for the very substance of the ambitious is merely
the shadow of a dream. 269
Ham. A dream itself is but a shadow.
Ros. Truly, and I hold ambition of so airy
and light a quality that it is but a shadow's
shadow. 273
Ham. Then are our beggars bodies, and our
monarchs and outstretched heroes the beggars'
shadows. Shall we to the court? for, by my fay,
I cannot reason. 277
| Ros. | We'll wait upon you. | |
| Guil. |
Ham. No such matter; I will not sort you
with the rest of my servants, for, to speak to you
like an honest man, I am most dreadfully at-
tended. But, in the beaten way of friendship,
what make you at Elsinore?
Ros. To visit you, my lord; no other occa-
sion. 285
Ham. Beggar that I am, I am even poor in
thanks; but I thank you: and sure, dear friends,
my thanks are too dear a halfpenny. Were you
not sent for? Is it your own inclining? Is it
a free visitation? Come, come, deal justly with
me: come, come; nay, speak.
Guil. What should we say, my lord? 292
Ham. Why anything, but to the purpose.
You were sent for; and there is a kind of con-
fession in your looks which your modesties have
272 quality: nature
274 beggars bodies; cf. n.
275 outstretched: strutting
276 fay: faith
277 reason: argue
278 wait upon: accompany
279 sort: class
282 beaten way: ordinary course
288 too dear a halfpenny; cf. n.
290 free: voluntary
