AsideHowpregnantsometimeshisrepliesare!ahappinessthatoftenmadnesshitson，whichreasonandsanitycouldnotsoprosperouslybedeliveredof。I
willleavehim，andsuddenlycontrivethemeansofmeetingbetweenhimandmydaughter。——Myhonourablelord，Iwillmosthumblytakemyleaveofyou。HAMLETYoucannot，sir，takefrommeanythingthatIwillmorewillinglypartwithal：exceptmylife，exceptmylife，exceptmylife。LORDPOLONIUSFareyouwell，mylord。HAMLETThesetediousoldfools!
EnterROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERNLORDPOLONIUSYougotoseektheLordHamlet；thereheis。ROSENCRANTZ[ToPOLONIUS]Godsaveyou，sir!
ExitPOLONIUSGUILDENSTERNMyhonouredlord!ROSENCRANTZMymostdearlord!HAMLETMyexcellentgoodfriends!Howdostthou，Guildenstern？Ah，Rosencrantz!Goodlads，howdoyeboth？ROSENCRANTZAstheindifferentchildrenoftheearth。GUILDENSTERNHappy，inthatwearenotover—happy；
Onfortune’scapwearenottheverybutton。HAMLETNorthesolesofhershoe？ROSENCRANTZNeither，mylord。HAMLETThenyouliveaboutherwaist，orinthemiddleofherfavours？GUILDENSTERN’Faith，herprivateswe。HAMLETInthesecretpartsoffortune？O，mosttrue；sheisastrumpet。What’sthenews？ROSENCRANTZNone，mylord，butthattheworld’sgrownhonest。HAMLETThenisdoomsdaynear：butyournewsisnottrue。
Letmequestionmoreinparticular：whathaveyou，mygoodfriends，deservedatthehandsoffortune，thatshesendsyoutoprisonhither？GUILDENSTERNPrison，mylord!HAMLETDenmark’saprison。ROSENCRANTZThenistheworldone。HAMLETAgoodlyone；inwhichtherearemanyconfines，wardsanddungeons，Denmarkbeingoneo’theworst。ROSENCRANTZWethinknotso，mylord。HAMLETWhy，then，’tisnonetoyou；forthereisnothingeithergoodorbad，butthinkingmakesitso：
tomeitisaprison。ROSENCRANTZWhythen，yourambitionmakesitone；
’tistoonarrowforyourmind。HAMLETOGod，Icouldbeboundedinanutshellandcountmyselfakingofinfinitespace，wereitnotthatI
havebaddreams。GUILDENSTERNWhichdreamsindeedareambition，fortheverysubstanceoftheambitiousismerelytheshadowofadream。HAMLETAdreamitselfisbutashadow。ROSENCRANTZTruly，andIholdambitionofsoairyandlightaqualitythatitisbutashadow’sshadow。HAMLETThenareourbeggarsbodies，andourmonarchsandoutstretchedheroesthebeggars’shadows。Shallwetothecourt？for，bymyfay，Icannotreason。ROSENCRANTZGUILDENSTERNWe’llwaituponyou。HAMLETNosuchmatter：Iwillnotsortyouwiththerestofmyservants，for，tospeaktoyoulikeanhonestman，Iammostdreadfullyattended。But，inthebeatenwayoffriendship，whatmakeyouatElsinore？ROSENCRANTZTovisityou，mylord；nootheroccasion。HAMLETBeggarthatIam，Iamevenpoorinthanks；
butI
thankyou：andsure，dearfriends，mythanksaretoodearahalfpenny。Wereyounotsentfor？
Isityourowninclining？Isitafreevisitation？
Come，dealjustlywithme：come，come；nay，speak。GUILDENSTERNWhatshouldwesay，mylord？HAMLETWhy，anything，buttothepurpose。Youweresentfor；andthereisakindofconfessioninyourlookswhichyourmodestieshavenotcraftenoughtocolour：
Iknowthegoodkingandqueenhavesentforyou。ROSENCRANTZTowhatend，mylord？HAMLETThatyoumustteachme。Butletmeconjureyou，bytherightsofourfellowship，bytheconsonancyofouryouth，bytheobligationofourever—preservedlove，andbywhatmoredearabetterproposercouldchargeyouwithal，beevenanddirectwithme，whetheryouweresentfor，orno？ROSENCRANTZ[AsidetoGUILDENSTERN]Whatsayyou？HAMLET[Aside]Nay，then，Ihaveaneyeofyou。——Ifyouloveme，holdnotoff。GUILDENSTERNMylord，weweresentfor。HAMLETIwilltellyouwhy；soshallmyanticipationpreventyourdiscovery，andyoursecrecytothekingandqueenmoultnofeather。Ihaveoflate——butwhereforeIknownot——lostallmymirth，forgoneallcustomofexercises；andindeeditgoessoheavilywithmydispositionthatthisgoodlyframe，theearth，seemstomeasterilepromontory，thismostexcellentcanopy，theair，lookyou，thisbraveo’erhangingfirmament，thismajesticalrooffrettedwithgoldenfire，why，itappearsnootherthingtomethanafoulandpestilentcongregationofvapours。
Whatapieceofworkisaman!hownobleinreason!
howinfiniteinfaculty!informandmovinghowexpressandadmirable!inactionhowlikeanangel!
inapprehensionhowlikeagod!thebeautyoftheworld!theparagonofanimals!Andyet，tome，whatisthisquintessenceofdust？mandelightsnotme：no，norwomanneither，thoughbyyoursmilingyouseemtosayso。ROSENCRANTZMylord，therewasnosuchstuffinmythoughts。HAMLETWhydidyoulaughthen，whenIsaid’mandelightsnotme’？ROSENCRANTZTothink，mylord，ifyoudelightnotinman，whatlentenentertainmenttheplayersshallreceivefromyou：wecotedthemontheway；andhitheraretheycoming，toofferyouservice。HAMLETHethatplaysthekingshallbewelcome；
hismajestyshallhavetributeofme；theadventurousknightshallusehisfoilandtarget；thelovershallnotsighgratis；thehumourousmanshallendhispartinpeace；theclownshallmakethoselaughwhoselungsaretickledo’thesere；andtheladyshallsayhermindfreely，ortheblankverseshallhaltfor’t。Whatplayersarethey？ROSENCRANTZEventhoseyouwerewonttotakedelightin，thetragediansofthecity。HAMLETHowchancesittheytravel？theirresidence，bothinreputationandprofit，wasbetterbothways。ROSENCRANTZIthinktheirinhibitioncomesbythemeansofthelateinnovation。HAMLETDotheyholdthesameestimationtheydidwhenIwasinthecity？aretheysofollowed？ROSENCRANTZNo，indeed，aretheynot。HAMLETHowcomesit？dotheygrowrusty？ROSENCRANTZNay，theirendeavourkeepsinthewontedpace：butthereis，sir，anaeryofchildren，littleeyases，thatcryoutonthetopofquestion，andaremosttyrannicallyclappedfor’t：thesearenowthefashion，andsoberattlethecommonstages——sotheycallthem——thatmanywearingrapiersareafraidofgoose—quillsanddarescarcecomethither。HAMLETWhat，aretheychildren？whomaintains’em？howaretheyescoted？Willtheypursuethequalitynolongerthantheycansing？willtheynotsayafterwards，iftheyshouldgrowthemselvestocommonplayers——asitismostlike，iftheirmeansarenobetter——theirwritersdothemwrong，tomakethemexclaimagainsttheirownsuccession？ROSENCRANTZ’Faith，therehasbeenmuchtodoonbothsides；andthenationholdsitnosintotarrethemtocontroversy：therewas，forawhile，nomoneybidforargument，unlessthepoetandtheplayerwenttocuffsinthequestion。HAMLETIs’tpossible？GUILDENSTERNO，therehasbeenmuchthrowingaboutofbrains。HAMLETDotheboyscarryitaway？ROSENCRANTZAy，thattheydo，mylord；Herculesandhisloadtoo。HAMLETItisnotverystrange；formineuncleiskingofDenmark，andthosethatwouldmakemowsathimwhilemyfatherlived，givetwenty，forty，fifty，anhundredducatsa—pieceforhispictureinlittle。
’Sblood，thereissomethinginthismorethannatural，ifphilosophycouldfinditout。
FlourishoftrumpetswithinGUILDENSTERNTherearetheplayers。HAMLETGentlemen，youarewelcometoElsinore。
Yourhands，comethen：theappurtenanceofwelcomeisfashionandceremony：letmecomplywithyouinthisgarb，lestmyextenttotheplayers，which，Itellyou，mustshowfairlyoutward，shouldmoreappearlikeentertainmentthanyours。Youarewelcome：butmyuncle—fatherandaunt—motheraredeceived。GUILDENSTERNInwhat，mydearlord？HAMLETIambutmadnorth—north—west：whenthewindissoutherlyIknowahawkfromahandsaw。
EnterPOLONIUSLORDPOLONIUSWellbewithyou，gentlemen!HAMLETHarkyou，Guildenstern；andyoutoo：
ateachearahearer：thatgreatbabyyouseethereisnotyetoutofhisswaddling—clouts。ROSENCRANTZHappilyhe’sthesecondtimecometothem；fortheysayanoldmanistwiceachild。HAMLETIwillprophesyhecomestotellmeoftheplayers；
markit。Yousayright，sir：o’Mondaymorning；
’twassoindeed。LORDPOLONIUSMylord，Ihavenewstotellyou。HAMLETMylord，Ihavenewstotellyou。
WhenRosciuswasanactorinRome，——LORDPOLONIUSTheactorsarecomehither，mylord。HAMLETBuz，buz!LORDPOLONIUSUponminehonour，——HAMLETThencameeachactoronhisass，——LORDPOLONIUSThebestactorsintheworld，eitherfortragedy，comedy，history，pastoral，pastoral—comical，historical—pastoral，tragical—historical，tragical—
comical—historical—pastoral，sceneindividable，orpoemunlimited：Senecacannotbetooheavy，norPlautustoolight。Forthelawofwritandtheliberty，thesearetheonlymen。HAMLETOJephthah，judgeofIsrael，whatatreasurehadstthou!LORDPOLONIUSWhatatreasurehadhe，mylord？HAMLETWhy，’Onefairdaughterandnomore，Thewhichhelovedpassingwell。’LORDPOLONIUS[Aside]Stillonmydaughter。HAMLETAmInoti’theright，oldJephthah？LORDPOLONIUSIfyoucallmeJephthah，mylord，IhaveadaughterthatIlovepassingwell。HAMLETNay，thatfollowsnot。LORDPOLONIUSWhatfollows，then，mylord？HAMLETWhy，’Asbylot，Godwot，’
andthen，youknow，’Itcametopass，asmostlikeitwas，’——
thefirstrowofthepiouschansonwillshowyoumore；forlook，wheremyabridgementcomes。
EnterfourorfivePlayersYouarewelcome，masters；welcome，all。Iamgladtoseetheewell。Welcome，goodfriends。O，myoldfriend!thyfaceisvalencedsinceIsawtheelast：
comestthoutobeardmeinDenmark？What，myyoungladyandmistress!By’rlady，yourladyshipisnearertoheaventhanwhenIsawyoulast，bythealtitudeofachopine。PrayGod，yourvoice，likeapieceofuncurrentgold，benotcrackedwithinthering。Masters，youareallwelcome。We’lle’ento’tlikeFrenchfalconers，flyatanythingwesee：
we’llhaveaspeechstraight：come，giveusatasteofyourquality；come，apassionatespeech。FirstPlayerWhatspeech，mylord？HAMLETIheardtheespeakmeaspeechonce，butitwasneveracted；or，ifitwas，notaboveonce；fortheplay，Iremember，pleasednotthemillion；’twascaviaretothegeneral：butitwas——asIreceivedit，andothers，whosejudgmentsinsuchmatterscriedinthetopofmine——anexcellentplay，welldigestedinthescenes，setdownwithasmuchmodestyascunning。Iremember，onesaidtherewerenosalletsinthelinestomakethemattersavoury，nornomatterinthephrasethatmightindicttheauthorofaffectation；butcalleditanhonestmethod，aswholesomeassweet，andbyverymuchmorehandsomethanfine。OnespeechinitI
chieflyloved：’twasAeneas’taletoDido；andthereaboutofitespecially，wherehespeaksofPriam’sslaughter：ifitliveinyourmemory，beginatthisline：letmesee，letmesee——
’TheruggedPyrrhus，liketheHyrcanianbeast，’——
itisnotso：——itbeginswithPyrrhus：——
’TheruggedPyrrhus，hewhosesablearms，Blackashispurpose，didthenightresembleWhenhelaycouchedintheominoushorse，Hathnowthisdreadandblackcomplexionsmear’dWithheraldrymoredismal；headtofootNowishetotalgules；horridlytrick’dWithbloodoffathers，mothers，daughters，sons，Bakedandimpastedwiththeparchingstreets，ThatlendatyrannousanddamnedlightTotheirlord’smurder：roastedinwrathandfire，Andthuso’er—sizedwithcoagulategore，Witheyeslikecarbuncles，thehellishPyrrhusOldgrandsirePriamseeks。’
So，proceedyou。LORDPOLONIUS’ForeGod，mylord，wellspoken，withgoodaccentandgooddiscretion。FirstPlayer’AnonhefindshimStrikingtooshortatGreeks；hisantiquesword，Rebellioustohisarm，lieswhereitfalls，Repugnanttocommand：unequalmatch’d，PyrrhusatPriamdrives；inragestrikeswide；
ButwiththewhiffandwindofhisfellswordTheunnervedfatherfalls。ThensenselessIlium，Seemingtofeelthisblow，withflamingtopStoopstohisbase，andwithahideouscrashTakesprisonerPyrrhus’ear：for，lo!hissword，WhichwasdecliningonthemilkyheadOfreverendPriam，seem’di’theairtostick：
So，asapaintedtyrant，Pyrrhusstood，Andlikeaneutraltohiswillandmatter，Didnothing。
But，asweoftensee，againstsomestorm，Asilenceintheheavens，therackstandstill，TheboldwindsspeechlessandtheorbbelowAshushasdeath，anonthedreadfulthunderDothrendtheregion，so，afterPyrrhus’pause，Arousedvengeancesetshimnewa—work；
AndneverdidtheCyclops’hammersfallOnMars’sarmourforgedforproofeterneWithlessremorsethanPyrrhus’bleedingswordNowfallsonPriam。
Out，out，thoustrumpet，Fortune!Allyougods，Ingeneralsynod’takeawayherpower；
Breakallthespokesandfelliesfromherwheel，Andbowltheroundnavedownthehillofheaven，Aslowastothefiends!’LORDPOLONIUSThisistoolong。HAMLETItshalltothebarber’s，withyourbeard。
Prithee，sayon：he’sforajigorataleofbawdry，orhesleeps：sayon：cometoHecuba。FirstPlayer’Butwho，O，whohadseenthemobledqueen——’HAMLET’Themobledqueen？’LORDPOLONIUSThat’sgood；’mobledqueen’isgood。FirstPlayer’Runbarefootupanddown，threateningtheflamesWithbissonrheum；acloutuponthatheadWherelatethediademstood，andforarobe，Aboutherlankandallo’er—teemedloins，Ablanket，inthealarmoffearcaughtup；
Whothishadseen，withtongueinvenomsteep’d，’GainstFortune’sstatewouldtreasonhavepronounced：
ButifthegodsthemselvesdidseeherthenWhenshesawPyrrhusmakemalicioussportInmincingwithhisswordherhusband’slimbs，Theinstantburstofclamourthatshemade，Unlessthingsmortalmovethemnotatall，Wouldhavemademilchtheburningeyesofheaven，Andpassioninthegods。’LORDPOLONIUSLook，whetherhehasnotturnedhiscolourandhastearsin’seyes。Prayyou，nomore。HAMLET’Tiswell：I’llhavetheespeakouttherestsoon。
Goodmylord，willyouseetheplayerswellbestowed？Doyouhear，letthembewellused；
fortheyaretheabstractandbriefchroniclesofthetime：afteryourdeathyouwerebetterhaveabadepitaphthantheirillreportwhileyoulive。LORDPOLONIUSMylord，Iwillusethemaccordingtotheirdesert。HAMLETGod’sbodykins，man，muchbetter：useeverymanafterhisdesert，andwhoshould’scapewhipping？
Usethemafteryourownhonouranddignity：thelesstheydeserve，themoremeritisinyourbounty。
Takethemin。LORDPOLONIUSCome，sirs。HAMLETFollowhim，friends：we’llhearaplayto—morrow。
ExitPOLONIUSwithallthePlayersbuttheFirstDostthouhearme，oldfriend；canyouplaytheMurderofGonzago？FirstPlayerAy，mylord。HAMLETWe’llha’tto—morrownight。Youcould，foraneed，studyaspeechofsomedozenorsixteenlines，whichIwouldsetdownandinsertin’t，couldyounot？FirstPlayerAy，mylord。HAMLETVerywell。Followthatlord；andlookyoumockhimnot。
ExitFirstPlayerMygoodfriends，I’llleaveyoutillnight：youarewelcometoElsinore。ROSENCRANTZGoodmylord!HAMLETAy，so，Godbewi’ye；
ExeuntROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERN
NowIamalone。
O，whatarogueandpeasantslaveamI!
Isitnotmonstrousthatthisplayerhere，Butinafiction，inadreamofpassion，CouldforcehissoulsotohisownconceitThatfromherworkingallhisvisagewann’d，Tearsinhiseyes，distractionin’saspect，Abrokenvoice，andhiswholefunctionsuitingWithformstohisconceit？andallfornothing!
ForHecuba!
What’sHecubatohim，orhetoHecuba，Thatheshouldweepforher？Whatwouldhedo，HadhethemotiveandthecueforpassionThatIhave？HewoulddrownthestagewithtearsAndcleavethegeneralearwithhorridspeech，Makemadtheguiltyandappalthefree，Confoundtheignorant，andamazeindeedTheveryfacultiesofeyesandears。YetI，Adullandmuddy—mettledrascal，peak，LikeJohn—a—dreams，unpregnantofmycause，Andcansaynothing；no，notforaking，UponwhosepropertyandmostdearlifeAdamn’ddefeatwasmade。AmIacoward？
Whocallsmevillain？breaksmypateacross？
Plucksoffmybeard，andblowsitinmyface？
Tweaksmebythenose？givesmetheliei’thethroat，Asdeepastothelungs？whodoesmethis？
Ha!
’Swounds，Ishouldtakeit：foritcannotbeButIampigeon—liver’dandlackgallTomakeoppressionbitter，orerethisIshouldhavefattedalltheregionkitesWiththisslave’soffal：bloody，bawdyvillain!
Remorseless，treacherous，lecherous，kindlessvillain!
O，vengeance!
Why，whatanassamI!Thisismostbrave，ThatI，thesonofadearfathermurder’d，Promptedtomyrevengebyheavenandhell，Must，likeawhore，unpackmyheartwithwords，Andfalla—cursing，likeaverydrab，Ascullion!
Fieupon’t!foh!About，mybrain!IhaveheardThatguiltycreaturessittingataplayHavebytheverycunningofthesceneBeenstrucksotothesoulthatpresentlyTheyhaveproclaim’dtheirmalefactions；
Formurder，thoughithavenotongue，willspeakWithmostmiraculousorgan。I’llhavetheseplayersPlaysomethinglikethemurderofmyfatherBeforemineuncle：I’llobservehislooks；
I’lltenthimtothequick：ifhebutblench，Iknowmycourse。ThespiritthatIhaveseenMaybethedevil：andthedevilhathpowerToassumeapleasingshape；yea，andperhapsOutofmyweaknessandmymelancholy，Asheisverypotentwithsuchspirits，Abusesmetodamnme：I’llhavegroundsMorerelativethanthis：theplay’sthethingWhereinI’llcatchtheconscienceoftheking。
ExitACTIIISCENEI。Aroominthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，POLONIUS，OPHELIA，ROSENCRANTZ，andGUILDENSTERNKINGCLAUDIUSAndcanyou，bynodriftofcircumstance，Getfromhimwhyheputsonthisconfusion，GratingsoharshlyallhisdaysofquietWithturbulentanddangerouslunacy？ROSENCRANTZHedoesconfesshefeelshimselfdistracted；
Butfromwhatcausehewillbynomeansspeak。GUILDENSTERNNordowefindhimforwardtobesounded，But，withacraftymadness，keepsaloof，WhenwewouldbringhimontosomeconfessionOfhistruestate。QUEENGERTRUDEDidhereceiveyouwell？ROSENCRANTZMostlikeagentleman。GUILDENSTERNButwithmuchforcingofhisdisposition。ROSENCRANTZNiggardofquestion；but，ofourdemands，Mostfreeinhisreply。QUEENGERTRUDEDidyouassayhim？
Toanypastime？ROSENCRANTZMadam，itsofellout，thatcertainplayersWeo’er—raughtontheway：ofthesewetoldhim；
AndtheredidseeminhimakindofjoyTohearofit：theyareaboutthecourt，And，asIthink，theyhavealreadyorderThisnighttoplaybeforehim。LORDPOLONIUS’Tismosttrue：
Andhebeseech’dmetoentreatyourmajestiesTohearandseethematter。KINGCLAUDIUSWithallmyheart；anditdothmuchcontentmeTohearhimsoinclined。
Goodgentlemen，givehimafurtheredge，Anddrivehispurposeontothesedelights。ROSENCRANTZWeshall，mylord。
ExeuntROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERNKINGCLAUDIUSSweetGertrude，leaveustoo；
ForwehavecloselysentforHamlethither，Thathe，as’twerebyaccident，mayhereAffrontOphelia：
Herfatherandmyself，lawfulespials，Willsobestowourselvesthat，seeing，unseen，Wemayoftheirencounterfranklyjudge，Andgatherbyhim，asheisbehaved，If’tbetheafflictionofhisloveornoThatthushesuffersfor。QUEENGERTRUDEIshallobeyyou。
Andforyourpart，Ophelia，IdowishThatyourgoodbeautiesbethehappycauseOfHamlet’swildness：soshallIhopeyourvirtuesWillbringhimtohiswontedwayagain，Tobothyourhonours。OPHELIAMadam，Iwishitmay。
ExitQUEENGERTRUDELORDPOLONIUSOphelia，walkyouhere。Gracious，sopleaseyou，Wewillbestowourselves。
ToOPHELIA
Readonthisbook；
ThatshowofsuchanexercisemaycolourYourloneliness。Weareofttoblameinthis，——
’Tistoomuchproved——thatwithdevotion’svisageAndpiousactionwedosugaro’erThedevilhimself。KINGCLAUDIUS[Aside]O，’tistootrue!
Howsmartalashthatspeechdothgivemyconscience!
Theharlot’scheek，beautiedwithplasteringart，IsnotmoreuglytothethingthathelpsitThanismydeedtomymostpaintedword：
Oheavyburthen!LORDPOLONIUSIhearhimcoming：let’swithdraw，mylord。
ExeuntKINGCLAUDIUSandPOLONIUS
EnterHAMLETHAMLETTobe，ornottobe：thatisthequestion：
Whether’tisnoblerinthemindtosufferTheslingsandarrowsofoutrageousfortune，Ortotakearmsagainstaseaoftroubles，Andbyopposingendthem？Todie：tosleep；
Nomore；andbyasleeptosayweendTheheart—acheandthethousandnaturalshocksThatfleshisheirto，’tisaconsummationDevoutlytobewish’d。Todie，tosleep；
Tosleep：perchancetodream：ay，there’stherub；
ForinthatsleepofdeathwhatdreamsmaycomeWhenwehaveshuffledoffthismortalcoil，Mustgiveuspause：there’stherespectThatmakescalamityofsolonglife；
Forwhowouldbearthewhipsandscornsoftime，Theoppressor’swrong，theproudman’scontumely，Thepangsofdespisedlove，thelaw’sdelay，TheinsolenceofofficeandthespurnsThatpatientmeritoftheunworthytakes，WhenhehimselfmighthisquietusmakeWithabarebodkin？whowouldfardelsbear，Togruntandsweatunderawearylife，Butthatthedreadofsomethingafterdeath，Theundiscover’dcountryfromwhosebournNotravellerreturns，puzzlesthewillAndmakesusratherbearthoseillswehaveThanflytoothersthatweknownotof？
Thusconsciencedoesmakecowardsofusall；
AndthusthenativehueofresolutionIssickliedo’erwiththepalecastofthought，AndenterprisesofgreatpithandmomentWiththisregardtheircurrentsturnawry，Andlosethenameofaction。——Softyounow!
ThefairOphelia!Nymph，inthyorisonsBeallmysinsremember’d。OPHELIAGoodmylord，Howdoesyourhonourforthismanyaday？HAMLETIhumblythankyou；well，well，well。OPHELIAMylord，Ihaveremembrancesofyours，ThatIhavelongedlongtore—deliver；
Iprayyou，nowreceivethem。HAMLETNo，notI；
Inevergaveyouaught。OPHELIAMyhonour’dlord，youknowrightwellyoudid；
And，withthem，wordsofsosweetbreathcomposedAsmadethethingsmorerich：theirperfumelost，Taketheseagain；fortothenoblemindRichgiftswaxpoorwhengiversproveunkind。
There，mylord。HAMLETHa，ha!areyouhonest？OPHELIAMylord？HAMLETAreyoufair？OPHELIAWhatmeansyourlordship？HAMLETThatifyoubehonestandfair，yourhonestyshouldadmitnodiscoursetoyourbeauty。OPHELIACouldbeauty，mylord，havebettercommercethanwithhonesty？HAMLETAy，truly；forthepowerofbeautywillsoonertransformhonestyfromwhatitistoabawdthantheforceofhonestycantranslatebeautyintohislikeness：thiswassometimeaparadox，butnowthetimegivesitproof。Ididloveyouonce。OPHELIAIndeed，mylord，youmademebelieveso。HAMLETYoushouldnothavebelievedme；forvirtuecannotsoinoculateouroldstockbutweshallrelishofit：Ilovedyounot。OPHELIAIwasthemoredeceived。HAMLETGettheetoanunnery：whywouldstthoubeabreederofsinners？Iammyselfindifferenthonest；
butyetIcouldaccusemeofsuchthingsthatitwerebettermymotherhadnotborneme：Iamveryproud，revengeful，ambitious，withmoreoffencesatmybeckthanIhavethoughtstoputthemin，imaginationtogivethemshape，ortimetoactthemin。WhatshouldsuchfellowsasIdocrawlingbetweenearthandheaven？Wearearrantknaves，all；believenoneofus。Gothywaystoanunnery。
Where’syourfather？OPHELIAAthome，mylord。HAMLETLetthedoorsbeshutuponhim，thathemayplaythefoolnowherebutin’sownhouse。Farewell。OPHELIAO，helphim，yousweetheavens!HAMLETIfthoudostmarry，I’llgivetheethisplagueforthydowry：bethouaschasteasice，aspureassnow，thoushaltnotescapecalumny。Gettheetoanunnery，go：farewell。Or，ifthouwiltneedsmarry，marryafool；forwisemenknowwellenoughwhatmonstersyoumakeofthem。Toanunnery，go，andquicklytoo。Farewell。OPHELIAOheavenlypowers，restorehim!HAMLETIhaveheardofyourpaintingstoo，wellenough；Godhasgivenyouoneface，andyoumakeyourselvesanother：youjig，youamble，andyoulisp，andnick—nameGod’screatures，andmakeyourwantonnessyourignorance。Goto，I’llnomoreon’t；ithathmadememad。Isay，wewillhavenomoremarriages：
thosethataremarriedalready，allbutone，shalllive；therestshallkeepastheyare。Toanunnery，go。
ExitOPHELIAO，whatanoblemindishereo’erthrown!
Thecourtier’s，soldier’s，scholar’s，eye，tongue，sword；
Theexpectancyandroseofthefairstate，Theglassoffashionandthemouldofform，Theobservedofallobservers，quite，quitedown!
AndI，ofladiesmostdejectandwretched，Thatsuck’dthehoneyofhismusicvows，Nowseethatnobleandmostsovereignreason，Likesweetbellsjangled，outoftuneandharsh；
Thatunmatch’dformandfeatureofblownyouthBlastedwithecstasy：O，woeisme，TohaveseenwhatIhaveseen，seewhatIsee!
Re—enterKINGCLAUDIUSandPOLONIUSKINGCLAUDIUSLove!hisaffectionsdonotthatwaytend；
Norwhathespake，thoughitlack’dformalittle，Wasnotlikemadness。There’ssomethinginhissoul，O’erwhichhismelancholysitsonbrood；
AndIdodoubtthehatchandthediscloseWillbesomedanger：whichfortoprevent，IhaveinquickdeterminationThussetitdown：heshallwithspeedtoEngland，ForthedemandofourneglectedtributeHaplytheseasandcountriesdifferentWithvariableobjectsshallexpelThissomething—settledmatterinhisheart，WhereonhisbrainsstillbeatingputshimthusFromfashionofhimself。Whatthinkyouon’t？LORDPOLONIUSItshalldowell：butyetdoIbelieveTheoriginandcommencementofhisgriefSprungfromneglectedlove。Hownow，Ophelia!
YouneednottelluswhatLordHamletsaid；
Wehearditall。Mylord，doasyouplease；
But，ifyouholditfit，aftertheplayLethisqueenmotherallaloneentreathimToshowhisgrief：letherberoundwithhim；
AndI’llbeplaced，sopleaseyou，intheearOfalltheirconference。Ifshefindhimnot，ToEnglandsendhim，orconfinehimwhereYourwisdombestshallthink。KINGCLAUDIUSItshallbeso：
Madnessingreatonesmustnotunwatch’dgo。
ExeuntSCENEII。Ahallinthecastle。EnterHAMLETandPlayersHAMLETSpeakthespeech，Iprayyou，asIpronouncedittoyou，trippinglyonthetongue：butifyoumouthit，asmanyofyourplayersdo，Ihadasliefthetown—crierspokemylines。Nordonotsawtheairtoomuchwithyourhand，thus，butuseallgently；
forintheverytorrent，tempest，and，asImaysay，thewhirlwindofpassion，youmustacquireandbegetatemperancethatmaygiveitsmoothness。O，itoffendsmetothesoultoheararobustiousperiwig—patedfellowtearapassiontotatters，toveryrags，tosplittheearsofthegroundlings，whoforthemostpartarecapableofnothingbutinexplicabledumbshowsandnoise：Iwouldhavesuchafellowwhippedforo’erdoingTermagant；itout—herodsHerod：prayyou，avoidit。FirstPlayerIwarrantyourhonour。HAMLETBenottootameneither，butletyourowndiscretionbeyourtutor：suittheactiontotheword，thewordtotheaction；withthisspecialo’erstepnotthemodestyofnature：foranythingsooverdoneisfromthepurposeofplaying，whoseend，bothatthefirstandnow，wasandis，tohold，as’twere，themirroruptonature；toshowvirtueherownfeature，scornherownimage，andtheveryageandbodyofthetimehisformandpressure。Nowthisoverdone，orcometardyoff，thoughitmaketheunskilfullaugh，cannotbutmakethejudiciousgrieve；thecensureofthewhichonemustinyourallowanceo’erweighawholetheatreofothers。O，therebeplayersthatIhaveseenplay，andheardotherspraise，andthathighly，nottospeakitprofanely，that，neitherhavingtheaccentofChristiansnorthegaitofChristian，pagan，norman，havesostruttedandbellowedthatIhavethoughtsomeofnature’sjourneymenhadmademenandnotmadethemwell，theyimitatedhumanitysoabominably。FirstPlayerIhopewehavereformedthatindifferentlywithus，sir。HAMLETO，reformitaltogether。Andletthosethatplayyourclownsspeaknomorethanissetdownforthem；
fortherebeofthemthatwillthemselveslaugh，tosetonsomequantityofbarrenspectatorstolaughtoo；though，inthemeantime，somenecessaryquestionoftheplaybethentobeconsidered：
that’svillanous，andshowsamostpitifulambitioninthefoolthatusesit。Go，makeyouready。
ExeuntPlayersEnterPOLONIUS，ROSENCRANTZ，andGUILDENSTERN
Hownow，mylord!Iwillthekinghearthispieceofwork？LORDPOLONIUSAndthequeentoo，andthatpresently。HAMLETBidtheplayersmakehaste。
ExitPOLONIUS
Willyoutwohelptohastenthem？ROSENCRANTZGUILDENSTERNWewill，mylord。
ExeuntROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERNHAMLETWhatho!Horatio!
EnterHORATIOHORATIOHere，sweetlord，atyourservice。HAMLETHoratio，thouarte’enasjustamanAse’ermyconversationcopedwithal。HORATIOO，mydearlord，——HAMLETNay，donotthinkIflatter；
ForwhatadvancementmayIhopefromtheeThatnorevenuehastbutthygoodspirits，Tofeedandclothethee？Whyshouldthepoorbeflatter’d？
No，letthecandiedtonguelickabsurdpomp，AndcrookthepregnanthingesofthekneeWherethriftmayfollowfawning。Dostthouhear？
SincemydearsoulwasmistressofherchoiceAndcouldofmendistinguish，herelectionHathseal’dtheeforherself；forthouhastbeenAsone，insufferingall，thatsuffersnothing，Amanthatfortune’sbuffetsandrewardsHastta’enwithequalthanks：andblestarethoseWhosebloodandjudgmentaresowellcommingled，Thattheyarenotapipeforfortune’sfingerTosoundwhatstopsheplease。GivemethatmanThatisnotpassion’sslave，andIwillwearhimInmyheart’score，ay，inmyheartofheart，AsIdothee。——Somethingtoomuchofthis。——
Thereisaplayto—nightbeforetheking；
OnesceneofitcomesnearthecircumstanceWhichIhavetoldtheeofmyfather’sdeath：
Iprithee，whenthouseestthatactafoot，EvenwiththeverycommentofthysoulObservemineuncle：ifhisoccultedguiltDonotitselfunkennelinonespeech，Itisadamnedghostthatwehaveseen，AndmyimaginationsareasfoulAsVulcan’sstithy。Givehimheedfulnote；
ForImineeyeswillrivettohisface，AndafterwewillbothourjudgmentsjoinIncensureofhisseeming。HORATIOWell，mylord：
Ifhestealaughtthewhilstthisplayisplaying，And’scapedetecting，Iwillpaythetheft。HAMLETTheyarecomingtotheplay；Imustbeidle：
Getyouaplace。
Danishmarch。Aflourish。EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，POLONIUS，OPHELIA，ROSENCRANTZ，GUILDENSTERN，andothersKINGCLAUDIUSHowfaresourcousinHamlet？HAMLETExcellent，i’faith；ofthechameleon’sdish：Ieattheair，promise—crammed：youcannotfeedcaponsso。KINGCLAUDIUSIhavenothingwiththisanswer，Hamlet；
thesewordsarenotmine。HAMLETNo，norminenow。
ToPOLONIUS
Mylord，youplayedoncei’theuniversity，yousay？LORDPOLONIUSThatdidI，mylord；andwasaccountedagoodactor。HAMLETWhatdidyouenact？LORDPOLONIUSIdidenactJuliusCaesar：Iwaskilledi’theCapitol；Brutuskilledme。HAMLETItwasabrutepartofhimtokillsocapitalacalfthere。Betheplayersready？ROSENCRANTZAy，mylord；theystayuponyourpatience。QUEENGERTRUDEComehither，mydearHamlet，sitbyme。HAMLETNo，goodmother，here’smetalmoreattractive。LORDPOLONIUS[ToKINGCLAUDIUS]O，ho!doyoumarkthat？HAMLETLady，shallIlieinyourlap？
LyingdownatOPHELIA’sfeetOPHELIANo，mylord。HAMLETImean，myheaduponyourlap？OPHELIAAy，mylord。HAMLETDoyouthinkImeantcountrymatters？OPHELIAIthinknothing，mylord。HAMLETThat’safairthoughttoliebetweenmaids’legs。OPHELIAWhatis，mylord？HAMLETNothing。OPHELIAYouaremerry，mylord。HAMLETWho，I？OPHELIAAy，mylord。HAMLETOGod，youronlyjig—maker。Whatshouldamandobutbemerry？for，lookyou，howcheerfullymymotherlooks，andmyfatherdiedwithinthesetwohours。OPHELIANay，’tistwicetwomonths，mylord。HAMLETSolong？Naythen，letthedevilwearblack，forI’llhaveasuitofsables。Oheavens!dietwomonthsago，andnotforgottenyet？Thenthere’shopeagreatman’smemorymayoutlivehislifehalfayear：but，by’rlady，hemustbuildchurches，then；orelseshallhesuffernotthinkingon，withthehobby—horse，whoseepitaphis’For，O，for，O，thehobby—horseisforgot。’
Hautboysplay。Thedumb—showentersEnteraKingandaQueenverylovingly；theQueenembracinghim，andheher。Shekneels，andmakesshowofprotestationuntohim。Hetakesherup，anddeclineshisheaduponherneck：layshimdownuponabankofflowers：she，seeinghimasleep，leaveshim。Anoncomesinafellow，takesoffhiscrown，kissesit，andpourspoisonintheKing’sears，andexit。TheQueenreturns；findstheKingdead，andmakespassionateaction。
ThePoisoner，withsometwoorthreeMutes，comesinagain，seemingtolamentwithher。Thedeadbodyiscarriedaway。ThePoisonerwooestheQueenwithgifts：sheseemsloathandunwillingawhile，butintheendacceptshisloveExeuntOPHELIAWhatmeansthis，mylord？HAMLETMarry，thisismichingmallecho；itmeansmischief。OPHELIABelikethisshowimportstheargumentoftheplay。
EnterPrologueHAMLETWeshallknowbythisfellow：theplayerscannotkeepcounsel；they’lltellall。OPHELIAWillhetelluswhatthisshowmeant？HAMLETAy，oranyshowthatyou’llshowhim：
benotyouashamedtoshow，he’llnotshametotellyouwhatitmeans。OPHELIAYouarenaught，youarenaught：I’llmarktheplay。PrologueForus，andforourtragedy，Herestoopingtoyourclemency，Webegyourhearingpatiently。
ExitHAMLETIsthisaprologue，ortheposyofaring？OPHELIA’Tisbrief，mylord。HAMLETAswoman’slove。
EntertwoPlayers，KingandQueenPlayerKingFullthirtytimeshathPhoebus’cartgoneroundNeptune’ssaltwashandTellus’orbedground，Andthirtydozenmoonswithborrow’dsheenAbouttheworldhavetimestwelvethirtiesbeen，SinceloveourheartsandHymendidourhandsUnitecommutualinmostsacredbands。PlayerQueenSomanyjourneysmaythesunandmoonMakeusagaincounto’ererelovebedone!
But，woeisme，youaresosickoflate，Sofarfromcheerandfromyourformerstate，ThatIdistrustyou。Yet，thoughIdistrust，Discomfortyou，mylord，itnothingmust：
Forwomen’sfearandloveholdsquantity；
Inneitheraught，orinextremity。
Now，whatmyloveis，proofhathmadeyouknow；
Andasmyloveissized，myfearisso：
Whereloveisgreat，thelittlestdoubtsarefear；
Wherelittlefearsgrowgreat，greatlovegrowsthere。PlayerKing’Faith，Imustleavethee，love，andshortlytoo；
Myoperantpowerstheirfunctionsleavetodo：
Andthoushaltliveinthisfairworldbehind，Honour’d，beloved；andhaplyoneaskindForhusbandshaltthou——PlayerQueenO，confoundtherest!
Suchlovemustneedsbetreasoninmybreast：
Insecondhusbandletmebeaccurst!
Nonewedthesecondbutwhokill’dthefirst。HAMLET[Aside]Wormwood，wormwood。PlayerQueenTheinstancesthatsecondmarriagemoveArebaserespectsofthrift，butnoneoflove：
AsecondtimeIkillmyhusbanddead，Whensecondhusbandkissesmeinbed。PlayerKingIdobelieveyouthinkwhatnowyouspeak；
Butwhatwedodetermineoftwebreak。
Purposeisbuttheslavetomemory，Ofviolentbirth，butpoorvalidity；
Whichnow，likefruitunripe，sticksonthetree；
Butfall，unshaken，whentheymellowbe。
Mostnecessary’tisthatweforgetTopayourselveswhattoourselvesisdebt：
Whattoourselvesinpassionwepropose，Thepassionending，doththepurposelose。
TheviolenceofeithergrieforjoyTheirownenactureswiththemselvesdestroy：
Wherejoymostrevels，griefdothmostlament；
Griefjoys，joygrieves，onslenderaccident。
Thisworldisnotforaye，nor’tisnotstrangeThatevenourlovesshouldwithourfortuneschange；
For’tisaquestionleftusyettoprove，Whetherloveleadfortune，orelsefortunelove。
Thegreatmandown，youmarkhisfavouriteflies；
Thepooradvancedmakesfriendsofenemies。
Andhithertodothloveonfortunetend；
Forwhonotneedsshallneverlackafriend，Andwhoinwantahollowfrienddothtry，Directlyseasonshimhisenemy。
But，orderlytoendwhereIbegun，OurwillsandfatesdosocontraryrunThatourdevicesstillareoverthrown；
Ourthoughtsareours，theirendsnoneofourown：
Sothinkthouwiltnosecondhusbandwed；
Butdiethythoughtswhenthyfirstlordisdead。PlayerQueenNorearthtomegivefood，norheavenlight!
Sportandreposelockfrommedayandnight!
Todesperationturnmytrustandhope!
Ananchor’scheerinprisonbemyscope!
EachoppositethatblanksthefaceofjoyMeetwhatIwouldhavewellanditdestroy!
Bothhereandhencepursuemelastingstrife，If，onceawidow，everIbewife!HAMLETIfsheshouldbreakitnow!PlayerKing’Tisdeeplysworn。Sweet，leavemehereawhile；
Myspiritsgrowdull，andfainIwouldbeguileThetediousdaywithsleep。
SleepsPlayerQueenSleeprockthybrain，Andnevercomemischancebetweenustwain!
ExitHAMLETMadam，howlikeyouthisplay？QUEENGERTRUDETheladyproteststoomuch，methinks。HAMLETO，butshe’llkeepherword。KINGCLAUDIUSHaveyouheardtheargument？Istherenooffencein’t？HAMLETNo，no，theydobutjest，poisoninjest；
nooffencei’theworld。KINGCLAUDIUSWhatdoyoucalltheplay？HAMLETTheMouse—trap。Marry，how？Tropically。
ThisplayistheimageofamurderdoneinVienna：Gonzagoistheduke’sname；hiswife，Baptista：youshallseeanon；’tisaknavishpieceofwork：butwhato’
that？yourmajestyandwethathavefreesouls，ittouchesusnot：letthegalledjadewince，ourwithersareunwrung。
EnterLUCIANUS
ThisisoneLucianus，nephewtotheking。OPHELIAYouareasgoodasachorus，mylord。HAMLETIcouldinterpretbetweenyouandyourlove，ifI
couldseethepuppetsdallying。OPHELIAYouarekeen，mylord，youarekeen。HAMLETItwouldcostyouagroaningtotakeoffmyedge。OPHELIAStillbetter，andworse。HAMLETSoyoumusttakeyourhusbands。Begin，murderer；
pox，leavethydamnablefaces，andbegin。Come：
’thecroakingravendothbellowforrevenge。’LUCIANUSThoughtsblack，handsapt，drugsfit，andtimeagreeing；
Confederateseason，elsenocreatureseeing；
Thoumixturerank，ofmidnightweedscollected，WithHecate’sbanthriceblasted，thriceinfected，Thynaturalmagicanddireproperty，Onwholesomelifeusurpimmediately。
Poursthepoisonintothesleeper’searsHAMLETHepoisonshimi’thegardenfor’sestate。
Hisname’sGonzago：thestoryisextant，andwritinchoiceItalian：youshallseeanonhowthemurderergetstheloveofGonzago’swife。OPHELIAThekingrises。HAMLETWhat，frightedwithfalsefire!QUEENGERTRUDEHowfaresmylord？LORDPOLONIUSGiveo’ertheplay。KINGCLAUDIUSGivemesomelight：away!AllLights，lights，lights!
ExeuntallbutHAMLETandHORATIOHAMLETWhy，letthestrickendeergoweep，Thehartungalledplay；
Forsomemustwatch，whilesomemustsleep：
Sorunstheworldaway。
Wouldnotthis，sir，andaforestoffeathers——
iftherestofmyfortunesturnTurkwithme——withtwoProvincialrosesonmyrazedshoes，getmeafellowshipinacryofplayers，sir？HORATIOHalfashare。HAMLETAwholeone，I。
Forthoudostknow，ODamondear，ThisrealmdismantledwasOfJovehimself；andnowreignshereAvery，very——pajock。HORATIOYoumighthaverhymed。HAMLETOgoodHoratio，I’lltaketheghost’swordforathousandpound。Didstperceive？HORATIOVerywell，mylord。HAMLETUponthetalkofthepoisoning？HORATIOIdidverywellnotehim。HAMLETAh，ha!Come，somemusic!come，therecorders!
Forifthekinglikenotthecomedy，Whythen，belike，helikesitnot，perdy。
Come，somemusic!
Re—enterROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERNGUILDENSTERNGoodmylord，vouchsafemeawordwithyou。HAMLETSir，awholehistory。GUILDENSTERNTheking，sir，——HAMLETAy，sir，whatofhim？GUILDENSTERNIsinhisretirementmarvellousdistempered。HAMLETWithdrink，sir？GUILDENSTERNNo，mylord，ratherwithcholer。HAMLETYourwisdomshouldshowitselfmorerichertosignifythistohisdoctor；for，formetoputhimtohispurgationwouldperhapsplungehimintofarmorecholer。GUILDENSTERNGoodmylord，putyourdiscourseintosomeframeandstartnotsowildlyfrommyaffair。HAMLETIamtame，sir：pronounce。GUILDENSTERNThequeen，yourmother，inmostgreatafflictionofspirit，hathsentmetoyou。HAMLETYouarewelcome。GUILDENSTERNNay，goodmylord，thiscourtesyisnotoftherightbreed。Ifitshallpleaseyoutomakemeawholesomeanswer，Iwilldoyourmother’scommandment：ifnot，yourpardonandmyreturnshallbetheendofmybusiness。HAMLETSir，Icannot。GUILDENSTERNWhat，mylord？HAMLETMakeyouawholesomeanswer；mywit’sdiseased：but，sir，suchanswerasIcanmake，youshallcommand；
or，rather，asyousay，mymother：thereforenomore，buttothematter：mymother，yousay，——ROSENCRANTZThenthusshesays；yourbehaviorhathstruckherintoamazementandadmiration。HAMLETOwonderfulson，thatcansoastonishamother!Butistherenosequelattheheelsofthismother’sadmiration？Impart。ROSENCRANTZShedesirestospeakwithyouinhercloset，ereyougotobed。HAMLETWeshallobey，wereshetentimesourmother。Haveyouanyfurthertradewithus？ROSENCRANTZMylord，youoncedidloveme。HAMLETSoIdostill，bythesepickersandstealers。ROSENCRANTZGoodmylord，whatisyourcauseofdistemper？
youdo，surely，barthedooruponyourownliberty，ifyoudenyyourgriefstoyourfriend。HAMLETSir，Ilackadvancement。ROSENCRANTZHowcanthatbe，whenyouhavethevoiceofthekinghimselfforyoursuccessioninDenmark？HAMLETAy，butsir，’Whilethegrassgrows，’——theproverbissomethingmusty。
Re—enterPlayerswithrecordersO，therecorders!letmeseeone。Towithdrawwithyou：——whydoyougoabouttorecoverthewindofme，asifyouwoulddrivemeintoatoil？GUILDENSTERNO，mylord，ifmydutybetoobold，myloveistoounmannerly。HAMLETIdonotwellunderstandthat。Willyouplayuponthispipe？GUILDENSTERNMylord，Icannot。HAMLETIprayyou。GUILDENSTERNBelieveme，Icannot。HAMLETIdobeseechyou。GUILDENSTERNIknownotouchofit，mylord。HAMLET’Tisaseasyaslying：governtheseventageswithyourlingersandthumb，giveitbreathwithyourmouth，anditwilldiscoursemosteloquentmusic。
Lookyou，thesearethestops。GUILDENSTERNButthesecannotIcommandtoanyutteranceofharmony；Ihavenottheskill。HAMLETWhy，lookyounow，howunworthyathingyoumakeofme!Youwouldplayuponme；youwouldseemtoknowmystops；youwouldpluckouttheheartofmymystery；youwouldsoundmefrommylowestnotetothetopofmycompass：andthereismuchmusic，excellentvoice，inthislittleorgan；yetcannotyoumakeitspeak。’Sblood，doyouthinkIameasiertobeplayedonthanapipe？Callmewhatinstrumentyouwill，thoughyoucanfretme，yetyoucannotplayuponme。
EnterPOLONIUS
Godblessyou，sir!LORDPOLONIUSMylord，thequeenwouldspeakwithyou，andpresently。HAMLETDoyouseeyondercloudthat’salmostinshapeofacamel？LORDPOLONIUSBythemass，and’tislikeacamel，indeed。HAMLETMethinksitislikeaweasel。LORDPOLONIUSItisbackedlikeaweasel。HAMLETOrlikeawhale？LORDPOLONIUSVerylikeawhale。HAMLETThenIwillcometomymotherbyandby。Theyfoolmetothetopofmybent。Iwillcomebyandby。LORDPOLONIUSIwillsayso。HAMLETByandbyiseasilysaid。
ExitPOLONIUS
Leaveme，friends。
ExeuntallbutHAMLET
Tisnowtheverywitchingtimeofnight，WhenchurchyardsyawnandhellitselfbreathesoutContagiontothisworld：nowcouldIdrinkhotblood，AnddosuchbitterbusinessasthedayWouldquaketolookon。Soft!nowtomymother。
Oheart，losenotthynature；letnoteverThesoulofNeroenterthisfirmbosom：
Letmebecruel，notunnatural：
Iwillspeakdaggerstoher，butusenone；
Mytongueandsoulinthisbehypocrites；
Howinmywordssoevershebeshent，Togivethemsealsnever，mysoul，consent!
ExitSCENEIII。Aroominthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，ROSENCRANTZ，andGUILDENSTERNKINGCLAUDIUSIlikehimnot，norstandsitsafewithusTolethismadnessrange。Thereforeprepareyou；
Iyourcommissionwillforthwithdispatch，AndhetoEnglandshallalongwithyou：
ThetermsofourestatemaynotendureHazardsodangerousasdothhourlygrowOutofhislunacies。GUILDENSTERNWewillourselvesprovide：
MostholyandreligiousfearitisTokeepthosemanymanybodiessafeThatliveandfeeduponyourmajesty。ROSENCRANTZThesingleandpeculiarlifeisbound，Withallthestrengthandarmourofthemind，Tokeepitselffromnoyance；butmuchmoreThatspirituponwhosewealdependandrestThelivesofmany。TheceaseofmajestyDiesnotalone；but，likeagulf，dothdrawWhat’snearitwithit：itisamassywheel，Fix’donthesummitofthehighestmount，TowhosehugespokestenthousandlesserthingsAremortisedandadjoin’d；which，whenitfalls，Eachsmallannexment，pettyconsequence，Attendstheboisterousruin。NeveraloneDidthekingsigh，butwithageneralgroan。KINGCLAUDIUSArmyou，Iprayyou，tothisspeedyvoyage；
Forwewillfettersputuponthisfear，Whichnowgoestoofree—footed。ROSENCRANTZGUILDENSTERNWewillhasteus。
ExeuntROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERN
EnterPOLONIUSLORDPOLONIUSMylord，he’sgoingtohismother’scloset：
BehindthearrasI’llconveymyself，Toheartheprocess；andwarrantshe’lltaxhimhome：
And，asyousaid，andwiselywasitsaid，’Tismeetthatsomemoreaudiencethanamother，Sincenaturemakesthempartial，shouldo’erhearThespeech，ofvantage。Fareyouwell，myliege：
I’llcalluponyouereyougotobed，AndtellyouwhatIknow。KINGCLAUDIUSThanks，dearmylord。
ExitPOLONIUS
O，myoffenceisrankitsmellstoheaven；
Ithaththeprimaleldestcurseupon’t，Abrother’smurder。PraycanInot，Thoughinclinationbeassharpaswill：
Mystrongerguiltdefeatsmystrongintent；
And，likeamantodoublebusinessbound，IstandinpausewhereIshallfirstbegin，Andbothneglect。WhatifthiscursedhandWerethickerthanitselfwithbrother’sblood，IstherenotrainenoughinthesweetheavensTowashitwhiteassnow？WheretoservesmercyButtoconfrontthevisageofoffence？
Andwhat’sinprayerbutthistwo—foldforce，Tobeforestallederewecometofall，Orpardon’dbeingdown？ThenI’lllookup；
Myfaultispast。But，O，whatformofprayerCanservemyturn？’Forgivememyfoulmurder’？
Thatcannotbe；sinceIamstillpossess’dOfthoseeffectsforwhichIdidthemurder，Mycrown，mineownambitionandmyqueen。
Mayonebepardon’dandretaintheoffence？
InthecorruptedcurrentsofthisworldOffence’sgildedhandmayshovebyjustice，Andoft’tisseenthewickedprizeitselfBuysoutthelaw：but’tisnotsoabove；
Thereisnoshuffling，theretheactionliesInhistruenature；andweourselvescompell’d，Eventotheteethandforeheadofourfaults，Togiveinevidence。Whatthen？whatrests？
Trywhatrepentancecan：whatcanitnot？
Yetwhatcanitwhenonecannotrepent？
Owretchedstate!Obosomblackasdeath!
Olimedsoul，that，strugglingtobefree，Artmoreengaged!Help，angels!Makeassay!
Bow，stubbornknees；and，heartwithstringsofsteel，Besoftassinewsofthenewbornbabe!
Allmaybewell。
RetiresandkneelsEnterHAMLETHAMLETNowmightIdoitpat，nowheispraying；
AndnowI’lldo’t。Andsohegoestoheaven；
AndsoamIrevenged。Thatwouldbescann’d：
Avillainkillsmyfather；andforthat，I，hissoleson，dothissamevillainsendToheaven。
O，thisishireandsalary，notrevenge。
Hetookmyfathergrossly，fullofbread；
Withallhiscrimesbroadblown，asflushasMay；
Andhowhisauditstandswhoknowssaveheaven？
Butinourcircumstanceandcourseofthought，’Tisheavywithhim：andamIthenrevenged，Totakehiminthepurgingofhissoul，Whenheisfitandseason’dforhispassage？
No!
Up，sword；andknowthouamorehorridhent：
Whenheisdrunkasleep，orinhisrage，Orintheincestuouspleasureofhisbed；
Atgaming，swearing，oraboutsomeactThathasnorelishofsalvationin’t；
Thentriphim，thathisheelsmaykickatheaven，Andthathissoulmaybeasdamn’dandblackAshell，wheretoitgoes。Mymotherstays：
Thisphysicbutprolongsthysicklydays。
ExitKINGCLAUDIUS[Rising]Mywordsflyup，mythoughtsremainbelow：
Wordswithoutthoughtsnevertoheavengo。
ExitSCENEIV。TheQueen’scloset。EnterQUEENMARGARETandPOLONIUSLORDPOLONIUSHewillcomestraight。Lookyoulayhometohim：
Tellhimhisprankshavebeentoobroadtobearwith，Andthatyourgracehathscreen’dandstoodbetweenMuchheatandhim。I’llsconcemeevenhere。
Prayyou，beroundwithhim。HAMLET[Within]Mother，mother，mother!QUEENGERTRUDEI’llwarrantyou，Fearmenot：withdraw，Ihearhimcoming。
POLONIUShidesbehindthearrasEnterHAMLETHAMLETNow，mother，what’sthematter？QUEENGERTRUDEHamlet，thouhastthyfathermuchoffended。HAMLETMother，youhavemyfathermuchoffended。QUEENGERTRUDECome，come，youanswerwithanidletongue。HAMLETGo，go，youquestionwithawickedtongue。QUEENGERTRUDEWhy，hownow，Hamlet!HAMLETWhat’sthematternow？QUEENGERTRUDEHaveyouforgotme？HAMLETNo，bytherood，notso：
Youarethequeen，yourhusband’sbrother’swife；
And——woulditwerenotso!——youaremymother。QUEENGERTRUDENay，then，I’llsetthosetoyouthatcanspeak。HAMLETCome，come，andsityoudown；youshallnotbudge；
YougonottillIsetyouupaglassWhereyoumayseetheinmostpartofyou。QUEENGERTRUDEWhatwiltthoudo？thouwiltnotmurderme？
Help，help，ho!LORDPOLONIUS[Behind]What，ho!help，help，help!HAMLET[Drawing]Hownow!arat？Dead，foraducat，dead!
MakesapassthroughthearrasLORDPOLONIUS[Behind]O，Iamslain!
FallsanddiesQUEENGERTRUDEOme，whathastthoudone？HAMLETNay，Iknownot：
Isittheking？QUEENGERTRUDEO，whatarashandbloodydeedisthis!HAMLETAbloodydeed!almostasbad，goodmother，Askillaking，andmarrywithhisbrother。QUEENGERTRUDEAskillaking!HAMLETAy，lady，’twasmyword。
LiftsupthearrayanddiscoversPOLONIUS
Thouwretched，rash，intrudingfool，farewell!
Itooktheeforthybetter：takethyfortune；
Thoufind’sttobetoobusyissomedanger。
Leavewringingofyourhands：peace!sityoudown，Andletmewringyourheart；forsoIshall，Ifitbemadeofpenetrablestuff，Ifdamnedcustomhavenotbrass’ditsoThatitisproofandbulwarkagainstsense。QUEENGERTRUDEWhathaveIdone，thatthoudarestwagthytongueInnoisesorudeagainstme？HAMLETSuchanactThatblursthegraceandblushofmodesty，Callsvirtuehypocrite，takesofftheroseFromthefairforeheadofaninnocentloveAndsetsablisterthere，makesmarriage—vowsAsfalseasdicers’oaths：O，suchadeedAsfromthebodyofcontractionplucksTheverysoul，andsweetreligionmakesArhapsodyofwords：heaven’sfacedothglow：
Yea，thissolidityandcompoundmass，Withtristfulvisage，asagainstthedoom，Isthought—sickattheact。QUEENGERTRUDEAyme，whatact，Thatroarssoloud，andthundersintheindex？HAMLETLookhere，uponthispicture，andonthis，Thecounterfeitpresentmentoftwobrothers。
See，whatagracewasseatedonthisbrow；
Hyperion’scurls；thefrontofJovehimself；
AneyelikeMars，tothreatenandcommand；
AstationliketheheraldMercuryNew—lightedonaheaven—kissinghill；
Acombinationandaformindeed，Whereeverygoddidseemtosethisseal，Togivetheworldassuranceofaman：
Thiswasyourhusband。Lookyounow，whatfollows：
Hereisyourhusband；likeamildew’dear，Blastinghiswholesomebrother。Haveyoueyes？
Couldyouonthisfairmountainleavetofeed，Andbattenonthismoor？Ha!haveyoueyes？
Youcannotcallitlove；foratyourageThehey—dayinthebloodistame，it’shumble，Andwaitsuponthejudgment：andwhatjudgmentWouldstepfromthistothis？Sense，sure，youhave，Elsecouldyounothavemotion；butsure，thatsenseIsapoplex’d；formadnesswouldnoterr，Norsensetoecstasywasne’ersothrall’dButitreservedsomequantityofchoice，Toserveinsuchadifference。Whatdevilwas’tThatthushathcozen’dyouathoodman—blind？
Eyeswithoutfeeling，feelingwithoutsight，Earswithouthandsoreyes，smellingsansall，OrbutasicklypartofonetruesenseCouldnotsomope。
Oshame!whereisthyblush？Rebellioushell，Ifthoucanstmutineinamatron’sbones，Toflamingyouthletvirtuebeaswax，Andmeltinherownfire：proclaimnoshameWhenthecompulsiveardourgivesthecharge，SincefrostitselfasactivelydothburnAndreasonpanderswill。QUEENGERTRUDEOHamlet，speaknomore：
Thouturn’stmineeyesintomyverysoul；
AndthereIseesuchblackandgrainedspotsAswillnotleavetheirtinct。HAMLETNay，buttoliveIntheranksweatofanenseamedbed，Stew’dincorruption，honeyingandmakingloveOverthenastysty，——QUEENGERTRUDEO，speaktomenomore；
Thesewords，likedaggers，enterinmineears；
Nomore，sweetHamlet!HAMLETAmurdererandavillain；
AslavethatisnottwentiethpartthetitheOfyourprecedentlord；aviceofkings；
Acutpurseoftheempireandtherule，Thatfromashelfthepreciousdiademstole，Andputitinhispocket!QUEENGERTRUDENomore!HAMLETAkingofshredsandpatches，——
EnterGhostSaveme，andhovero’ermewithyourwings，Youheavenlyguards!Whatwouldyourgraciousfigure？QUEENGERTRUDEAlas，he’smad!HAMLETDoyounotcomeyourtardysontochide，That，lapsedintimeandpassion，letsgobyTheimportantactingofyourdreadcommand？O，say!GhostDonotforget：thisvisitationIsbuttowhetthyalmostbluntedpurpose。
But，look，amazementonthymothersits：
O，stepbetweenherandherfightingsoul：
Conceitinweakestbodiesstrongestworks：
Speaktoher，Hamlet。HAMLETHowisitwithyou，lady？QUEENGERTRUDEAlas，howis’twithyou，ThatyoudobendyoureyeonvacancyAndwiththeincorporalairdoholddiscourse？
Forthatyoureyesyourspiritswildlypeep；
And，asthesleepingsoldiersinthealarm，Yourbeddedhair，likelifeinexcrements，Startsup，andstandsonend。Ogentleson，UpontheheatandflameofthydistemperSprinklecoolpatience。Whereondoyoulook？HAMLETOnhim，onhim!Lookyou，howpaleheglares!
Hisformandcauseconjoin’d，preachingtostones，Wouldmakethemcapable。Donotlookuponme；
LestwiththispiteousactionyouconvertMysterneffects：thenwhatIhavetodoWillwanttruecolour；tearsperchanceforblood。QUEENGERTRUDETowhomdoyouspeakthis？HAMLETDoyouseenothingthere？QUEENGERTRUDENothingatall；yetallthatisIsee。HAMLETNordidyounothinghear？QUEENGERTRUDENo，nothingbutourselves。HAMLETWhy，lookyouthere!look，howitstealsaway!
Myfather，inhishabitashelived!
Look，wherehegoes，evennow，outattheportal!
ExitGhostQUEENGERTRUDEThistheverycoinageofyourbrain：
ThisbodilesscreationecstasyIsverycunningin。HAMLETEcstasy!
Mypulse，asyours，dothtemperatelykeeptime，Andmakesashealthfulmusic：itisnotmadnessThatIhaveutter’d：bringmetothetest，AndIthematterwillre—word；whichmadnessWouldgambolfrom。Mother，forloveofgrace，Laynotthatmatteringunctiontoyoursoul，Thatnotyourtrespass，butmymadnessspeaks：
Itwillbutskinandfilmtheulcerousplace，Whilstrankcorruption，miningallwithin，Infectsunseen。Confessyourselftoheaven；
Repentwhat’spast；avoidwhatistocome；
Anddonotspreadthecompostontheweeds，Tomakethemranker。Forgivemethismyvirtue；
ForinthefatnessofthesepursytimesVirtueitselfofvicemustpardonbeg，Yea，curbandwooforleavetodohimgood。QUEENGERTRUDEOHamlet，thouhastcleftmyheartintwain。HAMLETO，throwawaytheworserpartofit，Andlivethepurerwiththeotherhalf。
Goodnight：butgonottomineuncle’sbed；
Assumeavirtue，ifyouhaveitnot。
Thatmonster，custom，whoallsensedotheat，Ofhabitsdevil，isangelyetinthis，ThattotheuseofactionsfairandgoodHelikewisegivesafrockorlivery，Thataptlyisputon。Refrainto—night，AndthatshalllendakindofeasinessTothenextabstinence：thenextmoreeasy；
Forusealmostcanchangethestampofnature，Andeither[]thedevil，orthrowhimoutWithwondrouspotency。Oncemore，goodnight：
Andwhenyouaredesiroustobebless’d，I’llblessingbegofyou。Forthissamelord，PointingtoPOLONIUS
Idorepent：butheavenhathpleaseditso，Topunishmewiththisandthiswithme，ThatImustbetheirscourgeandminister。
Iwillbestowhim，andwillanswerwellThedeathIgavehim。So，again，goodnight。
Imustbecruel，onlytobekind：
Thusbadbeginsandworseremainsbehind。
Onewordmore，goodlady。QUEENGERTRUDEWhatshallIdo？HAMLETNotthis，bynomeans，thatIbidyoudo：
Letthebloatkingtemptyouagaintobed；
Pinchwantononyourcheek；callyouhismouse；
Andlethim，forapairofreechykisses，Orpaddlinginyourneckwithhisdamn’dfingers，Makeyoutoravelallthismatterout，ThatIessentiallyamnotinmadness，Butmadincraft。’Tweregoodyoulethimknow；
Forwho，that’sbutaqueen，fair，sober，wise，Wouldfromapaddock，fromabat，agib，Suchdearconcerningshide？whowoulddoso？
No，indespiteofsenseandsecrecy，Unpegthebasketonthehouse’stop。
Letthebirdsfly，and，likethefamousape，Totryconclusions，inthebasketcreep，Andbreakyourownneckdown。QUEENGERTRUDEBethouassured，ifwordsbemadeofbreath，Andbreathoflife，IhavenolifetobreatheWhatthouhastsaidtome。HAMLETImusttoEngland；youknowthat？QUEENGERTRUDEAlack，Ihadforgot：’tissoconcludedon。HAMLETThere’slettersseal’d：andmytwoschoolfellows，WhomIwilltrustasIwilladdersfang’d，Theybearthemandate；theymustsweepmyway，Andmarshalmetoknavery。Letitwork；
For’tisthesporttohavetheengineerHoistwithhisownpetard：and’tshallgohardButIwilldelveoneyardbelowtheirmines，Andblowthematthemoon：O，’tismostsweet，Wheninonelinetwocraftsdirectlymeet。
Thismanshallsetmepacking：
I’lllugthegutsintotheneighbourroom。
Mother，goodnight。IndeedthiscounsellorIsnowmoststill，mostsecretandmostgrave，Whowasinlifeafoolishpratingknave。
Come，sir，todrawtowardanendwithyou。
Goodnight，mother。
Exeuntseverally；HAMLETdragginginPOLONIUSACTIVSCENEI。Aroominthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，ROSENCRANTZ，andGUILDENSTERNKINGCLAUDIUSThere’smatterinthesesighs，theseprofoundheaves：
Youmusttranslate：’tisfitweunderstandthem。
Whereisyourson？QUEENGERTRUDEBestowthisplaceonusalittlewhile。
ExeuntROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERN
Ah，mygoodlord，whathaveIseento—night!KINGCLAUDIUSWhat，Gertrude？HowdoesHamlet？QUEENGERTRUDEMadastheseaandwind，whenbothcontendWhichisthemightier：inhislawlessfit，Behindthearrashearingsomethingstir，Whipsouthisrapier，cries，’Arat，arat!’
And，inthisbrainishapprehension，killsTheunseengoodoldman。KINGCLAUDIUSOheavydeed!
Ithadbeensowithus，hadwebeenthere：
Hislibertyisfullofthreatstoall；
Toyouyourself，tous，toeveryone。
Alas，howshallthisbloodydeedbeanswer’d？
Itwillbelaidtous，whoseprovidenceShouldhavekeptshort，restrain’dandoutofhaunt，Thismadyoungman：butsomuchwasourlove，Wewouldnotunderstandwhatwasmostfit；
But，liketheownerofafouldisease，Tokeepitfromdivulging，letitfeedEvenonthepithofLife。Whereishegone？QUEENGERTRUDETodrawapartthebodyhehathkill’d：
O’erwhomhisverymadness，likesomeoreAmongamineralofmetalsbase，Showsitselfpure；heweepsforwhatisdone。KINGCLAUDIUSOGertrude，comeaway!
Thesunnosoonershallthemountainstouch，Butwewillshiphimhence：andthisviledeedWemust，withallourmajestyandskill，Bothcountenanceandexcuse。Ho，Guildenstern!
Re—enterROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERN
Friendsboth，gojoinyouwithsomefurtheraid：
HamletinmadnesshathPoloniusslain，Andfromhismother’sclosethathhedragg’dhim：
Goseekhimout；speakfair，andbringthebodyIntothechapel。Iprayyou，hasteinthis。
ExeuntROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERN
Come，Gertrude，we’llcallupourwisestfriends；
Andletthemknow，bothwhatwemeantodo，Andwhat’suntimelydone。O，comeaway!
Mysoulisfullofdiscordanddismay。
ExeuntSCENEII。Anotherroominthecastle。EnterHAMLETHAMLETSafelystowed。ROSENCRANTZ：GUILDENSTERN：[Within]Hamlet!LordHamlet!HAMLETWhatnoise？whocallsonHamlet？
O，heretheycome。
EnterROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERNROSENCRANTZWhathaveyoudone，mylord，withthedeadbody？HAMLETCompoundeditwithdust，whereto’tiskin。ROSENCRANTZTelluswhere’tis，thatwemaytakeitthenceAndbearittothechapel。HAMLETDonotbelieveit。ROSENCRANTZBelievewhat？HAMLETThatIcankeepyourcounselandnotmineown。
Besides，tobedemandedofasponge!whatreplicationshouldbemadebythesonofaking？ROSENCRANTZTakeyoumeforasponge，mylord？HAMLETAy，sir，thatsoaksuptheking’scountenance，hisrewards，hisauthorities。Butsuchofficersdothekingbestserviceintheend：hekeepsthem，likeanape，inthecornerofhisjaw；firstmouthed，tobelastswallowed：whenheneedswhatyouhavegleaned，itisbutsqueezingyou，and，sponge，youshallbedryagain。ROSENCRANTZIunderstandyounot，mylord。HAMLETIamgladofit：aknavishspeechsleepsinafoolishear。ROSENCRANTZMylord，youmusttelluswherethebodyis，andgowithustotheking。HAMLETThebodyiswiththeking，butthekingisnotwiththebody。Thekingisathing——GUILDENSTERNAthing，mylord!HAMLETOfnothing：bringmetohim。Hidefox，andallafter。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Anotherroominthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，attendedKINGCLAUDIUSIhavesenttoseekhim，andtofindthebody。
Howdangerousisitthatthismangoesloose!
Yetmustnotweputthestronglawonhim：
He’slovedofthedistractedmultitude，Wholikenotintheirjudgment，buttheireyes；
Andwheretisso，theoffender’sscourgeisweigh’d，Butnevertheoffence。Tobearallsmoothandeven，ThissuddensendinghimawaymustseemDeliberatepause：diseasesdesperategrownBydesperateappliancearerelieved，Ornotatall。
EnterROSENCRANTZ
Hownow!whathathbefall’n？ROSENCRANTZWherethedeadbodyisbestow’d，mylord，Wecannotgetfromhim。KINGCLAUDIUSButwhereishe？ROSENCRANTZWithout，mylord；guarded，toknowyourpleasure。KINGCLAUDIUSBringhimbeforeus。ROSENCRANTZHo，Guildenstern!bringinmylord。
EnterHAMLETandGUILDENSTERNKINGCLAUDIUSNow，Hamlet，where’sPolonius？HAMLETAtsupper。KINGCLAUDIUSAtsupper!where？HAMLETNotwhereheeats，butwhereheiseaten：
acertainconvocationofpoliticwormsaree’enathim。
Yourwormisyouronlyemperorfordiet：wefatallcreatureselsetofatus，andwefatourselvesformaggots：yourfatkingandyourleanbeggarisbutvariableservice，twodishes，buttoonetable：
that’stheend。KINGCLAUDIUSAlas，alas!HAMLETAmanmayfishwiththewormthathatheatofaking，andcatofthefishthathathfedofthatworm。KINGCLAUDIUSWhatdostyoumeanbythis？HAMLETNothingbuttoshowyouhowakingmaygoaprogressthroughthegutsofabeggar。KINGCLAUDIUSWhereisPolonius？HAMLETInheaven；sendhithertosee：ifyourmessengerfindhimnotthere，seekhimi’theotherplaceyourself。Butindeed，ifyoufindhimnotwithinthismonth，youshallnosehimasyougoupthestairsintothelobby。KINGCLAUDIUSGoseekhimthere。
TosomeAttendantsHAMLETHewillstaytillyecome。
ExeuntAttendantsKINGCLAUDIUSHamlet，thisdeed，forthineespecialsafety，——
Whichwedotender，aswedearlygrieveForthatwhichthouhastdone，——mustsendtheehenceWithfieryquickness：thereforepreparethyself；
Thebarkisready，andthewindathelp，Theassociatestend，andeverythingisbentForEngland。HAMLETForEngland!KINGCLAUDIUSAy，Hamlet。HAMLETGood。KINGCLAUDIUSSoisit，ifthouknew’stourpurposes。HAMLETIseeacherubthatseesthem。But，come；
forEngland!Farewell，dearmother。KINGCLAUDIUSThylovingfather，Hamlet。HAMLETMymother：fatherandmotherismanandwife；manandwifeisoneflesh；andso，mymother。Come，forEngland!
ExitKINGCLAUDIUSFollowhimatfoot；tempthimwithspeedaboard；
Delayitnot；I’llhavehimhenceto—night：
Away!foreverythingisseal’danddoneThatelseleansontheaffair：prayyou，makehaste。
ExeuntROSENCRANTZandGUILDENSTERN
And，England，ifmylovethouhold’stataught——
Asmygreatpowerthereofmaygivetheesense，SinceyetthycicatricelooksrawandredAftertheDanishsword，andthyfreeawePayshomagetous——thoumaystnotcoldlysetOursovereignprocess；whichimportsatfull，Byletterscongruingtothateffect，ThepresentdeathofHamlet。Doit，England；
Forlikethehecticinmybloodherages，Andthoumustcureme：tillIknow’tisdone，Howe’ermyhaps，myjoyswerene’erbegun。
ExitSCENEIV。AplaininDenmark。EnterFORTINBRAS，aCaptain，andSoldiers，marchingPRINCEFORTINBRASGo，captain，frommegreettheDanishking；
Tellhimthat，byhislicence，FortinbrasCravestheconveyanceofapromisedmarchOverhiskingdom。Youknowtherendezvous。
Ifthathismajestywouldaughtwithus，Weshallexpressourdutyinhiseye；
Andlethimknowso。CaptainIwilldo’t，mylord。PRINCEFORTINBRASGosoftlyon。