Hor. 'Twere to consider: to curiously to consider [Sidenote: consider too curiously] so.
Ham. No faith, not a iot. But to follow him thether with modestie[2] enough, and likeliehood to lead it; as thus. Alexander died: Alexander was [Sidenote: lead it. Alexander] buried: Alexander returneth into dust; the dust is [Sidenote: to] earth; of earth we make Lome, and why of that Lome (whereto he was conuerted) might they not stopp a Beere-barrell?[3]
Imperiall Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay, [Sidenote: Imperious]
Might stop a hole to keepe the winde away.
Oh, that that earth, which kept the world in awe,
Should patch a Wall, t'expell the winters flaw.[4]
[Sidenote: waters flaw.]
But soft, but soft, aside; heere comes the King.
[Sidenote: , but soft awhile, here]
Enter King, Queene, Laertes, and a Coffin,
[Sidenote: Enter K. Q. Laertes and the corse.]
with Lords attendant.
The Queene, the Courtiers. Who is that they follow,
[Sidenote: this they]
And with such maimed rites? This doth betoken,
The Coarse they follow, did with disperate hand,
Fore do it owne life; 'twas some Estate.[5] [Sidenote: twas of some[5]
Couch[6] we a while, and mark.
Laer. What Cerimony else?
Ham. That is Laertes, a very Noble youth:[7] Marke.
Laer. What Cerimony else?[8]
Priest. Her Obsequies haue bin as farre inlarg'd, [Sidenote: Doct.]
As we haue warrantis,[9] her death was doubtfull,[10]
[Sidenote: warrantie,]
And but that great Command, o're-swaies the order,[11]
[Footnote 1: Imagination personified.]