The tragicall historie of Hamlet Prince of Denmarke by William Shake-speare. As it hath beene diuerse times acted by his Highnesse seruants in the cittie of London: as also in the two vniuersities of Cambridge and Oxford, and else-where

The Tragicall Historie of HAMLET Prince of Denmarke . Enter two Centinels . 1.

STand : who is that ?

Tis. I.

O you comemost carefully vpon your watch ,

2. And if you meete Marcellus and Horatio , The partners of my watch , bid them make haste . 1.

I will : See who goes there .

Enter Horatio and Marcellus . Hor.

Friends to this ground .

Mar. And leegemen to the Dane , O farewell honest souldier , who hath releeued you ? 1.

Barnardo hath my place , giue you good night .

Mar.

Holla , Barnardo .

Say , is Horatio there ?

Hor.

A peece of him .

Welcome Horatio , welcome good Marcellus .

Mar.

What hath this thing appear'd againe to night .

I haue seene nothing .

Mar. Horatio sayes t is but ourfantasie , And wil not let beliefe take hold of him , Touching this dreaded sight twice seene by vs , Therefore I haue intreated him along with vs To watch the minutes of this night , That if againe this apparition come , He may approoue our eyes , and speake to it . Hor.

Tut. t' will not appeare .

2. Sit downe I pray , and let vs once againe Assaile your eares that are so fortified , What we haue two nights seene . Hor.

Wel , sit we downe , and let vs heare Bernardo speake of this .

2. Last night of al , when yonder starre that 's west ward from the pole , had made his course to Illumine that part of heauen . Where now it burnes , The bell then towling one . Enter Ghost . Mar.

Breake off your talke , see where it comes againe .

In the same figure like the King that 's dead ,

Mar.

Thou art a scholler , speake to it Horatio .

Lookes it not like the king ?

Hor.

Most like , it horrors mee with feare and wonder .

It would be spoke to .

Mar.

Question it Horatio .

Hor. What art thou that thus vsurps the state , in Which the Maiestie of buried Denmarke did sometimes Walke ? By heauen I charge thee speake . Mar.

It is offended .

exit Ghost . 2.

See , it stalkes away .

Hor.

Stay , speake , speake , by heauen I charge thee speake .

Mar.

T is gone and makes no answer .

2. How now Horatio , you tremble and looke pale , Is not this something more than fantasie ? What thinke you on 't ? Hor.

Afore my God , I might not this beleeue , without the sensible and true auouch of my owne eyes .

Mar.

Is it not like the King ?

Hor. As thou art to thy selfe , Such was the very armor he had on , When he the ambitious Norway combated . So frownd he once , when in an angry parle He smot the sleaded pollax on the yce , T is strange . Mar. Thus twice before , and iump at this dead hower , With Marshall stalke he passed through our watch . Hor. In what particular to worke , I know not , But in the thought and scope of my opinion , This bodes some strange eruption to the state . Mar. Good , now sit downe , and tell me he that knowes Why this same strikt and most obseruant watch , So nightly toyles the subiect of the land , And why such dayly cost of brazen Cannon And forraine marte , for implements of warre , Why such impresse of ship-writes , whose sore taske Does not diuide the sunday from the weeke : What might be toward that this sweaty march Doth make the night ioynt labourer with the day , Who is 't that can informe me ? Hor. Mary that can I , at least the whisper goes so , Our late King , who as you know was by Forten ▪ Brasse of Norway , Thereto prickt on by a most emulous cause , dared to The combate , in which our valiant Hamlet , For so this side of our knowne world esteemed him , Did slay this Fortenbrasse , Who by a seale compact well ratified , by law And heraldrie , did forfeit with his life all those His lands which he stoode seazed of by the conqueror , Against the which a moity competent , Was gaged by our King : Now sir , yong Fortenbrasse , Of inapproued mettle hot and full , Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there , Sharkt vp a sight of lawlesse Resolutes For food and diet to some enterprise , That hath a stomacke in 't : and this ( I take it ) is the Chiefe head and ground of this our watch . Enter the Ghost . But loe , behold , see where it comes againe , He crosse it , though it blast me : stay illusion , If there be any good thing to be done , That may doe ease to thee , and grace to mee , Speake to mee . If thou art priuy to thy countries fate , Which happly foreknowing may preuens , O speake to me , Or if thou hast extorted in thy life , Or hoorded treasure in the wombe of earth , For which they say you Spirites oft walke in death , speake to me , stay and speake , speake , stoppe it Marcellus . 2.

T is heere .

exit Ghost . Hor.

T is heere .

Marc. T is gone , O we doe it wrong , being so maiesticall , to offer it the shew of violence , For it is as the ayre invelmorable , And our vaine blowes malitious mockery . 2.

It was about to speake when the Cocke crew .

Hor. And then it faded like a guilty thing , Vpon a fearefull summons : I haue heard The Cocke , that is the trumpet to the morning , Doth with his earely and shrill crowing throate , Awake the god of day , and at his sound , Whether in earth or ayre , in sea or fire , The strauagant and erring spirite hies To his confines , and of the trueth heere of This present obiect made probation . Marc. It faded on the crowing of the Cocke , Some say , that euer gainst that season comes , Wherein our Sauiours birth is celebrated ▪ The bird of dawning singeth all night long , And then they say , no spirite dare walke abroade , The nights are wholesome , then no planet strikes , No Fairie takes , nor Witch hath powre to charme , So gratious , and so hallowed is that time . Hor. So haue I heard , and doe in parte beleeue it : But see the Sunne in russet mantle clad , Walkes ore the deaw of yon hie mountaine top , Breake we our watch vp ▪ and by my aduise , Let vs impart what wee haue seene to night Vnto yong Hamlet ▪ for vpon my life This Spirite dumbe to vs will speake to him : Do you consent , wee shall acquaint him with it , As needefull in our loue , fitting our duetie ? Marc. Let s doo 't I pray , and I this morning know , Where we shall finde him most conueniently . Enter King , Queene , Hamlet , Leartes , Corambis , and the two Ambassadors , with Attendants . King Lordes , we here haue writ to Fortenbrasse ▪ Nephew to olde Norway , who impotent And bed-rid , scarcely heares of this his Nephews purpose : and Wee heere dispatch Yong good Cornelu●● , and you Vol 〈…〉 For bearers of these greetings to olde Norway , giuing to you no further personall power To businesse with the King , Then those related articles do shew : Farewell , and let your haste commend your dutie . Gent.

In this and all things will wee shew our dutie .

King . Wee doubt nothing , hartily farewel ▪ And now Leartes ; what 's the news with you ? You said you had a sute what is 't Leartes Lea. My gratious Lord , your fauorable license , Now that the funerall rites are all performed , I may haue leaue to go againe to France , For though the fauour of your grace might stay mee , Yet something is there whispers in my hart , Which makes my minde and spirits bend all for France . King

Haue you your fathers leaue , Leartes ?

Cor. He hath , my lord , wrung from me aforced graunt , And I beseech you grant your Highnesse leaue . Kiug

With all our heart , Leartes fare thee well .

Lear.

I in all loue and dutie take my leaue .

King . And now princely Sonne Hamlet , What meanes these sad and melancholy moodes ? For your intent going to Wittenberg , Wee hold it most vnmeet and vnconuenient , Being the Ioy and halfe heart of your mother . Therefore let mee intreat you stay in Court , All Denmarkes hope our coosin and dearest Sonne . Exit . Ham. My lord , ti 's not the sable sute I weare : No nor the teares that still stand in my eyes , Nor the distracted hauiour in the visage , Nor all together mixt with outward semblance , Is equall to the sorrow of my heart , Him haue I lost I must os force forgoe , These but the ornaments and sutes of woe . King This shewes a louing care in you , Sonne Hamlet , But you must thinke your father lost a father , That father dead , lost his , and so shal be vntill the Generall ending ▪ Therefore cease laments ; It is a fault gainst heauen , fault gainst the dead , A fault gainst nature , and in reasons Common course most certaine , None liues on earth , but hee is borne to die . Que. Let not thy mother loose her praiers Hamlet , Stay here with us ▪ go not to Wittenberg . Ham.

I shall in all my best obay you madam .

King Spoke like a kinde and a most louing Sonne , And there 's no health the King shall drinke today , But the great Canon to the clowdes shall tell The rowse the King shall drinke vnto Prince Hamlet . Exeunt all but Hamlet . Ham. O that this too much grieu'd and sallied flesh Would melt to nothing , or that the vniuersall Globe of heauen would turne al to a Chaos ▪ O God , within two months ; no not two ● married , Mine vncle : O let me not thinke of it , My fathers brother : but no more like My father , then I to Hercules . Within two months , ere yet the salt of most Vnrighteous teares had left their flushing In her galled eyes : she married , O God , a beast Deuoyd of reason would not haue made Such speede : Frailtie , thy name is Woman , Why she would hang on him , as if increase Of appetite had growne by what it looked on . O wicked wicked speede , to make such Dexteritie to incestuous sheetes , Ere yet the shooes were olde , The which she followed my dead fathers corse Like Nyobe , all teares : married , well it is not , Nor it cannot come to good : But breake my heart , for I must holde my tongue . Enter Horatio and Marcellus . Hor.

Health to your Lordship .

Ham.

I am very glad to see you , ( Horatio ) or I much forget my selfe .

Hor.

The same my Lord , and your poore seruant euer .

Ham.

O my good friend , I change that name with you ▪ but what make you from Wittenberg Horatio ?

Marcellus . Marc.

My good Lord .

Ham. I am very glad to see you , good euen sirs : But what is your affaire in Elsenoure ? Wee le teach you to drinke deepe ere you depart . Hor.

A trowant disposition , my good Lord ▪

Ham. Nor shall you make mee truster Of your owne report against your selfe : Sir , I know you are no trowant ▪ But what is your affaire in Elsenoure ▪ Hor.

My good Lord , I came to see your fathers funerall .

Ham. O I pre thee do not mocke hee fellow studient , I thinke it was to see my mothers wedding ▪ Hor.

Indeede my Lord , it followed hard vpon .

Ham. Thrift , thrift , Horatio , the funerall bak't meates Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables , Would I had met my deerest foe in heauen Ere euer I had seene that day Horatio ; O my father , my father , me thinks I see my father . Hor.

Where my Lord ?

Ham.

Why , in my mindes eye Horatio .

Hor.

I saw him once , he was a gallant King .

Ham. He was a man , take him for all in all , I shall not looke vpon his like againe . Hor.

My Lord , I thinke I saw him yesternight ,

Ham.

Saw , who :

Hor.

My Lord , the King your father .

Ham.

Ha , ha , the King my father keyou ▪

Hor. Ceasen your admiration for a while ▪ With an attentiue eare , till I may deliuer , Vpon the witnesse of these Gentlemen This wonder to you . Ham.

For Gods loue let me heare it .

Hor. Two nights together had these Gentlemen , Marcelllus and Bernardo , on their watch , In the dead vast and middle of the night . Beene thus incountered by a figure like your father , Armed to poynt , exactly Capap●● Appeeres before them thrise , he walkes Before their weake and feare oppressed eies Within his tronchions length , While they distilled almost to gelly . With the act of feare stands dumbe , And speake not to him : this to mee In dreadfull secresie impart they did . And I with them the third night kept the watch , Where as they had deliuered forme of the thing . Each part made true and good , The Apparition comes : I knew your father , These handes are not more like . Ham.

T is very strange .

Hor. As I do liue , my honord lord , t is true , And wee did thinke it right done , In our dutie to let you know it . Ham.

Where was this ?

Mar.

My Lord , vpon the platforme where we watched .

Ham.

Did you not speake to it ?

Hor. My Lord we did , but answere made it none , Yet once me thought it was about to speake , And lifted vp his head to motion , Like as he would speake , but euen then The morning cocke crew lowd , and in all haste , It shruncke in haste away , and vanished Our fight . Ham. Indeed , indeed sirs , but this troubles me : Hold you the watch to night ? All

We do my Lord .

Ham.

Armed say ye ?

All

Armed my good Lord .

Ham.

From top to toe ?

All.

My good Lord , from head to foote .

Ham.

Why then saw you not his face ?

Hor.

O yes my Lord , he wore his beuer vp .

Ham.

How look't he , frowningly ?

Hor.

A countenance more in sorrow than in anger .

Ham.

Pale , or red ?

Hor.

Nay , verie pal

Ham.

And fixt his eies vpon you .

Hor.

Most constantly .

Ham.

I would I had beene there .

Hor.

It would a much amazed you .

Ham.

Yea very like , very like , staid it long ?

Hor. While one with moderate pace Might tell a hundred . Mar.

O longer , longer .

Ham.

His beard was grisleld , no.

Hor. It was as I haue seene it in his life , A sable siluer . Ham.

I wil watch to night , perchance t' wil walke againe .

Hor.

I warrant it will .

Ham. If it assume my noble fathers person , I le speake to it , if hell it selfe should gape , And bid me hold my peace , Gentlemen , If you haue hither consealed this sight , Let it be tenible in your silence still , And whatsoeuer else shall chance to night , Giue it an vnderstanding , but no tongue , I will requit your loues , so fare you well , Vpon the platforme , twixt eleuen and twelue , I le visit you . All.

Our duties to your honor .

excunt . Ham. O your loues , your loues , as mine to you , Farewell , my fathers spirit in Armes , Well , all 's not well . I doubt some foule play , Would the night were come , Till then , sit still my soule , foule deeds will ris Though all the world orewhelme them to mens eies . Exit . Enter Leartes and Ofelia . Leart . My necessaries are inbarkt , I must aboord , But ere I part , marke what I say to thee : I see Prince Hamlet makes a shew of loue Beware Ofelia , do not trust his vowes , Perhaps he loues you now , and now his tongue , Speakes from his heart , but yet take heed my sister , The Chariest maide is prodigall enough , If she vnmaske hir beautie to the Moone . Vertue it selfe scapes not calumnious thoughts , Belieu 't Ofelia , therefore keepe a loofe Lest that he trip thy honor and thy fame . Ofel. Brother , to this I haue lent attentiue eare , And doubt not but to keepe my honour firme , But my deere brother , do not you Like to a cunning Sophister , Teach me the path and ready way to heauen , While you forgetting what is said to me , Your selfe , like to a carelesse libertine Doth giue his heart , his appetite at ful , And little recks how that his honour dies . Lear. No , feare it not my deere Ofelia , Here comes my father , occasion smiles vpon a second leaue . Enter Corambis . Cor. Yet here Leartes ? aboord , aboord , for shame , The winde sits in the shoulder of your saile , And you are staid for , there ▪ my blessing with thee And these few precepts in thy memory . " Be thou familiar , but by no meanes vulgare ; " Those friends thou hast , and their adoptions tried , " Graple them to thee with a hoope of steele , " But do not dull the palme with entertaine , " Of euery new vnfleg'd courage , " Beware of entrance into a quarrell ; but being in , " Beare it that the opposed may beware of thee , " Costly thy apparrell , as thy purse can buy . " But not exprest in fashion , " For the apparell oft proclaimes the man . And they of France of the chiefe rancke and station Are of a most select and generall chiefe in that : " This aboue all , to thy owne selfe be true , And it must follow as the night the day , Thou canst not then be false to any one , Farewel , my blessing with thee . Lear. I humbly take my leaue , farewell Ofelia , And remember well what I haue said to you . exit . Ofel. It is already lock't within my hart , And you your selfe shall keepe the key of it . Cor.

What i' st Ofelia he hath saide to you ?

Ofel.

Somthing touching the prince Hamlet .

Cor. Mary wel thought on , t' is giuen me to vnderstand , That you haue bin too prodigall of your maiden presence Vnto Prince Hamlet , if it be so , As so t is giuen to mee , and that in waie of caution I must tell you ; you do not vnderstand your selfe So well as befits my honor , and your credite . Ofel.

My lord , he hath made many tenders of his loue to me .

Cor.

Tenders , I , I , tenders you may call them .

Ofel.

And withall , such earnest vowes .

Cor. Springes to catch woodcocks , What , do not I know when the blood doth burne , How prodigall the tongue lends the heart vowes , In briefe , be more scanter of your maiden presence , Or tendring thus you 'l tender mee a foole . Ofel.

I shall obay my lord in all I may .

Cor. Ofelia , receiue none of his letters , " For louers lines are snares to intrap the heart ; " Refuse his tokens , both of them are keyes To vnlocke Chastitie vnto Desire ; Come in Ofelia , such men often proue , " Great in their wordes , but little in their loue . Ofel.

I will my lord .

exeunt . Enter Hamlet , Horatio , and Marcellus . Ham. The ayre bites shrewd ; it is an eager and An nipping winde , what houre i' st ? Hor.

I think it lacks of twelue ,

Sound Trumpets . Mar.

No , t' is strucke .

Hor.

Indeed I heard it not , what doth this mean my lord ?

Ham. O the king doth wake to night , & takes his rowse , Keepe wassel , and the swaggering vp-spring reeles , And as he dreames , his draughts of renish downe , The kettle , drumme , and trumpet , thus bray out , The triumphes of his pledge . Hor.

Is it a custome here ?

Ham. I mary i' st and though I am Natiue here , and to the maner borne , It is a custome , more honourd in the breach , Then in the obseruance . Enter the Ghost . Hor.

Looke my Lord , it comes .

Ham. Angels and Ministers of grace defend vs , Be thou a spirite of health , or goblin damn'd , Bring with thee ayres from heanen , or blasts from hell : Be thy intents wicked or charitable , Thou commest in such questionable shape , That I will speake to thee , I le call thee Hamlet , King , Father , Royall Dane , O answere mee , let mee not burst in ignorance , But say why thy canonizd bones hearsed in death Haue burst their ceremonies : why thy Sepulcher , In which wee saw thee quietly interr'd , Hath burst his ponderous and marble Iawes , To cast thee vp againe : what may this meane , That thou , dead corse , againe in compleate steele , Reuissets thus the glimses of the Moone , Making night hideous , and we fooles of nature , So horridely to shake our disposition , With thoughts beyond the reaches of our soules ? Say , speake , wherefore , what may this meane ? Hor. It beckons you , as though it had something To impart to you alone . Mar. Looke with what courteous action It waues you to a more remoued ground , But do not go with it . Hor.

No , by no meanes my Lord .

Ham.

It will not speake , then will I follow it .

Hor. What if it tempt you toward the flood my Lord . That beckles ore his bace , into the sea , And there assume some other horrible shape , Which might depriue your soueraigntie of reason , And driue you into madnesse : thinke of it . Ham.

Still am I called , go on , i le follow thee .

Hor.

My Lord , you shall not go .

Ham. Why what should be the feare ? I do not set my life at a pinnes fee , And for my soule , what can it do to that ? Being a thing immortall , like it selfe , Go on , i le follow thee . Mar.

My Lord be rulde , you shall not goe .

Ham. My fate cries out , and makes each pety Artiue As hardy as the Nemeon Lyons nerue , Still am I cald , vnhand me gentlemen ; By heauen i le make a ghost of him that lets me , Away I say , go on , i le follow thee . Hor.

He waxeth desperate with imagination .

Mar.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmarke .

Hor.

Haue after ; to what issue will this sort ?

Mar.

Let s follow , t is not fit thus to obey him .

exit . Enter Ghost and Hamlet . Ham.

I le go no farther , whither wilt thou leade me ?

Ghost

Marke me .

Ham.

I will .

Ghost I am thy fathers spirit , doomd for a time To walke the night , and all the day Confinde in flaming fire , Till the foule crimes done in my dayes of Nature A repurged and burnt away . Ham.

Alas poore Ghost .

Ghost Nay pitty me not , but to my vnfolding Lend thy listning eare , but that I am forbid To tell the secrets of my prison house I would a tale vnfold , whose lightest word Would harrow vp thy soule , freeze thy yong blood , Make thy two eyes like stars start from their spheres , Thy knotted and combined locks to part , And each particular haire to stand on end Like quils vpon the fretfull Porpentine , But this same blazon must not be , to eares of flesh and blood Hamlet , if euer thou didst thy deere father loue . Ham.

O God .

Gho.

Reuenge his foule , and most vnnaturall murder :

Ham.

Murder .

Ghost Yea , murder in the highest degree , As in the least t is bad , But mine most foule , beastly , and vnnaturall . Ham.

Haste me to knowe it , that with wings as swift as meditation , or the thought of it , may sweepe to my reuenge .

Ghost O I finde thee apt , and duller shouldst thou be Then the fat weede which rootes it selfe in ease On Lethe wharffe : briefe let me be . T is giuen out , that sleeping in my orchard , A Serpent stung me ; so the whole eare of Denmarke Is with a forged Prosses of my death rankely abusde : But know thou noble Youth : he that did sting Thy fathers heart , now weares his Crowne . Ham.

O my prophetike soule , my vncle ! my vncle !

Ghost Yea he , that incestuous wretch , wonne to his will with gifts , O wicked will , and gifts ! that haue the power So to seduce my most seeming vertuous Queene , But vertne , as it neuer will be moued , Though Lewdnesse court it in a shape of heauen , So Lust , though to a radiant angle linckt , Would fate it selfe from a celestiall bedde , And prey on garbage : but soft , me thinkes I sent the mornings ayre , briefe let me be , Sleeping within my Orchard , my custome alwayes In the after noone , vpon my secure houre Thy vncle came , with iuyce of Hebona In a viall , and through the porches of my eares Did powre the leaprous distilment , whose effect Hold such an enmitie with blood of man , That swift as quickesiluer , it posteth through The naturall gates and allies of the body , And turnes the thinne and wholesome blood Like eager dropings into milke . And all my smoothe body , barked , and tetterd ouer . Thus was I sleeping by a brothers hand Of Crowne , of Queene , of life , of dignitie At once depriued , no reckoning made of , But sent vnto my graue , With all my accompts and sinnes vpon my head , O horrible , most horrible ! Ham.

O God!

ghost If thou hast nature in thee , beare it not , But howsoeuer , let not thy heart Conspire against thy mother aught , Leaue her to heauen , And to the burthen that her conscience beares . I must be gone , the Glo-worme shewes the Mattin To be neere , and gin's to pale his vneffectuall fire : Hamlet adue , adue , adue : remember me . Exit Ham. O all you hoste of heauen ! O earth , what else ? And shall I couple hell ; remember thee ? Yes thou poore Ghost ; from the tables Of my memorie , i le wipe away all sawes of Bookes , All triuiall fond conceites That euer youth , or else obseruance noted , And thy remembrance , all alone shall sit . Yes , yes , by heauen , a damnd pernitious villaine , Murderons , bawdy , smiling damned villaine , ( My tables ) meet it is I set it downe , That one may smile , and smile , and be a villayne ; At least I am sure , it may be so in Denmarke . So vncle , there you are , there you are . Now to the words ; it is adue adue : remember me , Soe t' is enough I haue sworne . Hor.

My lord , my lord .

Enter . Horatio , and Marcellus . Mar.

Lord Hamlet .

Hor.

Ill , lo , lo , ho , ho.

Mar.

Ill , lo , lo , so , ho , so , come boy , come .

Hor.

Heauens secure him .

Mar.

How i' st my noble lord ?

Hor.

What news my lord ?

Ham.

O wonderfull , wonderful .

Hor.

Good my lord tel it .

Ham.

No not I , you 'l reueale it .

Hor.

Not I my Lord by heauen .

Mar.

Nor I my Lord .

Ham. How say you then ? would hart of man Once thinke it ? but you 'l be secret . Both.

I by heauen , my lord .

Ham. There 's neuer a villaine dwelling in all Denmarke , But hee 's an arrant knaue . Hor.

There need no Ghost come from the graue to tell you this .

Ham. Right , you are in the right , and therefore I holde it meet without more circumstance at all , Wee shake hands and part ; you as your busines And desiers shall leade you : for looke you , Euery man hath busines , and desires , such As it is , and for my owne poore parte , i le go pray . Hor.

These are but wild and wherling words , my Lord .

Ham.

I am sory they offend you ; hartely , yes faith hartily .

Hor.

Ther 's no offence my Lord .

Ham. Yes by Saint Patrike but there is Horatio , And much offence too , touching this vision , It is an honest ghost , that let mee tell you , For your desires to know what is betweene vs , Or emaister it as you may : And now kind frends , as yon are frends , Schollers and gentlmen , Grant mee one poore request . Both.

What is st my Lord ?

Ham.

Neuer make known what you haue seene to night

Both.

My lord , we will not .

Ham.

Nay but sweare .

Hor.

In faith my Lord not I.

Mar.

Nor I my Lord in faith .

Ham.

Nay vpon my sword , indeed vpon my sword .

Gho.

Sweare .

The Gost vnder the stage . Ham. Ha , ha , come you here , this fellow in the sellerige , Here consent to sweare . Hor.

Propose the oth my Lord .

Ham. Neuer to speake what you haue seene to night , Sweare by my sword . Gost.

Sweare .

Ham. Hic & vbique ; nay then wee le shift our ground : Come hither Gentlemen , and lay your handes Againe vpon this sword , neuer to speake Of that which you haue seene , sweare by my sword . Ghost

Sweare .

Ham.

Well said old Mole , can'st worke in the earth ? so fast , a worthy Pioner , once more remoue .

Hor.

Day and night , but this is wondrous strange .

Ham. And therefore as a stranger giue it welcome , There are more things in heauen and earth Horatio , Then are Dream't of , in your philosophie , But come here , as before you neuer shall How strange or odde socre I beare my selfe , As I perchance hereafter shall thinke meet , To put an Anticke disposition on , That you at such times seeing me , neuer shall With Armes , incombred thus , or this head shake , Or by pronouncing some vndoubtfull phrase , As well well , wee know , or wee could and if we would , Or there be , and if they might , or such ambiguous : Giuing out to note , that you know aught of mee , This not to doe , so grace , and mercie At your most need helpe you , sweare Ghost .

sweare .

Ham. Rest , rest , perturbed spirit : so gentlemen , In all my loue I do commend mee to you , And what so poore a man as Hamlet may , To pleasure you , God willing shall not want , Nay come lett 's go together , But stil your fingers on your lippes I pray , The time is out of ioynt , O cursed spite , That euer I was borne to set it right , Nay come lett 's go together . Exeunt . Enter Corambis , and Montano . Cor. Montano , here , these letters to my sonne , And this same mony with my blessing to him , And bid him ply his learning good Montano . Mon.

I will my lord .

Cor. You shall do very well Montano , to say thus , I knew the gentleman , or know his father , To inquire the manner of his life , As thus ; being amongst his acquaintance , You may say , you saw him at such a time , marke you mee , At game , or drincking , swearing , or drabbing , You may go so farre . Mon.

My lord , that will impeach his reputation .

Cor. I faith not a whit , no not a whit , Now happely hee closeth with you in the consequence , As you may bridle it not disparage him a iote . What was I about to say , Mon.

He closeth with him in the consequence .

Cor. I , you say right , he closeth with him thus , This will hee say , let mee see what hee will say , Mary this , I saw him yesterday , or tother day , Or then , or at such a time , a dicing , Or at Tennis , I or drincking drunke , or entring Of a howse of lightnes viz. brothell , Thus sir do wee that know the world , being men of reach , By indirections , finde directions forth , And so shall you my sonne ; you ha me , ha you not ? Mon.

I haue my lord .

Cor.

Wel , fare you well , commend mee to him .

Mon.

I will my lord .

Cor.

And bid him ply his musicke

Mon.

My lord I wil.

exit . Enter , Ofelia . Cor.

Farewel , how now Ofelia , what 's the news with you ?

Ofe . O my deare father , such a change in nature , So great an alteration in a Prince , So pitifull to him , fearefull to mee , A maidens eye ne're looked on . Cor.

Why what 's the matter my Ofelia ?

Of. O yong Prince Hamlet , the only floure of Denmark , Hee is bereft of all the wealth he had , The Iewell that ador'nd his feature most Is filcht and stolne away , his wit 's bereft him , Hee found mee walking in the gallery all alone , There comes hee to mee , with a distracted looke , His garters lagging downe , his shooes vntide , And fixt his eyes so stedfast on my face , As if they had vow'd , this is their latest obiect . Small while he stoode , but gripes me by the wrist , And there he holdes my pulse till with a sigh He doth vnclaspe his holde , and parts away Silent , as is the mid time of the night : And as he went , his eie was still on mee , For thus his head ouer his shoulder looked , He seemed to finde the way without his eies : For out of doores he went without their helpe , And so did leaue me . Cor. Madde for thy loue , What haue you giuen him any crosse wordes of late ? Ofelia I did repell his letters , deny his gifts , As you did charge me . Cor. Why that hath made him madde : By heau'n t' is as proper for our age to cast Beyond our selues , as t' is for the yonger fort To leaue their wantonnesse . Well , I am sory That I was so rash : but what remedy ? Let s to the King , this madnesse may prooue , Though wilde a while , yet more true to thy loue . exeunt . Enter King and Queene , Rossencraft , and Gilderstone . King Right noble friends , that our decre cosin Hamlet Hath lost the very heart of all his sence , It is most right , and we most sory for him : Therefore we doe desire , euen as you tender Our care to him , and our great loue to you , That you will labour but to wring from him The cause and ground of his distemperancie . Doe this , the king of Denmarke shal be thankefull . Ros. My Lord , whatsoeuer lies within our power Your maiestie may more commaund in wordes Then vse perswasions to your liege men , bound By loue , by duetie , and obedience . Guil. What we may doe for both your Maiesties To know the griefe troubles the Prince your sonne , We will indeuour all the best we may , So in all duetie doe we take our leaue . King

Thankes Guilderstone , and gentle Rossencraft .

Que :

Thankes Rossencraft , and gentle Gilderstone .

Enter Corambis and Ofelia . Cor. My Lord , the Ambassadors are ioyfully Return'd from Norway . King

Thou still hast beene the father of good news .

Cor. Haue I my Lord ? I assure your grace , I holde my duetie as I holde my life , Both to my God , and to my soueraigne King : And I beleeue , or else this braine of mine Hunts not the traine of policie so well As it had wont to doe , but I haue found The very depth of Hamlets lunacie . Queene

God graunt he hath .

Enter the Ambassadors . King

Now Uoltemar , what from our brother Norway ?

Uolt . Most faire returnes of greetings and desires , Vpon our first he sent forth to suppresse His nephews leuies , which to him appear'd To be a preparation gainst the Polacke : But better look't into , he truely found It was against your Highnesse , whereat grieued , That so his sickenesse , age , and impotence , Was falsely borne in hand , sends out arrests On Fortenbrasse , which he in briefe obays , Receiues rebuke from Norway : and in fine , Makes vow before his vncle , neuer more To giue the assay of Armes against your Maiestie , Whereon olde Norway ouercome with ioy , Giues him three thousand crownes in annuall fee , And his Commission to employ those souldiers , So leuied as before , against the Polacke , With an intreaty heerein further shewne , That it would please you to giue quiet passe Through your dominions , for that enterprise On such regardes ofsafety and allowances As therein are set downe . King It likes vs well , and at fit time and leasure Wee le reade and answere these his Articles , Meane time we thanke you for your well Tooke labour : go to your rest , at night wee le feast togither : Right welcome home . exeunt Ambassadors . Cor. This busines is very well dispatched . Now my Lord , touching the yong Prince Hamlet , Certaine it is that hee is madde : mad let vs grant him then : Now to know the cause of this effect , Or else to say the cause of this defect , For this effect defectiue comes by cause . Queene

Good my Lord be briefe .

Cor. Madam I will : my Lord , I haue a daughter , Haue while shee 's mine : for that we thinke Is surest , we often loose : now to the Prince . My Lord , but note this letter , The which my daughter in obedience Deliuer'd to my handes . King

Reade it my Lord .

Cor. Marke my Lord . Doubt that in earth is fire , Doubt that the starres doe moue , Doubt trueth to be a liar , But doe not doubt I loue . To the beautifull Ofelia : Thine euer the most vnhappy Prince Hamlet . My Lord , what doe you thinke of me ? I , or what might you thinke when I sawe this ? King

As of a true friend and a most louing subiect .

Cor. I would be glad to prooue so . Now when I saw this letter , thus I bespake my maiden : Lord Hamlet is a Prince out of your starre , And one that is vnequall for your loue : Therefore I did commaund her refuse his letters , Deny his tokens , and to absent her selfe . Shee as my childe obediently obey'd me . Now since which time , seeing his loue thus cross'd , Which I tooke to be idle , and but sport , He straitway grew into a melancholy , From that vnto a fast , then vnto distraction , Then into a sadnesse , from that vnto a madnesse , And so by continuance , and weakenesse of the braine Into this frensie , which now possesseth him : And if this be not true , take this from this . King

Thinke you t' is so ?

Cor. How ? so my Lord , I would very faine know That thing that I haue saide t' is so , positiuely , And it hath fallen out otherwise . Nay , if circumstances leade me on , I le finde it out , if it were hid As deepe as the centre of the earth . King .

how should wee trie this same ?

Cor. Mary my good lord thus , The Princes walke is here in the galery , There let Ofelia , walke vntill hee comes : Your selfe and I will stand close in the study , There shall you heare the effect of all his hart , And if it proue any otherwise then loue , Then let my censure faile an other time . King .

see where hee comes poring vppon a booke .

Enter Hamlet . Cor. Madame , will it please your grace To leaue vs here ? Que.

With all my hart .

exit . Cor. And here Ofelia , reade you on this booke , And walke aloofe , the King shal be vnseene . Ham. To be , or not to be , I there 's the point , To Die , to sleepe , is that all ? I all : No , to sleepe , to dreame , I mary there it goes , For in that dreame of death , when wee awake , And borne before an euerlasting Iudge , From whence no passenger euer retur'nd , The vndiscouered country , at whose sight The happy smile , and the accursed damn'd . But for this , the ioyfull hope of this , Whol'd beare the scornes and flattery of the world , Scorned by the right rich , the rich curssed of the poore ? The widow being oppressed , the orphan wrong'd , The taste of hunger , or a tirants raigne , And thousand more calamities besides , To grunt and sweate vnder this weary life , When that he may his full Quietus make , With a bare bodkin , who would this indure , But for a hope of something after death ? Which pusles the braine , and doth confound the sence , Which makes vs rather beare those euilles we haue , Than flie to others that we know not of . I that , O this conscience makes cowardes of vs all , Lady in thy orizons , be all my sinnes remembred . Ofel.

My Lord , I haue sought opportunitie , which now I haue , to redeliuer to your worthy handes , a small remembrance , such tokens which I haue receiued of you .

Ham.

Are you faire ?

Ofel.

My Lord .

Ham.

Are you honest ?

Ofel.

What meanes my Lord ?

Ham. That if you be faire and honest , Your beauty should admit no discourse to your honesty . Ofel.

My Lord , can beauty haue better priuiledge than with honesty ?

Ham. Yea mary may it ; for Beauty may transforme Honesty , from what she was into a bawd : Then Honesty can transforme Beauty : This was sometimes a Paradox , But now the time giues it scope . I neuer gaue you nothing . Ofel. My Lord , you know right well you did , And with them such earnest vowes of loue , As would haue moou'd the stoniest breast aliue , But now too true I finde , Rich giftes waxe poore , when giuers grow vnkinde . Ham.

I neuer loued you .

Ofel.

You made me beleeue you did .

Ham. O thou shouldst not a beleeued me ! Go to a Nunnery goe , why shouldst thou Be a breeder of sinners ? I am myselfe indifferent honest , But I could accuse my selfe of such crimes It had beene better my mother had ne're borne me , O I am very prowde , ambitious , disdainefull , With more sinnes at my becke , then I haue thoughts To put them in , what should such fellowes as I Do , crawling between heauen and earth ? To a Nunnery goe , we are arrant knaues all , Beleeue none of vs , to a Nunnery goe . Ofel.

O heauens secure him !

Ham.

Wher 's thy father ?

Ofel.

At home my lord .

Ham. For Gods sake let the doores be shut on him , He may play the foole no where but in his Owne house : to a Nunnery goe . Ofel.

Help him good God .

Ham. If thou dost marry , I le giue thee This plague to thy dowry : Be thou as chaste as yee , as pure as snowe , Thou shalt not scape calumny , to a Nunnery goe . Ofel.

Alas , what change is this ?

Ham. But if thou wilt needes many , marry a foole , For wisemen know well enough , What monsters you make of them , to a Nunnery goe . Ofel.

Pray God restore him ▪

Ham. Nay , I haue heard of your paintings too , God hath giuen you one face , And you make your selues another , You fig , and you amble , and you nickname Gods creatures , Making your wantonnesse , your ignorance , A pox , t' is scuruy , I le no more of it , It hath made me madde : I le no more marriages , All that are married but one , shall liue , The rest shall keepe as they are , to a Nunnery goe , To a Nunnery goe . exit . Ofe . Great God of heauen , what a quicke change is this ? The Courtier , Scholler , Souldier , all in him , All dasht and splinterd thence , O woe is me , To a seene what I haue seene , see what I see . exit . King Loue ? No , no , that 's not the cause , Some deeper thing it is that troubles him . Enter King and Corambis . Cor. Wel , something it is : my Lord , content you a while , I will my selfe goe feele him : let me worke , I le try him euery way : see where he comes , Send you those Gentlemen , let me alone To finde the depth of this , away , be gone . Now my good Lord , do you know me ? exit King . Enter Hamlet . Ham.

Yea very well , y' are a fishmonger .

Cor.

Not I my Lord .

Ham. Then sir , I would you were so honest a man , For to be honest , as this age goes , Is one man to be pickt out of tenne thousand . Cor.

What doe you reade my Lord ?

Ham.

Wordes , wordes .

Cor.

What 's the matter my Lord ?

Ham.

Betweene who ?

Cor.

I meane the matter you reade my Lord .

Ham. Mary most vile heresie : For here the Satyricall Satyre writes , That olde men haue hollow eyes , weake backes , Grey beardes , pittifull weake hammes , gowty legges , All which sir , I most potently beleeue not : For sir , your selfe shal be olde as I am , If like a Crabbe , you could goe backeward . Cor. How pregnant his replies are , and full of wit : Yet at first he tooke me for a fishmonger : All this comes by loue , the vemencie of loue , And when I was yong , I was very idle , And suffered much extasie in loue , very neere this : Will you walke out of the aire my Lord ? Ham.

Into my graue .

Cor. By the masse that 's out of the aire indeed , Very shrewd answers , My lord I will take my leaue of you . Enter Gilderstone , and Rossencraft . Ham. You can take nothing from me sir , I will more willingly part with all , Olde doating foole . Cor ,

You seeke Prince Hamlet , see , there he is .

exit . Gil.

Health to your Lordship .

Ham. What , Gilderstone , and Rossencraft , Welcome kinde Schoole-fellowes to Elsanoure . Gil. We thanke your Grace , and would be very glad You were as when we were at Wittenberg . Ham. I thanke you , but is this visitation free of Your selues , or were you not sent for ? Tell me true , come , I know the good King and Queene Sent for you , there is a kinde of confession in your eye : Come , I know you were sent for . Gil.

What say you ?

Ham. Nay then I see how the winde sits , Come , you were sent for . Ross. My lord , we were , and willingly if we might , Know the cause and ground of your discontent . Ham.

Why I want preferment .

Ross.

I thinke not so my lord .

Ham. Yes faith , this great world you see contents me not , No nor the spangled heauens , nor earth , nor sea , No nor Man that is so glorious a creature . Contents not me , no nor woman too , though you laugh . Gil.

My lord , we laugh not at that .

Ham. Why did you laugh then , When I said , Man did not content mee ? Gil. My Lord , we laughed , when you said , Man did not content you . What entertainement the Players shall haue , We boorded them a the way : they are comming to you . Ham.

Players , what Players be they ?

Ross. My Lord , the Tragedians of the Citty , Those that you tooke delight to see so often . Ham.

How comes it that they trauell ? Do they grow restie ?

Gil.

No my Lord , their reputation holds as it was wont .

Ham.

How then ?

Gil. Yfaith my Lord , noueltie carries it away , For the principall publike audience that Came to them , are turned to priuate playes , And to the humour of children . Ham. I doe not greatly wonder of it , For those that would make mops and moes At my vncle , when my father liued , Now giue a hundred , two hundred pounds For his picture : but they shall be welcome , He that playes the King shall haue tribute of me , The ventrous Knight shall vse his foyle and target , The louer shall sigh gratis , The clowne shall make them laugh That are tickled in the lungs , or the blanke verse shall halt for 't , And the Lady shall haue leaue to speake her minde freely . The Trumpets sound , Enter Corambis . Do you see yonder great baby ? He is not yet out of his swadling clowts . Gil. That may be , for they say an olde man Is twice a childe . Ham. I le prophecie to you , hee comes to tell mee a the Players , You say true , a monday last , t' was so indeede . Cor.

My lord , I haue news to tell you .

Ham. My Lord , I haue newes to tell you : When Rossios was an Actor in Rome . Cor.

The Actors are come hither , my lord .

Ham.

Buz , buz .

Cor. The best Actors in Christendome , Either for Comedy , Tragedy , Historie , Pastorall , Pastorall , Historicall , Historicall , Comicall , Comicall historicall , Pastorall , Tragedy historicall : Seneca cannot be too heauy , nor Plato too light ▪ For the law hath writ those are the onely men . Ha.

O Iepha Iudge of Israel ! what a treasure hadst thou ?

Cor.

Why what a treasure had he my lord ?

Ham. Why one faire daughter , and no more , The which he loued passing well . Cor. A , stil harping a my daughter ! well my Lord , If you call me Iepha , I hane a daughter that I loue passing well . Ham.

Nay that followes not .

Cor.

What followes then my Lord ?

Ham. Why by lot , or God wot , or as it came to passe , And so it was , the first verse of the godly Ballet Wil tel you all : for look you where my abridgement comes : Welcome maisters , welcome all , Enter players . What my olde friend , thy face is vallanced Since I saw thee last , com'st thou to beard me in Denmarke ? My yong lady and mistris , burlady but your Ladiship is growne by the altitude of a chopine higher than you were : Pray God sir your voyce , like a peece of vncurrant Golde , be not crack't in the ring : come on maisters , Wee le euen too 't , like French Falconers , Flie at any thing we see , come , a taste of your Quallitie , a speech , a passionate speech . Players

What speech my good lord ?

Ham. I heard thee speake a speech once , But it was neuer acted : or if it were , Neuer aboue twice , for as I remember , It pleased not the vulgar , it was cauiary To the million : but to me And others , that receiued it in the like kinde , Cried in the toppe of their iudgements , an excellent play , Set downe with as great modestie as cunning : One said there was no sallets in the lines to make them sauory , But called it an honest methode , as wholesome as sweete . Come , a speech in it I chiefly remember Was Aeneas tale to Dido , And then especially where he talkes of Princes slaughter , If it liue in thy memory beginne at this line , Let me see . The rugged Pyrrus , like th' arganian beast : No t' is not so , it begins with Pirrus : O I haue it . The rugged Pirrus , he whose sable armes , Blacke as his purpose did the night resemble , When he lay couched in the ominous horse , Hath now his blacke and grimme complexion smeered With Heraldry more dismall , head to foote , Now is he totall guise , horridely tricked With blood offathers , mothers , daughters , sonnes , Back't and imparched in calagulate gore , Rifted in earth and fire , olde grandsire Pryam seekes : So goe on . Cor.

Afore God , my Lord , well spoke , and with good accent .

Play . A none he finds him striking too short at Greeks , His a 〈…〉 d rebellious to his Arme , Lies where it falles , vnable to resist . Pyrrus at Pryam driues , but all in rage , Strikes wide , but with the whiffe and winde Of his fell sword , th' unnerued father falles . Cor.

Enough my friend , t' is too long .

Ham. It shall to the Barbers with your beard : A pox , hee 's for a Iigge , or a tale of bawdry , Or else he sleepes , come on to Hecuba , come . Play .

But who O who had seene the mobled Queene ?

Cor.

Mobled Queene is good , faith very good .

Play . All in the alarum and feare of death rose vp , And o're her weake and all ore-teeming loynes , a blancket And a kercher on that head , where late the diademe stoode , Who this had seene with tongue inuenom'd speech , Would treason haue pronounced , For if the gods themselues had seene her then , When she saw Pirrus with malitious strokes , Mincing her husbandes limbs , It would haue made milch the burning eyes of heauen , And passion in the gods . Cor. Looke my lord if he hath not changde his colour , And hath teares in his eyes : no more good heart , no more . Ham. T' is well , t' is very well , I pray my lord , Will you see the Players well bestowed , I tell you they are the Chronicles And briefe abstracts of the time , After your death I can tell you , You were better haue a bad Epiteeth , Then their ill report while you liue . Cor.

My lord , I will vse them according to their deserts .

Ham. O farre better man , vse euery man after his deserts , Then who should scape whipping ? Vse them after your owne honor and dignitie , The lesse they deserue , the greater credit's yours . Cor.

Welcome my good fellowes .

exit . Ham.

Come hither maisters , can you not play the murder of Gonsage ?

players

Yes my Lord .

Ham. And could'st not thou for a neede study me Some dozen or sixteene lines , Which I would set downe and insert ? players

Yes very easily my good Lord .

Ham. T' is well , I thanke you : follow that lord : And doe you heare sirs ? take heede you mocke him not . Gentlemen , for your kindnes I thanke you , And for a time I would desire you leaue me . Gil.

Our loue and duetie is at your commaund .

Exeunt all but Hamlet . Ham. Why what a dunghill idiote slaue am I ? Why these Players here draw water from eyes : For Hecuba , why what is Hecuba to him , or he to Hecuba ? What would he do and if he had my losse ? His father murdred , and a Crowne bereft him , He would turne all his teares to droppes of blood , Amaze the standers by with his laments , Strike more then wonder in the iuidiciall eares , Confound the ignorant , and make mute the wise , Indeede his passion would be generall . Yet I like to an asse and Iohn a Dreames , Hauing my father murdred by a villaine , Stand still , and let it passe , why sure I am a coward : Who pluckes me by the beard , or twites my nose , Giue 's me the lie i' th throate downe to the lungs , Sure I should take it , or else I haue no gall , Or by this I should a fatted all the region kites With this slaues offell , this damned villaine , Treacherous , bawdy , murderous villaine : Why this is braue , that I the sonne of my deare father , Should like a scalion , like a very drabbe Thus raile in wordes . About my braine , I haue heard that guilty creatures sitting at a play , Hath , by the very cunning of the scene , confest a murder Committed long before . This spirit that I haue seene may be the Diuell , And out of my weakenesse and my melancholy , As he is very potent with such men , Doth seeke to damne me , I will haue sounder proofes , The play 's the thing , Wherein I 'le catch the conscience of the King . exit . Enter the King , Queene , and Lordes . King Lordes , can you by no meanes finde The cause of our sonne Hamlets lunacie ? You being so neere in loue , euen from his youth , Me thinkes should gaine more than a stranger should . Gil. My lord , we haue done all the best we could , To wring from him the cause of all his griefe , But still he puts vs off , and by no meanes Would make an answere to that we exposde . Ross. Yet was he something more inclin'd to mirth Before we left him , and I take it , He hath giuen order for a play to night , At which he craues your highnesse company . King With all our heart , it likes vs very well : Gentlemen , seeke still to increase his mirth , Spare for no cost , our coffers shall be open , And we vnto your selues will still be thankefull . Both

In all wee can , be sure you shall commaund .

Queene Thankes gentlemen , and what the Queene of Denmarke May pleasure you , be sure you shall not want . Gil.

Wee le once againe vnto the noble Prince .

King

Thanks to you both : Gertred you 'l see this play .

Queene My lord I will , and it ioyes me at the soule He is inclin'd to any kinde of mirth . Cor. Madame , I pray be ruled by me : And my good Soueraigne , giue me leaue to speake , We cannot yet finde out the very ground Of his distemperance , therefore I holde it meete , if so it please you , Else they shall not meete , and thus it is . King

What i' st Corambis ?

Cor. Mary my good lord this , soone when the sports are done , Madam , send you in haste to speake with him , And I my selfe will stand behind the Arras , There question you the cause of all his griefe , And then in loue and nature vnto you , hee 'le tell you all : My Lord , how thinke you on 't ? King

It likes vs well , Gerterd , what say you ?

Queene

With all my heart , soone will I send for him .

Cor. My selfe will be that happy messenger , Who hopes his griefe will be reueal'd to her . exeunt omnes Enter Hamlet and the Players . Ham. Pronounce me this speech trippingly a the tongue as I taught thee , Mary and you mouth it , as a many of your players do I 'de rather heare a towne bull bellow , Then such a fellow speake my lines . Nor do not saw the aire thus with your hands , But giue euery thing his action with temperance . O it offends mee to the soule , to heare a robustious periwig fellow , To teare a passion in totters , into very ragges , To split the eares of the ignoraut , who for the Most parte are capable of nothing but dumbe shewes and noises , I would haue such a fellow whipt , for o're doing , tarmagant It out , Herodes Herod . Players

My Lorde , wee haue indifferently reformed that among vs .

Ham. The better , the better , mend it all together : There be fellowes that I haue seene play , And heard others commend them , and that highly too , That hauing neither the gate of Christian , Pagan , Nor Turke , haue so strutted and bellowed , That you would a thought , some of Natures journeymen Had made men , and not made them well , They imitated humanitie , so abhominable : Take heede , auoyde it . Players

I warrant you my Lord .

Ham. And doe you heare ? let not your Clowne speake More th●n is set downe , there be of them I can tell you That will laugh themselues , to set on some Quantitie of barren spectators to laugh with them , Albeit there is some necessary point in the Play Then to be obserued : O t' is vile , and shewes A pittifull ambition in the foole that vseth it . And then you haue some agen , that keepes one sute Osieasts , as a man is knowne by one sute of Apparell , and Gentlemen quotes his ieasts downe In their tables , before they come to the play as thus : Cannot you stay till I eate my porrige ? and , you owe me A quarters wages : and , my coate wants a cullison : And your beere is sowre : and , blabbering with his lips , And thus keeping in his cinkapase of ieasts , When , God knows , the warme Clowne cannot make a iest Vnlesse by chance , as the blinde man catcheth a hare : Maisters tell him of it . players

We will my Lord .

Ham.

Well , goe make you ready .

exeunt players . Horatio .

Heere my Lord .

Ham. Horatio , thou art euen as iust a man , As e're my conuersation cop'd withall . Hor.

O my lord !

Ham. Nay why should I flatter thee ? Why should the poore be flattered ? What gaine should I receiue by flattering thee , That nothing hath but thy good minde ? Let flattery sit on those time-pleasing tongs , To glose with them that loues to heare their praise , And not with such as thou Horatio . There is a play to night , wherein one Sceane they haue Comes very neere the murder of my father , When thou shalt see that Act afoote , Marke thou the King , doe but obserue his lookes , For I mine eies will riuet to his face : And if he doe not bleach , and change at that , It is a damned ghost that we haue seene . Horatio , haue a care , obserue him well . Hor. My lord , mine eies shall still be on his face , And not the smallest alteration That shall appeare in him , but I shall note it . Ham.

Harke , they come .

Enter King , Queene , Corambis , and other Lords . King

How now son Hamlet , how fare you , shall we haue a play ?

Ham.

Y faith the Camelions dish , not capon cramm'd , feede a the ayre .

I father : My lord , you playd in the Vniuersitie .

Cor.

That I did my L : and I was counted a good actor .

Ham.

What did you enact there ?

Cor.

My lord , I did act Iulius Caesar , I was killed in the Capitoll , Brutus killed me .

Ham. It was a brute parte of him , To kill so capitall a calfe . Come , be these Players ready ? Queene

Hamlet come sit downe by me .

Ham. No by my faith mother , heere 's a mettle more attractiue : Lady will you giue me leaue , and so forth : To lay my head in your lappe ? Ofel.

No my Lord .

Ham.

Vpon your lap , what do you thinke I meant contrary matters ?

Enter in a Dumbe Shew , the King and the Queene , he sits downe in an Arbor , she leaues him : Then enters Lucianus with poyson in a Viall , and powres it in his eares , and goes away : Then the Queene commeth and findes him dead : and goes away with the other . Ofel.

What meanes this my Lord ? Enter the Prologue .

Ham.

This is myching Mallico , that meanes my chiefe .

Ofel.

What doth this meane my lord ?

Ham.

you shall heare anone , this fellow will tell you all .

Ofel.

Will he tell vs what this shew meanes ?

Ham. I , or any shew you 'le shew him , Be not afeard to shew , hee 'le not be afeard to tell : O these Players cannot keepe counsell , thei 'le tell all . Prol. For vs , and for our Tragedie , Heere stowpiug to your clemencie , We begge your hearing patiently . Ham.

I' st a prologue , or a poesie for a ring ?

Ofel.

T' is short my Lord .

Ham.

As womens loue .

Enter the Duke and Dutchesse . Duke Full fortie yeares are past , their date is gone , Since happy time ioyn'd both our hearts as one : And now the blood that fill'd my youthfull veines , Runnes weakely in their pipes , and all the straines Of musicke , which whilome pleasde mine eare , Is now a burthen that Age cannot beare : And therefore sweete Nature must pay his due , To heauen must I , and leaue the earth with you . Dutchesse O say not so , lest that you kill my heart , When death takes you , let life from me depart . Duke Content thy selfe , when ended is my date , Thou maist ( perchance ) haue a more noble mate , More wise , more youthfull , and one . Dutchesse O speake no more for then I am accurst , None weds the second , but she kils the first : A second time I kill my Lord that 's dead , When second husband kisses me in bed . Ham.

O wormewood , wormewood !

Duke I doe beleeue you sweete , what now you speake , But what we doe determine oft we breake , For our demises stil are ouerthrowne , Our thoughts are ours , their end 's none of our owne : So thinke you will no second husband wed , But die thy thoughts , when thy first Lord is dead . Dutchesse Both here and there pursue me lasting strife , If once a widdow , euer I be wife . Ham.

If she should breake now .

Duke

T' is deepely sworne , sweete leaue me here a while , My spirites growe dull , and faine I would beguile the tedious time with sleepe .

Dutchesse Sleepe rocke thy braine , And neuer come mischance betweene vs twaine . exit Lady Ham.

Madam , how do you like this play ?

Queene

The Lady protests too much .

Ham.

O but shee 'le keepe her word .

King

Haue you heard the argument , is there no offence in it ?

Ham.

No offence in the world , poyson in iest , poison in iest .

King

What do you call the name of the play ?

Ham. Mouse-trap : mary how trapically : this play is The image of a murder done in guyana , Albertus Was the Dukes name , his wife Baptista , Father , it is a knauish peece a worke : but what A that , it toucheth not vs , you and I that haue free Soules , let the galld iade wince , this is one Lucianus nephew to the King . Ofel.

Ya 're as good as a Chorus my lord .

Ham.

I could interpret the loue you beare , if I sawe the poopies dallying .

Ofel.

Y' are very pleasant my lord .

Ham.

Who I , your onlie jig-maker , why what shoulde a man do but be merry ? for looke how cheerefully my mother lookes , my father died within these two houres .

Ofel.

Nay , t' is twice two months , my Lord .

Ham. Two months , nay then let the diuell weare blacke , For i 'le haue a sute of Sables : Iesus , two months dead , And not forgotten yet ? nay then there 's some Likelyhood , a gentlemans death may outliue memorie , But by my faith hee must build churches then , Or els hee must follow the olde Epitithe , With hoh , with ho , the hobi-horse is forgot . Ofel.

Your iests are keene my Lord .

Ham.

It would cost you a groning to take them off .

Ofel.

Still better and worse .

Ham. So you must take your husband , begin . Murdred Begin , a poxe , leaue thy damnable faces and begin , Come , the croking rauen doth bellow for reuenge . Murd . Thoughts blacke , hands apt , drugs fit , and time agreeing . Confederate season , else no creature seeing : Thou mixture rancke , of midnight weedes collected , With Hecates bane thrise blasted , thrise infected , Thy naturall magicke , and dire propertie , One wholesome life vsurps immediately . exit . Ham.

He poysons him for his estate .

King

Lights , I will to bed .

Cor.

The king rises , lights hoe .

Exeunt King and Lordes . Ham. What , frighted with false fires ? Then let the stricken deere goe weepe , The Hart vngalled play , For some must laugh , while some must weepe , Thus runnes the world away . Hor.

The king is mooued my lord .

Hor. I Horatio , i 'le take the Ghosts word For more then all the coyne in Denmarke . Enter Rossencraft and Gilderstone . Ross.

Now my lord , how i' st with you ?

Ham. And if the king like not the tragedy , Why then belike he likes it not perdy . Ross. We are very glad to see your grace so pleasant , My good lord , let vs againe intreate To know of you the ground and cause of your distemperature Gil.

My ▪ lord , your mother craues to speake with you .

Ham.

We shall obey , were she ten times our mother .

Ross.

But my good Lord , shall I intreate thus much ?

Ham.

I pray will you play vpon this pipe ?

Ross.

Alas my lord I cannot .

Ham.

Pray will you .

Gil.

I haue no skill my Lord .

Ham. why looke , it is a thing of nothing , T' is but stopping of these holes , And with a little breath from your lips , It will giue most delicate musick . Gil.

But this cannot wee do my Lord .

Ham.

Pray now , pray hartily , I beseech you .

Ros.

My lord wee cannot .

Ham. Why how vnworthy a thing would you make of me ? You would seeme to know my stops , you would play vpon mee , You would search the very inward part of my hart , And diue into the secreet of my soule . Zownds do you thinke Iam easier to be pla'yd On , then a pipe ? call mee what Instrument You will , though you can frett mee , yet you can not Play vpon mee , besides , to be demanded by a spunge . Ros.

How a spunge my Lord ?

Ham. I sir , a spunge , that sokes vp the kings Countenance , fauours , and rewardes , that makes His liberalitie your store house : but such as you , Do the king , in the end , best seruise ; For hee doth keep you as an Ape doth nuttes , In the corner of his law , first mouthes you , Then swallowes you : so when hee hath need Of you , t' is but squeefing of you , And spunge , you shall be dry againe , you shall . Ros.

Wel my Lord wee 'le take our leaue .

Ham

Farewell , farewell , God blesse you .

Exit Rossencraft and Gilderstone . Enter Corambis Cor.

My lord , the Queene would speake with you .

Ham.

Do you see yonder clowd in the shape of a camell ?

Cor.

T' is like a camell in deed .

Ham.

Now me thinkes it 's like a weasel .

Cor.

T' is back't like a weasell .

Ham.

Or like a whale .

Cor.

Very like a whale .

exit Coram . Ham. Why then tell my mother i 'le come by and by . Good night Horatio . Hor.

Good night vnto your Lordship .

exit Horatio . Ham. My mother she hath sent to speake with me : O God , let ne're the heart of Nero enter This soft bosome . Let me be cruell , not vnnaturall . I will speake daggers ▪ those sharpe wordes being spent , To doe her wrong my soule shall ne're consent . exit . Enter the King . King O that this wet that falles vpon my face Would wash the crime cleere from my conscience ! When I looke vp to heauen , I see my trespasse , The earth doth still crie out vpon my fact , Pay me the murder of a brother and a king , And the adulterous fault I haue committed : O these are sinnes that are vnpardonable : Why say thy sinnes were blacker then is ieat , Yet may contrition make them as white as snowe : I but still to perseuer in a sinne , It is an act gainst the vniuersall power , Most wretched man , stoope , bend thee to thy prayer , Aske grace of heauen to keepe thee from despaire . hee kneeles . enter ▪ Hamlet Ham. I so , come forth and worke thy last , And thus hee dies : and so am I reuenged : No , not so : he tooke my father sleeping , his sins brim full , And how his soule stoode to the state of heauen Who knowes , saue the immortall powres , And shall I kill him now , When he is purging of his soule ? Making his way for heauen this is a benefit , And not reuenge : no , get thee vp agen , When hee 's at game swaring , taking his carowse , drinking drunke , Or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed , Or at some act that hath no relish Of saluation in 't , then trip him That his heeles may kicke at heauen , And fall as lowe as hel : my mother stayes , This phisicke but prolongs thy weary dayes . exit Ham. King My wordes fly vp , my sinnes remaine below . No King on earth is safe , if Gods his foe . exit King . Enter Queene and Corambis . Cor. Madame , I heare yong Hamlet comming , I 'le shrowde my selfe behinde the Arras . exit Cor. Queene

Do so my Lord .

Ham. Mother , mother , O are you here ? How i' st with you mother ? Queene

How i' st with you ?

Ham ,

I 'le tell you , but first wee le make all safe .

Queene

Hamlet , thou hast thy father much offended .

Ham.

Mother , you haue my father much offended .

Queene

How now boy ?

Ham.

How now mother ! come here , sit downe , for you shall heare me speake .

Queene

What wilt thou doe ? thou wilt not murder me : Helpe hoe .

Cor.

Helpe for the Queene .

Ham. I a Rat , dead for a Duckat . Rash intruding foole , farewell , I tooke thee for thy better . Queene

Hamlet , what hast thou done ?

Ham. Not so much harme , good mother , As to kill a king , and marry with his brother . Queene

How ▪ kill a king !

Ham. Ia King : nay sit you downe , and ere you part , If you be made of penitrable stuffe , I 'le make your eyes looke downe into your heart , And see how horride there and blacke it shews . Queene

Hamlet , what mean'st thou by these killing words ?

Ham. Why this I meane , see here , behold this picture , It is the portraiture , of your deceased husband , See here a face , to outface Mars himselfe , An eye , at which his foes did tremble at , A front wherin all vertue ▪ are set downe For to adorne a king , and guild his crowne , Whose heart went hand in hand euen with that vow , He made to you in marriage , and he is dead . Murdred , damnably murdred , this was your husband , Looke you now , here is your husband , With a face like Unlcan . A looke fit for a murder and a rape , A dull dead hanging looke , and a hell-bred eie , To affright children and amaze the world : And this same haue you left to change with this . What Diuell thus hath cosoned you at hob-man blinde ? A ! haue you eyes and can you looke on him That slew my father , and your deere husband , To liue in the incestuous pleasure of his bed ? Queene

O Hamlet , speake no more .

Ham. To leaue him that bare a Monarkes minde , For a king of clowts , of very shreads . Queene

Sweete Hamlet cease .

Ham. Nay but still to persist and dwell in finne , To sweate vnder the yoke of insamie , To make increase of shame , to seale damnation . Queene

Hamlet , no more .

Ham. Why appetite with you is in the waine , Your blood runnes backeward now from whence it came , Who 'le chide hote blood within a Virgins heart , When lust shall dwell within a matrons breast ? Queene

Hamlet , thou cleaues my heart in twaine .

Ham.

O throw away the worser part of it , and keepe the better .

Enter the ghost in his night gowne . Saue me , saue me , you gratious Powers aboue , and houer ouer mee , With your celestiall wings . Doe you not come your tardy sonne to chide , That I thus long haue let reuenge slippe by ? O do not glare with lookes so pittifull ! Lest that my heart of stone yeelde to compassion , And euery part that should assist reuenge , Forgoe their proper powers , and fall to pitty . Ghost Hamlet , I once againe appeare to thee , To put thee in remembrance of my death : Doe not neglect , nor long time put it off . But I perceiue by thy distracted lookes , Thy mother 's fearefull , and she stands amazde : Speake to her Hamlet , for her sex is weake , Comfort thy mother , Hamlet , thinke on me . Ham.

How i' st with you Lady ?

Queene Nay , how i' st with you That thus you bend your eyes on vacancie , And holde discourse with nothing but with ayre ? Ham.

Why doe you nothing heare ?

Queene

Not I.

Ham.

Nor doe you nothing see ?

Queene

No neither .

Ham. No , why see the king my father , my father , in the habite As he liued , looke you how pale he lookes , See how he steales away out of the Portall , Looke , there he goes . exit ghost . Queene Alas , it is the weakenesse of thy braine , Which makes thy tongue to blazon thy hearts griefe : But as I haue a soule , I sweare by heauen , I neuer knew of this most horride murder : But Hamlet , this is onely fantasie , And for my loue forget these idle fits . Ham. Idle , no mother , my pulse doth beate like yours , It is not madnesse that possesseth Hamlet . O mother , if euer you did my deare father loue , Forbeare the adulterous bed to night , And win your selfe by little as you may , In time it may be you wil lothe him quite : And mother , but assist mee in reuenge , And in his death your infamy shall die . Queene Hamlet , I vow by that maiesty , That knowes our thoughts , and lookes into our hearts , I will conceale , consent , and doe my best , What stratagem soe're thou shalt deuise . Ham. It is enough , mother good night : Come sir , I 'le prouide for you a graue , Who was in life a foolish prating knaue . Exit Hamlet with the dead body . Enter the King and Lordes . King

Now Gertred , what sayes our sonne , how doe you finde him ?

Queene Alas my lord , as raging as the sea : Whenas he came , I first bespake him faire , But then he throwes and tosses me about , As one forgetting that I was his mother : At last I call'd for help : and as I cried , Corambis Call'd , which Hamlet no sooner heard , but whips me Out his rapier , and cries , a Rat , a Rat , and in his rage The good olde man he killes . King Why this his madnesse will vndoe our state . Lordes goe to him , inquire the body out . Gil.

We will my Lord .

Exeunt Lordes . King Gertred , your sonne shall presently to England , His shipping is already furnished , And we haue sent by Rossencraft and Gilderstone , Our letters to our deare brother of England , For Hamlets welfare and his happinesse : Happly the aire and climate of the Country May please him better than his natiue home : See where he comes . Enter Hamlet and the Lordes . Gil. My lord , we can by no meanes Know of him where the body is . King

Now sonne Hamlet , where is this dead body ?

Ham. At supper , not where he is eating , but Where he is eaten , a certaine company of politicke wormes are euen now at him . Father , your fatte King , and your leane Beggar Are but variable seruices , two dishes to one messe : Looke you , a man may fish with that worme That hath eaten of a King , And a Beggar eate that fish , Which that worme hath caught . King

What of this ?

Ham. Nothing father , but to tell you , how a King May go a progresse through the guttes of a Beggar . King

But sonne Hamlet , where is this body ?

Ham. In heau'n , if you chance to misse him there , Father , you had best looke in the other partes below For him , and if you cannot finde him there , You may chance to nose him as you go vp the lobby . King

Make haste and finde him out .

Ham. Nay doe you heare ? do not make too much haste , I 'le warrant you hee 'le stay till you come . King Well sonne Hamlet , we in care of you : but specially in tender preseruation of your health , The which we price euen as our proper selfe , It is our minde you forthwith goe for England , The winde fits faire , you shall aboorde to night , Lord Rossencraft and Gilderstone shall goe along with you . Ham.

O with all my heart : farewel mother .

King

Your louing father , Hamlet .

Ham. My mother I say : you married my mother , My mother is your wife , man and wife is one flesh , And so ( my mother ) farewel : for England hoe . exeunt all but the king . king Gertred , leaue me , And take your leaue of Hamlet , To England is he gone , ne're to returne : Our Letters are vnto the King of England , That on the sight of them , on his allegeance , He presently without demaunding why , That Hamlet loose his head , for he must die , There 's more in him than shallow eyes can see : He once being dead , why then our state is free . exit . Enter Fortenbrasse , Drumme and Souldiers . Fort. Captaine , from vs goe greete The king of Denmarke : Tell him that Fortenbrasse nephew to old Norway , Craues a free passe and conduct ouer his land , According to the Articles agreed on : You know our Randevous , goe march away . exeunt all . enter King and Queene . King Hamlet is ship't for England , fare him well , I hope to heare good newes from thence ere long , If euery thing fall out to our content , As I doe make no doubt but so it shall . Queene God grant it may , heau'ns keep my Hamlet safe : But this mischance of olde Corambis death , Hath piersed so the yong Ofeliaes heart , That she , poore maide , is quite bereft her wittes . King Alas deere heart ! And on the other side , We vnderstand her brother 's come from Francé , And he hath halfe the heart of all our Land , And hardly hee 'le forget his fathers death , Vnlesse by some meanes he be pacified . Qu.

O see where the yong Ofelia is !

Enter Ofelia playing on a Lute , and her haire downe singing . Ofelia How should I your true loue know From another man ? By his cockle hatte , and his staffe , And his sandall shoone . White his shrowde as mountaine snowe , Larded with sweete slowers , That bewept to the graue did not goe With true louers showers : He is dead and gone Lady , he is dead and gone , At his head a grasse greene turffe , At his heeles a stone . king

How is 't with you sweete Ofelia ?

Ofelia Well God yeeld you , It grieues me to see how they laid him in the cold ground , I could not chuse but weepe : And will he not come againe ? And will he not come againe ? No , no , hee 's gone , and we cast away mone , And he neuer will come againe . His beard as white as snowe : All flaxen was his pole , He is dead , he is gone , And we cast away moane : God a mercy on his soule . And of all christen soules I pray God . God be with you Ladies , God be with you . exit Ofelia . king A pretty wretch ! this is a change indeede : O Time , how swiftly runnes our ioyes away ? Content on earth was neuer certaine bred , To day we laugh and liue , to morrow dead . How now , what noyse is that ? A noyse within . enter Leartes . Lear. Stay there vntill I come , O thou vilde king , giue me my father : Speake , say , where 's my father ? king

Dead .

Lear. Who hath murdred him ? speake , i 'le not Be juggled with , for he is murdred . Queene

True , but not by him .

Lear.

By whome , by heau'n I 'le be resolued .

king Let him goe Gertred , away , I feare him not , There 's such diuinitie doth wall a king , That treason dares not looke on . Let him goe Gertred , that your father is murdred , T' is true , and we most sory for it , Being the chiefest piller of our state : Therefore will you like a most desperate gamster , Swoop-stake-like , draw at friend , and foe , and all ? Lear. To his good friends thus wide I 'le ope mine arms , And locke them in my hart , but to his foes , I will no reconcilement but by bloud . king Why now you speake like a most louing sonne : And that in soule we sorrow for for his death , Your selfe ere long shall be a witnesse , Meane while be patient , and content your selfe . Enter Ofelia as before . Lear. Who 's this , Ofelia ? O my deere sister ! I' st possible a yong maides life , Should be as mortall as an olde mans sawe ? O heau'ns themselues ! how now Oselia ? Ofel. Wel God a mercy , I a bin gathering of floures Here , here is rew for you , You may call it hearb a grace a Sundayes , Heere 's some for me too : you must weare your rew With a difference , there 's a dazie . Here Loue , there 's rosemary for you For remembrance : I pray Loue remember , And there 's pansey for thoughts . Lear.

A document in madnes , thoughts , remembrance : O God , O God!

Ofelia There is fennell for you , I would a giu'n you Some violets , but they all withered , when My father died : alas , they say the owle was A Bakers daughter , we see what we are , But can not tell what we shall be . For bonny sweete Robin is all my ioy . Lear.

Thoughts & afflictions , torments worse than hell .

Ofel. Nay Loue , I pray you make no words of this now : I pray now , you shall sing a downe , And you a downe a , t' is a the Kings daughter And the false steward , and if any body Aske you of any thing , say you this . Tomorrow is saint Valentines day , All in the morning betime , And a maide at your window , To be your Valentine : The yong man rose , and dan'd his clothes , And dupt the chamber doore , Let in the maide , that out a maide Neuer departed more . Nay I pray marke now , By gisle , and by saint Charitie , Away , and fie for shame : Yong men will doo 't when they come too'●● By cocke they are too blame . Quoth she , before you tumbled me , You promised me to wed . So would I a done , by yonder Sunne , If thou hadst not come to my bed . So God be with you all , God bwy Ladies . God bwy you Loue . exit Ofelia . Lear. Griefe vpon griefe , my father murdered , My sister thus distracted : Cursed be his soule that wrought this wicked act . king Content you good Leartes for a time , Although I know your griefe is as a floud , Brimme full of sorrow , but forbeare a while , And thinke already the reuenge is done On him that makes you such a haplesse sonne . Lear. You haue preuail'd my Lord , a while I 'le striue , To bury griefe within a tombe of wrath , Which once vnhearsed , then the world shall heare Leartes had a father he held deere . king No more of that , ere many dayes be done , You shall heare that you do not dreame vpon . exeunt om. Enter Horatio and the Queene . Hor. Madame , your sonne is safe arriv'de in Denmarke , This letter I euen now receiv'd of him , Whereas he writes how he escap't the danger , And subtle treason that the king had plotted , Being crossed by the contention of the windes , He found the Packet sent to the king of England , Wherein he saw himselfe betray'd to death , As at his next conuersion with your grace , He will relate the circumstance at full . Queene Then I perceiue there 's treason in his lookes That seem'd to sugar o're his villanie : But I will soothe and please him for a time , For murderous mindes are alwayes jealo●s , But know not you Horatio where he is ? Hor. Yes Madame , and he hath appoynted me To m● ete h●m on the east side of the Cittie To morrow morning . Queene O faile not , good Horatio , and withall , commend me A mothers care to him , bid him a while Be wary of his presence , lest that he Faile in that he goes about . Hor. Madam , neuer make doubt of that : I thinke by this the news be come to court : He is arriv'de , obserue the king , and you shall Quickely finde , Hamlet being here , Things fell not to his minde . Queene

But what became of Gilderstone and Rossencraft ?

Hor. He being set a shore , they went for England , And in the Packet there writ down that doome To be perform'd on them poynted for him : And by great chance he had his fathers Seale , So all was done without discouerie . Queene Thankes be to heauen for blessing of the prince , Horatio once againe I take my leaue , With thowsand mothers blessings to my sonne . Horat.

Madam adue .

Enter King and Leartes . King . Hamlet from England ! is it possible ? What chance is this ? they are gone , and he come home . Lear. O he is welcome , by my soule he is : At it my iocund heart doth leape for ioy , That I shall liue to tell him , thus he dies . king Leartes , content your selfe , be rulde by me , And you shall haue no let for your reuenge . Lear.

My will , not all the world .

King Nay but Leartes , marke the plot I haue layde , I haue heard him often with a greedy wish , Vpon some praise that he hath heard of you Touching your weapon , which with all his heart , He might be once tasked for to try your cunning . Lea.

And how for this ?

King Mary Leartes thus : I 'le lay a wager , Shal be on Hamlets side , and you shall giue the oddes , The which will draw him with a more desire , To try the maistry , that in twelue venies You gaine not three of him : now this being granted , When you are hot in midst of all your play , Among the foyles shall a keene rapier lie , Steeped in a mixture of deadly poyson , That if it drawes but the least dramme of blood , In any part of him , he cannot liue : This being done will free youfrom suspition , And not the deerest friend that Hamlet lov'de Will euer haue Leartes in suspect . Lear. My lord , I like it well : But say lord Hamlet should refuse this match . King I 'le warrant you , wee 'le put on you Such a report of singularitie , Will bring him on , although against his will . And lest that all should misse , I 'le haue a potion that shall ready stand , In all his heate when that he calles for drinke , Shall be his period and our happinesse . Lear. T' is excellent , O would the time were come ! Here comes the Queene . enter the Queene . king

How now Gertred , why looke you heauily ?

Queene O my Lord , the yong Ofelia Hauing made a garland of sundry sortes of floures , Sitting vpon a willow by a brooke , The enuious sprig broke , into the brooke she fell , And for a while her clothes spread wide abroade , Bore the yong Lady vp : and there she sate smiling , Euen Mermaide ▪ like , twixt heauen and earth , Chaunting olde sundry tunes vncapable As it were of her distresse , but long it could not be , Till that her clothes , being heauy with their drinke , Dragg'd the sweete wretch to death . Lear. So , she is drownde : Too much of water hast thou Ofelia , Therefore I will not drowne thee in my teares , Reuenge it is must yeeld this heart releefe , For woe begets woe , and griefe hangs on griefe . exeunt . enter Clowne and an other . Clowne I say no , she ought not to be buried In christian buriall . 2.

Why sir ?

Clowne

Mary because shee 's drownd .

But she did not drowne her selfe .

Clowne

No , that 's certaine , the water drown'd her .

Yea but it was against her will .

Clowne No , I deny that , for looke you sir , I stand here , If the water come to me , I drowne not my selfe : But if I goe to the water , and am there drown'd , Ergo I am guiltie of my owne death : Y' are gone , goe y' are gone sir. 2. I but see , she hath christian buriall , Because she is a great woman . Clowne Mary more 's the pitty , that great folke Should haue more authoritie to hang or drowne Themselues , more than other people : Goe fetch me a stope of drinke , but before thou Goest , tell me one thing , who buildes strongest , Of a Mason , a Shipwright , or a Carpenter ? 2. Why a Mason , for he buildes all of stone , And will indure long . Clowne

That 's prety , too 't agen , too 't agen .

2. Why then a Carpenter , for he buildes the gallowes , And that brings many a one to his long home . Clowne

Prety agen , the gallowes doth well , mary howe dooes it well ? the gallowes dooes well to them that doe ill , goe get thee gone :

And if any one aske thee hereafter , say , A Graue-maker , for the houses he buildes Last till Doomes-day . Fetch me a stope of beere , goe . Enter Hamlet and Horatio . Clowne A picke-axe and a spade , A spade for and a winding sheete , Most fit it is , for t' will be made , he throwes vp a shouel . For such a ghest most meete . Ham. Hath this fellow any feeling of himselfe , That is thus merry in making of a graue ? See how the slaue joles their heads against the earth . Hor.

My lord , Custome hath made it in him seeme nothing .

Clowne A pick-axe and a spade , a spade , For and a winding fheete , Most fit it is for to be made , For such a ghest most meet . Ham. Looke you , there 's another Horatio . Why mai 't not be the scull of some Lawyer ? Me thinkes he should indite that fellow Of an action of Batterie , for knocking Him about the pate with 's shouel : now where is your Quirkes and quillets now , your vouchers and Double vouchers , your leases and free-holde , And tenements ? why that same boxe there will scarse Holde the conueiance of his land , and must The honor lie th●re ? O pittifull transformance ! I prethee tell me Horatio , Is parchment made of sheep-skinnes ? Hor.

I my Lorde , and of calues-skinnes too .

Ham. I faith they prooue themselues sheepe and calues That deale with them , or put their trust in them . There 's another , why may not that be such a ones Scull , that praised my Lord such a ones horse , When he meant to beg him ? Horatio , I prethee Let s question yonder fellow . Now my friend , whose graue is this ? Clowne

Mine sir.

Ham.

But who must lie in it ?

Clowne

If I should say , I should , I should lie in my throat sir.

Ham.

What man must be buried here ?

Clowne

No man sir ▪

Ham.

What woman ?

Clowne . No woman neither sir , but indeede One that was a woman . Ham. An excellent fellow by the Lord Horatio , This seauen yeares haue I noted it : the toe of the pesant , Comes so neere the heele of the courtier , That hee gawles his kibe , I prethee tell mee one thing , How long will a man lie in the ground before hee rots ? Clowne I faith sir , if hee be not rotten before He be laide in , as we haue many pocky corses , He will last you , eight yeares , a tanner Will last you eight yeares full out , or nine . Ham.

And why a tanner

Clowne Why his hide is so tanned with his trade , That it will holde out water that 's a parlous Deuourer of your dead body , a great soaker . Looke you , here s a scull hath bin here this dozen yeare , Let me see , I euer since our last king Hamlet Slew Fortenbrasse in combat , yong Hamlets father , Hee that 's mad . Ham.

I mary , how came he madde ?

Clowne

I faith very strangely , by loosing of his wittes .

Ham.

Vpon what ground ?

Clowne

A this ground , in Denmarke .

Ham.

Where is he now ?

Clowne

Why now they sent him to England .

Ham.

To England ! wherefore ?

Clowne Why they say he shall haue his wittes there , Or if he haue not , t' is no great matter there , It will not be seene there . Ham.

Why not there ?

Clowne

Why there they say the men are as mad as he .

Ham.

Whose scull was this ?

Clowne This , a plague on him , a madde rogues it was , He powred once a whole flagon of Rhenish of my head , Why do not you know him ? this was one Yorickes scull . Ham.

Was this ? I prethee let me see it , alas poore Yoricke I knew him Horatio ,

A fellow of infinite mirth , he hath caried mee twenty times vpon his backe , here hung those lippes that I haue Kissed a hundred times , and to see , now they abhorre me : Where s your iests now Yoricke ? your flashes of meriment : now go to my Ladies chamber , and bid her paint her selfe an inch thicke , to this she must come Yoricke . Horatio , I prethee tell me one thing , doost thou thinke that , Alexander looked thus ?

Hor.

Euen so my Lord .

Ham.

And smelt thus ?

Hor.

I my lord , no otherwise .

Ham.

No , why might not imagination worke , as thus of Alexander , Alexander died , Alexander was buried , Alexander became earth , of earth we make clay , and Alexander being but clay , why might not time bring to passe , that he might stoppe the boung hole of a beere barrell ?

Imperious Caesar dead and turnd to clay , Might stoppe a hole , to keepe the winde away . Enter King and Queene , Leartes , and other lordes , with a Priest after the coffin . Ham. What funerall's this that all the Court laments ? It shews to be some noble parentage : Stand by a while . Lear.

What ceremony else ? say , what ceremony else ?

Priest My Lord , we haue done all that lies in vs , And more than well the church can tolerate , She hath had a Dirge sung for her maiden soule : And but for fauour of the king , and you , She had beene buried in the open fieldes , Where now she is allowed christian buriall . Lear.

So , I tell thee churlish Priest , a ministring Angell shall my sister be , when thou liest howling .

Ham.

The faire Ofelia dead !

Queene Sweetes to the sweete , farewell : I had thought to adorne thy bridale bed , faire maide , And not to follow thee vnto thy graue . Lear.

Forbeare the earth a while : sister farewell :

Leartes leapes into the graue . Now powre your earth on , Olympus hie , And make a hill to o're top olde Pellon : Hamlet leaps in after Leartes What s he that coniures so ? Ham.

Beholde t is I , Hamlet the Dane .

Lear.

The diuell take thy soule .

Ham. O thou praiest not well , I prethee take thy hand from off my throate , For there is something in me dangerous , Which let thy wisedome feare , holde off thy hand ▪ I lou'de Ofelia as deere as twenty brothers could : Shew me what thou wilt doe for her : Wilt fight , wilt fast , wilt pray , Wilt drinke vp vessels , eate a crocadile ? I le do ot : Com'st thou here to whine ? And where thou talk'st of burying thee a liue , Here let vs stand : and let them throw on vs , Whole hills of earth , till with the heighth therof , Make Oosell as a Wart . King . Forbeare Leartes , now is hee mad , as is the sea , Anone as milde and gentle as a Doue : Therfore a while giue his wilde humour scope . Ham. What is the reason sir that you wrong mee thus ? I neuer gaue you cause : but stand away , A Cat will meaw , a Dog will haue a day . Exit Hamlet and Horatio . Queene . Alas , it is his madnes makes him thus , And not his heart , Leartes . King . My lord , t' is so : but wee 'le no longer trifle , This very day shall Hamlet drinke his last , For presently we meane to send to him , Therfore Leartes be in readynes . Lear.

My lord , till then my soule will not bee quiet .

King . Come Gertred , wee 'l haue Leartes , and our sonne , Made friends and Louers , as befittes them both , Euen as they tender vs , and loue their countrie . Queene

God grant they may .

exeunt omnes . Enter Hamlet and Horatio Ham. beleeue mee , it greeues mee much Horatio , That to Leartes I forgot my selfe : For by my selfe me thinkes I feele his griefe , Though there 's difference in each others wrong . Enter a Bragart Gentleman . Horatio , but marke yon water-flie , The Court knowes him , but hee knowes not the Court. Gent.

Now God saue thee , sweete prince Hamlet .

Ham.

And you sir : foh , how the muske-cod smels !

Gen.

I come with an embassage from his maiesty to you

Ham. I shall sir giue you attention : By my troth me thinkes t' is very colde . Gent.

It is indeede very rawish colde .

Ham.

T' is hot me thinkes .

Gent. Very swoltery hote : The King , sweete Prince , hath layd a wager on your side , Six Barbary horse , against six french rapiers , With all their acoutrements too , a the carriages : In good faith they are very curiously wrought . Ham.

The cariages sir , I do not know what you meane .

Gent.

The girdles , and hangers sir , and such like .

Ham. The worde had beene more cosin german to the phrase , if he could haue carried the canon by his side , And howe 's the wager ? I vnderstand you now . Gent. Mary sir , that yong Leartes in twelue venies At Rapier and Dagger do not get three oddes of you , And on your side the King hath laide , And desires you to be in readinesse . Ham. Very well , if the King dare venture his wager , I dare venture my skull : when must this be ? Gent. My Lord , presently , the king , and her maiesty , With the rest of the best iudgement in the Court , Are comming downe into the outward pallace . Ham.

Goe tell his maiestie , I wil attend him .

Gent .

I shall deliuer your most sweet answer .

exit . Ham. You may sir , none better , for y' are spiced , Else he had a bad nose could not smell a foole . Hor.

He will disclose himselfe without inquirie .

Ham. Beleeue me Horatio , my hart is on the sodaine Very sore , all here about . Hor.

My lord ▪ forbeare the challenge then .

Ham.

No Horatio , not I , if danger be now ,

Why then it is not to come , there s a predestiuate prouidence in the fall of a sparrow : heere comes the King .

Enter King , Queene , Leartes , Lordes . King Now sonne Hamlet , we hane laid vpon your head , And make no question but to haue the best . Ham.

Your maiestie hath laide a the weaker side .

King

We doubt it not , deliuer them the foiles .

Ham. First Leartes , heere 's my hand and loue , Protesting that I neuer wrongd Leartes . If Hamlet in his madnesse did amisse , That was not Hamlet , but his madnes did it , And all the wrong I e're did to Leartes , I here proclaime was madnes , therefore let s be at peace , And thinke I haue shot mine arrow o're the house , And hurt my brother . Lear. Sir I am satisfied in nature , But in termes of honor I 'le stand aloofe , And will no reconcilement , Till by some elder maisters of our time I may be satisfied . King

Giue them the foyles .

Ham. I 'le be your foyle Leartes , these foyles , Haue all a laught , come on sir : a hit . Lear.

No none .

Heere they play : Ham.

Iudgement .

Gent.

A hit , a most palpable hit .

Lear.

Well , come againe .

They play againe . Ham.

Another . Iudgement .

Lear.

I , I grant , a tuch , a tuch .

King

Here Hamlet , the king doth drinke a health to thee

Queene

Here Hamlet , take my napkin , wipe thy face .

King

Giue him the wine .

Ham. Set it by , I 'le haue another bowt first , I 'le drinke anone . Queene

Here Hamlet , thy mother drinkes to thee .

Shee drinkes . King

Do not drinke Gertred : O t' is the poysned cup ▪

Ham. Leartes come , you dally with me , I pray you passe with your most cunningst play . Lear. I ! say you so ? haue at you , I le hit you now my Lord : And yet it goes almost against my conscience . Ham.

Come on sir.

They catch one anothers Rapiers , and both are wounded , Leartes falles downe , the Queene falles downe and dies . King

Looke to the Queene .

Queene

O the drinke , the drinke , Hamlet , the drinke .

Ham.

Treason , ho , keepe the gates .

Lords

How is t my Lord Leartes ?

Lear. Euen as a coxcombe should , Foolishly slaine with my owne weapon : Hamlet , thou hast not in thee halfe an houre of life , The fatall Instrument is in thy hand . Vnbated and invenomed : thy mother 's poysned That drinke was made for thee . Ham. The poysned Instrument within my hand ? Then venome to thy venome , die damn'd villaine : Come drinke , here lies thy vnion here . The king dies . Lear. O he is iustly serued : Hamlet , before I die , here take my hand , And withall , my loue : I doe forgiue thee . Leartes dies . Ham.

And I thee , O I am dead Horatio , fare thee well .

Hor. No , I am more an antike Roman , Then a Dane , here is some poison left . Ham. Vpon my loue I charge thee let it goe , O fie Horatio , and if thou shouldst die , What a scandale wouldst thou leaue behinde ? What tongue should tell the story of our deaths , If not from thee ? O my heart sinckes Horatio , Mine eyes haue lost their sight , my tongue his vse : Farewel Horatio , heauen receiue my soule . Ham. dies . Enter Uoltemar and the Ambassadors from England . enter Fortenbrasse with his traine . Fort.

Where is this bloudy sight ?

Hor. If aught of woe or wonder you 'ld behold , Then looke vpon this tragicke spectacle . Fort. O imperious death ! how many Princes Hast thou at one draft bloudily shot to death ? Ambass . Our ambassie that we haue brought from England , Where be these Princes that should heare vs speake ? O most most vnlooked for time ! vnhappy country . Hor. Content your selues , I le shew to all , the ground , The first beginning of this Tragedy : Let there a scaffold be rearde vp in the market place , And let the State of the world be there : Where you shall heare such a sad story tolde , That neuer mortall man could more vnfolde . Fort. I haue some rights of memory to this kingdome , Which now to claime my leisure doth inuite mee : Let foure of our chiefest Captaines Beare Hamlet like a souldier to his graue : For he was likely , had he liued , To a prou'd most royall . Take vp the bodie , such a fight as this Becomes the fieldes , but here doth much amisse Finis