HOW THE LAST ACT OF HAMLET WAS WRITTEN. 77

man of parts, as they tell me he is. But ours isa house of public
entertainment, and we couldn’t refuse him liquor while his money
lasted. But they tell me it is the fault of all his calling.”

“ A thriftless lot!” muttered the Earl. “ When did he come here ?”

“Saturday night; anda rare coil we have had with him in the
house, with his treatings and vagaries.”

“ And a rare coil have I had to find him,” said Essex: “ twelve
hours have I been horsed, seeking him high and low; and now, to
find him in Wapping, of all places in the world—and thus! But I
must have him up somehow. Will! if you don’t get up, I’ll shake
the life out of you.”

And he proceeded asif to put his threat in execution. The only
sign of life, however, to be shaken out of Will, was a feeble mutter-
ing with reference to sack.

‘Fetch a bucket of water,” said the Earl.

“Anon, your worship;” said the hostess; “but hadn’t we better
have him lifted on to the bench, or put something between his head
and the stones ?”

‘* No! leave him there to cool. Be off!’
The landlady left the room.
«A nice condition he’ll be in for work, if I do succeed in waking

him!” soliloquized the Earl. “But I’m determined to keep my
word. Oh, here’s the water. Throw it over him.”
“ All? ” inquired the hostess.