HAMLET,

PRINCE OF DENMARK.

DRAMATIS PERSONE.

CLAUDIUS, King of Denmark.

MARCELLUS,

HAMLET, Son to the former, and BERNARDO,

Nephew to the present King.

HORATIO, Friend to Hamlet.

POLONIUS, Lord Chamberlain.

LAERTES, his Son.

FRANCISCO, a Soldier.

REYNALDO, Servant to Polonius.
A Captain. Ambassadors.
Ghost of Hamlet's Father.

FORTINBRAS, Prince of Norway.
Two Clowns, Grave-diggers.

GERTRUDE, Queen of Denmark,
and Mother to Hamlet.
OPHELIA, Daughter to Polonius.

Lords, Ladies, Officers, Soldiers, Players, Sailors, Messengers, and

Attendants.

SCENE, Elsinore.

ACT I. SCENE I.

Elsinore. A Platform before the Castle.

FRANCISCO on his Post. Enter to him BERNARDO.

Ber.

He.

Fran. You come most carefully upon your hour.

Ber. 'T is now struck twelve: get thee to bed, Francisco.

Fran. For this relief much thanks. 'Tis bitter cold,

And I am sick at heart.

Ber. Have you had quiet guard?
Fran.

Ber. Well, good night.

If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,

Not a mouse stirring.

The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste.

Enter HORATIO and MARCELLUS.

Fran. I think I hear them. - Stand, ho! Who is there!

Hor. Friends to this ground.
Mar.

Fran. Give you good night.
Mar.

And liegemen to the Dane.

O! farewell, honest soldier:

Ber. Welcome, Horatio: welcome, good Marcellus.

Hor. What, has this thing appear'd again to-night?

Ber. I have seen nothing.

Mar. Horatio says, 't is but our fantasy,

And will not let belief take hold of him,
Touching this dreaded sight twice seen of us.
Therefore, I have entreated him along
With us, to watch the minutes of this night;
That, if again this apparition come,
He may approve our eyes, and speak to it.

Hor. Tush, tush! 't will not appear.
Ber.

And let us once again assail your ears,

Sit down awhile;