Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

He that fears the thing he would not know

Hath by instinct knowledge from others’ eyes,

That what he feared is chanced.

 

Northumberland

King Henry the Fourth Part II     Act I, Scene i, Line 87

Northumberland is talking about his son, Hotspur, whom Morton has just reported as having been killed in battle. What of it?

Northumberland is saying that the person who fears the news that he doesn’t want to hear is able to see that news in the eyes of the person who’s about to deliver it. Do you think that’s true? Northumberland says he could see in Morton’s eyes that his son Hotspur had been killed, and he was right.

I think there’s probably truth in this statement, though I would say: 1. It’s probably only relevant regarding really bad news, and 2. I can’t personally think of an instance where I have experienced this as either a bearer or receiver of really bad news.
But you see it all the time in tv and movies. Ahh, wait a tic: you see it in tv and movies, but not in real life. Well that ought to tell you something.  

    

What do you think, Moj? Can you see bad news in someone's eyes? Wait a minute, what's that look in your eyes? Bad news?

Yeah, I think I just accidentally peed in your lap.

 

Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

And, trust me, I was coming to you. You look very ill.

 

Mistress Page

The Merry Wives of Windsor        Act II Scene i, Line 34

This is Mistress Page’s reply to Mistress Ford (these being the two titular Merry Wives). M. Ford has just shown up at M. Page’s house, and M. Page is telling her that she had been about to head to her house. The you look very ill part is a bit of a red herring, because there’s nothing wrong with M. Ford, and her health is not at issue here.

So, we’re starting the new year off with The Merry Wives. How about that. It’s not one of Will’s more famous plays, nor one of his more highly praised ones. It’s a farce with a bit of slapstick; much like many of his comedies. And I guess it’s okay if that’s what you’re looking for.

I think I’ll take a pass on any more about today’s line (since I don’t have anything) and instead move directly to a Mojo pic.

 

Happy New Year y'all!