ExeuntFORTINBRASandSoldiersEnterHAMLET，ROSENCRANTZ，GUILDENSTERN，andothersHAMLETGoodsir，whosepowersarethese？CaptainTheyareofNorway，sir。HAMLETHowpurposed，sir，Iprayyou？CaptainAgainstsomepartofPoland。HAMLETWhocommandsthem，sir？CaptainThenephewstooldNorway，Fortinbras。HAMLETGoesitagainstthemainofPoland，sir，Orforsomefrontier？CaptainTrulytospeak，andwithnoaddition，WegotogainalittlepatchofgroundThathathinitnoprofitbutthename。
　　Topayfiveducats，five，Iwouldnotfarmit；
　　NorwillityieldtoNorwayorthePoleArankerrate，shoulditbesoldinfee。HAMLETWhy，thenthePolackneverwilldefendit。CaptainYes，itisalreadygarrison’d。HAMLETTwothousandsoulsandtwentythousandducatsWillnotdebatethequestionofthisstraw：
　　Thisistheimposthumeofmuchwealthandpeace，Thatinwardbreaks，andshowsnocausewithoutWhythemandies。Ihumblythankyou，sir。CaptainGodbewi’you，sir。
　　ExitROSENCRANTZWiltpleaseyougo，mylord？HAMLETI’llbewithyoustraightgoalittlebefore。
　　ExeuntallexceptHAMLET
　　Howalloccasionsdoinformagainstme，Andspurmydullrevenge!Whatisaman，IfhischiefgoodandmarketofhistimeBebuttosleepandfeed？abeast，nomore。
　　Sure，hethatmadeuswithsuchlargediscourse，Lookingbeforeandafter，gaveusnotThatcapabilityandgod—likereasonTofustinusunused。Now，whetheritbeBestialoblivion，orsomecravenscrupleOfthinkingtoopreciselyontheevent，Athoughtwhich，quarter’d，hathbutonepartwisdomAndeverthreepartscoward，IdonotknowWhyyetIlivetosay’Thisthing’stodo；’
　　SithIhavecauseandwillandstrengthandmeansTodo’t。Examplesgrossasearthexhortme：
　　WitnessthisarmyofsuchmassandchargeLedbyadelicateandtenderprince，Whosespiritwithdivineambitionpuff’dMakesmouthsattheinvisibleevent，ExposingwhatismortalandunsureToallthatfortune，deathanddangerdare，Evenforanegg—shell。RightlytobegreatIsnottostirwithoutgreatargument，ButgreatlytofindquarrelinastrawWhenhonour’satthestake。HowstandIthen，Thathaveafatherkill’d，amotherstain’d，Excitementsofmyreasonandmyblood，Andletallsleep？while，tomyshame，IseeTheimminentdeathoftwentythousandmen，That，forafantasyandtrickoffame，Gototheirgraveslikebeds，fightforaplotWhereonthenumberscannottrythecause，WhichisnottombenoughandcontinentTohidetheslain？O，fromthistimeforth，Mythoughtsbebloody，orbenothingworth!
　　ExitSCENEV。Elsinore。Aroominthecastle。EnterQUEENGERTRUDE，HORATIO，andaGentlemanQUEENGERTRUDEIwillnotspeakwithher。GentlemanSheisimportunate，indeeddistract：
　　Hermoodwillneedsbepitied。QUEENGERTRUDEWhatwouldshehave？GentlemanShespeaksmuchofherfather；saysshehearsThere’stricksi’theworld；andhems，andbeatsherheart；
　　Spurnsenviouslyatstraws；speaksthingsindoubt，Thatcarrybuthalfsense：herspeechisnothing，YettheunshapeduseofitdothmoveThehearerstocollection；theyaimatit，Andbotchthewordsupfittotheirownthoughts；
　　Which，asherwinks，andnods，andgesturesyieldthem，Indeedwouldmakeonethinktheremightbethought，Thoughnothingsure，yetmuchunhappily。HORATIO’Tweregoodshewerespokenwith；forshemaystrewDangerousconjecturesinill—breedingminds。QUEENGERTRUDELethercomein。
　　ExitHORATIO
　　Tomysicksoul，assin’struenatureis，Eachtoyseemsprologuetosomegreatamiss：
　　Sofullofartlessjealousyisguilt，Itspillsitselfinfearingtobespilt。
　　Re—enterHORATIO，withOPHELIAOPHELIAWhereisthebeauteousmajestyofDenmark？QUEENGERTRUDEHownow，Ophelia!OPHELIA[Sings]
　　HowshouldIyourtrueloveknowFromanotherone？
　　Byhiscocklehatandstaff，Andhissandalshoon。QUEENGERTRUDEAlas，sweetlady，whatimportsthissong？OPHELIASayyou？nay，prayyou，mark。
　　SingsHeisdeadandgone，lady，Heisdeadandgone；
　　Athisheadagrass—greenturf，Athisheelsastone。QUEENGERTRUDENay，but，Ophelia，——OPHELIAPrayyou，mark。
　　SingsWhitehisshroudasthemountainsnow，——
　　EnterKINGCLAUDIUSQUEENGERTRUDEAlas，lookhere，mylord。OPHELIA[Sings]
　　LardedwithsweetflowersWhichbewepttothegravedidgoWithtrue—loveshowers。KINGCLAUDIUSHowdoyou，prettylady？OPHELIAWell，God’ildyou!Theysaytheowlwasabaker’sdaughter。Lord，weknowwhatweare，butknownotwhatwemaybe。Godbeatyourtable!KINGCLAUDIUSConceituponherfather。OPHELIAPrayyou，let’shavenowordsofthis；
　　butwhentheyaskyouwhatitmeans，sayyouthis：
　　SingsTo—morrowisSaintValentine’sday，Allinthemorningbetime，AndIamaidatyourwindow，TobeyourValentine。
　　Thenupherose，anddonn’dhisclothes，Anddupp’dthechamber—door；
　　Letinthemaid，thatoutamaidNeverdepartedmore。KINGCLAUDIUSPrettyOphelia!OPHELIAIndeed，la，withoutanoath，I’llmakeanendon’t：
　　SingsByGisandbySaintCharity，Alack，andfieforshame!
　　Youngmenwilldo’t，iftheycometo’t；
　　Bycock，theyaretoblame。
　　Quothshe，beforeyoutumbledme，Youpromisedmetowed。
　　SowouldIha’done，byyondersun，Anthouhadstnotcometomybed。KINGCLAUDIUSHowlonghathshebeenthus？OPHELIAIhopeallwillbewell。Wemustbepatient：
　　butI
　　cannotchoosebutweep，tothinktheyshouldlayhimi’thecoldground。Mybrothershallknowofit：
　　andsoIthankyouforyourgoodcounsel。Come，mycoach!Goodnight，ladies；goodnight，sweetladies；
　　goodnight，goodnight。
　　ExitKINGCLAUDIUSFollowherclose；givehergoodwatch，Iprayyou。
　　ExitHORATIO
　　O，thisisthepoisonofdeepgrief；itspringsAllfromherfather’sdeath。OGertrude，Gertrude，Whensorrowscome，theycomenotsinglespiesButinbattalions。First，herfatherslain：
　　Next，yoursongone；andhemostviolentauthorOfhisownjustremove：thepeoplemuddied，Thickandunwholesomeintheirthoughtsandwhispers，ForgoodPolonius’death；andwehavedonebutgreenly，Inhugger—muggertointerhim：poorOpheliaDividedfromherselfandherfairjudgment，Withoutthewhichwearepictures，ormerebeasts：
　　Last，andasmuchcontainingasallthese，HerbrotherisinsecretcomefromFrance；
　　Feedsonhiswonder，keepshimselfinclouds，AndwantsnotbuzzerstoinfecthisearWithpestilentspeechesofhisfather’sdeath；
　　Whereinnecessity，ofmatterbeggar’d，WillnothingstickourpersontoarraignInearandear。OmydearGertrude，this，Liketoamurdering—piece，inmanyplacesGivesmesuperfluousdeath。
　　AnoisewithinQUEENGERTRUDEAlack，whatnoiseisthis？KINGCLAUDIUSWherearemySwitzers？Letthemguardthedoor。
　　EnteranotherGentlemanWhatisthematter？GentlemanSaveyourself，mylord：
　　Theocean，overpeeringofhislist，EatsnottheflatswithmoreimpetuoushasteThanyoungLaertes，inariotoushead，O’erbearsyourofficers。Therabblecallhimlord；
　　And，astheworldwerenowbuttobegin，Antiquityforgot，customnotknown，Theratifiersandpropsofeveryword，Theycry’Choosewe：Laertesshallbeking：’
　　Caps，hands，andtongues，applaudittotheclouds：
　　’Laertesshallbeking，Laertesking!’QUEENGERTRUDEHowcheerfullyonthefalsetrailtheycry!
　　O，thisiscounter，youfalseDanishdogs!KINGCLAUDIUSThedoorsarebroke。
　　NoisewithinEnterLAERTES，armed；DanesfollowingLAERTESWhereisthisking？Sirs，standyouallwithout。DanesNo，let’scomein。LAERTESIprayyou，givemeleave。DanesWewill，wewill。
　　TheyretirewithoutthedoorLAERTESIthankyou：keepthedoor。Othouvileking，Givememyfather!QUEENGERTRUDECalmly，goodLaertes。LAERTESThatdropofbloodthat’scalmproclaimsmebastard，Criescuckoldtomyfather，brandstheharlotEvenhere，betweenthechasteunsmirchedbrowOfmytruemother。KINGCLAUDIUSWhatisthecause，Laertes，Thatthyrebellionlookssogiant—like？
　　Lethimgo，Gertrude；donotfearourperson：
　　There’ssuchdivinitydothhedgeaking，Thattreasoncanbutpeeptowhatitwould，Actslittleofhiswill。Tellme，Laertes，Whythouartthusincensed。Lethimgo，Gertrude。
　　Speak，man。LAERTESWhereismyfather？KINGCLAUDIUSDead。QUEENGERTRUDEButnotbyhim。KINGCLAUDIUSLethimdemandhisfill。LAERTESHowcamehedead？I’llnotbejuggledwith：
　　Tohell，allegiance!vows，totheblackestdevil!
　　Conscienceandgrace，totheprofoundestpit!
　　Idaredamnation。TothispointIstand，ThatboththeworldsIgivetonegligence，Letcomewhatcomes；onlyI’llberevengedMostthoroughlyformyfather。KINGCLAUDIUSWhoshallstayyou？LAERTESMywill，notalltheworld：
　　Andformymeans，I’llhusbandthemsowell，Theyshallgofarwithlittle。KINGCLAUDIUSGoodLaertes，IfyoudesiretoknowthecertaintyOfyourdearfather’sdeath，is’twritinyourrevenge，That，swoopstake，youwilldrawbothfriendandfoe，Winnerandloser？LAERTESNonebuthisenemies。KINGCLAUDIUSWillyouknowthemthen？LAERTESTohisgoodfriendsthuswideI’llopemyarms；
　　Andlikethekindlife—renderingpelican，Repastthemwithmyblood。KINGCLAUDIUSWhy，nowyouspeakLikeagoodchildandatruegentleman。
　　ThatIamguiltlessofyourfather’sdeath，Andammostsensibleingriefforit，ItshallasleveltoyourjudgmentpierceAsdaydoestoyoureye。Danes[Within]Lethercomein。LAERTESHownow!whatnoiseisthat？
　　Re—enterOPHELIA
　　Oheat，dryupmybrains!tearsseventimessalt，Burnoutthesenseandvirtueofmineeye!
　　Byheaven，thymadnessshallbepaidbyweight，Tillourscaleturnthebeam。OroseofMay!
　　Dearmaid，kindsister，sweetOphelia!
　　Oheavens!is’tpossible，ayoungmaid’switsShouldbeasmoralasanoldman’slife？
　　Natureisfineinlove，andwhere’tisfine，ItsendssomepreciousinstanceofitselfAfterthethingitloves。OPHELIA[Sings]
　　Theyborehimbarefacedonthebier；
　　Heynonnonny，nonny，heynonny；
　　Andinhisgraverain’dmanyatear：——
　　Fareyouwell，mydove!LAERTESHadstthouthywits，anddidstpersuaderevenge，Itcouldnotmovethus。OPHELIA[Sings]
　　Youmustsinga—downa—down，Anyoucallhima—down—a。
　　O，howthewheelbecomesit!Itisthefalsesteward，thatstolehismaster’sdaughter。LAERTESThisnothing’smorethanmatter。OPHELIAThere’srosemary，that’sforremembrance；
　　pray，love，remember：andthereispansies。that’sforthoughts。LAERTESAdocumentinmadness，thoughtsandremembrancefitted。OPHELIAThere’sfennelforyou，andcolumbines：
　　there’srueforyou；andhere’ssomeforme：wemaycallitherb—graceo’Sundays：Oyoumustwearyourruewithadifference。There’sadaisy：Iwouldgiveyousomeviolets，buttheywitheredallwhenmyfatherdied：theysayhemadeagoodend，——
　　SingsForbonnysweetRobinisallmyjoy。LAERTESThoughtandaffliction，passion，hellitself，Sheturnstofavourandtoprettiness。OPHELIA[Sings]
　　Andwillhenotcomeagain？
　　Andwillhenotcomeagain？
　　No，no，heisdead：
　　Gotothydeath—bed：
　　Heneverwillcomeagain。
　　Hisbeardwasaswhiteassnow，Allflaxenwashispoll：
　　Heisgone，heisgone，Andwecastawaymoan：
　　Godha’mercyonhissoul!
　　AndofallChristiansouls，IprayGod。Godbewi’ye。
　　ExitLAERTESDoyouseethis，OGod？KINGCLAUDIUSLaertes，Imustcommunewithyourgrief，Oryoudenymeright。Gobutapart，Makechoiceofwhomyourwisestfriendsyouwill。
　　Andtheyshallhearandjudge’twixtyouandme：
　　IfbydirectorbycollateralhandTheyfindustouch’d，wewillourkingdomgive，Ourcrown，ourlife，andallthatwecanours，Toyouinsatisfaction；butifnot，Beyoucontenttolendyourpatiencetous，AndweshalljointlylabourwithyoursoulTogiveitduecontent。LAERTESLetthisbeso；
　　Hismeansofdeath，hisobscurefuneral——
　　Notrophy，sword，norhatchmento’erhisbones，Nonobleritenorformalostentation——
　　Crytobeheard，as’twerefromheaventoearth，ThatImustcall’tinquestion。KINGCLAUDIUSSoyoushall；
　　Andwheretheoffenceisletthegreataxefall。
　　Iprayyou，gowithme。
　　ExeuntSCENEVI。Anotherroominthecastle。EnterHORATIOandaServantHORATIOWhataretheythatwouldspeakwithme？ServantSailors，sir：theysaytheyhavelettersforyou。HORATIOLetthemcomein。
　　ExitServantIdonotknowfromwhatpartoftheworldIshouldbegreeted，ifnotfromLordHamlet。
　　EnterSailorsFirstSailorGodblessyou，sir。HORATIOLethimblesstheetoo。FirstSailorHeshall，sir，an’tpleasehim。There’saletterforyou，sir；itcomesfromtheambassadorthatwasboundforEngland；ifyournamebeHoratio，asIamlettoknowitis。HORATIO[Reads]’Horatio，whenthoushalthaveoverlookedthis，givethesefellowssomemeanstotheking：
　　theyhavelettersforhim。Ereweweretwodaysoldatsea，apirateofverywarlikeappointmentgaveuschase。Findingourselvestooslowofsail，weputonacompelledvalour，andinthegrappleIboardedthem：ontheinstanttheygotclearofourship；
　　soIalonebecametheirprisoner。Theyhavedealtwithmelikethievesofmercy：buttheyknewwhattheydid；Iamtodoagoodturnforthem。LetthekinghavethelettersIhavesent；andrepairthoutomewithasmuchspeedasthouwouldstflydeath。
　　I
　　havewordstospeakinthineearwillmaketheedumb；yetaretheymuchtoolightfortheboreofthematter。ThesegoodfellowswillbringtheewhereIam。RosencrantzandGuildensternholdtheircourseforEngland：ofthemIhavemuchtotellthee。Farewell。
　　’Hethatthouknowestthine，HAMLET。’
　　Come，Iwillmakeyouwayfortheseyourletters；
　　Anddo’tthespeedier，thatyoumaydirectmeTohimfromwhomyoubroughtthem。
　　ExeuntSCENEVII。Anotherroominthecastle。EnterKINGCLAUDIUSandLAERTESKINGCLAUDIUSNowmustyourconsciencemyacquaintanceseal，Andyoumustputmeinyourheartforfriend，Sithyouhaveheard，andwithaknowingear，ThathewhichhathyournoblefatherslainPursuedmylife。LAERTESItwellappears：buttellmeWhyyouproceedednotagainstthesefeats，Socrimefulandsocapitalinnature，Asbyyoursafety，wisdom，allthingselse，Youmainlywerestirr’dup。KINGCLAUDIUSO，fortwospecialreasons；
　　Whichmaytoyou，perhaps，seemmuchunsinew’d，Butyettometheyarestrong。ThequeenhismotherLivesalmostbyhislooks；andformyself——
　　Myvirtueormyplague，beiteitherwhich——
　　She’ssoconjunctivetomylifeandsoul，That，asthestarmovesnotbutinhissphere，Icouldnotbutbyher。Theothermotive，WhytoapubliccountImightnotgo，Isthegreatlovethegeneralgenderbearhim；
　　Who，dippingallhisfaultsintheiraffection，Would，likethespringthatturnethwoodtostone，Converthisgyvestograces；sothatmyarrows，Tooslightlytimber’dforsoloudawind，Wouldhaverevertedtomybowagain，AndnotwhereIhadaim’dthem。LAERTESAndsohaveIanoblefatherlost；
　　Asisterdrivenintodesperateterms，Whoseworth，ifpraisesmaygobackagain，StoodchallengeronmountofalltheageForherperfections：butmyrevengewillcome。KINGCLAUDIUSBreaknotyoursleepsforthat：youmustnotthinkThatwearemadeofstuffsoflatanddullThatwecanletourbeardbeshookwithdangerAndthinkitpastime。Youshortlyshallhearmore：
　　Ilovedyourfather，andweloveourself；
　　Andthat，Ihope，willteachyoutoimagine——
　　EnteraMessengerHownow!whatnews？MessengerLetters，mylord，fromHamlet：
　　Thistoyourmajesty；thistothequeen。KINGCLAUDIUSFromHamlet!whobroughtthem？MessengerSailors，mylord，theysay；Isawthemnot：
　　TheyweregivenmebyClaudio；hereceivedthemOfhimthatbroughtthem。KINGCLAUDIUSLaertes，youshallhearthem。Leaveus。
　　ExitMessengerReads’Highandmighty，YoushallknowIamsetnakedonyourkingdom。To—morrowshallIbegleavetoseeyourkinglyeyes：whenIshall，firstaskingyourpardonthereunto，recounttheoccasionofmysuddenandmorestrangereturn。’HAMLET。’
　　Whatshouldthismean？Arealltherestcomeback？
　　Orisitsomeabuse，andnosuchthing？LAERTESKnowyouthehand？KINGCLAUDIUS’TisHamletscharacter。’Naked!
　　Andinapostscripthere，hesays’alone。’
　　Canyouadviseme？LAERTESI’mlostinit，mylord。Butlethimcome；
　　Itwarmstheverysicknessinmyheart，ThatIshallliveandtellhimtohisteeth，’Thusdidestthou。’KINGCLAUDIUSIfitbeso，Laertes——
　　Ashowshoulditbeso？howotherwise？——
　　Willyouberuledbyme？LAERTESAy，mylord；
　　Soyouwillnoto’errulemetoapeace。KINGCLAUDIUSTothineownpeace。Ifhebenowreturn’d，Ascheckingathisvoyage，andthathemeansNomoretoundertakeit，IwillworkhimToanexploit，nowripeinmydevice，Underthewhichheshallnotchoosebutfall：
　　Andforhisdeathnowindofblameshallbreathe，ButevenhismothershallunchargethepractiseAndcallitaccident。LAERTESMylord，Iwillberuled；
　　Therather，ifyoucoulddeviseitsoThatImightbetheorgan。KINGCLAUDIUSItfallsright。
　　Youhavebeentalk’dofsinceyourtravelmuch，AndthatinHamlet’shearing，foraqualityWherein，theysay，youshine：yoursumofpartsDidnottogetherplucksuchenvyfromhimAsdidthatone，andthat，inmyregard，Oftheunworthiestsiege。LAERTESWhatpartisthat，mylord？KINGCLAUDIUSAveryribandinthecapofyouth，Yetneedfultoo；foryouthnolessbecomesThelightandcarelessliverythatitwearsThansettledagehissablesandhisweeds，Importinghealthandgraveness。Twomonthssince，HerewasagentlemanofNormandy：——
　　I’veseenmyself，andservedagainst，theFrench，Andtheycanwellonhorseback：butthisgallantHadwitchcraftin’t；hegrewuntohisseat；
　　Andtosuchwondrousdoingbroughthishorse，Ashehadbeenincorpsedanddemi—naturedWiththebravebeast：sofarhetopp’dmythought，ThatI，inforgeryofshapesandtricks，Comeshortofwhathedid。LAERTESANormanwas’t？KINGCLAUDIUSANorman。LAERTESUponmylife，Lamond。KINGCLAUDIUSTheverysame。LAERTESIknowhimwell：heisthebroochindeedAndgemofallthenation。KINGCLAUDIUSHemadeconfessionofyou，AndgaveyousuchamasterlyreportForartandexerciseinyourdefenceAndforyourrapiermostespecially，Thathecriedout，’twouldbeasightindeed，Ifonecouldmatchyou：thescrimersoftheirnation，Heswore，hadhadneithermotion，guard，noreye，Ifyouopposedthem。Sir，thisreportofhisDidHamletsoenvenomwithhisenvyThathecouldnothingdobutwishandbegYoursuddencomingo’er，toplaywithhim。
　　Now，outofthis，——LAERTESWhatoutofthis，mylord？KINGCLAUDIUSLaertes，wasyourfatherdeartoyou？
　　Orareyoulikethepaintingofasorrow，Afacewithoutaheart？LAERTESWhyaskyouthis？KINGCLAUDIUSNotthatIthinkyoudidnotloveyourfather；
　　ButthatIknowloveisbegunbytime；
　　AndthatIsee，inpassagesofproof，Timequalifiesthesparkandfireofit。
　　ThereliveswithintheveryflameofloveAkindofwickorsnuffthatwillabateit；
　　Andnothingisatalikegoodnessstill；
　　Forgoodness，growingtoaplurisy，Diesinhisowntoomuch：thatwewoulddoWeshoulddowhenwewould；forthis’would’
　　changesAndhathabatementsanddelaysasmanyAstherearetongues，arehands，areaccidents；
　　Andthenthis’should’islikeaspendthriftsigh，Thathurtsbyeasing。But，tothequicko’theulcer：——
　　Hamletcomesback：whatwouldyouundertake，Toshowyourselfyourfather’ssonindeedMorethaninwords？LAERTESTocuthisthroati’thechurch。KINGCLAUDIUSNoplace，indeed，shouldmurdersanctuarize；
　　Revengeshouldhavenobounds。But，goodLaertes，Willyoudothis，keepclosewithinyourchamber。
　　Hamletreturn’dshallknowyouarecomehome：
　　We’llputonthoseshallpraiseyourexcellenceAndsetadoublevarnishonthefameTheFrenchmangaveyou，bringyouinfinetogetherAndwageronyourheads：he，beingremiss，Mostgenerousandfreefromallcontriving，Willnotperusethefoils；sothat，withease，Orwithalittleshuffling，youmaychooseAswordunbated，andinapassofpractiseRequitehimforyourfather。LAERTESIwilldo’t：
　　And，forthatpurpose，I’llanointmysword。
　　Iboughtanunctionofamountebank，Somortalthat，butdipaknifeinit，Whereitdrawsbloodnocataplasmsorare，CollectedfromallsimplesthathavevirtueUnderthemoon，cansavethethingfromdeathThatisbutscratch’dwithal：I’lltouchmypointWiththiscontagion，that，ifIgallhimslightly，Itmaybedeath。KINGCLAUDIUSLet’sfurtherthinkofthis；
　　WeighwhatconveniencebothoftimeandmeansMayfitustoourshape：ifthisshouldfail，Andthatourdriftlookthroughourbadperformance，’Twerebetternotassay’d：thereforethisprojectShouldhaveabackorsecond，thatmighthold，Ifthisshouldblastinproof。Soft!letmesee：
　　We’llmakeasolemnwageronyourcunnings：I
　　ha’t。
　　Wheninyourmotionyouarehotanddry——
　　Asmakeyourboutsmoreviolenttothatend——
　　Andthathecallsfordrink，I’llhavepreparedhimAchaliceforthenonce，whereonbutsipping，Ifhebychanceescapeyourvenom’dstuck，Ourpurposemayholdthere。
　　EnterQUEENGERTRUDE
　　Hownow，sweetqueen!QUEENGERTRUDEOnewoedothtreaduponanother’sheel，Sofasttheyfollow；yoursister’sdrown’d，Laertes。LAERTESDrown’d!O，where？QUEENGERTRUDEThereisawillowgrowsaslantabrook，Thatshowshishoarleavesintheglassystream；
　　TherewithfantasticgarlandsdidshecomeOfcrow—flowers，nettles，daisies，andlongpurplesThatliberalshepherdsgiveagrossername，Butourcoldmaidsdodeadmen’sfingerscallthem：
　　There，onthependentboughshercoronetweedsClamberingtohang，anenvioussliverbroke；
　　WhendownherweedytrophiesandherselfFellintheweepingbrook。Herclothesspreadwide；
　　And，mermaid—like，awhiletheyboreherup：
　　Whichtimeshechantedsnatchesofoldtunes；
　　Asoneincapableofherowndistress，OrlikeacreaturenativeandinduedUntothatelement：butlongitcouldnotbeTillthathergarments，heavywiththeirdrink，Pull’dthepoorwretchfromhermelodiouslayTomuddydeath。LAERTESAlas，then，sheisdrown’d？QUEENGERTRUDEDrown’d，drown’d。LAERTESToomuchofwaterhastthou，poorOphelia，AndthereforeIforbidmytears：butyetItisourtrick；naturehercustomholds，Letshamesaywhatitwill：whenthesearegone，Thewomanwillbeout。Adieu，mylord：
　　Ihaveaspeechoffire，thatfainwouldblaze，Butthatthisfollydoutsit。
　　ExitKINGCLAUDIUSLet’sfollow，Gertrude：
　　HowmuchIhadtodotocalmhisrage!
　　NowfearIthiswillgiveitstartagain；
　　Thereforelet’sfollow。
　　ExeuntACTVSCENEI。Achurchyard。EntertwoClowns，withspades，&；cFirstClownIsshetobeburiedinChristianburialthatwilfullyseeksherownsalvation？SecondClownItelltheesheis：andthereforemakehergravestraight：thecrownerhathsatonher，andfindsitChristianburial。FirstClownHowcanthatbe，unlessshedrownedherselfinherowndefence？SecondClownWhy，’tisfoundso。FirstClownItmustbe’seoffendendo；’itcannotbeelse。Forhereliesthepoint：ifIdrownmyselfwittingly，itarguesanact：andanacthaththreebranches：
　　itis，toact，todo，toperform：argal，shedrownedherselfwittingly。SecondClownNay，buthearyou，goodmandelver，——FirstClownGivemeleave。Hereliesthewater；good：
　　herestandstheman；good；ifthemangotothiswater，anddrownhimself，itis，willhe，nillhe，hegoes，——markyouthat；butifthewatercometohimanddrownhim，hedrownsnothimself：argal，hethatisnotguiltyofhisowndeathshortensnothisownlife。SecondClownButisthislaw？FirstClownAy，marry，is’t；crowner’squestlaw。SecondClownWillyouha’thetruthon’t？Ifthishadnotbeenagentlewoman，sheshouldhavebeenburiedouto’
　　Christianburial。FirstClownWhy，therethousay’st：andthemorepitythatgreatfolkshouldhavecountenanceinthisworldtodrownorhangthemselves，morethantheirevenChristian。Come，myspade。Thereisnoancientgentlemanbutgardeners，ditchers，andgrave—makers：
　　theyholdupAdam’sprofession。SecondClownWasheagentleman？FirstClownHewasthefirstthateverborearms。SecondClownWhy，hehadnone。FirstClownWhat，artaheathen？HowdostthouunderstandtheScripture？TheScripturesays’Adamdigged：’
　　couldhedigwithoutarms？I’llputanotherquestiontothee：ifthouanswerestmenottothepurpose，confessthyself——SecondClownGoto。FirstClownWhatishethatbuildsstrongerthaneitherthemason，theshipwright，orthecarpenter？SecondClownThegallows—maker；forthatframeoutlivesathousandtenants。FirstClownIlikethywitwell，ingoodfaith：thegallowsdoeswell；buthowdoesitwell？itdoeswelltothosethatdoin：nowthoudostilltosaythegallowsisbuiltstrongerthanthechurch：argal，thegallowsmaydowelltothee。To’tagain，come。SecondClown’Whobuildsstrongerthanamason，ashipwright，oracarpenter？’FirstClownAy，tellmethat，andunyoke。SecondClownMarry，nowIcantell。FirstClownTo’t。SecondClownMass，Icannottell。
　　EnterHAMLETandHORATIO，atadistanceFirstClownCudgelthybrainsnomoreaboutit，foryourdullasswillnotmendhispacewithbeating；and，whenyouareaskedthisquestionnext，say’agrave—maker：’thehousesthathemakeslasttilldoomsday。Go，gettheetoYaughan：fetchmeastoupofliquor。
　　ExitSecondClownHedigsandsingsInyouth，whenIdidlove，didlove，Methoughtitwasverysweet，Tocontract，O，thetime，for，ah，mybehove，O，methought，therewasnothingmeet。HAMLETHasthisfellownofeelingofhisbusiness，thathesingsatgrave—making？HORATIOCustomhathmadeitinhimapropertyofeasiness。HAMLET’Tise’enso：thehandoflittleemploymenthaththedaintiersense。FirstClown[Sings]
　　Butage，withhisstealingsteps，Hathclaw’dmeinhisclutch，Andhathshippedmeintiltheland，AsifIhadneverbeensuch。
　　ThrowsupaskullHAMLETThatskullhadatongueinit，andcouldsingonce：
　　howtheknavejowlsittotheground，asifitwereCain’sjaw—bone，thatdidthefirstmurder!Itmightbethepateofapolitician，whichthisassnowo’er—reaches；onethatwouldcircumventGod，mightitnot？HORATIOItmight，mylord。HAMLETOrofacourtier；whichcouldsay’Goodmorrow，sweetlord!Howdostthou，goodlord？’Thismightbemylordsuch—a—one，thatpraisedmylordsuch—a—one’shorse，whenhemeanttobegit；mightitnot？HORATIOAy，mylord。HAMLETWhy，e’enso：andnowmyLadyWorm’s；
　　chapless，andknockedaboutthemazzardwithasexton’sspade：
　　here’sfinerevolution，anwehadthetricktosee’t。Didthesebonescostnomorethebreeding，buttoplayatloggatswith’em？mineachetothinkon’t。FirstClown[Sings]
　　Apick—axe，andaspade，aspade，Forandashroudingsheet：
　　O，apitofclayfortobemadeForsuchaguestismeet。
　　ThrowsupanotherskullHAMLETThere’sanother：whymaynotthatbetheskullofalawyer？Wherebehisquidditiesnow，hisquillets，hiscases，histenures，andhistricks？whydoeshesufferthisrudeknavenowtoknockhimaboutthesconcewithadirtyshovel，andwillnottellhimofhisactionofbattery？Hum!Thisfellowmightbein’stimeagreatbuyerofland，withhisstatutes，hisrecognizances，hisfines，hisdoublevouchers，hisrecoveries：isthisthefineofhisfines，andtherecoveryofhisrecoveries，tohavehisfinepatefulloffinedirt？willhisvouchersvouchhimnomoreofhispurchases，anddoubleonestoo，thanthelengthandbreadthofapairofindentures？
　　Theveryconveyancesofhislandswillhardlylieinthisbox；andmusttheinheritorhimselfhavenomore，ha？HORATIONotajotmore，mylord。HAMLETIsnotparchmentmadeofsheepskins？HORATIOAy，mylord，andofcalf—skinstoo。HAMLETTheyaresheepandcalveswhichseekoutassuranceinthat。Iwillspeaktothisfellow。Whosegrave’sthis，sirrah？FirstClownMine，sir。
　　SingsO，apitofclayfortobemadeForsuchaguestismeet。HAMLETIthinkitbethine，indeed；forthouliestin’t。FirstClownYoulieouton’t，sir，andthereforeitisnotyours：formypart，Idonotliein’t，andyetitismine。HAMLET’Thoudostliein’t，tobein’tandsayitisthine：
　　’tisforthedead，notforthequick；thereforethouliest。FirstClown’Tisaquicklie，sir；’twillawaygain，frommetoyou。HAMLETWhatmandostthoudigitfor？FirstClownFornoman，sir。HAMLETWhatwoman，then？FirstClownFornone，neither。HAMLETWhoistobeburiedin’t？FirstClownOnethatwasawoman，sir；but，resthersoul，she’sdead。HAMLETHowabsolutetheknaveis!wemustspeakbythecard，orequivocationwillundous。BytheLord，Horatio，thesethreeyearsIhavetakenanoteofit；theageisgrownsopickedthatthetoeofthepeasantcomessoneartheheelofthecourtier，hegaffshiskibe。Howlonghastthoubeenagrave—maker？FirstClownOfallthedaysi’theyear，Icameto’tthatdaythatourlastkingHamletovercameFortinbras。HAMLETHowlongisthatsince？FirstClownCannotyoutellthat？everyfoolcantellthat：itwastheverydaythatyoungHamletwasborn；
　　hethatismad，andsentintoEngland。HAMLETAy，marry，whywashesentintoEngland？FirstClownWhy，becausehewasmad：heshallrecoverhiswitsthere；or，ifhedonot，it’snogreatmatterthere。HAMLETWhy？FirstClown’Twill，anotbeseeninhimthere；therethemenareasmadashe。HAMLETHowcamehemad？FirstClownVerystrangely，theysay。HAMLETHowstrangely？FirstClownFaith，e’enwithlosinghiswits。HAMLETUponwhatground？FirstClownWhy，hereinDenmark：Ihavebeensextonhere，manandboy，thirtyyears。HAMLETHowlongwillamanliei’theearthereherot？FirstClownI’faith，ifhebenotrottenbeforehedie——aswehavemanypockycorsesnow—a—days，thatwillscarceholdthelayingin——hewilllastyousomeeightyearornineyear：atannerwilllastyounineyear。HAMLETWhyhemorethananother？FirstClownWhy，sir，hishideissotannedwithhistrade，thathewillkeepoutwateragreatwhile；andyourwaterisasoredecayerofyourwhoresondeadbody。
　　Here’saskullnow；thisskullhaslainintheearththreeandtwentyyears。HAMLETWhosewasit？FirstClownAwhoresonmadfellow’sitwas：whosedoyouthinkitwas？HAMLETNay，Iknownot。FirstClownApestilenceonhimforamadrogue!
　　a’pouredaflagonofRhenishonmyheadonce。Thissameskull，sir，wasYorick’sskull，theking’sjester。HAMLETThis？FirstClownE’enthat。HAMLETLetmesee。
　　TakestheskullAlas，poorYorick!Iknewhim，Horatio：afellowofinfinitejest，ofmostexcellentfancy：hehathbornemeonhisbackathousandtimes；andnow，howabhorredinmyimaginationitis!mygorgerimsatit。HerehungthoselipsthatIhavekissedI
　　knownothowoft。Wherebeyourgibesnow？yourgambols？yoursongs？yourflashesofmerriment，thatwerewonttosetthetableonaroar？Notonenow，tomockyourowngrinning？quitechap—fallen？
　　Nowgetyoutomylady’schamber，andtellher，letherpaintaninchthick，tothisfavourshemustcome；makeherlaughatthat。Prithee，Horatio，tellmeonething。HORATIOWhat’sthat，mylord？HAMLETDostthouthinkAlexanderlookedo’thisfashioni’
　　theearth？HORATIOE’enso。HAMLETAndsmeltso？pah!
　　PutsdowntheskullHORATIOE’enso，mylord。HAMLETTowhatbaseuseswemayreturn，Horatio!
　　WhymaynotimaginationtracethenobledustofAlexander，tillhefinditstoppingabung—hole？HORATIO’Tweretoconsidertoocuriously，toconsiderso。HAMLETNo，faith，notajot；buttofollowhimthitherwithmodestyenough，andlikelihoodtoleadit：asthus：Alexanderdied，Alexanderwasburied，Alexanderreturnethintodust；thedustisearth；
　　ofearthwemakeloam；andwhyofthatloam，wheretohewasconverted，mighttheynotstopabeer—barrel？
　　ImperiousCaesar，deadandturn’dtoclay，Mightstopaholetokeepthewindaway：
　　O，thatthatearth，whichkepttheworldinawe，Shouldpatchawalltoexpelthewinterflaw!
　　Butsoft!butsoft!aside：herecomestheking。
　　EnterPriest，&；c。inprocession；theCorpseofOPHELIA，LAERTES
　　andMournersfollowing；KINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，theirtrains，&；
　　cThequeen，thecourtiers：whoisthistheyfollow？
　　Andwithsuchmaimedrites？ThisdothbetokenThecorsetheyfollowdidwithdesperatehandFordoitsownlife：’twasofsomeestate。
　　Couchweawhile，andmark。
　　RetiringwithHORATIOLAERTESWhatceremonyelse？HAMLETThatisLaertes，Averynobleyouth：mark。LAERTESWhatceremonyelse？FirstPriestHerobsequieshavebeenasfarenlargedAswehavewarrantise：herdeathwasdoubtful；
　　And，butthatgreatcommando’erswaystheorder，SheshouldingroundunsanctifiedhavelodgedTillthelasttrumpet：forcharitableprayers，Shards，flintsandpebblesshouldbethrownonher；
　　Yetheresheisallow’dhervirgincrants，HermaidenstrewmentsandthebringinghomeOfbellandburial。LAERTESMusttherenomorebedone？FirstPriestNomorebedone：
　　WeshouldprofanetheserviceofthedeadTosingarequiemandsuchresttoherAstopeace—partedsouls。LAERTESLayheri’theearth：
　　AndfromherfairandunpollutedfleshMayvioletsspring!Itellthee，churlishpriest，Aministeringangelshallmysisterbe，Whenthouliesthowling。HAMLETWhat，thefairOphelia!QUEENGERTRUDESweetstothesweet：farewell!
　　ScatteringflowersIhopedthoushouldsthavebeenmyHamlet’swife；
　　Ithoughtthybride—bedtohavedeck’d，sweetmaid，Andnothavestrew’dthygrave。LAERTESO，treblewoeFalltentimestrebleonthatcursedhead，WhosewickeddeedthymostingenioussenseDeprivedtheeof!Holdofftheearthawhile，TillIhavecaughtheroncemoreinminearms：
　　LeapsintothegraveNowpileyourdustuponthequickanddead，Tillofthisflatamountainyouhavemade，Too’ertopoldPelion，ortheskyishheadOfblueOlympus。HAMLET[Advancing]WhatishewhosegriefBearssuchanemphasis？whosephraseofsorrowConjuresthewanderingstars，andmakesthemstandLikewonder—woundedhearers？ThisisI，HamlettheDane。
　　LeapsintothegraveLAERTESThedeviltakethysoul!
　　GrapplingwithhimHAMLETThoupray’stnotwell。
　　Iprithee，takethyfingersfrommythroat；
　　For，thoughIamnotsplenitiveandrash，YethaveIsomethinginmedangerous，Whichletthywisenessfear：holdoffthyhand。KINGCLAUDIUSPluckthemasunder。QUEENGERTRUDEHamlet，Hamlet!AllGentlemen，——HORATIOGoodmylord，bequiet。
　　TheAttendantspartthem，andtheycomeoutofthegraveHAMLETWhyIwillfightwithhimuponthisthemeUntilmyeyelidswillnolongerwag。QUEENGERTRUDEOmyson，whattheme？HAMLETIlovedOphelia：fortythousandbrothersCouldnot，withalltheirquantityoflove，Makeupmysum。Whatwiltthoudoforher？KINGCLAUDIUSO，heismad，Laertes。QUEENGERTRUDEForloveofGod，forbearhim。HAMLET’Swounds，showmewhatthou’ltdo：
　　Woo’tweep？woo’tfight？woo’tfast？woo’ttearthyself？
　　Woo’tdrinkupeisel？eatacrocodile？
　　I’lldo’t。Dostthoucomeheretowhine？
　　Tooutfacemewithleapinginhergrave？
　　Beburiedquickwithher，andsowillI：
　　And，ifthouprateofmountains，letthemthrowMillionsofacresonus，tillourground，Singeinghispateagainsttheburningzone，MakeOssalikeawart!Nay，anthou’ltmouth，I’llrantaswellasthou。QUEENGERTRUDEThisismeremadness：
　　Andthusawhilethefitwillworkonhim；
　　Anon，aspatientasthefemaledove，Whenthathergoldencoupletsaredisclosed，Hissilencewillsitdrooping。HAMLETHearyou，sir；
　　Whatisthereasonthatyouusemethus？
　　Ilovedyouever：butitisnomatter；
　　LetHerculeshimselfdowhathemay，Thecatwillmewanddogwillhavehisday。
　　ExitKINGCLAUDIUSIprayyou，goodHoratio，waituponhim。
　　ExitHORATIO
　　ToLAERTES
　　Strengthenyourpatienceinourlastnight’sspeech；
　　We’llputthemattertothepresentpush。
　　GoodGertrude，setsomewatchoveryourson。
　　Thisgraveshallhavealivingmonument：
　　Anhourofquietshortlyshallwesee；
　　Tillthen，inpatienceourproceedingbe。
　　ExeuntSCENEII。Ahallinthecastle。EnterHAMLETandHORATIOHAMLETSomuchforthis，sir：nowshallyouseetheother；
　　Youdorememberallthecircumstance？HORATIORememberit，mylord？HAMLETSir，inmyhearttherewasakindoffighting，Thatwouldnotletmesleep：methoughtIlayWorsethanthemutinesinthebilboes。Rashly，Andpraisedberashnessforit，letusknow，Ourindiscretionsometimesservesuswell，Whenourdeepplotsdopall：andthatshouldteachusThere’sadivinitythatshapesourends，Rough—hewthemhowwewill，——HORATIOThatismostcertain。HAMLETUpfrommycabin，Mysea—gownscarf’daboutme，inthedarkGropedItofindoutthem；hadmydesire。
　　Finger’dtheirpacket，andinfinewithdrewTomineownroomagain；makingsobold，Myfearsforgettingmanners，tounsealTheirgrandcommission；whereIfound，Horatio，——
　　Oroyalknavery!——anexactcommand，LardedwithmanyseveralsortsofreasonsImportingDenmark’shealthandEngland’stoo，With，ho!suchbugsandgoblinsinmylife，That，onthesupervise，noleisurebated，No，nottostaythegrindingoftheaxe，Myheadshouldbestruckoff。HORATIOIs’tpossible？HAMLETHere’sthecommission：readitatmoreleisure。
　　ButwiltthouhearmehowIdidproceed？HORATIOIbeseechyou。HAMLETBeingthusbe—nettedroundwithvillanies，——
　　EreIcouldmakeaprologuetomybrains，Theyhadbeguntheplay——Isatmedown，Devisedanewcommission，wroteitfair：
　　Ioncedidholdit，asourstatistsdo，Abasenesstowritefairandlabour’dmuchHowtoforgetthatlearning，but，sir，nowItdidmeyeoman’sservice：wiltthouknowTheeffectofwhatIwrote？HORATIOAy，goodmylord。HAMLETAnearnestconjurationfromtheking，AsEnglandwashisfaithfultributary，Aslovebetweenthemlikethepalmmightflourish，AspeaceshouldstiffherwheatengarlandwearAndstandacomma’tweentheiramities，Andmanysuch—like’As’esofgreatcharge，That，ontheviewandknowingofthesecontents，Withoutdebatementfurther，moreorless，Heshouldthebearersputtosuddendeath，Notshriving—timeallow’d。HORATIOHowwasthisseal’d？HAMLETWhy，eveninthatwasheavenordinant。
　　Ihadmyfather’ssignetinmypurse，WhichwasthemodelofthatDanishseal；
　　Foldedthewritupinformoftheother，Subscribedit，gave’ttheimpression，placeditsafely，Thechangelingneverknown。Now，thenextdayWasoursea—fight；andwhattothiswassequentThouknow’stalready。HORATIOSoGuildensternandRosencrantzgoto’t。HAMLETWhy，man，theydidmakelovetothisemployment；
　　Theyarenotnearmyconscience；theirdefeatDoesbytheirowninsinuationgrow：
　　’TisdangerouswhenthebasernaturecomesBetweenthepassandfellincensedpointsOfmightyopposites。HORATIOWhy，whatakingisthis!HAMLETDoesitnot，think’stthee，standmenowupon——
　　Hethathathkill’dmykingandwhoredmymother，Popp’dinbetweentheelectionandmyhopes，Thrownouthisangleformyproperlife，Andwithsuchcozenage——is’tnotperfectconscience，Toquithimwiththisarm？andis’tnottobedamn’d，ToletthiscankerofournaturecomeInfurtherevil？HORATIOItmustbeshortlyknowntohimfromEnglandWhatistheissueofthebusinessthere。HAMLETItwillbeshort：theinterimismine；
　　Andaman’slife’snomorethantosay’One。’
　　ButIamverysorry，goodHoratio，ThattoLaertesIforgotmyself；
　　For，bytheimageofmycause，IseeTheportraitureofhis：I’llcourthisfavours。
　　But，sure，thebraveryofhisgriefdidputmeIntoatoweringpassion。HORATIOPeace!whocomeshere？
　　EnterOSRICOSRICYourlordshipisrightwelcomebacktoDenmark。HAMLETIhumblythankyou，sir。Dostknowthiswater—fly？HORATIONo，mygoodlord。HAMLETThystateisthemoregracious；for’tisavicetoknowhim。Hehathmuchland，andfertile：letabeastbelordofbeasts，andhiscribshallstandattheking’smess：’tisachough；but，asIsay，spaciousinthepossessionofdirt。OSRICSweetlord，ifyourlordshipwereatleisure，I
　　shouldimpartathingtoyoufromhismajesty。HAMLETIwillreceiveit，sir，withalldiligenceofspirit。Putyourbonnettohisrightuse；’tisforthehead。OSRICIthankyourlordship，itisveryhot。HAMLETNo，believeme，’tisverycold；thewindisnortherly。OSRICItisindifferentcold，mylord，indeed。HAMLETButyetmethinksitisverysultryandhotformycomplexion。OSRICExceedingly，mylord；itisverysultry，——as’twere，——Icannottellhow。But，mylord，hismajestybademesignifytoyouthathehaslaidagreatwageronyourhead：sir，thisisthematter，——HAMLETIbeseechyou，remember——
　　HAMLETmoveshimtoputonhishatOSRICNay，goodmylord；formineease，ingoodfaith。
　　Sir，hereisnewlycometocourtLaertes；believeme，anabsolutegentleman，fullofmostexcellentdifferences，ofverysoftsocietyandgreatshowing：
　　indeed，tospeakfeelinglyofhim，heisthecardorcalendarofgentry，foryoushallfindinhimthecontinentofwhatpartagentlemanwouldsee。HAMLETSir，hisdefinementsuffersnoperditioninyou；
　　though，Iknow，todividehiminventoriallywoulddizzythearithmeticofmemory，andyetbutyawneither，inrespectofhisquicksail。But，intheverityofextolment，Itakehimtobeasoulofgreatarticle；andhisinfusionofsuchdearthandrareness，as，tomaketruedictionofhim，hissemblableishismirror；andwhoelsewouldtracehim，hisumbrage，nothingmore。OSRICYourlordshipspeaksmostinfalliblyofhim。HAMLETTheconcernancy，sir？whydowewrapthegentlemaninourmorerawerbreath？OSRICSir？HORATIOIs’tnotpossibletounderstandinanothertongue？
　　Youwilldo’t，sir，really。HAMLETWhatimportsthenominationofthisgentleman？OSRICOfLaertes？HORATIOHispurseisemptyalready；all’sgoldenwordsarespent。HAMLETOfhim，sir。OSRICIknowyouarenotignorant——HAMLETIwouldyoudid，sir；yet，infaith，ifyoudid，itwouldnotmuchapproveme。Well，sir？OSRICYouarenotignorantofwhatexcellenceLaertesis——HAMLETIdarenotconfessthat，lestIshouldcomparewithhiminexcellence；but，toknowamanwell，weretoknowhimself。OSRICImean，sir，forhisweapon；butintheimputationlaidonhimbythem，inhismeedhe’sunfellowed。HAMLETWhat’shisweapon？OSRICRapieranddagger。HAMLETThat’stwoofhisweapons：but，well。OSRICTheking，sir，hathwageredwithhimsixBarbaryhorses：againstthewhichhehasimponed，asItakeit，sixFrenchrapiersandponiards，withtheirassigns，asgirdle，hangers，andso：threeofthecarriages，infaith，areverydeartofancy，veryresponsivetothehilts，mostdelicatecarriages，andofveryliberalconceit。HAMLETWhatcallyouthecarriages？HORATIOIknewyoumustbeedifiedbythemargentereyouhaddone。OSRICThecarriages，sir，arethehangers。HAMLETThephrasewouldbemoregermantothematter，ifwecouldcarrycannonbyoursides：Iwoulditmightbehangerstillthen。But，on：sixBarbaryhorsesagainstsixFrenchswords，theirassigns，andthreeliberal—conceitedcarriages；that’stheFrenchbetagainsttheDanish。Whyisthis’imponed，’asyoucallit？OSRICTheking，sir，hathlaid，thatinadozenpassesbetweenyourselfandhim，heshallnotexceedyouthreehits：hehathlaidontwelvefornine；
　　anditwouldcometoimmediatetrial，ifyourlordshipwouldvouchsafetheanswer。HAMLETHowifIanswer’no’？OSRICImean，mylord，theoppositionofyourpersonintrial。HAMLETSir，Iwillwalkhereinthehall：ifitpleasehismajesty，’tisthebreathingtimeofdaywithme；letthefoilsbebrought，thegentlemanwilling，andthekingholdhispurpose，IwillwinforhimanIcan；
　　ifnot，Iwillgainnothingbutmyshameandtheoddhits。OSRICShallIre—deliveryoue’enso？HAMLETTothiseffect，sir；afterwhatflourishyournaturewill。OSRICIcommendmydutytoyourlordship。HAMLETYours，yours。
　　ExitOSRIC
　　Hedoeswelltocommendithimself；therearenotongueselsefor’sturn。HORATIOThislapwingrunsawaywiththeshellonhishead。HAMLETHedidcomplywithhisdug，beforehesuckedit。
　　Thushashe——andmanymoreofthesamebevythatI
　　knowthedressyagedoteson——onlygotthetuneofthetimeandoutwardhabitofencounter；akindofyestycollection，whichcarriesthemthroughandthroughthemostfondandwinnowedopinions；
　　anddobutblowthemtotheirtrial，thebubblesareout。
　　EnteraLordLordMylord，hismajestycommendedhimtoyoubyyoungOsric，whobringsbacktohimthatyouattendhiminthehall：hesendstoknowifyourpleasureholdtoplaywithLaertes，orthatyouwilltakelongertime。HAMLETIamconstanttomypurpose；theyfollowtheking’spleasure：ifhisfitnessspeaks，mineisready；
　　noworwhensoever，providedIbesoableasnow。LordThekingandqueenandallarecomingdown。HAMLETInhappytime。LordThequeendesiresyoutousesomegentleentertainmenttoLaertesbeforeyoufalltoplay。HAMLETShewellinstructsme。
　　ExitLordHORATIOYouwilllosethiswager，mylord。HAMLETIdonotthinkso：sincehewentintoFrance，I
　　havebeenincontinualpractise：Ishallwinattheodds。Butthouwouldstnotthinkhowillall’shereaboutmyheart：butitisnomatter。HORATIONay，goodmylord，——HAMLETItisbutfoolery；butitissuchakindofgain—giving，aswouldperhapstroubleawoman。HORATIOIfyourminddislikeanything，obeyit：Iwillforestalltheirrepairhither，andsayyouarenotfit。HAMLETNotawhit，wedefyaugury：there’saspecialprovidenceinthefallofasparrow。Ifitbenow，’tisnottocome；ifitbenottocome，itwillbenow；ifitbenotnow，yetitwillcome：thereadinessisall：sincenomanhasaughtofwhatheleaves，whatis’ttoleavebetimes？
　　EnterKINGCLAUDIUS，QUEENGERTRUDE，LAERTES，Lords，OSRIC，andAttendantswithfoils，&；cKINGCLAUDIUSCome，Hamlet，come，andtakethishandfromme。
　　KINGCLAUDIUSputsLAERTES’handintoHAMLET’sHAMLETGivemeyourpardon，sir：I’vedoneyouwrong；
　　Butpardon’t，asyouareagentleman。
　　Thispresenceknows，Andyoumustneedshaveheard，howIampunish’dWithsoredistraction。WhatIhavedone，Thatmightyournature，honourandexceptionRoughlyawake，Ihereproclaimwasmadness。
　　Was’tHamletwrong’dLaertes？NeverHamlet：
　　IfHamletfromhimselfbeta’enaway，Andwhenhe’snothimselfdoeswrongLaertes，ThenHamletdoesitnot，Hamletdeniesit。
　　Whodoesit，then？Hismadness：if’tbeso，Hamletisofthefactionthatiswrong’d；
　　HismadnessispoorHamlet’senemy。
　　Sir，inthisaudience，LetmydisclaimingfromapurposedevilFreemesofarinyourmostgenerousthoughts，ThatIhaveshotminearrowo’erthehouse，Andhurtmybrother。LAERTESIamsatisfiedinnature，Whosemotive，inthiscase，shouldstirmemostTomyrevenge：butinmytermsofhonourIstandaloof；andwillnoreconcilement，Tillbysomeeldermasters，ofknownhonour，Ihaveavoiceandprecedentofpeace，Tokeepmynameungored。Buttillthattime，Idoreceiveyouroffer’dlovelikelove，Andwillnotwrongit。HAMLETIembraceitfreely；
　　Andwillthisbrother’swagerfranklyplay。
　　Giveusthefoils。Comeon。LAERTESCome，oneforme。HAMLETI’llbeyourfoil，Laertes：inmineignoranceYourskillshall，likeastari’thedarkestnight，Stickfieryoffindeed。LAERTESYoumockme，sir。HAMLETNo，bythishand。KINGCLAUDIUSGivethemthefoils，youngOsric。CousinHamlet，Youknowthewager？HAMLETVerywell，mylordYourgracehathlaidtheoddso’theweakerside。KINGCLAUDIUSIdonotfearit；Ihaveseenyouboth：
　　Butsinceheisbetter’d，wehavethereforeodds。LAERTESThisistooheavy，letmeseeanother。HAMLETThislikesmewell。Thesefoilshaveallalength？
　　TheypreparetoplayOSRICAy，mygoodlord。KINGCLAUDIUSSetmethestoopsofwineuponthattable。
　　IfHamletgivethefirstorsecondhit，Orquitinanswerofthethirdexchange，Letallthebattlementstheirordnancefire：
　　ThekingshalldrinktoHamlet’sbetterbreath；
　　Andinthecupanunionshallhethrow，RicherthanthatwhichfoursuccessivekingsInDenmark’scrownhaveworn。Givemethecups；
　　Andletthekettletothetrumpetspeak，Thetrumpettothecannoneerwithout，Thecannonstotheheavens，theheavenstoearth，’NowthekingdunkstoHamlet。’Come，begin：
　　Andyou，thejudges，bearawaryeye。HAMLETComeon，sir。LAERTESCome，mylord。
　　TheyplayHAMLETOne。LAERTESNo。HAMLETJudgment。OSRICAhit，averypalpablehit。LAERTESWell；again。KINGCLAUDIUSStay；givemedrink。Hamlet，thispearlisthine；
　　Here’stothyhealth。
　　Trumpetssound，andcannonshotoffwithinGivehimthecup。HAMLETI’llplaythisboutfirst；setitbyawhile。Come。
　　TheyplayAnotherhit；whatsayyou？LAERTESAtouch，atouch，Idoconfess。KINGCLAUDIUSOursonshallwin。QUEENGERTRUDEHe’sfat，andscantofbreath。
　　Here，Hamlet，takemynapkin，rubthybrows；
　　Thequeencarousestothyfortune，Hamlet。HAMLETGoodmadam!KINGCLAUDIUSGertrude，donotdrink。QUEENGERTRUDEIwill，mylord；Iprayyou，pardonme。KINGCLAUDIUS[Aside]Itisthepoison’dcup：itistoolate。HAMLETIdarenotdrinkyet，madam；byandby。QUEENGERTRUDECome，letmewipethyface。LAERTESMylord，I’llhithimnow。KINGCLAUDIUSIdonotthink’t。LAERTES[Aside]Andyet’tisalmost’gainstmyconscience。HAMLETCome，forthethird，Laertes：youbutdally；
　　Iprayyou，passwithyourbestviolence；
　　Iamafeardyoumakeawantonofme。LAERTESSayyouso？comeon。
　　TheyplayOSRICNothing，neitherway。LAERTESHaveatyounow!
　　LAERTESwoundsHAMLET；theninscuffling，theychangerapiers，andHAMLETwoundsLAERTESKINGCLAUDIUSPartthem；theyareincensed。HAMLETNay，come，again。
　　QUEENGERTRUDEfallsOSRICLooktothequeenthere，ho!HORATIOTheybleedonbothsides。Howisit，mylord？OSRICHowis’t，Laertes？LAERTESWhy，asawoodcocktomineownspringe，Osric；
　　Iamjustlykill’dwithmineowntreachery。HAMLETHowdoesthequeen？KINGCLAUDIUSSheswoundstoseethembleed。QUEENGERTRUDENo，no，thedrink，thedrink，——OmydearHamlet，——
　　Thedrink，thedrink!Iampoison’d。
　　DiesHAMLETOvillany!Ho!letthedoorbelock’d：
　　Treachery!Seekitout。LAERTESItishere，Hamlet：Hamlet，thouartslain；
　　Nomedicineintheworldcandotheegood；
　　Intheethereisnothalfanhouroflife；
　　Thetreacherousinstrumentisinthyhand，Unbatedandenvenom’d：thefoulpractiseHathturn’ditselfonmelo，hereIlie，Nevertoriseagain：thymother’spoison’d：
　　Icannomore：theking，theking’stoblame。HAMLETThepoint!——envenom’dtoo!
　　Then，venom，tothywork。
　　StabsKINGCLAUDIUSAllTreason!treason!KINGCLAUDIUSO，yetdefendme，friends；Iambuthurt。HAMLETHere，thouincestuous，murderous，damnedDane，Drinkoffthispotion。Isthyunionhere？
　　Followmymother。
　　KINGCLAUDIUSdiesLAERTESHeisjustlyserved；
　　Itisapoisontemper’dbyhimself。
　　Exchangeforgivenesswithme，nobleHamlet：
　　Mineandmyfather’sdeathcomenotuponthee，Northineonme。
　　DiesHAMLETHeavenmaketheefreeofit!Ifollowthee。
　　Iamdead，Horatio。Wretchedqueen，adieu!
　　Youthatlookpaleandtrembleatthischance，Thatarebutmutesoraudiencetothisact，HadIbuttime——asthisfellsergeant，death，Isstrictinhisarrest——O，Icouldtellyou——
　　Butletitbe。Horatio，Iamdead；
　　Thoulivest；reportmeandmycausearightTotheunsatisfied。HORATIONeverbelieveit：
　　IammoreanantiqueRomanthanaDane：
　　Here’syetsomeliquorleft。HAMLETAsthou’rtaman，Givemethecup：letgo；byheaven，I’llhave’t。
　　OgoodHoratio，whatawoundedname，Thingsstandingthusunknown，shalllivebehindme!
　　IfthoudidsteverholdmeinthyheartAbsenttheefromfelicityawhile，Andinthisharshworlddrawthybreathinpain，Totellmystory。
　　Marchafaroff，andshotwithinWhatwarlikenoiseisthis？OSRICYoungFortinbras，withconquestcomefromPoland，TotheambassadorsofEnglandgivesThiswarlikevolley。HAMLETO，Idie，Horatio；
　　Thepotentpoisonquiteo’er—crowsmyspirit：
　　IcannotlivetohearthenewsfromEngland；
　　ButIdoprophesytheelectionlightsOnFortinbras：hehasmydyingvoice；
　　Sotellhim，withtheoccurrents，moreandless，Whichhavesolicited。Therestissilence。
　　DiesHORATIONowcracksanobleheart。Goodnightsweetprince：
　　Andflightsofangelssingtheetothyrest!
　　Whydoesthedrumcomehither？
　　MarchwithinEnterFORTINBRAS，theEnglishAmbassadors，andothersPRINCEFORTINBRASWhereisthissight？HORATIOWhatisityewouldsee？
　　Ifaughtofwoeorwonder，ceaseyoursearch。PRINCEFORTINBRASThisquarrycriesonhavoc。Oprouddeath，Whatfeastistowardinthineeternalcell，ThatthousomanyprincesatashotSobloodilyhaststruck？FirstAmbassadorThesightisdismal；
　　AndouraffairsfromEnglandcometoolate：
　　Theearsaresenselessthatshouldgiveushearing，Totellhimhiscommandmentisfulfill’d，ThatRosencrantzandGuildensternaredead：
　　Whereshouldwehaveourthanks？HORATIONotfromhismouth，Hadittheabilityoflifetothankyou：
　　Henevergavecommandmentfortheirdeath。
　　Butsince，sojumpuponthisbloodyquestion，YoufromthePolackwars，andyoufromEngland，AreherearrivedgiveorderthatthesebodiesHighonastagebeplacedtotheview；
　　AndletmespeaktotheyetunknowingworldHowthesethingscameabout：soshallyouhearOfcarnal，bloody，andunnaturalacts，Ofaccidentaljudgments，casualslaughters，Ofdeathsputonbycunningandforcedcause，And，inthisupshot，purposesmistookFall’nontheinventors’reads：allthiscanI
　　Trulydeliver。PRINCEFORTINBRASLetushastetohearit，Andcallthenoblesttotheaudience。
　　Forme，withsorrowIembracemyfortune：
　　Ihavesomerightsofmemoryinthiskingdom，Whichnowtoclaimmyvantagedothinviteme。HORATIOOfthatIshallhavealsocausetospeak，Andfromhismouthwhosevoicewilldrawonmore；
　　Butletthissamebepresentlyperform’d，Evenwhilemen’smindsarewild；lestmoremischanceOnplotsanderrors，happen。PRINCEFORTINBRASLetfourcaptainsBearHamlet，likeasoldier，tothestage；
　　Forhewaslikely，hadhebeenputon，Tohaveprovedmostroyally：and，forhispassage，Thesoldiers’musicandtheritesofwarSpeakloudlyforhim。
　　Takeupthebodies：suchasightasthisBecomesthefield，buthereshowsmuchamiss。
　　Go，bidthesoldiersshoot。
　　Adeadmarch。Exeunt，bearingoffthedeadbodies；afterwhichapealofordnanceisshotoff