Tell Tale: Short Stories

The cloud-capp’d towers, the gorgeous palaces,

The solemn temples, the great globe itself—”

Dr. Burbage was impressed that he didn’t once look down at the text, so she obliged him and took up where he had left off.

Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,

And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,

Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff

As dreams are made on, and our little life

Is rounded with a sleep.

One or two of the students nodded when she added, “The Tempest, act four, scene one.” But Lowell was right, he’d begun with something easy. Their leader sat down to allow a lieutenant to take his place, who looked equally well prepared.

Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;

Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgement.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy;

For the apparel oft proclaims the man,

the lieutenant recited, his eyes never leaving her, but she didn’t flinch.

And they in France of the best rank and station

Are most select and generous, chief in that.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be;

For loan oft loses

both itself and friend,

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

This above all: to thine own self be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man.

“Hamlet, Act one, scene three.”

It was now clear to her that several among their dwindling ranks were not only following the text word for word in open books, but then turning a few pages clearly aware where the next volley would come from, and although another foot soldier had been shot down, someone quite happily rose to take his place. But this one looked as if he’d have been more at home on a football field, and read directly from the text.

There shall be in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a penny: the three-hooped pot shall have ten hoops and I will make it felony to drink small beer. All the realm shall be in common; and in Cheapside shall my palfrey go to grass.

Dr. Burbage had to concentrate as it had been some time since she’d read Henry VI. She hesitated for a moment while everyone’s eyes remained fixed on her. A flicker of triumph appeared on Mr. Lowell’s face.

And when I am king, as king I will be, there shall be no money: all shall eat and drink on my score; and I will apparel them all in one livery, that they may agree like brothers, and worship me their lord.

“Henry VI, Part Two—” She couldn’t remember the act or scene, so to cover herself immediately said, “But can you tell me the next line?”