Although to make of situations sense
The fitting faculty must take command,
Will knew of wholeness one should not dispense
When serving a dramatic scene’s demand.
Thus, like the archetypes that in us rule,
Each character both light and dark betrays –
Not least the ever empathetic fool,
Who maybe most the Bard’s own soul portrays.
Besides, within each play itself are found
All moods and functions of the human mind:
By means of his integrity profound
The individual humours are combined.
And yet, in showing us his subjects’ deeds,
He helps us to discern the flowers from weeds.
Jerusalem
10 November 2005