...orgy of authorial slickness, what ultimately comes through is the author's "sincerely felt" belief: But that I am forbid To tell the secrets of my prison-house, I could a tale unfold [...] But this eternal blazon must not be To ears of flesh and blood. (I, v, 14-21) However; if there...

..."secrets" (1.5.14). He describes not the secrets, therefore, but the effect they would have if disclosed: I could a tale unfold whose lightest word Would harrow...combined locks to part, And each particular hair to stand an end Like quills upon the fretful porpentine. (1.5.15-20) As the sight of the Medusa turned spectators...

...(2.2.554-559) and the Ghost's description of the effect that his tale of torment would have on Hamlet: I could a tale unfold whose lightest word Would harrow...two eyes like stars start from their spheres, Thy knotty and combined locks to part, And each particular hair to stand on end Like quills upon the fretful...

...torture of the body would extend even to one who hears about "the secrets of my prison-house" (1.5.14): I could a tale unfold whose lightest word Would harrow...two eyes like stars start from their spheres. Thy knotty and combined locks to part. And each particular hair to stand on end Like quills upon the fretful...