TIMONOFATHENS
Timon，alordofAthens，intheenjoymentofaprincelyfortune，affectedahumorofliberalitywhichknewnolimits。Hisalmostinfinitewealthcouldnotflowinsofastbuthepoureditoutfasteruponallsortsanddegreesofpeople。Notthepooronlytastedofhisbounty，butgreatlordsdidnotdisdaintorankthemselvesamonghisdependentsandfollowers。Histablewasresortedtobyalltheluxuriousfeasters，andhishousewasopentoallcomersandgoersatAthens。Hislargewealthcombinedwithhisfreeandprodigalnaturetosubdueallheartstohislove；
menofallmindsanddispositionstenderedtheirservicestoLordTimon，fromtheglass-facedflattererwhosefacereflectsasinamirrorthepresenthumorofhispatron，totheroughandunbendingcynicwho，affectingacontemptofmen”spersonsandanindifferencetoworldlythings，yetcouldnotstandoutagainstthegraciousmannersandmunificentsoulofLordTimon，butwouldcome(againsthisnature)topartakeofhisroyalentertainmentsandreturnmostrichinhisownestimationifhehadreceivedanodorasalutationfromTimon。
Ifapoethadcomposedaworkwhichwantedarecommendatoryintroductiontotheworld，hehadnomoretodobuttodedicateittoLordTimon，andthepoemwassureofsale，besidesapresentpursefromthepatron，anddailyaccesstohishouseandtable。IfapainterhadapicturetodisposeofhehadonlytotakeittoLordTimonandpretendtoconsulthistasteastothemeritsofit；nothingmorewaswantingtopersuadetheliberal-
heartedlordtobuyit。Ifajewelerhadastoneofprice，oramercerrich，costlystuffs，whichfortheircostlinesslayuponhishands，LordTimon”shousewasareadymartalwaysopen，wheretheymightgetofftheirwaresortheirjewelryatanyprice，andthegood-naturedlordwouldthankthemintothebargain，asiftheyhaddonehimapieceofcourtesyinlettinghimhavetherefusalofsuchpreciouscommodities。Sothatbythismeanshishousewasthrongedwithsuperfluouspurchases，ofnousebuttoswelluneasyandostentatiouspomp；andhispersonwasstillmoreinconvenientlybesetwithacrowdoftheseidlevisitors，lyingpoets，painters，sharkingtradesmen，lords，ladies，needycourtiers，andexpectants，whocontinuallyfilledhislobbies，rainingtheirfulsomeflatteriesinwhispersinhisears，sacrificingtohimwithadulationastoaGod，makingsacredtheverystirrupbywhichhemountedhishorse，andseemingasthoughtheydrankthefreeairbutthroughhispermissionandbounty。
Someofthesedailydependentswereyoungmenofbirthwho(theirmeansnotansweringtotheirextravagance)hadbeenputinprisonbycreditorsandredeemedthencebyLordTimon；theseyoungprodigalsthenceforwardfasteneduponhislordship，asifbycommonsympathyhewerenecessarilyendearedtoallsuchspendthriftsandlooselivers，who，notbeingabletofollowhiminhiswealth，founditeasiertocopyhiminprodigalityandcopiousspendingofwhatwastheirown。Oneoftheseflesh-flieswasVentidius，forwhosedebts，unjustlycontracted，Timonbutlatelyhadpaiddownthesumoffivetalents。
Butamongthisconfluence，thisgreatfloodofvisitors，noneweremoreconspicuousthanthemakersofpresentsandgiversofgifts。ItwasfortunateforthesemenifTimontookafancytoadogorahorse，oranypieceofcheapfurniturewhichwastheirs。
Thethingsopraised，whateveritwas，wassuretobesentthenextmorningwiththecomplimentsofthegiverforLordTimon”sacceptance，andapologiesfortheunworthinessofthegift；andthisdogorhorse，orwhateveritmightbe，didnotfailtoproducefromTimon”sbounty，whowouldnotbeoutdoneingifts，perhapstwentydogsorhorses，certainlypresentsoffarricherworth，asthesepretendeddonorsknewwellenough，andthattheirfalsepresentswerebuttheputtingoutofsomuchmoneyatlargeandspeedyinterest。InthiswayLordLuciushadlatelysenttoTimonapresentoffourmilk-whitehorses，trappedinsilver，whichthiscunninglordhadobservedTimonuponsomeoccasiontocommend；andanotherlord，Lucullus，hadbestoweduponhiminthesamepretendedwayoffreegiftabraceofgreyhoundswhosemakeandfleetnessTimonhadbeenheardtoadmire；thesepresentstheeasy-heartedlordacceptedwithoutsuspicionofthedishonestviewsofthepresenters；andthegiversofcoursewererewardedwithsomerichreturn，adiamondorsomejeweloftwentytimesthevalueoftheirfalseandmercenarydonation。
Sometimesthesecreatureswouldgotoworkinamoredirectway，andwithgrossandpalpableartifice，whichyetthecredulousTimonwastooblindtosee，wouldaffecttoadmireandpraisesomethingthatTimonpossessed，abargainthathehadbought，orsomelatepurchase，whichwassuretodrawfromthisyieldingandsoft-heartedlordagiftofthethingcommended，fornoserviceintheworlddoneforitbuttheeasyexpenseofalittlecheapandobviousflattery。InthiswayTimonbuttheotherdayhadgiventooneofthesemeanlordsthebaycourserwhichhehimselfrodeupon，becausehislordshiphadbeenpleasedtosaythatitwasahandsomebeastandwentwell；andTimonknewthatnomaneverjustlypraisedwhathedidnotwishtopossess。ForLordTimonweighedhisfriends”affectionwithhisown，andsofondwasheofbestowing，thatbecouldhavedealtkingdomstothesesupposedfriendsandneverhavebeenweary。
NotthatTimon”swealthallwenttoenrichthesewickedflatterers；hecoulddonobleandpraiseworthyactions；andwhenaservantofhisoncelovedthedaughterofarichAthenian，butcouldnothopetoobtainherbyreasonthatinwealthandrankthemaidwassofarabovehim，LordTimonfreelybestoweduponhisservantthreeAtheniantalents，tomakehisfortuneequalwiththedowrywhichthefatheroftheyoungmaiddemandedofhimwhoshouldbeherhusband。Butforthemostpart，knavesandparasiteshadthecommandofhisfortune，falsefriendswhomhedidnotknowtobesuch，but，becausetheyflockedaroundhisperson，hethoughttheymustneedslovehim；andbecausetheysmiledandflatteredhim，hethoughtsurelythathisconductwasapprovedbyallthewiseandgood。Andwhenbewasfeastinginthemidstofalltheseflatterersandmockfriends，whentheywereeatinghimupanddraininghisfortunesdrywithlargedraughtsofrichestwinesdrunktohishealthandprosperity，becouldnotperceivethedifferenceofafriendfromaflatterer，buttohisdeludedeyes(madeproudwiththesight)itseemedapreciouscomforttohavesomanylikebrotherscommandingoneanother”sfortunes(thoughitwashisownfortunewhichpaidallthecosts)，andwithjoytheywouldrunoveratthespectacleofsuch，asitappearedtohim，trulyfestiveandfraternalmeeting。
Butwhilehethusoutwenttheveryheartofkindness，andpouredouthisbounty，asifPlutus，thegodofgold，hadbeenbuthissteward；whilethusheproceededwithoutcareorstop，sosenselessofexpensethathewouldneitherinquirehowhecouldmaintainitnorceasehiswildflowofriot——hisriches，whichwerenotinfinite，mustneedsmeltawaybeforeaprodigalitywhichknewnolimits。Butwhoshouldtellhimso？Hisflatterers？
Theyhadaninterestinshuttinghiseyes。InvaindidhishoneststewardFlaviustrytorepresenttohimhiscondition，layinghisaccountsbeforehim，beggingofhim，prayingofhim，withanimportunitythatonanyotheroccasionwouldhavebeenunmannerlyinaservant，beseechinghimwithtearstolookintothestateofhisaffairs。Timonwouldstillputhimoff，andturnthediscoursetosomethingelse；fornothingissodeaftoremonstranceasrichesturnedtopoverty，nothingissounwillingtobelieveitssituation，nothingsoincreduloustoitsowntruestate，andhardtogivecredittoareverse。Oftenhadthisgoodsteward，thishonestcreature，whenalltheroomsofTimon”sgreathousehadbeenchokedupwithriotousfeedersathismaster”scost，whenthefloorshaveweptwithdrunkenspillingofwine，andeveryapartmenthasblazedwithlightsandresoundedwithmusicandfeasting，oftenhadheretiredbyhimselftosomesolitaryspot，andweptfasterthanthewineranfromthewastefulcaskswithin，toseethemadbountyofhislord，andtothink，whenthemeansweregonewhichbroughthimpraisesfromallsortsofpeople，howquicklythebreathwouldbegoneofwhichthepraisewasmade；praiseswoninfeastingwouldbelostinfasting，andatonecloudofwinter-showerstheseflieswoulddisappear。
ButnowthetimewascomethatTimoncouldshuthisearsnolongertotherepresentationsofthisfaithfulsteward。Moneymustbehad；andwhenheorderedFlaviustosellsomeofhislandforthatpurpose，Flaviusinformedhim，whathehadinvainendeavoredatseveraltimesbeforetomakehimlistento，thatmostofhislandwasalreadysoldorforfeited，andthatallhepossessedatpresentwasnotenoughtopaytheone-halfofwhatheowed。Struckwithwonderatthispresentation，Timonhastilyreplied：
“MylandsextendfromAthenstoLacedoemon。”
“Omygoodlord，“saidFlavius，“theworldisbutaworld，andhasbounds。Wereitallyourstogiveinabreath，howquicklywereitgone！“
Timonconsoledhimselfthatnovillainousbountyhadyetcomefromhim，thatifhehadgivenhiswealthawayunwisely，ithadnotbeenbestowedtofeedhisvices，buttocherishhisfriends；
andhebadethekind-heartedsteward(whowasweeping)totakecomfortintheassurancethathismastercouldneverlackmeanswhilehehadsomanynoblefriends；andthisinfatuatedlordpersuadedhimselfthathehadnothingtodobuttosendandborrow，touseeveryman”sfortune(thathadevertastedhisbounty)inthisextremity，asfreelyashisown。Thenwithacheerfullook，asifconfidentofthetrial，heseverallydespatchedmessengerstoLordLucius，toLordsLucullusandSempronius，menuponwhomhehadlavishedhisgiftsinpasttimeswithoutmeasureormoderation；andtoVentidius，whomhehadlatelyreleasedoutofprisonbypayinghisdebts，andwho，bythedeathofhisfather，wasnowcomeintothepossessionofanamplefortuneandwellenabledtorequiteTimon”scourtesy；torequestofVentidiusthereturnofthosefivetalentswhichhehadpaidforhim，andofeachofthosenoblelordstheloanoffiftytalents；nothingdoubtingthattheirgratitudewouldsupplyhiswants(ifheneededit)totheamountoffivehundredtimesfiftytalents。
Luculluswasthefirstappliedto。Thismeanlordhadbeendreamingovernightofasilverbasonandcup，andwhenTimon”sservantwasannouncedhissordidmindsuggestedtohimthatthiswassurelyamakingoutofhisdream，andthatTimonhadsenthimsuchapresent。Butwhenheunderstoodthetruthofthematter，andthatTimonwantedmoney，thequalityofhisfaintandwateryfriendshipshoweditself，forwithmanyprotestationshevowedtotheservantthathehadlongforeseentheruinofhismaster”saffairs，andmanyatimehadhecometodinnertotellhimofit，andhadcomeagaintosuppertotrytopersuadehimtospendless，buthewouldtakenocounselnorwarningbyhiscoming。Andtrueitwasthathehadbeenaconstantattender(ashesaid)atTimon”sfeasts，ashehadingreaterthingstastedhisbounty；butthatheevercamewiththatintent，orgavegoodcounselorreprooftoTimon，wasabase，unworthylie，whichhesuitablyfollowedupwithmeanlyofferingtheservantabribetogohometohismasterandtellhimthatbehadnotfoundLucullusathome。
AslittlesuccesshadthemessengerwhowassenttoLordLucius。
Thislyinglord，whowasfullofTimon”smeatandenrichedalmosttoburstingwithTimon”scostlypresents，whenhefoundthewindchanged，andthefountainofsomuchbountysuddenlystopped，atfirstcouldhardlybelieveit；butonitsbeingconfirmedheaffectedgreatregretthatheshouldnothaveitinhispowertoserveLordTimon，for，unfortunately(whichwasabasefalsehood)，hehadmadeagreatpurchasethedaybefore，whichhadquitedisfurnishedhimofthemeansatpresent，themorebeasthe，hecalledhimself，toputitoutofhispowertoservesogoodafriend；andhecounteditoneofhisgreatestafflictionsthathisabilityshouldfailhimtopleasuresuchanhonorablegentleman。
Whocancallanymanfriendthatdipsinthesamedishwithhim？
Justofthismetaliseveryflatterer。IntherecollectionofeverybodyTimonhadbeenafathertothisLucius，hadkeptuphiscreditwithhispurse；Timon”smoneyhadgonetopaythewagesofhisservants，topaythehireofthelaborerswhohadsweattobuildthefinehouseswhichLucius”spridehadmadenecessarytohim。Yet——oh，themonsterwhichmanmakeshimselfwhenheprovesungrateful！——thisLuciusnowdeniedtoTimonasumwhich，inrespectofwhatTimonhadbestowedonhim，waslessthancharitablemenaffordtobeggars。
Sempronius，andeveryoneofthesemercenarylordstowhomTimonappliedintheirturn，returnedthesameevasiveanswerordirectdenial；evenVentidius，theredeemedandnowrichVentidius，refusedtoassisthimwiththeloanofthosefivetalentswhichTimonhadnotlentbutgenerouslygivenhiminhisdistress。
NowwasTimonasmuchavoidedinhispovertyashehadbeencourtedandresortedtoinhisriches。Nowthesametongueswhichhadbeenloudestinhispraises，extollinghimasbountiful，liberal，andopen-handed，werenotashamedtocensurethatverybountyasfolly，thatliberalityasprofuseness，thoughithadshownitselffollyinnothingsotrulyasintheselectionofsuchunworthycreaturesasthemselvesforitsobjects。NowwasTimon”sprincelymansionforsakenandbecomeashunnedandhatedplace，aplaceformentopassby，notaplace，asformerly，whereeverypassengermuststopandtasteofhiswineandgoodcheer；now，insteadofbeingthrongedwithfeastingandtumultuousguests，itwasbesetwithimpatientandclamorouscreditors，usurers，extortioners，fierceandintolerableintheirdemands，pleadingbonds，interest，mortgages；iron-heartedmenthatwouldtakenodenialnorputtingoff，thatTimon”shousewasnowhisjail，whichhecouldnotpass，norgoinnoroutforthem；onedemandinghisdueoffiftytalents，anotherbringinginabilloffivethousandcrowns，which，ifhewouldtellouthisbloodbydropsandpaythemso，hehadnotenoughinhisbodytodischarge，dropbydrop。
Inthisdesperateandirremediablestate(asitseemed)ofhisaffairs，theeyesofallmenweresuddenlysurprisedatanewandincrediblelusterwhichthissettingsunputforth。OncemoreLordTimonproclaimedafeast，towhichheinvitedhisaccustomedguests——lords，ladies，allthatwasgreatorfashionableinAthens。LordLuciusandLuculluscame，Ventidius，Sempronius，andtherest。Whomoresorrynowthanthesefawningwretches，whentheyfound(astheythought)thatLordTimon”spovertywasallpretenseandhadbeenonlyputontomaketrialoftheirloves，tothinkthattheyshouldnothaveseenthroughtheartificeatthetimeandhavehadthecheapcreditofobliginghislordship？
Yetwhomoregladtofindthefountainofthatnoblebountywhichtheyhadthoughtdriedup，stillfreshandrunning？Theycamedissembling，protesting，expressingdeepestsorrowandshame，thatwhenhislordshipsenttothemtheyshouldhavebeensounfortunateastowantthepresentmeanstoobligesohonorableafriend。ButTimonbeggedthemnottogivesuchtriflesathought，forhehadaltogetherforgottenit。Andthesebase，fawninglords，thoughtheyhaddeniedhimmoneyinhisadversity，yetcouldnotrefusetheirpresenceatthisnewblazeofhisreturningprosperity。Fortheswallowfollowsnotsummermorewillinglythanmenofthesedispositionsfollowthegoodfortunesofthegreat，normorewillinglyleaveswinterthantheseshrinkfromthefirstappearanceofareverse。Suchsummerbirdsaremen。Butnowwithmusicandstatethebanquetofsmokingdisheswasservedup；andwhentheguestshadalittledoneadmiringwhencethebankruptTimoncouldfindmeanstofurnishsocostlyafeast，somedoubtingwhetherthescenewhichtheysawwasreal，asscarcetrustingtheirowneyes，atasignalgiventhedisheswereuncoveredandTimon”sdriftappeared。Insteadofthosevarietiesandfar-fetcheddaintieswhichtheyexpected，thatTimon”sepicureantableinpasttimeshadsoliberallypresented，nowappearedunderthecoversofthesedishesapreparationmoresuitabletoTimon”spoverty——nothingbutalittlesmokeandlukewarmwater，fitfeastforthisknotofmouth-friends，whoseprofessionswereindeedsmoke，andtheirheartslukewarmandslipperyasthewaterwithwhichTimonwelcomedhisastonishedguests，biddingthem，“Uncover，dogs，andlap；“and，beforetheycouldrecovertheirsurprise，sprinklingitintheirfaces，thattheymighthaveenough，andthrowingdishesandallafterthem，whonowranhuddlingout，lords，ladies，withtheircapssnatchedupinhaste，asplendidconfusion，Timonpursuingthem，stillcallingthemwhattheywere，“smoothsmilingparasites，destroyersunderthemaskofcourtesy，affablewolves，meekbears，foolsoffortune，feast-friends，time-flies。”They，crowdingouttoavoidhim，leftthehousemorewillinglythantheyhadenteredit；somelosingtheirgownsandcaps，andsometheirjewelsinthehurry，allgladtoescapeoutofthepresenceofsuchamadlord，andfromtheridiculeofhismockbanquet。
ThiswasthelastfeastwhicheverTimonmade，andinithetookfarewellofAthensandthesocietyofmen；for，afterthat，hebetookhimselftothewoods，turninghisbackuponthehatedcityanduponallmankind，wishingthewallsofthatdetestablecitymightsink，andthehousesfallupontheirowners，wishingallplagueswhichinfesthumanity——war，outrage，poverty，diseases——mightfastenuponitsinhabitants，prayingthejustgodstoconfoundallAthenians，bothyoungandold，highandlow；
sowishing，hewenttothewoods，wherehesaidheshouldfindtheunkindestbeastmuchkinderthanmankind。Hestrippedhimselfnaked，thathemightretainnofashionofaman，anddugacavetolivein，andlivedsolitaryinthemannerofabeast，eatingthewildrootsanddrinkingwater，flyingfromthefaceofhiskind，andchoosingrathertoherdwithwildbeasts，asmoreharmlessandfriendlythanman。
WhatachangefromLordTimontherich，LordTimonthedelightofmankind，toTimonthenaked，Timontheman-hater！Wherewerehisflatterersnow？Wherewerehisattendantsandretinue？Wouldthebleakair，thatboisterousservitor，behischamberlain，toputhisshirtonwarm？Wouldthosestifftreesthathadoutlivedtheeagleturnyoungandairypagestohim，toskiponhiserrandswhenhebadethem？Wouldthecoolbrook，whenitwasicedwithwinter，administertohimhiswarmbrothsandcaudleswhensickofanovernight”ssurfeit？Orwouldthecreaturesthatlivedinthosewildwoodscomeandlickhishandandflatterhim？
Hereonaday，whenhewasdiggingforroots，hispoorsustenance，hisspadestruckagainstsomethingheavy，whichprovedtobegold，agreatheapwhichsomemiserhadprobablyburiedinatimeofalarm，thinkingtohavecomeagainandtakenitfromitsprison，butdiedbeforetheopportunityhadarrived，withoutmakinganymanprivytotheconcealment；soitlay，doingneithergoodnorharm，inthebowelsoftheearth，itsmother，asifithadnevercomethence，tilltheaccidentalstrikingofTimon”sspadeagainstitoncemorebroughtittolight。
Herewasamassoftreasurewhich，ifTimonhadretainedhisoldmind，wasenoughtohavepurchasedhimfriendsandflatterersagain；butTimonwassickofthefalseworldandthesightofgoldwaspoisonoustohiseyes；andhewouldhaverestoredittotheearth，butthat，thinkingoftheinfinitecalamitieswhichbymeansofgoldhappentomankind，howthelucreofitcausesrobberies，oppression，injustice，briberies，violence，andmurder，amongmen，hehadapleasureinimagining(sucharootedhatreddidhebeartohisspecies)thatoutofthisheap，whichindigginghehaddiscovered，mightarisesomemischieftoplaguemankind。Andsomesoldierspassingthroughthewoodsneartohiscaveatthatinstant，whichprovedtobeapartofthetroopsoftheAtheniancaptainAlcibiades，who，uponsomedisgusttakenagainstthesenatorsofAthens(theAthenianswereevernotedtobeathanklessandungratefulpeople，givingdisgusttotheirgeneralsandbestfriends)，wasmarchingattheheadofthesametriumphantarmywhichhehadformerlyheadedintheirdefense，towaragainstthem。Timon，wholikedtheirbusinesswell，bestowedupontheircaptainthegoldtopayhissoldiers，requiringnootherservicefromhimthanthatheshouldwithhisconqueringarmylayAthenslevelwiththeground，andburn，slay，killallherinhabitants；notsparingtheoldmenfortheirwhitebeards，for(hesaid)theywereusurers，northeyoungchildrenfortheirseeminginnocentsmiles，forthose(hesaid)wouldlive，iftheygrewup，tobetraitors；buttosteelhiseyesandearsagainstanysightsorsoundsthatmightawakencompassion；andnottoletthecriesofvirgins，babes，ormothershinderhimfrommakingoneuniversalmassacreofthecity，buttoconfoundthemallinhisconquest；andwhenhehadconquered，heprayedthatthegodswouldconfoundhimalso，theconqueror。SothoroughlydidTimonhateAthens，Athenians，andallmankind。
Whilehelivedinthisforlornstate，leadingalifemorebrutalthanhuman，hewassuddenlysurprisedonedaywiththeappearanceofamanstandinginanadmiringpostureatthedoorofhiscave。ItwasFlavius，thehoneststeward，whomloveandzealousaffectiontohismasterhadledtoseekhimoutathiswretcheddwellingandtoofferhisservices；andthefirstsightofhismaster，theoncenobleTimon，inthatabjectcondition，nakedashewasborn，livinginthemannerofabeastamongbeasts，lookinglikehisownsadruinsandamonumentofdecay，soaffectedthisgoodservantthathestoodspeechless，wrappedupinhorrorandconfounded。Andwhenhefoundutteranceatlasttohiswords，theyweresochokedwithtearsthatTimonhadmuchadotoknowhimagain，ortomakeoutwhoitwasthathadcome(socontrarytotheexperiencehehadhadofmankind)toofferhimserviceinextremity。Andbeingintheformandshapeofaman，hesuspectedhimforatraitor，andhistearsforfalse；butthegoodservantbysomanytokensconfirmedthetruthofhisfidelity，andmadeitclearthatnothingbutloveandzealousdutytohisoncedearmasterhadbroughthimthere，thatTimonwasforcedtoconfessthattheworldcontainedonehonestman；
yet，beingintheshapeandformofaman，becouldnotlookuponhisman”sfacewithoutabhorrence，orhearwordsutteredfromhisman”slipswithoutloathing；andthissinglyhonestmanwasforcedtodepart，becausehewasaman，andbecause，withaheartmoregentleandcompassionatethanisusualtoman，heboreman”sdetestedformandoutwardfeature。
ButgreatervisitantsthanapoorstewardwereabouttointerruptthesavagequietofTimon”ssolitude。FornowthedaywascomewhentheungratefullordsofAthenssorelyrepentedtheinjusticewhichtheyhaddonetothenobleTimon。ForAlcibiades，likeanincensedwildboar，wasragingatthewallsoftheircity，andwithhishotsiegethreatenedtolayfairAthensinthedust。AndnowthememoryofLordTimon”sformerprowessandmilitaryconductcamefreshintotheirforgetfulminds，forTimonhadbeentheirgeneralinpasttimes，andavaliantandexpertsoldier，whoaloneofalltheAthenianswasdeemedabletocopewithabesiegingarmysuchasthenthreatenedthem，ortodrivebackthefuriousapproachesofAlcibiades。
AdeputationofthesenatorswaschoseninthisemergencytowaituponTimon。Tohimtheycomeintheirextremity，towhom，whenhewasinextremity，theyhadshownbutsmallregard；asiftheypresumeduponhisgratitudewhomtheyhaddisobliged，andhadderivedaclaimtohiscourtesyfromtheirownmostdiscourteousandunpiteoustreatment。
Nowtheyearnestlybeseechhim，implorehimwithtears，toreturnandsavethatcityfromwhichtheiringratitudehadsolatelydrivenhim；nowtheyofferhimriches，power，dignities，，satisfactionforpastinjuries，andpublichonors，andthepubliclove；theirpersons，lives，andfortunestobeathisdisposal，ifhewillbutcomebackandsavethem。ButTimonthenaked，Timontheman-hater，wasnolongerLordTimon，thelordofbounty，theflowerofvalor，theirdefenseinwar，theirornamentinpeace。IfAlcibiadeskilledhiscountrymen，Timoncarednot。
IfhesackedfairAthens，andslewheroldmenandherinfants，Timonwouldrejoice。Sohetoldthem；andthattherewasnotaknifeintheunrulycampwhichhedidnotprizeabovethereverendestthroatinAthens。
Thiswasalltheanswerhevouchsafedtotheweeping，disappointedsenators；onlyatpartinghebadethemcommendhimtohiscountrymen，andtellthemthattoeasethemoftheirgriefsandanxieties，andtopreventtheconsequencesoffierceAlcibiades”swrath，therewasyetawayleft，whichhewouldteachthem，forhehadyetsomuchaffectionleftforhisdearcountrymenastobewillingtodothemakindnessbeforehisdeath。Thesewordsalittlerevivedthesenators，whohopedthathiskindnessfortheircitywasreturning。ThenTimontoldthemthathehadatree，whichgrewnearhiscave，whichheshouldshortlyhaveoccasiontocutdown，andheinvitedallhisfriendsinAthens，highorlow，ofwhatsoeverdegree，whowishedtoshunaffliction，tocomeandtakeatasteofhistreebeforehecutitdown；meaningthattheymightcomeandhangthemselvesonitandescapeafflictionthatway。
Andthiswasthelastcourtesy，ofallhisnoblebounties，whichTimonshowedtomankind，andthisthelastsightofhimwhichhiscountrymenhad，fornotmanydaysafter，apoorsoldier，passingbythesea-beachwhichwasatalittledistancefromthewoodswhichTimonfrequented，foundatombonthevergeofthesea，withaninscriptionuponitpurportingthatitwasthegraveofTimontheman-hater，who“Whilehelived，didhatealllivingmen，and，dying，wishedaplaguemightconsumeallcaitiffsleft！“
Whetherhefinishedhislifebyviolence，orwhethermeredistasteoflifeandtheloathinghehadformankindbroughtTimontohisconclusion，wasnotclear，yetallmenadmiredthefitnessofhisepitaphandtheconsistencyofhisend，dying，ashehadlived，ahaterofmankind。Andsometherewerewhofanciedaconceitintheverychoicewhichhehadmadeofthesea-beachforhisplaceofburial，wherethevastseamightweepforeveruponhisgrave，asincontemptofthetransientandshallowtearsofhypocriticalanddeceitfulmankind。
ROMEOANDJULIET
ThetwochieffamiliesinVeronaweretherichCapuletsandtheMontagues。Therehadbeenanoldquarrelbetweenthesefamilies，whichwasgrowntosuchaheight，andsodeadlywastheenmitybetweenthem，thatitextendedtotheremotestkindred，tothefollowersandretainersofbothsides，insomuchthataservantofthehouseofMontaguecouldnotmeetaservantofthehouseofCapulet，noraCapuletencounterwithaMontaguebychance，butfiercewordsandsometimesbloodshedensued；andfrequentwerethebrawlsfromsuchaccidentalmeetings，whichdisturbedthehappyquietofVerona”sstreets。
OldLordCapuletmadeagreatsupper，towhichmanyfairladiesandmanynobleguestswereinvited。AlltheadmiredbeautiesofVeronawerepresent，andallcomersweremadewelcomeiftheywerenotofthehouseofMontague。AtthisfeastofCapulets，Rosaline，belovedofRomeo，sontotheoldLordMontague，waspresent；andthoughitwasdangerousforaMontaguetobeseeninthisassembly，yetBenvolio，afriendofRomeo，persuadedtheyounglordtogotothisassemblyinthedisguiseofamask，thathemightseehisRosaline，and，seeingher，compareherwithsomechoicebeautiesofVerona，who(hesaid)wouldmakehimthinkhisswanacrow。RomeohadsmallfaithinBenvolio”swords；
nevertheless，fortheloveofRosaline，hewaspersuadedtogo。
ForRomeowasasincereandpassionatelover，andonethatlosthissleepforloveandfledsocietytobealone，thinkingonRosaline，whodisdainedhimandneverrequitedhislovewiththeleastshowofcourtesyoraffection；andBenvoliowishedtocurehisfriendofthislovebyshowinghimdiversityofladiesandcompany。TothisfeastofCapulets，then，youngRomeo，withBenvolioandtheirfriendMercutio，wentmasked。OldCapuletbidthemwelcomeandtoldthemthatladieswhohadtheirtoesunplaguedwithcornswoulddancewiththem。Andtheoldmanwaslight-heartedandmerry，andsaidthathehadwornamaskwhenhewasyoungandcouldhavetoldawhisperingtaleinafairlady”sear。Andtheyfelltodancing，andRomeowassuddenlystruckwiththeexceedingbeautyofaladywhodancedthere，whoseemedtohimtoteachthetorchestoburnbright，andherbeautytoshowbynightlikearichjewelwornbyablackamoor；beautytoorichforuse，toodearforearth！likeasnowydovetroopingwithcrows(hesaid)，sorichlydidherbeautyandperfectionsshineabovetheladieshercompanions。WhileheutteredthesepraiseshewasoverheardbyTybalt，anephewofLordCapulet，whoknewhimbyhisvoicetobeRomeo。AndthisTybalt，beingofafieryandpassionatetemper，couldnotendurethataMontagueshouldcomeundercoverofamask，tofleerandscorn(ashesaid)attheirsolemnities。Andhestormedandragedexceedingly，andwouldhavestruckyoungRomeodead。Buthisuncle，theoldLordCapulet，wouldnotsufferhimtodoanyinjuryatthattime，bothoutofrespecttohisguestsandbecauseRomeohadbornehimselflikeagentlemanandalltonguesinVeronabraggedofhimtobeavirtuousandwell-governedyouth。Tybalt，forcedtobepatientagainsthiswill，restrainedhimself，butsworethatthisvileMontagueshouldatanothertimedearlypayforhisintrusion。
Thedancingbeingdone，Romeowatchedtheplacewheretheladystood；andunderfavorofhismaskinghabit，whichmightseemtoexcuseinparttheliberty，hepresumedinthegentlestmannertotakeherbythehand，callingitashrine，whichifheprofanedbytouchingit，hewasablushingpilgrimandwouldkissitforatonement。
“Goodpilgrim，“answeredthelady，“yourdevotionshowsbyfartoomannerlyandtoocourtly。Saintshavehandswhichpilgrimsmaytouchbutkissnot。”
“Havenotsaintslips，andpilgrims，too？“saidRomeo。
“Aye，“saidthelady，“lipswhichtheymustuseinprayer。”
“Oh，then，mydearsaint，“saidRomeo，“hearmyprayer，andgrantit，lestIdespair。”
Insuchlikeallusionsandlovingconceitstheywereengagedwhentheladywascalledawaytohermother。AndRomeo，inquiringwhohermotherwas，discoveredthattheladywhosepeerlessbeautyhewassomuchstruckwithwasyoungJuliet，daughterandheirtotheLordCapulet，thegreatenemyoftheMontagues；andthathehadunknowinglyengagedhishearttohisfoe。Thistroubledhim，butitcouldnotdissuadehimfromloving。AslittleresthadJulietwhenshefoundthatthegentlemanthatshehadbeentalkingwithwasRomeoandaMontague，forshehadbeensuddenlysmitwiththesamehastyandinconsideratepassionforRomeowhichhehadconceivedforher；andaprodigiousbirthofloveitseemedtoher，thatshemustloveherenemyandthatheraffectionsshouldsettlethere，wherefamilyconsiderationsshouldinduceherchieflytohate。
Itbeingmidnight，Romeowithhiscompanionsdeparted；buttheysoonmissedhim，for，unabletostayawayfromthehousewherehehadlefthisheart，heleapedthewallofanorchardwhichwasatthebackofJuliet”shouse。Herehehadnotbeenlong，ruminatingonhisnewlove，whenJulietappearedaboveatawindow，throughwhichherexceedingbeautyseemedtobreaklikethelightofthesunintheeast；andthemoon，whichshoneintheorchardwithafaintlight，appearedtoRomeoasifsickandpalewithgriefatthesuperiorlusterofthisnewsun。Andsheleaninghercheekuponherhand，hepassionatelywishedhimselfagloveuponthathand，thathemighttouchhercheek。Sheallthiswhilethinkingherselfalone，fetchedadeepsigh，andexclaimed：
“Ahme！“
Romeo，enrapturedtobearherspeak，said，softlyandunheardbyher，“Oh，speakagain，brightangel，forsuchyouappear，beingovermyhead，likeawingedmessengerfromheavenwhommortalsfallbacktogazeupon。”
She，unconsciousofbeingoverheard，andfullofthenewpassionwhichthatnight”sadventurehadgivenbirthto，calleduponherloverbyname(whomshesupposedabsent)。“ORomeo，Romeo！“saidshe，“whereforeartthouRomeo？Denythyfatherandrefusethyname，formysake；orifthouwiltnot，bebutmyswornlove，andInolongerwillbeaCapulet。”
Romeo，havingthisencouragement，wouldfainhavespoken，buthewasdesirousofhearingmore；andtheladycontinuedherpassionatediscoursewithherself(asshethought)，stillchidingRomeoforbeingRomeoandaMontague，andwishinghimsomeothername，orthathewouldputawaythathatedname，andforthatnamewhichwasnopartofhimselfheshouldtakeallherself。AtthislovingwordRomeocouldnolongerrefrain，but，takingupthedialogueasifherwordshadbeenaddressedtohimpersonally，andnotmerelyinfancy，hebadehercallhimLove，orbywhateverothernameshepleased，forhewasnolongerRomeo，ifthatnamewasdispleasingtoher。Juliet，alarmedtohearaman”svoiceinthegarden，didnotatfirstknowwhoitwasthatbyfavorofthenightanddarknesshadthusstumbleduponthediscoveryofhersecret；butwhenhespokeagain，thoughherearshadnotyetdrunkahundredwordsofthattongue”suttering，yetsoniceisalover”shearingthatsheimmediatelyknewhimtobeyoungRomeo，andsheexpostulatedwithhimonthedangertowhichhehadexposedhimselfbyclimbingtheorchardwalls，forifanyofherkinsmenshouldfindhimthereitwouldbedeathtohim，beingaMontague。
“Alack！“saidRomeo，“thereismoreperilinyoureyethanintwentyoftheirswords。Doyoubutlookkinduponme，lady，andI
amproofagainsttheirenmity。Bettermylifeshouldbeendedbytheirhatethanthathatedlifeshouldbeprolongedtolivewithoutyourlove。”
“Howcameyouintothisplace，“saidJuliet，“andbywhosedirection？“
“Lovedirectedme，“answeredRomeo。“Iamnopilot，yet”wertthouasfarapartfrommeasthatvastshorewhichiswashedwiththefarthestsea，Ishouldventureforsuchmerchandise。”
AcrimsonblushcameoverJuliet”sface，yetunseenbyRomeobyreasonofthenight，whenshereflecteduponthediscoverywhichshehadmade，yetnotmeaningtomakeit，ofherlovetoRomeo。
Shewouldfainhaverecalledherwords，butthatwasimpossible；
fainwouldshehavestooduponform，andhavekeptherloveratadistance，asthecustomofdiscreetladiesis，tofrownandbeperverseandgivetheirsuitorsharshdenialsatfirst；tostandoff，andaffectacoynessorindifferencewheretheymostlove，thattheirloversmaynotthinkthemtoolightlyortooeasilywon；forthedifficultyofattainmentincreasesthevalueoftheobject。Buttherewasnoroominhercasefordenials，orputtingsoff，oranyofthecustomaryartsofdelayandprotractedcourtship。Romeohadheardfromherowntongue，whenshedidnotdreamthathewasnearher，aconfessionofherlove。
Sowithanhonestfranknesswhichthenoveltyofhersituationexcusedsheconfirmedthetruthofwhathehadbeforeheard，and，addressinghimbythenameofFAIRMONTAGUE(lovecansweetenasourname)，shebeggedhimnottoimputehereasyyieldingtolevityoranunworthymind，butthathemustlaythefaultofit(ifitwereafault)upontheaccidentofthenightwhichhadsostrangelydiscoveredherthoughts。Andsheadded，thatthoughherbehaviortohimmightnotbesufficientlyprudent，measuredbythecustomofhersex，yetthatshewouldprovemoretruethanmanywhoseprudencewasdissembling，andtheirmodestyartificialcunning。
Romeowasbeginningtocalltheheavenstowitnessthatnothingwasfartherfromhisthoughtsthantoimputeashadowofdishonortosuchanhonoredlady，whenshestoppedhim，begginghimnottoswear；foralthoughshejoyedinhim，yetshehadnojoyofthatnight”scontract——itwastoorash，toounadvised，toosudden。Buthebeingurgentwithhertoexchangeavowoflovewithhimthatnight，shesaidthatshealreadyhadgivenhimhersbeforeherequestedit，meaning，whenheoverheardherconfession；butshewouldretractwhatshethenbestowed，forthepleasureofgivingitagain，forherbountywasasinfiniteasthesea，andherloveasdeep。Fromthislovingconferenceshewascalledawaybyhernurse，whosleptwithherandthoughtittimeforhertobeinbed，foritwasneartodaybreak；but，hastilyreturning，shesaidthreeorfourwordsmoretoRomeothepurportofwhichwas，thatifhislovewasindeedhonorable，andhispurposemarriage，shewouldsendamessengertohimto-morrowtoappointatimefortheirmarriage，whenshewouldlayallherfortunesathisfeetandfollowhimasherlordthroughtheworld。WhiletheyweresettlingthispointJulietwasrepeatedlycalledforbyhernurse，andwentinandreturned，andwentandreturnedagain，forsheseemedasjealousofRomeogoingfromherasayounggirlofherbird，whichshewilllethopalittlefromherhandandpluckitbackwithasilkenthread；andRomeowasasloathtopartasshe，forthesweetestmusictoloversisthesoundofeachother”stonguesatnight。Butatlasttheyparted，wishingmutuallysweetsleepandrestforthatnight。
Thedaywasbreakingwhentheyparted，andRomeo，whowastoofullofthoughtsofhismistressandthatblessedmeetingtoallowhimtosleep，insteadofgoinghome，benthiscoursetoamonasteryhardby，tofindFriarLawrence。Thegoodfriarwasalreadyupathisdevotions，but，seeingyoungRomeoabroadsoearly，heconjecturedrightlythathehadnotbeenabedthatnight，butthatsomedistemperofyouthfulaffectionhadkepthimwaking。HewasrightinimputingthecauseofRomeo”swakefulnesstolove，buthemadeawrongguessattheobject，forhethoughtthathisloveforRosalinehadkepthimwaking。ButwhenRomeorevealedhisnewpassionforJuliet，andrequestedtheassistanceofthefriartomarrythemthatday，theholymanlifteduphiseyesandhandsinasortofwonderatthesuddenchangeinRomeo”saffections，forhehadbeenprivytoallRomeo”sloveforRosalineandhismanycomplaintsofherdisdain；andhesaidthatyoungmen”slovelaynottrulyintheirhearts，butintheireyes。ButRomeoreplyingthathehimselfhadoftenchiddenhimfordotingonRosaline，whocouldnotlovehimagain，whereasJulietbothlovedandwasbelovedbyhim，thefriarassentedinsomemeasuretohisreasons；andthinkingthatamatrimonialalliancebetweenyoungJulietandRomeomighthappilybethemeansofmakingupthelongbreachbetweentheCapuletsandtheMontagues，whichnoonemorelamentedthanthisgoodfriarwhowasafriendtoboththefamiliesandhadofteninterposedhismediationtomakeupthequarrelwithouteffect；partlymovedbypolicy，andpartlybyhisfondnessforyoungRomeo，towhomhecoulddenynothing，theoldmanconsentedtojointheirhandsinmarriage。
NowwasRomeoblessedindeed，andJuliet，whoknewhisintentfromamessengerwhichshehaddespatchedaccordingtopromise，didnotfailtobeearlyatthecellofFriarLawrence，wheretheirhandswerejoinedinholymarriage，thegoodfriarprayingtheheavenstosmileuponthatact，andintheunionofthisyoungMontagueandyoungCapulet，toburytheoldstrifeandlongdissensionsoftheirfamilies。
Theceremonybeingover，Juliethastenedhome，whereshestayed，impatientforthecomingofnight，atwhichtimeRomeopromisedtocomeandmeetherintheorchard，wheretheyhadmetthenightbefore；andthetimebetweenseemedastedioustoherasthenightbeforesomegreatfestivalseemstoanimpatientchildthathasgotnewfinerywhichitmaynotputontillthemorning。
Thatsameday，aboutnoon，Romeo”sfriends，BenvolioandMercutio，walkingthroughthestreetsofVerona，weremetbyapartyoftheCapuletswiththeimpetuousTybaltattheirhead。
ThiswasthesameangryTybaltwhowouldhavefoughtwithRomeoatoldLordCapulet”sfeast。He，seeingMercutio，accusedhimbluntlyofassociatingwithRomeo，aMontague。Mercutio，whohadasmuchfireandyouthfulbloodinhimasTybalt，repliedtothisaccusationwithsomesharpness；andinspiteofallBenvoliocouldsaytomoderatetheirwrathaquarrelwasbeginningwhen，Romeohimselfpassingthatway，thefierceTybaltturnedfromMercutiotoRomeo，andgavehimthedisgracefulappellationofvillain。RomeowishedtoavoidaquarrelwithTybaltaboveallmen，becausehewasthekinsmanofJulietandmuchbelovedbyher；besides，thisyoungMontaguehadneverthoroughlyenteredintothefamilyquarrel，beingbynaturewiseandgentle，andthenameofaCapulet，whichwashisdearlady”sname，wasnowratheracharmtoallayresentmentthanawatchwordtoexcitefury。SohetriedtoreasonwithTybalt，whomhesalutedmildlybythenameofGOODCAPULET，asifhe，thoughaMontague，hadsomesecretpleasureinutteringthatname；butTybalt，whohatedallMontaguesashehatedhell，wouldhearnoreason，butdrewhisweapon；andMercutio，whoknewnotofRomeo”ssecretmotivefordesiringpeacewithTybalt，butlookeduponhispresentforbearanceasasortofcalmdishonorablesubmission，withmanydisdainfulwordsprovokedTybalttotheprosecutionofhisfirstquarrelwithhim；andTybaltandMercutiofought，tillMercutiofell，receivinghisdeath”swoundwhileRomeoandBenvoliowerevainlyendeavoringtopartthecombatants。Mercutiobeingdead，Romeokepthistempernolonger，butreturnedthescornfulappellationofvillainwhichTybalthadgivenhim，andtheyfoughttillTybaltwasslainbyRomeo。ThisdeadlybroilfallingoutinthemidstofVeronaatnoonday，thenewsofitquicklybroughtacrowdofcitizenstothespotandamongthemtheLordsCapuletandMontague，withtheirwives；andsoonafterarrivedtheprincehimself，who，beingrelatedtoMercutio，whomTybalthadslain，andhavinghadthepeaceofhisgovernmentoftendisturbedbythesebrawlsofMontaguesandCapulets，camedeterminedtoputthelawinstrictestforceagainstthosewhoshouldbefoundtobeoffenders。Benvolio，whohadbeeneye-witnesstothefray，wascommandedbytheprincetorelatetheoriginofit；whichhedid，keepingasnearthetruthashecouldwithoutinjurytoRomeo，softeningandexcusingthepartwhichhisfriendstookinit。LadyCapulet，whoseextremegriefforthelossofherkinsmanTybaltmadeherkeepnoboundsinherrevenge，exhortedtheprincetodostrictjusticeuponhismurderer，andto，paynoattentiontoBenvolio”srepresentation，who，beingRomeo”sfriendandaMontague，spokepartially。Thusshepleadedagainsthernewson-in-law，butsheknewnotyetthathewasherson-in-lawandJuliet”shusband。OntheotherhandwastobeseenLadyMontaguepleadingforherchild”slife，andarguingwithsomejusticethatRomeohaddonenothingworthyofpunishmentintakingthelifeofTybalt，whichwasalreadyforfeitedtothelawbyhishavingslainMercutio。Theprince，unmovedbythepassionateexclamationsofthesewomen，onacarefulexaminationofthefactspronouncedhissentence，andbythatsentenceRomeowasbanishedfromVerona。
HeavynewstoyoungJuliet，whohadbeenbutafewhoursabrideandnowbythisdecreeseemedeverlastinglydivorced！Whenthetidingsreachedher，sheatfirstgavewaytorageagainstRomeo，whohadslainherdearcousin。Shecalledhimabeautifultyrant，afiendangelical，aravenousdove，alambwithawolf”snature，aserpent-hearthidwithafloweringface，andother，likecontradictorynames，whichdenotedthestrugglesinhermindbetweenherloveandherresentment。Butintheendlovegotthemastery，andthetearswhichsheshedforgriefthatRomeohadslainhercousinturnedtodropsofjoythatherhusbandlivedwhomTybaltwouldhaveslain。Thencamefreshtears，andtheywerealtogetherofgriefforRomeo”sbanishment。ThatwordwasmoreterribletoherthanthedeathofmanyTybalts。
Romeo，afterthefray，hadtakenrefugeinFriarLawrence”scell，wherehewasfirstmadeacquaintedwiththeprince”ssentence，whichseemedtohimfarmoreterriblethandeath。TohimitappearedtherewasnoworldoutofVerona”swalls，nolivingoutofthesightofJuliet。HeavenwastherewhereJulietlived，andallbeyondwaspurgatory，torture，hell。Thegoodfriarwouldhaveappliedtheconsolationofphilosophytohisgriefs；butthisfranticyoungmanwouldhearofnone，butlikeamadmanhetorehishairandthrewhimselfallalongupontheground，ashesaid，totakethemeasureofhisgrave。Fromthisunseemlystatehewasrousedbyamessagefromhisdearladywhichalittlerevivedhim；andthenthefriartooktheadvantagetoexpostulatewithhimontheunmanlyweaknesswhichhehadshown。HehadslainTybalt，butwouldhealsoslayhimself，slayhisdearlady，wholivedbutinhislife？Thenobleformofman，hesaid，wasbutashapeofwaxwhenitwantedthecouragewhichshouldkeepitfirm。Thelawhadbeenlenienttohimthatinsteadofdeath，whichhehadincurred，hadpronouncedbytheprince”smouthonlybanishment。HehadslainTybalt，butTybaltwouldhaveslainhim-therewasasortofhappinessinthat。Julietwasaliveand(beyondallhope)hadbecomehisdearwife；thereinhewasmosthappy。Alltheseblessings，asthefriarmadethemouttobe，didRomeoputfromhimlikeasullenmisbehavedwench。Andthefriarbadehimbeware，forsuchasdespaired(hesaid)diedmiserable。
ThenwhenRomeowasalittlecalmedhecounseledhimthatheshouldgothatnightandsecretlytakehisleaveofJuliet，andthenceproceedstraightwaytoMantua，atwhichplaceheshouldsojourntillthefriarfoundfitoccasiontopublishhismarriage，whichmightbeajoyfulmeansofreconcilingtheirfamilies；andthenhedidnotdoubtbuttheprincewouldbemovedtopardonhim，andhewouldreturnwithtwentytimesmorejoythanhewentforthwithgrief。Romeowasconvincedbythesewisecounselsofthefriar，andtookhisleavetogoandseekhislady，proposingtostaywithherthatnight，andbydaybreakpursuehisjourneyalonetoMantua；towhichplacethegoodfriarpromisedtosendhimlettersfromtimetotime，acquaintinghimwiththestateofaffairsathome。
ThatnightRomeopassedwithhisdearwife，gainingsecretadmissiontoherchamberfromtheorchardinwhichhehadheardherconfessionoflovethenightbefore。Thathadbeenanightofunmixedjoyandrapture；butthepleasuresofthisnightandthedelightwhichtheseloverstookineachother”ssocietyweresadlyallayedwiththeprospectofpartingandthefataladventuresofthepastday。Theunwelcomedaybreakseemedtocometoosoon，andwhenJulietheardthemorningsongofthelarkshewouldhavepersuadedherselfthatitwasthenightingale，whichsingsbynight；butitwastootrulythelarkwhichsang，andadiscordantandunpleasingnoteitseemedtoher；andthestreaksofdayintheeasttoocertainlypointedoutthatitwastimefortheseloverstopart。Romeotookhisleaveofhisdearwifewithaheavyheart，promisingtowritetoherfromMantuaeveryhourintheday；andwhenhehaddescendedfromherchamberwindow，ashestoodbelowherontheground，inthatsadforebodingstateofmindinwhichshewas，heappearedtohereyesasonedeadinthebottomofatomb。Romeo”smindmisgavehiminlikemanner。Butnowhewasforcedhastilytodepart，foritwasdeathforhimtobefoundwithinthewallsofVeronaafterdaybreak。
Thiswasbutthebeginningofthetragedyofthispairofstar-
crossedlovers。RomeohadnotbeengonemanydaysbeforetheoldLordCapuletproposedamatchforJuliet。Thehusbandhehadchosenforher，notdreamingthatshewasmarriedalready，wasCountParis，agallant，young，andnoblegentleman，nounworthysuitortotheyoungJulietifshehadneverseenRomeo。
TheterrifiedJulietwasinasadperplexityatherfather”soffer。Shepleadedheryouthunsuitabletomarriage，therecentdeathofTybalt，whichhadleftherspiritstooweaktomeetahusbandwithanyfaceofjoy，andhowindecorousitwouldshowforthefamilyoftheCapuletstobecelebratinganuptialfeastwhenhisfuneralsolemnitieswerehardlyover。Shepleadedeveryreasonagainstthematchbutthetrueone，namely，thatshewasmarriedalready。ButLordCapuletwasdeaftoallherexcuses，andinaperemptorymannerorderedhertogetready，forbythefollowingThursdaysheshouldbemarriedtoParis。Andhavingfoundherahusband，rich，young，andnoble，suchastheproudestmaidinVeronamightjoyfullyaccept，hecouldnotbearthatoutofanaffectedcoyness，asheconstruedherdenial，sheshouldopposeobstaclestoherowngoodfortune。
InthisextremityJulietappliedtothefriendlyfriar，alwaysacounselorindistress，andheaskingherifshehadresolutiontoundertakeadesperateremedy，andsheansweringthatshewouldgointothegravealiveratherthanmarryParis，herowndearhusbandliving，hedirectedhertogohome，andappearmerry，andgiveherconsenttomarryParis，accordingtoherfather”sdesire，andonthenextnight，whichwasthenightbeforethemarriage，todrinkoffthecontentsofavialwhichhethengaveher，theeffectofwhichwouldbethatfortwo-and-fortyhoursafterdrinkingitsheshouldappearcoldandlifeless，andwhenthebridegroomcametofetchherinthemorninghewouldfindhertoappearancedead；thatthenshewouldbeborne，asthemannerinthatcountrywas，uncoveredonabier，tobeburiedinthefamilyvault；thatifshecouldputoffwomanishfear，andconsenttothisterribletrial，inforty-twohoursafterswallowingtheliquid(suchwasitscertainoperation)shewouldbesuretoawake，asfromadream；andbeforesheshouldawakehewouldletherhusbandknowtheirdrift，andheshouldcomeinthenightandbearherthencetoMantua。Love，andthedreadofmarryingParis，gaveyoungJulietstrengthtoundertakethishorribleadventure；andshetookthevialofthefriar，promisingtoobservehisdirections。
Goingfromthemonastery，shemettheyoungCountParis，and，modestlydissembling，promisedtobecomehisbride。ThiswasjoyfulnewstotheLordCapuletandhiswife。Itseemedtoputyouthintotheoldman；andJuliet，whohaddispleasedhimexceedinglybyherrefusalofthecount，washisdarlingagain，nowshepromisedtobeobedient。Allthingsinthehousewereinabustleagainsttheapproachingnuptials。NocostwassparedtopreparesuchfestivalrejoicingsasVeronahadneverbeforewitnessed。
OntheWednesdaynightJulietdrankoffthepotion。Shehadmanymisgivingslestthefriar，toavoidtheblamewhichmightbeimputedtohimformarryinghertoRomeo，hadgivenherpoison；
butthenhewasalwaysknownforaholyman。ThenlestsheshouldawakebeforethetimethatRomeowastocomeforher；whethertheterroroftheplace，avaultfullofdeadCapulets”bones，andwhereTybalt，allbloody，layfesteringinhisshroud，wouldnotbeenoughtodriveherdistracted。Againshethoughtofallthestoriesshehadheardofspiritshauntingtheplaceswheretheirbodieswerebestowed。ButthenherloveforRomeoandheraversionforParisreturned，andshedesperatelyswallowedthedraughtandbecameinsensible。
WhenyoungPariscameearlyinthemorningwithmusictoawakenhisbride，insteadofalivingJulietherchamberpresentedthedrearyspectacleofalifelesscorse。Whatdeathtohishopes！
Whatconfusionthenreignedthroughthewholehouse！PoorParislamentinghisbride，whommostdetestabledeathhadbeguiledhimof，haddivorcedfromhimevenbeforetheirhandswerejoined。
ButstillmorepiteousitwastohearthemourningsoftheoldLordandLadyCapulet，whohavingbutthisone，onepoorlovingchildtorejoiceandsolacein，crueldeathhadsnatchedherfromtheirsight，justasthesecarefulparentswereonthepointofseeingheradvanced(astheythought)byapromisingandadvantageousmatch。Nowallthingsthatwereordainedforthefestivalwereturnedfromtheirpropertiestodotheofficeofablackfuneral。Theweddingcheerservedforasadburialfeast，thebridalhymnswerechangedforsullendirges，thesprightlyinstrumentstomelancholy。bells，andtheflowersthatshouldhavebeenstrewedinthebride”spathnowservedbuttostrewhercorse。Now，insteadofapriesttomarryher，apriestwasneededtoburyher，andshewasbornetochurchindeed，nottoaugmentthecheerfulhopesoftheliving，buttoswellthedrearynumbersofthedead。
Badnews，whichalwaystravelsfasterthangood，nowbroughtthedismalstoryofhisJuliet”sdeathtoRomeo，atMantua，beforethemessengercouldarrivewhowassentfromFriarLawrencetoapprisehimthattheseweremockfuneralsonly，andbuttheshadowandrepresentationofdeath，andthathisdearladylayinthetombbutforashortwhile，expectingwhenRomeowouldcometoreleaseherfromthatdrearymansion。Justbefore，Romeohadbeenunusuallyjoyfulandlight-hearted。Hehaddreamedinthenightthathewasdead(astrangedream，thatgaveadeadmanleavetothink)andthathisladycameandfoundhimdead，andbreathedsuchlifewithkissesinhislipsthatherevivedandwasanemperor！AndnowthatamessengercamefromVerona，hethoughtsurelyitwastoconfirmsomegoodnewswhichhisdreamshadpresaged。Butwhenthecontrarytothisflatteringvisionappeared，andthatitwashisladywhowasdeadintruth，whomhecouldnotrevivebyanykisses，heorderedhorsestobegotready，forhedeterminedthatnighttovisitVeronaandtoseehisladyinhertomb。Andasmischiefisswifttoenterintothethoughtsofdesperatemen，hecalledtomindapoorapothecary，whoseshopinMantuahehadlatelypassed，andfromthebeggarlyappearanceoftheman，whoseemedfamished，andthewretchedshowinhisshowofemptyboxesrangedondirtyshelves，andothertokensofextremewretchedness，hehadsaidatthetime(perhapshavingsomemisgivingsthathisowndisastrouslifemighthaplymeetwithaconclusionsodesperate)：
“Ifamanweretoneedpoison，whichbythelawofMantuaitisdeathtosell，herelivesapoorwretchwhowouldsellithim。”
Thesewordsofhisnowcameintohismindandhesoughtouttheapothecary，whoaftersomepretendedscruples，Romeoofferinghimgold，whichhispovertycouldnotresist，soldhimapoisonwhich，ifheswallowed，hetoldhim，ifhehadthestrengthoftwentymen，wouldquicklydespatchhim。
WiththispoisonhesetoutforVerona，tohaveasightofhisdearladyinhertomb，meaning，whenhehadsatisfiedhissight，toswallowthepoisonandbeburiedbyherside。HereachedVeronaatmidnight，andfoundthechurchyardinthemidstofwhichwassituatedtheancienttomboftheCapulets。Hehadprovidedalight，andaspade，andwrenching-iron，andwasproceedingtobreakopenthemonumentwhenhewasinterruptedbyavoice，whichbythenameofVILEMONTAGUEbadehimdesistfromhisunlawfulbusiness。ItwastheyoungCountParis，whohadcometothetombofJulietatthatunseasonabletimeofnighttostrewflowersandtoweepoverthegraveofherthatshouldhavebeenhisbride。HeknewnotwhataninterestRomeohadinthedead，but，knowinghimtobeaMontagueand(ashesupposed)aswornfoetoalltheCapulets，hejudgedthathewascomebynighttodosomevillainousshametothedeadbodies；thereforeinanangrytonehebadehimdesist；andasacriminal，condemnedbythelawsofVeronatodieifhewerefoundwithinthewallsofthecity，hewouldhaveapprehendedhim。RomeourgedParistoleavehim，andwarnedhimbythefateofTybalt，wholayburiedthere，nottoprovokehisangerordrawdownanothersinuponhisheadbyforcinghimtokillhim。Butthecountinscornrefusedhiswarning，andlaidhandsonhimasafelon，which，Romeoresisting，theyfought，andParisfell。WhenRomeo，bythehelpofalight，cametoseewhoitwasthathehadslain，thatitwasParis，who(helearnedinhiswayfromMantua)shouldhavemarriedJuliet，hetookthedeadyouthbythehand，asonewhommisfortunehadmadeacompanion，andsaidthathewouldburyhiminatriumphalgrave，meaninginJuliet”sgrave，whichhenowopened。Andtherelayhislady，asonewhomdeathhadnopowerupontochangeafeatureorcomplexion，inhermatchlessbeauty；
orasifdeathwereamorous，andthelean，abhorredmonsterkeptherthereforhisdelight；forshelayyetfreshandblooming，asshehadfallentosleepwhensheswallowedthatbenumbingpotion；
andnearherlayTybaltinhisbloodyshroud，whomRomeoseeing，beggedpardonofhislifelesscorse，andforJuliet”ssakecalledhimCOUSIN，andsaidthathewasabouttodohimafavorbyputtinghisenemytodeath。HereRomeotookhislastleaveofhislady”slips，kissingthem；andhereheshooktheburdenofhiscrossstarsfromhiswearybody，swallowingthatpoisonwhichtheapothecaryhadsoldhim，whoseoperationwasfatalandreal，notlikethatdissemblingpotionwhichJuliethadswallowed，theeffectofwhichwasnownearlyexpiring，andsheabouttoawaketocomplainthatRomeohadnotkepthistime，orthathehadcometoosoon。
Fornowthehourwasarrivedatwhichthefriarhadpromisedthatsheshouldawake；andhe，havinglearnedthathisletterswhichhehadsenttoMantua，bysomeunluckydetentionofthemessenger，hadneverreachedRomeo，camehimself，providedwithapickaxandlantern，todelivertheladyfromherconfinement；buthewassurprisedtofindalightalreadyburningintheCapulets”
monument，andtoseeswordsandbloodnearit，andRomeoandParislyingbreathlessbythemonument，Beforehecouldentertainaconjecture，toimaginehowthesefatalaccidentshadfallenout，Julietawokeoutofhertrance，and，seeingthefriarnearher，sherememberedtheplacewhereshewas，andtheoccasionofherbeingthere，andaskedforRomeo，butthefriar，hearinganoise，badehercomeoutofthatplaceofdeathandofunnaturalsleep，foragreaterpowerthantheycouldcontradicthadthwartedtheirintents；and，beingfrightenedbythenoiseofpeoplecoming，hefled。ButwhenJulietsawthecupclosedinhertruelove”shands，sheguessedthatpoisonhadbeenthecauseofhisend，andshewouldhaveswallowedthedregsifanyhadbeenleft，andshekissedhisstillwarmlipstotryifanypoisonyetdidhanguponthem；thenhearinganearernoiseofpeoplecoming，shequicklyunsheathedadaggerwhichshewore，and，stabbingherself，diedbyhertrueRomeo”sside。
Thewatchbythistimehadcomeuptotheplace。ApagebelongingtoCountParis，whohadwitnessedthefightbetweenhismasterandRomeo，hadgiventhealarm，whichhadspreadamongthecitizens，whowentupanddownthestreetsofVeronaconfusedlyexclaiming，“AParis！aRomeo！aJuliet！“astherumorhadimperfectlyreachedthem，tilltheuproarbroughtLordMontagueandLordCapuletoutoftheirbeds，withtheprince，toinquireintothecausesofthedisturbance。Thefriarhadbeenapprehendedbysomeofthewatch，comingfromthechurchyard，trembling，sighing，andweepinginasuspiciousmanner。AgreatmultitudebeingassembledattheCapulets”monument，thefriarwasdemandedbytheprincetodeliverwhatheknewofthesestrangeanddisastrousaccidents。
Andthere，inthepresenceoftheoldLordsMontagueandCapulet，hefaithfullyrelatedthestoryoftheirchildren”sfatallove，theparthetookinpromotingtheirmarriage，inthehopeinthatuniontoendthelongquarrelsbetweentheirfamilies；howRomeo，theredead，washusbandtoJuliet，andJuliet，theredead，wasRomeo”sfaithfulwife；how，beforehecouldfindafitopportunitytodivulgetheirmarriage，anothermatchwasprojectedforJuliet，who，toavoidthecrimeofasecondmarriage，swallowedthesleeping-draught(asheadvised)，andallthoughtherdead；howmeantimehewrotetoRomeotocomeandtakeherthencewhentheforceofthepotionshouldcease，andbywhatunfortunatemiscarriageofthemessengerthelettersneverreachedRomeo。Furtherthanthisthefriarcouldnotfollowthestory，norknewmorethanthat，cominghimselftodeliverJulietfromthatplaceofdeath，hefoundtheCountParisandRomeoslain。TheremainderofthetransactionswassuppliedbythenarrationofthepagewhohadseenParisandRomeofight，andbytheservantwhocamewithRomeofromVerona，towhomthisfaithfulloverhadgivenletterstobedeliveredtohisfatherintheeventofhisdeath，whichmadegoodthefriar”swords，confessinghismarriagewithJuliet，imploringtheforgivenessofhisparents，acknowledgingthebuyingofthepoisonofthepoorapothecaryandhisintentincomingtothemonumenttodieandliewithJuliet。Allthesecircumstancesagreedtogethertoclearthefriarfromanyhandhecouldbesupposedtohaveinthesecomplicatedslaughters，furtherthanastheunintendedconsequencesofhisownwell-meant，yettooartificialandsubtlecontrivances。
Andtheprince，turningtotheseoldlords，MontagueandCapulet，rebukedthemfortheirbrutalandirrationalenmities，andshowedthemwhatascourgeHeavenhadlaiduponsuchoffenses，thatithadfoundmeanseventhroughtheloveoftheirchildrentopunishtheirunnaturalhate。Andtheseoldrivals，nolongerenemies，agreedtoburytheirlongstrifeintheirchildren”sgraves；andLordCapuletrequestedLordMontaguetogivehimhishand，callinghimbythenameofbrother，asifinacknowledgmentoftheunionoftheirfamiliesbythemarriageoftheyoungCapuletandMontague；andsayingthatLordMontague”shand(intokenofreconcilement)wasallhedemandedforhisdaughter”sjointure。
ButLordMontaguesaidhewouldgivehimmore，forhewouldraiseherastatueofpuregoldthat，whileVeronakeptitsname，nofigureshouldbesoesteemedforitsrichnessandworkmanshipasthatofthetrueandfaithfulJuliet。AndLordCapuletinreturnsaidthathewouldraiseanotherstatuetoRomeo。Sodidthesepooroldlords，whenitwastoolate，strivetooutgoeachotherinmutualcourtesies；whilesodeadlyhadbeentheirrageandenmityinpasttimesthatnothingbutthefearfuloverthrowoftheirchildren(poorsacrificestotheirquarrelsanddissensions)couldremovetherootedhatesandjealousiesofthenoblefamilies。
HAMLET，PRINCEOFDENMARK
Gertrude，QueenofDenmark，becomingawidowbythesuddendeathofKingHamlet，inlessthantwomonthsafterhisdeathmarriedhisbrotherClaudius，whichwasnotedbyallpeopleatthetimforastrangeactofindiscretion，orunfeelingness，orworse；
forthisClaudiusdidnowayresembleherlatehusbandinthequalitiesofhispersonorhismind，butwasascontemptibleinoutwardappearanceashewasbaseandunworthyindisposition；
andsuspicionsdidnotfailtoariseinthemindsofsomethathehadprivatelymadeawaywithhisbrother，thelateking，withtheviewofmarryinghiswidowandascendingthethroneofDenmark，totheexclusionofyoungHamlet，thesonoftheburiedkingandlawfulsuccessortothethrone。
Butuponnoonedidthisunadvisedactionofthequeenmakesuchimpressionasuponthisyoungprince，wholovedandveneratedthememoryofhisdeadfatheralmosttoidolatry，and，beingofanicesenseofhonorandamostexquisitepractiserofproprietyhimself，didsorelytaketoheartthisunworthyconductofhismotherGertrude；insomuchthat，betweengriefforhisfather”sdeathandshameforhismother”smarriage，thisyoungprincewasovercloudedwithadeepmelancholy，andlostallhismirthandallhisgoodlooks；allhiscustomarypleasureinbooksforsookhim，hisprincelyexercisesandsports，propertohisyouth，werenolongeracceptable；hegrewwearyoftheworld，whichseemedtohimanunweededgarden，whereallthewholesomeflowerswerechokedupandnothingbutweedscouldthrive。Notthattheprospectofexclusionfromthethrone，hislawfulinheritance，weighedsomuchuponhisspirits，thoughthattoayoungandhigh-mindedprincewasabitterwoundandasoreindignity；butwhatsogalledhimandtookawayallhischeerfulspiritswasthathismotherhadshownherselfsoforgetfultohisfather”smemory，andsuchafather！whohadbeentohersolovingandsogentleahusband！andthenshealwaysappearedaslovingandobedientawifetohim，andwouldhanguponhimasifheraffectiongrewtohim。Andnowwithintwomonths，or，asitseemedtoyoungHamlet，lessthantwomonths，shehadmarriedagain，marriedhisuncle，herdearhusband”sbrother，initselfahighlyimproperandunlawfulmarriage，fromthenearnessofrelationship，butmademuchmoresobytheindecenthastewithwhichitwasconcludedandtheunkinglycharacterofthemanwhomshehadchosentobethepartnerofherthroneandbed。Thisitwaswhichmorethanthelossoftenkingdomsdashedthespiritsandbroughtacloudoverthemindofthishonorableyoungprince。
InvainwasallthathismotherGertrudeorthekingcoulddotocontrivetodiverthim；hestillappearedincourtinasuitofdeepblack，asmourningforthekinghisfather”sdeath，whichmodeofdresshehadneverlaidaside，notevenincomplimenttohismotheruponthedayshewasmarried，norcouldhebebroughttojoininanyofthefestivitiesorrejoicingsofthat(asappearedtohim)disgracefulday。
Whatmostlytroubledhimwasanuncertaintyaboutthemannerofhisfather”sdeath。ItwasgivenoutbyClaudiusthataserpenthadstunghim；butyoungHamlethadshrewdsuspicionsthatClaudiushimselfwastheserpent；inplainEnglish，thathehadmurderedhimforhiscrown，andthattheserpentwhostunghisfatherdidnowsitonthethrone。
Howfarhewasrightinthisconjectureandwhatheoughttothinkofhismother，howfarshewasprivytothismurderandwhetherbyherconsentorknowledge，orwithout，itcametopass，werethedoubtswhichcontinuallyharassedanddistractedhim。
ArumorhadreachedtheearofyoungHamletthatanapparition，exactlyresemblingthedeadkinghisfather，hadbeenseenbythesoldiersuponwatch，ontheplatformbeforethepalaceatmidnight，fortwoorthreenightssuccessively。Thefigurecameconstantlycladinthesamesuitofarmor，fromheadtofoot，whichthedeadkingwasknowntohaveworn。Andtheywhosawit(Hamlet”sbosomfriendHoratiowasone)agreedintheirtestimonyastothetimeandmannerofitsappearancethatitcamejustastheclockstrucktwelve；thatitlookedpale，withafacemoreofsorrowthanofanger；thatitsbeardwasgrisly，andthecoloraSABLESILVERED，astheyhadseenitinhislifetime；thatitmadenoanswerwhentheyspoketoit；yetoncetheythoughtitliftedupitsheadandaddresseditselftomotion，asifitwereabouttospeak；butinthatmomentthemorningcockcrewanditshrankinhasteaway，andvanishedoutoftheirsight。
Theyoungprince，strangelyamazedattheirrelation，whichwastooconsistentandagreeingwithitselftodisbelieve，concludedthatitwashisfather”sghostwhichtheyhadseen，anddeterminedtotakehiswatchwiththesoldiersthatnight，thathemighthaveachanceofseeingit；forhereasonedwithhimselfthatsuchanappearancedidnotcomefornothing，butthattheghosthadsomethingtoimpart，andthoughithadbeensilenthitherto，yetitwouldspeaktohim。Andhewaitedwithimpatienceforthecomingofnight。
WhennightcamehetookhisstandwithHoratio，andMarcellus，oneoftheguard，upontheplatform，wherethisapparitionwasaccustomedtowalk；anditbeingacoldnight，andtheairunusuallyrawandnipping，HamletandHoratioandtheircompanionfellintosometalkaboutthecoldnessofthenight，whichwassuddenlybrokenoffbyHoratioannouncingthattheghostwascoming。
Atthesightofhisfather”sspiritHamletwasstruckwithasuddensurpriseandfear。”Heatfirstcalledupontheangelsandheavenlyministerstodefendthem，forheknewnotwhetheritwereagoodspiritorbad，whetheritcameforgoodorevil；buthegraduallyassumedmorecourage；andhisfather(asitseemedtohim)lookeduponhimsopiteously，andasitweredesiringtohaveconversationwithhim，anddidinallrespectsappearsolikehimselfashewaswhenhelived，thatHamletcouldnothelpaddressinghim。Hecalledhimbyhisname，“Hamlet，King，Father！“andconjuredhimthathewouldtellthereasonwhyhehadlefthisgrave，wheretheyhadseenhimquietlybestowed，tocomeagainandvisittheearthandthemoonlight；andbesoughthimthathewouldletthemknowiftherewasanythingwhichtheycoulddotogivepeacetohisspirit。AndtheghostbeckonedtoHamlet，thatheshouldgowithhimtosomemoreremovedplacewheretheymightbealone；andHoratioandMarcelluswouldhavedissuadedtheyoungprincefromfollowingit，fortheyfearedlestitshouldbesomeevilspiritwhowouldtempthimtotheneighboringseaortothetopofsomedreadfulcliff，andthereputonsomehorribleshapewhichmightdeprivetheprinceofhisreason。ButtheircounselsandentreatiescouldnotalterHamlet”sdetermination，whocaredtoolittleaboutlifetofearthelosingofit；andastohissoul，hesaid，whatcouldthespiritdotothat，beingathingimmortalasitself？Andhefeltashardyasalion，and，burstingfromthem，whodidalltheycouldtoholdhim，hefollowedwhithersoeverthespiritledhim。
Andwhentheywerealonetogether，thespiritbrokesilenceandtoldhimthathewastheghostofHamlet，hisfather，whohadbeencruellymurdered，andhetoldthemannerofit；thatitwasdonebyhisownbrotherClaudius，Hamlet”suncle，asHamlethadalreadybuttoomuchsuspected，forthehopeofsucceedingtohisbedandcrown。Thatashewassleepinginhisgarden，hiscustomalwaysintheafternoon，histreasonousbrotherstoleuponhiminhissleepandpouredthejuiceofpoisonoushenbaneintohisears，whichhassuchanantipathytothelifeofmanthat，swiftasquicksilver，itcoursesthroughalltheveinsofthebody，bakingupthebloodandspreadingacrust-likeleprosyallovertheskin。Thussleeping，byabrother”shandhewascutoffatoncefromhiscrown，hisqueen，andhislife；andheadjuredHamlet，ifhedideverhisdearfatherlove，thathewouldrevengehisfoulmurder。Andtheghostlamentedtohissonthathismothershouldsofallofffromvirtueastoprovefalsetotheweddedloveofherfirsthusbandandtomarryhismurderer；
buthecautionedHamlet，howsoeverheproceededinhisrevengeagainsthiswickeduncle，bynomeanstoactanyviolenceagainstthepersonofhismother，buttoleavehertoHeaven，andtothestingsandthornsofconscience。AndHamletpromisedtoobservetheghost”sdirectioninallthings，andtheghostvanished。
AndwhenHamletwasleftalonehetookupasolemnresolutionthatallhehadinhismemory，allthathehadeverlearnedbybooksorobservation，shouldbeinstantlyforgottenbyhim，andnothingliveinhisbrainbutthememoryofwhattheghosthadtoldhimandenjoinedhimtodo。AndHamletrelatedtheparticularsoftheconversationwhichhadpassedtononebuthisdearfriendHoratio；andheenjoinedbothtohimandMarcellusthestrictestsecrecyastowhattheyhadseenthatnight。
TheterrorwhichthesightoftheghosthadleftuponthesensesofHamlet，hebeingweakanddispiritedbefore，almostunhingedhismindanddrovehimbesidehisreason。Andhe，fearingthatitwouldcontinuetohavethiseffect，whichmightsubjecthimtoobservationandsethisuncleuponhisguard，ifhesuspectedthathewasmeditatinganythingagainsthim，orthatHamletreallyknewmoreofhisfather”sdeaththanheprofessed，tookupastrangeresolution，fromthattimetocounterfeitasifhewerereallyandtrulymad；thinkingthathewouldbelessanobjectofsuspicionwhenhisuncleshouldbelievehimincapableofanyseriousproject，andthathisrealperturbationofmindwouldbebestcoveredandpassconcealedunderadisguiseofpretendedlunacy。
FromthistimeHamletaffectedacertainwildnessandstrangenessinhisapparel，hisspeech，andbehavior，anddidsoexcellentlycounterfeitthemadmanthatthekingandqueenwerebothdeceived，andnotthinkinghisgriefforhisfather”sdeathasufficientcausetoproducesuchadistemper，fortheyknewnotoftheappearanceoftheghost，theyconcludedthathismaladywasloveandtheythoughttheyhadfoundouttheobject。
BeforeHamletfellintothemelancholywaywhichhasbeenrelatedhehaddearlylovedafairmaidcalledOphelia，thedaughterofPolonius，theking”schiefcounselorinaffairsofstate。Hehadsentherlettersandrings，andmademanytendersofhisaffectiontoher，andimportunedherwithloveinhonorablefashion；andshehadgivenbelieftohisvowsandimportunities。Butthemelancholywhichhefellintolatterlyhadmadehimneglecther，andfromthetimeheconceivedtheprojectofcounterfeitingmadnessheaffectedtotreatherwithunkindnessandasortofrudeness；butshe，goodlady，ratherthanreproachhimwithbeingfalsetoher，persuadedherselfthatitwasnothingbutthediseaseinhismind，andnosettledunkindness，whichhadmadehimlessobservantofherthanformerly；andshecomparedthefacultiesofhisoncenoblemindandexcellentunderstanding，impairedastheywerewiththedeepmelancholythatoppressedhim，tosweetbellswhichinthemselvesarecapableofmostexquisitemusic，butwhenjangledoutoftune，orrudelyhandled，produceonlyaharshandunpleasingsound。
ThoughtheroughbusinesswhichHamlethadinhand，therevengingofhisfather”sdeathuponhismurderer，didnotsuitwiththeplayfulstateofcourtship，oradmitofthesocietyofsoidleapassionaslovenowseemedtohim，yetitcouldnothinderbutthatsoftthoughtsofhisOpheliawouldcomebetween，andinoneofthesemoments，whenhethoughtthathistreatmentofthisgentleladyhadbeenunreasonablyharsh，hewroteheraletterfullofwildstartsofpassion，andinextravagantterms，suchasagreedwithhissupposedmadness，butmixedwithsomegentletouchesofaffection，whichcouldnotbutshowtothishonoredladythatadeeploveforheryetlayatthebottomofhisheart。
Hebadehertodoubtthestarswerefire，andtodoubtthatthesundidmove，todoubttruthtobealiar，butnevertodoubtthatheloved；withmoreofsuchextravagantphrases。ThisletterOpheliadutifullyshowedtoherfather，andtheoldmanthoughthimselfboundtocommunicateittothekingandqueen，whofromthattimesupposedthatthetruecauseofHamlet”smadnesswaslove。AndthequeenwishedthatthegoodbeautiesofOpheliamightbethehappycauseofhiswildness，forsoshehopedthathervirtuesmighthappilyrestorehimtohisaccustomedwayagain，toboththeirhonors。
ButHamlet”smaladylaydeeperthanshesupposed，orthancouldbesocured。Hisfather”sghost，whichhehadseen，stillhauntedhisimagination，andthesacredinjunctiontorevengehismurdergavehimnoresttillitwasaccomplished。Everyhourofdelayseemedtohimasinandaviolationofhisfather”scommands。Yethowtocompassthedeathoftheking，surroundedasheconstantlywaswithhisguards，wasnoeasymatter。Orifithadbeen，thepresenceofthequeen，Hamlet”smother，whowasgenerallywiththeking，wasarestraintuponhispurpose，whichhecouldnotbreakthrough。Besides，theverycircumstancethattheusurperwashismother”shusband，filledhimwithsomeremorseandstillbluntedtheedgeofhispurpose。Themereactofputtingafellow-creaturetodeathwasinitselfodiousandterribletoadispositionnaturallysogentleasHamlet”swas。Hisverymelancholy，andthedejectionofspiritshehadsolongbeenill，producedanirresolutenessandwaveringofpurposewhichkepthimfromproceedingtoextremities。Moreover，hecouldnothelphavingsomescruplesuponhismind，whetherthespiritwhichhehadseenwasindeedhisfather，orwhetheritmightnotbethedevil，whohehadheardhaspowertotakeanyformhepleases，andwhomighthaveassumedhisfather”sshapeonlytotakeadvantageofhisweaknessandhismelancholy，todrivehimtothedoingofsodesperateanactasmurder。Andhedeterminedthathewouldhavemorecertaingroundstogouponthanavision，orapparition，whichmightbeadelusion。
Whilehewasinthisirresolutemindtherecametothecourtcertainplayers，inwhomHamletformerlyusedtotakedelight，andparticularlytohearoneofthemspeakatragicalspeech，describingthedeathofoldPriam，KingofTroy，withthegriefofHecubahisqueen。Hamletwelcomedhisoldfriends，theplayers，andrememberinghowthatspeechhadformerlygivenhimpleasure，requestedtheplayertorepeatit；whichhedidinsolivelyamanner，settingforththecruelmurderofthefeebleoldking，withthedestructionofhispeopleandcitybyfire，andthemadgriefoftheoldqueen，runningbarefootupanddownthepalace，withapoorcloutuponthatheadwhereacrownhadbeen，andwithnothingbutablanketuponherloins，snatchedupinhaste，whereshehadwornaroyalrobe；thatnotonlyitdrewtearsfromallthatstoodby，whothoughttheysawtherealscene，solivelywasitrepresented，buteventheplayerhimselfdelivereditwithabrokenvoiceandrealtears。ThisputHamletuponthinking，ifthatplayercouldsoworkhimselfuptopassionbyamerefictitiousspeech，toweepforonethathehadneverseen，forHecuba，thathadbeendeadsomanyhundredyears，howdullwashe，whohavingarealmotiveandcueforpassion，arealkingandadearfathermurdered，wasyetsolittlemovedthathisrevengeallthiswhilehadseemedtohavesleptindullandmuddyforgetfulness！andwhilehemeditatedonactorsandacting，andthepowerfuleffectswhichagoodplay，representedtothelife，hasuponthespectator，herememberedtheinstanceofsomemurderer，who，seeingamurderonthestage，wasbythemereforceofthesceneandresemblanceofcircumstancessoaffectedthatonthespotheconfessedthecrimewhichhehadcommitted。
Andhedeterminedthattheseplayersshouldplaysomethinglikethemurderofhisfatherbeforehisuncle，andhewouldwatchnarrowlywhateffectitmighthaveuponhim，andfromhislookshewouldbeabletogatherwithmorecertaintyifhewerethemurdererornot。Tothiseffectheorderedaplaytobeprepared，totherepresentationofwhichheinvitedthekingandqueen。
ThestoryoftheplaywasofamurderdoneinViennauponaduke。
Theduke”snamewasGonzago，hiswife”sBaptista。TheplayshowedhowoneLucianus，anearrelationtotheduke，poisonedhiminhisgardenforhisestate，andhowthemurdererinashorttimeaftergottheloveofGonzago”swife。
Attherepresentationofthisplay，theking，whodidnotknowthetrapwhichwaslaidforhim，waspresent，withhisqueenandthewholecourt；Hamletsittingattentivelynearhimtoobservehislooks。TheplaybeganwithaconversationbetweenGonzagoandhiswife，inwhichtheladymademanyprotestationsoflove，andofnevermarryingasecondhusbandifsheshouldoutliveGonzago，wishingshemightbeaccursedifsheevertookasecondhusband，andaddingthatnowomandidsobutthosewickedwomenwhokilltheirfirsthusbands。Hamletobservedthekinghisunclechangecoloratthisexpression，andthatitwasasbadaswormwoodbothtohimandtothequeen。ButwhenLucianus，accordingtothestory，cametopoisonGonzagosleepinginthegarden，thestrongresemblancewhichitboretohisownwickedactuponthelateking，hisbrother，whomhehadpoisonedinhisgarden，sostruckupontheconscienceofthisusurperthathewasunabletositouttherestoftheplay，butonasuddencallingforlightstohischamber，andaffectingorpartlyfeelingasuddensickness，heabruptlyleftthetheater。Thekingbeingdeparted，theplaywasgivenover。NowHamlethadseenenoughtobesatisfiedthatthewordsoftheghostweretrueandnoillusion；andinafitofgaiety，likethatwhichcomesoveramanwhosuddenlyhassomegreatdoubtorscrupleresolved，hesworetoHoratiothathewouldtaketheghost”swordforathousandpounds。Butbeforehecouldmakeuphisresolutionastowhatmeasuresofrevengeheshouldtake，nowhewascertainlyinformedthathisunclewashisfather”smurderer，hewassentforbythequeenhismother，toaprivateconferenceinhercloset。
ItwasbydesireofthekingthatthequeensentforHamlet，thatshemightsignifytohersonhowmuchhislatebehaviorhaddispleasedthemboth，andtheking，wishingtoknowallthatpassedatthatconference，andthinkingthatthetoopartialreportofamothermightletslipsomepartofHamlet”swords，whichitmightmuchimportthekingtoknow，Polonius，theoldcounselorofstate，wasorderedtoplanthimselfbehindthehangingsinthequeen”scloset，wherehemight，unseen，hearallthatpassed。ThisartificewasparticularlyadaptedtothedispositionofPolonius，whowasamangrownoldincrookedmaximsandpoliciesofstate，anddelightedtogetattheknowledgeofmattersinanindirectandcunningway。
Hamletbeingcometohismother，shebegantotaxhimintheroundestwaywithhisactionsandbehavior，andshetoldhimthathehadgivengreatoffensetoHISFATHER，meaningtheking，hisuncle，whom，becausehehadmarriedher，shecalledHamlet”sfather。Hamlet，sorelyindignantthatsheshouldgivesodearandhonoredanameasfatherseemedtohimtoawretchwhowasindeednobetterthanthemurdererofhistruefather，withsomesharpnessreplied：
“Mother，YOUhavemuchoffendedMYFATHER。”
Thequeensaidthatwasbutanidleanswer。
“Asgoodasthequestiondeserved，“saidHamlet。
Thequeenaskedhimifhehadforgottenwhoitwashewasspeakingto。
“Alas！“repliedHamlet，“IwishIcouldforget。Youarethequeen，yourhusband”sbrother”swife；andyouaremymother。I
wishyouwerenotwhatyouare。”
“Nay，then，“saidthequeen，“ifyoushowmesolittlerespect，I
willsetthosetoyouthatcanspeak，“andwasgoingtosendthekingorPoloniustohim。
ButHamletwouldnotlethergo，nowhehadheralone，tillhehadtriedifhiswordscouldnotbringhertosomesenseofherwickedlife；and，takingherbythewrist，heheldherfast，andmadehersitdown。She，affrightedathisearnestmanner，andfearfullestinhislunacyheshoulddoheramischief，criedout；andavoicewasheardfrombehindthehangings，“Help，help”
thequeen！“whichHamlethearing，andverilythinkingthatitwasthekinghimselfthereconcealed，hedrewhisswordandstabbedattheplacewherethevoicecamefrom，ashewouldhavestabbedaratthatranthere，till，thevoiceceasing，heconcludedthepersontobedead。Butwhenhedraggedforththebodyitwasnottheking，butPolonius，theold，officiouscounselor，thathadplantedhimselfasaspybehindthehangings。
“Oh，me！“exclaimedthequeen，“whatarashandbloodydeedhaveyoudone！“
“Abloodydeed，mother，“repliedHamlet，“butnotsobadasyours，whokilledaking，andmarriedhisbrother。”
Hamlethadgonetoofartoleaveoffhere。Hewasnowinthehumortospeakplainlytohismother，andhepursuedit。Andthoughthefaultsofparentsaretobetenderlytreatedbytheirchildren，yetinthecaseofgreatcrimesthesonmayhaveleavetospeakeventohisownmotherwithsomeharshness，soasthatharshnessismeantforhergoodandtoturnherfromherwickedways，andnotdoneforthepurposeofupbraiding。Andnowthisvirtuousprincedidinmovingtermsrepresenttothequeentheheinousnessofheroffenseinbeingsoforgetfulofthedeadking，hisfather，asinsoshortaspaceoftimetomarrywithhisbrotherandreputedmurderer。Suchanactas，afterthevowswhichshehadsworntoherfirsthusband，wasenoughtomakeallvowsofwomensuspectedandallvirtuetobeaccountedhypocrisy，weddingcontractstobelessthangamesters”oaths，andreligiontobeamockeryandamereformofwords。Hesaidshehaddonesuchadeedthattheheavensblushedatit，andtheearthwassickofherbecauseofit。Andheshowedhertwopictures，theoneofthelateking，herfirsthusband，andtheotherofthepresentking，hersecondhusband，andhebadehermarkthedifference；whatagracewasonthebrowofhisfather，howlikeagodhelooked！thecurlsofApollo，theforeheadofJupiter，theeyeofMars，andapostureliketoMercurynewlyalightedonsomeheaven-kissinghill！thisman，hesaid，HADBEENherhusband。Andthenbeshowedherwhomshehadgotinhisstead；
howlikeablightoramildewhelooked，forsohehadblastedhiswholesomebrother。Andthequeenwassoreashamedthatheshouldsoturnhereyesinwarduponhersoul，whichshenowsawsoblackanddeformed。Andheaskedherhowshecouldcontinuetolivewiththisman，andbeawifetohim，whohadmurderedherfirsthusbandandgotthecrownbyasfalsemeansasathief——andjustashespoketheghostofhisfather，suchashewasinhislifetimeandsuchashehadlatelyseenit，enteredtheroom，andHamlet，ingreatterror，askedwhatitwouldhave；andtheghostsaidthatitcametoremindhimoftherevengehehadpromised，whichHamletseemedtohaveforgot；andtheghostbadehimspeaktohismother，forthegriefandterrorshewasinwouldelsekillher。Itthenvanished，andwasseenbynonebutHamlet，neithercouldhebypointingtowhereitstood，orbyanydescription，makehismotherperceiveit，whowasterriblyfrightenedallthiswhiletohearhimconversing，asitseemedtoher，withnothing；andsheimputedittothedisorderofhismind。ButHamletbeggedhernottoflatterherwickedsoulinsuchamannerastothinkthatitwashismadness，andnotherownoffenses，whichhadbroughthisfather”sspiritagainontheearth。Andhebadeherfeelhispulse，howtemperatelyitbeat，notlikeamadman”s。Andhebeggedofher，withtears，toconfessherselftoHeavenforwhatwaspast，andforthefuturetoavoidthecompanyofthekingandbenomoreasawifetohim；
andwhensheshouldshowherselfamothertohim，byrespectinghisfather”smemory，hewouldaskablessingofherasason。Andshepromisingtoobservehisdirections，theconferenceended。
AndnowHamletwasatleisuretoconsiderwhoitwasthatinhisunfortunaterashnesshehadkilled；andwhenhecametoseethatitwasPolonius，thefatheroftheLadyOpheliawhomhesodearlyloved，hedrewapartthedeadbody，and，hisspiritsbeingnowalittlequieter，heweptforwhathehaddone。
TheunfortunatedeathofPoloniusgavethekingapretenseforsendingHamletoutofthekingdom。Hewouldwillinglyhaveputhimtodeath，fearinghimasdangerous；buthedreadedthepeople，wholovedHamlet，andthequeen，who，withallherfaults，dotedupontheprince，herson。Sothissubtleking，underpretenseofprovidingforHamlet”ssafety，thathemightnotbecalledtoaccountforPolonius”sdeath，causedhimtobeconveyedonboardashipboundforEngland，underthecareoftwocourtiers，bywhomhedespatchedletterstotheEnglishcourt，whichinthattimewasinsubjectionandpaidtributetoDenmark，requiring，forspecialreasonstherepretended，thatHamletshouldbeputtodeathassoonashelandedonEnglishground。
Hamlet，suspectingsometreachery，inthenighttimesecretlygotattheletters，and，skilfullyerasinghisownname，heinthesteadofitputinthenamesofthosetwocourtiers，whohadthechargeofhim，tobeputtodeath；thensealinguptheletters，heputthemintotheirplaceagain。Soonaftertheshipwasattackedbypirates，andasea-fightcommenced，inthecourseofwhichHamlet，desiroustoshowhisvalor，withswordinhandsinglyboardedtheenemy”svessel；whilehisownship，inacowardlymanner，boreaway；andleavinghimtohisfate，thetwocourtiersmadethebestoftheirwaytoEngland，chargedwiththoselettersthesenseofwhichHamlethadalteredtotheirowndeserveddestruction。
