262 An ES SAT on the 



The execution of his two fchool- fellows, Rosencrantz and 

 Guildenstern t , in confequei.ee of an artifice which he con- 

 trived againft them, has alfo drawn the cenfure of critics. But 

 is there any evidence that Hamlet thought them unacquainted 

 with the mandate which they carried for ftriking off his head 

 in England ? Whether they were in fact privy or not privy to 

 this, is not the queftion. Did not Hamlet believe they were 

 privy to it, and even were fond of it ? " Whom I will truft 

 " (faid he early) as I will adders fanged." And fpeaking af- 

 terwards to his confident Horatio, he added, 



Why, man, they did make love to this employment ; 

 They are not near my confcience. 



That is, my confcience does not upbraid me ; the cruelty lies 

 not with me, but with them. And in this conduct of Hamlet, 

 to the companions of his early days, does iShakespeare prove 

 his fkill in human nature ; the itrongeft hatred fucceeding, upon 

 fuch occafions, to the ftrongeft friendihip : For that they were 

 his fchool-fellows, he would confider, and with reafon, as a great 

 aggravation of their guilt. 



In all other refpects, the character of Hamlet ftands con- 

 fefledly fair and great. He moved in the higheft fphere of 

 men ; pofTefTed an elevated and comprehenfive mind ; pene- 

 trated through every character ; knew the whole of human life; 

 faw nothing noble but virtue, nothing mean and bafe but folly 

 and vice. Speaking to Horatio, 



Since my dear foul (fays he) was miftrefs of her choice, 

 And could of men diftinguiih, her election 

 Hath fealed thee for herfelf ; for thou haft been 

 As one in fufFering all, that fuffers nothing ; 

 A man that fortune's buffets and rewards 



Hail 



