This was written after reading 'Hamlet' again, in response to Hamlet's death scene. It is a little slashy in places, so you have been warned. I do not profit from this except in terms of enjoyment. 'Hamlet' and its characters belong to Shakespeare. I apologize for any inaccurate use of language.

Horatio's Soliloquy

Good night sweet prince, though good morrow shall never come,

Nor no flicker of breath shall stir thy noble heart, as it stills

So frightfully beneath my palm. I remember it anon,

So strong and fierce that the Gods would weep

Beneath your gaze, and tempests envied the rhythm it ne'er matched.

Yet I weep now and wish for storm, which cries and wails,

Where frail humanity cannot, where tears alone are not enough.

O God, God why must this wretched vision be so?

You lay so still my Lord, 'though your blood is stone,

Yet so warm in my arms as if mere touch could stir you,

The stain of passion yet upon thy rosy cheek.

But you slumber on and shall not wake, not even for I,

Ever thy servant, tho' you will never now be my King.

Why must I leave you? Who shall now with woollen yarn,

Guide thy way in the labyrinths of the soul if not I?

How can this weakened spirit stand alone against fate

And not swoon helpless for sorrow? How, when foul hopelessness

Is all the comfort I may have and all thoughts of glad

Flee ever yet on rosy wings, departing with you, the one

That is hereby mourned with all the sorrow an eternity may hold.

But wake Self! Your duty is not ere done and excuse is the friend of folly,

I must leave to serve the King in my arms, as I have wished him so before.

Sleep on though; dream still my Prince and sweet tidings to you -

For what is heaven if not a pleasant eternal dream -

Fear not, for thy last words live on as I shall a while more,

Tho' my love and spirit still cling e'er more to your last sweet breath,

And I mourn thy passing with all the due that the broken hearted can owe.

Do you dream my friend, have you found peace at last?

No more shall you speak to me of philosophy and dreams

Which so simple a mind as this could never comprehend, yet listened to

With enamoured wonder at such passion for truths beyond slow wit.

Ah my sweet, dear Hamlet, I knew you well enough

To avert thy eyes from reflections, that shone not true

To show thy seemly countenance but to entrance with stars and self soul.

For so much you weighted upon thy back that even as an angel,

Thy gaze would the devil find in such pure hawkish wings

And holy light blacken with self shame that naught but love could heal.

I hope you see now your mettle as you gaze down with ever heavenly eyes,

See these here mourning for your noble soul, see how weary at heart I am,

And understand your value beyond your crown, beyond your name.

You were rich in love in life and a kingdom of roses will rest at your feet in death.

I love you yet my Prince, know that still and be glad,

I shall plant thy seed with all the sincerity this honest soul can bestow

And call you King for you rule ever yet over my heart.

So sleep on my Majesty for your entreaty shall be served,

Rest now as ne'er in life, sweet dreams my love - I will meet you there anon.