CAMPBELL 1 59

[Page 508.] If there is anything disproportionate in [Hamlet's] mind, it seems
to be this only, — that intellect is in excess. It is even ungovernable, and too
subtle. His own description of perfect man, ending with ' In apprehension how
like a god 1' appears to me consonant with this character, and spoken in the high
and overwrought consciousness of intellect. Much that requires explanation in the
Play may perhaps be explained by this predominance and consciousness of great
intellectual power. Is it not possible that the instantaneous idea of feigning himself
mad belongs to this ? It is the power most present to his mind, and therefore in
that, though in the denial of it, is his first thought to place his defence. So might
we suppose a brave man of gigantic bodily strength counterfeiting cowardice and
imbecility until there came a moment for the rousing up of vengeance. ....
Hamlet never gets farther, I believe, than one step, — that of self-protection in
feigning himself mad. He sees no course clear enough to satisfy his understanding ;
and with all due deference to those critics in conduct who seem disposed to censure
his dilatoriness, I should be glad if anybody would point out one. He is therefore
by necessity irresolute ; but he feels that he is letting time pass ; and the conscious-
ness of duty undone weighs down his soul. He thus comes to dread the clear know-
ledge of his own situation, and of the duties arising from it.
