Hamlet
water, without any apparent purpose or reason, and is thence the
proper emblem of a busy trifler.]
[Footnote V.50: _All diligence of spirit._] "With the whole bent
of my mind." A happy phraseology; in ridicule, at the same time
that it was in conformity with the style of the airy, affected
insect that was playing round him.]
[Footnote V.51: _Very sultry and hot_,] Hamlet is here playing
over the same farce with Osric which he had formerly done with
Polonius. The idea of this scene is evidently suggested by
Juvenal.]
[Footnote V.52: _For mine ease, in good faith._] From
contemporary authors this appears to have been the ordinary
language of courtesy in our author's own time.]
[Footnote V.53: _An absolute--a great showing:_] A finished
gentleman, full of various accomplishments, of gentle manners,
and very imposing appearance.]
[Footnote V.54: _To speak feelingly of him_,] With insight and
intelligence.
[Footnote V.55: _Card or calendar of gentry_,] The card by which
a gentleman is to direct his course; the calendar by which he is
to choose his time, that what he does may be both excellent and
seasonable.]
[Footnote V.56: _The continent of what part a gentleman would
see._] The word continent in this sense is frequently used by
Shakespeare; _i.e._, you shall find him _containing_ and
_comprising_ every quality which a _gentleman_ would desire to
_contemplate_ for imitation.]
[Footnote V.57: _What imports the nomination, &c._] What is the
object of the introduction of this gentleman's name?]
[Footnote V.58: _I dare not--lest I should compare--were to know
himself._] No one can have a perfect conception of the measure of
another's excellence, unless he shall himself come up to that
standard. Dr. Johnson says, I dare not pretend to know him, lest
I should pretend to an equality: no man can completely know
another, but by knowing himself, which is the utmost extent of
human wisdom.]
[Footnote V.59: _He has imponed_,] _i.e._, to lay down as a stake
or wager. Impono.]
[Footnote V.60: _Hangers_,] That part of the girdle or belt by
which the swords were suspended was, in our poet's time, called
the _hangers_.]
[Footnote V.61: _Very dear to fancy--very liberal conceit._] Of
exquisite invention, well adapted to their hilts, and in their
conception rich and high fashioned.]
[Footnote V.62: _More german_] More a-kin.]
[Footnote V.63: _Vouchsafe the answer._] Condescend to answer, or
meet his wishes.]
[Footnote V.64: _How if I answer, no?_] Reply.]
[Footnote V.65: _I shall win at the odds._] I shall succeed with
the advantage that I am allowed.]
[Footnote V.66: _Gain-giving_,] Misgiving.]
[Footnote V.67: _If your mind, &c._] If you have any presentiment
of evil, yield to its suggestion.]
[Footnote V.68: _Like a star i'the darkest night, stick fiery
off_] Be made by the strongest relief to stand brightly
prominent.]
[Footnote V.69: _Better'd_,] He stands higher in estimation.]
[Footnote V.70: _Stoups of wine_] Flagons of wine.]
[Footnote V.71: _Quit in answer_] Make the wager _quit_, or so
far drawn.]
[Footnote V.72: _An union shall he throw_,] _i.e._, a fine pearl.
To swallow a pearl in a draught seems to have been equally common
to royal and mercantile prodigality. It may be observed that
pearls were supposed to possess an exhilarating quality. It was
generally thrown into the drink as a compliment to some
distinguished guest, and the King in this scene, under the
pretence of throwing a pearl into the cup, drops some poisonous
drug into the wine.]
[Footnote V.73: _Kettle_] _i.e._, kettle drum.]
[Footnote V.74: _The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet._]
_i.e._, drinks to your success.]
[Footnote V.75: _You make a wanton of me._] _i.e._, you trifle
with me as if you were playing with a child.]
[Footnote V.76: _As a woodcock to my own springe._] I have run
into a springe like a woodcock, and into such a noose or trap as
a fool only would have fallen into; one of my own setting.]
[Footnote V.77: _Unbated, and envenom'd:_] _i.e._, having a sharp
point envenomed with poison.]
[Footnote V.78: _The foul practice_] _i.e._, the wicked trick
which I have practised.]
[Footnote V.79: _Fell sergeant, death_,] _i.e._, cruel
sergeant--sergeant being an officer of the law.]
[Footnote V.80: _Live behind me!_] Survive me.]
[Footnote V.81: _Quite o'ercrows my spirit_;] Overpowers, exults
over; no doubt an image taken from the lofty carriage of a
victorious cock.]