fl PURCHASED FOR THE
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY
n
FROM THE
CANADA COUNCIL SPECIAL GRANT
French's Acting Edition 334
HAMLET
BY
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
•>.
PRICE TWO SHILLINQS NET
LONDON
8AMUCU FRENCH, LTD.
PUBLISHERS
26 SOUTHAMPTON STRBET
STRAND, W.C.2
NEW VORK
SAMUEL FRENCH
PUBLISHER
28 WEST 4«th STREET
HAMLET
PRINCE OF DENMARK
By
WILLIAM SHAKESPEAKL
London
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd.
Publishers
26 Southampton Street
STRAND, W.C.2
N I \V ^' O R K
S A M U 1: L FRENCH
Publisher
25 WEST 45TH STREET
c:>
CD
V
Made and Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner Ltd., Fromc and London
NOTE
at th^ Lyceum Theatre, and it is by his Xce hat sLe. Ill' r, f''"-''"''"''"" '"' "is revival
have been here retained, though pfes^ntedTscene! I and",', ^rthat Ac^ '" '"^'-—"y-i"'")
or scene „, Act V , o.he™,se the '^^^'S^'..^ ^^^^r^^l^-^T:^^^-
avoM-al^; -^1"/ SL^Z-^LfthTr " ^'^^ " « ' " ^ ^ '»- P^-'^ .„
hU version ^r.h°/Ed!tr"s'hl7s;" '"^ '" ''^'°''"='°" Fo^bes-Robertson ,„r h.s courtesy in placing
Ul
VI
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
PLAN OF STAGE
"VjZ
//'
A\
J
H.
AA.
BB.
C.
D.
F.
FF.
GG.
HH.
II.
J.r.
KK.
LL.
MM.
EXPLANATION OF PLAN
Castle Cloth.
Tapestry, Traverse.
Rostrum.
Steps.
Four columns in profile or half section.
Neutral-coloured Traverse used for all inset scenes, and as a backing—see Fig. i, Fig. 7.
Backings — if necessary.
Stone walls of room virith arch entrance, r.u.k. — and l.u.e.
Up and down stage Traverse for closing in on top of side walls for all interiors.
Deep Crimson Traverse.
False Proscenium.
Tableau Curtain or Act Drop.
Proscenium.
ACT I
Scene L
Halberds for Francisco and Bernardo.
Baton for Ghost.
Box seat in form of large stone, to be set in front
of stone piece R.c.
Scene IL
Trumpets.
Sceptre for king.
Halberds for soldiers.
Cushions for Queen's couch.
White wand of office for Polonius.
Scene HL
Cloak and sword for Hamlet.
Tablets for Hamlet.
PROPERTY PLOT
ACT n
Scene L
Money in purse, notes and letter for Polonius.
Book for Hamlet.
ACT HI
Scene L
Cushions for the Queen's and Ophelia's chairs, and
footstool.
Book for Polonius.
Jewels for Ophelia.
Small phial for Lucianus.
Recorders for Players.
Scene H.
Branched candle sconces for alcove and in front of
picture r.
HAMLET, I'HINCE OF DENMARK
VII
ACT IV
Scene I. Nil.
Scene II.
Halberds for soldiers.
Scene III.
Stone as seat for base of tree k.
Scene I, Act I,
Flowers for Ophelia (if used).
Letter for Messenger.
Bier.
Same as used in
ACT V
Scene I.
Eartli to cover mound by grave.
Two picks, two shades for Gravediggers.
Mound, set below open trap c.
Two skulls.
Flowers for Queen.
Scene II. Nil.
Scene III.
Three or four foils for each of the two Attendants,
(^oblets, and vessels for wine.
Shield, halberds or spears.
FURNITURE PLOT
ACT I
Scene I. Nil.
Scene II.
Throne.
Couch for Queen set to l. of and below throne
Chair for Hamlet.
Scene III.
Scene IV.
Nil.
Nil.
Throne.
Raised chair for Queen
ACT II
Scene I.
(In place of couch.
ACT III
Scene I.
Throne and Queen's chair, set k.c.
Curtains across all arches for the Play scene-
opening middle of c. arch.
Chair for Ophelia, and stool.
Other chairs and benches for Ladies, Courtiers
etc., set L. '
Couch for Player King, to be set when Curtains are
drawn preceding the Play.
Scene II.
Table, set l.c, chair at l. end.
Prie Dieu for alcove. Also before picture k.
Other chairs to furnish.
ACT IV
Scene I. Nil.
Scene II. Nil.
Scene III. Nil.
ACT V
Scene I. Nil.
Scene II. Nil.
Scene III.
Double Throne set R. and raised on dais, with one
or two shallow steps.
Table l.
LIGHTING PLOT
ACT I
Scene I.
Blues and whites in floats and battens, low. Pale
steel blue behind r. arch on rostrum to silhouette
figure of Francisco at rise of Curtain. This lamp
to fade out before entrance of Ghost. Blue or
green lamps R. and l. entrances in walls to pick
up Ghost-spot or half. Lamp on rostrum l. to
pick up Ghost for first exit as lamp at R. shuts off
At Ghost's second entrance from r. lamp at l
entrance picks up and keeps on until Ghost exits
Lamp behind transparency which must be boxed)
comes on as soon as Ghost can get to position on
rostrum. Shuts off immediately and lamp at
transparency l. comes on and also shuts off
immediately.
Black out end of scene.
Float and front batten full up on Traverse J.
/
VIll
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Scene II.
All full up. Ambers, pinks, whites
Black out end of scene.
No light on Traverse.
LIGHTING PLOT {continued)
ACT IV
Scene I.
Black out at end.
Scene III.
Same as Scene I.
Ghost picked up at R. entrance from l. entrance.
Blue light at back not used.
Black out end of scene.
No light on Traverse.
Scene IV.
Pale blues very low, floats and first batten.
Pick up Ghost from perch R.
Lamp ready, l. perch, to pick up for exit.
At "Now, Hamlet, hear," lighting grows until end
of scene. Then black out.
ACT II
Scene I.
Ambers and whites full up throughout Act.
ACT III
Scene I.
Full.
Scene II.
Floats and front battens, blues and whites, down.
Pale yellow on Traverse F.
Forms of Soldiers marching only faintly lit.
Scene III.
Full up ambers, whites and pinks.
Commence to check at " It warms the very sickness
in my heart." Carry check very slowly to
ambers and pinks until end of Act.
ACT V
Scene I.
Soft, half, ambers.
Scene II.
Full up — ambers, pinks, whites.
Scene III.
Ambers to open, soft half light. Check during Commence well up. Ambers, whites and pinks.
action.
Reds and Ambers up at Soldiers' entrance with
torches. All lights down a little as torches are
taken off.
All lights taken down towards end of Act.
Scene II.
Half-ambers.
This scene should be dimly lit.
Lamp at R. to pick up Ghost at l.
Begin to check at " Here's to thy health," and con-
tinue and get low by " Flights of Angels sing
thee, etc."
All up at Fortinbras' entrance.
Most light at back from, torches.
Note. — The lighting of separate figures must be
left to the skill of the producer.
\ A
HAMLET,
PRINCE OF DENMARK.
Fig. I.
ACT THE FIRST
SCENE I
Elsinore. A platform before the castle}
FRANCISCO at his post.^ Enter to him berxardo.^
BERNARDO. Who 's there ? *
FRANCISCO. Nay, answer me : stand, and unfold yourself.^
BERNARDO. Long live the king!
FRANCISCO. Bernardo ? *'
BERNARDO. He.
FRANCISCO. You come most carefully upon your hour.
BERNARDO. 'Tis now struck twelve ; get thee to bed, Francisco.
FRANCISCO." For this relief much thanks : 'tis bitter cold,
And I am sick at heart.
BERNARDO. Have you had quiet guard ? •*
FRANCISCO.
BERNARDO. Well, good night.
If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,
The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste.
FRANCISCO. I think I hear them. Stand, ho! '"
Enter horatio and marcellus. ^^
Not a mouse stirring.'*
Who 's there?
HORATIO. Friends to this ground.
MARCELLUS.
And liegemen to the Dane.
[1] The front of the uliitji-, behirihe ronlrum, U
in nfmi-iluTkneiig. A faint tie ft blue
light on cloth at back of C. arch. A
panxe at curtain rine.
[21 KK.\Nri.S('0 t* resting on hin halherit
molionlem, his figure silhoiirtted againtt
the faint light behind him. lie ulaniln
in the archuay C.
[31 IiKKN AKI>it enter* from arrli in the trail I..
[4] An inilication of apprehenition in the
manner of iiutN.vKIx) in renpect of the
apparition of the KINO mimt he regit-
tereil from the outset. IiKHNAUHo's
■■ W'ho'n there ! " should not be giren
us an orilinury challenge, but as thuinih
the uiun had sujierstitiotis dread.
[.'>1 .1 little diiun steps. Halberd louered.
(OJ Lifting halberd. IiKKN.Mtlx) I..C.
[7] (.'roiling in front of UEKNAKDo toicardii
arch L.
[8] At rtrpi C.
lO] ,1/ arch I.
Turning to nr.KNAHUo.
FRANCISCO. Give you good night.^-
[Idl .1 fete jHices back — arm presetded.
[11] From arch I,. MARCKIXCS a liltU before
IIOK.ITIO and on his K. hand.
i [12] Passes in front of HOBATlo and MAR-
; CELLrs to arch h.
B
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act I
[1] Advancing to BEKXARDO.
[2] HORATIO R.C., BERXARDO C, MAROELLIT S
L.C.
[3] Coming down stage in front of stone-
piece R.C.
[4] Sits on stonepiece.
[5] THi:RCT^uxs,goingbehindstoncj>iece, rests
upon it.
[6] Advancing a pace towards horatio.
[7] Pointing R. Check lights. Spot lime at
R. arch to pick up at L. arch.
[8] From arch
paces.
L. GHOST advances two
[9] Advancing to BERXARdo laying his hand
on h u shoulder, horatio rises, backing
a little R.
[10] BKR.VARDO turns and folloios the direc-
tion of MAKCEUCS's pointing hand.
[11] All voiccH lowered.
[12] AU keep same positions ; no gesture
until the exit of ghost.
[13] Arch c. to R. .Spot lime from behind
Traverse F. right, to pick up for exit
Lime at K. arch shuts off.
lli]LcavingiJ\RCELLVSandfacingjl0UAri0
who works across to l.o. at ghost's
exit, mauceij:,us h.c, above berxardo
who is down stage c. '
MARCELLUS.
Who hath reheved you ?
FRANCISCO.
Give you good night.
MARCELLUs. Holla! Bernardo!
BERNARDO.
What, is Horatio there }
O, farewell, honest soldier
Bernardo has my place.
Say,
[Exit.
HORATIO.
BERNARDO.
MARCELLUS.
BERNARDO.
MARCELLUS.
\
Sit down awhile
A piece of him.^
Welcome, Horatio : welcome, good Marcellus.2
What, has this thing appear 'd again to-night?
I have seen nothing.
Horatio says 'tis but our fantasy.
And will not let belief take hold of him
Touching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us :
Therefore I have entreated him along
With us to watch the minutes of this night ;
That if again this apparition come,
He may approve our eyes and speak to it.
HORATIO. Tush, tush, 'twill not appear.^
BERNARDO.
And let us once again assail your ears.
That are so fortified against our story.
What we have two nights seen.
HORATIO. Well, sit we down,'^
And let us hear Bernardo speak of this.''
BERisrARDO.6 Last night of all.
When yond same star that's westward from the pole,'
Had made his course to illume that part of heaven '
Where now it burns, Marcellus and myself.
The bell then beating one, —
Enter ghost. ^
MARCELLUS.9 Peace, break thee off; look, where it comes again ! lo
BERNARDO. In the same figure, like the king that's deadTl
MARCELLUS. Thou art a scholar ; speak to it, Horatio.
BERNARDO. Looks it not like the king .? mark it, Horatio.
HORATIO. Most like : it harrows me with fear and wonder.
BERNARDO. It would be spoke to.
MARCELLUS. Question it, Horatio.
1- HORATIO. What art thou that usurp'st this time of night,
Together with that fair and warlike form
In which the majesty of buried Denmark
Did sometimes march ? by heaven I charge thee, speak !
MARCELLUS. It is offended.
BERNARDO. See, it stalks away !
HORATIO. Stay! speak, speak! I charge thee, speak!
[Exit GHOST. 1*
MARCELLUS. 'Tis gone, and will not answer.
BERNARDO. How now, Horatio! you tremble and look pale : i*
Is not this something more than fantasy .?
What think you on 't ?
Hoj^xTio. Before my God, I might not this believe
Without the sensible and true avouch
Of mine own eyes.
MARCELLUS. Is it not like the king ?
HORATIO. As thou art to thyself :
Such was the very armour he had on
SCENK I
IIAAILKT, PHINXE OF DENMARK
When he the ambitious Norway combated ;
So frown'd he once, when, in an angry parle.
He smote the sledded Polacks on the ice.
'Tis strange.
MAKCi;i.uus. Thus twice before, and jump at this dead hour.
With martial stalk hath he gone by our watch.
HOR.\Tio. [In what particular thought to work I know not ;
But in the gross and scope of my opinion,] _
This bodes some strange eruption to our state.' j|
2 MARCELLUS. Good now, sit down, and tell riTe, he that
knows.
Why this same strict and most observant watch
So nightly toils the subject of the land,
[And why such daily cast of brazen cannon,
And foreign mart for implements of war ;
Why such impress of shipwrights, whose sore task
Does not divide the Sunday from the week ;
What might be toward, that this sweaty haste
Doth make the night joint-labourer with the day :
Who is 't that can inform me ?]
HORATIO. That can I ;
[At least, the whisper goes so.] Our last king,
Whose image even but now appear 'd to us,
Was, as you know, by Fortinbras of Norway,
[Thereto prick'd on by a most emulate pride,]
Dared to the combat ; in which our valiant Hamlet —
[For so this side of our known world esteem 'd him — ]
Did slay this Fortinbras ; who, by a seal'd compact,
[Well ratified by law and heraldry,]
Did forfeit, with his life, all those his lands
Which he stood seized of, [to the conqueror :
Against the which, a moiety competent
Was gaged by our king ; which had return'd
To the inheritance of Fortinbras,
Had he been vanquisher ; as, by the same covenant.
And carriage of the article design 'd.
His fell to Hamlet.] Now, young Fortinbras,
[Of unimproved mettle hot and full,]
Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there
Shark'd up a list of lawless resolutes,
[For food and diet, to some enterprise
That hath a stomach in 't ; which is no other —
As it doth well appear unto our state —
But] to recover of us, [by strong hand
And terms compulsatory,] those foresaid lands
So by his father lost : and this, I take it.
Is the main motive of our preparations,
[The source of this our watch and the chief head
Of this post-haste and romage in the land.
BERNARDO. I think it be no other but e'en so :
Well may it sort that this portentous figure
Comes armed through our watch ; so like the king
That was and is the question of these wars.
HOR.\Tio. A mote it is to trouble the mind's eye.
In the most high and palmy state of Rome,
A little ere the mightiest Julius fell.
The graves stood tenantless and the sheeted dead
[II Crotting nioiNAano tor.
[2] M.utCELLCS eomei a littU to tlie u.
MiUlCGLLL'S B.C., IIOKATIO 0.,
IIKKN'AKDO L.C.
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act I
IlJ From K. arch. Pick vp with spot from L.
Tke (JHOST 7IIOres to R.C. HORATIO,
BERNARDO and MAECELLUS retreat to L.
GHOST R.C. aboDe stonepiece.
[2] HORATIO L.c. vp stage. BERX.UIDO l.
MARCELLUS on BERNAEDO's L. han I
below him. All facing ghost.
[3] GHOST moves slowly towards C.
[4] MARCELLUS advances to horatio's l,
hand as he speaks.
[5] MARCELLUS makes as though to thrust at
the GHOST, it pansen him and he fulls
back down stage. HORATIO also falls
back up stage to C, the point of his
■sword falling to the ground. The
GHOST passes to arch L. and exits.
Spot lime from R. arch taken off. Open
lime, set off L., between castle cloth and
Traverse F. comes on, and GHOST
appears between columns L.
[6] Light behind gauze l. off, and light set
R. between Traverse F. and castle cloth
comes on. The appearance of the
GHOST between columns R. should be
immediate.
[7] R. lime off.
Note. — To nuike this la.st effect a
double for tke GHOST would be
necessari/, who could be ready
behind gauze so that the reappear-
ance could be worked with rapidity.
[8] A pavse.
[9] c. facing HORATIO tvho comes to R.C.
BERNARDO L.c.
[10] .4s HORATIO speaks his speech, lights
come up a little at buck.
Did squeak and gibber in the Roman streets :
As stars with trains of fire and dews of blood,
Disasters in the sun ; and the moist star
Upon whose influence Neptune's empire stands
Was sick almost to doomsday with eclipse :
And even the like precurse of fierce events,
As harbingers preceding still the fates
And prologue to the omen coming on.
Have heaven and earth together demonstrated
Unto our climatures and countrymen. — ]
Re-enter ghost.i
But soft, behold! lo, it comes again !
I'll cross it, though it blast me." Stay, illusion!
If thou hast any sound, or use of voice,
Speak to me :
If there be any good thing to be done.
That may to thee do ease and grace to me,
Speak to me : [Cockcrows.
If thou art privy to thy country's fate,
Which, happily, foreknowing may avoid,
O, speak!
[Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life
Extorted treasure in the womb of earth.
For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death.
Speak of it:] stay, and speak! ^ Stop it, Marcellus.
4 MARCELLUS. Shall I strike at it with my partisan ?
HORATIO. Do, if it will not stand.^
BERNARDO. 'Tis here! ''
HORATIO. 'Tis here! '
MARCELLUS. 'Tis gone! ^
We do it wrong, being so majestical,^
To offer it the show of violence ;
For it is, as the air, invulnerable,
And our vain blows malicious mockeryi
BERNARDO. It was about to speak, when the cock crew.
HORATIO. i<^ And then it started like a guilty thing
Upon a fearful summons. I have heard.
The cock, that is the trumpet to the morn.
Doth with his lofty and shrill-sounding throat
Awake the god of day ; and, at his warning.
Whether in sea or fire, in earth or air.
The extravagant and erring spirit hies
To his confine ; [and of the truth herein
This present object made probation.
^L\RCELLUs. It faded on the crowing of the cock.
Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes
Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated.
The bird of dawning singeth all night long :
And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad ;
The nights are wholesome ; then no planets strike,
No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm.
So hallow 'd and so gracious is the time.
HORATIO. So have I heard and do in part believe it.]
But, look, the morn, in russet mantle clad, '
Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill :
Scene II
HAJMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Break we our watch up ; ^ and by my advice,
Let us impart what we have seen to-night
Unto young Hamlet ; for, upon my Hfe,
This spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him.
[Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it,
As needful in our loves, fitting our duty ?
MARCELLUS. Let's do't, I pray ; and I this morning know
Where we shall find him most conveniently.]
[1] Moves towards arch t., then turns and
speaks his final lines to the others, who
stand facing him 0. Black out.
Traverse f. drawn to meet C. Lights
full up in front. A group of LORDS
and COURTIERS talking amongst thetn-
selres pass from R. to L. and exeunt. A
fanfare of trumpets off R. An OFFICER
at the head of several SOLDIERS of the
royal guard pass across the stage from
R. to L., followed by attkxdants and
PAOES. Then the KING leading the
QUEE\ preceded by POLOXIUS with his
wand of office walking backwards in
front of them. Other lords and LADIES
follow, and LAERTES. There is a pause,
and HAMLET in deep thought crosses the
stage by himself. Traverse J. opens.
Fig. 2.
SCENE II
A room of state in the castle.
Enter the king, queen, hamlet, polonius, laertes, lords, ladies,
PAGES and ATTENDANTS.^
KING. Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death
The memory be green, and that it us befitted
To bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom
To be contracted in one brow of woe.
Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature
That we with wisest sorrow .think on him.
Together with remembrance of ourselves.
Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen,
The imperial jointress to this warlike state.
Have we, as 'twere with a defeated joy, —
With an auspicious cind a dropping eye,
With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage,
Vln equal scale weighing delight and dole, —
Taken to wife : nor have we herein barr'd
Your better wisdoms, which have freely gone
With this affair along. For all, our thanks.
[2] The order of entrances is the same as
before Traverse. All entering from the
L. across rostrum. The group of LORDS
and COrRTIERS down C. steps to above
KIN'G'S throne R. and L. SOLDIERS down
steps and divide to R. and L. of C. arch.
OFFICER stands on rostrum facing L., R.
of c. arch. Trumpets sound L. and
TRUMPETERS enter in file and stand on
rostrum in line across stage back to
Traverse B. ladies down steps, two
standing icith group of lords r. of
throne, the others passing behind it
down stage L. to head of QUEES'S
couch. Attendants to back of lords,
heh ind throne, pages stand in front of
SOLDIERS L. of C. arch. POLONICS, OS
before, bowing in front of KING and
QUEEN ; he stands aside to L. up stage
as they pass, and, lehen the KING sits,
he approaches the throne and stands at
the king's R. hand. The king leads
the QUEEN to the right of throne ; she
comes in front of couch and reclines ;
ttco ladies from the head of the couch
assisting her and, after placing cushions,
etc., returning I. Whilst this is doing
LAERTES joins the group of LORDS and
LADIES to the R. of throne. HAMLET
follows, timing entrance so that he is
standing by chair R.C. as the king sits.
Then he sits, chair R.C. At the entrance
of the KIXG and QUEEN, TRUMPETERS
sound fanfare, ceasing when the KVSQ
is seated.
^AMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
[1] LAERTES adcances.
I2J Coming bi^tween hamlet and roLOXics
the latter gwi„o a little to the u '
LAERTES knerh at the R. of the throne
[3J Tiehind laertes.
H\Ihc KING .-xtend^ I, u hand, laertfs
ruing bend, oirr it, steps back turns
on his R. to roLO.vius and, together
they go a pace or two vp stage
[5] Raising herselj from her cushions.
Act I
[Now follows, that you know, young Fortinbras,
Holding a weak supposal of our worth
Or thinking by our late dear brother's 'death
Our state to be disjoint and out of frame
Colleagued with the dream of his advantage
He hath not fail'd to pester us with message
Importing the surrender of those lands
Lost by his father, with all bonds of law
To our most valiant brother. So much for him
Now for ourself and for this time of meeting •
Thus much the business is : we have here writ
To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras,—
Who, impotent and bed-rid, scarcely hears
Of this his nephew's purpose,— to suppress
His further gait herein ; in that the levies
The lists and full proportions, are all made
Out of his subject : and we here dispatch
You, good Cornelius, and you, Voltimand,
For bearers of this greeting to old Norway •
Giving to you no further personal power
To business with the king, more than the scope
Ut these delated articles allow.
Farewell, and let your haste commend your duty
'^ruTduty""^ voLxnMAKD. In that and all things will we show
Ki.NG. We doubt it nothing : heartily farewell. 1
And now, Laertes,! what's the news with you ?
You told us of some suit ; what is 't, Laertes ?
I you cannot speak of reason to the Dane
And lose your voice: what wouldst thou' beg Laertes
That shall not be my of^er, not thy asking .''^' '
Ihe head is not more native to the heart
The hand more instrumental to the mouth
Than IS the throne of Denmark to thy father.
What wouldst thou have, Laertes ?1
LAERTES. n J , . n
V 1 , Dread my lord.^
Your leave and favour to return to France •
From whence though willingly I came to o'enmark
To show my duty in your coronation.
Yet now, I must confess, that duty done
My thoughts and wishes bend again toward France,
lAnd bow them to your gracious leave and pardon 1
POLomus.s He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave
By laboursome petition, and at last
Upon his will I seal'd my hard consent :
I do beseech you, give him leave to go
A^Zl' J^^^ *^^ ^^'' ^°"''' ^^^'^^^ ■' time be thine,
And thy best graces spend it at thy will 4
But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son —
'Jf.TV'""^-^ ^ ^^"^" "^^'■^ ^h^" k'"' ^"d less than kii^V
KING. How is It that the clouds still hang on you ? —^
HAMLET. Not SO, my lord ; I am too much i' the suTT] 4^
A ^11'' u- """^ ^^"^i^t, cast thy nighted colour off, — ^ ^
And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark.
L>o not for ever with thy vailed lids
Seek for thy noble father in the dust •
SCEXE II
liA.MLKT, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Thou know'st 'tis common ; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity.
HA.MLi:r. Ay, madam, it is common, f
QUEEN. If it be,
Why seems it so particular with thee .-'
H.'\MLEr. Seems, madam! nay, it is ; I know not .jitttiis.
'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother,
Nor customary suits of solemn black,
Nor windy suspiration of forced breath,
No, nor the fruitful river in the eye.
Nor the dejected 'haviour of the visage,
Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief.
That can denote me truly : these indeed seem,
For they are actions that a man might play : ■
But I have that within which passeth show ; I
These but the trappings and the suits of woe.J
KING. 'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet,
To give these *rnournmg duTIesTo your father :
But, you must know, your father lost a father ;
That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow : but to persever
In obstinate condolement is a course
Of impious stubbornness : ['tis unmanly grief ;
It shows a will most incorrect to heaven,
A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,
An understanding simple and unschool'd :]
For what we know must be and is as common
As any the most vulgar thing to sense.
Why should we in our peevish opposition
Take it to heart? [Fie! 'tis a fault to heaven,
A fault against the dead, a fault to nature,
To reason most absurd ; whose common theme
Is death of fathers, and who still hath cried,
From the first corse till he that died to-day.
This must be so.] We pray you, throw to earth
This unprevailing woe, and think of us
As of a father : for let the world take note.
You are the most immediate to our throne ;
And with no less nobilitj' of love
Than that which dearest father bears his son.
Do I impart toward you. For your intent
Jn going back to school in Wittenberg,
It is most retrograde to our desire :
And we beseech you, bend you to remain
Here, in the cheer and comfort of our eye.
Our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son.
QUEEN. ^ Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet
I pray thee, stay with us ; go not to Wittenberg.
HAMLET.- I shall in all my best obey you, madam.
KING."' Why, 'tis a loving and a fair reply :
Be as ourself in Denmark. Madam, come ;
This gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet
Sits smiling to my heart : in grace whereof,
No jocund health that Denmark drinks to-day.
But the great cannon to the clouds shall tell.
And the king's rouse the heavens shall bruit again.
(
Ayr
i
(
[1] Ruing and approaehiny (>aek of n\HLZr'\
eftair.
[2] ninng, with head bent to the QCEEX.
[3J Rising, hut remaining on throne.
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act I
[1] The KIXO steps from throne, giving his
left hand to the QUEEN. The QTJEEN
torns on her l..,placin(jherrighthand in
the king's. They pass up stage and
go out by rostrum, R. Fanfare until
they have passed.
TRUMPETERS foUow.
SOLDIER by column of C. arch L. and
SOLDIER by coltimn of C. arch R. turn
together and ascend steps, marching off
stage by rostrum to R. followed by the
others in like nuinner. LORDS, L.iniES
and COURTIERS in informal grouping
follow, some going to the R., some to the
L.
ATTE.VD.VNTS exit formally to R. and
L. by rostrum. LAERTES and POLONIUS
during this action go out talking together
by the entrance on the E. pages go
last by rostrum to L. HAJILET,i<)/iO has
remained standing, as the stage empties
sinks into his chair.
[2] Looking towards throne.
[3] Starts to his feet.
[4] Moves a little to the R.
(oj Stops.
[6] Coming L.
[7] .Stops at foot of the Queen's couch.
[8] Throwing himself on the couch, his face
in the cushions.
[9] Sy rostrum from L., horatio descends
the steps first, coming doion C. to front
of HAMLET'S chair R.c. lie speaks
when doivn steps. MARCELLUS and
BERNARDO come tO R. up stage. MAR-
CELLUS enters on BERNARDO'S right hand
and gets to his position in advance of
BERNARDO so that he stands farthest R.
[10] A little pause. HAMLET raises himself
from cushions, turns and recognizes
HORATIO. Rises as he speaks.
[11] flowing.
[12] Advances, meeting HORATIO at foot of
couch. •*
[13] Perceiving •SiKRcr.LlXShepassesinfront
of HORATIO, extends his hand to him
[14] Hawing over hand, down R.
[15] Greets BERNARDO whohas come to back
of chair, R.c.
[16] Returning to HORATIO L., laying his
hand on his shouUers.
[17] WiUidraws hands.
[18] Turns to c.
Re-speaking earthly thunder. Come away.^
[Exeunt all but hamlet.
HAMLET. O, that this too too sohd flesh would melt.
Thaw and resolve itself into a dewl ""^ ~"^ '"
Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd
His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God! God!
How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable,
Seem to me all the uses of this world!
Fie on 't! ah fie! 'tis an unweeded garden.
That grows to seed ; things rank and gross in nature
Possess it merely. That it should come to this!
But two months dead : nay, not so much, not two :
So excellent a king ; that was, to this,^
Hyperion to a satyr ; so loving to my mother
That he might not beteem the winds of heaven
Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth ! ^
Must I remember ? why, she would hang on him,
As if increase of appetite had grown
By what it fed on : and yet, within a month—
* Let me not think on 't — Frailty, thy name is woman — ^
A little month, or ere those shoes were old
With which she follow'd my poor father's body.
Like Niobe, all tears : — why she, even she —
^O God! a beast, that wants discourse of reason,
Would have mourn 'd longer—' married with my uncle,
My father's brother, but no more like my father
Than I to Hercules : within a month :
Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears
Had left the flushing in her galled eyes,
She married. [O, most wicked speed, to post
With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!]
It is not nor it cannot come to good :
^ But break, my heart ; for I must hold my tongue.
Enter horatio, marcellus, and Bernardo.^ "~
HORATIO. Hail to your lordship!
hamlet. 10 I am glad to see you well
Horatio, or I do forget myself.
HORATIO. The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever."
71AMLKT.12 Sir, my good friend ; I'll change that name with you
And what make you from Wittenberg, Horatio > i^
Marcellus ?
MARCELLUS. My good lord— 1^
HAMLET. I am very glad to see you.i^ Good even, sir.
1" But what, in faith, make you from Wittenberg ?
HORATIO. A truant disposition, good my lord.
HAMLET. I would not hear your enemy say so.
Nor shall you do mine ear that violence.
To make it truster of your own report
Against yourself : I know you are no truant.
But what is your affair in Elsinore >
We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart.
HORATIO. My lord, I came to see your father's funeral.
HAMLET. I pray thee, do not mock me, fellow-student ; ^^
I think it was to see my mother's wedding. i^
HORATIO. Indeed, my lord, it follow'd hard upon.
Scene II
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
9
HAMLET. Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral baked meats ^
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables. /
Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven
Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio!
My father!— meth inks I see my father. ^
HORATIO. Where, my lord }
HAMLET. In my mind's eye, Horatio.
HORATIO. I saw him once ; he was a goodlyTcing.
HAMLKT. He was a man, take him for all in al
'"•J
[1] HKUNAKDO joins makcellus down R.
H.AMLET.
HORATIO.
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
I shall not look upon his like again.
HORATIO. My lord, I think I saw him yesternight.
Saw ? who ?
My lord, the king, your father.
The king my father!
Season your admiration for a while
With an attent ear, till I may deliver.
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you.-
HAMLET. For God's love, let me hear.
HORATIO. Two nights together had these gentlemen,
Marcellus and Bernardo, on their watch.
In the dead vast and middle of the night.
Been thus encounter 'd, A figure like your father,
Armed at point exactly, cap-a-pe.
Appears before them, and with solemn march
Goes slow and stately by them : thrice he walk'd
By their oppress 'd and fear-surprised eyes,
Within his truncheon's length ; whilst they, distilled
Almost to jelly with the act of fear,
Stand dumb and speak not to him. This to me
In dreadful secrecy impart they did ;
And I with them the third night kept the watch :
Where, as they had deliver 'd, both in time.
Form of the thing, each word made true and good.
The apparition comes : I knew your father ;
These hands are not more like.
HAMLET. But where was this ?
MARCELLUS. My lord, upon the platform where we watch 'd.
HA.MLET. Did you speak to it ?
HORATIO. "^ My lord, I did ;
But answer made it none : yet once methought
It lifted up its head and did address
Itself to motion, like as it would speak ; ,
But even then the morning cock crew loud.
And at the sound it shrunk in haste away.
And vanish 'd from our sight."*
HAMLET. 'Tis very strange.'
HORATIO. As I do live, my honour'd lord, 'tis true ;
And we did think it writ down in our duty
To let you know of it.
HAMLET. Indeed, indeed, sirs, but this troubles me.
Hold you the watch to-night ?
We do, my lord.
MARCELLUS and BERNARDO.
HAMLET. Arm'd, say you ?
MARCELLUS ami BCRNWRDO.
H.-^MLET. From top to toe .''
MARCELLUS and BERN.ARDO.
Arm'd, my lord.
My lord, from head to foot.
[2] HAMLET looks rapidly at MARCELLUS and
BERNARDO, then at HORATIO.
[3] Pause.
[i] Sinks into his chair.
10
- ^AMLEIW^RINCE OF DENMARK
[IJ Pause.
[2] Rising.
Vi] With a sign he draws them near to him.
[4] HORATIO retires up l.c. MABCEirr..
[6] Facing hamlet.
[7] ^?ain,r K. co/«w„ <,/ c. arc*.
[8] Zooi-,„t, in the direction of the throne.
lOJ C. to I.
R a^ n" """^."A'S l- "P ste^nf*
K. amj around her nhouhLn, n^i
advance to r.c. in'fr^ZtnUMlrrl
fill 7-^i"' /,f "^^«*^'-^'«''-Krf"o!
^ LiV"" *<"\"/ OPHELIA'S Afl„rf, i„ /.i,
««tf /«.«ff her. he draw, her near him.
[12] Looking up i,uo his face
totoards IAEKTes. '^croacA.
Act
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
[15] Retaining hit position.
Then saw you not his face ?
O yes my lord ; he wore his beaver up
What, look'd he frowningly ? ^'
P^lTTZT "°" -42££2W than in anger.
Nay, very pale.
Most constantly/"' '"'''' "" '^'^ "?"" '"'" '
T4. ,j , ^ would I had been there 2
t would have much amazed you
Very like, very like. Stay'd it long.?
M..CELL.sr ^^RL^O.-^ltS: Xr^^ '-' ^ — •
HORATIO. Not When I saw 't ^
HAMLET. „.
HORATIO. It was ;,. T h. ■ ^.^'^ "^^^ grizzled,— no ?
A sable silver'd. ' ^"" '""" ^' ^" ^'^ ^^f^'
HAMLET. I will watch to-night ;
Perchance 'twill walk again.
HORATIO. T
KAMI FT Tf -4. warrant it will.
HAMLET. If It assume my noble father's oerson
ind'C ^°^Sf-S^ h^" itself should gape '
And bid me hold my peace.3 I p^ay you all
f you have hitherto conceal'd this lig^Lt '
^et It be tenable in your silence still '
And whatsoever else shall hap to-night ■
Give at an understanding, but no tongu'e •
will requite your loves. So, fare you well ^
if :• it" u':^^^°^"^' '^^^^ ^^— -^ twelve,
« ALL. Our duty to your honour
HAMLET. Your loves, as mine to you : farewell.
'My father's spirit in arms! all is not welf""'' "" '"' "^^"^"-
Though an the earth o'erwheta them, to ™nr;yas. [£,,,,
Enter laertes and ophelia.io
An'd''s'st'er af "^h^'^'H""- "" ^"'^'■'^'^ '^ ^^^^11 : n
na, sister, as the winds give benefit
A^d convoy is assistant, do not sleep.
But let me hear ^rom you.
OPHELIA. 12 rk
L-VTTRTrc: TT TT , •L'o you doubt that ?
Holdtt a fash^ltT '';"'• ''^ ^""'"^ '' ^^ ^-o->^^
u 11 a tashion and a toy in blood,
A violet m the youth of primy nature,
Forward not permanent, sweet, not lasting
The^pe^fume and suppliancT^rXmlmite f '
OPHELIA. No more but so ? i^
LAERTES. r-ru- , ■
For nature rr^-r^r.*- a lihink it no more-
ls fK ' f ^"<=^"t, does not grow alone
In thews and bulk, but, as this temple waxes
The mward service of the mind and soul '
Grows wide wi^hal.] :". Perhaps he loves you now
SCENK II
IIAMLKT. IMUXCK OF DEXMAKK
11
And now no soil nor cautel doth besmirch
The virtue of his will : but you must fear,
His greatness weigh 'd, his will is not his own ;
(For he himself is subject to his birth :]
He may not, as unvalued persons do,
Carve for himself ; for on his chdice depends
The safety and health of this whole state ;
[And therefore must his choice be circumscribed
Unto the voice and yielding of that body
Whereof he is the head. Then if he says he loves you,
It fits your wisdom so far to believe it
As he in his particular act and place
May give his saying deed ; which is no further
Then the main voice of Denmark goes withal.]
^ Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain,
If with too credent ear you list his songs,
[Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open
To his unmaster'd importunity.]
Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister.
And keep you in the rear of your affection.
Out of the shot and danger of desire.
The chariest maid is prodigal enough.
If she unmask her beauty to the moon :
[Virtue itself 'scapes not calumnious strokes :
The canker galls the infants of the spring.
Too oft before their buttons be disclosed,
And in the morn and liquid dew of youth
Contagious blastments are most imminent.
Be wary then ; best safety lies in fear : 1
Youth to itself rebels, though none else near.] /
- OPHELIA. I shall the effect of this good lesson keep,
As watchman to my heart.'' But, good my brother.
Do not, as some ungracious pastors do.
Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven ;
Whiles, like a puff'd and reckless libertine,
Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,
And recks not his own rede.
Enter POLOXius."*
L.\ERTES. O, fear me not.
I stay too long : but here my father comes.
A double blessing is a double grace ; ^
Occasion smiles upon a second leave.
POLONivs. Yet here, Laertes! aboard, aboard, for shame!
The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail,
And you are stay'd for. There ; my blessing with thee!
And these few precepts in thy memory
Look thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,
Nor any unproportioned thought his act.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried.
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel ; |
But do not dull thy palm with entertairunent
Of each new-hatch 'd, unfledg'd comrade. Beware
Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in.
Bear 't that the opposed may beware of thee.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice ;
[IJ Advancing, h( genUy tiimt her to him.
She arertt her face.
[2] An 0PHEU.1 look* up before «p#ai-i»v
LAXRTES kisset her.
[3] Passes in front of LAERTES, toirardi L.,
very tlowOj. Then at hfr thought
comet to her, the tumt again to him ;
changing her manner nnd tpeak\t\g
with a lighter lift.
[4] From h. entrance. Be comet to potUian
in front of HAMLET'S chair K.C., no
tcand in tJiU scene. At LAEKTES it
tpeaking OPHELIA retires up to R. of
throne.
[5] KneiU in front of POLOSICS.
12
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
[1] Raising LAERTES and embracing him
^'^ ""f^litSf' ""' '^^'^raccwilh respects
[3] Turninff to ophelu, who
pontton by the throne.
keeps her
^*^ ^'^w^V'n' "'"^ ''""■'■"^ "'"'i'^ to POLO-
W Still by throne.
[7] A little towards Ophelia.
'"^ ''QrEEvT 'tc'rr ■''''■'''''<' ''f^o"^of
[lOJ Looking iloicn.
Act I
[Arid they ,n France of the best rank and station
Are of a most select and generdus chief in that ?
Neither a borrower nor a lender be ■ -'
Thfs ah^^T '""' *^^ '^^' °f husbandry^
This above al : tojhine ownself be true ^
And It must follo^^T^rWiiiHOHe^r
OPJilXIA. ,T,. .
And you yourself shall keep .h": key^Jf "r™^ '""''■
LAERTES. Farewell.4
POLONius. What ]<; 'f- noV.«r u / [■E".v2/_
OPHELIA Sn^nf ' ^P^^^'^' ^^ hath Said tO yoU ? 5
,^..OEo."^s. X^Verbero^bT? ^^'^ ^^ ^^^ "^^^^
Given private time to you ; and you yourself
I f f.eCvr-rpui- r — ~ ■■
Whit is bZ "'' '""f^^ ^"^ J"-" honour.
o/hrXclo^n'tol'; ■"" '"■'' °' '^'^ -^^^ --^ '-«-
u=^suer^i^ruLcr^ ■- ^ -- ^-^
That you have U^ ih'ese 'rlf-o; .fufpa^-^^^'' ^ ^^'^ ^
Which are not stprlino- -r j P^'
Or ,„„t .0 cr?cl1he^„Jror.h'';pr phrL?^^''^ =
Runrung „ thus] -you'll tender me a fool '
.n horurable ^^uLT' "' ""' ^""^''"-^ "^ »'* '»-
-H^r- A^^' h'::h"°;;jn°" -^^ "" " ■■ «° '»■ ^" '-
With ataost all'tht^hoirvows^oTtre: '° '" ''''''' "^ '""'
psJ-t^tZ-^^-Kri-w
Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence •
Set your entreatments at a higher rate '
Than a command to parley. For Lord Hamlet
Believe so much in him. that he is young '
SCKNK III
HAMLET, rHINCE OF DENMARK
13
And with a larger tether may he walk
Than may be given you : in few, Ophelia,
Do not believe his vows ; for they are brokers,
Not of that dye which their investments show.
But mere implorators of unholy suits.
Breathing like sanctified and pious bawds,
The better to beguile.] This is for all : ^
I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth,
Have you so slander any moment leisure.
As to give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet.
- Look to 't, I charge you : come your ways.
^ OPHELIA. I shall obey, my lord.
[Exeunt.
SCENE HI
The platform before the castle*
H.'VMLET, HORATIO, atid MARCELLUS are discovered.''
HAMLET.® The air bites shrewdly ; it is very cold.
HORATIO. It is a nipping and an eager air.
HAMLET.' What hour now ?
HORATIO. I think it lacks of twelve.
HAMLET. No, it is struck,
HOR.ATIO. Indeed ? I heard it not : then it draws near the
season
Wherein the spirit held his wont to walk.
A flourish of trumpets, and ordtunice shot off, within.
* What does this mean, my lord ?
'•' HAMLKT. The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse,
Keeps Wcissail, and the swaggering up-spring reels ;
And, as he drains his draughts of Rhenish down.
The kettle-drum and trumpet thus bray out
The triumph of his pledge.
HORATIO. Is it a custom ?
HAMLET. Ay, marry is 't :
But to my mind, though I am native here
And to the manner born, it is a custom
More honour 'd in the breach than the observance.
This heavy-headed revel east and west
Makes us traduced and tax'd of other nations :
They clepe us drunkards, and with swinish phrase
Soil our addition ; and indeed it takes
From our achievements, though perform'd at height,
The pith and marrow of our attribute.'"
[So, oft it chances in particular men.
That for some vicious mole of nature in them,
As, in their birth -wherein they are not guilty,
Since nature cannot choose his origin
By the o'ergrowth of some complexion,
Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason.
Or by some habit that too much o'er-leavens
The form of plausive manners, that these men,
Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect.
Being nature's livery, or fortune's star, —
(1] Approaching tirtlLLIA elo$(lii.
[-\ Turning toxrurdt c. hf signt to Acr to
fMUH him. ahr iloft no.
(:!1 I p R.C. tuirard* K. enlranrf k/ic tiirnii
on her L. ami inclinfn hrr hfad in
obfdiencr. AU lights out. Travrr^tJ.
drawn. So light on 'I'rarer»e.
[i] At Scene I.
[o] H.\MLGT, wrapt in hi* cloak, i* standing
in C. archicay.
H0R.\TIO and MARfELLls pace
across the front of /■logi- frmn K. to L.,
and stop lit L. entrance, Imtking nut.
[0] Oratcing his cloak cloKrr.
[7] Ascending step* C.
[8] At H.KMLET'S t.
[9] r. above line of stonepieee.
[10] Toirarils the end of i-peech HAMLET wr
facing hokatIO and NARCELLC8.
14
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act I
[1] GHOST advances to K.C. in straight line
from entrance R. Lighting as before
from L. entrance.
[2] Laying his hand on hamlet's arm, and
indicating u. entrance, hamlet and
HORATIO fall bach a pace.
%%
[3] Making a gesture with baton, the ghost
half turns towards R.
[4] The GHOST again waves its baton to the R.
[5]A pace in the direction of the ohost.
HORATIO checks hajilet by laying his
hand detainingly on his arm.
[6] The ghost moves to r. a pace or two,
stops, looks back at hamlet.
[7] GHOST repeals action with baton.
[8] GHOST to entrance R.
[9] MARCELLUS passes quickly, as he speaks,
to hamlet's r. fie/iind HORATIO, maiti/i^
a gesture as though to detain hajilet.
Their virtues else — be they as pure as grace,
As infinite as man may undergo —
Shall in the general censure take corruption
From that particular fault : the dram of base
Doth all the noble substance of worth dout,
To his own scandal.]
Enter ghost, i
HORATIO. Look, my lord it comes! ^
HAMLET. Angels and ministers of grace defend us!
Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damn'd,
Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell,
Be thy intents wicked or charitable,
Thou comest in such a questionable shape
That I will speak to thee : I'll call thee Hamlet,
King, father, royal Dane : 0, answer me!
Let me not burst in ignorance ; but tell
Why thy canonized bones, hearsed in death.
Have burst their cerements ; why the sepulchre.
Wherein we saw thee quietly inurn'd,
Hath oped his ponderous and marble jaws,
To cast thee up again. What may this mean,
That thou, dead corse, again in complete steel
Revisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon.
Making night hideous ; and we fools of nature
So horridly to shake our disposition
With thoughts beyond the reaches of our souls ?
Say, why is this ? wherefore ? what should we do ?
[ghost beckons hamlet.^
HORATIO. It beckons you to go away with it,
As if it some impartment did desire
To you alone.
MARcicLLUs. Look, with what courteous action
It waves you to a more removed ground :
But do not go with it.
HORATIO. No, by no means. _,
HAMLET. It will not speak ; then I will follow it. /
HORATIO. Do not, my lord.
HAMLET. Why, what should be the fear ?
I do not set my life at a pin's fee ;
And for my soul, what can it do to that.
Being a thing immortal as itself ? ^
It waves me forth again : I'll follow it.^
HORATIO. What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord,^
Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff
That beetles o'er his base into the sea.
And there assume some other horrible form.
Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason,'
And draw you into madness ? [think of it :
The very place puts toys of desperation.
Without more motive, into every brain
That looks so many fathoms to the sea
And hears it roar beneath.]
HAMLET. It waves me still.
Go on ; I'll follow thee.^
MARCELLUS.** You shall not go, my lord.
HAMLET. Hold off your hands.
Scene IV
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
15
HORATIO. Be ruled ; you shall not go.
HAMLKT. ••"———*" IVly fate cries out,
And makes each petty artery in this body,
As hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve.'
Still am I call'd. Unhand me, gentlemen. -
^ By heaven, I'll make a ghost of him that lets me!
I say, away! Go on ; I'll follow thee."*
Exiuiit GHOST and ha.mlet.
HOR.\Tio. He waxes desperate with imagination.^
marcellus.^ Let's follow ; 'tis not ht thus to obey him.
HORATIO. Have after. To what issue will this come ? '
MARCELLi's. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark, c*^
HORATIO. Heaven will direct it.
[IICIH
[2JM^
[31 7 ■
('
14) ri
S'
■ nvi HOKATIO tlill iiMinlain
■ M.KT.
■ iff, breating from
I tiiij hi» fieord, he
k. The tico tufii
out. HAMLET tlowli/
; ... LLLl'S and HORATIO
nuike no movement until U.KHhKT ha*
■irmf out.
■ after IIAMI.KT.
,' a iiMit-tiurnt to R.
[7i Uuinj close to UaROKLLOS.
MARCELLUS.
Nay, let's follow him.
[Exeunt.'^
S) Thry go Out R. ilui':y.
lights. Trarrrsf J. Ur
front of Travrti- to ■
for .Sc<nf IV. At
Traverse J. ixarrangfi
Alt
P
"9
le
U.
3
,.1
J
:.j._c
i\
•f^.
>. _,W*'''^- *"-^-
fej- ^;sil£^
Fig- 3-
Fig. 4.
SCENE IV
Another part of the platform.
Enter ghost and hamlet.'
HAMLET. Where wilt thou lead me ? speak ; I'll go no further.
GHOST. Mark me.'"
HAMLET. I will.
GHOST. My hour is almost come,
When I to sulphurous and tormenting flames
Must render up myself.
HAMLET. Alas, poor ghost! '^
GHOST. Pity me not, but lend thy serious hearing
To what I shall unfold.
H.\MLET. Speak ; I am bound to hear.
GHOST. So art thou to revenue, when thou shalt hear.
HAMLET. What ? .
GHOST. I am thy father's spirit, j
Doom'd for a certain term to walk the night,
And for the day confined to fast in fires,
Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature
Are burnt and purged away. But that I am forbid
To tell the secrets of my prison-house,
[9J r.i; from I,, through arch to R.O
(. .7. ftopt o4 iiAMLtrr, icho
folioujji, ipeaki.
[101 Turning $low1y before tpeaking.
[11] At tide of archtcay.
16
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act I
[1] In grief he rests his face on his arm,
leaning on the icall.
il] The ivord long-draw — tense.
[3] A pace to the GHOST. With passion,
rapidly.
[4] Tvrns more directly to HAiiLET.
Lights commence to grow slowly at
this cue.
[5] As HAMLET speaks this line he turns
down stage to his left sufficiently to clear
the archway.
[6] At R. side of archway, hamlet below
to the L., facing ghost.
f
I could a tale unfold whose lightest word
Would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood,
Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres,
Thy knotted and combined locks to part
And each particular hair to stand on end,
Like quills upon the fretful porcupine :
But this eternal blazon must not be
To ears of flesh and blood. List, list, O, ^list!
If thou didst ever thy dear father love
HAMLET. O God! 1
GHOST. Revenge his foul and most unnatural murderN
HAMLET. Murder! - '
GHOST. Murder most foul, as in the best it is ;
But this most foul, strange and unnatural.
HAMLET.^ Haste me to know 't, that I, with wings as swift
As meditation or the thoughts of love.
May sweep to my revenge.
GHOST. I find thee apt ;
[And duller shouldst thou be than the fat weed
That roots itself in ease on Lethe wharf,
Wouldst thou not stir in this.] Now, Hamlet, hear : ^
'Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard,
A serpent stung me ; so the whole ear of Denmark
Is by a forged process of my death
Rankly abused : but know, thou noble youth,
The serpent that did sting thy father's life A
Now wears his crown. '
HAMLET. ^O my prophetic soul!
My uncle!
GHOST. Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast,
With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts, —
[O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power
So to seduce!] — won to his shameful lust
The will of my most seeming-virtuous queen :
[O Hamlet, what a fa^IIing^ff^was there!
From me, whose love was of that dignity
That it went hand in hand even with the vow
I made to her in marriage, and to decline
Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor
To those of mine!
But virtue, as it never will be moved,
Though lewdness court it in a shape of heaven,
So lust, though to a radiant angel link'd,
Will sate itself in a celestial bed.
And prey on garbage.]
But, sott! methinks I scent the morning air ;
Brief let me be.^ Sleeping within my orchard,
My custom always of the afternoon.
Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole,
With juice of cursed hebenon in a vial.
And in the porches of my ears did pour
The leperous distilment ; whose effect
Holds such an enmity with blood of man
That swift as quicksilver it courses through
The natural gates and alleys of the body,
[And with a sudden vigour it doth posset
And curd, like eager droppings into milk,
SCKNK IV
liA-MLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
17
The thin and wholesome blood : so did it mine ;
And a most instant tetter bark'd about,
Most lazar-like, with vile and loathsome crust,
All my smooth body.]
Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother's hand
Of life, of crown, of queen, at once dispatch 'd :
Cut off even in the blossoms of my sin,
Unhousel'd, disappointed, unanel'd,
No reckoning made, but sent to my account
With all my imperfections on my head.
HAMLET. O, horrible! 0, horrible! most horrible!
GHOST. If thou hast nature in thee, bear it not ;
Let not the royal bed of Denmark be
A couch for luxury and damned incest.
But, howsoever thou pursuest this act.
Taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive ^\
Against thy mother aught : leave her to heaven *
And to those thorns that in her bosom lodge,
To prick and sting her. Fare thee well at once! ^
The glow-worm shows the matin to be near,
And 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire :
Adieu, adieu! - Hamjet^ remember me.^_ [Exit.
HAMLET. 0 all you host of heaven! 0 earth! what else?
And shall I couple hell.? O, fie! Hold, hold, my heart ;
And you, my sinews, grow not instant old.
But bear me stiffly up.^ Remember thee! ^
Ay, thou poor ghost, while memory holds a seat
In this distracted globe." Remember thee!
^ Yea, from the table of my memory
I'll wipe away all trivial fond records,
All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past,
That youth and observation copied there ;
^ And thy commandment all alone shall live
Within the book and volume of my brain,
Unmix'd with baser matter: yes, by heaven!
O most pernicious woman !
O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!
I*' My tables, — meet it is I set it down,ii »^ — j L-^
That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain
At least I'm sure it may be so in Denmark :
So, uncle, there you are. Now to my word ;^^
It is Adieu, adieu ! retHetnbcr me.
I have sworn 't.
MARCELLUS and HORATIO
MARCELLUS.
HORATIO.
HAMLET. So be it! 1^
HORATIO [within]. Hillo, ho, ho, my lord!
HAMLET. Hillo, ho, ho, boy! come, bird, come.
[Wriiing.^-
[Within.] My lord, my lord, —
[Within.] Lord Hamlet,—
[Within.] Heaven secure him!
15
Enter horatio and marcellus.^^
MARCELLUS. How is 't, my noble lord ? ^^
hor.\tio. What news, my lord ? ^^
hamlet. O, wonderful! ^^
HORATIO. Good my lord, tell it.
hamlet. No ; you'll reveal it.-"
HORATIO. Not I, my lord, by heaven.
[1] Mocen into arch.
[2] Moves sloiehj away through arch.
[3] This line long-draum.
[4] To the K.
[5] Up stage to L. sid€ of arch.
[6] }VUh tenderness.
[7] With intensUy coming K.C.
[8] Speaking rapidly.
[9] WiUi deeper measure.
I [10] Sheathes hix sword.
j ill] Finds tablets.
[12] Ilegoestolhe v.. side of arch, resting his
tablets against the stone.
' [13] He goes into the archway looking in the
direction the ohost has taken.
[14] Maintaining his position. Puts away
h is tabUls.
[15] Looking towards K. down stage.
[16] From R., HARfKLLUS first. He ad-
vances towards 11.\MLET to C. HORATIO
to B.C.
[17] Speaking as he enters.
[18] Almost simultaneously.
[ 19] Crossing in front of M.^CELLCS teho
drops to his L.
HORATIO, K.C. HAMLET, C. MAR-
CELLUS, L.C.
[20] Looking from one to the other.
18
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act I
\1] Breaks off — pause.
[2] Crossing to i.
[3] MARCELLUS turiis to HOKATio, the two
standing R.C. together.
[4] Advancing to 0.
[5] Turns on his L. up to arch.
[6] Coming behind the two men and between
them.
[7] Putting his arms round their shoulders.
MARCELLUS on his L., Ho RATIO onhis R.
[8] He draws kis sword.
[9] His hand to the SKord blade ; MARCEILUS
also adeancs his hand.
[10] Going to L. in front of MJCRCEILVB, who
then passes behind hamlet to his L.,
as IIORATIO comes to his r.
[11] Thri/ do so.
[12] Turns away to R.
MARCELLUS. Nor I, my lord.
HAMLET. How Say you, then ; would heart of man once think it ? ^
But you'll be secret ?
HORATIO and MARCELLUS. Ay, by heaven, my lord.
HAMLET, There's ne'er a villain dwelling in all Denmark,
But he's an arrant knave.'-
HORATIO. There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the grave
To tell us this.^
HAMLET. ^ Why, right ; you are i' the right ;
And so, without more circumstance at all,
I hold it fit that we shake hands and part :
You, as your business and desire shall point you :
For every man has business and desire,
Such as it is ; and for mine own poor part.
Look you, I'll go pray.'^
HORATIO. These are but wild and whirling words, my lord.
HAMLET. I'm sorry they offend you, heartily ;
Yes, 'faith, heartily.
HORATIO. There's no offence, my lord.
HAMLET.*' Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio,
And much offence too. Touching this vision here,
It is an honest ghost, that let me tell you :
For your desire to know what is between us,
O'ermaster 't as you may.^ And now, good friends,
As you are friends, scholars and soldiers.
Give me one poor request.
HORATIO. What is 't, my lord ? we will. ...^
HAMLET. Never make known what you have seen to-night)
HORATIO and MARCELLUS. My lord, we will not. "*^
HAMLET. Nay, but swear 't.
HORATIO. In faith,
My lord, not I.
MARCELLUS. Nor I, my lord, in faith.
HAMLET, upon my sword.**
MARCELLUS. We have sworn, my lord, already.
HAMLET. Indeed, upon my sword, indeed.
GHOST [beneath]. Swear.
HAMLET. Ah, ha, boy! say'st thou so ? art thou there, true-
penny ?
Come on you hear this fellow in the cellarage —
Consent to swear.
HORATIO. Propose the oath, my lord.^
HAMLET. Never to speak of this that you have seen,
Swear by my sword.
GHOST [beneath]. Swear.
HAMLET. Hie et ubique ? then we'll shift our ground.
Come hither, gentlemen, ^"^
And lay your hands again upon my sword : ^^
Never to speak of this that you have heard.
Swear by my sword.
GHOST [beneath]. Swear.
[hamlet. Well said, old mole! canst work i' the earth so fast ?
A worthy pionerl Once more remove, good friends.]
HORATIO. 0 day and night, but this is wondrous strange! ^^
hamlet. And therefore as a stranger give it welcome.
\There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
ScEMK n'
HAMLKT, PHIXCE OF DENMARK
1*>
But come ;
Here, as before, • never, so help you mercy,
How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself,
As I perchance hereafter shall think meet
To put an antic disposition on,
That you, at such times seeing me, never shall.
With arms encumber'd thus, or this head-shake,
Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase,
As Well, li'cll, we kuoiv, or Wc could, an if we looiihl,
[Or // we list to speak, or There be, an if they t>nght,\
Or such ambiguous giving out, to note
That you know aught of me : this not to do.
So grace and mercy at your most need help you,
Swear.-
GnosT [beneath]. Swear.
HAMLET. Rest, rest, perturbed spirit! H hey sivearX-^
men,*
With all my love I do commend me to you :
And what so poor a man as Hamlet is
May do, to express his love and friending to you,
God willing, shall not lack. Let us go in together ; •"
*^ And still your fingers on your lips, I pray
[The time is out of Joint : O cursed spite.
That ever I was bom to set it rightT / ,^Kju>i^a.o
Nay, come," let's go together.
So, gentle-
sed spite,! ,
[Exeiinl.
Curtain.
Moven to c, hoUiing out thr xicord ,
MAROELLCS to hi* L., HOIUTID to hin K.
12] MAKOKLLrs anil iionATIo toue/i the
gtroril.
,.>I HAMI.i:t
ami M
t4] ShfiiU,,
«r„r4ttUldf. HORATIO
l'i>» 1/ ifi turn.
..r.l
|o] Ue erotJiet to the R.
(B) Turns to face thrm.
/!•• tztendu Ilia armf to iidhatio nnd
MAKCELLrS. IIORATtn cronnfn to hi$ If ft
hawl, MAROELLUS to hi» riijlil. Ur
luriv, pi icing his amu around their
fhoutttfrs in affeeiion, anil thry past
out It.
20
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act II
[1] Same as Act I, Scene II.
[2] POLOXIUS R.C. RKYNALDO standing a
few paces aicay and beloiv him.
13] [landing them.
[i] Bowing as he takes them.
[5] Approaching KEY'S A.LDO and tapping his
arm.
ACT THE SECOND
SCENE I
A room of state in the castle.^
poLONius and reynaldo, discovered.^
poLONius. Give him this money and these notes, Reynaldo.^
RKYNALDO. I will, my lord.*
POLONIUS. You shall do marvellous wisely, good Reynaldo,^
Before you visit him, to make inquire
Of his behaviour.
REYNALDO. My lord, I did intend it.
[ POLONIUS. Marry, well said ; very well said. Look you, sir.
Inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris ;
And how, and who, what means, and where they keep,
What company, at what expense ; and finding
By this encompassment and drift of question
That they do know my son, come you more nearer
Than your particular demands will touch it :
Take you, as 'twere, some distant knowledge of him ;
As thus, / know his father and his friends,
And in part him : do you mark this, Reynaldo }
REYNALDO. Ay, Very well, my lord.
POLONIUS. And in part him ; but, you may say, not well :
But, if 't be he I mean, he's very wild ;
Addicted so and so : and there put on him
What forgeries you please ; marry, none so rank
As may dishonour him ; take heed of that ;
But, sir, such wanton, wild and usual slips
As are companions noted and most known
To youth and liberty.
REYNALDO. As gaming, my lord.
POLONIUS. Ay, or drinking, fencing, swearing, quarrelling,
Drabbing : you may go so far.
REYNALDO. My lord, that would dishonour him.
POLONiu.s. 'Faith, no ; as you may season it in the charge.
You must not put another scandal on him,
That he is open to incontinency ;
That's not my meaning : but breathe his faults so quaintly
That they may seem the taints of liberty.
The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind,
A savageness in unreclaimed blood.
Of general assault.
REYNALDO. But, my good lord, —
POLONIUS. Wherefore should you do this ?
REYNALDO. Ay, my lord,
I would know that.
POLONIUS. Marry, sir, here's my drift ;
And, I believe, it is a fetch of wit :
You laying these slight sullies on my son.
As 'twere a thing a little soil'd i' the working,
Mark you.
Your party in converse, him you would sound,
Having ever seen in the prenominate crimes
SCKNE I
HAMLET, PllIXCE OF DENMARK
•Jl
The youth you breathe of guilty, be assured
He closes with you in this consequence ;
Good sir, or so, or fyund. or ^ciitlnriin.
According to the phrase or the addition
Of man and country.
REVNALDo. Very good, my lord.
POLONius. And then, sir, does he this -he does -what was I about
to say ? By the mass, I was about to say something : where did I
leave ?
REVN.\LDO. At closes in the cun.\tqut net , at jiutui or so, and
gentleman.
POLONIUS. At closes in the consequence, ay, marry ;
He closes thus : / know the gentleman ;
I saw hi»i yesterday, or t'other day,
Or then, or then; with such, or such; and, as you sav.
There was a' gaming; there o'ertook in's rouse;
There falling out at tennis : or perchance,
/ saw him enter such a house of sale.
Videlicet, a brothel, or so forth.
See you how ;
Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth :
And thus do we of wisdom and of reach,
With windlasses and with assays of bias,
« By indirections find directions out :
So by my former lecture and advice,
Shall you my son. You have me, have you not ?
REYNALDO. My lord. I have.
God be wi' you ; fare you well.
Good my lord!]
Observe his inclination in yourself.*
I shall, my lord.
And let him ply his music.
POLONIUS.
REYNALDO.
POLONIUS.
REYNALDO.
POLONIUS.
REYNALDO.
POLONIUS.
Farewell! '
Well, my lord.
[Exit ri:ynaldo.
Enter Ophelia.^
How now, Ophelia! what's the matter ?
OPHELIA. O, my lord, my lord, I have been so affrighted!
POLONIUS. With what, i' the name of God ?
OPHELIA.* My lord, as I was sewing in my chamber,
Lord Hamlet, with his doublet all unbraced ;
No hat upon his head ; his stockings foul'd,
Ungarter'd, and down-gyved to his ancle ;
Pale as his shirt ; his knees knocking each other ;
And with a look so piteous in purport
As if he had been loosed out of hell
To speak of horrors, — he comes before me.
POLONIUS. Mad for thy love ?
OPHELIA. My lord, I do not know ;
But truly, I do fear it.
POLONIUS. What said he ?
OPHELi.\. He took me by the wrist and held me hard ;
Then goes he to the length of all his arm ;
And, with his other hand thus o'er his brow,
He falls to such perusal of my face
As he would draw it. Long stay'd he so ;
At last, a little shaking of mine arm
II] n Uh iiplijted fiunff.
[2] REYS.\Ll><i boirt loir, tiirnt up L.C.
behind thruiif to /■iilranc L.,<tt tctiieh
he boira ayuin brfof trit.
[3) From R. on rottrum nhi- coinff t/nirkly
and exeiledly doicn C. ftfpt.to p<h,i>nius
on hit L. n« Ac is morirnj lofk.fnlrnnef.
(4) C. PoLONirs B.C.
22
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act II
[1] Turning and moving to R.
[ii] Returning.
[3] Moves towards K. entrance.
[4] Standing above entrance.
[5] OPHELIA crosses him and goes out first.
[6J ^1 moment's pause. Trumpets off L.
[7] SOLDIERS enter by rostrum from L., and
form on each side of c. arch in line
up and down aluge. The KING and
QCEKX enter, (;UEEX on KING'S L.
hand, lie passes her to her chair L.
of throne and then seats himself.
.SeveralCOVKTiKMSandtwo lords follow
behind the KING, two LADIES behind
the QUEEN. LORDS to R. and L. of
throne. LADIES behind queen's chair.
All, but the LORD ivho toJces position on
K. of throne . (joiny behind it to places.
After the KING is seated ROSENCRANTZ
and guili)ENST?;rn come down c.
steps, follo)rrd b;/ several ATTENDANTS,
who stand at back L. KOSENCRANTZ
and (;i'ii.iii;nsterx adioncr and kneel.
[S] Soldiers exeunt as rosexcuantz and
GDiLDEN'srEiiN hnecl.
[9] rosencrantz and ouildensterx rise
an the KING niolions them.
And thrice his head thus waving up and down,
He raised a sigh so piteous and profound
As it did seem to shatter all his bulk
And end his being : that done, he lets me go :
And, with his head over his shoulder turn'd.
He seem'd to find his way without his eyes ;
For out o' doors he went without their helps,
And, to the last, bended their light on me.
poLONius. Come, go with me • ^ I will go seek the king.
This is the very ecstasy of love,'- j
Whose violent property fordoes itself
And leads the will to desperate undertakings
As oft as any passion under heaven
That does afflict our natures. I am sorry.
What, have you given him any hard words of late ?
OPHELIA. No, my good lord, but, as you did command,
I did repel his letters and denied
His access to me.
POLONIUS. That hath made him mad.
I am sorry that with better heed and judgement
I had not quoted him : I fear'd he did but trifle.
And meant to wreck thee ; [but, beshrew my jealousy!
By heaven, it is as proper to our age \
To cast beyond ourselves in our opinions, \
As it is common for the younger sort
To lack discretion.^] Come, [go we to the king :]
This must be known ; which, being kept close, might move *
More grief to hide than hate to utter love.
Come.^ [Exeunt.''
Enter soldiers, king, queen, several courtiers, lords, ladies,
ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN AND ATTENDANTS. '^
^ KING. Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern !
Moreover that we much did long to see you.
The need we have to use you did provoke
Our hasty sending.'' Something have you heard
Of Hamlet's transformation ; [so call it,
Sith nor the exterior nor the inward man
Resembles that it was.] What it should be,
v,More than his father's death, that thus hath put him
So much from the understanding of himself,
I cannot dream of : I entreat you both,
[That, being of so young days brought up with him,
And sith so neighbour'd to his youth and haviour,]
That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
Some little time : so by your companies
To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather.
So much as from occasion you may glean.
Whether aught, to us unknown, afflicts him thus,
That, open'd, lies within our remedy.
QUEEN. Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you ;
And sure I am two men there are not living
To whom he more adheres. If it will please you
To show us so much gentry and good will
As to expend your time with us awhile.
For the supply and profit of our hope.
Scene I
iia.mli:t, princk of denmauk
23
Your visitation shall receive such thanks
As fits a king's remembrance.
KOsicNCKAMZ. l>oth your majesties
Might, by the sovereign power you have of us,
Put your dread pleasures more into command
Than to entreaty.
GUii.ni;NsTi;KN. But we both obey,
And here give up ourselves, in the full bent
To lay our service freely at your feet,
To be commanded.
KING. Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern.
QUEEN. Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz :
And I beseech you instantly to visit
My too much changed son. Go, some of you,
And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is.'^
[guildenstern. Heavens make our presence and our practices
Pleasant and helpful to him.
yuEEN. Ay, amen!]
Exeunt rosencr.\ntz, guildenstern, and sonic .\ttend.\nts.
Enter polonius.^
POLONius. [The ambassadors from Norway, my good lord.
Are joyfully return 'd.
KING. Thou still hast been the father of good news.
POLONIUS. Have I, my lord ? I assure my good liege,
I hold my duty, as I hold my soul,
Both to my God and to my gracious king :
And I do think, or else this brain of mine
Hunts not the trail of policy so sure j
.As it hath used to do.] My lord, I do think that I have found*
\The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy.
KING. O, speak of that ; that do I long to hear.
[roLONius. Give first admittance to the ambassadors ;
My news shall be the fruit to that great feast.
KING. Thyself do grace to them, and bring them in.
[Exit POLONIUS.
He tells me, my dear Gertrude, he hath found
The head and source of all your son's distemper. 1
OUEEN. I doubt it is no other but the main S
His father's death, and our o'erhasty marriage. )
KING. Well, we shall sift him.
Re-enter polonius, with voltj.mand and couNiLRb.
Welcome, my good friends!
Say, Voltimand, what from our brother Norway .''
voltimand. Most fair return of greetings and desires.
Upon our first, he sent out to suppress
His nephew's levies ; which to him appear'd i
To be a preparation 'gainst the Polack ; I
But, better look'd into, he truly found i
It was against your highness ; whereat grieved, !
That so his sickness, age and impotence I
Was falsely borne in hand, sends out arrests
On Fortinbras ; which he, in brief, obeys ;
Receives rebuke from Norway, and in fine
Makes vow before his uncle never more
To give the assay of arms against your majesty. I
• Note.— The words "My lord, I do think" would naturally be omitted in using the full text.
[1] Two .KTXr.Si>\\ i> i»i- ' -i;is L. Of
C. arch and aiiait 1 • rz and
OfILI>KNST»:UN, t<7lO how tO
the Kl.SO and giKKX and jnttn up 0.
and (10 otit fty ni^trum to u., follotffd
by attindantf.
[2\Ffom R. entrance, carryimj uand. Ad-
rancinij to front of throne, hi- bows and
Kpeaku tcilh windy importance. He
fioldf a letter in hi* hand.
24
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act II
[Giving a paper.
Whereon old Norway, overcome with joy,
Gives him three thousand crowns in annual fee,
And his commission to employ those soldiers,
So levied as before, against the Polack :
With an entreaty, herein further shown,
That it might please you to give quiet pass
Through your dominions for this enterprise.
On such regards of safety and allowance
As therein are set down.
KING. It likes us well ;
And at our more consider 'd time we'll read,
Answer, and think upon this business.
Meantime v/e thank you for your well-took labour :
Go to your rest ; at night we'll feast together :
Most welcome home!
[Exeunt voLTiMAXD and Cornelius.
POLONius. This business is well ended.]
My liege, and madam, to expostulate
V/hat majesty should be, what duty is,
Why day is day, night night, and time is time,
Were nothing but to waste night, day and time.
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, (
And tediousness the limbs and outv/ard flourishes,
I will be brief : your noble son is mad :
Mad call I it ; forPto^eHne" lirue madness.
What is 't but. to be nothing else but mad ?
But let that go.
QUEEN. More matter, with less art. ^
POLONIUS. Madam, I swear I use no art at all.
That he is mad, 'tis true : 'tis true 'tis pity ;
And pity 'tis 'tis true : a foolish figure ;
But farewell it, for I will use no art.
Mad let us grant him, then : and now remains
That we find out the cause of this effect,
Or rather say, the cause of this defect.
For this effect defective comes by cause :
Thus it remains, and the remainder thus.
Perpend.
I have a daughter — have while she is mine —
Who, in her duty and obedience, mark.
Hath given me this : now gather, and surmise. ^
To the celestial and my soul's idol, the most beautified Ophelia,-
That's an ill phrase, a vile phrase ; beautified is a vile phrase :
but you shall hear. Thus : [Reads.
In her excellent white bosom, these, etc.
QUEEN. Came this from Hamlet to her ?
POLONIUS. Good madam, stay awhile, I will be faithful.
[Reads.
Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.
O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers; I have not art to reckon
my groans: but that I love thee best, 0 most best, believe it. Adieu.
Thine everyuore, most dear lady, whilst this
machine is to him, hamlet.
[Reads.
SCKXE I
HAMLKT, PRINCE OF DENMARK
This, in obedience, hath my daughter shown me,
And more above, hath his solicitings.
As they fell out by time, by means and place,
All given to mine ear.
KING. But how hath she
Received his love ?
roLONius. What do you think of me ?
KING. As of a man faithful and honourable.
POLONius. I would fain prove so. But what might you
think,
[When I had seen this hot love on the wing —
As I perceived it, I must tell you that,
Before my daughter told me - what might you,
Or my dear majesty your queen here, think,]
If I had play'd the desk or table-book,
Or given my heart a winking, mute and dumb,
Or look'd upon this love with idle sight ;
What might you think ? No, I went round to work,
And my young mistress thus I did bespeak :
Lord Hamlet is a prince, out of thy star;
This must not be: and then I precepts gave her,
That she should lock herself from his resort.
Admit no messengers, receive no tokens.
Which done, she took the fruits of my advice ;
And he, repulsed a short tale to make — ■
Fell into a sadness, then into a fast,
Thence to a watch, thence into a weakness,
Thence to a lightness, and, by this declension,
Into the madness wherein now he raves,
And all we mourn for.
KING, Do you think 'tis this ?
QUEEN. It may be, very likely.
POLONIUS. Hath there been such a time I'd fain know that —
That I have positively said ' 7 /s so.
When it proved otherwise ?
KING. Not that I know.
POLONIUS [pointing to his head and shoulder . Take this from this,
if it be otherwise :
[If circumstances lead me, I will find
Where truth is hid, though it were hid indeed
Within the centre].
KING. How may we try it further ?
POLONIUS. You know, sometimes he walks four hours together
Here in the lobby.*
QULE.N. So he does indeed.
POLONIUS. At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him :
Be you and I behind an arras then ;
Mark the encounter : if he love her not
And be not from his reason fall'n thereon,
Let me be no assistant for a state,
But keep a farm and carters.
KING. We will try it.
QUEEN. But, look, where sadly the poor wretch comes
reading.
POLONiu.=:. Away, I do beesech you, both away :
I'll board him presently. O, give me leave : -
'^Exeunt king, queen, and attendants.
fU Pointing C. to R.
■1\ I n entreaty to tht y^v ' - - fakini
tite yrEKN'> ho' I I'-r
quicklv to R. fxU. ; .. , rnuiU'j
bu all. P0I.0SIC8 tlept back at Kl.so
ritfii.
Thf Kisr, and QrKKV jxttf in front
of him. //•• ('"" turnt and uthfra
the ttrfi ' '•
the L.\I :
fhair, nui i /• ■-- ••■--
him, finall'/. ' "'>"•• '» I'-..
turning "« II v
!*
=^=r
26
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act II
[1] HAMLET /ro?« R. On rostrum to C. Looks
up from his book as POLOxius addresses
him.
[2] HAMLKT descends steps and stands c.
pOLOXius R.c, below him.
[3] HAMLET turns away a little to L.C.
[4] Turning abruptly to POLONIUS.
[5] To L. resuming book.
[6] POLOxiTJS a little away to r.
{7] Towards hamlet.
{8] Coming L.C. pointing to the page of book.
[9J Up stage C.
[10] Giving to R.
[11] Towards entrance R.
[12] At entrance. Boivs.
[13] Facing voLoyivs from his position vp
stage.
[14] Boivs again. lie is a little away from
the rntrance and as rosencrantz and
GUILDENSTERN appear he steps back
above it tnakvig way for them. They
jHiMs him to R.C.
[15] HAMLET crosses to L.C. to the throne.
[16] GtJILDENSTERX is above ROSENCRANTZ.
[17] Both make obeisance to HAMLET.
[18] Throwinfi his book on the throne, and
adeancimi to meet them c.
[19] He (7rccf(.ui-lLDENSTERN-,M7/ot>« trifle
in advance o/rOsexcraxtz, and passes
him to ROSENCRANTZ, falling thus
between them.
Enter hamlet, reading.'^
How does my good Lord Hamlet }
HAMLKT. Well, God-a-mercy.
POLONIUS. Do you know me, my lord .?
HAMLET. Excellent well ; you are a fishmonger.-
POLONius. Not I, my lord. ^
HAMLET. Then I would you were so honest a man.^
POLONIUS. Honest, my lord! "
HAMLET. Ay, sir ; to be honest, as this world goes, is to be one
man picked out of ten thousand.
POLONIUS. That's very true, my lord.
HAMLET. For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a god
kissing carrion, ^^ — Have you a daughter ?
POLONIUS. I have, my lord.
HAMLET. Let her not walk i' the sun : conception is a blessing :
but not as your daughter may conceive. Friend, look to 't.^
POLONIUS. Hov/sayyouby that ? '^ [Aside.] Still harping on my
daughter : yet he knew me not at first ; he said I was a fishmonger :
he is far gone, far gone : and truly in my youth I suffered much
extremity for love ; very near this. I'll speak to him again." — What
do you read, my lord ?
HAMLET. Words, words, words.
POLONIUS. What is the matter, my lord }
HAMLET. Between who }
POLONIUS. I mean, the matter that you read, my lord.
HAMLET. Slanders, sir : ^ for the satirical rogue says here that old
men have grey beards, that their faces are wrinkled, their eyes purging
"thick amber and plum-tree gum and that they have a plentiful lack
of wit, together with most weak hams : all which, sir, though I most
powerfully and potently believe, yet I hold it not honesty to have it
thus set down, for yourself, sir, should be old as I am, if like a crab
you could go backward.^
/* POLONIUS [aside].^^ Though this be madness, yet there is method
I in 't. Will you walk out of the air, my lord ?
HAMLET. Into my grave.
POLONIUS. Indeed, that is out o' the air. [Aside.l How pregnant
sometimes his replies are! [a happiness that often madness hits on,
which reason and sanity could not so prosperously be delivered of.]
I will leave him, and suddenly contrive the means of meeting between
him and my daughter. ^^ My honourable lord, I will most humbly take
my leave of you.^'- ' — ^
HAMLET. 1^ You Cannot, sir, take from me any thing that I will]
more willingly part withal : except my life, except my life, except myi
life. '
POLONIUS. Fare you well, my lord.^^
HAMLET. These tedious old fools! ^^
Enter rosencrantz and guildenstern.
POLONIUS. You go to seek the Lord Hamlet ; there he is.
rosencrantz [to POLONIUS]. God save you, sir!
[Exit POLONIUS.
GUILDENSTERN. My honoured lord! i*^
ROSENCRANTZ. My most dear lord! ^^
HAMLET. IS My excellent good friends! ^^ How dost thou, Guilden-
stern ? Ah, Rosencrantz! Good lads, how do ye both .?
ROSENCRANTZ. As the indifferent children of the earth.
SCEXE I
HAMLKT, IMtlNCE OF DENMARK
27
GuiLDHNSTERN. Happy, in that we are not over-happy ;
On fortune's cap we are not the very button.
HAMLKT. Nor the soles of her shoe ?
ROSENCRANTZ. Neither, my lord.
HAMLKT. [Then you live about her waist, or in the middle of her
favours ?
GuiLDENSTERN. 'Faith, her privates we.
HAMLET. In the secret parts of fortune ? O, most true ; she is a
strumpet.] What's the news ?
ROSENCRANTZ. None, my lord, but that the world's grown honest.
H.wiLET. Then is doomsday near : but your news is not true.
Let me question more in particular : what have you, my good friends,
deserved at the hands of fortune, that she sends you to prison
hither ? »
GUILDENSTERN. Prison, my lord!
H.\MLET. Denmark 's a prison.
[rosencrant/. Then is the world one.
HAMLiCT. A goodly one ; in which there are many confines, wards
and dungeons, Denmark being one o' the worst.]
rosen'crantz. We think not so, my lord.
HAMLi: r. Why, then, 'tis none to you ; for there is nothing either
good or bad, but thinking makes it so : ^ to me it is a prison.
ROSENCRANTZ. Why then, your gmbitipa makes it one ; 'tis too
narrow for your mind. ~~"
HAMLET. O God, I could be bounded in a nut-shell and count
myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams.
GUILDENSTERN. Which dreams indeed are ambition, for the very
substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream.
HAMLEi. A dream itself is but a shadow.
[ROSENCRANTZ. Truly, and I hold ambition of so airy and light a
quality that it is but a shadow's shadow.
H.\MLET. Then are our beggars bodies, and our monarchs and
outstretched heroes the beggars' shadows. Shall we to the court .''
for, by my fay, I cannot reason.
ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN. We'll Wait upon you.
HAMLKT. No such matter : I will not sort you with the rest of my
servants, for, to speak to you like an honest man, I am most dreadfully
attended.] - But, in the beaten way of friendship, what make you at
Elsinore ?
ROSENc R.\NT/. To visit you, my lord ; no other occasion.
HAMLi-.T. Beggar that I am, I am even poor in thanks ; but I
thank you : [and sure, dear friends, my thanks are too dear a half-
penny.] Were you not sent for ? Is it your own inclining ? Is it a
free visitation ? Come, deal justly with me : come, come ; nay,
speaic.
GUILDENSTERN. What should we say, my lord ?
HAMLET. Why, any thing, but to the purpose. You were sent for ;
and there is a kind of confession in your looks which your modesties
have not craft enough to colour : I know the good king and queen have
sent for you.
ROSENCRANTZ. To what end, my lord ?
HAMLET. That you must teach me. But let me conjure you, by
the rights of our fellowship, by the consonancy of our youth, [by the
obligation of our ever-preserved love, and by what more dear a better
proposer could charge you withal,] be even and direct with me, whether
you were sent for, or no ?
ROSENCRANTZ [tO GUILDENSTERN]. What Say yOU ? '
)
[1] I'lutsf ; he goet tothetlironf.ftanding in
front of it.
(i-
[2] Changing hir manner and turning to
thfm again.
ihmlet, l.c. ouilde.nsterx, b.c.
rii»i:m-I!antz. u.
[3] Turning to GriLDE.vsTEEX.
28
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act II
[11 Adruncing a step,
above him, to l.o.
ROSEXCRANTZ gctS
[2] Going up to c. arch, guildesstekn"
to R. turning to face hamlet, hamlet
up C. ROSEVCRANTZ L.C. GCILDEX-
STERX, R.
[3] Coming down stage.
[i\ I'lin/e,^' tucket sounded off stage R.
HAMLET. Nay, then, I have an eye of you. — If you love me, hold
not off.
GUiLDENSTERN. My lord, we were sent for.^
-- HAMLET. I will tell you why ; so shall my anticipation prevent
your discovery, and your secrecy to the king and queen moult no
feather. I have of late — but wherefore I knew not — lost all my mirth,
forgone all custom of exercises ; and indeed it goes so heavily with
my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile
promontory, this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave -
o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire,
why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent con-
gregation of vapours. What a piece of work is a man! how noble
in reason ! how infinite in faculty ! in form and moving hov/ express
and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how
like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals! And
yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust ? man delights not me :
no, nor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so.
ROSENCRANTZ. My lord, there was no such stuff in my thoughts.
HAMLET. Why did you laugh then, when I said man delights not
me ?
ROSENCRANTz. To think, my lord, if you delight not in man, what
lenten entertainment the players shall receive from you ; we coted
them on the way ; and hither are they coming, to offer you service.
HAMLET. He that plays the king shall be welcome ; his majesty
shall have tribute of me ; the adventurous knight shall use his foil
and target ; the lover shall not sigh gratis ; [the humorous man shall
end his part in peace ; the clown shall make those laugh whose lungs
are tickled o' the sere ; and the lady shall say her mind freely, or
the blank verse shall halt for 't.J What players are they ? ^
ROSENCRANTZ. Even those you were wont to take delight in, the
tragedians of the city."*
[hamlet. How chances it they travel } their residence, both in
reputation and profit, was better both ways.
ROSENCRANTZ. I think their inhibition comes by the means of the
late innovation.
hamlet. Do they hold the same estimation they did when I was
in the city 7 are they so followed ?
ROSENCRANTZ.. No, indeed, are they not.
hamlet. How comes it ? do they grow rusty ?
ROSENCRANTZ. Nay, their endeavour keeps in the wonted pace :
but there is, sir, an aiery of children, little eyases, that cry out on the
top of question, and are most tyrannically clapp'd for 't : these are
now the fashion, and so berattle the common stages — so they call them
— that many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose-quills and dare scarce
come thither.
hamli;t. What, are they children ? who maintains them ? how
are they escoted ? Will they pursue the quality no longer than they
can sing ? will they not say afterwards, if they should grow themselves
to common players — as it is most like, if their means are no better —
their writers do them wrong, to make them exclaim against their own
succession ?
ROSENCRANTZ. 'Faith, there has been much to do on both sides ;
and the nation holds it no sin to tarre them to controversy : there
was, for a while, no money bid for argument, unless the poet and the
player went to cuffs in the question.
hamlet. Is 't possible ?
GuiLDENSTERN. O, there has been much throwing about of brains.
Scene I
1I\.MFJ:T, I'HIXCE OF DKXMARK
29
HAMLET. Do the boys carry it away ?
ROSENCRANT2. Ay, that they do, my lord ; Hercules and his load
too.
HAMLET. It is not Very strange ; for mine uncle is king of Denmark,
and those that would make mows at him while my father lived, give
twenty, forty, fifty, an hundred ducats a-piece for his picture in little.
'Sblood, there is something in this more than natural, if philosophy
could find it out.]
GUILDENSTERX. There are the players.
HAMLKT.' Gentlemen, you are welcome to Elsinore. Your hands,
[come then : the appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony :
let me comply with you in this garb, lest my extent to the players,
which, I tell you, must show fairly outward, should more appear like
entertainment than yours.] You are welcome : but my uncle-father
and aunt-mother are deceived.
GUILDENSTERN. In what, my dear lord ?
HAMLET. I am but mad north-north-west
southerly I know a hawk from a hernshaw.
poLONius [off]. Well be with you, gentlemen! -
HAMLET. Hark you, Guildenstern ; and you too : ^[at each ear
a hearer :] * that great baby you see there is not yet out of his swad-
dling-clouts.^
[roslnxrantz. Happily he's the second time come to them ; for
they say an old man is twice a child.]
hamlet. I will prophesy he comes to tell me of the players ;
mark it.
when the wind is^
n
You say right, sir : o'
POLONius. My lord,
Re-enhr polonius.*
Monday morning ; 'twas so indeed.
I have news to tell you.
When Roscius was
hamlet. My lord, I have news to tell you.
an actor in Rome,
POLONIUS. The actors are come hither, my lord.
hamlet. Buz, buz!
POLONIUS. Upon mine honour, —
hamlet. Then came each actor on his ass, — '
POLONIUS.^ The best actors in the world, either for tragedy,
comedy, history, pastoral, pastoral-comical, historical-pastoral,
tragical-historical, tragical-comical-historical-pastoral, scene indivi-
dable, or poem unlimited : Seneca cannot be too heavy, nor Plautus
too light. [For the law of writ and the liberty, these are the only men.]
HAMLET. O Ji I'hihah, jud^c uf Isyacl, what a treasure hadst thou!
POLONIUS. What a treasure had he, my lord }
HAMLET. Why,
.l.j..;. . ,..
l ■ I ■• - I I 1
,H I.., I'
lie /xj
mill lillL-
hytlif handt
... ./ ., „,
['Z^Al the souhJ oj POLOSids'a t-oiee, UAHtiir
turmi up to L. of c. arch, looking off
itage to K.
(31 To KO^r ; /
[41 Imiicai IL'S, off.
'.'>] Ol-aDL.-.. ..... . ,..i--< <' '.- '■.i;»
K., up sUvii to I'- iiij
off. 110SV.SCU.K\ : , ■■!'■.
[6\ POLO.siCS COIIW.H to c. 0/1 rattruni from
the B.
[7] Mocet dotrn rtage to near throne, L.O.
[S] POLOMCS d'fcendi the ttrpi C. at he
tpeaks and foUoxca iiaMLKT.
One fair daughter, and no more,
The which he lovid passing well.
POLONIUS [aside^. Still on my daughter."
HAMLET. [Am I not i' the right, old Jephthah }
POLONIUS. If you call me Jephthah, my lord, I have a daughter
that I love passing well.
HAMLET. Nay, that follows not.
POLONIUS. What follows, then, my lord }
HAMLET. Why,
As by lot, God wot,
and then, you know.
[0] Goea to B.C. n* PL.\YKn.>i enter.
30
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act II
[1] From thew. on rostrum. AstheVLkYBRS
enter eose.vcraxtz and gcildensterx
drop clown to above throne, first
PLAYER and PLAYER QUEE.v utand c.
on roilrmn, ot'i'^i'.'s to the R.
[2] Goinfj to steps C.
[3] To FIRST PLAVEP,, taling Mm hy the
hand rind cauaing him to descend tteps.
[4] FIRST PLAYER qets to position below R.
column of c. arch.
[5] Causing player queen to advance
down steps.
[6] PLATER QUEEN- tO FIRST PLATER. The
Others follow and form group up stage,
R.C.
[7] Crosses as he speaks in the direction of
the QUEEN'S chair.
[8] FIRST PLAYER tO 0.
[9] Turning to FIRST PLATER.
[10] Turns L. in thoiujM, in front of the
queen's chair.
[11] Turns facing plater ns the words come
to him.
fl2] lie seats himself in the QUEEN'S chtii,-
and with a wave of the hand drair
ROSENCR.ANTZ and OUrLDENSTERN ne>i i
him. Thetj stand at the hack of t/f
chair.
It came to pass, as most like it was, —
the first row of the pious chanson will show you more ; for look,
where my abridgement comes.]
Enter four or five players.^
- You are welcome, masters ; welcome, all. [I am glad to see thee
well. Welcome, good friends.] "^ O, my old friend! thy face is
valanced since I saw thee last : comest thou to beard me in Denmark ?,*
■' What, my young lady and mistress ! By 'r lady, your ladyship is
nearer to heaven than when I saw you last, by the altitude of a chopine.
[Pray God, your voice, like a piece of uncurrent gold, be not cracked
within the ring.] Masters, you are all welcome.*^ We'll e'en to 't
like French falconers, fly at any thing we see : we'll have a speech
straight : come, give us a taste '' of your quality ; come, a passionate
speech.
FIRST PLAYER. What speech, my lord ? ^
HAMLET.^ I heard thee speak me a speech once, but it was never
acted ; or, if it was, not above once ; for the play, I remember,
pleased not the million ; 'twas caviare to the general : but it was
— [as I received it, and others, whose judgements in such matters
cried in the top of mine] — an excellent play [well digested in the scenes,
set down with as much modesty as cunning. I remember, one said
there were no sallets in the lines to make the matter savoury,
nor no matter in the phrase that might indict the author of affecta-
tion ; but called it an honest method, as wholesome as sweet, and by
very much more handsome than fine]. One speech in it I chiefly loved :
'twas -Eneas' tale to Dido ; [and thereabout of it especially, where
he speaks ot mam s slaughter :] if it live in your m.emory, begin at
this line : let me see, let me see — ^^
The rugged Pyrrhus, like the Hyrcanian beast, —
it is not so : — it begins with Pyrrhus : —
^1 The rugged Pyrrhus, he whose sable arms,
Black as his purpose, did the night resemble
When he lay couched in the ominous horse,
[Hath now this dread and black complexion smear' d
With heraldry more dismal; head to foot
Now is he total gules; horridly trick' d
With blood of fathers, mothers, daughters, sons,
Baked and impasted with the parching streets.
That lend a tyrannous and damned light
To their lord's murder : roasted in wrath and fire.
And thus o^-stzea ~wtth coagulate gore.l
With eyes like carbuncles, the hellish Pyrrhus
Old grandsire Priam seeks.
So, proceed you.^^
poLONius. 'Fore God, my lord, well spoken, with good accent and
good discretion.
FIRST PLAYER. Anon he finds him
Striking too short at Greeks; his antique sword,
Rebellious to his arm, lies where it falls.
Repugnant to command : unequal match'd,
Pyrrhus at Priam drives; in rage strikes wide;
But with the whiff and wind of his fell sword
fT^e unnervid father falls. [Then senseless Ilium,
Scene I
HAMLET, l»UlNtE OF DENMAliK
31
Seeming to feel this blow, with flaming top
Stoops to his base, and with a hideous crash
Takes prisoner Pyrrhus' ear : for, lo I his sword.
Which was declining on the milky head
Of reverend Priam, seem'd i' the air to stick :
So, as a painted tyrant, Pyrrhus stood.
And like a neutral to his will and matter.
Did nothing.'l
But, as we often see, against some storm,
A silence in the heavens, the rack stand still.
The bold winds speechless and the orb below
As hush as death, anon the dreadful thunder
Doth rend the region, so, after Pyrrhus' pause.
Aroused v(fi^!a>ice sets him new a-work :
And never did the Cyclops' hammers fall
On Mars's armour, forged for proof eterne.
With less remorse than Pyrrhus' bleeding sword
Now falls on Priam.
Out, out, thou strumpet. Fortune I [All you gods.
In general synod, take away her power;
Break all the spokes and fellies from her wheel.
And bowl the routid nave down the hill of heaven,
As low as to the fiends !]
POLONius. This is too long.
HAMLET. It shall be the barber's, with your beard. Prithee, say
on : he's for a jig or a tale of bawdry, or he sleeps : say on : come
to Hecuba.
FIRST PLAYER. But who, O, who had seen the mobled queen —
HAMLET. The mobled queen ?
POLONIUS. That's good ; mobled queen is good.
FIRST PLAYER. RuH barefoot up and down, threatening the flames
With bisson rheum ; a clout upon that head
Where late the diadem stood, and for a robe,
[About her lank and all o'er-teemid loins.l
A blanket, in the alarm of fear caught up;
Who thts had seen, with tongue in venom steep'd,
'Gainst Fortune's state would treason have pronounced:
But if the gods themselves did see her then
When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sport
In mincing with his sword her husband's limbs.
The instant burst of clamour that she made,
[Unless things mortal move them not at a//,]
Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven,
And passion in the gods.
POLONIUS. Look, whether he has not turned his colour and has
tears in 's eyes. Pray you, no more.^
JiAMLET.- 'Tis well ; I'll have thee speak out the rest soon.^
Good my lord, will you see the players well bestowed ? Do you hear,
let them be well used ; for they are the abstract and brief chronicles
of the time : after your death you were better have a bad epitaph than
their ill report while you live.
POLONIUS. My lord, I will use them according to their desert.
HAMLET. God's bodykins, man, much better : use every man after
his desert, and who should 'scape whipping ? Use them after your
own honour and dignity : the less they deserve, the more merit is in
your bounty. Take them in.
POLONIUS. Come, sirs.^
[1] WUh n nwi-fitunt of expo'l 'tlalion
loicardx FIR.ST I'L.WKB.
[2] Risiny, and (uimncing to FIRST PLAYER,
C.
[3J To POLOSru.S a» first PLAYKR mating
(Nuance to KAXLET rfjoitu the group
lip ftage, R.r. HAMLET kfpt p^iiition
[4] Tie goes to above entrance R., and ng-
nifies that the PLATERS shall pass out .
32
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act II
[1] The PLAYERS go, but hamlet stays the
FIKST with a gesture, and he comes to
him c.
[2] I'LAVER bows low to HAMLET, goci tO
entrance K. a7id bows again before
going,
ii] Turning to kosencraxtz and guilder-
STER.v, ivho have come to below the
QUEEN'S chair L.
[4] Advancing to c, bowing to HAMLET
and passing to C. steps followed by
GUILDENSTERN, who also bows. They
go out R. by rostrum.
{5] At R. column ofc. arch watching them go.
16] To C. OJ stage.
17] He paunes. Goes slowly to the L. and
sits in the QUEEN'S chair facing L.
down stage.
[8] Resuming irith intensity, but in lower
strain.
[91 Pause — springing to his feet, his voiet-
rising as he paces to R.
[10] /" passion he crosses tothrone — speaking
with violence and threatening gesture
to the place of the KINO.
[11] After a pause, in bitter self-contempt.
HAMLET. Follow him, friends : we'll hear a play to-morrow. ^
[Exit POLONius with all the players but the First.] Dost thou hear
me, old friend ; can you play the Murder oLGonzago ?
FIRST PLAYER. Ay, my lord.
HAMLET. We'll ha 't to-morrow night. You could, for a need,^
study a speech of some dozen or sixteen lines, which I would set j
down and insert in 't, could you not ? I
FIRST PLAYER. Ay, my lord. -^
HAMLET. Very well. Follow that lord ; and look you mock him
not.^ [Exit FIRST PLAYER. l""^ My good friends, I'll leave you till
night : you are welcome to Elsinore.
ROSENCRANTZ. Good my lord! ^
HAMLET. Ay, so, God be wi' ye ; [Exeunt
[12] Crossing to C.
GUiLDENSTERN.] Now I am alone.^ -^
0, what a rogue and peasant slave am I! ^
Is it not monstrous that this player here,^
But in a fiction, in a dream of passion,
Could force his soul so to his own conceit
That from her working all his visage wann'd,
Tears in his eyes, distraction in 's aspect,
A broken voice, and his whole function suiting
With forms to his conceit? and all for nothing!
For Hecuba!
What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba,
That he should weep for her ? What would he do,
Had he the motive and the cue for passion
That I have ? He would drown the stage with tears
And cleave the general ear with horrid speech,
Make mad the guilty and appal the free,
Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed
The very faculties of eyes and ears.'
8 Yet I,
A dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak,
Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause,
And can say nothing ; no, not for a king.
Upon whose property and most dear life
A damn'd defeat was made. ^ Am I a coward ?
Who calls me villain ? breaks my pate across ?
[Plucks off my beard, and blows it in my face ?]
Tweaks me by the nose ? gives me the lie i' the throat,
As deep as to the lungs ? who does me this ?
Ha!
'Swounds, I should take it : for it cannot be
But I am pigeon-liver'd and lack gall
To make oppression bitter,^'' or ere this
I should have fatted all the region kites
With this slave's offal : bloody, bawdy villain!
Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!
0, vengeance!
^1 Why, what an ass am I ! This is most brave,
That I, the son of a dear father murder'd.
Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell,
Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words.
And fall a-cursing, like a very drab,
A scullion!
Fie upon 't ! foh ! ^^ About, my brain! I have heard
That guilty creatures sitting at a play
ROSENCRANTZ and
Scene I
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
33
Have by the very cunning of the scene
Been struck so to the soul that presently
They have proclaim 'd their malefactions ;
For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak
With most miraculous organ.' I'll have these players
Play something like the murder of my father
Before mine uncle : - I'll observe his looks ; .
I'll tent him to the quick : if he but blench, J
I know my course.'' The spirit that I have seei
seen "A
^ay be the devil : and the devil hath pov/er
To assume a pleasing shape ; yea, and perhaps
Out of my weakness and my melancholy,
As he is very potent with such spirits,
Abuses me to damn me : I'll have grounds
More relative than this : ' the play's the thing
Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king.
[1] To n.
[2] Turning to face throne, but teepiuj n.
i 1) f'/» atiiije C.
[Exit
if 6
[4] UU voice ri/iing.
[5] Cp sti-ps bij rostrum to L.
Curtain.
34
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
yiimhers in Diagram.
1. KING'S throne.
2. QtJEKS'S chair.
3. Chair for OPHELIA, with stool.
4. Chairs for LADIES.
5. Benches.
[1] The QUKKX if sealed in chair down stage
L.C. OPHELIA stands at her side tip
stage. POLONIUS in front of the QUEEN'S
throne chair R.c. kosencrantz atid
GCTLDENSTERX are together towards C.
facing the KING who stands in front
of throne.
[2J They bow both to the KING and QUEEN
and up to C. arch, bowing again at the
steps. Exit C. ton. FOhOsius follows
to C. steps.
[3] Advancing c. extending his hand to the
queen who rises and meets him.
[4] With an inclination of the head.
[5] Turns from, the KING on her R., going to
OPHELIA, who has advanced clear of
chair.
[6] Turns on her L., the KING takes her
right hand, leading her to above throne.
She goes out R. King to R.c.
ACT THE THIRD
SCENE I
A room of state in the castle.
1 KING, QUEEN, POLONIUS, OPHELIA, ROSENCRANTZ, and GUILDEN-
STERN discovered.
KING. And can you, by no drift of conference
Get from him why he puts on this confusion,
[Grating so harshly all his days of quiet
With turbulent and dangerous lunacy ?]
ROSENCRANTZ. He does confess he feels himself distracted ;
But from what cause he will by no means speak.
[guilduxstern. Nor do we find him forward to be sounded,
But, with a crafty madness, keeps aloof,
When we would biuig lillh on to some confession
Of his true state.]
QUEEN. Did he receive you well ?
ROSENCRANTZ. Most like a gentleman.
[guildenstern. But with much forcing of his disposition.
ROSENCRANTZ. Niggard of question ; but, of our demands,
Most free in his reply.]
QUEEN. Did you assay him
To any pastime ?
rosi;ncrantz. Madam, it so fell out, that certain players
We o'er-raught on the way : of these wcvtold him. ;
And there did seem in him a kind of joy )
To hear of it : they are about the court,
And, as I think, they have already order
This night to play before him.
POLONIUS. 'Tis most true :
And he beseech 'd me to entreat your majesties
To hear and see the matter. .^
king. With all my heart ; and it doth much content meU/^'^'^
To hear him so inclined. ) i
Good gentlemen, give him a further edge.
And drive his purpose on to these delights.
ROSENCRANTZ. We shall, my lord.
[Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.^
KING. ^ Sweet Gertrude, leave us too;
For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither.
That he, as 'twere by accident, may here
Affront Ophelia :
Her father and myself, lawful espials.
Will so bestow ourselves that, seeing, unseen,
We may of their encounter frankly judge.
And gather by him, as he is behaved.
If 't be the affliction of his love or no
That thus he suffers for.
QUEEN. I shall obey you.''
^ And for your part, Ophelia, I do wish
That your good beauties be the happy cause
Of Hamlet's wildness : so shall I hope your virtues
Will bring him to his wonted way again.
To both your honours."
Scene I
HAMLKT, PRINCE OF DENMARK
OPHELIA. Madam, I wish it may.' Exit qi'f.en.
POLONirs- Ophelia, walk you here. Gracious, so please you,
We will bestow ourselves, [lo oi'HELI.\.] Read on this book ; '*
That show of such an exercise may colour
Your loneliness.' (We are oft to blame in this,
'Tis too much proved that with devotion's visage
And pious action we do sugar o'er
The devil himself.
:\\iii
KiN(.. A-^tdr. 0, 'tis too true!
How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience!
The harlot's cheek, beautied with plastering art,
Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it
Than is my deed to my most painted word ;
0 heavy burthen!]
1 hear him coming : let 's withdraw, my lord.'^
lExcnnt king a)id i'olonils.
Ll] OMIKI.IA bi-iuls Iter ht-.iU.
12] Vomiiiij down to ol>ili:u.i.
[31 Gictn hook.
[4J Up tlaijn 0. lo L. of c. arch.
Enter hamlet.^
HAMLKT. To be, or not to be : that is the question
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them ? ' To die : to sleep ;
No more ; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep ;
To sleep : perchance to dream : ay, there 's the rub ;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause : there 's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life ;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time.
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay.
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes.
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin ? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life.
But that the dread of something after death.
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of ?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all ;
And thus the native hue of resolution
\Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thoughtj_
/ And enterprises of great pith and moment
I With this regard their currents turn awry,
\ And lose the name of action."* Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember 'd.
OPHELIA. Good, my lord,
How does your honour for this many a day ?
HAMLET. I humbly thank you ; well, well, well.
OPHELIA. My lord, I have remembrances of yours,
n
.■>1 77i/' KINO, who hiiH fllUliilfd, R.C.,
looks toirardi •'iitniHf »'. POLO.S'ICli
iipproacJifi' him ami thnj go out, R.
up ftaijf. orilKLlA tiiriiJi lip «'., lookii
iilf toirartli K. ami thru ijofi to the
tliroiir, half hiilimi almif it.
;!)) From c. In tU-rpthomjht hi" approucliei
chair L.C. ; utamliiuj at ttw coiamrnet'
iifiit of npfeeh.
iJl-S.fe..
[»J OPHKLI.K pa»tifs in front of Ih- llironr to
ahori- thr QrEKX'S chair !!.<■. IHMLET
HtfK her, Ite rise*.
36
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
1] Coming dmai towards c.
[2] Advancing jewels.
[3] Turm up.
14] Facing OPHKLIA, above her.
[5] Approaching her.
[6] Ix)Oking on the ground.
[7] Turns from her to L.
[8] Without movement.
[9] Crossing above OPITELIA to corner oj
throne, up stage.
[10] Turning towards OPHELIA.
[U] Advancing, OPHELIA retreats a little
before him to L.C.
[12] Speaking loudly in suspicion.
[13] Up to steps c.
[14] Facing L.
[15] Coming to c. nf stage.
[16] Up stage.
[17] Facinq l.. una hi.
[18] As HAMLET advances towards her,
OPHELIA shrinks away in front of hint
toward R.C.
[10] HAMLET turns up stage again.
[20] C. to R.
[21] After HAMLET has gone, OPHELIA turns
on her left hand and crosses to column
L. of c. arch, looking after him, before
she speaks.
That I have longed long to re-deliver ;
I pray you, now receive them.^
HAMLET. No, not I ;
I never gave you aught.
OPHELIA. My honour'd lord, you know right well you did ;
And, with them, words of so sweet breath composed
As made the things more rich : their perfume lost.
Take these again ; for to the noble mind
Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.)
There, my lord.-
HAMLET. Ha, ha! are you honest ?
OPHELIA. My lord ?
HAMLET. Are you fair ?
OPHELIA. What means your lordship ?
HAMLET. That if you be honest and fair, your honesty should
admit no discourse to your beauty.
OPHELIA. Could beauty, my lord, have better commerce than
with honesty ?
HAMLET.^ Ay, truly ; ^ for the power of beauty will sooner trans-
form honesty from what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty
can translate beauty into his likeness : this was sometime a paradox,
but now the time gives it proof.^ I did love you once.
OPHELIA. Indeed, my lord, you made me believe so.^
HAMLET. You should not have believed me ; for virtue cannot so
innoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it : I loved you not."
OPHELIA. I was the more deceived.^
HAMLET. Get thee to a nunnery : why wouldst thou be a breeder
of sinners ? ® I am myself indinerent honest ; but yet I could accuse
me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me :
I am very proud, revengeful,^ ambitious, witlLxnore- off ences at my
beck than I have thoughts to put them in, imagination to give them
shape, or time to act them in.^'^ What should such fellows as I do
crawling between earth and heaven ? We are arrant knaves, all ;
.believe none of us.^^ Go thy ways to a nunnery. Where 's your
^father ?
OPHELIA. At home, my lord.
HAMLET. 1- Let the doors be shut upon him, that he may play the
fool no where but in 's own house. Farewell. ^^
OPHELIA. O help him, you sweet heavens! ^*
1^ HAMLET. If thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for thy
dowry : be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not
escape calumny.^*' Get thee to a nunnery. Go, farewell.^' Or, if
thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool ; for v/ise men know well enough
what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go ; and quickly
too.^** Farewell.^'-'
OPHELIA. O heavenly powers, restore him!
HAMLET. I have heard of your paintings too, well enough ; God
has given you one face, and you make yourselves another : you jig,
you amble, and you lisp, and nick-name God's creatures, and make
four wantonness your ignorance. Go to, I'll no more on 't ; it hath
lade me mad. I say, we will have no more marriages : those that
arFrnarried already, all but one, shall live ; the rest shall keep as they
are. To a nunnery, go. [Exit.-^
' oPHELiA.^i O what a noble mind is here o'erthrown!
The courtier's, soldier's, scholar's, eye, tongue, sword ;
The expectancy and rose of the fair state,
The glass of fashion and the mould of form,
SCKNK I
IIAMLKT, PRINC^E OF DF-NMAHK
37
The observed of all observers, quite, quite down!
And I, of ladies most deject and wretched,
That suck'd the honey of his music vows,
Now see that noble and most sovereign reason,
Like sweet bells jangled, out of tune and harsh ;
That unmatch'd form and feature of blown youth
Blasted with ecstasy : ^ O woe is me,
To have seen what I have seen, see what I see!
Re-enter king and POLONir.s.-
[Exit.
~\
KING. Love! his affections do not that way tend ,
Nor what he spake, tbough it lack^ form a little,
Was not like madness. There 's s^mefJllng m his soul,
O^er which his melancholy sits on brood ;
And I do doubt the hatch and the disclose
Will be some danger : which for to prevent,
I have in quick determination
Thus set it down : he shall with speed to England,
For the demand of our neglected tribute :
Haply the seas and countries different
With variable objects shall expel
This something-settled matter in his heart,
Whereon his brains still beating puts him thus
From fashion of himself. What think you on 't ?
I'OLONUs. It shall do well : but yet do I believe
The origin and commencement of his grief
Sprung from neglected love. [How now, Ophelia!
You need not tell us what Lord Hamlet said ;
We heard it all. My lord,] do as you please ;
But, if you hold it fit, after the play
Let his queen mother all alone entreat him
To show his grief : let her be round with him ;
And I'll be placed, so please you, in the ear
Of all their conference.
*For as you said, and wisely was it said,
'Tis meet that some more audience than a mother.
Since nature makes them partial, should overhear
The speech of vantage. If she find him not,
To England send him, or confine him where
Your wisdom best shall think.
KIN-;. It shall be so ;
Madness in great ones must not unwatch'd go
[1] Turn» and yof* out fiUrunci- L.
[2] K. fulrancf. Thru cotiir to C. HOU)-
Sirs JoUoirt I /if KI.NO (I ml ttaiuis on
his K.
^
[Exeunl*
Enter hamlet and three of the players.'
HAMLET. Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you,
trippingly on the tongue : but if you mouth it, as many of your
players do, I had as lief the town-crier spoke my lines. Nor do not
saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently ; for
in the very torrent, tempest, and, as I may say, the whirlwind of
passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it
smoothness. 0, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-
pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the ears
of the groundling.^, who for the most part are capable of nothing but
inexplicable dumb-shows and noise : I would have such a fellow
whipped for o'erdoing Termagant ; it out-he.'-ods Herod : pray you,
avoid it.'
[31 Coing Uncard* L. fiUraner.
(4JL.
[.'«] H.VMLKT, U-lio rnUm icitAtAc PLAYERS C,
i-pruk* (i» / ■ ' " ' /•». Thi-
I'LAVKllS ; " littlr
II f) ilai/r, 1... . ..... I i.A . . . '•■luir On
oUu-rn, C. UAMLKT, Il.C.
[6) Turn* B.
These four lines of Polonius" are transferred from Scene II of this Act as the en trance there then Is omitted.
38
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
[1] Advancing to first player.
[2] fie crosses the first player, yoinn to
chair L.C. FIRST PLAYER to R.C. Others,
at back, move a little to behind FIRST
PLAYER.
[3] Sits.
[41 All bow to HAMLET and exeunt C, first
PLAYER preceding.
[5] From R. entrance.
[6] Risimj quickly.
[7] Meeting horatio o.
FIRST PLAYER. I Warrant your honour.
H.wiLET.i Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion
be your tutor : suit the action to the word, the word to the action ;
with this special observance, that you o'erstep not the modesty of
nature : for any thing so overdone is from the purpose of playing,
whose end, both at the first and now, was and is, to hold, as 'twere,
the mirror up to nature ; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her
own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and
pressure. Now this overdone, or come tardy off, though it make the
unskilful laugh cannot but make the judicious grieve ; the censure
of the which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre
of others." 0, there be players that I have seen play, and heard
others praise, and that highly, not to speak it profanely, that, neither
having the accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor
man, have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of
nature's journeymen had made men and not made them well, they
imitated humanity so abominably.'^
FIRST PL.WF.R. I hope wc have reformed that indifferently with us,
sir.
HAMLET. O, reform it altogether. And let those that play your
clowns speak no more than is set down for them ; for there be of
them that will themselves laugh, to set on some quantity of barren
spectators to laugh too ; though, in the mean time, some necessary
question of the play be then to be considered : that 's villanous,
and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. Go, make
you ready.
[Exeunt players.^
[Enter polonius, rosi:n'cran'tz, and guildenstern.
How now, my lord! will the king hear this piece of work ?
POLONIUS. And the queen too, and that presently.
HAMLET. Bid the players make haste. [Exit polonius.] Will
you two help to hasten them ?
rosencrantz and guildenstern. We will, my lord.
[Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.]
Enter hor.atio.^
Horatio! ^
HOR.\TIO.
HAMLET.'
Here, sweet lord, at your service.
Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man
As e'er my conversation coped withal.
HORATIO. O, my dear lord, —
HAMLET. Nay, do not think I flatter ;
For what advancement may I hope from thee
That no revenue hast but thy good spirits,
To feed and clothe thee ? [Why should the poor be flatter 'd ?
No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp.
And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
Where thrift may follow fawning.] Dost thou hear ?
Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice
And could of men distinguish, her election
Hath seal'd thee for herself ; for thou hast been
As one, in suffering all, that suffers nothing,
A man that fortune's buffets and rewards
Hast ta'en with equal thanks : and blest are those
Whose blood and judgement are so well commingled,
That they are not a pipe for fortune's finger
Scene I
iiAMM/r. riuxci-: of dknmark
:]n
')
a jamned ghost that we have seen,/_j^^ ^^ Ui '^'^
my imaginations are as toul ' ^-f «^'^( *^ \
" f
To sound what stop she please. Give me that ma
That is not passion's slave,' and I will wear him
In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart,
As I do thee Something too much of this. -
There is a play to-night before the king ;
One scene of it comes near the circumstance
Which I have told thee of my father's death :
I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot,
[Even with the very comment of thy soul]
Observe mine uncle : if his occulted guilt
Do not itself unkennel in one speech, / ^/3 i
And
As Vulcan's stithy. Give him heedful note
For I mine eyes will rivet to his face.
And after we will both our judgements join
In censure of his seeming.
HOKATio. Well, my lord : ■'
[If he steal aught the whilst this play is playing,
And 'scape detecting, I will pay the theft.]
HAMLET. They are coming to the play ; I must be idle :
Get you a place.^
Dauish match. A flourish. Enter soltheks, kinCx, queen, poloniUS.
OPHELIA, ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN, COURTIERS, LORDS,
LADIES and ATTENDANTS.^
KING. How fares our cousin Hamiet ? ''
HAMLET. Excellent, i' faith ; of the chameleon's dish : I eat the
air, promise-crammed : you cannot feed capons so.
KING. I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet ; these words
are not mine.
HAMLET. No, nor mine now. [To polonius.] My lord, you played
once i' the university, you say ?
polonius. That did I, my lord ; and was accounted a good actor.
HAMLET. What did you enact ?
polonius. I did enact Julius Caesar : I was killed i' the Capitol.
Brutus killed me.
HAMLLr. It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there.
Be the players ready >
ROSENCRANTZ. Ay, my lord ; they stay upon your patience.
QUEEN. Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.
HAMLET. No good mother, here 's metal more attractive.'
POLONIUS 'to the KING . Oh, ho! do you mark that?
H.VMLET. Lady, shall I lie in your lap ?
[Lying down at Ophelia's feet.^
[oPHELiA. No, my lord.
HAMLET. I mean, my head upon your lap ?
OPHELIA. Ay, my lord.
HAMLET. Do you think I meant country matters ?
OPHELIA. I think nothing, my lord.
HAMLET. That 's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.
OPHELIA. What is, my lord ?
HAMLET. Nothing.]
OPHELIA. You are merry, my lord.
HAMLKT. Who, I ?
OPHELIA. Ay, my lord.
H.\MLET. O God, your only jig-maker. What should a man do
[I] Placing hi* arm uffeelioimtely upon
HOKATIO'S shoultlfT.
12) iyithdrawimj hix arm.
(3J Trumpets $oiin<l off L.
[4] He turn* up stage to I. arch. llORATIo
comes in front of chair L.r. and turns up
stage extreme L.
[.'>] .Ul euli-r at V. from L., ricept 0PHKL1.\.
soLl'IKKS carri/ing torchet ileteend c.
'Ii'/u^ ami range themsrires againft
iiiiUn, II. and L. "/ flage. An they
■ liter, lights up. The KI.Nd leads tJie
yl'KK.N' to hfr chair, harw' >■■ ' ••" his
L. at entrance. LoKDS 'm
the KISIJ fulloir, with i nTZ
and (il'ILDKXSTKRX, and ramjr them-
srires above the throne, .^rvfrnt I tlilES
couxe down stage to K. <" ind
yrKKXScAair. CorRTIl ' 1 I'S
follow irith other L.M>U^ ■ m
to seals L.C. ATTKSD.VM ' L.
and K. arches. orilKLI.V < <■■ "I,.
and comes down stage l,.o. to chair
facing the yrHE.v. IMiLOXirs at the
same time enters C. and goes to a
position K. side of throne. After all
are on, curtains al arches are closed.
IHMLKT then comes to c.
[01 As IHMI-KT conies C.
|7] Jie turns to Oi-HEUA.
[8) Kneeling and fsiing his hft hand on the
stool at her feet and looking up at her.
40
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
[1] Looking towards the qiteen.
[2] Drawing back.
[3] Curtains at C. arch open.
[4] From L. on rostrum, stands C.
[5] HAMLET t'trns to face vp stage, without
rising.
[6] lie stretches himxelf at full lemjlh on the
around, facing the throne, his chin in
his cupped hands.
[7J They enter in the attitude of lovers.
PLAYER KING'S arm around the queen.
When C. of arch, they stop and the king
faces the QCEEN.
[8] Looking up into KING'S face.
i
but be merry ? for, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, ^
and my father died within these two hours.
OPHELIA. Nay, 'tis twice two months, my lord.
HAMLET. So long ? [Nay then, let the devil wear black, for I'll
have a suit of sables.] O heavens! '^ die two months ago, and not
forgotten yet ? Then there 's hope a great man's memory may outlive
his life half a year : but, by 'r lady, he must build churches, then,
[or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse, whose
epitaph is For, O, for, O, the hobby-horse is forgot.
Hautboys play. The dumb-show enters.
Enter a king and a queen very lovingly; the queen embracing him,
and he her. She kneels, and makes show of protestation unto him.
He takes her up, and declines his head upon her neck : lays him
down upon a bank of flowers : she, seeing him asleep, leaves him.
Anon comes in a fellow, takes off his crown, kisses it, and pours
poison in the king's ears, and exit. The queen returns; finds the
KING dead, and makes passionate action. The poisoner, with
some two or three mutes, comes in again, seeming to lament with
her. The dead body is carried away. The poisoner wooes the
queen with gifts : she seems loath and unwilling awhile, but in the
end accepts his love.
[Exeunt.
OPHELIA. What means this, my lord }
HAMLET. Marry, this is miching mallecho ; it means mischief.]
OPHELIA. What is the argument of the play ? ^
Enter prologue.^
HAMLET. We shall know by this fellow,^ [the players cannot keep
counsel ; they'll tell all.
OPHELIA. V/ill he tell us what this show meant ?
HAMLET. Ay, or any show that you'll show him : be not you
ashamed to show, he'll not shame to tell you what it means.
OPHELIA. You are naught, you are naught : I'll mark the play,]
PROLOGUE. For us, and for our tragedy,
Here stooping to your clemency,
We beg your hearing patiently.
[Exit.
HAMLET. Is this a prologue, or the posy of a ring ?
OPHELIA. 'Tis brief, my lord. ^
HAMLET. As woman's love.'' |
Enter two players, king and queen.'
PLAYER KING. Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart gone round
Neptune's salt wash and Tellus' orbed ground,
[And thirty dozen moons with borrovv^'d sheen
About the world have times twelve thirties been,]
Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands
Unite commutual in most sacred bands.
player queen. ^ So many journeys may the sun and moon
Make us again count o'er ere love be done!
But, woe is me, you are so sick of late,
So far from cheer and from your former state,
[That I distrust you. Yet, though I distrust,
Discomfort you, my lord, it nothing must :
For women's fear and love holds quantity ;
In neither aught, or in extremity.
SciiNE I
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
41
Now, what my love is, proof hath made you know ;
And as my love is sized, my fear is so :
Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear ;
Where little fears grow great, great love grows there.]
PLAYER KING. 'Faith, I must leave thee, love, and shortly too
My operant powers their functions leave to do :
And thou shalt live in this fair world behind,
Honour 'd, beloved ; and haply one as kind
For husband shalt thou —
PLAYER QUEEN. O, confound the rest!
Such love must needs be treason in my breast : /
In second husband let me be accurst!
None wed the second but who kill'd the first.
HAMLET [asidt']. Wormwood, wormwood.
[player qvv.v/s. The instances that second marriage move
Are base respects of thrift, but none of love :
A second time I kill my husband dead.
When second husband kisses me in bed. |
PLAYER Ki.NT.. I do believe you think what now you speak ;
But what we do determine oft we break.
[Purpose it but the slave to memory.
Of violent birth, but poor validity :
Which now, like fruit unripe, sticks on the tree ;
But fall, unshaken, when they mellow be.
Most necessary 'tis that we forget
To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt :
What to ourselves in passion we propose.
The passion ending, doth the purpose lose.
The violence of either grief or joy
Their own enactures with themselves destroy :
Where joy most revels, grief doth most lament ;
Grief joys, joy grieves, on slender accident.
This world is not for aye, nor 'tis not strange
That even our loves should with our fortunes change ;
For 'tis a question left us yet to prove,
Whether love lead fortune, or else fortune love.
The great man down, you mark his favourite flies ;
The poor advanced makes friends of enemies.
And hitherto doth love on fortune tend ;
For who not needs shall never lack a friend,
And who in want a hollow friend doth try,
Directly seasons him his enemy.
But, orderly to end where I begun.
Our wills and fates do so contrary run
That our devices still are overthrown ;
Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own :]
So think thou wilt no second husband wed ;
But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead.
I■LA^"ER ofi i;x. Nor earth to me give food, nor heaven light!
Sport and repose lock from me day and night!
[To desperation turn my trust and hope!
An anchor's cheer in prison be my scope!
Each opposite that blanks the face of joy
Meet what I would have well and it destroy.]
Both here and hence pursue me lasting strife,
If, once a widow, ever I be wife!
HAMLET. If she should break it now! ^
[1] Looks touxtrili II" orEES.
<-^;
42
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
[1] He reclines upon the couch.
[2] Stooplntj over the KING and kissing him.
[3] E.
[4] To the QUEEN.
[3] Raising himself on his two hands.
[6] From L. The KING mores uneasily on
his throne.
[7] Turnivf/ to ophema supporting himself
with the R. hand.
ISJ T liming himself round to face lucianus.
[9] Looking ohout him.
[lOJ Displaying phial which he takes from
beneath his robe, holding it up. Thi-
KIXG (CLAUDics). who has shoini
uneasiness as the action prnceeds, turns
away from the stage, shielding his face.
[11] The KIXG half rises.
[12] HAMLET, who has ivutchedthe KIHG ivith
fierce intent speaks his words with tense
rapidity. The KIXG rises and staggers
from the throne, hokatio comes from
his poxition L. to L.C. behind ophklia's
chair.
[131 OPHKI.IA rises.
[14] fjeapiu'i to his feel.
[If)] /Using from her chairhirnstolhe KIXG.
[16] Speaking as he goes to C. arch. The
curtains fall.
[17] Staggorsfrom the foot of throne through
the group of LORDS above it, and goes
out R. entrance.
[18] This call is made by the QUKEX, pcilo-
Xlf'^. LORDS, ROSKXCRASTZ and
GClLDENiSTKHX, at which SOLPIKRS
at back of throne follow the kixg.
LORns, LADIES and ATTEXDAXTS on
the R. 7nove off quickly R. SOLDIERS
on the 1. advance at the same time to C,
two of them thrust their torches into
sconces on the columns. They then
with the others exeunt C. OPHELIA
crosses behind HAMLET to R. eiil .
COURTIERS, LADIES and ATTEXDAXTS
on the L. go out L. The effect should be.
of haste and confusion, and must be
accomplished rapidly.
19] C. HORATIO L.r. above him. hamlet
speaks through the confusion.
20] Lighting down a little as torches are
taken off.
PLAYER KING. 'Tis deeply sworn. Sweet, leave me here awhile ;
My spirits grow dull, and fain I would beguile
The tedious day with sleep. ^ [Sleeps.
PLAYER QUEEN. Sleep rock thy brain ;
And never come mischance between us twain!- [Exit.^
HAMLET. Madam, how like you this play ? *
QUEEN. The lady protests too much, methinks."N
HAMLET. O, but she'll keep her word.
KING. Have you heard the argument ? Is there no offence
in't?
HAMLET. No, no, they do but jest, [poison in jest ;] no offence
i' the world.
KING. What do you call the play ?
HAMLET. The Mouse-trap. Marry, how ? Tropically. •'' This
play is the image of a murder done in Vienna : Gonzago is the duke's
name ; his wife, Baptista : you shall see anon ; 'tis a knavish piece
I of work : but what o' that ? your inajesty and we that have free
souls, it touches us not : let the galled jade wince, cur withers are
^unwrung.
Enter Lucianus.*
This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king.
OPHELi.\. You are as good as a chorus, my lord.
HAMLET.' I could interpret between you and your love, if I could
see the puppets dallying.
[oPHELiA. You are keen, my lord, you are keen.
HAMLET. It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge.
OPHELIA. Still better, and worse.
HAMLET. So you must take your husbands.] Begin, murderer ; ^
leave thy damnable faces, and begin. Come : the croaking raven
doth bellow for rcroiiic.
lucianus. Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing ;
Confederate season, else no creature seeing ; "
^^ Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected,
With Hecate's ban thrice blasted, thrice infected,
Thy natural magic and dire property,
On wholesome life usurp, immediately.^^ — s
\ iy \Ponrs the poison into the sleeper's ears. \
HAMLET. 12 He poisons him i' the garden for 's estate. His name's
Gonzago : the story is extant, and writ in choice Italian : you shall
see anon how the murderer gets the love of Gonzago 's wife.
I OPHELIA. The king rises. ^^
- HAMLET. What, frighted with false fire! ^^
queen. How fares my lord ? ^^
POLONiu.s. Give o'er the play.^ '
KING. Give me some light : away! ^'
ALL. Lights, lights, lights! ^^
[Exeunt all hut hamlet and horatio.
HA-AiLirT.^'-* Why, let the stricken deer go weep,
The hart ungalled play ;
For some must watch, while some must sleep :
So runs the world away.-"
[Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers if the rest of my fortunes
turn Turk with me with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get
me a fellowship in a cry of players, sir }
HORATIO. Half a share.
HAMLET. A whole one I.]
Scene I
TIAMI-ET, PniNCK OF DENiMAlUC
43
HORATIO.
HAMLl.T.
HAMLET.
HORATIO.
HAMLET.
For thou dost know, O Damon dear,
This realm dismantled was
Of Jove himself ; and now reigns here
A very, very peacock.
You might have rhymed.'
0 good Horatio, I'll take the ghost's word for a thousand
pound. Didst perceive ?
HORATIO. Very well, my lord. v
Upon the talk of the poisoning ? 1
I did very well note him.
Ah, ha! Come, soine music! come, the recorders!
For if the king like not the comedy.
Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy.
Come, some music!
[Exit HORATIO.-
Rc-enter rosenxrantz and guildenstern.^
GUiLDENSTERN. Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.
hamlet. Sir, a whole history.
GfiLDEXSTERN. The king, sir, —
HA.MLET. Ay, sir, what of him ?
GUILDENSTERN. Is in his retirement marvellous distempered.
HAMLET. With drink, sir ?
guildensti;rn. No, my lord, rather with choler.
[hamlet. Your wisdom should show i'-self more richer to signify
this to his doctor ; for, for me to put him to his purgation would
perhaps plunge him into far more choler.
(.l'ildensti:kn. Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame
and start not so wildly from my affair.
H.\MLET. I cun tame, sir : pronounce.]
GTiLDENSTERN. The queen, your mother, in most great affliction
of spirit, hath sent me to you.
[hamlet. You are welcome.
GLiLDENSTERN. Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the
right breed. If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer,
I will do your mother's commandment : if not, your pardon and my
return shall be the end of my business.
HAMLET. Sir, I cannot.
GUILDENSTERN. What, my lord ?
HAMLET. Make you a wholesome answer ; my__wit^s__diseas£d :
but, sir, such answer as I can make, you shall connmand ; or, rather,
as you say, my mother : therefore no more, but to the matter : my
mother, you say,- ]
ROSENCRANTZ. * Your bchaviour hath struck her into amazement
and admiration.
[hamli:t. O wonderful son, that can so astonish a mother! But
is there no sequel at the heels of this mother's admiration ? Impart.]
ROSENCRANTZ. She desires to speak with you in her closet, ere
you go to bed.
HAMLET. We shall obey, were she ten times our mother. Have
you any further trade with us .^
ROSENCRANTZ. My lord, you once did love me.
h.\.mlet. So I do still, by these pickers and stealers.''
ROSENCRANTZ. Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper ?
you do, surely, bar the door upon your own liberty, if you deny your
griefs to your friend.
HAMLET. Sir, I lack advancement.
[1] Down ftiige facing and a liltU below
H.VMI.KT.
[i] At^ ' 'hf curUiin*
ai. ■".
[3] From It. rntranee. oi i;X in
ndrancf to It.C. i/oirn iinj to
HAULKT.
[4] ROSE.VCRANTZ npeakf as he adrance$.
OCILDKXSTKRX, K. ROSE.VCKASTZ,
R.C. IIAMLKT, I..C.
[5] Advancing hi^ handf.
44
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
[1] Turns vp c, meeting tJie playees, fikst
and SECOND.
[2] From R. on rostrum.
[3] HAMLET ascends steps and takes recorder
from FIRST PLAYEE. 7'he PLAYF.RS
remain on rostrum for a moment and
then withdraw. As HAMLET is taking the
recorder, rosexcrantz and guilden-
STERX turn to one another and speak
apart, R.
[4] HAULET comes to c. of stage.
[5] Holding the instrument near GCiLDE.v-
STERX.
[6] He turns to L.C.
[7] From R. on rostrum, hamlet, turning,
speaks to him from L.c. ROSEXCRAXTZ
and GUIIDEXSTERX go out R.
[8] Rnmiiniiiijon.-iirp^. uxyiLKX goes to hiin.
[9] Pointing out r. from L. of c. arch.
[10] Cotnes down to chair L.c.
[11] HAMLET sits.
[12] R. on rostrum.
[13] Looking towards the R.
[14] Rising to C.
ROSENCRANTZ. How Can that be, when you have the voice of the
king himself for your succession in Denmark ?
HAMLET. Ay, but, sir, While the grass grows, — the proverb is some -
thing musty. ^
Re-enter players with recorders.'^
O, the recorders! ^ let me see one. To w^ithdraw with you : * why
do you go about to recover the wind of me, as if you would drive me
into a toil ?
GuiLDENSTERN. O, my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too
unmannerly.
HAMLET. I do not Well understand that. Will you play upon this
pipe }
GUILDENSTERN. My lord, I cannot.
HAMLET. I pray you.
GUILDENSTERN. Believe me, I cannot.
HAMLET. I do beseech you.
GUILDENSTERN. I know no touch of it, my lord.
HAMLET. 'JjsjtS-SasjiuasJjillg : govern these ventages with your
fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will dis-
course most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops.'*
GUILDENSTERN. But these cannot ! command to any utterance of
harmony ; I have not the skill.
HAMLET. Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of
me! You would play upon me ; you would seem to know my stops ;
you would pluck out the heart of my mystery ; you would sound me
from my lowest note to the top of my compass : and there is m.uch
music, excellent voice, in this little organ ; yet cannot you make it
speak. 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a
pipe ? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me,
yet you cannot play upon me.^
Enter polonius.'
God bless you, sir!
[Exeunt rosencrantz and guildenstern.
POLONius. My lord, the queen would speak with you, and pre-
sently.^
H.\MLET. Do you see yonder cloud that 's almost in shape of a
camel ? '■^
POLONIUS. By the mass, and 'tis like a camel, indeed.
HAMLET. Methinks it is like a weasel.
POLONIUS. It is backed like a weasel.
HAMLET. Or like a whale ?
POLONIUS. Very like a whale.
HAMLET. Then I will come to my mother by andby.^'^ They fool
me to the top of my bent. I will come by and by.
POLONIUS. I will say so.
HAMLET. By and by is easily said.^^
[Exit POLONIUS. ^2
[Leave me, friends.]
'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out t
Contagion to this world : now could I drink hot blood,
And do such bitter business as the day
I Would quake to look on. Soft! now to my mother.^"^
l^^ O heart, lose not thy nature ; let not ever
Scene II
liAMUiT, PRINCE OF DENWLUiK
•4j
The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom ;
Let me be cruel, not unnatural :
I will speak daggers to her, but use none ; *
[My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites ;
How in my words soever she be shent,
To give them seals never, my soul, consent!]
77 ,/
[1] He goft toicardt door K. Trar*r$e J,
draicn.
y/i^lt • fii nrfili^'t. </ I'njhtinif fur >!r^Hf' //,
Fig- 5-
SCENE II
Another toon: in the castle. -
The KING, ROSEN'CRAXTZ, and GuiLDENSTERX discovered.^
KING. I like him not, nor stands it safe with us
To let his madness range. Therefore prepare you ;
I your commission will forthwith dispatch,
And he to England shall along with you :
[The terms of our estate may not endure
Hazard so dangerous as doth hourly grow
Out of his lunacies.
GUILDENSTERX. We wiU ourselves provide :
Most holy and religious fear it is
To keep those many many bodies safe
That live and feed upon your majesty.
ROSENCR.\XTZ. The single cuid peculiar life is bound,
With all the strength and armour of the mind.
To keep itself from noyance ; but much more
That spirit upon whose weal depend and rest
The lives of many. The cease of majesty
Dies not alone ; but, like a gulf, doth draw
What 's near it with it : it is a massy wheel,
Fix'd on the summit of the highest mount.
To whose huge spokes ten thousand lesser things
Are mortised and adjoin'd ; which, when it falls.
Each small annexment, petty consequence.
CTZll
Kntrancet.
Alcove.
Future of KING iLAt i>li v
Picture of KING HAMI.f 1 .
Chairs.
TabU.
XOTE. — Tit'- fiat should he loirered, or
hraced in front of roftrum and columnt.
The prir-dieu in alcoce to be set on
rostrum b'f<rrer\ column* R.
[3] The KISi >n chair at L. end of
taht'-. V. •■ rz and ociLIiES-
STl ' L.»;., facing him at the
oi>:
46
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
[1] They vmke obeisance to the king and
tumtowards entrance'R. Bowing again
bffore leaving.
[2] Rising.
[3] Moving to front of table.
[4] Paces to R.C. down stage.
[5] Crossing to L. front of table.
[6] Pause.
[7] Extending his arms above.
[8] Turning towards alcove.
[9] ne enters the alcove.
[10] Kneels at the prie-dieii.
[11] From h. entrance. He conies slmcly to
c. above the table. He looks for the
QrEEX, and sees the kneeling figure of
the KING ; he falls back a pace or two.
Attends the boisterous ruin. Never alone
Pid the king sigh, but with a general groan.]
KING. Arm you, I pray you, to this speedy voyage ;
For we v/ill fetters put upon this fear,
Which now goes too free-footed.
KosK.N'CRANTz and GuiLDKNSTKKX. We wiU haste us.
[Exeunt rosenxrantz and guildenstern.^
[Enter
POLOXIUS.
[Exit POLONIUS.]
poLONirs. My lord, he's going to his mother's closet :
Behind the arras I'll convey myself.
To hear the process ; I'll warrant she'll tax him home ;
And, as you said, and wisely was it said,
'Tis meet that some more audience than a mother,
Since nature makes them partial, should o'erhear
The speech, of vantage. Fare you well, my liege :
I'll call upon you ere you go to bed.
And tell you what I know.
KING. Thanks, dear my lord.
0, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven ;
It hath the primal eldest curse upon 't,
A brother's murder. [Pray can I not.
Though inclination be as sharp as will :
My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent ;
And, like a man to double business bound,
I stand in pause where I shall first begin.
And both neglect.] •^ What if this cursed hand
Were thicker than itself with brother's blood.
Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens
To wash it white as snow ? [Whereto serves mercy
But to confront the visage of offence ?
And what 's in prayer but this two-fold force,
To be forestalled ere we come to fall.
Or pardon'd being down ?] Then I'll look up ; ^
My fault is past. But, 0 what form of prayer
Can serve my turn ? Forgive me my foul murder ?
That cannot be ; since I am still possess 'd
Of those effects for which I did the murder.
My crown, mine own ambition and my queen. ^
[May one be pardon'd and retain the offence ?]
In the corrupted currents of this world
Offence's gilded hand may shove by justice,
[And oft 'tis seen the wicked prize itself
Buys out the law :] but 'tis not so above ;
There is no shuffling, [there the action lies
In his true nature ; and we ourselves compell'd.
Even to the teeth and forehead of our faults.
To give in evidence.] ^' What then } what rests ? ®
Try what repentance can : what can it not .<*
Yet what can it when one can not repent .-*
O wretched state! O bosom black as death!
O limed soul, that, struggling to be free.
Art more engaged! Help, angels! " Make assay!
Bow, stubborn knees ; ^ and, heart with strings of steel.
Be soft as sinews of the new-born babe! ^
All may be well.^*^ [Retires and kneels.
Enter hamlet. ^^
Scene II
IIAMLKT, rHIMi; OF DENMARK
f
HAMLET.^ Now might I do it pat, now he is praying!
-And now I'll do 't."* And so he goes to heaven ;
And so am I revenged.^ That would be scann'd :
A villain kills my father ; and for that,
I, his sole son, do this same villain send
To heaven.
O, this is hire emd salary, not revenge.
He took my father grossly, full of bread ;
[With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May ;
And how his audit stands who knows save heaven ?
But in our circumstance and course of thought,
'Tis heavy with him :] and am I then revenged,
To take him in the purging of his soul,
[When he is fit and season 'd for his passage .'']
No! •■■
Up, sword ; and know thou a more horrid hent.
When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,
[Or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed ;]
At gaming, swearing, or about some act
That has no relish of salvation in 't ; *"
' Then trip him, that^his heels may kick at heaven/ C^
And that his soul may be as damn'd and black \
As hell, whereto it goes. [TVly^ motBer stays :
This physic but prolongs thy sickly days.]
[Exit.^
KINO [risins^ y My words Hy up, my thoughts remain below :
Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
Enter ql'Een a>id ror.oN-iT-> H
[Exit
10
roLONirs. He will come straight. Look you lay home to him :
Tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear with,
And that your grace hath screen 'd and stood between
Much heat and him.'- I'll silence me e'en here.
Pray you, be round with him.'^
HAMLi:r 'uithii: . Mother, mother, mother!
QUEEN. I'll warrant you,
Fear me not : withdraw, I hear him coming.
[poLONius hides behind the arras.
Enter hamlet.^*
HAMLET. Now, mother, what 's the matter }
QUEEN.i^ Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.!
H.\MLET. Mother, you have my father much offended. |
QUEEN. Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue.
HAMLET. Go, go, you question with a wicked tongue.
QUEEN. ^"^ Why, how now, Hamlet!
HAMLET. What 's the matter now ?
QUEEN. Have you forgot me ?
HAMLET. No, by the rood, not so
You are the queen, your husband's brother's wife ;
And- -would it were not so! -you are my mother.
QUEEN. Nay, then, I'll set those to you that can speak. ^"
HAMLET. 1* Come, come, and sit you down ; you shall not budge ;
You go not till I set you up a glass, ^''
Where you may see the inmost part of you.
[11 .'ipealcinij beneath liu hreall
1] II in hiiti'l nil /. ■ .
//,. .,;,U,ir.i
l/i- KIN..
(;!1 //i-
(41 Ty.
iwj iiuuii L.
pull,,,., ,. ,,,,„i
a ftfp totrartln
'it KIXC. Com-
i.>J IMnrning stcord to t/i^ath.
[6] It'tiirn* to entrance L. Piisiing up C.
to iif>orf table.
[7] .'ipfiiktiuj III the eiUranee.
[8]!..
[9J Coming from alcore.
[10] R.
[11] />om c. Parlinij t/ie eiirlaiiiM, irfiieh
fall to again an ' ■ .,
thein for the Ql i ,
theni. The QrEl... ,..„.. .,.,.,,. ,i,„jf
to R. end of table L.c. potovirs n
Htll.- K. of c.
U-i/'
'/<• arraii c.
■Is arrat.
[14] From L. lie . /
table to R.c. faci, 'U
abore her.
[15] Facing him.
[16] Draicing fter»elf up trit.>i dignity and
anger.
[17] About to mate a moremeni totcanU C.
n\ ' • ■ ■• '
[18] >■ if I. ft hand
/'• , cliair h. of
'.iihU, at fill- ^tif/w time preiting her
fiinniril to b-lnir table.
[19] As H.WLKT adranceton her the QUEEX
retrentf, stepping back the lenath of the
labU.
48
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
[1] HAMLET Steps back to K.C.
[2] To the arras.
[3] He stands with left foot advanced on the
steps, his back to the v..
[i] Draws the arras aside with left hand.
[51 Lets the arras fall. Sheathes sword.
[6J Coming doion C.
[7] The QtJKEM sinks into chair 1. of table.
[8] Signs to picture L.
[i>] To pictvre R.
[10] Facing k.
[11] Turns in direction of the queen.
[12] Indicating picture of CLAUDIUS, and
coming to R. end of table.
[13] Speaking as he leans towards the QXiE^y.
[U^^
-•n
^OA^
QUEEN. What wilt thou do ? thou wilt not murder me ?
Help, help, ho!
poLONius [behind]. What, ho! help, help, help! ^
HAMLET [drawmg]. How now! a rat ? - Dead, for a ducat, dead!
[Makes a pass through the arras.^
POLONIUS [behind]. O, I am slain!
[Falls and dies.
QUEEN. O me, what hast thou done ?
HAMLET. Nay, I know not :
Is it the king ?
QUEEN. O, what a rash and bloody deed is this!
HAMLET. A bloody deed! almost as bad, good mother, ^^
As kill a king, and marry with his brother. -/
QUEEN. As kill a king!
HAMLET. Ay, lady, 'twas my word.
[Lifts up the arras and discovers polonius.*
Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell iH
I took thee for thy better : take thy fortune ;^1
Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger.^
*> Leave wringing of your hands : peace! sit you down,''
And let me wring your heart ; for so I shall,
If it be made of penetrable stuff,
If damned custom have not brass 'd it so
That it is proof and bulwark against sense.
QUEEN. What have I done, that thou darest wag thy tongue
In noise so rude against me ?
HAMLET. Such an act
That blurs the grace and blush of modesty,
Calls virtue hypocrite, takes off the rose
From the fair forehead of an innocent love
And sets a blister there, rn^kes marriae:e-vowS
As false as dicers' oaths : O, such a deed
As from the body ot concracrion plucks
The very soul, and sweet religion makes
A rhapsody of words : heaven's face doth glow ;
Yea, this solidity and compound mass.
With tristful visage, as against the doom,
Is thought-sick at the act.
QUEEN. Ay me, what act.
That roars so loud, and thunders in the index ?
HAMLET. Look here, upon this picture,* and on
The counterfeit presentment of two brothers.
^" See, what a grace was seated on this brow ;
Hyperion's curls ; the front of Jove himself ;
An eye like Mars, to threaten and command ;
A station like the herald Mercury
New-lighted on a heaven-kissing hill ;
A combination and a form indeed.
Where every god did seem to set his seal.
To give the world assurance of a man :
This was your husband. ^^ Look you now, what follows
Here is your husband ; i- like a mildew'd ear,
Blasting his wholesome brother. Have you eyes ?
Could you on this fair mountain leave to feed.
And batten on this moor ? Ha! have you eyes ? ^^
You cannot call it love ; for at your age
The hey-day in the blood is tame, it's humble.
JT
H^0P^^
this,'
SCENi: 1 1
H.\MLET, PHINCE OF DENMARK
49
And waits upon the judgement : and what judgement \
Would step from this to this ? [Sense, sure, you have,
Else could you not have motion ; but sure, that sense
Is apoplex'd : for madness would not err,
Nor sense to ecstasy was ne'er so thrall 'd
But it reserved some quantity of choice,
To serve in such a difference. What devil was 't
That thus hath cozen 'd you at hoodman-blind ?
Eves without feeling, feeling without sight, i
Ears without hands or eyes, smelling sans all.
Or but a sickly part of one true sense
Could not so mope.
O shame! where is thy blush ?] Rebellious hell,'
If thou canst mutine in a matron's bones.
To flaming youth let virtue be as wax,
And melt in her own fire : [proclaim no shame
When the compulsive ardour gives the charge,
Since frost itself as actively doth bum
And reason panders will.] ^
QUEEN. O Hamlet, speak sxP more.- \
[Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very soul ;
And there I see such black and grained spots
As will not leave their tinct.
HAMLET. Nay, but to live
In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed,
Stew'd in corruption, honeying and making love
Over the nasty sty, —
QUEEN. 0, speak to me no more ;]
These words, like daggers, enter in mine ears ;
No more, sweet Hamlet!
h.\mli:t. a murderer and a villain
A slave that is not twentieth part the tithe
Of your precedent lord ; a vice of kings ;
A cutpurse of the empire and the rule.
That from a shelf the precious diadem stole,
And put it in his pocket! '
QUEEK. No more!
H.\MLET. A king of shreds and patches, —
Enter ghost. ^
* Save me, and hover o'er me with your wings.
You heavenly guards! •' What would your gracious figure ?
QUEEN.* Alas, he's mad!"!
HAMLET. Do you not come your tardy son to chide,
That, lapsed in time and passion, lets go by
The important acting of your dread command ?
O, say!
GHOST. Do not forget : this visitation
Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose.
But, look, amazement on thy mother sits :
O. step betsgfign her^Jid_ her fighting soul :
Conceit in weakest bodies strongest works :
Speak to her, Hamlet.
HAMM.T. How is it with you, lady ?
QUEEN. Alas, how is 't with you.
That you do bend your eye on vacancy
And with the incorporal air do hold discourse ?
(IJ Dra icing bad-.
[•2\ Shrinking from him, eovering hfr fiien.
['.i\ From L. l'uKK>-y tiborf liiliU to brtwrrn
the fiyiirfu of H.^MLKT and thf QIKEN.
Light from 11. intrancf.
(4) .Slonly retreiiting txickirtintf to H.C.
(5| Thf <iH<»ST moren clrar of liiblr to a little
h. of c.
[6) /li*ing. hundu on tabU.
I
50
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act III
[1] To GHOST.
[2] GHOST moves across towards R. entrance.
[3] As GHOST moves to R. HAMLKT hacks
down ylage and then follows .sli/)ldly up
to position imlicated as the GHOST goes
out.
[4] R.
[5] The QUEEN" moves m front of table to its
K. corner, down stage.
[6] HAMLET, from watching the GHOST turns
to the QUEEN*.
[7J After «p«aA;irtf/,/./jeQDEBN goes to behind
table facing h.
[8] The QUEEN moves towards entrance l.
[9] The QUEEN pauses near the exit, but Jort
not face bahlet.
[Forth at your eyes your spirits wildly peep ;
And, as the sleeping soldiers in the alarm,
Your bedded hair, like life in excrements,
Starts up, and stands on end.] O gentle son.
Upon the heat and flamxC of thy distemper
Sprinkle cool patience. Whereon do you look ?
HAMLET. On him, on him! Look you, how pale he glares!
His form and cause conjoin 'd, preaching to stones,
Would make them capable.^ Do not look upon me ;
Lest with this piteous action you convert
My stern effects : then what I have to do
Will want true colour ; tears perchance for blood,
QUEEN. To whom do you speak this ?
HAMLET. Did you see nothing there ?
QUEEN. Nothing at all ; yet all that is I see.
HAMLET. Nor did you nothing hear ?
QUEEN. No, nothing but ourselves.^
HAMLET.^ Why, look you there! look, how it steals away!
My father, in his habit as he lived!
Look, where he goes, even now, out at the portal!
[Exit GHOST.
QUEEN. This is the very coinage of your brain : ^
This bodiless creation ecstasy
Is very cunning in.
HAMLKT. •'Ecstasy!
My pulse, as yours, doth temperately keep time,
And makes as healthful music : it is not madness
That I have utter 'd : bring me to the test.
And I the matter will re-word ; which madness
Would gambol from. [Mother, for love of grace.
Lay not that flattering unction to your soul.
That not your trespass, but my madness speaks :
It will but skin and film the ulcerous place.
Whilst rank corruption, mining all within,
Infects unseen.] Confess yourself to heaven
Repent what 's past ; avoid what is to come ;
[And do not spread the compost on the weeds
To make them ranker. Forgive me this my virtue];
For in the fatness of these pursy times
Virtue itself of vice must pardon beg,
Yea, curb and woo for leave to do him good.]
QUEEN. 0 Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in twain. '^
HAMLET. O, throw away the worser part of it.
And live the purer with the other half.
Good night : ^ but go not to mine uncle's bed ;
Assume a virtue, if you have it not.''
[That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat,
Of habits devil, is angel yet in this,
That to the use of actions fair and good
He likewise gives a frock or livery,
That aptly is put on. Refrain to-night,
And that shall lend a kind of easiness
To the next abstinence : the next more easy ;
For use almost can change the stamp of nature.
And either . . . the devil, or throw him out
With wondrous potency.] Once more, good night
And when you are desirous to be bless 'd.
-^f
Scene II
HAMLET, 1»1{1NCE OF DENMARK
51
I'll blessing beg of you.^ For this same lord,
'Pointing to polonius.
I do repent : but heaven hath pleased it so,\
To punish me with this and this with me, !
That Ptflust Ke their scourge and minister.'-
[I will bestow him, and will answer well
The death I gave him.] So, again, good night.
I must be cruel, only to be kind :
Thus bad begins and worse remains behind.
[One word more, good lady.
QUEiCN. What shall I do ?
HAMLET. Not this, by no means, that I bid you do :
Let the bloat king tempt you again to bed ;
Pinch wanton on your cheek ; call you his mouse ;
And let him, for a pair of reechy kisses.
Or paddling in your neck with his damn'd fingers,
Make you to ravel all this matter out.
That I essentially am not in madness,
But mad in craft. 'Twere good you let him know ;
For who, that 's but a queen, fair, sober, wise,
Would from a paddock, from a bat, a gib.
Such dear concernings hide ? who would do so ?
No, in despite of sense and secrecy,
Unpeg the basket on the house's top,
Let the birds fly, and, like the famous ape,
To try conclusions, in the basket creep.
And break your own neck down.
QUEEN. Be thou assured, if words be made of breath,
And breath of life, I have no life to breathe
What thou hast said to me.
HAMLEi. I must to England ; you know that?
QUEEN. Alack,
I had forgot : 'tis so concluded on.
HAMLi T. There 's letters seal'd : and my two schoolfellows,^
Whom I will trust as I will adders fang'd, '
They bear the mandate ; they must sweep my way.
And marshal me to knavery. Let it work ;
For 'tis the sport to have the enginer
Hoist with his own petar : and 't shall go hard
But I will delve one yard below their mines,
And blow them at the moon : 0, 'tis most sweet,
When in one line two crafts directly meet.
This man shall set me packing :
I'll lu^ the guts into the neighbour room.]
^Mother, good night.'' [/ :v;7 ()lki n.] Indeed this counsellor
Is now most still, most secret and most grave,
Who was in life a foolish prating knave."
Come, sir, to draw toward an end with you.
[Good night, mother.] #
[1] HAMLET goiS to Ihi- tirriiK iiiul ////x K.
sidfoj it, exposing the body of roLoxics.
[2) He reUates the curtain.
[3] Afti-r " Mather, good nujUt," the. QrEEN
lookn at MAMLKT and /mitset oiil L.
(4) LiftK the arras again.
[5] Throwing the arras further liack he.
ascends the stepg, pajises behind the.
body, stoops ami is lifting it on his
last line as curtain falls.
Curtain.
52
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act IV
[1] 7' ra verse J.
[2] The KING entem from V.., folloiirtl bi/ two
LORDS, he adrances to K.r., ttrruiny and
uddresaing them. Several attkn'dants
enter and htund in group up atuge
extreme R.
[3] Frmn L.
[4] Going to the I,., calling off.
(51 HAMLETZ rnterf, follouvd by guilden'
STERXZ ; he cornea to C. ROSEXCRAXTZ,
after calling, uteps up istage, where he is
joined by ocii.DEN'STERN.
LORO
.o*^
[6J The KING turns to attendants R.
Some of them go out R.
ACT IV
SCENE I
Another room in the castle.^
Enter king, attended.^
KING. [I have sent to seek him, and to find the body.]
How dangerous is it that this man goes loose!
Yet must not we put the strong law on him :
He 's loved of the distracted multitude.
Who like not in their judgement, but their eyes :
And where 'tis so, the offender's scourge is weigh 'd.
But never the offence. [To bear all smooth and even,
This sudden sending him away must seem
Deliberate pause : diseases desperate grown
By desperate appliance are relieved.
Or not at all.]
Enter rosencrantz.^
How now! what hath befall 'n ?
ROSENCRANTZ. Where the dead body is bestow'd, my lord,
We cannot get from him.
KING. But where is he }
ROSENCRANTZ. Without, my lord ; guarded, to know your plea-
sure.
KING. Bring him before us.
ROSENCRANTZ.'' Ho, Guildenstem ! bring in my lord.
Enter hamlet and guildenstern.^
KING. Now, Hamlet, where 's Polonius ?
hamlet. At supper.
king. At supper! where?
hamlet. Not where he eats, but where he is eaten : a certain
convocation of politic worms are e'en at him. Your worm is your
only emperor for diet : [we fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat
ourselves for maggots : your fat king and your lean beggar is but
\ variable service, two dishes, but to one table : that 's the end.]
king. Alas, alas!
HAMLET. A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king,
and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm.
KiNc;. What dost thou mean by this ?
HAMLET. Nothing but to show you how a king may go a progress
through the guts of a beggar.
king. Where is Polonius ?
HAMLET. In heaven ; send hither to see : if your messenger find
him not there, seek him i' the other place yourself. But indeed, if
you find him not within this month, you shall nose him as you go up
the stairs into the lobby.
king. Go seek him there.
[To some attendants.*
HAMLET. He will stay till ye come.
\_Exeunt attendants.
SCKNK I
n AMI.l'.r. PKIXCF OK T)i:\M\I{K
53
KING. Hamlet, this deed, for thine especial safety, —
Which we do tender, as we dearly grieve
For that which thou hast done, must send thee hence
With fiery quickness : therefore prepare thyself ;
The bark is ready, and the wind at help,
[The associates tend,] and every thing is bent
For England.
HAMLET. For England!
KING. Ay, Hamlet.
HAMLET. Good.
KING. So is it, if thou knew'st our purposes.
iiAMLKT. I see a cherub that sees them. But come ; for England!
Farewell, dear mother.'
KING. Thy loving father, Hamlet.
HAMLET.- My mother : father and mother is man and wife ;
man and wife is one flesh ; and so, my mother. Come, for
England !
[Exit.^
KING.'* Follow him at foot ; tempt him with speed aboard ;
Delay it not ; I'll have him hence to-night :
Away! for every thing is seal'd and done
That else leans on the affair : pray you, make haste."
[Exeunt rosencrantz and glilden.sti;rn,
two LORDS atid attendants.
* And, England, if my love thou hold'st at aught —
As my great power thereof may give thee sense,
Since yet thy cicatrice looks raw and red
After the Danish sword, and thy free awe
Pays homage to us -thou mayst not coldly set
Our sovereign process ; which imports at full.
By letters congruing to that effect.
The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England ;
For Tike the hectic in my blood he rages,
And thou must cure me : till I know 'tis done,
Howe'er my haps, my joys were ne'er begun.
[Exit.''
1 1 1 doing In L.
[•1] I'aiinnq anil luilj (umiwj tu lli,- kim;,
tajL.
m //i- tuinit to KitsESTKAXT/. nnd lillLliKN-
STKKN, nUii lo thf liro LuKDS. A» hr i»
fwaking LORUS cronn llf utinje bfhiiul
thf KI.NO to L.C.
15] ROSKsrR.iXTZ and lilll.KKNSTERN pT<-
Cfdf thf tiro LORDS at frit L. .tTTEX-
OANTS crott at batk foUowing.
l«J To R.C.
17J R. Itluci out and lift TntTfrti J. to
nxank Sernr II. At htark out thrrr i«
martial murie with drumt, low and
tuft : thin in eonlinwd to thf opfning of
ticfiu II, and rarrifd on a« indiratfd.
54
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act IV
, y
Fig. 6.
[1] Traverse J, or tabs, used U mask inset.
[2] Before the entrance of fortinbras arul
CAPTAI.v, SOLDIERS marching pass
hetueen rock -piece and backing, from L.
to K. At the entrance of fortinbras
he comes from L. to C. Captais
folloH'ing stands on his right hand.
SOLDIERS continue to pass. Then halt
as FORTINBRAS speaks. Music ceasex
at this point.
[3] Salutes.
[i] To SOLDIERS, who move again. Music
and drums, soft. FORTINBRAS goes
out R.
[5] SOLDIERS are still passing with drums
and music at uamlet's entrance,
which is iruide after a pause.
[6] HAMLET, followed by rosencrantz and
GCILDENSTERN, xcith several SOLDIERS
and ATTENDANTS, enters from L. ham-
let comes c, facing c ait A in. Music
and drums die away.
"W
X\
SCENE II
A plain in Denmark.^
2 Enter fortinbras, a captain, and soldiers, marching.
FORTINBRAS. Go, Captain, from me greet the Danish king ;
Tell him that, by his license, Fortinbras
Craves the conveyance of a promised march
Over his kingdom. [You know the rendezvous.
If that his majesty would aught with us,
We shall express our duty in his eye ;
And let him know so,]
CAPTAIN. I will do 't, my lord.^
FORTINBRAS. Go softly on.*
[Exeunt fortinbras and soldiers.
Enter hamlet, rosencrantz, guildenstern, and others.^
HAMLET.^ Good sir, whose powers are these ?
captain. They are of Norway, sir.
HAMLET. How purposed, sir, I pray you ?
captain. Against some part of Poland.
HAMLET. Who commands them, sir ?
CAPTAIN. The nephew to old Norway, Fortinbras.
HAMLET. Goes it against the main of Poland, sir.
Or for some frontier ?
CAPTAIN. Truly to speak, and with no addition,
We go to gain a little patch of ground
That hath in it no profit but the name.
To pay five ducats, five, I would not farm it ;
Nor will it yield to Norway or the Pole
A ranker rate, should it be sold in fee.
HAMLET. Why, then the Polack never will defend it.
CAPTAIN. Yes, it is already garrison 'd.
HAMLET. Two thousand souls and twenty thousand ducats
Will not debate the question of this straw :
SCENK II
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
55
This is the imposthume of much wealth and peace,
That inward breaks, and shows no cause without
Why the man dies. I humbly, thank you, sir.
cwPT.AiN. God be wi' you, sir.^ 'F.xit-
ROSEN'CR.\Nrz. Will 't please you go, my lord ?
H.\MLET. I'll be with you straight. Go a little before.
[Exeunt all except h.\.mlet.'
How all occasions do inform against me,*
And spur my dull revenge! What is a man,
If his chief good and market of his time
Be but to sleep and feed ? a beast, no more.
Sure, He that made us with such large discourse,
Looking before and after, gave us not
That capability and god-like reason
To fust in us unus'd. Now, whether it be
Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple
Of thinking too precisely on the event,
A thought which, quarter'd, hath but one part wisdom
1' And ever three parts coward, I do not know
Why yet I live to say I hi- thiv.^'<, to do,
* Sith I have cause and will and strength and means
To do 't. Examples, gross as earth, exhort me : *
Witness this army of such mass and charge
Led by a delicate and tender prince,
Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd
Makes mouths at the invisible event,
Exposing what is mortal and unsure
To all that fortune, death, and danger dare.
Even for an egg-shell. [Rightly to be great
Is not to stir without great argument.
But greaily^tafind quarrel in a straw
When^honour 's) at the stake.] How stand I, then,"
That have a~Tather kill'd, a mother stain 'd,
T<ii/-;<-omon»g r|f my fpason and my blood,
And let all sleep ? while, to my shame, 1 see
The imminent death of twenty thousand men,
That, for a fantasy and trick of fame.
Go to their graves like beds ; [fight for a plot
Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause.
Which is not tomb enough and continent
To hide the slain ?] O, from this time forth, I
My thoughts be bloody,® or be nothing worth ll
11] i>aluU$.
12) t.
t
tutt a moment,
and then pan
'ffz. in
taken.
' f,
of
IIAMLBT. SOLDlKKlt and Arri:.<«I>iU<T<i
foUou:
H\ Coming (/oim stage a little.
[3] Mod** to hi* L.
(*}] Turn* to his R.
[71 LO.
[Exit.'-
[8] Going toicartis K.
19]B.
Act drop or tabs.
Floats down until ready.
56
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act IV
r
Fig. 7-
SCENE III
Elsinore. The orchard.
[1] iPro/d L. The queen comes a<:ross Mage
to stone R. Horatio follows, standing
L.c. below tree L,
[2] HORATIO turns on his L. Tiand and goes
to entrance h.
[;J] The QPEEN" sits on stone at base of tree
R.
[4] L. opiiF.LiA first. She cmnex down
sta/fe in front of tree L. hokatio
stands by tree L.
[5]C.
Enter queen and horatio.^
QUEEN. I will not speak with her.
HORATIO. She is importunate, indeed distract :
Her mood will needs be pitied.
QUEEN. What would she have ?
HORATIO. She speaks much of her father ; says she hears
There 's tricks i' the world ; and hems, and beats her heart ;
Spurns enviously at straws ; speaks things in doubt.
That carry but half sense : [her speech is nothing,
Yet the unshaped use of it doth move
The hearers to collection : they aim at it,
And botch the words up fit to their own thoughts :
Which, as her winks, and nods, and gestures yield them,
Indeed would make one think there might be thought,
Though nothing sure, yet much unhappily.]
'Twere good she were spoken with ; for she may strew
Dangerous conjecture in ill-breeding minds.
QUEEN. Let her come in.
To my sick soul, as sin's true nature is,^
Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss :
So full of artless jealousy is guilt.
It spills itself in fearing to be spilt.
Re-enter horatio, ivith ophelia.^
OPHELIA. Where is the beauteous majesty of Denmark ? ^
QUEEN. How now, Ophelia!
OPHELIA [siugs\. How should I your true love know
From another one ?
By his cockle hat and staff.
And his sandal shoon.
[Exit HORATIO.-
Scene III
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMAKK
57
QUEEN. Alas, sweet lady, what imports this song ?
OPHELIA. Say you ? nay, play you, mark.
[Sings.]
QUEEN.
OPHELI.A.
[SingsS}
Hf is dead and gone, lady.
He is dead and gone;
.-It his head a grass-green turf.
At his heels a stone.
Nay, but Ophelia, —
Pray you, mark.
]\'hite his shroud as the mountain snow.
I] To down flagt L.
Enter king.
I J) from L. on roUrum. lie coui'-t rfoir/i c.
:>] Atide lo the QCEEN.
fprakf, cnmf» to C.
OPUKLI.t. a* *'"■
[OJ t'ro*»in(/ in front lo R.O. Thf KIVO nnd
QrEEN uork round on the du^t mi lo c.
7] Sit» on ttone.
QUEEN. Alas, look here, my lord.^ UJ nUing and meeting thf KINO. KI.xo
. r • 1 I J J ji 1 jj and QVRKS ttand at l. corner of ilonf,
OPHELIA [stWjg's]. Larded tvtth sweet flovuers : " ^
Which beivcpt to the grave did go
With true-love showers.
KING. How do you do, pretty lady ?
OPHELIA.* Well, God 'ild you! They say the owl was a baker's *] Turning to fae^ ihf kiso.
daughter. Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may
be. God be at your table!
KING. Conceit upon her father.^
OPHELIA. Pray you, let 's have no words of this ; but when they
ask you what it means, say you this :
[St»'^s.] To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime.
And I a maid at yottr window,
To be your I'ahntine.
Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes.
And dupp'd the chamber-door:
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.^
KING. Pretty Ophelia!
OPHELIA. Indeed, la, without an oath, I'll make an end on 't : "
[(Sjn^S.) I^y Gis and by Saint Charity,
Alack, and fir for shame !
Young men will do 't, if they come to 'I:
By cock, they are to blame.
Quoth she, before vou tumbled me.
You promised me to wed.
So would I ha' done, by yonder sun.
An thou hadst not come to my bed.'\
KING. How long hath she been thus ? *
opHELi.x. I hope all will be well. We must be patient : but I
cannot choose but weep, to think they should lay him i' the cold
ground. My brother shall know of it : '-^ and so I thank you for your
good counsel. ^° Come, my coach ! i' Good night, ladies : ^'- good night,
sweet ladies ; good night, good night.
KING. Follow her close : give her good watch, I pray you.
[Exit HORATIO.' '
^^ O, this is the poison of deep grief ; it springs
All from her father's death. ^^ O Gertrude, Gertrude,
•\ When sorrows come, they come not single spies,
'But in battalions. [./ uoii,' uitliiu.^^'' [First, her father slain :
Next, your son gone ; and he most violent author
Of his own just remove : the people muddied.
Thick and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers
[8] .ipfxraling to tlir ylKKN nml aUo to
HOBATIO. KISO, QUKKS and lloKATIO
i.r.
[0) Rinng.
110] To group t.r.
ill) Turn* up rtagr to K.
[12] Turning hack.
[laj K. up itage behind tree.
[Ui HOKATIO eroitf in front of KI.NG and
yrEE.s and foUowt oniELU out R.
(15) 77i- KING crofff* to C.
[16] Turning to Iht QCEES.
[17] From R. at hack. Many arvgry toiee*,
at nf a moib. The voice/ rite and fall,
but mutt be kept mibdwd. They con-
tinue until the entrance of LAKRTES.
58
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act IV
[1] Noise coHlinuecC.
[2] From R. on rontrum. The luxo going
II. littU dovm R.C., turns to face
makcelIjUS, who comes down c. to be-
tween trees.
t3] Voices again swell up.
[4] With drawn sword, lie comes from it.
on rostrum.
[5] Speaking to llie mob off K.
[6] Seeing tlie Ki NG and udi-uncing upon him.
[7] LAEETEb dOVm C. MARCELLUS Steps
back to the yide of tlir KING, on his left
hand, as if to protect him ; the KING
places- his hand on MARCELLUS'S
shoulders and steps in front of him.
MARCELLIS thin fulls to a position R.
fS] Tfte QDEEN advances to LAERTES and
lays her handu vpon him restrainingli/.
[9] The (ji-EES hesitates.
[10] 7'he QUEEN releases Laertes.
For good Polonius' death, and we have done but greenly,
In hugger-mugger to inter him : poor Ophelia
Divided from herself and her fair judgement,
Without the which we are pictures, or mere beasts :
Last, and as much containing as all these.
Her brother is in secret come from France ;
Feeds on his wonder, keeps himself in clouds.
And wants not buzzers to infect his ear
With pestilent speeches of his father's death ;
Wherein necessity, of matter beggar 'd,
Will nothing stick our person to arraign
In ear and ear. O my dear Gertrude, this.
Like to a murdering-piece, in many places
Gives me superfluous death.]
QUEEN. Alack, what noise is this ? ^
KING. [Where are my Switzers ? Let them guard the door.]
Enter marcellus.''
What is the matter ?
MARCELLUS. Save yourself, my lord :
[The ocean, overpeering of his list.
Eats not the flats with more impetuous haste,]
The young Laertes, in a riotous head,
O'erbears your officers. The rabble call him lord ;
And, as the world were now but to begin,
[Antiquity forgot, custom not known.
The ratifiers and props of every word,]
They cry Choose we : Laertes shall be king !
Caps, hands, and tongues, applaud it to the clouds :
Laertes shall be king, Laertes king !
QUEEN. How cheerfully on the false trail they cry!
O, this is counter, you false Danish dogs!
[king. The doors are broke.]
[Noise within.^
Enter laertes.*
LAERTES. Where is this king ? ^ Sirs, stand you all without.
DANES [off]. No, let's come in.
LAERTES. I pray you, give me leave,
DANES [off\. We will, we will.
LAERTES. I thank you : keep the door.** O thou vile king,
Give me my father! ''
QUEEN. Calmly, good Laertes.^
LAERTES. That drop of blood that 's calm proclaims me bastard,
[Cries cuckold to my father, brands the harlot
Even here, between the chaste unsmirched brow
Of my true mother.]
KING. What is the cause, Laertes,
That thy rebellion looks so giant-like ?
Let him go, Gertrude ; ^ do not fear our person :
There 's such divinity doth hedge a king,
That treason can but peep to what it would,
Acts little of his will. Tell me, Laertes,
Why thou art thus incensed. Let him go, Gertrude.^"
Speak, man.
Scene III
TL\MLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
31>
LAERTES. Where is my father ? 1 [i] Admndng.
KING. Dead. |
QUEEN. But not by him.
KING. Let him demand his fill.
L.\KRTi:s. How came he dead ? I'll not be juggled with :
To hell, allegiance! vows, to the blackest devil!
Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!
I dare damnation. To this point I stand,
That both the worlds I give to negligence,
Let come what comes ; only I'll be revenged
Most throughly for my father.
KING. Who shall stay you ?
L.\ERTES. My will, not all the world :
And for my means, I'll husband them so well,
They shall go far with little.
KING. Good Laertes,
[If you desire to know the certainty
Of your dear father's death, is 't writ in your revenge.
That, sweepstake, you will draw both friend and foe.
Winner and loser ?
LAERTES. None but his enemies.
KING. Will you know them then ?
LAERTES. To his good friends thus wide I'll ope my arms ;
And like the kind life-rendering pelican.
Repast them with my blood.
KING. Why, now you speak
Like a good child and a true gentleman.]
That I am guiltless of your father's death,
And am most sensible in grief for it.
It shall as level to your judgement pierce
As day does to your eye.
[d.\nes. [WithinP Let her come in.
LAERTES. How HOW ! what noise is that ?]
Re-enter Ophelia. ^
(O heat, dry up my brains! tears seven times salt,
Bum out the sense and virtue of mine eye!
By heaven, thy madness shall be paid by weight,
Till our scale turn the beam.] O rose of May!
Dear maid, kind sister, sweet Ophelia!
0 heavens! is 't possible, a young maid's wits
Should be as mortal as an old man's life ?
[Nature is fine in love, and where 'tis fine.
It sends some precious instance of itself
After the thing it loves.]
OPHELIA [6i>i^s].^
They bore him barefaced on the bier;
Hey 7ion iionny, nonny, hey nonny ;
And in his grave rain'd many a tear: —
Fare you well, my dove!
LAERTES. Hadst thou thy wits, and didst persuade revenge,
It could not move thus.
OPHELIA [izwi-s]. You must sing, A-down a-down,
An you call him a-down-a.
O, how the wheel becomes it! It is the false steward, that stole his |
master's daughter. I
• This scene has been most beautifully played with empty hands.
[2] from U. carrving herbs and flounri*
She advances to C. tip staga und gets
doivit ftayr as she finishes hrr song.
AU fall back as OVUKUX comes c,
but LAEIKTKS, tcho sheathes his mtord
as he speaks and goes to greet her, at
•* O heai'ens ! " retire* io position near
the QCKES.
[a] Coming down stage.
60
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act IV
[1] To LAERTES.
[2] OPHELIA passes in front of LAERTES to
the QCEEN.
[3] To the QUEEN.
[4] Crosses to the KING.
[5] Turns on her left hand and goes up stage
C. betiveen trees.
[6] Facing down stage.
[7] Comes in front of Ki^G and marcellus
to R.o.
[8] K. Down stage.
[9] Breaking down.
[10] The KIXG comes C. Ashe does so the
QCEEN passes rip on the L. and round
to c. up stage. After she has moved to
this position she signs to MARCELLUS
and he goes up to her R.c. They speak
and go out R.
[11] Coming closer to LAERTES.
[12] LAERTES draws back from the KING at
his revcUition.
[13] From C. He comes down stage on the
KING'S R. hand and kneels, presenting
his dispatch.
^
LAERTES. This nothing 's more than matter.
OPHELIA. 1 There's rosemary, that's for remembrance ; pray
love, remember : and there is pansies, that 's for thoughts.^
LAERTES. A document in madness, thoughts and remembraSTce
fitted.
oPHELL\. There 's fennel for you, and columbines : ^ ^ there 's
rue for you ; and here 's some for me : we may call it herb-grace
o' Sundays : O, you must wear your rue with a difference. There 's
a daisy : I would give you some j^iolgts, but they withered all when
my father died : they say he made a good end, —
[Sings.] For bomiy sweet Robin -is all »iy joy.^
LAERTES. Thought and affliction, passion, hell itself,
She turns to favour and to prettiness.
OPHELIA [sings'].
And will he not come again ? ^
And will he not come again ?
No, no, he- is dead :
Go to thy death-bed :
He never will come again.''
His beard was as white as snow.
All flaxen was his poll:
He is gone, he is gone.
And we cast away moan:
God ha' mercy on his soul !
And of all Christian souls, I pray God. God be wi' ye.
LAERTES. Do you see this, O God ? ^
KiNG.i^ Laertes, I must commune with your grief,
Or you deny me right. Go but apart.
Make choice of whom your wisest friends you will,
And they shall hear and judge 'twixt you and me :
If by direct or by collateral hand
They find us touch 'd, we will our kingdom give.
Our crown, our life, and all that we call ours,
To you in satisfaction ; but if not,
Be you content to lend your patience to us.
And we shall jointly labour with your soul
To give it due content.
LAERTES. Let this be so ;
His means of death, his obscure funeral —
[No trophy, sword, nor hatchment o'er his bones,
No noble rite nor formal ostentation -]
Cry to be heard, as 'twere from heaven to earth,
That I must call 't in question.
KING. So you shall ; ^^
And where the offence is let the great axe fall.
Hamlet, that hath your noble father slain,
Persued my life.^-
*Now must your conscience my acquittance seal.
And you must put me in your heart for friend.
[I pray you, go with me.]
[Exit.
Enter a messenger. ^^
How now ! what news ?
The early part of Scene VII, Act IV (full text), being omitted, these two lines are placed here.
SCEXK 111
HAMLET, PlilXLl^ Ul- DKNMAUK
U!
MESSENGER. Letters, my lord, from Hamlet :
[This to your majesty : this to the queen.]
KING. From Hamlet! who brought them ? ^
MESSENOKK. Sailors, my lord, they say ; I saw them not : -
[They were given me by Claudio ; he received them
Of him that brought them.]
KING. Laertes, you shall hear them.
Leave us.
[Exit MESSENGER.'
[Reads? High and mighty, You shall know I am set naktd on
your kingdom. To-morrow shall I beg leave to see your kingly eyes:
when I shall, first asking your pardon thereunto, recount the occasion
of my sudden and more strangr rttiirn. H.\MLET.
What should this mean ? Are all the rest come back ?
[Or is it some abuse, and no such thing .?]
LAERTES. Know you the hand }
KINO. 'Tis Hamlet's character. [Sakedl
And in a postscript here, he says aluiu .]
Can you advise me ? ■•
LAERTES. I'm lost in it, my lord.^ But let him come ;
It warms the very sickness in my heart,
That I shall live and tell him to his teeth,
Thus didest thou.
KING. [If it be so, Laertes -
As how should it be so .-• how otherwise? ]
Will you be ruled by me ? "^
LAERTES. Ay, my lord ;
" So you will not o'errule me to a peace.
KiNr,. To thine own peace. [If he be now return 'd,
As checking at his voyage, and that he means
No more to undertake it,] I will work him ^
To an exploit, now ripe in my device.
Under the which he shall not choose but fall :
^ And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe,
But even his mother shall uncharge the practice
And call it accident.^"
LALRTEs. 11 My lord, I will be ruled :
The rather, if you could devise it so
That I might be the organ,
KING. [It falls right.
You have been talk'd of since your travel much,
And that in Hamlet's hearing, for a quality
Wherein, they say, you shine : your sum of parts)
Did not together pluck such envy from him
As did that one, and that, in my regard.
Of the unworthiest siege.
LAERTES. What part is that, my lord ?
KING. A very riband in the cap of youth,
Yet needful too ; for youth no less becomes
The light and careless livery that it wears
Than settled age his sables aind his weeds.
Importing health and graveness.] Two months since.
Here was a gentleman of Normandy : —
[I've seen myself, and served against, the French,
And they can well on horseback : but this gallant
Had witchcraft in 't ; he grew unto his seat ;
7
[IJ Taking Uttrr*.
[•1\ liitinij.
[3] c. Thf KI.NG brtaki the feal, turning a
liUU K.
[41 Looking up from Utter to lakrtes.
[5] Going up utage to R. of tree L.C.
[6] Going up c. to a little above LAERTES in
rpeaking to him.
( 7J ('rotting to ^tone teat in front of the
KIXO.
[8] Coming behind LAERTES and Uncering hit
voice.
[91 Looking round before upeaking in
LAERTES'S ear.
1 101 Draic$ back u little, sliUlooking que$tion-
ingl'j at Laertes.
[11] Lakktes raini't hii face to the ki.ng.
62
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act IV
[1] Taking LABRTES by the arm.
[2] Bending close.
And to such wondrous doing brought his horse,
As he had been incorpsed and demi-natured
With the brave beast : so far he topp'd my thought.
That I, in forgery of shapes and tricks,
Come short of what he did.
LAERTES. A Norman was 't ?
KING. A Norman.
LAERTES. Upon my hfe, Lamond,
KING. The very same.
LAERTES. I know him well : he is the brooch indeed
And gem of all the nation.]
KING. He made confession of you,
And gave you such a masterly report
For art and exercise in your defence
And for your rapier most especially,
That he cried out, 'twould be a sight indeed,
If one could match you : [the scrimers of their nation.
He swore, had neither motion, guard, nor eye,
If you opposed them.] Sir, this report of his
Did Hamlet so envenom with his envy \
That he could nothing do but wish and beg
Your sudden coming o'er, to play with him.
1 Now, out of this, —
LAERTES. What out of this, my lord ?
KING. 2 Laertes, was your father dear to you ?
Or are you like the painting of a sorrow,
A face without a heart ?
LAERTES. Why ask you this ?
KING. [Not that I think you did not love your father ;
But that I know love is begun by time ;
And that I see, in passages of proof.
Time qualifies the spark and fire of it.
There lives within the very flame of love
A kind of wick or snuff that will abate it ;
And nothing is at a like goodness still ;
For goodness, growing to a piurisy,
Dies in his own too much : that we would do.
We should do when we would ; for this ivould changes
And hath abatements and delays as many
As there are tongues, are hands, are accidents ;
And then this should is like a spendthrift sigh.
That hurts by easing. But, to the quick o' the ulcer : — ]
Hamlet comes back : what would you undertake.
To show yourself your father's son in deed
More than in words ?
LAERTES. To cut his throat i' the church.
KING. No place, indeed, should murder sanctuarize ;
[Revenge should have no bounds. But, good Laertes,
Will you do this, keep close within your chamber.
Hamlet return 'd shall know you are come home :]
We'll put on those shall praise your excellence,
[And set a double varnish on the fame
The Frenchman gave you ; ] bring you in fine together
And wager on your heads : he, being remiss,
, Most generous and free from all contriving,
^ Will not peruse the foils ; so that, with ease.
Or with a little shuffling, you may choose
SCKNK 111
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
63
v^
A sword unbated, and in a pass of practice
Requite him for your father.
LAEKTES. I will do 't :
And, for that purpose, I'll anoint my sword.
I bought an unction of a mountebank.
So mortal that, but dip a knife in it.
Where it draws blood no cataplasm so rare,
Collected from all simples that have virtue
Under the moon, can save the thing from death
That is but scratch'd withal : [I'll touch my point
With this contagion, that, if I gall him slightly,
It may be death.]
KINO. Let 's further think of this ;
[Weigh what convenience both of time and means
May fit us to our shape : if this should fail.
And that our drift look through our bad performance,
'Twere better not assay'd : therefore this project
Should have a back or second, that might hold.
If this should blast in proof.] Soft ! let me see.^
We'll make a solemn wager on your cunnings :
I ha 't : -
When in your motion you are hot and dry —
[As make your bouts more violent to that end — ]
And that he calls for drink, I'll have prepared him
A chalice for the nonce, whereon but sipping,
If he by chance escape your venom 'd stuck, f
Our purpose may hold there.
Enter queen.^ ^L*^^'^
How now, sweet queen !
QUEEN* One woe doth tread upon another's heel,
So fast they follow : your sister's drown'd, Laertes. 7
LAERTES. Drovm'd! O, where ? ^
QUEEN. There is a willow grows aslant a brook.
That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream ;
There with fantastic garlands did she come
Of crow-flowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples
[That liberal shepherds give a grosser name,
But our cold maids do dead men's fingers call them :]
There, on the pendent boughs her coronet weeds
Clambering to hang, an envious sliver broke ;
When down her weedy trophies and herself
Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide ;
And, mermaid-like, awhile they bore her up :
Which time she chanted snatches of old tunes :
[As one incapable of her own distress.
Or like a creature native and indued
Unto that element : but long it could not be]
Till that her garments, heavy with their drink,
Pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious lay
To muddy death. ^
LAERTES. Alas, then, she is drown'd ?
QUEEN. Drown'd, drown'd.
LAERTES. Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia,
And therefore I forbid my tears : ' but yet
It is our trick ; nature her custom holds.
Let shame say what it will : when these are gone.
[1] To C, Uilni-iwj.
[2] The KI.vo tttrru and molionii to LAtKTKS,
who goei to him. Tht KLSG rents hit
hand on LAKRTBS'S ami.
[3] R. The Kli\Q,pcreeiving/ier,drtttcsback
L.C.
[4] Coming to C. between the two trees.
[o] stepping back.
[6] To li.C. above the KiNO.
17] Overcome by his grief he puts his hands
to his face.
64
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act IV, ScKNE III
[1] Up C. Turns to the KLvo.
[2] Ue is about to go K. when he sees the
bier approaching; as it comes to R.C.
up stage he kneels.
The woman will be out. Adieu, my lord : ^
I have a speech of fire, that fain would blaze.
But that this folly douts it.'-
Enter courtiers r., carrying ophelia on a bier.
[king. Let 's follow^ Gertrude :
How much I had to do to calm his rage! , ^ \\\r^^^^^
Now fear I this will give it start again ; S\JU^^ y
Therefore let 's follow.]
Curtain.
Act V, Scene I
HAMLET, PRINXE OF DEXMAKK
65
4/,eSj&-.v^
'r
lw._..
>2 >^
r '-ti-
-,-^
y
~ ■. M • « ^
"5^^^^^:
Fig. 8.
ACT THE FIFTH
SCENE I
A churchyard}
Two CLOWNS di'icovered with spades, etc.
* FIRST CLOWN. Is shc to be buried in Christian burial that wilfully
seeks her own salvation ?
^ SECOND CLOWN. I tell thee she is ; and therefore make her grave
straight : the crowner hath sat on her, and finds it Christian burial.
KiKST CLOWN. How Can that be, unless she drowned herself in her
own defence ?
SECOND CLOWN Why, 'tis found so.
FIRST CLOWN. It must be -< i'jf, ndiudn \ it cannot be else. For
here lies the point : if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act :
and an act hath three branches ; it is, to act, to do, to perform :
argal, she drowned herself wittingly.
SECOND CLow.v. Nay, but hear you, goodman delver, —
FIRST CLOWN. Give me leave.' Here lies the water ; good : ^
here stands the man ; good : if the man go to this water,'' and drown
himself, it is, will he, nill he, he goes, mark you that ; ^ but if the
water ** come to him and drown him,'-* he drowns not himself : argal,
he that is not guilty of his own death shortens not his own life.
SECOND CLOWN. But is this law ?
FIRST CLOWN. Ay, marry, is 't ; crowner's quest law.
SECOND CLOWN. Will you ha' the truth on 't ? ^"^ If this had not
XoTK. — Straiiifd fffortu In Main
lanijlitrr liii practical hiifinrm iti
the pluyinij of the tiro ijrareditjgcis
fhoiihl be acoided.
[IJ Tabu — or Trarerse J., uned to maul: intet
scene.
(2! Standing in grace, leaning on hi« pick.
(:51 StUHilimi L. ()/ ftrnre.
[4J //f ijett out of grace ami euine» round the
h. of it, laging hi* pick on the ground
beloir it L.C.
(5) doing to R. and taking itp a petition
facing L.
[6 1 Slowlg approaching the pick h.C.
[7J Sentrntiotiyhi shaking hi* finger at
SKroNii cLtiw.v.
(8J Taking up the pick and carrying it to
hin former position K.
(SI) Turning to face SECO.vn CLONVN.
\\i\\ All""!/-'"'! I" y\v-^j I'l.ipws".
66
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act V
[1] Scratching his head.
[2] SECOND CLOWN picks vp spade, from L.
oS grave and gives it to first clown.
[3] Both C.
[4] Patting SECOND CLOWN on bad.
[a] Rubbing his forehead.
[6] Suddenly.
[7] From R. They stand watching the
CLOWNS.
[8] Comes round grave L. end, gels into it
and works.
[9]!..
[10] Patting itiviih spade to prm-enl it rolling
from the mound.
/•/
been a gentlewoman, she should have been buried out o' Christian
burial.
FIRST CLOWN. Why, there thou say'st : ^ and the more pity that
great folk should have countenance in this world to drown or hang
themselves, more than their even Christian. Come, my spade.^
Fhere is no ancient gentlemen but gardeners, ditchers, and grave-
lakers : they hold up Adam's profession.
SECOND CLOWN. Was he a gentleman ?
FIRST CLOWN. He was the first that ever bore arms.
SECOND CLOWN. Why, he had none.
FIRST CLOWN. What, art a heathen ? How dost thou understand
the Scripture? The Scripture says Adam digged: could he dig
without arms .'' -^ I'll put another question to thee : if thou answerest
me not to the purpose, confess thyself —
SECOND CLOWN. Go tO.
FIRST CLOWN. What is he that builds stronger than either the
mason, the shipwright, or the carpenter ?
SECOND CLOWN. The gallows-maker ; for that frame outlives a
thousand tenants.
FIRST CLOWN. I like thy wit well, in good faith : ^ the gallows does
well ; but how does it well ? it does well to those that do ill : now
thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the church :
argal, the gallows may do well to thee. To 't again, come.
SECOND CLOWN. ^ Who builds stronger than a mason, a shipwright,
or a carpenter ?
FIRST CLOWN. Ay, tell me that, and unyoke.
SECOND CLOWN. Marry, now I can tell.^
FIRST CLOWN. To 't.
SECOND CLOWN. Mass, I cannot tell.
Enter hamlet and horatio, at a distance."^
FIRST CLOWN. Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for your dull
ass will not mend his pace with beating ; and when you are a.sked
this question next, say a grave-n/akcr : the houses that he makes last
till doomsday. Go, get thee to Yaughan : fetch me a stoup of
liquor.*
[Exit SECOND CLOWN.^
[He digs and sings^
In youth, ivhen I did love, did love,
Methought it ivas very sweet.
To contract, O, the time, for, ah, my behove,
O, methought, there was nothing meet-a.
HAMLET. Has this fellow no feeling of his business, that he sings
at grave-making ?
HORATIO. Custom hath made it in him a property of easiness.
hamlet. 'Tis e'en so : the hand of little employment hath the
daintier sense.
FIRST CLOWN [sings'].
But age, with his stealing steps.
Hath claw'd me in his clutch,
And hath shipped me intil the land,
As if I had never been such.
[Throws up a skull}
HAMLET. That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once :
how the knave jowls it to the ground, as if it were Cain's jaw-bone,.
Scene I
IIAMLET, PRINCE OF DENiMARK
67
that did the first murder 1 It might be the pate of a politician, which
this ass now o'er-reaches ; one that would circumvent God, might it
not ?
iioRATio. It might, my lord.
[hamlet. Or of a courtier ; which could say Good morrow, sweet
lord ! How dost thou, good lord ? This might be my lord such-a-
one, that praised my lord such-a-one's horse, when he meant to beg
it ; might it not ?
HOKATio. Ay, my lord.
HAMLET. Why, e'en so : and now my Lady Worm's ; chapless, and
knocked about the mazzard with a sexton's spade : here 's fine revolu-
tion, an we had the trick to see 't. Did these bones cost no more
the breeding, but to play at loggats with 'em ? mine ache to think
on't.]
FIRST CLOW.N _sii:^s].
A pick-axf, and a spade, a spade
For and a shrouding sheet :
O, a pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is meet.
[Throws up another skull.
HAMLET. There 's another : why may not that be the skull of a
lawyer ? Where be his quiddities now, his quillets, his cases, his
tenures, and his tricks ? why does he suffer this rude knave now to
knock him about the sconce with a dirty shovel, and will not tell him
of his action of battery ? [Hum! This fellow might be in 's time
a great buyer of land, with his statutes, his recognizances, his fines,
his double vouchers, his recoveries : is this the fine of his fines, ajid
the recovery of his recoveries, to have his fine pate full of fine dirt ?
will his vouchers vouch him no more of his purchases, and double
ones too, than the length and breadth of a pair of indentures ? The
very conveyances of his lands will hardly lie in this box ; cUid must
the inheritor himself have no more, ha ?
HOR.\Tio. Not a jot more, my lord.
HAMLET. Is not parchment made of sheep-skins .''
HORATIO. Ay, my lord, and of calf-skins too.
H.\MLET. They are sheep and calves which seek out assurance in
that,] I will speak to this fellow.^ Whose grave 's this, sirrah ? ^
FIRST CLOWN. Mine, sir.^
[(Sjw^s). O, a pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is tnect.]
HAMLET. I think it be thine, indeed ; for thou liest in 't.
FIRST CLOWN.* You lie out on 't, sir, and therefore it is not yours :
for my part, I do not lie in 't, and yet it is mine.^
HAMLET. Thou dost lie in 't, to be in 't and say it is thine : 'tis
for the dead, not for the quick ; therefore thou liest.
FIRST CLOWN.* 'Tis a quick lie, sir ; 'twill away again, from me
to you.
HAMLET. What man dost thou dig it for ? '
FIRST CLOWN. For no man, sir.
HAMLET. .What woman, then ?
FIRST CLOWN. For none, neither.
HAMLET. Who is to be buried in 't ?
FIRST CLOWN. One that was a woman, sir ; but, rest her soul,
she 's dead.^
HAMLET.^ How absolute the knave is! we must speak by the card,
or equivocation will undo us. [By the Lord, Horatio, these three
[ 11 O'oiii'j to the K. ■•lui of grarr.
\'Z\ KIBST CLOW.N fMiimen in hif urirk and
looks up at IIAMLK.T, iinfipering qmekl]/.
HORATIO to HAMLET'S K.
[3] Ajttr speaking mumer diijijing.
1 4] Looking up again.
[.')] Throw" out a spade of earth.
[0] Waring his hand loieards UANLLT.
17 J FIRtrr CLOW.N pnwtet, retting on hit
spade.
[8] Retumet work.
[9] Turniitg to HOBATIO.
68
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act V
[IJ liffting hin L. foot on the mound of earth
arul leaning on his knee.
[2] Faulting in his rvork awl tviping his
forehead with his arm.
[3] Makes to dig again.
[i] Leaning on his spade's handle.
[5] Very sententiomly.
[6] With enjoyment of his own humour.
[7] Leaning on the edge of the grave— his
hand in contact with the skull.
[8] Picks up the skull.
[9] Holding the skull to face him.
[101 Shaking his head at the skull.
ill) Looking up at hamlkt.
[12J Half straightening himself.
[131 Smacking the skull with the palm of his
hand.
[14] Leaning forward again, his hands out-
stretched.
[15) After he has taken the skull he turns a
little to K., HORATIO then moves so as
to he further K. and heloir him.
[161 Pause.
[17 1 Looks from the skull to HORATIO.
[18] Approaching HAMLET.
[19] He luitis on his L., goes to his former
position aiul hatids the skull to FIRST
CLOWX.
years I have taken a note of it ; the age is grown so picked that the
toe of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier, he galls his
kibe.] How long hast thou been a grave-making ? ^
FIRST CLOWN.2 Of all the days i' the year, I came to 't that day
that our last king Hamlet overcame Fortinbras.
HAMLET. How long is that since ? ^_
FIRST CLOWN. Cannot you tell that } every fool can tell that :/
it was the very day that young Hamlet was born ; he that is mad,
and sent into England.*' J
HAMLET. Ay, marry, why was he sent into England ?
FIRST CLOWN. ^ Why, because he was mad : he shall recover his
wits there ; or, if he do not, it 's no great matter there.
HAMLET. Why ? ^
FIRST CLOWN. 'Twill uot be seen in him there ; there the men
are as mad as he.
HAMLET. How came he mad ?
FIRST CLOWN. Very strangely, they say.'^
HAMLET. How strangely ?
FIRST CLOWN. Faith, e'en with losing his wits.''
HAMLET. Upon what ground ?
FIRST CLOWN. Why, here in Denmark : I have been sexton here,
man and boy, thirty years.
HAMLET. How long will a man lie i' the earth ere he rot ?
FIRST CLOWN. I' faith, [if he be not rotten before he die — as we
have many pocky corses now-a-days, that will scarce hold the laying
in] — he will last you some eight year or nine year : a tanner will
last you nine year.
HAMLET. Why he more than another ?
FIRST CLOWN.' Why, sir, his hide is so tanned with his trade,
that he will keep out water a great while ; and your water is a sore
decayer of your whoreson dead body.^ Here 's a skull now ; this
skull has lain in the earth three and twenty years. ^
HAMLET. Whose was it ?
FIRST CLOWN. A v/horeson mad fellow's it was : ^^ ^^ whose do you
think it was ?
HAMLET. Nay, I know not.
FIRST CLOWN. A pestilence on him for a mad rogue ; a' poured a
flagon of Rhenish on my head once. This same skull, sir, was Yorick's
skull, the king's jester.
HAMLET. This ? 1-
FiRST CLOWN. E'en that.i^
HAMLET. Let me see.^* [Takes the sknll.'\^^ Alas, poor Yorickl
I knew him, Horatio : a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy :
he hath borne me on his back a thousand times ; and now, how
abhorred in my imagination it is! my gorge rises at it. Here hung
those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your
gibes now ? your gambols } your songs ? your flashes of merriment,
that were wont to set the table on a roar ? Not one now, to mock
your own grinning ? quite chap-fallen ? Now get you to my lady's
chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she
must come ; make her laugh at that.'" ^^ Prithee, Horatio, tell me
one thing.
HORATIO. What 's that, my lord ? ^^
HAMLET. Dost thou think Alexander looked o' this fashion i' the
earth ?
HORATIO. E'en so.
HAMLET. And smelt so ? pah.^*
Scene 1
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
69
HORATIO. E'en so, my lord. -
HAMLET.' To what base uses we may return. Horatio^ (Why
may not imagination trace the noble dust of Alexander, till he find
it stopping a bung-hole ?
HOKAiio. 'Twere to consider too curiously, to consider so.
HAMLKT. No, faith not a jot ; but to follow him thither with
modesty enough, and likelihood to lead it : as thus : Alexander died,
Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust ; the dust is
earth ; of earth we make loam ; and why of that loam, whereto
he was converted, might they not stop a beer-barrel ?J
Imperious Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay.
Might stop a hole to keep the wind away :
O, that that earth, which kept the world in awe,
Should patch a wall to expel the winter's flaw! -
But soft! but soft! aside : •* here comes the king.^
Enter priests, etc.. in procession; {he corpse of ophelia. l.\ertes
and MOURNERS following: king, queen, their trains, etc.
U) Returniiuj to UOKATIO.
|2| String the apprtMch of procfuian ortr
HORat: ■ ■ '■ ■
13J Jlf III' in, and Uad*
AiHi .'.. •.,,.,,.. ... ...,,;(y to jaer K.
H.VMLJT dutrn rtagi".
14] KIKST ri,()WN t/rtt jrom Ihf grarr iinJ
stands back L.o. Jiell toUt.
The queen, the courtiers : who is this they follow }
And with such maimed rights ? This doth betoken
The corse they follow did with desperate hand
Fordo its own life : 'twas of some estate.
Couch we awhile, and mark.
[Retiring with horatio.^
L-XERTE-s.** What ceremony else ?
hami.kt. That is Laertes,
A very noble youth : mark.
LAKKTi s. What ceremony else ?
FIRST PRIEST. Her obsequies have been as far enlarged
As we have warrantise : her death was doubtful ;
And, but that great command o'ersways the order,
She should in ground unsanctified have lodged
[Till the last trumpet ; for charitable prayers,
Shards, flints and pebbles should be thrown on her : ]
Yet here she is allow'd her virgin crants.
Her maiden strewments and the bringing home
Of bell and burial.
LAERTES. Must there no more be done ?
FiRsr PRIEST. No more be done :
We should profane the service of the dead
To sing a requiem and such rest to her
As to peace-parted souls.
LAERTES. Lay her i' the earth : '
And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,
A ministering angel shall my sister be.
When thou liest howling."*
HAMLET. What, the fair Ophelia!
QUEEN. Sweets to the sweet : farewell!
Scatter in e flowers.
I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife ;
I thought thy bride-bed to have deck'd, sweet maid,
And not have strew 'd thy grave.
LAERTES. O treble woe
Fall ten times treble on that cursed head,
Whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense
5'^
•< . In CLO.
'A
-
-SI
^ )
^-^
[5] Going up 'taije L. rrilh IIOR.MU). A* the
procfffuin iipp^ar*. KIRST<"Lown'/««»<j
to hiick and ftniiinf b-hind I'HIKSTS.
16) Brforr L.\ERTKS «/<^(il« roi RTIKRS lovrr
the bur to the ground. The bell erntet.
[-\
■ liiir.r till- birr iiilo ///•<ii<', nnd
dnnding behind the I'RIKSTS.
[81 The QTT.r.S haring tak-n floirrrs from
one of the L.\IpIKS iipproarheM the '/rare
to a potitiun b.tir.'.n hv:ktk~ and
PRIESTS.
70
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act V
[1] The Mure o/llRST clown is seen above
the grave to t. of the PHIESTS. LAERTES
waves Mm back, coming round front of
graces to L. end. The queen steps
back as LAERTES climbs into grave.
[2] Conning down stage to below grave L.C.
[','>] Turns to HAMLKT and then leaps from
the Ufa re, advances to him and seizes
him, bn the throat. The queen shrinks
auay to her LADIES who, with her, form
group down stage R. The kinu down
stage R.C. ATTENDANTS and LORDS
ad ranee to c.
[4] .1 LORD goes to LAERTES and takes his
rightunn, restraining him and drawing
him aumy. IIOUATIO comes down on
hamlet's 1... and dors the same with
him.
[5] The LORD on LAERTES' R. Steps back vp
stage as the king advances to same posi-
tion on LAERTES' R.
[6] On LAERTES' right hand.
[7] QUEEN to R.C.
[8] Advancing on LAERTES, tiho with the
KINO falls back a pace or two. The
QUEEN again to her LADIES. HAMLET
remains c.
[9] Turns to HORATIO who has followed him.
[10] Passes R. above the KINO and LAERTES,
who make ivay. attendants stand
back R.
[11] i
yO<"'
'ST CU).
*TT8,
LORD
tono
[12] HORATIO follows HAMLET R.
Deprived thee of! ^ Hold off the earth awhile,
Till I have caught her once more in mine arms :
[Leaps into the grave.
Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead,
Till of this flat a mountain you have made.
To o'ertop old Pelion, or the skyish head
Of blue Olympus.
HAMLET ''- [advancing]. What is he whose grief
Bears such an emphasis ? whose phrase of sorrow
Conjures the wandering stars, and makes them stand
Like wonder- wounded hearers ? This is I,
Hamlet the Dane.
LAERTES. The devil take thy soul! ^
[Grappling with him.
HAMLET. Thou pray'st not well.
I prithee, take thy fingers from my throat ;
For, though I am not splenitive and rash,
Yet have I something in me dangerous.
Which let thy wiseness fear : hold off thy hand.
KING. Pluck them asunder.*
QUEEN. Hamlet, Hamlet!
ALL. Gentlemen, —
HORATIO. Good my lord, be quiet.
HAMLET. Why, I will fight with him upon this theme
Until my eyelids will no longer wag.
QUEEN. O my son, what theme ?
HAMLET. I loved Ophelia : forty thousand brothers
Could not, with all their quantity of love.
Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her ? ''
KING. O, he is mad, Laertes.**
QUEEN. For love of God, forbear him.'
HAMLET. 'Swounds, show me what thou'lt do : ^
Woo't weep ? woo't fight ? woo't fast ? woo't tear thyself ?
Woo't drink up Esill ? eat a crocodile ?
I'll do 't. Dost thou come here to whine >
To outface me with leaping in her grave ?
Be buried quick with her, and so will I :
And, if thou prate of mountains, let them throw
Millions of acres on us, till our ground
Singeing his pate against the burning zone.
Make Ossa like a wart! Nay, and thou'lt mouth,
I'll rant as well as thou.^
QUEEN. This is mere madness :
And thus awhile the fit will work on him ;
Anon, as patient as the female dove,
When that her golden couplets are disclosed.
His silence will sit drooping.
HAMLET. Hear you, sir ;
What is the reason that you use me thus ?
I loved you ever : but it is no matter ;
Let Hercules himself do what he may.
The cat will mew and dog will have his day.^"
[Exit
11
KING. I pray you, good Horatio, wait upon him.
[Exit H0RATI0.12
[To LAERTES.] Strengthen your patience in our last night's speech ;
V\/e'll put the matter to the present push.
Scene II
iia.mli<:t, prince of dknmahk
71
Good Gertrude, set some watch over your son.'
This grave shall have a living monument :
An hour of quiet shortly shall we see ;
Till then, in patience our proceeding be.-
SCENE ir'
A room in the castle. Enter hamlet and horatio.*
HAMLET. But I am very sorry, good Horatio,
That to Laertes I forgot myself ;
[For, by the image of my cause, I see
The portraiture of his : I'll court his favours :]
But, sure, the bravery of his grief did put mc
Into a towering passion.
HORATIO. Peace! who comes here ?
Enttr osRic.^
(1] Turning to the QUKKN, who than turns up
stage and gOfs out K. foUouYil by her
L.^DiES, .itte.nh.int:<, moiknkks unU
COCKTIKll.s. The I'KIEIJTS exeunt L.
There is a ftause until they have gone.
l.AKKTKS mores to the L. I'he KING
then goes to head of grave.
[-] He turns to R. and 'joes nut Mloioed by
the tiro LoltHS.
'.^^^
When the KUiO and the LOKl>8 hare
•lone, L.AKKTKS goes to the loot of the
i/raie, and kneeling buries his face in
hi* hands.
The (iK.\VKI>I(.";KR stands rererently
tratehing ; a dim and motionless figure.
[31 Traverse J.
14) a.KHLr.T enters K. leaning on ttOKXTlO, he
is above ll'>KATI<> on his L. hand. 1 hey
advance to U.r. before il.vMLKT speaks.
[.11 From L. Standi L.C
osRic.'^ Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark.
HAMLET." I humbly thank you, sir. Dost know this water-fly ?
HORATIO. No, my good lord,
H.VMLF.T. Thy state is the more gracious ; [for 'tis a vice to know
him. He hath much land, and fertile : let a beast be lord of beasts,
and his crib shall stand at the king's mess : 'tis a chough ; but,
as I say, spacious in the possession of dirt.]
osRic.^ Sweet lord, if your lordship were at leisure, I should
impart a thing to you from his majesty.
HAMLET. I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit. Put
your bonnet to his right use ; 'tis for the head.
osRic. I thank your lordship, it is very hot.
HAMLET. No, believe me, 'tis very cold ; the wind is northerly.
osRic.^ It is indifferent cold, my lord, indeed.
HAMLK 1. But yet methinks it is very sultry and hot for my com-
plexion.
OSRIC. Exceedingly, my lord ; it is very sultry,- -^"as 'twere, — I
cannot tell how.'^ But, my lord, his majesty bade me signify to you
that he has laid a great wager on your head : sir, this is the matter, -^-
HAMLET. I beseech you, remember
iHAMLKT moves him to put on liis hat.
OSRIC. Nay, good lord ; for mine ease, in good faith. Sir, here
is newly come to court Laertes ; believe me, an absolute gentleman,
full of most excellent differences, of very soft society and great show-
ing : indeed, to speak feelingly of him, he is the card or calendar of
gentry, for you shall find in him the continent of what part a gentleman
would see.
[hamlet. Sir, his definement suffers no perdition in you ; though,
I know, to divide him inventorially would dizzy the arithmetic of
memory, and yet but yaw neither, in respect of his quick sail. But, in
the verity of extolment, I take him to be a soul of great article ; and
his infusion of such dearth and rareness, as, to make true diction of
him, his semblable is his mirror ; and who else would trace him, his
umbrage, nothing more.
OSRIC. Your lordship speaks most infallibly of him.
(l) With an elaborate bote he rrmove$ hi* hot,
making a rireeping getture with it.
|7J .'<titl leaning on HOIlATlo S shoulder.
[8] With another elaborate bov, and orfronr-
ing II t-tep.
;'J] .1 slight confusion causes him to turn a
tittle h.
1101 U» /an* hinuelf irith his hat.
[11] Approaching to v.
1121 Another bote.
( '^
72
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act V
[1] Bowinu O'jain.
[2J With another bow, OSIUC (/oe« L.
[3] Bowing nt the exit. HAMLET in making
acknowledgment comes C.
[41 L.
HAMLET. The concernancy, sir ? why do we wrap the gentleman
in our more rawer breath ?
osRic. Sir ?
HORATIO. Is 't not possible to understand in another tongue ?
You will do 't, sir, really.]
HAMLET. What imports the nomination of this gentleman ?
OSRIC. Of Laertes ?
[horatio. His purse is empty already ; all 's golden words are
spent.]
hamlet. Of him, sir.
[osRic. I know you are not ignorant.
HAMLET. I would you did, sir ; yet, in faith, if you did, it would
not much approve me. Well, sir ?]
osRic. You are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is —
[hamlet. I dare not confess that, lest I should compare with
him in excellence ; but, to know a man well, were to know
himself.]
OSRIC. I mean, sir, for his weapon ; [but in the imputation laid
on him by them, in his meed he 's unfellowed.]
hamlet. What 's his weapon ?
OSRIC. Rapier and dagger.
HAMLET. That 's two of his weapons : but, well.
OSRIC. The king, sir, hath wagered with him six Barbary horses :
against the which he has imponed, as I take it, six French rapiers
and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and so : three
of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy, very responsive to
the hilts, most delicate carriages, and of very liberal conceit.
HAMLET. What call you the carriages ?
[horatio. I knew you must be edified by the margent ere you had
done.]
OSRIC. The carriages, sir, are the hangers.
[hamlet. The phrase would be more german to the matter, if
we could carry cannon by our sides : I would it might be hangers
till then. But, on : six Barbary horses against six French swords,
their assigns, and three liberal-conceited carriages ; that 's the French
bet against the Danish. Why is this imponed, as you call it ?]
OSRIC. The king, sir, hath laid, that in a dozen passes between
yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits : he hath laid on
twelve for nine ; and it would come to immediate trial, if your
lordship would vouch.safe the answer.^
hamlet. How if I answer no ?
OSRIC. I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial.
HAMLET. Sir, I will walk here in the hall : if it please his majesty,
'tis the breathing time of day with me ; let the foils be brought,
the gentleman willing, and the king hold his purpose, I will win for
him an I can ; if not, I will gain nothing but my shame and the odd
hits.
OSRIC. Shall I re-deliver you e'en so ?
HAMLET. To this effect, sir ; after what flourish your nature will.^
OSRIC. I commend iny duty to your lordship.'^
HAMLET. Yours, yours. [Exit osric.*] [He does well to com-
mend it himself ; there are no tongues else for 's turn.
HORATIO. This lapwing runs away with the shell on his head.
HA.MLET. He did comply with his dug, before he sucked it. Thus
has he — and many more of the same bevy that I know the drossy age
dotes on — only got the tune of the time and outward habit of encounter ;
a kind of yesty collection, which carries them through and through
Scene III
liAMLET, PRIXCR OF DKXMATtK
78
the most fond and winnowed opinions ; and do but blow them to
their trial, the bubbles are out.
Entrr a lord l.
LORD. My lord, his majesty commended him to you by young
Osric, who brings back to him, that you attend him in the hall : he
sends to know if your pleasure hold to play with Laertes, or that you
will take longer time.
H.\.MM 1 I am constant to my purposes ; they follow the king's
pleasure : if his fitness speaks, mine is ready ; now or whensoever,
provided I be so able as now.
LOUD. The king and queen and ail are coming down.
HAMLET. In happy time.
LORD. The queen desires you to use some gentle entertainment
to Laertes before you fall to play.
H.\MLLT. She well instructs me.
\Exit LORD.]
HORATIO. You will lose this wager, my lord.
HAMLET. 1 I do not think so ; since he went into France, I have
been in continual practice ; I shall win at the odds. But thou
wouldst not think how ill all 's here about my heart : but it is no
matter. ■ ' — ^ — —
Horatio.- Nay, good my lord,
HAMLET. It is but foolery ; but it is such a kind of gain-giving,
as would perhaps trouble a woman.
HORATIO. If your mind dislike any thing, obey it : I will forestal
their repair hither, and say you are not fit. ^. .
/ ha.mli;t.-^ Not a whit, we defy augury : there 's a special pro-l
vidence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, 'tis not to come ; 'I
if it be not come, it will be now ; if it be not now, yet it will come :
the readiness is all : since no man has aught of what he leaves
what is 't to leave betimes }
[Exeunt.^
SCENE III
A root)! of state in the castle.
The KING and QUEE.N, LAERTES, osric, lords, courtiers, LAD1E.S,
OFEICERS, and attendants are discovered.^
KING.' Come, Hamlet, come, and take this hand from me.**
[The KING puts LAERTES' hand into hamlet's.
H.\MLKT. Give me your pardon, sir : I've done you wrong ;
But pardon 't, as you are a gentleman.
[This presence knows.
And you must needs have heard, how I am punish 'd
With sore distraction. What I have done,
That might your nature, honour and exception
Roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness. '
Was 't Hamlet wrong'd Laertes ? Never Hamlet :
If Hamlet from himself be ta'en away.
And when he 's not himself does wrong Laertes,
Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it.
Who does it, then ? His madness : if 't be so.
1 1 7'Mr(i» to HOR.tTio, Icfeping c.
{■1\ liuinu toifurJn HAMLET.
[:i] Placinij btilh tiin hinulx on HOKATIO'8
s/ioiil'IrrK, mill then xlipping hi* right
mm iilmiit hiikati>i"> nrck, hf lead*
him UK hi- npruin to L.c.
141 Stoppinij L.O.
l.'ij lie i/iies out I,, with IIOKATIO, hif arm
.\till iiliiiiit him. <)/iii, I rarer "e J.
A. Castle cloth. U. /toil rum. T-
TubU. s. JJoiible «<•(»< fur KI.SCi
(HI// grKEX on Jain, witlt thai-
low Htep.
[0) HAMI.KT. followiil hi/ HORATIO, enter* a
moment after the curtain ha* rifen.
[7] llefore the KIN<1 upeuin ami until HAMl.ET
appear', there iihoulJ be animation —
awl the roices of LollD.s, LADIKS anil
Cdl'KTIKR.'i. The KIS<i i' conirrninij
Willi I.AKltTKS.
[8] The KINU riw» an he fpeaku, awl ulep'
from the, throne ; panninfi in front oj
LAKRTES he approaches HAMI.KT, who
comeK down C, until on a Urel with th
KI.No's Heat. The Kl.v't taming to
LAKRTKS drawn him forward.
LAKKTK.S, KISG, HAMl.ET,
R. R.C. f.
74
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act V
[1] The KING goes, behind'jLkVAT'^^ towards
his throne.
[2] The KING sits. LAERTES' and HAMLET'S
hands pa it.
[3] HAMXET doivn stage a little toivards L.C.
[4] Adrancing down stage K.C. OSRIC turns
to atti;M)AST at his side and takes the
foils the man is holding. Taking them
b>/ the blades so as to present the handles.
[5] OSRic advances and presents the foils
to HAMLET, who takes one and tries it.
Sti pping back, HAMLET turns and speaks
to iionATiOjWho has cometo R. of table L.
At the same moment OSUIC crosses to C,
meeting LAERTES, who takes a foil from
him. OSRIC bows elaborately, stepping
back L. .so as to clear the figures of
HAMLET and HORATIO. LAERTES tries
the foil to R.C., getting with a purpose
just above ATTENDANT, tcho is holding
foils below LORDS at the QUEEN'S right
hand. The KING must lime speaking
to HAMLET until LAERTES has gained
this position —
KING.
QUEEN.
LAERTES. HORATIO.
LORDS. HAMLET L.C.
ATTENDANT,
R.C.
[6] OSRIC advances with foils to C, but stops
find returns, bcnm,ng,ashe sees LAERTES
exchange his foil for one held by the
ATTENDANT on his R. LAERTES should
ecince some haste in this action. He
takes the poisoned foil. As soon as the
exchange is made the ATTENDANT goes
vp stage in front of throne awl crosses
at back to up L., above table.
[7] OSRIC approaches hamlet, making offer
of another selection, HAMLET refusing.
[S] HAMLET, as he speaks, comes doipn L.C.
LAERTES is R.C. They face one
another.
19] OSRIC retires to lower end of table L.
and returns foils to attendant, from
whom he took them.
[10] The KINO rises.
[11] Indicating table L.
[12] To the OFFICER on rostrum.
[13] OFFICER goes out K. KINO sits.
[14] OSRIC to C. above HAMLET and LAERTES
and between them, lords below throne
and those down stage L. move tip a pace
keenly watching the bout.
Note. — The actual play in the bouts
should be directed by an expert, V'ho
must arrange that the positions
of the characters (hamlet and
LAEllTES) are as indicated at their
conclusions. A producer through-
out this scene must bear in mind
the necessary animation in the
different groups.
[15] HAMLET, L.C. ; LAERTES, R.C.
[16] Hises. An attendant from table L.
hastens across at back and kneels at the
KING'S feet on the dais, holding two
cups vp to the KING, on a salver. As
he kneels the cups are out of his vision.
The KINO raises one and makes as
though he drops the pearl into it, his
hand passing over the other cup before
he drinks.
Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong 'd ;
His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy.]
Sir, in this audience,
Let my disclaiming from a purposed evil
Free me so far in your most generous thoughts,
That I have shot mine arrow o'er the house.
And hurt my brother.^
LAERTES. I am satisfied, [in nature,
Whose motive, in this case, should stir me most
To my revenge : but in my terms of honour
I stand aloof ; and will no reconcilement,
Till by some elder masters, of known honour,
I have a voice and precedent of peace.
To keep my name ungored. But till that time,]
I do receive your offer'd love like love.
And will not wrong it.'^
HAMLET. I embrace it freely ;
And will this brother's wager frankly play.
Give us the foils. Come on.^
LAERTES. Come, one for me.'*
HAMLET. I'll be your foil, Laertes : in mine ignorance
Your skill shall, like a star i' the darkest night,
Stick fiery off indeed.
LAERTES. You mock me, sir.
HAMLET. No, by this hand.
KING. Give them the foils, young Osric.^ Cousin Hamlet,
You know the ^yager ?
HAMLET. Very well, my lord ;
Your grace hath laid the odds o' the weaker side.
KING. I do not fear it ; I have seen you both :
But since he is better'd, we have therefore odds.
LAERTES. This is too heavy, let me see another.*
HAMLET. 7 This likes me well. These foils have all a length ?
[They prepare to play.^
OSRIC. Ay, my good lord.**
KING.'" Set me the stoups of wine upon that table. ^^
If Hamlet give the first or second hit,
Or quit in answer of the third exchange, '
Let all the battlements their ordnance fire ;
The king shall drink to Hamlet's better breath ;
And in the cup an union shall he throw,
Richer than that which four successive kings
In Denmark's crown have worn. Give me the cups ;
And let the kettle to the trumpet speak, ^^
The trumpet to the cannoneer without,
j The cannons to the heavens, the heavens to earth,
'1 Now the king drinks to Hamlet.''-^ Come, begin :
And you, the judges, bear a wary eye
HAMLET. Come on, sir.
LAERTES. Come, my lord.
One.i°
No
[They play.
HAMLET. ^
LAERTES.
HAMLET. Judgement.
OSRIC. A hit, a very palpable hit.
LAERTES. Well ; again.
KING, stay ; give me drink.^^ Hamlet, this pearl is thine ;
Note.— Jn presenting Die foils the actor should rest the hilts on the left forearm in approaching
front p.. and the right forearm approaching from L.
Scene III
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
75
Here's to thy health.
[7 rwtipets souvd, and camion shot off within}
Give him the cup.-
KAMLET. I'll play this bout first ; set it by awhile.
Come. [They plav? •* Another hit ; what say you .^
LAERTES. A touch, a touch, I do confess.
KING. Our son shall win.
QUEEN. [He 's fat, and scant of breath.]
Here, Hamlet, take my napkin, rub thy brows : '
The queen carouses to thy fortune. Hamlet.'
HA.MLET. Good madam! '"' <—>.
KING. Gertrude, do not drink." J
QUEEN. I will, my lord : ^ I pray you, pardon me.^
KING [aside]. It is the poison 'd cup : it is too late.'"
HAMLKT. I dare not drink yet, madam ; ^^ by and by.'-
[queen. Come, let me wipe thy face.]
LAERTES. My lord, I'll hit him now.^^
king.
LAERTES [asidf]}* And yet 'tis almost
HAMLET. Come, for the third, Laertes :
I pray you, pass with your best violence
I am afeard you make a wanton of me.
LAERTES. Say you so ? come on.
I do not think 't.
gainst my conscience^
15
you but dally ;
[They play.'^''
osRic. Nothing, neither way.^"
LAERTES. Have at you now! ^^
KING.
H.\MLET.
OSRIC.
HORATIO.
1^ [LAERTES wounds HAMLET, then, in scuffling, they
change rapiers, and hamlet wounds laertes.
Part them ; they are incensed.
Nay, come, again.
[The QUEEN falls.^^
Look to the queen there, ho!
They bleed on both sides. How is it, my lord ? -^
[11] HAMLKT takes ci.p irom the gUEEy.
{12] lit: goes to the Land sets the cap on the
R. comer of table down stage. The
QrtE.v returns to her seat ; half way
she puts her hand to her throat uith
uneasy gesture. She reaches her feat
and sinks into it heavily.
(13] The KINO, trho has been narrotcly tcateh'
ing the QCEE.v, turns to LAERTES.
[14] Coming tiirati from the throne a pace to
R.c.
Pontions at no'e 12.
[15] Advancing a little to C. domi stage.
[16] /rt this bout they finish HAMLET f.,
LAERTES R.C.
[17] OSRIC has tcorked above and betireen
them.
[18] LAERTES pressed haklet back to l.c.
[191 HA.MLET presses /jf.s- hand to his ivouiui.
LAKUTES for a moumnt lowers his foil.
HAMLKT must register both pain and
amaznwnt, making exactly sufficient
pause to do so. He then rushes in at
LAERTES, drives him back to a little
beyond C. to R., and with a tuist of his
foil disarms him. LAKRTES'/<"' must
fall down stage to his R. hand. HAMLET
presiis forward his sword arm with the
foil poird i.pwards, thruftiug LAERTES
back as he jnrks up lakrtes' foil, with
his left ; at the same moment LAERTES
has grasped HAMLET'S right wrist —
and HAMLKT, /•tt'pping back a pace,
leaves his foil with LAERTE.«. HAMLET
presses again to the attack, driving
LAERTES vp R.C. and round to L.C.
where he tvomids LAKKTKS. OSRIC
works round to the, back during this
business and gets to front of the throne
up R.C. The KINO spcaks " Part them,
etc." as HAMLET is driving LAERTES
round to L.C. HOR.\Tlo comes to hamlet,
who, after wounding LAERTES, backs to C.
[1] lioU of kettledrum, by DUVMMER on
rostrum. TRl'MTETERS sound a fan fare,
and Uieii the boom of cannon.
[2] ATTENDANT ri«vji and carries the cup
towards HAMLKT, who stays him with a
gesture, and he takes the cup to below
the throne on the Qf KEN'S R.
In til is and a few subsequent diagrams
the active characters only are
iii'lirnleil.
, — -J
IJkKI".
\
[3] At the end of the bunt, LAERTES is up
stage L.I'. HAMLKT V. bclotv him.
OSRIC, who has followed the passes, is
now L.
[4] Holding forward her handkerchief.
[5] The QUEEN takes the cup from the f-alver
held by ATTENDANT on her R.
[0] HAMLET turns to tpeak to hcratio, uho
has come to him at the end of the bout.
[7] Leaning forward as the qceen raises the
cup and touching her left arm.
[8] The QUEEN frees herself from the KINO'S
touch by rising and stepping from the
dais.
[9] Half turning to the KING, she then looks
in HAMLET'S direction and drinks.
[10] The KINO, who has leant forward, leans
back in his seat. As the QUEEN comes
to HAMLET with the cup he leaves
HORATIO and turns to the queen.
LAERTES leaves osric and crosses to the
KINO'S left hand.
*o«. -^A,
Poiilions at notes 9 and 10.
Positions at notes 20 and 21.
(•J0| The QUEEN rises and staggers forward
on the dais. The. two LORDS and
,\TTENDA.VT below throne step to her.
[21] HAMLET leans on HORATIO. LAERTES
drops h is foil and staggers hack. OSRIC
passes to him quickly behind HORATIO.
.Several of the QUEER'S ladies come to
her below throne.
76
HAIVILET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act V
[1] LAERTES, in OSRiC's arms, sinks to the
ground as he speaks, L. of table down
stage.
[2] HAMLET comes to K.c, leaving horatio,
who goes L. to osRic and labrtes.
[3] The QUEEN falls forward ; the people
around her carry her to extreme R.,
kneeling round her.
[4] Stepping back, turning tip C. on his right
hand.
[5] At c. steps facing L. The KING rises.
[6] As he speaks LAERTES raises himself on
his hands with an effort. osRiC and
HORATIO retire from him a little to L.
and behind him. hamlkt to LAERTES.
[7] The lUNG is in the act of stepping from
the dais.
(8] IJe rushes to the KING and stabs him with
the foil.
[9] The KING reels backwards down stage R.C.
1 1 0] Turns to table L. and takes cup. Coming
with it to the KING, v;ho is R. of C, he
thrusts it at him, the cup falls, HAMLET
passes his foil through the KING'S body.
The KING falls forward into the arms of
tino OFFICERS ivho have come forward
to L.C. They and COURTIERS behind
them support him np stage on the L. of
table. lie there sinks to the ground
surrounili'd.
11] J^K'ER'VZS speaks after the KING has fallen,
■up L.
[12] HAMLET goes behind him, kneels,raising
his body. oSRIC then passes to HORATIO
by table and up to c. steps. HORATIO
comes to HAMLET'S R.
[13] After HAMLET has raised him.
[14] Lowers laektes to the ground, and
raises himself with an effort.
[15] As he struggles to his fed.
[16] Stretches his arms to horatio, ivho
catches him. His body falls across
horatio, wlio hokls him in his arms
as he slips to the ground, kneeling tcith
him c. HAMLET'S head to the R.
[17] Reaching for the cup which the KING has
let fall. This mAtst be arranged so that
the cup is near to him, toithin reach of
his right hand, that he may remain
kneeling.
[18] Raising himself with a last effort of his
strength.
.cr|
OSRIC. How is 't, Laertes ? ^
LAERTES. Why, as a woodcock to mine own springe, Osric
I am justly kill'd with mine own treachery.
HAMLET. How does the queen ? -
KING. She swounds to see them bleed.
QUEEN. No, no, the drink, the drink, — O my dear Hamlet, —
The drink, the drink! I am poison'd.^
[Dies,
HAMLET. O villany! "* Ho! let the door be lock'd :
Treachery! Seek it out.'
LAERTES. It is here, Hamlet : " Hamlet, thou art slain ;
[No medicine in the world can do thee good ;]
In thee there is not half an hour of life ;
The treacherous instrument is in thy hand,
Unbated and envenom 'd : [the Joul practice
Hath turn'd itself on me ; lo, here I lie,
Never to rise again :] thy mother's poison 'd :
I can no more : the kin^, the kingLls-to blam.e.^
HAMLET. The point ! — envenom'd too!
Then, venom, to thy work.^
[Stabs the king.
[all. Treason! treason!]
KiNG.^ O, yet defend me, friends ; I am but hurt.
HAMLET. 1° Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane,
Drink off this potion. Is thy union here ?
Follow my mother.
[king dies,
LAERTES. [He is justly served ;
It is a poison temper 'd by himself.]
1^ Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet ; ^■-
1^ Mine and my father's death come not upon thee.
Nor thine on me!
[Dies.
HAMLET. Heaven make thee free of it! ^^ I follow thee.^^
I am dead, Horatio.^'' Wretched queen, adieu!
[You that look pale and tremble at this chance,
That are but mutes or audience to this act,
Had I but time — as this fell sergeant, death,
Is strict in his arrest -0, I could tell you — ■
But let it be. Horatio, I am dead ;]
Thou livest ; report me and my cause aright
To the unsatisfied.
HORATIO. Never believe it : ^'
I am more an antique Roman than a Dane :
Here 's yet some liquor left.
HAMLET. As thou'rt a man,
Give me the cup : ^^ let go ; by heaven, I'll have 't.^^
-" O good Horatio, what a wounded name.
Things standing thus unknown, shall live behind me!
If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart,
Absent thee from felicity awhile.
And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain,
To tell my story.
[March afar off, and shot within.'^^
What warlike noise is this ?
a
[19] Wresting the cup from horatio.
[20] Clinging to horatio's arm.
[21] OSRIC speaks to an officer who comes
from L. on rostrum.
Scene III
H.VMLET, 1MUN( r: OF Dl'.XM ARK
77
osRic' Young Fortinbras, with conquest come from Poland,
To the ambassadors of England gives
This warlike volley.
iiAMLi. I. O, I die, Horatio ;
The potent poison quite o'er-crows my spirit :
I cannot live to hear the news from England ;
But I do prophesy the election lights
On Fortinbras : he has my dying voice ;
So tell him, with the occurrents, more and less,
Which have solicited.- The rest is silence.
'Hi,
nr>K.\T\n Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet or
An^ flights nf i^n^pl'i ^intr fhPP tn thv rpsf '^
* Why does the drum come hither ?
March within.
HJ Kffyimj at lUpt c.
\
)rince ; I
^ Enter fortinbras, officers, the English a.mb.\ssadors, and
SOLDIERS.
i-oktinbra>. Where is this sight ? "
hor.\tio. "What is it ye would see ?
If aught of woe or wonder, cease your search.
[fortinbras. This quarry cries on havoc. 0 proud death.
What feast is toward in thine eternal cell.
That thou so many princes at a shot
So bloodily hast struck ?
itrst ambassador. The sight is dismal ;
And our affairs from England come too late :
The ears are senseless that should give us hearing.
To tell him his commandment is fulfill 'd.
That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead ^J
Where should we have our thanks .-*
HORATIO. Not from his mouth,
Had it the ability of life to thank you :
He never gave commandment for their death.
But since, so jump upon this bloody question.
You from the Polack wars, and you from Englajid,
Are here arrived, give order that these bodies
High on a stage be placed to the view ;]
..\nd let me speak to the yet unknowing world
How these things came about : [so shall you hear
Of carnal, bloody, and unnatural acts,
Of accidental judgements, casual slaughters.
Of deaths put on by cunning and forced cause.
And, in this upshot, purposes mistook
Fall'n on the inventors' heads : all this can I
Truly deliver.]
IORTINBKA-. Let us haste to hear it,**
And call the noblest to the audience.
For me, with sorrow I embrace my fortune :
I have some rights of memory in this kingdom.
Which now to claim my vantage doth invite me.'
[horatio. Of that I shall have also cause to speak,
And from his mouth whose voice will draw on more :
But let this same be presently perform'd.
Even while men's minds are wild ; lest more mischance,
On plots and errors, happen.
FORTINBRAS. Let four captains]
[2J Sinkf at fuU Uinjth us hi- tpi-aki.
(3] Paiuf. DriiJM, tie.
[4] Rising, to L.C.
(.ij OSRIC to R. o/C. steps. KORTI.NBR.ts ami
his OFFICERS eomf C. of rostrum.
KNciLlsH .\MBASS.\i)oRS at thr back.
All from L. SOLMERS irilh lorchfn
/xi.</t across rostrum and staml from H.
to L.
L6] Hpfuking from rostrum C.
[7] From L.C.
[8J Cmnff doicn steps to C. of stage.
['J\ He turns to UOR.^TIO L.C. The ENGLISH
.V>HJ.\.SSAD0RS come dmrn and join
LORDS jji front of throne.
78
HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK
Act V, Scene III
[1] SpeahumtohisSOLDiEUS. Fourofthem
descend steps to the body of hamlet ;
laying tivo spears on the ground, they
place a shield upon them, place the
body upon it.
[2] SOLDIERS raise the body of HAMLET, and
slowly bear it towards C. steps. The
, AMBASSADOR and LORDS at the throne
kneel. HORATIO stands ivith FORTIN-
BRAS. Some of the courtiers and
some of the ladies also kneel.
[3] 7'he curtain falls slowly as soon as the
soldiers carrying HAMLET'S body
have reached the C. steps.
1 Bear Hamlet, like a soldier, to the stage ;
For he was likely, had he been put on,
To have proved most royally : and, for his passage,
The soldiers' music and the rites of war
Speak loudly for him,
- Take up the bodies : [such a sight as this
Becomes the field, but here shows much amiss.]
Go, bid the soldiers shoot.
[A dead march. After which a peal of ordnance is shot off.^
Curtain.
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