Watch thou, and wake when others be asleep, to pry into the secrets of the state

Watch thou, and wake when others be asleep, to pry into the secrets of the state

In the works of William Shakespeare, the theme of power and politics is a prevalent one. Throughout his plays, characters often engage in acts of espionage, manipulation, and deceit in order to gain or maintain control over the state. One particular quote that encapsulates this theme is “Watch thou, and wake when others be asleep, to pry into the secrets of the state.”

This quote, spoken by the character Horatio in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness in the realm of politics. Horatio advises his friend Hamlet to stay alert and observant, even when others are unaware or indifferent, in order to uncover the hidden truths and machinations of the state. This advice is particularly relevant in a world where power struggles and conspiracies are commonplace.