The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
William Shakespeare
Original text: Bodleian Libraries · Shakespeare First Folio (1623), Bodleian Library Arch. G c.7; diplomatic TEI transcription
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THE TRAGEDIE OF HAMLET, Prince of Denmarke.
Actus Primus. Scœna Prima.
Enter Barnardo and Francisco two Centinels.
Barnardo.
WHo's there?
Fran. Nay answer me: Stand & vnfold your selfe.
Bar. Long liue the King.
Fran. Barnardo?
Bar. He.
Fran. You come most carefully vpon your houre.
Bar. 'Tis now strook twelue, get thee to bed Francisco.
Fran. For this releese much thankes: 'Tis bitter cold, And I am sicke at heart.
Barn. Haue you had quiet Guard?
Fran. Not a Mouse stirring.
Barn. Well, goodnight. If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus, the Riuals of my Watch, bid them make…
Enter Horatio and Marcellus.
Fran. I thinke I heare them. Stand: who's there?
Hor. Friends to this ground.
Mar. And Leige‑men to the Dane.
Fran. Giue you good night.
Mar. O farwel honest Soldier, who hath relieu'd you?
Fra. Barnardo ha's my place: giue you goodnight.
Exit Fran.
Mar. Holla Barnardo.
Bar. Say, what is Horatio there?
Hor. A peece of him.
Bar. Welcome Horatio, welcome good Marcellus.
Mar. What, ha's this thing appear'd againe to night.
Bar. I haue seene nothing.
Mar. Horatio saies,'tis but our Fantasie, And will not let beleefe take hold of him Touching this dreaded…
Hor. Tush, tush,'twill not appeare.
Bar. Sit downe a‑while, And let vs once againe assaile your eares, That are so fortified against our…
Hor. Well, sit, we downe, And let vs heare Barnardo speake of this.
Barn. Last night of all, When yond same Starre that's Westward from the Pole Had made his course…
Mar. Peace, breake thee of: Enter the Ghost. Looke where it comes againe.
Barn. In the same figure, like the King that's dead.
Mar. Thou art a Scholler; speake to it Horatio.
Barn. Lookes it not like the King? Marke it Horatio.
Hora. Most like: It harrowes me with fear & wonder
Barn. It would be spoke too.
Mar. Question it Horatio.
Hor. What art thou that vsurp'st this time of night, Together with that Faire and Warlike forme In…
Mar. It is offended.
Barn. See, it stalkes away.
Hor. Stay: speake; speake: I Charge thee, Speake.
Exit the Ghost.
Mar. 'Tis gone, and will not answer.
Barn. How now Horatio? You tremble & look pale: Is not this something more then Fantasie? What thinke…
Hor. Before my God, I might not this beleeue Without the sensible and true auouch Of mine owne…
Mar. Is it not like the King?
Hor. As thou art to thy selfe, Such was the very Armour he had on, When th'Ambitious Norwey…
Mar. Thus twice before, and iust at this dead houre, With Martiall stalke, hath he gone by our…
Hor. In what particular thought to work, l know not: But in the grosse and scope of my…
Mar. Good now sit down, & tell me he that knowes Why this same strict and most obseruant…
Hor. That can I, At least the whisper goes so: Our last King, Whose Image euen but now…
Mar. Shall I strike at ir with my Partizan?
Hor. Do, if it will not stand.
Barn. 'Tis heere.
Hor. 'Tis heere.
Mar. 'Tis gone. Exit Ghost. We do it wrong, being so Maiesticall To offer it the shew of…
Barn. It was about to speake, when the Cocke crew.
Hor. And then it started, like a guilty thing Vpon a fearfull Summons. I haue heard, The Cocke…
Mar. It faded on the crowing of the Cocke. Some sayes, that euer 'gainst that Season comes Wherein…
Hor. So haue I heard, and do in part beleeue it. But looke, the Morne in Russet mantle…
Mar. Let do't I pray, and I this morning know Where we shall finde him most conueniently.
Exeunt
Scena Secunda.
Enter Claudius King of Denmarke, Gertrude the Queene, Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, and his Sister O phelia, Lords Attendant.
King. Though yet of Hamlet our deere Brothers death The memory be greene: and that it vs befitted…
Volt. In that, and all things, will we shew our duty.
King. We doubt it nothing, heartily farewell. Exit Voltemand and Cornelius. And now Laertes, what's the newes with…
Laer. Dread my Lord, Your leaue and fauour to returne to France, From whence, though willingly I came…
King. Haue you your Fathers leaue? What sayes Pollonius?
Pol. He hath my Lord□: I do beseech you giue him leaue to go.
King. Take thy faire houre, Laertes, time be thine, And thy best graces spend it at thy will:…
Ham. A little more then kin, and lesse then kinde.
King. How is it that the Clouds still hang on you?
Ham. Not so my Lord, I am too much i'th'Sun.
Queen. Good Hamlet cast thy nightly colour off, And let thine eye looke like a Friend on Denmarke.…
Ham. I Madam, it is common.
Queen. If it be; Why seemes it so particular with thee.
Ham. Seemes Madam? Nay, it is: I know not Seemes: 'Tis not alone my Inky Cloake (good Mother)…
King. 'Tis sweet and commendable In your Nature Hamlet, To giue these mourning duties to your Father: But…
Qu. Let not thy Mother lose her Prayers Hamlet: I prythee stay with vs, go not to Wittenberg.
Ham. I shall in all my beft Obey you Madam.
King. Why 'tis a louing, and a faire Reply, Be as our selfe in Denmarke. Madam come, This…
Exeunt
Manet Hamlet.
Ham. Oh that this too too solid Flesh, would melt, Thaw, and resolue it selfe into a Dew:…
Enter Horatio, Barnard, and Marcellus.
Hor. Haile to your Lordship.
Ham. I am glad to see you well: Horatio, or I do forget my selfe.
Hor. The same my Lord, And your poore Seruant euer.
Ham. Sir my good friend, Ile change that name with you: And what make you from Wittenberg Horatio?…
Mar. My good Lord.
Ham. I am very glad to see you: good euen Sir. But what in faith make you srom…
Hor. A truant disposition, good my Lord.
Ham. I would not haue your Enemy say so; Nor shall you doe mine eare that violence, To…
Hor. My Lord, I came to see your Fathers Funerall.
Ham. I pray thee doe not mock me (fellow Student) I thinke it was to see my Mothers…
Hor. Indeed my Lord, it followed hard vpon.
Ham. Thrift, thrift Horatio: the Funerall Bakt‑meats Did coldly furnish forth the Marriage Tables; Would I had met…
Hor. Oh where my Lord?
Ham. In my minds eye (Horatio)
Hor. I saw him once; he was a goodly King.
Ham. He was a man, take him for all in all: I shall not look vpon his like…
Hor. My Lord, I thinke I saw him yesternight.
Ham. Saw? Who?
Hor. My Lord, the King your Father.
Ham. The King my Father?
Hor. Season your admiration for a while With an attent eare; till I may deliuer Vpon the witnesse…
Ham. For Heauens loue let me heare.
Hor. Two nights together, had these Gentlemen (Marcellus and Barnardo) on their Watch In the dead wast and…
Ham. But where was this?
Mar. My Lord, vpon the platforme where we watcht.
Ham. Did you not speake to it?
Hor. My Lord, I did; But answere made it none: yet once me thought It lifted vp it…
Ham. Tis very strange.
Hor. As I doe liue my honourd Lord 'tis true; And we did thinke it writ downe in…
Ham. Indeed, indeed Sirs; but this troubles me. Hold you the watch to Night?
Both. We doe my Lord.
Ham. Arm'd, say you?
Both. Arm'd, my Lord.
Ham. From top to toe?
Both. My Lord, from head to foote.
Ham. Then saw you not his face?
Hor. O yes, my Lord, he wore his Beauer vp.
Ham. What, lookt he frowningly?
Hor. A countenance more in sorrow then in anger.
Ham. Pale, or red?
Hor. Nay very pale.
Ham. And fixt his eyes vpon you?
Hor. Most constantly.
Ham. I would I had beene □here.
Hor. It would haue much amaz'd you.
Ham. Very like, very like: staid it long?
Hor. While one with moderate hast might tell a hun (dred.
All. Longer, longer.
Hor. Not when I saw't.
Ham. His Beard was grisly? no.
Hor. It was, as I haue seene it in his life, A Sable Siluer'd.
Ham. Ile watch to Night; perchance 'twill wake a (gaine.
Hor. I warrant you it will.
Ham. If it assume my noble Fathers person, Ile speake to it, though Hell it selfe should gape…
All. Our duty to your Honour.
Exeunt.
Ham. Your loue, as mine to you: farewell. My Fathers Spirit in Armes? All is not well: I…
Exit.
Scena Tertia.
Enter Laertes and Ophelia.
Laer. My necessaries are imbark't; Farewell: And Sister, as the Winds giue Benefit, And Conuoy is assistant; doe…
Ophel. Doe you doubt that?
Laer. For Hamlet, and the trifling of his fauours, Hold it a fashion and a toy in Bloud;…
Ophel. No more but so.
Laer. Thinke it no more: For nature cressant does not grow alone, In thewes and Bulke: but as…
Ophe. I shall th'effect of this good Lesson keepe, As watchmen to my heart: but good my Brother…
Laer. Oh, feare me not. Enter Polonius. I stay too long; but here my Father comes: A double…
Palon. Yet heere Laertes? Aboord, aboord for shame, The winde sits in the shoulder of your saile, And…
Laer. Most humbly doe I take my leaue, my Lord.
Polon. The time inuites you, goe, your seruants send.
Laer. Farewell Ophelia, and remember well What I haue said to you.
Ophe. Tis in my memory lockt, And you your selfe shall keepe the key of it.
Laer. Farewell.
Exit Laer.
Polon. What ist Ophelia he hath said to you?
Ophe. So please you, somthing touching the L. Hamlet.
Polon. Marry, well bethought: Tis told me he hath very oft of late Giuen priuate time to you;…
Ophe. He hath my Lord of late, made many tenders Of his affection to me.
Polon. Affection, puh. You speake like a greene Girle, Vnsifted in such perillous Circumstance. Doe you beleeue his…
Ophe. I do not know, my Lord, what I should thinke.
Polon. Marry Ile teach you; thinke your selfe a Baby, That you haue tane his tenders for true…
Ophe. My Lord, he hath importun'd me with loue, In honourable fashion.
Polon. I, fashion you may call it, go too, go too.
Ophe. And hath giuen countenance to his speech, My Lord, with all the vowes of Heauen.
Polon. I, Springes to catch Woodcocks. I doe know When the Bloud burnes, how Prodigall the Soule Giues…
Ophe. I shall obey my Lord.
Exeunt.
Enter Hamlet, Horatio, Marcellus.
Ham. The Ayre bites shrewdly: is it very cold?
Hor. It is a nipping and an eager ayre.
Ham. What hower now?
Hor. I thinke it lacks of twelue.
Mar. No, it is strooke.
Hor. Indeed I heard it not: then it drawes neere the (season, Wherein the Spirit held his wont…
Ham. The King doth Wake to night, and takes his (rouse, Keepes wassels and the swaggering vpspring reeles,…
Horat. Is it a custome?
Ham. I marry ist; And to my mind, though I am natiue heere, And [missing 1 words] the…
Enter Ghost.
Hor. Looke my Lord, it comes.
Ham. Angels and Ministers of Grace defend vs: Be thou a Spirit of health, or Goblin damn'd, Bring…
Ghost beckens Hamlet.
Hor. It beckons you to goe away with it, As if it some impartment did desire To you…
Mar. Looke with what courteous action It wafts you to a more remoued ground: But doe not goe…
Hor. No, by no meanes.
Ham. It will not speake: then will I follow it.
Hor. Doe not my Lord.
Ham. Why, what should be the feare? I doe not set my life at a pins fee; And…
Hor. What if it tempt you toward the Floud my Lord? Or to the dreadfull Sonnet of the…
Ham. It wafts me still: goe on, Ile follow thee.
Mar. You shall not goe my Lord.
Ham. Hold off your hand.
Hor. Be rul'd, you shall not goe.
Ham. My fate cries out, And makes each petty Artire in this body, As hardy as the Nemian…
Exeunt Ghost & Hamlet.
Hor. He waxes desperate with imagination.
Mar. Let's follow; 'tis not fit thus to obey him.
Hor. Haue after, to what issue will this come?
Mar. Something is rotten in the State of Denmarke.
Hor. Heauen will direct it.
Mar. Nay, let's follow him.
Exeunt.
Enter Ghost and Hamlet.
Ham. Where wilt thou lead me? speak; Ile go no fur (ther.
Gho. Marke me.
Ham. I will.
Gho. My hower is almost come, When I to sulphurous and tormenting Flames Must render vp my selfe.
Ham. Alas poore Ghost.
Gho. Pitty me not, but lend thy serious hearing To what I shall vnfold.
Ham. Speake, I am bound to heare.
Gho. So art thou to reuenge, when thou shalt heare.
Ham. What?
Gho. I am thy Fathers Spirit, Doom'd for a certain terme to walke the night; And for the…
Ham. Oh Heauen!
Gho. Reuenge his foule and most vnnaturall Murther.
Ham. Murther?
Ghost. Murther most foule, as in the best it is; But this most foule, strange, and vnnaturall.
Ham. Hast, hast me to know it, That with wings as swift As meditation, or the thoughts of…
Ghost. I finde thee apt, And duller should'st thou be then the fat weede That rots it selfe…
Ham. O my Propheticke soule: mine Vncle?
Ghost. I that incestuous, that adul□erate Beast With witchcraft of his wits, hath Traitorous guifts. Oh wicked Wit,…
Taint not thy mind; nor let thy Soule contriue Against thy Mother ought; leaue her to heauen, And…
Exit.
Ham. Oh all you host of Heauen! Oh Earth; what els? And shall I couple Hell? Oh fie:…
Hor. & Mar. within. My Lord, my Lord.
Enter Horatio and Marcellus.
Mar. Lord Hamlet.
Hor. Heauen secure him.
Mar. So be it.
Hor. Illo, ho, ho, my Lord.
Ham. Hillo, ho, ho, boy; come bird, come.
Mar. How ist't my Noble Lord?
Hor. What newes, my Lord?
Ham. Oh wonderfull!
Hor. Good my Lord tell it.
Ham. No you'l reueale it.
Hor. Not I, my Lord, by Heauen.
Mar. Nor I, my Lord.
Ham. How say you then, would heart of man once (think it? But you'l be secret?
Both. I, by Heau'n, my Lord.
Ham. There's nere a villaine dwelling in all Denmarke But hee's an arrant knaue.
Hor. There needs no Ghost my Lord, come from the Graue, to tell vs this.
Ham. Why right, you are i'th'right; And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that…
Hor. These are but wild and hurling words, my Lord.
Ham. I'm sorry they offend you heartily: Yes faith, heartily,
Hor. There's no offence my Lord.
Ham. Ycs, by Saint Patricke, but there is my Lord, And much offence too, touching this Vision heere:…
Hor. What is't my Lord? we will.
Ham. Neuer make known what you haue seen to night.
Both. My Lord, we will not.
Ham. Nay, but swear't.
Hor. Infaith my Lord, not I.
Mar. Nor I my Lord: in faith.
Ham. Vpon my sword.
Marcell. We haue sworne my Lord already.
Ham. Indeed, vpon my sword, Indeed.
Gho. Sweare.
Ghost cries vnder the Stage.
Ham. Ah ha boy. sayest thou so. Art thou there true penny? Come one you here this fellow…
Hor. Propose the Oath my Lord.
Ham. Neuer to speake of this that you haue seene. Sweare by my sword.
Gho. Sweare.
Ham. Hic & vbique? Then wee'l shift for grownd, Come hither Gentlemen, And lay your hands againe vpon…
Gho. Sweare.
Ham. Well said old Mole. can'st worke i'th' ground so (fast? A worthy Pioner, once more remoue good…
Hor. Oh day and night; but this is wondrous strange.
Ham. And therefore as a stranger giue it welcome. There are more things in Heauen and Earth, Horatio,…
Ghost. Sweare.
Ham. Rest, rest perturbed Spirit: so Gentlemen, With all my loue I doe commend me to you; And…
Exeunt.
Actus Secundus.
Enter Polonius, and Reynoldo.
Polon. Giue him his money, and these notes Reynoldo.
Reynol. I will my Lord.
Polon. You shall doe maruels wisely: good Reynoldo, Before you visite him you make inquiry Of his behauiour.
Reynol. My Lord, I did intend it. Polon. Marry, well said; Very well said. Looke.you Sir, Enquire me…
Reynol. I, very well my Lord.
Polon. And in part him, but you may say not well; But if't be hee I meane, hees…
Reynol. As gaming my Lord.
Polon. I, or drinking, fencing. swearing, Quarelling, drabbing. You may goe so farre.
Reynol. My Lord that would dishonour him.
Polon. Faith no, as you may season it in the charge; You must not put another scandall on…
Reynol. But my good Lord.
Polon. Wherefore should you doe this?
Reynol. I my Lord, I would know that.
Polon. Marry Sir, here's my drift, And I belieue it is a fetch of warrant: You laying these…
Reynol. Very good my Lord.
Polon. And then Sir does he this? He does: what was I about to say? I was about…
Reynol. At closes in the consequence: At friend, or so, and Gentleman.
Polon. At closes in the consequence, I marry, He closes with you thus. I know the Gentleman, I…
Reynol. My Lord I haue.
Polon. God buy you; fare you well.
Reynol. Good my Lord.
Polon. Obserue his inclination in your selfe.
Reynol. I shall my Lord.
Polon. And let him plye his Musicke.
Reynol. Well, my Lord.
Exit.
Enter Ophelia.
Polon. Farewell: How now Ophelia, what's the matter?
Ophe. Alas my Lord, I haue beene so affrighted.
Polon. With what, in the name of Heauen?
Ophe. My Lord, as I was sowing in my Chamber, Lord Hamlet with his doublet all vnbrac'd, No…
Polon. Mad for thy Loue?
Ophe. My Lord, I doe not know: but truly I do feare it.
Polon. What said he?
Ophe. He tooke me by the wrist, and held me hard; Then goes he to the length of…
Polon. Goe with me, I will goe seeke the King, This is the very extasie of Loue, Whose…
Ophe. No my good Lord: but as you did command, I did repell his Letters, and deny'de His…
Pol. That hath made him mad. I am sorrie that with better speed and iudgement I had not…
Exeunt.
Scena Secunda.
Enter King, Queene, Rosincrane, and Guilden sterne Cumalijs.
King. Welcome deere Rosincrance and Guildensterne. Moreouer, that we much did long to see you, The neede we…
Qu. Good Gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you, And sure I am, two men there are not…
Rosin. Both your Maiesties Might by the Soueraigne power you haue of vs, Put your dread pleasures, more…
Guil. We both obey, And here giue vp our selues, in the full bent, To lay our Seruices…
King. Thankes Rosincrance, and gentle Guildensterne.
Qu. Thankes Guildensterne and gentle Rosincrance. And I beseech you instantly to visit My too much changed Sonne.…
Guil. Heauens make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpfull to him.
Exit.
Queene. Amen.
Enter Polonius.
Pol. Th'Ambassadors from Norwey,□my good Lord, Are ioyfully return'd.
King. Thou still hast bin the Father of good Newes.
Pol. Haue I, my Lord? Assure you, my good Liege, I hold my dutie, as I hold my…
King. Oh speake of that, that I do long to heare.
Pol. Giue first admittance to th'Ambassadors, My Newes shall be the Newes to that great Feast.
King. Thy selfe do grace to them, and bring them in. He tels me my sweet Queene, that…
Qu. I doubt it is no other, but the maine, His Fathers death, and our o're‑hasty Marriage.
Enter Polonius, Uoltumand, and Cornelius.
King. Well, we shall sift him. Welcome good Frends: Say Voltumand, what from our Brother Norwey?
Volt. Most faire returne of Greetings, and Desires. Vpon our first, he sent out to suppresse His Nephewes…
King. It likes vs well: And at our more consider'd time wee'l read, Answer, and thinke vpon this…
Exit Ambass.
Pol. This businesse is very well ended. My Liege, and Madam, to expostulate What Maiestie should be, what…
Qu. More matter, with lesse Art.
Pol. Madam□ I sweare I vse no Art at all: That he is mad, 'tis true: 'Tis true…
Qu. Came this from Hamlet to her.
Pol. Good Madam stay awhile, I will be faithfull. Doubt thou, the Starres are fire, Doubt, that the…
King. But how hath she receiu'd his Loue?
Pol. What do you thinke of me?
King. As of a man, faithfull and Honourable.
Pol. I wold faine proue so. But what might you think? When I had seene this hot loue…
King. Do you thinke 'tis this?
Qu. It may be very likely.
Pol. Hath there bene such a time, I'de fain know that, That I haue possitiuely said, 'tis so,…
King. Not that I know.
Pol. Take this from this; if this be otherwise, If Circumstances leade me, I will finde Where truth…
King. How may we try it further?
Pol. You know sometimes He walkes foure houres together, here In the Lobby.
Qu. So he ha's indeed.
Pol. At such a time Ile loose my Daughter to him, Be you and I behinde an Arras…
King. We will try it.
Enter Hamlet reading on a Booke.
Qu. But looke where sadly the poore wretch Comes reading.
Pol. Away I do beseech you, both away, Ile boord him presently. Exit King & Queen. Oh giue…
Ham. Well, God‑a‑mercy.
Pol. Do you know me, my Lord?
Ham. Excellent, excellent well: y'are a Fishmonger.
Pol. Not I my Lord.
Ham. Then I would you were so honest a man.
Pol. Honest, my Lord?
Ham. I sir, to be honest as this world goes, is to bee one man pick'd out of…
Pol. That's very true, my Lord.
Ham. For if the Sun breed Magots in a dead dogge, being a good kissing Carrion ⸺ Haue…
Pol. I haue my Lord.
Ham. Let her not walke i'th'Sunne; Conception is a blessing, but not as your daughter may conceiue. Friend…
Pol. How say you by that? Still harping on my daugh ter: yet he knew me not at…
Ham. Words, words, words.
Pol. What is the matter, my Lord?
Ham. Betweene who?
Pol. I meane the matter you meane, my Lord.
Ham. Slanders Sir: for the Satyricall slaue saies here, that old men haue gray Beards; that their faces…
Pol. Though this be madnesse, Yet there is Method in't: will you walke Out of the ayre my…
Ham. Into my Graue?
Pol. Indeed that is out o'th'Ayre: How pregnant (sometimes) his Replies are? A happinesse, That often Madnesse hits…
Ham. You cannot Sir take from me any thing, that I will more willingly part withall, except my…
Polon. Fare you well my Lord.
Ham. These tedious old fooles.
Polon. You goe to seeke my Lord Hamlet; there hee is.
Enter Rosincran and Guildensterne.
Rosin. God saue you Sir.
Guild. Mine honour'd Lord?
Rosin. My most deare Lord?
Ham. My excellent good friends? How do'st thou Guildensterne? Oh, Rosincrane ; good Lads: How doe ye both?
Rosin. As the indifferent Children of the earth.
Guild. Happy, in that we are not ouer‑happy: on For tunes Cap, we are not the very Button.
Ham. Nor the Soales of her Shoo?
Rosin. Neither my Lord.
Ham. Then you liue about her waste, or in the mid dle of her fauour?
Guil. Faith, her priuates, we.
Ham. In the secret parts of Fortune? Oh, most true: she is a Strumpet. What's the newes?
Rsin. None my Lord; but that the World's growne honest.
Ham. Then is Doomesday neere: But your newes is not true. Let me question more in particular: what…
Guil. Prison, my Lord?
Ham. Denmark's a Prison.
Rosin. Then is the World one.
Ham. A goodly one, in which there are many Con fines, Wards and Dungeons; Denmarke being one o'th'…
Rosin. We thinke not so my Lord.
Ham. Why then 'tis none to you; for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes…
Rosin. Why then your Ambition makes it one: 'tis too narrow for your minde.
Ham. O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count my selfe a King of infinite…
Guil. Which dreames indeed are Ambition: for the very substance of the Ambitious, is meerely the shadow of…
Ham. A dreame it selfe is but a shadow.
Rosin. Truely, and I hold Ambition of so ayry and light a quality, that it is but a…
Ham. Then are our Beggers bodies; and our Mo narchs and out‑stretcht Heroes the Beggers Shadowes: shall wee…
Both. Wee'l wait vpon you.
Ham. No such matter. I will not sort you with the rest of my seruants: for to speake…
Rosin. To visit you my Lord, no other occasion.
Ham. Begger that I am, I am euen poore in thankes; but I thanke you: and sure deare…
Guil. What should we say my Lord?
Ham. Why any thing. But to the purpose; you were sent for; and there is a kinde confession…
Rosin. To what end my Lord?
Ham. That you must teach me: but let mee coniure you by the rights of our fellowship, by…
Rosin. What say you?
Ham. Nay then I haue an eye of you; if you loue me hold not off.
Guil. My Lord, we were sent for.
Ham. I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation preuent your discouery of your secricie to the…
Rosin. My Lord, there was no such stuffe in my thoughts.
Ham. Why did you laugh, when I said, Man delights not me?
Rosin. To thinke, my Lord, if you delight not in Man, what Lenton entertainment the Players shall receiue…
Ham. He that playes the King shall be welcome; his Maiesty shall haue Tribute of mee: the aduenturous…
Rosin. Euen those you were wont to take delight in the Tragedians of the City.
Ham. How chances it they trauaile? their resi dence both in reputation and profit was better both wayes.
Rosin. I thinke their Inhibition comes by the meanes of the late Innouation?
Ham. Doe they hold the same estimation they did when I was in the City? Are they so…
Rosin. No indeed, they are not.
Ham. How comes it? doe they grow rusty?
Rosin. Nay, their indeauour keepes in the wonted pace; But there is Sir an ayrie of Children, little…
Ham. What are they Children? Who maintains 'em? How are they escoted? Will they pursue the Quality no…
Rosin. Faith thrre ha's bene much to do on both sides: and the Nation holds it no sinne,…
Ham. Is't possible?
Guild. Oh there ha's beene much throwing about of Braines.
Ham. Do the Boyes carry it away?
Rosin. I that they do my Lord, Hercules & his load too.
Ham. It is not strange: for mine Vnckle is King of Denmarke, and those that would make mowes…
Flourish for the players.
Guil. There are the Players.
Ham. Gentlemen, you are welcom to Elsonower: your hands, come: The appurtenance of Welcome, is Fashion and Ceremony.…
Guil. In what my deere Lord?
Ham. I am but mad North, North‑West: when the Winde is Southerly, I know a Hawke from a…
Enter Polonius.
Pol. Well be with you Gentlemen.
Ham. Hearke you Guildensterne, and you too: at each eare a hearer: that great Baby you see there,…
Rosin. Happily he's the second time come to them: for they say, an old man is twice a…
Ham. I will Prophesie. Hee comes to tell me of the Players. Mark it, you say right Sir:…
Pol. My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you.
Ham. My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you. When Rossius an Actor in Rome—
Pol. The Actors are come hither my Lord.
Ham. Buzze, buzze.
Pol. Vpon mine Honor.
Ham. Then can each Actor on his Asse⸺
Polon. The best Actors in the world, either for Trage die, Comedie, Historie, Pastorall: Pastoricall‑Comicall‑ Historicall‑Pastorall: Tragicall‑Historicall: Tragicall‑…
Ham. O Iephta Iudge of Israel, what a Treasure had'st thou?
Pol. What a Treasure had he, my Lord?
Ham. Why one faire Daughter, and no more, The which he loued passing well.
Pol. Still on my Daughter.
Ham. Am I not i'th'right old Iephta?
Polon. If you call me Iephta my Lord, I haue a daugh ter that I loue passing well.
Ham. Nay that followes not.
Polon. What followes then, my Lord?
Ha. Why, As by lot, God wot: and then you know, It came to passe, as most like…
1. Play. What speech, my Lord?
Ham. I heard thee speak me a speech once, but it was neuer Acted: or if it was,…
Pol. Fore God, my Lord, well spoken, with good ac cent, and good discretion.
1. Player. Anon he findes him, Striking too short at Greekes. His anticke Sword, Rebellious to his Arme,…
Pol. This is too long.
Ham. It shall to'th Barbars, with your beard. Pry thee say on: He's for a Iigge, or a…
1. Play. But who, O who, had seen the inobled Queen.
Ham. The inobled Queene?
Pol. That's good: Inobled Queene is good.
1. Play. Run bare‑foot vp and downe, Threatmng the flame With Bisson Rheume: A clout about that head,…
Pol. Looke where he ha's not turn'd his colour, and ha's teares in's eyes. Pray you no more.
Ham. 'Tis well, Ile haue thee speake out the rest, soone. Good my Lord, will you see the…
Pol. My Lord, I will vse them according to their de sart.
Ham. Gods bodykins man, better. Vse euerie man after his desart, and who should scape whipping: vse them…
Pol. Come sirs.
Exit Polon.
Ham. Follow him Friends: wee'l heare a play to mor row. Dost thou heare me old Friend, can…
Play. I my Lord.
Ham. Wee'l ha't to morrow night. You could for a need study a speech of some dosen or…
Play. I my Lord.
Ham. Very well. Follow that Lord, and looke you mock him not. My good Friends, Ile leaue you…
Rosin. Good my Lord.
Exeunt.
Manet Hamlet.
Ham. I so, God buy'ye: Now I am alone. Oh what a Rogue and Pesant slaue am I?…
Haue by the very cunning of the Scœne, Bene strooke so to the soule, that presently They haue…
Exit.
Enter King, Queene, Polonius, Ophelia, Ro sincrance, Guildenstern, and Lords.
King. And can you by no drift of circumstance Get from him why he puts on this Confusion:…
Rosin. He does confesse he feeles himselfe distracted, But from what cause he will by no meanes speake.
Guil. Nor do we finde him forward to be sounded, But with a crafty Madnesse keepes aloofe: When…
Qu. Did he receiue you well?
Rosin. Most like a Gentleman.
Guild. But with much forcing of his disposition.
Rosin. Niggard of question, but of our demands Most free in his reply.
Qu. Did you assay him to any pastime?
Rosin. Madam.it so fell out, that certain Players We ore‑wrought on the way: of these we told him,…
Pol. 'Tis most true: And he beseech'd me to intreate your Maiesties To heare, and see the matter.
King. With all my heart, and it doth much content me To heare him so inclin'd. Good Gentlemen,…
Rosin. We shall my Lord.
Exeunt.
King. Sweet Gertrude leaue vs too, For we haue closely sent for Hamlet hither, That he, as 'twere…
Qu. I shall obey you, And for your part Ophelia, I do wish That your good Beauties be…
Ophe. Madam, I wish it may.
Pol. Ophelia, walke you heere. Gracious so please ye We will bestow our selues: Reade on this booke,…
King. Oh'tis true: How smart a lash that speech doth giue my Conscience? The Harlots Cheeke beautied with…
Pol. I heare him comming, let's withdraw my Lord.
Exeunt.
Enter Hamlet.
Ham. To be, or not to be, that is the Question: Whether 'tis Nobler in the minde to…
Ophe. Good my Lord, How does your Honor for this many a day?
Ham. I humbly thanke you: well, well, well.
Ophe. My Lord, I haue Remembrances of yours, That I haue longed long to re‑deliuer. I pray you…
Ham. No, no, I neuer gaue you ought.
Ophe. My honor'd Lord, I know right well you did, And with them words of so sweet breath…
Ham. Ha, ha: Are you honest□?
Ophe. My Lord.
Ham. Are you faire?
Ophe. What meanes your Lordship?
Ham. That if you be honest and faire, your Honesty should admit no discourse to your Beautie.
Ophe. Could Beautie my Lord, haue better Comerce then your Honestie?
Ham. I trulie: for the power of Beautie, will sooner transforme Honestie from what it is, to a…
Ophe. Indeed my Lord, you made me beleeue so.
Ham. You should not haue beleeued me. For vertue cannot so innocculate our old stocke, but we shall…
Ophe. I was the more deceiued.
Ham. Get thee to a Nonnerie. Why would'st thou be a breeder of Sinners? I am my selfe…
Ophe. At home, my Lord.
Ham. Let the doores be shut vpon him, that he may play the Foole no way, but in's…
Ophe. O helpe him, you sweet Heauens.
Ham. If thou doest Marry, Ile giue thee this Plague for, thy Dowrie. Be thou as chast as…
Ophe. O heauenly Powers, restore him.
Ham. I haue heard of your pratlings too wel enough. God has giuen you one pace, and you…
Exit Hamlet.
Ophe. O what a Noble minde is heere o're‑throwne? The Courtiers, Soldiers, Schollers: Eye, tongue, sword, Th'expectansie and…
Enter King, and Polonius.
King. Loue? His affections do not that way tend, Nor what he spake, though it lack'd Forme a…
Pol. It shall do well. But yet do I beleeue The Origin and Commencement of this greefe Sprung…
King. It shall be so: Madnesse in great Ones, must not vnwatch'd go.
Exeunt.
Enter Hamlet, and two or three of the Players.
Ham. Speake the Speech I pray you, as I pronounc'd it to you trippingly on the Tongue; But…
Player. I warrant your Honor.
Ham. Be not too tame neyther: but let your owne Discretion be your Tutor. Sute the Action to…
Play. I hope we haue reform'd that indifferently with vs, Sir.
Ham. O reforme it altogether. And let those that play your Clownes, speake no more then is set…
Pol. And the Queene too, and that presently.
Ham. Bid the players make hast. Exit Polonius. Will you two helpe to hasten them?
Both. We will my Lord.
Exeunt.
Enter Horatio.
Ham. What hoa, Horatio?
Hora. Heere sweet Lord, at your Seruice.
Ham. Horatio, thou art eene as just a man As ere my Conuersation coap'd withall.
Hora. O my deere Lord.
Ham. Nay, do not thinke I flatter: For what aduancement may I hope from thee, That no Reuennew…
Hora. Well my Lord. If he steale ought the whil'st this Play is Playing, And scape detecting, I…
Enter King, Queene, Polonius, Ophelia, Rosincrance, Guidensterne, and other Lords attendant with his Guard carrying Torches. Danish March.…
Ham. They are comming to the Play: I must be idle. Get you a place.
King. How fares our Cosin Hamlet?
Ham. Excellent I faith, of the Camelions dish: I eate the Ayre promise‑cramm'd, you cannot feed Capons so.
King. I haue nothing with this answer Hamlet, these words are not mine.
Ham. No, nor mine. Now my Lord, you plaid once i'th'Vniuersity, you say?
Polon. That I did my Lord, and was accounted a good Actor.
Ham. And what did you enact?
Pol. I did enact Iulius Cæsar, I was kill'd i'th'Capitol: Brutus kill'd me.
Ham. It was a bruite part of him, to kill so Capitall a Calfe there. Be the Players…
Rosin. I my Lord, they stay vpon your patience.
Qu. Come hither my good Hamlet, sit by me.
Ha. No good Mother, here's Mettle more attractiue.
Pol. Oh ho, do you marke that?
Ham. Ladie, shall I lye in your Lap?
Ophe. No my Lord.
Ham. I meane, my Head vpon your Lap?
Ophe. I my Lord.
Ham. Do you thinke I meant Country matters?
Ophe. I thinke nothing, my Lord.
Ham. That's a faire thought to ly between Maids legs
Ophe. What is my Lord?
Ham. Nothing.
Ophe. You are merrie, my Lord?
Ham. Who I?
Ophe. I my Lord.
Ham. Oh God, your onely Iigge‑maker: what should a man do, but be merrie. For looke you how…
Ophe. Nay,'tis twice two moneths, my Lord.
Ham. So long? Nay then let the Diuel weare blacke, for Ile haue a suite of Sables. Oh…
Hoboyes play. The dumbe shew enters.
Enter a King and Queene, very louingly; the Queene embra cing him. She kneeles and makes shew of…
Exeunt.
Ophe. What meanes this, my Lord?
Ham. Marry this is Miching Malicho, that meanes Mischeefe.
Ophe. Belike this shew imports the Argument of the Play?
Ham. We shall know by these Fellowes: the Players cannot keepe counsell, they'l tell all.
Ophe. Will they tell vs what this shew meant?
Ham. I, or any shew that you'l shew him. Bee not you asham'd to shew, hee'l not shame…
Ophe. You are naught, you are naught, Ile marke the Play.
Enter Prologue.
For vs, and for our Tragedie, Heere stooping to your Clemencie: We begge your hearing Patientlie.
Ham. Is this a Prologue, or the Poesie of a Ring?
Ophe. 'Tis briefe my Lord.
Ham. As Womans loue.
Enter King and his Queene.
King. Full thirtie times hath Phœbus Cart gon round, Neptunes salt Wash, and Tellus Orbed ground: And thirtie…
Bap. So many iournies may the Sunne and Moone Make vs againe count o're, ere loue be done.…
King. Faith I must leaue thee Loue, and shortly too: My operant Powers my Functions leaue to do:…
Bap. Oh confound the rest: Such Loue, must needs be Treason in my brest: In second Husband, let…
Ham. Wormwood, Wormwood.
Bapt. The instances that second Marriage moue, Are base respects of Thrift, but none of Loue. A second…
King. I do beleeue you. Think what now you speak: But what we do determine, oft we breake:…
Bap. Nor Earth to giue me food, not Heauen light, Sport and repose locke from me day and…
Ham. If she should breake it now.
King. 'Tis deepely sworne: Sweet, leaue me heere a while, My spirits grow dull, and faine I would…
Qu. Sleepe rocke thy Braine, Sleepes And neuer come mischance betweene vs twaine.
Exit.
Ham. Madam, how like you this Play?
Qu. The Lady protests to much me thinkes.
Ham. Oh but shee'l keepe her word.
King. Haue you heard the Argument, is there no Of fence in't?
Ham. No, no, they do but iest, poyson in iest, no Of fence i'th'world.
King. What do you call the Play?
Ham. The Mouse‑trap: Marry how? Tropically: This Play is the Image of a murder done in Vienna: Gon…
Ophe. You are a good Chorus, my Lord.
Ham. I could interpret betweene you and your loue: if I could see the Puppets dallying.
Ophe. You are keene my Lord, you are keene.
Ham. It would cost you a groaning, to take off my edge.
Ophe. Still better and worse.
Ham. So you mistake Husbands. Begin Murderer. Pox, leaue thy damnable Faces, and begin. Come, the croaking Rauen…
Lucian. Thoughts blacke, hands apt, Drugges fit, and Time agreeing: Confederate season, else, no Creature seeing: Thou mixture…
Powres the poyson in his eares.
Ham. He poysons him i'th'Garden for's estate: His name's Gonzago: the Story is extant and writ in choyce…
Ophe. The King rises.
Ham. What, frighted with false fire.
Qu. How fares my Lord?
Pol. Giue o're the Play.
King. Giue me some Light. Away.
All. Lights, Lights, Lights.
Exeunt
Manet Hamlet & Horatio.
Ham. Why let the strucken Deere go weepe, The Hart vngalled play: For some must watch, while some…
Hor. Halfe a share.
Ham. A whole one I, For thou dost know: Oh Damon deere, This Realme dismantled was of Ioue…
Hora. You might haue Rim'd.
Ham. Oh good Horatio, Ile take the Ghosts word for a thousand pound. Did'st perceiue?
Hora. Verie well my Lord.
Ham. Vpon the talke of the poysoning?
Hor. I did verie well note him.
Enter Rosincrance and Guildensterene.
Ham. Oh, ha? Come some Musick. Come yͤ Recorders: For if the King like not the Comedie, Why…
Guild. Good my Lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.
Ham. Sir a whole History.
Guild. The King, sir.
Ham. I sir, what of him?
Guild. Is in his retyrement, maruellous distemper'd.
Ham. With drinke Sir?
Guild. No my Lord, rather with choller.
Ham. Your wisedome should shew it selfe more ri cher, to signifie this to his Doctor: for for…
Guild. Good my Lord put your discourse into some frame, and start not so wildely from my affayre.
Ham. I am tame Sir, pronounce.
Guild. The Queene your Mother, in most great affli- ction of spirit, hath sent me to you.
Ham. You are welcome.
Guild. Nay, good my Lord, this courtesie is not of the right breed. If it shall please you…
Ham. Sir, I cannot.
Guild. What, my Lord?
Ham. Make you a wholsome answere: my wits dis eas'd. But sir, such answers as I can make,…
Rosin. Then thus she sayes: your behauior hath stroke her into amazement, and admiration.
Ham. Oh wonderfull Sonne, that can so astonish a Mother. But is there no sequell at the heeles…
Rosin. She desires to speake with you in her Closset, ere you go to bed.
Ham. We shall obey, were she ten times our Mother. Haue you any further Trade with vs?
Rosin. My Lord, you once did loue me.
Ham. So I do still, by these pickers and stealers.
Rosin. Good my Lord, what is your cause of distem per? You do freely barre the doore of…
Ham. Sir I lacke Aduancement.
Rosin. How can that be, when you haue the voyce of the King himselfe, for your Succession in…
Ham. I, but while the grasse growes, the Prouerbe is something musty. Enter one with a Recorder. O…
Guild. O my Lord, if my Dutie be too bold, my loue is too vnmannerly.
Ham. I do not well vnderstand that. Will you play vpon this Pipe?
Guild. My Lord, I cannot.
Ham. I pray you.
Guild. Beleeue me, I cannot.
Ham. I do beseech you.
Guild. I know no touch of it, my Lord.
Ham. 'Tis as easie as lying: gouerne these Ventiges with your finger and thumbe, giue it breath with…
Guild. But these cannot I command to any vtterance of hermony, I haue not the skill.
Ham. Why looke you now, how vnworthy a thing you make of me: you would play vpon mee;…
Enter Polonius.
Polon. My Lord; the Queene would speak with you, and presently.
Ham. Do you see that Clowd? that's almost in shape like a Camell.
Polon. By'th'Misse, and it's like a Camell indeed.
Ham. Me thinkes it is like a Weazell.
Polon. It is back'd like a Weazell.
Ham. Or like a Whale?
Polon. Verie like a Whale.
Ham. Then will I come to my Mother, by and by: They foole me to the top of…
Polon. I will say so.
Exit.
Ham. By and by, is easily said. Leaue me Friends: 'Tis now the verie witching time of night,…
Enter King, Rosincrance, and Guildensterne.
King. I like him not, nor stands it safe with vs, To let his madnesse range. Therefore prepare…
Guild. We will our selues prouide: Most holie and Religious feare it is To keepe those many many…
Rosin. The single And peculiar life is bound With all the strength and Armour of the minde, To…
King. Arme you, I pray you to this speedie Voyage; For we will Fetters put vpon this feare,…
Both. We will haste vs.
Exeunt Gent.
Enter Polonius.
Pol. My Lord, he's going to his Mothers Closset: Behinde the Arras Ile conuey my selfe To heare…
King. Thankes deere my Lord. Oh my offence is ranke, it smels to heauen. It hath the primall…
Enter Hamlet.
Ham. Now might I do it pat, now he is praying, And now Ile doo't, and so he…
Exit.
King. My words flye vp, my thoughts remain below, Words without thoughts, neuer to Heauen go.
Exit.
Enter Queene and Polonius.
Pol. He will come straight: Looke you lay home to him, Tell him his prankes haue been too…
Ham. within. Mother, mother, mother.
Qu. Ile warrant you, feare me not. Withdraw, I heare him comming.
Enter Hamlet.
Ham. Now Mother, what's the matter?
Qu. Hamlet, thou hast thy Father much offended.
Ham. Mother, you haue my Father much offended.
Qu. Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue.
Ham. Go, go, you question with an idle tongue.
Qu. Why how now Hamlet?
Ham. Whats the matter now?
Qu. Haue you forgot me?
Ham. No by the Rood, not so: You are the Queene, your Husbands Brothers wife, But would you…
Qu. Nay, then Ile set those to you that can speake.
Ham. Come, come, and sit you downe, you shall not boudge: You go not till I set you…
Qu. What Wilt thou do? thou wilt not murther me? Helpe, helpe, hoa.
Pol. What hoa, helpe, helpe, helpe.
Ham. How now, a Rat? dead for a Ducate, dead.
Pol. Oh I am slaine.
Killes Polonius.
Qu. Oh me, what hast thou done?
Ham. Nay I know not, is it he King?
Qu. Oh what a rash, and bloody deed is this?
Ham. A bloody deed, almost as bad good Mother, As kill a King, and marrie with his Brother.
Qu. As kill a King?
Ham. I Lady, 'twas my word. Thou wretched, rash, intruding foole farewell, I tooke thee for thy Betters,…
Qu. What haue I done, that thou dar'st wag thy tong, In noise so rude against me?
Ham. Such an Act That blurres the grace and blush of Modestie, Cals Vertue Hypocrite, takes off the…
Qu. Aye me; what act; that roares so lowd, & thun ders in the Index.
Ham. Looke heere vpon this Picture, and on this, The counterfet presentment of two Brothers: See what a…
Qu. O Hamlet, speake no more. Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very soule, And there I see…
Ham. Nay, but to liue In the ranke sweat of an enseamed bed, Stew'd in Corruption; honying and…
Qu. Oh speake to me no more, These words like Daggers enter in mine eares. No more sweet…
Ham. A Murderer, and a Villaine: A Slaue, that is not twentieth patt the tythe Of your precedent…
Qu. No more.
Enter Ghost.
Ham. A King of shreds and patches. Saue me; and houer o're me with your wings You heauenly…
Qu. Alas he's mad.
Ham. Do you not come your tardy Sonne to chide, That laps't in Time and Passion, lets go…
Ghost. Do not forget: this Visitation Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose. But looke, Amazement on…
Ham. How is it with you Lady?
Qu. Alas, how is't with you? That you bend your eye on vacancie, And with their corporall ayre…
Ham. On him, on him: look you how pale he glares. His forme and cause conioyn'd, preaching to…
Qu. To who do you speake this?
Ham. Do you see nothing there?
Qu. Nothing at all, yet all that is I see.
Ham. Nor did you nothing heare?
Qu. No, nothing but our selues.
Ham. Why look you there: looke how it steals away: My Father in his habite, as he liued,…
Exit.
Qu. This is the very coynage of your Braine, This bodilesse Creation extasie is very cunning in.
Ham. Exctasie? My Pulse as yours doth temperately keepe time, And makes as healthful Musicke. it is not…
Qu. Oh Hamlet, Thou hast cleft my heart in twaine.
Ham. O throw away the worser past of it, And liue the purer with the other halfe. Good…
Qu. What shall I do?
Ham. Not this by no meanes that I bid you do: Let the blunt King tempt you againe…
Qu. Be thou assur'd, if words be made of breath, And breath of life: I haue no life…
Ham. I must to England, you know that?
Qu. Alacke I had forgot: 'Tis so concluded on.
Ham. This man shall set me packing: Ile lugge the Guts into the Neighbor roome, Mother goodnight. Indeede…
Exit Hamlet tugging in Polonius.
Enter King.
King. There's matters in these sighes. These profound heaues You must translate; Tis fit we vnderstand them. Where…
Qu. Ah my good Lord, what haue I seene to night?
King. What Gertrude? How do's Hamlet?
Qu. Mad as the Seas, and winde, when both contend Which is the Mightier in his lawless fit…
King. Oh heauy deed: It had bin so with vs had we beene there: His Liberty is full…
Qu. To draw apart the body he hath kild, O're whom his very madnesse like some Oare Among…
King. Oh Gertrude, come away: The Sun no sooner shall the Mountaines touch, But we will ship him…
Exeunt.
Enter Hamlet.
Ham. Safely stowed.
Gentlemen within. Hamlet, Lord Hamlet.
Ham. What noise? Who cals on Hamlet? Oh heere they come.
Enter Ros. and Guildensterne.
Ro. What haue you done my Lord with the dead body?
Ham. Compounded it with dust, whereto 'tis Kinne.
Resin. Tell vs where 'tis, that we may take it thence, And beare it to the Chappell.
Ham. Do not beleeue it.
Rosin. Beleeue what?
Ham. That I can keepe your counsell, and not mine owne. Besides, to be demanded of a Spundge,…
Rosin. Take you me for a Spundge, my Lord?
Ham. I sir, that sokes vp the Kings Countenance, his Rewards, his Authorities (but such Officers do the…
Rosin. I vnderstand you not my Lord.
Ham. I am glad of it: a knauish speech sleepes in a foolish eare.
Rosin. My Lord, you must tell vs where the body is, and go with vs to the King.
Ham. The body is with the King, but the King is not With the body. The King, is…
Guild. A thing my Lord?
Ham. Of nothing: bring me to him, hide Fox, and all after.
Exeunt
Enter King.
King. I haue sent to seeke him, and to find the bodie: How dangerous is it that this…
Rosin. Where the dead body is bestow'd my'Lord, We cannot get from him.
King. But where is he?
Rosin. Without my Lord, guarded to know your pleasure.
King. Bring him before vs.
Rosin. Hoa, Guildensterne? Bring in my Lord.
Enter Hamlet and Guildensterne.
King. Now Hamlet, where's Polonius?
Ham. At Supper.
King. At Supper? Where?
Ham. Not where he eats, but where he is eaten, a cer taine conuocation of wormes are e'ne…
King. What dost thou meane by this?
Ham. Nothing but to shew you how a King may go a Progresse through the guts of a…
King. Where is Polonius.
Ham. In heauen, send thither to see. If your Messen ger finde him not there, seeke him i'th…
King. Go seeke him there.
Ham. He will stay till ye come.
K. Hamlet, this deed of thine, for thine especial safety Which we do tender, as we deerely greeue…
Ham. For England?
King. I Hamlet.
Ham. Good.
King. So is it, if thou knew'st our purposes.
Ham. I see a Cherube that see's him: but come, for England. Farewell deere Mother.
King. Thy louing Father Hamlet.
Hamlet. My Mother: Father and Mother is man and wife: man & wife is one flesh, and so…
Exit
King. Follow him at foote, Tempt him with speed aboord: Delay it not, Ile haue him hence to…
Exit
Enter Fortinbras with an Armie.
For. Go Captaine, from me greet the Danish King, Tell him that by his license, Fortinbras Claimes the…
Cap. I will doo't, my Lord.
For. Go safely on.
Exit.
Enter Queene and Horatio.
Qu. I will not speake with her.
Hor. She is importunate, indeed distract her moode will needs be pittied.
Qu. What would she haue?
Hor. She speakes much of her Father; saies she heares There's trickes i'th'world, and hems, and beats her…
Qu. 'Twere good she were spoken with, For she may strew dangerous coniectures In ill breeding minds. Let…
Enter Ophelia distracted.
Ophe. Where is the beauteous Maiesty of Denmark.
Qu. How now Ophelia?
Ophe. How shonld I your true loue know from another one? By his Cockle hat and staffe, and…
Qu. Alas sweet Lady: what imports this Song?
Ophe. Say you? Nay pray you marke. He is dead and gone Lady, he is dead and gone,…
Enter King.
Qu. Nay but Ophelia.
Ophe. Pray you marke. White his Shrow'd as the Mountaine Snow.
Qu. Alas, looke heere my Lord.
Ophe. Larded with sweet flowers: rend="italic">Which bewept to the graue did not go, With true‑loue showres.
King. How do ye, pretty Lady?
Ophe. Well, God dil'd you. They say the Owle was a Bakers daughter. Lord, wee know what we…
King. Conceit vpon her Father.
Ophe. Pray you let's haue no words of this: but when they aske you what it meanes, say…
King. Pretty Ophelia.
Ophe. Indeed la? without an oath Ile make an end ont. By gis, and by S. Charity, Alacke,…
King. How long hath she bin this?
Ophe. I hope all will be well. We must bee patient, but I cannot choose but weepe, to…
Exit.
King. Follow her close, Giue her good watch I pray you: Oh this is the poyson of deepe…
A Noise within.
Enter a Messenger.
Qu. Alacke, what noyse is this?
King. Where are my Switzers? Let them guard the doore. What is the matter?
Mes. Saue your selfe, my Lord. The Ocean (ouer‑peering of his List) Eates not the Flats with more…
Qu. How cheerefully on the false Traile they cry. Oh this is Counter you false Danish Dogges.
Noise within.
Enter Laertes.
King. The doores are broke.
Laer. Where is the King, sirs? Stand you all without.
All. No, let's come in.
Laer. I pray you giue me leaue.
Al. We will, we will.
Laer. I thanke you: Keepe the doore. Oh thou vilde King, giue me my Father.
Qu. Calmely good Laertes.
Laer. That drop of blood, that calmes Proclaimes me Bastard: Cries Cuckold to my Father, brands the Harlot…
King. What is the cause Laertes, That thy Rebellion lookes so Gyant‑like? Let him go Gertrude: Do not…
Laer. Where's my Father?
King. Dead.
Qu. But not by him.
King. Let him demand his fill.
Laer. How came he dead? Ile not be Iuggel'd with. To hell Allegeance: Vowes, to the blackest diuell.…
King. Who shall stay you?
Laer. My Will, not all the world, And for, my meanes, Ile husband them so well, They shall…
King. Good Laertes: If you desire to know the certaintie Of your deere Fathers death, if writ in…
Laer. None but his Enemies.
King. Will you know them then.
La. To his good Friends, thus wide Ile ope□my Armes: And like the kinde Life‑rend'ring Politician, Repast them…
King. Why now you speake Like a good Childe, and a true Gentleman. That I am guiltlesse of…
Enter Ophelia.
Laer. How now? what noise is that? Oh heate drie vp my Braines, teares seuen times salt, Burne…
Ophe. They bore him Bare fac'd on the Beer, Hey non nony, nony, hey nony: And on his…
Laer. Had'st thou thy wits, and did'st perswade Re uenge, it could not moue thus.
Ophe. You must sing downe a‑downe, and you call him a‑downe‑a. Oh, how the wheele becomes it? It…
Laer. This nothings more then matter.
Ophe. There's Rosemary, that's for Remembraunce. Pray loue remember: and there is Paconcies, that's for Thoughts.
Laer. A document in madnesse, thoughts & remem brance fitted.
Ophe. There's Fennell for you, and Columbines: ther's Rew for you, and heere's some for me. Wee may…
Laer. Thought, and Affliction, Passion, Hell it selfe: She turnes to Fauour, and to prettinesse.
Ophe. And will he not come againe, And will he not come againe: No, no, he is dead,…
Exeunt Ophelia
Laer. Do you see this, you Gods?
King. Laertes, I must common with your greefe, Or you deny me right: go but apart, Make choice…
Laer. Let this be so: His meanes of death, his obscure buriall; No Trophee, Sword, nor Hatchment o're…
King. So you shall: And where th'offence is, let the great Axe fall. I pray you go with…
Exeunt
Enter Horatio, with an Attendant.
Hora. What are they that would speake with me?
Ser. Saylors sir, they say they haue Letters for you.
Hor. Let them come in, I do not know from what part of the world I should be…
Enter Saylor.
Say. God blesse you Sir.
Hor. Let him blesse thee too.
Say. Hee shall Sir, and't please him. There's a Letter for you Sir: It comes from th'Ambassadours that…
Exit.
Enter King and Laertes.
King. Now must your conscience my acquittance seal, And you must put me in your heart for Friend,…
Laer. It well appeares. But tell me, Why you proceeded not against these feates, So crimefull, and so…
King. O for two speciall Reasons, Which may to you (perhaps) seeme much vnsinnowed, And yet to me…
Laer. And so haue I a Noble Father lost, A Sister driuen into desperate tearmes, Who was (if…
King. Breake not your sleepes for that, You must not thinke That we are made of stuffe, so…
Mes. Letters my Lord from Hamlet. This to your Maiesty: this to the Queene.
King. From Hamlet? Who brought them?
Mes. Saylors my Lord they say, I saw them not: They were giuen me by Claudio, he receiu'd…
King. Laertes you shall heare them: Leaue vs. Exit Messenger High and Mighty, you shall know I am…
Laer. Know you the hand?
Kin. 'Tis□ Hamlets Character, naked and in a Post script here he sayes alone: Can you aduise me?
Laer. I'm lost in it my Lord; but let him come, It warmes the very sicknesse in my…
Kin. If it be so Laertes, as how should it be so: How other wise will you be…
Laer. If so you'l not o'rerule me to a peace.
Kin. To thine owne peace: if he be now return'd, As checking at his Voyage, and that he…
Laer. A Norman was't?
Kin. A Norman.
Laer. Vpon my life Lamound.
Kin. The very same.
Laer. I know him well, he is the Brooch indeed, And Iemme of all our Nation.
Kin. Hee mad confession of you, And gaue you such a Masterly report, For Art and exercise in…
Laer. Why out of this, my Lord?
Kin. Laertes was your Father deare to you? Or are you like the painting of a sorrow, A…
Laer. Why aske you this?
Kin. Not that I thinke you did not loue your Father, But that I know Loue is begun…
Laer. To cut his throat i'th'Church.
Kin. No place indeed should murder Sancturize; Reuenge should haue no bounds: but good Laertes Will you doe…
Laer. I will doo't, And for that purpose Ile annoint my Sword: I bought an Vnction of a…
Kin. Let's further thinke of this, Weigh what conuenience both of time and meanes May fit vs to…
Enter Queene.
Queen. One woe doth tread vpon anothers heele, So fast they'l follow: your Sister's drown'd Laertes.
Laer. Drown'd! O where?
Queen. There is a Willow growes aslant a Brooke, That shewes his hore leaues in the glassie streame:…
Laer. Alas then, is she drown'd?
Queen. Drown'd, drown'd.
Laer. Too much of water hast thou poore Ophelia, And therefore I forbid my teares: but yet It…
Exit.
Kin. Let's follow, Gertrude: How much I had to doe to calme his rage? Now feare I this…
Exeunt.
Enter two Clownes.
Clown. Is she to bee buried in Christian buriall, that wilfully seeks her owne saluation?
Other. I tell thee she is, and therefore make her Graue straight. the Crowner hath sate on her,…
Clo. How can that be, vnlesse she drowned her selfe in her owne defence?
Other. Why 'tis found so.
Clo. It must be Se offindendo, it cannot bee else: for heere lies the point; If I drowne…
Other. Nay but heare you Goodman Deluer.
Clown. Giue me leaue; heere lies the water; good: heere stands the man; good: If the man goe…
Other. But is this law?
Clo. I marry is't, Crowners Quest Law.
Other. Will you ha the truth on't: if this had not beene a Gentlewoman, shee should haue beene…
Clo. Why there thou say'st. And the more pitty tha□ great folke should haue countenance in this world…
Other. Was he a Gentleman?
Clo. He was the first that euer bore Armes.
Other. Why he had none.
Clo. What, ar't a Heathen? how dost thou vnder stand the Scripture? the Scripture sayes Adam dig'd; could…
Other. Go too.
Clo. What is he that builds stronger then either the Mason, the Shipwright, or the Carpenter?
Other. The Gallowes maker; for that Frame outliues a thousand Tenants.
Clo. I like thy wit well in good faith, the Gallowes does well; but how does it well?…
Other. Who builds stronger then a Mason, a Ship wright, or a Carpenter?
Clo. I, tell me that, and vnyoake.
Other. Marry, now I can tell.
Clo. Too't.
Other. Masse, I cannot tell.
Enter Hamlet and Horatio a farre off.
Clo. Cudgell thy braines no more about it; for your dull Asse will not mend his pace with…
Ham. Ha's this fellow no feeling of his businesse, that he sings at Graue‑making?
Hor. Custome hath made it in him a property of ea sinesse.
Ham. Tis ee'n so; the hand of little Imployment hath the daintier sense.
Clowne sings. But Age with his stealing steps hath caught me in his clutch: And hath shipped me…
Ham. That Scull had a tongue in it, and could sing once: how the knaue iowles it to…
Hor. It might, my Lord.
Ham. Or of a Courtier, which could say, Good Mor row sweet Lord: how dost thou, good Lord?…
Hor. I, my Lord.
Ham. Why ee'n so: and now my Lady Wormes, Chaplesse, and knockt about the Mazard with a Sextons…
Clowne sings. A Pickhaxe and a Spade, a Spade. for and a shrowding‐Sheete: O a Pit of Clay…
Ham. There's another: why might not that bee the Scull of of a Lawyer? where be his Quiddits…
Hor. Not a iot more, my Lord.
Ham. Is not Parchment made of Sheep‑skinnes?
Hor. I my Lord, and of Calue‑skinnes too.
Ham. They are Sheepe and Calues that seek out assu rance in that. I will speake to this…
Clo. Mine Sir: O a Pit of Clay for to be made, for such a Guest is meete.
Ham. I thinke it be thine indeed: for thou liest in't.
Clo. You lye out on't Sir, and therefore it is not yours: for my part, I doe not…
Ham. Thou dost lye in't, to be in't and say 'tis thine: 'tis for the dead, not for…
Clo. 'Tis a quicke lye Sir, 'twill away againe from me to you.
Ham. What man dost thou digge it for?
Clo. For no man Sir.
Ham. What woman then?
Clo. For none neither.
Ham. Who is to be buried in't?
Clo. One that was a woman Sir; but rest her Soule, shee's dead.
Ham. How absolute the knaue is? wee must speake by the Carde, or equiuocation will vndoe vs: by…
Clo. Of all the dayes i'th yeare, I came too't that day that our last King Hamlet o'recame…
Ham. How long is that since?
Clo. Cannot you tell that? euery foole can tell that: It was the very day, that young Hamlet…
Ham. I marry, why was he sent into England?
Clo. Why, because he was mad; hee shall recouer his wits there; or if he do not, it's…
Ham. Why?
Clo. 'Twill not beseene in him, there the men are as mad as he.
Ham. How came he mad?
Clo. Very strangely they say.
Ham. How strangely?
Clo. Faith e'ene with loosing his wits.
Ham. Vpon what ground?
Clo. Why heere in Denmarke: I haue bin sixeteene heere, man and Boy thirty yeares.
Ham. How long will a man lie'ith'earth ere he rot?
Clo. Ifaith, if he be not rotten before he die (as we haue many pocky Coarses now adaies,…
Ham. Why he, more then another?
Clo. Why sir, his hide is so tan'd with his Trade, that he will keepe out water a…
Ham. Whose was it?
Clo. A whorson mad Fellowes it was; Whose doe you think it was?
Ham. Nay, I know not.
Clo. A pestlence on him for a mad Rogue, a pou'rd a Flaggon of Renish on my head…
Ham. This?
Clo. E'ene that.
Ham. Let me see. Alas poore Yorick, I knew him Ho ratio, a fellow of infinite Iest; of…
Hor. What's that my Lord?
Ham. Dost thou thinke Alexander lookt o'this fa shion i'th'earth?
Hor. E'ene so.
Ham. And smelt so? Puh.
Hor. E'ene so, my Lord.
Ham. To what base vses we may returne Horatio. Why may not Imagination trace the Noble dust of…
Hor. 'Twere to consider: to curiously to consider so.
Ham. No faith, not a iot. But to follow him thether with modestie enough, & likeliehood to lead…
Laer. What Cerimony else?
Ham. That is Laertes, a very Noble youth: Marke.
Laer. What Cerimony else?
Priest. Her Obsequies haue bin as farre inlarg'd. As we haue warrantis, her death was doubtfull, And but…
Laer. Must there no more be done?
Priest. No more be done: We should prophane the seruice of the dead, To sing sage Requiem, and…
Laer. Lay her i'th'earth, And from her faire and vnpolluted flesh, May Violets spring. I tell thee (churlish…
Ham. What, the faire Ophelia?
Queene. Sweets, to the sweet farewell. I hop'd thou should'st haue bin my Hamlets wife: I thought thy…
Laer. Oh terrible woer, Fall ten times trebble, on that cursed head Whose wicked deed, thy most Ingenious…
Ham. What is he, whose griefes Beares such an Emphasis? whose phrase of Sorrow Coniure the wandrinig Starres,…
Laer. The deuill take thy soule.
Ham. Thou prai'st not well, I prythee take thy fingers from my throat; Sir though I am not…
King. Pluck them asunder.
Qu. Hamlet, Hamlet.
Gen. Good my Lord be quiet.
Ham. Why I will fight with him vppon this Theme, Vntill my eielids will no longer wag.
Qu. Oh my Sonne, what Theame?
Ham. I lou'd Ophelia; fortie thousand Brothers Could not (with all there quanitie of Loue) Make vp my…
King. Oh he is mad Laertes,
Qu. For loue of God forbeare him.
Ham. Come show me what thou'lt doe. Woo't weepe? Woo't fight? Woo't teare thy selfe? Woo't drinke vp…
Kin. This is meere Madnesse; And thus awhile the fit will worke on him: Anon as patient as…
Ham. Heare you Sir: What is the reason that you vse me thus? I loud' you euer; but…
Exit.
Kin. I pray you good Horatio wait vpon him, Strengthen you patience in our last nights speech, Wee'l…
Exeunt.
Enter Hamlet and Horatio.
Ham. So much for this Sir; now let me see the other, You doe remember all the Circumstance.
Hor. Remember it my Lord?
Ham. Sir, in my heart there was a kinde of fighting, That would not let me sleepe; me…
Hor. That is most certaine.
Ham. Vp from my Cabin My sea‑gowne scarft about me in the darke, Grop'd I to finde out…
Hor. Ist possible?
Ham. Here's the Commission, read it at more leysure: But wilt thou heare me how I did proceed?
Hor. I beseech you.
Hem. Being thus benetted round with Villaines, Ere I could make a Prologue to my braines, They had…
Hor. I, good my Lord.
Ham. An earnest Coniuration from the King, As England was his faithfull Tributary, As loue betweene them, as…
Hor. How was this seal'd?
Ham. Why, euen in that was Heauen ordinate; I had my fathers Signet in my Purse, Which was…
Hor. So Guildensterne and Rosincrance, go too't.
Ham. Why man, they did make loue to this imployment They are not neere my Conscience; their debate…
Hor. Why, what a King is this?
Ham. Does it not, thinkst thee, stand me now vpon He that hath kil'd my King, and whor'd…
Hor. It must be shortly knowne to him from England What is the issue of the businesse there.
Ham. It will be short, The interim's mine, and a mans life's no more Then to say one:…
Hor. Peace, who comes heere?
Enter young Osricke.
Osr. Your Lordship is right welcome back to Den (marke.
Ham. I humbly thank you Sir, dost know this waterflie?
Hor. No my good Lord.
Ham. Thy state is the more gracious; for'tis a vice to know him: he hath much Land, and…
Osr. Sweet Lord, if your friendship were at leysure, I should impart a thing to you from his…
Ham. I will receiue it with all diligence of spirit; put your Bonet to his right vse,'tis for…
Osr. I thanke your Lordship,'tis very hot.
Ham. No, beleeue mee 'tis very cold, the winde is Northerly.
Osr. It is indifferent cold my Lord indeed.
Ham. Mee thinkes it is very soultry, and hot for my Complexion.
Osr. Exceedingly, my Lord, it is very soutry, as 'twere I cannot tell how: but my Lord, his…
Ham. I beseech you remember.
Osr. Nay, in good faith, for mine ease in good faith: Sir, you are not ignorant of what…
Ham. What's his weapon?
Osr. Rapier and dagger.
Ham. That's two of his weapons; but well.
Osr. The sir King ha's wag'd with him six Barbary Hor ses, against the which he impon'd as…
Ham. What call you the Carriages?
Osr. The Carriages Sir, are the hangers.
Ham. The phrase would bee more Germaine to the matter: If we could carry Cannon by our sides;…
Osr. The King Sir, bath laid that in a dozen passes be tweene you and him, hee shall…
Ham. How if I answere no?
Osr. I meane my Lord, the opposition of your person in tryall.
Ham. Sir, I will walke heere in the Hall; if it please his Maiestie, 'tis the breathing time…
Osr. Shall I redeliuer you ee'n so?
Ham. To this effect Sir, after what flourish your na ture will.
Osr. I commend my duty to your Lordship.
Ham. Yours, yours; hee does well to commend it himselfe, there are no tongues else for's tongue.
Hor. This Lapwing runs away with the shell on his head.
Ham. He did Complie with his Dugge before hee suck't it: thus had he and mine more of…
Hor. You will lose this wager, my Lord.
Ham. I doe not thinke so, since he went into France, I haue beene in continuall practice; I…
Hor. Nay, good my Lord.
Ham. It is but foolery; but it is such a kinde of gain‑giuing as would perhaps trouble a…
Hor. If your minde dislike any thing, obey. I will fore stall their repaire hither, and say you…
Ham. Not a whit, we defie Augury; there's a speciall Prouidence in the fall of a sparrow. If…
Enter King, Queene, Laertes and Lords, with other Atten dants with Foyles, and Gauntlets, a Table and Flagons…
Kin. Come Hamlet, come, and take this hand from me.
Ham. Giue me your pardon Sir, I'ue done you wrong, But pardon't as you are a Gentleman. This…
Laer. Iam satisfied in Nature, Whose motiue in this case should stirre me most To my Reuenge. But…
Ham. I do embrace it freely, And will this Brothers wager frankely play. Giue vs the Foyles: Come…
Laer. Come one for me.
Ham. Ile be your foile Laertes, in mine ignorance, Your Skill shall like a starre i'th'darkest night, Sticke…
Laer. You mocke me Sir.
Ham. No by this hand.
King. Giue them the Foyles yong Osricke, Cousen Hamlet, you know the wager.
Ham. Verie well my Lord, Your Grace hath laide the oddes a'th'weaker side.
King. I do not feare it, I haue seene you both: But since he is better'd, we haue…
Laer. This is too heauy, Let me see another.
Ham. This likes me well, These Foyles haue all a length.
Prepare to play.
Osricke. I my good Lord.
King. Set me the Stopes of wine vpon that Table: If Hamlet giue the first, or second hit,…
Ham. Come on sir.
Laer. Come on sir.
They play.
Ham. One.
Laer. No.
Ham. Iudgement.
Osr. A hit, a very palpable hit.
Laer. Well: againe.
King. Stay, giue me drinke. Hamlet, this Pearle is thine, Here's to thy health. Giue him the cup.
Trumpets sound, and shot goes off.
Ham. Ile play this bout first, set by a‑while. Come: Another hit; what say you?
Laer. A touch, a touch, I do confesse.
King. Our Sonne shall win.
Qu. He's fat, and scant of breath. Heere's a Napkin, rub thy browes, The Queene Carowses to thy…
Ham. Good Madam.
King. Gertrude, do not drinke.
Qu. I will my Lord; I pray you pardon me.
King. It is the poyson'd Cup, it is too late.
Ham. I dare not drinke yet Madam, By and by.
Qu. Come, let me wipe thy face.
Laer. My Lord, Ile hit him now.
King. I do not thinke't.
Laer. And yet 'tis almost 'gainst my conscience.
Ham. Come, for the third. Laertes, you but dally, I pray you passe with your best violence, I…
Laer. Say you so? Come on.
Play.
Osr. Nothing neither way.
Laer. Haue at you now.
In scuffling they change Rapiers.
King. Part them, they are incens'd.
Ham. Nay come, againe.
Osr. Looke to the Queene there hoa.
Hor. They bleed on both sides. How is't my Lord?
Osr. How is't Laertes?
Laer. Why as a Woodcocke To mine Sprindge, Osricke, I am iustly kill'd with mine owne Treacherie.
Ham. How does the Queene?
King. She sounds to see them bleede.
Qu. No, no, the drinke, the drinke. Oh my deere Hamlet, the drinke, the drinke, I am poyson'd.
Ham. Oh Villany! How? Let the doore be lock'd. Treacherie, seeke it out.
Laer. it is heere Hamlet. Hamlet, thou art slaine, No Medicine in the world can do thee good.…
Ham. The point envenom'd too, Then venome to thy worke.
Hurts the King.
All. Treason, Treason.
King. O yet defend me Friends, I am but hurt.
Ham. Heere thou incestuous, murdrous, Damned Dane, Drinke off this Potion: Is thy Vnion heere? Follow my Mother.
King Dyes.
Laer. He is iustly seru'd. It is a poyson temp'red by himselfe: Exchange forgiuenesse with me, Noble Hamlet;…
Dyes.
Ham. Heauen make thee free of it, I follow thee. I am dead Horatio, wretched Queene adiew, You…
Hor. Neuer beleeue it. I am more an Antike Roman then a Dane: Heere's yet some Liquor left.
Ham. As th'art a man, giue me the Cup. Let go, by Heauen Ile haue't. Oh good Horatio,…
Enter Osricke.
Osr. Yong Fortinbras, with conquest come frõ Poland To th'Ambassadors of England giues this warlike volly.
Ham. O I dye Horatio: The potent poyson quite ore‑crowes my spirit, I cannot liue to heare the…
Dyes
Hora. Now cracke a Noble heart: Goodnight sweet Prince, And flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest,…
Enter Fortinbras and English Ambassador, with Drumme, Colours, and Attendants.
Fortin. Where is this sight?
Hor. What is it ye would see; If ought of woe, or wonder, cease your search.
For. His quarry cries on hauocke. Oh proud death, What feast is toward in thine eternall Cell. That…
Amb. The sight is dismall, And our affaires from England come too late, The eares are senselesse that…
Hor. Not from his mouth, Had it th'abilitie of life to thanke you: He neuer gaue command'ment for…
For. Let vs hast to heare it, And call the Noblest to the Audience. For me, with sorrow,…
Hor. Of that I shall haue alwayes cause to speake, And from his mouth Whose voyce will draw…
For. Let foure Captaines Beare Hamlet like a Soldier to the stage, For he was likely, had he…
Exeunt Marching: after the which, a Peale of Ordenance are shot off.