Ham. Then can each Actor on his Asse—— [Sidenote: came each]
[Footnote 1: If there be any logical link here, except that, after the instance adduced, no change in social fashion—nothing at all indeed, is to be wondered at, I fail to see it. Perhaps the speech is intended to belong to the simulation. The last sentence of it appears meant to convey the impression that he suspects nothing—is only bewildered by the course of things.]
[Footnote 2: his miniature.]
[Footnote 3: —to indicate their approach.]
[Footnote 4: com'ply—accent on first syllable—'pass compliments with you' (260)—in the garb, either 'in appearance,' or 'in the fashion of the hour.']
[Footnote 5: 'the amount of courteous reception I extend'—'my advances to the players.']
[Footnote 6: reception, welcome.]
[Footnote 7: He seems to desire that they shall no more be on the footing of fellow-students, and thus to rid himself of the old relation. Perhaps he hints that they are players too. From any further show of friendliness he takes refuge in convention—and professed convention—supplying a reason in order to escape a dangerous interpretation of his sudden formality—'lest you should suppose me more cordial to the players than to you.' The speech is full of inwoven irony, doubtful, and refusing to be ravelled out. With what merely half-shown, yet scathing satire it should be spoken and accompanied!]
[Footnote 8: A proverb of the time comically corrupted—handsaw for hernshaw—a heron, the quarry of the hawk. He denies his madness as madmen do—and in terms themselves not unbefitting madness—so making it seem the more genuine. Yet every now and then, urged by the commotion of his being, he treads perilously on the border of self-betrayal.]
[Footnote 9: used as a noun.]