Page 250 - Hamlet: The Cambridge Dover Wilson Shakespeare

I.I. NOTES 143

evidence of what the reporter saw taking place on the
Globe stage. For a comparative table of S.D.S in Q2
and F i v. MSH. pp. 353-69.

1. 1.
S.D. A narrow platform etc. For 'platform' (first
read by Theobald) cf. 1. 2. 213 'the platform where we
watch,' and 1.2.252' Upon the platform.' Its technical
meaning in Sh.'s day was a raised level place or an open
walk on the top of a building, for the emplacement of
guns (v. N.E.D. 'platform' 6). Sh. probably imagined
it as situated on the battlements of the castle, at once a
look-out for guards and a commanding position for
cannon. Theatrically, I take it, the word denotes the
upper-stage, which would explain the unmotived dis-
appearance of Bar. in 1. 4., when his place is taken by
Ham.; seeing that four characters besides the Ghost
would have overcrowded the gallery, which for the rest,
with its curtained recess in the middle, would be very
convenient for the apparition. (For a different view, by
Chambers, v. head-note 1. 5.)
Francisco, a sentinel armed etc. Prob. the 'sentinels'
all carried partisans (v. G.) like the Wardens of the
Tower, whom Sh. seems to have in mind. As royal
guards, too, they would rank as officers and gentlemen
(a title Hor. expressly gives to Mar. and Bar. at I. 2.
194), though Mar. seems to have been of higher military
rank than Bar. (v. note 1.2.167). Perhaps Sh. intended
him as captain of the guard and the others as lieutenants.
Cf. Sh.Eng.i. 138.
I. Who's there? The question and the dialogue that
follows emphasise the darkness of the night and the
jumpiness of the guards. It was for Fran., on guard, to
give the challenge.
3. Long live the king! The watchword is dramatically
ironical in view of all that follows.