ACTISCENEI。Elsinore。Aplatformbeforethecastle。FRANCISCOathispost。EntertohimBERNARDOBERNARDOWho’sthere？FRANCISCONay，answerme：stand，andunfoldyourself。BERNARDOLonglivetheking!FRANCISCOBernardo？BERNARDOHe。FRANCISCOYoucomemostcarefullyuponyourhour。BERNARDO’Tisnowstrucktwelve；gettheetobed，Francisco。FRANCISCOForthisreliefmuchthanks：’tisbittercold，AndIamsickatheart。BERNARDOHaveyouhadquietguard？FRANCISCONotamousestirring。BERNARDOWell，goodnight。
IfyoudomeetHoratioandMarcellus，Therivalsofmywatch，bidthemmakehaste。FRANCISCOIthinkIhearthem。Stand，ho!Who’sthere？
EnterHORATIOandMARCELLUSHORATIOFriendstothisground。MARCELLUSAndliegementotheDane。FRANCISCOGiveyougoodnight。MARCELLUSO，farewell，honestsoldier：
Whohathrelievedyou？FRANCISCOBernardohasmyplace。
Giveyougoodnight。
ExitMARCELLUSHolla!Bernardo!BERNARDOSay，What，isHoratiothere？HORATIOApieceofhim。BERNARDOWelcome，Horatio：welcome，goodMarcellus。MARCELLUSWhat，hasthisthingappear’dagainto—night？BERNARDOIhaveseennothing。MARCELLUSHoratiosays’tisbutourfantasy，AndwillnotletbelieftakeholdofhimTouchingthisdreadedsight，twiceseenofus：
ThereforeIhaveentreatedhimalongWithustowatchtheminutesofthisnight；
Thatifagainthisapparitioncome，Hemayapproveoureyesandspeaktoit。HORATIOTush，tush，’twillnotappear。BERNARDOSitdownawhile；
Andletusonceagainassailyourears，ThataresofortifiedagainstourstoryWhatwehavetwonightsseen。HORATIOWell，sitwedown，AndletushearBernardospeakofthis。BERNARDOLastnightofall，Whenyondsamestarthat’swestwardfromthepoleHadmadehiscoursetoillumethatpartofheavenWherenowitburns，Marcellusandmyself，Thebellthenbeatingone，——
EnterGhostMARCELLUSPeace，breaktheeoff；look，whereitcomesagain!BERNARDOInthesamefigure，likethekingthat’sdead。MARCELLUSThouartascholar；speaktoit，Horatio。BERNARDOLooksitnotliketheking？markit，Horatio。HORATIOMostlike：itharrowsmewithfearandwonder。BERNARDOItwouldbespoketo。MARCELLUSQuestionit，Horatio。HORATIOWhatartthouthatusurp’stthistimeofnight，TogetherwiththatfairandwarlikeformInwhichthemajestyofburiedDenmarkDidsometimesmarch？byheavenIchargethee，speak!MARCELLUSItisoffended。BERNARDOSee，itstalksaway!HORATIOStay!speak，speak!Ichargethee，speak!
ExitGhostMARCELLUS’Tisgone，andwillnotanswer。BERNARDOHownow，Horatio!youtrembleandlookpale：
Isnotthissomethingmorethanfantasy？
Whatthinkyouon’t？HORATIOBeforemyGod，ImightnotthisbelieveWithoutthesensibleandtrueavouchOfmineowneyes。MARCELLUSIsitnotliketheking？HORATIOAsthouarttothyself：
SuchwastheveryarmourhehadonWhenhetheambitiousNorwaycombated；
Sofrown’dheonce，when，inanangryparle，HesmotethesleddedPolacksontheice。
’Tisstrange。MARCELLUSThustwicebefore，andjumpatthisdeadhour，Withmartialstalkhathhegonebyourwatch。HORATIOInwhatparticularthoughttoworkIknownot；
Butinthegrossandscopeofmyopinion，Thisbodessomestrangeeruptiontoourstate。MARCELLUSGoodnow，sitdown，andtellme，hethatknows，WhythissamestrictandmostobservantwatchSonightlytoilsthesubjectoftheland，Andwhysuchdailycastofbrazencannon，Andforeignmartforimplementsofwar；
Whysuchimpressofshipwrights，whosesoretaskDoesnotdividetheSundayfromtheweek；
Whatmightbetoward，thatthissweatyhasteDothmakethenightjoint—labourerwiththeday：
Whois’tthatcaninformme？HORATIOThatcanI；
Atleast，thewhispergoesso。Ourlastking，Whoseimageevenbutnowappear’dtous，Was，asyouknow，byFortinbrasofNorway，Theretoprick’donbyamostemulatepride，Daredtothecombat；inwhichourvaliantHamlet——
Forsothissideofourknownworldesteem’dhim——
DidslaythisFortinbras；whobyaseal’dcompact，Wellratifiedbylawandheraldry，Didforfeit，withhislife，allthosehislandsWhichhestoodseizedof，totheconqueror：
Againstthewhich，amoietycompetentWasgagedbyourking；whichhadreturn’dTotheinheritanceofFortinbras，Hadhebeenvanquisher；as，bythesamecovenant，Andcarriageofthearticledesign’d，HisfelltoHamlet。Now，sir，youngFortinbras，Ofunimprovedmettlehotandfull，HathintheskirtsofNorwayhereandthereShark’dupalistoflawlessresolutes，Forfoodanddiet，tosomeenterpriseThathathastomachin’t；whichisnoother——
Asitdothwellappearuntoourstate——
Buttorecoverofus，bystronghandAndtermscompulsatory，thoseforesaidlandsSobyhisfatherlost：andthis，Itakeit，Isthemainmotiveofourpreparations，ThesourceofthisourwatchandthechiefheadOfthispost—hasteandromageintheland。BERNARDOIthinkitbenootherbute’enso：
WellmayitsortthatthisportentousfigureComesarmedthroughourwatch；solikethekingThatwasandisthequestionofthesewars。HORATIOAmoteitistotroublethemind’seye。
InthemosthighandpalmystateofRome，AlittleerethemightiestJuliusfell，ThegravesstoodtenantlessandthesheeteddeadDidsqueakandgibberintheRomanstreets：
Asstarswithtrainsoffireanddewsofblood，Disastersinthesun；andthemoiststarUponwhoseinfluenceNeptune’sempirestandsWassickalmosttodoomsdaywitheclipse：
Andeventhelikeprecurseoffierceevents，AsharbingersprecedingstillthefatesAndprologuetotheomencomingon，HaveheavenandearthtogetherdemonstratedUntoourclimaturesandcountrymen。——
Butsoft，behold!lo，whereitcomesagain!
Re—enterGhostI’llcrossit，thoughitblastme。Stay，illusion!
Ifthouhastanysound，oruseofvoice，Speaktome：
Iftherebeanygoodthingtobedone，Thatmaytotheedoeaseandgracetome，Speaktome：
CockcrowsIfthouartprivytothycountry’sfate，Which，happily，foreknowingmayavoid，O，speak!
OrifthouhastuphoardedinthylifeExtortedtreasureinthewombofearth，Forwhich，theysay，youspiritsoftwalkindeath，Speakofit：stay，andspeak!Stopit，Marcellus。MARCELLUSShallIstrikeatitwithmypartisan？HORATIODo，ifitwillnotstand。BERNARDO’Tishere!HORATIO’Tishere!MARCELLUS’Tisgone!
ExitGhostWedoitwrong，beingsomajestical，Toofferittheshowofviolence；
Foritis，astheair，invulnerable，Andourvainblowsmaliciousmockery。BERNARDOItwasabouttospeak，whenthecockcrew。HORATIOAndthenitstartedlikeaguiltythingUponafearfulsummons。Ihaveheard，Thecock，thatisthetrumpettothemorn，Dothwithhisloftyandshrill—soundingthroatAwakethegodofday；and，athiswarning，Whetherinseaorfire，inearthorair，TheextravagantanderringspirithiesTohisconfine：andofthetruthhereinThispresentobjectmadeprobation。MARCELLUSItfadedonthecrowingofthecock。
Somesaythatever’gainstthatseasoncomesWhereinourSaviour’sbirthiscelebrated，Thebirdofdawningsingethallnightlong：
Andthen，theysay，nospiritdaresstirabroad；
Thenightsarewholesome；thennoplanetsstrike，Nofairytakes，norwitchhathpowertocharm，Sohallow’dandsograciousisthetime。HORATIOSohaveIheardanddoinpartbelieveit。
But，look，themorn，inrussetmantleclad，Walkso’erthedewofyonhigheastwardhill：
Breakweourwatchup；andbymyadvice，Letusimpartwhatwehaveseento—nightUntoyoungHamlet；for，uponmylife，Thisspirit，dumbtous，willspeaktohim。
Doyouconsentweshallacquainthimwithit，Asneedfulinourloves，fittingourduty？MARCELLUSLet’sdo’t，Ipray；andIthismorningknowWhereweshallfindhimmostconveniently。
ExeuntSCENEII。Aroomofstateinthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，HAMLET，POLONIUS，LAERTES，VOLTIMAND，CORNELIUS，Lords，andAttendantsKINGCLAUDIUSThoughyetofHamletourdearbrother’sdeathThememorybegreen，andthatitusbefittedTobearourheartsingriefandourwholekingdomTobecontractedinonebrowofwoe，YetsofarhathdiscretionfoughtwithnatureThatwewithwisestsorrowthinkonhim，Togetherwithremembranceofourselves。
Thereforeoursometimesister，nowourqueen，Theimperialjointresstothiswarlikestate，Havewe，as’twerewithadefeatedjoy，——
Withanauspiciousandadroppingeye，Withmirthinfuneralandwithdirgeinmarriage，Inequalscaleweighingdelightanddole，——
Takentowife：norhavewehereinbarr’dYourbetterwisdoms，whichhavefreelygoneWiththisaffairalong。Forall，ourthanks。
Nowfollows，thatyouknow，youngFortinbras，Holdingaweaksupposalofourworth，Orthinkingbyourlatedearbrother’sdeathOurstatetobedisjointandoutofframe，Colleaguedwiththedreamofhisadvantage，Hehathnotfail’dtopesteruswithmessage，ImportingthesurrenderofthoselandsLostbyhisfather，withallbondsoflaw，Toourmostvaliantbrother。Somuchforhim。
Nowforourselfandforthistimeofmeeting：
Thusmuchthebusinessis：wehaveherewritToNorway，uncleofyoungFortinbras，——
Who，impotentandbed—rid，scarcelyhearsOfthishisnephew’spurpose，——tosuppressHisfurthergaitherein；inthatthelevies，Thelistsandfullproportions，areallmadeOutofhissubject：andweheredispatchYou，goodCornelius，andyou，Voltimand，ForbearersofthisgreetingtooldNorway；
GivingtoyounofurtherpersonalpowerTobusinesswiththeking，morethanthescopeOfthesedelatedarticlesallow。
Farewell，andletyourhastecommendyourduty。CORNELIUSVOLTIMANDInthatandallthingswillweshowourduty。KINGCLAUDIUSWedoubtitnothing：heartilyfarewell。
ExeuntVOLTIMANDandCORNELIUS
Andnow，Laertes，what’sthenewswithyou？
Youtoldusofsomesuit；whatis’t，Laertes？
YoucannotspeakofreasontotheDane，Andlooseyourvoice：whatwouldstthoubeg，Laertes，Thatshallnotbemyoffer，notthyasking？
Theheadisnotmorenativetotheheart，Thehandmoreinstrumentaltothemouth，ThanisthethroneofDenmarktothyfather。
Whatwouldstthouhave，Laertes？LAERTESMydreadlord，YourleaveandfavourtoreturntoFrance；
FromwhencethoughwillinglyIcametoDenmark，Toshowmydutyinyourcoronation，Yetnow，Imustconfess，thatdutydone，MythoughtsandwishesbendagaintowardFranceAndbowthemtoyourgraciousleaveandpardon。KINGCLAUDIUSHaveyouyourfather’sleave？WhatsaysPolonius？LORDPOLONIUSHehath，mylord，wrungfrommemyslowleaveBylaboursomepetition，andatlastUponhiswillIseal’dmyhardconsent：
Idobeseechyou，givehimleavetogo。KINGCLAUDIUSTakethyfairhour，Laertes；timebethine，Andthybestgracesspenditatthywill!
Butnow，mycousinHamlet，andmyson，——HAMLET[Aside]Alittlemorethankin，andlessthankind。KINGCLAUDIUSHowisitthatthecloudsstillhangonyou？HAMLETNotso，mylord；Iamtoomuchi’thesun。QUEENGERTRUDEGoodHamlet，castthynightedcolouroff，AndletthineeyelooklikeafriendonDenmark。
DonotforeverwiththyvailedlidsSeekforthynoblefatherinthedust：
Thouknow’st’tiscommon；allthatlivesmustdie，Passingthroughnaturetoeternity。HAMLETAy，madam，itiscommon。QUEENGERTRUDEIfitbe，Whyseemsitsoparticularwiththee？HAMLETSeems，madam!nayitis；Iknownot’seems。’
’Tisnotalonemyinkycloak，goodmother，Norcustomarysuitsofsolemnblack，Norwindysuspirationofforcedbreath，No，northefruitfulriverintheeye，Northedejected’haviorofthevisage，Togetherwithallforms，moods，shapesofgrief，Thatcandenotemetruly：theseindeedseem，Fortheyareactionsthatamanmightplay：
ButIhavethatwithinwhichpassethshow；
Thesebutthetrappingsandthesuitsofwoe。KINGCLAUDIUS’Tissweetandcommendableinyournature，Hamlet，Togivethesemourningdutiestoyourfather：
But，youmustknow，yourfatherlostafather；
Thatfatherlost，losthis，andthesurvivorboundInfilialobligationforsometermTodoobsequioussorrow：buttoperseverInobstinatecondolementisacourseOfimpiousstubbornness；’tisunmanlygrief；
Itshowsawillmostincorrecttoheaven，Aheartunfortified，amindimpatient，Anunderstandingsimpleandunschool’d：
ForwhatweknowmustbeandisascommonAsanythemostvulgarthingtosense，WhyshouldweinourpeevishoppositionTakeittoheart？Fie!’tisafaulttoheaven，Afaultagainstthedead，afaulttonature，Toreasonmostabsurd：whosecommonthemeIsdeathoffathers，andwhostillhathcried，Fromthefirstcorsetillhethatdiedto—day，’Thismustbeso。’Weprayyou，throwtoearthThisunprevailingwoe，andthinkofusAsofafather：forlettheworldtakenote，Youarethemostimmediatetoourthrone；
AndwithnolessnobilityofloveThanthatwhichdearestfatherbearshisson，DoIimparttowardyou。ForyourintentIngoingbacktoschoolinWittenberg，Itismostretrogradetoourdesire：
Andwebeseechyou，bendyoutoremainHere，inthecheerandcomfortofoureye，Ourchiefestcourtier，cousin，andourson。QUEENGERTRUDELetnotthymotherloseherprayers，Hamlet：
Ipraythee，staywithus；gonottoWittenberg。HAMLETIshallinallmybestobeyyou，madam。KINGCLAUDIUSWhy，’tisalovingandafairreply：
BeasourselfinDenmark。Madam，come；
ThisgentleandunforcedaccordofHamletSitssmilingtomyheart：ingracewhereof，NojocundhealththatDenmarkdrinksto—day，Butthegreatcannontothecloudsshalltell，Andtheking’srousetheheavensallbruitagain，Re—speakingearthlythunder。Comeaway。
ExeuntallbutHAMLETHAMLETO，thatthistootoosolidfleshwouldmeltThawandresolveitselfintoadew!
OrthattheEverlastinghadnotfix’dHiscanon’gainstself—slaughter!OGod!God!
Howweary，stale，flatandunprofitable，Seemtomealltheusesofthisworld!
Fieon’t!ahfie!’tisanunweededgarden，Thatgrowstoseed；thingsrankandgrossinnaturePossessitmerely。Thatitshouldcometothis!
Buttwomonthsdead：nay，notsomuch，nottwo：
Soexcellentaking；thatwas，tothis，Hyperiontoasatyr；solovingtomymotherThathemightnotbeteemthewindsofheavenVisitherfacetooroughly。Heavenandearth!
MustIremember？why，shewouldhangonhim，AsifincreaseofappetitehadgrownBywhatitfedon：andyet，withinamonth——
Letmenotthinkon’t——Frailty，thynameiswoman!——
Alittlemonth，orerethoseshoeswereoldWithwhichshefollow’dmypoorfather’sbody，LikeNiobe，alltears：——whyshe，evenshe——
O，God!abeast，thatwantsdiscourseofreason，Wouldhavemourn’dlonger——marriedwithmyuncle，Myfather’sbrother，butnomorelikemyfatherThanItoHercules：withinamonth：
EreyetthesaltofmostunrighteoustearsHadlefttheflushinginhergalledeyes，Shemarried。O，mostwickedspeed，topostWithsuchdexteritytoincestuoussheets!
Itisnotnoritcannotcometogood：
Butbreak，myheart；forImustholdmytongue。
EnterHORATIO，MARCELLUS，andBERNARDOHORATIOHailtoyourlordship!HAMLETIamgladtoseeyouwell：
Horatio，——orIdoforgetmyself。HORATIOThesame，mylord，andyourpoorservantever。HAMLETSir，mygoodfriend；I’llchangethatnamewithyou：
AndwhatmakeyoufromWittenberg，Horatio？Marcellus？MARCELLUSMygoodlord——HAMLETIamverygladtoseeyou。Goodeven，sir。
Butwhat，infaith，makeyoufromWittenberg？HORATIOAtruantdisposition，goodmylord。HAMLETIwouldnothearyourenemysayso，Norshallyoudomineearthatviolence，TomakeittrusterofyourownreportAgainstyourself：Iknowyouarenotruant。
ButwhatisyouraffairinElsinore？
We’llteachyoutodrinkdeepereyoudepart。HORATIOMylord，Icametoseeyourfather’sfuneral。HAMLETIpraythee，donotmockme，fellow—student；
Ithinkitwastoseemymother’swedding。HORATIOIndeed，mylord，itfollow’dhardupon。HAMLETThrift，thrift，Horatio!thefuneralbakedmeatsDidcoldlyfurnishforththemarriagetables。
WouldIhadmetmydearestfoeinheavenOreverIhadseenthatday，Horatio!
Myfather!——methinksIseemyfather。HORATIOWhere，mylord？HAMLETInmymind’seye，Horatio。HORATIOIsawhimonce；hewasagoodlyking。HAMLETHewasaman，takehimforallinall，Ishallnotlookuponhislikeagain。HORATIOMylord，IthinkIsawhimyesternight。HAMLETSaw？who？HORATIOMylord，thekingyourfather。HAMLETThekingmyfather!HORATIOSeasonyouradmirationforawhileWithanattentear，tillImaydeliver，Uponthewitnessofthesegentlemen，Thismarveltoyou。HAMLETForGod’slove，letmehear。HORATIOTwonightstogetherhadthesegentlemen，MarcellusandBernardo，ontheirwatch，Inthedeadvastandmiddleofthenight，Beenthusencounter’d。Afigurelikeyourfather，Armedatpointexactly，cap—a—pe，Appearsbeforethem，andwithsolemnmarchGoesslowandstatelybythem：thricehewalk’dBytheiroppress’dandfear—surprisedeyes，Withinhistruncheon’slength；whilstthey，distilledAlmosttojellywiththeactoffear，Standdumbandspeaknottohim。ThistomeIndreadfulsecrecyimparttheydid；
AndIwiththemthethirdnightkeptthewatch；
Where，astheyhaddeliver’d，bothintime，Formofthething，eachwordmadetrueandgood，Theapparitioncomes：Iknewyourfather；
Thesehandsarenotmorelike。HAMLETButwherewasthis？MARCELLUSMylord，upontheplatformwherewewatch’d。HAMLETDidyounotspeaktoit？HORATIOMylord，Idid；
Butanswermadeitnone：yetoncemethoughtItliftedupitsheadanddidaddressItselftomotion，likeasitwouldspeak；
Buteventhenthemorningcockcrewloud，Andatthesounditshrunkinhasteaway，Andvanish’dfromoursight。HAMLET’Tisverystrange。HORATIOAsIdolive，myhonour’dlord，’tistrue；
AndwedidthinkitwritdowninourdutyToletyouknowofit。HAMLETIndeed，indeed，sirs，butthistroublesme。
Holdyouthewatchto—night？MARCELLUSBERNARDOWedo，mylord。HAMLETArm’d，sayyou？MARCELLUSBERNARDOArm’d，mylord。HAMLETFromtoptotoe？MARCELLUSBERNARDOMylord，fromheadtofoot。HAMLETThensawyounothisface？HORATIOO，yes，mylord；heworehisbeaverup。HAMLETWhat，look’dhefrowningly？HORATIOAcountenancemoreinsorrowthaninanger。HAMLETPaleorred？HORATIONay，verypale。HAMLETAndfix’dhiseyesuponyou？HORATIOMostconstantly。HAMLETIwouldIhadbeenthere。HORATIOItwouldhavemuchamazedyou。HAMLETVerylike，verylike。Stay’ditlong？HORATIOWhileonewithmoderatehastemighttellahundred。MARCELLUSBERNARDOLonger，longer。HORATIONotwhenIsaw’t。HAMLETHisbeardwasgrizzled——no？HORATIOItwas，asIhaveseenitinhislife，Asablesilver’d。HAMLETIwillwatchto—night；
Perchance’twillwalkagain。HORATIOIwarrantitwill。HAMLETIfitassumemynoblefather’sperson，I’llspeaktoit，thoughhellitselfshouldgapeAndbidmeholdmypeace。Iprayyouall，Ifyouhavehithertoconceal’dthissight，Letitbetenableinyoursilencestill；
Andwhatsoeverelseshallhapto—night，Giveitanunderstanding，butnotongue：
Iwillrequiteyourloves。So，fareyouwell：
Upontheplatform，’twixtelevenandtwelve，I’llvisityou。AllOurdutytoyourhonour。HAMLETYourloves，asminetoyou：farewell。
ExeuntallbutHAMLET
Myfather’sspiritinarms!allisnotwell；
Idoubtsomefoulplay：wouldthenightwerecome!
Tillthensitstill，mysoul：fouldeedswillrise，Thoughalltheeartho’erwhelmthem，tomen’seyes。
ExitSCENEIII。AroominPolonius’house。EnterLAERTESandOPHELIALAERTESMynecessariesareembark’d：farewell：
And，sister，asthewindsgivebenefitAndconvoyisassistant，donotsleep，Butletmehearfromyou。OPHELIADoyoudoubtthat？LAERTESForHamletandthetriflingofhisfavour，Holditafashionandatoyinblood，Avioletintheyouthofprimynature，Forward，notpermanent，sweet，notlasting，Theperfumeandsupplianceofaminute；Nomore。OPHELIANomorebutso？LAERTESThinkitnomore；
Fornature，crescent，doesnotgrowaloneInthewsandbulk，but，asthistemplewaxes，TheinwardserviceofthemindandsoulGrowswidewithal。Perhapshelovesyounow，AndnownosoilnorcauteldothbesmirchThevirtueofhiswill：butyoumustfear，Hisgreatnessweigh’d，hiswillisnothisown；
Forhehimselfissubjecttohisbirth：
Hemaynot，asunvaluedpersonsdo，Carveforhimself；foronhischoicedependsThesafetyandhealthofthiswholestate；
AndthereforemusthischoicebecircumscribedUntothevoiceandyieldingofthatbodyWhereofheisthehead。Thenifhesayshelovesyou，ItfitsyourwisdomsofartobelieveitAsheinhisparticularactandplaceMaygivehissayingdeed；whichisnofurtherThanthemainvoiceofDenmarkgoeswithal。
Thenweighwhatlossyourhonourmaysustain，Ifwithtoocredentearyoulisthissongs，Orloseyourheart，oryourchastetreasureopenTohisunmaster’dimportunity。
Fearit，Ophelia，fearit，mydearsister，Andkeepyouintherearofyouraffection，Outoftheshotanddangerofdesire。
Thechariestmaidisprodigalenough，Ifsheunmaskherbeautytothemoon：
Virtueitself’scapesnotcalumniousstrokes：
Thecankergallstheinfantsofthespring，Toooftbeforetheirbuttonsbedisclosed，AndinthemornandliquiddewofyouthContagiousblastmentsaremostimminent。
Bewarythen；bestsafetyliesinfear：
Youthtoitselfrebels，thoughnoneelsenear。OPHELIAIshalltheeffectofthisgoodlessonkeep，Aswatchmantomyheart。But，goodmybrother，Donot，assomeungraciouspastorsdo，Showmethesteepandthornywaytoheaven；
Whiles，likeapuff’dandrecklesslibertine，Himselftheprimrosepathofdalliancetreads，Andrecksnothisownrede。LAERTESO，fearmenot。
Istaytoolong：butheremyfathercomes。
EnterPOLONIUS
Adoubleblessingisadoublegrace，Occasionsmilesuponasecondleave。LORDPOLONIUSYethere，Laertes!aboard，aboard，forshame!
Thewindsitsintheshoulderofyoursail，Andyouarestay’dfor。There；myblessingwiththee!
AndthesefewpreceptsinthymemorySeethoucharacter。Givethythoughtsnotongue，Noranyunproportionedthoughthisact。
Bethoufamiliar，butbynomeansvulgar。
Thosefriendsthouhast，andtheiradoptiontried，Grapplethemtothysoulwithhoopsofsteel；
ButdonotdullthypalmwithentertainmentOfeachnew—hatch’d，unfledgedcomrade。BewareOfentrancetoaquarrel，butbeingin，Bear’tthattheopposedmaybewareofthee。
Giveeverymanthyear，butfewthyvoice；
Takeeachman’scensure，butreservethyjudgment。
Costlythyhabitasthypursecanbuy，Butnotexpress’dinfancy；rich，notgaudy；
Fortheappareloftproclaimstheman，AndtheyinFranceofthebestrankandstationAreofamostselectandgenerouschiefinthat。
Neitheraborrowernoralenderbe；
Forloanoftlosesbothitselfandfriend，Andborrowingdullstheedgeofhusbandry。
Thisaboveall：tothineownselfbetrue，Anditmustfollow，asthenighttheday，Thoucanstnotthenbefalsetoanyman。
Farewell：myblessingseasonthisinthee!LAERTESMosthumblydoItakemyleave，mylord。LORDPOLONIUSThetimeinvitesyou；go；yourservantstend。LAERTESFarewell，Ophelia；andrememberwellWhatIhavesaidtoyou。OPHELIA’Tisinmymemorylock’d，Andyouyourselfshallkeepthekeyofit。LAERTESFarewell。
ExitLORDPOLONIUSWhatis’t，Ophelia，behathsaidtoyou？OPHELIASopleaseyou，somethingtouchingtheLordHamlet。LORDPOLONIUSMarry，wellbethought：
’Tistoldme，hehathveryoftoflateGivenprivatetimetoyou；andyouyourselfHaveofyouraudiencebeenmostfreeandbounteous：
Ifitbeso，asso’tisputonme，Andthatinwayofcaution，Imusttellyou，YoudonotunderstandyourselfsoclearlyAsitbehovesmydaughterandyourhonour。
Whatisbetweenyou？givemeupthetruth。OPHELIAHehath，mylord，oflatemademanytendersOfhisaffectiontome。LORDPOLONIUSAffection!pooh!youspeaklikeagreengirl，Unsiftedinsuchperilouscircumstance。
Doyoubelievehistenders，asyoucallthem？OPHELIAIdonotknow，mylord，whatIshouldthink。LORDPOLONIUSMarry，I’llteachyou：thinkyourselfababy；
Thatyouhaveta’enthesetendersfortruepay，Whicharenotsterling。Tenderyourselfmoredearly；
Or——nottocrackthewindofthepoorphrase，Runningitthus——you’lltendermeafool。OPHELIAMylord，hehathimportunedmewithloveInhonourablefashion。LORDPOLONIUSAy，fashionyoumaycallit；goto，goto。OPHELIAAndhathgivencountenancetohisspeech，mylord，Withalmostalltheholyvowsofheaven。LORDPOLONIUSAy，springestocatchwoodcocks。Idoknow，Whenthebloodburns，howprodigalthesoulLendsthetonguevows：theseblazes，daughter，Givingmorelightthanheat，extinctinboth，Evenintheirpromise，asitisa—making，Youmustnottakeforfire。FromthistimeBesomewhatscanterofyourmaidenpresence；
SetyourentreatmentsatahigherrateThanacommandtoparley。ForLordHamlet，Believesomuchinhim，thatheisyoungAndwithalargertethermayhewalkThanmaybegivenyou：infew，Ophelia，Donotbelievehisvows；fortheyarebrokers，Notofthatdyewhichtheirinvestmentsshow，Butmereimploratorsofunholysuits，Breathinglikesanctifiedandpiousbawds，Thebettertobeguile。Thisisforall：
Iwouldnot，inplainterms，fromthistimeforth，Haveyousoslanderanymomentleisure，AstogivewordsortalkwiththeLordHamlet。
Lookto’t，Ichargeyou：comeyourways。OPHELIAIshallobey，mylord。
ExeuntSCENEIV。Theplatform。EnterHAMLET，HORATIO，andMARCELLUSHAMLETTheairbitesshrewdly；itisverycold。HORATIOItisanippingandaneagerair。HAMLETWhathournow？HORATIOIthinkitlacksoftwelve。HAMLETNo，itisstruck。HORATIOIndeed？Ihearditnot：thenitdrawsneartheseasonWhereinthespiritheldhiswonttowalk。
Aflourishoftrumpets，andordnanceshotoff，withinWhatdoesthismean，mylord？HAMLETThekingdothwaketo—nightandtakeshisrouse，Keepswassail，andtheswaggeringup—springreels；
And，ashedrainshisdraughtsofRhenishdown，Thekettle—drumandtrumpetthusbrayoutThetriumphofhispledge。HORATIOIsitacustom？HAMLETAy，marry，is’t：
Buttomymind，thoughIamnativehereAndtothemannerborn，itisacustomMorehonour’dinthebreachthantheobservance。
Thisheavy—headedreveleastandwestMakesustraducedandtax’dofothernations：
Theyclepeusdrunkards，andwithswinishphraseSoilouraddition；andindeedittakesFromourachievements，thoughperform’datheight，Thepithandmarrowofourattribute。
So，oftitchancesinparticularmen，Thatforsomeviciousmoleofnatureinthem，As，intheirbirth——whereintheyarenotguilty，Sincenaturecannotchoosehisorigin——
Bytheo’ergrowthofsomecomplexion，Oftbreakingdownthepalesandfortsofreason，Orbysomehabitthattoomucho’er—leavensTheformofplausivemanners，thatthesemen，Carrying，Isay，thestampofonedefect，Beingnature’slivery，orfortune’sstar，——
Theirvirtueselse——betheyaspureasgrace，Asinfiniteasmanmayundergo——
ShallinthegeneralcensuretakecorruptionFromthatparticularfault：thedramofealeDothallthenoblesubstanceofadoubtTohisownscandal。HORATIOLook，mylord，itcomes!
EnterGhostHAMLETAngelsandministersofgracedefendus!
Bethouaspiritofhealthorgoblindamn’d，Bringwiththeeairsfromheavenorblastsfromhell，Bethyintentswickedorcharitable，ThoucomestinsuchaquestionableshapeThatIwillspeaktothee：I’llcalltheeHamlet，King，father，royalDane：O，answerme!
Letmenotburstinignorance；buttellWhythycanonizedbones，hearsedindeath，Havebursttheircerements；whythesepulchre，Whereinwesawtheequietlyinurn’d，Hathopedhisponderousandmarblejaws，Tocasttheeupagain。Whatmaythismean，Thatthou，deadcorse，againincompletesteelRevisit’stthustheglimpsesofthemoon，Makingnighthideous；andwefoolsofnatureSohorridlytoshakeourdispositionWiththoughtsbeyondthereachesofoursouls？
Say，whyisthis？wherefore？whatshouldwedo？
GhostbeckonsHAMLETHORATIOItbeckonsyoutogoawaywithit，AsifitsomeimpartmentdiddesireToyoualone。MARCELLUSLook，withwhatcourteousactionItwavesyoutoamoreremovedground：
Butdonotgowithit。HORATIONo，bynomeans。HAMLETItwillnotspeak；thenIwillfollowit。HORATIODonot，mylord。HAMLETWhy，whatshouldbethefear？
Idonotsetmylifeinapin’sfee；
Andformysoul，whatcanitdotothat，Beingathingimmortalasitself？
Itwavesmeforthagain：I’llfollowit。HORATIOWhatifittemptyoutowardtheflood，mylord，OrtothedreadfulsummitofthecliffThatbeetleso’erhisbaseintothesea，Andthereassumesomeotherhorribleform，WhichmightdepriveyoursovereigntyofreasonAnddrawyouintomadness？thinkofit：
Theveryplaceputstoysofdesperation，Withoutmoremotive，intoeverybrainThatlookssomanyfathomstotheseaAndhearsitroarbeneath。HAMLETItwavesmestill。
Goon；I’llfollowthee。MARCELLUSYoushallnotgo，mylord。HAMLETHoldoffyourhands。HORATIOBeruled；youshallnotgo。HAMLETMyfatecriesout，AndmakeseachpettyarteryinthisbodyAshardyastheNemeanlion’snerve。
StillamIcall’d。Unhandme，gentlemen。
Byheaven，I’llmakeaghostofhimthatletsme!
Isay，away!Goon；I’llfollowthee。
ExeuntGhostandHAMLETHORATIOHewaxesdesperatewithimagination。MARCELLUSLet’sfollow；’tisnotfitthustoobeyhim。HORATIOHaveafter。Towhatissuewillthiscome？MARCELLUSSomethingisrotteninthestateofDenmark。HORATIOHeavenwilldirectit。MARCELLUSNay，let’sfollowhim。
ExeuntSCENEV。Anotherpartoftheplatform。EnterGHOSTandHAMLETHAMLETWherewiltthouleadme？speak；I’llgonofurther。GhostMarkme。HAMLETIwill。GhostMyhourisalmostcome，WhenItosulphurousandtormentingflamesMustrenderupmyself。HAMLETAlas，poorghost!GhostPitymenot，butlendthyserioushearingTowhatIshallunfold。HAMLETSpeak；Iamboundtohear。GhostSoartthoutorevenge，whenthoushalthear。HAMLETWhat？GhostIamthyfather’sspirit，Doom’dforacertaintermtowalkthenight，Andforthedayconfinedtofastinfires，TillthefoulcrimesdoneinmydaysofnatureAreburntandpurgedaway。ButthatIamforbidTotellthesecretsofmyprison—house，IcouldataleunfoldwhoselightestwordWouldharrowupthysoul，freezethyyoungblood，Makethytwoeyes，likestars，startfromtheirspheres，ThyknottedandcombinedlockstopartAndeachparticularhairtostandonend，Likequillsuponthefretfulporpentine：
ButthiseternalblazonmustnotbeToearsoffleshandblood。List，list，O，list!
Ifthoudidsteverthydearfatherlove——HAMLETOGod!GhostRevengehisfoulandmostunnaturalmurder。HAMLETMurder!GhostMurdermostfoul，asinthebestitis；
Butthismostfoul，strangeandunnatural。HAMLETHastemetoknow’t，thatI，withwingsasswiftAsmeditationorthethoughtsoflove，Maysweeptomyrevenge。GhostIfindtheeapt；
AnddullershouldstthoubethanthefatweedThatrootsitselfineaseonLethewharf，Wouldstthounotstirinthis。Now，Hamlet，hear：
’Tisgivenoutthat，sleepinginmyorchard，Aserpentstungme；sothewholeearofDenmarkIsbyaforgedprocessofmydeathRanklyabused：butknow，thounobleyouth，Theserpentthatdidstingthyfather’slifeNowwearshiscrown。HAMLETOmypropheticsoul!Myuncle!GhostAy，thatincestuous，thatadulteratebeast，Withwitchcraftofhiswit，withtraitorousgifts，——
Owickedwitandgifts，thathavethepowerSotoseduce!——wontohisshamefullustThewillofmymostseeming—virtuousqueen：
OHamlet，whatafalling—offwasthere!
Fromme，whoselovewasofthatdignityThatitwenthandinhandevenwiththevowImadetoherinmarriage，andtodeclineUponawretchwhosenaturalgiftswerepoorTothoseofmine!
Butvirtue，asitneverwillbemoved，Thoughlewdnesscourtitinashapeofheaven，Solust，thoughtoaradiantangellink’d，Willsateitselfinacelestialbed，Andpreyongarbage。
But，soft!methinksIscentthemorningair；
Briefletmebe。Sleepingwithinmyorchard，Mycustomalwaysoftheafternoon，Uponmysecurehourthyunclestole，Withjuiceofcursedhebenoninavial，AndintheporchesofmyearsdidpourTheleperousdistilment；whoseeffectHoldssuchanenmitywithbloodofmanThatswiftasquicksilveritcoursesthroughThenaturalgatesandalleysofthebody，AndwithasuddenvigourdothpossetAndcurd，likeeagerdroppingsintomilk，Thethinandwholesomeblood：sodiditmine；
Andamostinstanttetterbark’dabout，Mostlazar—like，withvileandloathsomecrust，Allmysmoothbody。
ThuswasI，sleeping，byabrother’shandOflife，ofcrown，ofqueen，atoncedispatch’d：
Cutoffevenintheblossomsofmysin，Unhousel’d，disappointed，unanel’d，Noreckoningmade，butsenttomyaccountWithallmyimperfectionsonmyhead：
O，horrible!O，horrible!mosthorrible!
Ifthouhastnatureinthee，bearitnot；
LetnottheroyalbedofDenmarkbeAcouchforluxuryanddamnedincest。
But，howsoeverthoupursuestthisact，Taintnotthymind，norletthysoulcontriveAgainstthymotheraught：leavehertoheavenAndtothosethornsthatinherbosomlodge，Toprickandstingher。Faretheewellatonce!
Theglow—wormshowsthematintobenear，And’ginstopalehisuneffectualfire：
Adieu，adieu!Hamlet，rememberme。
ExitHAMLETOallyouhostofheaven!Oearth!whatelse？
AndshallIcouplehell？O，fie!Hold，hold，myheart；
Andyou，mysinews，grownotinstantold，Butbearmestifflyup。Rememberthee!
Ay，thoupoorghost，whilememoryholdsaseatInthisdistractedglobe。Rememberthee!
Yea，fromthetableofmymemoryI’llwipeawayalltrivialfondrecords，Allsawsofbooks，allforms，allpressurespast，Thatyouthandobservationcopiedthere；
AndthycommandmentallaloneshallliveWithinthebookandvolumeofmybrain，Unmix’dwithbasermatter：yes，byheaven!
Omostperniciouswoman!
Ovillain，villain，smiling，damnedvillain!
Mytables，——meetitisIsetitdown，Thatonemaysmile，andsmile，andbeavillain；
AtleastI’msureitmaybesoinDenmark：
WritingSo，uncle，thereyouare。Nowtomyword；
Itis’Adieu，adieu!rememberme。’
Ihavesworn’t。MARCELLUSHORATIO[Within]Mylord，mylord，——MARCELLUS[Within]LordHamlet，——HORATIO[Within]Heavensecurehim!HAMLETSobeit!HORATIO[Within]Hillo，ho，ho，mylord!HAMLETHillo，ho，ho，boy!come，bird，come。
EnterHORATIOandMARCELLUSMARCELLUSHowis’t，mynoblelord？HORATIOWhatnews，mylord？HAMLETO，wonderful!HORATIOGoodmylord，tellit。HAMLETNo；you’llrevealit。HORATIONotI，mylord，byheaven。MARCELLUSNorI，mylord。HAMLETHowsayyou，then；wouldheartofmanoncethinkit？
Butyou’llbesecret？HORATIOMARCELLUSAy，byheaven，mylord。HAMLETThere’sne’eravillaindwellinginallDenmarkButhe’sanarrantknave。HORATIOThereneedsnoghost，mylord，comefromthegraveTotellusthis。HAMLETWhy，right；youarei’theright；
Andso，withoutmorecircumstanceatall，Iholditfitthatweshakehandsandpart：
You，asyourbusinessanddesireshallpointyou；
Foreverymanhasbusinessanddesire，Suchasitis；andformineownpoorpart，Lookyou，I’llgopray。HORATIOThesearebutwildandwhirlingwords，mylord。HAMLETI’msorrytheyoffendyou，heartily；
Yes，’faithheartily。HORATIOThere’snooffence，mylord。HAMLETYes，bySaintPatrick，butthereis，Horatio，Andmuchoffencetoo。Touchingthisvisionhere，Itisanhonestghost，thatletmetellyou：
Foryourdesiretoknowwhatisbetweenus，O’ermaster’tasyoumay。Andnow，goodfriends，Asyouarefriends，scholarsandsoldiers，Givemeonepoorrequest。HORATIOWhatis’t，mylord？wewill。HAMLETNevermakeknownwhatyouhaveseento—night。HORATIOMARCELLUSMylord，wewillnot。HAMLETNay，butswear’t。HORATIOInfaith，Mylord，notI。MARCELLUSNorI，mylord，infaith。HAMLETUponmysword。MARCELLUSWehavesworn，mylord，already。HAMLETIndeed，uponmysword，indeed。Ghost[Beneath]Swear。HAMLETAh，ha，boy!say’stthouso？artthouthere，truepenny？
Comeon——youhearthisfellowinthecellarage——
Consenttoswear。HORATIOProposetheoath，mylord。HAMLETNevertospeakofthisthatyouhaveseen，Swearbymysword。Ghost[Beneath]Swear。HAMLETHicetubique？thenwe’llshiftourground。
Comehither，gentlemen，Andlayyourhandsagainuponmysword：
Nevertospeakofthisthatyouhaveheard，Swearbymysword。Ghost[Beneath]Swear。HAMLETWellsaid，oldmole!canstworki’theearthsofast？
Aworthypioner!Oncemoreremove，goodfriends。HORATIOOdayandnight，butthisiswondrousstrange!HAMLETAndthereforeasastrangergiveitwelcome。
Therearemorethingsinheavenandearth，Horatio，Thanaredreamtofinyourphilosophy。Butcome；
Here，asbefore，never，sohelpyoumercy，Howstrangeoroddsoe’erIbearmyself，AsIperchancehereaftershallthinkmeetToputananticdispositionon，Thatyou，atsuchtimesseeingme，nevershall，Witharmsencumber’dthus，orthisheadshake，Orbypronouncingofsomedoubtfulphrase，As’Well，well，weknow，’or’Wecould，anifwewould，’
Or’Ifwelisttospeak，’or’Therebe，aniftheymight，’
Orsuchambiguousgivingout，tonoteThatyouknowaughtofme：thisnottodo，Sograceandmercyatyourmostneedhelpyou，Swear。Ghost[Beneath]Swear。HAMLETRest，rest，perturbedspirit!
TheyswearSo，gentlemen，WithallmyloveIdocommendmetoyou：
AndwhatsopooramanasHamletisMaydo，toexpresshisloveandfriendingtoyou，Godwilling，shallnotlack。Letusgointogether；
Andstillyourfingersonyourlips，Ipray。
Thetimeisoutofjoint：Ocursedspite，ThateverIwasborntosetitright!
Nay，come，let’sgotogether。
ExeuntACTIISCENEI。AroominPOLONIUS’house。EnterPOLONIUSandREYNALDOLORDPOLONIUSGivehimthismoneyandthesenotes，Reynaldo。REYNALDOIwill，mylord。LORDPOLONIUSYoushalldomarvellouswisely，goodReynaldo，Beforeyouvisithim，tomakeinquireOfhisbehavior。REYNALDOMylord，Ididintendit。LORDPOLONIUSMarry，wellsaid；verywellsaid。Lookyou，sir，InquiremefirstwhatDanskersareinParis；
Andhow，andwho，whatmeans，andwheretheykeep，Whatcompany，atwhatexpense；andfindingBythisencompassmentanddriftofquestionThattheydoknowmyson，comeyoumorenearerThanyourparticulardemandswilltouchit：
Takeyou，as’twere，somedistantknowledgeofhim；
Asthus，’Iknowhisfatherandhisfriends，Andinparthim：’doyoumarkthis，Reynaldo？REYNALDOAy，verywell，mylord。LORDPOLONIUS’Andinparthim；but’youmaysay’notwell：
But，if’tbeheImean，he’sverywild；
Addictedsoandso：’andthereputonhimWhatforgeriesyouplease；marry，nonesorankAsmaydishonourhim；takeheedofthat；
But，sir，suchwanton，wildandusualslipsAsarecompanionsnotedandmostknownToyouthandliberty。REYNALDOAsgaming，mylord。LORDPOLONIUSAy，ordrinking，fencing，swearing，quarrelling，Drabbing：youmaygosofar。REYNALDOMylord，thatwoulddishonourhim。LORDPOLONIUS’Faith，no；asyoumayseasonitinthechargeYoumustnotputanotherscandalonhim，Thatheisopentoincontinency；
That’snotmymeaning：butbreathehisfaultssoquaintlyThattheymayseemthetaintsofliberty，Theflashandoutbreakofafierymind，Asavagenessinunreclaimedblood，Ofgeneralassault。REYNALDOBut，mygoodlord，——LORDPOLONIUSWhereforeshouldyoudothis？REYNALDOAy，mylord，Iwouldknowthat。LORDPOLONIUSMarry，sir，here’smydrift；
AndIbelieve，itisafetchofwit：
Youlayingtheseslightsulliesonmyson，As’twereathingalittlesoil’di’theworking，Markyou，Yourpartyinconverse，himyouwouldsound，HavingeverseenintheprenominatecrimesTheyouthyoubreatheofguilty，beassuredHecloseswithyouinthisconsequence；
’Goodsir，’orso，or’friend，’or’gentleman，’
AccordingtothephraseortheadditionOfmanandcountry。REYNALDOVerygood，mylord。LORDPOLONIUSAndthen，sir，doeshethis——hedoes——whatwasI
abouttosay？Bythemass，Iwasabouttosaysomething：wheredidIleave？REYNALDOAt’closesintheconsequence，’at’friendorso，’
and’gentleman。’LORDPOLONIUSAt’closesintheconsequence，’ay，marry；
Heclosesthus：’Iknowthegentleman；
Isawhimyesterday，ort’otherday，Orthen，orthen；withsuch，orsuch；and，asyousay，Therewasa’gaming；thereo’ertookin’srouse；
Therefallingoutattennis：’orperchance，’Isawhimentersuchahouseofsale，’
Videlicet，abrothel，orsoforth。
Seeyounow；
Yourbaitoffalsehoodtakesthiscarpoftruth：
Andthusdoweofwisdomandofreach，Withwindlassesandwithassaysofbias，Byindirectionsfinddirectionsout：
Sobymyformerlectureandadvice，Shallyoumyson。Youhaveme，haveyounot？REYNALDOMylord，Ihave。LORDPOLONIUSGodbewi’you；fareyouwell。REYNALDOGoodmylord!LORDPOLONIUSObservehisinclinationinyourself。REYNALDOIshall，mylord。LORDPOLONIUSAndlethimplyhismusic。REYNALDOWell，mylord。LORDPOLONIUSFarewell!
ExitREYNALDO
EnterOPHELIA
Hownow，Ophelia!what’sthematter？OPHELIAO，mylord，mylord，Ihavebeensoaffrighted!LORDPOLONIUSWithwhat，i’thenameofGod？OPHELIAMylord，asIwassewinginmycloset，LordHamlet，withhisdoubletallunbraced；
Nohatuponhishead；hisstockingsfoul’d，Ungarter’d，anddown—gyvedtohisancle；
Paleashisshirt；hiskneesknockingeachother；
AndwithalooksopiteousinpurportAsifhehadbeenloosedoutofhellTospeakofhorrors，——hecomesbeforeme。LORDPOLONIUSMadforthylove？OPHELIAMylord，Idonotknow；
Buttruly，Idofearit。LORDPOLONIUSWhatsaidhe？OPHELIAHetookmebythewristandheldmehard；
Thengoeshetothelengthofallhisarm；
And，withhisotherhandthuso’erhisbrow，HefallstosuchperusalofmyfaceAshewoulddrawit。Longstay’dheso；
Atlast，alittleshakingofminearmAndthricehisheadthuswavingupanddown，HeraisedasighsopiteousandprofoundAsitdidseemtoshatterallhisbulkAndendhisbeing：thatdone，heletsmego：
And，withhisheadoverhisshoulderturn’d，Heseem’dtofindhiswaywithouthiseyes；
Forouto’doorshewentwithouttheirhelps，And，tothelast，bendedtheirlightonme。LORDPOLONIUSCome，gowithme：Iwillgoseektheking。
Thisistheveryecstasyoflove，WhoseviolentpropertyfordoesitselfAndleadsthewilltodesperateundertakingsAsoftasanypassionunderheavenThatdoesafflictournatures。Iamsorry。
What，haveyougivenhimanyhardwordsoflate？OPHELIANo，mygoodlord，but，asyoudidcommand，IdidrepelhisfettersanddeniedHisaccesstome。LORDPOLONIUSThathathmadehimmad。
IamsorrythatwithbetterheedandjudgmentIhadnotquotedhim：Ifear’dhedidbuttrifle，Andmeanttowreckthee；but，beshrewmyjealousy!
Byheaven，itisaspropertoourageTocastbeyondourselvesinouropinionsAsitiscommonfortheyoungersortTolackdiscretion。Come，gowetotheking：
Thismustbeknown；which，beingkeptclose，mightmoveMoregrieftohidethanhatetoutterlove。
ExeuntSCENEII。Aroominthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，ROSENCRANTZ，GUILDENSTERN，andAttendantsKINGCLAUDIUSWelcome，dearRosencrantzandGuildenstern!
Moreoverthatwemuchdidlongtoseeyou，TheneedwehavetouseyoudidprovokeOurhastysending。SomethinghaveyouheardOfHamlet’stransformation；socallit，SithnortheexteriornortheinwardmanResemblesthatitwas。Whatitshouldbe，Morethanhisfather’sdeath，thatthushathputhimSomuchfromtheunderstandingofhimself，Icannotdreamof：Ientreatyouboth，That，beingofsoyoungdaysbroughtupwithhim，Andsithsoneighbour’dtohisyouthandhavior，ThatyouvouchsafeyourresthereinourcourtSomelittletime：sobyyourcompaniesTodrawhimontopleasures，andtogather，Somuchasfromoccasionyoumayglean，Whetheraught，tousunknown，afflictshimthus，That，open’d，lieswithinourremedy。QUEENGERTRUDEGoodgentlemen，hehathmuchtalk’dofyou；
AndsureIamtwomentherearenotlivingTowhomhemoreadheres。IfitwillpleaseyouToshowussomuchgentryandgoodwillAstoexpendyourtimewithusawhile，Forthesupplyandprofitofourhope，YourvisitationshallreceivesuchthanksAsfitsaking’sremembrance。ROSENCRANTZBothyourmajestiesMight，bythesovereignpoweryouhaveofus，PutyourdreadpleasuresmoreintocommandThantoentreaty。GUILDENSTERNButwebothobey，Andheregiveupourselves，inthefullbentTolayourservicefreelyatyourfeet，Tobecommanded。KINGCLAUDIUSThanks，RosencrantzandgentleGuildenstern。QUEENGERTRUDEThanks，GuildensternandgentleRosencrantz：
AndIbeseechyouinstantlytovisitMytoomuchchangedson。Go，someofyou，AndbringthesegentlemenwhereHamletis。GUILDENSTERNHeavensmakeourpresenceandourpractisesPleasantandhelpfultohim!QUEENGERTRUDEAy，amen!
ExeuntROSENCRANTZ，GUILDENSTERN，andsomeAttendantsEnterPOLONIUSLORDPOLONIUSTheambassadorsfromNorway，mygoodlord，Arejoyfullyreturn’d。KINGCLAUDIUSThoustillhastbeenthefatherofgoodnews。LORDPOLONIUSHaveI，mylord？Iassuremygoodliege，Iholdmyduty，asIholdmysoul，BothtomyGodandtomygraciousking：
AndIdothink，orelsethisbrainofmineHuntsnotthetrailofpolicysosureAsithathusedtodo，thatIhavefoundTheverycauseofHamlet’slunacy。KINGCLAUDIUSO，speakofthat；thatdoIlongtohear。LORDPOLONIUSGivefirstadmittancetotheambassadors；
Mynewsshallbethefruittothatgreatfeast。KINGCLAUDIUSThyselfdogracetothem，andbringthemin。
ExitPOLONIUS
Hetellsme，mydearGertrude，hehathfoundTheheadandsourceofallyourson’sdistemper。QUEENGERTRUDEIdoubtitisnootherbutthemain；
Hisfather’sdeath，andouro’erhastymarriage。KINGCLAUDIUSWell，weshallsifthim。
Re—enterPOLONIUS，withVOLTIMANDandCORNELIUS
Welcome，mygoodfriends!
Say，Voltimand，whatfromourbrotherNorway？VOLTIMANDMostfairreturnofgreetingsanddesires。
Uponourfirst，hesentouttosuppressHisnephew’slevies；whichtohimappear’dTobeapreparation’gainstthePolack；
But，betterlook’dinto，hetrulyfoundItwasagainstyourhighness：whereatgrieved，Thatsohissickness，ageandimpotenceWasfalselyborneinhand，sendsoutarrestsOnFortinbras；whichhe，inbrief，obeys；
ReceivesrebukefromNorway，andinfineMakesvowbeforehisunclenevermoreTogivetheassayofarmsagainstyourmajesty。
WhereonoldNorway，overcomewithjoy，Giveshimthreethousandcrownsinannualfee，Andhiscommissiontoemploythosesoldiers，Soleviedasbefore，againstthePolack：
Withanentreaty，hereinfurthershown，GivingapaperThatitmightpleaseyoutogivequietpassThroughyourdominionsforthisenterprise，OnsuchregardsofsafetyandallowanceAsthereinaresetdown。KINGCLAUDIUSItlikesuswell；
Andatourmoreconsider’dtimewellread，Answer，andthinkuponthisbusiness。
Meantimewethankyouforyourwell—tooklabour：
Gotoyourrest；atnightwe’llfeasttogether：
Mostwelcomehome!
ExeuntVOLTIMANDandCORNELIUSLORDPOLONIUSThisbusinessiswellended。
Myliege，andmadam，toexpostulateWhatmajestyshouldbe，whatdutyis，Whydayisday，nightnight，andtimeistime，Werenothingbuttowastenight，dayandtime。
Therefore，sincebrevityisthesoulofwit，Andtediousnessthelimbsandoutwardflourishes，Iwillbebrief：yournoblesonismad：
MadcallIit；for，todefinetruemadness，Whatis’tbuttobenothingelsebutmad？
Butletthatgo。QUEENGERTRUDEMorematter，withlessart。LORDPOLONIUSMadam，IswearIusenoartatall。
Thatheismad，’tistrue：’tistrue’tispity；
Andpity’tis’tistrue：afoolishfigure；
Butfarewellit，forIwillusenoart。
Madletusgranthim，then：andnowremainsThatwefindoutthecauseofthiseffect，Orrathersay，thecauseofthisdefect，Forthiseffectdefectivecomesbycause：
Thusitremains，andtheremainderthus。Perpend。
Ihaveadaughter——havewhilesheismine——
Who，inherdutyandobedience，mark，Hathgivenmethis：nowgather，andsurmise。
Reads’Tothecelestialandmysoul’sidol，themostbeautifiedOphelia，’——
That’sanillphrase，avilephrase；’beautified’
isavilephrase：butyoushallhear。Thus：
Reads’Inherexcellentwhitebosom，these，&；c。’QUEENGERTRUDECamethisfromHamlettoher？LORDPOLONIUSGoodmadam，stayawhile；Iwillbefaithful。
Reads’Doubtthouthestarsarefire；
Doubtthatthesundothmove；
Doubttruthtobealiar；
ButneverdoubtIlove。
’OdearOphelia，Iamillatthesenumbers；
Ihavenotarttoreckonmygroans：butthatIlovetheebest，Omostbest，believeit。Adieu。
’Thineevermoremostdearlady，whilstthismachineistohim，HAMLET。’
This，inobedience，hathmydaughtershownme，Andmoreabove，hathhissolicitings，Astheyfelloutbytime，bymeansandplace，Allgiventomineear。KINGCLAUDIUSButhowhathsheReceivedhislove？LORDPOLONIUSWhatdoyouthinkofme？KINGCLAUDIUSAsofamanfaithfulandhonourable。LORDPOLONIUSIwouldfainproveso。Butwhatmightyouthink，WhenIhadseenthishotloveonthewing——
AsIperceivedit，Imusttellyouthat，Beforemydaughtertoldme——whatmightyou，Ormydearmajestyyourqueenhere，think，IfIhadplay’dthedeskortable—book，Orgivenmyheartawinking，muteanddumb，Orlook’duponthislovewithidlesight；
Whatmightyouthink？No，Iwentroundtowork，AndmyyoungmistressthusIdidbespeak：
’LordHamletisaprince，outofthystar；
Thismustnotbe：’andthenIpreceptsgaveher，Thatsheshouldlockherselffromhisresort，Admitnomessengers，receivenotokens。
Whichdone，shetookthefruitsofmyadvice；
Andhe，repulsed——ashorttaletomake——
Fellintoasadness，thenintoafast，Thencetoawatch，thenceintoaweakness，Thencetoalightness，and，bythisdeclension，Intothemadnesswhereinnowheraves，Andallwemournfor。KINGCLAUDIUSDoyouthink’tisthis？QUEENGERTRUDEItmaybe，verylikely。LORDPOLONIUSHaththerebeensuchatime——I’dfainknowthat——
ThatIhavepositivelysaid’Tisso，’
Whenitprovedotherwise？KINGCLAUDIUSNotthatIknow。LORDPOLONIUS[Pointingtohisheadandshoulder]
Takethisfromthis，ifthisbeotherwise：
Ifcircumstancesleadme，IwillfindWheretruthishid，thoughitwerehidindeedWithinthecentre。KINGCLAUDIUSHowmaywetryitfurther？LORDPOLONIUSYouknow，sometimeshewalksfourhourstogetherHereinthelobby。QUEENGERTRUDESohedoesindeed。LORDPOLONIUSAtsuchatimeI’llloosemydaughtertohim：
BeyouandIbehindanarrasthen；
Marktheencounter：ifhelovehernotAndbenotfromhisreasonfall’nthereon，Letmebenoassistantforastate，Butkeepafarmandcarters。KINGCLAUDIUSWewilltryit。QUEENGERTRUDEBut，look，wheresadlythepoorwretchcomesreading。LORDPOLONIUSAway，Idobeseechyou，bothaway：
I’llboardhimpresently。
ExeuntKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，andAttendantsEnterHAMLET，readingO，givemeleave：
HowdoesmygoodLordHamlet？HAMLETWell，God—a—mercy。LORDPOLONIUSDoyouknowme，mylord？HAMLETExcellentwell；youareafishmonger。LORDPOLONIUSNotI，mylord。HAMLETThenIwouldyouweresohonestaman。LORDPOLONIUSHonest，mylord!HAMLETAy，sir；tobehonest，asthisworldgoes，istobeonemanpickedoutoftenthousand。LORDPOLONIUSThat’sverytrue，mylord。HAMLETForifthesunbreedmaggotsinadeaddog，beingagodkissingcarrion，——Haveyouadaughter？LORDPOLONIUSIhave，mylord。HAMLETLethernotwalki’thesun：conceptionisablessing：butnotasyourdaughtermayconceive。
Friend，lookto’t。LORDPOLONIUS[Aside]Howsayyoubythat？Stillharpingonmydaughter：yetheknewmenotatfirst；hesaidI
wasafishmonger：heisfargone，fargone：andtrulyinmyyouthIsufferedmuchextremityforlove；verynearthis。I’llspeaktohimagain。
Whatdoyouread，mylord？HAMLETWords，words，words。LORDPOLONIUSWhatisthematter，mylord？HAMLETBetweenwho？LORDPOLONIUSImean，thematterthatyouread，mylord。HAMLETSlanders，sir：forthesatiricalroguesaysherethatoldmenhavegreybeards，thattheirfacesarewrinkled，theireyespurgingthickamberandplum—treegumandthattheyhaveaplentifullackofwit，togetherwithmostweakhams：allwhich，sir，thoughImostpowerfullyandpotentlybelieve，yetIholditnothonestytohaveitthussetdown，foryourself，sir，shouldbeoldasIam，iflikeacrabyoucouldgobackward。LORDPOLONIUS[Aside]Thoughthisbemadness，yetthereismethodin’t。Willyouwalkoutoftheair，mylord？HAMLETIntomygrave。LORDPOLONIUSIndeed，thatisouto’theair。