Question

[Polonius:] Bear ’t that th’ opposed may beware of thee.

Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice

–Hamlet,
William Shakespeare

Use the drop-down menus to answer the questions about the passage.

What is the meaning of the phrase “Bear ’t”?


What word is left out between the words but and few?

Answer 1

- "Bear ’t" means "bear it" — i.e., carry or conduct yourself in that way; behave so that those who oppose you will beware of you.
- The missing (implied) word is "give" — as in "but [give] few thy voice."