The Bodleian First Folio

A digital facsimile of the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, Bodleian Arch. G c.7.



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Reference: oo2v - Tragedies, p. 260

Left Column


The Tragedie of Hamlet. And leads the will to desperate Vndertakings, As oft as any passion vnder Heauen, That does afflict our Natures. I am sorrie, What haue you giuen him any hard words of late? Ophe.
[975]
No my good Lord: but as you did command, I did repell his Letters, and deny'de His accesse to me.
Pol. That hath made him mad. I am sorrie that with better speed and iudgement
[980]
I had not quoted him. I feare he did but trifle, And meant to wracke thee: but beshrew my iealousie: It seemes it is as proper to our Age, To cast beyond our selues in our Opinions, As it is common for the yonger sort
[985]
To lacke discretion. Come, go we to the King, This must be knowne, w c being kept close might moue More greefe to hide, then hate to vtter loue.
Exeunt.
[Act 2, Scene 2] Scena Secunda. Enter King, Queene, Rosincrane Rosincrance , and Guilden­ sterne Cumalijs. King. Welcome deere Rosincrance and Guildensterne. Moreouer, that we much did long to see you,
[990]
The neede we haue to vse you, did prouoke Our hastie sending. Something haue you heard Of Hamlets transformation: so I call it, Since not th'exterior, nor the inward man Resembles that it was. What it should bee
[995]
More then his Fathers death, that thus hath put him So much from th'vnderstanding of himselfe, I cannot deeme of. I intreat you both, That being of so young dayes brought vp with him: And since so Neighbour'd to his youth, and humour,
[1000]
That you vouchsafe your rest heere in our Court Some little time: so by your Companies To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather So much as from Occasions you may gleane, That open'd lies within our remedie.
Qu.
[1005]
Good Gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you, And sure I am, two men there are not liuing, To whom he more adheres. If it will please you To shew vs so much Gentrie, and good will, As to expend your time with vs a‑while,
[1010]
For the supply and profit of our Hope, Your Visitation shall receiue such thankes As fits a Kings remembrance.
Rosin. Both your Maiesties Might by the Soueraigne power you haue of vs,
[1015]
Put your dread pleasures, more into Command Then to Entreatie.
Guil. We both obey, And here giue vp our selues, in the full bent, To lay our Seruices freely at your feete,
[1020]
To be commanded.
King. Thankes Rosincrance, and gentle Guildensterne. Qu. Thankes Guildensterne and gentle Rosincrance. And I beseech you instantly to visit My too much changed Sonne.
[1025]
Go some of ye, And bring the Gentlemen where Hamlet is.
Guil. Heauens make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpfull to him. Exit.

Right Column


Queene. Amen. Enter Polonius. Pol.
[1030]
Th'Ambassadors from Norwey, my good Lord, Are ioyfully return'd.
King. Thou still hast bin the Father of good Newes. Pol. Haue I, my Lord? Assure you, my good Liege, I hold my dutie, as I hold my Soule,
[1035]
Both to my God, one to my gracious King: And I do thinke, or else this braine of mine Hunts not the traile of Policie, so sure As I haue vs'd to do: that I haue found The very cause of Hamlets Lunacie.
King.
[1040]
Oh speake of that, that I do long to heare.
Pol. Giue first admittance to th'Ambassadors, My Newes shall be the Newes to that great Feast. King. Thy selfe do grace to them, and bring them in. He tels me my sweet Queene, that he hath found
[1045]
The head and sourse of all your Sonnes distemper.
Qu. I doubt it is no other, but the maine, His Fathers death, and our o're‑hasty Marriage. Enter Polonius, Uoltumand, and Cornelius. King. Well, we shall sift him. Welcome good Frends: Say Voltumand, what from our Brother Norwey ? Volt.
[1050]
Most faire returne of Greetings, and Desires. Vpon our first, he sent out to suppresse His Nephewes Leuies, which to him appear'd To be a preparation 'gainst the Poleak: But better look'd into, he truly found
[1055]
It was against your Highnesse, whereat greeued, That so his Sicknesse, Age, and Impotence Was falsely borne in hand, sends out Arrests On Fortinbras, which he (in breefe) obeyes, Receiues rebuke from Norwey: and in fine,
[1060]
Makes Vow before his Vnkle, neuer more To giue th'assay of Armes against your Maiestie. Whereon old Norwey, ouercome with ioy, Giues him three thousand Crownes in Annuall Fee, And his Commission to imploy those Soldiers
[1065]
So leuied as before, against the Poleak: With an intreaty heerein further shewne, That it might please you to giue quiet passe Through your Dominions, for his Enterprize, On such regards of safety and allowance,
[1070]
As therein are set downe.
King. It likes vs well: And at our more consider'd time wee'l read, Answer, and thinke vpon this Businesse. Meane time we thanke you, for your well‑tooke Labour.
[1075]
Go to your rest, at night wee'l Feast together. Most welcome home.
Exit Ambass. Pol. This businesse is very well ended. My Liege, and Madam, to expostulate What Maiestie should be, what Dutie is,
[1080]
Why day is day; night, night; and time is time, Were nothing but to waste Night, Day and Time. Therefore, since Breuitie is the Soule of Wit, And tediousnesse, the limbes and outward flourishes, I will be breefe. Your Noble Sonne is mad:
[1085]
Mad call I it; for to define true Madnesse, What is't, but to be nothing else but mad. But let that go.
Qu. More matter, with lesse Art. Pol. Madam I sweare I vse no Art at all:
[1090]
That he is mad, 'tis true: 'Tis true 'tis pittie, And pittie it is true: A foolish figure, But farewell it: for I will vse no Art. Ma The "a" here is only partially inked.d

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[Act 2, Scene 2] Scena Secunda. Enter King, Queene, Rosincrane Rosincrance , and Guilden­ sterne Cumalijs. King. Welcome deere Rosincrance and Guildensterne. Moreouer, that we much did long to see you,
[990]
The neede we haue to vse you, did prouoke Our hastie sending. Something haue you heard Of Hamlets transformation: so I call it, Since not th'exterior, nor the inward man Resembles that it was. What it should bee
[995]
More then his Fathers death, that thus hath put him So much from th'vnderstanding of himselfe, I cannot deeme of. I intreat you both, That being of so young dayes brought vp with him: And since so Neighbour'd to his youth, and humour,
[1000]
That you vouchsafe your rest heere in our Court Some little time: so by your Companies To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather So much as from Occasions you may gleane, That open'd lies within our remedie.
Qu.
[1005]
Good Gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you, And sure I am, two men there are not liuing, To whom he more adheres. If it will please you To shew vs so much Gentrie, and good will, As to expend your time with vs a‑while,
[1010]
For the supply and profit of our Hope, Your Visitation shall receiue such thankes As fits a Kings remembrance.
Rosin. Both your Maiesties Might by the Soueraigne power you haue of vs,
[1015]
Put your dread pleasures, more into Command Then to Entreatie.
Guil. We both obey, And here giue vp our selues, in the full bent, To lay our Seruices freely at your feete,
[1020]
To be commanded.
King. Thankes Rosincrance, and gentle Guildensterne. Qu. Thankes Guildensterne and gentle Rosincrance. And I beseech you instantly to visit My too much changed Sonne.
[1025]
Go some of ye, And bring the Gentlemen where Hamlet is.
Guil. Heauens make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpfull to him. Exit. Queene. Amen. Enter Polonius. Pol.
[1030]
Th'Ambassadors from Norwey, my good Lord, Are ioyfully return'd.
King. Thou still hast bin the Father of good Newes. Pol. Haue I, my Lord? Assure you, my good Liege, I hold my dutie, as I hold my Soule,
[1035]
Both to my God, one to my gracious King: And I do thinke, or else this braine of mine Hunts not the traile of Policie, so sure As I haue vs'd to do: that I haue found The very cause of Hamlets Lunacie.
King.
[1040]
Oh speake of that, that I do long to heare.
Pol. Giue first admittance to th'Ambassadors, My Newes shall be the Newes to that great Feast. King. Thy selfe do grace to them, and bring them in. He tels me my sweet Queene, that he hath found
[1045]
The head and sourse of all your Sonnes distemper.
Qu. I doubt it is no other, but the maine, His Fathers death, and our o're‑hasty Marriage. Enter Polonius, Uoltumand, and Cornelius. King. Well, we shall sift him. Welcome good Frends: Say Voltumand, what from our Brother Norwey ? Volt.
[1050]
Most faire returne of Greetings, and Desires. Vpon our first, he sent out to suppresse His Nephewes Leuies, which to him appear'd To be a preparation 'gainst the Poleak: But better look'd into, he truly found
[1055]
It was against your Highnesse, whereat greeued, That so his Sicknesse, Age, and Impotence Was falsely borne in hand, sends out Arrests On Fortinbras, which he (in breefe) obeyes, Receiues rebuke from Norwey: and in fine,
[1060]
Makes Vow before his Vnkle, neuer more To giue th'assay of Armes against your Maiestie. Whereon old Norwey, ouercome with ioy, Giues him three thousand Crownes in Annuall Fee, And his Commission to imploy those Soldiers
[1065]
So leuied as before, against the Poleak: With an intreaty heerein further shewne, That it might please you to giue quiet passe Through your Dominions, for his Enterprize, On such regards of safety and allowance,
[1070]
As therein are set downe.
King. It likes vs well: And at our more consider'd time wee'l read, Answer, and thinke vpon this Businesse. Meane time we thanke you, for your well‑tooke Labour.
[1075]
Go to your rest, at night wee'l Feast together. Most welcome home.
Exit Ambass. Pol. This businesse is very well ended. My Liege, and Madam, to expostulate What Maiestie should be, what Dutie is,
[1080]
Why day is day; night, night; and time is time, Were nothing but to waste Night, Day and Time. Therefore, since Breuitie is the Soule of Wit, And tediousnesse, the limbes and outward flourishes, I will be breefe. Your Noble Sonne is mad:
[1085]
Mad call I it; for to define true Madnesse, What is't, but to be nothing else but mad. But let that go.
Qu. More matter, with lesse Art. Pol. Madam I sweare I vse no Art at all:
[1090]
That he is mad, 'tis true: 'Tis true 'tis pittie, And pittie it is true: A foolish figure, But farewell it: for I will vse no Art. Mad let vs grant him then: and now remaines That we finde out the cause of this effect,
[1095]
Or rather say, the cause of this defect; For this effect defectiue, comes by cause, Thus it remaines, and the remainder thus. Perpend, I haue a daughter: haue, whil'st she is mine, Who in her Dutie and Obedience, marke,
[1100]
Hath giuen me this: now gather, and surmise. The Letter.

To the Celestiall, and my Soules Idoll, the most beautified O­

phelia.

That's an ill Phrase, a vilde Prase, beautified is a vilde

Phrase: but you shall heare these in her excellent white

[1105]

bosome, these.

Qu. Came this from Hamlet to her. Pol. Good Madam stay The "y" here is only partially inked. awhile, I will be faithfull. Doubt thou, the Starres are fire, Doubt, that the Sunne doth moue:
[1110]
Doubt Truth to be a Lier, Bt never Doubt, I loue.

O deere Ophelia, I am ill at these Numbers: I haue not Art to

reckon my grones; but that I loue thee best, oh most Best be­

leeue it. Adieu.

[1115]

Thine euermore most deere Lady, whilst this

Machine is to him, Hamlet.

This in Obedience hath my daughter shew'd me: And more aboue hath his soliciting, As they fell out by Time, by Meanes, and Place,
[1120]
All giuen to mine eare.
King. But how hath she receiu'd his Loue? Pol. What do you thinke of me? King. As of a man, faithfull and Honourable. Pol. I wold faine proue so. But what might you think?
[1125]
When I had seene this hot loue on the wing, As I perceiued it, I must tell you that Before my Daughter told me, what might you Or my dcere deere Maiestie your Queene heere, think, If I had playd the Deske or Table‑booke,
[1130]
Or giuen my heart a winking, mute and dumbe, Or look'd vpon this Loue, with idle sight, What might you thinke? No, I went round to worke, And (my yong Mistris) thus I did bespeake Lord Hamlet is, a Prince out of thy Starre,
[1135]
This must not be: and then, I Precepts gaue her, That she should locke her selfe from his Resort, Admit no Messengers, receiue no Tokens: Which done, she tooke the Fruites of my Aduice, And he repulsed. A short Tale to make,
[1140]
Fell into a Sadnesse, then into a Fast, Thence to a Watch, thence into a Weaknesse, Thence to a Lightnesse, and by this declension Int o the Madnesse whereon now he raues, And all we waile for.
King.
[1145]
Do you thinke 'tis this?
Qu. It may be very likely. Pol. Hath there bene such a time, I'de fain know that, That I haue possitiuely said, 'tis so, When it prou'd otherwise? King.
[1150]
Not that I know.
Pol. Take this from this; if this be otherwise, If Circumstances leade me, I will finde Where truth is hid, though it were hid indeede Within the Center. King.
[1155]
How may we try it further?
Pol. You know sometimes He walkes foure houres together, here In the Lobby. Qu. So he ha's indeed. Pol.
[1160]
At such a time Ile loose my Daughter to him, Be you and I behinde an Arras then, Marke the encounter: If he loue her not, And be not from his reason falne thereon; Let me be no Assistant for a State,
[1165]
And keepe a Farme and Carters.
King. We will try it. Enter Hamlet reading on a Booke. Qu. But looke where sadly the poore wretch Comes reading. Pol. Away I do beseech you, both away,
[1170]
Ile boord him presently. Exit King & Queen. Oh giue me leaue. How does my good Lord Hamlet?
Ham.

Well, God‑a‑mercy.

Pol.

Do you know me, my Lord?

Ham.

Excellent, excellent well: y'are a Fishmonger.

Pol.
[1175]

Not I my Lord.

Ham.

Then I would you were so honest a man.

Pol.

Honest, my Lord?

Ham.

I sir, to be honest as this world goes, is to bee

one man pick'd out of two thousand.

Pol.
[1180]

That's very true, my Lord.

Ham.

For if the Sun breed Magots in a dead dogge,

being a good kissing Carrion ⸺

Haue you a daughter?

Pol.

I haue my Lord.

Ham.
[1185]

Let her not walke i'th'Sunne; Conception is a

blessing, but not as your daughter may conceiue. Friend

looke too't.

Pol.

How say you by that? Still harping on my daugh­

ter: yet he knew me not at first; he said I was a Fishmon­

[1190]

ger: he is farre gone, farre gone: and truly in my youth,

I suffred much extreamity for loue: very neere this. Ile

speake to him againe. What do you read my Lord?

Ham.

Words, words, words.

Pol.

What is the matter, my Lord?

Ham.
[1195]

Betweene who?

Pol.

I meane the matter you meane, my Lord.

Ham.

Slanders Sir: for the Satyricall slaue saies here,

that old men haue gray Beards; that their faces are wrin­

kled; their eyes purging thicke Amber, or Plum‑Tree

[1200]

Gumme: and that they haue a plentifull locke of Wit,

together with weake Hammes. All which Sir, though I

most powerfully, and potently beleeue; yet I holde it

not Honestie to haue it thus set downe: For you your

selfe Sir, should be old as I am, if like a Crab you could

[1205]

go backward.

Pol. Though this be madnesse, Yet there is Method in't: will you walke Out of the ayre my Lord? Ham. Into my Graue? Pol.
[1210]
Indeed that is out o'th'Ayre: How pregnant (sometimes) his Replies are? A happinesse, That often Madnesse hits on, Which Reason and Sanitie could not
[1215]
So prosperously be deliuer'd of. I will leaue him, And sodainely contriue the meanes of meeting Betweene him, and my daughter. My Honourable Lord, I will most humbly
[1220]
Take my leaue of you.
Ham.

You cannot Sir take from me any thing, that I

will more willingly part withall, except my life, my

life.

Polon.

Fare you well my Lord.

Ham.
[1225]

These tedious old fooles.

Polon.

You goe to seeke my Lord Hamlet; there

hee is.

Enter Rosincran Rosincrance and Guildensterne. Rosin.

God saue you Sir.

Guild.

Mine honour'd Lord?

Rosin.
[1230]

My most deare Lord ?

Ham.

My excellent good friends? How do'st thou

Guildensterne? Oh, Rosincrane Rosincrance ; good Lads: How doe ye

both?

Rosin.

As the indifferent Children of the earth.

Guild.
[1235]

Happy, in that we are not ouer‑happy: on For­

tunes Cap, we are not the very Button.

Ham.

Nor the Soales of her Shoo?

Rosin.

Neither my Lord.

Ham.

Then you liue about her waste, or in the mid­

[1240]

dle of her fauour?

Guil.

Faith, her priuates, we.

Ham.

In the secret parts of Fortune? Oh, most true:

she is a Strumpet. What's the newes?

Rsin.

None my Lord; but that the World's growne

[1245]

honest.

Ham.

Then is Doomesday neere: But your newes is

not true. Let me question more in particular: what haue

you my good friends, deserued at the hands of Fortune,

that she sends you to Prison hither?

Guil.
[1250]

Prison, my Lord?

Ham.

Denmark's a Prison.

Rosin.

Then is the World one.

Ham.

A goodly one, in which there are many Con­

fines, Wards and Dungeons; Denmarke being one o'th'

[1255]

worst.

Rosin.

We thinke not so my Lord.

Ham.

Why then 'tis none to you; for there is nothing

either good or bad, but thinking makes it so: to me it is

a prison.

Rosin.
[1260]

Why then your Ambition makes it one: 'tis

too narrow for your minde.

Ham.

O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and

count my selfe a King of infinite space; were it not that

I haue bad dreames.

Guil.
[1265]

Which dreames indeed are Ambition: for the

very substance of the Ambitious, is meerely the shadow

of a Dreame.

Ham.

A dreame it selfe is but a shadow.

Rosin.

Truely, and I hold Ambition of so ayry and

[1270]

light a quality, that it is but a shadowes shadow.

Ham.

Then are our Beggers bodies; and our Mo­

narchs and out‑stretcht Heroes the Beggers Shadowes:

shall wee to th'Court: for, by my fey I cannot rea­

son?

Both.
[1275]

Wee'l wait vpon you.

Ham.

No such matter. I will not sort you with the

rest of my seruants: for to speake to you like an honest

man: I am most dreadfully attended; but in the beaten

way of friendship, What make you at Elsonower?

Rosin.
[1280]

To visit you my Lord, no other occasion.

Ham.

Begger that I am, I am euen poore in thankes;

but I thanke you: and sure deare friends my thanks

are too deare a halfepeny; were you not sent for? Is it

your owne inclining? Is it a free visitation? Come,

[1285]

deale iustly with me: come, come; nay speake.

Guil.

What should we say my Lord?

Ham.

Why any thing. But to the purpose; you were

sent for; and there is a kinde confession in your lookes;

which your modesties haue not craft enough to co­

[1290]

lor, I know the good King & Queene haue sent for you.

Rosin.

To what end my Lord?

Ham.

That you must teach me: but let mee coniure

you by the rights of our fellowship, by the consonancy of

our youth, by the Obligation of our euer‑preserued loue,

[1295]

and by what more deare, a better proposer could charge

you withall; be euen and direct with me, whether you

were sent for or no.

Rosin.

What say you?

Ham.

Nay then I haue an eye of you; if you loue me

[1300]

hold not off.

Guil.

My Lord, we were sent for.

Ham.

I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation

preuent your discouery of your secricie to the King and

Queene: moult no feather, I haue of late, but wherefore

[1305]

I know not, lost all my mirth, forgone all custome of ex­

ercise; and indeed, it goes so heauenly with my dispositi­

on; that this goodly frame the Earth, seemes to me a ster­

rill Promontory; this most excellent Canopy the Ayre,

look you, this braue ore‑hanging, this Maiesticall Roofe,

[1310]

fretted with golden fire: why, it appeares no other thing

to mee, then a foule and pestilent congregation of va­

pours. What a piece of worke is a man! how Noble in

Reason? how infinite in faculty? in sorme and mouing

how expresse and admirable? in Action, how like an An­

[1315]

gel? in apprehension, how like a God? the beauty of the

world, the Parragon of Animals; and yet to me, what is

this Quintessence of Dust? Man delights not me; no,

nor Woman neither; though by your smiling you seeme

to say so.

Rosin.
[1320]

My Lord, there was no such stuffe in my

thoughts.

Ham.

Why did you laugh, when I said, Man delights

not me?

Rosin.

To thinke, my Lord, if you delight not in Man,

[1325]

what Lenton entertainment the Players shall receiue

from you: wee coated them on the way, and hither are

they comming to offer you Seruice.

Ham.

He that playes the King shall be welcome; his

Maiesty shall haue Tribute of mee: the aduenturous

[1330]

Knight shal vse his Foyle and Target: the Louer shall

not sigh gratis, the humorous man shall end his part in

peace: the Clowne shall make those laugh whose lungs

are tickled a'th'sere: and the Lady shall say her minde

freely; or the blanke Verse shall halt for't: what Players

[1335]

are they?

Rosin.

Euen those you were wont to take delight in

the Tragedians of the City.

Ham.

How chances it they trauaile? their resi­

dence both in reputation and profit was better both

[1340]

wayes.

Rosin.

I thinke their Inhibition comes by the meanes

of the late Innouation ?

Ham.

Doe they hold the same estimation they did

when I was in the City? Are they so follow'd?

Rosin.
[1345]

No indeed, they are not.

Ham.

How comes it ? doe they grow rusty?

Rosin.

Nay, their indeauour keepes in the wonted

pace; But there is Sir an ayrie of Children, little

Yases, that crye out on the top of question; and

[1350]

are most tyrannically clap't for't: these are now the

fashion, and so be‑ratled the common Stages (so they

call them) that many wearing Rapiers, are affraide of

Goose‑quils, and dare scarse come thither.

Ham.

What are they Children? Who maintains 'em?

[1355]

How are they escoted? Will they pursue the Quality no

longer then they can sing? Will they not say afterwards

if they should grow themselues to common Players (as

it is like most if their meanes are no better) their Wri­

ters do them wrong, to make them exclaim against their

[1360]

owne Succession.

Rosin.

Faith thrre ha's bene much to do on both sides:

and the Nation holds it no sinne, to tarre them to Con­

trouersie. There was for a while, no mony bid for argu­

ment, vnlesse the Poet and the Player went to Cuffes in

[1365]

the Question.

Ham.

Is't possible?

Guild.

Oh there ha's beene much throwing about of

Braines.

Ham.

Do the Boyes carry it away?

Rosin.
[1370]

I that they do my Lord, Hercules & his load too.

Ham.

It is not strange: for mine Vnckle is King of

Denmarke, and those that would make mowes at him

while my Father liued; giue twenty, forty,, an hundred

Ducates a peece, for his picture in Little. There is some­

[1375]

thing in this more then Naturall, if Philosophie could

finde it out.

Flourish for the players. Guil.

There are the Players.

Ham.

Gentlemen, you are welcom to Elsonower: your

hands, come: The appurtenance of Welcome, is Fashion

[1380]

and Ceremony. Let me comply with you in the Garbe,

lest my extent to the Players (which I tell you must shew

fairely outward) should more appeare like entertainment

then yours. You are welcome: but my Vnckle Father,

and Aunt Mother are deceiu'd.

Guil.
[1385]

In what my deere Lord?

Ham.

I am but mad North, North‑West: when the

Winde is Southerly, I know a Hawke from a Handsaw.

Enter Polonius. Pol.

Well be with you Gentlemen.

Ham.

Hearke you Guildensterne, and you too: at each

[1390]

eare a hearer: that great Baby you see there, is not yet

out of his swathing clouts.

Rosin.

Happily he's the second time come to them: for

they say, an old man is twice a childe.

Ham.

I will Prophesie. Hee comes to tell me of the

[1395]

Players. Mark it, you say right Sir: for a Monday mor­

ning 'twas so indeed.

Pol.

My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you.

Ham.

My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you.

When Rossius an Actor in Rome—

Pol.
[1400]

The Actors are come hither my Lord.

Ham.

Buzze, buzze.

Pol.

Vpon mine Honor.

Ham.

Then can each Actor on his Asse⸺

Polon.

The best Actors in the world, either for Trage­

[1405]

die, Comedie, Historie, Pastorall: Pastoricall‑Comicall‑

Historicall‑Pastorall: Tragicall‑Historicall: Tragicall‑

Comicali‑Historicall‑Pastorall: Scene indiuible, or Po­

em vnlimited. Seneca cannot be too heauy, nor Plautus

too light, for the law of Writ, and the Liberty. These are

[1410]

the onely men.

Ham.

O Iephta Iudge of Israel, what a Treasure had'st

thou?

Pol.

What a Treasure had he, my Lord?

Ham. Why one faire Daughter, and no more,
[1415]
The which he loued passing well.
Pol.

Still on my Daughter.

Ham.

Am I not i'th'right old Iephta?

Polon.

If you call me Iephta my Lord, I haue a daugh­

ter that I loue passing well.

Ham.
[1420]

Nay that followes not.

Polon.

What followes then, my Lord?

Ha.

Why, As by lot, God wot: and then you know, It

came to passe, as most like it was: The first rowe of the

Pons Chanson will shew you more. For looke where my

[1425]

Abridgements come.

Enter foure or fiue Players.

Y'are welcome Masters, welcome all. I am glad to see

thee well: Welcome good Friends. O my old Friend?

Thy face is valiant since I saw thee last: Com'st thou to

beard me in Denmarke? What, my yong Lady and Mi­

[1430]

stris? Byrlady your Ladiship is neerer Heauen then when

I saw you last, by the altitude of a Choppine. Pray God

your voice like a peece of vncurrant Gold be not crack'd

within the ring. Masters, you are all welcome:wee'l e'ne

to't like French Faulconers, flie at any thing we see: wee'l

[1435]

haue a Speech straight. Come giue vs a tast of your qua­

lity: come, a passionate speech.

1. Play.

What speech, my Lord?

Ham.

I heard thee speak me a speech once, but it was

neuer Acted: or if it was, not aboue once, for the Play I

[1440]

remember pleas'd not the Million, 'twas Cauiarie to the

Generall: but it was (as I receiu'd it and others, whose

iudgement in such matters, cried in the top of mine) an

excellent Play; well digested in the Scœnes, set downe

with as much modestie, as cunning. I remember one said,

[1445]

there was no Sallets in the lines, to make the matter sa­

uoury; nor no matter in the phrase, that might indite the

Author of affection, but cal'd it an honest method. One

cheefe Speech in it, I cheefely lou'd, 'twas Æneas Tale

to Dido, and thereabout of it especially, where he speaks

[1450]

of Priams slaughter. If it liue in your memory, begin at

this Line, let me see, let me see: The rugged Pyrrhus like

th' Hyrcanian Beast. It is not so: it begins with Pyrrhus

The rugged Pyrrhus, he whose Sable Armes Blacke as his purpose, did the night resemble
[1455]
When he lay couched in the Ominous Horse, Hath now this dread and blacke Complexion smear'd With Heraldry more dismall: Head to foote Now is he to take Geulles, horridly Trick'd With blood of Fathers, Mothers, Daughters, Sonnes,
[1460]
Bak'd and impasted with the parching streets, That lend a tyrannous, and damned light To their vilde Murthers, roasted in wrath and fire, And thus o're‑sized with coagulate gore, VVith eyes like Carbuncles, the hellish Pyrrhus
[1465]
Old Grandsire Priam seekes.
Pol.

Fore God, my Lord, well spoken, with good ac­

cent, and good discretion.

1. Player. Anon he findes him, Striking too short at Greekes. His anticke Sword,
[1470]
Rebellious to his Arme, lyes where it falles Repugnant to command: vnequall match, Pyrrhus at Priam driues, in Rage strikes wide: But with the whiffe and winde of his fell Sword, Th'vnnerued Father fals. Then senseless Illium,
[1475]
Seeming to feele his blow, with flaming top Stoopes to his Bace, and with a hideous crash Takes Prisoner Pyrrhus eare. For loe, his Sword Which was declining on the Milkie head Of Reuerend Priam, seem'd i'th'Ayre to stieke sticke :
[1480]
So as a painted Tyrant Pyrrhus stood, And like a Newtrall to his will and matter, did nothing. But as we often see against some storme, A silence in the Heauens, the Racke stand still, The bold windes speechlesse, and the Orbe below
[1485]
As hush as death: Anon the dreadfull Thunder Doth rend the Region. So after Pyrrhus pause, A ro wsed Vengeance sets him new a‑worke, An ink mark follows this line. And neuer did the Cyclops hammers fall On Mars his Armours, forg'd for proofe Eterne,
[1490]
With lesse remorse then Pyrrhus bleeding sword Now falles on Priam. Out, out, thou Strumpet‑Fortune, all you Gods, In generall Synod take away her power: Breake all the Spokes and Fallies from her wheele,
[1495]
And boule the round Naue downe the hill of Heauen, As low as to the Fiends.
Pol.

This is too long.

Ham.

It shall to'th Barbars, with your beard. Pry­

thee say on: He's for a Iigge, or a tale of Baudry, or hee

[1500]

sleepes. Say on; come to Hecuba.

1. Play. But who, O who, had seen the inobled Queen. Ham.

The inobled Queene?

Pol.

That's good: Inobled Queene is good.

1. Play. Run bare‑foot vp and downe,
[1505]
Threatmng the flame With Bisson Rheume: A clout about that head, Where late the Diadem stood, and for a Robe About her lanke and all ore‑teamed Loines, A blanket in th'Alarum of feare caught vp.
[1510]
Who this had seene, with tongue in Venome steep'd, 'Gainst Fortunes State, would Treason haue pronounc'd? But if the Gods themselues did see her then, When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sport In mincing with his Sword her Husbands limbes,
[1515]
The instant Burst of Clamour that she made (Vnlesse things mortall moue them not at all) Would haue made milche the Burning eyes of Heauen, And passion in the Gods.
Pol.

Looke where he ha's not turn'd his colour, and

[1520]

ha's teares in's eyes. Pray you no more.

Ham.

'Tis well, Ile haue thee speake out the rest,

soone. Good my Lord, will you see the Players wel be­

stow'd. Do ye heare, let them be well vs'd: for they are

the Abstracts and breefe Chronicles of the time. After

[1525]

your death, you were better haue a bad Epitaph, then

their ill report while you liued.

Pol.

My Lord, I will vse them according to their de­

sart.

Ham.

Gods bodykins man, better. Vse euerie man

[1530]

after his desart, and who should scape whipping: vse

them after your own Honor and Dignity. The lesse they

deserue, the more merit is in your bountie. Take them

in.

Pol.

Come sirs.

Exit Polon. Ham.
[1535]

Follow him Friends: wee'l heare a play to mor­

row. Dost thou heare me old Friend, can you play the

murther of Gonzago?

Play.

I my Lord.

Ham.

Wee'l ha't to morrow night. You could for a

[1540]

need study a speech of some dosen or sixteene lines, which

I would set downe, and insert in't? Could ye not?

Play.

I my Lord.

Ham.

Very well. Follow that Lord, and looke you

mock him not. My good Friends, Ile leaue you til night

[1545]

you are welcome to Elsonower?

Rosin. Good my Lord. Exeunt. Manet Hamlet. Ham. I so, God buy'ye: Now I am alone. Oh what a Rogue and Pesant slaue am I? Is it not monstrous that this Player heere,
[1550]
But in a Fixion, in a dreame of Passion, Could force his soule so to his whole conceit, That from her working, all his visage warm'd: Teares in his eyes, distraction in's Aspect, A broken voyce, and his whole Function suiting
[1555]
With Formes, to his Conceit? And all for nothing? For Hecuba? What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba, That he should weepe for her? What would he doe, Had he the Motiue and the Cue for passion
[1560]
That I haue? He would drowne the Stage with teares, And cleaue the generall eare with horrid speech: Make mad the guilty, and apale the free, Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed, The very faculty, of Eyes and Eares, Yet I, A mark has been drawn in pencil following the end of this line.
[1565]
A dull and muddy‑metled Rascall, peake Like Iohn a‑dreames, vnpregnant of my cause, And can say nothing: No, not for a King, Vpon whose property, and most deere life, A damn'd defeate was made. Am I a Coward?
[1570]
Who calles me Villaine ? breakes my pate a‑croffe? Pluckes off my Beard, and blowes it in my face ? Tweakes me by'th'Nose ? giues me the Lye i'th'Throate, As deepe as to the Lungs? Who does me this? Ha? Why I should take it: for it cannot be,
[1575]
But I am Pigeon‑Liuer'd, and lacke Gall To make Oppression bitter, or ere this, I should haue fatted all the Region Kites With this Slaues Offall, bloudy: a Bawdy villaine, Remorselesse, Treacherous, Letcherous, kindles villaine!
[1580]
Oh Vengeance! Who? What an Asse am I? I sure, this is most braue, That I, the Sonne of the Deere murthered, Prompted to my Reuenge by Heauen, and Hell, Must (like a Whore) vnpacke my heart with words,
[1585]
And fall a Cursing like a very Drab, A Scullion? Fye vpon't: Foh. About my Braine. I haue heard, that guilty Creatures sitting at a Play, Marks have been drawn in pencil on either side of this line. Haue by the very cunning of the Scœne, Bene strooke so to the soule, that presently
[1590]
They haue proclaim'd their Malefactions. For Murther, though it haue no tongue, will speake With most myraculous Organ. Ile haue these Players, Play something like the murder of my Father, Before mine Vnkle. Ile obserue his lookes,
[1595]
Ile rent him to the quicke: If he but blench I know my course. The Spirit that I haue seene May be the Diuell, and the Diuel hath power T'assume a pleasing shape, yea and perhaps Out of my Weaknesse, and my Melancholly,
[1600]
As he is very potent with such Spirits, Abuses me to damne me. Ile haue grounds More Relatiue then this: The Play's the thing, Wherein Ile catch the Conscience of the King.
Exit.
 

Download the digital text of the play

                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="2">
   <head type="supplied">[Act 2, Scene 2]</head>
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Secunda.</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter King, Queene,<choice>
         <orig>Rosincrane</orig>
         <corr>Rosincrance</corr>
      </choice>, and Guilden­
      <lb/>sterne Cumalijs.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="988">Welcome deere<hi rend="italic">Rosincrance</hi>and<hi rend="italic">Guildensterne</hi>.</l>
      <l n="989">Moreouer, that we much did long to see you,</l>
      <l n="990">The neede we haue to vse you, did prouoke</l>
      <l n="991">Our hastie sending. Something haue you heard</l>
      <l n="992">Of<hi rend="italic">Hamlets</hi>transformation: so I call it,</l>
      <l n="993">Since not th'exterior, nor the inward man</l>
      <l n="994">Resembles that it was. What it should bee</l>
      <l n="995">More then his Fathers death, that thus hath put him</l>
      <l n="996">So much from th'vnderstanding of himselfe,</l>
      <l n="997">I cannot deeme of. I intreat you both,</l>
      <l n="998">That being of so young dayes brought vp with him:</l>
      <l n="999">And since so Neighbour'd to his youth, and humour,</l>
      <l n="1000">That you vouchsafe your rest heere in our Court</l>
      <l n="1001">Some little time: so by your Companies</l>
      <l n="1002">To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather</l>
      <l n="1003">So much as from Occasions you may gleane,</l>
      <l n="1004">That open'd lies within our remedie.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1005">Good Gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you,</l>
      <l n="1006">And sure I am, two men there are not liuing,</l>
      <l n="1007">To whom he more adheres. If it will please you</l>
      <l n="1008">To shew vs so much Gentrie, and good will,</l>
      <l n="1009">As to expend your time with vs a‑while,</l>
      <l n="1010">For the supply and profit of our Hope,</l>
      <l n="1011">Your Visitation shall receiue such thankes</l>
      <l n="1012">As fits a Kings remembrance.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <l n="1013">Both your Maiesties</l>
      <l n="1014">Might by the Soueraigne power you haue of vs,</l>
      <l n="1015">Put your dread pleasures, more into Command</l>
      <l n="1016">Then to Entreatie.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <l n="1017">We both obey,</l>
      <l n="1018">And here giue vp our selues, in the full bent,</l>
      <l n="1019">To lay our Seruices freely at your feete,</l>
      <l n="1020">To be commanded.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1021">Thankes<hi rend="italic">Rosincrance</hi>, and gentle<hi rend="italic">Guildensterne</hi>.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1022">Thankes<hi rend="italic">Guildensterne</hi>and gentle<hi rend="italic">Rosincrance</hi>.</l>
      <l n="1023">And I beseech you instantly to visit</l>
      <l n="1024">My too much changed Sonne.</l>
      <l n="1025">Go some of ye,</l>
      <l n="1026">And bring the Gentlemen where<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>is.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <l n="1027">Heauens make our presence and our practices</l>
      <l n="1028">Pleasant and helpfull to him.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Queene.</speaker>
      <l n="1029">Amen.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Polonius.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1030">Th'Ambassadors from Norwey,<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="nonstandardCharacter"
              agent="inkedSpacemarker"
              resp="#ES"/>my good Lord,</l>
      <l n="1031">Are ioyfully return'd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1032">Thou still hast bin the Father of good Newes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1033">Haue I, my Lord? Assure you, my good Liege,</l>
      <l n="1034">I hold my dutie, as I hold my Soule,</l>
      <l n="1035">Both to my God, one to my gracious King:</l>
      <l n="1036">And I do thinke, or else this braine of mine</l>
      <l n="1037">Hunts not the traile of Policie, so sure</l>
      <l n="1038">As I haue vs'd to do: that I haue found</l>
      <l n="1039">The very cause of<hi rend="italic">Hamlets</hi>Lunacie.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1040">Oh speake of that, that I do long to heare.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1041">Giue first admittance to th'Ambassadors,</l>
      <l n="1042">My Newes shall be the Newes to that great Feast.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1043">Thy selfe do grace to them, and bring them in.</l>
      <l n="1044">He tels me my sweet Queene, that he hath found</l>
      <l n="1045">The head and sourse of all your Sonnes distemper.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1046">I doubt it is no other, but the maine,</l>
      <l n="1047">His Fathers death, and our o're‑hasty Marriage.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Polonius, Uoltumand, and Cornelius.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1048">Well, we shall sift him. Welcome good Frends:</l>
      <l n="1049">Say<hi rend="italic">Voltumand</hi>, what from our Brother Norwey<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-vol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Volt.</speaker>
      <l n="1050">Most faire returne of Greetings, and Desires.</l>
      <l n="1051">Vpon our first, he sent out to suppresse</l>
      <l n="1052">His Nephewes Leuies, which to him appear'd</l>
      <l n="1053">To be a preparation 'gainst the Poleak:</l>
      <l n="1054">But better look'd into, he truly found</l>
      <l n="1055">It was against your Highnesse, whereat greeued,</l>
      <l n="1056">That so his Sicknesse, Age, and Impotence</l>
      <l n="1057">Was falsely borne in hand, sends out Arrests</l>
      <l n="1058">On<hi rend="italic">Fortinbras</hi>, which he (in breefe) obeyes,</l>
      <l n="1059">Receiues rebuke from Norwey: and in fine,</l>
      <l n="1060">Makes Vow before his Vnkle, neuer more</l>
      <l n="1061">To giue th'assay of Armes against your Maiestie.</l>
      <l n="1062">Whereon old Norwey, ouercome with ioy,</l>
      <l n="1063">Giues him three thousand Crownes in Annuall Fee,</l>
      <l n="1064">And his Commission to imploy those Soldiers</l>
      <l n="1065">So leuied as before, against the Poleak:</l>
      <l n="1066">With an intreaty heerein further shewne,</l>
      <l n="1067">That it might please you to giue quiet passe</l>
      <l n="1068">Through your Dominions, for his Enterprize,</l>
      <l n="1069">On such regards of safety and allowance,</l>
      <l n="1070">As therein are set downe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1071">It likes vs well:</l>
      <l n="1072">And at our more consider'd time wee'l read,</l>
      <l n="1073">Answer, and thinke vpon this Businesse.</l>
      <l n="1074">Meane time we thanke you, for your well‑tooke Labour.</l>
      <l n="1075">Go to your rest, at night wee'l Feast together.</l>
      <l n="1076">Most welcome home.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Ambass.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1077">This businesse is very well ended.</l>
      <l n="1078">My Liege, and Madam, to expostulate</l>
      <l n="1079">What Maiestie should be, what Dutie is,</l>
      <l n="1080">Why day is day; night, night; and time is time,</l>
      <l n="1081">Were nothing but to waste Night, Day and Time.</l>
      <l n="1082">Therefore, since Breuitie is the Soule of Wit,</l>
      <l n="1083">And tediousnesse, the limbes and outward flourishes,</l>
      <l n="1084">I will be breefe. Your Noble Sonne is mad:</l>
      <l n="1085">Mad call I it; for to define true Madnesse,</l>
      <l n="1086">What is't, but to be nothing else but mad.</l>
      <l n="1087">But let that go.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1088">More matter, with lesse Art.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1089">Madam<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="absent"
              agent="unInkedType"
              resp="#ES"/>I sweare I vse no Art at all:</l>
      <l n="1090">That he is mad, 'tis true: 'Tis true 'tis pittie,</l>
      <l n="1091">And pittie it is true: A foolish figure,</l>
      <l n="1092">But farewell it: for I will vse no Art.</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0771-0.jpg" n="261"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="1093">Mad let vs grant him then: and now remaines</l>
      <l n="1094">That we finde out the cause of this effect,</l>
      <l n="1095">Or rather say, the cause of this defect;</l>
      <l n="1096">For this effect defectiue, comes by cause,</l>
      <l n="1097">Thus it remaines, and the remainder thus. Perpend,</l>
      <l n="1098">I haue a daughter: haue, whil'st she is mine,</l>
      <l n="1099">Who in her Dutie and Obedience, marke,</l>
      <l n="1100">Hath giuen me this: now gather, and surmise.</l>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="business">The Letter.</stage>
      <p rend="italic center" n="1101">To the Celestiall, and my Soules Idoll, the most beautified O­
      <lb n="1102"/>phelia.</p>
      <p n="1103">That's an ill Phrase, a vilde Prase, beautified is a vilde
      <lb n="1104"/>Phrase: but you shall heare these in her excellent white
      <lb n="1105"/>bosome, these.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1106">Came this from<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>to her.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1107">Good Madam stay<note resp="#ES">The "y" here is only partially inked.</note>awhile, I will be faithfull.</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="1108">Doubt thou, the Starres are fire,</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="1109">Doubt, that the Sunne doth moue:</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="1110">Doubt Truth to be a Lier,</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="1111">Bt never Doubt, I loue.</l>
      <p rend="italic" n="1112">O deere Ophelia, I am ill at these Numbers: I haue not Art to
      <lb n="1113"/>reckon my grones; but that I loue thee best, oh most Best be­
      <lb n="1114"/>leeue it. Adieu.</p>
      <p rend="italic rightJustified" n="1115">Thine euermore most deere Lady, whilst this
      <lb n="1116"/>Machine is to him,<hi rend="roman">Hamlet.</hi>
      </p>
      <l n="1117">This in Obedience hath my daughter shew'd me:</l>
      <l n="1118">And more aboue hath his soliciting,</l>
      <l n="1119">As they fell out by Time, by Meanes, and Place,</l>
      <l n="1120">All giuen to mine eare.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1121">But how hath she receiu'd his Loue?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1122">What do you thinke of me?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1123">As of a man, faithfull and Honourable.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1124">I wold faine proue so. But what might you think?</l>
      <l n="1125">When I had seene this hot loue on the wing,</l>
      <l n="1126">As I perceiued it, I must tell you that</l>
      <l n="1127">Before my Daughter told me, what might you</l>
      <l n="1128">Or my<choice>
            <orig>dcere</orig>
            <corr>deere</corr>
         </choice>Maiestie your Queene heere, think,</l>
      <l n="1129">If I had playd the Deske or Table‑booke,</l>
      <l n="1130">Or giuen my heart a winking, mute and dumbe,</l>
      <l n="1131">Or look'd vpon this Loue, with idle sight,</l>
      <l n="1132">What might you thinke? No, I went round to worke,</l>
      <l n="1133">And (my yong Mistris) thus I did bespeake</l>
      <l n="1134">Lord<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>is, a Prince out of thy Starre,</l>
      <l n="1135">This must not be: and then, I Precepts gaue her,</l>
      <l n="1136">That she should locke her selfe from his Resort,</l>
      <l n="1137">Admit no Messengers, receiue no Tokens:</l>
      <l n="1138">Which done, she tooke the Fruites of my Aduice,</l>
      <l n="1139">And he repulsed. A short Tale to make,</l>
      <l n="1140">Fell into a Sadnesse, then into a Fast,</l>
      <l n="1141">Thence to a Watch, thence into a Weaknesse,</l>
      <l n="1142">Thence to a Lightnesse, and by this declension</l>
      <l n="1143">Int<c rend="italic">o</c>the Madnesse whereon now he raues,</l>
      <l n="1144">And all we waile for.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1145">Do you thinke 'tis this?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1146">It may be very likely.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1147">Hath there bene such a time, I'de fain know that,</l>
      <l n="1148">That I haue possitiuely said, 'tis so,</l>
      <l n="1149">When it prou'd otherwise?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1150">Not that I know.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1151">Take this from this; if this be otherwise,</l>
      <l n="1152">If Circumstances leade me, I will finde</l>
      <l n="1153">Where truth is hid, though it were hid indeede</l>
      <l n="1154">Within the Center.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1155">How may we try it further?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1156">You know sometimes</l>
      <l n="1157">He walkes foure houres together, here</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1158">In the Lobby.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1159">So he ha's indeed.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1160">At such a time Ile loose my Daughter to him,</l>
      <l n="1161">Be you and I behinde an Arras then,</l>
      <l n="1162">Marke the encounter: If he loue her not,</l>
      <l n="1163">And be not from his reason falne thereon;</l>
      <l n="1164">Let me be no Assistant for a State,</l>
      <l n="1165">And keepe a Farme and Carters.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1166">We will try it.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hamlet reading on a Booke.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="1167">But looke where sadly the poore wretch</l>
      <l n="1168">Comes reading.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1169">Away I do beseech you, both away,</l>
      <l n="1170">Ile boord him presently.</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit King &amp; Queen.</stage>
      <l n="1171">Oh giue me leaue. How does my good Lord<hi rend="italic">Hamlet?</hi>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1172">Well, God‑a‑mercy.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1173">Do you know me, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1174">Excellent, excellent well: y'are a Fishmonger.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1175">Not I my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1176">Then I would you were so honest a man.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1177">Honest, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1178">I sir, to be honest as this world goes, is to bee
      <lb n="1179"/>one man pick'd out of two thousand.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1180">That's very true, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1181">For if the Sun breed Magots in a dead dogge,
      <lb n="1182"/>being a good kissing Carrion ⸺
      <lb n="1183"/>Haue you a daughter?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1184">I haue my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1185">Let her not walke i'th'Sunne; Conception is a
      <lb n="1186"/>blessing, but not as your daughter may conceiue. Friend
      <lb n="1187"/>looke too't.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1188">How say you by that? Still harping on my daugh­
      <lb n="1189"/>ter: yet he knew me not at first; he said I was a Fishmon­
      <lb n="1190"/>ger: he is farre gone, farre gone: and truly in my youth,
      <lb n="1191"/>I suffred much extreamity for loue: very neere this. Ile
      <lb n="1192"/>speake to him againe. What do you read my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1193">Words, words, words.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1194">What is the matter, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1195">Betweene who?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1196">I meane the matter you meane, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1197">Slanders Sir: for the Satyricall slaue saies here,
      <lb n="1198"/>that old men haue gray Beards; that their faces are wrin­
      <lb n="1199"/>kled; their eyes purging thicke Amber, or Plum‑Tree
      <lb n="1200"/>Gumme: and that they haue a plentifull locke of Wit,
      <lb n="1201"/>together with weake Hammes. All which Sir, though I
      <lb n="1202"/>most powerfully, and potently beleeue; yet I holde it
      <lb n="1203"/>not Honestie to haue it thus set downe: For you your
      <lb n="1204"/>selfe Sir, should be old as I am, if like a Crab you could
      <lb n="1205"/>go backward.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1206">Though this be madnesse,</l>
      <l n="1207">Yet there is Method in't: will you walke</l>
      <l n="1208">Out of the ayre my Lord?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1209">Into my Graue?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1210">Indeed that is out o'th'Ayre:</l>
      <l n="1211">How pregnant (sometimes) his Replies are?</l>
      <l n="1212">A happinesse,</l>
      <l n="1213">That often Madnesse hits on,</l>
      <l n="1214">Which Reason and Sanitie could not</l>
      <l n="1215">So prosperously be deliuer'd of.</l>
      <l n="1216">I will leaue him,</l>
      <l n="1217">And sodainely contriue the meanes of meeting</l>
      <l n="1218">Betweene him, and my daughter.</l>
      <l n="1219">My Honourable Lord, I will most humbly</l>
      <l n="1220">Take my leaue of you.</l>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0772-0.jpg" n="262"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1221">You cannot Sir take from me any thing, that I
      <lb n="1222"/>will more willingly part withall, except my life, my
      <lb n="1223"/>life.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="1224">Fare you well my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1225">These tedious old fooles.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="1226">You goe to seeke my Lord<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>; there
      <lb n="1227"/>hee is.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter<choice>
         <orig>Rosincran</orig>
         <corr>Rosincrance</corr>
      </choice>and Guildensterne.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1228">God saue you Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="1229">Mine honour'd Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1230">My most deare Lord<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1231">My excellent good friends? How do'st thou
      <lb n="1232"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Guildensterne</hi>? Oh,<hi rend="italic">
            <choice>
               <orig>Rosincrane</orig>
               <corr>Rosincrance</corr>
            </choice>
         </hi>; good Lads: How doe ye
      <lb n="1233"/>both?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1234">As the indifferent Children of the earth.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="1235">Happy, in that we are not ouer‑happy: on For­
      <lb n="1236"/>tunes Cap, we are not the very Button.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1237">Nor the Soales of her Shoo?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1238">Neither my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1239">Then you liue about her waste, or in the mid­
      <lb n="1240"/>dle of her fauour?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <p n="1241">Faith, her priuates, we.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1242">In the secret parts of Fortune? Oh, most true:
      <lb n="1243"/>she is a Strumpet. What's the newes?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rsin.</speaker>
      <p n="1244">None my Lord; but that the World's growne
      <lb n="1245"/>honest.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1246">Then is Doomesday neere: But your newes is
      <lb n="1247"/>not true. Let me question more in particular: what haue
      <lb n="1248"/>you my good friends, deserued at the hands of Fortune,
      <lb n="1249"/>that she sends you to Prison hither?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <p n="1250">Prison, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1251">Denmark's a Prison.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1252">Then is the World one.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1253">A goodly one, in which there are many Con­
      <lb n="1254"/>fines, Wards and Dungeons;<hi rend="italic">Denmarke</hi>being one o'th'
      <lb n="1255"/>worst.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1256">We thinke not so my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1257">Why then 'tis none to you; for there is nothing
      <lb n="1258"/>either good or bad, but thinking makes it so: to me it is
      <lb n="1259"/>a prison.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1260">Why then your Ambition makes it one: 'tis
      <lb n="1261"/>too narrow for your minde.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1262">O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and
      <lb n="1263"/>count my selfe a King of infinite space; were it not that
      <lb n="1264"/>I haue bad dreames.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <p n="1265">Which dreames indeed are Ambition: for the
      <lb n="1266"/>very substance of the Ambitious, is meerely the shadow
      <lb n="1267"/>of a Dreame.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1268">A dreame it selfe is but a shadow.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1269">Truely, and I hold Ambition of so ayry and
      <lb n="1270"/>light a quality, that it is but a shadowes shadow.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1271">Then are our Beggers bodies; and our Mo­
      <lb n="1272"/>narchs and out‑stretcht Heroes the Beggers Shadowes:
      <lb n="1273"/>shall wee to th'Court: for, by my fey I cannot rea­
      <lb n="1274"/>son?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor #F-ham-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Both.</speaker>
      <p n="1275">Wee'l wait vpon you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1276">No such matter. I will not sort you with the
      <lb n="1277"/>rest of my seruants: for to speake to you like an honest
      <lb n="1278"/>man: I am most dreadfully attended; but in the beaten
      <lb n="1279"/>way of friendship, What make you at<hi rend="italic">Elsonower?</hi>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1280">To visit you my Lord, no other occasion.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1281">Begger that I am, I am euen poore in thankes;
      <lb n="1282"/>but I thanke you: and sure deare friends my thanks
      <lb n="1283"/>are too deare a halfepeny; were you not sent for? Is it
      <lb n="1284"/>your owne inclining? Is it a free visitation? Come,<cb n="2"/>
         
      <lb n="1285"/>deale iustly with me: come, come; nay speake.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <p n="1286">What should we say my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1287">Why any thing. But to the purpose; you were
      <lb n="1288"/>sent for; and there is a kinde confession in your lookes;
      <lb n="1289"/>which your modesties haue not craft enough to co­
      <lb n="1290"/>lor, I know the good King &amp; Queene haue sent for you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1291">To what end my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1292">That you must teach me: but let mee coniure
      <lb n="1293"/>you by the rights of our fellowship, by the consonancy of
      <lb n="1294"/>our youth, by the Obligation of our euer‑preserued loue,
      <lb n="1295"/>and by what more deare, a better proposer could charge
      <lb n="1296"/>you withall; be euen and direct with me, whether you
      <lb n="1297"/>were sent for or no.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1298">What say you?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1299">Nay then I haue an eye of you; if you loue me
      <lb n="1300"/>hold not off.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <p n="1301">My Lord, we were sent for.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1302">I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation
      <lb n="1303"/>preuent your discouery of your secricie to the King and
      <lb n="1304"/>Queene: moult no feather, I haue of late, but wherefore
      <lb n="1305"/>I know not, lost all my mirth, forgone all custome of ex­
      <lb n="1306"/>ercise; and indeed, it goes so heauenly with my dispositi­
      <lb n="1307"/>on; that this goodly frame the Earth, seemes to me a ster­
      <lb n="1308"/>rill Promontory; this most excellent Canopy the Ayre,
      <lb n="1309"/>look you, this braue ore‑hanging, this Maiesticall Roofe,
      <lb n="1310"/>fretted with golden fire: why, it appeares no other thing
      <lb n="1311"/>to mee, then a foule and pestilent congregation of va­
      <lb n="1312"/>pours. What a piece of worke is a man! how Noble in
      <lb n="1313"/>Reason? how infinite in faculty? in sorme and mouing
      <lb n="1314"/>how expresse and admirable? in Action, how like an An­
      <lb n="1315"/>gel? in apprehension, how like a God? the beauty of the
      <lb n="1316"/>world, the Parragon of Animals; and yet to me, what is
      <lb n="1317"/>this Quintessence of Dust? Man delights not me; no,
      <lb n="1318"/>nor Woman neither; though by your smiling you seeme
      <lb n="1319"/>to say so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1320">My Lord, there was no such stuffe in my
      <lb n="1321"/>thoughts.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1322">Why did you laugh, when I said, Man delights
      <lb n="1323"/>not me?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1324">To thinke, my Lord, if you delight not in Man,
      <lb n="1325"/>what Lenton entertainment the Players shall receiue
      <lb n="1326"/>from you: wee coated them on the way, and hither are
      <lb n="1327"/>they comming to offer you Seruice.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1328">He that playes the King shall be welcome; his
      <lb n="1329"/>Maiesty shall haue Tribute of mee: the aduenturous
      <lb n="1330"/>Knight shal vse his Foyle and Target: the Louer shall
      <lb n="1331"/>not sigh<hi rend="italic">gratis</hi>, the humorous man shall end his part in
      <lb n="1332"/>peace: the Clowne shall make those laugh whose lungs
      <lb n="1333"/>are tickled a'th'sere: and the Lady shall say her minde
      <lb n="1334"/>freely; or the blanke Verse shall halt for't: what Players
      <lb n="1335"/>are they?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1336">Euen those you were wont to take delight in
      <lb n="1337"/>the Tragedians of the City.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1338">How chances it they trauaile? their resi­
      <lb n="1339"/>dence both in reputation and profit was better both
      <lb n="1340"/>wayes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1341">I thinke their Inhibition comes by the meanes
      <lb n="1342"/>of the late Innouation<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1343">Doe they hold the same estimation they did
      <lb n="1344"/>when I was in the City? Are they so follow'd?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1345">No indeed, they are not.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1346">How comes it<c rend="italic">?</c>doe they grow rusty?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1347">Nay, their indeauour keepes in the wonted
      <lb n="1348"/>pace; But there is Sir an ayrie of Children, little
      <lb n="1349"/>Yases, that crye out on the top of question; and
      <lb n="1350"/>are most tyrannically clap't for't: these are now the<pb facs="FFimg:axc0773-0.jpg" n="263"/>
         <cb n="1"/>
         
      <lb n="1351"/>fashion, and so be‑ratled the common Stages (so they
      <lb n="1352"/>call them) that many wearing Rapiers, are affraide of
      <lb n="1353"/>Goose‑quils, and dare scarse come thither.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1354">What are they Children? Who maintains 'em?
      <lb n="1355"/>How are they escoted? Will they pursue the Quality no
      <lb n="1356"/>longer then they can sing? Will they not say afterwards
      <lb n="1357"/>if they should grow themselues to common Players (as
      <lb n="1358"/>it is like most if their meanes are no<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="nonstandardCharacter"
              agent="inkedSpacemarker"
              resp="#ES"/>better) their Wri­
      <lb n="1359"/>ters do them wrong, to make them exclaim against their
      <lb n="1360"/>owne Succession.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1361">Faith thrre ha's bene much to do on both sides:
      <lb n="1362"/>and the Nation holds it no sinne, to tarre them to Con­
      <lb n="1363"/>trouersie. There was for a while, no mony bid for argu­
      <lb n="1364"/>ment, vnlesse the Poet and the Player went to Cuffes in
      <lb n="1365"/>the Question.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1366">Is't possible?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="1367">Oh there ha's beene much throwing about of
      <lb n="1368"/>Braines.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1369">Do the Boyes carry it away?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1370">I that they do my Lord,<hi rend="italic">Hercules</hi>&amp; his load too.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1371">It is not strange: for mine Vnckle is King of
      <lb n="1372"/>Denmarke, and those that would make mowes at him
      <lb n="1373"/>while my Father liued; giue twenty, forty,, an hundred
      <lb n="1374"/>Ducates a peece, for his picture in Little. There is some­
      <lb n="1375"/>thing in this more then Naturall, if Philosophie could
      <lb n="1376"/>finde it out.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Flourish for the players.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <p n="1377">There are the Players.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1378">Gentlemen, you are welcom to<hi rend="italic">Elsonower</hi>: your
      <lb n="1379"/>hands, come: The appurtenance of Welcome, is Fashion
      <lb n="1380"/>and Ceremony. Let me comply with you in the Garbe,
      <lb n="1381"/>lest my extent to the Players (which I tell you must shew
      <lb n="1382"/>fairely outward) should more appeare like entertainment
      <lb n="1383"/>then yours. You are welcome: but my Vnckle Father,
      <lb n="1384"/>and Aunt Mother are deceiu'd.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guil.</speaker>
      <p n="1385">In what my deere Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1386">I am but mad North, North‑West: when the
      <lb n="1387"/>Winde is Southerly, I know a Hawke from a Handsaw.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Polonius.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1388">Well be with you Gentlemen.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1389">Hearke you<hi rend="italic">Guildensterne</hi>, and you too: at each
      <lb n="1390"/>eare a hearer: that great Baby you see there, is not yet
      <lb n="1391"/>out of his swathing clouts.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1392">Happily he's the second time come to them: for
      <lb n="1393"/>they say, an old man is twice a childe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1394">I will Prophesie. Hee comes to tell me of the
      <lb n="1395"/>Players. Mark it, you say right Sir: for a Monday mor­
      <lb n="1396"/>ning 'twas so indeed.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1397">My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1398">My Lord, I haue Newes to tell you.
      <lb n="1399"/>When<hi rend="italic">Rossius</hi>an Actor in Rome—</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1400">The Actors are come hither my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1401">Buzze, buzze.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1402">Vpon mine Honor.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1403">Then can each Actor on his Asse⸺</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="1404">The best Actors in the world, either for Trage­
      <lb n="1405"/>die, Comedie, Historie, Pastorall: Pastoricall‑Comicall‑
      <lb n="1406"/>Historicall‑Pastorall: Tragicall‑Historicall: Tragicall‑
      <lb n="1407"/>Comicali‑Historicall‑Pastorall: Scene indiuible, or Po­
      <lb n="1408"/>em vnlimited.<hi rend="italic">Seneca</hi>cannot be too heauy, nor<hi rend="italic">Plautus</hi>
         
      <lb n="1409"/>too light, for the law of Writ, and the Liberty. These are
      <lb n="1410"/>the onely men.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1411">O<hi rend="italic">Iephta</hi>Iudge of Israel, what a Treasure had'st
      <lb n="1412"/>thou?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1413">What a Treasure had he, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1414">Why one faire Daughter, and no more,</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="1415">The which he loued passing well.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1416">Still on my Daughter.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1417">Am I not i'th'right old<hi rend="italic">Iephta</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="1418">If you call me<hi rend="italic">Iephta</hi>my Lord, I haue a daugh­
      <lb n="1419"/>ter that I loue passing well.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1420">Nay that followes not.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="1421">What followes then, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ha.</speaker>
      <p n="1422">Why, As by lot, God wot: and then you know, It
      <lb n="1423"/>came to passe, as most like it was: The first rowe of the
      <lb n="1424"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Pons Chanson</hi>will shew you more. For looke where my
      <lb n="1425"/>Abridgements come.</p>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter foure or fiue Players.</stage>
      <p n="1426">Y'are welcome Masters, welcome all. I am glad to see
      <lb n="1427"/>thee well: Welcome good Friends. O my old Friend?
      <lb n="1428"/>Thy face is valiant since I saw thee last: Com'st thou to
      <lb n="1429"/>beard me in Denmarke? What, my yong Lady and Mi­
      <lb n="1430"/>stris? Byrlady your Ladiship is neerer Heauen then when
      <lb n="1431"/>I saw you last, by the altitude of a Choppine. Pray God
      <lb n="1432"/>your voice like a peece of vncurrant Gold be not crack'd
      <lb n="1433"/>within the ring. Masters, you are all welcome:wee'l e'ne
      <lb n="1434"/>to't like French Faulconers, flie at any thing we see: wee'l
      <lb n="1435"/>haue a Speech straight. Come giue vs a tast of your qua­
      <lb n="1436"/>lity: come, a passionate speech.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pla.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1. Play.</speaker>
      <p n="1437">What speech, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1438">I heard thee speak me a speech once, but it was
      <lb n="1439"/>neuer Acted: or if it was, not aboue once, for the Play I
      <lb n="1440"/>remember pleas'd not the Million, 'twas<hi rend="italic">Cauiarie</hi>to the
      <lb n="1441"/>Generall: but it was (as I receiu'd it and others, whose
      <lb n="1442"/>iudgement in such matters, cried in the top of mine) an
      <lb n="1443"/>excellent Play; well digested in the Scœnes, set downe
      <lb n="1444"/>with as much modestie, as cunning. I remember one said,
      <lb n="1445"/>there was no Sallets in the lines, to make the matter sa­
      <lb n="1446"/>uoury; nor no matter in the phrase, that might indite the
      <lb n="1447"/>Author of affection, but cal'd it an honest method. One
      <lb n="1448"/>cheefe Speech in it, I cheefely lou'd, 'twas<hi rend="italic">Æneas</hi>Tale
      <lb n="1449"/>to<hi rend="italic">Dido</hi>, and thereabout of it especially, where he speaks
      <lb n="1450"/>of<hi rend="italic">Priams</hi>slaughter. If it liue in your memory, begin at
      <lb n="1451"/>this Line, let me see, let me see: The rugged<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>like
      <lb n="1452"/>th'<hi rend="italic">Hyrcanian</hi>Beast. It is not so: it begins with<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>
      </p>
      <l n="1453">The rugged<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>, he whose Sable Armes</l>
      <l n="1454">Blacke as his purpose, did the night resemble</l>
      <l n="1455">When he lay couched in the Ominous Horse,</l>
      <l n="1456">Hath now this dread and blacke Complexion smear'd</l>
      <l n="1457">With Heraldry more dismall: Head to foote</l>
      <l n="1458">Now is he to take Geulles, horridly Trick'd</l>
      <l n="1459">With blood of Fathers, Mothers, Daughters, Sonnes,</l>
      <l n="1460">Bak'd and impasted with the parching streets,</l>
      <l n="1461">That lend a tyrannous, and damned light</l>
      <l n="1462">To their vilde Murthers, roasted in wrath and fire,</l>
      <l n="1463">And thus o're‑sized with coagulate gore,</l>
      <l n="1464">VVith eyes like Carbuncles, the hellish<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="1465">Old Grandsire<hi rend="italic">Priam</hi>seekes.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1466">Fore God, my Lord, well spoken, with good ac­
      <lb n="1467"/>cent, and good discretion.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pla.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1. Player.</speaker>
      <l n="1468">Anon he findes him,</l>
      <l n="1469">Striking too short at Greekes. His anticke Sword,</l>
      <l n="1470">Rebellious to his Arme, lyes where it falles</l>
      <l n="1471">Repugnant to command: vnequall match,</l>
      <l n="1472">
         <hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>at<hi rend="italic">Priam</hi>driues, in Rage strikes wide:</l>
      <l n="1473">But with the whiffe and winde of his fell Sword,</l>
      <l n="1474">Th'vnnerued Father fals. Then senseless Illium,</l>
      <l n="1475">Seeming to feele his blow, with flaming top</l>
      <l n="1476">Stoopes to his Bace, and with a hideous crash</l>
      <l n="1477">Takes Prisoner<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>eare. For loe, his Sword</l>
      <l n="1478">Which was declining on the Milkie head</l>
      <l n="1479">Of Reuerend<hi rend="italic">Priam</hi>, seem'd i'th'Ayre to<choice>
            <orig>stieke</orig>
            <corr>sticke</corr>
         </choice>:</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0774-0.jpg" n="264"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="1480">So as a painted Tyrant<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>stood,</l>
      <l n="1481">And like a Newtrall to his will and matter, did nothing.</l>
      <l n="1482">But as we often see against some storme,</l>
      <l n="1483">A silence in the Heauens, the Racke stand still,</l>
      <l n="1484">The bold windes speechlesse, and the Orbe below</l>
      <l n="1485">As hush as death: Anon the dreadfull Thunder</l>
      <l n="1486">Doth rend the Region. So after<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>pause,</l>
      <l n="1487">A ro wsed Vengeance sets him new a‑worke,<note resp="#ES">An ink mark follows this line.</note>
      </l>
      <l n="1488">And neuer did the Cyclops hammers fall</l>
      <l n="1489">On Mars his Armours, forg'd for proofe Eterne,</l>
      <l n="1490">With lesse remorse then<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>bleeding sword</l>
      <l n="1491">Now falles on<hi rend="italic">Priam</hi>.</l>
      <l n="1492">Out, out, thou Strumpet‑Fortune, all you Gods,</l>
      <l n="1493">In generall Synod take away her power:</l>
      <l n="1494">Breake all the Spokes and Fallies from her wheele,</l>
      <l n="1495">And boule the round Naue downe the hill of Heauen,</l>
      <l n="1496">As low as to the Fiends.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1497">This is too long.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1498">It shall to'th Barbars, with your beard. Pry­
      <lb n="1499"/>thee say on: He's for a Iigge, or a tale of Baudry, or hee
      <lb n="1500"/>sleepes. Say on; come to<hi rend="italic">Hecuba</hi>.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pla.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1. Play.</speaker>
      <l n="1501">But who, O who, had seen the inobled Queen.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1502">The inobled Queene?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1503">That's good: Inobled Queene is good.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pla.1">
      <speaker rend="italic">1. Play.</speaker>
      <l n="1504">Run bare‑foot vp and downe,</l>
      <l n="1505">Threatmng the flame</l>
      <l n="1506">With Bisson Rheume: A clout about that head,</l>
      <l n="1507">Where late the Diadem stood, and for a Robe</l>
      <l n="1508">About her lanke and all ore‑teamed Loines,</l>
      <l n="1509">A blanket in th'Alarum of feare caught vp.</l>
      <l n="1510">Who this had seene, with tongue in Venome steep'd,</l>
      <l n="1511">'Gainst Fortunes State, would Treason haue pronounc'd?</l>
      <l n="1512">But if the Gods themselues did see her then,</l>
      <l n="1513">When she saw<hi rend="italic">Pyrrhus</hi>make malicious sport</l>
      <l n="1514">In mincing with his Sword her Husbands limbes,</l>
      <l n="1515">The instant Burst of Clamour that she made</l>
      <l n="1516">(Vnlesse things mortall moue them not at all)</l>
      <l n="1517">Would haue made milche the Burning eyes of Heauen,</l>
      <l n="1518">And passion in the Gods.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1519">Looke where he ha's not turn'd his colour, and
      <lb n="1520"/>ha's teares in's eyes. Pray you no more.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1521">'Tis well, Ile haue thee speake out the rest,
      <lb n="1522"/>soone. Good my Lord, will you see the Players wel be­
      <lb n="1523"/>stow'd. Do ye heare, let them be well vs'd: for they are
      <lb n="1524"/>the Abstracts and breefe Chronicles of the time. After
      <lb n="1525"/>your death, you were better haue a bad Epitaph, then
      <lb n="1526"/>their ill report while you liued.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1527">My Lord, I will vse them according to their de­
      <lb n="1528"/>sart.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1529">Gods bodykins man, better. Vse euerie man
      <lb n="1530"/>after his desart, and who should scape whipping: vse
      <lb n="1531"/>them after your own Honor and Dignity. The lesse they
      <lb n="1532"/>deserue, the more merit is in your bountie. Take them
      <lb n="1533"/>in.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1534">Come sirs.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Polon.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1535">Follow him Friends: wee'l heare a play to mor­
      <lb n="1536"/>row. Dost thou heare me old Friend, can you play the
      <lb n="1537"/>murther of<hi rend="italic">Gonzago</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plk">
      <speaker rend="italic">Play.</speaker>
      <p n="1538">I my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1539">Wee'l ha't to morrow night. You could for a
      <lb n="1540"/>need study a speech of some dosen or sixteene lines, which
      <lb n="1541"/>I would set downe, and insert in't? Could ye not?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plk">
      <speaker rend="italic">Play.</speaker>
      <p n="1542">I my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1543">Very well. Follow that Lord, and looke you
      <lb n="1544"/>mock him not. My good Friends, Ile leaue you til night
      <lb n="1545"/>you are welcome to<hi rend="italic">Elsonower</hi>?</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <l n="1546">Good my Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="business">Manet Hamlet.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1547">I so, God buy'ye: Now I am alone.</l>
      <l n="1548">Oh what a Rogue and Pesant slaue am I?</l>
      <l n="1549">Is it not monstrous that this Player heere,</l>
      <l n="1550">But in a Fixion, in a dreame of Passion,</l>
      <l n="1551">Could force his soule so to his whole conceit,</l>
      <l n="1552">That from her working, all his visage warm'd:</l>
      <l n="1553">Teares in his eyes, distraction in's Aspect,</l>
      <l n="1554">A broken voyce, and his whole Function suiting</l>
      <l n="1555">With Formes, to his Conceit? And all for nothing?</l>
      <l n="1556">For<hi rend="italic">Hecuba</hi>?</l>
      <l n="1557">What's<hi rend="italic">Hecuba</hi>to him, or he to<hi rend="italic">Hecuba</hi>,</l>
      <l n="1558">That he should weepe for her? What would he doe,</l>
      <l n="1559">Had he the Motiue and the Cue for passion</l>
      <l n="1560">That I haue? He would drowne the Stage with teares,</l>
      <l n="1561">And cleaue the generall eare with horrid speech:</l>
      <l n="1562">Make mad the guilty, and apale the free,</l>
      <l n="1563">Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed,</l>
      <l n="1564">The very faculty, of Eyes and Eares, Yet I,<note resp="#ES">A mark has been drawn in pencil following the end of this line.</note>
      </l>
      <l n="1565">A dull and muddy‑metled Rascall, peake</l>
      <l n="1566">Like Iohn a‑dreames, vnpregnant of my cause,</l>
      <l n="1567">And can say nothing: No, not for a King,</l>
      <l n="1568">Vpon whose property, and most deere life,</l>
      <l n="1569">A damn'd defeate was made. Am I a Coward?</l>
      <l n="1570">Who calles me Villaine<c rend="italic">?</c>breakes my pate a‑croffe?</l>
      <l n="1571">Pluckes off my Beard, and blowes it in my face<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
      <l n="1572">Tweakes me by'th'Nose<c rend="italic">?</c>giues me the Lye i'th'Throate,</l>
      <l n="1573">As deepe as to the Lungs? Who does me this?</l>
      <l n="1574">Ha? Why I should take it: for it cannot be,</l>
      <l n="1575">But I am Pigeon‑Liuer'd, and lacke Gall</l>
      <l n="1576">To make Oppression bitter, or ere this,</l>
      <l n="1577">I should haue fatted all the Region Kites</l>
      <l n="1578">With this Slaues Offall, bloudy: a Bawdy villaine,</l>
      <l n="1579">Remorselesse, Treacherous, Letcherous, kindles villaine!</l>
      <l n="1580">Oh Vengeance!</l>
      <l n="1581">Who? What an Asse am I? I sure, this is most braue,</l>
      <l n="1582">That I, the Sonne of the Deere murthered,</l>
      <l n="1583">Prompted to my Reuenge by Heauen, and Hell,</l>
      <l n="1584">Must (like a Whore) vnpacke my heart with words,</l>
      <l n="1585">And fall a Cursing like a very Drab,</l>
      <l n="1586">A Scullion? Fye vpon't: Foh. About my Braine.</l>
      <l n="1587">I haue heard, that guilty Creatures sitting at a Play,<note resp="#ES">Marks have been drawn in pencil on either side of this line.</note>
      </l>
      <l n="1588">Haue by the very cunning of the Scœne,</l>
      <l n="1589">Bene strooke so to the soule, that presently</l>
      <l n="1590">They haue proclaim'd their Malefactions.</l>
      <l n="1591">For Murther, though it haue no tongue, will speake</l>
      <l n="1592">With most myraculous Organ. Ile haue these Players,</l>
      <l n="1593">Play something like the murder of my Father,</l>
      <l n="1594">Before mine Vnkle. Ile obserue his lookes,</l>
      <l n="1595">Ile rent him to the quicke: If he but blench</l>
      <l n="1596">I know my course. The Spirit that I haue seene</l>
      <l n="1597">May be the Diuell, and the Diuel hath power</l>
      <l n="1598">T'assume a pleasing shape, yea and perhaps</l>
      <l n="1599">Out of my Weaknesse, and my Melancholly,</l>
      <l n="1600">As he is very potent with such Spirits,</l>
      <l n="1601">Abuses me to damne me. Ile haue grounds</l>
      <l n="1602">More Relatiue then this: The Play's the thing,</l>
      <l n="1603">Wherein Ile catch the Conscience of the King.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
</div>

                                
                            

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