others.
others.
others.
others.
Gonzalo speaks in the key of irrepressible decency — he cannot observe misfortune without immediately reaching for comfort, which makes him simultaneously the most lovable and most mockable figure in the play. Watch for how his qualifiers ('in a sort,' 'methinks') make him easy prey for quicker wits.
Beseech you, sir, be merry; you have cause,
So have we all, of joy; for our escape
Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe
Is common; every day, some sailor’s wife,
The masters of some merchant and the merchant,
Have just our theme of woe; but for the miracle,
I mean our preservation, few in millions
Can speak like us: then wisely, good sir, weigh
Our sorrow with our comfort.
ask you, sir, be merry; you have cause, So have we all, of joy; for our escape Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe Is common; every day, some sailor’s wife, The masters of some merchant and the merchant, Have just our theme of woe; but for the miracle, I mean our preservation, few in millions Can speak like us: then wisely, good sir, weigh Our sorrow with our comfort.
ask you, sir, be merry; you have cause, So have we all, of joy; for our escape Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe Is common; every day, some sailor’s wife, The masters of some merchant and the merchant, Have just our theme of woe; but for the miracle, I mean our preservation, few in millions Can speak like us: then wisely, good sir, weigh Our sorrow with our comfort.
beseech you, sir, be merry; you have cause, so have we all, of joy; for our escape is much beyond our loss. our hint of
Prithee, peace.
please, peace.
come on, peace.
prithee, peace.
Sebastian starts the scene as Antonio's sidekick in mockery — passive, reactive, always a beat behind the joke. Watch how that passivity makes him susceptible: Antonio doesn't convince him with arguments so much as just hand him a script to read.
He receives comfort like cold porridge.
He receives comfort like cold porridge.
He receives comfort like cold porridge.
he receives comfort like cold porridge.
Antonio is the sharpest wit on stage and the coldest heart — his one-liners are genuinely funny, which makes his pivot to murder plotting seamless and disturbing. Watch for how his comic mode and his conspiratorial mode use the same rhetorical weapon: precision.
The visitor will not give him o’er so.
The visitor will not give him o’er so.
The visitor will not give him o’er so.
the visitor will not give him o’er so.
Look, he’s winding up the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike.
Look, he’s winding up the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike.
Look, he’s winding up the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike.
look, he’s winding up the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike.
Sir,—
Sir,—
Sir,—
sir,—
One: tell.
One: tell.
One: tell.
one: tell.
When every grief is entertain’d that’s offer’d,
Comes to the entertainer—
When every grief is entertain’d that’s offer’d, Comes to the entertainer—
When every grief is entertain’d that’s offer’d, Comes to the entertainer—
when every grief is entertain’d that’s offer’d, comes to the entertainer—
A dollar.
A dollar.
A dollar.
a dollar.
Dolour comes to him, indeed: you have spoken truer than you purposed.
Dolour comes to him, indeed: you have spoken truer than you purposed.
Dolour comes to him, indeed: you have spoken truer than you purposed.
dolour comes to him, indeed: you have spoken truer than you purposed.
You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.
you have taken it wiselier than i meant you should.
Therefore, my lord,—
Therefore, my lord,—
Therefore, my lord,—
therefore, my lord,—
Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!
I prithee, spare.
I please, spare.
I come on, spare.
i prithee, spare.
Well, I have done: but yet—
Well, I have done: but yet—
Well, I have done: but yet—
well, i have done: but yet—
He will be talking.
He will be talking.
He will be talking.
he will be talking.
Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
which, of he or adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?
The old cock.
The old cock.
The old cock.
the old cock.
The cockerel.
The cockerel.
The cockerel.
the cockerel.
Done. The wager?
Done. The wager?
Done. The wager?
done. the wager?
A laughter.
A laughter.
A laughter.
a laughter.
A match!
A match!
A match!
a match!
Though this island seem to be desert,—
Though this island seem to be desert,—
Though this island seem to be desert,—
though this island seem to be desert,—
Ha, ha, ha!
Ha, ha, ha!
Ha, ha, ha!
ha, ha, ha!
So. You’re paid.
So. You’re paid.
So. You’re paid.
so. you’re paid.
Uninhabitable, and almost inaccessible,—
Uninhabitable, and almost inaccessible,—
Uninhabitable, and almost inaccessible,—
uninhabitable, and almost inaccessible,—
Yet—
Yet—
Yet—
yet—
Yet—
Yet—
Yet—
yet—
He could not miss ’t.
He could not miss ’t.
He could not miss ’t.
he could not miss ’t.
It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
It must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
it must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.
Temperance was a delicate wench.
Temperance was a delicate woman.
Temperance was a delicate woman.
temperance was a delicate wench.
Ay, and a subtle; as he most learnedly delivered.
Ay, and a subtle; as he most learnedly delivered.
Ay, and a subtle; as he most learnedly delivered.
ay, and a subtle; as he most learnedly delivered.
The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
the air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
As if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
As if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
As if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
as if it had lungs, and rotten ones.
Or, as ’twere perfum’d by a fen.
Or, as ’twere perfum’d by a fen.
Or, as ’twere perfum’d by a fen.
or, as ’twere perfum’d by a fen.
Here is everything advantageous to life.
Here is everything advantageous to life.
Here is everything advantageous to life.
here is everything advantageous to life.
True; save means to live.
True; save means to live.
True; save means to live.
true; save means to live.
Of that there’s none, or little.
Of that there’s none, or little.
Of that there’s none, or little.
of that there’s none, or little.
How lush and lusty the grass looks! how green!
How lush and lusty the grass looks! how green!
How lush and lusty the grass looks! how green!
how lush and lusty the grass looks! how green!
The ground indeed is tawny.
The ground indeed is tawny.
The ground indeed is tawny.
the ground indeed is tawny.
With an eye of green in’t.
With an eye of green in’t.
With an eye of green in’t.
with an eye of green in’t.
He misses not much.
He misses not much.
He misses not much.
he misses not much.
No; he doth but mistake the truth totally.
No; he does but mistake the truth totally.
No; he does but mistake the truth totally.
no; he doth but mistake the truth totally.
The first two-thirds of this scene are genuinely funny. Antonio and Sebastian's running commentary on Gonzalo — the dollar/dolour pun, the 'winding up his watch of wit,' the Widow Dido riff — is sharp, quick, and cruel in the way that banter among the privileged always is. The trouble is that the same people doing the banter are, by the end of the scene, planning a murder. Shakespeare doesn't make a hard tonal break between the two modes. Antonio moves from comedy to conspiracy without shifting register — the precision of his wit is identical to the precision of his murder logic. This is disturbing because it suggests the two activities are not opposites but close cousins: both are ways of reducing other people to objects you can manipulate. Watch how seamlessly the jokes give way to the plan.
But the rarity of it is,—which is indeed almost beyond credit,—
But the rarity of it is,—which is indeed almost beyond credit,—
But the rarity of it is,—which is indeed almost beyond credit,—
but the rarity of it is,—which is indeed almost beyond credit,—
As many vouch’d rarities are.
As many vouch’d rarities are.
As many vouch’d rarities are.
as many vouch’d rarities are.
That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold
notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than
stained with salt water.
That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.
That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.
that our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and glosses, being rat
If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
if but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?
Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
ay, or very falsely pocket up his report.
Methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in
Afric, at the marriage of the King’s fair daughter Claribel to the King
of Tunis.
I think our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the King’s fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.
I reckon our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the King’s fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.
methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in afric, at the marriage of the king’s fair daughte
’Twas a sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return.
’Twas a sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return.
’Twas a sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return.
’twas a sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return.
Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their Queen.
Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their Queen.
Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their Queen.
tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queen.
Not since widow Dido’s time.
Not since widow Dido’s time.
Not since widow Dido’s time.
not since widow dido’s time.
Widow! a pox o’ that! How came that widow in? Widow Dido!
Widow! a pox o’ that! How came that widow in? Widow Dido!
Widow! a pox o’ that! How came that widow in? Widow Dido!
widow! a pox o’ that! how came that widow in? widow dido!
What if he had said, widower Aeneas too?
Good Lord, how you take it!
What if he had said, widower Aeneas too? Good Lord, how you take it!
What if he had said, widower Aeneas too? Good Lord, how you take it!
what if he had said, widower aeneas too? good lord, how you take it!
Widow Dido said you? You make me study of that; she was of Carthage,
not of Tunis.
Widow Dido said you? You make me study of that; she was of Carthage, not of Tunis.
Widow Dido said you? You make me study of that; she was of Carthage, not of Tunis.
widow dido said you? you make me study of that; she was of carthage, not of tunis.
This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.
this tunis, sir, was carthage.
Carthage?
Carthage?
Carthage?
carthage?
I assure you, Carthage.
I assure you, Carthage.
I assure you, Carthage.
i assure you, carthage.
His word is more than the miraculous harp.
His word is more than the miraculous harp.
His word is more than the miraculous harp.
his word is more than the miraculous harp.
He hath rais’d the wall, and houses too.
He has rais’d the wall, and houses too.
He has rais’d the wall, and houses too.
he hath rais’d the wall, and houses too.
What impossible matter will he make easy next?
What impossible matter will he make easy next?
What impossible matter will he make easy next?
what impossible matter will he make easy next?
I think he will carry this island home in his pocket, and give it his
son for an apple.
I think he will carry this island home in his pocket, and give it his son for an apple.
I reckon he will carry this island home in his pocket, and give it his son for an apple.
i think he will carry this island home in his pocket, and give it his son for an apple.
And, sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
And, sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
And, sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
and, sowing the kernels of it in the sea, bring forth more islands.
Ay.
Ay.
Ay.
ay.
Why, in good time.
Why, in good time.
Why, in good time.
why, in good time.
as when we were at Tunis at the marriage of your daughter, who is now
Queen.
as when we were at Tunis at the marriage of your daughter, who is now Queen.
as when we were at Tunis at the marriage of your daughter, who is now Queen.
as when we were at tunis at the marriage of your daughter, who is now queen.
And the rarest that e’er came there.
And the rarest that e’er came there.
And the rarest that e’er came there.
and the rarest that e’er came there.
Bate, I beseech you, widow Dido.
Bate, I ask you, widow Dido.
Bate, I ask you, widow Dido.
bate, i beseech you, widow dido.
O! widow Dido; ay, widow Dido.
O! widow Dido; ay, widow Dido.
O! widow Dido; ay, widow Dido.
o! widow dido; ay, widow dido.
Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in
a sort.
Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in a sort.
Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in a sort.
is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day i wore it? i mean, in a sort.
That sort was well fish’d for.
That sort was well fish’d for.
That sort was well fish’d for.
that sort was well fish’d for.
When I wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
When I wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
When I wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
when i wore it at your daughter’s marriage?
You cram these words into mine ears against
The stomach of my sense. Would I had never
Married my daughter there! for, coming thence,
My son is lost; and, in my rate, she too,
Who is so far from Italy removed,
I ne’er again shall see her. O thou mine heir
Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish
Hath made his meal on thee?
You cram these words into mine ears against The stomach of my sense. would I had never Married my daughter there! for, coming from there, My son is lost; and, in my rate, she too, Who is so far from Italy removed, I ne’er again will see her. O you mine heir Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish has made his meal on you?
You cram these words into mine ears against The stomach of my sense. would I had never Married my daughter there! for, coming from there, My son is lost; and, in my rate, she too, Who is so far from Italy removed, I ne’er again will see her. O you mine heir Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish has made his meal on you?
you cram these words into mine ears against the stomach of my sense. would i had never married my daughter there! for, c
Sir, he may live:
I saw him beat the surges under him,
And ride upon their backs. He trod the water,
Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted
The surge most swoln that met him. His bold head
’Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared
Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To th’ shore, that o’er his wave-worn basis bowed,
As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt
He came alive to land.
Sir, he may live: I saw him beat the surges under him, And ride upon their backs. He trod the water, Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted The surge most swoln that met him. His bold head ’Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke To th’ shore, that o’er his wave-worn basis bowed, As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt He came alive to land.
Sir, he may live: I saw him beat the surges under him, And ride upon their backs. He trod the water, Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted The surge most swoln that met him. His bold head ’Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oared Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke To th’ shore, that o’er his wave-worn basis bowed, As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt He came alive to land.
sir, he may live: i saw him beat the surges under him, and ride upon their backs. he trod the water, whose enmity he flu
No, no, he’s gone.
No, no, he’s gone.
No, no, he’s gone.
no, no, he’s gone.
Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss,
That would not bless our Europe with your daughter,
But rather lose her to an African;
Where she, at least, is banish’d from your eye,
Who hath cause to wet the grief on ’t.
Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss, That would not bless our Europe with your daughter, But rather lose her to an African; Where she, at least, is banish’d from your eye, Who has cause to wet the grief on ’t.
Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss, That would not bless our Europe with your daughter, But rather lose her to an African; Where she, at least, is banish’d from your eye, Who has cause to wet the grief on ’t.
sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss, that would not bless our europe with your daughter, but rather lose her
Prithee, peace.
please, peace.
come on, peace.
prithee, peace.
You were kneel’d to, and importun’d otherwise
By all of us; and the fair soul herself
Weigh’d between loathness and obedience at
Which end o’ th’ beam should bow. We have lost your son,
I fear, for ever: Milan and Naples have
More widows in them of this business’ making,
Than we bring men to comfort them.
The fault’s your own.
You were kneel’d to, and importun’d otherwise By all of us; and the fair soul herself Weigh’d between loathness and obedience at Which end o’ th’ beam should bow. We have lost your son, I fear, for ever: Milan and Naples have More widows in them of this business’ making, Than we bring men to comfort them. The fault’s your own.
You were kneel’d to, and importun’d otherwise By all of us; and the fair soul herself Weigh’d between loathness and obedience at Which end o’ th’ beam should bow. We have lost your son, I fear, for ever: Milan and Naples have More widows in them of this business’ making, Than we bring men to comfort them. The fault’s your own.
you were kneel’d to, and importun’d otherwise by all of us; and the fair soul herself weigh’d between loathness and obed
So is the dear’st o’ th’ loss.
So is the dear’st o’ th’ loss.
So is the dear’st o’ th’ loss.
so is the dear’st o’ th’ loss.
My lord Sebastian,
The truth you speak doth lack some gentleness
And time to speak it in. You rub the sore,
When you should bring the plaster.
My lord Sebastian, The truth you speak does lack some gentleness And time to speak it in. You rub the sore, When you should bring the plaster.
My lord Sebastian, The truth you speak does lack some gentleness And time to speak it in. You rub the sore, When you should bring the plaster.
my lord sebastian, the truth you speak doth lack some gentleness and time to speak it in. you rub the sore, when you sho
Very well.
Very well.
Very well.
very well.
And most chirurgeonly.
And most chirurgeonly.
And most chirurgeonly.
and most chirurgeonly.
It is foul weather in us all, good sir,
When you are cloudy.
It is foul weather in us all, good sir, When you are cloudy.
It is foul weather in us all, good sir, When you are cloudy.
it is foul weather in us all, good sir, when you are cloudy.
Foul weather?
Foul weather?
Foul weather?
foul weather?
Very foul.
Very foul.
Very foul.
very foul.
Had I plantation of this isle, my lord,—
Had I plantation of this isle, my lord,—
Had I plantation of this isle, my lord,—
had i plantation of this isle, my lord,—
He’d sow ’t with nettle-seed.
He’d sow ’t with nettle-seed.
He’d sow ’t with nettle-seed.
he’d sow ’t with nettle-seed.
Gonzalo's ideal commonwealth — no trade, no laws, no labor, nature providing everything — is almost directly lifted from Michel de Montaigne's essay 'Of Cannibals,' in John Florio's 1603 English translation. Montaigne was writing about indigenous peoples of Brazil, arguing that European 'civilization' had not made Europeans better — that the 'cannibals' living without property or hierarchy were arguably more civilized than their European critics. Shakespeare clearly read this essay and had Gonzalo rehearse its arguments. The joke at Gonzalo's expense — 'the latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning' (he'd rule it) — is real, but so is the underlying argument: maybe the hierarchy is the problem. Gonzalo's utopia doesn't work, but the question it raises about power and innocence runs through the whole play.
Or docks, or mallows.
Or docks, or mallows.
Or docks, or mallows.
or docks, or mallows.
And were the King on’t, what would I do?
And were the King on’t, what would I do?
And were the King on’t, what would I do?
and were the king on’t, what would i do?
’Scape being drunk for want of wine.
’Scape being drunk for want of wine.
’Scape being drunk for want of wine.
’scape being drunk for want of wine.
I’ th’ commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things; for no kind of traffic
Would I admit; no name of magistrate;
Letters should not be known; riches, poverty,
And use of service, none; contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none;
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil;
No occupation; all men idle, all;
And women too, but innocent and pure;
No sovereignty,—
I’ th’ commonwealth I would by contraries Execute all things; for no kind of traffic would I admit; no name of magistrate; Letters should not be known; riches, poverty, And use of service, none; contract, succession, Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none; No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil; No occupation; all men idle, all; And women too, but innocent and pure; No sovereignty,—
I’ th’ commonwealth I would by contraries Execute all things; for no kind of traffic would I admit; no name of magistrate; Letters should not be known; riches, poverty, And use of service, none; contract, succession, Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none; No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil; No occupation; all men idle, all; And women too, but innocent and pure; No sovereignty,—
i’ th’ commonwealth i would by contraries execute all things; for no kind of traffic would i admit; no name of magistrat
Yet he would be King on’t.
Yet he would be King on’t.
Yet he would be King on’t.
yet he would be king on’t.
The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
The latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
the latter end of his commonwealth forgets the beginning.
All things in common nature should produce
Without sweat or endeavour; treason, felony,
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine,
Would I not have; but nature should bring forth,
Of it own kind, all foison, all abundance,
To feed my innocent people.
All things in common nature should produce Without sweat or endeavour; treason, felony, Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine, would I not have; but nature should bring forth, Of it own kind, all foison, all abundance, To feed my innocent people.
All things in common nature should produce Without sweat or endeavour; treason, felony, Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine, would I not have; but nature should bring forth, Of it own kind, all foison, all abundance, To feed my innocent people.
all things in common nature should produce without sweat or endeavour; treason, felony, sword, pike, knife, gun, or need
No marrying ’mong his subjects?
No marrying ’mong his subjects?
No marrying ’mong his subjects?
no marrying ’mong his subjects?
None, man; all idle; whores and knaves.
None, man; all idle; whores and knaves.
None, man; all idle; whores and knaves.
none, man; all idle; whores and knaves.
I would with such perfection govern, sir,
T’ excel the Golden Age.
I would with such perfection govern, sir, T’ excel the Golden Age.
I would with such perfection govern, sir, T’ excel the Golden Age.
i would with such perfection govern, sir, t’ excel the golden age.
Save his Majesty!
Save his Majesty!
Save his Majesty!
save his majesty!
Long live Gonzalo!
Long live Gonzalo!
Long live Gonzalo!
long live gonzalo!
And,—do you mark me, sir?
And,—do you mark me, sir?
And,—do you mark me, sir?
and,—do you mark me, sir?
Prithee, no more: thou dost talk nothing to me.
please, no more: you dost talk nothing to me.
come on, no more: you dost talk nothing to me.
prithee, no more: thou dost talk nothing to me.
I do well believe your highness; and did it to minister occasion to
these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they
always use to laugh at nothing.
I do well believe your highness; and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.
I do well believe your highness; and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.
i do well believe your highness; and did it to minister occasion to these gentlemen, who are of such sensible and nimble
’Twas you we laughed at.
’Twas you we laughed at.
’Twas you we laughed at.
’twas you we laughed at.
Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. So you may
continue, and laugh at nothing still.
Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. So you may continue, and laugh at nothing still.
Who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. So you may continue, and laugh at nothing still.
who in this kind of merry fooling am nothing to you. so you may continue, and laugh at nothing still.
What a blow was there given!
What a blow was there given!
What a blow was there given!
what a blow was there given!
An it had not fallen flat-long.
An it had not fallen flat-long.
An it had not fallen flat-long.
an it had not fallen flat-long.
You are gentlemen of brave mettle. You would lift the moon out of her
sphere, if she would continue in it five weeks without changing.
You are gentlemen of brave mettle. You would lift the moon out of her sphere, if she would continue in it five weeks without changing.
You are gentlemen of brave mettle. You would lift the moon out of her sphere, if she would continue in it five weeks without changing.
you are gentlemen of brave mettle. you would lift the moon out of her sphere, if she would continue in it five weeks wit
We would so, and then go a-bat-fowling.
We would so, and then go a-bat-fowling.
We would so, and then go a-bat-fowling.
we would so, and then go a-bat-fowling.
Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
Nay, good my lord, be not angry.
nay, good my lord, be not angry.
No, I warrant you; I will not adventure my discretion so weakly. Will
you laugh me asleep, for I am very heavy?
No, I warrant you; I will not adventure my discretion so weakly. Will you laugh me asleep, for I am very heavy?
No, I warrant you; I will not adventure my discretion so weakly. Will you laugh me asleep, for I am very heavy?
no, i warrant you; i will not adventure my discretion so weakly. will you laugh me asleep, for i am very heavy?
Go sleep, and hear us.
Go sleep, and hear us.
Go sleep, and hear us.
go sleep, and hear us.
What, all so soon asleep! I wish mine eyes
Would, with themselves, shut up my thoughts: I find
They are inclin’d to do so.
What, all so soon asleep! I wish mine eyes would, with themselves, shut up my thoughts: I find They are inclin’d to do so.
What, all so soon asleep! I wish mine eyes would, with themselves, shut up my thoughts: I find They are inclin’d to do so.
what, all so soon asleep! i wish mine eyes would, with themselves, shut up my thoughts: i find they are inclin’d to do s
Please you, sir,
Do not omit the heavy offer of it:
It seldom visits sorrow; when it doth,
It is a comforter.
Please you, sir, Do not omit the heavy offer of it: It seldom visits sorrow; when it does, It is a comforter.
Please you, sir, Do not omit the heavy offer of it: It seldom visits sorrow; when it does, It is a comforter.
please you, sir, do not omit the heavy offer of it: it seldom visits sorrow; when it doth, it is a comforter.
We two, my lord,
Will guard your person while you take your rest,
And watch your safety.
We two, my lord, Will guard your person while you take your rest, And watch your safety.
We two, my lord, Will guard your person while you take your rest, And watch your safety.
we two, my lord, will guard your person while you take your rest, and watch your safety.
Thank you. Wondrous heavy!
Thank you. Wondrous heavy!
Thank you. Wondrous heavy!
thank you. wondrous heavy!
What a strange drowsiness possesses them!
What a strange drowsiness possesses them!
What a strange drowsiness possesses them!
what a strange drowsiness possesses them!
It is the quality o’ th’ climate.
It is the quality o’ th’ climate.
It is the quality o’ th’ climate.
it is the quality o’ th’ climate.
Why
Doth it not then our eyelids sink? I find not
Myself dispos’d to sleep.
Why does it not then our eyelids sink? I find not Myself dispos’d to sleep.
Why does it not then our eyelids sink? I find not Myself dispos’d to sleep.
why doth it not then our eyelids sink? i find not myself dispos’d to sleep.
Nor I. My spirits are nimble.
They fell together all, as by consent;
They dropp’d, as by a thunder-stroke. What might,
Worthy Sebastian? O, what might?—No more.
And yet methinks I see it in thy face,
What thou shouldst be. Th’ occasion speaks thee; and
My strong imagination sees a crown
Dropping upon thy head.
Nor I. My spirits are nimble. They fell together all, as by consent; They dropp’d, as by a thunder-stroke. What might, Worthy Sebastian? O, what might?—No more. And yet I think I see it in your face, What you shouldst be. Th’ occasion speaks you; and My strong imagination sees a crown Dropping upon your head.
Nor I. My spirits are nimble. They fell together all, as by consent; They dropp’d, as by a thunder-stroke. What might, Worthy Sebastian? O, what might?—No more. And yet I reckon I see it in your face, What you shouldst be. Th’ occasion speaks you; and My strong imagination sees a crown Dropping upon your head.
nor i. my spirits are nimble. they fell together all, as by consent; they dropp’d, as by a thunder-stroke. what might, w
What, art thou waking?
What, are you waking?
What, are you waking?
what, art thou waking?
Do you not hear me speak?
Do you not hear me speak?
Do you not hear me speak?
do you not hear me speak?
I do; and surely
It is a sleepy language, and thou speak’st
Out of thy sleep. What is it thou didst say?
This is a strange repose, to be asleep
With eyes wide open; standing, speaking, moving,
And yet so fast asleep.
I do; and surely It is a sleepy language, and you speak’st Out of your sleep. What is it you didst say? This is a strange repose, to be asleep With eyes wide open; standing, speaking, moving, And yet so fast asleep.
I do; and surely It is a sleepy language, and you speak’st Out of your sleep. What is it you didst say? This is a strange repose, to be asleep With eyes wide open; standing, speaking, moving, And yet so fast asleep.
i do; and surely it is a sleepy language, and thou speak’st out of thy sleep. what is it thou didst say? this is a stran
Noble Sebastian,
Thou let’st thy fortune sleep—die rather; wink’st
Whiles thou art waking.
Noble Sebastian, you let’st your fortune sleep—die rather; wink’st Whiles you are waking.
Noble Sebastian, you let’st your fortune sleep—die rather; wink’st Whiles you are waking.
noble sebastian, thou let’st thy fortune sleep—die rather; wink’st whiles thou art waking.
Thou dost snore distinctly:
There’s meaning in thy snores.
you dost snore distinctly: There’s meaning in your snores.
you dost snore distinctly: There’s meaning in your snores.
thou dost snore distinctly: there’s meaning in thy snores.
I am more serious than my custom; you
Must be so too, if heed me; which to do
Trebles thee o’er.
I am more serious than my custom; you Must be so too, if heed me; which to do Trebles you o’er.
I am more serious than my custom; you Must be so too, if heed me; which to do Trebles you o’er.
i am more serious than my custom; you must be so too, if heed me; which to do trebles thee o’er.
Well, I am standing water.
Well, I am standing water.
Well, I am standing water.
well, i am standing water.
I’ll teach you how to flow.
I’ll teach you how to flow.
I’ll teach you how to flow.
i’ll teach you how to flow.
Do so: to ebb,
Hereditary sloth instructs me.
Do so: to ebb, Hereditary sloth instructs me.
Do so: to ebb, Hereditary sloth instructs me.
do so: to ebb, hereditary sloth instructs me.
O,
If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
Whiles thus you mock it! how, in stripping it,
You more invest it! Ebbing men indeed,
Most often, do so near the bottom run
By their own fear or sloth.
O, If you but knew how you the purpose cherish Whiles thus you mock it! how, in stripping it, You more invest it! Ebbing men indeed, Most often, do so near the bottom run By their own fear or sloth.
O, If you but knew how you the purpose cherish Whiles thus you mock it! how, in stripping it, You more invest it! Ebbing men indeed, Most often, do so near the bottom run By their own fear or sloth.
o, if you but knew how you the purpose cherish whiles thus you mock it! how, in stripping it, you more invest it! ebbing
Watch how Antonio pitches the murder. He doesn't start with the crime — he starts with a series of observations Sebastian can't deny: the others are asleep, the climate is strange, Ferdinand is probably dead, Claribel is in Tunis. Each step is logical; each step makes the next step feel inevitable. Only at the end, when Sebastian is already nodding along, does Antonio name the action. This is the rhetoric of inevitability — making an atrocity feel like the natural conclusion of an argument rather than a choice. Sebastian never consciously decides to be a murderer; he just follows a chain of reasoning until he's one. Shakespeare is showing us how ordinary people arrive at extraordinary crimes: not through passion or ideology, but through a series of small rational concessions.
Prithee, say on:
The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
A matter from thee, and a birth, indeed
Which throes thee much to yield.
please, say on: The setting of yours eye and cheek proclaim A matter from you, and a birth, indeed Which throes you much to yield.
come on, say on: The setting of yours eye and cheek proclaim A matter from you, and a birth, indeed Which throes you much to yield.
prithee, say on: the setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim a matter from thee, and a birth, indeed which throes thee m
Thus, sir:
Although this lord of weak remembrance, this
Who shall be of as little memory
When he is earth’d, hath here almost persuaded,—
For he’s a spirit of persuasion, only
Professes to persuade,—the King his son’s alive,
’Tis as impossible that he’s undrown’d
As he that sleeps here swims.
Thus, sir: Although this lord of weak remembrance, this Who will be of as little memory When he is earth’d, has here almost persuaded,— For he’s a spirit of persuasion, only Professes to persuade,—the King his son’s alive, ’Tis as impossible that he’s undrown’d As he that sleeps here swims.
Thus, sir: Although this lord of weak remembrance, this Who will be of as little memory When he is earth’d, has here almost persuaded,— For he’s a spirit of persuasion, only Professes to persuade,—the King his son’s alive, ’Tis as impossible that he’s undrown’d As he that sleeps here swims.
thus, sir: although this lord of weak remembrance, this who shall be of as little memory when he is earth’d, hath here a
I have no hope
That he’s undrown’d.
I have no hope That he’s undrown’d.
I have no hope That he’s undrown’d.
i have no hope that he’s undrown’d.
O, out of that “no hope”
What great hope have you! No hope that way is
Another way so high a hope, that even
Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond,
But doubts discovery there. Will you grant with me
That Ferdinand is drown’d?
O, out of that “no hope” What great hope have you! No hope that way is Another way so high a hope, that even Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond, But doubts discovery there. Will you grant with me That Ferdinand is drown’d?
O, out of that “no hope” What great hope have you! No hope that way is Another way so high a hope, that even Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond, But doubts discovery there. Will you grant with me That Ferdinand is drown’d?
o, out of that “no hope” what great hope have you! no hope that way is another way so high a hope, that even ambition ca
He’s gone.
He’s gone.
He’s gone.
he’s gone.
Then tell me,
Who’s the next heir of Naples?
Then tell me, Who’s the next heir of Naples?
Then tell me, Who’s the next heir of Naples?
then tell me, who’s the next heir of naples?
Claribel.
Claribel.
Claribel.
claribel.
She that is Queen of Tunis; she that dwells
Ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from Naples
Can have no note, unless the sun were post—
The Man i’ th’ Moon’s too slow—till newborn chins
Be rough and razorable; she that from whom
We all were sea-swallow’d, though some cast again,
And by that destiny, to perform an act
Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come
In yours and my discharge.
She that is Queen of Tunis; she that dwells Ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from Naples Can have no note, unless the sun were post— The Man i’ th’ Moon’s too slow—till newborn chins Be rough and razorable; she that from whom We all were sea-swallow’d, though some cast again, And by that destiny, to perform an act Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come In yours and my discharge.
She that is Queen of Tunis; she that dwells Ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from Naples Can have no note, unless the sun were post— The Man i’ th’ Moon’s too slow—till newborn chins Be rough and razorable; she that from whom We all were sea-swallow’d, though some cast again, And by that destiny, to perform an act Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come In yours and my discharge.
she that is queen of tunis; she that dwells ten leagues beyond man’s life; she that from naples can have no note, unless
What stuff is this! How say you?
’Tis true, my brother’s daughter’s Queen of Tunis;
So is she heir of Naples; ’twixt which regions
There is some space.
What stuff is this! How say you? ’Tis true, my brother’s daughter’s Queen of Tunis; So is she heir of Naples; ’twixt which regions There is some space.
What stuff is this! How say you? ’Tis true, my brother’s daughter’s Queen of Tunis; So is she heir of Naples; ’twixt which regions There is some space.
what stuff is this! how say you? ’tis true, my brother’s daughter’s queen of tunis; so is she heir of naples; ’twixt whi
A space whose ev’ry cubit
Seems to cry out “How shall that Claribel
Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis,
And let Sebastian wake.” Say this were death
That now hath seiz’d them; why, they were no worse
Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples
As well as he that sleeps; lords that can prate
As amply and unnecessarily
As this Gonzalo. I myself could make
A chough of as deep chat. O, that you bore
The mind that I do! What a sleep were this
For your advancement! Do you understand me?
A space whose ev’ry cubit Seems to cry out “How will that Claribel Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis, And let Sebastian wake.” Say this were death That now has seiz’d them; why, they were no worse Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples As well as he that sleeps; lords that can prate As amply and unnecessarily As this Gonzalo. I myself could make A chough of as deep chat. O, that you bore The mind that I do! What a sleep were this For your advancement! Do you understand me?
A space whose ev’ry cubit Seems to cry out “How will that Claribel Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis, And let Sebastian wake.” Say this were death That now has seiz’d them; why, they were no worse Than now they are. There be that can rule Naples As well as he that sleeps; lords that can prate As amply and unnecessarily As this Gonzalo. I myself could make A chough of as deep chat. O, that you bore The mind that I do! What a sleep were this For your advancement! Do you understand me?
a space whose ev’ry cubit seems to cry out “how shall that claribel measure us back to naples? keep in tunis, and let se
Methinks I do.
I think I do.
I reckon I do.
methinks i do.
And how does your content
Tender your own good fortune?
And how does your content Tender your own good fortune?
And how does your content Tender your own good fortune?
and how does your content tender your own good fortune?
I remember
You did supplant your brother Prospero.
I remember You did supplant your brother Prospero.
I remember You did supplant your brother Prospero.
i remember you did supplant your brother prospero.
True.
And look how well my garments sit upon me;
Much feater than before; my brother’s servants
Were then my fellows; now they are my men.
True. And look how well my garments sit upon me; Much feater than before; my brother’s servants Were then my fellows; now they are my men.
True. And look how well my garments sit upon me; Much feater than before; my brother’s servants Were then my fellows; now they are my men.
true. and look how well my garments sit upon me; much feater than before; my brother’s servants were then my fellows; no
But, for your conscience.
But, for your conscience.
But, for your conscience.
but, for your conscience.
Ay, sir; where lies that? If ’twere a kibe,
’Twould put me to my slipper: but I feel not
This deity in my bosom: twenty consciences
That stand ’twixt me and Milan, candied be they
And melt ere they molest! Here lies your brother,
No better than the earth he lies upon,
If he were that which now he’s like, that’s dead;
Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it,
Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus,
To the perpetual wink for aye might put
This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who
Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest,
They’ll take suggestion as a cat laps milk.
They’ll tell the clock to any business that
We say befits the hour.
Ay, sir; where lies that? If ’twere a kibe, ’Twould put me to my slipper: but I feel not This deity in my bosom: twenty consciences That stand ’twixt me and Milan, candied be they And melt before they molest! Here lies your brother, No better than the earth he lies upon, If he were that which now he’s like, that’s dead; Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it, Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus, To the perpetual wink for aye might put This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest, They’ll take suggestion as a cat laps milk. They’ll tell the clock to any business that We say befits the hour.
Ay, sir; where lies that? If ’twere a kibe, ’Twould put me to my slipper: but I feel not This deity in my bosom: twenty consciences That stand ’twixt me and Milan, candied be they And melt before they molest! Here lies your brother, No better than the earth he lies upon, If he were that which now he’s like, that’s dead; Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it, Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus, To the perpetual wink for aye might put This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest, They’ll take suggestion as a cat laps milk. They’ll tell the clock to any business that We say befits the hour.
ay, sir; where lies that? if ’twere a kibe, ’twould put me to my slipper: but i feel not this deity in my bosom: twenty
Thy case, dear friend,
Shall be my precedent: as thou got’st Milan,
I’ll come by Naples. Draw thy sword: one stroke
Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest,
And I the King shall love thee.
your case, dear friend, will be my precedent: as you got’st Milan, I’ll come by Naples. Draw your sword: one stroke will free you from the tribute which you payest, And I the King will love you.
your case, dear friend, will be my precedent: as you got’st Milan, I’ll come by Naples. Draw your sword: one stroke will free you from the tribute which you payest, And I the King will love you.
thy case, dear friend, shall be my precedent: as thou got’st milan, i’ll come by naples. draw thy sword: one stroke shal
Draw together,
And when I rear my hand, do you the like,
To fall it on Gonzalo.
Draw together, And when I rear my hand, do you the like, To fall it on Gonzalo.
Draw together, And when I rear my hand, do you the like, To fall it on Gonzalo.
draw together, and when i rear my hand, do you the like, to fall it on gonzalo.
O, but one word.
O, but one word.
O, but one word.
o, but one word.
My master through his art foresees the danger
That you, his friend, are in; and sends me forth—
For else his project dies—to keep them living.
My master through his are foresees the danger That you, his friend, are in; and sends me forth— For else his project dies—to keep them living.
My master through his are foresees the danger That you, his friend, are in; and sends me forth— For else his project dies—to keep them living.
my master through his art foresees the danger that you, his friend, are in; and sends me forth— for else his project die
Then let us both be sudden.
Then let us both be sudden.
Then let us both be sudden.
then let us both be sudden.
Now, good angels
Preserve the King!
Now, good angels Preserve the King!
Now, good angels Preserve the King!
now, good angels preserve the king!
Why, how now! Ho, awake! Why are you drawn?
Wherefore this ghastly looking?
Why, how now! Ho, awake! Why are you drawn? Wherefore this ghastly looking?
Why, how now! Ho, awake! Why are you drawn? Wherefore this ghastly looking?
why, how now! ho, awake! why are you drawn? wherefore this ghastly looking?
What’s the matter?
What’s the matter?
What’s the matter?
what’s the matter?
Whiles we stood here securing your repose,
Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing
Like bulls, or rather lions; did ’t not wake you?
It struck mine ear most terribly.
Whiles we stood here securing your repose, Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing Like bulls, or rather lions; did ’t not wake you? It struck mine ear most terribly.
Whiles we stood here securing your repose, Even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing Like bulls, or rather lions; did ’t not wake you? It struck mine ear most terribly.
whiles we stood here securing your repose, even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing like bulls, or rather lions; d
I heard nothing.
I heard nothing.
I heard nothing.
i heard nothing.
O! ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear,
To make an earthquake. Sure, it was the roar
Of a whole herd of lions.
O! ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear, To make an earthquake. Sure, it was the roar Of a whole herd of lions.
O! ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear, To make an earthquake. Sure, it was the roar Of a whole herd of lions.
o! ’twas a din to fright a monster’s ear, to make an earthquake. sure, it was the roar of a whole herd of lions.
Heard you this, Gonzalo?
Heard you this, Gonzalo?
Heard you this, Gonzalo?
heard you this, gonzalo?
Upon mine honour, sir, I heard a humming,
And that a strange one too, which did awake me.
I shak’d you, sir, and cried; as mine eyes open’d,
I saw their weapons drawn:—there was a noise,
That’s verily. ’Tis best we stand upon our guard,
Or that we quit this place: let’s draw our weapons.
Upon mine honour, sir, I heard a humming, And that a strange one too, which did awake me. I shak’d you, sir, and cried; as mine eyes open’d, I saw their weapons drawn:—there was a noise, That’s truly. ’Tis best we stand upon our guard, Or that we quit this place: let’s draw our weapons.
Upon mine honour, sir, I heard a humming, And that a strange one too, which did awake me. I shak’d you, sir, and cried; as mine eyes open’d, I saw their weapons drawn:—there was a noise, That’s truly. ’Tis best we stand upon our guard, Or that we quit this place: let’s draw our weapons.
upon mine honour, sir, i heard a humming, and that a strange one too, which did awake me. i shak’d you, sir, and cried;
Lead off this ground, and let’s make further search
For my poor son.
Lead off this ground, and let’s make further search For my poor son.
Lead off this ground, and let’s make further search For my poor son.
lead off this ground, and let’s make further search for my poor son.
Heavens keep him from these beasts!
For he is, sure, i’ th’ island.
Heavens keep him from these beasts! For he is, sure, i’ th’ island.
Heavens keep him from these beasts! For he is, sure, i’ th’ island.
heavens keep him from these beasts! for he is, sure, i’ th’ island.
Lead away.
Lead away.
Lead away.
lead away.
Prospero my lord shall know what I have done:
So, King, go safely on to seek thy son.
Prospero my lord will know what I have done: So, King, go safely on to seek your son.
Prospero my lord will know what I have done: So, King, go safely on to seek your son.
prospero my lord shall know what i have done: so, king, go safely on to seek thy son.
The Reckoning
The comedy and the murder plot share the same stage — Gonzalo's relentless optimism, mocked by Antonio and Sebastian's devastating one-liners, gives way to something genuinely dangerous once Ariel's spell puts everyone to sleep. Antonio, who already supplanted one brother, finds it almost effortless to sketch out the logic for a second usurpation. Sebastian's transformation from idle cynic to would-be regicide takes barely twenty lines. The audience is left uneasy: how easily the world tips from farce to knife.
If this happened today…
A company retreat gone wrong. The CEO is distraught because his son — the heir apparent — apparently drowned in the team-building kayak accident. The head of HR (Gonzalo) keeps trying to silver-line everything. Two VPs (Antonio and Sebastian) are in the corner making cutting jokes about HR's optimism and debating whether this is their moment to push the founder out. When the CEO finally falls asleep exhausted, they get their knives out — literally. The head of risk management (Ariel's intervention) gets there just in time.