ExeuntFORTINBRASandSoldiersEnterHAMLET，ROSENCRANTZ，GUILDENSTERN，andothersHAMLETGoodsir，whosepowersarethese？CaptainTheyareofNorway，sir。HAMLETHowpurposed，sir，Iprayyou？CaptainAgainstsomepartofPoland。HAMLETWhocommandsthem，sir？CaptainThenephewstooldNorway，Fortinbras。HAMLETGoesitagainstthemainofPoland，sir，Orforsomefrontier？CaptainTrulytospeak，andwithnoaddition，WegotogainalittlepatchofgroundThathathinitnoprofitbutthename。
Topayfiveducats，five，Iwouldnotfarmit；
NorwillityieldtoNorwayorthePoleArankerrate，shoulditbesoldinfee。HAMLETWhy，thenthePolackneverwilldefendit。CaptainYes，itisalreadygarrison’d。HAMLETTwothousandsoulsandtwentythousandducatsWillnotdebatethequestionofthisstraw：
Thisistheimposthumeofmuchwealthandpeace，Thatinwardbreaks，andshowsnocausewithoutWhythemandies。Ihumblythankyou，sir。CaptainGodbewi’you，sir。
ExitROSENCRANTZWiltpleaseyougo，mylord？HAMLETI’llbewithyoustraightgoalittlebefore。
ExeuntallexceptHAMLET
Howalloccasionsdoinformagainstme，Andspurmydullrevenge!Whatisaman，IfhischiefgoodandmarketofhistimeBebuttosleepandfeed？abeast，nomore。
Sure，hethatmadeuswithsuchlargediscourse，Lookingbeforeandafter，gaveusnotThatcapabilityandgod—likereasonTofustinusunused。Now，whetheritbeBestialoblivion，orsomecravenscrupleOfthinkingtoopreciselyontheevent，Athoughtwhich，quarter’d，hathbutonepartwisdomAndeverthreepartscoward，IdonotknowWhyyetIlivetosay’Thisthing’stodo；’
SithIhavecauseandwillandstrengthandmeansTodo’t。Examplesgrossasearthexhortme：
WitnessthisarmyofsuchmassandchargeLedbyadelicateandtenderprince，Whosespiritwithdivineambitionpuff’dMakesmouthsattheinvisibleevent，ExposingwhatismortalandunsureToallthatfortune，deathanddangerdare，Evenforanegg—shell。RightlytobegreatIsnottostirwithoutgreatargument，ButgreatlytofindquarrelinastrawWhenhonour’satthestake。HowstandIthen，Thathaveafatherkill’d，amotherstain’d，Excitementsofmyreasonandmyblood，Andletallsleep？while，tomyshame，IseeTheimminentdeathoftwentythousandmen，That，forafantasyandtrickoffame，Gototheirgraveslikebeds，fightforaplotWhereonthenumberscannottrythecause，WhichisnottombenoughandcontinentTohidetheslain？O，fromthistimeforth，Mythoughtsbebloody，orbenothingworth!
ExitSCENEV。Elsinore。Aroominthecastle。EnterQUEENGERTRUDE，HORATIO，andaGentlemanQUEENGERTRUDEIwillnotspeakwithher。GentlemanSheisimportunate，indeeddistract：
Hermoodwillneedsbepitied。QUEENGERTRUDEWhatwouldshehave？GentlemanShespeaksmuchofherfather；saysshehearsThere’stricksi’theworld；andhems，andbeatsherheart；
Spurnsenviouslyatstraws；speaksthingsindoubt，Thatcarrybuthalfsense：herspeechisnothing，YettheunshapeduseofitdothmoveThehearerstocollection；theyaimatit，Andbotchthewordsupfittotheirownthoughts；
Which，asherwinks，andnods，andgesturesyieldthem，Indeedwouldmakeonethinktheremightbethought，Thoughnothingsure，yetmuchunhappily。HORATIO’Tweregoodshewerespokenwith；forshemaystrewDangerousconjecturesinill—breedingminds。QUEENGERTRUDELethercomein。
ExitHORATIO
Tomysicksoul，assin’struenatureis，Eachtoyseemsprologuetosomegreatamiss：
Sofullofartlessjealousyisguilt，Itspillsitselfinfearingtobespilt。
Re—enterHORATIO，withOPHELIAOPHELIAWhereisthebeauteousmajestyofDenmark？QUEENGERTRUDEHownow，Ophelia!OPHELIA[Sings]
HowshouldIyourtrueloveknowFromanotherone？
Byhiscocklehatandstaff，Andhissandalshoon。QUEENGERTRUDEAlas，sweetlady，whatimportsthissong？OPHELIASayyou？nay，prayyou，mark。
SingsHeisdeadandgone，lady，Heisdeadandgone；
Athisheadagrass—greenturf，Athisheelsastone。QUEENGERTRUDENay，but，Ophelia，——OPHELIAPrayyou，mark。
SingsWhitehisshroudasthemountainsnow，——
EnterKINGCLAUDIUSQUEENGERTRUDEAlas，lookhere，mylord。OPHELIA[Sings]
LardedwithsweetflowersWhichbewepttothegravedidgoWithtrue—loveshowers。KINGCLAUDIUSHowdoyou，prettylady？OPHELIAWell，God’ildyou!Theysaytheowlwasabaker’sdaughter。Lord，weknowwhatweare，butknownotwhatwemaybe。Godbeatyourtable!KINGCLAUDIUSConceituponherfather。OPHELIAPrayyou，let’shavenowordsofthis；
butwhentheyaskyouwhatitmeans，sayyouthis：
SingsTo—morrowisSaintValentine’sday，Allinthemorningbetime，AndIamaidatyourwindow，TobeyourValentine。
Thenupherose，anddonn’dhisclothes，Anddupp’dthechamber—door；
Letinthemaid，thatoutamaidNeverdepartedmore。KINGCLAUDIUSPrettyOphelia!OPHELIAIndeed，la，withoutanoath，I’llmakeanendon’t：
SingsByGisandbySaintCharity，Alack，andfieforshame!
Youngmenwilldo’t，iftheycometo’t；
Bycock，theyaretoblame。
Quothshe，beforeyoutumbledme，Youpromisedmetowed。
SowouldIha’done，byyondersun，Anthouhadstnotcometomybed。KINGCLAUDIUSHowlonghathshebeenthus？OPHELIAIhopeallwillbewell。Wemustbepatient：
butI
cannotchoosebutweep，tothinktheyshouldlayhimi’thecoldground。Mybrothershallknowofit：
andsoIthankyouforyourgoodcounsel。Come，mycoach!Goodnight，ladies；goodnight，sweetladies；
goodnight，goodnight。
ExitKINGCLAUDIUSFollowherclose；givehergoodwatch，Iprayyou。
ExitHORATIO
O，thisisthepoisonofdeepgrief；itspringsAllfromherfather’sdeath。OGertrude，Gertrude，Whensorrowscome，theycomenotsinglespiesButinbattalions。First，herfatherslain：
Next，yoursongone；andhemostviolentauthorOfhisownjustremove：thepeoplemuddied，Thickandunwholesomeintheirthoughtsandwhispers，ForgoodPolonius’death；andwehavedonebutgreenly，Inhugger—muggertointerhim：poorOpheliaDividedfromherselfandherfairjudgment，Withoutthewhichwearepictures，ormerebeasts：
Last，andasmuchcontainingasallthese，HerbrotherisinsecretcomefromFrance；
Feedsonhiswonder，keepshimselfinclouds，AndwantsnotbuzzerstoinfecthisearWithpestilentspeechesofhisfather’sdeath；
Whereinnecessity，ofmatterbeggar’d，WillnothingstickourpersontoarraignInearandear。OmydearGertrude，this，Liketoamurdering—piece，inmanyplacesGivesmesuperfluousdeath。
AnoisewithinQUEENGERTRUDEAlack，whatnoiseisthis？KINGCLAUDIUSWherearemySwitzers？Letthemguardthedoor。
EnteranotherGentlemanWhatisthematter？GentlemanSaveyourself，mylord：
Theocean，overpeeringofhislist，EatsnottheflatswithmoreimpetuoushasteThanyoungLaertes，inariotoushead，O’erbearsyourofficers。Therabblecallhimlord；
And，astheworldwerenowbuttobegin，Antiquityforgot，customnotknown，Theratifiersandpropsofeveryword，Theycry’Choosewe：Laertesshallbeking：’
Caps，hands，andtongues，applaudittotheclouds：
’Laertesshallbeking，Laertesking!’QUEENGERTRUDEHowcheerfullyonthefalsetrailtheycry!
O，thisiscounter，youfalseDanishdogs!KINGCLAUDIUSThedoorsarebroke。
NoisewithinEnterLAERTES，armed；DanesfollowingLAERTESWhereisthisking？Sirs，standyouallwithout。DanesNo，let’scomein。LAERTESIprayyou，givemeleave。DanesWewill，wewill。
TheyretirewithoutthedoorLAERTESIthankyou：keepthedoor。Othouvileking，Givememyfather!QUEENGERTRUDECalmly，goodLaertes。LAERTESThatdropofbloodthat’scalmproclaimsmebastard，Criescuckoldtomyfather，brandstheharlotEvenhere，betweenthechasteunsmirchedbrowOfmytruemother。KINGCLAUDIUSWhatisthecause，Laertes，Thatthyrebellionlookssogiant—like？
Lethimgo，Gertrude；donotfearourperson：
There’ssuchdivinitydothhedgeaking，Thattreasoncanbutpeeptowhatitwould，Actslittleofhiswill。Tellme，Laertes，Whythouartthusincensed。Lethimgo，Gertrude。
Speak，man。LAERTESWhereismyfather？KINGCLAUDIUSDead。QUEENGERTRUDEButnotbyhim。KINGCLAUDIUSLethimdemandhisfill。LAERTESHowcamehedead？I’llnotbejuggledwith：
Tohell，allegiance!vows，totheblackestdevil!
Conscienceandgrace，totheprofoundestpit!
Idaredamnation。TothispointIstand，ThatboththeworldsIgivetonegligence，Letcomewhatcomes；onlyI’llberevengedMostthoroughlyformyfather。KINGCLAUDIUSWhoshallstayyou？LAERTESMywill，notalltheworld：
Andformymeans，I’llhusbandthemsowell，Theyshallgofarwithlittle。KINGCLAUDIUSGoodLaertes，IfyoudesiretoknowthecertaintyOfyourdearfather’sdeath，is’twritinyourrevenge，That，swoopstake，youwilldrawbothfriendandfoe，Winnerandloser？LAERTESNonebuthisenemies。KINGCLAUDIUSWillyouknowthemthen？LAERTESTohisgoodfriendsthuswideI’llopemyarms；
Andlikethekindlife—renderingpelican，Repastthemwithmyblood。KINGCLAUDIUSWhy，nowyouspeakLikeagoodchildandatruegentleman。
ThatIamguiltlessofyourfather’sdeath，Andammostsensibleingriefforit，ItshallasleveltoyourjudgmentpierceAsdaydoestoyoureye。Danes[Within]Lethercomein。LAERTESHownow!whatnoiseisthat？
Re—enterOPHELIA
Oheat，dryupmybrains!tearsseventimessalt，Burnoutthesenseandvirtueofmineeye!
Byheaven，thymadnessshallbepaidbyweight，Tillourscaleturnthebeam。OroseofMay!
Dearmaid，kindsister，sweetOphelia!
Oheavens!is’tpossible，ayoungmaid’switsShouldbeasmoralasanoldman’slife？
Natureisfineinlove，andwhere’tisfine，ItsendssomepreciousinstanceofitselfAfterthethingitloves。OPHELIA[Sings]
Theyborehimbarefacedonthebier；
Heynonnonny，nonny，heynonny；
Andinhisgraverain’dmanyatear：——
Fareyouwell，mydove!LAERTESHadstthouthywits，anddidstpersuaderevenge，Itcouldnotmovethus。OPHELIA[Sings]
Youmustsinga—downa—down，Anyoucallhima—down—a。
O，howthewheelbecomesit!Itisthefalsesteward，thatstolehismaster’sdaughter。LAERTESThisnothing’smorethanmatter。OPHELIAThere’srosemary，that’sforremembrance；
pray，love，remember：andthereispansies。that’sforthoughts。LAERTESAdocumentinmadness，thoughtsandremembrancefitted。OPHELIAThere’sfennelforyou，andcolumbines：
there’srueforyou；andhere’ssomeforme：wemaycallitherb—graceo’Sundays：Oyoumustwearyourruewithadifference。There’sadaisy：Iwouldgiveyousomeviolets，buttheywitheredallwhenmyfatherdied：theysayhemadeagoodend，——
SingsForbonnysweetRobinisallmyjoy。LAERTESThoughtandaffliction，passion，hellitself，Sheturnstofavourandtoprettiness。OPHELIA[Sings]
Andwillhenotcomeagain？
Andwillhenotcomeagain？
No，no，heisdead：
Gotothydeath—bed：
Heneverwillcomeagain。
Hisbeardwasaswhiteassnow，Allflaxenwashispoll：
Heisgone，heisgone，Andwecastawaymoan：
Godha’mercyonhissoul!
AndofallChristiansouls，IprayGod。Godbewi’ye。
ExitLAERTESDoyouseethis，OGod？KINGCLAUDIUSLaertes，Imustcommunewithyourgrief，Oryoudenymeright。Gobutapart，Makechoiceofwhomyourwisestfriendsyouwill。
Andtheyshallhearandjudge’twixtyouandme：
IfbydirectorbycollateralhandTheyfindustouch’d，wewillourkingdomgive，Ourcrown，ourlife，andallthatwecanours，Toyouinsatisfaction；butifnot，Beyoucontenttolendyourpatiencetous，AndweshalljointlylabourwithyoursoulTogiveitduecontent。LAERTESLetthisbeso；
Hismeansofdeath，hisobscurefuneral——
Notrophy，sword，norhatchmento’erhisbones，Nonobleritenorformalostentation——
Crytobeheard，as’twerefromheaventoearth，ThatImustcall’tinquestion。KINGCLAUDIUSSoyoushall；
Andwheretheoffenceisletthegreataxefall。
Iprayyou，gowithme。
ExeuntSCENEVI。Anotherroominthecastle。EnterHORATIOandaServantHORATIOWhataretheythatwouldspeakwithme？ServantSailors，sir：theysaytheyhavelettersforyou。HORATIOLetthemcomein。
ExitServantIdonotknowfromwhatpartoftheworldIshouldbegreeted，ifnotfromLordHamlet。
EnterSailorsFirstSailorGodblessyou，sir。HORATIOLethimblesstheetoo。FirstSailorHeshall，sir，an’tpleasehim。There’saletterforyou，sir；itcomesfromtheambassadorthatwasboundforEngland；ifyournamebeHoratio，asIamlettoknowitis。HORATIO[Reads]’Horatio，whenthoushalthaveoverlookedthis，givethesefellowssomemeanstotheking：
theyhavelettersforhim。Ereweweretwodaysoldatsea，apirateofverywarlikeappointmentgaveuschase。Findingourselvestooslowofsail，weputonacompelledvalour，andinthegrappleIboardedthem：ontheinstanttheygotclearofourship；
soIalonebecametheirprisoner。Theyhavedealtwithmelikethievesofmercy：buttheyknewwhattheydid；Iamtodoagoodturnforthem。LetthekinghavethelettersIhavesent；andrepairthoutomewithasmuchspeedasthouwouldstflydeath。
I
havewordstospeakinthineearwillmaketheedumb；yetaretheymuchtoolightfortheboreofthematter。ThesegoodfellowswillbringtheewhereIam。RosencrantzandGuildensternholdtheircourseforEngland：ofthemIhavemuchtotellthee。Farewell。
’Hethatthouknowestthine，HAMLET。’
Come，Iwillmakeyouwayfortheseyourletters；
Anddo’tthespeedier，thatyoumaydirectmeTohimfromwhomyoubroughtthem。
ExeuntSCENEVII。Anotherroominthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUSandLAERTESKINGCLAUDIUSNowmustyourconsciencemyacquaintanceseal，Andyoumustputmeinyourheartforfriend，Sithyouhaveheard，andwithaknowingear，ThathewhichhathyournoblefatherslainPursuedmylife。LAERTESItwellappears：buttellmeWhyyouproceedednotagainstthesefeats，Socrimefulandsocapitalinnature，Asbyyoursafety，wisdom，allthingselse，Youmainlywerestirr’dup。KINGCLAUDIUSO，fortwospecialreasons；
Whichmaytoyou，perhaps，seemmuchunsinew’d，Butyettometheyarestrong。ThequeenhismotherLivesalmostbyhislooks；andformyself——
Myvirtueormyplague，beiteitherwhich——
She’ssoconjunctivetomylifeandsoul，That，asthestarmovesnotbutinhissphere，Icouldnotbutbyher。Theothermotive，WhytoapubliccountImightnotgo，Isthegreatlovethegeneralgenderbearhim；
Who，dippingallhisfaultsintheiraffection，Would，likethespringthatturnethwoodtostone，Converthisgyvestograces；sothatmyarrows，Tooslightlytimber’dforsoloudawind，Wouldhaverevertedtomybowagain，AndnotwhereIhadaim’dthem。LAERTESAndsohaveIanoblefatherlost；
Asisterdrivenintodesperateterms，Whoseworth，ifpraisesmaygobackagain，StoodchallengeronmountofalltheageForherperfections：butmyrevengewillcome。KINGCLAUDIUSBreaknotyoursleepsforthat：youmustnotthinkThatwearemadeofstuffsoflatanddullThatwecanletourbeardbeshookwithdangerAndthinkitpastime。Youshortlyshallhearmore：
Ilovedyourfather，andweloveourself；
Andthat，Ihope，willteachyoutoimagine——
EnteraMessengerHownow!whatnews？MessengerLetters，mylord，fromHamlet：
Thistoyourmajesty；thistothequeen。KINGCLAUDIUSFromHamlet!whobroughtthem？MessengerSailors，mylord，theysay；Isawthemnot：
TheyweregivenmebyClaudio；hereceivedthemOfhimthatbroughtthem。KINGCLAUDIUSLaertes，youshallhearthem。Leaveus。
ExitMessengerReads’Highandmighty，YoushallknowIamsetnakedonyourkingdom。To—morrowshallIbegleavetoseeyourkinglyeyes：whenIshall，firstaskingyourpardonthereunto，recounttheoccasionofmysuddenandmorestrangereturn。’HAMLET。’
Whatshouldthismean？Arealltherestcomeback？
Orisitsomeabuse，andnosuchthing？LAERTESKnowyouthehand？KINGCLAUDIUS’TisHamletscharacter。’Naked!
Andinapostscripthere，hesays’alone。’
Canyouadviseme？LAERTESI’mlostinit，mylord。Butlethimcome；
Itwarmstheverysicknessinmyheart，ThatIshallliveandtellhimtohisteeth，’Thusdidestthou。’KINGCLAUDIUSIfitbeso，Laertes——
Ashowshoulditbeso？howotherwise？——
Willyouberuledbyme？LAERTESAy，mylord；
Soyouwillnoto’errulemetoapeace。KINGCLAUDIUSTothineownpeace。Ifhebenowreturn’d，Ascheckingathisvoyage，andthathemeansNomoretoundertakeit，IwillworkhimToanexploit，nowripeinmydevice，Underthewhichheshallnotchoosebutfall：
Andforhisdeathnowindofblameshallbreathe，ButevenhismothershallunchargethepractiseAndcallitaccident。LAERTESMylord，Iwillberuled；
Therather，ifyoucoulddeviseitsoThatImightbetheorgan。KINGCLAUDIUSItfallsright。
Youhavebeentalk’dofsinceyourtravelmuch，AndthatinHamlet’shearing，foraqualityWherein，theysay，youshine：yoursumofpartsDidnottogetherplucksuchenvyfromhimAsdidthatone，andthat，inmyregard，Oftheunworthiestsiege。LAERTESWhatpartisthat，mylord？KINGCLAUDIUSAveryribandinthecapofyouth，Yetneedfultoo；foryouthnolessbecomesThelightandcarelessliverythatitwearsThansettledagehissablesandhisweeds，Importinghealthandgraveness。Twomonthssince，HerewasagentlemanofNormandy：——
I’veseenmyself，andservedagainst，theFrench，Andtheycanwellonhorseback：butthisgallantHadwitchcraftin’t；hegrewuntohisseat；
Andtosuchwondrousdoingbroughthishorse，Ashehadbeenincorpsedanddemi—naturedWiththebravebeast：sofarhetopp’dmythought，ThatI，inforgeryofshapesandtricks，Comeshortofwhathedid。LAERTESANormanwas’t？KINGCLAUDIUSANorman。LAERTESUponmylife，Lamond。KINGCLAUDIUSTheverysame。LAERTESIknowhimwell：heisthebroochindeedAndgemofallthenation。KINGCLAUDIUSHemadeconfessionofyou，AndgaveyousuchamasterlyreportForartandexerciseinyourdefenceAndforyourrapiermostespecially，Thathecriedout，’twouldbeasightindeed，Ifonecouldmatchyou：thescrimersoftheirnation，Heswore，hadhadneithermotion，guard，noreye，Ifyouopposedthem。Sir，thisreportofhisDidHamletsoenvenomwithhisenvyThathecouldnothingdobutwishandbegYoursuddencomingo’er，toplaywithhim。
Now，outofthis，——LAERTESWhatoutofthis，mylord？KINGCLAUDIUSLaertes，wasyourfatherdeartoyou？
Orareyoulikethepaintingofasorrow，Afacewithoutaheart？LAERTESWhyaskyouthis？KINGCLAUDIUSNotthatIthinkyoudidnotloveyourfather；
ButthatIknowloveisbegunbytime；
AndthatIsee，inpassagesofproof，Timequalifiesthesparkandfireofit。
ThereliveswithintheveryflameofloveAkindofwickorsnuffthatwillabateit；
Andnothingisatalikegoodnessstill；
Forgoodness，growingtoaplurisy，Diesinhisowntoomuch：thatwewoulddoWeshoulddowhenwewould；forthis’would’
changesAndhathabatementsanddelaysasmanyAstherearetongues，arehands，areaccidents；
Andthenthis’should’islikeaspendthriftsigh，Thathurtsbyeasing。But，tothequicko’theulcer：——
Hamletcomesback：whatwouldyouundertake，Toshowyourselfyourfather’ssonindeedMorethaninwords？LAERTESTocuthisthroati’thechurch。KINGCLAUDIUSNoplace，indeed，shouldmurdersanctuarize；
Revengeshouldhavenobounds。But，goodLaertes，Willyoudothis，keepclosewithinyourchamber。
Hamletreturn’dshallknowyouarecomehome：
We’llputonthoseshallpraiseyourexcellenceAndsetadoublevarnishonthefameTheFrenchmangaveyou，bringyouinfinetogetherAndwageronyourheads：he，beingremiss，Mostgenerousandfreefromallcontriving，Willnotperusethefoils；sothat，withease，Orwithalittleshuffling，youmaychooseAswordunbated，andinapassofpractiseRequitehimforyourfather。LAERTESIwilldo’t：
And，forthatpurpose，I’llanointmysword。
Iboughtanunctionofamountebank，Somortalthat，butdipaknifeinit，Whereitdrawsbloodnocataplasmsorare，CollectedfromallsimplesthathavevirtueUnderthemoon，cansavethethingfromdeathThatisbutscratch’dwithal：I’lltouchmypointWiththiscontagion，that，ifIgallhimslightly，Itmaybedeath。KINGCLAUDIUSLet’sfurtherthinkofthis；
WeighwhatconveniencebothoftimeandmeansMayfitustoourshape：ifthisshouldfail，Andthatourdriftlookthroughourbadperformance，’Twerebetternotassay’d：thereforethisprojectShouldhaveabackorsecond，thatmighthold，Ifthisshouldblastinproof。Soft!letmesee：
We’llmakeasolemnwageronyourcunnings：I
ha’t。
Wheninyourmotionyouarehotanddry——
Asmakeyourboutsmoreviolenttothatend——
Andthathecallsfordrink，I’llhavepreparedhimAchaliceforthenonce，whereonbutsipping，Ifhebychanceescapeyourvenom’dstuck，Ourpurposemayholdthere。
EnterQUEENGERTRUDE
Hownow，sweetqueen!QUEENGERTRUDEOnewoedothtreaduponanother’sheel，Sofasttheyfollow；yoursister’sdrown’d，Laertes。LAERTESDrown’d!O，where？QUEENGERTRUDEThereisawillowgrowsaslantabrook，Thatshowshishoarleavesintheglassystream；
TherewithfantasticgarlandsdidshecomeOfcrow—flowers，nettles，daisies，andlongpurplesThatliberalshepherdsgiveagrossername，Butourcoldmaidsdodeadmen’sfingerscallthem：
There，onthependentboughshercoronetweedsClamberingtohang，anenvioussliverbroke；
WhendownherweedytrophiesandherselfFellintheweepingbrook。Herclothesspreadwide；
And，mermaid—like，awhiletheyboreherup：
Whichtimeshechantedsnatchesofoldtunes；
Asoneincapableofherowndistress，OrlikeacreaturenativeandinduedUntothatelement：butlongitcouldnotbeTillthathergarments，heavywiththeirdrink，Pull’dthepoorwretchfromhermelodiouslayTomuddydeath。LAERTESAlas，then，sheisdrown’d？QUEENGERTRUDEDrown’d，drown’d。LAERTESToomuchofwaterhastthou，poorOphelia，AndthereforeIforbidmytears：butyetItisourtrick；naturehercustomholds，Letshamesaywhatitwill：whenthesearegone，Thewomanwillbeout。Adieu，mylord：
Ihaveaspeechoffire，thatfainwouldblaze，Butthatthisfollydoutsit。
ExitKINGCLAUDIUSLet’sfollow，Gertrude：
HowmuchIhadtodotocalmhisrage!
NowfearIthiswillgiveitstartagain；
Thereforelet’sfollow。
ExeuntACTVSCENEI。Achurchyard。EntertwoClowns，withspades，&；cFirstClownIsshetobeburiedinChristianburialthatwilfullyseeksherownsalvation？SecondClownItelltheesheis：andthereforemakehergravestraight：thecrownerhathsatonher，andfindsitChristianburial。FirstClownHowcanthatbe，unlessshedrownedherselfinherowndefence？SecondClownWhy，’tisfoundso。FirstClownItmustbe’seoffendendo；’itcannotbeelse。Forhereliesthepoint：ifIdrownmyselfwittingly，itarguesanact：andanacthaththreebranches：
itis，toact，todo，toperform：argal，shedrownedherselfwittingly。SecondClownNay，buthearyou，goodmandelver，——FirstClownGivemeleave。Hereliesthewater；good：
herestandstheman；good；ifthemangotothiswater，anddrownhimself，itis，willhe，nillhe，hegoes，——markyouthat；butifthewatercometohimanddrownhim，hedrownsnothimself：argal，hethatisnotguiltyofhisowndeathshortensnothisownlife。SecondClownButisthislaw？FirstClownAy，marry，is’t；crowner’squestlaw。SecondClownWillyouha’thetruthon’t？Ifthishadnotbeenagentlewoman，sheshouldhavebeenburiedouto’
Christianburial。FirstClownWhy，therethousay’st：andthemorepitythatgreatfolkshouldhavecountenanceinthisworldtodrownorhangthemselves，morethantheirevenChristian。Come，myspade。Thereisnoancientgentlemanbutgardeners，ditchers，andgrave—makers：
theyholdupAdam’sprofession。SecondClownWasheagentleman？FirstClownHewasthefirstthateverborearms。SecondClownWhy，hehadnone。FirstClownWhat，artaheathen？HowdostthouunderstandtheScripture？TheScripturesays’Adamdigged：’
couldhedigwithoutarms？I’llputanotherquestiontothee：ifthouanswerestmenottothepurpose，confessthyself——SecondClownGoto。FirstClownWhatishethatbuildsstrongerthaneitherthemason，theshipwright，orthecarpenter？SecondClownThegallows—maker；forthatframeoutlivesathousandtenants。FirstClownIlikethywitwell，ingoodfaith：thegallowsdoeswell；buthowdoesitwell？itdoeswelltothosethatdoin：nowthoudostilltosaythegallowsisbuiltstrongerthanthechurch：argal，thegallowsmaydowelltothee。To’tagain，come。SecondClown’Whobuildsstrongerthanamason，ashipwright，oracarpenter？’FirstClownAy，tellmethat，andunyoke。SecondClownMarry，nowIcantell。FirstClownTo’t。SecondClownMass，Icannottell。
EnterHAMLETandHORATIO，atadistanceFirstClownCudgelthybrainsnomoreaboutit，foryourdullasswillnotmendhispacewithbeating；and，whenyouareaskedthisquestionnext，say’agrave—maker：’thehousesthathemakeslasttilldoomsday。Go，gettheetoYaughan：fetchmeastoupofliquor。
ExitSecondClownHedigsandsingsInyouth，whenIdidlove，didlove，Methoughtitwasverysweet，Tocontract，O，thetime，for，ah，mybehove，O，methought，therewasnothingmeet。HAMLETHasthisfellownofeelingofhisbusiness，thathesingsatgrave—making？HORATIOCustomhathmadeitinhimapropertyofeasiness。HAMLET’Tise’enso：thehandoflittleemploymenthaththedaintiersense。FirstClown[Sings]
Butage，withhisstealingsteps，Hathclaw’dmeinhisclutch，Andhathshippedmeintiltheland，AsifIhadneverbeensuch。
ThrowsupaskullHAMLETThatskullhadatongueinit，andcouldsingonce：
howtheknavejowlsittotheground，asifitwereCain’sjaw—bone，thatdidthefirstmurder!Itmightbethepateofapolitician，whichthisassnowo’er—reaches；onethatwouldcircumventGod，mightitnot？HORATIOItmight，mylord。HAMLETOrofacourtier；whichcouldsay’Goodmorrow，sweetlord!Howdostthou，goodlord？’Thismightbemylordsuch—a—one，thatpraisedmylordsuch—a—one’shorse，whenhemeanttobegit；mightitnot？HORATIOAy，mylord。HAMLETWhy，e’enso：andnowmyLadyWorm’s；
chapless，andknockedaboutthemazzardwithasexton’sspade：
here’sfinerevolution，anwehadthetricktosee’t。Didthesebonescostnomorethebreeding，buttoplayatloggatswith’em？mineachetothinkon’t。FirstClown[Sings]
Apick—axe，andaspade，aspade，Forandashroudingsheet：
O，apitofclayfortobemadeForsuchaguestismeet。
ThrowsupanotherskullHAMLETThere’sanother：whymaynotthatbetheskullofalawyer？Wherebehisquidditiesnow，hisquillets，hiscases，histenures，andhistricks？whydoeshesufferthisrudeknavenowtoknockhimaboutthesconcewithadirtyshovel，andwillnottellhimofhisactionofbattery？Hum!Thisfellowmightbein’stimeagreatbuyerofland，withhisstatutes，hisrecognizances，hisfines，hisdoublevouchers，hisrecoveries：isthisthefineofhisfines，andtherecoveryofhisrecoveries，tohavehisfinepatefulloffinedirt？willhisvouchersvouchhimnomoreofhispurchases，anddoubleonestoo，thanthelengthandbreadthofapairofindentures？
Theveryconveyancesofhislandswillhardlylieinthisbox；andmusttheinheritorhimselfhavenomore，ha？HORATIONotajotmore，mylord。HAMLETIsnotparchmentmadeofsheepskins？HORATIOAy，mylord，andofcalf—skinstoo。HAMLETTheyaresheepandcalveswhichseekoutassuranceinthat。Iwillspeaktothisfellow。Whosegrave’sthis，sirrah？FirstClownMine，sir。
SingsO，apitofclayfortobemadeForsuchaguestismeet。HAMLETIthinkitbethine，indeed；forthouliestin’t。FirstClownYoulieouton’t，sir，andthereforeitisnotyours：formypart，Idonotliein’t，andyetitismine。HAMLET’Thoudostliein’t，tobein’tandsayitisthine：
’tisforthedead，notforthequick；thereforethouliest。FirstClown’Tisaquicklie，sir；’twillawaygain，frommetoyou。HAMLETWhatmandostthoudigitfor？FirstClownFornoman，sir。HAMLETWhatwoman，then？FirstClownFornone，neither。HAMLETWhoistobeburiedin’t？FirstClownOnethatwasawoman，sir；but，resthersoul，she’sdead。HAMLETHowabsolutetheknaveis!wemustspeakbythecard，orequivocationwillundous。BytheLord，Horatio，thesethreeyearsIhavetakenanoteofit；theageisgrownsopickedthatthetoeofthepeasantcomessoneartheheelofthecourtier，hegaffshiskibe。Howlonghastthoubeenagrave—maker？FirstClownOfallthedaysi’theyear，Icameto’tthatdaythatourlastkingHamletovercameFortinbras。HAMLETHowlongisthatsince？FirstClownCannotyoutellthat？everyfoolcantellthat：itwastheverydaythatyoungHamletwasborn；
hethatismad，andsentintoEngland。HAMLETAy，marry，whywashesentintoEngland？FirstClownWhy，becausehewasmad：heshallrecoverhiswitsthere；or，ifhedonot，it’snogreatmatterthere。HAMLETWhy？FirstClown’Twill，anotbeseeninhimthere；therethemenareasmadashe。HAMLETHowcamehemad？FirstClownVerystrangely，theysay。HAMLETHowstrangely？FirstClownFaith，e’enwithlosinghiswits。HAMLETUponwhatground？FirstClownWhy，hereinDenmark：Ihavebeensextonhere，manandboy，thirtyyears。HAMLETHowlongwillamanliei’theearthereherot？FirstClownI’faith，ifhebenotrottenbeforehedie——aswehavemanypockycorsesnow—a—days，thatwillscarceholdthelayingin——hewilllastyousomeeightyearornineyear：atannerwilllastyounineyear。HAMLETWhyhemorethananother？FirstClownWhy，sir，hishideissotannedwithhistrade，thathewillkeepoutwateragreatwhile；andyourwaterisasoredecayerofyourwhoresondeadbody。
Here’saskullnow；thisskullhaslainintheearththreeandtwentyyears。HAMLETWhosewasit？FirstClownAwhoresonmadfellow’sitwas：whosedoyouthinkitwas？HAMLETNay，Iknownot。FirstClownApestilenceonhimforamadrogue!
a’pouredaflagonofRhenishonmyheadonce。Thissameskull，sir，wasYorick’sskull，theking’sjester。HAMLETThis？FirstClownE’enthat。HAMLETLetmesee。
TakestheskullAlas，poorYorick!Iknewhim，Horatio：afellowofinfinitejest，ofmostexcellentfancy：hehathbornemeonhisbackathousandtimes；andnow，howabhorredinmyimaginationitis!mygorgerimsatit。HerehungthoselipsthatIhavekissedI
knownothowoft。Wherebeyourgibesnow？yourgambols？yoursongs？yourflashesofmerriment，thatwerewonttosetthetableonaroar？Notonenow，tomockyourowngrinning？quitechap—fallen？
Nowgetyoutomylady’schamber，andtellher，letherpaintaninchthick，tothisfavourshemustcome；makeherlaughatthat。Prithee，Horatio，tellmeonething。HORATIOWhat’sthat，mylord？HAMLETDostthouthinkAlexanderlookedo’thisfashioni’
theearth？HORATIOE’enso。HAMLETAndsmeltso？pah!
PutsdowntheskullHORATIOE’enso，mylord。HAMLETTowhatbaseuseswemayreturn，Horatio!
WhymaynotimaginationtracethenobledustofAlexander，tillhefinditstoppingabung—hole？HORATIO’Tweretoconsidertoocuriously，toconsiderso。HAMLETNo，faith，notajot；buttofollowhimthitherwithmodestyenough，andlikelihoodtoleadit：asthus：Alexanderdied，Alexanderwasburied，Alexanderreturnethintodust；thedustisearth；
ofearthwemakeloam；andwhyofthatloam，wheretohewasconverted，mighttheynotstopabeer—barrel？
ImperiousCaesar，deadandturn’dtoclay，Mightstopaholetokeepthewindaway：
O，thatthatearth，whichkepttheworldinawe，Shouldpatchawalltoexpelthewinterflaw!
Butsoft!butsoft!aside：herecomestheking。
EnterPriest，&；c。inprocession；theCorpseofOPHELIA，LAERTES
andMournersfollowing；KINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，theirtrains，&；
cThequeen，thecourtiers：whoisthistheyfollow？
Andwithsuchmaimedrites？ThisdothbetokenThecorsetheyfollowdidwithdesperatehandFordoitsownlife：’twasofsomeestate。
Couchweawhile，andmark。
RetiringwithHORATIOLAERTESWhatceremonyelse？HAMLETThatisLaertes，Averynobleyouth：mark。LAERTESWhatceremonyelse？FirstPriestHerobsequieshavebeenasfarenlargedAswehavewarrantise：herdeathwasdoubtful；
And，butthatgreatcommando’erswaystheorder，SheshouldingroundunsanctifiedhavelodgedTillthelasttrumpet：forcharitableprayers，Shards，flintsandpebblesshouldbethrownonher；
Yetheresheisallow’dhervirgincrants，HermaidenstrewmentsandthebringinghomeOfbellandburial。LAERTESMusttherenomorebedone？FirstPriestNomorebedone：
WeshouldprofanetheserviceofthedeadTosingarequiemandsuchresttoherAstopeace—partedsouls。LAERTESLayheri’theearth：
AndfromherfairandunpollutedfleshMayvioletsspring!Itellthee，churlishpriest，Aministeringangelshallmysisterbe，Whenthouliesthowling。HAMLETWhat，thefairOphelia!QUEENGERTRUDESweetstothesweet：farewell!
ScatteringflowersIhopedthoushouldsthavebeenmyHamlet’swife；
Ithoughtthybride—bedtohavedeck’d，sweetmaid，Andnothavestrew’dthygrave。LAERTESO，treblewoeFalltentimestrebleonthatcursedhead，WhosewickeddeedthymostingenioussenseDeprivedtheeof!Holdofftheearthawhile，TillIhavecaughtheroncemoreinminearms：
LeapsintothegraveNowpileyourdustuponthequickanddead，Tillofthisflatamountainyouhavemade，Too’ertopoldPelion，ortheskyishheadOfblueOlympus。HAMLET[Advancing]WhatishewhosegriefBearssuchanemphasis？whosephraseofsorrowConjuresthewanderingstars，andmakesthemstandLikewonder—woundedhearers？ThisisI，HamlettheDane。
LeapsintothegraveLAERTESThedeviltakethysoul!
GrapplingwithhimHAMLETThoupray’stnotwell。
Iprithee，takethyfingersfrommythroat；
For，thoughIamnotsplenitiveandrash，YethaveIsomethinginmedangerous，Whichletthywisenessfear：holdoffthyhand。KINGCLAUDIUSPluckthemasunder。QUEENGERTRUDEHamlet，Hamlet!AllGentlemen，——HORATIOGoodmylord，bequiet。
TheAttendantspartthem，andtheycomeoutofthegraveHAMLETWhyIwillfightwithhimuponthisthemeUntilmyeyelidswillnolongerwag。QUEENGERTRUDEOmyson，whattheme？HAMLETIlovedOphelia：fortythousandbrothersCouldnot，withalltheirquantityoflove，Makeupmysum。Whatwiltthoudoforher？KINGCLAUDIUSO，heismad，Laertes。QUEENGERTRUDEForloveofGod，forbearhim。HAMLET’Swounds，showmewhatthou’ltdo：
Woo’tweep？woo’tfight？woo’tfast？woo’ttearthyself？
Woo’tdrinkupeisel？eatacrocodile？
I’lldo’t。Dostthoucomeheretowhine？
Tooutfacemewithleapinginhergrave？
Beburiedquickwithher，andsowillI：
And，ifthouprateofmountains，letthemthrowMillionsofacresonus，tillourground，Singeinghispateagainsttheburningzone，MakeOssalikeawart!Nay，anthou’ltmouth，I’llrantaswellasthou。QUEENGERTRUDEThisismeremadness：
Andthusawhilethefitwillworkonhim；
Anon，aspatientasthefemaledove，Whenthathergoldencoupletsaredisclosed，Hissilencewillsitdrooping。HAMLETHearyou，sir；
Whatisthereasonthatyouusemethus？
Ilovedyouever：butitisnomatter；
LetHerculeshimselfdowhathemay，Thecatwillmewanddogwillhavehisday。
ExitKINGCLAUDIUSIprayyou，goodHoratio，waituponhim。
ExitHORATIO
ToLAERTES
Strengthenyourpatienceinourlastnight’sspeech；
We’llputthemattertothepresentpush。
GoodGertrude，setsomewatchoveryourson。
Thisgraveshallhavealivingmonument：
Anhourofquietshortlyshallwesee；
Tillthen，inpatienceourproceedingbe。
ExeuntSCENEII。Ahallinthecastle。EnterHAMLETandHORATIOHAMLETSomuchforthis，sir：nowshallyouseetheother；
Youdorememberallthecircumstance？HORATIORememberit，mylord？HAMLETSir，inmyhearttherewasakindoffighting，Thatwouldnotletmesleep：methoughtIlayWorsethanthemutinesinthebilboes。Rashly，Andpraisedberashnessforit，letusknow，Ourindiscretionsometimesservesuswell，Whenourdeepplotsdopall：andthatshouldteachusThere’sadivinitythatshapesourends，Rough—hewthemhowwewill，——HORATIOThatismostcertain。HAMLETUpfrommycabin，Mysea—gownscarf’daboutme，inthedarkGropedItofindoutthem；hadmydesire。
Finger’dtheirpacket，andinfinewithdrewTomineownroomagain；makingsobold，Myfearsforgettingmanners，tounsealTheirgrandcommission；whereIfound，Horatio，——
Oroyalknavery!——anexactcommand，LardedwithmanyseveralsortsofreasonsImportingDenmark’shealthandEngland’stoo，With，ho!suchbugsandgoblinsinmylife，That，onthesupervise，noleisurebated，No，nottostaythegrindingoftheaxe，Myheadshouldbestruckoff。HORATIOIs’tpossible？HAMLETHere’sthecommission：readitatmoreleisure。
ButwiltthouhearmehowIdidproceed？HORATIOIbeseechyou。HAMLETBeingthusbe—nettedroundwithvillanies，——
EreIcouldmakeaprologuetomybrains，Theyhadbeguntheplay——Isatmedown，Devisedanewcommission，wroteitfair：
Ioncedidholdit，asourstatistsdo，Abasenesstowritefairandlabour’dmuchHowtoforgetthatlearning，but，sir，nowItdidmeyeoman’sservice：wiltthouknowTheeffectofwhatIwrote？HORATIOAy，goodmylord。HAMLETAnearnestconjurationfromtheking，AsEnglandwashisfaithfultributary，Aslovebetweenthemlikethepalmmightflourish，AspeaceshouldstiffherwheatengarlandwearAndstandacomma’tweentheiramities，Andmanysuch—like’As’esofgreatcharge，That，ontheviewandknowingofthesecontents，Withoutdebatementfurther，moreorless，Heshouldthebearersputtosuddendeath，Notshriving—timeallow’d。HORATIOHowwasthisseal’d？HAMLETWhy，eveninthatwasheavenordinant。
Ihadmyfather’ssignetinmypurse，WhichwasthemodelofthatDanishseal；
Foldedthewritupinformoftheother，Subscribedit，gave’ttheimpression，placeditsafely，Thechangelingneverknown。Now，thenextdayWasoursea—fight；andwhattothiswassequentThouknow’stalready。HORATIOSoGuildensternandRosencrantzgoto’t。HAMLETWhy，man，theydidmakelovetothisemployment；
Theyarenotnearmyconscience；theirdefeatDoesbytheirowninsinuationgrow：
’TisdangerouswhenthebasernaturecomesBetweenthepassandfellincensedpointsOfmightyopposites。HORATIOWhy，whatakingisthis!HAMLETDoesitnot，think’stthee，standmenowupon——
Hethathathkill’dmykingandwhoredmymother，Popp’dinbetweentheelectionandmyhopes，Thrownouthisangleformyproperlife，Andwithsuchcozenage——is’tnotperfectconscience，Toquithimwiththisarm？andis’tnottobedamn’d，ToletthiscankerofournaturecomeInfurtherevil？HORATIOItmustbeshortlyknowntohimfromEnglandWhatistheissueofthebusinessthere。HAMLETItwillbeshort：theinterimismine；
Andaman’slife’snomorethantosay’One。’
ButIamverysorry，goodHoratio，ThattoLaertesIforgotmyself；
For，bytheimageofmycause，IseeTheportraitureofhis：I’llcourthisfavours。
But，sure，thebraveryofhisgriefdidputmeIntoatoweringpassion。HORATIOPeace!whocomeshere？
EnterOSRICOSRICYourlordshipisrightwelcomebacktoDenmark。HAMLETIhumblythankyou，sir。Dostknowthiswater—fly？HORATIONo，mygoodlord。HAMLETThystateisthemoregracious；for’tisavicetoknowhim。Hehathmuchland，andfertile：letabeastbelordofbeasts，andhiscribshallstandattheking’smess：’tisachough；but，asIsay，spaciousinthepossessionofdirt。OSRICSweetlord，ifyourlordshipwereatleisure，I
shouldimpartathingtoyoufromhismajesty。HAMLETIwillreceiveit，sir，withalldiligenceofspirit。Putyourbonnettohisrightuse；’tisforthehead。OSRICIthankyourlordship，itisveryhot。HAMLETNo，believeme，’tisverycold；thewindisnortherly。OSRICItisindifferentcold，mylord，indeed。HAMLETButyetmethinksitisverysultryandhotformycomplexion。OSRICExceedingly，mylord；itisverysultry，——as’twere，——Icannottellhow。But，mylord，hismajestybademesignifytoyouthathehaslaidagreatwageronyourhead：sir，thisisthematter，——HAMLETIbeseechyou，remember——
HAMLETmoveshimtoputonhishatOSRICNay，goodmylord；formineease，ingoodfaith。
Sir，hereisnewlycometocourtLaertes；believeme，anabsolutegentleman，fullofmostexcellentdifferences，ofverysoftsocietyandgreatshowing：
indeed，tospeakfeelinglyofhim，heisthecardorcalendarofgentry，foryoushallfindinhimthecontinentofwhatpartagentlemanwouldsee。HAMLETSir，hisdefinementsuffersnoperditioninyou；
though，Iknow，todividehiminventoriallywoulddizzythearithmeticofmemory，andyetbutyawneither，inrespectofhisquicksail。But，intheverityofextolment，Itakehimtobeasoulofgreatarticle；andhisinfusionofsuchdearthandrareness，as，tomaketruedictionofhim，hissemblableishismirror；andwhoelsewouldtracehim，hisumbrage，nothingmore。OSRICYourlordshipspeaksmostinfalliblyofhim。HAMLETTheconcernancy，sir？whydowewrapthegentlemaninourmorerawerbreath？OSRICSir？HORATIOIs’tnotpossibletounderstandinanothertongue？
Youwilldo’t，sir，really。HAMLETWhatimportsthenominationofthisgentleman？OSRICOfLaertes？HORATIOHispurseisemptyalready；all’sgoldenwordsarespent。HAMLETOfhim，sir。OSRICIknowyouarenotignorant——HAMLETIwouldyoudid，sir；yet，infaith，ifyoudid，itwouldnotmuchapproveme。Well，sir？OSRICYouarenotignorantofwhatexcellenceLaertesis——HAMLETIdarenotconfessthat，lestIshouldcomparewithhiminexcellence；but，toknowamanwell，weretoknowhimself。OSRICImean，sir，forhisweapon；butintheimputationlaidonhimbythem，inhismeedhe’sunfellowed。HAMLETWhat’shisweapon？OSRICRapieranddagger。HAMLETThat’stwoofhisweapons：but，well。OSRICTheking，sir，hathwageredwithhimsixBarbaryhorses：againstthewhichhehasimponed，asItakeit，sixFrenchrapiersandponiards，withtheirassigns，asgirdle，hangers，andso：threeofthecarriages，infaith，areverydeartofancy，veryresponsivetothehilts，mostdelicatecarriages，andofveryliberalconceit。HAMLETWhatcallyouthecarriages？HORATIOIknewyoumustbeedifiedbythemargentereyouhaddone。OSRICThecarriages，sir，arethehangers。HAMLETThephrasewouldbemoregermantothematter，ifwecouldcarrycannonbyoursides：Iwoulditmightbehangerstillthen。But，on：sixBarbaryhorsesagainstsixFrenchswords，theirassigns，andthreeliberal—conceitedcarriages；that’stheFrenchbetagainsttheDanish。Whyisthis’imponed，’asyoucallit？OSRICTheking，sir，hathlaid，thatinadozenpassesbetweenyourselfandhim，heshallnotexceedyouthreehits：hehathlaidontwelvefornine；
anditwouldcometoimmediatetrial，ifyourlordshipwouldvouchsafetheanswer。HAMLETHowifIanswer’no’？OSRICImean，mylord，theoppositionofyourpersonintrial。HAMLETSir，Iwillwalkhereinthehall：ifitpleasehismajesty，’tisthebreathingtimeofdaywithme；letthefoilsbebrought，thegentlemanwilling，andthekingholdhispurpose，IwillwinforhimanIcan；
ifnot，Iwillgainnothingbutmyshameandtheoddhits。OSRICShallIre—deliveryoue’enso？HAMLETTothiseffect，sir；afterwhatflourishyournaturewill。OSRICIcommendmydutytoyourlordship。HAMLETYours，yours。
ExitOSRIC
Hedoeswelltocommendithimself；therearenotongueselsefor’sturn。HORATIOThislapwingrunsawaywiththeshellonhishead。HAMLETHedidcomplywithhisdug，beforehesuckedit。
Thushashe——andmanymoreofthesamebevythatI
knowthedressyagedoteson——onlygotthetuneofthetimeandoutwardhabitofencounter；akindofyestycollection，whichcarriesthemthroughandthroughthemostfondandwinnowedopinions；
anddobutblowthemtotheirtrial，thebubblesareout。
EnteraLordLordMylord，hismajestycommendedhimtoyoubyyoungOsric，whobringsbacktohimthatyouattendhiminthehall：hesendstoknowifyourpleasureholdtoplaywithLaertes，orthatyouwilltakelongertime。HAMLETIamconstanttomypurpose；theyfollowtheking’spleasure：ifhisfitnessspeaks，mineisready；
noworwhensoever，providedIbesoableasnow。LordThekingandqueenandallarecomingdown。HAMLETInhappytime。LordThequeendesiresyoutousesomegentleentertainmenttoLaertesbeforeyoufalltoplay。HAMLETShewellinstructsme。
ExitLordHORATIOYouwilllosethiswager，mylord。HAMLETIdonotthinkso：sincehewentintoFrance，I
havebeenincontinualpractise：Ishallwinattheodds。Butthouwouldstnotthinkhowillall’shereaboutmyheart：butitisnomatter。HORATIONay，goodmylord，——HAMLETItisbutfoolery；butitissuchakindofgain—giving，aswouldperhapstroubleawoman。HORATIOIfyourminddislikeanything，obeyit：Iwillforestalltheirrepairhither，andsayyouarenotfit。HAMLETNotawhit，wedefyaugury：there’saspecialprovidenceinthefallofasparrow。Ifitbenow，’tisnottocome；ifitbenottocome，itwillbenow；ifitbenotnow，yetitwillcome：thereadinessisall：sincenomanhasaughtofwhatheleaves，whatis’ttoleavebetimes？
EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，LAERTES，Lords，OSRIC，andAttendantswithfoils，&；cKINGCLAUDIUSCome，Hamlet，come，andtakethishandfromme。
KINGCLAUDIUSputsLAERTES’handintoHAMLET’sHAMLETGivemeyourpardon，sir：I’vedoneyouwrong；
Butpardon’t，asyouareagentleman。
Thispresenceknows，Andyoumustneedshaveheard，howIampunish’dWithsoredistraction。WhatIhavedone，Thatmightyournature，honourandexceptionRoughlyawake，Ihereproclaimwasmadness。
Was’tHamletwrong’dLaertes？NeverHamlet：
IfHamletfromhimselfbeta’enaway，Andwhenhe’snothimselfdoeswrongLaertes，ThenHamletdoesitnot，Hamletdeniesit。
Whodoesit，then？Hismadness：if’tbeso，Hamletisofthefactionthatiswrong’d；
HismadnessispoorHamlet’senemy。
Sir，inthisaudience，LetmydisclaimingfromapurposedevilFreemesofarinyourmostgenerousthoughts，ThatIhaveshotminearrowo’erthehouse，Andhurtmybrother。LAERTESIamsatisfiedinnature，Whosemotive，inthiscase，shouldstirmemostTomyrevenge：butinmytermsofhonourIstandaloof；andwillnoreconcilement，Tillbysomeeldermasters，ofknownhonour，Ihaveavoiceandprecedentofpeace，Tokeepmynameungored。Buttillthattime，Idoreceiveyouroffer’dlovelikelove，Andwillnotwrongit。HAMLETIembraceitfreely；
Andwillthisbrother’swagerfranklyplay。
Giveusthefoils。Comeon。LAERTESCome，oneforme。HAMLETI’llbeyourfoil，Laertes：inmineignoranceYourskillshall，likeastari’thedarkestnight，Stickfieryoffindeed。LAERTESYoumockme，sir。HAMLETNo，bythishand。KINGCLAUDIUSGivethemthefoils，youngOsric。CousinHamlet，Youknowthewager？HAMLETVerywell，mylordYourgracehathlaidtheoddso’theweakerside。KINGCLAUDIUSIdonotfearit；Ihaveseenyouboth：
Butsinceheisbetter’d，wehavethereforeodds。LAERTESThisistooheavy，letmeseeanother。HAMLETThislikesmewell。Thesefoilshaveallalength？
TheypreparetoplayOSRICAy，mygoodlord。KINGCLAUDIUSSetmethestoopsofwineuponthattable。
IfHamletgivethefirstorsecondhit，Orquitinanswerofthethirdexchange，Letallthebattlementstheirordnancefire：
ThekingshalldrinktoHamlet’sbetterbreath；
Andinthecupanunionshallhethrow，RicherthanthatwhichfoursuccessivekingsInDenmark’scrownhaveworn。Givemethecups；
Andletthekettletothetrumpetspeak，Thetrumpettothecannoneerwithout，Thecannonstotheheavens，theheavenstoearth，’NowthekingdunkstoHamlet。’Come，begin：
Andyou，thejudges，bearawaryeye。HAMLETComeon，sir。LAERTESCome，mylord。
TheyplayHAMLETOne。LAERTESNo。HAMLETJudgment。OSRICAhit，averypalpablehit。LAERTESWell；again。KINGCLAUDIUSStay；givemedrink。Hamlet，thispearlisthine；
Here’stothyhealth。
Trumpetssound，andcannonshotoffwithinGivehimthecup。HAMLETI’llplaythisboutfirst；setitbyawhile。Come。
TheyplayAnotherhit；whatsayyou？LAERTESAtouch，atouch，Idoconfess。KINGCLAUDIUSOursonshallwin。QUEENGERTRUDEHe’sfat，andscantofbreath。
Here，Hamlet，takemynapkin，rubthybrows；
Thequeencarousestothyfortune，Hamlet。HAMLETGoodmadam!KINGCLAUDIUSGertrude，donotdrink。QUEENGERTRUDEIwill，mylord；Iprayyou，pardonme。KINGCLAUDIUS[Aside]Itisthepoison’dcup：itistoolate。HAMLETIdarenotdrinkyet，madam；byandby。QUEENGERTRUDECome，letmewipethyface。LAERTESMylord，I’llhithimnow。KINGCLAUDIUSIdonotthink’t。LAERTES[Aside]Andyet’tisalmost’gainstmyconscience。HAMLETCome，forthethird，Laertes：youbutdally；
Iprayyou，passwithyourbestviolence；
Iamafeardyoumakeawantonofme。LAERTESSayyouso？comeon。
TheyplayOSRICNothing，neitherway。LAERTESHaveatyounow!
LAERTESwoundsHAMLET；theninscuffling，theychangerapiers，andHAMLETwoundsLAERTESKINGCLAUDIUSPartthem；theyareincensed。HAMLETNay，come，again。
QUEENGERTRUDEfallsOSRICLooktothequeenthere，ho!HORATIOTheybleedonbothsides。Howisit，mylord？OSRICHowis’t，Laertes？LAERTESWhy，asawoodcocktomineownspringe，Osric；
Iamjustlykill’dwithmineowntreachery。HAMLETHowdoesthequeen？KINGCLAUDIUSSheswoundstoseethembleed。QUEENGERTRUDENo，no，thedrink，thedrink，——OmydearHamlet，——
Thedrink，thedrink!Iampoison’d。
DiesHAMLETOvillany!Ho!letthedoorbelock’d：
Treachery!Seekitout。LAERTESItishere，Hamlet：Hamlet，thouartslain；
Nomedicineintheworldcandotheegood；
Intheethereisnothalfanhouroflife；
Thetreacherousinstrumentisinthyhand，Unbatedandenvenom’d：thefoulpractiseHathturn’ditselfonmelo，hereIlie，Nevertoriseagain：thymother’spoison’d：
Icannomore：theking，theking’stoblame。HAMLETThepoint!——envenom’dtoo!
Then，venom，tothywork。
StabsKINGCLAUDIUSAllTreason!treason!KINGCLAUDIUSO，yetdefendme，friends；Iambuthurt。HAMLETHere，thouincestuous，murderous，damnedDane，Drinkoffthispotion。Isthyunionhere？
Followmymother。
KINGCLAUDIUSdiesLAERTESHeisjustlyserved；
Itisapoisontemper’dbyhimself。
Exchangeforgivenesswithme，nobleHamlet：
Mineandmyfather’sdeathcomenotuponthee，Northineonme。
DiesHAMLETHeavenmaketheefreeofit!Ifollowthee。
Iamdead，Horatio。Wretchedqueen，adieu!
Youthatlookpaleandtrembleatthischance，Thatarebutmutesoraudiencetothisact，HadIbuttime——asthisfellsergeant，death，Isstrictinhisarrest——O，Icouldtellyou——
Butletitbe。Horatio，Iamdead；
Thoulivest；reportmeandmycausearightTotheunsatisfied。HORATIONeverbelieveit：
IammoreanantiqueRomanthanaDane：
Here’syetsomeliquorleft。HAMLETAsthou’rtaman，Givemethecup：letgo；byheaven，I’llhave’t。
OgoodHoratio，whatawoundedname，Thingsstandingthusunknown，shalllivebehindme!
IfthoudidsteverholdmeinthyheartAbsenttheefromfelicityawhile，Andinthisharshworlddrawthybreathinpain，Totellmystory。
Marchafaroff，andshotwithinWhatwarlikenoiseisthis？OSRICYoungFortinbras，withconquestcomefromPoland，TotheambassadorsofEnglandgivesThiswarlikevolley。HAMLETO，Idie，Horatio；
Thepotentpoisonquiteo’er—crowsmyspirit：
IcannotlivetohearthenewsfromEngland；
ButIdoprophesytheelectionlightsOnFortinbras：hehasmydyingvoice；
Sotellhim，withtheoccurrents，moreandless，Whichhavesolicited。Therestissilence。
DiesHORATIONowcracksanobleheart。Goodnightsweetprince：
Andflightsofangelssingtheetothyrest!
Whydoesthedrumcomehither？
MarchwithinEnterFORTINBRAS，theEnglishAmbassadors，andothersPRINCEFORTINBRASWhereisthissight？HORATIOWhatisityewouldsee？
Ifaughtofwoeorwonder，ceaseyoursearch。PRINCEFORTINBRASThisquarrycriesonhavoc。Oprouddeath，Whatfeastistowardinthineeternalcell，ThatthousomanyprincesatashotSobloodilyhaststruck？FirstAmbassadorThesightisdismal；
AndouraffairsfromEnglandcometoolate：
Theearsaresenselessthatshouldgiveushearing，Totellhimhiscommandmentisfulfill’d，ThatRosencrantzandGuildensternaredead：
Whereshouldwehaveourthanks？HORATIONotfromhismouth，Hadittheabilityoflifetothankyou：
Henevergavecommandmentfortheirdeath。
Butsince，sojumpuponthisbloodyquestion，YoufromthePolackwars，andyoufromEngland，AreherearrivedgiveorderthatthesebodiesHighonastagebeplacedtotheview；
AndletmespeaktotheyetunknowingworldHowthesethingscameabout：soshallyouhearOfcarnal，bloody，andunnaturalacts，Ofaccidentaljudgments，casualslaughters，Ofdeathsputonbycunningandforcedcause，And，inthisupshot，purposesmistookFall’nontheinventors’reads：allthiscanI
Trulydeliver。PRINCEFORTINBRASLetushastetohearit，Andcallthenoblesttotheaudience。
Forme，withsorrowIembracemyfortune：
Ihavesomerightsofmemoryinthiskingdom，Whichnowtoclaimmyvantagedothinviteme。HORATIOOfthatIshallhavealsocausetospeak，Andfromhismouthwhosevoicewilldrawonmore；
Butletthissamebepresentlyperform’d，Evenwhilemen’smindsarewild；lestmoremischanceOnplotsanderrors，happen。PRINCEFORTINBRASLetfourcaptainsBearHamlet，likeasoldier，tothestage；
Forhewaslikely，hadhebeenputon，Tohaveprovedmostroyally：and，forhispassage，Thesoldiers’musicandtheritesofwarSpeakloudlyforhim。
Takeupthebodies：suchasightasthisBecomesthefield，buthereshowsmuchamiss。
Go，bidthesoldiersshoot。
Adeadmarch。Exeunt，bearingoffthedeadbodies；afterwhichapealofordnanceisshotoff