It is surely not fanciful to suppose that Shakespeare meant his actors to interpret to his audiences all these various aspects of this many-sided word 'smile'. He uses it again, and most significantly, at the supreme moment of the parting of Brutus and Cassius before the battle :"For ever and for ever farewell, Cassius ! If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; If not, why then this parting was well made." So Brutus. And Cassius, in reply :"For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus ! If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed; If not, 'tis true this parting was well made." The almost exact repetition is remarkable; and a reading of the lines leaves little doubt that there is a deliberate, purposeful emphasis of the word "smile". One cannot help feeling that Brutus' smile would have a touch of smug self-satisfaction; the smile of one who had "set death in one eye and honour in the other" and looked on both indifferently—in the confident hope that virtue would be rewarded. And Cassius' smile (the very modification of his line suggests this) would surely be tinged with triumphant malice. But it was not to be. They never smiled again. The scales were tipped in favour of Antony, who was given to good honest laughter. He had the last laugh, as Trebonius, with unconscious irony, predicted, when the question of his killing was debated by the conspirators :For he will live and laugh at this hereafter." Perhaps Shakespeare did not like smiles, which may mean anything, but preferred open-hearted laughter? And if you are not convinced by this theory of Shakespeare's use of a "theme word", try it for yourself with 'Macbeth' and the word `sleep'. L.B.
THE MUSICAL SOCIETY D. G. Hilton has been appointed Secretary for next year. The weekly gramophone recitals were discontinued for the summer, but the following musical events took place during the term. House Singing Competitions—Tuesday, 27th June. Recital of English Cathedral Music by the Choir of York Minster—Wednesday, 5th July. Talk on "Stringed Instruments" by D. P. Norwood and D. J. Wilson—Saturday, 22nd July. Musical Society Concert—Thursday, 27th July. Bach Bicentenary—(i) Magnificat in D in Chapel, Monday, 24th July. (ii) Organ Recital of his works—Friday, 28th July. 38
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