Page:The Psychology of Shakespeare.pdf/46

Rh dreams Surely, 'tis better in the mind to lie in restless ecstacy, than thus to have the naked fancy stretched upon the rack; all its defences gone, all power of voluntary attention and abstraction, all guidance of the thoughts, all judgment abrogated. What more lurid picture of hell can be formed than that it is one long bad dream | “Gent. Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen her rise from the bed, throw her night-gown upon her, unlock her closet, take forth paper, fold it, write upon it, read it, afterwards seal it, and again return to bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleep.

Doct. A great perturbation in nature to receive at once the benefit of sleep, and do the effects of watching. In this slumbry agitation, besides her walking and other actual per formance, what, at any ime, have you* heard her say ?” + Lo you, here she comes. This is her very guise ; and, upon my life, fast asleep. Observe her : stand “Gent.

close.

Doct. How came she by that light 7 Gent. Why, it stood by her : she has light by her con tinually; 'tis her command. Doct. You see, her eyes are open.

Gent. Ay, but their sense is shut. Doct. What is it she does now 2 hands.

Look how she rubs her

Gent. It is an accustomed action with her, to seem thus washing her hands: I have known her continue in this a uarter of an hour.

Lady M. Yet here's a spot. Doct. Hark, she speaks; I will set down what comes from her, to satisfy my remembrance the more strongly.

Lady M. Out, damned spot Why, then 'tis time to do’t : lordy, fye

out, I say —One ; Two: Hell is murky l—Fye, my

a soldier, and afeard '

What need we fear who

knows it, when none can call our power into account 7–Yet who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him ;

Doct. Do you mark that? Lady M. The thane of Fife had a wife : Where is she now 7–What, will these hands ne'er be clean?—No more