Page 262 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3
P. 262
say her mind freely − or the blank verse shall halt for’t. What players are
they? [325]
ROSENCRANTZ
Even those you were wont to take such delight in, the tragedians of the city.
HAMLET
How chances it they travel? Their residence, both in reputation and profit,
was better both ways.
ROSENCRANTZ
I think their inhibition comes by the [330] means of the late innovation.
HAMLET
Do they hold the same estimation they did when I was in the city? Are they
so followed?
ROSENCRANTZ
No, indeed are they not.
HAMLET
How comes it? Do they grow rusty? [335]
ROSENCRANTZ
Nay, their endeavour keeps in the wonted pace; but there is, sir, an eyrie of
children, little eyases, that cry out on the top of question, and are most
tyrannically clapped for’t. These are now the fashion, and so berattle the
common stages − so they [340] call them − that many wearing rapiers are
afraid of goose-quills and dare scarce come thither.
HAMLET
What, are they children? Who maintains ’em? How are they escoted? Will
they pursue the quality no longer than they can sing? Will they not [345] say
afterwards, if they should grow themselves to common players − as it is most
like, if their means are no better − their writers do them wrong to make them
exclaim against their own succession?
