Page 314 - Hamlet: The Cambridge Dover Wilson Shakespeare

3.2. N O T E S 207

great affliction of spirit,' 11. 312-13 and note 1. 243
above. The Queen knows nothing of the murder
(v. note 3. 4. 30).
329. stonish (Q2) Fi'astonish.'
337. And do still (Q 2) F1 'So I do still.'
by these pickers and stealers i.e. by these hands,
referring to 'keep my hands from picking and stealing'
(Church Catechism), and intended to recall what
follows, viz. 'and my tongue from evil speaking, lying
and slandering'—which he imputes to them; cf. 1. 360.
338-39. your cause of distemper Cf. 1. 4. 73 note.
339-40. you do surely.. .friend A threat, meaning
'your reticence may lead to your being shut up like a
madman.
341. / lack advancement He gives them the answer
they desire, and strengthens the interpretation he wishes
the world to place upon his actions; cf. note 1. 243.
343. the voice. ..Denmark A reference to 1. 2.
108-109.
345. 'While the grass grows 1 Malone quotes
Whetstone's Prom us and Cassandra, 1578: 'Whylst
grass doth growe, oft sterves the seely steede' and adds,
'Ham. means to intimate that whilst he is waiting for the
succession to the throne of Denmark, he may himself be
taken off by death.' But there is dramatic irony also:
the grass is also growing under Ham.'s own feet while
the K. acts.
351-52. if my duty.. .unmannerly i.e. if my be-
haviour seem a little bold, you must set it down to the
impetuosity of my affection. Ham. refuses to understand
this, not because it is 'an unmeaning compliment'
(Clar.), but because of its obvious insincerity. Guild.,
separated from Ros. and taken aback by Ham.'s sudden
question, answers stammeringly.
360. lying Referring to 11. 351-52.
361.* fingers and thumbs Qz 'fingers, &the vmber,'
F1 'finger and thumbe,' MSH. pp. 323-24. Most edd.