[Footnote 18: This soliloquy is antithetic to the other. Here is no thought of the 'something after death.']
[Footnote 19: If, with this speech in his mouth, Hamlet goes coolly on board the vessel, not being compelled thereto (190, 192, 216), and possessing means to his vengeance, as here he says, and goes merely in order to hoist Rosincrance and Guildensterne with their own petard—that is, if we must keep the omitted passages, then the author exposes his hero to a more depreciatory judgment than any from which I would justify him, and a conception of his character entirely inconsistent with the rest of the play. He did not observe the risk at the time he wrote the passage, but discovering it afterwards, rectified the oversight—to the dissatisfaction of his critics, who have agreed in restoring what he cancelled.]
[Page 196]
Which as her winkes, and nods, and gestures yeeld[1] them,
Indeed would make one thinke there would[2] be thought,
[Sidenote: there might[2] be]
Though nothing sure, yet much vnhappily.
Qu. 'Twere good she were spoken with,[3] [Sidenote: Hora.]
For she may strew dangerous coniectures
In ill breeding minds.[4] Let her come in. [Sidenote: Enter Ophelia.]
To my sicke soule (as sinnes true Nature is)
[Sidenote: Quee. 'To my[5]
Each toy seemes Prologue, to some great amisse, [Sidenote: 'Each]
So full of Artlesse iealousie is guilt, [Sidenote: 'So]
It spill's it selfe, in fearing to be spilt.[6] [Sidenote: 'It]
Enter Ophelia distracted.[7]
Ophe. Where is the beauteous Maiesty of Denmark.
Qu. How now Ophelia? [Sidenote: shee sings.]
Ophe. How should I your true loue know from another one? By his Cockle hat and staffe, and his Sandal shoone.
Qu. Alas sweet Lady: what imports this Song?