This theory is so pretty and striking--it harmonizes so nicely with our natural love of mysticism and transcendental lore, and with the vague views of those who fancy that they are diving into the depths of Shakespeare when they do but skim the surface--that it is a pity that the facts are all against it. Now, the truth is that our immortal poet has laid out the action of the different scenes with minute consideration both of the time occupied by each and of the interval elapsing between them, when any occurs, and he has so carefully indicated the lapse of time that he who runs may read, if he will but look as he runs. There is no conflict, no glamour; neither confusion nor delusion. Henry A. Clapp has recently shown this so clearly that it may seem a work of supererogation to again discuss the matter. He, however, considered the general subject of the passage of time in all of Shakespeare's plays, and, therefore, could devote but little space to the one drama of "Hamlet"; hence, it seems possible that to his masterly presentation of the subject something may be added which will be of interest to Shakespearean students. ACT I., Scene i., of the tragedy of "Hamlet" opens at midnight and continues until dawn, and at its close, Marcellus, speaking of Hamlet, says: I this morning know Where we shall find him most conveniently. In Scene ii. Horatio says of the ghost: My lord, I think I saw him yesternight, and Hamlet declares: I'll watch to-night. Upon the platform, 'twixt eleven and twelve I'll visit you. This watch and its events are given in Scenes iv. and v., while the third scene fills out the day, before the night comes on. Between the first and second acts, one--and the principal one--of the two intervals in the play occurs; a lapse of time, as will hereafter be shown, of a little more than two months. In ACT II., Scene i., Polonius says: I will go seek the king. and in Scene ii. he enters the Audience Chamber and announces that he has found The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy. In the same scene the players arrive, and Hamlet says of the play of "The Murder of Gonzago:" We'll ha't to-morrow night. This act, therefore, covers but one day, while the first scene of the next act occurs on the following day, as is proven by the words of Rosencranz in reference to the actors: They have already order This night to play before him. In Scene ii. this mimic drama is given, and Scenes iii. and iv. occur the same night, Hamlet's interview with his mother taking place, in accordance with the message brought to him, immediately after the breaking up of the play: She desires to speak with you in her closet ere you go to bed. Act iv. commences with a continuation of the events of the same night, as is shown by Gertrude's words: Ah, my good lord, what have I seen to-night! while the king declares: