Page:Hamlet - The Arden Shakespeare - 1899.djvu/15

 in my explanation of Hamlet's question about Alexander's body, in the Churchyard scene (V. i. 218); of his swearing by St. Patrick (I. v. 136); of the name Lamord (IV. vii. 93). I hope I may have done something towards the solution of the "dram of eale" crux (I. iv. 36—38), and of "stand a comma 'tween their amities" (V. ii. 42). I have noted a curious parallel between Jonson and Shakespeare (II. ii. 210—214). With the aid of the New English Dictionary I have perhaps removed any doubt as to the meaning of "mortal coil" (III. i. 67), and given its correct sense (though this is doubtful) to "anchor's cheer" (III. ii. 231). I have perhaps explained why Polonius classes "fencing" with drinking and drabbing (II. i. 25). I have made what I suppose to be new—perhaps erroneous—suggestions as to "Take this from this" (II. ii. 156) and "tender me a fool" (I. iii. 109). If ingenuities are anywhere pardonable, it is in conjecturing the meaning of Hamlet's riddling speeches; it was not his cue ever to talk sheer nonsense; accordingly I have ventured to throw out, doubtfully, suggestions—possibly darkening counsel with words—on "fishmonger" (II. ii. 174), "mad . . . handsaw" (II. ii. 401-403), "suit of sables" (III. ii. 139), "soul of Nero" (II. ii. 413), "the body is with the king" (IV. ii. 30), "drink up eisel, eat a crocodile" (V. i. 298). I, very doubtfully, suggest a new reading of "select and generous" (I. iii. 74), and a modification of Mr. Tovey's emendation of the "Yaughan" crux (V. i. 67). Occasionally, as in the "Nunnery" scene with Ophelia (III. i.), I have tried to explain Hamlet's thoughts rather than verbal difficulties. When what is worthless has been sifted away, a little that is a