Sleep? Dream? Imagine new stories? Take inspiration from the immortal bard? The pen is a long arm from the grave.
I’m not the greatest fan of William Shakespeare, but he or possibly she wrote two soliloquies I’m very fond of. The first is from Hamlet -
To be, or not to be: that is the question.
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them?
To die: to sleep; no more; and by a sleep to say we end the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that the flesh is heir to, ’tis a consummation deboutly to be wish’d.
To die, to sleep; to sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub; for in that sleep of death what dreams may come…
The second from The Merchant of Venice -
The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings.
But mercy is above this sceptered sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings;
It is an attribute of God himself;
And earthly power doth then show like God’s
When mercy seasons justice.
Here’s some really interesting news - Angelina Jolie, an actress I adore so shut up, has been cast as Maleficent in the coming film, Maleficent. Of all the Disney characters created over the years, Maleficent is by far and away the best, the most compelling, the greatest ever. EVER! Maleficent was provided the most powerful lines in the history of cartoon villain-ry. The original Maleficent was voiced by Eleanor Audley, who I believe passed away in 1991.
I always thought… if only they’d invited Maleficent to the baby’s christening…
“Oh, come now, Prince Philip. Why so melancholy? A wondrous future lies before you. You, the destined hero of a charming fairy tale come true. Behold, King Stefan’s castle. And in yonder topmost tower, dreaming of her true love, the Princess Aurora. But see the gracious whim of fate. Why, ’tis the selfsame peasant maid who won the heart of our noble prince but yesterday. She is indeed most wondrous fair, gold of sunshine in her hair, lips that shame the red, red rose. In ageless sleep, she finds repose. The years roll by. But a hundred years, to a steadfast heart, are but a day. And now, the gates of a dungeon part and our prince is free to go his way. Off he rides on his noble steed- a valiant figure, straight and tall- to wake his love with love’s first kiss…and prove that “true love” conquers all!”
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Angelina does it for me, can’t wait…..
Shakespeare, take him or leave him but agree there are a couple of great lines and my favourite rendition in recent years are these :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQddgc1h_2I&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL0F6797E7A5EB4F88
I’ll be looking forward to the movie!
I like Angelina, too. But if she doesn’t start eating some food soon she’ll be able to play an extra in The Walking Dead. A zombie extra. We should send her a care package!
Ah what lofty thoughts we think when thinking thoughts at the kitchen sink.
Okay, so poet I am not. Not lofty much, either. I shall leave such worthy endeavors. He seems to be holding up well enough on his own.
Malificent scared the piss out of me as a kid (reminded me of someone, yeep). I can’t imagine why or how a movie will be made about her, but I do agree with you that Jolie will be perfect for the role. If I turn on all the lights in my house and hold a stick and a squirt gun, I might be able to watch it.
I mean Shakespeare seems to be holding up. (no loft in the typing this morning either)
Hooray! Wonderful casting. Perhaps this is phase two of Angelina’s career. I think she’ll be more comfortable as an intense character actress.
XXOO Kat
You are not alone..I love Angelina as well. Wish she would do one more Lara Croft movie..I’m looking forward to her playing the role…
Hi Savannah - I agree, love her in Lara Croft! But… I’m very much looking forward to this new role.
I think so too, Kat. Perfect casting!
Jaye - LOL! Shakespeare has aged well. Maleficent is a magnificent character. Such a powerful woman and villain!
Yes Penny, I’ll send her cake. Where do they find all those skinny zombies? Some look really skinny! Like skeletal!
Amber, me too!
Oh Tom, I’m so happy! My hubby thinks she’s too skinny. I think she’s gorgeous! Skinny or not!
I can’t remember when I last sat down and concentrated on a Shakespeare play. Probably when I was watching my daughter’s The Taming of the Shrew DVD a year or two ago. I am always surprised just how well and easily Will says things, and by the number of his lines that become part of our day to day language.
I should not be so lazy; he always repays the little effort it takes to handle the language.
Jacqueline - much of what he wrote is timeless. Some is obscure, locked in that era, but for the most part, we’re still living out his plays. It’s the human condition.
Maleficent rocks! I would love it if the story was more like Wicked, where she’s the main character, not just the baddie. And totally agree that Angelina (aside from her leg having it’s own Twitter account) seriously needs to eat some cake. And a brownie. Maybe a sandwich or two.
Hey Casey, she does rock! Best lines of any Disney character. Cake would be good for Angelina. But I don’t think Hollywood types ever eat cake.