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No Fear Translations
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Modern Text |
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Enter HAMLET and PLAYERS
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Enter HAMLET and PLAYERS
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HAMLET Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue. But if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand thus, but use all gently, for in the very torrent, tempest, and (as I may say) whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness. Oh, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb-shows and noise. I would have such a fellow whipped for o'erdoing Termagant. It out-Herods Herod. Pray you, avoid it.
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HAMLET Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue. But if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand thus, but use all gently, for in the very torrent, tempest, and (as I may say) whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness. Oh, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb-shows and noise. I would have such a fellow whipped for o'erdoing Termagant. It out-Herods Herod. Pray you, avoid it.
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FIRST PLAYER I warrant your honor.
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FIRST PLAYER I warrant your honor.
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HAMLET Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor. Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature. For anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is to hold, as ’twere, the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. Now this overdone or come tardy off, though it make the unskillful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve, the censure of the which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre of others.
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HAMLET Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor. Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature. For anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is to hold, as ’twere, the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. Now this overdone or come tardy off, though it make the unskillful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve, the censure of the which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre of others.
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Oh, there be players that I have seen play and heard others praise (and that highly), not to speak it profanely, that, neither having th' accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor man, have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature’s journeymen had made men and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably.
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Oh, there be players that I have seen play and heard others praise (and that highly), not to speak it profanely, that, neither having th' accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor man, have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature’s journeymen had made men and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably.
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FIRST PLAYER I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us, sir.
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FIRST PLAYER I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us, sir.
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HAMLET O, reform it altogether! And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them, for there be of them that will themselves laugh to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too, though in the meantime some necessary question of the play be then to be considered. That’s villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. Go, make you ready.
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HAMLET O, reform it altogether! And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them, for there be of them that will themselves laugh to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too, though in the meantime some necessary question of the play be then to be considered. That’s villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. Go, make you ready.
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Exeunt PLAYERS
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Exeunt PLAYERS
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Enter POLONIUS , ROSENCRANTZ , and GUILDENSTERN
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Enter POLONIUS , ROSENCRANTZ , and GUILDENSTERN
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How now, my lord! Will the king hear this piece of work?
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How now, my lord! Will the king hear this piece of work?
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POLONIUS And the queen too, and that presently.
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POLONIUS And the queen too, and that presently.
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HAMLET Bid the players make haste.
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HAMLET Bid the players make haste.
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Exit POLONIUS
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Exit POLONIUS
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45 Will you two help to hasten them?
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Will you two help to hasten them?
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ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord.
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ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord.
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Exeunt ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
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Exeunt ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
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HAMLET What ho, Horatio!
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HAMLET What ho, Horatio!
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Enter HORATIO
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Enter HORATIO
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HORATIO Here, sweet lord, at your service.
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HORATIO Here, sweet lord, at your service.
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HAMLET Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man
As e'er my conversation coped withal.
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HAMLET Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man
As e'er my conversation coped withal.
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HORATIO O my dear lord—
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HORATIO O my dear lord—
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HAMLET Nay, do not think I flatter.
50 For what advancement may I hope from thee
That no revenue hast but thy good spirits,
To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flattered?
No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp,
And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
55 Where thrift may follow fawning. Dost thou hear?
Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice
And could of men distinguish, her election
Hath sealed thee for herself, for thou hast been—
As one in suffering all that suffers nothing—
60 A man that Fortune’s buffets and rewards
Hast ta'en with equal thanks. And blessed are those
Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled,
That they are not a pipe for Fortune’s finger
To sound what stop she please. Give me that man
65 That is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him
In my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart,
As I do thee.—Something too much of this.—
There is a play tonight before the king.
One scene of it comes near the circumstance
70 Which I have told thee of my father’s death.
I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot,
Even with the very comment of thy soul
Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt
Do not itself unkennel in one speech,
75 It is a damnèd ghost that we have seen,
And my imaginations are as foul
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HAMLET Nay, do not think I flatter.
For what advancement may I hope from thee
That no revenue hast but thy good spirits,
To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flattered?
No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp,
And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
Where thrift may follow fawning. Dost thou hear?
Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice
And could of men distinguish, her election
Hath sealed thee for herself, for thou hast been—
As one in suffering all that suffers nothing—
A man that Fortune’s buffets and rewards
Hast ta'en with equal thanks. And blessed are those
Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled,
That they are not a pipe for Fortune’s finger
To sound what stop she please. Give me that man
That is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him
In my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart,
As I do thee.—Something too much of this.—
There is a play tonight before the king.
One scene of it comes near the circumstance
Which I have told thee of my father’s death.
I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot,
Even with the very comment of thy soul
Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt
Do not itself unkennel in one speech,
It is a damnèd ghost that we have seen,
And my imaginations are as foul
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As Vulcan’s stithy. Give him heedful note.
For I mine eyes will rivet to his face,
And after we will both our judgments join
80 In censure of his seeming.
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As Vulcan’s stithy. Give him heedful note.
For I mine eyes will rivet to his face,
And after we will both our judgments join
In censure of his seeming.
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HORATIO Well, my lord.
If he steal aught the whilst this play is playing,
And ’scape detecting, I will pay the theft.
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HORATIO Well, my lord.
If he steal aught the whilst this play is playing,
And ’scape detecting, I will pay the theft.
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Danish march. Sound a flourish. Enter King CLAUDIUS , Queen GERTRUDE , POLONIUS , OPHELIA , ROSENCRANTZ , GUILDENSTERN and other lords attendant with CLAUDIUS ’s; guard carrying torches
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Danish march. Sound a flourish. Enter King CLAUDIUS , Queen GERTRUDE , POLONIUS , OPHELIA , ROSENCRANTZ , GUILDENSTERN and other lords attendant with CLAUDIUS ’s; guard carrying torches
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HAMLET They are coming to the play. I must be idle.
Get you a place.
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HAMLET They are coming to the play. I must be idle.
Get you a place.
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CLAUDIUS 85 How fares our cousin Hamlet?
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CLAUDIUS How fares our cousin Hamlet?
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HAMLET Excellent, i' faith, of the chameleon’s dish. I eat the air, promise-crammed. You cannot feed capons so.
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HAMLET Excellent, i' faith, of the chameleon’s dish. I eat the air, promise-crammed. You cannot feed capons so.
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CLAUDIUS I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet. These words are not mine.
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CLAUDIUS I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet. These words are not mine.
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HAMLET No, nor mine now. (to POLONIUS) My lord, you played once i' th' university, you say?
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HAMLET No, nor mine now. (to POLONIUS) My lord, you played once i' th' university, you say?
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POLONIUS That did I, my lord, and was accounted a good actor.
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POLONIUS That did I, my lord, and was accounted a good actor.
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HAMLET What did you enact?
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HAMLET What did you enact?
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POLONIUS I did enact Julius Caesar. I was killed i' th' Capitol. Brutus killed me.
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POLONIUS I did enact Julius Caesar. I was killed i' th' Capitol. Brutus killed me.
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HAMLET It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there.—Be the players ready?
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HAMLET It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there.—Be the players ready?
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ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord. They stay upon your patience.
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ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord. They stay upon your patience.
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GERTRUDE Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.
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GERTRUDE Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.
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HAMLET |
HAMLET |
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POLONIUS (to CLAUDIUS) Oh, ho, do you mark that?
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POLONIUS (to CLAUDIUS) Oh, ho, do you mark that?
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HAMLET Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
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HAMLET Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
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OPHELIA No, my lord.
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OPHELIA No, my lord.
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HAMLET I mean, my head upon your lap?
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HAMLET I mean, my head upon your lap?
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OPHELIA 105 Ay, my lord.
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OPHELIA Ay, my lord.
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HAMLET Do you think I meant country matters?
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HAMLET Do you think I meant country matters?
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OPHELIA I think nothing, my lord.
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OPHELIA I think nothing, my lord.
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HAMLET That’s a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.
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HAMLET That’s a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.
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OPHELIA What is, my lord?
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OPHELIA What is, my lord?
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HAMLET 110 Nothing.
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HAMLET Nothing.
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OPHELIA You are merry, my lord.
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OPHELIA You are merry, my lord.
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HAMLET Who, I?
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HAMLET Who, I?
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OPHELIA Ay, my lord.
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OPHELIA Ay, my lord.
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HAMLET O God, your only jig-maker. What should a man do but be merry? For, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within these two hours.
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HAMLET O God, your only jig-maker. What should a man do but be merry? For, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within these two hours.
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OPHELIA Nay, ’tis twice two months, my lord.
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OPHELIA Nay, ’tis twice two months, my lord.
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HAMLET So long? Nay then, let the devil wear black, for I’ll have a suit of sables. O heavens! Die two months ago and not forgotten yet? Then there’s hope a great man’s memory may outlive his life half a year. But, by 'r Lady, he must build churches then, or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse, whose epitaph is “For, oh, for, oh, the hobby-horse is forgot.”
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HAMLET So long? Nay then, let the devil wear black, for I’ll have a suit of sables. O heavens! Die two months ago and not forgotten yet? Then there’s hope a great man’s memory may outlive his life half a year. But, by 'r Lady, he must build churches then, or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse, whose epitaph is “For, oh, for, oh, the hobby-horse is forgot.”
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Enter a King and a Queen very lovingly, the Queen embracing him and he her. She kneels and makes show of protestation unto him. He takes her up and declines his head upon her neck, lays him down upon a bank of flowers. She, seeing him asleep, leaves him. Anon comes in a fellow, takes off his crown, kisses it, pours poison in the King’s ears, and exits. The Queen returns, finds the King dead, and makes passionate action. The Poisoner, with some two or three Mutes, comes in again, seeming to lament with her. The dead body is carried away. The Poisoner woos the Queen with gifts. She seems loath and unwilling awhile, but in the end accepts his love
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Enter a King and a Queen very lovingly, the Queen embracing him and he her. She kneels and makes show of protestation unto him. He takes her up and declines his head upon her neck, lays him down upon a bank of flowers. She, seeing him asleep, leaves him. Anon comes in a fellow, takes off his crown, kisses it, pours poison in the King’s ears, and exits. The Queen returns, finds the King dead, and makes passionate action. The Poisoner, with some two or three Mutes, comes in again, seeming to lament with her. The dead body is carried away. The Poisoner woos the Queen with gifts. She seems loath and unwilling awhile, but in the end accepts his love
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Exeunt PLAYERS
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Exeunt PLAYERS
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OPHELIA What means this, my lord?
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OPHELIA What means this, my lord?
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HAMLET Marry, this is miching malhecho. It means mischief.
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HAMLET Marry, this is miching malhecho. It means mischief.
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OPHELIA Belike this show imports the argument of the play.
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OPHELIA Belike this show imports the argument of the play.
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Enter PROLOGUE
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Enter PROLOGUE
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HAMLET We shall know by this fellow. The players cannot keep counsel. They’ll tell all.
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HAMLET We shall know by this fellow. The players cannot keep counsel. They’ll tell all.
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OPHELIA Will he tell us what this show meant?
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OPHELIA Will he tell us what this show meant?
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HAMLET Ay, or any show that you will show him. Be not you ashamed to show, he’ll not shame to tell you what it means.
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HAMLET Ay, or any show that you will show him. Be not you ashamed to show, he’ll not shame to tell you what it means.
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OPHELIA |
OPHELIA |
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PROLOGUE For us and for our tragedy,
Here stooping to your clemency,
We beg your hearing patiently.
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PROLOGUE For us and for our tragedy,
Here stooping to your clemency,
We beg your hearing patiently.
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Exit PROLOGUE
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Exit PROLOGUE
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HAMLET Is this a prologue or the posy of a ring?
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HAMLET Is this a prologue or the posy of a ring?
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OPHELIA 140 'Tis brief, my lord.
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OPHELIA 'Tis brief, my lord.
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HAMLET As woman’s love.
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HAMLET As woman’s love.
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Enter PLAYER KING and PLAYER QUEEN
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Enter PLAYER KING and PLAYER QUEEN
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PLAYER KING Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart gone round
Neptune’s salt wash and Tellus' orbèd ground,
And thirty dozen moons with borrowed sheen
Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands
Unite commutual in most sacred bands.
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PLAYER KING Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart gone round
Neptune’s salt wash and Tellus' orbèd ground,
And thirty dozen moons with borrowed sheen
Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands
Unite commutual in most sacred bands.
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PLAYER QUEEN So many journeys may the sun and moon
Make us again count o'er ere love be done.
So far from cheer and from your former state,
That I distrust you. Yet though I distrust,
Discomfort you, my lord, it nothing must.
For women fear too much, even as they love,
In neither aught, or in extremity.
Now what my love is, proof hath made you know,
And as my love is sized, my fear is so:
Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear.
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PLAYER QUEEN So many journeys may the sun and moon
Make us again count o'er ere love be done.
So far from cheer and from your former state,
That I distrust you. Yet though I distrust,
Discomfort you, my lord, it nothing must.
For women fear too much, even as they love,
In neither aught, or in extremity.
Now what my love is, proof hath made you know,
And as my love is sized, my fear is so:
Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear.
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PLAYER KING Faith, I must leave thee, love, and shortly too.
My operant powers their functions leave to do.
And thou shalt live in this fair world behind,
Honored, beloved, and haply one as kind
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PLAYER KING Faith, I must leave thee, love, and shortly too.
My operant powers their functions leave to do.
And thou shalt live in this fair world behind,
Honored, beloved, and haply one as kind
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PLAYER QUEEN Oh, confound the rest!
Such love must needs be treason in my breast.
In second husband let me be accursed!
None wed the second but who killed the first.
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PLAYER QUEEN Oh, confound the rest!
Such love must needs be treason in my breast.
In second husband let me be accursed!
None wed the second but who killed the first.
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HAMLET (aside)Wormwood, wormwood.
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HAMLET (aside)Wormwood, wormwood.
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PLAYER QUEEN Are base respects of thrift, but none of love.
A second time I kill my husband dead
When second husband kisses me in bed.
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PLAYER QUEEN Are base respects of thrift, but none of love.
A second time I kill my husband dead
When second husband kisses me in bed.
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PLAYER KING I do believe you think what now you speak,
Purpose is but the slave to memory,
Of violent birth, but poor validity,
Which now, like fruit unripe, sticks on the tree,
But fall, unshaken, when they mellow be.
To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt.
What to ourselves in passion we propose,
The passion ending, doth the purpose lose.
The violence of either grief or joy
Where joy most revels, grief doth most lament.
Grief joys, joy grieves on slender accident.
This world is not for aye, nor ’tis not strange
That even our loves should with our fortunes change.
Whether love lead fortune, or else fortune love.
The great man down, you mark his favorite flies.
The poor advanced makes friends of enemies.
And hitherto doth love on fortune tend,
And who in want a hollow friend doth try,
Directly seasons him his enemy.
But, orderly to end where I begun,
Our wills and fates do so contrary run
Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.
So think thou wilt no second husband wed,
But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead.
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PLAYER KING I do believe you think what now you speak,
Purpose is but the slave to memory,
Of violent birth, but poor validity,
Which now, like fruit unripe, sticks on the tree,
But fall, unshaken, when they mellow be.
To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt.
What to ourselves in passion we propose,
The passion ending, doth the purpose lose.
The violence of either grief or joy
Where joy most revels, grief doth most lament.
Grief joys, joy grieves on slender accident.
This world is not for aye, nor ’tis not strange
That even our loves should with our fortunes change.
Whether love lead fortune, or else fortune love.
The great man down, you mark his favorite flies.
The poor advanced makes friends of enemies.
And hitherto doth love on fortune tend,
And who in want a hollow friend doth try,
Directly seasons him his enemy.
But, orderly to end where I begun,
Our wills and fates do so contrary run
Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.
So think thou wilt no second husband wed,
But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead.
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PLAYER QUEEN Nor earth to me give food, nor heaven light.
To desperation turn my trust and hope.
An anchor’s cheer in prison be my scope.
Each opposite that blanks the face of joy
Meet what I would have well and it destroy.
If, once a widow, ever I be wife!
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PLAYER QUEEN Nor earth to me give food, nor heaven light.
To desperation turn my trust and hope.
An anchor’s cheer in prison be my scope.
Each opposite that blanks the face of joy
Meet what I would have well and it destroy.
If, once a widow, ever I be wife!
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HAMLET If she should break it now!
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HAMLET If she should break it now!
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PLAYER KING 'Tis deeply sworn. Sweet, leave me here awhile.
My spirits grow dull, and fain I would beguile
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PLAYER KING 'Tis deeply sworn. Sweet, leave me here awhile.
My spirits grow dull, and fain I would beguile
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The PLAYER KING sleeps
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The PLAYER KING sleeps
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PLAYER QUEEN Sleep rock thy brain,
And never come mischance between us twain.
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PLAYER QUEEN Sleep rock thy brain,
And never come mischance between us twain.
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Exit PLAYER QUEEN
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Exit PLAYER QUEEN
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HAMLET Madam, how like you this play?
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HAMLET Madam, how like you this play?
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GERTRUDE The lady protests too much, methinks.
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GERTRUDE The lady protests too much, methinks.
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HAMLET Oh, but she’ll keep her word.
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HAMLET Oh, but she’ll keep her word.
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CLAUDIUS |
CLAUDIUS |
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HAMLET No, no, they do but jest. Poison in jest. No offense i' th' world.
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HAMLET No, no, they do but jest. Poison in jest. No offense i' th' world.
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CLAUDIUS What do you call the play?
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CLAUDIUS What do you call the play?
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HAMLET The Mousetrap. Marry, how? Tropically. This play is the image of a murder done in Vienna. Gonzago is the duke’s name, his wife Baptista. You shall see anon. 'Tis a knavish piece of work, but what o' that? Your majesty and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung.
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HAMLET The Mousetrap. Marry, how? Tropically. This play is the image of a murder done in Vienna. Gonzago is the duke’s name, his wife Baptista. You shall see anon. 'Tis a knavish piece of work, but what o' that? Your majesty and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung.
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Enter LUCIANUS
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Enter LUCIANUS
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This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king.
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This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king.
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OPHELIA 230 You are as good as a chorus, my lord.
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OPHELIA You are as good as a chorus, my lord.
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HAMLET I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see the puppets dallying.
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HAMLET I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see the puppets dallying.
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OPHELIA You are keen, my lord, you are keen.
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OPHELIA You are keen, my lord, you are keen.
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HAMLET It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge.
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HAMLET It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge.
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OPHELIA 235 Still better and worse.
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OPHELIA Still better and worse.
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HAMLET So you must take your husbands.—Begin, murderer. Pox, leave thy damnable faces, and begin. Come, “The croaking raven doth bellow for revenge—”
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HAMLET So you must take your husbands.—Begin, murderer. Pox, leave thy damnable faces, and begin. Come, “The croaking raven doth bellow for revenge—”
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LUCIANUS Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing,
Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected,
With Hecate’s ban thrice blasted, thrice infected,
Thy natural magic and dire property
On wholesome life usurp immediately.
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LUCIANUS Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing,
Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected,
With Hecate’s ban thrice blasted, thrice infected,
Thy natural magic and dire property
On wholesome life usurp immediately.
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HAMLET He poisons him i' th' garden for ’s estate. His name’s Gonzago. The story is extant, and writ in choice Italian. You shall see anon how the murderer gets the love of Gonzago’s wife.
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HAMLET He poisons him i' th' garden for ’s estate. His name’s Gonzago. The story is extant, and writ in choice Italian. You shall see anon how the murderer gets the love of Gonzago’s wife.
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CLAUDIUS stands up
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CLAUDIUS stands up
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OPHELIA 250 The king rises.
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OPHELIA The king rises.
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HAMLET What, frighted with false fire?
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HAMLET What, frighted with false fire?
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GERTRUDE How fares my lord?
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GERTRUDE How fares my lord?
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POLONIUS Give o'er the play.
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POLONIUS Give o'er the play.
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CLAUDIUS Give me some light, away!
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CLAUDIUS Give me some light, away!
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POLONIUS 255 Lights, lights, lights!
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POLONIUS Lights, lights, lights!
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Commotion. Exeunt all but HAMLET and HORATIO
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Commotion. Exeunt all but HAMLET and HORATIO
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HAMLET Why, let the stricken deer go weep,
The hart ungallèd play.
For some must watch while some must sleep.
So runs the world away.
Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers—if the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me—with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get me a fellowship in a cry of players?
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HAMLET Why, let the stricken deer go weep,
The hart ungallèd play.
For some must watch while some must sleep.
So runs the world away.
Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers—if the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me—with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get me a fellowship in a cry of players?
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HORATIO Half a share.
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HORATIO Half a share.
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HAMLET A whole one, I.
For thou dost know, O Damon dear,
This realm dismantled was
Of Jove himself. And now reigns here
A very, very—pajock.
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HAMLET A whole one, I.
For thou dost know, O Damon dear,
This realm dismantled was
Of Jove himself. And now reigns here
A very, very—pajock.
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HORATIO You might have rhymed.
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HORATIO You might have rhymed.
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HAMLET O good Horatio, I’ll take the ghost’s word for a thousand pound. Didst perceive?
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HAMLET O good Horatio, I’ll take the ghost’s word for a thousand pound. Didst perceive?
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HORATIO Very well, my lord.
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HORATIO Very well, my lord.
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HAMLET Upon the talk of the poisoning?
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HAMLET Upon the talk of the poisoning?
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HORATIO I did very well note him.
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HORATIO I did very well note him.
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HAMLET 265 Ah ha! Come, some music! Come, the recorders!
For if the king like not the comedy,
Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy.
Come, some music!
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HAMLET Ah ha! Come, some music! Come, the recorders!
For if the king like not the comedy,
Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy.
Come, some music!
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Enter ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
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Enter ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
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GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.
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GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.
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HAMLET Sir, a whole history.
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HAMLET Sir, a whole history.
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GUILDENSTERN The king, sir—
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GUILDENSTERN The king, sir—
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HAMLET 270 Ay, sir, what of him?
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HAMLET Ay, sir, what of him?
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GUILDENSTERN Is in his retirement marvelous distempered.
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GUILDENSTERN Is in his retirement marvelous distempered.
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HAMLET With drink, sir?
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HAMLET With drink, sir?
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GUILDENSTERN No, my lord, with choler.
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GUILDENSTERN No, my lord, with choler.
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HAMLET Your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to the doctor. For, for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him into far more choler.
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HAMLET Your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to the doctor. For, for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him into far more choler.
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GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame and start not so wildly from my affair.
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GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame and start not so wildly from my affair.
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HAMLET I am tame, sir. Pronounce.
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HAMLET I am tame, sir. Pronounce.
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GUILDENSTERN The queen your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.
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GUILDENSTERN The queen your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.
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HAMLET You are welcome.
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HAMLET You are welcome.
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GUILDENSTERN Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer, I will do your mother’s commandment. If not, your pardon and my return shall be the end of my business.
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GUILDENSTERN Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer, I will do your mother’s commandment. If not, your pardon and my return shall be the end of my business.
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HAMLET Sir, I cannot.
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HAMLET Sir, I cannot.
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GUILDENSTERN What, my lord?
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GUILDENSTERN What, my lord?
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HAMLET Make you a wholesome answer. My wit’s diseased. But, sir, such answer as I can make, you shall command. Or, rather, as you say, my mother. Therefore no more but to the matter. My mother, you say—
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HAMLET Make you a wholesome answer. My wit’s diseased. But, sir, such answer as I can make, you shall command. Or, rather, as you say, my mother. Therefore no more but to the matter. My mother, you say—
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ROSENCRANTZ Then thus she says: your behavior hath struck her into amazement and admiration.
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ROSENCRANTZ Then thus she says: your behavior hath struck her into amazement and admiration.
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HAMLET O wonderful son that can so ’stonish a mother! But is there no sequel at the heels of this mother’s admiration? Impart.
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HAMLET O wonderful son that can so ’stonish a mother! But is there no sequel at the heels of this mother’s admiration? Impart.
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ROSENCRANTZ She desires to speak with you in her closet ere you go to bed.
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ROSENCRANTZ She desires to speak with you in her closet ere you go to bed.
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HAMLET We shall obey, were she ten times our mother. Have you any further trade with us?
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HAMLET We shall obey, were she ten times our mother. Have you any further trade with us?
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ROSENCRANTZ 300 My lord, you once did love me.
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ROSENCRANTZ My lord, you once did love me.
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HAMLET And do still, by these pickers and stealers.
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HAMLET And do still, by these pickers and stealers.
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ROSENCRANTZ Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper? You do surely bar the door upon your own liberty if you deny your griefs to your friend.
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ROSENCRANTZ Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper? You do surely bar the door upon your own liberty if you deny your griefs to your friend.
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HAMLET 305 Sir, I lack advancement.
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HAMLET Sir, I lack advancement.
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ROSENCRANTZ How can that be, when you have the voice of the king himself for your succession in Denmark?
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ROSENCRANTZ How can that be, when you have the voice of the king himself for your succession in Denmark?
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Reenter the PLAYERS with recorders
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Reenter the PLAYERS with recorders
|
|
HAMLET Ay, sir, but “While the grass grows—” The proverb is something musty—Oh, the recorders! Let me see one. (takes a recorder) (aside to ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN ) To withdraw with you, why do you go about to recover the wind of me as if you would drive me into a toil?
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HAMLET Ay, sir, but “While the grass grows—” The proverb is something musty—Oh, the recorders! Let me see one. (takes a recorder) (aside to ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN ) To withdraw with you, why do you go about to recover the wind of me as if you would drive me into a toil?
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GUILDENSTERN O my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.
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GUILDENSTERN O my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.
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|
HAMLET I do not well understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?
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HAMLET I do not well understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?
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GUILDENSTERN My lord, I cannot.
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GUILDENSTERN My lord, I cannot.
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HAMLET I pray you.
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HAMLET I pray you.
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GUILDENSTERN Believe me, I cannot.
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GUILDENSTERN Believe me, I cannot.
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HAMLET 320 I do beseech you.
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HAMLET I do beseech you.
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GUILDENSTERN I know no touch of it, my lord.
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GUILDENSTERN I know no touch of it, my lord.
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HAMLET It is as easy as lying. Govern these ventages with your fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops.
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HAMLET It is as easy as lying. Govern these ventages with your fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops.
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GUILDENSTERN But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony.
I have not the skill.
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GUILDENSTERN But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony.
I have not the skill.
|
|
HAMLET Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me. You would seem to know my stops. You would pluck out the heart of my mystery. You would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass. And there is much music, excellent voice, in this little organ, yet cannot you make it speak? 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me.
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HAMLET Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me. You would seem to know my stops. You would pluck out the heart of my mystery. You would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass. And there is much music, excellent voice, in this little organ, yet cannot you make it speak? 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me.
|
|
Enter POLONIUS
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Enter POLONIUS
|
|
God bless you, sir.
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God bless you, sir.
|
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POLONIUS My lord, the queen would speak with you, and presently.
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POLONIUS My lord, the queen would speak with you, and presently.
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HAMLET Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in shape of a camel?
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HAMLET Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in shape of a camel?
|
|
POLONIUS |
POLONIUS |
|
HAMLET Methinks it is like a weasel.
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HAMLET Methinks it is like a weasel.
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POLONIUS It is backed like a weasel.
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POLONIUS It is backed like a weasel.
|
|
HAMLET Or like a whale.
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HAMLET Or like a whale.
|
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POLONIUS Very like a whale.
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POLONIUS Very like a whale.
|
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HAMLET Then I will come to my mother by and by. (aside) They fool me to the top of my bent.—I will come by and by.
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HAMLET Then I will come to my mother by and by. (aside) They fool me to the top of my bent.—I will come by and by.
|
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POLONIUS I will say so.
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POLONIUS I will say so.
|
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HAMLET “By and by” is easily said.
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HAMLET “By and by” is easily said.
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Exit POLONIUS
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Exit POLONIUS
|
|
Leave me, friends.
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Leave me, friends.
|
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Exeunt all but HAMLET
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Exeunt all but HAMLET
|
|
350 'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood
And do such bitter business as the bitter day
Would quake to look on. Soft, now to my mother.—
355 O heart, lose not thy nature, let not ever
The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom.
Let me be cruel, not unnatural.
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'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood
And do such bitter business as the bitter day
Would quake to look on. Soft, now to my mother.—
O heart, lose not thy nature, let not ever
The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom.
Let me be cruel, not unnatural.
|
|
I will speak daggers to her but use none.
My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites.
360 How in my words somever she be shent,
To give them seals never, my soul, consent!
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I will speak daggers to her but use none.
My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites.
How in my words somever she be shent,
To give them seals never, my soul, consent!
|
|
Exit
|
Exit
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter HAMLET and PLAYERS
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Enter HAMLET and PLAYERS
|
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HAMLET Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue. But if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand thus, but use all gently, for in the very torrent, tempest, and (as I may say) whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness. Oh, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb-shows and noise. I would have such a fellow whipped for o'erdoing Termagant. It out-Herods Herod. Pray you, avoid it.
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HAMLET Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue. But if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand thus, but use all gently, for in the very torrent, tempest, and (as I may say) whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness. Oh, it offends me to the soul to hear a robustious periwig-pated fellow tear a passion to tatters, to very rags, to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumb-shows and noise. I would have such a fellow whipped for o'erdoing Termagant. It out-Herods Herod. Pray you, avoid it.
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FIRST PLAYER I warrant your honor.
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FIRST PLAYER I warrant your honor.
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HAMLET Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor. Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature. For anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is to hold, as ’twere, the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. Now this overdone or come tardy off, though it make the unskillful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve, the censure of the which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre of others.
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HAMLET Be not too tame neither, but let your own discretion be your tutor. Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature. For anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is to hold, as ’twere, the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure. Now this overdone or come tardy off, though it make the unskillful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve, the censure of the which one must in your allowance o'erweigh a whole theatre of others.
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Oh, there be players that I have seen play and heard others praise (and that highly), not to speak it profanely, that, neither having th' accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor man, have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature’s journeymen had made men and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably.
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Oh, there be players that I have seen play and heard others praise (and that highly), not to speak it profanely, that, neither having th' accent of Christians nor the gait of Christian, pagan, nor man, have so strutted and bellowed that I have thought some of nature’s journeymen had made men and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably.
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FIRST PLAYER I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us, sir.
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FIRST PLAYER I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us, sir.
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HAMLET O, reform it altogether! And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them, for there be of them that will themselves laugh to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too, though in the meantime some necessary question of the play be then to be considered. That’s villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. Go, make you ready.
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HAMLET O, reform it altogether! And let those that play your clowns speak no more than is set down for them, for there be of them that will themselves laugh to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too, though in the meantime some necessary question of the play be then to be considered. That’s villainous, and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. Go, make you ready.
|
|
Exeunt PLAYERS
|
Exeunt PLAYERS
|
|
Enter POLONIUS , ROSENCRANTZ , and GUILDENSTERN
|
Enter POLONIUS , ROSENCRANTZ , and GUILDENSTERN
|
|
How now, my lord! Will the king hear this piece of work?
|
How now, my lord! Will the king hear this piece of work?
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|
POLONIUS And the queen too, and that presently.
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POLONIUS And the queen too, and that presently.
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HAMLET Bid the players make haste.
|
HAMLET Bid the players make haste.
|
|
Exit POLONIUS
|
Exit POLONIUS
|
|
45 Will you two help to hasten them?
|
Will you two help to hasten them?
|
|
ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord.
|
ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord.
|
|
Exeunt ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
|
Exeunt ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
|
|
HAMLET What ho, Horatio!
|
HAMLET What ho, Horatio!
|
|
Enter HORATIO
|
Enter HORATIO
|
|
HORATIO Here, sweet lord, at your service.
|
HORATIO Here, sweet lord, at your service.
|
|
HAMLET Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man
As e'er my conversation coped withal.
|
HAMLET Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man
As e'er my conversation coped withal.
|
|
HORATIO O my dear lord—
|
HORATIO O my dear lord—
|
|
HAMLET Nay, do not think I flatter.
50 For what advancement may I hope from thee
That no revenue hast but thy good spirits,
To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flattered?
No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp,
And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
55 Where thrift may follow fawning. Dost thou hear?
Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice
And could of men distinguish, her election
Hath sealed thee for herself, for thou hast been—
As one in suffering all that suffers nothing—
60 A man that Fortune’s buffets and rewards
Hast ta'en with equal thanks. And blessed are those
Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled,
That they are not a pipe for Fortune’s finger
To sound what stop she please. Give me that man
65 That is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him
In my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart,
As I do thee.—Something too much of this.—
There is a play tonight before the king.
One scene of it comes near the circumstance
70 Which I have told thee of my father’s death.
I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot,
Even with the very comment of thy soul
Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt
Do not itself unkennel in one speech,
75 It is a damnèd ghost that we have seen,
And my imaginations are as foul
|
HAMLET Nay, do not think I flatter.
For what advancement may I hope from thee
That no revenue hast but thy good spirits,
To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flattered?
No, let the candied tongue lick absurd pomp,
And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
Where thrift may follow fawning. Dost thou hear?
Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice
And could of men distinguish, her election
Hath sealed thee for herself, for thou hast been—
As one in suffering all that suffers nothing—
A man that Fortune’s buffets and rewards
Hast ta'en with equal thanks. And blessed are those
Whose blood and judgment are so well commingled,
That they are not a pipe for Fortune’s finger
To sound what stop she please. Give me that man
That is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him
In my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart,
As I do thee.—Something too much of this.—
There is a play tonight before the king.
One scene of it comes near the circumstance
Which I have told thee of my father’s death.
I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot,
Even with the very comment of thy soul
Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt
Do not itself unkennel in one speech,
It is a damnèd ghost that we have seen,
And my imaginations are as foul
|
|
As Vulcan’s stithy. Give him heedful note.
For I mine eyes will rivet to his face,
And after we will both our judgments join
80 In censure of his seeming.
|
As Vulcan’s stithy. Give him heedful note.
For I mine eyes will rivet to his face,
And after we will both our judgments join
In censure of his seeming.
|
|
HORATIO Well, my lord.
If he steal aught the whilst this play is playing,
And ’scape detecting, I will pay the theft.
|
HORATIO Well, my lord.
If he steal aught the whilst this play is playing,
And ’scape detecting, I will pay the theft.
|
|
Danish march. Sound a flourish. Enter King CLAUDIUS , Queen GERTRUDE , POLONIUS , OPHELIA , ROSENCRANTZ , GUILDENSTERN and other lords attendant with CLAUDIUS ’s; guard carrying torches
|
Danish march. Sound a flourish. Enter King CLAUDIUS , Queen GERTRUDE , POLONIUS , OPHELIA , ROSENCRANTZ , GUILDENSTERN and other lords attendant with CLAUDIUS ’s; guard carrying torches
|
|
HAMLET They are coming to the play. I must be idle.
Get you a place.
|
HAMLET They are coming to the play. I must be idle.
Get you a place.
|
|
CLAUDIUS 85 How fares our cousin Hamlet?
|
CLAUDIUS How fares our cousin Hamlet?
|
|
HAMLET Excellent, i' faith, of the chameleon’s dish. I eat the air, promise-crammed. You cannot feed capons so.
|
HAMLET Excellent, i' faith, of the chameleon’s dish. I eat the air, promise-crammed. You cannot feed capons so.
|
|
CLAUDIUS I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet. These words are not mine.
|
CLAUDIUS I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet. These words are not mine.
|
|
HAMLET No, nor mine now. (to POLONIUS) My lord, you played once i' th' university, you say?
|
HAMLET No, nor mine now. (to POLONIUS) My lord, you played once i' th' university, you say?
|
|
POLONIUS That did I, my lord, and was accounted a good actor.
|
POLONIUS That did I, my lord, and was accounted a good actor.
|
|
HAMLET What did you enact?
|
HAMLET What did you enact?
|
|
POLONIUS I did enact Julius Caesar. I was killed i' th' Capitol. Brutus killed me.
|
POLONIUS I did enact Julius Caesar. I was killed i' th' Capitol. Brutus killed me.
|
|
HAMLET It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there.—Be the players ready?
|
HAMLET It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there.—Be the players ready?
|
|
ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord. They stay upon your patience.
|
ROSENCRANTZ Ay, my lord. They stay upon your patience.
|
|
GERTRUDE Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.
|
GERTRUDE Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.
|
|
HAMLET |
HAMLET |
|
POLONIUS (to CLAUDIUS) Oh, ho, do you mark that?
|
POLONIUS (to CLAUDIUS) Oh, ho, do you mark that?
|
|
HAMLET Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
|
HAMLET Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
|
|
OPHELIA No, my lord.
|
OPHELIA No, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET I mean, my head upon your lap?
|
HAMLET I mean, my head upon your lap?
|
|
OPHELIA 105 Ay, my lord.
|
OPHELIA Ay, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET Do you think I meant country matters?
|
HAMLET Do you think I meant country matters?
|
|
OPHELIA I think nothing, my lord.
|
OPHELIA I think nothing, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET That’s a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.
|
HAMLET That’s a fair thought to lie between maids' legs.
|
|
OPHELIA What is, my lord?
|
OPHELIA What is, my lord?
|
|
HAMLET 110 Nothing.
|
HAMLET Nothing.
|
|
OPHELIA You are merry, my lord.
|
OPHELIA You are merry, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET Who, I?
|
HAMLET Who, I?
|
|
OPHELIA Ay, my lord.
|
OPHELIA Ay, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET O God, your only jig-maker. What should a man do but be merry? For, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within these two hours.
|
HAMLET O God, your only jig-maker. What should a man do but be merry? For, look you, how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within these two hours.
|
|
OPHELIA Nay, ’tis twice two months, my lord.
|
OPHELIA Nay, ’tis twice two months, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET So long? Nay then, let the devil wear black, for I’ll have a suit of sables. O heavens! Die two months ago and not forgotten yet? Then there’s hope a great man’s memory may outlive his life half a year. But, by 'r Lady, he must build churches then, or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse, whose epitaph is “For, oh, for, oh, the hobby-horse is forgot.”
|
HAMLET So long? Nay then, let the devil wear black, for I’ll have a suit of sables. O heavens! Die two months ago and not forgotten yet? Then there’s hope a great man’s memory may outlive his life half a year. But, by 'r Lady, he must build churches then, or else shall he suffer not thinking on, with the hobby-horse, whose epitaph is “For, oh, for, oh, the hobby-horse is forgot.”
|
Enter a King and a Queen very lovingly, the Queen embracing him and he her. She kneels and makes show of protestation unto him. He takes her up and declines his head upon her neck, lays him down upon a bank of flowers. She, seeing him asleep, leaves him. Anon comes in a fellow, takes off his crown, kisses it, pours poison in the King’s ears, and exits. The Queen returns, finds the King dead, and makes passionate action. The Poisoner, with some two or three Mutes, comes in again, seeming to lament with her. The dead body is carried away. The Poisoner woos the Queen with gifts. She seems loath and unwilling awhile, but in the end accepts his love
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Enter a King and a Queen very lovingly, the Queen embracing him and he her. She kneels and makes show of protestation unto him. He takes her up and declines his head upon her neck, lays him down upon a bank of flowers. She, seeing him asleep, leaves him. Anon comes in a fellow, takes off his crown, kisses it, pours poison in the King’s ears, and exits. The Queen returns, finds the King dead, and makes passionate action. The Poisoner, with some two or three Mutes, comes in again, seeming to lament with her. The dead body is carried away. The Poisoner woos the Queen with gifts. She seems loath and unwilling awhile, but in the end accepts his love
|
|
Exeunt PLAYERS
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Exeunt PLAYERS
|
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OPHELIA What means this, my lord?
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OPHELIA What means this, my lord?
|
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HAMLET Marry, this is miching malhecho. It means mischief.
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HAMLET Marry, this is miching malhecho. It means mischief.
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OPHELIA Belike this show imports the argument of the play.
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OPHELIA Belike this show imports the argument of the play.
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Enter PROLOGUE
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Enter PROLOGUE
|
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HAMLET We shall know by this fellow. The players cannot keep counsel. They’ll tell all.
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HAMLET We shall know by this fellow. The players cannot keep counsel. They’ll tell all.
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OPHELIA Will he tell us what this show meant?
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OPHELIA Will he tell us what this show meant?
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HAMLET Ay, or any show that you will show him. Be not you ashamed to show, he’ll not shame to tell you what it means.
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HAMLET Ay, or any show that you will show him. Be not you ashamed to show, he’ll not shame to tell you what it means.
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OPHELIA |
OPHELIA |
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PROLOGUE For us and for our tragedy,
Here stooping to your clemency,
We beg your hearing patiently.
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PROLOGUE For us and for our tragedy,
Here stooping to your clemency,
We beg your hearing patiently.
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Exit PROLOGUE
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Exit PROLOGUE
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HAMLET Is this a prologue or the posy of a ring?
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HAMLET Is this a prologue or the posy of a ring?
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OPHELIA 140 'Tis brief, my lord.
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OPHELIA 'Tis brief, my lord.
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HAMLET As woman’s love.
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HAMLET As woman’s love.
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|
Enter PLAYER KING and PLAYER QUEEN
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Enter PLAYER KING and PLAYER QUEEN
|
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PLAYER KING Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart gone round
Neptune’s salt wash and Tellus' orbèd ground,
And thirty dozen moons with borrowed sheen
Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands
Unite commutual in most sacred bands.
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PLAYER KING Full thirty times hath Phoebus' cart gone round
Neptune’s salt wash and Tellus' orbèd ground,
And thirty dozen moons with borrowed sheen
Since love our hearts and Hymen did our hands
Unite commutual in most sacred bands.
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PLAYER QUEEN So many journeys may the sun and moon
Make us again count o'er ere love be done.
So far from cheer and from your former state,
That I distrust you. Yet though I distrust,
Discomfort you, my lord, it nothing must.
For women fear too much, even as they love,
In neither aught, or in extremity.
Now what my love is, proof hath made you know,
And as my love is sized, my fear is so:
Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear.
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PLAYER QUEEN So many journeys may the sun and moon
Make us again count o'er ere love be done.
So far from cheer and from your former state,
That I distrust you. Yet though I distrust,
Discomfort you, my lord, it nothing must.
For women fear too much, even as they love,
In neither aught, or in extremity.
Now what my love is, proof hath made you know,
And as my love is sized, my fear is so:
Where love is great, the littlest doubts are fear.
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PLAYER KING Faith, I must leave thee, love, and shortly too.
My operant powers their functions leave to do.
And thou shalt live in this fair world behind,
Honored, beloved, and haply one as kind
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PLAYER KING Faith, I must leave thee, love, and shortly too.
My operant powers their functions leave to do.
And thou shalt live in this fair world behind,
Honored, beloved, and haply one as kind
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PLAYER QUEEN Oh, confound the rest!
Such love must needs be treason in my breast.
In second husband let me be accursed!
None wed the second but who killed the first.
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PLAYER QUEEN Oh, confound the rest!
Such love must needs be treason in my breast.
In second husband let me be accursed!
None wed the second but who killed the first.
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HAMLET (aside)Wormwood, wormwood.
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HAMLET (aside)Wormwood, wormwood.
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PLAYER QUEEN Are base respects of thrift, but none of love.
A second time I kill my husband dead
When second husband kisses me in bed.
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PLAYER QUEEN Are base respects of thrift, but none of love.
A second time I kill my husband dead
When second husband kisses me in bed.
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PLAYER KING I do believe you think what now you speak,
Purpose is but the slave to memory,
Of violent birth, but poor validity,
Which now, like fruit unripe, sticks on the tree,
But fall, unshaken, when they mellow be.
To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt.
What to ourselves in passion we propose,
The passion ending, doth the purpose lose.
The violence of either grief or joy
Where joy most revels, grief doth most lament.
Grief joys, joy grieves on slender accident.
This world is not for aye, nor ’tis not strange
That even our loves should with our fortunes change.
Whether love lead fortune, or else fortune love.
The great man down, you mark his favorite flies.
The poor advanced makes friends of enemies.
And hitherto doth love on fortune tend,
And who in want a hollow friend doth try,
Directly seasons him his enemy.
But, orderly to end where I begun,
Our wills and fates do so contrary run
Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.
So think thou wilt no second husband wed,
But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead.
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PLAYER KING I do believe you think what now you speak,
Purpose is but the slave to memory,
Of violent birth, but poor validity,
Which now, like fruit unripe, sticks on the tree,
But fall, unshaken, when they mellow be.
To pay ourselves what to ourselves is debt.
What to ourselves in passion we propose,
The passion ending, doth the purpose lose.
The violence of either grief or joy
Where joy most revels, grief doth most lament.
Grief joys, joy grieves on slender accident.
This world is not for aye, nor ’tis not strange
That even our loves should with our fortunes change.
Whether love lead fortune, or else fortune love.
The great man down, you mark his favorite flies.
The poor advanced makes friends of enemies.
And hitherto doth love on fortune tend,
And who in want a hollow friend doth try,
Directly seasons him his enemy.
But, orderly to end where I begun,
Our wills and fates do so contrary run
Our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.
So think thou wilt no second husband wed,
But die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead.
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|
PLAYER QUEEN Nor earth to me give food, nor heaven light.
To desperation turn my trust and hope.
An anchor’s cheer in prison be my scope.
Each opposite that blanks the face of joy
Meet what I would have well and it destroy.
If, once a widow, ever I be wife!
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PLAYER QUEEN Nor earth to me give food, nor heaven light.
To desperation turn my trust and hope.
An anchor’s cheer in prison be my scope.
Each opposite that blanks the face of joy
Meet what I would have well and it destroy.
If, once a widow, ever I be wife!
|
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HAMLET If she should break it now!
|
HAMLET If she should break it now!
|
|
PLAYER KING 'Tis deeply sworn. Sweet, leave me here awhile.
My spirits grow dull, and fain I would beguile
|
PLAYER KING 'Tis deeply sworn. Sweet, leave me here awhile.
My spirits grow dull, and fain I would beguile
|
|
The PLAYER KING sleeps
|
The PLAYER KING sleeps
|
|
PLAYER QUEEN Sleep rock thy brain,
And never come mischance between us twain.
|
PLAYER QUEEN Sleep rock thy brain,
And never come mischance between us twain.
|
|
Exit PLAYER QUEEN
|
Exit PLAYER QUEEN
|
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HAMLET Madam, how like you this play?
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HAMLET Madam, how like you this play?
|
|
GERTRUDE The lady protests too much, methinks.
|
GERTRUDE The lady protests too much, methinks.
|
|
HAMLET Oh, but she’ll keep her word.
|
HAMLET Oh, but she’ll keep her word.
|
|
CLAUDIUS |
CLAUDIUS |
|
HAMLET No, no, they do but jest. Poison in jest. No offense i' th' world.
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HAMLET No, no, they do but jest. Poison in jest. No offense i' th' world.
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CLAUDIUS What do you call the play?
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CLAUDIUS What do you call the play?
|
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HAMLET The Mousetrap. Marry, how? Tropically. This play is the image of a murder done in Vienna. Gonzago is the duke’s name, his wife Baptista. You shall see anon. 'Tis a knavish piece of work, but what o' that? Your majesty and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung.
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HAMLET The Mousetrap. Marry, how? Tropically. This play is the image of a murder done in Vienna. Gonzago is the duke’s name, his wife Baptista. You shall see anon. 'Tis a knavish piece of work, but what o' that? Your majesty and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the galled jade wince, our withers are unwrung.
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|
Enter LUCIANUS
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Enter LUCIANUS
|
|
This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king.
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This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king.
|
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OPHELIA 230 You are as good as a chorus, my lord.
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OPHELIA You are as good as a chorus, my lord.
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HAMLET I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see the puppets dallying.
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HAMLET I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see the puppets dallying.
|
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OPHELIA You are keen, my lord, you are keen.
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OPHELIA You are keen, my lord, you are keen.
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HAMLET It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge.
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HAMLET It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge.
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OPHELIA 235 Still better and worse.
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OPHELIA Still better and worse.
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HAMLET So you must take your husbands.—Begin, murderer. Pox, leave thy damnable faces, and begin. Come, “The croaking raven doth bellow for revenge—”
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HAMLET So you must take your husbands.—Begin, murderer. Pox, leave thy damnable faces, and begin. Come, “The croaking raven doth bellow for revenge—”
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|
LUCIANUS Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing,
Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected,
With Hecate’s ban thrice blasted, thrice infected,
Thy natural magic and dire property
On wholesome life usurp immediately.
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LUCIANUS Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing,
Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected,
With Hecate’s ban thrice blasted, thrice infected,
Thy natural magic and dire property
On wholesome life usurp immediately.
|
|
HAMLET He poisons him i' th' garden for ’s estate. His name’s Gonzago. The story is extant, and writ in choice Italian. You shall see anon how the murderer gets the love of Gonzago’s wife.
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HAMLET He poisons him i' th' garden for ’s estate. His name’s Gonzago. The story is extant, and writ in choice Italian. You shall see anon how the murderer gets the love of Gonzago’s wife.
|
|
CLAUDIUS stands up
|
CLAUDIUS stands up
|
|
OPHELIA 250 The king rises.
|
OPHELIA The king rises.
|
|
HAMLET What, frighted with false fire?
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HAMLET What, frighted with false fire?
|
|
GERTRUDE How fares my lord?
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GERTRUDE How fares my lord?
|
|
POLONIUS Give o'er the play.
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POLONIUS Give o'er the play.
|
|
CLAUDIUS Give me some light, away!
|
CLAUDIUS Give me some light, away!
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POLONIUS 255 Lights, lights, lights!
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POLONIUS Lights, lights, lights!
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|
Commotion. Exeunt all but HAMLET and HORATIO
|
Commotion. Exeunt all but HAMLET and HORATIO
|
|
HAMLET Why, let the stricken deer go weep,
The hart ungallèd play.
For some must watch while some must sleep.
So runs the world away.
Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers—if the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me—with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get me a fellowship in a cry of players?
|
HAMLET Why, let the stricken deer go weep,
The hart ungallèd play.
For some must watch while some must sleep.
So runs the world away.
Would not this, sir, and a forest of feathers—if the rest of my fortunes turn Turk with me—with two Provincial roses on my razed shoes, get me a fellowship in a cry of players?
|
|
HORATIO Half a share.
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HORATIO Half a share.
|
|
HAMLET A whole one, I.
For thou dost know, O Damon dear,
This realm dismantled was
Of Jove himself. And now reigns here
A very, very—pajock.
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HAMLET A whole one, I.
For thou dost know, O Damon dear,
This realm dismantled was
Of Jove himself. And now reigns here
A very, very—pajock.
|
|
HORATIO You might have rhymed.
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HORATIO You might have rhymed.
|
|
HAMLET O good Horatio, I’ll take the ghost’s word for a thousand pound. Didst perceive?
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HAMLET O good Horatio, I’ll take the ghost’s word for a thousand pound. Didst perceive?
|
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HORATIO Very well, my lord.
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HORATIO Very well, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET Upon the talk of the poisoning?
|
HAMLET Upon the talk of the poisoning?
|
|
HORATIO I did very well note him.
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HORATIO I did very well note him.
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|
HAMLET 265 Ah ha! Come, some music! Come, the recorders!
For if the king like not the comedy,
Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy.
Come, some music!
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HAMLET Ah ha! Come, some music! Come, the recorders!
For if the king like not the comedy,
Why then, belike, he likes it not, perdy.
Come, some music!
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|
Enter ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
|
Enter ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN
|
|
GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.
|
GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you.
|
|
HAMLET Sir, a whole history.
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HAMLET Sir, a whole history.
|
|
GUILDENSTERN The king, sir—
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GUILDENSTERN The king, sir—
|
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HAMLET 270 Ay, sir, what of him?
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HAMLET Ay, sir, what of him?
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GUILDENSTERN Is in his retirement marvelous distempered.
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GUILDENSTERN Is in his retirement marvelous distempered.
|
|
HAMLET With drink, sir?
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HAMLET With drink, sir?
|
|
GUILDENSTERN No, my lord, with choler.
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GUILDENSTERN No, my lord, with choler.
|
|
HAMLET Your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to the doctor. For, for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him into far more choler.
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HAMLET Your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to the doctor. For, for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him into far more choler.
|
|
GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame and start not so wildly from my affair.
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GUILDENSTERN Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame and start not so wildly from my affair.
|
|
HAMLET I am tame, sir. Pronounce.
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HAMLET I am tame, sir. Pronounce.
|
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GUILDENSTERN The queen your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.
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GUILDENSTERN The queen your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.
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|
HAMLET You are welcome.
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HAMLET You are welcome.
|
|
GUILDENSTERN Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer, I will do your mother’s commandment. If not, your pardon and my return shall be the end of my business.
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GUILDENSTERN Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer, I will do your mother’s commandment. If not, your pardon and my return shall be the end of my business.
|
|
HAMLET Sir, I cannot.
|
HAMLET Sir, I cannot.
|
|
GUILDENSTERN What, my lord?
|
GUILDENSTERN What, my lord?
|
|
HAMLET Make you a wholesome answer. My wit’s diseased. But, sir, such answer as I can make, you shall command. Or, rather, as you say, my mother. Therefore no more but to the matter. My mother, you say—
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HAMLET Make you a wholesome answer. My wit’s diseased. But, sir, such answer as I can make, you shall command. Or, rather, as you say, my mother. Therefore no more but to the matter. My mother, you say—
|
|
ROSENCRANTZ Then thus she says: your behavior hath struck her into amazement and admiration.
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ROSENCRANTZ Then thus she says: your behavior hath struck her into amazement and admiration.
|
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HAMLET O wonderful son that can so ’stonish a mother! But is there no sequel at the heels of this mother’s admiration? Impart.
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HAMLET O wonderful son that can so ’stonish a mother! But is there no sequel at the heels of this mother’s admiration? Impart.
|
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ROSENCRANTZ She desires to speak with you in her closet ere you go to bed.
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ROSENCRANTZ She desires to speak with you in her closet ere you go to bed.
|
|
HAMLET We shall obey, were she ten times our mother. Have you any further trade with us?
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HAMLET We shall obey, were she ten times our mother. Have you any further trade with us?
|
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ROSENCRANTZ 300 My lord, you once did love me.
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ROSENCRANTZ My lord, you once did love me.
|
|
HAMLET And do still, by these pickers and stealers.
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HAMLET And do still, by these pickers and stealers.
|
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ROSENCRANTZ Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper? You do surely bar the door upon your own liberty if you deny your griefs to your friend.
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ROSENCRANTZ Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper? You do surely bar the door upon your own liberty if you deny your griefs to your friend.
|
|
HAMLET 305 Sir, I lack advancement.
|
HAMLET Sir, I lack advancement.
|
|
ROSENCRANTZ How can that be, when you have the voice of the king himself for your succession in Denmark?
|
ROSENCRANTZ How can that be, when you have the voice of the king himself for your succession in Denmark?
|
|
Reenter the PLAYERS with recorders
|
Reenter the PLAYERS with recorders
|
|
HAMLET Ay, sir, but “While the grass grows—” The proverb is something musty—Oh, the recorders! Let me see one. (takes a recorder) (aside to ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN ) To withdraw with you, why do you go about to recover the wind of me as if you would drive me into a toil?
|
HAMLET Ay, sir, but “While the grass grows—” The proverb is something musty—Oh, the recorders! Let me see one. (takes a recorder) (aside to ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN ) To withdraw with you, why do you go about to recover the wind of me as if you would drive me into a toil?
|
|
GUILDENSTERN O my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.
|
GUILDENSTERN O my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.
|
|
HAMLET I do not well understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?
|
HAMLET I do not well understand that. Will you play upon this pipe?
|
|
GUILDENSTERN My lord, I cannot.
|
GUILDENSTERN My lord, I cannot.
|
|
HAMLET I pray you.
|
HAMLET I pray you.
|
|
GUILDENSTERN Believe me, I cannot.
|
GUILDENSTERN Believe me, I cannot.
|
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HAMLET 320 I do beseech you.
|
HAMLET I do beseech you.
|
|
GUILDENSTERN I know no touch of it, my lord.
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GUILDENSTERN I know no touch of it, my lord.
|
|
HAMLET It is as easy as lying. Govern these ventages with your fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops.
|
HAMLET It is as easy as lying. Govern these ventages with your fingers and thumb, give it breath with your mouth, and it will discourse most eloquent music. Look you, these are the stops.
|
|
GUILDENSTERN But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony.
I have not the skill.
|
GUILDENSTERN But these cannot I command to any utterance of harmony.
I have not the skill.
|
|
HAMLET Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me. You would seem to know my stops. You would pluck out the heart of my mystery. You would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass. And there is much music, excellent voice, in this little organ, yet cannot you make it speak? 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me.
|
HAMLET Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me. You would seem to know my stops. You would pluck out the heart of my mystery. You would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass. And there is much music, excellent voice, in this little organ, yet cannot you make it speak? 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me.
|
|
Enter POLONIUS
|
Enter POLONIUS
|
|
God bless you, sir.
|
God bless you, sir.
|
|
POLONIUS My lord, the queen would speak with you, and presently.
|
POLONIUS My lord, the queen would speak with you, and presently.
|
|
HAMLET Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in shape of a camel?
|
HAMLET Do you see yonder cloud that’s almost in shape of a camel?
|
|
POLONIUS |
POLONIUS |
|
HAMLET Methinks it is like a weasel.
|
HAMLET Methinks it is like a weasel.
|
|
POLONIUS It is backed like a weasel.
|
POLONIUS It is backed like a weasel.
|
|
HAMLET Or like a whale.
|
HAMLET Or like a whale.
|
|
POLONIUS Very like a whale.
|
POLONIUS Very like a whale.
|
|
HAMLET Then I will come to my mother by and by. (aside) They fool me to the top of my bent.—I will come by and by.
|
HAMLET Then I will come to my mother by and by. (aside) They fool me to the top of my bent.—I will come by and by.
|
|
POLONIUS I will say so.
|
POLONIUS I will say so.
|
|
HAMLET “By and by” is easily said.
|
HAMLET “By and by” is easily said.
|
|
Exit POLONIUS
|
Exit POLONIUS
|
|
Leave me, friends.
|
Leave me, friends.
|
|
Exeunt all but HAMLET
|
Exeunt all but HAMLET
|
|
350 'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood
And do such bitter business as the bitter day
Would quake to look on. Soft, now to my mother.—
355 O heart, lose not thy nature, let not ever
The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom.
Let me be cruel, not unnatural.
|
'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot blood
And do such bitter business as the bitter day
Would quake to look on. Soft, now to my mother.—
O heart, lose not thy nature, let not ever
The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom.
Let me be cruel, not unnatural.
|
|
I will speak daggers to her but use none.
My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites.
360 How in my words somever she be shent,
To give them seals never, my soul, consent!
|
I will speak daggers to her but use none.
My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites.
How in my words somever she be shent,
To give them seals never, my soul, consent!
|
|
Exit
|
Exit
|
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