It often happens, that a young man or young woman becomes dissipated, or profligate, because the persons about them are torpid and gloomy. The worthy alderman, Shakspeare's father, and all the worthy people of the town of Stratford, were, no doubt, tiresome company to a youthful genius like the illustrious bard; and immured with them, and their stupidity, something more alluring appeared to his awakened fancy, in the adventurous course of vice, than in the drowsy virtue of a sober citizen But, escaping from home, and led by chance, or design, behind the scenes of a London theatre, he found, amongst the cheerful players, that mirth, enterprize, and probity, could all combine; and he wanted neither taste nor principles to recall his beguiled heart from unwarrantable pursuits, and was, from that time forward, a just observer of every moral duty.

Though Shakspeare's reception by the players at the theatre was merely as a stage attendant, or, at best, as an inferior actor, certain it is-that to no one spot could he have applied,—to no one society of men (not excepting the learned societies) where genius, like his, would have been so admired, so cherished, so improved*.

After many years of honourable industry, during which time applause never inveigled him into

The great Locke, and other extraordinary men, are proofs of that general observation-" that the progress of science has frequently met with the greatest obstacles from bodies instituted for its promotion."

vanity, nor the satire of envy into malignity, he returned contented to pass the remainder of his days in that town, which, it may be supposed, he once quitted in disgust: but he had now seen the world, and he brought back with him choice society in his remembrances and reflections; and thus became independent of the inhabitants of the place for his hours of amusement.

Old age did not force Shakspeare from his busy life, for he was no more than fifty-two when he died; and that event did not occur till some time after his retirement.

But though in the possession of health and strength, when he went to his retreat, having seen the world, his birth-place became dear to him; which, for want of that sight, he had, perhaps, still despised.

Various reasons are assigned, and good ones, why little more is known of this revered poet than the foregoing anecdotes: many other things are reported of him, but scarcely any that do not admit of controversy: even the order in which he has written his plays is a subject of dispute:-but, happily, the most material point concerning him has never admitted of an argument-the high merit of his compositions.

FIRST ACTOR

SECOND ACTOR

Mr. Claremont.
Mr. Farley.
Mr. King.
Mr. Jeffries.

Mr. Field.

Mr. Hull.

Mr. Maddocks. Mr. Davenport.
Mr. Sparks. Mr. Wilde.

FIRST GRAVEDIGGER Mr. Wewilzer. Mr. Emery.

SECOND GRAVEDIGGER Mr. Purser. Mr. Simmons.

FIRST SAILOR

SECOND SAILOR

LET'S FATHER.

• Mr. Chatterley. Mr. Athins.

Mr. Truman.

THE GHOST OF HAM-Mr. Raymond. Mr. Hargrave.

HAMLET.

ACT THE FIRST.

SCENE 1.

A Platform before the Palace.

FRANCISCO on his Post.-BERNARDO entering to him.

Ber. Who's there?

Fran. Nay, answer me: stand and unfold yourself.

Ber. Long live the king!

Fran. Bernardo ?

Ber. He.

Fran. You come most carefully upon your hour. Ber. 'Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco.

Fran. For this relief much thanks: 'tis bitter cold, And I am sick at heart.

Ber. Have you had quiet guard?

Fran. Not a mouse stirring.

Ber. Well, good night.

If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,

The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste. Fran. I think I hear them.-Stand, ho! Who is there?

Enter HORATIO and MARcellus.

Hor. Friends to this ground.
Mar. And liegemen to the Dane.
Fran. 'Give you good night.
Mar. O, farewell, honest soldier!

Who hath relieved you?

Fran. Bernardo hath my place.

'Give you good night.

Mar. Holla! Bernardo!

Ber. Say,

What, is Horatio there?

Hor. A piece of him.

[Exit FRANCISCO.

Ber. Welcome, Horatio; welcome, good Marcellus.

Hor. What, has this thing appear'd again to-night?
Ber. I have seen nothing.

Mar. Horatio says, 'tis but our fanta;
And will not let belief take hold of him,
Touching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us :
Therefore I have entreated him along

With us to watch the minutes of this night;
That, if again this apparition come,
He may approve our eyes, and speak to it.
Hor. Tush! tush! 'twill not appear.

Ber. Come, let us once again assail your ears,
That are so fortified against our story,
What we two nights have seen.

Hor. Well, let us hear Bernardo speak of this.
Ber. Last night of all,

When yon same star, that's westward from the pole,
Had made his course to illume that part of heaven,
Where now it burns, Marcellus and myself,
[Clock strikes one.

The bell then beating one—