ham

like a weasel.

Pol.

a weasel.

Methinks it is It is backed like

I

Most holy and religious

Leave me,

by

is

we will fetters put upon this fear, Which now goes too free-footed. R°S :A We will haste us. For

Guil.S

[Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.

Enter polonius.

all

but hamlet.

now the very witching time of night, When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out

Contagion to

this

world.

Now

could

I

drink hot

blood,

And do such bitter Would quake to

look on. Soft!

now

Behind the arras

To

me be cruel,

convey myself, I'll warrant she'll tax him

home: And, as you said, and wisely was it said, 30 'Tis meet that some more audience than a mother, Since nature makes them partial, should o'erhear

to

my

I'll

410

And tell you what I know.

call

upon you ere you go to bed, Thanks, dear my lord. [Exit polonius.

King.

heart, lose not thy nature; let not ever

Nero

I'll

hear the process;

The speech, of vantage. Fare you well, my liege.

business as the day

mother. soul of

My lord, he's going to his mother's closet:

Pol.

friends.

'Tis

Let

safe

and feed upon your Majesty. 10 Ros. The single and peculiar life is bound, With all the strength and armour of the mind, To keep itself from noyance; but much more That spirit upon whose weal depend and rest The lives of many. The cease of majesty Dies not alone; but, like a gulf, doth draw What's near it with it. It is a massy wheel, Fix'd on the summit of the highest mount, To whose huge spokes ten thousand lesser things Are mortised and adjoin'd; which, when it falls, Each small annexment, petty consequence, 21 Attends the boisterous ruin. Never alone Did the King sigh, but with a general groan. King. Arm you, I pray you, to this speedy voylive

easily said. [Exit polonius.]

[Exeunt

1

it is

will say so.

Ham By and

The

fear

age;

Ham. Or like a whale? Pol. Very like a whale. 35)5) Ham. Then I will come to my mother by and by. They fool me to the top of my bent. I will come by and by Pol.

Guil.

enter this firm bosom.

O,

not unnatural.

will speak daggers to her, but use none;

It

my offence is rank, it smells to heaven;

hath the primal eldest curse upon't, brother's murder. Pray can I not,

My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites;

A

How in my words soever she be shent,

Though inclination be as sharp as

To give them seals never, my soul, consent!

My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent; [Exit.

Scene

hi.

A

I

room

in the castle

Enter king, rosencrantz, and

GUILDENSTERN. King.

To

I

like

And,

him not, nor stands

safe with us

let his madness range. Therefore prepare you; I your commission will forthwith dispatch, And he to England shall along with you: The terms of our estate may not endure Hazard so near us as doth hourly grow Out of his lunacies.

man to double business

stand in pause where

I

40

bound,

shall first begin,

And both neglect. What if this cursed hand Were thicker than itself with brother's blood, Is

it

like a

will.

there not rain enough in the sweet heavens

To wash it white as snow? Whereto serves mercy But to confront the visage of offence?

And what's in prayer but this two-fold force,

To be forestalled ere we come to fall, Or

pardon'd being down?

Then I'll look up;

50

My fault is past. But, O, what form of prayer Can

serve

der"?

my

turn? "Forgive

me my

foul

mur-

HAMLET

54

That

cannot be; since

Of those effects

for

1

am still possess'd

which

I

did the murder,

My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen.

And that your Grace

May one be pardon'd and retain the offence? may

shove by

Much heat and him. I'll sconce me even here Pray you, be round with him. Ham. [Within] Mother, mother, mother!

justice,

And oft

'tis seen the wicked prize itself Buys out the law: but 'tis not so above; There is no shuffling, there the action lies

In his true nature;

and

we ourselves

hath screen'd and stood be-

tween

In the corrupted currents of this world

Offence's gilded hand

act ni

Tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear with,

60

Queen.

Fear

compell'd,

I

hear him coming.

[polonius hides behind

Even to the teeth and forehead of our faults, To give in evidence. What then? what rests? Try what repentance can. What can it not? Yet what can it when one can not repent? O wretched state! O bosom black as death!

Ham. Now, mother,

O limed soul, that, struggling to be free,

Ham. Mother, you have my

Art more engaged! Help, angels!

Bow, stubborn knees;

All

may

offended.

I,

his sole son,

do

this

and for

Queen Why,

And

No! Up, sword; and know thou

a

so!

—you

my

are

shall

As hell, whereto it goes. My mother stays. This physic but prolongs thy sickly days. [Exit. King. [Rising] My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go.

Queen.

Enter will

The Queen's

What

.

wilt thou do? thou wilt not

20 mur-

What,

ho! help, help, help!

How

now!

a rat?

Dead, for a

ducat, dead!

Makes a pass through the arras. O, I am slain! [Falls and dies. Queen. O me, what hast thou done? Nay, I know not: Ham. Is it the King? Queen. O, what a rash and bloody deed is this! Ham. A bloody deed! almost as bad, good mother,

As

kill

As

Ham. Lifts

Thou

lay

home

marry with his brother-

a king, and

Queen.

closet

queen and polonius. straight. Look you

come

you down; you

sit

der me? Help, help, ho!

[Exit. iv.

that can

Pol. [Behind]

may kick at heaven, may be as damn'd and black

Scene

you

You go not till I set you up a glass Where you may see the inmost part of you

90

trip him, that his heels

soul

set those to

not budge;

Pol. [Behind]

act

I'll

Ham. Come, come, and

Ham. [Drawing]

bed

At gaming, swearing, or about some That has no relish of salvation in't;

then,

speak.

more horrid hent.

Or in the incestuous pleasure of his

to him.

were not

it

Nay,

Queen.

When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,

He

—would

mother.

and salary, not revenge. full of bread; 80 With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May; And how his audit stands who knows save heaven? But in our circumstance and course of thought, 'Tis heavy with him. And am I then revenged, To take him in the purging of his soul, When he is fit and season'd for his passage?

Pol.

forgot

wife;

that,

same villain send

this is hire

And that his

wicked

What's the matter now? me? Ham No, by the rood, not so: You are the Queen, your husband's brother's

He took my father grossly,

Then

a

how now, Hamlet!

Have you

Queen.

To heaven. O,

you question with

Ham.

Ham. Now might 1 do it pat, now he is praying; And now I'll do't. And so he goes to heaven; And so am I revenged. That would be scann'd.

A villain kills my father;

go,

tongue.

kneels.

Enter hamlet.

idle

tongue.

Ham. Go,

and

w

Come, come, you answer with an

Queen.

sinews of the new-born babe! [Retires

much

father

offended.

and, heart with strings of

be well

what's the matter?

Hamlet, thou hast thy father much

Queen.

70

soft as

the arras.

Enter hamlet.

Make assay!

steel,

Be

warrant you,

I'll

me not.Withdraw,

kill a

king!

Ay, up

lady, 'twas

the arras

my word.

and discovers

Polonius.

wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell! took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune; Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger. I

30

— scene

HAMLET

iv

Leave wringing of your hands. Peace! sit you down, And let me wring your heart; for so I shall, If it be made of penetrable stuff, If damned custom have not brass'd it so That it be proof and bulwark against sense. Queen. What have I done, that thou darest wag thy tongue

Such an act That blurs the grace and blush of modesty,

40

From the fair forehead of an innocent love And sets a blister there, makes marriage-vows As false as dicers' oaths; O, such a deed As from the body of contraction plucks The very soul, and sweet religion makes

visage, as against the

To flaming youth let virtue be as wax, And melt in her own fire.

50

Ay me, what act, here,

upon

this

and on

picture,

O Hamlet,

what

a grace

O, speak to me no more; mine ears; No more, sweet Hamlet! Ham. A murderer and a villain; These words,

like daggers, enter in

Of your precedent lord;

a shelf the precious

your husband; like a mildew'd

A king of shreds and patches

Save me, and hover o'er me with your wings, You heavenly guards What would your gracious !

figure?

Queen. Alas, he's mad!

wholesome brother. Have you

Could you on this

fair

mountain leave to

That, lapsed in time and passion, lets go by The important acting of your dread command?

O,

feed,

ment

70

from

this to this? Sense, sure,

say!

Ghost.

You cannot call it love; for at your age The hey-day in the blood is tame, it's humble, And waits upon the judgement; and what judgestep

you

Is

Do not forget!

sure, that

amazement on thy mother sits. O, step between her and her fighting soul. Conceit in weakest bodies strongest works. Speak to her, Hamlet. But, look,

How is it with you, lady?

Queen. Alas,

how is't with you,

That you do bend your eye on vacancy

sense apoplex'd; for madness

sense to ecstasy

no

This visitation

but to whet thy almost blunted purpose.

Ham.

have,

you not have motion; but

to

chide,

And batten on this moor? Ha! have you eyes?

it

Enter ghost.

ear,

eyes?

Else could

100

stole,

Ham. Do you not come your tardy son

follows:

Blasting his

diadem

No more!

Queen.

Ham.

A station like the herald Mercury

But

a vice of kings;

And put it in his pocket!

New-lighted on a heaven-kissing hill; 60 A combination and a form indeed, Where every god did seem to set his seal, To give the world assurance of a man. This was your husband. Look you now, what

Nor

po

Over the nasty sty

That from

brothers.

was seated on this brow;

Hyperion's curls; the front of Jove himself; An eye like Mars, to threaten and command;

Is

speak no more.

A cutpurse of the empire and the rule,

The counterfeit presentment of two

Would

will.

Queen.

A slave that is not twentieth part the tithe

loud, and thunders in the index?

this,

is

Proclaim no shame

When the compulsive ardour gives the charge,

Queen.

doom,

thought-sick at the act.

Queen.

Here

hell,

If thou canst mutine in a matron's bones,

love

Yea, this solidity and compound mass,

See,

Could not so mope. O shame! where is thy blush? Rebellious

In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, Stew'd in corruption, honeying and making

A rhapsody of words. Heaven's face doth glow;

Ham. Look

80

Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very soul; And there I see such black and grained spots As will not leave their tinct. Ham. Nay, but to live

Calls virtue hypocrite, takes off the rose

That roars so

55

but a sickly part of one true sense

And reason panders

me?

Ham.

With tristful

Or

Since frost itself as actively doth burn

In noise so rude against

Is

—

was

would not

err,

ne'er so thrall'd

reserved some quantity of choice,

And with the incorporal air do hold discourse? Forth

And,

at

your eyes your

spirits

wildly peep;

as the sleeping soldiers in the alarm,

To serve in such a difference. What devil was't

Your bedded hair,

That thus hath cozen'd you at hoodman-blind? Eyes without feeling, feeling without sight, Ears without hands or eyes, smelling sans all,

Start up, and stand an end.

120

like life in excrements,

O gentle son,

Upon the heat and flame of thy distemper Sprinkle cool patience. Whereon do you look?

HAMLET

56

Ham. On

Look you, how

him, on him!

pale he

I'll

act

blessing beg of you. For this

Ham.

Do you see nothing there?

Queen. Nothing at

all;

yet

all

that

is I

No, nothing but ourselves.

how

it

steals

away!

My father, in his habit as he lived! Look, where he goes, even now, out

at the portal!

[Exit GHOST.

Queen. This

is

the very coinage of your brain.

This bodiless creation ecstasy Is very cunning in.

Ham.

My

And makes

as healthful music. It is not madness That I have utter'd. Bring me to the test, And I the matter will re- word; which madness Would gambol from. Mother, for love of grace, Lay not that flattering unction to your soul, That not your trespass, but my madness speaks.

that

I

do?

bid

I

180

you do:

Let the bloat king tempt you again to bed; Pinch wanton on your cheek call you his mouse; And let him, for a pair of reechy kisses, Or paddling in you neck with his damn'd fingers, Make you to ravel all this matter out, That I essentially am not in madness, But mad in craft. 'Twere good you let him ;

For who, that's but a queen, fair, sober, wise, 189 Would from a paddock, from a bat, a gib, Such dear concernings hide? who would do so? No, in despite of sense and secrecy, Unpeg the basket on the house's top, Let the birds fly, and, like the famous ape,

To try conclusions, in the basket creep, And break your own neck down. Queen. Be thou assured, if words be

but skin and film the ulcerous place,

Whiles rank corruption, mining

all

within,

made of

breath,

Infects unseen. Confess yourself to heaven;

Repent what's past; avoid what is to come; 150 And do not spread the compost on the weeds, To make them ranker. Forgive me this my virtue;

And breath of life, I have no life to breathe What thou hast said to me. Ham. I must to England; you know that?

in the fatness of these pursy times Virtue itself of vice must pardon beg, Yea, curb and woo for leave to do him good. Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in Queen.

O

Alack, 200 had forgot. 'Tis so concluded on. Ham. There's letters seal'd, and my two schoolQueen.

I

For

fellows,

Whom They

I

will trust as

I

will adders fang'd,

bear the mandate; they must sweep

my

way,

twain.

And marshal me to knavery.

Ham. O, throw away the worser part of it,

And live the purer with the other half. Good night; but go not to mine uncle's Assume a virtue,

if you

have

That monster, custom, who

Of habits devil,

Polonius.

know;

Ecstasy!

139 pulse, as yours, doth temperately keep time,

It will

What shall

Queen.

see.

Ham. Not this, by no means,

look you there! look,

to

do repent; but heaven hath pleased it so, To punish me with this and this with me, That I must be their scourge and minister. I will bestow him, and will answer well The death I gave him. So, again, good night. I must be cruel, only to be kind. Thus bad begins and worse remains behind. One word more, good lady. I

Ham. Nor did you nothing hear? Queen.

m

lord,

[Pointing

glares

His form and cause conjoin'd, preaching to stones, Would make them capable. Do not look upon me; Lest with this piteous action you convert My stern effects; then what I have to do 129 Will want true colour, tears perchance for blood. Queen. To whom do you speak this?

Ham. Why,

same

is

it

all

For bed.

not.

160

sense doth eat,

angel yet in this,

That to the use of actions

fair

and good

He likewise gives a frock or livery,

'tis

Let

it

work;

the sport to have the enginer

Hoist with his own petar; and 't shall go hard But I will delve one yard below their mines,

And blow them at the moon. O,

'tis

most sweet,

When in one line two crafts directly meet. This

man shall

set

210

me packing.

And that shall lend a kind of easiness

lug the guts into the neighbour room. Mother, good night. Indeed this counsellor Is now most still, most secret, and most grave,

To the next abstinence;

Who was in life a foolish prating knave.

That aptly is put on. Refrain to-night, the next

more easy;

For use almost can change the stamp of nature, And either master the devil, or throw him out 169 With wondrous potency. Once more, good night;

And when you are desirous to be bless'd.

I'll

Come,

sir,

draw toward an end with you. mother. [Exeunt severally; hamlet dragging

to

Good night,

in Polonius.

— SCENE

HAMLET

I

As

ACT Scene

i.

A

IV

room

57

cannon to

level as the

Transports his poison'd shot, name,

in the castle

My soul

is full

GUILDENSTERN.

Scene

King. There's matter in these sighs; these profound heaves 'tis fit

we understand them.

Queen. Bestow this place on us a

little

while.

lord,

what have

King. What, Gertrude?

Mad

Queen.

I

seen to-night!

is

in the castle

Within \ ( [

Hamlet! Lord Hamlet!

Ham. But soft, what noise? who Hamlet? O, here they come.

on

calls

Enter rosencrantz and guildenstern.

What have you done, my lord, with the dead body? Ham. Compounded it with dust, whereto 'tis Ros.

the mightier. In his lawless

fit,

w

in this brainish apprehension, kills

kin.

O heavy deed! had been so with us, had we been there. His liberty is full of threats to all; To you yourself, to us, to every one. Alas, how shall this bloody deed be answer'd? It will be laid to us, whose providence Should have kept short, restrain'd, and out of King.

haunt, so

much was our love,

We would not understand what was most But, like the

owner of a

that

'tis,

we may

take

it

thence

It

mad young man. But

where

Ros. Tell us

The unseen good old man.

This

Another room

Ham. Safely stowed.

and wind, when both

Behind the arras hearing something stir, Whips our his rapier, cries, "A rat, a rat!"

And,

ii.

How does Hamlet?

as the sea

contend

Which

air. O, come away! of discord and dismay. [Exeunt.

Enter hamlet.

Quit

[Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.

Ah, mine own

may miss our

And hit the woundless

Enter king, queen, rosencrantz, and

You must translate; Where is your son?

his blank,

fit;

20

foul disease,

And bear it to the chapel. Ham. Do not believe it. Ros. Believe what?

Ham. That

10

can keep your counsel and not mine own. Besides, to be demanded of a sponge, what replication should be made by the son of a king? I

Ros. Take you me for a sponge, my lord? Ham. Ay, sir, that soaks up the King's coun-

tenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such do the King best service in the end. He

officers

To keep it

from divulging, let it feed Even on the pith of life. Where is he gone? Queen. To draw apart the body he hath kill'd, O'er whom his very madness, like some ore

keeps them, like an ape, in the corner of his first mouthed, to be last swallowed. When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry

Among a mineral of metals base,

again.

he weeps for what is done. King. Gertrude, come away! The sun no sooner shall the mountains touch, But we will ship him hence, and this vile deed 50 must, with all our majesty and skill, Both countenance and excuse. Ho, Guildenstern!

Shows

itself pure;

O

We

Re-enter

rosencrantz and guildenstern.

Friends both, go join

you with some

Hamlet in madness hath Polonius

And from

his

further aid.

slain,

mother's closet hath he dragg'd

him.

Go seek him out;

speak fair, and bring the body pray you, haste in this. [Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern. Come, Gertrude, we'll call up our wisest friends; And let them know, both what we mean to do, And what's untimely done; so, haply, slander, 40 Whose whisper o'er the world's diameter, Into the chapel.

I

jaw;

Ros.

I

Ham.

understand you not, I

am

glad of

it.

A

my lord.

knavish speech sleeps

in a foolish ear.

Ros.

My

lord,

you must

tell

us

where the body

and go with us to the King. Ham. Tne body is with the King, but the King is not with the body. The King is a thing is,

Guil.

A thing, my lord!

Ham. Of nothing. Bring me and

5/ to him.

fox,

[Exeunt.

all after.

Scene

Hide

in.

Another room in the

castle

Enter king attended.

King. I have sent to seek him, and to find the body. How dangerous is it that this man goes loose! Yet must not we put the strong law on him.

He's loved of the distracted multitude,

Who like not in their judgement, but their eyes:

HAMLET

58

And where

so,

'tis

the offender's scourge

is

The

ACT associates tend, and everything

To

bear

all

smooth and

Ham.

For England!

Ham.

This sudden sending him away must seem Deliberate pause. Diseases desperate

grown

King. So

w

By desperate appliance are relieved, Or not at all.

Ham.

How now! what hath befall'n? body

the dead

is

bestow'd,

my

lord,

We cannot get from him. But where

King.

my

Ros. Without,

is

lord; guarded, to

he?

know your

Enter

my lord.

are e'en at him.

Your worm

We

19

but where he is

is

worms

your only em-

fat all creatures else to fat

50

What dost thou mean by this? Ham. Nothing but to show you how a king may go a progress through the guts of a beggar. King. Where is Polonius? In heaven; send thither to see. If your

him not

him i' the other place yourself. But indeed, if you find him not within this month, you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby. King. Go seek him there. 4.0

Ham. He will

stay

till

there, seek

[To some Attendants. you come. [Exeunt Attendants.

King. Hamlet,

affair.

Pray you, make

if

my love thou hold'st at aught

sense,

worm.

find

my

raw and red After the Danish sword, and thy free awe Pays homage to us thou mayst not coldly set Our sovereign process; which imports at full,

Since yet thy cicatrice looks

King.

messenger

so,

As my great power thereof may give thee

and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service, two dishes, but to one table; that's the end. King. Alas, alas! Ham. A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of

Ham.

man

is

[Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.

us,

that

on the

else leans

And, England,

Polonius?

certain convocation of politic

peror for diet.

ji

Thy loving father,

haste.

hamlet and guildenstern.

King. Now, Hamlet, where's Ham. At supper. King. At supper! where? Ham. Not where he eats,

knew'st our purposes.

mother. Come, for England! [Exit. King. Follow him at foot; tempt him with speed aboard; Delay it not; I'll have him hence to-night. Away! for every thing is seal'd and done

That

pleasure.

King. Bring him before us. Ros. Ho, Guildenstern! bring in

is it, if thou

see a cherub that sees them. But, come;

Hamlet. Ham. My mother. Father and mother and wife; man and wife is one flesh; and

Enter rosencrantz.

Where

I

for England! Farewell, dear mother.

King.

A

Ay, Hamlet. Good.

King.

even,

eaten.

IV

bent

For England.

weigh'd,

But never the offence.

Ros.

is

this deed, for thine especial

—

By letters congruing to that effect, The present death of Hamlet. Do it, For

like the hectic in

And thou must cure me. Till I know 'tis done, Howe'er my haps, my joys were ne'er begun. 70 [Exit.

Scene

iv.

A plain in Denmark

Enter fortinbras, a captain, and Soldiers, marching. For.

Go,

captain,

from

hence

With fiery quickness. Therefore prepare thyself;

The bark is ready, and the wind at help,

greet the Danish

Tell him that, by his license, Fortinbras

Craves the conveyance of a promised march Over his kingdom. You know the rendezvous. If that his Majesty would aught with us, shall express our duty in his eye;

We

And let him know so. Cap. For.

I

will do't,

my lord.

Go softly on. [Exeunt fortinbras and Soldiers.

Enter hamlet, rosencrantz, guildenstern,

and

—

me

king:

safety

Which we do tender, as we dearly grieve For that which thou hast done must send thee

England;

my blood he rages,

others.

Ham. Good sir, whose powers are these? Cap. They are of Norway, sir. Ham. How purposed, sir, I pray you? Cap. Against

some part of Poland.

Ham. Who commands them, sir? Cap. The nephew to old Norway,

Fortinbras.

10

—

— scene

HAMLET

iv

Ham. Goes Or for some frontier? it

against the

main of Poland,

59

To hide the slain?

sir,

O, from

this

time forth,

My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!

Cap. Truly to speak, and with no addition,

[Exit.

We go to gain a little patch of ground That hath in it no profit but the name. To pay five ducats, five, I would not farm it;

Scene 20

Queen.

A ranker rate, should it be sold in fee.

Gent. She

then the Polack never will defend

Ham.

it is

Two thousand souls

and twenty thousand

is

importunate, indeed distract.

Her mood will needs be pitied.

What would

she have?

father; says she

the world; and hems, and beats

i'

her heart;

Spurns enviously at straws; speaks things in doubt,

peace,

That inward breaks, and shows no cause without Why the man dies. I humbly thank you, sir.

God be wi'

you,

[Exit.

sir.

my lord? you straight. Go a

Will't please you go,

Ros.

Ham.

much of her

hears

There's tricks

Will not debate the question of this straw. This is the imposthume of much wealth and

be with

I'll

[Exeunt

before.

all except

50 little

hamlet.

How all occasions do inform against me, And spur my dull revenge! What is a man, and market of his time Be but to sleep and feed? a beast, no more. Sure, he that made us with such large discourse, Looking before and after, gave us not That capability and god-like reason To fust in us unused. Now, whether it be Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple 40 If his chief good

Of thinking too precisely

A

will not speak with her.

Gent. She speaks

already garrison'd.

ducats

Cap.

I

Queen.

it.

Cap. Yes,

in the castle

Enter queen, horatio, and a gentleman.

Nor will it yield to Norway or the Pole Ham. Why,

room

v. Elsinore: a

on the event,

thought which, quarter'd, hath but one part

That carry but half sense. Her speech is nothing, Yet the unshaped use of it doth move The hearers to collection; they aim at it, And botch the words up fit to their own thoughts; Which, as her winks, and nods, and gestures yield them, Indeed would make one think there might be

11

thought,

Though nothing sure, yet much unhappily. Hor. 'Twere good she were spoken with; for she may strew

Dangerous conjectures in ill-breeding minds. Queen. Let her come in. [Exit horatio.

To my sick soul,

as sin's true nature

is,

Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss; So full of artless jealousy is guilt, It spills itself in

20

fearing to be spilt.

wisdom Re-enter horatio, with ophelia.

And ever three parts coward, I do not know

Why yet I say "This thing's to do"; Sith I have cause and will and strength and means To do't. Examples gross as earth exhort me; Witness this army of such mass and charge Led by a delicate and tender prince, Whose spirit vith divine ambition pufFd Makes mouths at the invisible event, $0 Exposing what is mortal and unsure To all that fortune, death, and danger dare, live to

Even

for an egg-shell. Rightly to be great

without great argument, But greatly to find quarrel in a straw When honour's at the stake. How stand I then, That have a father kill'd, a mother stain'd, Excitements of my reason and my blood, And let me sleep? while, to my shame, I see The imminent death of twenty thousand men, 60 That, for a fantasy and trick of fame, Is

not to

stir

Go to their graves like beds,

fight for a plot

Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause, Which is not tomb enough and continent

Oph.

Where is the beauteous majesty of Den-

mark? Queen.

Oph.

How now, Ophelia!

[Sings]

"How

should

I

your true love

know From another one? By his cockle hat and staff, And his sandal shoon." Queen. Alas, sweet lady, what imports this

song?

Oph. Say you? nay, pray you, mark. [Sings] "He is dead and gone, lady, He is dead and gone; At his head a grass-green turf,

At his heels

50

a stone."

Queen. Nay, but, Ophelia

Oph. Pray you, mark. "White his shroud

[Sings]

as

snow" Enter king. Queen. Alas, look here,

my lord.

the mountain

HAMLET

6o

Oph. [Sings] "Larded with sweet flowers; Which bewept to the grave did go With true-love showers." King. How do you, pretty lady? 40 Oph. Well, God 'ild you! They say the owl was a baker's daughter. Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be. God be at

your

table!

King. Conceit upon her father. Oph. Pray you, let's have no words of this; but when they ask you what it means, say you this: [S/Vzgj] "To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,

ACT

IV

Her

brother is in secret come from France; Feeds on his wonder, keeps himself in clouds, And wants not buzzers to infect his ear 90 With pestilent speeches of his father's death; Wherein necessity, of matter beggar'd, Will nothing stick our person to arraign In ear and ear. O my dear Gertrude, this, Like to a murdering-piece, in many places Gives me superfluous death.

A noise within. Alack, what noise

Queen.

this?

is

Enter another gentleman.

All in the morning betime,

And

I

a

maid

at

your window,

To be your Valentine.

$0

Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes, And dupp'd the chamber-door; Let

in the maid, that

Than young I'll

my lord:

overpeering of his list, Eats not the flats with more impetuous haste

Never departed more."

make an

100

Laertes, in a riotous head,

O'er bears your

officers.

The rabble call him

lord;

endon't: [Sings]

Save yourself,

Gent.

The ocean,

out a maid

King. Pretty Ophelia! Oph. Indeed, la, without an oath,

King. Where are my Switzers? Let them guard the door. What is the matter?

"By Gis and by Saint Alack, and

fie

for

Charity,

shame

60

Young men will do't, if they come to't; By cock, they are to blame. Quoth she, before you tumbled me, You promised me to wed. So would

I

ha' done,

by yonder

How long hath she been thus?

Oph.

I

hope

patient; but

I

clouds Queen.

How cheerfully on the false trail they

cry!

We

must be all will be well. cannot choose but weep, to think

My

they should lay him i' the cold ground. brother shall know of it; and so I thank you for

your good counsel. Come, my coach! Good night, ladies; good night, sweet ladies; good [Exit. night, good night. King. Follow her close; give her good watch, [Exit horatio. I pray you. O, this is the poison of deep grief; it springs All from her father's death. O Gertrude, Gertrude, When sorrows come, they come not single

O,

this is counter,

King.

The doors

you

false

no

Danish dogs!

are broke.

Noise within. Enter laertes, armed; danes following. Laer.

Where is this king?

Sirs,

stand

you

all

without. Danes. No,

let's

Laer.

come in. I

pray you, give

me leave.

Danes.

We will, we will.

Laer.

[They retire without the door. thou vile thank you; keep the door.

I

O

king,

spies,

But in battalions. First, her father slain; Next, your son gone; and he most violent author Of his own just remove; the people muddied, 81 Thick and unwholesome in their thoughts and

For good Polonius' death; and

we

have done but

greenly,

In hugger-mugger to inter him; poor Ophelia Divided from herself and her fair judgement,

Without the which we

are pictures, or

mere

beasts;

much

Give me my

father!

Queen. Laer.

containing as

all

these,

Calmly, good Laertes. that's calm proclaims

That drop of blood

me bastard, Cries cuckold to

whispers,

Last, and as

They cry, "Choose we: Laertes shall be king:" Caps, hands, and tongues, applaud it to the "Laertes shall be king, Laertes king!"

sun,

An thou hadst not come to my bed." King.

And, as the world were now but to begin, Antiquity forgot, custom not known, The ratifiers and props of every word,

my father,

brands the harlot

Even here, between the chaste unsmirched brow

Of my true mother. What is the cause, King.

Laertes,

That thy rebellion looks so giant-like? Let him go, Gertrude; do not fear our person: There's such divinity doth hedge a king, That treason can but peep to what it would,

120

——

— HAMLET

scene v Acts

of his will. Tell me, Laertes, thou art thus incensed. Let him go, Ger-

little

Why

trude.

And in his grave rain'd many a tear" Fare you well, my dove! Laer. Hadst thou thy wits, and didst persuade

Speak, man.

revenue,

Where is my

Laer.

father?

It

Dead.

King.

could not

Oph.

King. Let him demand his fill. Laer. How came he dead? I'll not be juggled with.

130

allegiance!

vows, to the blackest

devil!

Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation. To this point I stand, That both the worlds I give to negligence, Let come what comes; only I'll be revenged Most throughly for my father. Who shall stay you? King. Laer. My will, not all the world: And for my means, I'll husband them so well, They shall go far with little.

Good

King. If you desire to

know

Of

father's death,

your dear

140

writ in your

is't

revenge,

That, swoopstake, you will draw both friend and foe,

O, how the wheel becomes

To his my arms;

good

friends thus

wide

I'll

Laer. This nothing's

Oph.

sensibly in grief for

it,

sies, that's for

150

tears seven times salt,

Burn out the sense and virtue of mine eye! By heaven, thy madness shall be paid with weight, Till our scale turn the beam. O rose of May! Dear maid, kind sister, sweet Ophelia! O heavens! is't possible, a young maid's wits 160 Should be as mortal as an old man's life? Nature is fine in love, and where 'tis fine, It

sends

some precious

After the thing

Oph.

it

instance of itself

loves.

[Sings]

"They bore him barefaced on the bier;

Hey non nonny, nonny, hey nonny;

is

pan-

in

madness, thoughts and 179

Oph. There's fennel for you, and columbines; there's rue for you, and here's some for me;

we may call it herb-grace o'Sundays. O, you must wear your rue with a difference. There's a daisy. I would give you some violets, but they made

all

when

my

father died.

They

say he

good end [Sings] "For bonny sweet Robin is all my joy." Laer. Thought and affliction, passion, hell itself, She turns to favour and to prettiness. Oph. [Sings] "And will he not come again? a

no, he

is

dead;

Go to thy death-bed; He never will come again.

ope

Re-enter ophelia. !

remem-

thoughts.

Laer. A document remembrance fitted.

No,

to

O heat, dry up my brains

for

that's

brance; pray, love, remember; and there

And will he not come again?

your judgement pierce As day does to your eye Danes. [Within] Let her come in. Laer. How now! what noise is that? It shall as level

iji

the false stew-

more than matter.

rosemary,

There's

His beard was

And like the kind life-rendering pelican, Repast them with my blood. Why, now you speak King. Like a good child and a true gentleman. That I am guiltless of your father's death,

And am most

it! It is

ard, that stole his master's daughter.

Winner and loser? Laer. None but his enemies. Will you know them then? King. Laer.

a-down a-down,

sing

An you call him a-down-a."

withered

Laertes,

the certainty

move thus. "You must

[Sings]

But not by him.

Queen.

To hell,

61

as

white

as

snow,

All flaxen was his poll.

He is gone, he is gone, And we cast away moan. God ha' mercy on his soul!"

And

of

all

Christian souls,

I

pray God.

wi' ye. Laer.

God

[Exit.

Do you see this,

King. Laertes,

I

be

200

O God?

must commune with your

grief,

Or you deny me right. Go but apart, Make choice of whom your wisest

friends

you

will,

And they shall hear and judge me. If by direct or by

They find us

collateral

touch' d,

'twixt

you and

hand

we will our kingdom

give,

Our crown, our life, and

To you in satisfaction;

all

but

that

we call ours,

if not,

Be you content to lend your patience to us,

And we shall jointly labour with your soul

To give it due content. Laer.

His means of death,

Let this be so; obscure funeral

his

210

HAMLET

62

No trophy, sword, nor hatchment o'er his bones, No noble rite nor formal ostentation Cry to be heard,

as 'twere

call't in

So you

And where the offence is

let

shall;

the great axe

pray you, go with me.

Scene

Another room

vi.

fall.

[Exeunt.

What

are they that

Serv. Sailors,

I

They

sir.

you. Hor. Let them I

would speak with me?

say they have letters for [Exit servant.

in.

God bless

He shall,

sir,

an't please

tell

me

The Queen

his //

She's so conjunctive to

it

either

which

my life and soul,

That, as the star moves not but in his sphere, I could not but by her. The other motive, Why to a public count I might not go, Is the great love the general gender bear him;

Him.

faults in their affection,

like the spring that turneth

wood to

stone,

overlooked this, give these fellows some means to the King; they have letters for him. Ere we were two days old at sea, a pirate of very warlike appointment gave us chase. Finding ourselves too slow of sail, we put on a compelled valour, and in the grapple I boarded them. On the instant they got clear of our ship; so I alone became their prisoner. They have dealt with me like thieves of mercy, but they knew what they did; I am to do a good turn for them. Let the King have the letters I have sent; and repair thou to me with as much speed as thou would st flv death. I have words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb; yet are they much too light for the bore of the matter. These good fellows will bring thee where I am. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hold their course for England; of them I have much to tell thee Farewell 5 "He that thou knowest thine, Hamlet" Come, I will make you way for these your .

Convert

his

gyves to graces; so that

my arrows,

Too slightly timber'd for so loud a wind, Would have reverted to my bow again, And not where I had aim'd them. Laer. And so have I a noble father lost;

A sister driven into desperate terms, Whose worth, if praises may go back again, Stood challenger on mount of all the age For her perfections. But my revenge will come. King. Break not your sleeps for that. You must not think

50

That we are made of stuff so flat and dull That we can let our beard be shook with danger

And I

think

it

pastime.

more. loved your father, and

And that,

I

You

shortly shall hear

we love ourself;

hope, will teach you to imagine

Enter a messenger.

How now!

what news?

Letters, my lord, from Hamlet. This to your Majesty; this to the Queen. King. From Hamlet! who brought them? Mess. Sailors, my lord, they say; I saw them

Mess.

not:

letters;

And do't the speedier,

that

you may

Scene

vii.

Another room

me

direct

To him from whom you brought them.

[Exeunt.

in the castle

Enter king and Laertes.

Now

must your conscience

you have heard, and with

a

given me by Claudio; he received them 40 Of him that brought them. Laertes, you shall hear them. King. [Exit messenger Leave us [Reads] "High and mighty, You shall know I am set naked on your kingdom. To-morrow shall

They were

.

my

acquit-

seal,

And you must put me in your heart Sith

but

Lives almost by his looks; and for myself

Would,

There's a letter for you, sir. It comes from the ambassador that was bound for England; if your // name be Horatio, as I am let to know it is. Hor. [Reads] "Horatio, when thou shalt have

tance

:

they are strong.

Who, dipping all his

you, sir. Hor. Let him bless thee too.

King.

me

But yet to mother

My virtue or my plague, be come

Enter sailors.

istSail.

well appears

sinew'd,

do not know from what part of the world should be greeted, if not from lord Hamlet.

i st Sail.

It

So crimeful and so capital in nature, As by your safety, wisdom, all things else, You mainly were stirr'd up. King. O, for two special reasons; Which may to you, perhaps, seem much un-

in the castle

Enter horatio and a servant.

Hor.

my life.

Laer.

question.

King. I

IV

father slain

Why you proceeded not against these feats,

must

I

Pursued

from heaven to

earth,

That

ACT

That he which hath your noble

for friend,

knowing ear,

I

beg leave to see your kingly eyes, when I shall, asking your pardon thereunto, recount the

first

—— scene

HAMLET

vii

occasion of my sudden and

more

strange return.

"Hamlet"

What should this mean? Are all the rest come yo

Or is it some abuse,

And

in a postscript here,

advise

warms

That I "Thus

"Naked!"

he says "alone."

it,

my lord. But let him come; my heart,

the very sickness in

shall live

and

tell

him to his

King.

a masterly report and exercise in your defence And for your rapier most especial, That he cried out, 'twould be a sight indeed, 100 If one could match you. The scrimers of their art

nation,

If it be so, Laertes

60

me to a peace. To thine own peace. If he be now re-

Did Hamlet so envenom with his envy That he could nothing do but wish and beg Your sudden coming o'er, to play with him.

Now,

will not o'errule

out of this

What out of this, my lord? King. Laertes, was your father dear to you? Laer.

Or are you like the painting of a sorrow,

As checking at his voyage, and that he means No more to undertake it, I will work him

A face without a heart?

To an exploit, now ripe in my device,

Laer.

Under the which he

King.

choose but fall; And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe, But even his mother shall uncharge the practice

My lord,

Laer.

That

shall not

call it accident.

The rather, I

if you

I

will be ruled;

could devise

it

so

jo

might be the organ.

King.

guard, nor eye,

If you opposed them. Sir, this report of his

turn'd,

And

the brooch indeed

He made confession of you,

He swore, had neither motion,

As how should it be so? how otherwise? Will you be ruled by me? Ay, my lord; Laer. So you

I

And gave you such

teeth,

didest thou."

King.

The very same.

know him well. He is And gem of all the nation. Laer.

For

me?

Laer. I'm lost in

Upon my life, Lamond.

Laer.

King.

'Tis Hamlet's character.

Can you It

and no such thing?

Know you the hand?

King.

63

A Norman.

King.

King.

back? Laer.

—

—

Not that

think

Why ask you this? no you did not love your

father; I know love is begun by time; And that I see, in passages of proof, Time qualifies the spark and fire of it.

But that

There lives within the very flame of love A kind of wick or snuff that will abate it;

And nothing is

It falls right.

You have been talk'd of since your travel much, And that in Hamlet's hearing, for a quality Wherein, they say, you shine: your sum of

I

at a like

goodness

still;

For goodness, growing to a plurisy, Dies in his own too much. That we would do, should do when we would; for this "would"

We

changes

paits

120

Did not together pluck such envy from him As did that one, and that, in my regard,

And hath abatements

Of the unworthiest siege. What part is that, my lord? Laer.

And then this

"should"

That hurts by

easing. But, to the quick o' the

As

King. A very riband in the cap of youth, Yet needful too; for youth no less becomes So The light and careless livery that it wears Than settled age his sables and his weeds, Importing health and graveness. Two months

Here was

a gentleman of Normandy;

I've seen myself,

Laer.

ulcer

More than in words?

in forgery

of shapes and

tricks,

A Norman was't?

To cut his throat

Laer.

No place,

indeed, should

i'

the church.

murder sanc-

Revenge should have no bounds. But, good Laertes,

Will you do

129 this,

keep close within your cham-

ber.

return'd shall

We'll put on those

thought, I,

like a spendthrift sigh,

Hamlet comes back. What would you undertake, To show yourself your father's son in deed

Hamlet

As had he been incorpsed and demi-natured With the brave beast. So far he topp'd my

Come short of what he did.

is

tuarize;

and served against, the French,

And they can well on horseback: but this gallant Had witchcraft in't; he grew unto his seat; And to such wondrous doing brought his horse,

That

many

there are tongues, are hands, are accidents;

King.

since,

and delays as

90

know you are come home.

shall praise

your excellence

And set a double varnish on the fame The Frenchman gave you, bring you in fine together

And wager on your heads. He,

being remiss.

HAMLET

64

Most generous and

free

from

all

Will not peruse the foils; so that, with ease, Or with a little shuffling, you may choose A sword unbated, and in a pass of practice Requite him for your father. I will do 't; Laer. 140 And, for that purpose, I'll anoint my sword. I bought an unction of a mountebank, So mortal that, but dip a knife in it, Where it draws blood no cataplasm so rare, Collected from all simples that have virtue Under the moon, can save the thing from death That is but scratch'd withal. I'll touch my point

With this contagion, It may be death.

that, if I gall

him

slightly,

Let's further think of this;

King.

ACT V

Unto that element. But long it could not be

contriving,

149

Till that her garments,

Pull'd the poor wretch

To muddy death. Alas, then, she

Laer.

Laer.

Too much of water hast thou, poor

Ophelia, forbid my tears. But yet our trick; Nature her custom holds, Let shame say what it will; when these are gone, The woman will be out. Adieu, my lord: 190 I have a speech of fire, that fain would blaze, But that this folly douts it. [Exit. King. Let's follow, Gertrude. How much I had to do to calm his rage!

And therefore I It is

Now fear

May fit us to our shape:

Therefore

should

fail,

drown'd?

is

Queen. Drown'd, drown'd.

Weigh what convenience both of time and means if this

heavy with their drink, from her melodious lay

I

this will give it start again;

follow.

let's

[Exeunt.

And that our drift look through our bad per-

ACT V

formance,

'Twere

better not assay 'd: therefore this project

Scene

Should have a back or second, that might hold, If this should blast in proof. Soft! let

We'll make a solemn wager on your cunnings. I

1st Clo. Is

A churchyard

she to be buried in Christian burial

that wilfully seeks her

ha't:

When in your motion you are hot and dry

2nd

As make your bouts more violent to that end And that he calls for drink, I'll have prepared him

and 160

by chance escape your venom'd stuck,

Our purpose may hold there.

own salvation?

Clo. I tell thee she is;

her grave straight.

A chalice for the nonce, whereon but sipping, If he

i.

Enter two clowns, with spades, &c.

me see:

and therefore make hath sat on her,

The crowner

finds it Christian burial.

How

1st Clo.

can that be, unless she drowned

own defence? 2nd Clo. Why, 'tis found so.

herself in her

must be se offendendo; it cannot be For here lies the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act, and an act hath three branches; it is, to act, to do, and to perform: argal, she drowned herself wittingly. Clo. It

1 st

else.

Enter queen.

How now, sweet queen! Queen.

One woe doth

tread

upon another's

heel,

Laer.

Nay, but hear you, goodman delver Give me leave. Here lies the water; good. Here stands the man; good. If the man go

Queen.

to this water, and

So

fast

they follow. Your

sister's

drown'd,

Laertes.

Drown'd! O, where? There is a willow grows aslant a brook, That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream; There with fantastic garlands did she come 169 Of crow- flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples

That

liberal shepherds give a grosser name, But our cold maids do dead men's fingers call them; There, on the pendent boughs her coronet weeds Clambering to hang, an envious sliver broke; When down her weedy trophies and herself jk Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread ^

wide;

2nd 1 st

nill

Clo.

Clo.

he, he goes

come

to

drown

himself,

—mark you

that.

it is,

But

if

will he,

the water

him and drown him, he drowns not himhe that

self; argal,

shortens not his

is

not guilty of his

own

death

own life.

2nd Clo. But is this law? 1st Clo. Ay, marry, is't; crowner's quest law. 2nd Clo. Will you ha' the truth on't? If this had not been a gentlewoman, she should have been buried out 1st Clo.

o'

Christian burial.

Why,

there thou say'st; and the

more

pity that great folk should have countenance in this

world to drown or hang themselves, more

And, mermaid-like, awhile they bore her up;

than their even Christian.

Which time she chanted snatches of old tunes; As one incapable of her own distress, Or like a creature native and indued 180

There

is

ditchers,

Come,

my

spade.

no ancient gentlemen but gardeners, and grave-makers; they hold up Adam's

profession.

— SCENE

HAMLET

I

Was he a gentleman?

2nd Clo.

1st Clo. A' was the first that ever bore arms. 2nd Clo. Why, he had none. 35) 1st Clo. What, art a heathen? How dost thou

understand the Scripture? The Scripture says "Adam digged"; could he dig without arms? I'll put another question to thee. If thou answerest

me not to the purpose, 2nd Clo.

Go to.

1st Clo.

What

either the

confess thyself

is he that builds stronger than mason, the shipwright, or the carpen-

ter?

2nd

The gallows-maker;

Clo.

for that

frame

good

faith.

outlives a thousand tenants. Clo.

1st

50

wit well,

like thy

I

in

gallows does well; but how does it well? it does well to those that do ill. Now thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the

The

may do

church; argal, the gallows

"Who

Clo.

might,

my lord. courtier;

Hor.

1st Clo.

Enter 1st Clo.

your

Ham. There's

I

cannot

hamlet and horatio,

not that be be his quiddities

and his

Why does he suffer this rude knave now

knock him about the sconce with a dirty him of his action of battery? Hum! This fellow might be in's time a to

at a distance.

shovel, and will not tell

Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for mend his pace with beat-

dull ass will not

when you

Why may

Where

his quillets, his cases, his tenures,

tricks?

tell.

another.

the skull of a lawyer?

now,

To't.

1st Clo.

[Sings]

and a spade, a spade, For and a shrouding sheet; O, a pit of clay for to be made For such a guest is meet." Throws up another skull.

builds stronger than a mason,

60

89

"A pick-axe,

a shipwright, or a carpenter?"

2nd Clo. Mass,

It

which could say "Good morrow, sweet lord! How dost thou, good lord?" This might be my Lord Such-a-one, that praised my Lord Such-a-one' s horse, when he meant to beg it; might it not? Hor. Ay, my lord. Ham. Why, e'en so; and now my Lady Worm's; chapless, and knocked about the mazzard with a sexton's spade. Here's fine revolution, an we had the trick to see't. Did these bones cost no mor« the breeding, but to play at loggats with 'em? mine ache to think on't. 101

well to thee.

1st Clo. Ay, tell me that, and unyoke. 2nd Clo. Marry, now I can tell.

It

Ham. Or of a

To't again, come.

2nd

65

might be the pate of a politician, which this ass now o'er-reaches; one that would circumvent God, might it not? murder!

great buyer of land, with his statutes, his recog-

are asked this question next,

nizances, his fines, his double vouchers, his re-

say "a grave-maker": the houses that he makes last till doomsday. Go, get thee to Yaughan:

coveries. Is this the fine of his fines, and the re-

ing; and,

fetch

me a stoup of liquor. [Exit

SECOND CLOWN.

He digs, and sings. "In youth,

when

I

did love, did love,

Methought it was very sweet, To contract, O, the time, for, ah,

70

my be-

hove, ,,

O, methought, there was nothing meet. Ham. Has this fellow no feeling of his business, that he sings at grave-making?

Hot. Custom hath made

it

in

him

a property

of

Whose grave's this,

easiness.

Ham.

'Tis e'en so.

The hand of little employ-

ment hath the daintier 1 st

covery of his recoveries, to have his fine pate full of fine dirt? Will his vouchers vouch him no more of his purchases, and double ones too, than the length and breadth of a pair of indentures? The very conveyances of his lands will hardly lie in this box; and must the inheritor himself have no more, ha? Hor. Not a jot more, my lord. Ham. Is not parchment made of sheep- skins? Hor. Av, my lord, and of calf-skins too. Ham. They are sheep and calves which seek out assurance in that. I will speak to this fellow.

sense.

1st Clo.

Mine,

a pit of clay for to be made For such a guest is meet."

[Sings]

"O,

Ham.

think

Clo. [Sings]

"But age, with

his stealing steps,

Hath claw'd me in his

clutch,

80

And hath shipped me intil the land, As if I had never been such." Throws up a skull.

Ham. That sing once. as if

it

had a tongue in it, and could the knave jowls it to the ground,

skull

How

were Cain's jaw-bone,

that did the first

sirrah?

sir.

I

it

be thine, indeed; for thou

/50 liest

in't. 1st Clo.

You

lie

not yours. For it is mine.

Ham. Thou

out on't,

my part,

dost

I

lie in't,

sir, and therefore it is do not lie in't, and yet

to be in't and say

it is

thine. 'Tis for the dead, not for the quick; there-

fore thou

liest.

HAMLET

66

Tis

ist Clo.

a quick

'twill

lie, sir;

away

again,

from me to you

14°

Ham. What man dost thou dig 1st Clo.

For no man,

1st Clo.

that

was

a

1st Clo.

woman,

sir;

but, rest

we must

is!

speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us. By the Lord, Horatio, these three years I have taken note of it; the age is grown so picked that the toe of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier, he galls his kibe. How long hast

thou been a grave-maker? 1st Clo. Of all the days i' the year, I came to 't that day that our last king Hamlet overcame Fortinbras.

How long is that since? Cannot you tell that? every fool can tell was the very day that young Hamlet was

1st Clo.

that. It

mad, and sent into England. Ham. Ay, marry, why was he sent into Eng-

born; he that

is

land?

Why,

1st Clo.

because he was mad.

He

recover his wits there; or, if he do not,

shall

it's

no

great matter there.

Ham. Why?

men are as mad as he. Ham. How came he mad? 1st Clo. Very strangely, they Ham. How strangely?

him

there; there

170

the

1st Clo.

Faith, e'en

Why,

—

as

we

V

with losing

his wits.

here in Denmark.

many pocky

I

have been ere he

corses now-a-days,

that will scarce hold the laying in

Why,

220

so.

Hor. E'en

so,

—he

will last will

tanned with his trade, that he will keep out water a great while; and your water is a sore decay er of your whoreson dead body. Here's a skull now; this skull has sir,

his hide is so

lain in the earth three

Ham. Whose was

pah!

my lord.

Ham. To what ratio! Why may

base uses

we may

return,

Ho-

not imagination trace the noble till

he find

it

stopping a bung-

hole?

Hor. 'Twere to consider too curiously, to connot a jot; but to follow him modesty enough, and likelihood to thus: Alexander died, Alexander was faith,

as

it;

buried, Alexander returneth into dust; the dust

you some eight year or nine year. A tanner last you nine year. Ham. Why he more than another? 1st Clo.

the earth?

Ham. And smelt so? Puts down the skull.

lead

179 faith, if he be not rotten before he die

have

i'

Hor. E'en

thither with

man and boy, thirty years. Ham. How long will a man lie i' the earth 1st Clo.

fashion

Ham. No,

say.

sexton here, rot?

!

sider so.

Ham. Upon what ground? 1st Clo.

his

dust of Alexander,

'Twill not be seen in

1st Clo.

of most excellent fancy. He hath borne me back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is my gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? Not one now, to mock your own grinning? quite chap-fallen? Now get you to my lady's chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come; make her laugh at that. Prithee, Horatio, tell me one thing. Hor. What's that, my lord? Ham. Dost thou think Alexander looked o' this

jest,

on

her soul, she's dead. Ham. How absolute the knave

Ham.

200

E'en that. Ham. Let me see. [Takes the skull.} Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite

then?

For none, neither.

One

jester.

Ham. This?

Who is to be buried in't?

1st Clo.

poured a flagon of Rhenish on my head once. This same skull, sir, was Yorick's skull, the King's

for?

sir.

Ham. What woman,

Ham.

it

actv

and twenty years.

191

it?

1st Clo. A whoreson mad fellow's it was. Whose do you think it was? Ham. Nay, I know not. 1st Clo. A pestilence on him for a mad rogue! a*

is

loam; and why of that loam, whereto he was converted, might they not earth; of earth

we make

stop a beer-barrel?

Imperious Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay,

Might stop a hole to keep the wind away. O, that that earth, which kept the world in awe, Should patch a wall to expel the winter's flaw! But soft, but soft! aside: here comes the King, Enter priests, &c. in procession; the corpse of ophelia, laertes and Mourners following; king, queen, their

The Queen,

trains,

the courtiers.

&c.

Who is this they fol-

low?

And with such maimed rites? This doth betoken The corse they follow did with desperate hand Fordo it own life. 'Twas of some estate. Couch we awhile, and mark. [Retiring with horatio.

—

!

scene Laer.

HAMLET

i

What ceremony else?

Ham.

A

That

is

Laertes,

very noble youth; mark.

Laer.

What ceremony else?

ist Priest.

thy wiseness fear: hold off thy hand. King. Pluck them asunder. Hamlet, Hamlet! Queen.

249

As we have warranty. Her death was doubtful; that great command o'ersways the

The Attendants part them, and

ground unsanctified have lodged

in

Until

flints,

and pebbles should be thrown on

Yet here she

is

allow'd her virgin crants,

Of bell and burial. Must there no more be done? No more be done.

First Priest.

We should profane the service of the dead To sing a requiem and

such rest to her

Lay her

Laer.

And from her fair

i'

and unpolluted

May violets spring!

the earth,

flesh

thee, churlish priest,

I tell

A ministering angel shall my sister be, When thou liest howling. What,

Ham.

the fair Ophelia!

Queen. Sweets to the sweet; farewell! Scattering flowers.

290

I

loved Ophelia. Forty thousand broth-

Could not, with all their quantity of love, Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her? King. O, he is mad, Laertes. Queen. For love of God, forbear him. Ham. 'Swounds, show me what thou'lt do. Woo't weep? woo't fight? woo't fast? woo't tear thyself?

Woo't drink up eisel? eat a crocodile? I'll do't. Dost thou come here to whine?

hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's

Be buried quick with her, and so will I; And, if thou prate of mountains, let them throw Millions of acres on us, till our ground, Singeing his pate against the burning zone,

Make Ossa like a wart! Nay,

thought thy bride-bed to have deck'd, sweet maid, And not have strew'd thy grave.

O, treble woe on that cursed head, 270 Whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense Deprived thee of! Hold off the earth awhile, Till I have caught her once more in mine arms. Laer.

Fall ten times treble

an thou'lt mouth,

rant as well as thou.

This

Queen.

And thus

I

Anon,

awhile the

fit

will

is

mere madness,

work on him;

as patient as the female dove,

When that her golden couplets are disclosed, His silence will

sit

flat

a

Ham.

Hear you,

sir;

What is the reason that you use me thus? I loved you ever. But it is no matter; Let Hercules himself do what he may, The cat will mew and dog will have his day.

[Exit.

mountain you have made,

To o'ertop old Pelion, or the skyish head Of blue Olympus. Ham. [Advancing] What is he whose grief Bears such an emphasis? whose phrase of sorrow Conjures the wandering stars, and makes them stand

280 Like wonder- wounded hearers? This is I, Hamlet the Dane. [Leaps into the grave.] The devil take thy soul Laer. Grappling with him. prithee, take thy fingers

Yet have

I

I

am not

something

from

I

Dray you, good Horatio, wait upon him.

[Exit HORATIO. [To laer tes] Strengthen your patience in our last night's

speech;

We'll put the matter to the present push. Good Gertrude, set some watch over your son. This grave shall have a living monument. 320 An hour of quiet shortly shall we see; Till then, in patience our proceeding be. [Exeunt.

Scene

ii.

A hall in the castle

hamlet and horatio.

Ham. So much for this,

my throat;

splenitive and rash, in

King.

Enter

Ham. Thou pray'st not well. For, though

5/0

drooping.

into the grave.

Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead, of this

300

To outface me with leaping in her grave?

I'll

wife;

I

my eyelids will no longer wag. O my son, what theme?

Ham.

260

to peace-parted souls.

Till

this

ers

Her maiden strewments, and the bringing home

Leaps

with him upon

Queen.

her:

I

will fight

I

theme

Till the last trumpet; for charitable prayers,

As

be quiet.

they come out of

the grave.

Ham. Why,

order,

Laer.

Good my lord,

Hor.

as far en-

And, but

Shards,

let

Gentlemen

All.

Her obsequies have been

larged

She should

67

Which

me dangerous,

sir;

now shall you see

the other;

You do remember all the circumstance? Hor. Remember it, my lord!

HAMLET

68

Ham.

Sir, in

my heart there was a kind of fightlet

me sleep. Methought I

lay-

Worse than the mutines in the bilboes. Rashly, And praised be rashness for it, let us know, Our indiscretion sometimes serves us well,

When our deep plots do pall;

Rough-hew them how we will That Hor. Ham. Up from my cabin,

The changeling never known. Now,

is

most

to find out them; had

employment;

my desire,

Between the pass and Of mighty opposites.

My fears forgetting manners, to unseal Their grand commission; where I found, Horatio

royal knavery!

Hor.

Ham. Does

it

fell

Why, what a king is this! me now

not, thinks't thee, stand

He that hath kill'd my king and whored my mother,

Popp'd

in

between the election and

my hopes,

Thrown out his angle for my proper life, And with such cozenage is't not perfect con-

—

science,

To quit him with this arm? To

and is't not to be damn'd, let this canker of our nature come

In further evil?

leisure.

But wilt thou hear me how I did proceed? Hor. I beseech you. Ham. Being thus be-netted round with vila prologue to

—

my brains,

it,

as

our

known to him from

What is the issue of the business there. 50

They had begun the play I sat me down, Devised a new commission, wrote it fair. once did hold

jo

Hor. It must be shortly England

lainies

make

Ham. It will be short; the interim is mine, And a man's life's no more than to say "One." But I am very sorry, good Horatio, That to Laertes I forgot myself; For, by the image of my cause, I see

statists do,

A baseness to write fair and labour'd much

The portraiture of his.

How to forget that learning, but, sir, now

But, sure, the bravery of his grief did put

It

did

me yeoman's

service.

Wilt thou know

Hor.

Ay, good

40

ish,

As peace should still her wheaten garland wear And stand a comma 'tween their amities, And many such-like as's of great charge, That, on the view and knowing of these contents, Without debatement further, more or less,

Peace!

Hor. No,

my good lord.

Ham. Thy state is the more gracious; for 'tis a vice to know him. He hath much land, and fertile;

be lord of beasts, and his crib King's mess. 'Tis a chough; say, spacious in the possession of dirt.5>o

let a beast

but, as

How was this seal'd?

Ham. Why, even in that was heaven ordinant.

my purse,

80

water-fly?

Not shriving-time allow'd.

father's signet in

who comes here?

Osr. Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark. Ham. I humbly thank you, sir. Dost know this

shall stand at the

had my

me

Enter OSRIC.

He should the bearers put to sudden death,

I

court his favours.

my lord.

Ham. An earnest conjuration from the King, As England was his faithful tributary, As love between them like the palm might flour-

Hor.

I'll

Into a towering passion.

The effect of what I wrote? Hor.

60

incensed points

upon

—an exact command,

20 Larded with many several sorts of reasons Importing Denmark's health and England's too, With, ho! such bugs and goblins in my life, That, on the supervise, no leisure bated, No, not to stay the grinding of the axe, My head should be struck off. Is't possible? Hor. Ham. Here's the commission; read it at more

1

was sequent

this

They are not near my conscience; their defeat Does by their own insinuation grow. 'Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes

To mine own room again; making so bold,

could

and what to

Hor. So Guildenstern and Rosencrantz go to't. Ham. Why, man, they did make love to this

certain.

Finger'd their packet, and in fine withdrew

I

the next

day

w

My sea-gown scarf d about me, in the dark

Ere

it

Thou know' st already.

There's a divinity that shapes our ends,

I

50

safely,

Was our sea-fight;

and that should

teach us

Groped

seal;

Folded the writ up in form of the other, Subscribed it, gave't the impression, placed

ing'

That would not

ACT V

Which was the model of that Danish

Osr. I

I

Sweet

lord, if your lordship

were

at leisure,

should impart a thing to you from his majesty. Ham. I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of

——

——

— HAMLET

scene n Put your bonnet to his right use;

spirit.

'tis

for

thank your lordship, it is very hot. believe me, 'tis very cold; the wind

I

Ham. No, is

northerly.

Osr. It

is

99

indifferent cold,

Ham. But for

yet methinks

my lord, indeed.

it is

very sultry and hot

my complexion.

Osr. Exceedingly,

—

my

lord;

it is

very sultry

how. But, my lord, his Majesty bade me signify to you that he has laid a great wager on your head. Sir, this is the as 'twere

I

cannot

tell

Nay, good

faith. Sir,

here

my lord;

is

for

mine

ease, in

good

newly come to court Laertes; most

believe me, an absolute gentleman, full of

excellent differences, of very soft society and

great showing; indeed, to speak feelingly of him, he is the card or calendar of gentry, for you shall

him the continent of what part

man would Ham. Sir,

a gentle-

see. his

definement suffers no perdition in

know, to divide him inventorially would dizzy the arithmetic of memory, and yet

you; though, but

yaw

I

neither, in respect of his quick sail. But,

of extolment, I take him to be a soul of great article; and his infusion of such dearth and rareness, as, to make true diction of him, his semblable is his mirror; and who else would trace him, his umbrage, nothing more. Osr. Your lordship speaks most infallibly of in the verity

him.

Ham. The concernancy, the gentleman in our

sir?

why do we wrap

more rawer

breath?

Hor. Is't not possible to understand in another tongue? You will do't, sir, really. Ham. What imports the nomination of this gentleman?

Of Laertes?

Hor. His purse

words are

empty

already;

all's

golden

is

I

matter, if

we

to the could carry cannon by our sides; I

would

it might be hangers till then. But, on: six Barbary horses against six French swords, their assigns, and three liberal-conceited carriages; that's the French bet against the Danish. Why is this "imponed," as you call it? iji Osr. The King, sir, hath laid, that in a dozen passes between yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits. He hath laid on twelve for nine; and it would come to immediate trial, if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer. Ham. How if I answer "no"? Osr. I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial. ijy Ham. Sir, I will walk here in the hall; if it please his Majesty, 'tis the breathing time of day with me; let the foils be brought, the gentleman willing, and the King hold his purpose, I will win for him an I can; if not, I will gain nothing but my shame and the odd hits.

I

Ham. To your nature

re-deliver

you e'en

this effect, sir;

so?

after

what

flourish

will.

Osr. I commend my duty to your lordship. Ham. Yours, yours. [Exit osric] He does well to commend it himself; there are no tongues else

Hor. Tiis lapwing runs away with the shell on

were to know himself. Osr. I mean, sir, for his weapon; but in the imputation laid on him by them, in his meed he's

Ham. He did comply with his dug, before he sucked it. Thus has he and many more of the same breed that I know the drossy age dotes on only got the tune of the time and outward habit of encounter; a kind of yesty collection, which carries them through and through the most fond and winnowed opinions; and do but blow them

—

—

to their trial, the bubbles are out.

well,

unfellowed.

the margent

you had done.

his head.

spent.

dare not confess that, lest I should compare with him in excellence; but, to know a man

Ham.

Ham. What call you the carriages? Hor. I knew you must be edified by

for's turn. is

Ham. Of him, sir. Osr. I know you are not ignorant Ham. I would you did, sir; yet, in faith, if you did, it would not much approve me. Well, sir? Osr. You are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes

six

Barbary horses, against the which he has imponed, as I take it, six French rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and so. Three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy, very responsive to the hilts, most delicate carriages, and of very liberal conceit.

Osr. Shall

130

Osr. Sir?

Osr.

weapon?

Osr. The carriages, sir, are the hangers. Ham. The phrase would be more german

Ham. I beseech you, remember hamlet moves him to put on his hat.

find in

his

Ham. That's two of his weapons; but, well. Osr. The King, sir, hath wagered with him

ere

matter,

Osr.

Ham. What's

Osr. Rapier and dagger.

the head. Osr.

69

i$o

Enter a lord. Lord. to

My

Lord, his Majesty

commended him

you by young Osric, who brings back

to him,

HAMLET

7o that

you attend him

if your pleasure

you

in the hall.

He sends to know

hold to play with Laertes, or that

now

or whensoever, provided

I

follow is

be so able

now.

211

The King and Queen and

Lord.

all

are

coming

down.

Ham.

In

Lord.

The Queen

happy time. desires

you

to use

entertainment to Laertes before you

some gentle fall

to play.

[Exit lord. Ham. She well instructs me. Hot. You will lose this wager, my lord. Ham. I do not think so; since he went into

have been in continual practice; I shall win at the odds. But thou wouldst not think how ill all's here about my heart. But it is no matter. Hot. Nay, good my lord Ham. It is but foolery; but it is such a kind of France,

I

would perhaps trouble a woman. Hot. If your mind dislike anything, obey it. I will forestall their repair hither, and say you are

gain-giving, as

229 defy augury. There's a special providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come; the readiness is all. Since no man has aught of what he leaves, what is't to leave betimes? Let be. not

fit.

Ham. Not

a whit,

have shot mine arrow o'er the house, brother.

Laer.

the King's pleasure. If his fitness speaks, mine

ready;

ACT V I

And hurt my

will take longer time.

Ham. I am constant to my purposes; they

as

That

we

I

Whose motive,

To my revenge; I

am

satisfied in nature,

in this case, should stir

me most

my terms of honour

but in

stand aloof, and will no reconcilement,

by some elder masters, of known honour, have a voice and precedent of peace, 2 60 To keep my name ungored. But till that time, I do receive your offer 'd love like love, Till I

And will not wrong it. I embrace it freely; Ham. And will this brother's wager frankly play. Give us the foils. Come on. Come, one

Laer.

Ham.

I'll

be your

foil,

for

me.

Laertes; in mine ignor-

ance

Your

skill shall, like a star

i'

the darkest night,

Stick fiery off indeed. Laer. You mock me, Ham. No, by this hand.

King. Give them the

foils,

Hamlet,

sir.

young Osric. Cousin 270

You know the wager? Ham. Very well, my lord; Your Grace hath King.

I

odds o' the weaker side. have seen you both; better'd, we have therefore odds. laid the

do not fear

it; I

But since he is Laer. This is too heavy, let me see another. Ham. This likes me well. These foils have all a length?

Enter king, queen, laertes, osric, Lords, and Attendants with foils and gauntlets; a table and flagons of ivine on

it.

King. Set

King. Come, Hamlet, come, and take this hand

from me. The king puts laertes' hand into hamlet's. Ham. Give me your pardon, sir. I've done you wrong; But pardon't, as you are a gentleman. This presence knows, And you must needs have heard, how I am punish'd 240

With

sore distraction.

What I have done,

That might your nature, honour, and exception Roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness. Was't Hamlet wrong'd Laertes? Never Hamlet: If Hamlet from himself be ta'en away, And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes, Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it.

Who does

it,

They prepare to play. Osr. Ay, my good lord. of wine upon that

table.

Or quit in answer of the third exchange, Let

all

the battlements their ordnance

280

fire;

The King shall drink to Hamlet's better breath; And in the cup an union shall he throw, Richer than that which four successive kings In Denmark's crown have worn. Give me the cups;

And let the kettle to the trumpet speak, The trumpet to the cannoneer without, The cannons to the heavens, the heavens to earth,

"Now the King drinks to Hamlet." Come, begin;

And you, the judges, bear a wary eye. Ham. Come on, sir. Laer.

Come,

290

my lord.

They play.

then? His madness. I ft be so,

Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong'd; His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy.

me the stoups

If Hamlet give the first or second hit,

Ham. 250

Laer.

Sir, in this audience,

Ham.

Let my disclaiming from a purposed evil Free me so far in your most generous thoughts,

Laer.

Osr.

One. No. Judgement.

A hit, a very palpable hit. Well; again.

— SCENE

!

!

King. Stay; give

me drink.

Hamlet,

this pearl is

thine;

Here's to thy health. Trumpets sound, and cannon shot off within.

A touch, a touch,

Stabs the king.

Our son

win.

shall

fat, and scant of breath. Here, Hamlet, take my napkin, rub thy brows. The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet. 300

He's

Queen.

Ham. Good madam! Queen.

I

my lord;

will,

King. [Aside]

I

pray you, pardon me.

the poison'd cup;

It is

it is

too

late.

Ham.

dare not drink yet,

I

Queen.

Come,

let

My lord,

Laer.

hit

I

Laer. [Aside]

And yet 'tis

do not think' t.

almost 'gainst

my

I

That are but mutes or audiences

Had

for the third, Laertes;

you but

But

—

let it be.

Say you so? come on. They play. Osr. Nothing, neither way. Laer. Have at you now! laertes wounds hamlet; then, in scuffling, they change rapiers, and hamlet wounds laertes. Part them; they are incensed. King. Ham. Nay, come, again. The queen falls. Osr. Look to the Queen there, ho Hor. They bleed on both sides. How is it, my

report

I

I

could

tell

Death,

you

am dead;

me and my cause aright

Never

believe

it.

55/

am more an antique Roman than a Dane;

Here's yet some liquor

left.

Ham.

As thou'rt a man, Give me the cup. Let go! By heaven, I'll have't. good Horatio, what a wounded name, Things standing thus unknown, shall live behind me! If thou didst ever hold

Absent thee from

me in thy heart,

felicity awhile,

And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain,

To tell my story. March afar off, and shot within

How is't, Laertes? Why,

as a

What warlike noise is this?

woodcock to mine own springe,

Osr.

No, Hamlet

no, the drink, the drink

5 60

come

This warlike volley.

—O my dear 520

The drink, the drink! I am poison'd. Ham. O villainy! Ho! let the door be Treachery! Seek

it

[Dies.

lock'd;

out.

Hamlet, thou art slain. No medicine in the world can do thee good; In thee there is not half an hour of life; The treacherous instrument is in thy hand, Unbated and envenom'd. The foul practice Hath turn'd itself on me; lo, here I lie, 325* is

Fortinbras, with conquest

To the ambassadors of England gives

She s wounds to see them bleed.

King. Queen.

Young

from Poland,

Osric;

am justly kill'd with mine own treachery. Ham. How does the Queen?

Laer. It

—O,

Horatio,

Hor. I

lord?

Laer.

to this act,

as this fell sergeant,

To the unsatisfied 5/0

Laer.

I

but time

Thou livest;

pray you, pass with your best violence; am afeard you make a wanton of me.

Osr.

I

Is strict in his arrest

dally.

I

thee.

am dead, Horatio. Wretched Queen, adieu! You that look pale and tremble at this chance,

conscience.

Ham. Come,

by himself. 55^ Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet. Mine and my father's death come not upon thee, Nor thine on me [Dies. Ham. Heaven make thee free of it! I follow a poison temper'd

I

him now.

King.

He is justly served;

Laer.

madam; by and by.

me wipe thy face.

I'll

King. O, yet defend me, friends; I am but hurt. thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane, Drink off this potion. Is thy union here? Follow my mother. [king dies. It is

Gertrude, do not drink.

King.

All. Treason! treason!

Ham. Here,

do confess.

I

7i

Never to rise again. Thy mother's poison'd. I can no more. The King, the King's to blame. Ham. The point envenom'd too! Then, venom, to thy work.

Give him the cup.

Ham. I'll play this bout first; set it by awhile. Come. [They play.] Another hit; what say you? King.

—

.

HAMLET

II

Laer.

.

here, Hamlet.

Ham. O, I die, Horatio; The potent poison quite o'er-crows my spirit. 1

cannot live to hear the news from England,

do prophesy the election lights he has my dying voice. So tell him, with the occurrents, more and Which have solicited. The rest is silence. But

I

On Fortinbras;

less,

[Dies.

Hor. Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince; 370 And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest! does the drum come hither?

Why

March within.

HAMLET

72

ACT V

Of deaths put on by cunning and forced cause, Enter fortinbras, the English ambassadors,

and others. Fort.

Where is this

sight?

What is it ye would see? of woe or wonder, cease your search. Fort. This quarry cries on havoc. O proud Death, What feast is toward in thine eternal cell, That thou so many princes at a shot So bloodily hast struck? Hor.

If aught

The sight is dismal; Amb. And our affairs from England come too late. The ears are senseless that should give us hearist

To tell him his commandment is

fulfill'd,

5 81

That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead.

Where

should

Not from his mouth,

Hor.

Had

it

we have our thanks?

the ability of life to thank you.

He never gave commandment for their death. But

since, so

jump upon this bloody question,

You from the Polack wars, and you from England,

Are here arrived, give order that these bodies High on a stage be placed to the view; 5 #9 And let me speak to the yet unknowing world How these things came about. So shall you hear

Of carnal, bloody, and unnatural acts, Of accidental judgements, casual slaughters,

And,

Fall'n

purposes mistook on the inventors' heads: all this can

Truly

deliver.

in this upshot,

Let us haste to hear

Fort.

And

call the

I

it,

noblest to the audience.

For me, with sorrow I embrace my fortune. I have some rights of memory in this kingdom,

Which now to claim my

vantage doth invite

me. Hor.

Of that I

shall

have also cause to speak,

And from his mouth whose voice

will

draw on

more. let this same be presently perform'd, Even while men's minds are wild; lest more mis-

But

chance,

On plots

and errors, happen. Let four captains Bear Hamlet, like a soldier, to the stage; For he was likely, had he been put on, To have proved most royally; and, for his pasFort.

sage,

The

soldiers' music and the rites of war 410 Speak loudly for him. Take up the bodies. Such a sight as this Becomes the field, but here shows much amiss.

Go,

bid the soldiers shoot.

[A dead march. Exeunt, bearing

off the

dead bodies; after "which a peal of ordnance is shot off.

.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

hp

DRAMATIS PERSONS John Falstaff Fenton, a gentleman Shallow, a country justice Slender, cousin to Shallow ORD dwelling

Robin, page to Falstaff Simple, servant to Slender

Sir

two gentlemen p William Page, a boy, Sir

Hugh

Evans,

a

son

to

John Rugby,

Two at

Windsor

to

to

Doctor Caius

Ford

Mistress Ford Mistress Page

Page

Anne

Welsh parson

Doctor Caius, a French Host of the Garter Inn Bardolph

servant

Servants

Page, her daughter

Mistress Quickly, servant Some Children, as fairies

physician

Non-Speaking

:

Servants

to

to

Doctor Caius

Page and Ford

sharpers attending on Falstaff

Pistol

Scene Windsor, and

Nym

:

the neighborhood

*z ACT Scene

i.

Evans. Yes, py'r lady; if he has a quarter of coat, there is but three skirts for yourself,

I

your

Windsor: before Page's house

Shal. Sir

Hugh, persuade me

not;

I

will

Sir

make

a

Star chamber matter of it. If he were twenty Sir John FalstafFs, he shall not abuse Robert Shallow,

Shal.

Sim. In the county of Gloucester, justice of peace and "Coram." Shal. Ay, cousin Slender, and "Custalorum." Slen.

Ay, and "Rato-lorum"

there

Evans.

familiar beast to

man, and

Shal.

The luce

is

louses

end

it

is

signifies love.

the fresh

fish;

the salt fish

is

Not

if he

life, if I

were young

it.

petter that friends

and there

is

is

again, the

4/ the sword, and

also another device in

my

an

upon

a

his death' s-bed

— take seventeen years if

quarter

council,

21

may quarter, coz. Shal. You may, by marrying. marring indeed,

The

Slen. Mistress Anne Page? She has brown hair, and speaks small like a woman. Evans. It is that fery person for all the orld, as just as you will desire; and seven hundred pounds of moneys, and gold and silver, is her grandsire

Slen. I

Shal.

it;

It is

resurrections!

It is

in a riot.

virginity

old coat.

Evans.

a riot.

which peradventure prings goot discretions with it: there is Anne Page, which is daughter to Master Thomas Page, which is pretty

do become an

agrees well, passant;

it

it; it is

prain,

an old coat.

The dozen white

no fear of Got

is

Shal. Ha! o' my sword should end

their coat.

old coat well;

hear

that.

writes himself

"Armigero," in any bill, warrant, quittance, or // obligation, "Armigero." Shal. Ay, that I do; and have done any time these three hundred years. Slen. All his successors gone before him hath done't; and all his ancestors that come after him may. They may give the dozen white luces in Slial. It is

shall

not meet the council hear a riot;

It is

look you, shall desire to hear the fear of Got, and not to hear a riot; take your vizaments in

too; and a gentle-

who

born, master parson;

Evans.

The council

Evans.

esquire.

man

my

simple conjectures. But that is all one. If John Falstaff have committed disparagements unto you, I am of the church, and will be glad to do my benevolence to make atonements and cornpremises between you. in

Enter justice shallow, slender, and sir HUGH EVANS.

we

a whit.

tress

71

—Got

deliver to a joyful

when

she

old. It

were a goot motion

is

able to over-

leave our pribbles and prabbles, and desire

a marriage

it.

give,

between Master Abraham and Mis-

Anne Page.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

74

Slen. Did her grandsire leave her seven hundred 60 pound? Evans. Ay, and her father is make her a petter penny. Slen. I know the young gentlewoman; she has

good

gifts.

Evans. Seven hundred pounds and possibilities is

goot

us see honest Master Page. Is

let

PISTOL. Fal. Now, Master me to the King?

Shal. Knight, you have beaten my my deer, and broke open my lodge.

you

a lie?

I

do despise

a liar

as I do despise one that is false, or as I despise one that is not true. The knight, Sir John, is there; and, I beseech you, be ruled by your well-willers. I will peat the door for Master Page. [Knocks] What, hoa! Gotpless your house

here!

Who's there?

Page. [Within]

men,

killed

But not kissed your keeper's daughter? Tut, a pin! this shall be answered. I will answer it straight; I have done

Fal. tell

I

Shallow, you'll complain of

Shal.

Falstaff there?

Evans. Shall

I

Enter sir john falstaff, bardolph, nym, and

Fal.

gifts.

Well,

Shal.

ACT

all

this.

That

now answered. The council shall know this.

is

Shal.

120

were known

in

Evans. Pauca verba, Sir John; goot worts. Fal. Good worts! good cabbage. Slender,

I

'Twere

Fal.

better for

you

counsel: you'll be laughed

if it

at.

broke your head; what matter have you against

me? Enter page.

Slender, that peradventures shall tale, if matters

other

Page.

I

am glad to

grow to your

tell

you

an-

see your worships well.

thank you for my venison, Master Shallow. 81 Shal. Master Page, I am glad to see you. Much good do it your good heart! I wished your venison better; it was ill killed. How doth good and I thank you always with Mistress Page? my heart, la! with my heart. Page. Sir, I thank you. Shal. Sir, I thank you; by yea and no, I do. Page. I am glad to see you, good Master

—

90

Slender.

How

does your fallow greyhound, I heard say he was outrun on Cotsall. Page. I could not be judged, sir. Slen. You'll not confess, you'll not confess. Shal.

your

That he

fault; 'tis a

Page.

will not. 'Tis

your

fault,

sir?

'tis

good dog.

Shal. Sir, he's a

more

good dog, and a fair dog; can he is good and fair. Is Sir 100

within; and

I

would

I

could do a

good office between you. Evans.

It

is

Page. Sir, he doth in it

some

be confessed,

not that so, Master Page?

Ay,

73 o

Nym.

it is

Slice, I say! pauca, pauca. Slice! that's

humour. Slen. Where's Simple,

my

man? Can you

my tell,

cousin?

Evans. Peace,

There

stand.

is

pray you.

I

Now

let

us under-

three umpires in this matter,

I understand; that is, Master Page, fidelicet Master Page; and there is myself, fidelicet myself; and the three party is, lastly and finally, mine host of the Garter. Page. three, to hear it and end it between them. Evans. Fery goot. I will make a prief of it in my note-book; and we will afterwards ork upon

as

we can.

He hears with ears.

Pist.

sort confess it is

He

Here comes

Sir John.

i$o

The tevil and his tarn! what phrase is "He hears with ear"? why, it is affecta-

Evans. this,

tions. Pistol,

did

you pick Master

Slender's

purse?

Ay, by these

gloves, did he, or

I

would

I

might never come in mine own great chamber again else, of seven groats in mill-sixpences, and

Master Page. it.

not redressed. Is

hath wronged me;

indeed he hath; at a word, he hath, believe me: Robert Shallow, esquire, saith, he is wronged. Page.

You Banbury cheese!

no matter. Pist. How now, Mephostophilus! Slen. Ay, it is no matter.

Slen.

He hath wronged me,

Shal. If

Nym,

Bardolph,

Bard.

Fal.

spoke as a Christians ought to

speak. Shal.

cals,

Fal. Pistol!

said?

is

have matter in my head your cony-catching rasand Pistol.

the cause with as great discreetly as

John Falstaff here? Page. Sir, he

I

We

A cur, sir.

there be

sir,

against you; and against

Slen.

likings.

I

Slen.

Marry,

Slen.

Evans. Here is Got's plessing, and your friend, and Justice Shallow; and here young Master

111

two Edward shovel-boards, that cost me two shilling and two pence a-piece of Yead Miller, 161 by these gloves. Fal. Is this true, Pistol?

Evans. No;

it is false, if it is

a pick-purse.

SCENE

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

I

75

John

Come, coz; come, coz; we stay for you. A word with you, coz; marry, this, coz: there is, as 'twere, a tender, a kind of tender, made afar off by Sir Hugh here. Do you understand me? Slen. Ay, sir, you shall find me reasonable; if it

avised, sir, and pass good humours. "marry trap" with you, if you run the nuthook's humour on me; that is the very

do that that is reason. Nay, but understand me. Slen. So I do, sir. 220 Evans. Give ear to his motions, Master Slender. I will description the matter to you, if you

thou mountain- foreigner!

Ha,

Pist.

and master mine, I combat challenge of this latten bilbo. Word of denial in thy labras here! Word of denial! Froth and scum, thou

By

Slen.

Sir

liest!

these gloves, then, 'twas he.

Nym. Be

I

will say

note of it.

By

he in the red face had it; cannot remember what I did when you made me drunk, yet I am not altogether an Slen.

for

this hat, then,

though

I

be

so, I shall

Shal.

be capacity of it. I will do as my cousin Shallow pray you, pardon me; he's a justice of peace in his country, simple though I stand here. Evans. But that is not the question. The question is concerning your marriage.

What say you, Scarlet and John? Why, sir, for my part, I say the

Fal.

Bard.

man had drunk

gentle-

himself out of his five seniSo

tences.

Evans.

what the ignor-

It is his five senses. Fie,

And

being fap,

was, as they say,

sir,

cashiered; and so conclusions passed the careires.

Ay, you spake

Slen.

no matter;

I'll

in Latin then too; but

ne'er be drunk whilst

I

'tis

live again,

godly company, for this be drunk with those that have the fear of God, and not with drunken but in honest,

trick. If

civil,

be drunk,

I

I'll

knaves.

190

Got udge me,

Evans. So Fal.

You

hear

men; you hear Enter

Page.

anne

all

that

a virtuous mind.

is

these matters denied, gentle-

page, voith wine; mistress ford and MISTRESS PAGE, following.

drink within.

anne page. Mistress Anne Page.

Slen.

O heaven! this

How now, Mistress Ford!

Fal. Mistress Ford,

well met.

in; we'll

[Exit

Page.

is

by

my

troth,

you are very 200

By your leave, good mistress.

Kisses her.

Wife, bid these gentlemen welcome.

Come, we have a hot venison pasty to dinner. Come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down allunkindness.

[Exeunt all except shallow, slender, and evans. Slen. I

Ay,

had rather than forty

Book of Songs and Sonnets

shillings I

had

my

here.

Enter simple.

How now, Simple!

where have you been? I must wait on myself, must I? You have not the Book

of Riddles about you, have you? Sim. Book of Riddles! why, did you not lend it to Alice Shortcake upon All-hallowmas last, a fortnight afore Michaelmas?

there's the point, sir.

Evans. Marry,

is

it;

the very point of

it;

Anne Page.

to

25/

Slen. Why, if it be so, I will marry her upon any reasonable demands. Evans. But can you affection the 'oman? Let us command to know that of your mouth or of your lips; for divers philosophers hold that the lips is parcel of the mouth. Therefore, precisely, can you carry your good will to the maid? Shal. Cousin Abraham Slender, can you love

her? Slen. I hope, sir, I will

that

it.

Nay, daughter, carry the wine

Page.

Shal.

I

Mistress

is!

Bard.

Nay,

Slen.

says.

ass.

ance

Shal.

do

as

it

shall

240 become one

would do reason.

Evans. Nay, Got's lords and his ladies! you must speak possitable, if you can carry her your desires towards her. Shal. That you must. Will you, upon good dowry, marry her? Slen. I will do a greater thing than that, upon your request, cousin, in any reason. Shal. Nay, conceive me, conceive me, sweet coz; what I do is to pleasure you, coz. Can you love the maid? Slen. I will marry her, sir, at your request; but if there be no great love in the beginning, yet heaven may decrease it upon better acquaintance, when we are married and have more occasion to know one another. I hope, upon familiarity will grow more contempt. But if you say, "Marry her," I will marry her; that I am freely dissolved, and dissolutely. 260

Evans. fall is in

It is

a fery discretion answer; save the

the ort "dissolutely": the ort

is,

accord-

ing to our meaning, "resolutely." His meaning is

good.

Shal. Slen.

Shal.

Ay, I think my cousin meant well. Ay, or else I would I might be hanged, Here comes fair Mistress Anne.

la!

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

76

Truly,

Slen.

Re-enter

anne

page.

I were young for your sake, Mistress Anne! Anne. The dinner is on the table; my father 27/ desires your worships' company. Shal. I will wait on him, fair Mistress Anne. Evans. Od's plessed will! I will not be absence [Exeunt shallow and evans at the grace Anne. Will't please your worship to come in,

Anne. Slen.

sir? I

thank you, forsooth, heartily;

am very well. Anne. The dinner attends you, sir. Slen. I am not a-hungry, I thank you,

I

forsooth.

Go, sirrah, for all you are my man, go wait upon my cousin Shallow. [Exit slmple.] A justice of peace sometime may be beholding to his friend for a man. I keep but three men and a boy yet, till my mother be dead. But what though? Yet I live like a poor gentleman born. Anne. I may not go in without your worship. They will not sit till you come. Slen. V faith, I'll eat nothing; I thank you as

much

as

Anne.

I

though I did pray you, sir, walk in. had rather walk here,

think there are,

I

sir;

heard them

I

50/

Slen. I love the sport well; but I shall as

quarrel at

it

as

any man

in

England.

afraid, if you see the bear loose, are

soon

You

are

you not?

Re-enter page.

I'll

we

and

I

pie,

thank you, sir. you shall not choose,

la!

The same

hugh evans and simple.

Evans. Go your ways, and ask of Doctor Cams' house which is the way; and there dwells one Mistress Quickly, which is in the manner of his nurse, or his dry nurse, or his cook, or his laundry, his washer, and his wringer. Sim. Well, sir. Evans. Nay, for

letter;

is

it

a

is

it

petter yet. Give her this 'oman that altogether' s ac-

Anne Page; and

quaintance with Mistress letter

is,

to desire and require her to solicit

you, be gone.

Anne Page. I make an end of my dinner;

will

I

there's pippins and cheese to

Scene

hi.

A

the

your pray

master's desires to Mistress

room

come.

[Exeunt.

in the Garter

Inn

Enter falstaff, host, bardolph, nym,

Fal.

and robin.

Mine host of the Garter!

What

Host.

my

says

bully-rook? speak schol-

arly and wisely. Fal. Truly, mine host, of my followers.

Fal.

must turn away some cashier.

Let

trot, trot.

at ten

I sit

I

bully Hercules;

Discard,

Host.

pounds a week.

Host. Thou'rt an emperor, Cassar, Keisar, and

Pheezar.

he

I

will entertain Bardolph; he shall draw,

shall tap. Said

I

well, bully

Hector?

Do so, good mine host.

Host.

I

have spoke;

olph.] Let

me

let

him

follow. [To bard-

see thee froth and lime.

am

I

word; follow.

at a

[Exit.

him. A tapster is a good makes a new jerkin; a withfresh tapster. Go; adieu. 20

Fal. Bardolph, follow

trade; an old cloak

ered serving-man a Bard. It

O

is

a life that

I

have desired.

will thrive.

I

base Hungarian wight! wilt thou the [Exit

Nym. He was Fal.

sir!

come, come. Slen. Nay, pray you, lead the way. Page.

Come on,

Slen.

Mistress Anne, yourself shall go

Anne. Not

indeed,

gotten in drink.

bardolph. Is

not the

humour conceited?

eat nothing,

By cock

ii.

spigot wield?

gentle Master Slender, come;

stay for you. Slen.

sir.

Scene Enter sir

Pist.

Page.

will

[Exeunt.

Fal.

Anne. Ay, indeed, sir. Slen. That's meat and drink to me, now. I have seen Sackerson loose twenty times, and have taken him by the chain; but, I warrant you, the women have so cried and shrieked at it, that it passed. But women, indeed, cannot abide 'em; they are very ill-favoured rough things.

Come,

first; truly, la! I

rather be unmannerly than trouble-

them wag;

talked of.

Page.

pray you,

pistol, I

town? Amie.

go

You do yourself wrong,

some.

29

thank you. I bruised my shin th' other day with playing at sword and dagger with a master offence; three veneys for a dish of stewed prunes; and, by my troth, I cannot abide the smell of hot meat since. Why do your dogs bark so? be there bears i' the Slen. I

I

I'll

.

No,

will not

I

not do you that wrong.

Would

Slen.

ACT

pray you, keep on.

am

glad

I

am

so acquit of this tinderbox;

were too open;

his filching

was

like an

unskilful singer; he kept not time.

Nym. The good humour is

to steal at a minute's

rest.

sir.

I, sir;

I

his thefts

Pist.

first.

52/

"Convey," the wise

a fico for the phrase!

it call.

31 "Steal!" foh!

SCENE

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

III

Well,

Fal.

sirs, I

Pist.

Why, then,

Fal.

There

must

is

am let

almost out at heels. kibes ensue.

no remedy;

I

must cony-catch;

I

shift.

Young ravens must have

Pist.

food.

Which of you know Ford of this town?

Fal.

Pist. I

ken the wight.

My

Fal.

He is of substance good. 4.1

honest lads,

will tell

I

you what

I

am

fullam holds,

And high

about. Pist.

Two yards, and more.

Fal.

No

quips now, Pistol! Indeed,

two yards about; but

waist

waste;

make

I

am

about

I

am

I

am now

in the

about no

I do mean to spy entertainment in

thrift. Briefly,

love to Ford's wife.

I

and low beguiles the rich and poor. Tester I'll have in pouch when thou shalt lack, Base Phrygian Turk! Nym. I have operations which be humours of revenge.

of invitation.

can construe the action of her of her be-

I

"I

is,

am

Sir

JohnFalstaffs." Pist. He hath studied her will, and translated

With wit or

Pist.

I

will discuss the

And

Pist.

anchor

is

deep: will that

Nym. Now,

the report goes she has

He

of her husband's purse.

all

the rule

hath a legion of 60

angels.

As many

Pist.

boy," say

devils entertain; and

"To

her,

I.

Nym. The humour rises;

it is

good.

I

have writ

me here a letter to her; who even now

Fal.

O, she did so course o'er

my

exteriors

with such a greedy intention, that the appetite of her eye did seem to scorch me up like a burningglass! Here's another letter to her. She bears the purse too; she is a region in Guiana, all gold and bounty. I will be cheater to them both, and they shall be exchequers to me; they shall be mv East and West Indies, and I will trade to them both. Go bear thou this letter to Mistress Page; and thou this to Mistress Ford. will thrive,

We

lads,

we will thrive.

Pist. Shall I Sir

Pandarus of Troy become,

And by my side wear steel? then, Lucifer take all! Nym. I will run no base humour. Here, take the humour-letter;

I

will

keep the haviour of re-

putation. Fal.

[To robin] Hold, sirrah, bear you these

letters tightly;

Sail like

my pinnace to these golden shores.

Ford

shall

eke unfold

My humour

shall not cool. I will incense

him

will possess

I

with yellowness, for the revolt of mine is dangerous. That is my true humour. Pist. Thou art the Mars of malecontents. I second thee; troop on. [Exeunt.

Humour me

and here gave me good eves too, examined my parts with most judicious oeillades; sometimes the beam of her view gilded my foot, sometimes my portly belly. Pist. Then did the sun on dunghill shine. 70 Nym. I thank thee for that humour. Fal.

to

Page to deal with poison;

Scene

the angels.

another to Page's wife,

I

I.

humour of this love to Page.

His dove will prove, his gold will hold, And his soft couch defile.

humour

pass?

steel?

How Falstaff, varlet vile,

her will, out of honesty into English.

Nym. The

100

Nym. With both the humours,

familiar style; and the hardest voice

haviour, to be Englished rightly,

Wilt thou revenge?

Pist.

Nym. By welkin and her star!

her; she discourses, she carves, she gives the leer

Fal.

77

Rogues, hence, avaunt! vanish like hailstones go; Trudge, plod away o' the hoof; seek shelter, pack! Falstaff will learn the humour of the age, French thrift, you rogues; myself and skirted [Exeunt falstaff and robin. page. Pist. Let vultures gripe thy guts! for gourd and

iv.

A

room

in

Doctor Caiuss house.

Enter mistress quickly, simple, and rugby. Quick.

What, John Rugby! I pray you can see

the casement, and see if

thee,

my

go to

master,

Master Doctor Caius, coming. If he do, i' faith, and find any body in the house, here will be an old abusing of God's patience and the King's English.

Rug.

I'll

Quick.

go watch.

Go; and

we'll have a posset for't soon

at night, in faith, at the latter fire.

[Exit rugby.]

An

end of a sea-coal

honest, willing, kind fel-

come in house withal, warrant you, no tell-tale nor no breedbate: his worst fault is, that he is given to prayer; he is something peevish that way; but nobody low, as ever servant shall and,

I

but has his fault; but

let that pass.

you say your name is? Sim. Ay, for fault of a Quick.

Peter Simple,

better.

And Master Slender' s your master?

Sim. Ay, forsooth. Quick.

Does he not wear

a great round beard,

like a glover's paring-knife?

21

Sim. No, forsooth; he hath but a

with a

little

Quick.

little

wee

face,

yellow beard, a Cain-coloured beard.

A softly-sprighted man, is he not?

Sim. Ay, forsooth; but he

is

as tall a

man of his

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

78

hands as any

between

is

and his head; he

this

hath fought with a warrener.

How

say you? O, I should remember him. Does he not hold up his head, as it were, Quick.

and strut in his gait? Sim. Yes, indeed, does he. Quick. Well, heaven send Anne Page no worse fortune! Tell Master Parson Evans I will do what I can for your master. Anne is a good girl, and I wish

ACT

Hear

the truth of it: he came of an errand to from Parson Hugh.

me 81

Caius. Veil.

Sim. Ay, forsooth; to desire her to Quick. Peace, I pray you. Caius. Peace-a

To

Sim.

your tongue. Speak-a your

maid, to speak a good

Page

for

tale.

desire this honest gentlewoman, your

word

to Mistress

Anne

my master in the way of marriage.

Quick. This

is all,

indeed,

la!

but

ne'er put

I'll

my finger in the fire, Re-enter rugby.

Rug. Out,

alas!

here comes

We shall

Quick.

young man; go

all

Caius. Sir

my master. Run

be shent.

into this closet.

He

[Shuts simple in the closet]

long.

Rugby! John! what, John,

my

inquire for that he

master;

I

say!

good

will not stay

What, John Go, John, go

doubt he be not well,

I

comes not home. And down, down, adown-a, &c.

45

[Singing]

Enter doctor caius. Caius.

Vat

is

you

sing?

I

Pray you, go and vetch boitier vert, a I

do not

like des toys.

me

my

in

un

closet

box, a green-a box: do intend vat

speak? a green-a box.

tell

Caius. Fe, fe, fe, fef ]e

il

foi,

fait fort chaud.

men vais a la cour—la grande affaire.

Quick. Is

Oui; mette

Caius.

le

man

au

pocket:

depreche,

Vere is dat knave Rugby? What, John Rugby! John!

Rug. Here,

By my

62

here in the porch.

sir,

trot,

Od's

tarry too long.

I

ai-foublie! dere

is

some simples

in

my

closet, dat I vill not for the varld I shall leave

behind. Quick.

Ay

me,

he'll find

the

young man

there,

and be mad! Caius.

diable,

diablef vat

Villain! larron! [Pulling

is

simple

in

out.]

my

closet?

Rugby,

my

rapier!

Quick.

72

Good master,

be content.

Caius.

What is

I

down

simple] Are you avised

shall

de honest

man do

no honest man dat

shall

in

my

come

in

beseech you, be not so phlegmatic.

o' that?

a great charge; and to be late;

but notwithstanding

up

—

to

your ear; I would have no words of master himself is in love with Mistress in

Anne's mind

You

but notwithstanding that,

—

that's neither here

I

know

nor there.

jack'nape, give-a this letter to Sir

gar,

it is

a shallenge: I

I

will cut his

will teach a scurvy jack-

a-nape priest to meddle or make.

You may be

not good you tarry here. By gar, I will cut all his two stones; by gar, he shall not have [Exit simple. a stone to throw at his dog. gone;

it is

Quick. Alas, he speaks but for his friend.

120

no matter-a ver dat. Do not you tell-a me dat I shall have Anne Page for myself? By gar, I vill kill de Jack priest; and I have appointed mine host of de Jarteer to measure our weapon. By gar, I will myself have Anne Page. Quick. Sir, the maid loves you, and all shall be must give folks leave to prate; what, well. Caius. It

is

We

the good- jer!

Rugby, come to the court with me. By have not Anne Page, I shall turn your head out of my door. Follow my heels Rugby. [Exeunt caius and rugby. Quick. You shall have An fool's-head of your own. No, I know Anne's mind for that. Never a woman in Windsor knows more of Anne's gar, if

my closet. Quick.

—my

Caius.

Wherefore shall I be content-a? Quick. The young man is an honest man.

Caius.

closet? dere

you

it

troat in de park; and

my heel to the court.

Caius.

early and

Caius.

sir!

Rug. 'Tis ready,

me! Qu

to

shall find

Hugh; by

Caius. You are John Rugby, and you are Jack Rugby. Come, take-a your rapier, and come after

Quick. [Aside

it

quickly. Quick.

[Aside

If he

Anne Page;

it this, sir?

a little-a while.

—

ma

glad he

me

to simple] I am glad he is so had been throughly moved, you should have heard him so loud and so melancholy. But notwithstanding, man, I'll do you your master what good I can; and the very yea and the no is, the French doctor, my master may call him my master, look you, for I keep his house; and I wash, wring, brew, bake, scour, dress meat and drink, make the beds, and do all myself Sim. [Aside to quickly] 'Tis a great charge to come under one body's hand.

Quick.

quiet.

you

am

9 baillez

Writes.

Ay, forsooth; I'll fetch it you. [Aside] went not in himself: if he had found the young man, he would have been horn-mad. 52 Quick.

I

Hugh

and need not. send-a you? Rugby,

some paper. Tarry you

in here,

I

I

— THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

SCENE IV

mind than I do; nor can do more than I do with her, I thank heaven. Fent. [Within] Who's within there? ho! Quick. Who's there, I trow! Come near the house,

pray you.

I

141

tress

'tis

—

The

better that

it

pleases

What news? how

and she is pretty, and honest, and gentle; and one that is your friend, I can tell you that by the way; I praise heaven for In truth,

sir,

151

it.

Fent. Shall I

not lose

my

I

do any good, thinkest thou?

shall

suit?

Quick. Troth,

sir, all is in

His hands above. But

notwithstanding, Master Fenton.

on

Have

a book, she loves you.

I'll

be sworn

not your wor-

Fent. Yes, marry,

have

I;

such another Nan; but,

I

Good

say, love

I

me; me.

John Falstaff" O wicked,

this!

ton.] Truly, an honest gentleman;

know

but

Anne

mind as well another does. Out upon't! what have I fornot; for

I

What

my

x\nne's

got?

[Exit.

is well-nigh worn to show himself a young gallant!

an unweighed behaviour hath this Flemish

—with the

name!

—out of

conversation, that he dares in this

manner

drunkard picked

devil's

Why, he hath not been thrice in my company! What should I say to him? I was then frugal of my mirth. Heaven forgive me! Why, assay me?

I'll

exhibit a

bill in

the parliament for the putting

How

down of men.

shall

I

be revenged on him?

will be, as sure as his guts are

I

Enter mistress ford.

detest, an honest

We

him

pieces with age to

faith,

had an hour's maid as ever broke bread. talk of that wart. I shall never laugh but in that maid's company! But indeed she is given too much to allicholy and musing; but for you well, go to. Fent. Well, I shall see her to-day. Hold, there's money for thee; let me have thy voice in my behalf. If thou seest her before me, commend me. Quick. Will I? i' faith, that we will; and I will tell your worship more of the wart the next time we have confidence; and of other wooers. Fent. Well, farewell; I am in great haste now. Quick. Farewell to your worship. [Exit fen-

as

of soldier can

will not say, pity

I

made of puddings.

what of that?

Quick. Well, thereby hangs a tale.

loves

What

for revenged

ship a wart above your eye?

it is

love thee.

I

Mis-

wicked world! One that

Anne? Quick.

at the least, if the love

that

Thine own true knight, By day or night, Or any kind of light, With all his might For thee to fight, a Herod of Jewry is

your good wor-

does pretty Mistress

suffice thee,

Byrne,

ship to ask. Fent.

it

not a soldier-like phrase: but

How now, good woman! how dost thou?

Quick.

—

Page

suffice

Enter fenton. Fent.

79

desire better sympathy? Let

1S0

Mrs. Ford. Mistress Page!

trust

Scene

i.

was going

Mrs. Page. And, trust me, I was coming to you. look very ill. Mrs. Ford. Nay, I'll ne'er believe that; I have

to

show to

the contrary.

Mrs. Page. Faith, but you do, in my mind. Mrs. Ford. Well, I do then; yet I say I could

show you

to the contrary.

O Mistress Page, give

me some counsel! Mrs. Page. What's the matter, woman? Mrs. Ford. O woman, if it were not

for

one

come to such honour! Hang the trifle, woman! take

the

trifling respect, I

Mrs. Page. honour.

What

could

is it?

dispense with

trifles;

Mrs. Ford. If

These knights

Before Page's house letter.

Mrs. Page. What, have I 'scaped love-letters in the holiday-time of my beauty, and am I now a subject for them? Let me see. [Reads.] "Ask me no reason why I love you; for though Love use Reason for his physician, he admits him not for his counsellor. You are not young, no more am I; go to then, there's sympathy. You are merry, so am I; ha, ha! then there's more sympathy. You love sack, and so do I; would you

what

is it? I

would but go

to hell for an

moment or so, I could be knighted. Mrs. Page. What? thou liest! Sir Alice

II

Enter mistress page, with a

I

You

eternal

ACT

me,

to your house.

50 Ford!

will hack; and so thou shouldst

not alter the article of thy gentry.

Mrs. Ford.

We burn daylight. Here, read, read;

how

might be knighted. I shall think I have an eye to make difference of men's liking; and yet he would not swear; praised women's modesty; and gave such orderly and well-behaved reproof to all uncomeliness, that I would have sworn his disposition would have gone to the truth of his words; but they do no more adhere and keep place together than the Hundredth Psalm to the perceive

I

the worse of fat men, as long as

8o

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

tune of "Green Sleeves." What tempest, I trow, threw this whale, with so many tuns of oil in his belly, ashore at Windsor? How shall I be re-

venged on him? I think the best way were to entertain him with hope, till the wicked fire of lust have melted him in his own grease. Did you ever hear the like? 70 Mrs. Page. Letter for letter, but that the name of Page and Ford differs! To thy great comfort in this mystery of ill opinions, here's the twinbrother of thy letter: but let thine inherit first; for, I protest, mine never shall. I warrant he hath a thousand of these letters, writ with blank and sure, more space for different names these are of the second edition. He will print them, out of doubt; for he cares not what he puts into the press, when he would put us two. I had rather be a giantess, and lie under Mount Pelion. Well, I will find you twenty lascivious turtles ere one chaste man. Mrs. Ford. Why, this is the very same; the very hand, the very words. What doth he think of us? Mrs. Page. Nay, I know not. It makes me almost ready to wrangle with mine own honesty. I'll entertain myself like one that I am not acquainted withal; for, sure, unless he know some strain in me that I know not myself, he would never have boarded me in this fury. Mrs. Ford. "Boarding," call you it? I'll be sure to keep him above deck. Mrs. Page. So will I. If he come under my hatches, I'll never to sea again. Let's be revenged on him. Let's appoint him a meeting, give him a show of comfort in his suit and lead him on with a fine-baited delay, till he hath pawned his horse to mine host of the Garter. 100 Mrs. Ford. Nay, I will consent to act any vil-

—

lainy against him, that

—

Pist. He wooes both high and low, both rich and poor, Both young and old, one with another, Ford; He loves the gallimaufry. Ford, perpend.

With

Pist.

act n

my wife! liver

120

burning hot. Prevent, or go

thou,

Like Sir Actason he, with Ringwood O, odious is the name! Ford. What name, sir? Pist. The horn, I say. Take heed, have open

at

thy heels,

Farewell. eye, for thieves do foot

by

night.

Take

heed, ere

do

summer comes or cuckoo-birds

sing.

Away,

Sir

Believe

it,

Corporal Nym! Page; he speaks sense.

Ford. [Aside]

will be patient;

I

[Exit.

will find out

I

this.

75/

Nym.

[To page] And this is true; I like not the humour of lying. He hath wronged me in some humours. I should have borne the humoured letter to her; but I have a sword and it shall bite

upon

my

necessity.

He

loves your wife; there's

My

name is Corporal speak and I avouch; 'tis true; my name is Nym and Falstaff loves your wife. Adieu. I love not the humour of bread and cheese, and there' s the humour of it Adieu [Exit. 141 Page. "The humour of it," quoth a'! Here's a fellow frights English out of his wits. Ford. I will seek out Falstaff. Page. I never heard such a drawling, affecting the short and the long.

Nym;

I

.

.

rogue. Fori. Ifl do find Page.

I

it!

Well.

will not believe such a Cataian,

the priest o' the

town commended him

though

for a true

man.

i$o

'Twas a good sensible fellow. Well. Page. How how, Meg! mistress page and mistress ford come forward. Mrs. Page. Whither go you, George? Hark you. Mrs. Ford. How now, sweet Frank! why art Ford.

may not sully the chariness

of our honesty. O, that my husband saw this letter! it would give eternal food to his jealousy. Mrs. Page. Why, look where he comes; and my good man too. He's as far from jealousy as I am from giving him cause; and that I hope is an unmeasurable distance. 110 Mrs. Ford. You are the happier woman. Mrs. Page. Let's consult together against this greasy knight. Come hither. [They retire. Enter ford with pistol, and page with nym. Ford. Well, I hope it be not so. Pist. Hope is a curtal dog in some affairs. Sir John affects thy wife. Ford. Why, sir, my wife is not young.

Love

Ford.

thou melancholy? Ford. I melancholy!

you home,

I

am

not melancholy.

Get

go.

Mrs. Ford.

some

Faith, thou hast

crotchets in

Now, will you go, Mistress Page? Mrs. Page. Have with you. You'll come

thy head.

who

to

mistress ford] Look comes yonder. She shall be our messenger

dinner, George. [Aside

to

to this paltry knight.

I

Mrs. Ford. [Aside to mistress page] Trust me, thought on her: she'll fit it. Enter mistress quickly.

Mrs. Anne?

Page.

You

are

come

Quick. Ay, forsooth; and, good Mistress Anne?

to see

I

my

pray,

daughter

how

does 170

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR protest; Ford. None, Mrs. Page. Go in with us and see. We have an

81

SCENE

I

of burnt sack to

hour's talk with you.

mistress ford, and MISTRESS QUICKLY. now, Master Ford! heard what this knave told me, did page,

[Exeunt mistress Page.

How

Ford.

You

him

my name is Brook;

My

Host.

Page. Yes; and

you heard what the other

told

me?

Do you think there is truth in them? Hang

'em, slaves!

Ford.

Were they his men?

Page.

Marry, were they. I

like

it

I

—

Have with you, mine host.

Shal.

I

have heard the Frenchman hath good

231 Tut, sir, I could have told you more. In these times you stand on distance, your passes, stoccadoes, and I know not what. 'Tis the heart, Master Page; 'tis here, 'tis here. I have seen the time, with my long sword I would have made Shal.

never the better for that. Does he

Page.

Have with you.

cannot be thus

I

I

we wag?

had rather hear them

scold than fight.

Ay, marry, does he. If he should intend this voyage towards my wife, I would turn her loose to him; and what he gets more of her than 191 sharp words, let it lie on my head. Ford. I do not misdoubt my wife; but I would be loath to turn them together. A man may be too confident. I would have nothing lie on my satisfied.

Look where my

ranting host of the Garter comes. There is either liquor in his pate or money in his purse when he looks so merrily. Page.

like rats.

Host. Here, boys, here, here! shall

240

[Exeunt host, shallow, and page.

Page.

head.

jest.

—

you four tall fellows skip

the Garter?

lie at

only for a

hand, bully; thou shah have egress

skill in his rapier.

do not think the knight would offer it; but these that accuse him in his intent towards our wives are a yoke of his discarded men; very rogues, now they be out of service.

Ford.

give

and regress said I well? and thy name shall be Brook. It is a merry knight. Will you go,

Page.

Page.

I'll

An-heires?

you not?

Ford.

you a pottle give me recourse to him and tell but

Ford.

Though Page be

a secure fool,

so firmly on his wife's frailty, yet off my opinion so easily. She

was

I

and stands cannot put

in his

company

and what they made there, I know not.Well, I will look further into 't; and I have a disguise to sound Falstaff. If I find her honest, I lose not my labour; if she be otherwise, 'tis labour well bestowed. [Exit. at Page's house;

Scene

ii.

A room in the Garter Inn

Enter falstaff and pistol.

Enter host.

How now, mine host! Host. How now, bully-rook! man. Cavaleiro-justice,

I

Fal. Pist.

thou'rt a gentle-

201

say!

I

will not lend thee a penny.

Why, then the world's mine oyster,

Which I with sword will open. Fal. Not a penny. I have been

my upon my

should lay

Enter Shallow. I

follow,

Tell

Host.

him,

cavaleiro-justice;

tell

him,

Shal. Sir, there is a fray to

Sir

Hugh

the

Welsh

be fought between

priest and Caius the

French 210

doctor.

Good mine

Ford.

host o' the Garter, a

word

with you. [Drawing him aside.] Host.

What sayest thou, my bully-rook?

[To page] Will you go with us to bemerry host hath had the measuring of their weapons; and, I think, hath appointed them contrary places; for, believe me, I hear the parson is no jester. Hark, I will tell you what our sport shall be. [They converse apart.] Host. Hast thou no suit against my knight, my Shal.

hold

it?

My

guest-cavaleire?

221

I

you have

for

and

bully-rook.

sir,

good friends for three reprieves you and your coach -fellow Nym; or else you had looked through the grate, like a geminy of baboons. I am damned in hell for swearing to gentlemen my friends, you were good soldiers grated

mine host, I follow. Good even and twenty, good Master Page! Master Page, will you go with us? we have sport in hand. Shal.

content,

countenance to pawn.

tall

fellows; and

the handle of her fan,

when I

Mistress Bridget lost

took't

upon mine honour

thou hadsc it not. Pist. Didst not thou share? hadst thou not fifteen pence? Fal. Reason, you rogue, reason: thinkest thou I'll endanger my soul gratis? At a word, hang

no more about me,

A

I

am no

gibbet for you.

To

Go.

your manor of Pickt-hatch! Go. You'll not bear a letter for me, you rogue! you stand upon your honour. Why thou unconfinable baseness, it is as much as I can do to keep the terms of my honour precise. I, I, I myself sometimes, leaving the fear of God on the left hand and hiding mine honour in my short knife and a throng!

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

82

ACT

II

necessity, am fain to shuffle, to hedge and to lurch; and yet you, rogue, will ensconce your rags, your cat-a-mountain looks, your redlattice phrases, and your bold-beating oaths, under the shelter of your honour! You will not

warrant you, they could never get her so much as sip on a cup with the proudest of them all; and yet there has been earls, nay which is more, pensioners; but, I warrant yoi all is one with

doit, you!

But what says she to me? be brief, my good she- Mercury. Quick. Marry, she hath received your letter, for the which she thanks you a thousand times; and she gives you to notify that her husband will be absence from his house between ten and eleven. Fal. Ten and eleven? Quick. Ay, forsooth; and then you may come and see the picture, she says, that you wot of. Master Ford, her husband, will be from home. Alas! the sweet woman leads an ill life with him. He's a very jealousy man. She leads a very frampold life with him, good heart. Fal. Ten and eleven. Woman, commend me to

Pist.

do

I

relent.

What

50 would thou more of

man? Enter robin.

Rob. Sir, here's a woman would speak with you. Fal. Let her approach. Enter mistress quickly. Quick.

Give your worship good morrow.

Good morrow, good wife. Quick. Not so, an't please your worship. Fal. Good maid, then. Fal.

Quick.

I'll

be sworn,

As my mother was,

the first hour I was born. do believe the swearer. What with me? Quick. Shall I vouchsafe your worship a word or two? and I'll Fal. Two thousand, fair woman; Fal.

I

vouchsafe thee the hearing. Quick. There is one Mistress Ford,

come

a little nearer this

ways

—

I

sir

—

I

pray,

myself dwell

with Master Doctor Caius Fal. Well, on. Mistress Ford, you say Quick. Your worship says very true. I pray your worship, come a little nearer this ways. 50 Fal. I warrant thee, nobody hears; mine own

own people. Are they so? God

people, mine Quick.

them His

bless

them and make

servants!

Well, Mistress Ford; what of her? Why, sir, she's a good creature. Lord, Lord! your worship's a wanton! Well, heaven forgive you and all of us, I pray! Fal. Mistress Ford; come, Mistress Ford Quick. Marry, this is the short and the long of it; you have brought her into such a canaries as 'tis wonderful. The best courtier of them all, when the court lay at Windsor, could never have brought her to such a canary. Yet there has been knights, and lords, and gentlemen, with their coaches, I warrant you, coach after coach, letter Fal.

Quick.

after letter, gift after gift; smelling so sweetly,

musk, and so rushling, I warrant you, in silk and gold; and in such alligant terms; and in such wine and sugar of the best and the fairest, that would have won any woman's heart; and, I warrant you, they could never get an eye-wink of her. I had myself twenty angels given me this morning; but I defy all angels, in any such sort, as they say, but in the way of honesty; and, I all

her.

80

Fal.

her;

I

will not fail her.

Why, you say well. But I have another messenger to your worship. Mistress Page hath her hearty commendations to you too; and let me tell you in your ear, she's as fartuous a civil modest wife, and one, I tell you, that will not miss you morning nor evening prayer, as any is in Windsor, whoe'er be the other; and she bade me tell your worship that her husband is seldom from home; but she hopes there will come a time. I never knew a woman so dote upon a man. Surely I think you have charms, la; yes, in truth. Quick.

Fal.

Not

I, I

assure thee. Setting the attraction

of my good parts aside I have no other charms. /// Quick. Blessing on your heart for't! Fal. But, I pray thee, tell me this: has Ford's wife and Page's wife acquainted each other how they love me? Quick. That were a jest indeed! they have not so

little

grace,

I

hope. That were a trick indeed!

But Mistress Page would desire you to send her your little page, of all loves. Her husband has a marvellous infection to the little page; and truly Master Page is an honest man. Never a wife in Windsor leads a better life than she does: do what she will, say what she will, take all, pay all,

go to bed when she as she will;

list,

rise

when

and truly she deserves

she it;

list, all is

for if there

be a kind woman in Windsor, she is one. must send her your page; no remedy. Fal.

Why,

I

You

will.

Nay, but do so, then; and, look you, he may come and go between you both; and in any case have a nay-word, that you may know one another's mind, and the boy never need to understand any thing; for 'tis not good that children should know any wickedness. Old folks, you Quick.

SCENE

THE MERRY WIVES OFWINDSOR

II

know, have discretion, as they say, and

know the

Fare thee well. Commend me to them both. There's my purse; I am yet thy debtor. Boy, go along with this woman. [Exeunt mistress quickly and robin.] This news distracts me! Pist. This punk is one of Cupid's carriers. Clap on more sails; pursue; up with your fights; Give fire; she is my prize, or ocean whelm them Fal.

[Exit.

all!

Sayest thou so, old Jack? go thy ways; I'll make more of thy old body than I have done. Fal.

Will they yet look after thee? Wilt thou, after the expense of so much money, be now a gainer? Good body, I thank thee. Let them say 'tis grossly done; so it be fairly done, no matter. ZsTZftT

BARDOLPH.

Brook below

speak with you, and be acquainted with you; and hath sent your worship a morning's draught of sack. fain

Brook is his name? Ay, sir. Fal. Call him in. [Exit bardolph.] Such Brooks are welcome to me, that o'erflow such liquor. Ah, ha! Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, have I encompassed you? go to; via! Fal.

Bard.

bardolph, with ford

Re-enter

Ford. Bless you,

And you,

Ford. tion

I

disguised.

160

sir!

sir!

Would you speak

make bold to press with

so

much; Fal.

I

am

prepara-

will?

a gentleman that have spent

my name is Brook. Good Master Brook, Good

I

I

desire

more

ac-

sue for yours, not to

charge you; for I must let you understand I think myself in better plight for a lender than you are, the which hath something emboldened me to this unseasoned intrusion; for they say, if money go before, all ways do lie open. Fal. Money is a good soldier, sir, and will on. Ford. Troth, and I have a bag of money here troubles me. If you will help to bear it, Sir John, take all, or half, for easing me of the carriage. Fal. Sir, I

know

not

how

I

may

deserve to be

your porter. Ford.

I

1S1

will tell you, sir, if you will give

me the

hearing. Fal. Speak,

good Master Brook.

to be your servant.

will be

to

you hear them unfolded, turn another into the your own; that I may pass with a reproof the easier, sith you yourself know how

register of

easy

it is

Fal.

to be such an offender.

Very well,

Ford.

There

husband's

is

proceed.

sir;

a

gentlewoman

in this

town; her

name is Ford.

Well, sir. 200 I have long loved her, and, I protest to you, bestowed much on her; followed her with Fal.

Ford.

meet her;

fee'd every slight occasion that could

but niggardly give

me

sight of her;

not only

many presents to give her, but have given largely to many to know what she would have bought

I have pursued her as love hath pursued me; which hath been on the wing of all occasions. But whatsoever I have merited, either in my mind or in my means, meed, I am sure, I have received none; unless experience be a jewel that I have purchased at an infinite rate, and that hath taught me to say this: "Love like a shadow flies when substance love

given; briefly,

pursues;

Pursuing that that

flies,

and flying what pur-

sues."

Have you

received no promise of satisfac-

tion at her hands?

Ford. Never. Fal.

Have you importuned her

to such a pur-

221

Ford. Never. Fal.

Sir John,

I

pose?

quaintance of you. Ford.

—

—

you and you have been a man long me, though I had never so good means, as desire, to make myself acquainted with you. I shall discover a thing to you, wherein I must very much lay open mine own imperfection; but, good Sir John, as you have one eye upon my follies, as

known

Fal.

Give [Exit bardolph.

us leave, drawer. Ford. Sir,

with me?

little

upon you. You're welcome. What's your

Fal.

83

hear you are a scholar

a doting observance; engrossed opportunities to

Bard. Sir John, there's one Master

Fal.

I

brief with

world.

would

Ford. Sir,

I shall

be glad

Of what quality was your love, then?

Ford. Like a fair house built on another man's I have lost my edifice by mistakwhere I erected it. what purpose have you unfolded this to

ground; so that ing the place Fal.

To

me?

When

have told you that, I have told though she appear honest to me, yet in other places she enlargeth her mirth so far that there is shrewd construction made of her. Now, Sir John, here is the heart of my purpose: you are a gentleman of excellent breeding, admirable discourse, of great admittance, authentic in your place and person, generally allowed for your many war-like, court-like, and Ford.

you

all.

Some

I

say, that

learned preparations. Fal.

O,

sir!

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

84

Ford. Believe it, for you know it. There is money; spend it, spend it; spend more; spend all I have; only give me so much of your time in exchange of it, as to lay an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife. Use your art of wooing; win her to consent to you; if any man may, you may as soon as any. Fal. Would it apply well to the vehemency of affection, that I should win what you would enjoy? Methinks you prescribe to yourself very

your

250 O, understand my drift. She dwells so securely on the excellency of her honour, that the folly of my soul dares not present itself. She is preposterously. Ford.

too bright to be looked against. Now, could I to her with any detection in my hand, my

come

argument to commend

desires had instance and

themselves.

ward

could drive her then from the

I

of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow, and a thousand other her defences, which now are too too strongly embattled against me. What say

you to't,

John? Fal. Master Brook,

2 61

Sir

I

your money; next, give as

I

am

a gentleman,

make

will first

me your

you

bold with

hand; and

shall, if you will,

last,

enjoy

Ford's wife. Ford.

O good sir!

Fal. I

say you

Ford.

Want no money,

you

Sir John;

want

shall

none.

Mistress Ford, Master Brook;

want none. I shall be with her, I may tell you, by her own appointment; even as you came in to me, her assistant or go-between parted from me. I say I shall be with her between ten

you

shall

and eleven; for at that time the jealous rascally knave her husband will be forth. Come you to

me at night; you shall know how I speed. Ford. I am blest in your acquaintance. Do you know

Ford,

Fal.

Hang

him

not.

280

sir?

him, poor cuckoldly knave!

Yet

I

wrong him

to call

I

know

him poor; they

say the jealous wittolly knave hath masses of money; for the which his wife seems to me well-favoured.

I

will

use her as the key of

the cuckoldly rogue's coffer;

and there's

my

harvest-home. Ford.

I

would you knew Ford, if you saw him.

sir,

that

you

might avoid him

Hang

him, mechanical salt-butter rogue! I will stare him out of his wits; I will awe him Fal.

my

hang like a meteor o'er the cuckold's horns. Master Brook, thou shalt know I will predominate over the peasant, and thou shalt lie with his wife. Come to me soon at night. Ford's a knave, and I will aggravate his with

cudgel;

it

shall

shalt

know him

II

for

Come to me soon at night. [Exit.

Ford.

My

What

a

damned Epicurean

rascal

is this!

ready to crack with impatience. improvident jealousy? my wife hath sent to him; the hour is fixed; the match is made. Would any man have thought this? See the hell of having a false woman! bed shall be abused, my coffers ransacked, my reputation gnawn at; and I shall not only receive this villainous wrong, but stand under the adoption of abominable terms, and by him that does me this wrong. Terms! names! Amaimon sounds well; Lucifer, well; Barbason, well; yet they are devils' additions, the names of fiends; but Cuckold! Wittol! Cuckold! the devil himself hath not such a name. Page is an ass, a secure ass. He will trust his wife; he will not be jealous. I will rather trust a Fleming with my butter, Parson Hugh heart

Who says

is

this is

My

—

the

my

Welshman with my

cheese, an Irishman with

aqua-vitas bottle, or a thief to

walk

my

ambling gelding, than my wife with herself. Then she plots, then she ruminates, then she devises; and what they think in their hearts they may effect, they will break their hearts but they will effect. God be praised for my jealousy! Eleven

will about

it;

will prevent this, detect

I

on

my

and laugh at Page. better three hours too soon than

wife, be revenged I

Want no

Fal.

knave and cuckold.

o'clock the hour.

shall.

ACT

Master Brook,

style; thou,

Falstaff,

a minute too late. Fie,

fie, fie!

cuckold! cuckold!

cuckold!

[Exit.

Scene

hi.

Afield near Windsor

Enter caius and rugby. Caius. Jack

Rug.

Rugby!

Sir?

Caius. Vat is de clock, Jack? Rug. 'Tis past the hour, sir, that Sir Hugh promised to meet. Caius. By gar, he has save his soul, dat he is no come; he has pray his Pible well, dat he is no come. By gar, Jack Rugby, he is dead already, if he be come. Rug. He is wise, sir; he knew your worship // would kill him, if he came. Caius. By gar, de herring is no dead so as I vill kill him. Take your rapier, Jack; I vill tell you

how I

vill kill

Rug. Alas,

him. cannot fence.

sir, I

Caius. Villainy, take your rapier. Rug. Forbear; here's company.

Enter host, shallow, slender, and page. Host. Bless thee, bully doctor! Shal.

Save you, Master Doctor Caius!

—

— SCENE

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

III

Now, good master doctor! Give you good morrow, sir. Caius. Vat be all you, one, two,

20

Page.

[Aside

Slen.

come

tree,

four,

To

Host.

see thee fight, to see thee foin, to

see thee traverse; to see thee here, to see thee there; to see thee pass thy punto, thy stock, thy

reverse, thy distance, thy montant. Is he dead,

he dead, my Francisco? ha, my ^sculapius? my Galen? my heart of elder? ha! is he dead, bully stale? is he dead? Caius. By gar, he is de coward Jack priest of de vorld; he is not show his face. 52 Host. Thou art a Castalion-King-Urinal. Hector

my

Ethiopian?

What

bully!

is

says

of Greece, my boy! Caius. I pray you, bear vitness that me have stay six or seven, two, tree hours for him, and he is no come. Shal. He is the wiser man, master doctor. He is a curer of souls, and you a curer of bodies; if you should fight, you go against the hair of your professions. Is it not true, Master Page? Page. Master Shallow, you have yourself been a great fighter, though now a man of peace. Shal. Bodykins, Master Page, though I now be old and of the peace, if I see a sword out, my

Mock water.

60

Mock-vater! vat is dat? Host. Mock-water, in our English tongue,

is

gar, den,

as de Englishman.

I have as mush mock-vater Scurvy jack-dog priest! by

me vill cut his ears. He will clapper-claw thee tightly,

Host.

Caius. Clapper-de-claw! vat

Host.

That

Caius.

By

claw me; Host.

is,

I

bully.

dat?

70

me do look he shall by gar, me vill have it.

clapper-de-

provoke him

or let him

will

to't,

is in;

We

for a jack-an-ape to

Anne Page.

Let him die; sheathe thy impatience, throw cold water on thy choler; go about the fields with me through Frogmore. I will bring thee where Mistress Anne Page is, at a farmhouse a-feasting; and thou shalt woo her. Cried I aim? said I well? Caius. By gar, me dank you vor dat. By gar, I love you; and I shall procure-a you de good guest, de earl, de knight, de lords, de gentlemen, Host.

my patients. Host. For the which I will be thy adversary toward Anne Page. Said I well?

By gar,

Caius.

good; veil

'tis

100

said.

Host. Let us wag, then.

Come at my heels, Jack Rugby.

Caius.

ACT Scene

i.

Enter sir

[Exeunt

.

III

A field near Frogmore

hugh evans and simple.

Evans. I pray you now, good Master Slender's serving-man, and friend Simple by your name, which way have you looked for Master Caius, that calls himself doctor of physic? Sim. Marry, sir, the pittie-ward, the parkward, every way; old Windsor way, and every way

town way.

but the

Evans. Sim.

I

most fehemently desire you you way.

will, sir.

I

will

[Exit.

my

how

10

of chollors I am, and trempling of mind! I shall be glad if he have deceived me. How melancholies I am! I will knog his urinals about his knave's costard when I have good opportunities for the ork.

my soul!

soul,

full

[Smgs.]

"To shallow rivers,

to

whose

falls

Melodious birds sings madrigals; There will we make our peds of roses, And a thousand fragrant posies. 20

To shallow"

wag. Caius.

he?

there. See

and I will fields. Will it do well? Shal. will do it. Page, Shal., and Slen. Adieu, good master doctor. [Exeunt page, shallow, and slender. Caius. By gar, me vill kill de priest; for he speak

'Pless

make thee amends.

gar,

for,

And

he will

is

is

what humour he bring the doctor about by the is

Evans. 'Pless

valour, bully.

gar,

Hugh is there,

He

also look that

Caius.

By

them.]

make one. Though we are justices

finger itches to

and doctors and churchmen, Master Page, we have some salt of our youth in us; we are the sons of women, Master Page. 5/ Page. 'Tis true, Master Shallow. Shal. It will be found so, Master Page. Master Doctor Caius, I am come to fetch you home. I am sworn of the peace. You have snowed yourself a wise physician, and Sir Hugh hath shown himself a wise and patient churchman. You must go with me, master doctor. Host. Pardon, guest-justice. A word, Mounseur

Caius.

to

Page. Sir

Host.

for?

85

der, go you through the town to Frogmore.

Me tank you for dat.

Host. And, moreover, bully

—but

Mercy on me!

master guest, and Master Page, and eke Cavaleiro Slenfirst,

I

have a great dispositions to cry.

[Sings.]

"Melodious birds sing madrigals

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

86

When as I

sat in

Enter host, caius, and rugby. Page. Nay, good master parson, keep in your weapon. Shal. So do you, good master doctor. Host. Disarm them, and let them question. Let them keep their limbs whole and hack our Eng-

&c.

Re-enter simple.

Sim. Yonder he

is

coming, this way, Sir Hugh.

Evans. He's welcome. [Sings.] "To shallow rivers, to whose falls"

Heaven prosper the right! What weapons

Caius.

he?

No weapons, sir. There comes my master, Master Shallow, and another gentleman, from Frogmore, over the stile, this way. Evans. Pray you, give me my gown; or else keep it in your arms. Enter page, shallow, and slender.

derful.

Ah, sweet Anne Page! Page. 'Save you, good Sir Hugh! Evans. 'Pless you from his mercy sake,

40

Slen. [Aside]

of

What,

the sword and the word! do

hose this raw rheumatic day! Evans. There is reasons and causes for

you

it.

We are come to you to do a good office,

master parson. Evans. Fery well; what

50

patience that ever

you saw.

have lived fourscore years and upward; man of his place, gravity and learning, so wide of his own respect. I

never heard a

Evans. Page.

What is he?

I

think

you know him; Master Doctor

Caius, the renowned French physician.

61

Evans. Got's will, and his passion of my heart! I

had

Evans. [Aside to caius] Pray you, let us not be laughing-stocks to other men's humours; I desire in friendship,

I

will

one

as lief

you would

tell

me

of a mess of

way

or other

knog your urinals about your knave's cogscomb for missing your meetings and appointments. 92 Caius. Diablef Jack Rugby mine host de Jarhave I not stay for him to kill him? have I teer [Aloud]

will

I

—

—

As

Evans.

I

I

am

did appoint?

now, look you, be judgement by

a Christians soul

mine host of the Garter. Host. Peace, I say, Gallia and Gaul, French and Welsh, soul-curer and body-curer! 100 Caius. Ay, dat is very good; excellent. Host. Peace, I say! hear mine host of the Garter.

Am

am

politic?

I

Shall

my

lose

I

my

I

subtle?

priest,

am

I

my

terrestrial; so.

Boys of

art, I

directed

you

a Machiavel?

me

the po-

my

parson,

doctor? no; he gives Sir

Hugh?

I

lose

no; he gives

proverbs and the no- verbs. Give

me

me

the

thy hand

me thy hand, celestial; so. have deceived you both; I have

Give

to

wrong

places.

Your

mighty, your skins are whole, and

hearts are let

burnt

sack be the issue. Come, lay their swords to pawn. Follow me, lads of peace; follow, follow, follow. Shal.

Trust me, a

mad

host. Follow, gentlemen,

follow. Slen. [Aside]

O sweet Anne Page!

[Exeunt shallow, slender, page, and host.

porridge. Page.

and

make you amends.

tions and the motions. Shall

is it?

Page. Yonder is a most reverend gentleman, who, belike having received wrong by some person, is at most odds with his own gravity and

Shal.

John ape.

this is the place appointed. I'll

study them both, master parson? Page. And youthful still! in your doublet and

I

good time. gar, you are de coward, de Jack dog,

By

Caius.

not, at de place all

you!

Page.

I

tience. In

you

How now,

master Parson! Good morrow, good Sir Hugh. Keep a gamester from the dice, and a good student from his book, and it is won-

Shal.

80 pray you, let-a me speak a word with your ear. Vherefore vill you not meet-a me? Evans. [Aside to caius] Pray you, use your palish.

is

Sim.

Shal.

III

Pabylon

And a thousand vagram posies.

To shallow"

ACT

Why? He has

Caius.

no more knowledge in Hibocrates and Galen and he is a knave besides; a cowardly knave as you would desires to be acEvans.

—

quainted withal. Page. I warrant you, he's the man should fight with him. 7/ Slen. [Aside] sweet Anne Page! Shal. It appears so by his weapons. Keep them asunder; here comes Doctor Caius.

O

Ha, do

I

perceive dat? have you make-a

de sot of us, ha, ha? Evans. This is well; he has made us his vlouting-stog. I desire you that we may be friends; and let us knog our prains together to be revenge on this same scall, scurvy, cogging companion, the host of the Garter Caius.

bring

By

gar,

with

all

me where is Anne

me too.

my heart. He promise to Page; by gar, he deceive

— SCENE

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

I

Evans. Well,

I

will smite his noddles.

Pray you, [Exeunt.

follow.

Scene

ii.

A street

see you'll be a courtier.

Enter ford.

Well met, Mistress Page. Whither go 10 sir,

&c. Well met, Master Ford. I have good cheer at home; and I pray you all go with me. Shal. I must excuse myself, Master Ford have appointed to Slen. And so must I, sir. dine with Mistress Anne, and I would not break with her for more money than I'll speak of. Shal. have lingered about a match between Anne Page and my cousin Slender, and this day 60 we shall have our answer. Slen. I hope I have your good will, father Page. Page. You have, Master Slender; I stand wholly for you; but my wife, master doctor, is for you Ford. Trust me, a good knot.

Mrs. Page. Nay, keep your way, little gallant; you were wont to be a follower, but now you are a leader. Whether had you rather lead mine eyes, or eye your master's heels? Rob. I had rather, forsooth, go before you like a man than follow him like a dwarf. Mrs. Page. O, you are a flattering boy. Now I

Ford.

Enter page, shallow, slender, host, sir HUGH EVANS, CAIUS, and RUGBY. Shal., Page,

Enter mistress page and robin.

you? Mrs. Page. Truly,

87

to see your wife. Is she at

We

We

altogether.

Cams. Ay, be-gar; and de maid

is

love-a me.

home?

My nursh-a Quickly tell me so mush.

Ay; and as idle as she may hang together, want of company. I think, if your husbands were dead, you two would marry. Mrs. Page. Be sure of that two other husbands. Ford. Where had you this pretty weathercock? Mrs. Page. I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of. What do you 21 call your knight's name, sirrah?

Host. What say you to young Master Fenton? he capers, he dances, he has eyes of youth, he writes verses, he speaks holiday, he smells April and May. He will carry't, he will carry't; 'tis in his buttons; he will carry't. 7/ Page. Not by my consent, I promise you. The gentleman is of no having. He kept company with the wild prince and Poins; he is of too high a region; he knows too much. No, he shall not knit a knot in his fortunes with the finger of my substance. If he take her, let him take her simply; the wealth I have waits on my consent, and my

Ford.

for

—

Rob. Sir John Falstaff. Ford. Sir John Falstaff! Mrs. Page. He, he; I can never hit on's name. There is such a league between my good man and he! Is your wife at home indeed? Ford. Indeed she

Mrs. Page. By your Ford.

leave, sir.

I

am

sick

till I

see

[Exeunt mistress page and robin.

her.

consent goes not that way. Ford.

is.

Has Page any

brains? hath he

any eyes?

beseech you heartily, some of you go to dinner. Besides your cheer, you

I

home with me

have sport; I Master doctor, you

shall

and you, Sir Hugh. Shal. Well, fare you well.

hath he any thinking? Sure, they sleep; he hath

ter Page;

no use of them. Why, this boy will carry a letter twenty mile, as easy as a cannon will shoot point-

freer

He pieces out his wife's inhe gives her folly motion and advantage; and now she's going to my wife, and Falstaff 's boy with her. A man may hear this shower sing in the wind. And Falstaff' s boy with her! Good plots, they are laid; and our revolted wives share damnation together. Well; I will take him, then torture my wife, pluck the borrowed veil of modesty from the so seeming Mistress Page, divulge Page himself for a secure and wilful Actaeon; and to these violent proceedings all my neighbours shall cry aim. [Clock heard.] The clock gives me my cue, and my assurance bids me search. There I shall find Falstaff. I shall be rather praised for this than mocked; for it is as

wooing

at

positive as the earth I

will go.

is

firm that Falstaff

is

there.

50

[Exeunt

Cams.

a monster.

We

you, Mas-

shall

have the

Master Page's.

blank twelve score. clination;

show you

will

shall go; so shall

shallow and slender.

Go home, John Rugby; I come anon.

Host. Farewell,

my

hearts.

I

[Exit

RUGBY.

my

honest

will to

knight Falstaff, and drink canary with him. [Exit.

Ford. [Aside] first

with him;

I

pipewine make him dance. Will you go,

think

I'll

I

shall drink in

gentles? All.

Have with you to

see this monster. [Exeunt.

Scene

hi.

A room in Ford's house

Enter mistress ford and mistress page.

Mrs. Ford. What, John! What, Robert! Mrs. Page. Quickly, quickly! Is the buckbasket

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

88

Mrs. Ford.

I

warrant.

What, Robin,

I

Mrs. Ford.

say!

be a Enter Servants with a basket.

Mr.

Page.

we must

the

brow

should

you

John

before,

becomes the ship-tire, the tireof Venetian admittance. 61 plain kerchief, Sir John. My brows

that

valiant, or

told

I

Let the court of France show me such anI see how thine eye would emulate the diamond. Thou hast the right arched beauty of

be brief. I

Sir John! alas,

pitiful lady!

other.

Mrs. Ford. Here, set it down. Mrs. Page. Give your men the charge; as

your lady,

I

III

Fal.

Come, come, come.

Mrs. Ford. Marry,

ACT

any

Mrs. Ford.

A

tire

and Robert, be ready here hard by in the brewhouse; and when I suddenly call you, come forth, and without any pause or staggering take this basket on your shoulders. That done, trudge with

the firm fixture of thy foot would give an excel-

in all haste, and carry it among the whitsters in Datchet-mead, and there empty it in the muddy

thingale.

it

by the Thames side. Mrs. Page. You will do it? Mrs. Ford. I ha' told them over and over; they lack no direction. Be gone, and come when you [Exeunt Servants 20 are called Mrs. Page. Here comes little Robin. ditch close

.

Enter robin.

Mrs. Ford. How now, news with you?

my

eyas-musket! what

My

master, Sir John, is come in at your Rob. back-door, Mistress Ford, and requests your

company. Mrs. Page. You

My

cue. I

warrant thee;

if I

do not act

it,

hiss

[Exit.

4/

Go to, then. We'll use this unwhole-

some humidity, this gross watery pumpion; teach him to know turtles from jays.

we'll

Fal.

"Have

I

caught thee,

let

enough. This

me

is

die,

my heavenly jewel?"

for

I

the period of

Fal.

Mistress Ford.

lady.

I

Thou wouldst make

motion to thy gait in a semi-circled farI see what thou wert, if Fortune thy foe were not, Nature thy friend. Come, thou

lent

canst not hide

it.

7/

Mrs. Ford. Believe me, there's no such thing in me. Fal.

What made me

love thee? let that per-

suade thee there's something extraordinary in thee. Come, I cannot cog and say thou art this and that, like a many of these lisping hawthorn-

come like women in men's apparel, and smell like Bucklersbury in simple time; I cannot. But I love thee; none but thee; and thou buds, that

deservest

81

it.

Do

not betray me,

sir. I

fear

you

love Mistress Page. Fal.

Thou

mightst as well say

by the Counter-gate, which

is

I

love to walk

as hateful to

me

of a lime-kiln. Mrs. Ford. Well, heaven knows how I love you; and you shall one day find it. Fal. Keep in that mind; I'll deserve it. Mrs. Ford. Nay, I must tell you, so you do; or else I could not be in that mind. pi Rob. [Within] Mistress Ford, Mistress Ford! here's Mistress Page at the door, sweating and blowing and looking wildly, and would needs speak with you presently. Fal. She shall not see me. I will ensconce me as the reek

behind the arras.

Mrs. Ford. Pray you, do

so. She's a very tattling [falstaff hides himself.

O

done? You're shamed, you're overthrown, you're

my

ambition.

cannot cog,

Now

an absolute courtier; and

100 What's the matter? how now! Mrs. Page. O Mistress Ford, what have you

shall

I

I

cannot

sin in

my

would thy husband were dead. I'll speak before the best lord; I would make thee my

wish: it

I

nor that well neither.

have lived long

O sweet Sir John!

Mistress Ford,

prate,

else;

the Lord, thou art a traitor to say so.

Re-enter mistress page and robin.

this blessed hour!

Mrs. Ford.

By

woman.

Enter falstaff.

Why, now

Fal.

Mrs. Ford.

little Jack-a-Lent, have you been true to us? master knows not Rob. Ay, I'll be sworn. of your being here and hath threatened to put me into everlasting liberty if I tell you of it; for he swears he'll turn me away. Mrs. Page. Thou'rt a good boy. This secrecy of thine shall be a tailor to thee and shall make thee a new doublet and hose. I'll go hide me. Mrs. Ford. Do so. Go tell thy master I am alone. [Exit robin.] Mistress Page, remember you your

Mrs. Page. me. Mrs. Ford.

become nothing

undone for ever! Mrs. Ford. What's the matter, good Mistress Page? Mrs. Page. O well-a-day, Mistress Ford! having an honest man to your husband, to give him such cause of suspicion! Mrs. Ford. What cause of suspicion?

—

— SCENE

!

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

III

Mrs. Page.

What

cause of suspicion!

Out upon

how am I mistook in you!

you!

///

Mrs. Page. Why, alas, what's the matter? Mrs. Page. Your husband's coming hither, woman, with all the officers in Windsor, to search for a gentleman that he says is here now in the house by your consent, to take an ill advantage of his absence. You are undone. Mrs. Ford. 'Tis not so, I hope. Mrs. Page. Pray heaven it be not so, that you

have such a man here! but 'tis most certain your husband's coming, with half Windsor at his heels, to search for such a one. I come before to tell you. If you know yourself clear, why,

me

89

be your jest; I deserve whither bear you this? Serv.

it.

How

now!

To the laundress, forsooth. Why, what have you to

do whither they bear it? You were best meddle with buckwashing. Ford. Buck! I would I could wash myself of the buck! Buck, buck, buck! Ay, buck; I warrant you, buck; and of the season too, it shall appear. [Exeunt Servants with the basket.] Gentlemen, I Mrs. Ford.

have dreamed to-night; I'll tell you my dream. Here, here, here be my keys. Ascend my chambers; search, seek, find out.

I'll

warrant we'll

you have a friend here, convey, convey him out. Be not amazed; call all

[Locking the door.] So,

me stop this way now uncape.

Good Master

Ford, be contented.

your senses to vou; defend your reputation, or bid farewell to your good life for ever. Mrs. Ford. What shall I do? There is a gentleman my dear friend; and I fear not mine own shame so much as his peril. I had rather than a thousand pound he were out of the house. Mrs. Page. For shame! never stand "you had rather" and "you had rather." Your husband's here at hand; bethink you of some conveyance. In the house you cannot hide him. O, how have you deceived me! Look, here is a basket. If he be of any reasonable stature, he may creep in here; and throw foul linen upon him, as if it were going to bucking, or it is whiting-time send him by your two men to Datchet-mead. 141 Mrs. Ford. He's too big to go in there. What

wrong yourself too much.

I

am

glad of

it;

but if

—

shall

I

Fal. see't,

do?

[Coming forward] Let me see't, let me O, let me see't! I'll in, I'll in. Follow

your friend's counsel. I'll in. Mrs. Page. What, Sir John Falstaff! Are these your letters, knight? Fal. I love thee. Help me away. Let me creep in here.

I'll

never

/jo

Gets into the basket; they cover

him with foul

linen.

Mrs. Page. Help to cover your master, ooy. Call your men, Mistress Ford. You dissembling knight Mrs. Ford. What, John! Robert! John! [Exit ROBIN.

Re-enter Servants.

Go

take up these clothes here quickly. Where's

how you

drumble! Carry them to the laundress in Datchet-mead; quickly, the cowl-staff? look,

Page.

Ford. True, Master Page. Up, gentlemen; shall see sport anon:

Enter ford, page, caius, and sir Ford. Pray you,

why

hugh

evans.

come near. If I suspect withmake sport at me; then let

then

fery fantastical

is

first.

You you

follow me, gentlemen. 180

[Exit.

Evans. This

humours and

jealousies.

Caius.

By

gar,

'tis

no the fashion of France;

it is

not jealous in France. Page.

Nay, follow him, gentlemen; see the

issue of his search.

Mrs. Page.

[Exeunt page, caius, and evans. not a double excellency in

Is there

this?

Mrs. Ford. I know not which pleases me better, my husband is deceived, or Sir John. Mrs. Page. What a taking was he in when your husband asked who was in the basket! Mrs. Ford. I am half afraid he will have need of washing; so throwing him into the water will do him a benefit. Mrs. Page. Hang him, dishonest rascal! I would all of the same strain were in the same distress. Mrs. Ford. I think my husband hath some special suspicion of FalstafFs being here; for I never saw him so gross in his jealousy till now. Mrs. Page. I will lay a plot to try that; and we will yet have more tricks with Falstaff. His dissolute disease will scarce obey this medicine. Mrs. Ford. Shall we send that foolish carrion, Mistress Quickly, to him, and excuse his throwing into the water; and give him another hope, to betray him to another punishment? Mrs. Page. will do it. Let him be sent for tomorrow, eight o'clock, to have amends. 210 that

We

Tie-enter

come.

out cause,

unkennel the fox. Let

ford, page, caius, and sir

hugh

evans.

Ford. I cannot find him. May be the knave bragged of that he could not compass. Mrs. Page. [Aside to mistress ford] Heard you that?

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

9o

Mrs. Ford. You use me well, Master Ford, do you? Ford. Ay, I do so. Mrs. Ford. Heaven make you better than your

I

'tis a thing impossible should love thee but as a property.

Anne.

May be he tells you true.

Fent.

No, heaven so speed me

judgment!

Cams.

By gar, nor

Page.

Fie,

I too. There is no bodies. Master Ford! are you not ashamed? What spirit, what devil suggests this imagination? I would not ha' your distemper in this kind for the wealth of Windsor Castle. Ford. 'Tis my fault, Master Page. I suffer for it.

fie,

You

Your among

suffer for a pad conscience.

a'omans as I will desires and five hundred too. Caius. By gar, I see 'tis an honest woman. Ford. Well, I promised you a dinner. Come, is

as honest

five thousand,

pray you, pardon me; I will hereafter make known to you why I have done this. Come, wife; come, Mistress Page. I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me. Page. Let's go in, gentlemen; but, trust me, we'll mock him. I do invite you to-morrow morning to my house to breakfast. After, we'll a-birding together; I have a fine hawk for the bush. Shall it be so? Ford. Anything.

come, walk

in the Park.

Evans. If there

is

one,

I

I

make two

shall

in the

company.

25/

Caius. If dere

be one or two,

I

shall

make-a the

Albeit

I

my

time to

I

will confess thy father's wealth

Was the first motive that I woo'd thee, Anne; Yet, wooing thee,

Than stamps

And

'tis

I found thee of more value gold or sums in sealed bags;

in

the very riches of thyself

That now

I aim at. Anne. Gentle Master Fenton, Yet seek my father's love; still seek it, sir. If opportunity and humblest suit

Cannot

attain

why, then

it,

—hark

pray you now, remembrance to-mor-

row on the lousy knave, mine host. is

Scene

iv.

Enter

A

He doth object I And that, my

apart.

Shal. Break their talk, Mistress Quickly. kinsman shall speak for himself. Slen. 'tis

I'll

make

a shaft or a bolt on't.

My

'Slid,

but venturing.

Shal. Slen.

Be not dismayed. No, she shall not dismay me.

for that, but that

I

am

I

care not

afeard.

Quick. Hark ye; Master Slender would speak a word with you. 50 Anne. I come to him. [Aside] This is my father's choice.

O, what a world of vile ill-favour'd faults Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a-year! Quick. And how does good Master Fenton? Pray you, a word with you. Shal. She's

O

coming; to her, coz.

boy, thou

hadst a father! Slen.

can

I

tell

had a

father, Mistress

you good

jests

Anne;

Shal. Mistress

Ay,

Anne,

that

I

my

uncle

of him. Pray you, uncle, father stole 41

my cousin loves you.

do;

as

well as

I

love any

woman in Gloucestershire. Shal.

He will maintain you like a gentlewoman.

Slen.

Ay,

that

I

will,

come

cut and long-tail,

under the degree of a squire.

room

in Page's house

fenton and anne page.

Fent. I see I cannot get thy father's love; Therefore no more turn me to him, sweet Nan. Anne. Alas, how then? Fent.

20 hither!

Enter shallow, slender, and mistress quickly.

Slen.

good; by gar, with all my heart! Evans. A lousy knave, to have his gibes and his mockeries! Exeunt. 260

Dat

vou

[They converse

tell

Ford. Pray you, go, Master Page.

Caius.

in

Mistress Anne the jest, how my two geese out of a pen, good uncle.

turd.

Evans.

10

come!

220 Ford. Amen! Mrs. Page. You do yourself mighty wrong, Master Ford. Ford. Ay, ay; I must bear it. Evans. If there be any pody in the house, and in the chambers, and in the coffers, and in the presses, heaven forgive my sins at the day of

wife

III

And tells me

thoughts!

Evans.

ACT

Why, thou must be thyself. am too great of birth;

my expense,

Shal. He will make you a hundred and fifty jo pounds jointure. Anne. Good Master Shallow, let him woo for

himself.

Marry, I thank you good comfort. She

Shal.

for that

for

seek to heal it only by his wealth. Besides these, other bars he lays before me,

Now, Master Slender Now, good Mistress Anne Anne. What is your will?

My riots past, my wild societies;

Slen.

with

I thank you you, coz. I'll

leave you.

I

state being gall'd

it;

calls

Anne. Slen.

My

will! 'od's heartlings, that's a pretty

.

.

SCENE

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

IV

made

jest indeed! I ne'er

heaven;

I

am

my

will yet,

I

not such a sickly creature,

thank I

give

62 heaven praise. Anne. I mean, Master Slender, what would you with me? Slen. Truly, for mine own part, I would little or nothing with you. Your father and my uncle hath made motions. If it be my luck, so; if not, happy man be his dole! They can tell you how things go better than I can. You may ask your

comes

father ; here he

70

Enter page and mistress page. Page. ter

Why,

—

.

Now, Master Slender. Love him, daughAnne. how now! what does Master Fenton

Fent.

I

told you,

sir,

sir,

thus

still

to haunt

my

Give

you hear me? No, good Master Fenton.

slack

I

love your

daughter In such a righteous fashion as all

I

do,

checks, rebukes and manners,

must advance the colours of my love

And not retire. Let me have your good will. Anne. Good mother, do not marry me to yond fool.

Mrs. Page.

v.

A

room

in the Garter

Inn

Fal. Bardolph, I

Bard. Here,

Go

say

sir.

fetch

me

a quart of sack; put a toast

[Exit bardolph.]

Have

I

lived to be carried

barrow of butcher's offal, and the Thames? Well, if I be served

thrown

in

I'll have my brains ta'en out and buttered, and give them to a dog for a new year's gift. The rogues slighted me into the river with as little remorse as they would have

such another trick,

drowned

a blind bitch's puppies, fifteen

i'

the

and you may know by my size that I have a kind of alacrity in sinking; if the bottom were as deep as hell, I should down. I had been drowned, but that the shore was shelvy and shallow a death that I abhor; for the water swells a man; and what a thing should I have been when I had been swelled! I should have been a mountain of mummy. litter;

Perforce, against I

Scene

to be

Quick. Speak to Mistress Page.

Mistress Page, for that

[Exit.

it!

in a basket, like a

M

Good

There's for thy

heaven send thee good fortune! A kind heart he hath. A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart. But yet I would my master had Mistress Anne; or I would Master Slender had her; or, in sooth, I would Master Fenton had her. I will do what I can for them all three; for so I have promised, and I'll be as good as my word; but speciously for Master Fenton. Well, I must of another errand to Sir John Falstaff from my two mistresses. What a beast am I to

in't.

Come, Master Shallow; come, son Slender, in. Knowing my mind, you wrong me, aster Fenton [Exeunt page, shallow and slender. Fent.

this ring.

Now

Quick.

Fal.

no match for you.

Page

Nan

sweet

[Exit fenton.]

my daughter is disposed of.

my child. Fent. Sir, will

pray thee, once to-

Enter falstaff and bardolph.

Nay, Master Page, be not impatient. Mrs. Page. Good Master Fenton, come not to is

I

pains.

my house.

Fent.

Page. She

thank thee; and

I

night

here?

You wrong me,

91

mean

I

it

not;

I

seek you a better

—

husband. Quick. That's

Anne. Alas,

Re-enter

my master, master doctor. I

had rather be

set

quick

i'

earth

the

90

And bowl'd to death with turnips!

My daughter will I question how she loves you, as

I

find her, so

am I

must needs go

father will be angry.

Nan.

[Exeunt mistress page and Anne.

my

21

swallowed snowballs for

pills to

cool the reins.

Call her in.

Bard.

Come in, woman! Enter mistress quickly.

Quick. By your leave; I cry you mercy. Give your worship good morrow. Fal.

Take away

these chalices.

now: "Nay," said I, "will you cast away your child on a fool, and a physician? Look on Master Fenton." This is my

a pottle of sack finely.

doing.

my brewage.

is

to speak

Come, let me pour in some sack to the Thames water; for my belly's as cold as if I had

in;

Fent. Farewell, gentle mistress: farewell,

Quick. This

sir,

with you.

affected.

Till then farewell, sir; she

Her

sack.

Fal.

Mrs. Page. Come, trouble not yourself. Good Master Fenton, I will not be your friend nor enemy.

And

bardolph with

Bard. Here's Mistress Quickly,

doing,

Bard. Fal.

With

Go brew me 5o

eggs, sir?

Simple of

itself;

I'll

no pullet-sperm How now!

[Exit bardolph.]

in

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

92 Quick. Marry, sir, from Mistress Ford. Fal. I

I

to your worship

I

have had ford enough; I have my belly full

into the ford;

of ford.

good

heart, that

was not

She does so take on with her men; they mistook their erection. 41 Fal. So did I mine, to build upon a foolish fault.

woman's promise. sir,

for

it,

that

it

would yearn your heart to see it. Her husband goes this morning a-birding; she desires you once more to come to her between eight and nine. I must carry her word quickly. She'll make you amends, I warrant you. Fal. Well, I will visit her. Tell her so; and bid her think what a man is. Let her consider his frailty, and then judge of my merit. $2 Quick.

I

will tell her.

Do so. Between nine and ten,

Quick. Eight and nine, Fal.

Weil, be gone.

I

I

marvel

me word

sent well.

I

sayest thou?

sir.

will not miss her.

Quick. Peace be with you, Fal.

[Exit.

sir.

hear not of Master Brook; he

to stay within.

I like his

O, here he comes.

money 60

Enter ford. Ford. Bless you,

sir!

Now,

master Brook, you come to know what hath passed between me and Ford's wife? Ford. That, indeed, Sir John, is my business. Fal. Master Brook, I will not lie to you. I was at her house the hour she appointed me. Ford. And sped you, sir? Fal. Very ill-favouredly, Master Brook. Ford. How so, sir? Did she change her determination? jo Fal.

No, Master Brook; but the peaking Cornuto her husband, Master Brook, dwelling in a continual 'larum of jealousy, comes me in the inFal.

of our encounter, after we had embraced, kissed, protested, and, as it were, spoke the prologue of our comedy; and at his heels a rabble of his companions, thither provoked and instigated stant

by

his distemper, and, forsooth, to search his

house for

his wife's love.

Fal.

What, while you were there? While I was there.

Fal.

And

Ford.

find

the Lord, a buck-basket! rammed me with foul shirts and smocks, socks, foul stockings, greasy napkins; that, Master Brook, there was the rankest compound of villainous Fal.

By

smell that ever offended nostril.

And how long lay you there?

Ford.

Nay, you

shall hear, Master Brook, what have suffered to bring this woman to evil for your good. Being thus crammed in the basket, a couple of Ford's knaves, his hinds, were called forth by their mistress to carry me in the name of foul clothes to Datchet-lane. They took me on their shoulders; met the jealous knave their master in the door, who asked them once or twice what they had in their basket; I quaked for fear, lest the lunatic knave would have searched it; but fate, ordaining he should be a cuckold, held his hand. Well, on went he for a search, and away went I for foul clothes. But mark the sequel, Master Brook. I suffered the pangs of three several deaths; first, an intolerable fright, to be detected with a jealous rotten bell-wether; next, to be compassed, like a good bilbo, in the circumference of a peck, hilt to point, heel to head; and then, to be stopped in, like a strong distillation, with stinking clothes that fretted in a man of my their own grease. Think of that kidney think of that that am as subject to heat as butter; a man of continual dissolution and I

— thaw— was it

And

—

—

a miracle to 'scape suffocation.

in the height

of this bath, when

did he search for you, and could not

You shall hear. As good luck would have comes in one Mistress Page; gives intelligence of Ford's approach; and, in her invention

I

was more

than half stewed in grease, like a Dutch dish, to

be thrown into the Thames, and cooled, glowing hot, in that surge, like a horse-shoe; think of

that

—

hissing hot

—think of

Ford. In good sadness,

that,

Master Brook.

am

sorry that for suit then sake you have suffered all this. desperate; you'll undertake her no more? sir, I

My

my is

Master Brook, I will be thrown into Etna, have been into Thames, ere I will leave her thus. Her husband is this morning gone a-birding. I have received from her another embassy of meeting; 'twixt eight and nine is the hour, Master Brook. Fal.

as

I

Ford. 'Tis past eight already,

So

you?

Fal.

it,

me

A buck-basket!

Ford.

Fal.

Quick. Well, she laments,

Fal.

m

in

Quick. Alas the day!

her

act

and Ford's wife's distraction, they conveyed into a buck-basket.

Mistress Ford!

was thrown

come

Fal. Is it? I will

Come

sir.

then address

me

me

to

my

ap-

your convenient leisure, and you shall know how I speed; and the conclusion shall be crowned with your enjoying her. Adieu. You shall have her, Master Brook; pointment.

Master Brook, you Ford.

Hum!

ha!

is

to

shall

at

cuckold Ford.

this a vision? is this a

[Exit.

dream?

—

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

SCENE V

Master Ford, awake! awake, Master Ford! there's a hole made in your best coat, Master Ford. This 'tis to be married! this 'tis to have linen and buck-baskets! Well, I will proclaim myself what I am. I will now take the lecher; he is at my house; he cannot 'scape me; do

'tis

I

—

sleep?

impossible he should.

He

cannot creep into a

halfpenny purse, nor into a pepper-box; but, lest the devil that guides him should aid him, I will search impossible places. Though what I am I cannot avoid, yet to be what I would not shall not make me tame. If I have horns to make one mad, let the proverb go with me: I'll be horn-

mad.

[Exit.

ACT Scene

i.

he

at

Will. Lapis.

Evans. That is a good William. William, that does lend articles?

is

by

Master Ford's already, this,

and be thus declined:

or will be presently.

Singulariter,

genitivo, hujus.

Well, what

I

pray you, have your remembrance,

"Hang-hog"

is

be with her by and by; I'll but bring my young man here to school. Look, where his master comes; 'tis a playing-day, I see. I'll

Will.

O

Quick.

Master Slender

w

let

is

the boys

my

husband says my son the world at his book. I pray

Evans. Come hither, William; head; come.

hold up your

vocativo,

0.

nouns?

Two. thought there had been one say, "Od's nouns."

number more, because they Evans. Peace your William?

tattlings!

What

is

"fair,"

Will. Pulcher.

Quick. Polecats! there are fairer things than polecats, sure.

Evans.

You

Will.

are a very simplicity 'oman.

What is lapis, William?

A stone.

Evans.

And what is "a stone," William?

I

50 pray

is caret.

And that's a good root.

What

your genitive case

is

plural,

Will. Genitive case!

horum, harum, horwn.

Vengeance of Jenny's

case! fie

on

her!

never name her, child, if she be a whore. Evans. For shame, 'oman.

You do

ill

to teach the child such words.

him to hick and

to hack, which do fast enough of themselves, and to call "horum." Fie upon you! jo Evans. 'Oman, art thou lunatics? hast thou no understandings for thy cases and the numbers of

teaches

they'll

the genders?

Mrs. Page. Come on, sirrah; hold up your head; answer your master, be not afraid. 20 Evans. William, how many numbers is in

I

is

Evans. Ay.

Qiiick.

you, ask him some questions in his accidence.

Quick. Truly,

What

William?

He

Quick. Blessing of his heart!

profits nothing in

war-

Mrs. Page. Peace!

Quick.

leave to play.

Hugh,

I

57

Will. Genitive

evans.

How now, Sir Hugh! no school to-day?

you, peace.

Latin for bacon,

Evans. Leave your prabbles, 'oman,

Evans.

Sir

your ac-

is

Will. Accusativo, hinc.

Evans.

you to come suddenly.

Will.

nominativo,

cusative case?

Evans. 'Oman, forbear.

Mrs. Page.

4.0

Evans. Nominativo, hig, hag, hog; pray you,

mark:

is very courageous mad about his throwing into the water. Mistress Ford desires

hugh

he,

hie, hzzc, hoc.

But, truly, he

Enter sir

is

borrowed of the pronoun,

Will. Articles are

Evans. Remember, William; focative

Quick. Sure he

Evans. No;

What

the focative case, William?

think'st thou?

Mrs. Page.

pray you, remember in

rant you.

WILLIAM. Is

it is lapis. I

prain.

Quick. street

Enter mistress page, mistress quickly, and

Mrs. Page.

Evans. No,

your

93

A pebble.

child; accusativo, hung, hang, hog.

IV

A

Will.

tures as

I

Thou

would

art as foolish Christian crea-

desires.

Mrs. Page. Prithee, hold thy peace. Show me now, William, some declensions of your pronouns. Will. Forsooth, I have forgot. Evans. It is qui, qua, quod. If you forget your quies, your quas, and your quods, you must be preeches. Go your ways, and play; go. Mrs. Page. He is a better scholar than I thought Evans.

he was. Evans.

He

is

a

good sprag memory. Farewell,

Mistress Page.

Mrs. Page. Adieu, good

Sir

Hugh. [Exit SIR

HUGH.]

Get you home, boy. Come, we stay too long. [Exeunt.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

94

Scene

ii.

A

room

Enter falstaff and mistress ford.

Fal.

Mistress Ford, your sorrow hath eaten up sufferance. I see you are obsequious in your

love,

and

I

profess requital to a hair's breadth;

not only, Mistress Ford, in the simple office of love, but in all the accoutrement, complement and ceremony of it. But are you sure of your husband now? Mrs. Ford. He's a-birding, sweet Sir John. Mrs. Page. [Within] What, ho, gossip Ford! 10 what, ho! Mrs. Ford. Step into the chamber, Sir John. [Exit FALSTAFF.

Enter mistress page.

How

Mrs. Page.

home

now, sweetheart! who's

at

besides yourself?

louder. I

am so glad you have nobody

here.

20 Mrs. Ford. Why? Mrs. Page. Why, woman, your husband is in his old lines again. He so takes on yonder with

my

married mankind; so curses all Eve's daughters, of what complexion soever; and so buffets himself on the forehead, crying, "Peer out, peer out!" that any madness I ever yet beheld seemed but tameness, civility, and patience, to this his distemper he is in now. I am glad the fat knight is

husband; so

rails against all

not here.

Mrs. Ford. Mrs. Page.

I

No,

I'll

come no more

Why, does he talk of him? Of none but him; and swears

50 he was

my

husband he is now here, and hath drawn him and the rest of their company from their sport, to make another experiment of his suspicion. But I am glad the knight is not here; now he shall see his own foolery.

Mrs. Ford. Airs. Page.

How near is he, Hard

here anon.

Mistress Page?

basket again?

May 5/

Fal.

Where is it?

He

Mrs. Ford.

60 will seek there,

on

my

word.

Neither press, coffer, chest, trunk, well, vault, but he hath an abstract for the remembrance of such places, and goes to them by his note. There

no hiding you in the house. I'll go out then. Mrs. Page. If you go out

is

blance,

you

die, Sir

your

in

own sem-

John. Unless you go out dis-

guised

Mrs. Ford. How might we disguise him? jo Mrs. Page. Alas the day, I know not! There is no woman's gown big enough for him; otherwise he might put on a hat, a muffler and a kerchief, and so escape. Fal.

Good

hearts, devise something.

tremity rather than a mischief. maid's aunt, the Mrs. Ford. Brentford, has a gown above.

My

Mrs. Page.

On my

she's as big as

he

is;

fat

Any

ex-

woman

of

word, it will serve him; and there's her thrummed

hat and her muffler too.

Run up,

Sir John.

Mrs. Ford. Go, go, sweet Sir John. Mistress Page and I will look some linen for your head. Mrs. Page. Quick, quick! we'll come dress you straight. Put on the gown the while. 85 Mrs. Ford.

him

I

would

in this shape.

my

[Exit FALSTAFF. husband would meet

He cannot abide the old woman

of Brentford; he swears she's a witch; forbade her my house and hath threatened to beat her. Mrs. Page. Heaven guide him to thy husband's cudgel, and the devil guide his cudgel afterwards Mrs. Ford. But is my husband coming? Mrs. Page. Ay, in good sadness, is he; and talks of the basket too, howsoever he hath had !

by; at street end; he will be 4/

Mrs. Ford. I am undone! The knight is here. Mrs. Page. Why then you are utterly shamed, and he's but a dead man. What a woman are you! Away with him, away with him! better shame than murder. Mrs. Ford. Which way should he go? how should I bestow him? Shall I put him into the

—

the basket.

Mrs. Page. Alas, three of Master Ford's brothers watch the door with pistols, that none shall issue out; otherwise you might slip away ere he came. But what make you here? Fal. What shall I do? I'll creep up into the chimney. Mrs. Ford. There they always use to discharge their birding-pieces. Creep into the kiln-hole.

carried out, the last time he searched for him,, in a basket; protests to

i'

not go out ere he come?

Fal.

Mrs. Ford. Why, none but mine own people. Mrs. Page. Indeed! Mrs. Ford. No, certainly. [Aside to her] Speak Mrs. Page. Truly,

IV

Re-enter falstaff.

in Ford's house

Fal.

my

ACT

intelligence.

Mrs. Ford. We'll try

men

that; for

I'll

to carry the basket again, to

the door with

appoint

my

meet him

at

they did last time. Mrs. Page. Nay, but he'll be here presently. Let's go dress him like the witch of Brentford. Mrs. Ford. I'll first direct my men what they it,

as

SCENE shall

for

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

II

do with the basket.

him

Go

up;

bring linen

I'll

[Exit.

straight.

Mrs. Page. Hang him, dishonest varlet! we cannot misuse him enough. We'll leave a proof, by that which we will do, Wives may be merry, and yet honest too. do not act that often jest and laugh; Tis old, but true, Still swine eats all the draff.

We

[Exit.

Re-enter mistress

ford with

two

Mrs. Ford. Go, sirs, take the basket again on your shoulders. Your master is hard at door; if he bid you set it down, obey him. Quickly, dis[Exit.

patch. 1st

Serv.

2nd

Come, come, take it up.

Serv.

Pray heaven

it

Serv.

I

hope not;

I

be not

had

full

of knight

as lief bear so

much

Enter ford, page, shallow, caius, and sir

hugh

EVANS.

Ay, but if it prove true, Master Page* have you any way then to unfool me again? Set down the basket, villain! Somebody call my wife. Youth in a basket! O you pandarly rascals! Ford.

a knot,

a ging,

Now

against me.

shall

a conspiracy

a pack,

the devil be shamed.

fidelity, this is not well, Master wrongs you. 161 Evans. Master Ford, you must pray, and not follow the imaginations of your own heart. This

Ford;

is

this

jealousies.

Master Ford; you are not to go loose any longer; you must be pinioned.

Why,

this

is

lunatics! this

is

mad

mad dog!

as a 131

Shal. Indeed,

Master Ford,

this

is

not well, in-

deed.

Ford. So say

I

let

me

seek

for ever be

them say of me, "As

let

for.

your table-sport;

jealous as Ford, that

searched a hollow walnut for his wife's leman.'

Old woman! what old woman's

Ford.

Mrs

Ford.

A

Ford. I

Why,

know

that?

maid's aunt of Brent-

witch, a quean, an old cozening quean!

my

not forbid her

errands, does she?

not

my

it is

We

house? She comes of

are simple

men; we do

what's brought to pass under the pro-

works by charms, and such daubery as this

fession of fortune-telling. She

by

spells,

by the

figure,

beyond our element. We know nothing. Come down, you witch, you hag, you; come down, I is,

say!

too, sir.

Mrs. Ford. Nay, good, sweet husband! Re-enter mistress ford.

Come honest

gentlemen,

let

him not

strike the old

Good

woman. 190

hither, Mistress Ford; Mistress Ford, the

woman,

Re-enter falstaff in

the modest wife, the virtuous

I suspect without cause, mistress, do I? Mrs. Ford. Heaven be my witness you do, if you suspect me in any dishonesty. 14.0

band!

Well

said,

brazen- face! hold

it

out.

Come

forth, sirrah!

let

the clothes

alone.

Ford. I shall find you anon. Evans. 'Tis unreasonable! Will you take up

Come away.

you witch, you hag, you baggage, you poleyou ronyon! out, out! I'll conjure you, I'll

door,

[Exit falstaff.

fortune-tell you.

Pulling clothes out of the basket. Page. This passes!

your wife's clothes?

Mrs. Page. Come, Mother Prat; come, give me your hand. Ford. I'll prat her. [Beating him] Out of my cat,

Mrs. Ford. Are you not ashamed?

woman's clothes, and

mistress page.

creature, that hath the jealous fool to her hus-

Ford.

,

Satisfy me once more; once more search with me. Mrs. Ford. What, ho, Mistress Page! come you and the old woman down; my husband will come into the chamber.

Have this passes,

I

No, nor nowhere else but in your brain. Ford. Help to search my house this one time. If I find not what I seek, show no colour for my Page.

ing!

Evans.

no man.

By my

Shal.

ford.

Why,

man, there was

flea's death.

What, wife, I say! Come, come forth! Behold what honest clothes you send forth to bleachPage.

/50

a

one conveyed out of my house yesterday in this basket. Why may not he be there again? In my house I am sure he is. My intelligence is true; my jealousy is reasonable. Pluck me out all the linen. Mrs. Ford. If you find a man there, he shall die a

extremity;

lead.

there's

am

I

Ford. Well, he's not here

again 1st

Ford. Master Page, as

Page. Here's

servants.

95

Empty the basket, I say! Mrs. Ford. Why, man, why? Ford.

Mrs. Page. x\re you not ashamed? I think you have killed the poor woman. Mrs. Ford. Nay, he will do it. 'Tis a goodly credit for you. 200 Ford.

Hang her, witch! By yea and no,

Evans.

I

think the 'oman

is

a

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

96

witch indeed. I like not when a 'oman has a great I spy a great peard under his muffler. Ford. Will you follow, gentlemen? I beseech you, follow; see but the issue of my jealousy. If I cry out thus upon no trail, never trust me when peard;

I

open again. Page. Let's

Page.

obey

his

humour

a little further.

thou wilt.

Than thee with wantonness. In him that

As

hi.

Germans

.

desire to have three

them to you. have my horses; but I'll make them pay; I'll sauce them. They have had my house a week at command; I have turned away Bard.

Ay,

They

sir; I'll call

shall

my other guests. They must come off;

I'll

them. Come.

Scene

sauce

[Exeunt. iv.

A room in Ford's house

Enter page, ford, mistress page, mistress

ford, and sir

hugh

'Tis well,

Page.

Be not

As

heretic,

as

extreme

in

'tis

well; no more.

10

submission

in offence.

But let our plot go forward. Let our wives Yet once again, to make us public sport, Appoint a meeting with this old fat fellow, Where we may take him and disgrace him for it. Ford. There is no better way than that they spoke of. Page. How? to send him word they'll meet him in the park at midnight? Fie, fie! he'll never come. Evans. You say he has been thrown in the rivers and has been grievously peaten as an old 'oman. Methinks there should be terrors in him that he should not come; methinks his flesh is punished, he shall have no desires. Page. So think I too. Mrs. Ford. Devise but how you'll use him when he comes, iVnd

let

us

two devise to bring him thither.

Mrs. Page. There

is

an old tale goes that

Heme

the hunter,

Sometime a keeper here in Windsor forest, Doth all the winter-time, at still midnight,

30

Walk round about an oak, with great ragg'd And there he blasts the tree and takes the cattle And makes milch-kine yield blood and shakes a

of your horses. The Duke himself will be tomorrow at court, and they are going to meet him. Host. What duke should that be comes so secretly? I hear not of him in the court. Let me speak with the gentlemen. They speak English? Host.

was of late an

firm as faith.

horns;

A room in the Garter Inn

Enter host and b ardolph Bard. Sir, the

Now doth thy hon-

our stand,

Mrs. Page. Trust me, he beat him most pitifully. Mrs. Ford. Nay, by the mass, that he did not; he beat him most unpitifully, methought. Mrs. Page. I'll have the cudgel hallowed and hung o'er the altar; it hath done meritorious

Scene

letters at

rather will suspect the sun with cold

[Exeunt ford, page, shallow, caius, and evans.

Mrs. Ford. What think you? may we, with the warrant of womanhood and the witness of a good conscience, pursue him with any further revenge? 222 Mrs. Page. The spirit of wantonness is, sure, scared out of him. If the devil have him not in fee-simple, with fine and recovery, he will never, I think, in the way of waste, attempt us again. Mrs. Ford. Shall we tell our husbands how we have served him? Mrs. Page. Yes, by all means; if it be but to scrape the figures out of your husband's brains. If they can find in their hearts the poor unvirtuous fat knight shall be any further afflicted, we two will still be the ministers. Mrs. Ford. I'll warrant they'll have him publicly shamed; and methinks there would be no period to the jest, should he not be publicly shamed. Mrs. Page. Come, to the forge with it then; [Exeunt. shape it. I would not have things cool.

you both these

Mrs. Page. Within a quarter of an hour. Ford. Pardon me, wife. Henceforth do what

211

service.

did he send

IV

an instant?

I

Come, gentlemen.

And

ACT

evans.

Evans. 'Tis one of the best discretions of a 'oman as ever I did look upon.

chain In a most hideous and dreadful manner. You have heard of such a spirit, and well you

know The superstitious

idle-headed eld

Received and did deliver to our age This tale of Heme the hunter for a truth. Page.

Why, yet there want not many that do

fear

In deep of night to walk by this Heme's oak. 40 But what of this? Mrs. Ford. Marry, this is our device; That FalstafFat that oak shall meet with us. Page. Well, let it not be doubted but he'll come; And in this shape when you have brought him thither,

What

shall

be done with him? what

is

your plot?

SCENE

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

IV

Mrs. Page. That likewise have we thought upon,

Potent

at court.

her.

Like urchins, ouphes, and

Scene

fairies,

green and

and

Falstaff, she,

I

are

With some diffused

song.

50

Upon a sudden, at

all

encircle

sight,

him about

fairy-like, to pinch the unclean knight,

ask him why, that hour of fairy revel,

In their so sacred paths he dares to tread

In shape profane.

And till he tell the truth, 60 Mrs. Ford. Let the supposed fairies pinch him sound And burn him with their tapers. The truth being known, Mrs. Page. We'll

all

present ourselves, dis-horn the

spirit,

And mock him home to Windsor. The children must Ford. Be practised well to Evans.

and

I

I

this,

or thev'll ne'er do't.

will teach the children their behaviors;

my taber.

That

Ford.

I'll

fairies,

That

silk will

I

go buy. [Aside] And

him again in name of

to

Brook.

me all his

purpose. Sure, he'll come.

Mrs. Page. Fear not you

that.

Go get us proper-

ties

And tricking for our fairies. Evans. Let us about it. It and fery honest knaveries.

is

admirable pleasures 81

[Exeunt page, ford, and evans.

Mrs. Page. Go, mistress Ford, Send quickly to Sir John, to know his mind. [Exit MISTRESS FORD. I'll

to the doctor.

may

be

thine host, thine Ephesian, calls.

Fal.

[Above]

How now, mine host!

20

Here's a Bohemian-Tartar tarries the coming down of thy fat woman. Let her descend, bully, let her descend; my chambers are honour-

Enter falstaff.

He hath my good will,

And none but he, to marry with Nan Page. That Slender, though well landed,

is

an

idiot;

And he my husband best of all affects. The doctor is well money'd, and his friends

Fal. There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with me; but she's gone. Sim. Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of

My

it,

mussel-shell.

What 5

Master Slender, sent to her, seeing her go through the streets, to know, sir, whether one Nym, sir, that beguiled him of a chain, had the chain or no. Fal. I spake with the old woman about it. Sim. And what says she, I pray, sir? Fal. Marry, she says that the very same man that beguiled Master Slender of his chain cozened him of it. Sim. I would I could have spoken with the woman herself; I had other things to have spoken with her too from him. 42 Fal. What are they? let us know. Host. Ay, come; quick. Sim.

straight.

tell

is

Fal. Ay, marry, was would you with her?

Master Slender steal my Nan away And marry her at Eton. Go send to Falstaff

Shall

I'll

the knight

Bully knight! bully Sir John! speak from thy lungs military. Art thou there? it call.

Brentford?

in

that time

Nay,

woman!

a fat

I'll

70

Finely attired in a robe of white.

He'll

Ha!

Host.

robbed.

go buy them

Mrs. Page. My Nan shall be the queen of all the

Ford.

indeed.

able. Fie! privacy? fie!

will be excellent.

vizards.

Page.

sir, I come to speak with Sir John from Master Slender. Host. There's his chamber, his house, his castle, his standing-bed and truckle-bed; 'tis painted about with the story of the Prodigal, fresh and new. Go knock and call; he'll speak like an Anthropophaginian unto thee. Knock, I say. // Sim. There's an old woman, a fat woman, gone up into his chamber. I'll be so bold as stay, sir, till she come down; I come to speak with her,

Host.

will be like a jack-an-apes also, to burn the

knight with

wouldst thou have, boor? what,

thick-skin? speak, breathe, discuss; brief, short,

Falstaff

We two in great amazedness will fly. Then let them

A room in the Garter Inn

Sim. Marry,

once

Upon their

v.

90

quick, snap.

newly met,

Let them from forth a sawpit rush

And

What

Host.

With rounds of waxen tapers on their heads, in their hands.

to crave

Enter host and simple.

white,

And,

have her, [Exit.

dress

As

he, shall

Though twenty thousand worthier come

and thus

Nan Page, my daughter, and my little son And three or four more of their growth we'll

And rattles

97

He, none but

Sim.

I

master,

sir,

may not conceal them,

sir.

Host. Conceal them, or thou diest.

Sim.

Why,

Mistress

sir,

they were nothing but about

Anne Page;

ter's fortune to

to

know if it were my mas-

have her or no.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

98

Fal. 'Tis, 'tis his fortune.

Sim. What,

50

sir?

To have her, or no. Go; say told me so. Sim. May I be bold to say so, sir? Fal.

Fal.

Ay,

sir; like

who more

the

woman

bold.

thank your worship. I shall make my [Exit. master glad with these tidings. Host. Thou art clerkly, thou art clerkly, Sir John. Was there a wise woman with thee? Sim.

I

Ay,

Fal.

that there was,

hath taught fore in

my

me more and

life;

I

mine host; one that

wit than ever I learned bepaid nothing for it neither,

my learning.

but was paid for

ACT

Enter mistress quickly.

Now, whence come you? Quick. From the two parties, forsooth. Fal. The devil take one party and his dam other! and so they shall be both bestowed.

more

suffered

for their sakes,

more than

Bard. Out, alas, Host.

sir!

able

is

to bear.

cozenage, mere cozenage!

Where be my horses?

the

have

I

the vil-

lainous inconstancy of man's disposition

Enter BARDOLPH.

IV

been washed and cudgelled, they would melt me out of my fat drop by drop and liquor fishermen's boots with me. I warrant they would whip me with their fine wits till I were as crestfallen as a dried pear. I never prospered since I forswore myself at primero. Well, if my wind were but long enough to say my prayers, I would repent.

Quick.

speak well of them,

And have

not they suffered? Yes,

speciously one of them;

rant;

war-

I

Mistress Ford,

good

came beyond Eton, they threw me off from

heart, is beaten black and blue, that you cannot see a white spot about her. Fal. What tellest thou me of black and blue? I

behind one of them, in a slough of mire; and set spurs and away, like three German devils, three

was beaten myself into all the colours of the rainbow; and I was like to be apprehended for the

varletto.

Bard. as

I

Run away with

the cozeners; for so soon

Doctor Faustuses. Host.

They

Do

villain.

7/

are gone but to

meet the Duke,

not say they be fled;

Germans

are

honest men. Enter sir

for a witch.

hugh evans.

Quick. Sir, let

Where is mine host? Host. What is the matter, sir? Evans.

Have

is

a care

a friend

Enter doctor caius.

Scene

cannot

tell

in the Garter

Host. Master Fenton, talk not to

heavy.

Fent.

Inn

I

will give over

Yet hear

me;

my

me speak.

Assist

me in my pur-

And,

as

I

am

a gentleman,

I'll

give thee

A hundred pound in gold more than your loss. vat

is

dat; but

it is

tell-a

me

Master Fenton; and I will keep your counsel. Fent. From time to time I have acquainted you

Host.

I

will hear you,

you make grand preparation for a duke de Jamany. By my trot, dere is no duke dat the court is know to come. I tell you for good vill:

With the dear

adieu.

Who mutually hath answer'd my affection,

dat

[Exit.

91

Hue and cry, villain, go! Assist me, knight. I am undone! Fly, run, hue and cry, villain I am undone [Exeunt host and bardolph Host.

!

!

Fal.

I

would

all

.

the world might be cozened; for

have been cozened and beaten too. If it should to the ear of the court, how I have been transformed and how my transformation hath I

come

mind

all.

pose,

Host. Here, master doctor, in perplexity and

I

Another room

vi.

Enter fenton and host.

Vere is mine host de Jarteer?

doubtful dilemma. Caius.

speak with you in your cham-

shall hear

rant, to

is

Caius.

me

how things go; and, I waryour content. Here is a letter will say somewhat. Good hearts, what ado here is to bring you together! Sure, one of you does not serve heaven well, that you are so crossed. 13 Fal. Come up into my chamber [Exeunt. You

ber.

of your entertainments. of mine come to town, tells me there is three cozen-germans that has cozened all the hosts of Readins, of Maidenhead, of Colebrook, of horses and money. I tell you for good will, look you. You are wise and full of gibes and vlouting-stocks, and 'tis not convenient you should be cozened. Fare you well. [Exit. Evans.

There

witch of Brentford. But that my admirable dexof wit, my counterfeiting the action of an old woman, delivered me, the knave constable had set me i' the stocks, i' the common stocks, terity

at the least

So

love

I

bear to fair

far forth as herself might

Even to my wish.

I

Of such contents

as

have a

you

be her chooser,

letter

will

Anne Page;

from her

wonder

at;

The mirth whereof so larded with my matter, That neither singly can be manifested, Without the show of both. Fat Falstaff Hath a great scene. The image of the jest

10

SCENE I'll

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

VI

show you here

Enter ford.

host.

To-night

at

Heme's

oak, just 'twixt twelve and

one,

Must my sweet Nan present the Fairy Queen; 20 The purpose why, is here; in which disguise, While other jests are something rank on foot, Her father hath commanded her to slip Away with Slender and with him at Eton Immediately to marry. She hath consented.

Now,

sir,

Her mother, ever

strong against that match Doctor Caius, hath appointed That he shall likewise shuffle her away, While other sports are tasking of their minds, 50

And firm

for

And at the deanery, where a priest marry

Straight

her.

attends,

To this her mother's plot

She seemingly obedient likewise hath Made promise to the doctor. Now, thus

Her

father

means she

shall

be

all in

it

rests:

white,

And in that habit, when Slender sees his time

To take her by the hand and bid her go, She

go with him. Her mother hath intended,

shall

The

better to denote her to the doctor,

For they must all be mask'd and vizarded, 4.0 That quaint in green she shall be loose enrobed,

How

now, Master Brook! Master Brook, the matter will be known to-night, or never. Be you in the Park about midnight, at Heme's oak, and you shall see wonders. Ford. Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me you had appointed? Fal. I went to her, Master Brook, as you see, like a poor old man; but I came from her, Master Brook, like a poor old woman. That same knave Ford, her husband, hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him, Master Brook, that ever governed frenzy.

To pinch her by the hand,

and,

on that token,

Scene Page.

to go along with me.

that you'll procure the vicar

To stay for me at church 'twixt twelve and one, name of marrying,

50

To give our hearts united ceremony. Host. Well, husband your device;

to the

I'll

Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest.

So

Besides,

evermore be bound to thee; make a present recompense. [Exeunt.

shall I

I'll

Scene

we

we

we'll couch

i'

the castle-

see the light of our fairies.

Ay, forsooth;

have a nay- word

I

how

Page.

The

night

is

dark; light and spirits will

i.

[Exeunt.

A room in the Garter Inn

Scene

no more

prattling; go.

I'll

provide you a chain; and

do what

can to get you a pair of horns. Away, I say; time wears. Hold up your head, and mince. [Exit mistress quickly. Fal.

DOCTOR CAIUS. Mrs. Page. Master doctor, my daughter is in When you see your time, take her by the hand, away with her to the deanery, and dispatch green.

it I'll

A street leading to the Park

Enter mistress page, mistress ford, and

Away!

I'll

hi.

hold.

This is the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd numbers. Away! go. They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance,

I

Remem-

my daughter.

become it well. Heaven prosper our sport! No man means evil but the devil, and we shall know him by his horns. Let's away; follow me.

Enter falstaff and mistress quickly. Fal. Prithee,

Quick.

griev-

Windsor Park

ACT V

or death.

me

o'clock.

vicar.

Fent.

beat

for in the shape

have spoke with her and to know one another. I come to her in white, and cry "mum"; she cries "budget"; and by that we know one another. Shal. That's good too; but what needs either your "mum" or her "budget"? the white will decipher her well enough. It hath struck ten Slen.

in the lawful

11.

Come, come;

till

ber, son Slender,

mother?

And here it rests,

He

woman;

of man, Master Brook, I fear not Goliath with a weaver's beam; because I know also life is a shuttle. I am in haste; go along with me. I'll tell you all, Master Brook. Since I plucked geese, played truant, and whipped top, I knew not what 'twas to be beaten till lately. Follow me. I'll tell you strange things of this knave Ford, on whom to-night I will be revenged, and I will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow. Strange things in hand, Master Brook! Follow. [Exeunt.

ditch

.

my good host,

will tell you.

Enter page, shallow, and slender.

The maid hath given consent to go with him. Host Which means she to deceive, father or Fent. Both,

I

ously, in the shape of a

With ribands pendent, flaring 'bout her head; And when the doctor spies his vantage ripe,

And,

99

Hark, good mine

at large.

quickly.

Go

before into the Park.

We

two

must go together. Caius. I know vat I have to do. Adieu. Mrs. Page. Fare you well, sir. [Exit caius.] My husband will not rejoice so much at the abuse of

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

IOO

Falstaff as he will chafe at the doctor's

my

marrying

no matter; better a little // chiding than a great deal of heart-break. Mrs. Ford. Where is Nan now and her troop of fairies, and the Welsh devil Hugh? Mrs. Page. They are all couched in a pit hard by Heme's oak, with obscured lights; which, at the very instant of Falstaff's and our meeting, they will at once display to the night. Mrs. Ford. That cannot choose but amaze him. Mrs. Page. If he be not amazed, he will be mocked; if he be amazed, he will every way be 21 mocked. Mrs. Ford. We'll betray him finely. Mrs. Page. Against such lewdsters and their daughter. But

'tis

To

the oak, to [Exeunt.

the oak!

Scene Enter sir

Windsor Park

iv.

hugh evans disguised,

Evans. Trib, the pit; and pid you.

come; and remember pray you; follow me into give the watch-'ords, do as I

pold,

when

I

I

Come, come; Scene

[Exeunt.

trib, trib.

Another part of the Park

v.

Enter falstaff disguised as

Heme with a buck's

head upon him. Fal.

The Windsor

bell

hath struck twelve; the

in

some

other, a

swan

potent Love!

man

how

beast.

O Jove,

You were

of Leda.

near the god

plexion of a goose!

of a

a beast.

for the love

drew

O

to the

com-

A fault done first in the form a beastly fault!

And

then an-

other fault in the semblance of a fowl; think on't, Jove; a foul fault!

When

gods have hot backs, do? For me, I am here a

what shall poor men Windsor stag; and the forest.

Send

blame

me

me

fattest,

I

think,

a cool rut-time, Jove, or

to piss

my

tallow?

Mrs. Ford. Mistress Page

Who

i'

who

the

can

comes here?

my doe?

will

come with me,

is

Divide me like a bribe buck, each a haunch. keep my sides to myself, my shoulders for the fellow of this walk, and my horns I bequeath Fal.

I

will

your husbands. like

Heme

Am

I

a

the hunter?

child of conscience; he

woodman, ha? Speak

Why, now makes

is

I

Cupid a

restitution.

As

I

am a true spirit, welcome! Noise within.

Mrs. Page. Alas, what noise? Mrs. Ford. Heaven forgive our Fal.

What should this )

\

sins!

be?

^, \They run off.

.

Awa^ awa^

r

, !

me damned, me should set hell on fire; he would never else cross me thus. 40 Fal.

lest

I

think the devil will not have

the oil that's in

hugh

evans, disguised as a Satyr; pis-

page, and others, as Fairies, with

anne

tapers.

Quick. Fairies, black, grey, green, and white,

You moonshine revellers, and shades You orphan heirs of fixed destiny,

of night,

Attend your office and your quality. Crier Hobgoblin, make the fairy oyes. Pist. Elves, list your names; silence, you airy toys.

Windsor chimneys

shalt thou leap:

Where fires thou find'st unraked

and hearths un-

swept, There pinch the maids as blue as bilberry;

Our radiant queen hates sluts and sluttery 50 Fal. They are fairies; he that speaks to them .

shall die.

also,

omni-

I

sweetheart.

Cricket, to

minute draws on. Now, the hot-blooded gods assist me! Remember, Jove, thou wast a bull for thy Europa; love set on thy horns. O powerful love! that, in some respects, makes a beast a man, Jupiter, a

of provocation,

tol, as Hobgoblin; mistress quickly,

trib, fairies;

Be

parts.

act v

a tempest

me here.

Enter sir

"with others

as Fairies.

your

shelter

come

Mrs. Ford. Mrs. Page.

lechery

Those that betray them do no treachery. Mrs. Ford. The hour draws on.

there

let

I'll

wink and couch; no man their works must eye.

down upon his face. Evans. Where's Bede? Go you, and where you Lies

find a

maid

That, ere she sleep, has thrice her prayers said, Raise up the organs of her fantasy; Sleep she as sound as careless infancy. But those as sleep and think not on their sins, Pinch them, arms, legs, backs, shoulders, sides,

and shins. Quick. About, about;

Enter mistress ford and mistress page.

Mrs. Ford. Sir John! art thou there, my deer? my male deer? Fal. My doe with the black scut! Let the sky rain potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of "Green Sleeves," hail kis sing-comfits and snow eringoes;

Search Windsor Castle, elves, within and out. 60

Strew good luck, ouphes, on every sacred room; That it may stand till the perpetual doom In state as wholesome as in state 'tis fit, Worthy the owner, and the owner it. The several chairs of order look you scour

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

SCENE V

With juice of balm and every precious Each

fair

Enter page, ford, mistress page and MISTRESS FORD.

flower;

instalment, coat, and several crest,

With loyal blazon, evermore be blest! And nightly, meadow-fairies, look you Like to the Garter's compass,

jo

in a ring.

higher.

Now, good Sir John, how like you Windsor

In emerald tufts, flowers purple, blue, and

white;

Like sapphire, pearl, and rich embroidery, Buckled below fair knighthood's bending knee. Fairies use flowers for their charactery.

Away; disperse. But till 'tis one o'clock, Our dance of custom round about the oak

Of Heme the hunter,

80 let us not forget. Evans. Pray you, lock hand in hand; yourselves in order set; And twenty glow-worms shall our lanterns be,

To guide our measure round Fal. lest

about the tree.

man of middle-earth. Heavens defend me from that Welsh I

smell a

he transform

fairy,

me to a piece of cheese!

Vile worm, thou wast o'erlook'd even in thy birth. Quick. With trial-fire touch me his finger-end. If he be chaste, the flame will back descend Pist.

And turn him to no pain; It is

but if he start,

90

the flesh of a corrupted heart.

Pist.

A trial, come. Come,

Evans.

They burn him with Fal. Oh, Oh, Oh!

will this

wood

Nay, do not fly; I think we have watch'd you now. Will none but Heme the hunter serve your turn? Mrs. Page. I pray you, come, hold up the jest no Page.

sing,

The expressure that it bears, green let it be, More fertile-fresh than all the field to see; And "Honi soit qui mal y pense" write

But, stay;

101

take

fire?

their tapers.

Quick. Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in desire!

About him, fairies; sing a scornful rhyme; And, as you trip, still pinch him to your time.

wives? See you these, husband? do not these fair yokes Become the forest better than the town? Ford. Now, sir, who's a cuckold now? Master Brook, FalstafF's a knave, a cuckoldly knave; here are his horns, Master Brook; and, Master Brook, he hath enjoyed nothing of Ford's but his buck-basket, his cudgel, and twenty pounds of money, which must be paid to Master Brook; his horses are arrested for it, Master Brook. Mrs. Ford. Sir John, we have had ill luck; we could never meet. I will never take you for my love again; but I will always count you my deer. Fal. I do begin to perceive that I am made an ass. Ford. Ay, and an ox too; both the proofs are extant. Fal.

And

I was three or were not fairies;

these are not fairies?

four times in the thought they

and yet the guiltiness of my mind, the sudden surprise of my powers, drove the grossness of the foppery into a received belief, in despite of the teeth of all rhyme and reason, that they were fairies. See now how wit may be made a Jack-aLent, when 'tis upon ill employment! Evans. Sir John Falstaff, serve Got, and leave your desires, and fairies will not pinse you. Ford.

Well

Evans.

said, fairy

And

Hugh.

leave your jealousies too,

I

pray

you.

SONG

140

Ford.

I

will never mistrust

my

wife again,

till

woo her in good English.

Fie on sinful fantasy!

thou art able to

Fie on lust and luxury!

I laid my brain in the sun and dried wants matter to prevent so gross o'erreaching as this? Am I ridden with a Welsh goat too? shall I have a coxcomb of frize? 'Tis time I were choked with a piece of toasted cheese. Evans. Seese is not good to give putter; your

Fal.

Lust is but a bloody fire, Kindled with unchaste desire,

it,

100

whose flames aspire As thoughts do blow them, higher and higher. Fed

in heart,

Pinch him, fairies, mutually; Pinch him for his villainy; Pinch him, and burn him, and turn him about, Till candles and starlight and

moonshine be out.

this song they pinch falstaff. doctor caius comes one way, and steals away a boy in green; slender another way, and takes off a boy

During

in white;

anne

and fenton comes, and

page.

A

noise of hunting

is

steals

away

heard within.

All the Fairies run away, falstaff pulls off his buck's head,

and rises.

Have

that

belly

it

is all

putter.

"Seese" and "putter"! have I lived to stand at the taunt of one that makes fritters of English? This is enough to be the decay of lust and latewalking through the realm. Fal.

Mrs. Page. Why, Sir John, do you think, though have thrust virtue out of our hearts by the head and shoulders and have given ourselves

we would

without scruple to hell, that ever the devil could have made you our delight? Ford. What, a hodge-pudding? a bag of flax?

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

102

Mrs. Page.

A puffed man?

ACT V

160

Enter caius.

Page. Old, cold, withered, and of intolerable en-

And one that is as slanderous as Satan? Page. And as poor as Job? Ford. And as wicked as his wife? Evans. And given to fornications, and to taverns Ford.

Vere

Mistress Page? By gar, I am married un garcon, a boy; un payby gar, a boy; it is not Anne Page. By gar, I

Caius.

trails?

cozened. son,

I

is

ha'

am cozened.

Fal. Well, I am your theme; you have the start of me. I am dejected; I am not able to answer the

220 Mrs. Page. Why, did you take her in green? Caius. Ay, by gar, and 'tis a boy. By gar, I'll raise all Windsor. [Exit. Ford. This is strange. Who hath got the right Anne? Page. My heart misgives me. Here comes Mas-

Welsh

ter Fenton.

and sack and wine and metheglins, and to drinkigns and swearings and starings, pribbles and

prabbles?

flannel; ignorance itself is a

plummet

o'er

me. Use me as you will. Ford. Marry, sir, we'll bring you to Windsor, to one Master Brook, that you have cozened of money, to whom you should have been a pandar. Over and above that you have suffered, I think to repay that

money will be a biting affliction.

Yet be cheerful, knight. Thou shalt eat a

Page.

my house; where I will desire my wife, that now laughs at thee.

posset to-night at

thee to laugh at

Tell her Master Slender hath married her daughter.

Mrs. Page. [Aside] Doctors doubt Page be my daughter, she is, by Cams' wife. Enter slender.

Whoa, ho! ho, father Page! how now! how now,

Slen.

Page. Son,

that. If Anne this,

Doctor

son! have

you

dispatched? I'll make the best in Gloucesknow on't; would I were hanged, la, else!

Dispatched!

Slen.

tershire

Page.

Of what,

Slen.

I

Anne

Eton to marry Mistress

the church,

I

stir!

it

had been Anne Page, would

—and

Page.

'tis

it

I

did not

might never 200 then, you took the wrong. I

a postmaster's boy.

Upon my life,

What

need you tell me that? I think so, took a boy for a girl. If I had been married to him, for all he was in woman's apparel, I would not have had him. Slen.

when

I

Why, this you how you

Page. tell

is

my mother,

pardon! Page. Now, mistress, how chance you went not with Master Slender? 231 Mrs. Page. Why went you not with master doctor, maid? Fent. You do amaze her. Hear the truth of it. You would have married her most shamefully, Where there was no proportion held in love. The truth is, she and I, long since contracted, Are now so sure that nothing can dissolve us. The offence is holy that she hath committed; And this deceit loses the name of craft, Of disobedience, or unduteous title, 24.0 Since therein she doth evitate and shun thousand irreligious cursed hours, Which forced marriage would have brought

A

Ford. Stand not amazed; here

own folly. Did not I know my daughter by

no remedy.

state;

Money buys lands, and wives are sold by fate. Fal. I am glad, though you have ta'en a special stand to strike at me, that your arrow hath glanced.

what remedy? Fenton, heaven give 2jo What cannot be eschew'd must be embraced. Page. Well,

thee joy!

Fal.

your

should

is

In love the heavens themselves do guide the

would have swinged

him, or he should have swinged me. If think

Master Fenton! Anne. Pardon, good father! good

upon her. at

Page, and she's a great lubberly boy. If i'

fenton and anne page.

How now,

son?

came yonder

had not been

Enter

When night-dogs run,

all

sorts

of deer are

chased.

Mrs. Page. Well,

her garments?

I

will

must no

further.

Master

Fenton,

Heaven give you many, many merry days!

Slen. I went to her in white, and cried "mum," and she cried "budget," as Anne and I had appointed; and yet it was not Anne, but a post-

Good husband, let us every one go home, And laugh this sport o'er by a country fire;

master's boy.

Sir

Mrs. Page. Good George, be not angry: I knew of your purpose; turned my daughter into green; and, indeed, she is now with the doctor at the deanery, and there married.

John and

all.

Ford.

Let

it

be

so. Sir John,

To Master Brook you yet shall hold your word; For he to-night

shall lie

with Mistress Ford. [Exeunt.

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA

**

DRAMATIS PERSON/E Priam, King of Troy

Thersites,

Hector

Alexander,

Troilus Paris

deformed and scurrilous

Deiphobus

Margarelon,

a bastard son of

Priam

Trojan commanders

,

Calchas, a Trojan priest, taking part with Pandarus, uncle to Cressida

Agamemnon, Menelaus, Achilles Ajax Ulysses

Nestor Diomedes Patroclus

servant

Cressida

to

A Boy, servant to Troilus A Servant to Paris A Servant to Diomedes A Myrmidon

his sons

Helenus *

a

Grecian

Helen, wife to Menelaus Andromache, wife to Hector

the Greeks

Cassandra, daughter Cressida, daughter

the Grecian general

to

to

Priam, a prophetess

Calchas

his brother

Non-Speaking: Trojan and Greek Myrmidons, and Attendants Grecian commanders

Scene Troy, and :

the Grecian

soldiers.

camp

before

it

Moor

the

of Venice

DRAMATIS PERSONA An

Duke of Venice Brabantio, a Senator

A A A A

Two

Senators Gratiano, brother

to

Lodovico, kinsman

Othello,

a noble

to

Brabantio Brabantio

Moor

in the service

Officer

Herald Messenger Sailor

Musician

of the Venetian

Desdemona, daughter to

state

to

Emilia, voife to Iago Bianca, mistress to Cassio

Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman

Montano,

Brabantio and voife

Othello

Cassio, his lieutenant Iago, his ancient Othello's predecessor in the

government of

Non-Speaking:

Cyprus

Clown, servant to Othello Two Gentlemen, of Venice Four Gentlemen, of Cyprus

Officers,

Gentlemen, Musicians, and

Attendants

Scene

:

Venice,

and a Sea-port

Cyprus

in

DRAMATIS PERSONA Duncan, King

Malcolm

I

1A

DONALBAIN

Macbeth Banquo Macduff Lennox

I

\

A

of Scotland

Porter

An Old Man

•

, mtKmm nis sons

A

|

Sergeant

Two Messengers An Attendant on

army

generals of the King's

A Servant to

Macbeth

Lady Macbeth

Three Murderers

Ross

noblemen of Scotland

Menteith Angus

Caithness Fleance, son to Banquo Siward, Earl of Northumberland, general of

Lady Macbeth Lady Macduff A Gentlewoman,

attending on

Lady Macbeth

Hecate Three Witches Three Apparitions

the

English forces

Young Siward, his son Seyton, an officer attending on Macbeth Boy, son to Macduff An English Doctor A Scotch Doctor

Non-Speaking: Lords, Ghosts,

A Lord

Scene:

Ladies, Officers, Soldiers*

and Attendants

Scotland;

England

c*Z

ACT Scene

A

i.

As two spent swimmers that do cling together And choke their art. The merciless Macdon-

I

desert place

wald

Thunder and lightning. Enter three witches. i st

Witch.

Worthy to be a rebel, for to that The multiplying villanies of nature Do swarm upon him from the western isles

When shall we three meet again

—

In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

2nd Witch.

When the hurlyburly's done,

Of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied; And Fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,

When the battle's lost and won. 3rd Witch. That will be ere the set of sun. 1st

Witch.

Show'd like a rebel's whore. But all's too weak; For brave Macbeth well he deserves that name

—

Where the place? Upon the heath.

2nd Witch.

Disdaining Fortune, with his brandish'd

3rd Witch. There to meet with Macbeth. 1st Witch. I come, Graymalkin!

Which smoked with bloody execution,

2nd Witch. Paddock 3rd Witch. Anon.

Till he faced the slave;

All. Fair

is

Scene

ii.

[Exeunt.

filthy air.

Dun. What blocdy man is that? He can As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt

The newest state. the sergeant

Who like a good and hardy soldier fought 'Gainst my captivity. Hail, brave friend! Say to the King the knowledge of the

As thou didst leave Ser.

broil

it.

Doubtful

it

stood;

Till he

Dun.

ing sergeant.

is

nor bade farewell to

unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps,

And fix'd his head upon our battlements.

A camp near Forres

This

his passage

him,

is fair;

Alarum "within. Enter duncan, malcolm, donalbain, lennox, njoith Attendants, meeting a bleed-

Mai.

steel,

20

Which ne'er shook hands,

10

and foul

foul,

Like valour's minion carved out

calls.

Hover through the fog and

10

Ser.

O valiant cousin! worthy gentleman!

As whence the sun

'gins his reflection

Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders break.. So from that spring whence comfort seem'd to

come

report,

Discomfort swells. Mark, King of Scotland, mark! No sooner justice had, with valour arm'd, Compell'd these skipping kerns to trust their heels.

But the Norweyan lord surveying vantage, With furbish'd arms and new supplies of men Began a fresh assault. 284

31

.

!

scene

MACBETH

ii

Dismay'd not this

Dun.

1st

Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?

I

so

cries.

Her husband's

they

Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe. Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds, Or memorize another Golgotha, 4.0 I cannot tell. But I am faint, my gashes cry for help. Dun. So well thy words become thee as thy wounds; They smack of honour both. Go get him sur-

[Exit

sergeant

attended.

Who comes here?

Dun. Whence earnest thou, worthy thane?

From Fife, great King; Ross. Where the Norweyan banners flout the sky And fan our people cold. Norway himself, 50 With terrible numbers, Assisted by that most disloyal traitor a dismal conflict;

Till that Bellona's bridegroom, lapp'd in proof,

Confronted him with self-comparisons, Point against point rebellious,

arm

1st

on

fell

'gainst arm,

Great happiness

That now

Ross.

Sweno, the Nor ways' king, craves composition; Nor would we deign him burial of his men 60 Till he disbursed at Saint Colme's inch

Ten thousand dollars Dun.

No more

Cawdor

shall de-

death,

see

it

done.

Dun. What he hath won.

Scene

hi.

lost,

noble Macbeth hath [Exeunt.

A heath near Forres

Thunder. Enter the three witches. 1st

Thou 'rt kind. And I another.

Witch.

1st

Witch.

I

myself have

all

the other,

the shipman's card. will drain

him dry

as hay.

Sleep shall neither night nor day

Hang upon his

pent-house

20

lid;

Shall he dwindle,

peak and pine.

Though his bark cannot be lost, Yet

it

be tempest-tost.

shall

Look what I have. 2nd Witch. Show me, show me. 1 st Witch. Here I have a pilot's thumb, Wreck'd as homeward he did come.

Drum within. 3 rd

Witch

.

A drum, a drum

3

All.

The weird sisters, hand

in hand,

Posters of the sea and land,

And thrice again, Enter

Ban.

foul

make up nine. wound up.

to

Peace! the charm's

macbeth and banquo.

and

fair

a day

I

have not seen.

How far is't call'd to Forres? What are

these

present

And with his former title greet Macbeth. I'll

10

And the very ports they blow, All the quarters that they know

ceive

Our bosom interest. Go pronounce his

Ross.

do.

3rd Witch.

Macb. So

to our general use.

that thane of

I'll

give thee a wind.

Thus do go about, about; Thrice to thine and thrice to mine

us.

Dun.

I'll

Macbeth doth come.

his lavish spirit; and, to conclude,

The victory

the

Weary se'nnights nine times nine

God save the King!

The thane of Cawdor, began

o'

He shall live a man forbid.

So should he look That seems to speak things strange. Ross.

Aleppo gone, master

do, and

I'll

2nd Witch.

I

What a haste looks through his eyes!

do,

I'll

I'

The worthy thane of Ross

to

But in a sieve I'll thither sail, And, like a rat without a tail,

Enter ross.

Mai.

I.

"Aroint thee, witch!" the rump-fed ronyon

must report they were

geons.

and munch'd, and munch'd.

"Give me," quoth

As cannons overcharged with double cracks,

Curbing

A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her

Witch.

And munch'd,

eagles, or the hare the lion.

If I say sooth,

285

lap,

Yes;

Ser.

As sparrows

Len.

o

!

Witch.

Where hast thou been,

2nd Witch. Killing swine. 3rd Witch. Sister, where thou?

sister?

So wither'd and so wild in their attire, 40 That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth, And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught That man may question? You seem to understand me, By each at once her choppy finger laying

Upon her skinny lips. You should be women, And yet your beards forbid me to interpret That you are so. Macb. Speak, 1st

if

you

can.

What

are you?

Witch. All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane

ofGlamis!

MACBETH

286

2nd Witch. All hail, Macbeth! thane of Cawdor! 3rd Witch. All

King Ban.

hail,

sir,

ACT

The news of thy success and when he reads

shalt be

why do you start,

Thy personal venture in the rebels'

fight,

His wonders and

and seem to

his praises do contend be thine or his. Silenced with that, In viewing o'er the rest o' the selfsame day, He finds thee in the stout Norweyan ranks,

Which should

Things that do sound so

fair?

V

the

name of

truth,

Are ye

indeed

Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner You greet with present grace and great prediction

Nothing afeard of what thyself didst make, Strange images of death. As thick as hail Came post with post; and every one did bear

Of noble having and of royal hope,

Thy praises in his

That he seems rapt withal. To me you speak not. If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will

And pour'd them down before him.

fantastical, or that

not,

Speak then to me,

who neither beg nor fear

60

Your favours nor your hate.

Thou shalt get

And,

For

it is

from him,

of a greater honour, thee thane of Caw-

call

more.

Macb. The thane of Cawdor

lives,

A prosperous gentleman; and to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief,

No more than to be Cawdor. Say from whence You owe this strange intelligence? or why Upon this blasted heath you stop our way With such prophetic greeting? Speak, I charge [witches vanish. water has,

as the

And these are of them. Whither are they van80

ish'd?

lives.

Why do you

me

Who was the thane lives yet;

Ang. 70

The earth hath bubbles,

most worthy thane!

In borrow'd robes?

By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor? the thane of Cawdor

you.

hail,

What, can the devil speak true?

Ban.

kings, though thou be

So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo! 1st Witch. Banquo and Macbeth, all hail! Macb. Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me

air;

for an earnest

sight,

thine.

dress

Macb. Into the

100

dor;

none.

and what seem'd corporal

melted

But under heavy judgement bears that life no Which he deserves to lose. Whether he was combined With those of Norway, or did line the rebel With hidden help and vantage, or that with both He labour 'd in his country's wreck, I know not; But treasons capital, confess'd, and proved, Have overthrown him. Macb. [Aside] Glamis, and thane of Cawdor! The greatest is behind. [To ross and angus] Thanks for your pains. [To banquo] Do you not hope your children shall be kings, When those that gave the thane of Cawdor to

me Promised no

less to

them?

That trusted home 120 Might yet enkindle you unto the crown, Besides the thane of Cawdor. But 'tis strange; And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, Ban.

Would they had stay'd! Ban. Were such things here as we do speak

As breath

Only to herald thee into his Not pay thee.

In which addition,

2nd Witch. Not so happy, yet much happier.

Ban.

We are sent

Ang.

Ross.

Witch. Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.

3rd Witch.

kingdom's great defence,

To give thee from our royal master thanks

He bade me,

Witch. H*i\\

2ndWitch.H*i\\ 3rd Witch. Hail! 1st

90

;

jo

fear

1st

I

The King hath happily received, Mac-

beth,

Macbeth, that

hereafter!

Good

Ross.

hail to thee,

into the wind.

about?

Or have we eaten on the insane root

The instruments of darkness tell us

That takes the reason prisoner? Macb. Your children shall be kings.

Win us with honest trifles, to betray'

You shall be King. Macb. And thane of Cawdor too; went it not so? Ban. To the selfsame tune and words. Who's Ban.

In deepest consequence.

Cousins, a word,

I pray you. [Aside] Two truths are told, Macb. As happy prologues to the swelling act

Of the imperial theme.

here?

—

thank you, gentlemen. 13 o cannot be good. If ill, I

[Aside] This supernatural soliciting

Enter ross and angus.

truths,

Cannot be ill,

.

SCENE

MACBETH

III

Why hath

it

given

me earnest of success, I am thane of Cawdor.

287

Enter macbeth, banquo, ross, and angus.

Commencing in a truth?

O worthiest cousin!

why do I Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,

The sin of my ingratitude even now Was heavy on me. Thou art so far before

Against the use of nature? Present fears

That

Are

To overtake thee. Would

yield to that suggestion

If good,

less

than horrible imaginings.

My thought,

whose murder yet

is

Without my

141

Is to receive

New honours come upon him,

our duties; and our duties state children

and serv-

ants,

WTiich do but what they should, by doing every-

Like our strange garments, cleave not to their

mould

thing

But with the aid of use. [Aside] Come what come may, Macb. Time and the hour runs through the roughest day. Ban. Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure.

Macb. Give wrought

With

is slow thou hadst less de-

That the proportion both of thanks and payment Might have been mine! only I have left to say, 20 More is thy due than more than all can pay. Macb. The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, pays itself. Your Highness' part

Are to your throne and

stir.

Ban.

wing of recompense

served,

but fantastical,

Shakes so my single state of man that function Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is But what is not. Look, how our partner's rapt. Ban. Macb. [Aside] If chance will have me King, why, chance may crown me

swiftest

me your

favour.

My dull brain was

Kind gentlemen, your i$o

pains

where every day I turn toward the King. [To banquo] Think upon what hath chanced, and, at more time,

Are

register'd

The

leaf to read them. Let us

The Our

interim having weigh'd

it,

let

us speak

free hearts each to other.

Macb. Till then,

Very gladly. enough. Come, friends. [Exeunt.

Welcome hither.

Dun.

have begun to plant thee, and will labour To make thee full of growing. Noble Banquo, That hast no less deserved, nor must be known 50 No less to have done so, let me infold thee I

And

things forgotten.

Ban.

Safe toward your love and honour.

hold thee to

my heart.

Ban

There if I grow,

The harvest is your own.

My

Dun.

plenteous joys, seek to hide themselves In drops of sorrow. Sons, kinsmen, thanes,

Wanton in fulness,

And you whose places

are the nearest,

know

We will establish our estate upon Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter The Prince of Cumberland; which honour must Not unaccompanied invest him only, 40 But signs of nobleness,

like stars, shall shine

On all deservers. From hence to Inverness, Scene

iv.

Forres: the palace

Flourish. Enter duncan, malcolm, donalbain,

And bind us further to you. Macb. The rest is labour, which is not used for

lennox, and Attendants. Dun. Is execution done on Cawdor? Are not Those in commission yet return'd?

My liege,

Mai.

They are not yet come back. But I have spoke With one that saw him die; who did report That very frankly he confess'd

his treasons,

Implor'd your Highness' pardon, and set forth A deep repentance. Nothing in his life Became him like the leaving it; he died As one that had been studied in his death 10 To throw away the dearest thing he owed,

As

'twere a careless

Dun.

you.

be myself the harbinger and make joyful The hearing of my wife with your approach; I'll

So humbly take my leave. Dun. My worthy Cawdor! Macb. [Aside] The Prince of Cumberland! that

is

a step

On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires Let not light see my black and deep desires;

50

;

The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see. [Exit.

trifle.

There's no art

To find the mind's construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust.

Dun. True, worthy Banquo; he is full so valiant, And in his commendations I am fed; It is a banquet to me. Let's after him, Whose care is gone before to bid us welcome.

MACBETH

288 It is a peerless

Scene

kinsman. v. Inverness:

[Flourish. Exeunt.

Macbeth! s

Enter lady macbeth, reading a

castle letter.

Lady M. "They met me in the day of success; and I have learned by the perfectest report, they have more in them than mortal knowledge. When I burned in desire to question them further, they made themselves air, into which they vanished. Whiles I stood rapt in the wonder of it, came from the King, who all-hailed me 'Thane of Cawdor'; by which title, before, these weird sisters saluted me, and referred me to the coming on of time with 'Hail, King that shalt be!' This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee. Lay it to thy heart, and farewell." Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy na-

missives

ture;

too

It is

full o'

the milk of

human kindness

To catch the nearest way. Thou

highly.

That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, And yet wouldst wrongly win. Thou'dst have, cries

"Thus thou must do,

if thou

ministers,

Wherever

in

your

sightless substances

50

You wait on nature's mischief! Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark,

To cry,

"Hold, hold!" Enter macbeth.

Great Glamis! worthy Cawdor! Greater than both, by the all-hail hereafter! Thy letters have transported me beyond This ignorant present, and I feel now

My dearest love,

Duncan comes here to-night. And when goes hence? Lady M. Macb. To-morrow, as he purposes. Lady M. O, never Shall sun that

60

morrow see!

face,

Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue; look like the innocent

it;

wishest should be undone." Hie thee

flower,

hither, I may pour my spirits in thine ear; And chastise with the valour of my tongue

That

All that impedes thee from the golden round, fate

The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts, And take my milk for gall, you murdering

my thane, is as a book where men May read strange matters. To beguile the time,

An i that which rather thou dost fear to do

Which

my fell purpose, nor keep peace between

Shake

Your

great Glamis,

Than

Of direst cruelty! make thick my blood; Stop up the access and passage to remorse. That no compunctious visitings of nature

Macb.

20 Art not without ambition., but without The illness should attend it. What thou wouldst

have

I

The future in the instant.

wouldst be

great;

That which

ACT

That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan 40 Under my battlements. Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full

and metaphysical aid doth seem

50

But be the serpent under't. He that's coming Must be provided for; and you shall put This night's great business into my dispatch; Which shall to all our nights and days to come 70 Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom. will speak further. Macb.

We

To have thee crown'd withal.

Lady M. Enter a messenger.

What

is

Only look up clear;

To alter favour ever is to fear. your tidings?

Leave

The King comes here to-night. LadyM. Thou'rr mad to say it!

all

the rest to me.

[Exeunt.

Mess.

not thy master with him? who, were't so, Would have inform'd for preparation.

Is

Mess. So please you,

it is

true; our thane

is

com-

Dun. This

ing.

One of my fellows had the speed of him, Who, almost dead for breath, had scarcely more Than would make up his message. Tjidy

Scene

M.

He brings great news.

Give him tending [Exit messenger.

The raven himself is hoarse

vi.

Before Macbeth' s castle

Hautboys and torches. Enter duncan, malcolm, DONALBAIN, BANQUO, LENNOX, MACDUFF, ROSS, angus, and Attendants. castle hath a pleasant seat; the air

Nimbly and sweetly recommends Unto our gentle senses. Ban.

itself

This guest of summer,

The temple-haunting martlet, does approve, By his loved mansionry, that the heaven's breath Smells wooingly here; no jutty, frieze.

;

SCENE

MACBETH

VI

Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle.

Where they most breed

and haunt,

I

have ob-

served,

The air is delicate.

Not bear the

knife myself. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues

Will plead

See, see, our honour'd hostess!

10

The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you How you shall bid God 'ild us for your pains, And thank us for your trouble. Lady M.

All our service

In every point twice done and then done double

like angels, trumpet-tongued, against

Upon the sightless

Enter lady macbeth.

How now! what news? Lady M. He has almost supp'd. Why have you left the chamber? Macb. Hath he ask'd for me? LadyM. Know you not he has? Macb. We will proceed no further in this

Where's the thane of Cawdor? 20

And his

and had a purpose

but he rides well

him Fair and noble hostess,

He hath honour'd me of late;

Have theirs, compt,

to return

to

And shall By your leave,

.

[Exeunt.

hostess.

Scene

vii.

Macbeth' s

castle

Hautboys and torches. Enter a sewer, and divers Servants with dishes and service, and pass over the stage.

have bought

'tis

done, then

'twere well

were done quickly. If the assassination Could trammel up the consequence, and catch With his surcease success; that but this blow Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We'd jump the life to come. But in these cases It

still have judgement here; that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague the inventor. This even-handed justice Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice To our own lips. He's here in double trust; First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,

aside so soon.

Lady M. Was the hope drunk Wherein you dress 'd yourself? Hath it slept since?

And wakes it now, to look so green and pale At what it did so freely? From this time Such

I

account thy love. Art thou afeard

To be the same in thine own act and valour

40

As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life,

And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting "I dare not" wait upon "I would," Like the poor cat i' the adage?

Then enter macbeth.

Macb. If it were done when

We

Not cast

pleasure,

your own.

Give me your hand; mine host. We love him highly, continue our graces towards him 3

Dun. Conduct me

I

gloss,

Your servants ever themselves, and what is theirs, in

To make their audit at your Highness' Still

and

Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest

We are your guest to-night. Lady M.

50 busi-

ness.

great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp

To his home before us.

air,

in

And falls on the other.

We rest your hermits. To be his purveyor;

couriers of the

blow the horrid deed

every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself Shall

Against those honours deep and broad wherewith Your Majesty loads our house. For those of old, And the late dignities heap'd up to them.

Dun.

20

Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed

Were poor and single business to contend

We coursed him at the heels,

murderer shut the door,

The deep damnation of his taking-off And pity, like a naked new-born babe,

Enter lady macbeth.

Dun.

Who

289 should against his

I

Macb. dare do

Prithee, peace. all

that

may become a man;

Who dares do more is none. What beast was't, then, Lady M. That made you break this enterprise to me? When you durst do it, then you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would jo Be so much more the man. Nor time nor place Did then adhere, and yet you would make both. They have made themselves, and that their fitness

now

Does unmake you.

I

have given suck, and

know

How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me; I

would, while

it

was smiling

in

my face,

Have pluck'd my nipple from his

boneless

gums

MACBETH

z 9o

And dash'd the brains out, had Have done to this.

I

so sworn as

you

We

LadyM. not

fail.

sir,

not yet at rest?

When Duncan is asleep

Whereto the rather shall his day's hard journey Soundly invite him his two chamberlains Will I with wine and wassail so convince That memory, the warder of the brain, Shall be a fume, and the receipt of reason A limbeck only. When in swinish sleep Their drenched natures lie as in a death, What cannot you and I perform upon 70 The unguarded Duncan? what not put upon His spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt Of our great quell? Bring forth men-children only; Macb. For thy undaunted mettle should compose Nothing but males. Will it not be received, When we have mark'd with blood those sleepy

—

two

King's

This diamond he greets your wife withal, By the name of most kind hostess; and shut up In measureless content.

Macb.

Being unprepared,

Our will became the servant to defect; Which else should free have wrought. Ban.

All's well.

dreamt last night of the three weird sisters 20 To you they have show'd some truth. Macb. I think not of them Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve, would spend it in some words upon that I

.

We

business,

If you

would grant the time. At your kind'st leisure. Macb. If you shall cleave to my consent, when Ban.

'tis,

It shall

Of his own chamber and used their very

make honour

So

In seeking to

That they have done 't? Who dares receive Lady M.

for you.

Ban.

daggers,

augment

it,

but

I

still

none keep

lose

My bosom franchised and allegiance clear, it

other,

As we shall make our griefs and clamour roar Upon his death?

know

I

shall be counsell'd.

Macb. Ban. Thanks,

Macb. I am settled, and ben J up Each corporal agent to this terrible feat. 80 Away, and mock the time with fairest show; False face must hide what the false heart doth

Good repose the while! the like to you!

sir;

30

banquo and fleance. bid thy mistress, when my drink is [Exeunt

Macb.

Go

ready,

She strike upon the

bell.

[Exeunt.

Get thee to

bed. [Exit Servant.

Is this a

ACT

The

He hath been in unusual pleasure, and Sent forth great largess to your offices.

fail!

But screw your courage to the sticking-place, 60

And we'll

What,

11

a-bed.

If we should fail?

Macb.

Ban.

ACT

dagger which

I

see before me,

The handle toward my hand? Come,

II

let

me

clutch thee.

Scene

i.

Court of Macbeth' s

castle

Enter banquo, and fleance bearing a torch before him.

I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible

To feeling as to sight?

or art thou but

Ban.

How goes the night,

A dagger of the mind, a false creation,

Fie.

The moon

Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw.

is

boy? down; I have not heard the

ciock.

Ban.

And

she goes

down

Fie.

I

Ban. Hold, take in

my

at twelve.

take't, 'tis later, sir.

sword. There's husbandry

heaven;

Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers,

me the cursed thoughts that nature way to in repose!

Restrain in

Gives

Thou marshall'st me the way that I was going; And such an instrument I was to use. Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses, Or else worth all the rest; I see thee still, And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There's no such thing. It is

the bloody business which informs

to mine eyes. Now o'er the one half- world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse yo

Thus Enter macbeth, and a Servant with a

torch.

Give me my sword.

Who's Macb.

there?

A friend.

40

The curtain'd sleep; 10

witchcraft celebrates

Pale Hecate's offerings, and wither'd murder, Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf,

!

scene

—

.

MACBETH

i

Whose howl's his watch, thus with his

stealthy

pace,

With Tarquin's

ravishing strides, towards his

design

Moves

like a ghost.

Thou sure and firm-set

earth,

my

Hear not

steps,

which way they walk,

for

fear

Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he

Macb. There's one did laugh in's sleep, and one cried "Murder!" That they did wake each other. I stood and heard them; But they did say their prayers, and address'd them Again to sleep. There are two lodged together. Lady M. Macb. One cried "God bless us!" and "Amen" the other;

60

lives:

Words

to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.

As they had seen me with these hangman's hands. Listening their fear, I could not say "Amen," When they did say "God bless us!"

A bell rings. I

go, and

it is

Lady M. Consider it not so deeply, jo Macb. But wherefore could not I pronounce

done; the bell invites me.

Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell.

Scene

ii.

"Amen"? [Exit

The same

Enter lady macbeth.

Lady M. That which hath made them drunk

made me

hath

What It

bold;

hath quench'd them hath given

Hark! Peace! was the owl that

Which

me

fire.

shriek'd, the fatal bellman,

gives the stern'st good-night.

He is

about

Whether they

The death of each day's

not done. us.

The attempt and

Hark!

He could not miss

laid their

I

'em.

My father as he slept,

I

not the deed

daggers ready;

Had he not resembled had done

't.

Enter macbeth.

I

My husband have done the deed. Didst thou not hear

a noise?

Lady M.

I

heard the owl scream and the crickets

cry.

Did not you speak? Macb. When? Now. Lady M. Macb. As I descended? Lady M. Ay. Macb. Hzrkl Who lies i' the second chamber? Lady M. Donalbain. 20 Macb. This is a sorry sight. Looking on

Lady M.

Lady M. Macb. Still

it

sore labour's bath,

life,

Balm of hurt minds, great

nature's second course,

in life's feast

cried, "Sleep

What do you mean? no more!" to all the 4/

"Glamis hath murder'd

sleep,

and therefore

Cawdor

live or die.

Macb. [Within] Who's there? what, ho! 9 Lady M. Alack, I am afraid they have awaked, Confounds

sleep," the innocent sleep,

house;

their possets,

That death and nature do contend about them,

Macb.

Macbeth does murder

Chief nourisher

it.

'tis

had most need of blessing, and "Amen" Stuck in my throat Lady M. These deeds must not be thought After these ways; so, it will make us mad. Macb. Methought I heard a voice cry, "Sleep no more! I

Sleep that knits up the ravcll'd sleave of care,

The doors are open, and the surfeited grooms Do mock their charge with snores. I have drugg'd

And

291

his hands.

A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.

Shall sleep

no more; Macbeth

shall sleep

no

more."

Lady M. Who was worthy thane,

it

that thus cried?

Why,

You do unbend your noble strength, to think So brainsickly of things. Go get some water, And wash this filthy witness from your hand. Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there. Go carry them; and smear The sleepy grooms with blood. Macb. I'll go no more. 50 I am afraid to think what I have done; Look on 't again I dare not. Infirm of purpose! Lady M. Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead Are but as pictures; tis the eye of childhood That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed, I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal; For it must seem their guilt. [Exit.

Knocking within.

Whence is that knocking? How is't with me, when every noise appals me? Macb.

What hands are here? eyes.

ha! they pluck out

mine 55*

MACBETH

202

rather

The multitudinous

seas incarnadine,

Making the green one

red.

lady macbeth.

Re-enter

Lady M. My hands are of your colour; but I shame To wear a heart so white. [Knocking within.]

I

hear a knocking

At the

south entry. Retire

we to our chamber.

A little water clears us of this deed; How easy

left you unattended. [Knocking within.] Hark! more knocking. Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us, 70 And show us to be watchers. Be not lost So poorly in your thoughts. Macb. To know my deed, 'twere best not know

[Knocking within. with thy knocking! I would thou

myself.

Macd.

hi.

Port.

But

Here's a knocking indeed! If a

key.

pectation of plenty.

Come

enow about you; here

in time;

have napkins

you'll sweat for't, [Knock-

Knock, knock! Who's there, in name? Faith, here's an equivocator, that could swear in both the scales against either scale; who committed treason enough for God's sake, yet could not equivocate to heaven. O, come in, equivocator. [Knocking within.] Knock, knock, knock! Who's there? Faith,, ing within]

the other devil's

here's an English tailor

come

hither for stealing

out of a French hose.

Come

may roast your goose.

[Knocking within.] Knock,

knock; never

in, tailor;

What

at quiet!

too cold for

is

here you

are you? But this

hell. I'll devil-porter it

no

had thought to have let in some of all professions that gc the primrose way to the everlasting bonfire. [Knocking within.] Anon, anon! I further.

I

pray you, remember the porter.

Opens

did, sir,

him

macduff and lennox.

Was it so late,

friend, ere

Macd. Macb. Macd.

'Faith,

Is

sir,

and,

I

think, being

my

legs

Not yet.

He

did

command me

50

to call timely on

him. have almost slipp'd the hour. Macb. I'll bring you to him. Macd. I know this is a joyful trouble to you; But yet 'tis one. Macb. The labour we delight in physics pain. This is the door. I

Macd. For 'tis Len.

I'll

Goes

the

so bold to

call,

[Exit.

King hence to-day?

He does;

Macb. Len.

make

my limited service. he did appoint

so.

The night has been unruly. Where we

Our chimneys were blown down;

lay,

and, as they

say,

Lamentings heard

i'

the

air;

strange screams of 61

death,

And prophesying with

accents terrible

Of dire combustion and confused events

New

hatch'd to the woeful time.

you went to

it.

late?

we were

lie;

the King stirring, worthy thane?

A fellow to

That you do lie so

the very throat on me.

i'

for his

The

obscure

Clamour'd the livelong night; some say, the earth Was feverous and did shake, 'Twas a rough night. Macb. Len. My young remembrance cannot parallel

bed,

Port.

it

bird

the gate.

Enter

Macd.

That

requited

Enter macbeth.

within.]

knock! Who's there, Here's a farmer, that

place

I

sometime, yet I made a shift to cast him. Macd. Is thy master stirring?

man were

Knock, knock, i' the name of Beelzebub? hanged himself on the ex-

[Knocking

lie last

too strong for him, though he took up

porter of hell-gate, he should have old turning the

believe drink gave thee the

Our knocking has awakened him; here he comes. Len. Good morrow, noble sir. Macb. Good morrow, both.

The same

Knocking within. Enter a porter. Porter.

I

night.

[Exeunt.

couldst!

Scene

11

a great provoker

Macd. What three things does drink especially provoke? 50 Port. Marry, sir, nose-painting, sleep, and urine. Lechery, sir, it provokes, and unprovokes; it provokes the desire but it takes away the performance; therefore, much drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery: it makes him, and it mars him; it sets him on, and it takes him off; it persuades him, and disheartens him; makes him stand to, and not stand to; in conclusion,

Hath

Wake Duncan

sir, is

equivocates him in a sleep, and, giving him the lie, leaves him. 40

Your constancy

then!

is it,

ACT

second cock. And drink, of three things.

Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will

carousing

till

the

Re-enter

macduff.

!

SCENE

MACBETH

III

Macd.

O horror,

Macb The spring,

Tongue nor

horror, horror!

heart

Cannot conceive nor name thee. Macb.} What's the matter? Len.

jo

his master-

The Lord's anointed temple, and stole thence The life o' the building! What is't you say? the life? Macb. Lan. Mean you his Majesty? Macd. Approach the chamber, and destroy your

me speak;

bid

Their hands and faces were all badged with blood; So were their daggers, which un wiped we found

Upon their pillows. They stared, and were distracted; no man's

Was to be trusted with them. Macb. O, yet I do repent me of my That I did Macd.

sight

With a new Gorgon. Do not

Macb.

See, and then speak yourselves.

macbeth and lennox. Awake, awake! Murder and treason!

[Exeunt

Ring the alarum-beli. So Banquo and Donalbain! Malcolm! awake! Shake off this downy sleep, death's counterfeit, And look on death itself! Up, up, and see The great doom's image! Malcolm! Banquo! As from your graves rise up, and walk like Ring the

Lady M. What's the business, That such a hideous trumpet calls

did

you

so?

furious,

Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man. The expedition of my violent love Outrun the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan, His silver skin laced with his golden blood;

And his gash'd stabs look'd like a breach in nature For

ruin's wasteful entrance; there, the

murder-

ers,

gore.

Who

could re-

That had a heart to love, and in that heart Courage to make 's love known? Help me hence, ho! Lady M. Macd. Look to the lady.

to parley

sleepers of the house? Speak, speak!

O gentle lady,

Macd.

you

to hear

what

The repetition, in a woman's Would murder as it fell.

I

can speak.

po

ear,

Enter banquo.

O Banquo, Banquo, Our royal master's murder'd! Woe, Lady M. What, in our house? I

Mai. [Aside to donalbain] Why do we hold our tongues, That most may claim this argument for ours? Don. [Aside to malcolm] What should be spoken here, where our fate, Hid in an auger-hole, may rush, and seize us? Let's away; 129 Our tears are not yet brew'd. Mai. [Aside to donalbain] Nor our strong sor-

row

alas

Upon the foot of motion.

Too cruel anywhere.

Ban.

Look to the

Ban.

prithee, contradict thyself,

And when we

And say it is not so. macbeth and lennox, with

That ross.

Macb. Had I but died an hour before this chance, had lived a blessed time; for, from this instant,

There's nothing serious in mortality; All is but toys. Renown and grace is dead; The wine of life is drawn, and the mere lees Is left this vault to

Enter

Don.

Wherefore

Who can be wise, amazed, temperate and

frain,

Enter lady macbeth.

I

///

fury,

them.

Unmannerly breech'd with

bell.

Bell rings.

Re-enter

kill

life

Steep' d in the colours of their trade, their daggers

sprites,

To countenance this horror!

Dear Duff,

O, by whom? Those of his chamber, as it seem'd, had

done't.

piece!

'Tis not for

very source of it is stopp'd. father's murder'd.

Macd. Your royal Mai. Len.

Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope

The

You are, and do not know't. the head, the fountain of your blood

Is stopp'd; the

)

Macd. Confusion now hath made

293

brag

of.

malcolm and donalbain.

What is amiss?

suffer in exposure, let us

Macd.

out.

meet

And question this most bloody piece of work, To know it further. Fears and scruples shake In the great hand of God I stand; and thence Against the undivulged pretence Of treasonous malice.

wo

lady;

[Lady macbeth is carried have our naked frailties hid,

I

us.

fight

And so do I.

So all. Macb. Let's briefly put on manly readiness, And meet i' the hall together. All.

All.

Well

contented.

140

MACBETH

294 [Exeunt

all

but

malcolm and donalbain.

Mai. What will you do? Let's not consort with them; To show an unfelt sorrow is an office

Which the

false

man does

easy.

I'll

to England.

Don. To Ireland, I; our separated fortune keep us both the safer. Where we are, There's daggers in men's smiles; the near in blood,

bloody.

avoid the aim. Therefore, to horse;

shift

Which

not be dainty of leave-taking,

away. There's warrant

steals itself,

/yo

Scene

left.

iv.

Outside Macbeth! s

castle

Enter ross and an old man.

M.

Threescore and ten

I

can remember

well;

Within the volume of which time I have seen Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore trifled

former knowings.

Ah, good

Ross.

Thou

seest, the heavens, as troubled

Alas, the day!

What good could they pretend?

'Gainst nature

Thine own life's means! Then 'tis most like The sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth. Macd.

there, adieu!

Old M. God's benison go with you; and with

father,

those

40

That would make good of bad, and

of

[Exeunt.

ACT Scene

'Tis unnatural, 10 Old M. Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday

friends

foes!

When living light should kiss it?

i.

III

Forres: the palace

Enter banquo. Ban.

last,

Thou

hast

it

now: King, Cawdor, Glamis,

all,

A falcon, towering in her pride of place, Was

As the weird women promised, and, I fear, Thou play'dst most foully for't; yet it was said

by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd. a thing most Ross. And Duncan's horses

—

should not stand in thy posterity, But that mvself should be the root and father Of many kings. If there come truth from them As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine Why, by the verities on thee made good, May they not be my oracles as well, 10 And set me up in hope? But hush no more. It

strange and certain

Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race, in nature, broke their stalls, flung

Turn'd wild out,

'gainst obedience, as they

would

make

!

War with mankind. Old M.

'Tis said they eat each other.

They did so,

to the

Sennet sounded. Enter

macbeth,

amazement of mine

Ladies,

eyes

That look'd upon't. Here comes the good Mac20

duff.

Enter macduff.

How goes the world, sir, now? Macd.

50 named, and gone to Scone

He is already

Ross. Where is Duncan's body? Macd. Carried to Colmekill, The sacred storehouse of his predecessors, And guardian of their bones. Ross. Will you to Scone? Macd. No, cousin, I'll to Fife. Ross. Well, I will thither. Macd. Well, may you see things well done

Threaten his bloody stage. By the clock, 'tis day, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp. Is'c night's predominance, or the day's shame, That darkness does the face of earth entomb,

Contending

still!

Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up

with man's

act,

Ross.

slain.

Lest our old robes sit easier than our new! Ross. Farewell, father.

night

Hath

Ross.

To be invested.

in that theft

when there's no mercy

[Exeunt.

Old

Macd. Those that Macbeth hath

Ross.

This murderous shaft that's shot Hath not yet lighted, and our safest way Mai.

But

known who did this more than bloody

deed?

Suspicion of the deed.

The nearer

And let us

Ross. Is't

in

Macd. They were suborn'd. Malcolm and Donalbain, the King's two sons, Are stol'n away and fled; which puts upon them

Shall

Is to

ACT

Why,

see

you not?

as

macbeth, as King, lady lennox, ross, Lords,

Queen,

and Attendants.

Macb. Here's our chief guest. If he had been forgotten, Lady M. It had been as a gap in our great feast, And all-thing unbecoming. Macb. To-night we hold a solemn supper, sir, And I'll request your presence.

;

scene

MACBETH

i

Let your Highness

Ban.

Command upon me;

to the

which

my duties

a most indissoluble tie For ever knit. Macb. Ride you this afternoon? 20 Ban. Ay, my good lord. should have else desired your good Macb.

Are with

We

advice,

Which

hath been both grave and prosperous,

still

In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow. Is't far

Ban.

you

As

'Twixt

ride?

far,

my lord,

as will

fill

up the time

Go not my horse the

and supper.

this

better,

must become a borrower of the night For a dark hour or twain. Fail not our feast. Macb. I

Ban.

My lord,

Macb.

I

And put a barren Thence

sceptre in

my gripe,

to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,

No son of mine succeeding. If t be so, For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd; Put rancours in the vessel of my peace Only for them; and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo Kings! Rather than

jo so,

come

fate into the

jointly.

upon 's. Macb. I wish your horses swift and sure of foot; And so I do commend you to their backs. [Exit banquo. Farewell. 40 Let every man be master of his time Till seven at night.

To make society

And champion me to the utterance! Who's there? Re-enter Attendant, with

two murderers.

Till supper-time alone; while then,

you! [Exeunt Sirrah, a

[Exit Attendant.

Was it not yesterday we spoke together? 1st

Mur.

but macbeth, and an attendant.

word with you. Attend those men

Our pleasure? Atten. They are, my

lord,

without the palace

gate.

Macb. Bring them before

us.

[Exit

ATTENDANT.

To be thus

is

nothing;

But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature 50 Reigns that which would be fear'd. 'Tis much he dares; to that dauntless

temper of his mind,

He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour To act in safety. There is none but he Whose being I do

My Genius

is

fear; and,

rebuked,

under him,

as, it is said,

Mark Anton v's was bv

Caesar.

He

was, so please your Highness.

Well

Have you

consider 'd of my speeches?

now Know

then,

it was he in the times past which held you So under fortune, which you thought had been Our innocent self. This I made good to you In our last conference, pass'd in probation with

That

you,

So

How you were borne in hand, how cross'd, the instruments,

Who wrought with them, and all things else that might

Say "Thus did Banquo.'' 1 st

chid the

sisters

When first they put the name of king upon me,

You made

Mur.

it

known to us.

which is now Our point of second meeting. Do you find Your patience so predominant in your nature That you can let this go? Are you so gospell'd To pray for this good man and for his issue, Whose heavy hand hath bow'd you to the grave And beggar'd yours for ever? We are men, my liege, p/ istMur. Macb. Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men; As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels,

Macb.

all

It

Macb.

To half a soul and to a notion crazed

we will keep ourself God be with

sweeter welcome,

list,

Now go to the door, and stay there till we call.

will not.

Hie you to horse; adieu. night. Goes Fleance with you? return at you Till Ban. Ay, my good lord. Our time does call Craving us

And,

And bade them speak to him; then prophet-like They hail'd him father to a line of kings 60 Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,

We hear, our bloody cousins are be-

stow'd 50 In England and in Ireland, not confessing Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers With strange invention. But of that to-morrow, When therewithal we shall have cause of state

The

295

I

did so, and

went

further,

curs,

Shoughs, water-rugs and demi-wolves are clept All by the name of dogs; the valued file Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle.

The housekeeper,

the hunter, every one According to the gift which bounteous nature Hath in him closed, whereby he does receive Particular addition, from the bill 100 That writes them all alike; and so of men. Now, if you have a station in the file, Not i' the worst rank of manhood, say't;

MACBETH

296

And I will put that business in your bosoms, Whose execution takes your enemy off,

in his

I

am one, my

I

do 1st

reckless

liege,

what

Than by destruction dwell

And I

Mur.

another

tance,

That every minute of his being thrusts

my near'st of life;

and though

I

could

With barefaced power sweep him from my sight 120 And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not, friends that are both his and mine,

Whose loves I may not drop,

Who

but wail his

fall

myself struck down; and thence it is, That I to your assistance do make love, Masking the business from the common eye For sundry weighty reasons.

And something from the palace; always I

doubtful joy.

Of sorriest fancies your companions making, Using those thoughts which should indeed have died

require a clearness: and with

10

With them they think on? Things without all remedy Should be without regard; what's done is done. Macb. have scotch'd the snake, not kill'd it; She'll close and be herself, whilst our poor malice Remains in danger of her former tooth, But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer, Ere we will eat our meal in fear and sleep In the affliction of these terrible dreams That shake us nightly. Better be with the dead, Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to

We

peace,

I

Than on the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy.

After

We shall, my lord, 2nd Mur. Perform what you command us. Though our lives 1st Mur. Macb. Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at most I will advise you where to plant yourselves; Acquaint you with the perfect spy o' the time, /50 The moment on 't; for 't must be done to-night, That

in

How now, my lord! why do you keep alone,

So weary with disasters, tugg'd with fortune, That I would set my life on any chance, To mend it, or be rid on 't. Both of you Macb. Know Banquo was your enemy. True, my lord. Both Mur. Macb. So is he mine; and in such bloody dis-

For certain

thought

him

To leave no rubs nor botches in the work

life's fitful

Duncan is

fever he sleeps well;

Treason has done his worst; nor steel, nor poison, Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing, Can touch him further. Come on; Lady M. Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks; Be bright and jovial among your guests tonight.

Macb. So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you. Let your remembrance apply to Banquo; $o Present him eminence, both with eye and tongue. Unsafe the while, that we

Fleance his son, that keeps him company,

Must lave our honours

And make our faces vizards to our hearts,

Than

Disguising what they are.

his father's,

must embrace the

fate

LadyM.

Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart; come to you anon. We are resolved, Both Mur. Macb. I'll call upon you straight; abide

Macb. O,

I'll

concluded. Banquo, thy soul's

If it find heaven,

must

find it

Scene

flight,

out to-night. [Exit.

ii.

The palace

macbeth and a servant.

Lady M. Is Banquo gone from court? Serv. Ay, madam, but returns again to-night. Lady M. Say to the King, I would attend his leisure

You must leave this. full

of scorpions

is

my mind, dear

Thou know' st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives. 140

Lady M. But in them nature's copy's not eterne. Macb. There's comfort yet; they are assailable;

Then be thou jocund; His

Enter lady

in these flattering streams,

wife!

lord.

[Exeunt murderers.

within. It is

my

21

in his grave;

Whose absence is no less material to me is

[Exit.

Enter macbeth.

110

to spite the world.

Against

will.

Nought's had, all's spent, Where our desire is got without content. 'Tis safer to be that which we destroy

Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world Have so incensed that I am

I

Lady M.

death were perfect.

2nd Mur.

Madam,

Serv.

Grapples you to the heart and love of us, Who wear our health but sickly in his life,

Which

act in

For a few words.

ere the bat hath flown

cloister 'd flight, ere to black Hecate's

40 sum-

mons The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums night's yawning peal, there shall be done A deed of dreadful note. What's to be done? Lady M.

Hath rung

.

.

scene

,

MACBETH

ii

Macb. Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest

1st

chuck,

away, and say

let's

how much is

done.

Till thou applaud the deed.

Come,

Scene

crow Makes wing to the rooky wood;

hall in the palace

own

Macb. You know your

At

degrees;

sit

down.

first

And last the hearty welcome. Thanks to your Majesty. Macb. Our self will mingle with society, And play the humble host.

begin to droop and drowse;

Lords.

do

rouse. marvell'st at my words, but hold thee still; Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill. [Exeunt. So, prithee, go with me.

Thou

hi.

The same:

banquet prepared. Enter macbeth, lady Macbeth, ross, lennox, Lords, and Attendants.

50

night's black agents to their preys

Scene

iv.

A

Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale! Light thickens; and the

Good things of day

[Exeunt.

seeling night,

Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day; And with thy bloody and invisible hand

Whiles

297

Mur. Well,

Our hostess keeps

her state, but in best time

We will require her welcome. Lady M. Pronounce

it

for

me,

sir,

to

all

our

friends;

A park near the palace

For my heart speaks they are welcome.

Enter three murderers. first

Mur. But who did bid thee join with us? Macbeth. 3rd Mur. 2nd Mur. He needs not our mistrust, since he

murderer

appears at the door.

1st

Macb. See, they encounter thee with Both

delivers

Our offices and what we have to do

day;

Now spurs the lated traveller apace 3 rd

and near approaches

1st

Hark

!

I

Then 'tis he; the rest 2nd Mur. That are within the note of expectation i'

10

the court.

Mur. 3rd Mur. Almost

His horses go about. a mile; but he does usually, So all men do, from hence to the palace gate Make it their walk.

A light, a light!

Enter banquo, and fleance with a

3rd Mur. 1 st Mur. Stand Ban.

It will

torch.

'Tishe.

My

lord, his throat

is

cut; that

I

did

art the nonpareil.

Mur.

Fleance

is

Most royal 'scaped.

Macb. Then comes

my

fit

again.

I

sir,

20 had else been

perfect,

Whole as the marble, founded as the rock, As broad and general as the casing air; But now I am cabin'd, cribb'd, confined, bound in

To saucy doubts and fears. But Banquo's safe? istMur. Ay, my good lord; safe in a ditch he With twenty trenched gashes on his head; The least a death to nature. Macb. Thanks for that. There the grown serpent lies; the worm that's fled

fly!

Thou mayst revenge.

O slave! [Dies,

3rd Mur.

10

bides

to' t.

be rain to-night. Let

it come down. Mur. They set upon banquo. Ban. O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly,

1st

Mur.

Thou 1st

1st

2nd Mur.

the midst.

Macb. Thou art the best o' the cut-throats; yet he's good That did the like for Fleance. If thou didst it,

hear horses

Ban. [Within] Give us a light there, ho!

Already are

i'

in mirth;

for him.

subject of our watch.

Mur.

I'll sit

anon we'll drink a measure The table round. [Approaching the door.] There's blood upon thy face. istMur. 'Tis Banquo's then. Macb. 'Tis better thee without than he within. Is he dispatch'd?

Then stand with us 1 st Mur. The west yet glimmers with some- streaks of

The

sides are even; here

Be large

To the direction just.

To gain the timely inn;

their

hearts' thanks.

Hath nature that fleance

escapes.

Who did strike out the light?

Mur. Was't not the way? 3rd Mur. There's but one down; the son is fled. 20 2nd Mur. We have lost 1st

Best half of our

affair.

in

time will venom breed,

No teeth for the present. Get thee gone;

30

to-

morrow We'll hear, ourselves, again.

Lady M.

[Exit

murderer.

My royal lord,

You do not give the cheer. The feast is That is not often vouch' d, while

'tis

sold

a-making,

MACBETH

298 'Tis given with

welcome.

To feed were best at

home;

From thence the sauce to meat is ceremony; Meeting were bare without it. Sweet remembrancer! Macb. Now, good digestion wait on appetite, And health on both! May't please your Highness sit. Len.

The Ghost of Banquo enters, and sits

ACT

m

Lady M. What, quite unmann'd in folly? Macb. If I stand here, I saw him. Lady M. Fie, for shame! Macb. Blood hath been shed ere now, i' the olden time,

Ere humane statute purged the gentle weal; Ay, and since too, murders have been perform'd

Too terrible for the ear. The time has been when the brains were out, the man would

That, in

die,

Macbeth' s place.

And there an end but now they rise again, 80 With twenty mortal murders on their crowns, And push us from our stools. This is more strange ;

Macb. Here had roof d,

we now our country's honour 40

Were the graced person of our Banquo present; Who may I rather challenge for unkindness Than pity

for mischance!

His absence,

Ross.

Lays blame upon Highness

sir,

his promise. Please't

your

To grace us with your royal company. Macb. The

Than such a murder is.

My worthy lord, do lack you. Macb. I do forget. Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends; I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing To those that know me. Come, love and health Lady M. Your noble

table's full.

Here is

Len.

to a place reserved,

Then

sir.

Macb. Where? Len. Here, my good lord. What is't that moves your Highness? Macb. Which of you have done this? What, my good lord? Lords. Macb. Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake

I

Re-enter Ghost.

Macb. Avaunt! and quit my

Sit,

worthy

friends;

is

not well.

my lord is often

And hath been from his

youth. Pray you, keep

Lady M.

The fit is momentary; upon a thought He will again be well. If much you note him, You shall offend him and extend his passion.

But

Macb. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that

Which might appal the devil.

O proper stuff!

60

the very painting of your fear;

you said, O, these flaws and starts, Impostors to true fear, would well become A woman's story at a winter's fire, Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself! Why do you make such faces? When all's done, You look but on a stool. Macb. Prithee, see there! behold! look! lo! how say you? Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too. If charnel-houses and our graves must send 7/ Those that we bury back, our monuments [Ghost vanishes. Shall be the maws of kites. is

the air-drawn dagger which, to Duncan.

is

cold;

Think of this, good

as a thing

of custom;

'tis

peers,

no other.

Only it

Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man?

Led you

are marrowless, thy blood

Thou hast no speculation in those eyes Which thou dost glare with!

seat;

Lady M.

sight! let the earth

hide thee!

Thy bones

thus,

is

down. Give me some wine; fill full. o' the whole table, #9

drink to the general joy

50

Ross. Gentlemen, rise: his Highness

This This

all; I'll sit

And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss; Would he were here! to all, and him, we thirst, And all to all. Lords. Our duties, and the pledge.

Thy gory locks at me. Lady M.

friends

spoils the pleasure of the time. Macb. What man dare, I dare. Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear, 100 The arm'd rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan tiger; Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves

Or be alive again, And dare me to the desert with thy sword; Shall never tremble.

If trembling

I

inhabit then, protest

The baby of a girl. Hence,

me

horrible shadow!

Unreal mockery, hence!

[Ghost vanishes.

Why,

so; being gone,

am a man again. Pray you, sit still. Lady M. You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting, With most admired disorder. Can such things be, 110 Macb. And overcome us like a summer's cloud, Without our special wonder? You make me I

strange

Even to the disposition that

I

owe,

!

scene

MACBETH

iv

When now I think you can behold such sights,

299

And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks,

And I, the mistress of your charms, The close contriver of all harms,

When mine is blanch'd with fear.

Was never call'd to bear my part,

What sights, my lord?

Ross.

Lady M.

pray you, speak not; he grows worse and worse; Question enrages him. At once, good night. Stand not upon the order of your going, I

But go at once.

Good night; and better health 120 Len. Attend his Majesty! kind good night to all Lady M. [Exeunt all but macbeth and lady macbeth. Macb. It will have blood; they say, blood will

A

have blood.

known

move and

to

trees to

forth

is

at

odds with morning, which

How say'st thou, that Macduff denies his

10

son,

who, as others do, Loves for his own ends, not for you. But make amends now; get you gone, And at the pit of Acheron Meet me i' the morning; thither he Will come to know his destiny. Your vessels and your spells provide, Your charms and everything beside.

am

for the air; this night

Unto

I'll

spend

20

a dismal and a fatal end;

catch

ere

it

it

come to ground;

Shall raise such artificial sprites

Shall

draw him on to his

He shall spurn fate,

At our great bidding? Did you send to him, sir? by the way; but I will send. one of them but in his house it

There's not a I keep a servant fee'd. I will to-morrow, And betimes I will, to the weird sisters. More shall they speak; for now I am bent to

75/

know,

By

you have done

As by the strength of their illusion

person

Lady M. Macb. I hear

all

wayward

And that distill'd by magic sleights

which.

Macb.

for a

Spiteful and wrathful,

I'll

man of blood. What is the night?

Lady M. Almost

worse,

Great business must be wrought ere noon. Upon the corner of the moon There hangs a vaporous drop profound;

speak;

Augurs and understood relations have By magot-pies and choughs and rooks brought secret' st

is

Hath been but

I

Stones have been

The

Or show the glory of our art? And, which

the worst means, the worst. For

mine own

confusion.

scorn death, and bear

50

His hopes 'bove wisdom, grace and fear; And you all know, security Is mortals' chiefest enemy. Music and a song within: "Come away, come away," &c. Hark! I am call'd; my little spirit, see, Sits in a foggy cloud, and stays for me. [Exit. 1st Witch. Come, let's make haste; she'll soon be back again. [Exeunt.

good, All causes shall give way.

I

Scene

am in blood

I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er. Strange things I have in head, that will to hand; Which must be acted ere they may be scann'd. Lady M. You lack the season of all natures,

Enter

Stepp'd in so far that, should

sleep.

sleep.

My strange and

Is the initiate fear that

Scene

v.

Hecate! you look

Have I not reason, beldams

the right-valiant

marry, he was dead. Banquo walk'd too late;

say, if t please you, Fleance

kill'd,

For Fleance

angerly.

Hec.

say,

fled.

Men must not walk too late.

Who cannot want the thought how monstrous

Thunder. Enter the three witches, meeting hecate.

Why, how now,

I

Duncan

[Exeunt.

A Heath

only,

Was pitied of Macbeth; Whom, you may

wants hard use.

We are yet but young in deed.

Witch.

Which can interpret further;

Things have been strangely borne. The gracious

And

self-abuse

My former speeches have but hit your

thoughts,

141

Macb. Come, we'll to

1 st

Len.

vi. Forres: the palace

lennox and another lord.

as

you

Saucy and overbold? How did you dare To trade and traffic with Macbeth In riddles and affairs of death;

are,

It

was

for

Malcolm and

for Donalbain

To kill their gracious father? damned fact!

10

How it did grieve Macbeth! did he not straight In pious rage the two delinquents tear, That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep? Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too; For 'twould have anger'd any heart alive

To hear the men deny't. So that, I say,

MACBETH

300

He has borne all things well;

and I do think That had he Duncan's sons under his key As, an't please heaven, he shall not they should

—

But, peace! for from broad

so should Fleance. 20

words and 'cause he

His presence at the tyrant's feast, I hear Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell

Where he bestows himself? The son of Duncan, Lord. From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth, Lives in the English court, and

is

received

Of the most pious Edward with such grace That the malevolence of Fortune nothing Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff Is gone to pray the holy King, upon his aid 50 To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward; That, by the help of these with Him above

To ratify

the

work

— —we may again

and with an absolute "Sir,

not I,"

40

The cloudy messenger turns me his back, And hums, as who should say, "You'll rue the time clogs

me with this

All. Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.

ACT

of a fenny snake,

Wool of bat and tongue ofdog, Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg and howlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. All. Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. 3rd Witch. Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf, Witches' mummy, maw and gulf

Of the ravin'd

20

salt-sea shark,

Root of hemlock digg'd

i'

the dark,

Liver of blaspheming Jew, slips of yew moon's eclipse, Nose of Turk and Tartar's lips, Finger o f birth-strangled babe Ditch-deliver'd by a drab, Make the gruel thick and slab.

Gall of goat, and

For the ingredients of our cauldron. All. Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. 2nd Witch. Cool it with a baboon's blood, Then the charm is firm and good. Enter hecate

to the

1 st Witch. Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd. 2nd Witch. Thrice and once the hedge-pig

whined. 3rd Witch. Harpier cries; 'tis time, 'tis time. 1 st Witch. Round about the cauldron go; In the poison'd entrails throw. Toad, that under cold stone Days and nights has thirty -one Swelter'd venom sleeping got,

other

three witches.

commend your pains; i'

40

Like elves and fairies in a ring, Enchanting all that you put in. Music and a song: "Black spirits," &c. [hecate retires. 2nd Witch. By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes.

Open,

locks,

Whoever knocks!

IV

Thunder. Enter the three witches.

I

And every one shall share the gains. And now about the cauldron sing,

A cavern: in the middle, a boiling cauldron

3o

Add thereto a tiger's chaudron,

[Exeunt.

i.

Fillet

10

In the cauldron boil and bake;

Hec. O, well done!

answer."

And that well might Len. Advise him to a caution, to hold what distance His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel Fly to the court of England and unfold His message ere he come, that a swift blessing May soon return to this our suffering country Under a hand accursed! I'll send my prayers with him. Lord.

Scene

IV

the charmed pot.

Sliver'd in the

Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights, Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives, Do faithful homage, and receive free honours; All which we pine for now. And this report Hath so exasperate the King that he Prepares for some attempt of war. Sent he to Macduff? Len.

He did;

i'

Eye of newt and toe of frog,

fail'd

That

first

2nd Witch.

find

What 'twere to kill a father;

Lord.

ACT

Boil thou

Enter macbeth.

Macb.

How now, you secret, black, and mid-

night hags

What is't you do?

A deed without a name.

All.

Macb.

I

49

conjure you by that which you profess,

Howe'er you come to know it, answer me: Though you untie the winds and let them fight Against the churches; though the yesty waves Confound and swallow navigation up; Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown

down;

—

— scene

MACBETH

i

Though castles topple on their warders' Though palaces and pyramids do slope

And top of sovereignty?

heads;

care

treasure

60

Demand.

We'll answer. 1 st Witch. Say, if thou'dst rather hear it from our mouths, Or from our masters? Call 'em; let me see 'em. Macb. 1st Witch. Pour in sow's blood, that hath eaten Her nine farrow; grease that's sweaten From the murderer's gibbet throw Into the flame.

Thyself and office deftly show! Thunder, first apparition: an armed Head.

Macb. Tell me, thou unknown power 1st Witch. He knows thy thought. 70 istApp. Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! beware Macduff; Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough. [Descends.

Macb. Whate'er thou

art, for

thy good caution,

thanks;

against him.

[Descends.

That will never

Witch. Show! 2nd Witch. Show! 3rd Witch. Show! 1st

All.

Show his

so depart!

A show of eight kings, the last with a glass in Banquo's Ghost following.

art too like the spirit

of Banquo;

Thy crown does sear mine eye-balls. And thy

another,

hair,

Thou other gold-bound brow, Thunder, second apparition: a bloody Child.

2ndApp. Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! I

bold, and resolute; laugh

Another yet!

to scorn

The power of man,

for

none of woman born

80

harm Macbeth. [Descends. Macb. Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of

Shall

make assurance double sure, And take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live; I'll

That I may tell pale-hearted

fear

it lies,

And sleep in spite of thunder. Thunder, third apparition: a Child crowned, with a tree in his hand.

What is this of a king, baby-brow the round

like the issue

And wears upon his

like the first.

stretch out to the crack

A seventh!

I'll

see

of

no more.

And yet the eighth appears, who bears a glass Which shows me many more; and some I see That two-fold Horrible sight!

thee?

is

A third is like the former. Filthy hags! Why do you show me this? A fourth! Start, eyes! What, will the line doom?

three ears, I'd hear thee.

2ndApp. Be bloody,

That rises

no

eyes, and grieve his heart;

Come like shadows,

Macb. Thou down!

More potent than the first.

But yet

be.

Unfix his earth-bound root? Sweet bodements! good! Rebellion's head, rise never till the wood Of Birnam rise, and our high-pbced Macbeth Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart iqo Throbs to know one thing. Tell me, if your art Can tell so much shall Banquo's issue ever Reign in this kingdom? All. Seek to know no more. Macb. I will be satisfied; deny me this, And an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know. Why sinks that cauldron? and what noise is this?

his hand;

He will not be commanded. Here's

Macb. Had

hill

Who can impress the forest, bid the tree

my fear aright. But one word

more Witch.

come

Hautboys.

Hear his speech, but say thou nought.

1st

never vanquish'd be until

:

Come, high or low;

hast harp'd

shall

Macb.

3rd Witch.

Thou

Macbeth

Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane Shall

2nd Witch.

90

Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are.

Speak.

Witch.

't.

$rdApp. Be lion-mettled, proud; and take no

Of nature's germens tumble all together, Even till destruction sicken; answer me To what I ask you.

All.

Listen, but speak not to

All.

Their heads to their foundations; though the

1st

301

balls

120

and treble sceptres carry.

Now,

I see, 'tis

true;

For the blood-bolter'd Banquo smiles upon me,

And

them for his. [Apparitions vanish.] What, is this so? 1st Witch. Ay, sir, all this is so. But why Stands Macbeth thus amazedly? Come, sisters, cheer we up his sprites, And show the best of our delights. points at

I'll charm the air to give a sound, While you perform your antic round; That this great king may kindly say,

130

MACBETH

302

Our duties did his welcome pay.

Macb. Where cious hour

Her young ones

The witches

and then vanish, with hecate. are they? Gone? Let this perni-

[Music.

dance,

is

little is

Macb. Saw you the weird

So runs against

will?

sisters?

No,

my lord.

my lord, that bring you

My dearest coz, judicious, and best

the season.

knows

dare not speak

I

much

further;

But cruel are the times, when we are And do not know ourselves, when

mour From what we

fear,

yet

traitors

we

hold ru-

know not what we fear,

But float upon a wild and violent sea Each way and move. I take my leave of you;

21

Shall not be long but

Things

at the

I'll be here again. worst will cease, or else climb up-

To what they were before. My pretty cousin,

England.

Blessing upon you!

Fled to England

my good lord.

Macb. Time, thou

L. Macd. Father'd he

anticipatest

my dread ex-

Ross.

ploits;

It

The flighty purpose never is o'ertook

I

Unless the deed go with it. From this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand. And even now, To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought

That trace him

in his line.

I

would be my

take

and yet he's fatherless. should I stay longer, disgrace and your discomfort. is,

am so much a fool,

my leave at once.

L. Macd.

[Exit.

Sirrah,

your

father's dead;

And what will you do now? How Son. As birds do, mother.

No boasting like a

Son.

will

you

With what I

get, I

50

live?

What, with worms and

L. Macd.

and done. The castle of Macduff I will surprise; /yo Seize upon Fife; give to the edge o' the sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls

flies?

mean; and so do they.

L. Macd. Poor bird! thou'dst never fear the net nor lime,

The pitfall nor the gin. Son.

Why should I, mother? Poor birds they

are not set for.

fool;

This deed I'll do before this purpose cool. But no more sights! Where are these gentlemen? bring

me where they

My father

is not dead, for all your saying. L. Macd. Yes, he is dead. How wilt thou do for

a father?

[Exeunt.

are.

Son.

Scene

ii.

Fife: Macduff's castle

What had he done,

to

make him

yet,

He had none; was madness.

When our actions do

i'

you do

husband?

for a

me twenty at any

can buy

40

faith,

With wit enough Son.

for thee.

Was my father a traitor, mother?

L. Macd. Ay, that he was.

not,

Our fears do make us

Son.

traitors.

You know not

Ross.

Whether it was his wisdom or his fear. L. Macd. Wisdom! to leave his wife, to

Son.

fly?

He wants the natural touch;

The most diminutive of birds,

all traitors

that

do so?

and

10

a traitor, and

be hanged that swear

lie?

Son.

is

yo all

L. Macd. Every one.

poor wren,

will fight,

be

must be hanged. Son. And must they

He loves us not;

for the

And

L. Macd. Every one that does so

leave

his titles in a place

From whence himself does

What is a traitor? Why, one that swears and lies.

L. Macd.

his babes,

His mansion, and

I

Then you'll buy 'em to sell again. L. Macd. Thou speak'st with all thy wit; and

You must have patience, madam.

flight

will

Son.

fly

the land?

L. Macd.

Nay, how

L. Macd. Why, market.

Enter lady macduff, her son, and ross.

L. Macd.

His

reason.

all

ward fled to

Macb

Ross.

the love;

pray you, school yourself; but for your hus-

The fits o'

Macb. Came they not by you? No, indeed, my lord. Len. Macb. Infected be the air whereon they ride; And damn'd all those that trust them! I did hear The galloping of horse; who was't came by? 140

Come,

is

the wisdom, where the flight

band,

Len.

two or three,

IV

in her nest, against the owl.

the fear and nothing

He is noble, wise,

What's your Grace's

Len.

Len. Ay,

As

I

Enter lennox.

word Macduff is

All

Ross.

Stand aye accursed in the calendar! Come in, without there!

Len. 'Tis

ACT

Who must hang them?

!

scene

MACBETH

ii

Why, the honest men.

L. Macd. Son.

Then

the liars and swearers are fools, for

there are liars and swearers

enow

to beat the

men and hang up them. Now, God help thee, poor monkey! 60 But how wilt thou do for a father? Son. If he were dead, you'd weep for him; if honest

L. Macd.

you would

not,

it

were

new

quickly have a

a

good sign that

I

should

father.

L. Macd. Poor prattler,

303

Strike heaven on the face, that

it

resounds

As

if it felt with Scotland and yell'd out Like syllable of dolour. What I believe I'll wail, Mai. What know believe, and what I can redress, As I shall find the time to friend, I will. 10 What you have spoke, it may be so perchance. This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, Was once thought honest; you have loved him

how thou talk'st!

well.

He hath not touch'd you yet. I am young; Enter a messenger. fair dame! I am not to you known, Though in your state of honour I am perfect. I doubt some danger does approach you nearly. If you will take a homely man's advice, Be not found here; hence, with your little ones. To fright you thus, methinks, I am too savage; jo To do worse to you were fell cruelty, Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve

Mess. Bless you,

You may deserve of him through me, and wisdom

To offer up a weak poor innocent lamb To appease an angry god. Macd. I am not treacherous. Mai. But Macbeth A good and virtuous nature may recoil In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your

[Exit.

Mur.

Son. 1 st

doubts.

Why in that rawness left you wife and child, love,

Thou

80

hope, in no place so unsanctified

thou mayst find him. He's a traitor. liest, thou shag-hair'd villain! as

Mur.

What, you egg

!

Stabbing him.

Young fry of treachery

Run away, I pray you! [Exit

Scene

[Dies.

lady macduff, crying "Murder!" Exeunt murderers, following her.

in.

England: before the King' s palace

malcolm and macduff.

Mai. Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there

Weep our sad bosoms empty. Macd.

Let us rather mortal sword, and like good men Bestride our down-fall'n birthdom Each new morn New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorfast the

.

rows

I pray you, Let not my jealousies be your dishonours, But mine own safeties. You may be rightly

Whatever

I

29 just,

shall think.

Bleed, bleed, poor country! Macd. Great tyranny! lay thou thy basis sure, For goodness dare not check thee. Wear thou thy wrongs; affeer'd!

Fare thee well, lord.

would not be the villain that thou think'st For the whole space that's in the tyrant's grasp, I

And the rich East to boot. Mai. Be not offended. speak not as in absolute fear of you. I think our country sinks beneath the yoke; It weeps, it bleeds; and each new day a gash Is added to her wounds. I think withal There would be hands uplifted in my right; And here from gracious England have I offer Of goodly thousands. But, for all this, I

Enter

Hold

Without leave-taking?

The title is

He has kill'd me, mother.

Son.

fell.

Those precious motives, those strong knots of

Mur. Where is your husband?

Where such

though the brightest

would wear the brows of

grace,

What are these faces? I

still,

things foul

all

Yet grace must still look so. I have lost my hopes. Macd. Mai. Perchance even there where I did find my

Enter murderers.

L. Macd.

Angels are bright

Though

Whither should I fly? I have done no harm. But I remember now I am in this earthly world; where to do harm Is often laudable, to do good sometime Accounted dangerous folly. Why then, alas, Do I put up that womanly defence, To say I have done no harm? L. Macd.

1 st

20

pardon; pose.

dare abide no longer.

1st

is.

That which you are my thoughts cannot trans-

you! I

but

something

When I shall tread upon the tyrant's head, Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country Shall have

more vices than

it

had before,

More suffer and more sundry ways than ever,

40

MACBETH

30 4

By him that shall succeed. Macd. Mai. It

What should he be? jo is myself I mean; in whom I know

All the particulars of vice so grafted That, when they shall be open'd, black Macbeth Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state Esteem him as a lamb, being compared

ACT

In the division of each several crime, Acting it many ways. Nay, had I power, Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell, Uproar the universal peace, confound

I

Macd. O Scotland, Scotland! Mai. If such a one be fit to govern, speak. I am as I have spoken. Macd. Fit to govern

No, not to

In evils to top Macbeth.

With an untitled tyrant bloody-scepter'd,

Mai.

I

By his own interdiction stands accursed, And does blaspheme his breed? Thy royal

Was a most sainted king;

father

the queen that bore

thee,

ters,

Your matrons, and your maids, could not

fill

up

The cistern of my lust, and my desire All continent impediments would o'erbear

That did oppose my

Boundless intemperance

Macd. In nature

is

a tyranny;

it

hath been

The untimely emptying of the happy throne And fall of many kings. But fear not yet To take upon you what is yours you may ;

Convey your pleasures

And yet seem cold,

you may so hood-

We

A stanchless avarice that, were

I

80

And my more-having would be as a sauce To make me hunger more; that I should forge Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal, Destroying them for wealth.

This avarice

grows with more pernicious root Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been The sword of our slain kings. Yet do not fear; Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will, Of your mere own. All these are portable, With other graces weigh'd. 90 Mai. But

I

have none.

laid

upon myself,

never was forsworn, faith,

would not betray

fellow, and delight

No less in truth than life. My first false speaking Was this upon myself; what I am truly, 131 Is thine and my poor country's to command. Whither indeed, before thy here-approach, Old Siward, with ten thousand warlike men, Already at a point, was setting forth.

Now we'll together;

and the chance of goodness

Be like our warranted quarrel!

Why are you

silent?

Macd. Such welcome and unwelcome things once

at

'Tis hard to reconcile.

The king-becoming

Enter a doctor.

graces,

As justice, verity, temperance, stableness, Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude, I have no relish of them, but abound

I

my nature. I am yet

At no time broke my

The devil to his

I

Sticks deeper,

detraction, here abjure

Scarcely have coveted what was mine own,

king,

should cut off the nobles for their lands, Desire his jewels and this other's house;

Macbeth

put myself to thy direction, and

Unspeak mine own

Unknown to woman,

With this there grows

my most ill-composed affection such

Macd.

I

For strangers to

so inclined.

Devilish

By many of these trains hath sought to win me Into his power, and modest wisdom plucks me From over-credulous haste. But God above 120 Deal between thee and me! for even now

The taints and blames

will to greatness dedicate themselves,

Mai.

Mai. Macduff, this noble passion, Child of integrity, hath from my soul

To thy good truth and honour. 70

wink. have willing dames enough; there cannot be That vulture in you, to devour so many it

no

Wiped the black scruples, reconciled my thoughts

in a spacious plenty,

the time

Oftener upon her knees than on her feet, Died every day she lived. Fare thee well! These evils thou repeat'st upon thyself

Have banish'd me from Scotland. O my breast, Thy hope ends here!

Macbeth

will. Better

Than such an one to reign.

In

O nation miserable,

live.

Since that the truest issue of thy throne

Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin a name; but there's no bottom, none, 60 In my voluptuousness. Your wives, your daugh-

Finding

100

When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again,

grant him bloody,

false, deceitful,

That has

As

should

All unity on earth.

With my confineless harms. Not in the legions Macd. Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd

Luxurious, avaricious,

IV

Mai. Well; more anon. I pray you? Doct.

Ay,

sir;

That stay his

—Comes the King

forth,

140 there are a crew of wretched souls

cure. Their

malady convinces

—— scene

o

:

MACBETH

in

The great assay of art;

305

Macd. The tyrant has not batter'd

but at his touch Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand They presently amend.

at their

peace?

No; they were well

Ross.

I thank you, doctor. Mai. [Exit doctor. Macd. What's the disease he means? 'Tis call'd the evil Mai. A most miraculous work in this good king; Which often, since my here-remain in England, I have seen him do. How he solicits Heaven,

Himself best knows; but strangely- visited people,

All swoln and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye,

i$i

at

peace

when I

did

leave 'em.

Macd. Be not

a niggard

of your speech;

how 180

goes't?

When I came hither to transport the tid-

Ross.

ings,

Which I have heavily borne, there ran a rumour Of many worthy fellows that were out; Which was to my belief witness 'd the rather, For that

I

saw the tyrant's power

a-foot.

The mere despair of surgery, he cures,

Now is the time of help; your eye in Scotland

Hanging a golden stamp about their necks, Put on with holy prayers. And 'tis spoken,

To doff their dire distresses.

Would create soldiers, make our women fight,

To the succeeding royalty he leaves The healing benediction. With this

Mai. strange vir-

Be't their comfort

We are coming thither. Gracious England hath Lent us good Siward and ten thousand men

tue,

;

19

He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy,

An older and a better soldier none

And sundry blessings hang about his throne

That Christendom gives

That speak him

Would I could answer This comfort with the like! But I have words That would be howl'd out in the desert air, Where hearing should not latch them. Macd. What concern they?

full

of grace.

Enter ross. See, who comes here? Macd. Mai. My countryman; but yet I know him not.

1

60

Macd. My ever-gentle cousin, welcome hither. Mai. I know him now. Good God, betimes re-

move The means

makes us

Sir,

Macd. Stands Scotland where

it

amen.

Alas, poor country!

Ross.

who knows nothing, is once seen to smile; Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rend the But

air

Are made, not mark'd; where violent sorrow seems

A modern ecstasy. The dead man's knell there scarce ask'd for

170

who; and good men's

lives

Expire before the flowers in their caps,

Dying or ere they Macd.

sicken.

O,

relation

Too nice, and yet too true! What's the newest grief? That of an hour's age doth hiss the speak-

Each minute teems a new one. How does Macd.

Why,

Macd. Ross.

shares

you

No mind that's honest some woe; though the main part alone.

Macd.

I f it

be mine,

Ross. Let not

your ears despise my tongue for

ever,

Which shall possess them with the heaviest That ever yet they heard. Macd. Hum! I guess at it. Ross. Your castle is surprised; your wife and babes Savagely slaughter'd. To relate the manner Were, on the quarry of these murder'd deer, To add the death of you. Mai. Merciful heaven! What, man! ne'er pull your hat upon your brows; Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak Whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break.

Macd. Ross.

My children too? Wife, children, servants,

all

211

That could be found.

er;

Ross.

it

sound

ing'

Ross.

in

Keep it not from me, quickly let me have it. 200

did?

Almost afraid to know itself. It cannot Be call'd our mother, but our grave; where noth-

Mai.

Ross.

Pertains to

strangers!

Ross.

Is

The general cause? or is it a fee-grief Due to some single breast? But

that

out.

Ross.

And I must be from thence!

Macd.

my wife?

My wife kill'd too? Ross.

well.

And all my children? Well too.

Mai. Let's

I

have

said.

Be comforted.

make us medicines of our great revenge

MACBETH

306

To cure this deadly grief. Macd. He has no children.

my pretty ones?

Gent. Neither to

witness to confirm

on,

And would not take their part? Sinful Macduff, They were all struck for thee! naught that I am, Not for their own demerits, but for mine, souls.

Heaven

them

rest

now! Mai. Be

whetstone of your sword;

heavens, all

intermission; front to front

Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself; Within my sword's length set him; if he 'scape, forgive

him too!

Mai.

This tune goes manly.

Come, go we to the King; our power is ready; Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth

may;

Lo

long that never finds the day.

240

[Exeunt.

ACT V

my

woman.

paper, fold

it,

write upon't, read

it,

and again return to bed; yet

afterwards

all this

fast sleep.

A great perturbation in nature,

while 9

to receive

once the benefit of sleep, and do the effects of watching! In this slumbery agitation, besides her walking and other actual performances, what, at any time, have you heard her say? Gent. That, sir, which I will not report after her. at

her very guise;

Observe her;

Doct.

How came she by that light?

Gent.

Why,

continually;

it

'tis

stood by her. She has light by her her command.

Doct.

You see,

Gent.

Ay, but their sense

Doct.

What

her eyes are open.

is it

is

she does

shut.

now? Look, how she 5/

an accustomed action with her, to seem thus washing her hands. I have known her continue in this a quarter of an hour. is

Lady M. Yet here's a spot. Doct. Hark! she speaks. I will set down what comes from her, to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly. Lady M. Out, damned spot! out, I say! One; two. Why, then 'tis time to do't. Hell is murky! Fie, my lord, fie! a soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account? Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood

Doct.

Lady

Do you mark that? M. The thane of Fife

had a wife.

Where

now? What, will these hands ne'er be clean? No more o' that, my lord, no more o' that! You mar all with this starting. 50 Doct. Go to, go to; you have known what you she

what she should not, I am Heaven knows what she has known.

Gent. She has spoke

sure of that.

Lady M. Here's the smell of the blood

still.

All

the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this

Doct. I have two nights watched with you, but can perceive no truth in your report. When was it she last walked? Gent. Since his Majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth

most

is

asleep.

fast

life,

taper.

stand close.

.

Doct.

21

should not.

Scene i Dunsinane: ante-room in the castle Enter a doctor of physic and a waiting-gentle-

in a

you nor any one; having no

my speech.

you, here she comes! This

and, upon

is

The night is

it,

most meet you

in him.

and the powers above Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you Is ripe for shaking,

seal

'tis

Enter lady macbeth, with a

Gent. It

let

grief

Heaven

me; and

rubs her hands. this the

Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it. Macd. O, I could play the woman with mine eyes 250 And braggart with my tongue! But, gentle

Cut short

to

should.

Mai. Dispute it like a man. I shall do so; 220 Macd. But I must also feel it as a man. I cannot but remember such things were, That were most precious to me. Did heaven look

on their

You may

Doct.

All

Did you say all? O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam At one fell swoop?

Fell slaughter

actv

little

hand. Oh, oh, oh!

Doct.

WTiat a sigh

is

there!

The

heart

charged.

is

sorely

60

would not have such a heart in my bosom for the dignity of the whole body. Gent.

I

Doct. Well, well, well

Gent. Pray

God it be,

sir.

beyond my practice. Yet I have known those which have walked in their Doct.

sleep

This disease

is

who have died holily in their beds.

Lady M. Wash your hands, put on your nightgown; look not so pale. I tell you yet again, Banquo's buried; he cannot come out on's grave. Doct. Even so? Lady M. To bed,

72 to bed! there's knocking at

..

SCENE

—

!

MACBETH

I

Come, come, come, come, give me your hand. What's done cannot be undone. To bed, to the gate.

bed, to bed Doct.

Each drop of us.

Or so much as

Len.

[Exit.

Will she go

307

And with him pour we in our country's purge it

needs,

To dew the sovereign flower and drown the

now to bed?

weeds.

Gent. Directly.

50

Make we our march towards Birnam.

Doct. Foul whisperings are abroad. Unnatural

[Exeunt, marching.

deeds

Do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds 80 To their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.

Scene

More needs

Enter macbeth, doctor, and Attendants.

she the divine than the physician.

Macb. Bring me no more reports;

God, God forgive us all! Look after her; Remove from her the means of all annoyance, And still keep eyes upon her. So, good night. My mind she has mated, and amazed my sight. I

let

castle

them

Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane, cannot taint with fear. What's the boy Malcolm? Was he not born of woman? The spirits that

Till I

Good night, good doctor.

know

[Exeunt.

All mortal consequences have pronounced

Scene

ii.

The country near Dunsinane

Caithness, angus, lennox, and Soldiers.

Ment. The English power is near, led on by Malcolm, His uncle Si ward, and the good Macduff. Revenges burn in them; for their dear causes Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm Excite the mortified man. Shall

power upon thee." Then

that

And mingle with the English epicures. The mind I sway by and the heart I bear Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear. 10

Enter a servant.

way are they

The devil damn thee black,

Len. For certain,

he

sir,

is

not;

I

have a

Of all the gentry. There is Siward's

Where got'st thou that goose look? Serv. There Macb.

file

Protest their

first

10

What does the tyrant?

Great Dunsinane he strongly fortifies. Some say he's mad; others that lesser hate him Caith.

Do call it valiant fury; but, for certain, He cannot buckle his distemper'd cause belt

Upon a dwarfish thief.

Who then shall blame that

is

Macb.

Go prick thy face,

Death of thy

Are

start,

within him does condemn

Itself for being there? Caith. Well, march we on, To give obedience where 'tis truly owed. Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal,

villain?

and over-red thy

soul! those linen

counsellors to fear.

fear,

patch?

cheeks of thine

What soldiers, whey-

face?

Serv.

The English

force, so please you.

Macb. Take thy face hence. Seyton!

Now does he feel His secret murders sticking on his hands; Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach; Those he commands move only in command, Nothing in love; now does he feel his title 20 Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe Ment

Geese,

Soldiers, sir.

of rule.

His pester'd senses to recoil and

ten thousand

Thou lily-liver'd boy. What soldiers,

of manhood.

Ment

is

Serv.

son,

And many unrough youths that even now

all

thou cream-faced

loon!

Who knows if Donalbain be with his

Within the Ang.

fly, false

thanes,

brother?

WTien

woman Shall e'er have

coming. Caith.

"Fear not, Macbeth; no man that's born of

Near Birnam wood

we well meet them;

me

thus:

Drum and colours. Enter menteith,

Ang.

fly

all.

think, but dare not speak.

Gent.

Dunsinane: a room in the

hi.

When I

—

—

[Exit servant. I

am sick at heart,

—

behold Seyton, I say! This push 20 Will cheer me ever, or disseat me now. I have lived long enough; my way of life Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf; And that which should accompany old age, As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, I must not look to have; but, in their stead, Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.

Seyton! Enter seyton. Sey.

What is your gracious pleasure?

MACBETH

3 o8

What news more?

Macb. Sey. All

is

confirm'd,

50

my lord, which was re-

ported.

Macb.

I'll

fight

till

from my bones

my flesh be

hack'd.

Give me my armour. 'Tis not needed yet. Macb. I'll put it on. Send out more horses; skirr the country round; Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine armour. How does your patient, doctor? Sey.

Not

Doct.

As

she

is

my lord.

so sick,

ACT V

Ment. The wood of Birnam. Mai. Let every soldier hew him down a bough And bear't before him; thereby shall we shadow The numbers of our host and make discovery Err in report of us. Soldiers. It shall be done. Siiv. learn no other but the confident tyrant Keeps still in Dunsinane, and will endure

We

Our setting down before 't. Mai. 'Tis his main hope; 10 For where there is advantage to be given, Both more and less have given him the revolt, And none serve with him but constrained things

Whose hearts

troubled with thick-coming fancies,

are absent too.

Macd. Let our just censures Attend the true event, and put we on

That keep her from her rest. Cure her of that Macb Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,

40 Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow, Raze out the written troubles of the brain, And with some sweet oblivious antidote Cleanse the stuff'd bosom of that perilous stuff Which weighs upon the heart? Therein the patient Doct.

Industrious soldiership.

The time approaches with due decision make us know What we shall say we have and what we owe. Thoughts speculative their unsure hopes relate, But certain issue strokes must arbitrate; 20 Towards which advance the war. Siiv.

That

will

Must minister to himself. Macb.

[Exeunt, marching.

Throw physic to the dogs;

I'll

none of

Scene

v.

Dunsinane: ivithin the castle

it.

Come, put mine armour on; give me my

Enter macbeth, seyton, and Soldiers, ivith

staff.

drum and colours.

Seyton, send out. Doctor, the thanes fly from

me.

Come,

49 sir,

dispatch. If thou couldst, doctor, cast

The water of my land, find her disease, And purge it to a sound and pristine health, I would applaud thee to the very echo, That should applaud again. Pull't off, I say. What rhubarb, senna, or what purgative drug,

—

Would scour these English hence?

Hear'st thou

Ay,

Doct.

walls;

The cry is

still

"They come." Our castle's

strength

Will laugh a siege to scorn; here let them lie and the ague eat them up. Were they not forced with those that should be

Till famine

ours,

We might have met them dareful, beard to beard,

of them?

Makes

Macb. Hang out our banners on the outward

my good lord;

your royal preparation

And beat them backward home.

A cry of ivomen ivithin.

us hear something.

What is that noise?

Macb.

Bring it after me. I will not be afraid of death and bane, Till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane. 60 Doct. [Aside]

Were I

from Dunsinane away and

clear,

Profit again should hardly

draw me here. [Exeunt.

Scene

iv.

Country near Birnam mood

Drum

and colours. Enter malcolm, old siward and his son, macduff, menteith, Caithness, angus, lennox, ross, and Soldiers,

Sey. It

is

Macb.

I

my good lord. [Exit.

have almost forgot the taste of fears. The time has been, my senses would have cool'd // To hear a night-shriek; and my fell of hair Would at a dismal treatise rouse and stir As life were in 't. I have supp'd full with horrors; Direness, familiar to

Cannot once

start

my slaughterous thoughts,

me.

Re-enter seyton.

marching.

WTierefore was that cry?

Mai. Cousins, I hope the days are near at hand That chambers will be safe. Ment. doubt it nothing.

We

Siiv.

the cry of women,

What wood is this before us?

Sey.

The Queen, my lord,

is

dead.

Macb. She should have died hereafter: There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,

MACBETH

SCENE V Creeps

in this petty

To the last syllable of recorded time,

all

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Make all our trumpets

Macd.

20

pace from day to day

309 speak; give

them

breath

p

Those clamorous harbingers of blood and death. [Exeunt.

walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Life's but a

Scene

vii.

Another part of the field

Alarums. Enter macbeth.

Macb. They have

Signifying nothing.

tied

me to a stake;

I

cannot

fly, I must fight the course. What's he That was not born of woman? Such a one

But, bear-like,

Enter a messenger.

Thou comest to use thy

Am

tongue; thy story

I

to fear, or none.

quickly.

Mess. Gracious I

my lord,

should report that which

But know not Macb.

I

say

I

saw,

Yo. Siiv.

how to do it.

say, a

name Than any

is

The devil himself could not pronounce

a title

More hateful to mine ear. Yo. Siiv.

Thou

liest,

No, nor more fearful. abhorred tyrant; with my

sword 40

me as much.

and begin To doubt the equivocation of the fiend That lies like truth: "Fear not, till Birnam wood Do come to Dunsinane"; and now a wood Comes toward Dunsinane. Arm, arm, and out! If this which he avouches does appear, There is nor flying hence nor tarrying here. I gin to be aweary of the sun, And wish the estate o' the world were now unpull in resolution,

done,

yo Ring the alarum-bell! Blow, wind! come, wrack! At least we'll die with harness on our back. [Exeunt.

it.

thyself a hotter

in hell.

Macb.

care not if thou dost for

call'st

My name's Macbeth.

Yo. Siiv.

Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive,

I

No; though thou

Macb.

If thou speak'st false,

Till famine cling thee. If thy speech be sooth, I

Thou'lt be afraid to hear

Yo. Siiv.

moving grove.

Macb.

What is thy name?

Macb.

Well, say, sir. Mess. As I did stand my watch upon the hill, I look'd toward Birnam, and anon, methought, The wood began to move. Liar and slave! Macb. Mess. Let me endure your wrath, if 't be not so. Within this three mile may you see it coming; I

Enter young siward.

30

I'll

10

prove the

lie

thou speak'st.

They fight and young siward is slain. Macb. Thou wast born of woman. But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn, Brandish'd by man that's of a woman born. [Exit.

Alarums. Enter macduff.

Macd. That way the noise

is.

Tyrant, show thy

face!

If thou be'st slain and with

no stroke of mine,

My wife and children's ghosts will haunt me still.

cannot strike at wretched kerns, whose arms Are hired to bear their staves. Either thou, MacI

beth,

Scene

Drum

and

vi.

Dunsinane: before the

colours.

macduff, and Mai.

castle

Enter malcolm, old siward, their Army, with boughs.

Now near enough. Your leavy screens

throw down,

Or else my sword with an unbatter'd edge I

sheathe again undeeded. There thou shouldst

Seems

And show like those you are. You, worthy

20

be;

By this great clatter, one of greatest note bruited. Let

And more I

me find him,

beg not.

fortune! [Exit.

Alarums.

uncle, Shall,

with

Enter

my cousin, your right-noble son,

Worthy Macduff and we upon 's what else remains to do, According to our order. Siiv. Fare you well. Do we but find the tyrant's power to-night, Lead our

first battle.

Shall take

Let us be beaten,

if

we cannot fight.

Siiv.

malcolm and old siward.

This way,

my lord;

the castle's gently

render'd.

The tyrant's people on both sides do fight; The noble thanes do bravely in the war; The day almost itself professes yours, And little is to do.

MACBETH

Jio

We

Mai.

That

have met with foes

Mai.

strike beside us. sir,

the castle. [Exeunt. Alarums.

Scene

viii.

Another part oj the field

Enter macbeth.

Macb.

Why should

I

play the

Roman fool,

whiles

see lives, the

and

die

On mine own sword?

I

Enter macduff.

Turn, hell-hound, turn! Macd. Macb. Of all men else I have avoided thee. But get thee back; my soul is too much charged With blood of thine already. I have no words Macd.

My voice is in my sword. Thou Than terms can give thee out!

bloodier villain

Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's

And live to be the show and gaze o'

the time!

our rarer monsters Painted upon a pole, and underwrit, as

are,

see the tyrant." I

will not yield,

To kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet And to be baited with the rabble's

curse.

Though Birnam wood be come to Dunsinane, 50 being of no woman born, Yet I will try the last. Before my body I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff, And damn'd be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!" [Exeunt, fighting. Alarums.

And thou opposed,

with drum and colours, malcolm, old siward, ross, the other Thanes,

Retreat. Flourish. Enter,

Your cause

his knell is knoll'd.

He's worth more sorrow,

Mai.

jo

And that I'll spend for him. He's worth no more.

Siw.

They say he parted well, and paid his score; And so, God be with him! Here comes newer comfort. Re-enter

macduff, with macbeth's

Macd. Hail, King! for so thou where stands

womb

Untimely ripp'd. Macb. Accursed be that tongue that tells me so, For it hath cow'd my better part of man! And be these juggling fiends no more believed That palter with us in a double sense; 20 That keep the word of promise to our ear, And break it to our hope. I'll not fight with thee. Macd. Then yield thee, coward,

field.

of sorrow Must not be measured by his worth, for then It hath no end. Had he his hurts before? Siw. Ross. Ay, on the front. Why then, God's soldier be he! Siw. Had I as many sons as I have hairs, I would not wish them to a fairer death.

And let the angel whom thou still hast served

Macb.

Ay, and brought off the

And so,

They fight. Thou losest labour. Macb. As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed. // Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests I bear a charmed life, which must not yield To one of woman born. Despair thy charm; Macd.

and Soldiers.

we miss were safe

Then he is dead?

Siw. Ross.

Do better upon them.

We'll have thee,

friends

Siw. Some must go off; and yet, by these I see, So great a day as this is cheaply bought. Mai. Macduff is missing, and your noble son. Ross. Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt. He only lived but till he was a man; 40 The which no sooner had his prowess confirm'd In the unshrinking station where he fought, But like a man he died.

gashes

"Here may you

would the

arrived.

Enter,

Siw.

ACT V I

The usurper's I

cursed head.

art.

head.

Behold,

The time is

free.

see thee compass'd with thy kingdom's pearl,

That speak my

salutation in their minds;

Whose voices

desire aloud with mine:

Hail, All.

I

King of Scotland! Hail, King of Scotland!

[Flourish.

We

shall not spend a large expense of Mai. 60 time Before we reckon with your several loves, And make us even with you. My thanes and kinsmen, Henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland In such an honour named. What's more to do, Which would be planted newly with the time, As calling home our exiled friends abroad That fled the snares of watchful tyranny; Producing forth the cruel ministers Of this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen, Who, as 'tis thought, by self and violent hands 70 Took off her life; this, and what needful else That calls upon us, by the grace of Grace, will perform in measure, time and place. So, thanks to all at once and to each one, Whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone.

We

[Flourish. Exeunt.

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA

**

DRAMATIS PERSONA Mark Antony octavius c/esar M. ^milius Lepidus Sextus Pompeius Domitius Enobarbus Ventidius Eros SCARUS Dercetas Demetrius Philo

Alexas Mardian, Seleucus DlOMEDES

triumvirs

friends

to

Five Messengers

Antony

An Egyptian Two Servants

to Pompey Captain of Antony's army Four Soldiers of Antony s army Four Soldiers of Ccesar s army

A

Two Guards

Varrius Taurus,

to

Cleopatra

Three Guards

friends to Ccesar

Two

of Antony s army Attendants on Antony Attendant on Cleopatra

One

Thyreus Gallus Menas Menecrates

attendants on Cleopatra

A Soothsayer A Clown

Meoenas Agrippa dolabella Proculeius

a eunuch

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt friends

to

Oct avi a,

Pompey

lieutenant-general to Ccesar

Canidius, lieutenant-general

to

Non-Speaking:

Antony

to

Antony

attendants on Cleopatra Officers, Soldiers,

Guards, Servitors,

and Attendants

1

army Euphronius, an ambassador from Antony

and wife

sister to Ccesar

i

Silius, an officer in ventidius

Scene

Ccesar

to

:

In several parts of the

Roman Empire

Deum." So she parted, And with the same full state paced back again

Grif. Yes, madam; but I think your Grace, Out of the pain you suffer'd, gave no ear to't.

To York Place, where the feast is held. ist

Gent.

You must no more

Sir,

call it

For, since the Cardinal 'Tis

York

fell,

Place, that's past;

that title's lost.

now the King's, and call'd Whitehall. I know it;

3rd Gent.

Kath. Prithee, good Griffith,

tell

me how

he

died.

If well, he stepp'd before

For

me, happily

10

my example.

Well, the voice goes, madam. Northumberland Arrested him at York, and brought him forward, Grif.

For

As

after the stout Earl

a

man

sorely tainted, to his answer.

He fell sick suddenly, and grew so ill He could not sit his mule. Kath.

Alas, poor man!

KING HENRY

576

At

Grif.

last,

And

with easy roads, he came to

And,

Leicester,

Lodged

With

in the

all

VIII

abbey; where the reverend abbot, honourably received him; 19

found the blessedness of being little. to add greater honours to his age

Than man

his covent,

ACT IV

could give him, he died fearing God. my death I wish no other herald,

Kath. After

To whom he gave these words, "O, father abbot, An old man, broken with the storms of state,

No other speaker of my living actions, To keep mine honour from corruption,

Is come to lay his weary bones among ye; Give him a little earth for charity!" So went to bed, where eagerly his sickness Pursued him still; and, three nights after this, About the hour of eight, which he himself

But such an honest chronicler as Griffith. I most hated living, thou hast made me, With thy religious truth and modesty, Now in his ashes honour. Peace be with him! Patience, be near me still; and set me lower. I have not long to trouble thee. Good Griffith,

Foretold should be his

last, full

Whom

of repentance,

Cause the musicians play me

Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows,

He gave his honours to the world again,

29

His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace. Kath. So may he rest; his faults lie gently on him!

Yet thus

far, Griffith,

And yet with

charity.

me leave to speak him, He was a man

Noble madam,

Grif.

manners

live in brass; their virtues

We write in water. May

it

please your High-

To hear me speak his good now? Yes, good Griffith;

Kath.

were malicious

This Cardinal,

Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly 49 Was fashion'd to much honour from his cradle. He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one; Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading; Lofty and sour to them that loved him not; But to those men that sought him sweet as summer. And though he were unsatisfied in getting,

Which was

madam, Ever witness for him

a sin, yet in bestowing,

He was most princely.

meditating

Sad and solemn music. Grif. She is asleep; good wench,

80 let's sit

down

quiet,

For

we wake her.

fear

Softly, gentle Patience.

The

vision. Enter, solemnly tripping one after an-

other, six personages, clad in

on

white robes, wearing

their heads garlands of bays,

and golden viz-

ards on their faces; branches of bays or palm in their hands. They first congee unto her, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare

garland over her head; at which the other four

make

reverent curtsies; then the two that held the

garland deliver the same

who

the other next two,

to

ing the garland over her head: which done, they deliver the

same garland

to the last

two,

who

wise observe the same order: at which, as inspiration, she

rejoicing,

makes

it

like-

were

in her sleep signs

and holdeth up her hands

to

of heaven: and

so in their dancing vanish, carrying the garland

with them. The music continues.

else.

Grif.

that sad note

I sit

On that celestial harmony I go to.

by

ness

I

knell, whilst

observe the same order in their changes, and hold-

The clergy ill example. evil

named my

ever ranking

Himself with princes; one that, by suggestion, Tied all the kingdom. Simony was fair-play; His own opinion was his law; i' the presence He would say untruths; and be ever double Both in his words and meaning. He was never, But where he meant to ruin, pitiful. 40 His promises were, as he then was, mighty; But his performance, as he is now, nothing. Of his own body he was ill, and gave

Men's

I

give

Of an unbounded stomach,

jo

Those twins of learning

that he raised in you, Ipswich and Oxford! one of which fell with him, Unwilling to outlive the good that did it; 60 The other, though unfinish'd, yet so famous, So excellent in art, and still so rising, That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue. His overthrow heap'd happiness upon him; For then, and not till then, he felt himself,

Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? are ye

all

gone

And leave me here in wretchedness Grif. Madam, we are here. Kath.

It is

Saw ye none enter

since

I

not you

I

call for.

slept?

None, madam.

Grif.

Kath.

behind ye?

No? Saw you

not,

even now, a blessed

troop Invite

me to a banquet; whose bright faces

Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun? They promised me eternal happiness 90 And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel I am not worthy yet to wear. I shall, assuredly. Grif. I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams Possess your fancy. Bid the music leave, Kath. [Music ceases. They are harsh and heavy to me.

,

—

—

!

KING HENRY

scene n

Do you note

Pat.

How much her Grace is alter'd on the sudden? How long her face is drawn? how pale she looks, And of an

earthy cold?

She

Grif.

is

Sir, I

577

most humbly pray you to deliver

my lord the King.

This to

Most

Cap.

Mark her eyes!

Kath. In which

going, wench. Pray, pray.

I

willing,

madam.

have commended to

his

/50

good-

ness

Heaven comfort her

Pat.

VIII

Kath.

The model of our

chaste loves, his

young daugh-

ter;

Enter a messenger.

The dews of heaven

Mess. An't like your Grace

You

Kath.

are a saucy fellow,

wo

we no more reverence?

Deserve

You

Grif.

are to blame,

Mess.

go to, kneel. humbly do entreat your Highness' par-

I

don;

ing

A gentleman, sent from the King, to see you. Kath.

Admit him

[Exeunt Griffith and messenger.

peror,

Madam,

no

the same; your servant.

O,

Kath.

my lord,

The times and titles now are alter'd strangely With me since first you knew me. But, I pray

Noble lady, mine own service to your Grace; the next, The King's request that I would visit you; Who grieves much for your weakness, and by

me Sends you his princely commendations, And heartily entreats you take good comfort. 120

late;

in time, had cured me; comforts here, but prayers. does his Highness? all

Madam,

in

good

health.

may he ever do!

shall

King

By heaven, Cap. Or let me lose the fashion of a man!

and ever flourish, dwell with worms, and my poor

I

thank you, honest

lord.

I

will,

Remember me

humility unto his Highness.

his long trouble

now

is

161

passing

Out of this world; tell him, in death I bless'd him, I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell, My lord. Griffith, farewell. Nay, Patience,

You must not leave me yet. I must to bed; Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench, me be used with honour. Strew me over With maiden flowers, that all the world may Let

know

Banish'd the kingdom! Patience,

is

that letter,

No, madam.

Pat. it to

Katharine.

my grave. Embalm me, 170 Although unqueen'd, yet like A queen, and daughter to a king, inter me. I can no more. [Exeunt, leading Katharine. I

was

a chaste wife to

Then lay me

caused you write, yet sent away?

Giving

all

Say

name I

my

For so

That gentle physic, given

When I

good

To do me this last right.

Kath.

'Tis like a pardon after execution.

Cap.

and,

Stand these poor people's friend, and urge the

In

O my good lord, that comfort comes too

Kath. So

;

By that vou love the dearest in this world, As you wish Christian peace to souls departed,

Cap.

How

dare avow,

last is, for my men; they are the poorest, But poverty could never draw 'em from me; 149 That they may have their wages duly paid 'em, x\nd something over to remember me by. If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life And able means, we had not parted thus.

First,

now I am past

I

but will deserve,

lord,

you,

But

lie,

These are the whole contents

What is your pleasure with me?

Kath.

should not

The

Em-

My royal nephew, and your name Capucius. Cap.

I

14.0

'em.

my sight fail not,

should be lord ambassador from the

noble grace would have some pity

For virtue and true beauty of the soul, For honesty and decent carriage, A right good husband, let him be a noble; And, sure, those men are happy that shall have

Re-enter Griffith, with capucius.

You

My next poor peti-

Upon my wretched women, that so long Have follow'd both my fortunes faithfully;

Of which there is not one,

me ne'er see again.

If

dearly.

tion

And now

entrance, Griffith; but this

fellow

Let

him,

Heaven knows how Is that his

My haste made me unmannerly. There is stay-

thick in blessings on her!

—

she will not lose her wonted greatness,

Knowing

To use so rude behaviour;

fall

Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding She is young, and of a noble modest nature, and a little I hope she will deserve well To love her for her mother's sake, that loved

forth.

KING HENRY

57«

ACT V Scene

i.

Is

met by

one o'clock, boy,

It's

sir

is 't

thomas lovell. hath struck.

It

These should be hours

Gar.

arch-

who dare

the King's hand and tongue; and

speak

One

him?

syllable against

Yes, yes, Sir Thomas, There are that dare; and I myself have ventured To speak my mind of him; and indeed this day, 4/ Gar.

not?

Boy.

The

load him.

bishop

Enter Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, a page

Gar.

ACT V

With which the time will

London: a gallery in the palace

ivith a torch before him,

VIII

for necessities,

may tell

Not for delights; times to repair our nature With comforting repose, and not for us

Sir, I

To waste these times. Good hour of night, Sir

For so I know he is, they know he is, A most arch heretic, a pestilence That does infect the land: with which they

Thomas! Whither so late?

Came you from the King, my lord?

Lov. Gar.

I

did, Sir

Thomas; and

left

him

primero

at

With the Duke of Suffolk. Lov. Before he go to bed.

Not

Gar.

yet, Sir

must to him

take

Thomas

It

w

seems you are

an

in haste;

be

if there

't,

give your friend

Some touch of your late business.

I

hinder you too long.

Lov.

Affairs, that

My lord,

Lov.

I

I

in great extremity;

and fear'd

with the labour end.

The

Suf. Sir,

20

she goes with

Methinks

I

little,

Charles;

I

could not personally deliver to her

What you commanded me, but by her woman I sent your message; who return'd her thanks and desired your

But,

it

of me, Till Cranmer, Cromwell, her two hands, and Lovell, take

50

't

she,

The most remark'd i'

that her suffer-

a death.

Alas,

God safely quit her of her

Now,

you speak of two the kingdom. As for Cromsir,

well,

Beside that of the jewel house, is made master O' the rolls, and the King's secretary; further, sir,

Stands in the gap and trade of moe preferments,

good

lady!

burthen, and

to the gladding of

Your Highness with an

71

heir!

'Tis midnight, Charles;

King.

Prithee, to bed; and in thy prayers

Sleep in their graves.

Lov.

Suf.

ha?

she crying out?

King.

With gentle travail,

will ne'er be well,

is

woman; and

Almost each pang

sir, sir,

Thomas. You're a gentleman Of mine own way; I know you wise, religious;

Thomas

what,

Lov. So said her ance made

Sir

me tell you,

What say'st thou,

To pray for her?

Deserve our better wishes. Gar.

for her.

King.

could

She's a good creature, and, sweet lady, does

let

no more to-night; you are too hard for me. did never win of you before.

Most heartily to pray

grubb'd up now.

'Twill not, Sir

your

't;

In the great'st humbleness,

Cry the amen; and yet my conscience says

And,

Thomas.

rest

Highness

Lov.

Hear me,

I

King. But

Thomas, it

I

will play

I

My mind's not on

Lov. fruit

pray for heartily, that it may find and live: but for the stock, Sir

wish

Sir

60 Nor shall not, when my fancy's on my play. Now, Lovell, from the Queen what is the news?

Good time, I

Good night,

[Exeunt Gardiner and page.

King. Charles,

love you;

labour,

Gar.

so far

Enter the king and Suffolk.

And durst commend a secret to your ear Much weightier than this work. The Queen's in They say,

is,

midnight, have

them a wilder nature than the business That seeks dispatch by day. In

She'll

he

to the council-board

Many good nights, my lord.

servant. spirits do, at

have

He be convented. He's a rank weed, Sir Thomas, And we must root him out. From your affairs

walk,

As they say

I

to our complaint, of his great grace

To-morrow morning

What's the

matter?

No great offence belongs to

think

I

o' the council that

And princely care foreseeing those fell mischiefs Our reasons laid before him, hath commanded 50

too,

my leave.

Lovell.

you,

moved Have broken with the King; who hath Given ear

I I'll

it

Incensed the lords

remember

The estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone; For

I

must think of that which company

Would not be friendly to. I

Suf.

A quiet night;

and

wish your Highness

my good mistress will

Remember in my prayers. King.

Charles, good night.

[Exit Suffolk.

.

!.

SCENE

KING HENRY

I

Enter sir

Well, Den.

anthony denny.

Sir, I

have brought

my lord the arch80

As you commanded me. King. Den. Ay,

Ha! Canterbury?

my good lord.

King

'Tis true;

where

He attends your Highness'

is

he,

Denny?

[Exit

Lov. [Aside] This

am happily come hither. denny, with cranmer.

Re-enter

I should have ta'en some pains to bring together Yourself and your accusers; and to have heard

King. Avoid the gallery, [lovell seems to stay.] Ha! I have said. Be gone. [Exeunt lovell and denny. What Cran. [Aside] I am fearful. Wherefore frowns

I

you do

is

90 arise,

My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury. Come, you and I must walk a turn together; I have news to tell you. Come, come, give me

And am right

I

grieve at what

I

speak,

sorry to repeat what follows.

I have, and most unwillingly, of late Heard many grievous, I do say, my lord,

Grievous complaints of you; which, being con-

further trial in those charges

your answer, you must take Your patience to you and be well contented To make your house our Tower. You a brother of us, It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness will require

Would come

against you.

Cran. [Kneeling]

I

humbly thank your High-

ness;

And am right glad to

catch this good occasion

winnow'd, where my chaff /// know, There's none stands under more calumnious

Most throughly

And corn

to be

shall fly asunder; for, I

tongues

You

are potently opposed; and with a malice

Of as great size. Ween you of better luck, I

mean,

in perjured witness, than

your master,

Whose minister you are, whiles here he lived Upon this naughty earth? Go to, go to; You take a precipice for no leap of danger, And woo your own destruction. Cran. God and your Majesty Protect mine innocence, or

The trap is

laid for

I fall

into

141

me!

King

sider'd,

Have moved us and our council that you shall too This morning come before us; where, I know, You cannot with such freedom purge yourself, till

as corrupt such things have been

done.

Pray you,

your hand. my good lord,

bear the same proportion; and not ever 129

To swear against you?

pleasure.

King.

that,

not,

Might corrupt minds procure knaves

my duty

To attend your Highness'

Which

my truth and honesty.

The justice and the truth o' the question carries The due o' the verdict with it. At what ease

desire to

sent for you.

Cran. [Kneeling] It

But

is

If they shall fail, I, with mine enemies, Will triumph o'er my person; which I weigh Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing What can be said against me. King. Know you not How your state stands i' the world, with the whole world? Your enemies are many, and not small; their

Must

know

Ah,

Most dread liege, stand on

practices

How now, my lord!

Wherefore

further.

Cran.

The good I

he thus? 'Tis his aspect of terror. All's not well.

King.

120

Without indurance,

DENNY.

spake. I

Stand up, good Canterbury.

you,

about that which the bishop

is

579

myself, poor man.

Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted In us, thy friend. Give me thy hand, stand up. Prithee, let's walk. Now, by my holidame, What manner of man are you? My lord, I look'd You would have given me your petition, that

pleasure.

Bring him to us

King

I

King.

what follows?

sir,

;

!

VIII

Than

bishop,

Den.

.

Be of good cheer

They shall no more prevail than we give way to. Keep comfort to you; and this morning see You do appear before them. If they shall chance, In charging

you with matters,

The best persuasions to the

to

commit you,

contrary

Fail not to use, and with that

vehemency

The occasion shall instruct you.

If entreaties

Will render you no remedy, this ring /jo Deliver them, and your appeal to us There make before them. Look, the good man weeps He's honest, on mine honour. God's blest mother! I swear he is true-hearted; and a soul None better in my kingdom. Get you gone, And do as I have bid you. [Exit cranmer.] He has strangled

His language

in his tears.

KING HENRY

580

The

Enter old lady, lovell following.

Old L.

I'll

not

come back;

the tidings that

Pray heaven, he sound not

my disgrace!

For cer-

This

my boldness manners. Now, good

is

of purpose

laid

God turn their hearts!

angels

by some that hate I

me

never sought their mal-

ice

Fly o'er thy royal head and shade thy person 160 Under their blessed wings! Now, by thy looks King. I guess thy message. Is the Queen deliver'd? Say, ay; and of a boy.

To quench mine honour. They would shame to make me

Ay, ay, my liege; Old L. And of a lovely boy. The God of heaven Both now and ever bless her! 'tis a girl, Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen Desires your visitation, and to be Acquainted with this stranger. 'Tis as like you

Must be

As

cherry

is

Wait else at door, a fellow-counsellor, 'Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures

Butts.

Butts.

will

have more, or scold

was

it

I'll

hot,

I'll

put

it

hope

him? and now,

Ha!

'tis

he, indeed.

thought

They had parted so much honesty among 'em, At least, good manners, as not thus to suffer A man of his place, and so near our favour, 50

to the issue.

To dance attendance on their lordships' pleasures, ii.

Before the council-chamber

And at the door too, like a post with packets. By holy Mary, Butts, there's knavery.

I

am

not too

late;

Let 'em alone, and draw the curtain close;

We shall hear more anon.

and yet the gen-

tleman

That was

my lord;

honour they do one another? 'Tis well there's one above 'em yet. I had

Enter cranmer, archbishop of canterbury. I

There,

King.

Pursuivants, Pages,