And, by opposing, end them? To die—to sleep— To sleep!-perchance to dream!-ay, there's the rub; For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, The insolence of office, and the spurns That patient merit of the unworthy takes, Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought; 7 1 No more-i. e. to die is no more than to sleep; this was Hamlet's first notion, which he afterwards corrects. 2 Coil-rope wound into a ring, hence, perhaps, from the noise made in coiling a rope-stir, murmur, tumult. "To shuffle off this mortal coil" is to get free from the entanglements and perplexities of life, or, in a secondary sense, from its busy stir. 3 Quietus-a law term-final discharge, complete acquittance. 4 Bodkin-a small sword. 5 Fardels-from the French fardeau, a parcel-burdens. 6 Grunt-lament loudly. This, and not groan, is the true reading. 7 With this regard-i.e. from this view of the subject--in consequence of the check which conscience gives. DOVER CLIFFS.1 How fearful And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low! The crows, and choughs, that wing the midway air, ANTONY'S FUNERAL ORATION OVER CÆSAR'S BODY." FRIENDS, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears! Hath told you Cæsar was ambitious; "King Lear," Act iv, Scene 6. These lines are generally considered as an actual description, but a reference to the connection in which they occur, will show that though suggested by the scenery of the Dover Cliffs, they only represent an imaginary picture. This consideration may serve to account for the discrepancy which is usually felt between the actual scene and this description. 2 Samphire-a plant used for pickling. 3 Cock-a small man-of-war's boat. 4 And the deficient, &c.-i. e. and I, my sight failing me, topple down headlong. 5 Julius Cæsar," Act iii, Scene 3. This speech is a masterpiece of oratory, exhibiting in one view nearly all the resources of the art. The ingenuity with which Antony "wields at will" the fickle populace of Rome in the midst of their greatest excitement, dexterously concealing his purpose until they were prepared themselves voluntarily to aid it, can hardly be too much admired, while his success by such means, confirms the truth of the dogma, that "Reason and Rhetoric have nothing in common." Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest- He hath brought many captives home to Rome, When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept; Yet Brutus says, he was ambitious; I thrice presented him a kingly crown; Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition ? I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, You all did love him once-not without cause- And men have lost their reason!-Bear with me ;- But yesterday, the word of Cæsar might 1 Lupercal-a spot at the foot of Mount Aventine, at Rome, where the Lupercalia, games commemorative of the founder of Rome, were annually celebrated. Perhaps "on the Lupercal" refers only to the day, and not to the place. 2 None so poor, &c.-i. e. "the meanest man is now too high to do reverence to Cæsar: " Dr. Johnson. But here's a parchment with the seal of Cæsar; Let but the commons1 hear this testament And, dying, mention it within their wills, Unto their issue. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. Look! in this place ran Cassius' dagger through ;- Quite vanquished him; then burst his mighty heart; Even at the base of Pompey's statua,3 Which all the while ran blood,+ great Cæsar fell. The commons-the common people or plebs Romana. 2 To be resolved-to have the doubt resolved, to ascertain the point. 3 Statua-This word was once much used for statue. 4 All the while-i. e. "the blood of Cæsar flew upon the statue, and trickled down it:" Dr. Johnson. 5 Flourished-i. e. flourished or brandished the sword-triumphed. 6 Dint-mark, impression. Kind souls! What! weep you when you but behold Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up They that have done this deed are honourable : I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts; I am no orator, as Brutus is; But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man, And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus, OTHELLO'S COURTSHIP.2 Related before the Senate of Venice. Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors, The very head and front of my 'offending Hath this extent-no more. Rude am I in my speech, 1 There were, &c.-i. e. I would prove such an Antony as would ruffle, &c. 2 "Othello," Act i, Scene 3. This simple and beautiful narrative affords many instances of the influence which Shakspere's phraseology has had upon our language. His words and expressions, from their aptness and pithiness, have truly become "household terms" amongst us, still keeping their sharp and fresh appearance, like ancient coins in high preservation. |