THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKWilliamShakespeare16041
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKDramatisPersonaeClaudius,KingofDenmark.Marcellus,Officer.Hamlet,sontotheformer,andnephewtothepresentking.Polonius,LordChamberlain.Horatio,friendtoHamlet.Laertes,sontoPolonius.Voltemand,courtier.Cornelius,courtier.Rosencrantz,courtier.Guildenstern,courtier.Osric,courtier.AGentleman,courtier.APriest.Marcellus,officer.Bernardo,officer.Francisco,asoldierReynaldo,servanttoPolonius.Players.TwoClowns,gravediggers.Fortinbras,PrinceofNorway.ANorwegianCaptain.EnglishAmbassadors.Gertrude,QueenofDenmark,mothertoHamlet.Ophelia,daughtertoPolonius.GhostofHamlet'sFather.Lords,Ladies,Officers,Soldiers,Sailors,Messengers,Attendants.2
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKACTI.3
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEI.Elsinore.AplatformbeforetheCastle.EntertwoSentinels-[first,]Francisco,[whopacesupanddownathispost;then]Bernardo,[whoapproacheshim].Ber.Who'sthere?Fran.Nay,answerme.Standandunfoldyourself.Ber.LonglivetheKing!Fran.Bernardo?Ber.He.Fran.Youcomemostcarefullyuponyourhour.Ber.'Tisnowstrucktwelve.Gettheetobed,Francisco.Fran.Forthisreliefmuchthanks.'Tisbittercold,AndIamsickatheart.Ber.Haveyouhadquietguard?Fran.Notamousestirring.Ber.Well,goodnight.IfyoudomeetHoratioandMarcellus,Therivalsofmywatch,bidthemmakehaste.EnterHoratioandMarcellus.Fran.IthinkIhearthem.Stand,ho!Whoisthere?Hor.Friendstothisground.Mar.AndliegementotheDane.Fran.Giveyougoodnight.Mar.O,farewell,honestsoldier.Whohathreliev'dyou?Fran.Bernardohathmyplace.Giveyougoodnight.Exit.Mar.Holla,Bernardo!Ber.Say-What,isHoratiothere?Hor.Apieceofhim.Ber.Welcome,Horatio.Welcome,goodMarcellus.Mar.What,hasthisthingappear'dagainto-night?Ber.Ihaveseennothing.Mar.Horatiosays'tisbutourfantasy,AndwillnotletbelieftakeholdofhimTouchingthisdreadedsight,twiceseenofus.ThereforeIhaveentreatedhimalong,Withustowatchtheminutesofthisnight,That,ifagainthisapparitioncome,Hemayapproveoureyesandspeaktoit.Hor.Tush,tush,'twillnotappear.Ber.Sitdownawhile,Andletusonceagainassailyourears,Thataresofortifiedagainstourstory,Whatwetwonightshaveseen.Hor.Well,sitwedown,AndletushearBernardospeakofthis.Ber.Lastnightofall,Whenyondsamestarthat'swestwardfromthepoleHadmadehiscourset'illumethatpartofheavenWherenowitburns,Marcellusandmyself,Thebellthenbeatingone-EnterGhost.Mar.Peace!breaktheeoff!Lookwhereitcomesagain!Ber.Inthesamefigure,liketheKingthat'sdead.Mar.Thouartascholar;speaktoit,Horatio.Ber.LooksitnotliketheKing?Markit,Horatio.Hor.Mostlike.Itharrowsmewithfearandwonder.Ber.Itwouldbespoketo.Mar.4
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKQuestionit,Horatio.Hor.Whatartthouthatusurp'stthistimeofnightTogetherwiththatfairandwarlikeformInwhichthemajestyofburiedDenmarkDidsometimesmarch?ByheavenIchargetheespeak!Mar.Itisoffended.Ber.See,itstalksaway!Hor.Stay!Speak,speak!Ichargetheespeak!ExitGhost.Mar.'Tisgoneandwillnotanswer.Ber.Hownow,Horatio?Youtrembleandlookpale.Isnotthissomethingmorethanfantasy?Whatthinkyouon't?Hor.BeforemyGod,ImightnotthisbelieveWithoutthesensibleandtrueavouchOfmineowneyes.Mar.IsitnotliketheKing?Hor.Asthouarttothyself.SuchwastheveryarmourhehadonWhenheth'ambitiousNorwaycombated.Sofrown'dheoncewhen,inanangryparle,HesmotethesleddedPolacksontheice.'Tisstrange.Mar.Thustwicebefore,andjumpatthisdeadhour,Withmartialstalkhathhegonebyourwatch.Hor.InwhatparticularthoughttoworkIknownot;But,inthegrossandscopeofmyopinion,Thisbodessomestrangeeruptiontoourstate.Mar.Goodnow,sitdown,andtellmehethatknows,WhythissamestrictandmostobservantwatchSonightlytoilsthesubjectoftheland,AndwhysuchdailycastofbrazencannonAndforeignmartforimplementsofwar;Whysuchimpressofshipwrights,whosesoretaskDoesnotdividetheSundayfromtheweek.Whatmightbetoward,thatthissweatyhasteDothmakethenightjoint-labourerwiththeday?Whois'tthatcaninformme?Hor.ThatcanI.Atleast,thewhispergoesso.Ourlastking,Whoseimageevenbutnowappear'dtous,Was,asyouknow,byFortinbrasofNorway,Theretoprick'donbyamostemulatepride,Dar'dtothecombat;inwhichourvaliantHamlet(Forsothissideofourknownworldesteem'dhim)DidslaythisFortinbras;who,byaseal'dcompact,Wellratifiedbylawandheraldry,Didforfeit,withhislife,allthosehislandsWhichhestoodseiz'dof,totheconqueror;AgainstthewhichamoietycompetentWasgagedbyourking;whichhadreturn'dTotheinheritanceofFortinbras,Hadhebeenvanquisher,as,bythesamecov'nantAndcarriageofthearticledesign'd,HisfelltoHamlet.Now,sir,youngFortinbras,Ofunimprovedmettlehotandfull,HathintheskirtsofNorway,hereandthere,Shark'dupalistoflawlessresolutes,Forfoodanddiet,tosomeenterpriseThathathastomachin't;whichisnoother,Asitdothwellappearuntoourstate,Buttorecoverofus,bystronghandAnd5
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKtermscompulsatory,thoseforesaidlandsSobyhisfatherlost;andthis,Itakeit,Isthemainmotiveofourpreparations,Thesourceofthisourwatch,andthechiefheadOfthispost-hasteandromageintheland.Ber.Ithinkitbenootherbute'enso.WellmayitsortthatthisportentousfigureComesarmedthroughourwatch,soliketheKingThatwasandisthequestionofthesewars.Hor.Amoteitistotroublethemind'seye.InthemosthighandpalmystateofRome,AlittleerethemightiestJuliusfell,Thegravesstoodtenantless,andthesheeteddeadDidsqueakandgibberintheRomanstreets;Asstarswithtrainsoffire,anddewsofblood,Disastersinthesun;andthemoiststarUponwhoseinfluenceNeptune'sempirestandsWassickalmosttodoomsdaywitheclipse.Andeventhelikeprecurseoffierceevents,AsharbingersprecedingstillthefatesAndprologuetotheomencomingon,HaveheavenandearthtogetherdemonstratedUntoourclimatureandcountrymen.EnterGhostagain.Butsoft!behold!Lo,whereitcomesagain!I'llcrossit,thoughitblastme.-Stayillusion!Spreadshisarms.Ifthouhastanysound,oruseofvoice,Speaktome.Iftherebeanygoodthingtobedone,Thatmaytotheedoease,and,racetome,Speaktome.Ifthouartprivytothycountry'sfate,Whichhappilyforeknowingmayavoid,O,speak!OrifthouhastuphoardedinthylifeExtortedtreasureinthewombofearth(Forwhich,theysay,youspiritsoftwalkindeath),Thecockcrows.Speakofit!Stay,andspeak!-Stopit,Marcellus!Mar.ShallIstrikeatitwithmypartisan?Hor.Do,ifitwillnotstand.Ber.'Tishere!Hor.'Tishere!Mar.'Tisgone!ExitGhost.Wedoitwrong,beingsomajestical,Toofferittheshowofviolence;Foritisastheair,invulnerable,Andourvainblowsmaliciousmockery.Ber.Itwasabouttospeak,whenthecockcrew.Hor.Andthenitstarted,likeaguiltythingUponafearfulsummons.IhaveheardThecock,thatisthetrumpettothemorn,Dothwithhisloftyandshrill-soundingthroatAwakethegodofday;andathiswarning,Whetherinseaorfire,inearthorair,Th'extravagantanderringspirithiesTohisconfine;andofthetruthhereinThispresentobjectmadeprobation.Mar.Itfadedonthecrowingofthecock.Somesaythatever,'gainstthatseasoncomesWhereinourSaviour'sbirthiscelebrated,Thebirdofdawningsingethall6
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKnightlong;Andthen,theysay,nospiritdarestirabroad,Thenightsarewholesome,thennoplanetsstrike,Nofairytakes,norwitchhathpowertocharm,Sohallow'dandsograciousisthetime.Hor.SohaveIheardanddoinpartbelieveit.Butlook,themorn,inrussetmantleclad,Walkso'erthedewofyonhigheastwardhill.Breakweourwatchup;andbymyadviceLetusimpartwhatwehaveseento-nightUntoyoungHamlet;for,uponmylife,Thisspirit,dumbtous,willspeaktohim.Doyouconsentweshallacquainthimwithit,Asneedfulinourloves,fittingourduty?Let'sdo't,Ipray;andIthismorningknowWhereweshallfindhimmostconveniently.Exeunt.7
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEII.Elsinore.AroomofstateintheCastle.Flourish.[EnterClaudius,KingofDenmark,GertrudetheQueen,Hamlet,Polonius,LaertesandhissisterOphelia,[Voltemand,Cornelius,]LordsAttendant.King.ThoughyetofHamletourdearbrother'sdeathThememorybegreen,andthatitusbefittedTobearourheartsingrief,andourwholekingdomTobecontractedinonebrowofwoe,YetsofarhathdiscretionfoughtwithnatureThatwewithwisestsorrowthinkonhimTogetherwithremembranceofourselves.Thereforeoursometimesister,nowourqueen,Th'imperialjointresstothiswarlikestate,Havewe,as'twerewithadefeatedjoy,Withanauspicious,andadroppingeye,Withmirthinfuneral,andwithdirgeinmarriage,Inequalscaleweighingdelightanddole,Takentowife;norhavewehereinbarr'dYourbetterwisdoms,whichhavefreelygoneWiththisaffairalong.Forall,ourthanks.Nowfollows,thatyouknow,youngFortinbras,Holdingaweaksupposalofourworth,Orthinkingbyourlatedearbrother'sdeathOurstatetobedisjointandoutofframe,Colleaguedwiththisdreamofhisadvantage,Hehathnotfail'dtopesteruswithmessageImportingthesurrenderofthoselandsLostbyhisfather,withallbandsoflaw,Toourmostvaliantbrother.Somuchforhim.Nowforourselfandforthistimeofmeeting.Thusmuchthebusinessis:wehaveherewritToNorway,uncleofyoungFortinbras,Who,impotentandbedrid,scarcelyhearsOfthishisnephew'spurpose,tosuppressHisfurthergaitherein,inthatthelevies,Thelists,andfullproportionsareallmadeOutofhissubject;andweheredispatchYou,goodCornelius,andyou,Voltemand,ForbearersofthisgreetingtooldNorway,GivingtoyounofurtherpersonalpowerTobusinesswiththeKing,morethanthescopeOfthesedilatedarticlesallow.[Givesapaper.]Farewell,andletyourhastecommendyourduty.Cor.,Volt.Inthat,andallthings,willweshowourduty.King.Wedoubtitnothing.Heartilyfarewell.ExeuntVoltemandandCornelius.Andnow,Laertes,what'sthenewswithyou?Youtoldusofsomesuit.Whatis't,Laertes?YoucannotspeakofreasontotheDaneAndloseyourvoice.Whatwouldstthoubeg,Laertes,Thatshallnotbemyoffer,notthyasking?Theheadisnotmore8
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKnativetotheheart,Thehandmoreinstrumentaltothemouth,ThanisthethroneofDenmarktothyfather.Whatwouldstthouhave,Laertes?Laer.Mydreadlord,YourleaveandfavourtoreturntoFrance;FromwhencethoughwillinglyIcametoDenmarkToshowmydutyinyourcoronation,YetnowImustconfess,thatdutydone,MythoughtsandwishesbendagaintowardFranceAndbowthemtoyourgraciousleaveandpardon.King.Haveyouyourfather'sleave?WhatsaysPolonius?Pol.Hehath,mylord,wrungfrommemyslowleaveBylaboursomepetition,andatlastUponhiswillIseal'dmyhardconsent.Idobeseechyougivehimleavetogo.King.Takethyfairhour,Laertes.Timebethine,Andthybestgracesspenditatthywill!Butnow,mycousinHamlet,andmyson-Ham.[aside]Alittlemorethankin,andlessthankind!King.Howisitthatthecloudsstillhangonyou?Ham.Notso,mylord.Iamtoomuchi'th'sun.Queen.GoodHamlet,castthynightedcolouroff,AndletthineeyelooklikeafriendonDenmark.DonotforeverwiththyvailedlidsSeekforthynoblefatherinthedust.Thouknow'st'tiscommon.Allthatlivesmustdie,Passingthroughnaturetoeternity.Ham.Ay,madam,itiscommon.Queen.Ifitbe,Whyseemsitsoparticularwiththee?Ham.Seems,madam,Nay,itis.Iknownot'seems.''Tisnotalonemyinkycloak,goodmother,Norcustomarysuitsofsolemnblack,Norwindysuspirationofforc'dbreath,No,northefruitfulriverintheeye,Northedejectedhaviorofthevisage,Togetherwithallforms,moods,shapesofgrief,'Thatcandenotemetruly.Theseindeedseem,Fortheyareactionsthatamanmightplay;ButIhavethatwithinwhichpassethshow-Thesebutthetrappingsandthesuitsofwoe.King.'Tissweetandcommendableinyournature,Hamlet,Togivethesemourningdutiestoyourfather;Butyoumustknow,yourfatherlostafather;Thatfatherlost,losthis,andthesurvivorboundInfilialobligationforsometermTodoobsequioussorrow.ButtoperseverInobstinatecondolementisacourseOfimpiousstubbornness.'Tisunmanlygrief;Itshowsawillmostincorrecttoheaven,Aheartunfortified,amindimpatient,Anunderstandingsimpleandunschool'd;Forwhatweknowmustbe,andisascommonAsanythemostvulgarthingtosense,WhyshouldweinourpeevishoppositionTakeittoheart?Fie!'tisafaulttoheaven,Afaultagainstthedead,afaulttonature,Toreasonmostabsurd,9
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKwhosecommonthemeIsdeathoffathers,andwhostillhathcried,Fromthefirstcorsetillhethatdiedto-day,'Thismustbeso.'WeprayyouthrowtoearthThisunprevailingwoe,andthinkofusAsofafather;forlettheworldtakenoteYouarethemostimmediatetoourthrone,AndwithnolessnobilityofloveThanthatwhichdearestfatherbearshissonDoIimparttowardyou.ForyourintentIngoingbacktoschoolinWittenberg,Itismostretrogradetoourdesire;Andwebeseechyou,bendyoutoremainHereinthecheerandcomfortofoureye,Ourchiefestcourtier,cousin,andourson.Queen.Letnotthymotherloseherprayers,Hamlet.Ipraytheestaywithus,gonottoWittenberg.Ham.Ishallinallmybestobeyyou,madam.King.Why,'tisalovingandafairreply.BeasourselfinDenmark.Madam,come.Thisgentleandunforc'daccordofHamletSitssmilingtomyheart;ingracewhereof,NojocundhealththatDenmarkdrinksto-dayButthegreatcannontothecloudsshalltell,AndtheKing'srousetheheavenshallbruitagain,Respeakingearthlythunder.Comeaway.Flourish.ExeuntallbutHamlet.Ham.Othatthistootoosolidfleshwouldmelt,Thaw,andresolveitselfintoadew!OrthattheEverlastinghadnotfix'dHiscanon'gainstself-slaughter!OGod!God!Howweary,stale,flat,andunprofitableSeemtomealltheusesofthisworld!Fieon't!ah,fie!'TisanunweededgardenThatgrowstoseed;thingsrankandgrossinnaturePossessitmerely.Thatitshouldcometothis!Buttwomonthsdead!Nay,notsomuch,nottwo.Soexcellentaking,thatwastothisHyperiontoasatyr;solovingtomymotherThathemightnotbeteemthewindsofheavenVisitherfacetooroughly.Heavenandearth!MustIremember?Why,shewouldhangonhimAsifincreaseofappetitehadgrownBywhatitfedon;andyet,withinamonth-Letmenotthinkon't!Frailty,thynameiswoman!-Alittlemonth,orerethoseshoeswereoldWithwhichshefollowedmypoorfather'sbodyLikeNiobe,alltears-whyshe,evenshe(OGod!abeastthatwantsdiscourseofreasonWouldhavemourn'dlonger)marriedwithmyuncle;Myfather'sbrother,butnomorelikemyfatherThanItoHercules.Withinamonth,EreyetthesaltofmostunrighteoustearsHadlefttheflushinginhergalledeyes,Shemarried.O,mostwickedspeed,topostWithsuchdexteritytoincestuoussheets!Itisnot,noritcannotcometogood.Butbreakmyheart,forImustholdmy10
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKtongue!EnterHoratio,Marcellus,andBernardo.Hor.Hailtoyourlordship!Ham.Iamgladtoseeyouwell.Horatio!-orIdoforgetmyself.Hor.Thesame,mylord,andyourpoorservantever.Ham.Sir,mygoodfriend-I'llchangethatnamewithyou.AndwhatmakeyoufromWittenberg,Horatio?Marcellus?Mar.Mygoodlord!Ham.Iamverygladtoseeyou.-[ToBernardo]Goodeven,sir.-Butwhat,infaith,makeyoufromWittenberg?Hor.Atruantdisposition,goodmylord.Ham.Iwouldnothearyourenemysayso,NorshallyoudomyearthatviolenceTomakeittrusterofyourownreportAgainstyourself.Iknowyouarenotruant.ButwhatisyouraffairinElsinore?We'llteachyoutodrinkdeepereyoudepart.Hor.Mylord,Icametoseeyourfather'sfuneral.Ham.Ipritheedonotmockme,fellowstudent.Ithinkitwastoseemymother'swedding.Hor.Indeed,mylord,itfollowedhardupon.Ham.Thrift,thrift,Horatio!Thefuneralbak'dmeatsDidcoldlyfurnishforththemarriagetables.WouldIhadmetmydearestfoeinheavenOreverIhadseenthatday,Horatio!Myfather-methinksIseemyfather.Hor.O,where,mylord?Ham.Inmymind'seye,Horatio.Hor.Isawhimonce.Hewasagoodlyking.Ham.Hewasaman,takehimforallinall.Ishallnotlookuponhislikeagain.Hor.Mylord,IthinkIsawhimyesternight.Ham.Saw?who?Hor.Mylord,theKingyourfather.Ham.TheKingmyfather?Hor.SeasonyouradmirationforawhileWithanattentear,tillImaydeliverUponthewitnessofthesegentlemen,Thismarveltoyou.Ham.ForGod'sloveletmehear!Hor.Twonightstogetherhadthesegentlemen(MarcellusandBernardo)ontheirwatchInthedeadvastandmiddleofthenightBeenthusencount'red.Afigurelikeyourfather,Armedatpointexactly,cap-a-pe,AppearsbeforethemandwithsolemnmarchGoesslowandstatelybythem.Thricehewalk'dBytheiroppress'dandfear-surprisedeyes,Withinhistruncheon'slength;whilsttheydistill'dAlmosttojellywiththeactoffear,Standdumbandspeaknottohim.ThistomeIndreadfulsecrecyimparttheydid,AndIwiththemthethirdnightkeptthewatch;Where,astheyhaddeliver'd,bothintime,Formofthething,eachwordmadetrueandgood,Theapparitioncomes.Iknewyourfather.Thesehandsarenotmorelike.Ham.Butwherewasthis?11
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKMar.Mylord,upontheplatformwherewewatch'd.Ham.Didyounotspeaktoit?Hor.Mylord,Idid;Butanswermadeitnone.YetoncemethoughtItliftedupitheadanddidaddressItselftomotion,likeasitwouldspeak;Buteventhenthemorningcockcrewloud,AndatthesounditshrunkinhasteawayAndvanish'dfromoursight.Ham.'Tisverystrange.Hor.AsIdolive,myhonour'dlord,'tistrue;AndwedidthinkitwritdowninourdutyToletyouknowofit.Ham.Indeed,indeed,sirs.Butthistroublesme.Holdyouthewatchto-night?Both[Mar.andBer.]Wedo,mylord.Ham.Arm'd,sayyou?Both.Arm'd,mylord.Ham.Fromtoptotoe?Both.Mylord,fromheadtofoot.Ham.Thensawyounothisface?Hor.O,yes,mylord!Heworehisbeaverup.Ham.What,look'dhefrowningly.Hor.Acountenancemoreinsorrowthaninanger.Ham.Paleorred?Hor.Nay,verypale.Ham.Andfix'dhiseyesuponyou?Hor.Mostconstantly.Ham.IwouldIhadbeenthere.Hor.Itwouldhavemuchamaz'dyou.Ham.Verylike,verylike.Stay'ditlong?Hor.Whileonewithmoderatehastemighttellahundred.Both.Longer,longer.Hor.NotwhenIsaw't.Ham.Hisbeardwasgrizzled-no?Hor.Itwas,asIhaveseenitinhislife,Asablesilver'd.Ham.Iwillwatchto-night.Perchance'twillwalkagain.Hor.Iwarr'ntitwill.Ham.Ifitassumemynoblefather'sperson,I'llspeaktoit,thoughhellitselfshouldgapeAndbidmeholdmypeace.Iprayyouall,Ifyouhavehithertoconceal'dthissight,Letitbetenableinyoursilencestill;Andwhatsoeverelseshallhapto-night,Giveitanunderstandingbutnotongue.Iwillrequiteyourloves.So,fareyouwell.Upontheplatform,'twixtelevenandtwelve,I'llvisityou.All.Ourdutytoyourhonour.Ham.Yourloves,asminetoyou.Farewell.Exeunt[allbutHamlet].Myfather'sspirit-inarms?Allisnotwell.Idoubtsomefoulplay.Wouldthenightwerecome!Tillthensitstill,mysoul.Fouldeedswillrise,Thoughalltheeartho'erwhelmthem,tomen'seyes.Exit.12
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEIII.Elsinore.AroominthehouseofPolonius.EnterLaertesandOphelia.Laer.Mynecessariesareembark'd.Farewell.And,sister,asthewindsgivebenefitAndconvoyisassistant,donotsleep,Butletmehearfromyou.Oph.Doyoudoubtthat?Laer.ForHamlet,andthetriflingofhisfavour,Holditafashion,andatoyinblood;Avioletintheyouthofprimynature,Forward,notpermanent-sweet,notlasting;Theperfumeandsupplianceofaminute;Nomore.Oph.Nomorebutso?Laer.Thinkitnomore.FornaturecrescentdoesnotgrowaloneInthewsandbulk;butasthistemplewaxes,TheinwardserviceofthemindandsoulGrowswidewithal.Perhapshelovesyounow,AndnownosoilnorcauteldothbesmirchThevirtueofhiswill;butyoumustfear,Hisgreatnessweigh'd,hiswillisnothisown;Forhehimselfissubjecttohisbirth.Hemaynot,asunvaluedpersonsdo,Carveforhimself,foronhischoicedependsThesafetyandhealthofthiswholestate,Andthereforemusthischoicebecircumscrib'dUntothevoiceandyieldingofthatbodyWhereofheisthehead.Thenifhesayshelovesyou,ItfitsyourwisdomsofartobelieveitAsheinhisparticularactandplaceMaygivehissayingdeed;whichisnofurtherThanthemainvoiceofDenmarkgoeswithal.ThenweighwhatlossyourhonourmaysustainIfwithtoocredentearyoulisthissongs,Orloseyourheart,oryourchastetreasureopenTohisunmast'redimportunity.Fearit,Ophelia,fearit,mydearsister,Andkeepyouintherearofyouraffection,Outoftheshotanddangerofdesire.ThechariestmaidisprodigalenoughIfsheunmaskherbeautytothemoon.Virtueitselfscopesnotcalumniousstrokes.ThecankergallstheinfantsofthespringToooftbeforetheirbuttonsbedisclos'd,AndinthemornandliquiddewofyouthContagiousblastmentsaremostimminent.Bewarythen;bestsafetyliesinfear.Youthtoitselfrebels,thoughnoneelsenear.Oph.Ishallth'effectofthisgoodlessonkeepAswatchmantomyheart.But,goodmybrother,Donotassomeungraciouspastorsdo,Showmethesteepandthornywaytoheaven,Whiles,likeapuff'dandrecklesslibertine,Himself13
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKtheprimrosepathofdalliancetreadsAndrecksnothisownrede.Laer.O,fearmenot!EnterPolonius.Istaytoolong.Butheremyfathercomes.Adoubleblessingisadoublegrace;Occasionsmilesuponasecondleave.Pol.Yethere,Laertes?Aboard,aboard,forshame!Thewindsitsintheshoulderofyoursail,Andyouarestay'dfor.There-myblessingwiththee!AndthesefewpreceptsinthymemoryLookthoucharacter.Givethythoughtsnotongue,Noranyunproportion'dthoughthisact.Bethoufamiliar,butbynomeansvulgar:Thosefriendsthouhast,andtheiradoptiontried,Grapplethemuntothysoulwithhoopsofsteel;ButdonotdullthypalmwithentertainmentOfeachnew-hatch'd,unfledg'dcomrade.BewareOfentrancetoaquarrel;butbeingin,Bear'tthatth'opposedmaybewareofthee.Giveeverymanthineear,butfewthyvoice;Takeeachman'scensure,butreservethyjudgment.Costlythyhabitasthypursecanbuy,Butnotexpress'dinfancy;rich,notgaudy;Fortheappareloftproclaimstheman,AndtheyinFranceofthebestrankandstationAremostselectandgenerous,chiefinthat.Neitheraborrowernoralenderbe;Forloanoftlosesbothitselfandfriend,Andborrowingdullstheedgeofhusbandry.Thisaboveall-tothineownselfbetrue,Anditmustfollow,asthenighttheday,Thoucanstnotthenbefalsetoanyman.Farewell.Myblessingseasonthisinthee!Laer.MosthumblydoItakemyleave,mylord.Pol.Thetimeinvitesyou.Go,yourservantstend.Laer.Farewell,Ophelia,andrememberwellWhatIhavesaidtoyou.Oph.'Tisinmymemorylock'd,Andyouyourselfshallkeepthekeyofit.Laer.Farewell.Exit.Pol.Whatis't,Ophelia,hehathsaidtoyou?Oph.Sopleaseyou,somethingtouchingtheLordHamlet.Pol.Marry,wellbethought!'TistoldmehehathveryoftoflateGivenprivatetimetoyou,andyouyourselfHaveofyouraudiencebeenmostfreeandbounteous.Ifitbeso-asso'tisputonme,Andthatinwayofcaution-ImusttellyouYoudonotunderstandyourselfsoclearlyAsitbehoovesmydaughterandyourhonour.Whatisbetweenyou?Givemeupthetruth.Oph.Hehath,mylord,oflatemademanytendersOfhisaffectiontome.Pol.Affection?Pooh!Youspeaklikeagreengirl,Unsiftedinsuchperilouscircumstance.Doyoubelievehistenders,asyoucallthem?Oph.14
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKIdonotknow,mylord,whatIshouldthink,Pol.Marry,Iwillteachyou!ThinkyourselfababyThatyouhaveta'enthesetendersfortruepay,Whicharenotsterling.Tenderyourselfmoredearly,Or(nottocrackthewindofthepoorphrase,Runningitthus)you'lltendermeafool.Oph.Mylord,hehathimportun'dmewithloveInhonourablefashion.Pol.Ay,fashionyoumaycallit.Goto,goto!Oph.Andhathgivencountenancetohisspeech,mylord,Withalmostalltheholyvowsofheaven.Pol.Ay,springestocatchwoodcocks!Idoknow,Whenthebloodburns,howprodigalthesoulLendsthetonguevows.Theseblazes,daughter,Givingmorelightthanheat,extinctinbothEvenintheirpromise,asitisa-making,Youmustnottakeforfire.FromthistimeBesomethingscanterofyourmaidenpresence.SetyourentreatmentsatahigherrateThanacommandtoparley.ForLordHamlet,Believesomuchinhim,thatheisyoung,AndwithalargertethermayhewalkThanmaybegivenyou.Infew,Ophelia,Donotbelievehisvows;fortheyarebrokers,Notofthatdyewhichtheirinvestmentsshow,Butmereimploratorsofunholysuits,Breathinglikesanctifiedandpiousbawds,Thebettertobeguile.Thisisforall:Iwouldnot,inplainterms,fromthistimeforthHaveyousoslanderanymomentleisureAstogivewordsortalkwiththeLordHamlet.Lookto't,Ichargeyou.Comeyourways.Oph.Ishallobey,mylord.Exeunt.15
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEIV.Elsinore.TheplatformbeforetheCastle.EnterHamlet,Horatio,andMarcellus.Ham.Theairbitesshrewdly;itisverycold.Hor.Itisanippingandaneagerair.Ham.Whathournow?Hor.Ithinkitlacksoftwelve.Mar.No,itisstruck.Hor.Indeed?Ihearditnot.ItthendrawsneartheseasonWhereinthespiritheldhiswonttowalk.Aflourishoftrumpets,andtwopiecesgooff.Whatdoesthismean,mylord?Ham.TheKingdothwaketo-nightandtakeshisrouse,Keepswassail,andtheswagg'ringupspringreels,And,ashedrainshisdraughtsofRhenishdown,ThekettledrumandtrumpetthusbrayoutThetriumphofhispledge.Hor.Isitacustom?Ham.Ay,marry,is't;Buttomymind,thoughIamnativehereAndtothemannerborn,itisacustomMorehonour'dinthebreachthantheobservance.Thisheavy-headedreveleastandwestMakesustraduc'dandtax'dofothernations;TheyclipusdrunkardsandwithswinishphraseSoilouraddition;andindeedittakesFromourachievements,thoughperform'datheight,Thepithandmarrowofourattribute.SooftitchancesinparticularmenThat,forsomeviciousmoleofnatureinthem,Asintheirbirth,-whereintheyarenotguilty,Sincenaturecannotchoosehisorigin,-Bytheo'ergrowthofsomecomplexion,Oftbreakingdownthepalesandfortsofreason,Orbysomehabitthattoomucho'erleavensTheformofplausivemanners,thatthesemenCarrying,Isay,thestampofonedefect,Beingnature'slivery,orfortune'sstar,Theirvirtueselse-betheyaspureasgrace,Asinfiniteasmanmayundergo-ShallinthegeneralcensuretakecorruptionFromthatparticularfault.Thedramofe'ilDothallthenoblesubstanceoftendoutTohisownscandal.EnterGhost.Hor.Look,mylord,itcomes!Ham.Angelsandministersofgracedefendus!Bethouaspiritofhealthorgoblindamn'd,Bringwiththeeairsfromheavenorblastsfromhell,Bethyintentswickedorcharitable,Thoucom'stinsuchaquestionableshapeThatIwillspeaktothee.I'llcalltheeHamlet,King,father,royalDane.O,answerme?Letmenotburstin16
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKignorance,buttellWhythycanoniz'dbones,hearsedindeath,Havebursttheircerements;whythesepulchreWhereinwesawtheequietlyinurn'd,Hathop'dhisponderousandmarblejawsTocasttheeupagain.WhatmaythismeanThatthou,deadcorse,againincompletesteel,Revisitsthustheglimpsesofthemoon,Makingnighthideous,andwefoolsofnatureSohorridlytoshakeourdispositionWiththoughtsbeyondthereachesofoursouls?Say,whyisthis?wherefore?Whatshouldwedo?GhostbeckonsHamlet.Hor.Itbeckonsyoutogoawaywithit,AsifitsomeimpartmentdiddesireToyoualone.Mar.LookwithwhatcourteousactionItwavesyoutoamoreremovedground.Butdonotgowithit!Hor.No,bynomeans!Ham.Itwillnotspeak.ThenwillIfollowit.Hor.Donot,mylord!Ham.Why,whatshouldbethefear?Idonotsetmylifeatapin'sfee;Andformysoul,whatcanitdotothat,Beingathingimmortalasitself?Itwavesmeforthagain.I'llfollowit.Hor.Whatifittemptyoutowardtheflood,mylord,OrtothedreadfulsummitofthecliffThatbeetleso'erhisbaseintothesea,Andthereassumesomeother,horribleformWhichmightdepriveyoursovereigntyofreasonAnddrawyouintomadness?Thinkofit.Theveryplaceputstoysofdesperation,Withoutmoremotive,intoeverybrainThatlookssomanyfadomstotheseaAndhearsitroarbeneath.Ham.Itwavesmestill.Goon.I'llfollowthee.Mar.Youshallnotgo,mylord.Ham.Holdoffyourhands!Hor.Berul'd.Youshallnotgo.Ham.MyfatecriesoutAndmakeseachpettyartireinthisbodyAshardyastheNemeanlion'snerve.[Ghostbeckons.]StillamIcall'd.Unhandme,gentlemen.Byheaven,I'llmakeaghostofhimthatletsme!-Isay,away!-Goon.I'llfollowthee.ExeuntGhostandHamlet.Hor.Hewaxesdesperatewithimagination.Mar.Let'sfollow.'Tisnotfitthustoobeyhim.Hor.Haveafter.Towhatissuewillthiscome?Mar.SomethingisrotteninthestateofDenmark.Hor.Heavenwilldirectit.Mar.Nay,let'sfollowhim.Exeunt.17
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEV.Elsinore.TheCastle.Anotherpartofthefortifications.EnterGhostandHamlet.Ham.Whitherwiltthouleadme?Speak!I'llgonofurther.Ghost.Markme.Ham.Iwill.Ghost.Myhourisalmostcome,WhenItosulph'rousandtormentingflamesMustrenderupmyself.Ham.Alas,poorghost!Ghost.Pitymenot,butlendthyserioushearingTowhatIshallunfold.Ham.Speak.Iamboundtohear.Ghost.Soartthoutorevenge,whenthoushalthear.Ham.What?Ghost.Iamthyfather'sspirit,Doom'dforacertaintermtowalkthenight,Andforthedayconfin'dtofastinfires,TillthefoulcrimesdoneinmydaysofnatureAreburntandpurg'daway.ButthatIamforbidTotellthesecretsofmyprisonhouse,IcouldataleunfoldwhoselightestwordWouldharrowupthysoul,freezethyyoungblood,Makethytwoeyes,likestars,startfromtheirspheres,Thyknottedandcombinedlockstopart,AndeachparticularhairtostandonendLikequillsuponthefretfulporcupine.ButthiseternalblazonmustnotbeToearsoffleshandblood.List,list,O,list!Ifthoudidsteverthydearfatherlove-Ham.OGod!Ghost.Revengehisfoulandmostunnaturalmurther.Ham.Murther?Ghost.Murthermostfoul,asinthebestitis;Butthismostfoul,strange,andunnatural.Ham.Hastemetoknow't,thatI,withwingsasswiftAsmeditationorthethoughtsoflove,Maysweeptomyrevenge.Ghost.Ifindtheeapt;AnddullershouldstthoubethanthefatweedThatrotsitselfineaseonLethewharf,Wouldstthounotstirinthis.Now,Hamlet,hear.'Tisgivenoutthat,sleepinginmyorchard,Aserpentstungme.SothewholeearofDenmarkIsbyaforgedprocessofmydeathRanklyabus'd.Butknow,thounobleyouth,Theserpentthatdidstingthyfather'slifeNowwearshiscrown.Ham.Omypropheticsoul!Myuncle?Ghost.Ay,thatincestuous,thatadulteratebeast,Withwitchcraftofhiswit,withtraitorousgifts-Owickedwitandgifts,thathavethepowerSotoseduce!-wontohisshamefullustThewillofmymostseeming-virtuousqueen.OHamlet,whatafalling-offwasthere,Fromme,whoselovewasofthatdignityThatitwenthandinhandevenwiththevowImadetoher18
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKinmarriage,andtodeclineUponawretchwhosenaturalgiftswerepoorTothoseofmine!Butvirtue,asitneverwillbemov'd,Thoughlewdnesscourtitinashapeofheaven,Solust,thoughtoaradiantangellink'd,WillsateitselfinacelestialbedAndpreyongarbage.Butsoft!methinksIscentthemorningair.Briefletmebe.Sleepingwithinmyorchard,Mycustomalwaysoftheafternoon,Uponmysecurehourthyunclestole,Withjuiceofcursedhebonainavial,AndintheporchesofmyearsdidpourTheleperousdistilment;whoseeffectHoldssuchanenmitywithbloodofmanThatswiftasquicksilveritcoursesthroughThenaturalgatesandalleysofthebody,AndwithasuddenvigouritdothpossetAndcurd,likeeagerdroppingsintomilk,Thethinandwholesomeblood.Sodiditmine;Andamostinstanttetterbark'dabout,Mostlazar-like,withvileandloathsomecrustAllmysmoothbody.ThuswasI,sleeping,byabrother'shandOflife,ofcrown,ofqueen,atoncedispatch'd;Cutoffevenintheblossomsofmysin,Unhous'led,disappointed,unanel'd,Noreckoningmade,butsenttomyaccountWithallmyimperfectionsonmyhead.Ham.O,horrible!O,horrible!mosthorrible!Ghost.Ifthouhastnatureinthee,bearitnot.LetnottheroyalbedofDenmarkbeAcouchforluxuryanddamnedincest.But,howsoeverthoupursuestthisact,Taintnotthymind,norletthysoulcontriveAgainstthymotheraught.Leavehertoheaven,AndtothosethornsthatinherbosomlodgeToprickandstingher.Faretheewellatonce.TheglowwormshowsthematintobenearAndginstopalehisuneffectualfire.Adieu,adieu,adieu!Rememberme.Exit.Ham.Oallyouhostofheaven!Oearth!Whatelse?AndshallIcouplehell?Hold,hold,myheart!Andyou,mysinews,grownotinstantold,Butbearmestifflyup.Rememberthee?Ay,thoupoorghost,whilememoryholdsaseatInthisdistractedglobe.Rememberthee?Yea,fromthetableofmymemoryI'llwipeawayalltrivialfondrecords,Allsawsofbooks,allforms,allpressurespastThatyouthandobservationcopiedthere,AndthycommandmentallaloneshallliveWithinthebookandvolumeofmybrain,Unmix'dwithbasermatter.Yes,byheaven!Omostperniciouswoman!Ovillain,villain,smiling,damnedvillain!Mytables!MeetitisIsetitdownThatonemaysmile,andsmile,andbeavillain;AtleastIamsureitmaybesoinDenmark.[Writes.]So,uncle,thereyouare.Nowto19
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKmyword:Itis'Adieu,adieu!Rememberme.'Ihavesworn't.Hor.(within)Mylord,mylord!EnterHoratioandMarcellus.Mar.LordHamlet!Hor.Heavensecurehim!Ham.Sobeit!Mar.Illo,ho,ho,mylord!Ham.Hillo,ho,ho,boy!Come,bird,come.Mar.Howis't,mynoblelord?Hor.Whatnews,mylord?Mar.O,wonderful!Hor.Goodmylord,tellit.Ham.No,youwillrevealit.Hor.NotI,mylord,byheaven!Mar.NorI,mylord.Ham.Howsayyouthen?Wouldheartofmanoncethinkit?Butyou'llbesecret?Both.Ay,byheaven,mylord.Ham.There'sneeravillaindwellinginallDenmarkButhe'sanarrantknave.Hor.Thereneedsnoghost,mylord,comefromthegraveTotellusthis.Ham.Why,right!Youareintheright!Andso,withoutmorecircumstanceatall,Iholditfitthatweshakehandsandpart;You,asyourbusinessanddesiresshallpointyou,Foreverymanhathbusinessanddesire,Suchasitis;andformyownpoorpart,Lookyou,I'llgopray.Hor.Thesearebutwildandwhirlingwords,mylord.Ham.Iamsorrytheyoffendyou,heartily;Yes,faith,heartily.Hor.There'snooffence,mylord.Ham.Yes,bySaintPatrick,butthereis,Horatio,Andmuchoffencetoo.Touchingthisvisionhere,Itisanhonestghost,thatletmetellyou.Foryourdesiretoknowwhatisbetweenus,O'ermaster'tasyoumay.Andnow,goodfriends,Asyouarefriends,scholars,andsoldiers,Givemeonepoorrequest.Hor.Whatis't,mylord?Wewill.Ham.Nevermakeknownwhatyouhaveseento-night.Both.Mylord,wewillnot.Ham.Nay,butswear't.Hor.Infaith,Mylord,notI.Mar.NorI,mylord-infaith.Ham.Uponmysword.Mar.Wehavesworn,mylord,already.Ham.Indeed,uponmysword,indeed.Ghostcriesunderthestage.Ghost.Swear.Ham.Ahaboy,say'stthouso?Artthouthere,truepenny?Comeon!Youhearthisfellowinthecellarage.Consenttoswear.Hor.Proposetheoath,mylord.Ham.Nevertospeakofthisthatyouhaveseen.Swearbymysword.Ghost.[beneath]Swear.Ham.Hicetubique?Thenwe'llshiftourground.Comehither,gentlemen,Andlayyourhandsagainuponmysword.Nevertospeakofthisthatyouhaveheard:Swearbymysword.Ghost.[beneath]Swearbyhissword.Ham.Wellsaid,oldmole!Canstworki'th'earthsofast?Aworthypioner!Oncemoreremove,good20
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKfriends."Hor.Odayandnight,butthisiswondrousstrange!Ham.Andthereforeasastrangergiveitwelcome.Therearemorethingsinheavenandearth,Horatio,Thanaredreamtofinyourphilosophy.Butcome!Here,asbefore,never,sohelpyoumercy,Howstrangeoroddsoe'erIbearmyself(AsIperchancehereaftershallthinkmeetToputananticdispositionon),Thatyou,atsuchtimesseeingme,nevershall,Witharmsencumb'redthus,orthishead-shake,Orbypronouncingofsomedoubtfulphrase,As'Well,well,weknow,'or'Wecould,anifwewould,'Or'Ifwelisttospeak,'or'Therebe,aniftheymight,'Orsuchambiguousgivingout,tonoteThatyouknowaughtofme-thisisnottodo,Sograceandmercyatyourmostneedhelpyou,Swear.Ghost.[beneath]Swear.[Theyswear.]Ham.Rest,rest,perturbedspirit!So,gentlemen,WithallmyloveIdocommendmetoyou;AndwhatsopooramanasHamletisMaydot'expresshisloveandfriendingtoyou,Godwilling,shallnotlack.Letusgointogether;Andstillyourfingersonyourlips,Ipray.Thetimeisoutofjoint.OcursedspiteThateverIwasborntosetitright!Nay,come,let'sgotogether.Exeunt.21
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKACTII.22
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEI.Elsinore.AroominthehouseofPolonius.EnterPoloniusandReynaldo.Pol.Givehimthismoneyandthesenotes,Reynaldo.Rey.Iwill,mylord.Pol.Youshalldomarvell'swisely,goodReynaldo,BeforeYouvisithim,tomakeinquireOfhisbehaviour.Rey.Mylord,Ididintendit.Pol.Marry,wellsaid,verywellsaid.Lookyou,sir,EnquiremefirstwhatDanskersareinParis;Andhow,andwho,whatmeans,andwheretheykeep,Whatcompany,atwhatexpense;andfindingBythisencompassmentanddriftofquestionThattheydoknowmyson,comeyoumorenearerThanyourparticulardemandswilltouchit.Takeyou,as'twere,somedistantknowledgeofhim;Asthus,'Iknowhisfatherandhisfriends,Andinparthim.'Doyoumarkthis,Reynaldo?Rey.Ay,verywell,mylord.Pol.'Andinparthim,but,'youmaysay,'notwell.Butif'tbeheImean,he'sverywildAddictedsoandso';andthereputonhimWhatforgeriesyouplease;marry,nonesorankAsmaydishonourhim-takeheedofthat;But,sir,suchwanton,wild,andusualslipsAsarecompanionsnotedandmostknownToyouthandliberty.Rey.Asgaming,mylord.Pol.Ay,ordrinking,fencing,swearing,quarrelling,Drabbing.Youmaygosofar.Rey.Mylord,thatwoulddishonourhim.Pol.Faith,no,asyoumayseasonitinthecharge.Youmustnotputanotherscandalonhim,Thatheisopentoincontinency.That'snotmymeaning.ButbreathehisfaultssoquaintlyThattheymayseemthetaintsofliberty,Theflashandoutbreakofafierymind,Asavagenessinunreclaimedblood,Ofgeneralassault.Rey.But,mygoodlord-Pol.Whereforeshouldyoudothis?Rey.Ay,mylord,Iwouldknowthat.Pol.Marry,sir,here'smydrift,AndIbelieveitisafetchofwarrant.YoulayingtheseslightsulliesonmysonAs'twereathingalittlesoil'di'th'working,Markyou,Yourpartyinconverse,himyouwouldsound,HavingeverseenintheprenominatecrimesTheyouthyoubreatheofguilty,beassur'dHecloseswithyouinthisconsequence:'Goodsir,'orso,or'friend,'or'gentleman'-AccordingtothephraseortheadditionOfmanandcountry-Rey.Verygood,mylord.23
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKPol.Andthen,sir,does'athis-'adoes-WhatwasIabouttosay?Bythemass,Iwasabouttosaysomething!WheredidIleave?Rey.At'closesintheconsequence,'at'friendorso,'andgentleman.'Pol.At'closesintheconsequence'-Ay,marry!Heclosesthus:'Iknowthegentleman.Isawhimyesterday,ort'otherday,Orthen,orthen,withsuchorsuch;and,asyousay,Therewas'agaming;thereo'ertookin'srouse;Therefallingoutattennis';orperchance,'Isawhimentersuchahouseofsale,'Videlicet,abrothel,orsoforth.Seeyounow-Yourbaitoffalsehoodtakesthiscarpoftruth;Andthusdoweofwisdomandofreach,Withwindlassesandwithassaysofbias,Byindirectionsfinddirectionsout.So,bymyformerlectureandadvice,Shallyoumyson.Youhaveme,haveyounot?Rey.Mylord,Ihave.Pol.Godb'wi'ye,fareyewell!Rey.Goodmylord![Going.]Pol.Observehisinclinationinyourself.Rey.Ishall,mylord.Pol.Andlethimplyhismusic.Rey.Well,mylord.Pol.Farewell!ExitReynaldo.EnterOphelia.Hownow,Ophelia?What'sthematter?Oph.Omylord,mylord,Ihavebeensoaffrighted!Pol.Withwhat,i'th'nameofGod?Oph.Mylord,asIwassewinginmycloset,LordHamlet,withhisdoubletallunbrac'd,Nohatuponhishead,hisstockingsfoul'd,Ungart'red,anddown-gyvedtohisankle;Paleashisshirt,hiskneesknockingeachother,AndwithalooksopiteousinpurportAsifhehadbeenloosedoutofhellTospeakofhorrors-hecomesbeforeme.Pol.Madforthylove?Oph.Mylord,Idonotknow,ButtrulyIdofearit.Pol.Whatsaidhe?Oph.Hetookmebythewristandheldmehard;Thengoeshetothelengthofallhisarm,And,withhisotherhandthuso'erhisbrow,HefallstosuchperusalofmyfaceAshewoulddrawit.Longstay'dheso.Atlast,alittleshakingofminearm,Andthricehisheadthuswavingupanddown,Herais'dasighsopiteousandprofoundAsitdidseemtoshatterallhisbulkAndendhisbeing.Thatdone,heletsmego,Andwithhisheadoverhisshoulderturn'dHeseem'dtofindhiswaywithouthiseyes,Forouto'doorshewentwithouttheirhelpAndtothelastbendedtheirlightonme.Pol.Come,gowithme.IwillgoseektheKing.Thisistheveryecstasyoflove,WhoseviolentpropertyfordoesitselfAndleadsthewilltodesperateundertakings24
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKAsoftasanypassionunderheavenThatdoesafflictournatures.Iamsorry.What,haveyougivenhimanyhardwordsoflate?Oph.No,mygoodlord;but,asyoudidcommand,IdidrepelhislettersanddeniedHisaccesstome.Pol.Thathathmadehimmad.IamsorrythatwithbetterheedandjudgmentIhadnotquotedhim.Ifear'dhedidbuttrifleAndmeanttowrackthee;butbeshrewmyjealousy!Byheaven,itisaspropertoourageTocastbeyondourselvesinouropinionsAsitiscommonfortheyoungersortTolackdiscretion.Come,gowetotheKing.Thismustbeknown;which,beingkeptclose,mightmoveMoregrieftohidethanhatetoutterlove.Come.Exeunt.25
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEII.Elsinore.AroomintheCastle.Flourish.[EnterKingandQueen,RosencrantzandGuildenstern,cumaliis.King.Welcome,dearRosencrantzandGuildenstern.Moreoverthatwemuchdidlongtoseeyou,TheneedwehavetouseyoudidprovokeOurhastysending.SomethinghaveyouheardOfHamlet'stransformation.SoIcallit,Sithnorth'exteriornortheinwardmanResemblesthatitwas.Whatitshouldbe,Morethanhisfather'sdeath,thatthushathputhimSomuchfromth'understandingofhimself,Icannotdreamof.IentreatyoubothThat,beingofsoyoungdaysbroughtupwithhim,Andsincesoneighbour'dtohisyouthandhaviour,ThatyouvouchsafeyourresthereinourcourtSomelittletime;sobyyourcompaniesTodrawhimontopleasures,andtogatherSomuchasfromoccasionyoumayglean,WhetheraughttousunknownafflictshimthusThat,open'd,lieswithinourremedy.Queen.Goodgentlemen,hehathmuchtalk'dofyou,AndsureIamtwomentherearenotlivingTowhomhemoreadheres.IfitwillpleaseyouToshowussomuchgentryandgoodwillAstoexpendyourtimewithusawhileForthesupplyandprofitofourhope,YourvisitationshallreceivesuchthanksAsfitsaking'sremembrance.Ros.BothyourMajestiesMight,bythesovereignpoweryouhaveofus,PutyourdreadpleasuresmoreintocommandThantoentreaty.Guil.Butwebothobey,Andheregiveupourselves,inthefullbent,Tolayourservicefreelyatyourfeet,Tobecommanded.King.Thanks,RosencrantzandgentleGuildenstern.Queen.Thanks,GuildensternandgentleRosencrantz.AndIbeseechyouinstantlytovisitMytoomuchchangedson.-Go,someofyou,AndbringthesegentlemenwhereHamletis.Guil.HeavensmakeourpresenceandourpracticesPleasantandhelpfultohim!Queen.Ay,amen!ExeuntRosencrantzandGuildenstern,[withsomeAttendants].EnterPolonius.Pol.Th'ambassadorsfromNorway,mygoodlord,Arejoyfullyreturn'd.King.Thoustillhastbeenthefatherofgoodnews.Pol.HaveI,mylord?Assureyou,mygoodliege,IholdmydutyasIholdmysoul,BothtomyGodandtomygraciousking;AndIdothink-orelsethisbrain26
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKofmineHuntsnotthetrailofpolicysosureAsithathus'dtodo-thatIhavefoundTheverycauseofHamlet'slunacy.King.O,speakofthat!ThatdoIlongtohear.Pol.Givefirstadmittancetoth'ambassadors.Mynewsshallbethefruittothatgreatfeast.King.Thyselfdogracetothem,andbringthemin.[ExitPolonius.]Hetellsme,mydearGertrude,hehathfoundTheheadandsourceofallyourson'sdistemper.Queen.Idoubtitisnootherbutthemain,Hisfather'sdeathandouro'erhastymarriage.King.Well,weshallsifthim.EnterPolonius,Voltemand,andCornelius.Welcome,mygoodfriends.Say,Voltemand,whatfromourbrotherNorway?Volt.Mostfairreturnofgreetingsanddesires.Uponourfirst,hesentouttosuppressHisnephew'slevies;whichtohimappear'dTobeapreparation'gainstthePolack,Butbetterlook'dinto,hetrulyfoundItwasagainstyourHighness;whereatgriev'd,Thatsohissickness,age,andimpotenceWasfalselyborneinhand,sendsoutarrestsOnFortinbras;whichhe,inbrief,obeys,ReceivesrebukefromNorway,and,infine,MakesvowbeforehisunclenevermoreTogiveth'assayofarmsagainstyourMajesty.WhereonoldNorway,overcomewithjoy,GiveshimthreethousandcrownsinannualfeeAndhiscommissiontoemploythosesoldiers,Soleviedasbefore,againstthePolack;Withanentreaty,hereinfurthershown,[Givesapaper.]ThatitmightpleaseyoutogivequietpassThroughyourdominionsforthisenterprise,OnsuchregardsofsafetyandallowanceAsthereinaresetdown.King.Itlikesuswell;Andatourmoreconsider'dtimewe'llread,Answer,andthinkuponthisbusiness.Meantimewethankyouforyourwell-tooklabour.Gotoyourrest;atnightwe'llfeasttogether.Mostwelcomehome!ExeuntAmbassadors.Pol.Thisbusinessiswellended.Myliege,andmadam,toexpostulateWhatmajestyshouldbe,whatdutyis,Whydayisday,nightisnight,andtimeistime.Werenothingbuttowastenight,day,andtime.Therefore,sincebrevityisthesoulofwit,Andtediousnessthelimbsandoutwardflourishes,Iwillbebrief.Yournoblesonismad.MadcallIit;for,todefinetruemadness,Whatis'tbuttobenothingelsebutmad?Butletthatgo.Queen.Morematter,withlessart.Pol.Madam,IswearIusenoartatall.Thatheismad,'tistrue:'tistrue'tispity;Andpity'tis'tistrue.A27
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKfoolishfigure!Butfarewellit,forIwillusenoart.Madletusgranthimthen.AndnowremainsThatwefindoutthecauseofthiseffect-Orrathersay,thecauseofthisdefect,Forthiseffectdefectivecomesbycause.Thusitremains,andtheremainderthus.Perpend.Ihaveadaughter(havewhilesheismine),Whoinherdutyandobedience,mark,Hathgivenmethis.Nowgather,andsurmise.[Reads]theletter.'Tothecelestial,andmysoul'sidol,themostbeautifiedOphelia,'-That'sanillphrase,avilephrase;'beautified'isavilephrase.Butyoushallhear.Thus:[Reads.]'Inherexcellentwhitebosom,these,&c.'Queen.CamethisfromHamlettoher?Pol.Goodmadam,stayawhile.Iwillbefaithful.[Reads.]'Doubtthouthestarsarefire;Doubtthatthesundothmove;Doubttruthtobealiar;ButneverdoubtIlove.'OdearOphelia,Iamillatthesenumbers;Ihavenotarttoreckonmygroans;butthatIlovetheebest,Omostbest,believeit.Adieu.'Thineevermore,mostdearlady,whilstthismachineistohim,HAMLET.'This,inobedience,hathmydaughtershownme;Andmoreabove,hathhissolicitings,Astheyfelloutbytime,bymeans,andplace,Allgiventomineear.King.ButhowhathsheReceiv'dhislove?Pol.Whatdoyouthinkofme?King.Asofamanfaithfulandhonourable.Pol.Iwouldfainproveso.Butwhatmightyouthink,WhenIhadseenthishotloveonthewing(AsIperceiv'dit,Imusttellyouthat,Beforemydaughtertoldme),whatmightyou,OrmydearMajestyyourqueenhere,think,IfIhadplay'dthedeskortablebook,Orgivenmyheartawinking,muteanddumb,Orlook'duponthislovewithidlesight?Whatmightyouthink?No,IwentroundtoworkAndmyyoungmistressthusIdidbespeak:'LordHamletisaprince,outofthystar.Thismustnotbe.'AndthenIprescriptsgaveher,Thatsheshouldlockherselffromhisresort,Admitnomessengers,receivenotokens.Whichdone,shetookthefruitsofmyadvice,Andhe,repulsed,ashorttaletomake,Fellintoasadness,thenintoafast,Thencetoawatch,thenceintoaweakness,Thencetoalightness,and,bythisdeclension,Intothemadnesswhereinnowheraves,Andallwemournfor.King.Doyouthink'tisthis?Queen.itmaybe,verylike.Pol.Haththerebeensuchatime-Iwouldfainknowthat-ThatIhave28
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKPositivelysaid''Tisso,'Whenitprov'dotherwise.?King.NotthatIknow.Pol.[pointstohisheadandshoulder]Takethisfromthis,ifthisbeotherwise.Ifcircumstancesleadme,IwillfindWheretruthishid,thoughitwerehidindeedWithinthecentre.King.Howmaywetryitfurther?Pol.YouknowsometimeshewalksforhourstogetherHereinthelobby.Queen.Sohedoesindeed.Pol.AtsuchatimeI'llloosemydaughtertohim.BeyouandIbehindanarrasthen.Marktheencounter.Ifhelovehernot,Andhenotfromhisreasonfall'nthereonLetmebenoassistantforastate,Butkeepafarmandcarters.King.Wewilltryit.EnterHamlet,readingonabook.Queen.Butlookwheresadlythepoorwretchcomesreading.Pol.Away,Idobeseechyou,bothawayI'llboardhimpresently.O,givemeleave.ExeuntKingandQueen,[withAttendants].HowdoesmygoodLordHamlet?Ham.Well,God-a-mercy.Pol.Doyouknowme,mylord?Ham.Excellentwell.Youareafishmonger.Pol.NotI,mylord.Ham.ThenIwouldyouweresohonestaman.Pol.Honest,mylord?Ham.Ay,sir.Tobehonest,asthisworldgoes,istobeonemanpick'doutoftenthousand.Pol.That'sverytrue,mylord.Ham.Forifthesunbreedmaggotsinadeaddog,beingagodkissingcarrion-Haveyouadaughter?Pol.Ihave,mylord.Ham.Lethernotwalki'th'sun.Conceptionisablessing,butnotasyourdaughtermayconceive.Friend,lookto't.Pol.[aside]Howsayyoubythat?Stillharpingonmydaughter.Yetheknewmenotatfirst.HesaidIwasafishmonger.Heisfargone,fargone!AndtrulyinmyyouthIsuff'redmuchextremityforlove-verynearthis.I'llspeaktohimagain.-Whatdoyouread,mylord?Ham.Words,words,words.Pol.Whatisthematter,mylord?Ham.Betweenwho?Pol.Imean,thematterthatyouread,mylord.Ham.Slanders,sir;forthesatiricalroguesaysherethatoldmenhavegreybeards;thattheirfacesarewrinkled;theireyespurgingthickamberandplum-treegum;andthattheyhaveaplentifullackofwit,togetherwithmostweakhams.Allwhich,sir,thoughImostpowerfullyandpotentlybelieve,yetIholditnothonestytohaveitthussetdown;foryouyourself,sir,shouldbeoldasIamif,likeacrab,youcouldgobackward.Pol.[aside]Thoughthisbemadness,yetthereisamethodin't.-Will29
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKYouwalkoutoftheair,mylord?Ham.Intomygrave?Pol.Indeed,thatisouto'th'air.[Aside]Howpregnantsometimeshisrepliesare!ahappinessthatoftenmadnesshitson,whichreasonandsanitycouldnotsoprosperouslybedeliveredof.Iwillleavehimandsuddenlycontrivethemeansofmeetingbetweenhimandmydaughter.-Myhonourablelord,Iwillmosthumblytakemyleaveofyou.Ham.Youcannot,sir,takefrommeanythingthatIwillmorewillinglypartwithal-exceptmylife,exceptmylife,exceptmylife,EnterRosencrantzandGuildenstern.Pol.Fareyouwell,mylord.Ham.Thesetediousoldfools!Pol.YougotoseektheLordHamlet.Thereheis.Ros.[toPolonius]Godsaveyou,sir!Exit[Polonius].Guil.Myhonour'dlord!Ros.Mymostdearlord!Ham.Myexcellentgoodfriends!Howdostthou,Guildenstern?Ah,Rosencrantz!Goodlads,howdoyeboth?Ros.Astheindifferentchildrenoftheearth.Guil.Happyinthatwearenotover-happy.OnFortune'scapwearenottheverybutton.Ham.Northesolesofhershoe?Ros.Neither,mylord.Ham.Thenyouliveaboutherwaist,orinthemiddleofherfavours?Guil.Faith,herprivateswe.Ham.InthesecretpartsofFortune?O!mosttrue!sheisastrumpet.Whatnews?Ros.None,mylord,butthattheworld'sgrownhonest.Ham.Thenisdoomsdaynear!Butyournewsisnottrue.Letmequestionmoreinparticular.Whathaveyou,mygoodfriends,deservedatthehandsofFortunethatshesendsyoutoprisonhither?Guil.Prison,mylord?Ham.Denmark'saprison.Ros.Thenistheworldone.Ham.Agoodlyone;inwhichtherearemanyconfines,wards,anddungeons,Denmarkbeingoneo'th'worst.Ros.Wethinknotso,mylord.Ham.Why,then'tisnonetoyou;forthereisnothingeithergoodorbadbutthinkingmakesitso.Tomeitisaprison.Ros.Why,thenyourambitionmakesitone.'Tistoonarrowforyourmind.Ham.OGod,Icouldbeboundedinanutshellandcountmyselfakingofinfinitespace,wereitnotthatIhavebaddreams.Guil.Whichdreamsindeedareambition;fortheverysubstanceoftheambitiousismerelytheshadowofadream.Ham.Adreamitselfisbutashadow.Ros.Truly,andIholdambitionofsoairyandlightaqualitythatitisbutashadow'sshadow.Ham.Thenareourbeggars30
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKbodies,andourmonarchsandoutstretch'dheroesthebeggars'shadows.Shallwetoth'court?for,bymyfay,Icannotreason.Both.We'llwaituponyou.Ham.Nosuchmatter!Iwillnotsortyouwiththerestofmyservants;for,tospeaktoyoulikeanhonestman,Iammostdreadfullyattended.Butinthebeatenwayoffriendship,whatmakeyouatElsinore?Ros.Tovisityou,mylord;nootheroccasion.Ham.BeggarthatIam,Iamevenpoorinthanks;butIthankyou;andsure,dearfriends,mythanksaretoodearahalfpenny.Wereyounotsentfor?Isityourowninclining?Isitafreevisitation?Come,dealjustlywithme.Come,come!Nay,speak.Guil.Whatshouldwesay,mylord?Ham.Why,anything-buttoth'purpose.Youweresentfor;andthereisakindofconfessioninyourlooks,whichyourmodestieshavenotcraftenoughtocolour.IknowthegoodKingandQueenhavesentforyou.Ros.Towhatend,mylord?Ham.Thatyoumustteachme.Butletmeconjureyoubytherightsofourfellowship,bytheconsonancyofouryouth,bytheobligationofourever-preservedlove,andbywhatmoredearabetterproposercouldchargeyouwithal,beevenanddirectwithme,whetheryouweresentfororno.Ros.[asidetoGuildenstern]Whatsayyou?Ham.[aside]Naythen,Ihaveaneyeofyou.-Ifyouloveme,holdnotoff.Guil.Mylord,weweresentfor.Ham.Iwilltellyouwhy.Soshallmyanticipationpreventyourdiscovery,andyoursecrecytotheKingandQueenmoultnofeather.Ihaveoflate-butwhereforeIknownot-lostallmymirth,forgoneallcustomofexercises;andindeed,itgoessoheavilywithmydispositionthatthisgoodlyframe,theearth,seemstomeasterilepromontory;thismostexcellentcanopy,theair,lookyou,thisbraveo'erhangingfirmament,thismajesticalrooffrettedwithgoldenfire-why,itappearethnootherthingtomethanafoulandpestilentcongregationofvapours.Whatapieceofworkisaman!hownobleinreason!howinfiniteinfaculties!informandmovinghowexpressandadmirable!inactionhowlikeanangel!inapprehensionhowlikeagod!thebeautyoftheworld,theparagonofanimals!Andyettomewhatisthisquintessenceofdust?Mandelightsnotme-no,norwomanneither,thoughbyyoursmilingyouseemtosayso.Ros.Mylord,therewasnosuchstuffinmythoughts.Ham.Whydidyoulaughthen,whenIsaid'Mandelightsnotme'?Ros.Tothink,mylord,ifyoudelightnotin31
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKman,whatlentenentertainmenttheplayersshallreceivefromyou.Wecotedthemontheway,andhitheraretheycomingtoofferyouservice.Ham.Hethatplaysthekingshallbewelcome-hisMajestyshallhavetributeofme;theadventurousknightshallusehisfoilandtarget;thelovershallnotsighgratis;thehumorousmanshallendhispartinpeace;theclownshallmakethoselaughwhoselungsaretickleo'th'sere;andtheladyshallsayhermindfreely,ortheblankverseshallhaltfor't.Whatplayersarethey?Ros.Eventhoseyouwerewonttotakesuchdelightin,thetragediansofthecity.Ham.Howchancesittheytravel?Theirresidence,bothinreputationandprofit,wasbetterbothways.Ros.Ithinktheirinhibitioncomesbythemeansofthelateinnovation.Ham.DotheyholdthesameestimationtheydidwhenIwasinthecity?Aretheysofollow'd?Ros.Noindeedaretheynot.Ham.Howcomesit?Dotheygrowrusty?Ros.Nay,theirendeavourkeepsinthewontedpace;butthereis,sir,aneyrieofchildren,littleeyases,thatcryoutonthetopofquestionandaremosttyrannicallyclapp'dfor't.Thesearenowthefashion,andsoberattlethecommonstages(sotheycallthem)thatmanywearingrapiersareafraidofgoosequillsanddarescarcecomethither.Ham.What,aretheychildren?Whomaintains'em?Howaretheyescoted?Willtheypursuethequalitynolongerthantheycansing?Willtheynotsayafterwards,iftheyshouldgrowthemselvestocommonplayers(asitismostlike,iftheirmeansarenobetter),theirwritersdothemwrongtomakethemexclaimagainsttheirownsuccession.Ros.Faith,therehasbeenmuchtodoonbothsides;andthenationholdsitnosintotarrethemtocontroversy.Therewas,forawhile,nomoneybidforargumentunlessthepoetandtheplayerwenttocuffsinthequestion.Ham.Is'tpossible?Guil.O,therehasbeenmuchthrowingaboutofbrains.Ham.Dotheboyscarryitaway?Ros.Ay,thattheydo,mylord-Herculesandhisloadtoo.Ham.Itisnotverystrange;formyuncleisKingofDenmark,andthosethatwouldmakemowsathimwhilemyfatherlivedgivetwenty,forty,fifty,ahundredducatsapieceforhispictureinlittle.'Sblood,thereissomethinginthismorethannatural,ifphilosophycouldfinditout.FlourishforthePlayers.Guil.Therearetheplayers.Ham.Gentlemen,youarewelcometo32
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKElsinore.Yourhands,come!Th'appurtenanceofwelcomeisfashionandceremony.Letmecomplywithyouinthisgarb,lestmyextenttotheplayers(whichItellyoumustshowfairlyoutwards)shouldmoreappearlikeentertainmentthanyours.Youarewelcome.Butmyuncle-fatherandaunt-motheraredeceiv'd.Guil.Inwhat,mydearlord?Ham.Iambutmadnorth-north-west.WhenthewindissoutherlyIknowahawkfromahandsaw.EnterPolonius.Pol.Wellbewithyou,gentlemen!Ham.Harkyou,Guildenstern-andyoutoo-ateachearahearer!Thatgreatbabyyouseethereisnotyetoutofhisswaddlingclouts.Ros.Happilyhe'sthesecondtimecometothem;fortheysayanoldmanistwiceachild.Ham.Iwillprophesyhecomestotellmeoftheplayers.Markit.-Yousayright,sir;aMondaymorning;twassoindeed.Pol.Mylord,Ihavenewstotellyou.Ham.Mylord,Ihavenewstotellyou.WhenRosciuswasanactorinRome-Pol.Theactorsarecomehither,mylord.Ham.Buzz,buzz!Pol.Uponmyhonour-Ham.Thencameeachactoronhisass-Pol.Thebestactorsintheworld,eitherfortragedy,comedy,history,pastoral,pastoral-comical,historical-pastoral,tragical-historical,tragical-comical-historical-pastoral;sceneindividable,orpoemunlimited.Senecacannotbetooheavy,norPlautustoolight.Forthelawofwritandtheliberty,thesearetheonlymen.Ham.OJephthah,judgeofIsrael,whatatreasurehadstthou!Pol.Whattreasurehadhe,mylord?Ham.Why,'Onefairdaughter,andnomore,Thewhichhelovedpassingwell.'Pol.[aside]Stillonmydaughter.Ham.AmInoti'th'right,oldJephthah?Pol.IfyoucallmeJephthah,mylord,IhaveadaughterthatIlovepassingwell.Ham.Nay,thatfollowsnot.Pol.Whatfollowsthen,mylord?Ham.Why,'Asbylot,Godwot,'andthen,youknow,'Itcametopass,asmostlikeitwas.'Thefirstrowofthepiouschansonwillshowyoumore;forlookwheremyabridgmentcomes.EnterfourorfivePlayers.Youarewelcome,masters;welcome,all.-Iamgladtoseetheewell.-Welcome,goodfriends.-O,myoldfriend?Why,thyfaceisvalanc'dsince33
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKIsawtheelast.Com'st'thouto'beardmeinDenmark?-What,myyoungladyandmistress?By'rLady,yourladyshipisnearertoheaventhanwhenIsawyoulastbythealtitudeofachopine.PrayGodyourvoice,likeapieceofuncurrentgold,benotcrack'dwithinthering.-Masters,youareallwelcome.We'lle'ento'tlikeFrenchfalconers,flyatanythingwesee.We'llhaveaspeechstraight.Come,giveusatasteofyourquality.Come,apassionatespeech.1.Play.Whatspeech,mygoodlord?Ham.Iheardtheespeakmeaspeechonce,butitwasneveracted;orifitwas,notaboveonce;fortheplay,Iremember,pleas'dnotthemillion,'twascaviarytothegeneral;butitwas(asIreceiv'dit,andothers,whosejudgmentsinsuchmatterscriedinthetopofmine)anexcellentplay,welldigestedinthescenes,setdownwithasmuchmodestyascunning.Irememberonesaidtherewerenosalletsinthelinestomakethemattersavoury,nornomatterinthephrasethatmightindicttheauthorofaffectation;butcall'ditanhonestmethod,aswholesomeassweet,andbyverymuchmorehandsomethanfine.Onespeechin'tIchieflylov'd.'TwasAEneas'taletoDido,andthereaboutofitespeciallywherehespeaksofPriam'sslaughter.Ifitliveinyourmemory,beginatthisline-letmesee,letmesee:'TheruggedPyrrhus,liketh'Hyrcanianbeast-''Tisnotso;itbeginswithPyrrhus:'TheruggedPyrrhus,hewhosesablearms,Blackashispurpose,didthenightresembleWhenhelaycouchedintheominoushorse,Hathnowthisdreadandblackcomplexionsmear'dWithheraldrymoredismal.HeadtofootNowisbetotalgules,horridlytrick'dWithbloodoffathers,mothers,daughters,sons,Bak'dandimpastedwiththeparchingstreets,ThatlendatyrannousandadamnedlightTotheirlord'smurther.Roastedinwrathandfire,Andthuso'ersizedwithcoagulategore,Witheyeslikecarbuncles,thehellishPyrrhusOldgrandsirePriamseeks.'So,proceedyou.Pol.ForeGod,mylord,wellspoken,withgoodaccentandgooddiscretion.1.Play.'Anonhefindshim,StrikingtooshortatGreeks.Hisantiquesword,Rebellioustohisarm,lieswhereitfalls,Repugnanttocommand.Unequalmatch'd,PyrrhusatPriamdrives,inragestrikeswide;ButwiththewhiffandwindofhisfellswordTh'unnervedfatherfalls.Then34
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKsenselessIlium,Seemingtofeelthisblow,withflamingtopStoopstohisbase,andwithahideouscrashTakesprisonerPyrrhus'ear.Forlo!hissword,WhichwasdecliningonthemilkyheadOfreverendPriam,seem'di'th'airtostick.So,asapaintedtyrant,Pyrrhusstood,And,likeaneutraltohiswillandmatter,Didnothing.But,asweoftensee,againstsomestorm,Asilenceintheheavens,therackstandstill,Theboldwindsspeechless,andtheorbbelowAshushasdeath-anonthedreadfulthunderDothrendtheregion;so,afterPyrrhus'pause,Arousedvengeancesetshimnewawork;AndneverdidtheCyclops'hammersfallOnMars'sarmour,forg'dforproofeterne,WithlessremorsethanPyrrhus'bleedingswordNowfallsonPriam.Out,out,thoustrumpetFortune!Allyougods,Ingeneralsynodtakeawayherpower;Breakallthespokesandfelliesfromherwheel,Andbowltheroundnavedownthehillofheaven,Aslowastothefiends!Pol.Thisistoolong.Ham.Itshalltothebarber's,withyourbeard.-Pritheesayon.He'sforajigorataleofbawdry,orhesleeps.Sayon;cometoHecuba.1.Play.'Butwho,Owho,hadseenthemobledqueen-'Ham.'Themobledqueen'?Pol.That'sgood!'Mobledqueen'isgood.1.Play.'Runbarefootupanddown,threat'ningtheflamesWithbissonrheum;acloutuponthatheadWherelatethediademstood,andforarobe,Aboutherlankandallo'erteemedloins,Ablanket,inthealarmoffearcaughtup-Whothishadseen,withtongueinvenomsteep'd'GainstFortune'sstatewouldtreasonhavepronounc'd.Butifthegodsthemselvesdidseeherthen,WhenshesawPyrrhusmakemalicioussportInMincingwithhisswordherhusband'slimbs,Theinstantburstofclamourthatshemade(Unlessthingsmortalmovethemnotatall)WouldhavemademilchtheburningeyesofheavenAndpassioninthegods.'Pol.Look,whe'rhehasnotturn'dhiscolour,andhastearsin'seyes.Pritheenomore!Ham.'Tiswell.I'llhavetheespeakouttherestofthissoon.-Goodmylord,willyouseetheplayerswellbestow'd?Doyouhear?Letthembewellus'd;fortheyaretheabstractandbriefchroniclesofthetime.Afteryourdeathyouwerebetterhaveabadepitaphthantheirillreportwhileyoulive.Pol.Mylord,Iwillusethemaccordingtotheir35
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKdesert.Ham.God'sbodykins,man,muchbetter!Useeverymanafterhisdesert,andwhoshouldscapewhipping?Usethemafteryourownhonouranddignity.Thelesstheydeserve,themoremeritisinyourbounty.Takethemin.Pol.Come,sirs.Ham.Followhim,friends.We'llhearaplayto-morrow.ExeuntPoloniusandPlayers[excepttheFirst].Dostthouhearme,oldfriend?Canyouplay'TheMurtherofGonzago'?1.Play.Ay,mylord.Ham.We'llha'tto-morrownight.Youcould,foraneed,studyaspeechofsomedozenorsixteenlineswhichIwouldsetdownandinsertin't,couldyounot?1.Play.Ay,mylord.Ham.Verywell.Followthatlord-andlookyoumockhimnot.[ExitFirstPlayer.]Mygoodfriends,I'llleaveyoutillnight.YouarewelcometoElsinore.Ros.Goodmylord!Ham.Ay,so,Godb'wi'ye![ExeuntRosencrantzandGuildensternNowIamalone.OwhatarogueandpeasantslaveamI!Isitnotmonstrousthatthisplayerhere,Butinafiction,inadreamofpassion,CouldforcehissoulsotohisownconceitThat,fromherworking,allhisvisagewann'd,Tearsinhiseyes,distractionin'saspect,Abrokenvoice,andhiswholefunctionsuitingWithformstohisconceit?Andallfornothing!ForHecuba!What'sHecubatohim,orhetoHecuba,Thatheshouldweepforher?Whatwouldhedo,HadhethemotiveandthecueforpassionThatIhave?HewoulddrownthestagewithtearsAndcleavethegeneralearwithhorridspeech;Makemadtheguiltyandappalthefree,Confoundtheignorant,andamazeindeedTheveryfacultiesofeyesandears.YetI,Adullandmuddy-mettledrascal,peakLikeJohn-a-dreams,unpregnantofmycause,Andcansaynothing!No,notforaking,UponwhosepropertyandmostdearlifeAdamn'ddefeatwasmade.AmIacoward?Whocallsmevillain?breaksmypateacross?Plucksoffmybeardandblowsitinmyface?Tweaksmebyth'nose?givesmetheliei'th'throatAsdeepastothelungs?Whodoesmethis,ha?'Swounds,Ishouldtakeit!foritcannotbeButIampigeon-liver'dandlackgallTomakeoppressionbitter,orerethisIshouldhavefattedalltheregionkitesWiththisslave'soffal.Bloodybawdyvillain!Remorseless,treacherous,lecherous,kindlessvillain!O,vengeance!Why,whatanassamI!Thisismostbrave,ThatI,thesonofadearfathermurther'd,Promptedtomyrevengebyheavenandhell,Must(likeawhore)unpackmyheartwithwordsAndfalla-cursinglikeavery36
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKdrab,Ascullion!Fieupon't!foh!About,mybrain!Hum,IhaveheardThatguiltycreatures,sittingataplay,HavebytheverycunningofthesceneBeenstrucksotothesoulthatpresentlyTheyhaveproclaim'dtheirmalefactions;Formurther,thoughithavenotongue,willspeakWithmostmiraculousorgan,I'llhavethesePlayersPlaysomethinglikethemurtherofmyfatherBeforemineuncle.I'llobservehislooks;I'lltenthimtothequick.Ifhebutblench,Iknowmycourse.ThespiritthatIhaveseenMaybeadevil;andthedevilhathpowerT'assumeapleasingshape;yea,andperhapsOutofmyweaknessandmymelancholy,Asheisverypotentwithsuchspirits,Abusesmetodamnme.I'llhavegroundsMorerelativethanthis.Theplay'sthethingWhereinI'llcatchtheconscienceoftheKing.Exit.37
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKACTIII.38
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEI.Elsinore.AroomintheCastle.EnterKing,Queen,Polonius,Ophelia,Rosencrantz,Guildenstern,andLords.King.AndcanyoubynodriftofcircumstanceGetfromhimwhyheputsonthisconfusion,GratingsoharshlyallhisdaysofquietWithturbulentanddangerouslunacy?Ros.Hedoesconfesshefeelshimselfdistracted,Butfromwhatcausehewillbynomeansspeak.Guil.Nordowefindhimforwardtobesounded,ButwithacraftymadnesskeepsaloofWhenwewouldbringhimontosomeconfessionOfhistruestate.Queen.Didhereceiveyouwell?Ros.Mostlikeagentleman.Guil.Butwithmuchforcingofhisdisposition.Ros.Niggardofquestion,butofourdemandsMostfreeinhisreply.Queen.DidyouassayhimToanypastime?Ros.Madam,itsofelloutthatcertainplayersWeo'erraughtontheway.Ofthesewetoldhim,AndtheredidseeminhimakindofjoyTohearofit.Theyarehereaboutthecourt,And,asIthink,theyhavealreadyorderThisnighttoplaybeforehim.Pol.'Tismosttrue;Andhebeseech'dmetoentreatyourMajestiesTohearandseethematter.King.Withallmyheart,anditdothmuchcontentmeTohearhimsoinclin'd.Goodgentlemen,givehimafurtheredgeAnddrivehispurposeontothesedelights.Ros.Weshall,mylord.ExeuntRosencrantzandGuildenstern.King.SweetGertrude,leaveustoo;ForwehavecloselysentforHamlethither,Thathe,as'twerebyaccident,mayhereAffrontOphelia.Herfatherandmyself(lawfulespials)Willsobestowourselvesthat,seeingunseen,WemayoftheirencounterfranklyjudgeAndgatherbyhim,asheisbehav'd,If'tbeth'afflictionofhislove,orno,Thatthushesuffersfor.Queen.Ishallobeyyou;Andforyourpart,Ophelia,IdowishThatyourgoodbeautiesbethehappycauseOfHamlet'swildness.SoshallIhopeyourvirtuesWillbringhimtohiswontedwayagain,Tobothyourhonours.Oph.Madam,Iwishitmay.[ExitQueen.]Pol.Ophelia,walkyouhere.-Gracious,sopleaseyou,Wewillbestowourselves.-[ToOphelia]Readonthisbook,ThatshowofsuchanexercisemaycolourYourloneliness.-Weareofttoblameinthis,'Tistoomuchprov'd,thatwithdevotion'svisageAndpiousactionwedosugaro'erTheDevilhimself.King.[aside]O,'tistootrue!Howsmarta39
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKlashthatspeechdothgivemyconscience!Theharlot'scheek,beautiedwithplast'ringart,IsnotmoreuglytothethingthathelpsitThanismydeedtomymostpaintedword.Oheavyburthen!Pol.Ihearhimcoming.Let'swithdraw,mylord.ExeuntKingandPolonius].EnterHamlet.Ham.Tobe,ornottobe-thatisthequestion:Whether'tisnoblerinthemindtosufferTheslingsandarrowsofoutrageousfortuneOrtotakearmsagainstaseaoftroubles,Andbyopposingendthem.Todie-tosleep-Nomore;andbyasleeptosayweendTheheartache,andthethousandnaturalshocksThatfleshisheirto.'TisaconsummationDevoutlytobewish'd.Todie-tosleep.Tosleep-perchancetodream:ay,there'stherub!ForinthatsleepofdeathwhatdreamsmaycomeWhenwehaveshuffledoffthismortalcoil,Mustgiveuspause.There'stherespectThatmakescalamityofsolonglife.Forwhowouldbearthewhipsandscornsoftime,Th'oppressor'swrong,theproudman'scontumely,Thepangsofdespis'dlove,thelaw'sdelay,Theinsolenceofoffice,andthespurnsThatpatientmeritofth'unworthytakes,WhenhehimselfmighthisquietusmakeWithabarebodkin?Whowouldthesefardelsbear,Togruntandsweatunderawearylife,Butthatthedreadofsomethingafterdeath-Theundiscover'dcountry,fromwhosebournNotravellerreturns-puzzlesthewill,AndmakesusratherbearthoseillswehaveThanflytoothersthatweknownotof?Thusconsciencedoesmakecowardsofusall,AndthusthenativehueofresolutionIssickliedo'erwiththepalecastofthought,AndenterprisesofgreatpithandmomentWiththisregardtheircurrentsturnawryAndlosethenameofaction.-Softyounow!ThefairOphelia!-Nymph,inthyorisonsBeallmysinsrememb'red.Oph.Goodmylord,Howdoesyourhonourforthismanyaday?Ham.Ihumblythankyou;well,well,well.Oph.Mylord,IhaveremembrancesofyoursThatIhavelongedlongtore-deliver.Iprayyou,nowreceivethem.Ham.No,notI!Inevergaveyouaught.Oph.Myhonour'dlord,youknowrightwellyoudid,Andwiththemwordsofsosweetbreathcompos'dAsmadethethingsmorerich.Theirperfumelost,Taketheseagain;fortothenoblemindRichgiftswaxpoorwhengiversproveunkind.There,mylord.Ham.Ha,ha!Areyouhonest?Oph.Mylord?Ham.Areyoufair?Oph.What40
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKmeansyourlordship?Ham.Thatifyoubehonestandfair,yourhonestyshouldadmitnodiscoursetoyourbeauty.Oph.Couldbeauty,mylord,havebettercommercethanwithhonesty?Ham.Ay,truly;forthepowerofbeautywillsoonertransformhonestyfromwhatitistoabawdthantheforceofhonestycantranslatebeautyintohislikeness.Thiswassometimeaparadox,butnowthetimegivesitproof.Ididloveyouonce.Oph.Indeed,mylord,youmademebelieveso.Ham.Youshouldnothavebeliev'dme;forvirtuecannotsoinoculateouroldstockbutweshallrelishofit.Ilovedyounot.Oph.Iwasthemoredeceived.Ham.Gettheetoanunnery!Whywouldstthoubeabreederofsinners?Iammyselfindifferenthonest,butyetIcouldaccusemeofsuchthingsthatitwerebettermymotherhadnotborneme.Iamveryproud,revengeful,ambitious;withmoreoffencesatmybeckthanIhavethoughtstoputthemin,imaginationtogivethemshape,ortimetoactthemin.WhatshouldsuchfellowsasIdo,crawlingbetweenearthandheaven?Wearearrantknavesall;believenoneofus.Gothywaystoanunnery.Where'syourfather?Oph.Athome,mylord.Ham.Letthedoorsbeshutuponhim,thathemayplaythefoolnowherebutin'sownhouse.Farewell.Oph.O,helphim,yousweetheavens!Ham.Ifthoudostmarry,I'llgivetheethisplagueforthydowry:bethouaschasteasice,aspureassnow,thoushaltnotescapecalumny.Gettheetoanunnery.Go,farewell.Orifthouwiltneedsmarry,marryafool;forwisemenknowwellenoughwhatmonstersyoumakeofthem.Toanunnery,go;andquicklytoo.Farewell.Oph.Oheavenlypowers,restorehim!Ham.Ihaveheardofyourpaintingstoo,wellenough.Godhathgivenyouoneface,andyoumakeyourselvesanother.Youjig,youamble,andyoulisp;younicknameGod'screaturesandmakeyourwantonnessyourignorance.Goto,I'llnomoreon't!ithathmadememad.Isay,wewillhavenomoemarriages.Thosethataremarriedalready-allbutone-shalllive;therestshallkeepastheyare.Toanunnery,go.Exit.Oph.O,whatanoblemindishereo'erthrown!Thecourtier's,scholar's,soldier's,eye,tongue,sword,Th'expectancyandroseofthefairstate,Theglassoffashionandthemouldofform,Th'observ'dofallobservers-quite,quitedown!AndI,ofladiesmostdejectandwretched,Thatsuck'dthehoneyofhismusicvows,Nowseethatnoble41
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKandmostsovereignreason,Likesweetbellsjangled,outoftuneandharsh;Thatunmatch'dformandfeatureofblownyouthBlastedwithecstasy.O,woeismeT'haveseenwhatIhaveseen,seewhatIsee!EnterKingandPolonius.King.Love?hisaffectionsdonotthatwaytend;Norwhathespake,thoughitlack'dformalittle,Wasnotlikemadness.There'ssomethinginhissoulO'erwhichhismelancholysitsonbrood;AndIdodoubtthehatchandthediscloseWillbesomedanger;whichfortoprevent,IhaveinquickdeterminationThussetitdown:heshallwithspeedtoEnglandForthedemandofourneglectedtribute.Haplytheseas,andcountriesdifferent,Withvariableobjects,shallexpelThissomething-settledmatterinhisheart,WhereonhisbrainsstillbeatingputshimthusFromfashionofhimself.Whatthinkyouon't?Pol.Itshalldowell.ButyetdoIbelieveTheoriginandcommencementofhisgriefSprungfromneglectedlove.-Hownow,Ophelia?YouneednottelluswhatLordHamletsaid.Wehearditall.-Mylord,doasyouplease;Butifyouholditfit,aftertheplayLethisqueenmotherallaloneentreathimToshowhisgrief.Letherberoundwithhim;AndI'llbeplac'dsopleaseyou,intheearOfalltheirconference.Ifshefindhimnot,ToEnglandsendhim;orconfinehimwhereYourwisdombestshallthink.King.Itshallbeso.Madnessingreatonesmustnotunwatch'dgo.Exeunt.42
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEII.Elsinore.hallintheCastle.EnterHamletandthreeofthePlayers.Ham.Speakthespeech,Iprayyou,asIpronounc'dittoyou,trippinglyonthetongue.Butifyoumouthit,asmanyofourplayersdo,Ihadaslivethetowncrierspokemylines.Nordonotsawtheairtoomuchwithyourhand,thus,butuseallgently;forintheverytorrent,tempest,and(asImaysay)whirlwindofyourpassion,youmustacquireandbegetatemperancethatmaygiveitsmoothness.O,itoffendsmetothesoultoheararobustiousperiwig-patedfellowtearapassiontotatters,toveryrags,tosplitthecarsofthegroundlings,who(forthemostpart)arecapableofnothingbutinexplicabledumbshowsandnoise.Iwouldhavesuchafellowwhipp'dforo'erdoingTermagant.Itout-herodsHerod.Prayyouavoidit.Player.Iwarrantyourhonour.Ham.Benottootameneither;butletyourowndiscretionbeyourtutor.Suittheactiontotheword,thewordtotheaction;withthisspecialobservance,thatyouo'erstepnotthemodestyofnature:foranythingsooverdoneisfromthepurposeofplaying,whoseend,bothatthefirstandnow,wasandis,tohold,as'twere,themirroruptonature;toshowVirtueherownfeature,scornherownimage,andtheveryageandbodyofthetimehisformandpressure.Nowthisoverdone,orcometardyoff,thoughitmaketheunskilfullaugh,cannotbutmakethejudiciousgrieve;thecensureofthewhichonemustinyourallowanceo'erweighawholetheatreofothers.O,therebeplayersthatIhaveseenplay,andheardotherspraise,andthathighly(nottospeakitprofanely),that,neitherhavingtheaccentofChristians,northegaitofChristian,pagan,norman,havesostruttedandbellowedthatIhavethoughtsomeofNature'sjourneymenhadmademen,andnotmadethemwell,theyimitatedhumanitysoabominably.Player.Ihopewehavereform'dthatindifferentlywithus,sir.Ham.O,reformitaltogether!Andletthosethatplayyourclownsspeaknomorethanissetdownforthem.Fortherebeofthemthatwillthemselveslaugh,tosetonsomequantityofbarrenspectatorstolaughtoo,thoughinthemeantimesomenecessaryquestionoftheplaybethentobeconsidered.That'svillanousandshowsamostpitifulambitioninthefoolthatusesit.Gomakeyouready.Exeunt43
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKPlayers.EnterPolonius,Rosencrantz,andGuildenstern.Hownow,mylord?WilltheKinghearthispieceofwork?Pol.AndtheQueentoo,andthatpresently.Ham.Bidtheplayersmakehaste,[ExitPolonius.]Willyoutwohelptohastenthem?Both.Wewill,mylord.Exeunttheytwo.Ham.What,ho,Horatio!EnterHoratio.Hor.Here,sweetlord,atyourservice.Ham.Horatio,thouarte'enasjustamanAse'ermyconversationcop'dwithal.Hor.O,mydearlord!Ham.Nay,donotthinkIflatter;ForwhatadvancementmayIhopefromthee,ThatnorevenuehastbutthygoodspiritsTofeedandclothethee?Whyshouldthepoorbeflatter'd?No,letthecandiedtonguelickabsurdpomp,AndcrookthepregnanthingesofthekneeWherethriftmayfollowfawning.Dostthouhear?SincemydearsoulwasmistressofherchoiceAndcouldofmendistinguish,herelectionHathseal'dtheeforherself.ForthouhastbeenAsone,insuff'ringall,thatsuffersnothing;AmanthatFortune'sbuffetsandrewardsHastta'enwithequalthanks;andblestarethoseWhosebloodandjudgmentaresowellcommingledThattheyarenotapipeforFortune'sfingerTosoundwhatstopsheplease.GivemethatmanThatisnotpassion'sslave,andIwillwearhimInmyheart'score,ay,inmyheartofheart,AsIdothee.SomethingtoomuchofthisIThereisaplayto-nightbeforetheKing.Onesceneofitcomesnearthecircumstance,WhichIhavetoldthee,ofmyfather'sdeath.Iprithee,whenthouseestthatactafoot,EvenwiththeverycommentofthysoulObservemyuncle.IfhisoccultedguiltDonotitselfunkennelinonespeech,Itisadamnedghostthatwehaveseen,AndmyimaginationsareasfoulAsVulcan'sstithy.Givehimheedfulnote;ForImineeyeswillrivettohisface,AndafterwewillbothourjudgmentsjoinIncensureofhisseeming.Hor.Well,mylord.Ifhestealaughtthewhilstthisplayisplaying,Andscapedetecting,Iwillpaythetheft.Soundaflourish.[EnterTrumpetsandKettledrums.Danishmarch.[EnterKing,Queen,Polonius,Ophelia,Rosencrantz,Guildenstern,andotherLordsattendant,withtheGuardcarryingtorches.Ham.Theyarecomingtotheplay.Imustbeidle.Getyouaplace.44
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKKing.HowfaresourcousinHamlet?Ham.Excellent,i'faith;ofthechameleon'sdish.Ieattheair,promise-cramm'd.Youcannotfeedcaponsso.King.Ihavenothingwiththisanswer,Hamlet.Thesewordsarenotmine.Ham.No,norminenow.[ToPolonius]Mylord,youplay'doncei'th'university,yousay?Pol.ThatdidI,mylord,andwasaccountedagoodactor.Ham.Whatdidyouenact?Pol.IdidenactJuliusCaesar;Iwaskill'di'th'Capitol;Brutuskill'dme.Ham.Itwasabrutepartofhimtokillsocapitalacalfthere.Betheplayersready.Ros.Ay,mylord.Theystayuponyourpatience.Queen.Comehither,mydearHamlet,sitbyme.Ham.No,goodmother.Here'smetalmoreattractive.Pol.[totheKing]O,ho!doyoumarkthat?Ham.Lady,shallIlieinyourlap?[SitsdownatOphelia'sfeet.]Oph.No,mylord.Ham.Imean,myheaduponyourlap?Oph.Ay,mylord.Ham.DoyouthinkImeantcountrymatters?Oph.Ithinknothing,mylord.Ham.That'safairthoughttoliebetweenmaids'legs.Oph.Whatis,mylord?Ham.Nothing.Oph.Youaremerry,mylord.Ham.Who,I?Oph.Ay,mylord.Ham.OGod,youronlyjig-maker!Whatshouldamandobutbemerry?Forlookyouhowcheerfullymymotherlooks,andmyfatherdiedwithin'stwohours.Oph.Nay'tistwicetwomonths,mylord.Ham.Solong?Naythen,letthedevilwearblack,forI'llhaveasuitofsables.Oheavens!dietwomonthsago,andnotforgottenyet?Thenthere'shopeagreatman'smemorymayoutlivehislifehalfayear.But,by'rLady,hemustbuildchurchesthen;orelseshallhesuffernotthinkingon,withthehobby-horse,whoseepitaphis'ForO,forO,thehobby-horseisforgot!'Hautboysplay.Thedumbshowenters.EnteraKingandaQueenverylovingly;theQueenembracinghimandheher.Shekneels,andmakesshowofprotestationuntohim.Hetakesherup,anddeclineshisheaduponherneck.Helayshimdownuponabankofflowers.She,seeinghimasleep,leaveshim.Anoncomesinafellow,takesoffhiscrown,kissesit,pourspoisoninthesleeper'sears,andleaveshim.TheQueenreturns,findstheKingdead,andmakespassionateaction.ThePoisonerwithsomethreeorfourMutes,comesinagain,seemtocondolewithher.Thedeadbodyiscarriedaway.ThePoisonerwooes45
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKtheQueenwithgifts;sheseemsharshandunwillingawhile,butintheendacceptshislove.Exeunt.Oph.Whatmeansthis,mylord?Ham.Marry,thisismichingmalhecho;itmeansmischief.Oph.Belikethisshowimportstheargumentoftheplay.EnterPrologue.Ham.Weshallknowbythisfellow.Theplayerscannotkeepcounsel;they'lltellall.Oph.Willhetelluswhatthisshowmeant?Ham.Ay,oranyshowthatyou'llshowhim.Benotyouasham'dtoshow,he'llnotshametotellyouwhatitmeans.Oph.Youarenaught,youarenaught!I'llmarktheplay.Pro.Forus,andforourtragedy,Herestoopingtoyourclemency,Webegyourhearingpatiently.[Exit.]Ham.Isthisaprologue,ortheposyofaring?Oph.'Tisbrief,mylord.Ham.Aswoman'slove.Enter[twoPlayersas]KingandQueen.King.FullthirtytimeshathPhoebus'cartgoneroundNeptune'ssaltwashandTellus'orbedground,AndthirtydozenmoonswithborrowedsheenAbouttheworldhavetimestwelvethirtiesbeen,Sinceloveourhearts,andHymendidourhands,Unitecomutualinmostsacredbands.Queen.SomanyjourneysmaythesunandmoonMakeusagaincounto'ererelovebedone!Butwoeisme!youaresosickoflate,Sofarfromcheerandfromyourformerstate.ThatIdistrustyou.Yet,thoughIdistrust,Discomfortyou,mylord,itnothingmust;Forwomen'sfearandloveholdsquantity,Inneitheraught,orinextremity.Nowwhatmyloveis,proofhathmadeyouknow;Andasmyloveissiz'd,myfearisso.Whereloveisgreat,thelittlestdoubtsarefear;Wherelittlefearsgrowgreat,greatlovegrowsthere.King.Faith,Imustleavethee,love,andshortlytoo;Myoperantpowerstheirfunctionsleavetodo.Andthoushaltliveinthisfairworldbehind,Honour'd,belov'd,andhaplyoneaskindForhusbandshaltthou-Queen.O,confoundtherest!Suchlovemustneedsbetreasoninmybreast.Whensecondhusbandletmebeaccurst!Nonewedthesecondbutwhokilledthefirst.Ham.[aside]Wormwood,wormwood!46
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKQueen.TheinstancesthatsecondmarriagemoveArebaserespectsofthrift,butnoneoflove.AsecondtimeIkillmyhusbanddeadWhensecondhusbandkissesmeinbed.King.Idobelieveyouthinkwhatnowyouspeak;Butwhatwedodetermineoftwebreak.Purposeisbuttheslavetomemory,Ofviolentbirth,butpoorvalidity;Whichnow,likefruitunripe,sticksonthetree,Butfallunshakenwhentheymellowbe.Mostnecessary'tisthatweforgetTopayourselveswhattoourselvesisdebt.Whattoourselvesinpassionwepropose,Thepassionending,doththepurposelose.TheviolenceofeithergrieforjoyTheirownenactureswiththemselvesdestroy.Wherejoymostrevels,griefdothmostlament;Griefjoys,joygrieves,onslenderaccident.Thisworldisnotforaye,nor'tisnotstrangeThatevenourlovesshouldwithourfortuneschange;For'tisaquestionleftusyettoprove,Whetherloveleadfortune,orelsefortunelove.Thegreatmandown,youmarkhisfavouriteflies,Thepooradvanc'dmakesfriendsofenemies;Andhithertodothloveonfortunetend,Forwhonotneedsshallneverlackafriend,Andwhoinwantahollowfrienddothtry,Directlyseasonshimhisenemy.But,orderlytoendwhereIbegun,OurwillsandfatesdosocontraryrunThatourdevicesstillareoverthrown;Ourthoughtsareours,theirendsnoneofourown.Sothinkthouwiltnosecondhusbandwed;Butdiethythoughtswhenthyfirstlordisdead.Queen.Norearthtomegivefood,norheavenlight,Sportandreposelockfrommedayandnight,Todesperationturnmytrustandhope,Ananchor'scheerinprisonbemyscope,EachoppositethatblanksthefaceofjoyMeetwhatIwouldhavewell,anditdestroy,Bothhereandhencepursuemelastingstrife,If,onceawidow,everIbewife!Ham.Ifsheshouldbreakitnow!King.'Tisdeeplysworn.Sweet,leavemehereawhile.Myspiritsgrowdull,andfainIwouldbeguileThetediousdaywithsleep.Queen.Sleeprockthybrain,[He]sleeps.Andnevercomemischancebetweenustwain!Exit.Ham.Madam,howlikeyouthisplay?Queen.Theladydothprotesttoomuch,methinks.Ham.O,butshe'llkeepherword.King.Haveyouheardtheargument?Istherenooffencein't?Ham.No,no!Theydobutjest,poisoninjest;nooffencei'th'world.King.Whatdoyoucalltheplay?47
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKHam.'TheMousetrap.'Marry,how?Tropically.ThisplayistheimageofamurtherdoneinVienna.Gonzagoistheduke'sname;hiswife,Baptista.Youshallseeanon.'Tisaknavishpieceofwork;butwhato'that?YourMajesty,andwethathavefreesouls,ittouchesusnot.Letthegall'djadewinch;ourwithersareunwrung.EnterLucianus.ThisisoneLucianus,nephewtotheKing.Oph.Youareasgoodasachorus,mylord.Ham.Icouldinterpretbetweenyouandyourlove,ifIcouldseethepuppetsdallying.Oph.Youarekeen,mylord,youarekeen.Ham.Itwouldcostyouagroaningtotakeoffmyedge.Oph.Stillbetter,andworse.Ham.Soyoumusttakeyourhusbands.-Begin,murtherer.Pox,leavethydamnablefaces,andbegin!Come,thecroakingravendothbellowforrevenge.Luc.Thoughtsblack,handsapt,drugsfit,andtimeagreeing;Confederateseason,elsenocreatureseeing;Thoumixturerank,ofmidnightweedscollected,WithHecate'sbanthriceblasted,thriceinfected,ThynaturalmagicanddirepropertyOnwholesomelifeusurpimmediately.Poursthepoisoninhisears.Ham.Hepoisonshimi'th'gardenfor'sestate.Hisname'sGonzago.Thestoryisextant,andwritteninverychoiceItalian.YoushallseeanonhowthemurtherergetstheloveofGonzago'swife.Oph.TheKingrises.Ham.What,frightedwithfalsefire?Queen.Howfaresmylord?Pol.Giveo'ertheplay.King.Givemesomelight!Away!All.Lights,lights,lights!ExeuntallbutHamletandHoratio.Ham.Why,letthestruckendeergoweep,Thehartungalledplay;Forsomemustwatch,whilesomemustsleep:Thusrunstheworldaway.Wouldnotthis,sir,andaforestoffeathers-iftherestofmyfortunesturnTurkwithme-withtwoProvincialrosesonmyraz'dshoes,getmeafellowshipinacryofplayers,sir?Hor.Halfashare.Ham.AwholeoneI!Forthoudostknow,ODamondear,ThisrealmdismantledwasOfJovehimself;andnowreignshereAvery,very-pajock.Hor.Youmighthaverhym'd.Ham.OgoodHoratio,I'lltaketheghost'swordforathousandpound!Didstperceive?Hor.Verywell,mylord.Ham.Uponthetalkofthepoisoning?Hor.Ididverywellnotehim.Ham.Aha!Come,somemusic!Come,therecorders!ForiftheKinglikenotthecomedy,Whythen,belikehelikesitnot,perdy.Come,some48
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKmusic!EnterRosencrantzandGuildenstern.Guil.Goodmylord,vouchsafemeawordwithyou.Ham.Sir,awholehistory.Guil.TheKing,sir-Ham.Ay,sir,whatofhim?Guil.Isinhisretirement,marvellousdistemper'd.Ham.Withdrink,sir?Guil.No,mylord;ratherwithcholer.Ham.Yourwisdomshouldshowitselfmorerichertosignifythistothedoctor;formetoputhimtohispurgationwouldperhapsplungehimintofarmorecholer.Guil.Goodmylord,putyourdiscourseintosomeframe,andstartnotsowildlyfrommyaffair.Ham.Iamtame,sir;pronounce.Guil.TheQueen,yourmother,inmostgreatafflictionofspirithathsentmetoyou.Ham.Youarewelcome.Guil.Nay,goodmylord,thiscourtesyisnotoftherightbreed.Ifitshallpleaseyoutomakemeawholesomeanswer,Iwilldoyourmother'scommandment;ifnot,yourpardonandmyreturnshallbetheendofmybusiness.Ham.Sir,Icannot.Guil.What,mylord?Ham.Makeyouawholesomeanswer;mywit'sdiseas'd.But,sir,suchanswerasIcanmake,youshallcommand;orrather,asyousay,mymother.Thereforenomore,buttothematter!Mymother,yousay-Ros.Thenthusshesays:yourbehaviourhathstruckherintoamazementandadmiration.Ham.Owonderfulson,thatcansostonishamother!Butistherenosequelattheheelsofthismother'sadmiration?Impart.Ros.Shedesirestospeakwithyouinherclosetereyougotobed.Ham.Weshallobey,wereshetentimesourmother.Haveyouanyfurthertradewithus?Ros.Mylord,youoncedidloveme.Ham.Anddostill,bythesepickersandstealers!Ros.Goodmylord,whatisyourcauseofdistemper?Youdosurelybarthedooruponyourownliberty,ifyoudenyyourgriefstoyourfriend.Ham.Sir,Ilackadvancement.Ros.Howcanthatbe,whenyouhavethevoiceoftheKinghimselfforyoursuccessioninDenmark?Ham.Ay,sir,but'whilethegrassgrows'-theproverbissomethingmusty.EnterthePlayerswithrecorders.O,therecorders!Letmeseeone.Towithdrawwithyou-whydoyougoabouttorecoverthewindofme,asifyouwoulddrivemeintoatoil?Guil.Omylord,ifmydutybetoobold,myloveistoounmannerly.Ham.Idonotwellunderstandthat.Willyouplayuponthispipe?Guil.Mylord,49
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKIcannot.Ham.Iprayyou.Guil.Believeme,Icannot.Ham.Idobeseechyou.Guil.Iknow,notouchofit,mylord.Ham.Itisaseasyaslying.Governtheseventageswithyourfingersandthumbs,giveitbreathwithyourmouth,anditwilldiscoursemosteloquentmusic.Lookyou,thesearethestops.Guil.ButthesecannotIcommandtoanyutt'ranceofharmony.Ihavenottheskill.Ham.Why,lookyounow,howunworthyathingyoumakeofme!Youwouldplayuponme;youwouldseemtoknowmystops;youwouldpluckouttheheartofmymystery;youwouldsoundmefrommylowestnotetothetopofmycompass;andthereismuchmusic,excellentvoice,inthislittleorgan,yetcannotyoumakeitspeak.'Sblood,doyouthinkIameasiertobeplay'donthanapipe?Callmewhatinstrumentyouwill,thoughyoucanfretme,youcannotplayuponme.EnterPolonius.Godblessyou,sir!Pol.Mylord,theQueenwouldspeakwithyou,andpresently.Ham.Doyouseeyondercloudthat'salmostinshapeofacamel?Pol.Byth'mass,and'tislikeacamelindeed.Ham.Methinksitislikeaweasel.Pol.Itisback'dlikeaweasel.Ham.Orlikeawhale.Pol.Verylikeawhale.Ham.ThenwillIcometomymotherby-and-by.-Theyfoolmetothetopofmybent.-Iwillcomeby-and-by.Pol.Iwillsayso.Exit.Ham.'By-and-by'iseasilysaid.-Leaveme,friends.[ExeuntallbutHamlet.]'Tisnowtheverywitchingtimeofnight,Whenchurchyardsyawn,andhellitselfbreathesoutContagiontothisworld.NowcouldIdrinkhotbloodAnddosuchbitterbusinessasthedayWouldquaketolookon.Soft!nowtomymother!Oheart,losenotthynature;letnoteverThesoulofNeroenterthisfirmbosom.Letmebecruel,notunnatural;Iwillspeakdaggerstoher,butusenone.Mytongueandsoulinthisbehypocrites-Howinmywordssomevershebeshent,Togivethemsealsnever,mysoul,consent!Exit.50
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEIII.AroomintheCastle.EnterKing,Rosencrantz,andGuildenstern.King.Ilikehimnot,norstandsitsafewithusTolethismadnessrange.Thereforeprepareyou;Iyourcommissionwillforthwithdispatch,AndhetoEnglandshallalongwithyou.ThetermsofourestatemaynotendureHazardsonearusasdothhourlygrowOutofhislunacies.Guil.Wewillourselvesprovide.MostholyandreligiousfearitisTokeepthosemanymanybodiessafeThatliveandfeeduponyourMajesty.Ros.ThesingleandpeculiarlifeisboundWithallthestrengthandarmourofthemindTokeepitselffromnoyance;butmuchmoreThatspirituponwhosewealdependsandrestsThelivesofmany.ThecesseofmajestyDiesnotalone,butlikeagulfdothdrawWhat'snearitwithit.Itisamassywheel,Fix'donthesummitofthehighestmount,TowhosehugespokestenthousandlesserthingsAremortis'dandadjoin'd;whichwhenitfalls,Eachsmallannexment,pettyconsequence,Attendstheboist'rousruin.NeveraloneDidthekingsigh,butwithageneralgroan.King.Armyou,Iprayyou,tothisspeedyvoyage;Forwewillfettersputuponthisfear,Whichnowgoestoofree-footed.Both.Wewillhasteus.ExeuntGentlemen.EnterPolonius.Pol.Mylord,he'sgoingtohismother'scloset.BehindthearrasI'llconveymyselfToheartheprocess.I'llwarrantshe'lltaxhimhome;And,asyousaid,andwiselywasitsaid,'Tismeetthatsomemoreaudiencethanamother,Sincenaturemakesthempartial,shouldo'erhearThespeech,ofvantage.Fareyouwell,myliege.I'llcalluponyouereyougotobedAndtellyouwhatIknow.King.Thanks,dearmylord.Exit[Polonius].O,myoffenceisrank,itsmellstoheaven;Ithaththeprimaleldestcurseupon't,Abrother'smurther!PraycanInot,Thoughinclinationbeassharpaswill.Mystrongerguiltdefeatsmystrongintent,And,likeamantodoublebusinessbound,IstandinpausewhereIshallfirstbegin,Andbothneglect.WhatifthiscursedhandWerethickerthanitselfwithbrother'sblood,IstherenotrainenoughinthesweetheavensTowashitwhiteassnow?WheretoservesmercyButtoconfrontthevisageofoffence?Andwhat'sinprayerbutthistwofoldforce,Tobeforestalledere51
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKwecometofall,Orpardon'dbeingdown?ThenI'lllookup;Myfaultispast.But,O,whatformofprayerCanservemyturn?'Forgivememyfoulmurther'?Thatcannotbe;sinceIamstillpossess'dOfthoseeffectsforwhichIdidthemurther-Mycrown,mineownambition,andmyqueen.Mayonebepardon'dandretainth'offence?InthecorruptedcurrentsofthisworldOffence'sgildedhandmayshovebyjustice,Andoft'tisseenthewickedprizeitselfBuysoutthelaw;but'tisnotsoabove.Thereisnoshuffling;theretheactionliesInhistruenature,andweourselvescompell'd,Eventotheteethandforeheadofourfaults,Togiveinevidence.Whatthen?Whatrests?Trywhatrepentancecan.Whatcanitnot?Yetwhatcanitwhenonecannotrepent?Owretchedstate!Obosomblackasdeath!Olimedsoul,that,strugglingtobefree,Artmoreengag'd!Help,angels!Makeassay.Bow,stubbornknees;andheartwithstringsofsteel,Besoftassinewsofthenew-bornbabe!Allmaybewell.Hekneels.EnterHamlet.Ham.NowmightIdoitpat,nowheispraying;AndnowI'lldo't.Andsohegoestoheaven,AndsoamIreveng'd.Thatwouldbescann'd.Avillainkillsmyfather;andforthat,I,hissoleson,dothissamevillainsendToheaven.Why,thisishireandsalary,notrevenge!Hetookmyfathergrossly,fullofbread,Withallhiscrimesbroadblown,asflushasMay;Andhowhisauditstands,whoknowssaveheaven?Butinourcircumstanceandcourseofthought,'Tisheavywithhim;andamIthenreveng'd,Totakehiminthepurgingofhissoul,Whenheisfitandseasonedforhispassage?No.Up,sword,andknowthouamorehorridhent.Whenheisdrunkasleep;orinhisrage;Orinth'incestuouspleasureofhisbed;Atgaming,swearing,oraboutsomeactThathasnorelishofsalvationin't-Thentriphim,thathisheelsmaykickatheaven,Andthathissoulmaybeasdamn'dandblackAshell,wheretoitgoes.Mymotherstays.Thisphysicbutprolongsthysicklydays.Exit.King.[rises]Mywordsflyup,mythoughtsremainbelow.Wordswithoutthoughtsnevertoheavengo.Exit.52
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEIV.TheQueen'scloset.EnterQueenandPolonius.Pol.Hewillcomestraight.Lookyoulayhometohim.Tellhimhisprankshavebeentoobroadtobearwith,AndthatyourGracehathscreen'dandstoodbetweenMuchheatandhim.I'llsilencemeevenhere.Prayyouberoundwithhim.Ham.(within)Mother,mother,mother!Queen.I'llwarrantyou;fearmenot.Withdraw;Ihearhimcoming.[Poloniushidesbehindthearras.]EnterHamlet.Ham.Now,mother,what'sthematter?Queen.Hamlet,thouhastthyfathermuchoffended.Ham.Mother,youhavemyfathermuchoffended.Queen.Come,come,youanswerwithanidletongue.Ham.Go,go,youquestionwithawickedtongue.Queen.Why,hownow,Hamlet?Ham.What'sthematternow?Queen.Haveyouforgotme?Ham.No,bytherood,notso!YouaretheQueen,yourhusband'sbrother'swife,And(woulditwerenotso!)youaremymother.Queen.Nay,thenI'llsetthosetoyouthatcanspeak.Ham.Come,come,andsityoudown.Youshallnotbudge;YougonottillIsetyouupaglassWhereyoumayseetheinmostpartofyou.Queen.Whatwiltthoudo?Thouwiltnotmurtherme?Help,help,ho!Pol.[behind]What,ho!help,help,help!Ham.[draws]Hownow?arat?Deadforaducat,dead![Makesapassthroughthearrasand]killsPolonius.Pol.[behind]O,Iamslain!Queen.Ome,whathastthoudone?Ham.Nay,Iknownot.IsittheKing?Queen.O,whatarashandbloodydeedisthis!Ham.Abloodydeed-almostasbad,goodmother,Askillaking,andmarrywithhisbrother.Queen.Askillaking?Ham.Ay,lady,itwasmyword.[LiftsupthearrasandseesPolonius.]Thouwretched,rash,intrudingfool,farewell!Itooktheeforthybetter.Takethyfortune.Thoufind'sttobetoobusyissomedanger.Leavewringingofyourhands.Peace!sityoudownAndletmewringyourheart;forsoIshallIfitbemadeofpenetrablestuff;Ifdamnedcustomhavenotbraz'ditsoThatitisproofandbulwarkagainstsense.Queen.WhathaveIdonethatthoudar'stwagthytongueInnoisesorudeagainstme?Ham.SuchanactThatblursthegraceandblushofmodesty;Callsvirtuehypocrite;takesofftheroseFrom53
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKthefairforeheadofaninnocentlove,Andsetsablisterthere;makesmarriagevowsAsfalseasdicers'oaths.O,suchadeedAsfromthebodyofcontractionplucksTheverysoul,andsweetreligionmakesArhapsodyofwords!Heaven'sfacedothglow;Yea,thissolidityandcompoundmass,Withtristfulvisage,asagainstthedoom,Isthought-sickattheact.Queen.Ahme,whatact,Thatroarssoloudandthundersintheindex?Ham.Lookhereuponth'spicture,andonthis,Thecounterfeitpresentmentoftwobrothers.Seewhatagracewasseatedonthisbrow;Hyperion'scurls;thefrontofJovehimself;AneyelikeMars,tothreatenandcommand;AstationliketheheraldMercuryNewlightedonaheaven-kissinghill:AcombinationandaformindeedWhereeverygoddidseemtosethissealTogivetheworldassuranceofaman.Thiswasyourhusband.Lookyounowwhatfollows.Hereisyourhusband,likeamildew'dearBlastinghiswholesomebrother.Haveyoueyes?Couldyouonthisfairmountainleavetofeed,Andbattenonthismoor?Ha!haveyoueyesYoucannotcallitlove;foratyourageTheheydayinthebloodistame,it'shumble,Andwaitsuponthejudgment;andwhatjudgmentWouldstepfromthistothis?Sensesureyouhave,Elsecouldyounothavemotion;butsurethatsenseIsapoplex'd;formadnesswouldnoterr,Norsensetoecstacywasne'ersothrall'dButitreserv'dsomequantityofchoiceToserveinsuchadifference.Whatdevilwas'tThatthushathcozen'dyouathoodman-blind?Eyeswithoutfeeling,feelingwithoutsight,Earswithouthandsoreyes,smellingsansall,OrbutasicklypartofonetruesenseCouldnotsomope.Oshame!whereisthyblush?Rebellioushell,Ifthoucanstmutineinamatron'sbones,ToflamingyouthletvirtuebeaswaxAndmeltinherownfire.ProclaimnoshameWhenthecompulsiveardourgivesthecharge,Sincefrostitselfasactivelydothburn,Andreasonpanderswill.Queen.OHamlet,speaknomore!Thouturn'stmineeyesintomyverysoul,AndthereIseesuchblackandgrainedspotsAswillnotleavetheirtinct.Ham.Nay,buttoliveIntheranksweatofanenseamedbed,Stew'dincorruption,honeyingandmakingloveOverthenastysty!Queen.O,speaktomenomore!Thesewordslikedaggersenterinmineears.Nomore,sweetHamlet!Ham.Amurthererandavillain!AslavethatisnottwentiethpartthetitheOfyourprecedentlord;aviceofkings;Acutpurse54
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKoftheempireandtherule,ThatfromashelfthepreciousdiademstoleAndputitinhispocket!Queen.Nomore!EntertheGhostinhisnightgown.Ham.Akingofshredsandpatches!-Savemeandhovero'ermewithyourwings,Youheavenlyguards!Whatwouldyourgraciousfigure?Queen.Alas,he'smad!Ham.Doyounotcomeyourtardysontochide,That,laps'dintimeandpassion,letsgobyTh'importantactingofyourdreadcommand?O,say!Ghost.Donotforget.ThisvisitationIsbuttowhetthyalmostbluntedpurpose.Butlook,amazementonthymothersits.O,stepbetweenherandherfightingsoulConceitinweakestbodiesstrongestworks.Speaktoher,Hamlet.Ham.Howisitwithyou,lady?Queen.Alas,howis'twithyou,Thatyoudobendyoureyeonvacancy,Andwithth'encorporalairdoholddiscourse?Forthatyoureyesyourspiritswildlypeep;And,asthesleepingsoldiersinth'alarm,Yourbeddedhairs,likelifeinexcrements,Startupandstandanend.Ogentleson,UpontheheatandflameofthydistemperSprinklecoolpatience!Whereondoyoulook?Ham.Onhim,onhim!Lookyouhowpaleheglares!Hisformandcauseconjoin'd,preachingtostones,Wouldmakethemcapable.-Donotlookuponme,LestwiththispiteousactionyouconvertMysterneffects.ThenwhatIhavetodoWillwanttruecolour-tearsperchanceforblood.Queen.Towhomdoyouspeakthis?Ham.Doyouseenothingthere?Queen.Nothingatall;yetallthatisIsee.Ham.Nordidyounothinghear?Queen.No,nothingbutourselves.Ham.Why,lookyouthere!Lookhowitstealsaway!Myfather,inhishabitasheliv'd!Lookwherehegoesevennowoutattheportal!ExitGhost.Queen.Thisistheverycoinageofyourbrain.ThisbodilesscreationecstasyIsverycunningin.Ham.Ecstasy?MypulseasyoursdothtemperatelykeeptimeAndmakesashealthfulmusic.ItisnotmadnessThatIhaveutt'red.Bringmetothetest,AndIthematterwillreword;whichmadnessWouldgambolfrom.Mother,forloveofgrace,LaynotthatflatteringunctiontoyoursoulThatnotyourtrespassbutmymadnessspeaks.Itwillbutskinandfilmtheulcerousplace,Whilesrankcorruption,miningallwithin,Infectsunseen.Confessyourselftoheaven;Repentwhat'spast;avoidwhatistocome;AnddonotspreadthecompostontheweedsTomake55
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKthemranker.Forgivemethismyvirtue;ForinthefatnessofthesepursytimesVirtueitselfofvicemustpardonbeg-Yea,curbandwooforleavetodohimgood.Queen.OHamlet,thouhastcleftmyheartintwain.Ham.O,throwawaytheworserpartofit,Andlivethepurerwiththeotherhalf,Goodnight-butgonottomyuncle'sbed.Assumeavirtue,ifyouhaveitnot.Thatmonster,custom,whoallsensedotheatOfhabitsevil,isangelyetinthis,ThattotheuseofactionsfairandgoodHelikewisegivesafrockorlivery,Thataptlyisputon.Refrainto-night,AndthatshalllendakindofeasinessTothenextabstinence;thenextmoreeasy;Forusealmostcanchangethestampofnature,Andeither[master]thedevil,orthrowhimoutWithwondrouspotency.Oncemore,goodnight;Andwhenyouaredesiroustobeblest,I'llblessingbegofyou.-Forthissamelord,Idorepent;butheavenhathpleas'ditso,Topunishmewiththis,andthiswithme,ThatImustbetheirscourgeandminister.Iwillbestowhim,andwillanswerwellThedeathIgavehim.Soagain,goodnight.Imustbecruel,onlytobekind;Thusbadbegins,andworseremainsbehind.Onewordmore,goodlady.Queen.WhatshallIdo?Ham.Notthis,bynomeans,thatIbidyoudo:LetthebloatKingtemptyouagaintobed;Pinchwantononyourcheek;callyouhismouse;Andlethim,forapairofreechykisses,Orpaddlinginyourneckwithhisdamn'dfingers,Makeyoutoravelallthismatterout,ThatIessentiallyamnotinmadness,Butmadincraft.'Tweregoodyoulethimknow;Forwhothat'sbutaqueen,fair,sober,wise,Wouldfromapaddock,fromabat,agibSuchdearconcerningshide?Whowoulddoso?No,indespiteofsenseandsecrecy,Unpegthebasketonthehouse'stop,Letthebirdsfly,andlikethefamousape,Totryconclusions,inthebasketcreepAndbreakyourownneckdown.Queen.Bethouassur'd,ifwordsbemadeofbreath,Andbreathoflife,IhavenolifetobreatheWhatthouhastsaidtome.Ham.ImusttoEngland;youknowthat?Queen.Alack,Ihadforgot!'Tissoconcludedon.Ham.There'slettersseal'd;andmytwoschoolfellows,WhomIwilltrustasIwilladdersfang'd,Theybearthemandate;theymustsweepmywayAndmarshalmetoknavery.Letitwork;For'tisthesporttohavetheenginerHoistwithhisownpetar;and'tshallgohardButIwilldelveoneyardbelowtheirminesAndblowthematthemoon.O,'tismostsweet56
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKWheninonelinetwocraftsdirectlymeet.Thismanshallsetmepacking.I'lllugthegutsintotheneighbourroom.-Mother,goodnight.-Indeed,thiscounsellorIsnowmoststill,mostsecret,andmostgrave,Whowasinlifeafoolishpeatingknave.Come,sir,todrawtowardanendwithyou.Goodnight,mother.[ExittheQueen.Then]ExitHamlet,tugginginPolonius.57
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKACTIV.58
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEI.Elsinore.AroomintheCastle.EnterKingandQueen,withRosencrantzandGuildenstern.King.There'smatterinthesesighs.TheseprofoundheavesYoumusttranslate;'tisfitweunderstandthem.Whereisyourson?Queen.Bestowthisplaceonusalittlewhile.[ExeuntRosencrantzandGuildenstern.]Ah,mineownlord,whathaveIseento-night!King.What,Gertrude?HowdoesHamlet?Queen.MadastheseaandwindwhenbothcontendWhichisthemightier.InhislawlessfitBehindthearrashearingsomethingstir,Whipsouthisrapier,cries'Arat,arat!'AndinthisbrainishapprehensionkillsTheunseengoodoldman.King.Oheavydeed!Ithadbeensowithus,hadwebeenthere.Hislibertyisfullofthreatstoall-Toyouyourself,tous,toeveryone.Alas,howshallthisbloodydeedbeanswer'd?Itwillbelaidtous,whoseprovidenceShouldhavekeptshort,restrain'd,andoutofhauntThismadyoungman.ButsomuchwasourloveWewouldnotunderstandwhatwasmostfit,But,liketheownerofafouldisease,Tokeepitfromdivulging,letitfeedEvenonthepithoflife.Whereishegone?Queen.Todrawapartthebodyhehathkill'd;O'erwhomhisverymadness,likesomeoreAmongamineralofmetalsbase,Showsitselfpure.Heweepsforwhatisdone.King.OGertrude,comeaway!ThesunnosoonershallthemountainstouchButwewillshiphimhence;andthisviledeedWemustwithallourmajestyandskillBothcountenanceandexcuse.Ho,Guildenstern!EnterRosencrantzandGuildenstern.Friendsboth,gojoinyouwithsomefurtheraid.HamletinmadnesshathPoloniusslain,Andfromhismother'sclosethathhedragg'dhim.Goseekhimout;speakfair,andbringthebodyIntothechapel.Iprayyouhasteinthis.Exeunt[RosencrantzandGuildenstern].Come,Gertrude,we'llcallupourwisestfriendsAndletthemknowbothwhatwemeantodoAndwhat'suntimelydone.[Sohaplyslander-]Whosewhispero'ertheworld'sdiameter,Aslevelasthecannontohisblank,Transportshispoisonedshot-maymissournameAndhitthewoundlessair.-O,comeaway!Mysoulisfullofdiscordanddismay.Exeunt.59
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEII.Elsinore.ApassageintheCastle.EnterHamlet.Ham.Safelystow'd.Gentlemen.(within)Hamlet!LordHamlet!Ham.Butsoft!Whatnoise?WhocallsonHamlet?O,heretheycome.EnterRosencrantzandGuildenstern.Ros.Whathaveyoudone,mylord,withthedeadbody?Ham.Compoundeditwithdust,whereto'tiskin.Ros.Telluswhere'tis,thatwemaytakeitthenceAndbearittothechapel.Ham.Donotbelieveit.Ros.Believewhat?Ham.ThatIcankeepyourcounsel,andnotmineown.Besides,tobedemandedofasponge,whatreplicationshouldbemadebythesonofaking?Ros.Takeyoumeforasponge,mylord?Ham.Ay,sir;thatsoaksuptheKing'scountenance,hisrewards,hisauthorities.ButsuchofficersdotheKingbestserviceintheend.Hekeepsthem,likeanape,inthecornerofhisjaw;firstmouth'd,tobelastswallowed.Whenheneedswhatyouhaveglean'd,itisbutsqueezingyouand,sponge,youshallbedryagain.Ros.Iunderstandyounot,mylord.Ham.Iamgladofit.Aknavishspeechsleepsinafoolishear.Ros.Mylord,youmusttelluswherethebodyisandgowithustotheKing.Ham.ThebodyiswiththeKing,buttheKingisnotwiththebody.TheKingisathing-Guil.Athing,mylord?Ham.Ofnothing.Bringmetohim.Hidefox,andallafter.Exeunt.60
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEIII.Elsinore.AroomintheCastle.EnterKing.King.Ihavesenttoseekhimandtofindthebody.Howdangerousisitthatthismangoesloose!Yetmustnotweputthestronglawonhim.He'slov'dofthedistractedmultitude,Wholikenotintheirjudgment,buttheireyes;Andwhere'tisso,th'offender'sscourgeisweigh'd,Butnevertheoffence.Tobearallsmoothandeven,ThissuddensendinghimawaymustseemDeliberatepause.DiseasesdesperategrownBydesperateappliancearereliev'd,Ornotatall.EnterRosencrantz.HownowOWhathathbefall'n?Ros.Wherethedeadbodyisbestow'd,mylord,Wecannotgetfromhim.King.Butwhereishe?Ros.Without,mylord;guarded,toknowyourpleasure.King.Bringhimbeforeus.Ros.Ho,Guildenstern!Bringinmylord.EnterHamletandGuildenstern[withAttendants].King.Now,Hamlet,where'sPolonius?Ham.Atsupper.King.Atsupper?Where?Ham.Notwhereheeats,butwhereheiseaten.Acertainconvocationofpoliticwormsaree'enathim.Yourwormisyouronlyemperorfordiet.Wefatallcreatureselsetofatus,andwefatourselvesformaggots.Yourfatkingandyourleanbeggarisbutvariableservice-twodishes,buttoonetable.That'stheend.King.Alas,alas!Ham.Amanmayfishwiththewormthathatheatofaking,andeatofthefishthathathfedofthatworm.King.Whatdostthoumeanbythis?Ham.Nothingbuttoshowyouhowakingmaygoaprogressthroughthegutsofabeggar.King.WhereisPolonius?Ham.Inheaven.Sendthithertosee.Ifyourmessengerfindhimnotthere,seekhimi'th'otherplaceyourself.Butindeed,ifyoufindhimnotwithinthismonth,youshallnosehimasyougoupthestair,intothelobby.King.Goseekhimthere.[ToAttendants.]Ham.Hewillstaytillyoucome.[ExeuntAttendants.]King.Hamlet,thisdeed,forthineespecialsafety,-WhichwedotenderaswedearlygrieveForthatwhichthouhastdone,-mustsendtheehenceWithfieryquickness.Thereforepreparethyself.Thebarkisreadyandthewindathelp,Th'associatestend,andeverythingisbentForEngland.Ham.ForEngland?61
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKKing.Ay,Hamlet.Ham.Good.King.Soisit,ifthouknew'stourpurposes.Ham.Iseeacherubthatseesthem.Butcome,forEngland!Farewell,dearmother.King.Thylovingfather,Hamlet.Ham.Mymother!Fatherandmotherismanandwife;manandwifeisoneflesh;andso,mymother.Come,forEngland!Exit.King.Followhimatfoot;tempthimwithspeedaboard.Delayitnot;I'llhavehimhenceto-night.Away!foreverythingisseal'danddoneThatelseleansonth'affair.Prayyoumakehaste.ExeuntRosencrantzandGuildenstern]And,England,ifmylovethouhold'stataught,-Asmygreatpowerthereofmaygivetheesense,SinceyetthycicatricelooksrawandredAftertheDanishsword,andthyfreeawePayshomagetous,-thoumaystnotcoldlysetOursovereignprocess,whichimportsatfull,Byletterscongruingtothateffect,ThepresentdeathofHamlet.Doit,England;Forlikethehecticinmybloodherages,Andthoumustcureme.TillIknow'tisdone,Howe'ermyhaps,myjoyswerene'erbegun.Exit.62
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEIV.NearElsinore.EnterFortinbraswithhisArmyoverthestage.For.Go,Captain,frommegreettheDanishking.TellhimthatbyhislicenseFortinbrasCravestheconveyanceofapromis'dmarchOverhiskingdom.Youknowtherendezvous.IfthathisMajestywouldaughtwithus,Weshallexpressourdutyinhiseye;Andlethimknowso.Capt.Iwilldo't,mylord.For.Gosoftlyon.Exeunt[allbuttheCaptain].EnterHamlet,Rosencrantz,[Guildenstern,]andothers.Ham.Goodsir,whosepowersarethese?Capt.TheyareofNorway,sir.Ham.Howpurpos'd,sir,Iprayyou?Capt.AgainstsomepartofPoland.Ham.Whocommandsthem,sir?Capt.ThenephewtooldNorway,Fortinbras.Ham.GoesitagainstthemainofPoland,sir,Orforsomefrontier?Capt.Trulytospeak,andwithnoaddition,WegotogainalittlepatchofgroundThathathinitnoprofitbutthename.Topayfiveducats,five,Iwouldnotfarmit;NorwillityieldtoNorwayorthePoleArankerrate,shoulditbesoldinfee.Ham.Why,thenthePolackneverwilldefendit.Capt.Yes,itisalreadygarrison'd.Ham.TwothousandsoulsandtwentythousandducatsWillnotdebatethequestionofthisstraw.Thisisth'imposthumeofmuchwealthandpeace,Thatinwardbreaks,andshowsnocausewithoutWhythemandies.-Ihumblythankyou,sir.Capt.Godb'wi'you,sir.[Exit.]Ros.Will'tpleaseyougo,mylord?Ham.I'llbewithyoustraight.Goalittlebefore.[ExeuntallbutHamlet.]HowalloccasionsdoinformagainstmeAndspurmydullrevenge!Whatisaman,IfhischiefgoodandmarketofhistimeBebuttosleepandfeed?Abeast,nomore.Surehethatmadeuswithsuchlargediscourse,Lookingbeforeandafter,gaveusnotThatcapabilityandgodlikereasonTofustinusunus'd.Now,whetheritbeBestialoblivion,orsomecravenscrupleOfthinkingtoopreciselyonth'event,-Athoughtwhich,quarter'd,hathbutonepartwisdomAndeverthreepartscoward,-IdonotknowWhyyetIlivetosay'Thisthing'stodo,'SithIhavecause,andwill,andstrength,andmeansTodo't.Examplesgrossasearthexhortme.Witnessthisarmyofsuchmassandcharge,Ledbyadelicateandtenderprince,Whosespirit,withdivineambitionpuff'd,Makesmouthsattheinvisibleevent,Exposingwhatis63
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKmortalandunsureToallthatfortune,death,anddangerdare,Evenforaneggshell.RightlytobegreatIsnottostirwithoutgreatargument,ButgreatlytofindquarrelinastrawWhenhonour'satthestake.HowstandIthen,Thathaveafatherkill'd,amotherstain'd,Excitementsofmyreasonandmyblood,Andletallsleep,whiletomyshameIseeTheimminentdeathoftwentythousandmenThatforafantasyandtrickoffameGototheirgraveslikebeds,fightforaplotWhereonthenumberscannottrythecause,WhichisnottombenoughandcontinentTohidetheslain?O,fromthistimeforth,Mythoughtsbebloody,orbenothingworth!Exit.64
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEV.Elsinore.AroomintheCastle.EnterHoratio,Queen,andaGentleman.Queen.Iwillnotspeakwithher.Gent.Sheisimportunate,indeeddistract.Hermoodwillneedsbepitied.Queen.Whatwouldshehave?Gent.Shespeaksmuchofherfather;saysshehearsThere'stricksi'th'world,andhems,andbeatsherheart;Spurnsenviouslyatstraws;speaksthingsindoubt,Thatcarrybuthalfsense.Herspeechisnothing,YettheunshapeduseofitdothmoveThehearerstocollection;theyaimatit,Andbotchthewordsupfittotheirownthoughts;Which,asherwinksandnodsandgesturesyieldthem,Indeedwouldmakeonethinktheremightbethought,Thoughnothingsure,yetmuchunhappily.Hor.'Tweregoodshewerespokenwith;forshemaystrewDangerousconjecturesinill-breedingminds.Queen.Lethercomein.[ExitGentleman.][Aside]Tomysicksoul(assin'struenatureis)EachtoyseemsProloguetosomegreatamiss.SofullofartlessjealousyisguiltItspillsitselfinfearingtobespilt.EnterOpheliadistracted.Oph.WhereisthebeauteousMajestyofDenmark?Queen.Hownow,Ophelia?Oph.(sings)HowshouldIyourtrue-loveknowFromanotherone?Byhiscocklebatand'staffAndhissandalshoon.Queen.Alas,sweetlady,whatimportsthissong?Oph.Sayyou?Nay,prayYoumark.(Sings)Heisdeadandgone,lady,Heisdeadandgone;Athisheadagrass-greenturf,Athisheelsastone.O,ho!Queen.Nay,butOphelia-Oph.Prayyoumark.(Sings)Whitehisshroudasthemountainsnow-EnterKing.Queen.Alas,lookhere,mylord!Oph.(Sings)Lardedallwithsweetflowers;WhichbewepttothegravedidnotgoWithtrue-loveshowers.King.Howdoyou,prettylady?Oph.Well,Goddildyou!Theysaytheowlwasabaker'sdaughter.Lord,weknowwhatweare,butknownotwhatwemaybe.Godbeatyourtable!King.Conceituponherfather.Oph.Praylet'shavenowordsofthis;butwhentheyask,youwhatitmeans,sayyouthis:65
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARK(Sings)To-morrowisSaintValentine'sday,Allinthemorningbedtime,AndIamaidatyourwindow,TobeyourValentine.Thenupheroseanddonn'dhisclo'esAnddupp'dthechamberdoor,Letinthemaid,thatoutamaidNeverdepartedmore.King.PrettyOphelia!Oph.Indeed,la,withoutanoath,I'llmakeanendon't![Sings]ByGisandbySaintCharity,Alack,andfieforshame!Youngmenwilldo'tiftheycometo'tByCock,theyaretoblame.Quothshe,'Beforeyoutumbledme,Youpromis'dmetowed.'Heanswers:'SowouldI'a'done,byyondersun,Anthouhadstnotcometomybed.'King.Howlonghathshebeenthus?Oph.Ihopeallwillbewell.Wemustbepatient;butIcannotchoosebutweeptothinktheywouldlayhimi'th'coldground.Mybrothershallknowofit;andsoIthankyouforyourgoodcounsel.Come,mycoach!Goodnight,ladies.Goodnight,sweetladies.Goodnight,goodnight.ExitKing.Followherclose;givehergoodwatch,Iprayyou.[ExitHoratio.]O,thisisthepoisonofdeepgrief;itspringsAllfromherfather'sdeath.OGertrude,Gertrude,Whensorrowscome,theycomenotsinglespies.Butinbattalions!First,herfatherslain;Next,yoursongone,andhemostviolentauthorOfhisownjustremove;thepeoplemuddied,ThickandandunwholesomeintheirthoughtsandwhispersForgoodPolonius'death,andwehavedonebutgreenlyInhugger-muggertointerhim;poorOpheliaDividedfromherselfandherfairjudgment,Withoutthewhichwearepicturesormerebeasts;Last,andasmuchcontainingasallthese,HerbrotherisinsecretcomefromFrance;AndwantsnotbuzzerstoinfecthisearFeedsonhiswonder,keep,himselfinclouds,Withpestilentspeechesofhisfather'sdeath,Whereinnecessity,ofmatterbeggar'd,WillnothingstickourpersontoarraignInearandear.OmydearGertrude,this,Liketoamurd'ringpiece,inmanyplacesGivemesuperfluousdeath.Anoisewithin.Queen.Alack,whatnoiseisthis?King.WherearemySwitzers?Letthemguardthedoor.EnteraMessenger.66
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKWhatisthematter?Mess.SaveYourself,mylord:Theocean,overpeeringofhislist,EatsnottheflatswithmoreimpetuoushasteThanYoungLaertes,inariotoushead,O'erbearsYouroffices.Therabblecallhimlord;And,astheworldwerenowbuttobegin,Antiquityforgot,customnotknown,Theratifiersandpropsofeveryword,Theycry'Choosewe!Laertesshallbeking!'Caps,hands,andtonguesapplaudittotheclouds,'Laertesshallbeking!Laertesking!'Anoisewithin.Queen.Howcheerfullyonthefalsetrailtheycry!O,thisiscounter,youfalseDanishdogs!King.Thedoorsarebroke.EnterLaerteswithothers.Laer.Whereisthisking?-Sirs,staidyouallwithout.All.No,let'scomein!Laer.Iprayyougivemeleave.All.Wewill,wewill!Laer.Ithankyou.Keepthedoor.[ExeunthisFollowers.]Othouvileking,Givememyfather!Queen.Calmly,goodLaertes.Laer.Thatdropofbloodthat'scalmproclaimsmebastard;Criescuckoldtomyfather;brandstheharlotEvenherebetweenthechasteunsmirchedbrowsOfmytruemother.King.Whatisthecause,Laertes,Thatthyrebellionlookssogiantlike?Lethimgo,Gertrude.Donotfearourperson.There'ssuchdivinitydothhedgeakingThattreasoncanbutpeeptowhatitwould,Actslittleofhiswill.Tellme,Laertes,Whythouartthusincens'd.Lethimgo,Gertrude.Speak,man.Laer.Whereismyfather?King.Dead.Queen.Butnotbyhim!King.Lethimdemandhisfill.Laer.Howcamehedead?I'llnotbejuggledwith:Tohell,allegiance!vows,totheblackestdevilConscienceandgrace,totheprofoundestpit!Idaredamnation.TothispointIstand,Thatboththeworld,Igivetonegligence,Letcomewhatcomes;onlyI'llbereveng'dMostthroughlyformyfather.King.Whoshallstayyou?Laer.Mywill,notalltheworld!Andformymeans,I'llhusbandthemsowellTheyshallgofarwithlittle.King.GoodLaertes,IfyoudesiretoknowthecertaintyOfyourdearfather'sdeath,is'twritinyourrevengeThatsweepstakeyouwilldrawbothfriendandfoe,Winnerandloser?Laer.Nonebuthisenemies.King.Willyouknowthemthen?Laer.TohisgoodfriendsthuswideI'llopemyarmsAnd,likethekindlife-rend'ringpelican,Repastthemwithmyblood.King.Why,nowYouspeakLikeagoodchildandatruegentleman.ThatIamguiltlessofyourfather'sdeath,Andammost67
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKsensiblyingriefforit,ItshallasleveltoyourjudgmentpierceAsdaydoestoyoureye.Anoisewithin:'Lethercomein.'Laer.Hownow?Whatnoiseisthat?EnterOphelia.Oheat,dryupmybrains!TearsseventimessaltBurnoutthesenseandvirtueofmineeye!Byheaven,thymadnessshallbepaidbyweightTillourscaleturnthebeam.OroseofMay!Dearmaid,kindsister,sweetOphelia!Oheavens!is'tpossibleayoungmaid'switsShouldbeasmortalasanoldman'slife?Natureisfineinlove,andwhere'tisfine,ItsendssomepreciousinstanceofitselfAfterthethingitloves.Oph.(sings)Theyborehimbarefac'donthebier(Heynonnony,nony,heynony)Andinhisgraverain'dmanyatear.Fareyouwell,mydove!Laer.Hadstthouthywits,anddidstpersuaderevenge,Itcouldnotmovethus.Oph.Youmustsing'A-downa-down,andyoucallhima-down-a.'O,howthewheelbecomesit!Itisthefalsesteward,thatstolehismaster'sdaughter.Laer.Thisnothing'smorethanmatter.Oph.There'srosemary,that'sforremembrance.Prayyou,love,remember.Andthereispansies,that'sforthoughts.Laer.Adocumentinmadness!Thoughtsandremembrancefitted.Oph.There'sfennelforyou,andcolumbines.There'srueforyou,andhere'ssomeforme.Wemaycallitherbofgraceo'Sundays.O,youmustwearyourruewithadifference!There'sadaisy.Iwouldgiveyousomeviolets,buttheywither'dallwhenmyfatherdied.Theysayhemadeagoodend.[Sings]ForbonnysweetRobinisallmyjoy.Laer.Thoughtandaffliction,passion,hellitself,Sheturnstofavourandtoprettiness.Oph.(sings)Andwillhenotcomeagain?Andwillhenotcomeagain?No,no,heisdead;Gotothydeathbed;Heneverwillcomeagain.Hisbeardwasaswhiteassnow,Allflaxenwashispoll.Heisgone,heisgone,Andwecastawaymoan.God'a'mercyonhissoul!AndofallChristiansouls,IprayGod.Godb'wi'you.Exit.Laer.Doyouseethis,OGod?King.Laertes,Imustcommunewithyourgrief,Oryoudenymeright.Gobutapart,Makechoiceofwhomyourwisestfriendsyouwill,Andtheyshallhearandjudge'twixtyouandme.Ifby68
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKdirectorbycollateralhandTheyfindustouch'd,wewillourkingdomgive,Ourcrown,ourlife,andallthatwecallours,Toyouinsatisfaction;butifnot,Beyoucontenttolendyourpatiencetous,AndweshalljointlylabourwithyoursoulTogiveitduecontent.Laer.Letthisbeso.Hismeansofdeath,hisobscurefuneral-Notrophy,sword,norhatchmento'erhisbones,Nonobleritenorformalostentation,-Crytobeheard,as'twerefromheaventoearth,ThatImustcall'tinquestion.King.Soyoushall;Andwhereth'offenceisletthegreataxefall.Iprayyougowithme.Exeunt69
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEVI.Elsinore.AnotherroomintheCastle.EnterHoratiowithanAttendant.Hor.Whataretheythatwouldspeakwithme?Servant.Seafaringmen,sir.Theysaytheyhavelettersforyou.Hor.Letthemcomein.[ExitAttendant.]IdonotknowfromwhatpartoftheworldIshouldbegreeted,ifnotfromLordHamlet.EnterSailors.Sailor.Godblessyou,sir.Hor.Lethimblesstheetoo.Sailor.'Ashall,sir,an'tpleasehim.There'saletterforyou,sir,-itcomesfromth'ambassadorthatwasboundforEngland-ifyournamebeHoratio,asIamlettoknowitis.Hor.(readstheletter)'Horatio,whenthoushalthaveoverlook'dthis,givethesefellowssomemeanstotheKing.Theyhavelettersforhim.Ereweweretwodaysoldatsea,apirateofverywarlikeappointmentgaveuschase.Findingourselvestooslowofsail,weputonacompelledvalour,andinthegrappleIboardedthem.Ontheinstanttheygotclearofourship;soIalonebecametheirprisoner.Theyhavedealtwithmelikethievesofmercy;buttheyknewwhattheydid:Iamtodoagoodturnforthem.LettheKinghavethelettersIhavesent,andrepairthoutomewithasmuchspeedasthouwouldstflydeath.Ihavewordstospeakinthineearwillmaketheedumb;yetaretheymuchtoolightfortheboreofthematter.ThesegoodfellowswillbringtheewhereIam.RosencrantzandGuildensternholdtheircourseforEngland.OfthemIhavemuchtotellthee.Farewell.'Hethatthouknowestthine,HAMLET.'Come,Iwillgiveyouwayfortheseyourletters,Anddo'tthespeedierthatyoumaydirectmeTohimfromwhomyoubroughtthem.Exeunt.71
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEVII.Elsinore.AnotherroomintheCastle.EnterKingandLaertes.King.Nowmustyourconsciencemyacquittanceseal,AndYoumustputmeinyourheartforfriend,Sithyouhaveheard,andwithaknowingear,ThathewhichhathyournoblefatherslainPursuedmylife.Laer.Itwellappears.ButtellmeWhyyouproceedednotagainstthesefeatsSocrimefulandsocapitalinnature,Asbyyoursafety,wisdom,allthingselse,Youmainlywerestirr'dup.King.O,fortwospecialreasons,Whichmaytoyou,perhaps,seemmuchunsinew'd,Butyettometheyarestrong.TheQueenhismotherLivesalmostbyhislooks;andformyself,-Myvirtueormyplague,beiteitherwhich,-She'ssoconjunctivetomylifeandsoulThat,asthestarmovesnotbutinhissphere,Icouldnotbutbyher.TheothermotiveWhytoapubliccountImightnotgoIsthegreatlovethegeneralgenderbearhim,Who,dippingallhisfaultsintheiraffection,Would,likethespringthatturnethwoodtostone,Converthisgivestograces;sothatmyarrows,Tooslightlytimber'dforsoloudawind,Wouldhaverevertedtomybowagain,AndnotwhereIhadaim'dthem.Laer.AndsohaveIanoblefatherlost;Asisterdrivenintodesp'rateterms,Whoseworth,ifpraisesmaygobackagain,StoodchallengeronmountofalltheageForherperfections.Butmyrevengewillcome.King.Breaknotyoursleepsforthat.YoumustnotthinkThatwearemadeofstuffsoflatanddullThatwecanletourbeardbeshookwithdanger,Andthinkitpastime.Youshortlyshallhearmore.Ilov'dyourfather,andweloveourself,Andthat,Ihope,willteachyoutoimagine-EnteraMessengerwithletters.Hownow?Whatnews?Mess.Letters,mylord,fromHamlet:ThistoyourMajesty;thistotheQueen.King.FromHamlet?Whobroughtthem?Mess.Sailors,mylord,theysay;Isawthemnot.TheyweregivenmebyClaudio;hereceiv'dthemOfhimthatbroughtthem.King.Laertes,youshallhearthem.Leaveus.ExitMessenger.[Reads]'HighandMighty,-YoushallknowIamsetnakedonyourkingdom.To-morrowshallIbegleavetoseeyourkinglyeyes;whenIshall(firstaskingyourpardonthereunto)recounttheoccasionofmysuddenandmorestrangereturn.'HAMLET.'72
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKWhatshouldthismean?Arealltherestcomeback?Orisitsomeabuse,andnosuchthing?Laer.Knowyouthehand?King.'TisHamlet'scharacter.'Naked!'Andinapostscripthere,hesays'alone.'Canyouadviseme?Laer.Iamlostinit,mylord.Butlethimcome!ItwarmstheverysicknessinmyheartThatIshallliveandtellhimtohisteeth,'Thusdidestthou.'King.Ifitbeso,Laertes(Ashowshoulditbeso?howotherwise?),Willyouberul'dbyme?Laer.Aymylord,Soyouwillnoto'errulemetoapeace.King.Tothineownpeace.Ifhebenowreturn'dAscheckingathisvoyage,andthathemeansNomoretoundertakeit,IwillworkhimToexploitnowripeinmydevice,Underthewhichheshallnotchoosebutfall;AndforhisdeathnowindshallbreatheButevenhismothershallunchargethepracticeAndcallitaccident.Laer.Mylord,Iwillberul'd;Therather,ifyoucoulddeviseitsoThatImightbetheorgan.King.Itfallsright.Youhavebeentalk'dofsinceyourtravelmuch,AndthatinHamlet'shearing,foraqualityWhereintheysayyoushine,YoursumofpartsDidnottogetherplucksuchenvyfromhimAsdidthatone;andthat,inmyregard,Oftheunworthiestsiege.Laer.Whatpartisthat,mylord?King.Averyribandinthecapofyouth-Yetneedfulltoo;foryouthnolessbecomesThelightandcarelessliverythatitwearsThansettledagehissablesandhisweeds,Importinghealthandgraveness.TwomonthssinceHerewasagentlemanofNormandy.Ihaveseenmyself,andserv'dagainst,theFrench,Andtheycanwellonhorseback;butthisgallantHadwitchcraftin't.Hegrewuntohisseat,AndtosuchwondrousdoingbroughthishorseAshadhebeenincorps'danddemi-natur'dWiththebravebeast.Sofarhetopp'dmythoughtThatI,inforgeryofshapesandtricks,Comeshortofwhathedid.Laer.ANormanwas't?King.ANorman.Laer.Uponmylife,Lamound.King.Theverysame.Laer.Iknowhimwell.HeisthebroachindeedAndgemofallthenation.King.Hemadeconfessionofyou;AndgaveyousuchamasterlyreportForartandexerciseinyourdefence,Andforyourrapiermostespecially,Thathecriedout'twouldbeasightindeedIfonecouldmatchyou.ThescrimersoftheirnationHesworehadneithermotion,guard,noreye,Ifyouoppos'dthem.Sir,thisreportofhisDidHamletsoenvenomwithhisenvyThathecouldnothingdobutwishandbegYoursuddencomingo'erto73
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKplaywithyou.Now,outofthis-Laer.Whatoutofthis,mylord?King.Laertes,wasyourfatherdeartoyou?Orareyoulikethepaintingofasorrow,Afacewithoutaheart,'Laer.Whyaskyouthis?King.NotthatIthinkyoudidnotloveyourfather;ButthatIknowloveisbegunbytime,AndthatIsee,inpassagesofproof,Timequalifiesthesparkandfireofit.ThereliveswithintheveryflameofloveAkindofwickorsnuffthatwillabateit;Andnothingisatalikegoodnessstill;Forgoodness,growingtoaplurisy,Diesinhisowntoo-much.Thatwewoulddo,Weshoulddowhenwewould;forthis'would'changes,AndhathabatementsanddelaysasmanyAstherearetongues,arehands,areaccidents;Andthenthis'should'islikeaspendthriftsigh,Thathurtsbyeasing.Buttothequicko'th'ulcer!Hamletcomesback.WhatwouldyouundertakeToshowyourselfyourfather'ssonindeedMorethaninwords?Laer.Tocuthisthroati'th'church!King.Noplaceindeedshouldmurthersanctuarize;Revengeshouldhavenobounds.But,goodLaertes,Willyoudothis?Keepclosewithinyourchamber.Hamletreturn'dshallknowyouarecomehome.We'llputonthoseshallpraiseyourexcellenceAndsetadoublevarnishonthefameTheFrenchmangaveyou;bringyouinfinetogetherAndwageronyourheads.He,beingremiss,Mostgenerous,andfreefromallcontriving,Willnotperusethefoils;sothatwithease,Orwithalittleshuffling,youmaychooseAswordunbated,and,inapassofpractice,Requitehimforyourfather.Laer.Iwilldo't!AndforthatpurposeI'llanointmysword.Iboughtanunctionofamountebank,Somortalthat,butdipaknifeinit,Whereitdrawsbloodnocataplasmsorare,CollectedfromallsimplesthathavevirtueUnderthemoon,cansavethethingfromdeathThisisbutscratch'dwithal.I'lltouchmypointWiththiscontagion,that,ifIgallhimslightly,Itmaybedeath.King.Let'sfurtherthinkofthis,WeighwhatconveniencebothoftimeandmeansMayfitustoourshape.Ifthisshouldfall,Andthatourdriftlookthroughourbadperformance.'Twerebetternotassay'd.ThereforethisprojectShouldhaveabackorsecond,thatmightholdIfthisdidblastinproof.Soft!letmesee.We'llmakeasolemnwageronyourcunnings-Iha't!Wheninyourmotionyouarehotanddry-Asmakeyourboutsmoreviolenttothatend-Andthathecallsfordrink,I'llhaveprepar'dhimAchaliceforthenonce;whereonbut74
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKsipping,Ifhebychanceescapeyourvenom'dstuck,Ourpurposemayholdthere.-Butstay,whatnoise,EnterQueen.Hownow,sweetqueen?Queen.Onewoedothtreaduponanother'sheel,Sofasttheyfollow.Yoursister'sdrown'd,Laertes.Laer.Drown'd!O,where?Queen.Thereisawillowgrowsaslantabrook,Thatshowshishoarleavesintheglassystream.TherewithfantasticgarlandsdidshecomeOfcrowflowers,nettles,daisies,andlongpurples,Thatliberalshepherdsgiveagrossername,Butourcoldmaidsdodeadmen'sfingerscallthem.ThereonthependantboughshercoronetweedsClamb'ringtohang,anenvioussliverbroke,WhendownherweedytrophiesandherselfFellintheweepingbrook.HerclothesspreadwideAnd,mermaid-like,awhiletheyboreherup;Whichtimeshechauntedsnatchesofoldtunes,Asoneincapableofherowndistress,OrlikeacreaturenativeandinduedUntothatelement;butlongitcouldnotbeTillthathergarments,heavywiththeirdrink,Pull'dthepoorwretchfromhermelodiouslayTomuddydeath.Laer.Alas,thensheisdrown'd?Queen.Drown'd,drown'd.Laer.Toomuchofwaterhastthou,poorOphelia,AndthereforeIforbidmytears;butyetItisourtrick;naturehercustomholds,Letshamesaywhatitwill.Whenthesearegone,Thewomanwillbeout.Adieu,mylord.Ihaveaspeechoffire,thatfainwouldblazeButthatthisfollydoutsit.Exit.King.Let'sfollow,Gertrude.HowmuchIhadtodotocalmhisrageINowfearIthiswillgiveitstartagain;Thereforelet'sfollow.Exeunt.76
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKACTV.77
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEI.Elsinore.Achurchyard.EntertwoClowns,[withspadesandpickaxes].Clown.IsshetobeburiedinChristianburialwhenshewilfullyseeksherownsalvation?Other.Itelltheesheis;thereforemakehergravestraight.Thecrownerhathsateonher,andfindsitChristianburial.Clown.Howcanthatbe,unlessshedrown'dherselfinherowndefence?Other.Why,'tisfoundso.Clown.Itmustbeseoffendendo;itcannotbeelse.Forhereliesthepoint:ifIdrownmyselfwittingly,itarguesanact;andanacthaththreebranches-itistoact,todo,andtoperform;argal,shedrown'dherselfwittingly.Other.Nay,buthearyou,GoodmanDelver!Clown.Givemeleave.Hereliesthewater;good.Herestandstheman;good.Ifthemangotothiswateranddrownhimself,itis,willhenillhe,hegoes-markyouthat.Butifthewatercometohimanddrownhim,hedrownsnothimself.Argal,hethatisnotguiltyofhisowndeathshortensnothisownlife.Other.Butisthislaw?Clown.Ay,marry,is't-crowner'squestlaw.Other.Willyouha'thetruthan't?Ifthishadnotbeenagentlewoman,sheshouldhavebeenburiedouto'Christianburial.Clown.Why,therethousay'st!Andthemorepitythatgreatfolkshouldhavecount'nanceinthisworldtodrownorhangthemselvesmorethantheireven-Christian.Come,myspade!Thereisnoancientgentlemenbutgard'ners,ditchers,andgrave-makers.TheyholdupAdam'sprofession.Other.Washeagentleman?Clown.'Awasthefirstthateverborearms.Other.Why,hehadnone.Clown.What,artaheathen?HowdostthouunderstandtheScripture?TheScripturesaysAdamdigg'd.Couldhedigwithoutarms?I'llputanotherquestiontothee.Ifthouanswerestmenottothepurpose,confessthyself-Other.Goto!Clown.Whatishethatbuildsstrongerthaneitherthemason,theshipwright,orthecarpenter?Other.Thegallows-maker;forthatframeoutlivesathousandtenants.Clown.Ilikethywitwell,ingoodfaith.Thegallowsdoeswell.Buthowdoesitwell?Itdoeswelltothosethatdoill.Now,thoudostilltosaythegallowsisbuiltstrongerthanthechurch.Argal,thegallowsmaydowelltothee.To'tagain,come!Other.Whobuildsstrongerthanamason,ashipwright,oracarpenter?Clown.Ay,tellmethat,andunyoke.Other.Marry,nowIcantell!Clown.To't.Other.78
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKMass,Icannottell.EnterHamletandHoratioafaroff.Clown.Cudgelthybrainsnomoreaboutit,foryourdullasswillnotmendhispacewithbeating;andwhenyouareask'dthisquestionnext,say'agrave-maker.'Thehouseshemakeslaststilldoomsday.Go,gettheetoYaughan;fetchmeastoupofliquor.[ExitSecondClown.][Clowndigsand]sings.InyouthwhenIdidlove,didlove,Methoughtitwasverysweet;Tocontract-O-thetimefor-a-mybehove,O,methoughtthere-a-wasnothing-a-meet.Ham.Hasthisfellownofeelingofhisbusiness,thathesingsatgrave-making?Hor.Customhathmadeitinhimapropertyofeasiness.Ham.'Tise'enso.Thehandoflittleemploymenthaththedaintiersense.Clown.(sings)ButagewithhisstealingstepsHathclawedmeinhisclutch,Andhathshippedmeintiltheland,AsifIhadneverbeensuch.[Throwsupaskull.]Ham.Thatskullhadatongueinit,andcouldsingonce.Howtheknavejowlsittotheground,asif'twereCain'sjawbone,thatdidthefirstmurther!ThismightbethepateofaPolitician,whichthisassnowo'erreaches;onethatwouldcircumventGod,mightitnot?Hor.Itmight,mylord.Ham.Orofacourtier,whichcouldsay'Goodmorrow,sweetlord!Howdostthou,goodlord?'ThismightbemyLordSuch-a-one,thatprais'dmyLordSuch-a-one'shorsewhenhemeanttobegit-mightitnot?Hor.Ay,mylord.Ham.Why,e'enso!andnowmyLadyWorm's,chapless,andknock'daboutthemazzardwithasexton'sspade.Here'sfinerevolution,andwehadthetricktosee't.Didthesebonescostnomorethebreedingbuttoplayatloggetswith'em?Mineachetothinkon't.Clown.(Sings)Apickaxeandaspade,aspade,Forandashroudingsheet;O,aPitofclayfortobemadeForsuchaguestismeet.Throwsup[anotherskull].Ham.There'sanother.Whymaynotthatbetheskullofalawyer?Wherebehisquidditsnow,hisquillets,hiscases,histenures,andhistricks?Whydoeshesufferthisrudeknavenowtoknockhimaboutthesconcewithadirtyshovel,andwillnottellhimofhisactionofbattery?Hum!Thisfellowmightbein'stimeagreatbuyerofland,withhisstatutes,hisrecognizances,hisfines,hisdoublevouchers,hisrecoveries.79
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKIsthisthefineofhisfines,andtherecoveryofhisrecoveries,tohavehisfinepatefulloffinedirt?Willhisvouchersvouchhimnomoreofhispurchases,anddoubleonestoo,thanthelengthandbreadthofapairofindentures?Theveryconveyancesofhislandswillscarcelylieinthisbox;andmustth'inheritorhimselfhavenomore,ha?Hor.Notajotmore,mylord.Ham.Isnotparchmentmadeofsheepskins?Hor.Ay,mylord,Andofcalveskinstoo.Ham.Theyaresheepandcalveswhichseekoutassuranceinthat.Iwillspeaktothisfellow.Whosegrave'sthis,sirrah?Clown.Mine,sir.[Sings]O,apitofclayfortobemadeForsuchaguestismeet.Ham.Ithinkitbethineindeed,forthouliestin't.Clown.Youlieouton't,sir,andtherefore'tisnotyours.Formypart,Idonotliein't,yetitismine.Ham.Thoudostliein't,tobein'tandsayitisthine.'Tisforthedead,notforthequick;thereforethouliest.Clown.'Tisaquicklie,sir;'twillawayagainfrommetoyou.Ham.Whatmandostthoudigitfor?Clown.Fornoman,sir.Ham.Whatwomanthen?Clown.Fornoneneither.Ham.Whoistobeburiedin't?Clown.Onethatwasawoman,sir;but,resthersoul,she'sdead.Ham.Howabsolutetheknaveis!Wemustspeakbythecard,orequivocationwillundous.BytheLord,Horatio,thisthreeyearsIhavetakennoteofit,theageisgrownsopickedthatthetoeofthepeasantcomessoneartheheelofthecourtierhegallshiskibe.-Howlonghastthoubeenagrave-maker?Clown.Ofallthedaysi'th'year,Icameto'tthatdaythatourlastkingHamletovercameFortinbras.Ham.Howlongisthatsince?Clown.Cannotyoutellthat?Everyfoolcantellthat.ItwastheverydaythatyoungHamletwasborn-hethatismad,andsentintoEngland.Ham.Ay,marry,whywasbesentintoEngland?Clown.Why,because'awasmad.'Ashallrecoverhiswitsthere;or,if'adonot,'tisnogreatmatterthere.Ham.Why?Clown.'Twillnotheseeninhimthere.Therethemenareasmadashe.Ham.Howcamehemad?Clown.Verystrangely,theysay.Ham.Howstrangely?Clown.Faith,e'enwithlosinghiswits.Ham.Uponwhatground?Clown.Why,hereinDenmark.Ihavebeensextonhere,manandboythirtyyears.Ham.Howlongwillamanliei'th'earthereherot?Clown.Faith,if'abenotrottenbefore'adie(aswehavemanypockycorsesnow-a-daysthatwillscarceholdthelayingin,I80
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKwilllastyousomeeightyearornineyear.Atannerwilllastyounineyear.Ham.Whyhemorethananother?Clown.Why,sir,hishideissotann'dwithhistradethat'awillkeepoutwateragreatwhile;andyourwaterisasoredecayerofyourwhoresondeadbody.Here'saskullnow.Thisskullhathlienyoui'th'earththree-and-twentyyears.Ham.Whosewasit?Clown.Awhoreson,madfellow'sitwas.Whosedoyouthinkitwas?Ham.Nay,Iknownot.Clown.Apestilenceonhimforamadrogue!'Apour'daflagonofRhenishonmyheadonce.Thissameskull,sir,wasYorick'sskull,theKing'sjester.Ham.This?Clown.E'enthat.Ham.Letmesee.[Takestheskull.]Alas,poorYorick!Iknewhim,Horatio.Afellowofinfinitejest,ofmostexcellentfancy.Hehathbornemeonhisbackathousandtimes.Andnowhowabhorredinmyimaginationitis!Mygorgerisesatit.HerehungthoselipsthatIhavekiss'dIknownothowoft.Wherebeyourgibesnow?yourgambols?yoursongs?yourflashesofmerrimentthatwerewonttosetthetableonaroar?Notonenow,tomockyourowngrinning?Quitechap-fall'n?Nowgetyoutomylady'schamber,andtellher,letherpaintaninchthick,tothisfavourshemustcome.Makeherlaughatthat.Prithee,Horatio,tellmeonething.Hor.What'sthat,mylord?Ham.DostthouthinkAlexanderlook'do'thisfashioni'th'earth?Hor.E'enso.Ham.Andsmeltso?Pah![Putsdowntheskull.]Hor.E'enso,mylord.Ham.Towhatbaseuseswemayreturn,Horatio!WhymaynotimaginationtracethenobledustofAlexandertillhefinditstoppingabunghole?Hor.'Tweretoconsidertoocuriously,toconsiderso.Ham.No,faith,notajot;buttofollowhimthitherwithmodestyenough,andlikelihoodtoleadit;asthus:Alexanderdied,Alexanderwasburied,Alexanderreturnethintodust;thedustisearth;ofearthwemakeloam;andwhyofthatloam(wheretohewasconverted)mighttheynotstopabeerbarrel?ImperiousCaesar,deadandturn'dtoclay,Mightstopaholetokeepthewindaway.O,thatthatearthwhichkepttheworldinaweShouldpatchawallt'expelthewinter'sflaw!Butsoft!butsoft!aside!HerecomestheKing-Enter[priestswith]acoffin[infuneralprocession],King,Queen,Laertes,withLordsattendant.]TheQueen,thecourtiers.Whoisthistheyfollow?Andwithsuch81
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKmaimedrites?ThisdothbetokenThecorsetheyfollowdidwithdesp'ratehandFordoitownlife.'Twasofsomeestate.Couchweawhile,andmark.[RetireswithHoratio.]Laer.Whatceremonyelse?Ham.ThatisLaertes,Averynobleyouth.Mark.Laer.Whatceremonyelse?Priest.Herobsequieshavebeenasfarenlarg'dAswehavewarranty.Herdeathwasdoubtful;And,butthatgreatcommando'erswaystheorder,Sheshouldingroundunsanctifiedhavelodg'dTillthelasttrumpet.Forcharitableprayers,Shards,flints,andpebblesshouldbethrownonher.Yetheresheisallow'dhervirginrites,Hermaidenstrewments,andthebringinghomeOfbellandburial.Laer.Musttherenomorebedone?Priest.Nomorebedone.WeshouldprofanetheserviceofthedeadTosingarequiemandsuchresttoherAstopeace-partedsouls.Laer.Layheri'th'earth;AndfromherfairandunpollutedfleshMayvioletsspring!Itellthee,churlishpriest,Aminist'ringangelshallmysisterbeWhenthouliesthowling.Ham.What,thefairOphelia?Queen.Sweetstothesweet!Farewell.[Scattersflowers.]Ihop'dthoushouldsthavebeenmyHamlet'swife;Ithoughtthybride-bedtohavedeck'd,sweetmaid,Andnothavestrew'dthygrave.Laer.O,treblewoeFalltentimestrebleonthatcursedheadWhosewickeddeedthymostingenioussenseDepriv'dtheeof!Holdofftheearthawhile,TillIhavecaughtheroncemoreinminearms.Leapsinthegrave.NowpileyourdustuponthequickanddeadTillofthisflatamountainyouhavemadeT'o'ertopoldPelionortheskyishheadOfblueOlympus.Ham.[comesforward]WhatishewhosegriefBearssuchanemphasis?whosephraseofsorrowConjuresthewand'ringstars,andmakesthemstandLikewonder-woundedhearers?ThisisI,HamlettheDane.[LeapsinafterLaertes.Laer.Thedeviltakethysoul![Grappleswithhim].Ham.Thoupray'stnotwell.Ipritheetakethyfingersfrommythroat;For,thoughIamnotsplenitiveandrash,YethaveIinmesomethingdangerous,Whichletthywisdomfear.Holdoffthyhand!King.Pluckthemasunder.Queen.Hamlet,Hamlet!All.Gentlemen!Hor.Goodmylord,bequiet.[TheAttendantspartthem,andtheycomeoutofthegrave.]Ham.Why,IwillfightwithhimuponthisthemeUntilmyeyelidswillnolongerwag.Queen.Omyson,whattheme?Ham.Ilov'dOphelia.FortythousandbrothersCouldnot82
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARK(withalltheirquantityoflove)Makeupmysum.Whatwiltthoudoforher?King.O,heismad,Laertes.Queen.ForloveofGod,forbearhim!Ham.'Swounds,showmewhatthou'tdo.Woo'tweep?woo'tfight?woo'tfast?woo'ttearthyself?Woo'tdrinkupesill?eatacrocodile?I'lldo't.Dostthoucomeheretowhine?Tooutfacemewithleapinginhergrave?Beburiedquickwithher,andsowillI.Andifthouprateofmountains,letthemthrowMillionsofacresonus,tillourground,Singeinghispateagainsttheburningzone,MakeOssalikeawart!Nay,anthou'ltmouth,I'llrantaswellasthou.Queen.Thisismeremadness;Andthusawhilethefitwillworkonhim.Anon,aspatientasthefemaledoveWhenthathergoldencoupletsaredisclos'd,Hissilencewillsitdrooping.Ham.Hearyou,sir!Whatisthereasonthatyouusemethus?Ilov'dyouever.Butitisnomatter.LetHerculeshimselfdowhathemay,Thecatwillmew,anddogwillhavehisday.Exit.King.Ipraythee,goodHoratio,waituponhim.ExitHoratio.[ToLaertes]Strengthenyourpatienceinourlastnight'sspeech.We'llputthemattertothepresentpush.-GoodGertrude,setsomewatchoveryourson.-Thisgraveshallhavealivingmonument.Anhourofquietshortlyshallwesee;Tilltheninpatienceourproceedingbe.Exeunt.83
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKSCENEII.Elsinore.AhallintheCastle.EnterHamletandHoratio.Ham.Somuchforthis,sir;nowshallyouseetheother.Youdorememberallthecircumstance?Hor.Rememberit,mylord!Ham.Sir,inmyhearttherewasakindoffightingThatwouldnotletmesleep.MethoughtIlayWorsethanthemutiniesinthebilboes.Rashly-Andprais'dberashnessforit;letusknow,OurindiscretionsometimeservesuswellWhenourdeepplotsdopall;andthatshouldlearnusThere'sadivinitythatshapesourends,Rough-hewthemhowwewill-Hor.Thatismostcertain.Ham.Upfrommycabin,Mysea-gownscarf'daboutme,inthedarkGrop'dItofindoutthem;hadmydesire,Finger'dtheirpacket,andinfinewithdrewTomineownroomagain;makingsobold(Myfearsforgettingmanners)tounsealTheirgrandcommission;whereIfound,Horatio(Oroyalknavery!),anexactcommand,Lardedwithmanyseveralsortsofreasons,ImportingDenmark'shealth,andEngland'stoo,With,hoo!suchbugsandgoblinsinmylife-That,onthesupervise,noleisurebated,No,nottostaythefindingoftheaxe,Myheadshouldbestruckoff.Hor.Is'tpossible?Ham.Here'sthecommission;readitatmoreleisure.ButwiltthoubearmehowIdidproceed?Hor.Ibeseechyou.Ham.Beingthusbenettedroundwithvillanies,OrIcouldmakeaprologuetomybrains,Theyhadbeguntheplay.Isatmedown;Devis'danewcommission;wroteitfair.Ioncedidholdit,asourstatistsdo,Abasenesstowritefair,andlabour'dmuchHowtoforgetthatlearning;but,sir,nowItdidmeyeoman'sservice.WiltthouknowTh'effectofwhatIwrote?Hor.Ay,goodmylord.Ham.AnearnestconjurationfromtheKing,AsEnglandwashisfaithfultributary,Aslovebetweenthemlikethepalmmightflourish,AspeaceshouldstillherwheatengarlandwearAndstandacomma'tweentheiramities,Andmanysuch-likeas'sofgreatcharge,That,ontheviewandknowingofthesecontents,Withoutdebatementfurther,moreorless,Heshouldthebearersputtosuddendeath,Notshrivingtimeallow'd.Hor.Howwasthisseal'd?Ham.Why,eveninthatwasheavenordinant.Ihadmyfather'ssignetinmypurse,WhichwasthemodelofthatDanishseal;Foldedthewritupintheformofth'other,Subscrib'dit,84
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKgave'tth'impression,plac'ditsafely,Thechangelingneverknown.Now,thenextdayWasoursea-fight;andwhattothiswassequentThouknow'stalready.Hor.SoGuildensternandRosencrantzgoto't.Ham.Why,man,theydidmakelovetothisemployment!Theyarenotnearmyconscience;theirdefeatDoesbytheirowninsinuationgrow.'TisdangerouswhenthebasernaturecomesBetweenthepassandfellincensedpointsOfmightyopposites.Hor.Why,whatakingisthis!Ham.Doesitnot,thinks'tthee,standmenowupon-Hethathathkill'dmyking,andwhor'dmymother;Popp'dinbetweenth'electionandmyhopes;Thrownouthisangleformyproperlife,Andwithsuchcoz'nage-is'tnotperfectconscienceToquithimwiththisarm?Andis'tnottobedamn'dToletthiscankerofournaturecomeInfurtherevil?Hor.ItmustbeshortlyknowntohimfromEnglandWhatistheissueofthebusinessthere.Ham.Itwillbeshort;theinterimismine,Andaman'slifeisnomorethantosay'one.'ButIamverysorry,goodHoratio,ThattoLaertesIforgotmyself,ForbytheimageofmycauseIseeTheportraitureofhis.I'llcourthisfavours.ButsurethebraveryofhisgriefdidputmeIntoatow'ringpassion.Hor.Peace!Whocomeshere?EnteryoungOsric,acourtier.Osr.YourlordshipisrightwelcomebacktoDenmark.Ham.Ihumblythankyou,sir.[AsidetoHoratio]Dostknowthiswaterfly?Hor.[asidetoHamlet]No,mygoodlord.Ham.[asidetoHoratio]Thystateisthemoregracious;for'tisavicetoknowhim.Hehathmuchland,andfertile.Letabeastbelordofbeasts,andhiscribshallstandattheking'smess.'Tisachough;but,asIsay,spaciousinthepossessionofdirt.Osr.Sweetlord,ifyourlordshipwereatleisure,IshouldimpartathingtoyoufromhisMajesty.Ham.Iwillreceiveit,sir,withalldiligenceofspirit.Putyourbonnettohisrightuse.'Tisforthehead.Osr.Ithankyourlordship,itisveryhot.Ham.No,believeme,'tisverycold;thewindisnortherly.Osr.Itisindifferentcold,mylord,indeed.Ham.Butyetmethinksitisverysultryandhotformycomplexion.Osr.Exceedingly,mylord;itisverysultry,as'twere-Icannottellhow.But,mylord,hisMajestybademesignifytoyouthathehaslaidagreatwageronyourhead.Sir,thisisthematter-Ham.Ibeseechyouremember.[Hamletmoves85
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKhimtoputonhishat.]Osr.Nay,goodmylord;formineease,ingoodfaith.Sir,hereisnewlycometocourtLaertes;believeme,anabsolutegentleman,fullofmostexcellentdifferences,ofverysoftsocietyandgreatshowing.Indeed,tospeakfeelinglyofhim,heisthecardorcalendarofgentry;foryoushallfindinhimthecontinentofwhatpartagentlemanwouldsee.Ham.Sir,hisdefinementsuffersnoperditioninyou;though,Iknow,todividehiminventoriallywoulddozyth'arithmeticofmemory,andyetbutyawneitherinrespectofhisquicksail.But,intheverityofextolment,Itakehimtobeasoulofgreatarticle,andhisinfusionofsuchdearthandrarenessas,tomaketruedictionofhim,hissemblableishismirror,andwhoelsewouldtracehim,hisumbrage,nothingmore.Osr.Yourlordshipspeaksmostinfalliblyofhim.Ham.Theconcernancy,sir?Whydowewrapthegentlemaninourmorerawerbreath?Osr.Sir?Hor[asidetoHamlet]Is'tnotpossibletounderstandinanothertongue?Youwilldo't,sir,really.Ham.Whatimportsthenominationofthisgentleman?Osr.OfLaertes?Hor.[aside]Hispurseisemptyalready.All'sgoldenwordsarespent.Ham.Ofhim,sir.Osr.Iknowyouarenotignorant-Ham.Iwouldyoudid,sir;yet,infaith,ifyoudid,itwouldnotmuchapproveme.Well,sir?Osr.YouarenotignorantofwhatexcellenceLaertesis-Ham.Idarenotconfessthat,lestIshouldcomparewithhiminexcellence;buttoknowamanwellweretoknowhimself.Osr.Imean,sir,forhisweapon;butintheimputationlaidonhimbythem,inhismeedhe'sunfellowed.Ham.What'shisweapon?Osr.Rapieranddagger.Ham.That'stwoofhisweapons-butwell.Osr.TheKing,sir,hathwager'dwithhimsixBarbaryhorses;againstthewhichhehasimpon'd,asItakeit,sixFrenchrapiersandponiards,withtheirassigns,asgirdle,hangers,andso.Threeofthecarriages,infaith,areverydeartofancy,veryresponsivetothehilts,mostdelicatecarriages,andofveryliberalconceit.Ham.Whatcallyouthecarriages?Hor.[asidetoHamlet]Iknewyoumustbeedifiedbythemargentereyouhaddone.Osr.Thecarriages,sir,arethehangers.Ham.Thephrasewouldbemoregermanetothematterifwecouldcarrycannonbyoursides.Iwoulditmightbehangerstillthen.Buton!SixBarbaryhorsesagainstsixFrenchswords,theirassigns,andthreeliberal-conceitedcarriages:that'stheFrenchbetagainsttheDanish.Whyisthis86
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKallimpon'd,asyoucallit?Osr.TheKing,sir,hathlaidthat,inadozenpassesbetweenyourselfandhim,heshallnotexceedyouthreehits;hehathlaidontwelvefornine,anditwouldcometoimmediatetrialifyourlordshipwouldvouchsafetheanswer.Ham.HowifIanswerno?Osr.Imean,mylord,theoppositionofyourpersonintrial.Ham.Sir,Iwillwalkhereinthehall.IfitpleasehisMajesty,itisthebreathingtimeofdaywithme.Letthefoilsbebrought,thegentlemanwilling,andtheKingholdhispurpose,IwillwinforhimifIcan;ifnot,Iwillgainnothingbutmyshameandtheoddhits.Osr.ShallIredeliveryoue'enso?Ham.Tothiseffect,sir,afterwhatflourishyournaturewill.Osr.Icommendmydutytoyourlordship.Ham.Yours,yours.[ExitOsric.]Hedoeswelltocommendithimself;therearenotongueselsefor'sturn.Hor.Thislapwingrunsawaywiththeshellonhishead.Ham.Hedidcomplywithhisdugbeforehesuck'dit.Thushashe,andmanymoreofthesamebevythatIknowthedrossyagedoteson,onlygotthetuneofthetimeandoutwardhabitofencounter-akindofyestycollection,whichcarriesthemthroughandthroughthemostfann'dandwinnowedopinions;anddobutblowthemtotheirtrial-thebubblesareout,EnteraLord.Lord.Mylord,hisMajestycommendedhimtoyoubyyoungOsric,whobringsbacktohim,thatyouattendhiminthehall.HesendstoknowifyourpleasureholdtoplaywithLaertes,orthatyouwilltakelongertime.Ham.Iamconstanttomypurposes;theyfollowtheKing'spleasure.Ifhisfitnessspeaks,mineisready;noworwhensoever,providedIbesoableasnow.Lord.TheKingandQueenandallarecomingdown.Ham.Inhappytime.Lord.TheQueendesiresyoutousesomegentleentertainmenttoLaertesbeforeyoufalltoplay.Ham.Shewellinstructsme.[ExitLord.]Hor.Youwilllosethiswager,mylord.Ham.Idonotthinkso.SincehewentintoFranceIhavebeenincontinualpractice.Ishallwinattheodds.Butthouwouldstnotthinkhowillall'shereaboutmyheart.Butitisnomatter.Hor.Nay,goodmylord-Ham.Itisbutfoolery;butitissuchakindofgaingivingaswouldperhapstroubleawoman.Hor.Ifyourminddislikeanything,obeyit.Iwillforestalltheirrepairhitherandsayyouarenotfit.Ham.Notawhit,wedefyaugury;there'saspecialprovidencein87
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKthefallofasparrow.Ifitbenow,'tisnottocome;ifitbenottocome,itwillbenow;ifitbenotnow,yetitwillcome:thereadinessisall.Sincenomanknowsaughtofwhatheleaves,whatis'ttoleavebetimes?Letbe.EnterKing,Queen,Laertes,Osric,andLords,withotherAttendantswithfoilsandgauntlets.Atableandflagonsofwineonit.King.Come,Hamlet,come,andtakethishandfromme.[TheKingputsLaertes'handintoHamlet's.]Ham.Givemeyourpardon,sir.Ihavedoneyouwrong;Butpardon't,asyouareagentleman.Thispresenceknows,Andyoumustneedshaveheard,howIampunish'dWithsoredistraction.WhatIhavedoneThatmightyournature,honour,andexceptionRoughlyawake,Ihereproclaimwasmadness.Was'tHamletwrong'dLaertes?NeverHamlet.IfHamletfromhimselfbetakenaway,Andwhenhe'snothimselfdoeswrongLaertes,ThenHamletdoesitnot,Hamletdeniesit.Whodoesit,then?Hismadness.If'tbeso,Hamletisofthefactionthatiswrong'd;HismadnessispoorHamlet'senemy.Sir,inthisaudience,Letmydisclaimingfromapurpos'devilFreemesofarinyourmostgenerousthoughtsThatIhaveshotmyarrowo'erthehouseAndhurtmybrother.Laer.Iamsatisfiedinnature,WhosemotiveinthiscaseshouldstirmemostTomyrevenge.ButinmytermsofhonourIstandaloof,andwillnoreconcilementTillbysomeeldermastersofknownhonourIhaveavoiceandprecedentofpeaceTokeepmynameungor'd.ButtillthattimeIdoreceiveyouroffer'dlovelikelove,Andwillnotwrongit.Ham.Iembraceitfreely,Andwillthisbrother'swagerfranklyplay.Giveusthefoils.Comeon.Laer.Come,oneforme.Ham.I'llbeyourfoil,Laertes.InmineignoranceYourskillshall,likeastari'th'darkestnight,Stickfieryoffindeed.Laer.Youmockme,sir.Ham.No,bythishand.King.Givethemthefoils,youngOsric.CousinHamlet,Youknowthewager?Ham.Verywell,mylord.YourGracehaslaidtheoddso'th'weakerside.King.Idonotfearit,Ihaveseenyouboth;Butsinceheisbetter'd,wehavethereforeodds.Laer.Thisistooheavy;letmeseeanother.Ham.Thislikesmewell.Thesefoilshaveallalength?Preparetoplay.Osr.Ay,mygoodlord.King.Setmethestoupsofwineuponthattable.IfHamletgivethefirstorsecondhit,Orquitinanswerofthethirdexchange,Letallthebattlementstheirordnancefire;TheKingshalldrink88
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKtoHamlet'sbetterbreath,AndinthecupanunionshallhethrowRicherthanthatwhichfoursuccessivekingsInDenmark'scrownhaveworn.Givemethecups;Andletthekettletothetrumpetspeak,Thetrumpettothecannoneerwithout,Thecannonstotheheavens,theheaventoearth,'NowtheKingdrinkstoHamlet.'Come,begin.Andyouthejudges,bearawaryeye.Ham.Comeon,sir.Laer.Come,mylord.Theyplay.Ham.One.Laer.No.Ham.Judgment!Osr.Ahit,averypalpablehit.Laer.Well,again!King.Stay,givemedrink.Hamlet,thispearlisthine;Here'stothyhealth.[Drum;trumpetssound;apiecegoesoff[within].Givehimthecup.Ham.I'llplaythisboutfirst;setitbyawhile.Come.(Theyplay.)Anotherhit.Whatsayyou?Laer.Atouch,atouch;Idoconfess't.King.Oursonshallwin.Queen.He'sfat,andscantofbreath.Here,Hamlet,takemynapkin,rubthybrows.TheQueencarousestothyfortune,Hamlet.Ham.Goodmadam!King.Gertrude,donotdrink.Queen.Iwill,mylord;Iprayyoupardonme.Drinks.King.[aside]Itisthepoison'dcup;itistoolate.Ham.Idarenotdrinkyet,madam;by-and-by.Queen.Come,letmewipethyface.Laer.Mylord,I'llhithimnow.King.Idonotthink't.Laer.[aside]Andyetitisalmostagainstmyconscience.Ham.Comeforthethird,Laertes!Youbutdally.Prayyoupasswithyourbestviolence;Iamafeardyoumakeawantonofme.Laer.Sayyouso?Comeon.Play.Osr.Nothingneitherway.Laer.Haveatyounow![LaerteswoundsHamlet;then]inscuffling,theychangerapiers,[andHamletwoundsLaertes].King.Partthem!Theyareincens'd.Ham.Naycome!again!TheQueenfalls.Osr.LooktotheQueenthere,ho!Hor.Theybleedonbothsides.Howisit,mylord?Osr.Howis't,Laertes?Laer.Why,asawoodcocktomineownspringe,Osric.Iamjustlykill'dwithmineowntreachery.Ham.HowdoestheQueen?King.Shesoundstoseethembleed.Queen.No,no!thedrink,thedrink!OmydearHamlet!Thedrink,thedrink!Iampoison'd.[Dies.]Ham.Ovillany!Ho!letthedoorbelock'd.Treachery!Seekitout.[Laertesfalls.]Laer.Itishere,Hamlet.Hamlet,thouartslain;Nomedicineintheworldcandotheegood.Intheethereisnothalfanhouroflife.Thetreacherousinstrumentisinthyhand,Unbatedandenvenom'd.ThefoulpracticeHathturn'ditselfonme.Lo,hereIlie,Nevertoriseagain.Thymother'spoison'd.Icannomore.TheKing,theKing'sto89
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKblame.Ham.Thepointenvenom'dtoo?Then,venom,tothywork.HurtstheKing.All.Treason!treason!King.O,yetdefendme,friends!Iambuthurt.Ham.Here,thouincestuous,murd'rous,damnedDane,Drinkoffthispotion!Isthyunionhere?Followmymother.Kingdies.Laer.Heisjustlyserv'd.Itisapoisontemper'dbyhimself.Exchangeforgivenesswithme,nobleHamlet.Mineandmyfather'sdeathcomenotuponthee,Northineonme!Dies.Ham.Heavenmaketheefreeofit!Ifollowthee.Iamdead,Horatio.Wretchedqueen,adieu!Youthatlookpaleandtrembleatthischance,Thatarebutmutesoraudiencetothisact,HadIbuttime(asthisfellsergeant,Death,Isstrictinhisarrest)O,Icouldtellyou-Butletitbe.Horatio,Iamdead;Thouliv'st;reportmeandmycausearightTotheunsatisfied.Hor.Neverbelieveit.IammoreanantiqueRomanthanaDane.Here'syetsomeliquorleft.Ham.Asth'artaman,Givemethecup.Letgo!Byheaven,I'llha't.OgoodHoratio,whatawoundedname(Thingsstandingthusunknown)shalllivebehindme!Ifthoudidsteverholdmeinthyheart,Absenttheefromfelicityawhile,Andinthisharshworlddrawthybreathinpain,Totellmystory.[Marchafaroff,andshotwithin.]Whatwarlikenoiseisthis?Osr.YoungFortinbras,withconquestcomefromPoland,TotheambassadorsofEnglandgivesThiswarlikevolley.Ham.O,Idie,Horatio!Thepotentpoisonquiteo'ercrowsmyspirit.IcannotlivetohearthenewsfromEngland,ButIdoprophesyth'electionlightsOnFortinbras.Hehasmydyingvoice.Sotellhim,withth'occurrents,moreandless,Whichhavesolicited-therestissilence.Dies.Hor.Nowcracksanobleheart.Goodnight,sweetprince,Andflightsofangelssingtheetothyrest![Marchwithin.]Whydoesthedrumcomehither?EnterFortinbrasandEnglishAmbassadors,withDrum,Colours,andAttendants.Fort.Whereisthissight?Hor.Whatisityouwillsee?Ifaughtofwoeorwonder,ceaseyoursearch.Fort.Thisquarrycriesonhavoc.OproudDeath,WhatfeastistowardinthineeternalcellThatthousomanyprincesatashotSobloodilyhaststruck.Ambassador.Thesightisdismal;AndouraffairsfromEnglandcometoolate.TheearsaresenselessthatshouldgiveushearingTotellhimhiscommandmentisfulfill'dThatRosencrantz90
THETRAGEDYOFHAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARKandGuildensternaredead.Whereshouldwehaveourthanks?Hor.Notfromhismouth,Haditth'abilityoflifetothankyou.Henevergavecommandmentfortheirdeath.Butsince,sojumpuponthisbloodyquestion,YoufromthePolackwars,andyoufromEngland,Areherearriv'd,giveorderthatthesebodiesHighonastagebeplacedtotheview;AndletmespeaktotheyetunknowingworldHowthesethingscameabout.SoshallyouhearOfcarnal,bloodyandunnaturalacts;Ofaccidentaljudgments,casualslaughters;Ofdeathsputonbycunningandforc'dcause;And,inthisupshot,purposesmistookFall'nonth'inventors'heads.AllthiscanITrulydeliver.Fort.Letushastetohearit,Andcallthenoblesttotheaudience.Forme,withsorrowIembracemyfortune.IhavesomerightsofmemoryinthiskingdomWhichnow,toclaimmyvantagedothinviteme.Hor.OfthatIshallhavealsocausetospeak,Andfromhismouthwhosevoicewilldrawonmore.Butletthissamebepresentlyperform'd,Evenwhilemen'smindsarewild,lestmoremischanceOnplotsanderrorshappen.Fort.LetfourcaptainsBearHamletlikeasoldiertothestage;Forhewaslikely,hadhebeenputon,Tohaveprov'dmostroyally;andforhispassageThesoldiers'musicandtheritesofwarSpeakloudlyforhim.Takeupthebodies.SuchasightasthisBecomesthefieldbuthereshowsmuchamiss.Go,bidthesoldiersshoot.Exeuntmarching;afterthewhichapealofordnanceareshotoff.THEEND91
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