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。