You awake at cockcrow and climb out of your straw filled bed and head down the stairs of the inn where you have lived since leaving home two years ago. You head out the back door to break the ice on the horse trough and splash it on your face. The brutality of the shock not only ensures your wakefulness but brings to mind that today is the day you make your debut in the great Shakespeare's theatre.
You approach him, giving your name and are disappointed that he doesn't remember you. You assure him that you know every role in every play like the back of your hand and can fill any part that needs filling.
You arrive at the theatre and find the place filled with actors, costumers, carpenters, painters and the great man himself attempting to impose some kind of order on the chaos.
You know without a doubt that you will play the part assigned to you as it has never been played before. You have no idea what role that will be but aren't concerned. You've been reading and practicing everything he has so far written in front of your landlord and his wife for months now. They have applauded every performance.
January 31, 1603
The play, something fairly new called Hamlet is played to roaring applause. A tear rolls down your cheek but you are unable to wipe it away. In fact there is nothing you can do as the props cupboard is closed on your unseeing gaze. You had no lines and the only thing anyone said to you was "Alas poor Yorick...."
You assure him that you will be able to please him beyond all imagining with your performance. Your heart overflows with excitement at the thought of finally fulfilling your dream.
He looks thoughtful, takes your head firmly in one hand, turning it this way and that, looking at your profile from every angle. Suddenly a light comes into his eyes and he tells you that he has just the role for you but it will be difficult and you will have to maintain great discipline and stillness to do what he has in mind.