(Act V., Scene II., pp. 130 to 133). Should there be a fear of "tedious passages" (as Villiers de L'isle-Adam said, "To be or not to be" and, generally speaking, all Hamlet's speeches would be described to-day as "tedious passages"), the dÉnouement could be hastened on, beginning with Arielle's speech (p. 130), as follows:

Arielle.

(Who has remained standing at the foot of the bed; in a sad and solemn voice.) Master!

Merlin.

I see you, Arielle, and I will obey....

Joyzelle.

What are you saying, father, and to whom are you speaking?

Merlin.

To her who opened up to you the road to happiness. She is now giving you a parting kiss, which I also give you....

Joyzelle.

A parting kiss?

LancÉor.

Father!

Joyzelle.

What does this mean and what has happened?

Merlin.

Let us not question those who have nothing more to say. Would to the gods that, &c.

(The rest as in Merlin's final speech.)

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