I never did make a play in which the King and the Fool were one and the same, saving perhaps only my Lear. But there, the Fool's part was writ for my true touchstone, Robert Armin. Whereas this same great fool of America maketh me much to wish that old Will Kempe were yet here to play him.
Think on it, gentles: Bottom, in his dream, made an emperor! Or Dogberry, from police constable, become a great man, prince of a nation. Such a play I could make! Being no longer living, I need fear no Master of the Revels to stay me: but alas, being dead, my playmaking days are done.
Perchance it is for the best. For though this same Prince Shrublet is himself excellent matter for a comedy, yet 'twould be a marvellous dark one, and some years must pass before the tragedies he hath wrought be not felt so near. As with my Richard III, one might say, though 'tis true that prince was much maligned.
So in closing, I offer ye one prince's history which made me much to laugh: a right merry game of Hamlet. Play ye well!
Posted by Shakespeare at March 7, 2004 3:48 PM | TrackBackGood day, sir, and I bid thee most welcome to the blogosphere.
Posted by: Andrea at March 15, 2004 1:52 AMDark comedy? Nay, black comedy.
This has assuredly been a winter of discontent for the sons and daughters of Democracy. Yet the sun of Liberty will shine on its children once again; plots have we laid to send this shaking spear of a man Rove-ing into the wilderness, burdened with the Cheneys of defeat.
Oh bard, bid good Elizabeth of Chelsea a fine luncheon at the King's Head and Eight Bells from her humble servant, and best wishes to yourself for this most excellent Sight!
Posted by: jac at April 3, 2004 8:36 PM