The Bodleian First Folio

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



Text and Image

Here you can read a digital edition of each play in various views.

Page Image & Text
Digital Text
XML

Reference: oo5v - Tragedies, p. 266

Left Column


The Tragedie of Hamlet.

Fellows as I do crawling between heaven and Earth.

We are arrant knaues all, beleeue none of vs. Goe thy

wayes to a Nunnery. Where's your Father?

Ophe.
[1740]

At home, my Lord.

Ham.

Let the doores be shut vpon him, that he may

play the Foole no way, but in's owne house. Farewell.

Ophe.

O helpe him, you sweet Heauens.

Ham.

If thou doest Marry, Ile giue thee this Plague

[1745]

for, thy Dowrie. Be thou as chast as Ice, as pure as Snow,

thou shalt not escape Calumny. Get thee to a Nunnery.

Go, Farewell. Or if thou wilt needs Marry, marry a fool:

for Wise mem know well enough, what monsters you

make of them. To a Nunnery go, and quickly too. Far­

[1750]

well.

Ophe.

O heauenly Powers, restore him.

Ham.

I haue heard of your pratlings too wel enough.

God has giuen you one pace, and you make your selfe an­

other: you gidge, you amble, and you lispe, and nickname

[1755]

Gods creatures, and make your Wantonnesse, your Ig­

norance. Go too, Ile no more on't, it hath made me mad,

I say, we will haue no more Marriages. Those that are

married already, all but one shall liue, the rest shall keep

as they are. To a Nunnery, go.

Exit Hamlet. Ophe.
[1760]
O what a Noble minde is heere o're‑throwne? The Courtiers, Soldiers, Schollers: Eye, tongue, sword, Th'expectansie and Rose of the faire State, The glasse of Fashion, and the mould of Forme, Th'obseru'd of all Obseruers, quite, quite downe.
[1765]
Haue I of Ladies most deiect and wretched, That suck'd the Honie of his Musicke Vowes: Now see that Noble, and most Soueraigne Reason, Like sweet Bels iangled out of tune, and harsh, That vnmatch'd Forme and Feature of blowne youth,
[1770]
Blasted with extasie. Oh, woe is me, T'haue seene what I haue seene: see what I see.
Enter King, and Polonius. King. Loue? His affections do not that way tend, Nor what he spake, though it lack'd Forme a little, Was not like Madnesse. There's something in his soule?
[1775]
O're which his Melancholly sits on brood, And I do doubt the hatch, and the disclose Will be some danger, which to preuent I haue in quicke determination Thus set it downe. He shall with speed to England
[1780]
For the demand of our neglected Tribute: Haply the Seas and Countries different With variable Obiects, shall expell This something setled matter in his heart: Whereon his Braines still beating, puts him thus
[1785]
From fashion of himselfe. What thinke youon't?
Pol. It shall do well. But yet do I beleeue The Origin and Commencement of this greefe Sprung from neglected loue. How now Ophelia? You neede not tell vs, what Lord Hamlet saide,
[1790]
We heard it all. My Lord, do as you please, But if you hold it fit after the Play, Let his Queene Mother all alone intreat him To shew his Greefes: let her be round with him, And Ile be plac'd so, please you in the eare
[1795]
Of all their conference. If she finde him not, To England send him: Or confine him where Your wisedome best shall thinke.
King. It shall be so: Madnesse in great Ones, must not vnwatch'd go. Exeunt.

Right Column


[Act 3, Scene 2] Enter Hamlet, and two or three of the Players. Ham.
[1800]

Speake the Speech I pray you, as I pronounc'd

it to you trippingly on the Tongue; But if you mouth it,

as many of your Players do, I had as liue the Town‑Cryer

had spoke my Lines: Nor do not saw the Ayre too much

your hand thus, but vse all gently; for in the verie Tor­

[1805]

rent, Tempest, and (as I may say) the Whirle‑winde of

Passion, you must acquire and beget a Temperance that

may giue it Smoothnesse. O it offends mee to the Soule,

to see a robustious Pery‑wig‑pated Fellow, teare a Passi­

on to tatters, to verie ragges, to split the eares of the

[1810]

Groundlings: who (for the most part) are capeable of

nothing, but inexplicable dumbe shewes, & noise: I could

haue such a Fellow whipt for o're‑doing Termagant: it

out‑ Herod's Herod. Pray you auoid it.

Player.

I warrant your Honor.

Ham.
[1815]

Be not too tame neyther: but let your owne

Discretion be your Tutor. Sute the Action to the Word,

the Word to the Action, with this speciall obseruance:

That you ore‑stop not the modestie of Nature; for any

thing so ouer‑done, is frō from the purpose of Playing, whose

[1820]

end both at the first and now, was and is, to hold as 'twer

the Mirrour vp to Nature; to shew Vertue her owne

Feature, Scorne her owne Image, and the verie Age and

Bodie of the Time, his forme and pressure. Now, this

ouer‑done, or come tardie off, though it make the vnskil­

[1825]

full laugh, cannot but make the Iudicious greeue; The

censure of the which One, must in your allowance o're­

way a whole Theater of Others. Oh, there bee Players

that I haue seene Play, and heard others praise, and that

highly (not to speake it prophanely) that neyther hauing

[1830]

the accent of Christians, nor the gate of Christian, Pagan,

or Norman, haue so strutted and bellowed, that I haue

thought some of Natures Iouerney‑men had made men,

and not made them well, they imitated Humanity so ab­

hominably.

Play.
[1835]

I hope we haue reform'd that indifferently with

vs, Sir.

Ham.

O reforme it altogether. And let those that

play your Clownes, speake no more then is set downe for

them. For there be of them, that will themselues laugh,

[1840]

to set on some quantitie of barren Spectators to laugh

too, though in the meane time, some necessary Question

of the Play be then to be considered: that's Villanous, &

shewes a most pittifull Ambition in the Foole that vses

it. Go make you readie.

Exit Players. Enter Polonius, Rosincrance, and Guildensterne.
[1845]
How now my Lord, Will the King heare this peece of Worke?
Pol. And the Queene too, and that presently. Ham. Bid the players make hast. Exit Polonius. Will you two helpe to hasten them? Both.
[1850]
We will my Lord.
Exeunt. Enter Horatio. Ham. What hoa, Horatio? Hora. Heere sweet Lord, at your Seruice. Ham. Horatio, thou art eene as just a man As ere my Conuersation coap'd withall. Hora.
[1855]
O my deere Lord.
Ham. Nay, do not thinke I flatter: For what aduancement may I hope from thee, That no Reuennew hast, but thy good spirits To

Download the digital text and images of the play



 
[Act 3, Scene 2] Enter Hamlet, and two or three of the Players. Ham.
[1800]

Speake the Speech I pray you, as I pronounc'd

it to you trippingly on the Tongue; But if you mouth it,

as many of your Players do, I had as liue the Town‑Cryer

had spoke my Lines: Nor do not saw the Ayre too much

your hand thus, but vse all gently; for in the verie Tor­

[1805]

rent, Tempest, and (as I may say) the Whirle‑winde of

Passion, you must acquire and beget a Temperance that

may giue it Smoothnesse. O it offends mee to the Soule,

to see a robustious Pery‑wig‑pated Fellow, teare a Passi­

on to tatters, to verie ragges, to split the eares of the

[1810]

Groundlings: who (for the most part) are capeable of

nothing, but inexplicable dumbe shewes, & noise: I could

haue such a Fellow whipt for o're‑doing Termagant: it

out‑ Herod's Herod. Pray you auoid it.

Player.

I warrant your Honor.

Ham.
[1815]

Be not too tame neyther: but let your owne

Discretion be your Tutor. Sute the Action to the Word,

the Word to the Action, with this speciall obseruance:

That you ore‑stop not the modestie of Nature; for any

thing so ouer‑done, is frō from the purpose of Playing, whose

[1820]

end both at the first and now, was and is, to hold as 'twer

the Mirrour vp to Nature; to shew Vertue her owne

Feature, Scorne her owne Image, and the verie Age and

Bodie of the Time, his forme and pressure. Now, this

ouer‑done, or come tardie off, though it make the vnskil­

[1825]

full laugh, cannot but make the Iudicious greeue; The

censure of the which One, must in your allowance o're­

way a whole Theater of Others. Oh, there bee Players

that I haue seene Play, and heard others praise, and that

highly (not to speake it prophanely) that neyther hauing

[1830]

the accent of Christians, nor the gate of Christian, Pagan,

or Norman, haue so strutted and bellowed, that I haue

thought some of Natures Iouerney‑men had made men,

and not made them well, they imitated Humanity so ab­

hominably.

Play.
[1835]

I hope we haue reform'd that indifferently with

vs, Sir.

Ham.

O reforme it altogether. And let those that

play your Clownes, speake no more then is set downe for

them. For there be of them, that will themselues laugh,

[1840]

to set on some quantitie of barren Spectators to laugh

too, though in the meane time, some necessary Question

of the Play be then to be considered: that's Villanous, &

shewes a most pittifull Ambition in the Foole that vses

it. Go make you readie.

Exit Players. Enter Polonius, Rosincrance, and Guildensterne.
[1845]
How now my Lord, Will the King heare this peece of Worke?
Pol. And the Queene too, and that presently. Ham. Bid the players make hast. Exit Polonius. Will you two helpe to hasten them? Both.
[1850]
We will my Lord.
Exeunt. Enter Horatio. Ham. What hoa, Horatio? Hora. Heere sweet Lord, at your Seruice. Ham. Horatio, thou art eene as just a man As ere my Conuersation coap'd withall. Hora.
[1855]
O my deere Lord.
Ham. Nay, do not thinke I flatter: For what aduancement may I hope from thee, That no Reuennew hast, but thy good spirits To feed & cloath thee. Why shold the poor be flatter'd?
[1860]
No, let the Candied tongue, like absurd pompe, And crooke the pregnant Hindges of the knee, Where thrift may follow faining? Dost thou heare, Since my deere Soule was Mistris of my choyse, And could of men distinguish, her election
[1865]
Hath seal'd thee for her selfe. For thou hast bene As one in suffering all, that suffers nothing. A man that Fortunes buffets, and Rewards Hath 'tane with equall Thankes. And blest are those, Whose Blood and Iudgement are so well co‑mingled,
[1870]
That they are not a Pipe for Fortunes finger, To sound what stop she please. Giue me that man, That is not Passions Slaue, and I will weare him In my hearts Core: I, in my Heart of heart, As I do thee. Something too much of this.
[1875]
There is a Play to night before the King. One Scœne of it comes neere the Circumstance Which I haue told thee, of my Fathers death. I prythee, when thou see'st that Acte a‑foot, Euen with the verie Comment of my Soule
[1880]
Obserue mine Vnkle: If his occulted guilt, Do not it selfe vnkennell in one speech, It is a damned Ghost that we haue seene: And my Imaginations are as foule As Vulcans Stythe. Giue him needfull note,
[1885]
For I mine eyes will riuet to his Face: And after we will both our iudgements ioyne, To censure of his seeming.
Hora. Well my Lord. If he steale ought the whil'st this Play is Playing,
[1890]
And scape detecting, I will pay the Theft.
Enter King, Queene, Polonius, Ophelia, Rosincrance, Guidensterne, and other Lords attendant with his Guard carrying Torches. Danish March. Sound a Flourish. Ham. They are comming to the Play: I must be idle. Get you a place. King. How fares our Cosin Hamlet? Ham.

Excellent I faith, of the Camelions dish: I eate

[1895]

the Ayre promise‑cramm'd, you cannot feed Capons so.

King.

I haue nothing with this answer Hamlet, these

words are not mine.

Ham.

No, nor mine. Now my Lord, you plaid once

i'th'Vniuersity, you say?

Polon.
[1900]

That I did my Lord, and was accounted a good

Actor.

Ham.

And what did you enact?

Pol.

I did enact Iulius Cæsar, I was kill'd i'th'Capitol:

Brutus kill'd me.

Ham.
[1905]

It was a bruite part of him, to kill so Capitall a

Calfe there. Be the Players ready?.

Rosin.

I my Lord, they stay vpon your patience.

Qu.

Come hither my good Hamlet, sit by me.

Ha.

No good Mother, here's Mettle more attractiue.

Pol.
[1910]

Oh ho, do you marke that ?

Ham.

Ladie, shall I lye in your Lap?

Ophe.

No my Lord.

Ham.

I meane, my Head vpon your Lap?

Ophe.

I my Lord.

Ham.
[1915]

Do you thinke I meant Country matters?

Ophe.

I thinke nothing, my Lord.

Ham.

That's a faire thought to ly between Maids legs

Ophe.

What is my Lord?

Ham.

Nothing.

Ophe.
[1920]

You are merrie, my Lord?

Ham.

Who I?

Ophe.

I my Lord.

Ham.

Oh God, your onely Iigge‑maker: what should

a man do, but be merrie. For looke you how cheereful­

[1925]

ly my Mother lookes, and my Father dyed within's two

Houres.

Ophe.

Nay,'tis twice two moneths, my Lord.

Ham.

So long? Nay then let the Diuel weare blacke,

for Ile haue a suite of Sables. Oh Heauens! dye two mo­

[1930]

neths ago, and not forgotten yet? Then there's hope, a

great mans Memorie, may out‑liue his life halfe a yeare:

But byrlady he must builde Churches then: or else shall

he suffer not thinking on, with the Hoby‑horsse, whose

Epitaph is, For o, For o, the Hoby‑horse is forgot.

Hoboyes play. The dumbe shew enters. Enter a King and Queene, very louingly; the Queene embra­ cing him. She kneeles and makes shew of Protestation vnto him. He takes her vp, and dcclines declines his head vpon her neck: Layes him downe vpon a Banke of Flowers. She seeing him a‑sleepe, leaues him. Anon comes in a Fellow, takes off his Crowne, kisses it, and powres poyson in the Kings eares, and Exits. The Queene returnes, findes the King dead, and makes passionate Action. The Poysoner, with some two or three Mutes comes in againe, seeming to lament with her. The dead body is carried away: The Poysoner Wooes the Queene with Gifts, she seemes loath and vnwilling awhile, but in the end, accepts his loue. Exeunt. Ophe.
[1935]

What meanes this, my Lord?

Ham.

Marry this is Miching Malicho, that meanes

Mischeefe.

Ophe.

Belike this shew imports the Argument of the

Play?

Ham.
[1940]

We shall know by these Fellowes: the Players

cannot keepe counsell, they'l tell all.

Ophe.

Will they tell vs what this shew meant?

Ham.

I, or any shew that you'l shew him. Bee not

you asham'd to shew, hee'l not shame to tell you what it

[1945]

meanes.

Ophe.

You are naught, you are naught, Ile marke the

Play.

Enter Prologue. For vs, and for our Tragedie, Heere stooping to your Clemencie:
[1950]
We begge your hearing Patientlie.
Ham.

Is this a Prologue, or the Poesie of a Ring?

Ophe.

'Tis briefe my Lord.

Ham.

As Womans loue.

Enter King and his Queene. King. Full thirtie times hath Phœbus Cart gon round,
[1955]
Neptunes salt Wash, and Tellus Orbed ground: And thirtie dozen Moones with borrowed sheene, About the World haue times twelue thirties beene, Since loue our hearts, and Hymen did our hands Vnite comutuall, in most sacred Bands.
Bap.
[1960]
So many iournies may the Sunne and Moone Make vs againe count o're, ere loue be done. But woe is me, you are so sicke of late, So farre from cheere, and from your forme state, That I distrust you: yet though I distrust,
[1965]
Discomfort you (my Lord) it nothing must: For womens Feare and Loue, holds quantitie, In neither ought, or in extremity: Now what my loue is, proofe hath made you know, And as my Loue is siz'd, my Feare is so.
King.
[1970]
Faith I must leaue thee Loue, and shortly too: My operant Powers my Functions leaue to do: And thou shalt liue in this faire world behinde, Honour'd, belou'd, and haply, one as kinde. For Husband shalt thou⸺
Bap.
[1975]
Oh confound the rest: Such Loue, must needs be Treason in my brest: In second Husband, let me be accurst, None wed the second. but who kill'd the first. An ink mark follows the end of this line.
Ham.

Wormwood, Wormwood.

Bapt.
[1980]
The instances that second Marriage moue, Are base respects of Thrift, but none of Loue. A second time, I kill my Husband dead, When second Husband kisses me in Bed.
King. I do beleeue you. Think what now you speak:
[1985]
But what we do determine, oft we breake: Purpose is but the slaue to Memorie, Of violent Birth, but poore validitie: Which now like Fruite vnripe stickes on the Tree, But fall vnshaken, when they mellow bee.
[1990]
Most necessary 'tis, that we forget To pay our selues, what to our selues is debt: What to our selues in passion we propose, The passion ending, doth the purpose lose. The violence of other Greefe or Ioy,
[1995]
Their owne ennactors with themselues destroy: Where Ioy most Reuels, Greefe doth most lament; Greefe ioyes, Ioy greeues on slender accident. This world is not for aye, nor 'tis not strange That euen our Loues should with our Fortunes change.
[2000]
For 'tis a question left vs yet to proue, Whether Loue lead Fortune, or else Fortune Loue. The great man downe you marke his fauourites flies, The poore aduanc'd, makes Friends of Enemies: And hitherto doth Loue on Fortune tend,
[2005]
For who not needs, shall neuer lacke a Frend: And who in want a hollow Friend doth try, Directly seasons him his Enemie. But orderly to end, where I begun, Our Willes and Fates do so contrary run,
[2010]
That our Deuices still are ouerthrowne, Our thoughts are ours, their ends, none of our owne. So thinke thou wilt no second Husband wed. But die thy thoughts, when thy first Lord is dead.
Bap. Nor Earth to giue me food, not Heauen light,
[2015]
Sport and repose locke from me day and night: Each opposite that blankes the face of ioy, Meet what I would haue well, and it destroy: Both heere, and hence, pursue me lasting strife, If once a Widdow, euer I be Wife.
Ham.
[2020]

If she should breake it now.

King. 'Tis deepely sworne: Sweet, leaue me heere a while, My spirits grow dull, and faine I would beguile The tedious day with sleepe. Qu.
[2025]
Sleepe rocke thy Braine, Sleepes And neuer come mischance betweene vs twaine.
Exit. Ham.

Madam, how like you this Play?

Qu.

The Lady protests to much me thinkes.

Ham.

Oh but shee'l keepe her word.

King.
[2030]

Haue you heard the Argument, is there no Of­

fence in't?

Ham.

No, no, they do but iest, poyson in iest, no Of­

fence i'th'world.

King.

What do you call the Play?

Ham.
[2035]

The Mouse‑trap: Marry how? Tropically:

This Play is the Image of a murder done in Vienna: Gon­ zago is the Dukes name, his wife Baptista: you shall see

anon: 'tis a knauish peece of worke: But what o'that?

Your Maiestie, and wee that haue free soules, it touches

[2040]

vs not: let the gall d iade winch: our withers are vnrung.

Enter Lucianus.

This is one Lucianus nephew to the King.

Ophe.

You are a good Chorus, my Lord.

Ham.

I could interpret betweene you and your loue:

if I could see the Puppets dallying.

Ophe.
[2045]

You are keene my Lord, you are keene.

Ham.

It would cost you a groaning, to take off my

edge.

Ophe.

Still better and worse.

Ham.

So you mistake Husbands.

[2050]

Begin Murderer. Pox, leaue thy damnable Faces, and

begin. Come, the croaking Rauen doth bellow for Re­

uenge.

Lucian. Thoughts blacke, hands apt, Drugges fit, and Time agreeing:
[2055]
Confederate season, else, no Creature seeing: Thou mixture ranke, of Midnight Weeds collected, With Hecats Ban, thrice blasted, thrice infected, Thy naturall Magicke, and dire propertie, On wholsome life, vsurpe immediately.
Powres the poyson in his eares. Ham.
[2060]

He poysons him i'th'Garden for's estate: His

name's Gonzago: the Story is extant and writ in choyce

Italian. You shall see anon how the Murtherer gets the

loue of Gonzago's wife.

Ophe.

The King rises.

Ham.
[2065]

What, frighted with false fire.

Qu.

How fares my Lord?

Pol.

Giue o're the Play.

King.

Giue me some Light. Away.

All.

Lights, Lights, Lights.

Exeunt Manet Hamlet & Horatio. Ham.
[2070]
Why let the strucken Deere go weepe, The Hart vngalled play: For some must watch, while some must sleepe; So runnes the world away.

Would not this Sir, and a Forrest of Feathers, if the rest of

[2075]

my Fortunes turne tutne Turke with me; with two Prouniciall

Roses on my rac'd Shooes, get me a Fellowship in a crie

of Players sir.

Hor.

Halfe a share.

Ham. A whole one I,
[2080]
For thou dost know: Oh Damon deere, This Realme dismantled was of Ioue himselfe, And now reignes heere. A verie verie Paiocke.
Hora.

You might haue Rim'd.

Ham.
[2085]

Oh good Horatio, Ile take the Ghosts word for

a thousand pound. Did'st perceiue?

Hora.

Verie well my Lord.

Ham.

Vpon the talke of the poysoning?

Hor.

I did verie well note him.

Enter Rosincrance and Guildensterene. Ham.
[2090]

Oh, ha ? Come some Musick. Come yͤ Recorders:

For if the King like not the Comedie, Why then belike he likes it not perdie.

Come some Musicke.

Guild.

Good my Lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.

Ham.
[2095]

Sir a whole History.

Guild.

The King, sir.

Ham.

I sir, what of him?

Guild.

Is in his retyrement, maruellous distemper'd.

Ham.

With drinke Sir ?

Guild.
[2100]

No my Lord, rather with choller.

Ham.

Your wisedome should shew it selfe more ri­

cher, to signifie this to his Doctor: for for me to put him

to his Purgation, would perhaps plundge him into farre

more Choller.

Guild.
[2105]

Good my Lord put your discourse into some

frame, and start not so wildely from my affayre.

Ham.

I am tame Sir, pronounce.

Guild.

The Queene your Mother, in most great affli-

ction of spirit, hath sent me to you.

Ham.
[2110]

You are welcome.

Guild.

Nay, good my Lord, this courtesie is not of

the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a whol­

some answer, I will doe your Mothers command'ment:

if not, your pardon, and my returne shall bee the end of

[2115]

my Businesse.

Ham.

Sir, I cannot.

Guild.

What, my Lord?

Ham.

Make you a wholsome answere: my wits dis­

eas'd. But sir, such answers as I can make, you shal com­

[2120]

mand: or rather you say, my Mother: therfore no more

but to the matter. My Mother you say.

Rosin.

Then thus she sayes: your behauior hath stroke

her into amazement, and admiration.

Ham.

Oh wonderfull Sonne, that can so astonish a

[2125]

Mother. But is there no sequell at the heeles of this Mo­

thers admiration?

Rosin.

She desires to speake with you in her Closset,

ere you go to bed.

Ham.

We shall obey, were she ten times our Mother.

[2130]

Haue you any further Trade with vs?

Rosin.

My Lord, you once did loue me.

Ham.

So I do still, by these pickers and stealers.

Rosin.

Good my Lord, what is your cause of distem­ This m, and other letters on this page, are distorted by a crease running diagonally across the paper.

per? You do freely barre the doore of your owne Liber­

[2135]

tie, if you deny your greefes to your Friend.

Ham.

Sir I lacke Aduancement.

Rosin.

How can that be, when you haue the voyce of

the King himselfe, for your Succession in Denmarke?

Ham.

I, but while the grasse growes, the Prouerbe is

[2140]

something musty.

Enter one with a Recorder.

O the Recorder. Let me see, to withdraw with you, why

do you go about to recouer the winde of mee, as if you

would driue me into a toyle?

Guild.

O my Lord, if my Dutie be too bold, my loue

[2145]

is too vnmannerly.

Ham.

I do not well vnderstand that. Will you play

vpon this Pipe?

Guild.

My Lord, I cannot.

Ham.

I pray you.

Guild.
[2150]

Beleeue me, I cannot.

Ham.

I do beseech you.

Guild.

I know no touch of it, my Lord.

Ham.

'Tis as easie as lying: gouerne these Ventiges

with your finger and thumbe, giue it breath with your

[2155]

mouth, and it will discourse most excellent Musicke.

Looke you, these are the stoppes.

Guild.

But these cannot I command to any vtterance

of hermony, I haue not the skill.

Ham.

Why looke you now, how vnworthy a thing

[2160]

you make of me: you would play vpon mee; you would

seeme to know my stops: you would pluck out the heart

of my Mysterie; you would sound mee from my lowest

Note, to the top of my Compasse: and there is much Mu­

sicke, excellent Voice, in this little Organe, yet cannot

[2165]

you make it. Why do you thinke, that I am easier to bee

plaid on, then a Pipe? Call me what Instrument you will,

though you can fret me, you cannot play vpon me, God

blesse you Sir.

Enter Polonius. Polon.

My Lord; the Queene would speak with you,

[2170]

and presently.

Ham.

Do you see that Clowd? that's almost in shape

like a Camell.

Polon.

By'th'Misse, and it's like a Camell indeed.

Ham.

Me thinkes it is like a Weazell.

Polon.
[2175]

It is back'd like a Weazell.

Ham.

Or like a Whale ?

Polon.

Verie like a Whale.

Ham.

Then will I come to my Mother, by and by:

They foole me to the top of my bent.

[2180]

I will come by and by.

Polon.

I will say so.

Exit. Brown ink smudge. Ham. By and by, is easily said. Leaue me Friends: 'Tis now the verie witching time of night, When Churchyards yawne, and Hell it selfe breaths out
[2185]
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood, And do such bitter businesse as the day Would quake to looke on. Soft now, to my Mother: Oh Heart, loose not thy Nature; let not euer The Soule of Nero, enter this firme bosome:
[2190]
Let me be cruell, not vnnaturall, I will speake Daggers to her, but vse none: My Tongue and Soule in this be Hypocrites. How in my words someuer she be shent, To giue them Seales, neuer my Soule consent.
 

Download the digital text of the play

                                
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="2" rend="notPresent">
   <head type="supplied">[Act 3, Scene 2]</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Hamlet, and two or three of the Players.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1800">Speake the Speech I pray you, as I pronounc'd
      <lb n="1801"/>it to you trippingly on the Tongue; But if you mouth it,
      <lb n="1802"/>as many of your Players do, I had as liue the Town‑Cryer
      <lb n="1803"/>had spoke my Lines: Nor do not saw the Ayre too much
      <lb n="1804"/>your hand thus, but vse all gently; for in the verie Tor­
      <lb n="1805"/>rent, Tempest, and (as I may say) the Whirle‑winde of
      <lb n="1806"/>Passion, you must acquire and beget a Temperance that
      <lb n="1807"/>may giue it Smoothnesse. O it offends mee to the Soule,
      <lb n="1808"/>to see a robustious Pery‑wig‑pated Fellow, teare a Passi­
      <lb n="1809"/>on to tatters, to verie ragges, to split the eares of the
      <lb n="1810"/>Groundlings: who (for the most part) are capeable of
      <lb n="1811"/>nothing, but inexplicable dumbe shewes, &amp; noise: I could
      <lb n="1812"/>haue such a Fellow whipt for o're‑doing Termagant: it
      <lb n="1813"/>out‑<hi rend="italic">Herod's Herod</hi>. Pray you auoid it.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plk">
      <speaker rend="italic">Player.</speaker>
      <p n="1814">I warrant your Honor.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1815">Be not too tame neyther: but let your owne
      <lb n="1816"/>Discretion be your Tutor. Sute the Action to the Word,
      <lb n="1817"/>the Word to the Action, with this speciall obseruance:
      <lb n="1818"/>That you ore‑stop not the modestie of Nature; for any
      <lb n="1819"/>thing so ouer‑done, is<choice>
            <abbr>frō</abbr>
            <expan>from</expan>
         </choice>the purpose of Playing, whose
      <lb n="1820"/>end both at the first and now, was and is, to hold as 'twer
      <lb n="1821"/>the Mirrour vp to Nature; to shew Vertue her owne
      <lb n="1822"/>Feature, Scorne her owne Image, and the verie Age and
      <lb n="1823"/>Bodie of the Time, his forme and pressure. Now, this
      <lb n="1824"/>ouer‑done, or come tardie off, though it make the vnskil­
      <lb n="1825"/>full laugh, cannot but make the Iudicious greeue; The
      <lb n="1826"/>censure of the which One, must in your allowance o're­
      <lb n="1827"/>way a whole Theater of Others. Oh, there bee Players
      <lb n="1828"/>that I haue seene Play, and heard others praise, and that
      <lb n="1829"/>highly (not to speake it prophanely) that neyther hauing
      <lb n="1830"/>the accent of Christians, nor the gate of Christian, Pagan,
      <lb n="1831"/>or Norman, haue so strutted and bellowed, that I haue
      <lb n="1832"/>thought some of Natures Iouerney‑men had made men,
      <lb n="1833"/>and not made them well, they imitated Humanity so ab­
      <lb n="1834"/>hominably.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plk">
      <speaker rend="italic">Play.</speaker>
      <p n="1835">I hope we haue reform'd that indifferently with
      <lb n="1836"/>vs, Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1837">O reforme it altogether. And let those that
      <lb n="1838"/>play your Clownes, speake no more then is set downe for
      <lb n="1839"/>them. For there be of them, that will themselues laugh,
      <lb n="1840"/>to set on some quantitie of barren Spectators to laugh
      <lb n="1841"/>too, though in the meane time, some necessary Question
      <lb n="1842"/>of the Play be then to be considered: that's Villanous, &amp;
      <lb n="1843"/>shewes a most pittifull Ambition in the Foole that vses
      <lb n="1844"/>it. Go make you readie.</p>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Players.</stage>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Polonius, Rosincrance, and Guildensterne.</stage>
      <l n="1845">How now my Lord,</l>
      <l n="1846">Will the King heare this peece of Worke?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="1847">And the Queene too, and that presently.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1848">Bid the players make hast.</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Polonius.</stage>
      <l n="1849">Will you two helpe to hasten them?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor #F-ham-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Both.</speaker>
      <l n="1850">We will my Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Horatio.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1851">What hoa,<hi rend="italic">Horatio</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hora.</speaker>
      <l n="1852">Heere sweet Lord, at your Seruice.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1853">
         <hi rend="italic">Horatio</hi>, thou art eene as just a man</l>
      <l n="1854">As ere my Conuersation coap'd withall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hora.</speaker>
      <l n="1855">O my deere Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1856">Nay, do not thinke I flatter:</l>
      <l n="1857">For what aduancement may I hope from thee,</l>
      <l n="1858">That no Reuennew hast, but thy good spirits</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0777-0.jpg" n="267"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="1859">To feed &amp; cloath thee. Why shold the poor be flatter'd?</l>
      <l n="1860">No, let the Candied tongue, like absurd pompe,</l>
      <l n="1861">And crooke the pregnant Hindges of the knee,</l>
      <l n="1862">Where thrift may follow faining? Dost thou heare,</l>
      <l n="1863">Since my deere Soule was Mistris of my choyse,</l>
      <l n="1864">And could of men distinguish, her election</l>
      <l n="1865">Hath seal'd thee for her selfe. For thou hast bene</l>
      <l n="1866">As one in suffering all, that suffers nothing.</l>
      <l n="1867">A man that Fortunes buffets, and Rewards</l>
      <l n="1868">Hath 'tane with equall Thankes. And blest are those,</l>
      <l n="1869">Whose Blood and Iudgement are so well co‑mingled,</l>
      <l n="1870">That they are not a Pipe for Fortunes finger,</l>
      <l n="1871">To sound what stop she please. Giue me that man,</l>
      <l n="1872">That is not Passions Slaue, and I will weare him</l>
      <l n="1873">In my hearts Core: I, in my Heart of heart,</l>
      <l n="1874">As I do thee. Something too much of this.</l>
      <l n="1875">There is a Play to night before the King.</l>
      <l n="1876">One Scœne of it comes neere the Circumstance</l>
      <l n="1877">Which I haue told thee, of my Fathers death.</l>
      <l n="1878">I prythee, when thou see'st that Acte a‑foot,</l>
      <l n="1879">Euen with the verie Comment of my Soule</l>
      <l n="1880">Obserue mine Vnkle: If his occulted guilt,</l>
      <l n="1881">Do not it selfe vnkennell in one speech,</l>
      <l n="1882">It is a damned Ghost that we haue seene:</l>
      <l n="1883">And my Imaginations are as foule</l>
      <l n="1884">As Vulcans Stythe. Giue him needfull note,</l>
      <l n="1885">For I mine eyes will riuet to his Face:</l>
      <l n="1886">And after we will both our iudgements ioyne,</l>
      <l n="1887">To censure of his seeming.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hora.</speaker>
      <l n="1888">Well my Lord.</l>
      <l n="1889">If he steale ought the whil'st this Play is Playing,</l>
      <l n="1890">And scape detecting, I will pay the Theft.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter King, Queene, Polonius, Ophelia, Rosincrance,
      <lb/>Guidensterne, and other Lords attendant with
      <lb/>his Guard carrying Torches. Danish
      <lb/>March. Sound a Flourish.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="1891">They are comming to the Play: I must be idle.</l>
      <l n="1892">Get you a place.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1893">How fares our Cosin<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1894">Excellent I faith, of the Camelions dish: I eate
      <lb n="1895"/>the Ayre promise‑cramm'd, you cannot feed Capons so.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <p n="1896">I haue nothing with this answer<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>, these
      <lb n="1897"/>words are not mine.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1898">No, nor mine. Now my Lord, you plaid once
      <lb n="1899"/>i'th'Vniuersity, you say?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="1900">That I did my Lord, and was accounted a good
      <lb n="1901"/>Actor.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1902">And what did you enact?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1903">I did enact<hi rend="italic">Iulius Cæsar</hi>, I was kill'd i'th'Capitol:
      <lb n="1904"/>
         <hi rend="italic">Brutus</hi>kill'd me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1905">It was a bruite part of him, to kill so Capitall a
      <lb n="1906"/>Calfe there. Be the Players ready?.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="1907">I my Lord, they stay vpon your patience.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <p n="1908">Come hither my good<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>, sit by me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ha.</speaker>
      <p n="1909">No good Mother, here's Mettle more attractiue.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="1910">Oh ho, do you marke that<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1911">Ladie, shall I lye in your Lap?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1912">No my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1913">I meane, my Head vpon your Lap?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1914">I my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1915">Do you thinke I meant Country matters?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1916">I thinke nothing, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1917">That's a faire thought to ly between Maids legs</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1918">What is my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <cb n="2"/>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1919">Nothing.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1920">You are merrie, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1921">Who I?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1922">I my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1923">Oh God, your onely Iigge‑maker: what should
      <lb n="1924"/>a man do, but be merrie. For looke you how cheereful­
      <lb n="1925"/>ly my Mother lookes, and my Father dyed within's two
      <lb n="1926"/>Houres.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1927">Nay,'tis twice two moneths, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1928">So long? Nay then let the Diuel weare blacke,
      <lb n="1929"/>for Ile haue a suite of Sables. Oh Heauens! dye two mo­
      <lb n="1930"/>neths ago, and not forgotten yet? Then there's hope, a
      <lb n="1931"/>great mans Memorie, may out‑liue his life halfe a yeare:
      <lb n="1932"/>But byrlady he must builde Churches then: or else shall
      <lb n="1933"/>he suffer not thinking on, with the Hoby‑horsse, whose
      <lb n="1934"/>Epitaph is, For o, For o, the Hoby‑horse is forgot.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="mixed">Hoboyes play. The dumbe shew enters.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="mixed">Enter a King and Queene, very louingly; the Queene embra­
      <lb/>cing him. She kneeles and makes shew of Protestation vnto
      <lb/>him. He takes her vp, and<choice>
         <orig>dcclines</orig>
         <corr>declines</corr>
      </choice>his head vpon her neck:
      <lb/>Layes him downe vpon a Banke of Flowers. She seeing him
      <lb/>a‑sleepe, leaues him. Anon comes in a Fellow, takes off his
      <lb/>Crowne, kisses it, and powres poyson in the Kings eares, and
      <lb/>Exits. The Queene returnes, findes the King dead, and
      <lb/>makes passionate Action. The Poysoner, with some two or
      <lb/>three Mutes comes in againe, seeming to lament with her.
      <lb/>The dead body is carried away: The Poysoner Wooes the
      <lb/>Queene with Gifts, she seemes loath and vnwilling awhile,
      <lb/>but in the end, accepts his loue.</stage>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1935">What meanes this, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1936">Marry this is Miching<hi rend="italic">Malicho</hi>, that meanes
      <lb n="1937"/>Mischeefe.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1938">Belike this shew imports the Argument of the
      <lb n="1939"/>Play?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1940">We shall know by these Fellowes: the Players
      <lb n="1941"/>cannot keepe counsell, they'l tell all.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1942">Will they tell vs what this shew meant?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1943">I, or any shew that you'l shew him. Bee not
      <lb n="1944"/>you asham'd to shew, hee'l not shame to tell you what it
      <lb n="1945"/>meanes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1946">You are naught, you are naught, Ile marke the
      <lb n="1947"/>Play.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Prologue.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plp">
      <l rend="italic" n="1948">For vs, and for our Tragedie,</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="1949">Heere stooping to your Clemencie:</l>
      <l rend="italic" n="1950">We begge your hearing Patientlie.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1951">Is this a Prologue, or the Poesie of a Ring?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="1952">'Tis briefe my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1953">As Womans loue.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter King and his Queene.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1954">Full thirtie times hath Phœbus Cart gon round,</l>
      <l n="1955">Neptunes salt Wash, and<hi rend="italic">Tellus</hi>Orbed ground:</l>
      <l n="1956">And thirtie dozen Moones with borrowed sheene,</l>
      <l n="1957">About the World haue times twelue thirties beene,</l>
      <l n="1958">Since loue our hearts, and<hi rend="italic">Hymen</hi>did our hands</l>
      <l n="1959">Vnite comutuall, in most sacred Bands.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plq">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bap.</speaker>
      <l n="1960">So many iournies may the Sunne and Moone</l>
      <l n="1961">Make vs againe count o're, ere loue be done.</l>
      <l n="1962">But woe is me, you are so sicke of late,</l>
      <l n="1963">So farre from cheere, and from your forme state,</l>
      <l n="1964">That I distrust you: yet though I distrust,</l>
      <l n="1965">Discomfort you (my Lord) it nothing must:</l>
      <l n="1966">For womens Feare and Loue, holds quantitie,</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0778-0.jpg" n="268"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="1967">In neither ought, or in extremity:</l>
      <l n="1968">Now what my loue is, proofe hath made you know,</l>
      <l n="1969">And as my Loue is siz'd, my Feare is so.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1970">Faith I must leaue thee Loue, and shortly too:</l>
      <l n="1971">My operant Powers my Functions leaue to do:</l>
      <l n="1972">And thou shalt liue in this faire world behinde,</l>
      <l n="1973">Honour'd, belou'd, and haply, one as kinde.</l>
      <l n="1974">For Husband shalt thou⸺</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plq">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bap.</speaker>
      <l n="1975">Oh confound the rest:</l>
      <l n="1976">Such Loue, must needs be Treason in my brest:</l>
      <l n="1977">In second Husband, let me be accurst,</l>
      <l n="1978">None wed the second. but who kill'd the first.</l>
      <note resp="#ES">An ink mark follows the end of this line.</note>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="1979">Wormwood, Wormwood.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plq">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bapt.</speaker>
      <l n="1980">The instances that second Marriage moue,</l>
      <l n="1981">Are base respects of Thrift, but none of Loue.</l>
      <l n="1982">A second time, I kill my Husband dead,</l>
      <l n="1983">When second Husband kisses me in Bed.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="1984">I do beleeue you. Think what now you speak:</l>
      <l n="1985">But what we do determine, oft we breake:</l>
      <l n="1986">Purpose is but the slaue to Memorie,</l>
      <l n="1987">Of violent Birth, but poore validitie:</l>
      <l n="1988">Which now like Fruite vnripe stickes on the Tree,</l>
      <l n="1989">But fall vnshaken, when they mellow bee.</l>
      <l n="1990">Most necessary 'tis, that we forget</l>
      <l n="1991">To pay our selues, what to our selues is debt:</l>
      <l n="1992">What to our selues in passion we propose,</l>
      <l n="1993">The passion ending, doth the purpose lose.</l>
      <l n="1994">The violence of other Greefe or Ioy,</l>
      <l n="1995">Their owne ennactors with themselues destroy:</l>
      <l n="1996">Where Ioy most Reuels, Greefe doth most lament;</l>
      <l n="1997">Greefe ioyes, Ioy greeues on slender accident.</l>
      <l n="1998">This world is not for aye, nor 'tis not strange</l>
      <l n="1999">That euen our Loues should with our Fortunes change.</l>
      <l n="2000">For 'tis a question left vs yet to proue,</l>
      <l n="2001">Whether Loue lead Fortune, or else Fortune Loue.</l>
      <l n="2002">The great man downe you marke his fauourites flies,</l>
      <l n="2003">The poore aduanc'd, makes Friends of Enemies:</l>
      <l n="2004">And hitherto doth Loue on Fortune tend,</l>
      <l n="2005">For who not needs, shall neuer lacke a Frend:</l>
      <l n="2006">And who in want a hollow Friend doth try,</l>
      <l n="2007">Directly seasons him his Enemie.</l>
      <l n="2008">But orderly to end, where I begun,</l>
      <l n="2009">Our Willes and Fates do so contrary run,</l>
      <l n="2010">That our Deuices still are ouerthrowne,</l>
      <l n="2011">Our thoughts are ours, their ends, none of our owne.</l>
      <l n="2012">So thinke thou wilt no second Husband wed.</l>
      <l n="2013">But die thy thoughts, when thy first Lord is dead.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-plq">
      <speaker rend="italic">Bap.</speaker>
      <l n="2014">Nor Earth to giue me food, not Heauen light,</l>
      <l n="2015">Sport and repose locke from me day and night:</l>
      <l n="2016">Each opposite that blankes the face of ioy,</l>
      <l n="2017">Meet what I would haue well, and it destroy:</l>
      <l n="2018">Both heere, and hence, pursue me lasting strife,</l>
      <l n="2019">If once a Widdow, euer I be Wife.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2020">If she should breake it now.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="2021">'Tis deepely sworne:</l>
      <l n="2022">Sweet, leaue me heere a while,</l>
      <l n="2023">My spirits grow dull, and faine I would beguile</l>
      <l n="2024">The tedious day with sleepe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="2025">Sleepe rocke thy Braine,</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Sleepes</stage>
      <l n="2026">And neuer come mischance betweene vs twaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2027">Madam, how like you this Play?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <p n="2028">The Lady protests to much me thinkes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2029">Oh but shee'l keepe her word.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <p n="2030">Haue you heard the Argument, is there no Of­
      <lb n="2031"/>fence in't?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2032">No, no, they do but iest, poyson in iest, no Of­<cb n="2"/>
         
      <lb n="2033"/>fence i'th'world.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <p n="2034">What do you call the Play?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2035">The Mouse‑trap: Marry how? Tropically:
      <lb n="2036"/>This Play is the Image of a murder done in<hi rend="italic">Vienna: Gon­
      <lb n="2037"/>zago</hi>is the Dukes name, his wife<hi rend="italic">Baptista</hi>: you shall see
      <lb n="2038"/>anon: 'tis a knauish peece of worke: But what o'that?
      <lb n="2039"/>Your Maiestie, and wee that haue free soules, it touches
      <lb n="2040"/>vs not: let the gall<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="unInkedType"
              resp="#ES"/>d iade winch: our withers are vnrung.</p>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Lucianus.</stage>
      <p n="2041">This is one<hi rend="italic">Lucianus</hi>nephew to the King.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="2042">You are a good Chorus, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2043">I could interpret betweene you and your loue:
      <lb n="2044"/>if I could see the Puppets dallying.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="2045">You are keene my Lord, you are keene.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2046">It would cost you a groaning, to take off my
      <lb n="2047"/>edge.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="2048">Still better and worse.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2049">So you mistake Husbands.
      <lb n="2050"/>Begin Murderer. Pox, leaue thy damnable Faces, and
      <lb n="2051"/>begin. Come, the croaking Rauen doth bellow for Re­
      <lb n="2052"/>uenge.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-luc">
      <speaker rend="italic">Lucian.</speaker>
      <l n="2053">Thoughts blacke, hands apt,</l>
      <l n="2054">Drugges fit, and Time agreeing:</l>
      <l n="2055">Confederate season, else, no Creature seeing:</l>
      <l n="2056">Thou mixture ranke, of Midnight Weeds collected,</l>
      <l n="2057">With Hecats Ban, thrice blasted, thrice infected,</l>
      <l n="2058">Thy naturall Magicke, and dire propertie,</l>
      <l n="2059">On wholsome life, vsurpe immediately.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="business">Powres the poyson in his eares.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2060">He poysons him i'th'Garden for's estate: His
      <lb n="2061"/>name's<hi rend="italic">Gonzago:</hi>the Story is extant and writ in choyce
      <lb n="2062"/>Italian. You shall see anon how the Murtherer gets the
      <lb n="2063"/>loue of<hi rend="italic">Gonzago's</hi>wife.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-oph">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ophe.</speaker>
      <p n="2064">The King rises.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2065">What, frighted with false fire.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <p n="2066">How fares my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <p n="2067">Giue o're the Play.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <p n="2068">Giue me some Light. Away.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-all">
      <speaker rend="italic">All.</speaker>
      <p n="2069">Lights, Lights, Lights.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt</stage>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="business">Manet Hamlet &amp; Horatio.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="2070">Why let the strucken Deere go weepe,</l>
      <l n="2071">The Hart vngalled play:</l>
      <l n="2072">For some must watch, while some must sleepe;</l>
      <l n="2073">So runnes the world away.</l>
      <p n="2074">Would not this Sir, and a Forrest of Feathers, if the rest of
      <lb n="2075"/>my Fortunes<choice>
            <corr>turne</corr>
            <orig>tutne</orig>
         </choice>Turke with me; with two Prouniciall
      <lb n="2076"/>Roses on my rac'd Shooes, get me a Fellowship in a crie
      <lb n="2077"/>of Players sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <p n="2078">Halfe a share.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="2079">A whole one I,</l>
      <l n="2080">For thou dost know: Oh<hi rend="italic">Damon</hi>deere,</l>
      <l n="2081">This Realme dismantled was of Ioue himselfe,</l>
      <l n="2082">And now reignes heere.</l>
      <l n="2083">A verie verie Paiocke.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hora.</speaker>
      <p n="2084">You might haue Rim'd.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2085">Oh good<hi rend="italic">Horatio</hi>, Ile take the Ghosts word for
      <lb n="2086"/>a thousand pound. Did'st perceiue?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hora.</speaker>
      <p n="2087">Verie well my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2088">Vpon the talke of the poysoning?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <p n="2089">I did verie well note him.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Rosincrance and Guildensterene.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2090">Oh, ha<c rend="italic">?</c>Come some Musick. Come yͤ Recorders:</p>
      <l n="2091">For if the King like not the Comedie,</l>
      <l n="2092">Why then belike he likes it not perdie.</l>
      <p n="2093">Come some Musicke.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2094">Good my Lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.</p>
   </sp>
   <pb facs="FFimg:axc0779-0.jpg" n="269"/>
   <cb n="1"/>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2095">Sir a whole History.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2096">The King, sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2097">I sir, what of him?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2098">Is in his retyrement, maruellous distemper'd.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2099">With drinke Sir<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2100">No my Lord, rather with choller.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2101">Your wisedome should shew it selfe more ri­
      <lb n="2102"/>cher, to signifie this to his Doctor: for for me to put him
      <lb n="2103"/>to his Purgation, would perhaps plundge him into farre
      <lb n="2104"/>more Choller.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2105">Good my Lord put your discourse into some
      <lb n="2106"/>frame, and start not so wildely from my affayre.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2107">I am tame Sir, pronounce.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2108">The Queene your Mother, in most great affli-
      <lb n="2109"/>ction of spirit, hath sent me to you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2110">You are welcome.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2111">Nay, good my Lord, this courtesie is not of
      <lb n="2112"/>the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a whol­
      <lb n="2113"/>some answer, I will doe your Mothers command'ment:
      <lb n="2114"/>if not, your pardon, and my returne shall bee the end of
      <lb n="2115"/>my Businesse.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2116">Sir, I cannot.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2117">What, my Lord?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2118">Make you a wholsome answere: my wits dis­
      <lb n="2119"/>eas'd. But sir, such answers as I can make, you shal com­
      <lb n="2120"/>mand: or rather you say, my Mother: therfore no more
      <lb n="2121"/>but to the matter. My Mother you say.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="2122">Then thus she sayes: your behauior hath stroke
      <lb n="2123"/>her into amazement, and admiration.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2124">Oh wonderfull Sonne, that can so astonish a
      <lb n="2125"/>Mother. But is there no sequell at the heeles of this Mo­
      <lb n="2126"/>thers admiration?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="2127">She desires to speake with you in her Closset,
      <lb n="2128"/>ere you go to bed.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2129">We shall obey, were she ten times our Mother.
      <lb n="2130"/>Haue you any further Trade with vs?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="2131">My Lord, you once did loue me.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2132">So I do still, by these pickers and stealers.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="2133">Good my Lord, what is your cause of distem­<note resp="#ES">This m, and other letters on this page, are distorted by a crease running diagonally across the paper.</note>
         
      <lb n="2134"/>per? You do freely barre the doore of your owne Liber­
      <lb n="2135"/>tie, if you deny your greefes to your Friend.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2136">Sir I lacke Aduancement.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ros">
      <speaker rend="italic">Rosin.</speaker>
      <p n="2137">How can that be, when you haue the voyce of
      <lb n="2138"/>the King himselfe, for your Succession in Denmarke?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2139">I, but while the grasse growes, the Prouerbe is
      <lb n="2140"/>something musty.</p>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter one with a Recorder.</stage>
      <p n="2141">O the Recorder. Let me see, to withdraw with you, why
      <lb n="2142"/>do you go about to recouer the winde of mee, as if you
      <lb n="2143"/>would driue me into a toyle?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2144">O my Lord, if my Dutie be too bold, my loue
      <lb n="2145"/>is too vnmannerly.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2146">I do not well vnderstand that. Will you play
      <lb n="2147"/>vpon this Pipe?</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2148">My Lord, I cannot.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2149">I pray you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2150">Beleeue me, I cannot.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2151">I do beseech you.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2152">I know no touch of it, my Lord.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2153">'Tis as easie as lying: gouerne these Ventiges
      <lb n="2154"/>with your finger and thumbe, giue it breath with your
      <lb n="2155"/>mouth, and it will discourse most excellent Musicke.
      <lb n="2156"/>Looke you, these are the stoppes.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-gui">
      <speaker rend="italic">Guild.</speaker>
      <p n="2157">But these cannot I command to any vtterance
      <lb n="2158"/>of hermony, I haue not the skill.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2159">Why looke you now, how vnworthy a thing<cb n="2"/>
         
      <lb n="2160"/>you make of me: you would play vpon mee; you would
      <lb n="2161"/>seeme to know my stops: you would pluck out the heart
      <lb n="2162"/>of my Mysterie; you would sound mee from my lowest
      <lb n="2163"/>Note, to the top of my Compasse: and there is much Mu­
      <lb n="2164"/>sicke, excellent Voice, in this little Organe, yet cannot
      <lb n="2165"/>you make it. Why do you thinke, that I am easier to bee
      <lb n="2166"/>plaid on, then a Pipe? Call me what Instrument you will,
      <lb n="2167"/>though you can fret me, you cannot play vpon me, God
      <lb n="2168"/>blesse you Sir.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Polonius.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="2169">My Lord; the Queene would speak with you,
      <lb n="2170"/>and presently.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2171">Do you see that Clowd? that's almost in shape
      <lb n="2172"/>like a Camell.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="2173">By'th'Misse, and it's like a Camell indeed.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2174">Me thinkes it is like a Weazell.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="2175">It is back'd like a Weazell.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2176">Or like a Whale<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="2177">Verie like a Whale.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <p n="2178">Then will I come to my Mother, by and by:
      <lb n="2179"/>They foole me to the top of my bent.</p>
      <p n="2180">I will come by and by.</p>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Polon.</speaker>
      <p n="2181">I will say so.</p>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.<note resp="#PW">Brown ink smudge.</note>
   </stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="2182">By and by, is easily said. Leaue me Friends:</l>
      <l n="2183">'Tis now the verie witching time of night,</l>
      <l n="2184">When Churchyards yawne, and Hell it selfe breaths out</l>
      <l n="2185">Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood,</l>
      <l n="2186">And do such bitter businesse as the day</l>
      <l n="2187">Would quake to looke on. Soft now, to my Mother:</l>
      <l n="2188">Oh Heart, loose not thy Nature; let not euer</l>
      <l n="2189">The Soule of<hi rend="italic">Nero</hi>, enter this firme bosome:</l>
      <l n="2190">Let me be cruell, not vnnaturall,</l>
      <l n="2191">I will speake Daggers to her, but vse none:</l>
      <l n="2192">My Tongue and Soule in this be Hypocrites.</l>
      <l n="2193">How in my words someuer she be shent,</l>
      <l n="2194">To giue them Seales, neuer my Soule consent.</l>
   </sp>
</div>

                                
                            

Download the XML