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: nn5r - Tragedies, p. 153

Left Column


The Tragedie of Hamlet. At least the whisper goes so: Our last King,
[90]
Whose Image euen but now appear'd to vs, Was (as you know) by Fortinbras of Norway, (Thereto prick'd on by a most emulate Pride) Dar'd to the Combate. In which, our Valiant Hamlet, (For so this side of our knowne world esteem'd him)
[95]
Did slay this Fortinbras: who by a Seal'd Compact, Well ratified by Law, and Heraldrie, Did forfeite (with his life) all those his Lands Which he stood seiz'd on, to the Conqueror; Against the which, a Moity competent
[100]
Was gaged by our King: which had return'd To the Inheritance of Fortinbras, Had he bin Vanquisher, as by the same Cou'nant And carriage of the Article designe, His fell to Hamlet. Now sir, young Fortinbras,
[105]
Of vnimproued Mettle, hot and full, Hath in the skirts of Norway, heere and there, Shark'd vp a List of Landlesse Resolutes, For Foode and Diet, to some Enterprize That hath a stomacke m't: which is no other
[110]
(And it doth well appeare vnto our State ) But to recouer of vs by strong hand And termes Compulsatiue, those foresaid Lands So by his Father lost: and this (I take it) Is the maine Motiue os our Preparations,
[115]
The Sourse of this our Watch, and the cheefe head Of this post‑hast, and Romage in the Land. Enter Ghost againe. But soft, behold: Loe, where it comes againe: Ile crosse it, though it blast me. stay Illusion: If thou hast any sound, or vse of Voyce,
[120]
Speake to me. If there be any good thing to be done, That may to thee do ease, and grace to me; speak to me. If thou art priuy to thy Countries Fate (Which happily foreknowing may auoyd) Oh speake. Or, if thou hast vp‑hoorded in thy life
[125]
Extorted Treasure in the wombe of Earth, (For which, they say, you Spirits oft walke in death) Speake of it. Stay, and speake. Stop it Marcellus. Mar. Shall I strike at ir it with my Partizan? Hor. Do, if it will not stand. Barn.
[130]
'Tis heere. Hor. 'Tis heere. Mar. 'Tis gone. Exit Ghost. We do it wrong, being so Maiesticall To offer it the shew of Violence,
[135]
For it is as the Ayre, invulnerable, And our vaine blowes, malicious Mockery. Barn. It was about to speake, when the Cocke crew. Hor. And then it started, like a guilty thing Vpon a fearfull Summons. I haue heard,
[140]
The Cocke that is the Trumpet to the day, Doth with his lofty and shrill‑sounding Throate Awake the God of Day: and at his warning, Whether in Sea, or Fire, in Earth, or Ayre, Th'extrauagant, and erring Spirit, hyes
[145]
To his Confine. And of the truth heerein, This prescnt Obiect made probation. Mar. It faded on the crowing of the Cocke. Some sayes, that euer 'gainst that Season comes Wherein our Sauiours Birth is celebrated,
[150]
The Bird of Dawning singeth all night long: And then (they say) no Spirit can walke abroad, The nights are wholsome, then no Planets strike, No Faiery talkes, nor Witch hath power to Charme:

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Right Column


So hallow'd, and so gracious is the time. Hor.
[155]
So haue I heard, and do in part beleeue it. But looke, the Morne in Russet mantle clad, Walkes o're the dew of yon high Easterne Hill, Breake we our Watch vp, and by my aduice Let vs impart what we haue seene to night
[160]
Vnto yong Hamlet. For vpon my life, This Spirit dumbe to vs, will speake to him: Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it, As needfull in our Loues, fitting our Duty? Mar. Let do't I pray, and I this morning know
[165]
Where we shall finde him most conueniently. Exeunt
[Act 1, Scene 2] Scena Secunda. Enter Claudius King of Denmarke, Gertrude the Queene, Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, and his Sister O­ phelia, Lords Attendant. There is an ink mark at the end of this stage direction. King. Though yet of Hamlet our deere Brothers death The memory be greene: and that it vs befitted To beare our hearts in greefe, and our whole Kingdome To becontracted in one brow of woe:
[170]
Yet so farre hath Discretion fought with Nature, That we with wisest sorrow thinke on him, Together with remembrance of our selues. Therefore our sometimes Sister, now our Queen, Th'Imperiall Ioyntresse of this warlike State,
[175]
Haue we, as 'twere, with a defeated ioy, With one Auspicious, and one Dropping eye, With mirth in Fanerall, and with Dirge in Marriage, In equall Scale weighing Delight and Dole Taken to Wife; nor haue we heerein barr'd
[180]
Your better Wisedomes, which haue freely gone With this affaire along, for all our Thankes. Now followes, that you know young Fortinbras, There is an ink mark at the end of this line. Holding a weake supposall of our worth; Or thinking by our late deere Brothers death,
[185]
Our State to be disioynt, and out of Frame, Colleagued with the dreame of his Aduantage; He hath not fayl'd to pester vs with Message, Importing the surrender of those Lands Lost by his Father: with all Bonds of Law
[190]
To our most valiant Brother. So much for him. Enter Voltemand and Cornelius. Now for our selfe, and for this time of meeting Thus much the businesse is. We haue heere writ To Norway, Vncle of young Fortirbras, Who Impotent and Bedrid, scarsely heares
[195]
Of this his Nephewes purpose, to suppresse His further gate heerein. In that the Leuies, The Lists, and full proportions are all made Out of his subiect: and we heere dispatch You good Cornelius, and you Voltemand,
[200]
For bearing of this greeting to old Norway, Giuing to you no further personall power To businesse with the King, more then the scope Of these dilated Articles allow: Farewell, and let your hast commend your duty. Volt.
[205]
In that, and all things, will we shew our duty. King. We doubt it nothing, heartily farewell. Exit Voltemand and Cornelius. And now Laertes, what's the newes with you? You

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[Act 1, Scene 2] Scena Secunda. Enter Claudius King of Denmarke, Gertrude the Queene, Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, and his Sister O­ phelia, Lords Attendant. There is an ink mark at the end of this stage direction. King. Though yet of Hamlet our deere Brothers death The memory be greene: and that it vs befitted To beare our hearts in greefe, and our whole Kingdome To becontracted in one brow of woe:
[170]
Yet so farre hath Discretion fought with Nature, That we with wisest sorrow thinke on him, Together with remembrance of our selues. Therefore our sometimes Sister, now our Queen, Th'Imperiall Ioyntresse of this warlike State,
[175]
Haue we, as 'twere, with a defeated ioy, With one Auspicious, and one Dropping eye, With mirth in Fanerall, and with Dirge in Marriage, In equall Scale weighing Delight and Dole Taken to Wife; nor haue we heerein barr'd
[180]
Your better Wisedomes, which haue freely gone With this affaire along, for all our Thankes. Now followes, that you know young Fortinbras, There is an ink mark at the end of this line. Holding a weake supposall of our worth; Or thinking by our late deere Brothers death,
[185]
Our State to be disioynt, and out of Frame, Colleagued with the dreame of his Aduantage; He hath not fayl'd to pester vs with Message, Importing the surrender of those Lands Lost by his Father: with all Bonds of Law
[190]
To our most valiant Brother. So much for him. Enter Voltemand and Cornelius. Now for our selfe, and for this time of meeting Thus much the businesse is. We haue heere writ To Norway, Vncle of young Fortirbras, Who Impotent and Bedrid, scarsely heares
[195]
Of this his Nephewes purpose, to suppresse His further gate heerein. In that the Leuies, The Lists, and full proportions are all made Out of his subiect: and we heere dispatch You good Cornelius, and you Voltemand,
[200]
For bearing of this greeting to old Norway, Giuing to you no further personall power To businesse with the King, more then the scope Of these dilated Articles allow: Farewell, and let your hast commend your duty. Volt.
[205]
In that, and all things, will we shew our duty. King. We doubt it nothing, heartily farewell. Exit Voltemand and Cornelius. And now Laertes, what's the newes with you? You told vs of some suite. What is't Laertes? You cannot speake of Reason to the Dane,
[210]
And loose your voyce.What would'st thou beg Laertes, That shall not be my Offer, not thy Asking? The Head is not more Natiue to the Heart, The Hand more Instrumentall to the Mouth, Then is the Throne of Denmarke to thy Father.
[215]
What would'st thou haue Laertes? Laer. Dread my Lord, Your leaue and fauour to returne to France, There is an ink mark at the end of this line. From whence, though willingly I came to Denmarke To shew my duty in your Coronation,
[220]
Yet now I must confesse, that duty done, My thoughts and wishes bend againe towards France, And bow them to your gracious leaue and pardon. King. Haue you your Fathers leaue? What sayes Pollonius? Pol.
[225]
He hath my Lord : I do beseech you giue him leaue to go. King. Take thy faire houre, Laertes, time be thine, And thy best graces spend it at thy will: But now my Cosin Hamlet, and my Sonne? Ham.
[230]
A little more then kin, and lesse then kinde. King. How is it that the Clouds still hang on you ? Ham. Not so my Lord, I am too much i'th'Sun. Queen. Good Hamlet cast thy nightly colour off, And let thine eye looke like a Friend on Denmarke.
[235]
Do not for euer with thy veyled lids Seeke for thy Noble Father in the dust; Thou know'st 'tis common, all that liues must dye, Passing through Nature, to Eternity. Ham. I Madam, it is common. Queen.
[240]
If it be; Why seemes it so particular with thee. Ham. Seemes Madam? Nay, it is: I know not Seemes: 'Tis not alone my Inky Cloake (good Mother) Nor Customary suites of solemne Blacke,
[245]
Nor windy suspiration of forc'd breath, No, nor the fruitfull Riuer in the Eye, Nor the deiected hauiour of the Visage, Together with all Formes, Moods, shewes of Griefe, That can denote me truly. These indeed Seeme,
[250]
For they are actions that a man might play: But I haue that Within, which passeth show; These, but the Trappings, and the Suites of woe. King. 'Tis sweet and commendable In your Nature Hamlet,
[255]
To giue these mourning duties to your Father: But you must know, your Father lost a Father, That Father lost, lost his, and the Suruiuer bound In filiall Obligation, for some terme To do obsequious Sorrow. But to perseuer
[260]
In obstinate Condolement, is a course Of impious stubbornnesse. 'Tis vnmanly greefe, It shewes a will most incorrect to Heauen, A Heart vnfortified, a Minde impatient, An Vnderstanding simple, and vnschool'd:
[265]
For, what we know must be, and is as common As any the most vulgar thing to sence, Why should we in our peeuish Opposition Take it to heart? Fye,'tis a fault to Heauen, A fault against the Dead, a fault to Nature,
[270]
To Reason most absurd, whose common Theame Is death of Fathers, and who still hath cried, From the first Coarse, till he that dyed to day, This must be so. We pray you throw to earth This vnpreuayling woe, and thinke of vs
[275]
As of a Father; For let the world take note, You arc the most immediate to our Throne, And with no lesse Nobility of Loue, Then that which deerest Father beares his Sonne, Do I impart towards you. For your intent
[280]
In going backe to Schoole in Wittenberg, It is most retrograde to our desire: And we beseech you, bend you to remaine Heere in the cheere and comfort of our eye, Our cheefest Courtier Cosin, and our Sonne. Qu.
[285]
Let not thy Mother lose her Prayers Hamlet: I prythee stay with vs, go not to Wittenberg. Ham. I shall in all my beft best Obey you Madam. King. Why 'tis a louing, and a faire Reply,
[290]
Be as our selfe in Denmarke. Madam come, This gentle and vnforc'd accord of Hamlet Sits smiling to my heart; in grace whereof, No iocond health that Denmarke drinkes to day, But the great Cannon to the Clowds shall tell,
[295]
And the Kings Rouce, the Heauens shall bruite againe, Respeaking earthly Thunder. Come away. Exeunt Manet Hamlet. Ham. Oh that this too too solid Flesh, would melt, Thaw, and resolue it selfe into a Dew: Or that the Euerlasting had not fixt
[300]
His Cannon 'gainst Selfe‑slaughter. O God, O God! How weary, stale, flat, and vnprofitable Seemes to me all the vses of this world? Fie on't? Oh fie, fie, 'tis an vnweeded Garden That growes to Seed: Things rank, and grosse in Nature
[305]
Possesse it meerely. That it should come to this: But two months dead: Nay, not so much; not two, So excellent a King, that was to this Hiperion to a Satyre: so louing to my Mother, That he might not beteene the windes of heauen
[310]
Visit her face too roughly. Heauen and Earth Must I remember: why she would hang on him, As if encrease of Appetite had growne By what it fed on; and yet within a month? Let me not thinke on't: Frailty, thy name is woman.
[315]
A little Month, or ere those shooes were old, With which she followed my poore Fathers body Like Niobe, all teares. Why she, euen she. (O Heauen! A beast that wants discourse of Reason Would haue mourn'd longer) married with mine Vnkle,
[320]
My Fathers Brother: but no more like my Father, Then I to Hercules. Within a Moneth? Ere yet the salt of most vnrighteous Teares Had left the flushing of her gauled eyes, She married. O most wicked speed, to post
[325]
With such dexterity to Incestuous sheets: It is not, nor it cannot come to good. But breake my heart, for I must hold my tongue. Enter Horatio, Barnard, and Marcellus. Hor. Haile to your Lordship. Ham. I am glad to see you well:
[330]
Horatio, or I do forget my selfe. Hor. The same my Lord, And your poore Seruant euer. Ham. Sir my good friend, Ile change that name with you:
[335]
And what make you from Wittenberg Horatio? Marcellus. Mar. My good Lord. Ham. I am very glad to see you: good euen Sir. But what in faith make you srom Wittemberge? Hor.
[340]
A truant disposition, good my Lord. Ham. I would not haue your Enemy say so; Nor shall you doe mine eare that violence, To make it truster of your owne report Against your selfe. I know you are no Truant:
[345]
But what is your affaire in Elsenour? Wee'l teach you to drinke deepe, ere you depart. Hor. My Lord, I came to see your Fathers Funerall. Ham. I pray thee doe not mock me (fellow Student) I thinke it was to see my Mothers Wedding. Hor.
[350]
Indeed my Lord, it followed hard vpon. Ham. Thrift, thrift Horatio: the Funerall Bakt‑meats Did coldly furnish forth the Marriage Tables; Would I had met my dearest foe in heauen, Ere I had euer seene that day Horatio.
[355]
My Father, me thinkes I see my father. Hor. Oh where my Lord? Ham. In my minds eye ( Horatio) Hor. I saw him once; he was a goodly King. Ham. He was a man, take him for all in all:
[360]
I shall not look vpon his like againe. Hor. My Lord, I thinke I saw him yesternight. Ham. Saw? Who? Hor. My Lord, the King your Father. Ham. The King my Father? Hor.
[365]
Season your admiration for a while With an attent eare; till I may deliuer Vpon the witnesse of these Gentlemen, This maruell to you. Ham. For Heauens loue let me heare. Hor.
[370]
Two nights together, had these Gentlemen ( Marcellus and Barnardo) on their Watch In the dead wast and middle of the night Beene thus encountred. A figure like your Father, Arm'd at all points exactly, Cap a Pe,
[375]
Appeares before them, and with sollemne march Goes slow and stately: By them thrice he walkt, By their opprest and feare‑surprized eyes, Within his Truncheons length; whilst they bestil'd Almost to Ielly with the Act of feare,
[380]
Stand dumbe and speake not to him. This to me In dreadfull secrecie impart they did, And I with them the third Night kept the Watch, Whereas they had deliuer'd both in time, Forme of the thing; each word made true and good,
[385]
The Apparition comes. I knew your Father: These hands are not more like. Ham. But where was this? Mar. My Lord, vpon the platforme where we watcht. Ham. Did you not speake to it? Hor.
[390]
My Lord, I did; But answere made it none: yet once me thought It lifted vp it its head, and did addresse It selfe to motion, like as it would speake: But euen then, the Morning Cocke crew lowd;
[395]
And at the sound it shrunke in hast away, And vanisht from our sight. Ham. Tis very strange. Hor. As I doe liue my honourd Lord 'tis true; And we did thinke it writ downe in our duty
[400]
To let you know of it. Ham. Indeed, indeed Sirs; but this troubles me. Hold you the watch to Night ? Both. We doe my Lord. Ham. Arm'd, say you? Both.
[405]
Arm'd, my Lord. Ham. From top to toe ? Both. My Lord, from head to foote. Ham. Then saw you not his face? Hor. O yes, my Lord, he wore his Beauer vp. Ham.
[410]
What, lookt he frowningly? Hor. A countenance more in sorrow then in anger. Ham. Pale, or red? Hor. Nay very pale. Ham. And fixt his eyes vpon you? Hor.
[415]
Most constantly. Ham. I would I had beene here. Hor. It would haue much amaz'd you. Ham. Very like, very like: staid it long? Hor. While one with moderate hast might tell a hun­ (dred. All.
[420]
Longer, longer. Hor. Not when I saw't. Ham. His Beard was grisly ? no. Hor. It was, as I haue seene it in his life, A Sable Siluer'd. Ham.
[425]
Ile watch to Night; perchance 'twill wake a­ (gaine. Hor. I warrant you it will. Ham. If it assume my noble Fathers person, Ile speake to it, though Hell it selfe should gape And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all,
[430]
Is you haue hitherto conceald this sight; Let it bee treble in your silence still: And whatsoeuer els shall hap to night, Giue it an vnderstanding but no tongue; I will requite your loues; so, fare ye well:
[435]
Vpon the Platforme twixt eleuen and twelue, Ile visit you. All. Our duty to your Honour. Exeunt. Ham. Your loue, as mine to you: farewell. My Fathers Spirit in Armes ? All is not well:
[440]
I doubt some foule play: would the Night were come; Till then sit still my soule; foule deeds will rise, Though all the earth orewhelm them to mens eies. Exit.
 

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<div type="scene" n="2">
   <head type="supplied">[Act 1, Scene 2]</head>
   <head rend="italic center">Scena Secunda.</head>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Claudius King of Denmarke, Gertrude the Queene,
      <lb/>Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, and his Sister O­
      <lb/>phelia, Lords Attendant.<note resp="#PW">There is an ink mark at the end of this stage direction.</note>
   </stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="166">Though yet of<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>our deere Brothers death</l>
      <l n="167">The memory be greene: and that it vs befitted</l>
      <l n="168">To beare our hearts in greefe, and our whole Kingdome</l>
      <l n="169">To becontracted in one brow of woe:</l>
      <l n="170">Yet so farre hath Discretion fought with Nature,</l>
      <l n="171">That we with wisest sorrow thinke on him,</l>
      <l n="172">Together with remembrance of our selues.</l>
      <l n="173">Therefore our sometimes Sister, now our Queen,</l>
      <l n="174">Th'Imperiall Ioyntresse of this warlike State,</l>
      <l n="175">Haue we, as 'twere, with a defeated ioy,</l>
      <l n="176">With one Auspicious, and one Dropping eye,</l>
      <l n="177">With mirth in Fanerall, and with Dirge in Marriage,</l>
      <l n="178">In equall Scale weighing Delight and Dole</l>
      <l n="179">Taken to Wife; nor haue we heerein barr'd</l>
      <l n="180">Your better Wisedomes, which haue freely gone</l>
      <l n="181">With this affaire along, for all our Thankes.</l>
      <l n="182">Now followes, that you know young<hi rend="italic">Fortinbras</hi>,<note resp="#ES">There is an ink mark at the end of this line.</note>
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      <l n="183">Holding a weake supposall of our worth;</l>
      <l n="184">Or thinking by our late deere Brothers death,</l>
      <l n="185">Our State to be disioynt, and out of Frame,</l>
      <l n="186">Colleagued with the dreame of his Aduantage;</l>
      <l n="187">He hath not fayl'd to pester vs with Message,</l>
      <l n="188">Importing the surrender of those Lands</l>
      <l n="189">Lost by his Father: with all Bonds of Law</l>
      <l n="190">To our most valiant Brother.<hi rend="italic">S</hi>o much for him.</l>
      <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Voltemand and Cornelius.</stage>
      <l n="191">Now for our selfe, and for this time of meeting</l>
      <l n="192">Thus much the businesse is. We haue heere writ</l>
      <l n="193">To Norway, Vncle of young<hi rend="italic">Fortirbras</hi>,</l>
      <l n="194">Who Impotent and Bedrid, scarsely heares</l>
      <l n="195">Of this his Nephewes purpose, to suppresse</l>
      <l n="196">His further gate heerein. In that the Leuies,</l>
      <l n="197">The Lists, and full proportions are all made</l>
      <l n="198">Out of his subiect: and we heere dispatch</l>
      <l n="199">You good<hi rend="italic">Cornelius</hi>, and you<hi rend="italic">Voltemand</hi>,</l>
      <l n="200">For bearing of this greeting to old Norway,</l>
      <l n="201">Giuing to you no further personall power</l>
      <l n="202">To businesse with the King, more then the scope</l>
      <l n="203">Of these dilated Articles allow:</l>
      <l n="204">Farewell, and let your hast commend your duty.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-vol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Volt.</speaker>
      <l n="205">In that, and all things, will we shew our duty.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="206">We doubt it nothing, heartily farewell.</l>
      <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Voltemand and Cornelius.</stage>
      <l n="207">And now<hi rend="italic">Laertes</hi>, what's the newes with you?</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0764-0.jpg" n="154"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="208">You told vs of some suite. What is't<hi rend="italic">Laertes</hi>?</l>
      <l n="209">You cannot speake of Reason to the Dane,</l>
      <l n="210">And loose your voyce.What would'st thou beg<hi rend="italic">Laertes,</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="211">That shall not be my Offer, not thy Asking?</l>
      <l n="212">The Head is not more Natiue to the Heart,</l>
      <l n="213">The Hand more Instrumentall to the Mouth,</l>
      <l n="214">Then is the Throne of Denmarke to thy Father.</l>
      <l n="215">What would'st thou haue<hi rend="italic">Laertes?</hi>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-lae">
      <speaker rend="italic">Laer.</speaker>
      <l n="216">Dread my Lord,</l>
      <l n="217">Your leaue and fauour to returne to France,<note resp="#ES">There is an ink mark at the end of this line.</note>
      </l>
      <l n="218">From whence, though willingly I came to Denmarke</l>
      <l n="219">To shew my duty in your Coronation,</l>
      <l n="220">Yet now I must confesse, that duty done,</l>
      <l n="221">My thoughts and wishes bend againe towards France,</l>
      <l n="222">And bow them to your gracious leaue and pardon.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="223">Haue you your Fathers leaue?</l>
      <l n="224">What sayes<hi rend="italic">Pollonius</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-pol">
      <speaker rend="italic">Pol.</speaker>
      <l n="225">He hath my Lord<gap extent="1"
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              agent="inkedSpacemarker"
              resp="#ES"/>:</l>
      <l n="226">I do beseech you giue him leaue to go.</l>
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   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="227">Take thy faire houre,<hi rend="italic">Laertes</hi>, time be thine,</l>
      <l n="228">And thy best graces spend it at thy will:</l>
      <l n="229">But now my Cosin<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>, and my Sonne?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="230">A little more then kin, and lesse then kinde.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="231">How is it that the Clouds still hang on you<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="232">Not so my Lord, I am too much i'th'Sun.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Queen.</speaker>
      <l n="233">Good<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>cast thy nightly colour off,</l>
      <l n="234">And let thine eye looke like a Friend on Denmarke.</l>
      <l n="235">Do not for euer with thy veyled lids</l>
      <l n="236">Seeke for thy Noble Father in the dust;</l>
      <l n="237">Thou know'st 'tis common, all that liues must dye,</l>
      <l n="238">Passing through Nature, to Eternity.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="239">I Madam, it is common.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Queen.</speaker>
      <l n="240">If it be;</l>
      <l n="241">Why seemes it so particular with thee.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="242">Seemes Madam? Nay, it is: I know not Seemes:</l>
      <l n="243">'Tis not alone my Inky Cloake (good Mother)</l>
      <l n="244">Nor Customary suites of solemne Blacke,</l>
      <l n="245">Nor windy suspiration of forc'd breath,</l>
      <l n="246">No, nor the fruitfull Riuer in the Eye,</l>
      <l n="247">Nor the deiected hauiour of the Visage,</l>
      <l n="248">Together with all Formes, Moods, shewes of Griefe,</l>
      <l n="249">That can denote me truly. These indeed Seeme,</l>
      <l n="250">For they are actions that a man might play:</l>
      <l n="251">But I haue that Within, which passeth show;</l>
      <l n="252">These, but the Trappings, and the Suites of woe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="253">'Tis sweet and commendable</l>
      <l n="254">In your Nature<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>,</l>
      <l n="255">To giue these mourning duties to your Father:</l>
      <l n="256">But you must know, your Father lost a Father,</l>
      <l n="257">That Father lost, lost his, and the Suruiuer bound</l>
      <l n="258">In filiall Obligation, for some terme</l>
      <l n="259">To do obsequious Sorrow. But to perseuer</l>
      <l n="260">In obstinate Condolement, is a course</l>
      <l n="261">Of impious stubbornnesse. 'Tis vnmanly greefe,</l>
      <l n="262">It shewes a will most incorrect to Heauen,</l>
      <l n="263">A Heart vnfortified, a Minde impatient,</l>
      <l n="264">An Vnderstanding simple, and vnschool'd:</l>
      <l n="265">For, what we know must be, and is as common</l>
      <l n="266">As any the most vulgar thing to sence,</l>
      <l n="267">Why should we in our peeuish Opposition</l>
      <l n="268">Take it to heart? Fye,'tis a fault to Heauen,</l>
      <l n="269">A fault against the Dead, a fault to Nature,</l>
      <l n="270">To Reason most absurd, whose common Theame</l>
      <l n="271">Is death of Fathers, and who still hath cried,</l>
      <l n="272">From the first Coarse, till he that dyed to day,</l>
      <l n="273">This must be so. We pray you throw to earth</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="274">This vnpreuayling woe, and thinke of vs</l>
      <l n="275">As of a Father; For let the world take note,</l>
      <l n="276">You arc the most immediate to our Throne,</l>
      <l n="277">And with no lesse Nobility of Loue,</l>
      <l n="278">Then that which deerest Father beares his Sonne,</l>
      <l n="279">Do I impart towards you. For your intent</l>
      <l n="280">In going backe to Schoole in Wittenberg,</l>
      <l n="281">It is most retrograde to our desire:</l>
      <l n="282">And we beseech you, bend you to remaine</l>
      <l n="283">Heere in the cheere and comfort of our eye,</l>
      <l n="284">Our cheefest Courtier Cosin, and our Sonne.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ger">
      <speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
      <l n="285">Let not thy Mother lose her Prayers<hi rend="italic">Hamlet:</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="286">I prythee stay with vs, go not to Wittenberg.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="287">I shall in all my<choice>
            <orig>beft</orig>
            <corr>best</corr>
         </choice>
      </l>
      <l n="288">Obey you Madam.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-cla">
      <speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
      <l n="289">Why 'tis a louing, and a faire Reply,</l>
      <l n="290">Be as our selfe in Denmarke. Madam come,</l>
      <l n="291">This gentle and vnforc'd accord of<hi rend="italic">Hamlet</hi>
      </l>
      <l n="292">Sits smiling to my heart; in grace whereof,</l>
      <l n="293">No iocond health that Denmarke drinkes to day,</l>
      <l n="294">But the great Cannon to the Clowds shall tell,</l>
      <l n="295">And the Kings Rouce, the Heauens shall bruite againe,</l>
      <l n="296">Respeaking earthly Thunder. Come away.</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="297">Oh that this too too solid Flesh, would melt,</l>
      <l n="298">Thaw, and resolue it selfe into a Dew:</l>
      <l n="299">Or that the Euerlasting had not fixt</l>
      <l n="300">His Cannon 'gainst Selfe‑slaughter. O God, O God!</l>
      <l n="301">How weary, stale, flat, and vnprofitable</l>
      <l n="302">Seemes to me all the vses of this world?</l>
      <l n="303">Fie on't? Oh fie, fie, 'tis an vnweeded Garden</l>
      <l n="304">That growes to Seed: Things rank, and grosse in Nature</l>
      <l n="305">Possesse it meerely. That it should come to this:</l>
      <l n="306">But two months dead: Nay, not so much; not two,</l>
      <l n="307">So excellent a King, that was to this</l>
      <l n="308">
         <hi rend="italic">Hiperion</hi>to a Satyre: so louing to my Mother,</l>
      <l n="309">That he might not beteene the windes of heauen</l>
      <l n="310">Visit her face too roughly. Heauen and Earth</l>
      <l n="311">Must I remember: why she would hang on him,</l>
      <l n="312">As if encrease of Appetite had growne</l>
      <l n="313">By what it fed on; and yet within a month?</l>
      <l n="314">Let me not thinke on't: Frailty, thy name is woman.</l>
      <l n="315">A little Month, or ere those shooes were old,</l>
      <l n="316">With which she followed my poore Fathers body</l>
      <l n="317">Like<hi rend="italic">Niobe</hi>, all teares. Why she, euen she.</l>
      <l n="318">(O Heauen! A beast that wants discourse of Reason</l>
      <l n="319">Would haue mourn'd longer) married with mine Vnkle,</l>
      <l n="320">My Fathers Brother: but no more like my Father,</l>
      <l n="321">Then I to<hi rend="italic">Hercules</hi>. Within a Moneth?</l>
      <l n="322">Ere yet the salt of most vnrighteous Teares</l>
      <l n="323">Had left the flushing of her gauled eyes,</l>
      <l n="324">She married. O most wicked speed, to post</l>
      <l n="325">With such dexterity to Incestuous sheets:</l>
      <l n="326">It is not, nor it cannot come to good.</l>
      <l n="327">But breake my heart, for I must hold my tongue.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Horatio, Barnard, and Marcellus.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="328">Haile to your Lordship.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="329">I am glad to see you well:</l>
      <l n="330">
         <hi rend="italic">Horatio</hi>, or I do forget my selfe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="331">The same my Lord,</l>
      <l n="332">And your poore Seruant euer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="333">Sir my good friend,</l>
      <l n="334">Ile change that name with you:</l>
      <l n="335">And what make you from Wittenberg<hi rend="italic">Horatio</hi>?</l>
      <pb facs="FFimg:axc0765-0.jpg" n="155"/>
      <cb n="1"/>
      <l n="336">Marcellus.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <l n="337">My good Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="338">I am very glad to see you: good euen Sir.</l>
      <l n="339">But what in faith make you srom<hi rend="italic">Wittemberge</hi>?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="340">A truant disposition, good my Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="341">I would not haue your Enemy say so;</l>
      <l n="342">Nor shall you doe mine eare that violence,</l>
      <l n="343">To make it truster of your owne report</l>
      <l n="344">Against your selfe. I know you are no Truant:</l>
      <l n="345">But what is your affaire in<hi rend="italic">Elsenour</hi>?</l>
      <l n="346">Wee'l teach you to drinke deepe, ere you depart.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="347">My Lord, I came to see your Fathers Funerall.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="348">I pray thee doe not mock me (fellow Student)</l>
      <l n="349">I thinke it was to see my Mothers Wedding.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="350">Indeed my Lord, it followed hard vpon.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="351">Thrift, thrift<hi rend="italic">Horatio:</hi>the Funerall Bakt‑meats</l>
      <l n="352">Did coldly furnish forth the Marriage Tables;</l>
      <l n="353">Would I had met my dearest foe in heauen,</l>
      <l n="354">Ere I had euer seene that day<hi rend="italic">Horatio</hi>.</l>
      <l n="355">My Father, me thinkes I see my father.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="356">Oh where my Lord?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="357">In my minds eye (<hi rend="italic">Horatio</hi>)</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="358">I saw him once; he was a goodly King.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="359">He was a man, take him for all in all:</l>
      <l n="360">I shall not look vpon his like againe.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="361">My Lord, I thinke I saw him yesternight.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="362">Saw? Who?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="363">My Lord, the King your Father.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="364">The King my Father?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="365">Season your admiration for a while</l>
      <l n="366">With an attent eare; till I may deliuer</l>
      <l n="367">Vpon the witnesse of these Gentlemen,</l>
      <l n="368">This maruell to you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="369">For Heauens loue let me heare.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="370">Two nights together, had these Gentlemen</l>
      <l n="371">(<hi rend="italic">Marcellus</hi>and<hi rend="italic">Barnardo</hi>) on their Watch</l>
      <l n="372">In the dead wast and middle of the night</l>
      <l n="373">Beene thus encountred. A figure like your Father,</l>
      <l n="374">Arm'd at all points exactly,<hi rend="italic">Cap a Pe</hi>,</l>
      <l n="375">Appeares before them, and with sollemne march</l>
      <l n="376">Goes slow and stately: By them thrice he walkt,</l>
      <l n="377">By their opprest and feare‑surprized eyes,</l>
      <l n="378">Within his Truncheons length; whilst they bestil'd</l>
      <l n="379">Almost to Ielly with the Act of feare,</l>
      <l n="380">Stand dumbe and speake not to him. This to me</l>
      <l n="381">In dreadfull secrecie impart they did,</l>
      <l n="382">And I with them the third Night kept the Watch,</l>
      <l n="383">Whereas they had deliuer'd both in time,</l>
      <l n="384">Forme of the thing; each word made true and good,</l>
      <l n="385">The Apparition comes. I knew your Father:</l>
      <l n="386">These hands are not more like.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="387">But where was this?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Mar.</speaker>
      <l n="388">My Lord, vpon the platforme where we watcht.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="389">Did you not speake to it?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="390">My Lord, I did;</l>
      <l n="391">But answere made it none: yet once me thought</l>
      <l n="392">It lifted vp<choice>
            <orig>it</orig>
            <corr>its</corr>
         </choice>head, and did addresse</l>
      <l n="393">It selfe to motion, like as it would speake:</l>
      <l n="394">But euen then, the Morning Cocke crew lowd;</l>
      <l n="395">And at the sound it shrunke in hast away,</l>
      <l n="396">And vanisht from our sight.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="397">Tis very strange.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="398">As I doe liue my honourd Lord 'tis true;</l>
      <l n="399">And we did thinke it writ downe in our duty</l>
      <l n="400">To let you know of it.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="401">Indeed, indeed Sirs; but this troubles me.</l>
      <cb n="2"/>
      <l n="402">Hold you the watch to Night<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor #F-ham-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Both.</speaker>
      <l n="403">We doe my Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="404">Arm'd, say you?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor #F-ham-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Both.</speaker>
      <l n="405">Arm'd, my Lord.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="406">From top to toe<c rend="italic">?</c>
      </l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor #F-ham-mar">
      <speaker rend="italic">Both.</speaker>
      <l n="407">My Lord, from head to foote.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="408">Then saw you not his face?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="409">O yes, my Lord, he wore his Beauer vp.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="410">What, lookt he frowningly?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="411">A countenance more in sorrow then in anger.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="412">Pale, or red?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="413">Nay very pale.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="414">And fixt his eyes vpon you?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="415">Most constantly.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="416">I would I had beene<gap extent="1"
              unit="chars"
              reason="illegible"
              agent="partiallyInkedType"
              resp="#ES"/>here.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="417">It would haue much amaz'd you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="418">Very like, very like: staid it long?</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="419">While one with moderate hast might tell a hun­
      <lb rend="turnover"/>
         <pc rend="turnover">(</pc>dred.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-all">
      <speaker rend="italic">All.</speaker>
      <l n="420">Longer, longer.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="421">Not when I saw't.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="422">His Beard was grisly<c rend="italic">?</c>no.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="423">It was, as I haue seene it in his life,</l>
      <l n="424">A Sable Siluer'd.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="425">Ile watch to Night; perchance 'twill wake a­
      <lb rend="turnover"/>
         <pc rend="turnover">(</pc>gaine.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-hor">
      <speaker rend="italic">Hor.</speaker>
      <l n="426">I warrant you it will.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="427">If it assume my noble Fathers person,</l>
      <l n="428">Ile speake to it, though Hell it selfe should gape</l>
      <l n="429">And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all,</l>
      <l n="430">Is you haue hitherto conceald this sight;</l>
      <l n="431">Let it bee treble in your silence still:</l>
      <l n="432">And whatsoeuer els shall hap to night,</l>
      <l n="433">Giue it an vnderstanding but no tongue;</l>
      <l n="434">I will requite your loues; so, fare ye well:</l>
      <l n="435">Vpon the Platforme twixt eleuen and twelue,</l>
      <l n="436">Ile visit you.</l>
   </sp>
   <sp who="#F-ham-all">
      <speaker rend="italic">All.</speaker>
      <l n="437">Our duty to your Honour.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt.</stage>
   <sp who="#F-ham-ham">
      <speaker rend="italic">Ham.</speaker>
      <l n="438">Your loue, as mine to you: farewell.</l>
      <l n="439">My Fathers Spirit in Armes<c rend="italic">?</c>All is not well:</l>
      <l n="440">I doubt some foule play: would the Night were come;</l>
      <l n="441">Till then sit still my soule; foule deeds will rise,</l>
      <l n="442">Though all the earth orewhelm them to mens eies.</l>
   </sp>
   <stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
</div>

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