A Note on Hamlet, 1601

I did arrive in London yesternight, but later than I might have wish't, and therefore did retire straight to Bed without my habitual Summation of the Day. There was little to add to it, except that mine Horse was ill-temper'd and mine body all in aches, in particular the lower regions of it. The Horse, praise God, is sold, tho' the aches do persist most villainously. I do not think this journey Healthful for my years without a Carriage to ease the worst pains, yet I am a Fool to try it regardless. Still, I take Comfort in knowing that, now I am arrived, I need Travel no more unless I do Desire it.

[Editor's note: here followed a great detail of the house and its servants, which has been excised from this edition.]

This day, I determined to regain my bearings of the City, as it is many years since I liv'd here last. A walk 'round the Parish of my Youth did muchly ease the soreness in my limbs, and seeing those many Familiar sights revived mine Spirits full well. I thus partook me of a Play, an entertainment which I have much miss'd in my time away. The Play I heard was at the Globe, wherein play the Lord Chamberlain's Men, who I much enjoyed when last I was in London. It was a Tragedie of Hamlet Prince of Denmark, with the renowned Actor Richard Burbage in the character of the Prince. The first Act promis'd much, having in it a Ghost which cried most piteously for Revenge, and look'd most Dreadful. Alas! I did instead find most of the middle Dull, with much Lamentation and Conjecturing from the Prince and nary any true Action. Mr Burbage play'd him well and with great Wit, especially in his Madness feigned, but when he was alone did speak at too great a length on matters of Philosophy, of which I care little. Mine interest was revived after the Death of one Polonius, who did spy on the Prince behind an arras and was Stabb'd by him with cry of "A rat!" The Remainder of the play was Thrilling to my satisfaction, having Poison and Drowning and a Duel doubly fatal. The Prince fulfilled his Revenge and was Kill'd most tragically, and there were other Deaths besides.

Hearing this new Tragedie recalled to my mind a Spanish Tragedie which I once attended many years since, play'd by Lord Strange's Men, which unfolded in a similar Fashion. The Don Jeronimo, play'd methinks by Edward Alleyn, was thusly urged to Vengeance by the appearance of a Dread Ghost, tho' the murder was of his Son, whereas the Prince of the new play did Avenge his Father. Both Tragedies also used the Device of a Play within the Story, which I found greatly Diverting. In Comparison of the twain, I think Mr Burbage the greater Actor, even more so than Mr Alleyn, despite his many Philosophies, yet I do prefer the Spanish Tragedie of Revenge, as it did have much more Terror and Action within it.

I have much to do on the morrow to sort mine Affairs, but I shall attend the Theatres again soon. I heard tell at the Globe that the Lord Chamberlain's Men are preparing a Satire, which I should much like to hear when 'tis perform'd, as I do much like them.