It remains then, that the Poet should chuse some Habit from his own Brain: But this certainly could not be proper, because Invention in such a Case, would be so much in Danger of falling into the Grotesque, that it was not to be hazarded.
Now as to the Armour, it was very suitable to a King, who is described
as a great Warrior, and is very particular, and consequently affects the
Spectators, without being phantastick. Besides, if there were no other
Reason, the fine Image which arises from thence, in these Lines, is
Reason enough.
Such was the very Armour he had on,
When He th' ambitious Norway combated,
So frown'd He once, when in angry Parle,
He smote the sleaded Polack on the Ice.
'Tis Strange!
There is a Stroke of Nature in Horatio's breaking off, from the
Description of the King, and falling into the Exclamation. 'Tis
Strange! which is inimitably Beautiful.
Page 228.
Marcellus. Good now sit down, &c.
The whole Discourse concerning the great Preparations making in Denmark is very Poetical, and necessary also towards the introducing of Fortinbrass in this Play, whose Appearance gives Rise to one Scene, which adds a Beauty to the Whole; I mean, That wherein Hamlet makes those noble Reflections upon seeing That Prince's Army. Besides, this Discourse is necessary also to give the Ghost Time to appear again, in order to affect the Spectators still more; and from this Conversation the Interlocutors draw one Reason, why the Spirit appears in Arms, which appears rational to the Audience. It gives also Horatio an Opportunity of addressing the Ghost in that beautiful Manner he does.
Page 229
Stay Illusion! &c.
The Description of the Prefages which happen'd to Rome, and the drawing a like Inference from this supernatural Appearance, is very nervous and Poetical.