HAMLET, by William SHAKESPEARE. Full movie version, 1948. Laurence Olivier. Subtitles: ENGLISH.

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[NARRATOR] So oft it chances, in particular men,…
…that through some vicious mole of nature in them,…
…by the o'ergrowth of some complexion,…
…oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason,…
…or by some habit,…
…grown too much;…
…that these men,…
…carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect,…
…their virtues else – be they as pure as grace –,…
…shall, in the general censure,…
…take corruption…
…from that particular fault.
This is the tragedy…
…of a man…
…who could not… make up…
…his mind.
– [BARNARDO] Who's there? – [FRANCISCO] Nay, answer me: stand, and unfold yourself!
[BARNARDO] Long live the King!
[FRANCISCO] Barnardo?
[BARNARDO] He.
[FRANCISCO] You come most carefully upon your hour.
[BARNARDO] 'Tis now struck twelve.
Get thee to bed, Francisco.
[FRANCISCO] For this relief, much thanks: …
…'tis bitter cold,…
…and I am sick at heart.
[BARNARDO] Have you had quiet guard?
– [FRANCISCO] Not a mouse stirring. – [BERNARDO] Well, good night!
[BARNARDO] If you do meet Horatio, and Marcellus,…
…the rivals of my watch,…
…bid them make haste.
[FRANCISCO] I think I hear them.
Stand, ho! Who's there?
– [HORATIO] Friends to this ground. – [MARCELLUS] And liegemen to the Dane. – [FRANCISCO] Give you good night.
– [MARCELLUS] O, farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved you? – [FRANCISCO] Barnardo has my place. Give you good night.
[MARCELLUS] Holla! Barnardo!
[BARNARDO] Say,… what, is Horatio there?
[HORATIO] A piece of him.
[BARNARDO] Welcome, Horatio!
Welcome, good Marcellus.
[MARCELLUS] What,…?
…has this thing appear'd again tonight?
[BARNARDO] I have seen nothing.
[MARCELLUS] Horatio says 'tis 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.
[HORATIO] Tush, tush, 'twill not appear!
[BARNARDO] Sit down awhile,…
…and let us once again assail your ears, that are so fortified against our story,…
…what we two nights have seen.
[HORATIO] Well,…
…sit we down,…
…and let us hear Barnardo speak of this.
[BARNARDO] Last night of all,…
…when yond same star, that's westward from the pole,…
…had made his course into that part of heaven where now it burns,…
– …Marcellus and myself, the bell then beating one,… – [Bell beats one]
[MARCELLUS] Peace!
Break thee off!
– [MARCELLUS] Look where it comes again! – [GHOST appears]
[BARNARDO] In the same figure, like the dead King, Marcellus.
[MARCELLUS] Thou art a scholar;…
…speak to it, Horatio.
[BARNARDO] Looks it not like the King?
Mark it, Horatio.
[HORATIO] Most like!
It harrows me with fear and wonder.
[BARNARDO] It would be spoke to.
[MARCELLUS] Question it, Horatio.
[HORATIO] If thou hast any sound, or use of voice,…
…speak to me!
If there be any good thing to be done,…
…that may to thee do ease, and grace to me,…
…O, speak!
Stay, and speak!
Stop it, Marcellus!
– [BARNARDO] 'Tis here! – [HORATIO] 'Tis here!
[MARCELLUS] 'Tis gone!
And will not answer!
[BARNARDO] How now, Horatio, you tremble, and look pale.
Is not this something more than fantasy?
What think you on't?
[HORATIO] Before my God, I might not this believe, without the sensible and true avouch of mine own eyes.
[MARCELLUS] Is it not like the King?
[HORATIO] As thou art to thyself.
'Tis strange!
[BARNARDO] It was about to speak when the cock crew.
[HORATIO] And then it started, like a guilty thing upon a fearful summons.
[BARNARDO] I've heard,…
…the cock, that is the herald to the morn,…
…doth, with his lofty and shrill–sounding throat, awake the god of day,…
…and, at his warning, th' wondering and uneasy spirit hies to his confine,…
[MARCELLUS] True,…
…it faded on the crowing of the cock.
Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes, wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,…
…the bird of dawning singeth all night long.
And then, they say, no spirit can walk abroad.
The nights are wholesome then.
No planets strike, no fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm.
So hallowed and so gracious is the time.
[HORATIO] So have I heard,…
…and do in part believe it.
But look,…
…the morn, in russet mantle clad, walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill.
Break we our watch up,…
…and, by my advice, let us impart what we have seen tonight, unto young Hamlet.
For, upon my life, this spirit, dumb to us,…
– [HORATIO]…will speak to him. – [MARCELLUS] Let's do 't, I pray!
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
[Joyous, boisterous feasting]
[Trumpet flourishes – Cannon fire]
[KING] Though yet of Hamlet, our dear brother's death, the memory be green,…
…and that it us befitted to bear our hearts in grief,…
…and our whole kingdom to be contracted in one brow of woe,…
…yet,… so far hath discretion fought with nature,…
…that we, with wisest sorrow, think on him,…
…together with remembrance of ourselves.
Therefore our sometime sister,…
…now our… our Queen,…
…have we, as 'twere, with a defeated joy,…
…with mirth in funeral, and with dirge in marriage,…
…in equal scale weighing delight and dole,…
…taken…
…to wife.
Nor have we herein barred your better wisdoms, which have freely gone with this affair along.
For all,…!
…our thanks!
– [Applause] – [KING] Ah!
[KING] And now, Laertes,…?
…what's the news with you? You told us of some suit. What is 't, Laertes?
You cannot speak of reason to the Dane, and lose your voice.
What wouldst thou beg, Laertes, that shall not be my offer, not thy asking?
The head is not more native to the heart, the hand more instrumental to the mouth,…
…than is the throne of Denmark to thy father.
What wouldst thou have, Laertes?
[LAERTES] Dread my Lord,…
…your leave and favour to return to France,…
…from whence – though willingly I came to Denmark, to show my duty in your coronation –,…
…yet now, I must confess,…
…– that duty done –,…
…my thoughts and wishes bend again toward France,…
…and bow them to your gracious leave and pardon.
[KING] Have you your father's leave? What says Polonius?
[POLONIUS] He hath, my Lord,…
…wrung from me my slow leave, by laboursome petition,…
…and at last, upon his will, I sealed my hard consent.
I do beseech you give him leave to go.
[KING] Take thy fair hour, Laertes! Time be thine, and thy best graces spend it at thy will!
Now, our cousin Hamlet,…
…and our son,…
…how is it that the clouds still hang on you?
[QUEEN GERTRUDE] Good Hamlet,…
…cast thy nighted colour off,…
…and let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark.
Do not forever with thy lowered lids seek for thy noble father in the dust.
Thou know'st 'tis common: …
…all that lives must die,…
…passing through nature to eternity.
[HAMLET] Aye, madam, it is common.
[QUEEN] If it be,…
…why seems it so particular with thee?
[HAMLET] “Seems,” madam?
Nay, it is. I know not “seems”.
'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, nor customary suits of solemn black,…
…together with all forms, moods, shows of grief, that can denote me truly.
These, indeed, “seem”.
For they are actions that a man might play.
But I have that within which passeth show;…
…these but the trappings and the suits of woe.
[KING] 'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, to give these mourning duties to your father.
But you must know your father lost a father; that father lost, lost his,…
…and the survivor, bound in filial obligation, for some term to do obsequious sorrow.
But to persist in obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubbornness. 'Tis unmanly grief!
A fault to heaven,…
…a fault against the dead,…
…a fault to nature, to reason,…!
…most absurd, whose common theme is death of fathers,…
…and who still hath cried, from the first corpse, till he that died today,…
…“This must be so”.
Why should we, in our peevish opposition, take it to heart?
We pray you, throw to earth this unprevailing woe,…
…and think of us as of a father.
For, let the world take note,…!
…you are the most immediate to our throne!
– [Murmurs of approval] – And with no less nobility of love than that which dearest father bears his son,…
…do I impart toward you.
[Applause – Flourish of trumpets]
Your intent in going back to school at Wittenberg, it is most retrograde to our desire.
We beseech you, bend you to remain here, in the cheer and comfort of our eye,…
…our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son.
[QUEEN] Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet.
I pray thee, stay with us.
Go not to Wittenberg.
[HAMLET] I shall in all my best obey you, madam.
[KING] Why, 'tis a loving and a fair reply.
Be as ourself in Denmark.
Madam, come.
This gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet sits smiling to my heart!
In grace whereof, no jocund health that Denmark drinks today,…!
…but the great cannon to the clouds shall tell,…!
…and the King's carouse the heaven shall roar again,…!
…respeaking earthly thunder!
Come, away!
[Flourishes of trumpets]
[HAMLET] Oh, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt,…
…thaw, and resolve itself into a dew.
Or that the Everlasting had not fixed His canon 'gainst self–slaughter!
O God!
God!
How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!
Fie on 't,…!
…ah, fie!
'Tis an unweeded garden that grows to seed.
Things rank and gross in nature possess it merely.
That it should come to this: …
But two months dead,…
Nay, not so much, not two.
So excellent a King,…
…that was – to this – Hyperion to a satyr.
So loving to my mother, that he might not suffer the winds of heaven visit her face too roughly.
Heaven and Earth, must I remember?
Why, she would hang on him, as if increase of appetite had grown by what it fed on.
And yet, within a month…!
…– let me not think on 't!
Frailty, thy name is woman.
A little month,…
…or ere those shoes were old, with which she followed my poor father's body,…
…like Niobe, all tears.
Why, she,…
…even she,…!
…– O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourned longer! –…
…married with my uncle,…!
…my father's brother,…
…but no more like my father, than I to Hercules.
Within a month,…
…she married.
O, most wicked speed, to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!
It is not, nor it cannot, come to good.
But break, my heart,…
…for I must hold my tongue.
[LAERTES] My necessaries are embarked.
Farewell.
And, sister, as the winds give benefit, and convoy is assistant, do not sleep, but let me hear from you.
[OPHELIA] Do you doubt that?
[LAERTES] For Hamlet,…
…and the trifling of his favour,…
…hold it a fashion and a toy in blood,…
…a violet in the youth of primy nature,…
Forward, not permanent.
Sweet,…
…not lasting.
The perfume and suppliance of a minute.
No more.
[OPHELIA] No more but so?
[LAERTES] Think it no more.
Perhaps he loves you now;…
…but you must fear, his greatness weighed, his will is not his own,…
…for he himself is subject to his birth!
He may not, as unvalued persons do,…
…carve for himself,…
…for on his choice depends the safety, and the health of this whole state.
Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain if, with too willing ear, you list his songs,…
…or lose your heart,…
…or your chaste treasure open to his unmastered importunity.
Be wary, then.
Best safety lies in fear.
[OPHELIA] I shall the effect of this good lesson keep,…
…as watchman to my heart.
But, good my brother, do not, as some ungracious pastors do,…
…show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,…
…whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine, himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,…
…and recks not his own rede.
[LAERTES] O, fear me not.
But here my father comes; I stay too long.
[POLONIUS] Yet here, Laertes? Aboard, aboard!
For shame! The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail, and you are stayed for!
There, my blessing with thee.
And these few precepts in thy memory look thou character.
Give thy thoughts no tongue, nor any unproportioned thought his act.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,…
…grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel,…
…but do not dull thy palm with entertainment of each new–hatched, unfledged courage.
Beware of entrance to a quarrel;…
…but, being in, bear 't that th' opposèd may beware of thee.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, but not expressed in fancy.
Rich, not gaudy, for the apparel oft proclaims the man.
Neither a borrower nor a lender be,…
…for loan oft loses both itself and friend,…
…and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true.
And it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell! My blessing season this in thee!
– [LAERTES] Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord. – [POLONIUS] The time invites you. Go!
[LAERTES] Farewell, Ophelia.
And remember well what I have said to you.
[OPHELIA] 'Tis in my memory locked,…
…and you yourself shall keep the key of it.
[LAERTES] Farewell!
[POLONIUS] What is 't, Ophelia, he hath said to you?
[OPHELIA] So please you,…
…something touching the Lord Hamlet.
[POLONIUS] Marry, well bethought.
What is between you? Give me up the truth.
[OPHELIA] He hath, my lord, of late,…
…made many tenders of his affection to me.
[POLONIUS] Affection? Pooh!
You speak like a green girl, unsifted in such perilous circumstance.
Do you believe his “tenders,” as you call them?
[OPHELIA] I do not know, my lord,…
…what I should think.
[POLONIUS] Marry, I'll teach you. Think yourself a baby.
I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth, have you give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet.
Look to 't, I charge you.
Come your ways!
[HORATIO] Hail to your Lordship!
[HAMLET] I am glad to see you well.
Horatio! Or I do forget myself!
– [HORATIO] The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever. – [HAMLET] Sir, my good friend! I'll change that name with you.
– [HAMLET] Marcellus! – [MARCELLUS] My good lord.
– [HAMLET] I am very glad to see you. [To Barnardo] Good even, sir. – [BARNARDO] My lord.
[HAMLET] But what is your affair in Elsinore? We'll teach you to drink deep, ere you depart.
[HORATIO] My lord, I came to see your father's funeral.
[HAMLET] I pray you do not mock me, fellow student.
I think it was to see my mother's wedding.
[HORATIO] Indeed, my lord, it followed hard upon.
[HAMLET] Thrift!
Thrift, Horatio.
The funeral baked meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven, or ever I had seen that day, Horatio!
My father…
Methinks I see my father.
[HORATIO] Where, my lord?
[HAMLET] In my mind's eye, Horatio.
[HORATIO] I saw him once.
He was a goodly king.
[HAMLET] He was a man.
Take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.
[HORATIO] My lord,…
…I think I saw him yesternight!
[HAMLET] Saw?
Who?
[HORATIO] My lord, the King, your father!
[HAMLET] The King…?
…my father?
[HORATIO] Two nights together had these gentlemen, Marcellus and Barnardo, on their watch,…
…in the dead wvast and middle of the night, been thus encountered: …
…a figure like your father,…
…armed,…
…appears before them,…
…and with solemn march, goes slow and stately by them.
This to me in dreaded secrecy, they did impart,…
…and I, with them, the third night kept the watch,…
…where, as they had reported, both in time,…
…form of the thing.
Each word made true and good, the apparition comes.
I knew your father.
These hands are not more like.
– [HAMLET] But where was this? – [MARCELLUS] My lord, upon the platform where we watch.
– [HAMLET] Did you not speak to it? – [HORATIO] My lord, I did, but answer made it none.
Yet once methought it lifted up its head, as it would speak.
But even then, the morning cock crew loud,…
…and at the sound it shrunk in haste away, and vanished from our sight.
[HAMLET]'Tis very strange.
[HORATIO] As I do live, my honoured lord, 'tis true.
– [HORATIO] And we did think it writ down in our duty, to let you know. – [HAMLET] Indeed, indeed, sirs!
[HAMLET] But this troubles me.
Hold you the watch tonight?
– [ALL] We do, my lord. – [HAMLET] Armed, say you? – [ALL] Armed, my lord.
– [HAMLET] From top to toe? – [ALL] My lord, from head to foot. – [HAMLET] Then you saw not his face?
[HORATIO] O, yes, my lord,…! he wore his visor up!
[HAMLET] What looked he? Frowningly?
[HORATIO] A countenance more in sorrow than in anger.
– [HAMLET] And fixed his eyes upon you? – [HORATIO] Most constantly.
– [HAMLET] I would I had been there. – [HORATIO] It would have much amazed you. – [HAMLET] Very likely, vey likely. Stay'd it long?
– [HORATIO] While one with moderate haste might tell a hundred. – [BARNARDO, MARCELLUS] Longer! Longer! – [HORATIO] Not when I saw 't!
[HAMLET] His beard was grizzled, no?
[HORATIO] It was as I have seen it in his life,…
…a sable, silvered.
– [HAMLET] I will watch tonight! Perchance 'twill walk again. – [HORATIO] I warrant it will.
[HAMLET] I pray you all, if you have hitherto concealed this sight,…
…and whatsomever else shall hap tonight, give it an understanding, but no tongue!
I will requite your loves. So fare you well.
Upon the platform, 'twixt eleven and twelve, I'll visit you.
– [ALL] Our duty to your Honour. – [HAMLET] Your loves, as mine to you! Farewell!
[HAMLET] My father's spirit!
In arms!
All is not well.
I doubt some foul play.
Would the night were come!
Till then, sit still, my soul.
Foul deeds will rise,…
…though all the earth o'erwhelm them,…
…to men's eyes.
[HAMLET] The air bites shrewdly;…
…it is very cold.
[HORATIO] It is a nipping and an eager air.
[HAMLET] What hour now?
[HORATIO] I think it lacks of twelve.
– [MARCELLUS] No, it is struck. – [HORATIO] Indeed?
[HORATIO] I heard it not.
It then draws near the season…
…wherein the spirit has his wont to walk.
[Military music – Cannon fire]
[HORATIO] What does this mean, my lord?
[HAMLET] The King doth wake tonight, makes carouse,…
…keeps wassail, and the swagg'ring upspring reels.
And, as he drains his draughts of Rhenish down,…
…the kettledrum and trumpet thus bray out the triumph of his pledge.
– [HORATIO] Is it a custom? – [HAMLET] Ay, marry, is 't.
[HAMLET] But, to my mind, though I am native here, and to the manner born,…
…it is a custom more honoured in the breach than the observance.
This heavy–headed revel, east and west, makes us traduced and mocked by other nations.
They call us drunkards,…
…and with swinish phrase soil our reputation.
And, indeed, it takes from our achievements, though performed at height.
[Thunder and lightning]
So, oft it chances, in particular men,…
…that for some vicious mole of nature in them,…
…by the o'ergrowth of some complexion,…
…– oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason –,…
…or by some habit, grown too much,…
…that these men,…
…carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect,…
…their virtues else, be they as pure as grace, shall, in the general censure,…
…take corruption…
…from that particular fault.
[HAMLET] Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!
[HORATIO] Look, my lord, it comes!
[HAMLET] Be thou a spirit of health,…
…or goblin damned,…
…thou com'st in such a questionable shape…
…that I will speak to thee.
I'll call thee…
…“Hamlet",…
…“King”,…
…“Father”,…
…“Royal Dane". O, answer me!
– [HORATIO] It beckons you to go away with it. – [MARCELLUS] It waves you to a more removèd ground. But do not go with it. – [HORATIO] No, by no means!
[HAMLET] It will not speak.
Then I will follow it.
– [HORATIO] Do not, my lord! – [HAMLET] Why, what should be the fear?
[HAMLET] I do not set my life at a pin's fee! And for my soul, what can it do to that,…?
…being a thing immortal as itself?
It waves me forth again.
– [HAMLET] I'll follow it! – [HORATIO] What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord,…?
[HORATIO] …or to the dreadful summit of the cliff…?
…that beetles o'er his base into the sea?
And there assume some other horrible form, which might deprive your Sovereignty of reason,…
…and draw you into madness?
– [HORATIO] Think of it! – [MARCELLUS] You shall not go, my lord! – [HAMLET] Hold off your hands!
– [HORATIO] Be ruled! You shall not go! – [HAMLET] My fate cries out,…!
[HAMLET] …and makes each petty arture in this body as hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve!
Still am I called! Unhand me, gentlemen!
By heaven, I'll make a ghost of him that hinders me! I say, away!
Go on.
I'll follow thee.
[HAMLET] Whither wilt thou lead me?
Speak!
I'll go no further.
[GHOST] Mark me.
[HAMLET] I will.
[GHOST] I am thy father's spirit,…
…doomed for a certain term to walk the night,…
…and for the day, confined to fast in fires,…
…till the foul crimes done in my days of nature…
…are burnt and purged away.
[HAMLET] Alas, poor ghost!
List!
List!
O, list!
If thou didst ever thy dear father love,…
[HAMLET] O God!
[GHOST] Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.
[HAMLET] Murder?
[GHOST] Murder most foul, as in the best it is,…
…but this most foul,…
…strange,…
…and unnatural.
[HAMLET] Haste me to know 't,…
…that I, with wings as swift as meditation, or the thoughts of love,…
…may sweep to my revenge.
[GHOST]Now, Hamlet,…
…hear.
'Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, a serpent stung me.
So the whole ear of Denmark is, by a forged process of my death,…
…rankly abused.
But know, thou noble youth,…
…the serpent that did sting thy father's life,…
…now wears his crown.
[HAMLET] O, my prophetic soul!
My uncle!
[GHOST] Aye, that incestuous, that adulterate beast,…
…with traitorous gifts, won to his shameful lust…
…the will of my most seeming–virtuous Queen.
[Hamlet sobs]
[GHOST] O Hamlet,…
…what a falling off was there!
But soft,…
…methinks I scent the morning air.
Brief let me be.
Sleeping within my orchard,…
…my custom always in the afternoon,…
…upon my quiet hour thy uncle stole,…
…with juice of cursèd hebenon in a vial,…
…and in the porches of my ears did pour the leperous distilment,…
…whose effect holds such an enmity with blood of man,…
…that, swift as quicksilver, it courses through the natural gates and alleys of the body.
Thus was I, sleeping,…
…by a brother's hand,…
…of life,…
…of crown, of Queen, at once dispatched,…
…cut off,…
…even in the blossoms of my sin.
No reck'ning made,…
…but sent to my account with all my imperfections on my head.
[HAMLET] O horrible!
[GHOST] Horrible!
Most horrible!
[GHOST] If thou hast nature in thee,…
…bear it not.
Let not the royal bed of Denmark be a couch for luxury and damnèd incest.
But, howsoever thou pursues this act,…
…taint not thy mind,…
…nor let thy soul contrive against thy mother aught.
Leave her to Heaven.
Fare thee well at once.
The glowworm shows the matin to be near.
And 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire.
Adieu,…
…adieu,…
…adieu.
Remember me!
[HAMLET] O all you host of Heaven!
O Earth!
What else?
And shall I couple hell?
Hold,…!
…hold, my heart!
Aah!
Remember thee?
Aye, thou poor ghost, while memory holds a seat in this distracted globe.
Remember thee?
Yea, from the table of my memory I'll wipe away all trivial, fond records,…
…that youth and observation copied there,…
…and thy commandment all alone shall live within the book and volume of my brain,…!
…unmixed with baser matter!
Yes, by Heaven!
Most pernicious woman!
O villain!
Villain,…!
…smiling, damnèd villain!
So, uncle,…
…there you are.
Now to my word.
It is “adieu,…"
"…adieu,…"
"…remember me.”
I have sworn 't.
– [HORATIO] My lord, my lord! – [MARCELLUS] Lord Hamlet!
[HAMLET] So be it.
[HORATIO] Hillo, ho!
My lord!
[HAMLET] Hillo, ho, ho, boy! Come, bird, come!
– [HORATIO] How is 't, my noble lord? – [MARCELLUS] What news, my lord? – [HAMLET] O, wonderful! – [BARNARDO] Good my lord, tell it.
[HAMLET] No!
– [HAMLET] You will reveal it! – [HORATIO] Not I, my lord, by Heaven. – [MARCELLUS, BARNARDO] Nor I, my lord!
[HAMLET] How say you, then?
Would heart of man once think it?
– [HAMLET] But you'll be secret? – [ALL] Aye, my lord!
[HAMLET] There's never a villain dwelling in all Denmark…
…but…
…he's an arrant knave.
[HORATIO] There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the grave, to tell us this!
[HAMLET] Why, right,…
…you are in the right.
And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part.
You, as your business and desire shall point you – for every man hath business and desire, such as it is –,…
…and for my own poor part, look, you, I'll go pray.
[HORATIO] These are but wild and whirling words, my lord!
– [HAMLET] I am sorry they offend you, heartily; yes, faith, heartily. – [HORATIO] There's no offense, my lord. – [HAMLET] Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio, and much offense, too!
[HAMLET] Touching this vision here,…
…it is an honest ghost; that let me tell you.
For your desire to know what is between us,…
…o'ermaster 't as you may.
And now, good friends, as you are friends, scholars, and soldiers,…
…give me one poor request.
– [HORATIO] What is 't, my lord? We will. – [HAMLET] Never make known what you have seen tonight.
– [ALL] My lord, we will not. – [HAMLET] Nay, but swear 't!
– [HORATIO] In faith, my lord, not I. – [MARCELLUS, BARNARDO] Nor I, my lord, in faith. – [HAMLET] Upon my sword.
– [MARCELLUS] We have sworn, my lord, already. – [HAMLET] Indeed, upon my sword! Indeed!
– [HORATIO] O day and night, but this is wondrous strange. – HAMLET] And therefore, as a stranger, give it welcome!
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
But come!
Never, so help you mercy,…
…how strange or odd soe'er I bear myself,…
…as I perchance hereafter shall think fit to put an antic disposition on.
That you, at such times seeing me,…
…never shall, by the pronouncing of some doubtful phrase, as…
…“Well, well, we know”, or “We could", and "if we would”, or such ambiguous giving–out, to note…
…that you know aught of me – this do swear, so grace and mercy at your most need help you.
[GHOST] Swear!
[HAMLET] Rest.
Rest, perturbèd spirit.
So, gentlemen,…
…with all my love, I do commend me to you.
And what so poor a man, as Hamlet is, may do t' express his love and friending to you,…
God willing, shall not lack.
Go in, and still your fingers on your lips, I pray.
The time is out of joint.
O cursèd spite,…
…that ever I was born to set it right!
Come,…
…let's go together.
[END OF ACT I]
[ACT II]
[OPHELIA] As I was sewing, in my closet,…
…Lord Hamlet,…!
…with his doublet all unlaced,…
…pale as his shirt,…
…and with a look…
…so piteous in purport,…
…– as if he had been loosèd out of hell, to speak of horrors –,…
…he comes before me.
He took me by the wrist,…
…and held me hard!
Then goes he to the length of all his arm,…
…and, with his other hand, thus,…
…o'er his brow,…
…he falls to such perusal of my face…
…as he would draw it.
Long stayed he so.
At last,…
…a little shaking of mine arm,…
…and thrice his head thus waving up and down,…
…he raised a sigh,…
…so piteous and profound,…
…as it did seem to shatter all his bulk,…
…and end his being.
That done, he let me go,…
…and, with his head over his shoulder turned,…
…he seemed to find his way without his eyes.
For out o' doors he went without their helps,…
…and, to the last,…
…bended their light…
…on me.
[POLONIUS] My liege, and madam,…
…to expostulate what majesty should be, what duty is,…
Why day is day, night night, and time is time, were nothing but to waste night, day, and time.
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,…
…and tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief.
Your noble son…
…is mad!
“Mad” do call I it,…
…for, to define true madness,…
…what is't but to be nothing else but mad?
[QUEEN] More matter, with less art.
[POLONIUS] Madam, I swear I use no art at all!
That he's mad, 'tis true.
'Tis true 'tis pity,…
…and pity 'tis, 'tis true.
A foolish figure,… but farewell it, for I will use no art.
Thus it remains,…
…and the remainder, thus.
Perpend.
I have a daughter,…
…– have, while she is mine –,…
…who, in her duty and obedience, mark, hath given me this.
Now gather, and surmise.
[POLONIUS reads]. "To the celestial,…"
"…and my soul's idol, the most beautified Ophelia."
That's an ill phrase, a vile phrase;…
…“beautified” is a vile phrase.
But you shall hear.
Thus: …
"In her excellent white bosom,…"
…uh,… "these,…"
…etcetera.
– [QUEEN] Came this from Hamlet to her? – [POLONIUS] Good madam, stay awhile. I will be faithful.
"Doubt thou the stars are fire."
"Doubt that the sun doth move."
"Doubt truth to be a liar."
"But never doubt I love."
"O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers. I have not art to reckon my groans."
"But that I love thee best, O most best, believe it!"
"Adieu!"
"Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst this frame is to him."
"Hamlet."
This, in obedience, hath my daughter shown me,…
…and more above, hath his solicitings, as they fell out by time, by means, and place.
All given to mine ear.
[KING] But,… how hath she received his love?
[POLONIUS] What do you think of me?
[KING] As of a man faithful and honorable.
[POLONIUS] I would fain prove so.
But what might you think, when I had seen this hot love on the wing,…
…if I had looked upon this love with idle sight?
What might you think?
No, I went round to work,…
…and my young mistress thus I did bespeak: …
…“Lord Hamlet is a prince,…"
"…out of thy star! This must not be!”
And then I prescripts gave her, that she should lock herself from his resort,…
…admit no messengers, receive no tokens;…
And he, repulsed, – a short tale to make –,…
…fell into a sadness,…
…then into a fast,…
…thence to a watch, thence into a weakness,…
…thence to a lightness, and, by this declension, into that madness,…
…wherein now he raves, and all we mourn for.
[KING, to Queen] Do you think 'tis this?
[QUEEN] It may be.
Very like.
[POLONIUS] Hath there been such a time – I'd fain know that –,…
…that I have positively said “'Tis so”, that it proved otherwise?
[KING] Not that I know.
[POLONIUS] Take this from this, if this be otherwise.
[KING] How may we try it further?
[POLONIUS] You know sometimes he walks for hours together, here in the lobby.
[QUEEN] So he does!
[POLONIUS] At such a time, I'll loose my daughter to him.
Be you and I behind an arras then.
Mark the encounter.
If he love her not, and be not from his reason fall'n thereon,…
…let me be no assistant for a state, but keep a farm and carters!
[KING] We will try it!
[QUEEN] But look, where sadly the poor wretch comes reading.
[POLONIUS] Away, I do beseech you both, away. I'll board him presently.
O, give me leave.
How does my good Lord Hamlet?
[HAMLET] Well, God–a–mercy.
[POLONIUS] Do you know me, my lord?
[HAMLET] Excellent well.
You are a fishmonger.
[POLONIUS] Not I, my lord.
[HAMLET] Then I would you were so honest a man.
– [POLONIUS] Honest, my lord? – [HAMLET] Aye, sir!
[HAMLET] To be honest, as this world goes, is to be one man picked out of ten thousand.
[POLONIUS] 'Tis very true, my lord.
[HAMLET] For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog,…
Have you a daughter?
[POLONIUS] I have, my lord.
[HAMLET] Let her not walk i' th' sun.
Conception is a blessing,…
…but, as your daughter may conceive,…
…friend, look to 't.
[POLONIUS] How say you by that? Still harping on my daughter.
Yet he knew me not at first; he said I was a fishmonger!
He is far gone.
Far gone!
But,… I'll speak to him again.
Eh,… What do you read, my lord?
[HAMLET] Words, words, words!
[POLONIUS] What is the matter, my lord?
[HAMLET] Between who?
[POLONIUS] Eh,… I mean the matter that you read, my lord.
[HAMLET] Slanders, sir;…
…for the satirical rogue says here that old men have gray beards,…
…that their faces are wrinkled,…
…their eyes purging thick amber and plum–tree gum,…
…that they have a plentiful lack of wit,…
…together with most weak hams.
All which, sir, though I most powerfully believe, yet I hold it not honesty to have it thus set down;…
…for you yourself, sir, shall be old as I am,…
…if, like a crab, you could go backward.
[POLONIUS, aside] Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't.
Will you walk out of the air, my lord?
[HAMLET] Into my grave?
[POLONIUS] Indeed, that is out of the air.
How pregnant, sometimes, his replies are!
My honorable lord,…
– [POLONIUS] I will, most humbly, take my leave of you, my lord. – [HAMLET] You cannot, sir, take from me anything that I will more willingly part withal.
[HAMLET] Except my life.
Except my life!
Except my life!
[POLONIUS] Read on this book.
That show of such an exercise may colour your loneliness.
Your Grace, so please, you will withdraw with us.
Ophelia, walk you here!
Let's withdraw, my lord!
[HAMLET] Soft you now.
The fair Ophelia.
Nymph, in thy orisons be all my sins remembered.
[OPHELIA] Good my lord,…!
…how does your Honor for this many a day?
[HAMLET] I humbly thank you,…
…well.
Well,… well.
[OPHELIA] My lord,…
I have remembrances of yours that I have longèd long to redeliver.
I pray you now receive them.
[HAMLET] No, not I.
I never gave you aught.
[OPHELIA] My honored lord, you know right well you did,…
…and with them words of so sweet breath composed as made the things more rich.
Their perfume lost, take these again.
For, to the noble mind, rich gifts wax poor, when givers prove unkind.
There, my lord.
[HAMLET] Are you honest?
[OPHELIA] My lord?
[HAMLET] I did love you once.
[OPHELIA] Indeed, my lord, you made me believe so.
[HAMLET] You should not have believed me!
Get thee to a nunnery!
Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?
I am myself indifferent honest,…
…but yet I could accuse me of such things, that it were better my mother had not borne me.
I am very proud,…
…revengeful,…
…ambitious,…
…with more offenses at my beck than I have thoughts to put them in,…
…imagination to give them shape, or time to act them in.
What should such fellows as I do, crawling between heaven and earth?
We are arrant knaves all; believe none of us.
Go thy ways to a nunnery.
Where's your father?
[OPHELIA] At home, my lord.
[OPHELIA Sobs]
– [HAMLET] Let the doors be shut upon him, that he may play the fool nowhere but in 's own house! [OPHELIA weeps]
– [HAMLET] Farewell! – [OPHELIA] O, help him, you sweet heavens! [Weeps]
[HAMLET] I have heard of your paintings too, well enough!
God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another!
You jig, you amble, you lisp!
You nickname God's creatures, and make your wantonness your ignorance!
Get thee to a nunnery, and quickly, too! Farewell!
Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them!
– [HAMLET] To a nunnery, go – [OPHELIA] Aahh! [Weeps bitterly]
[HAMLET] It hath made me mad!
I say we will have no more marriages!
Those that are married already,…
…all but one,…!
…shall live!
The rest shall stay as they are!
[OPHELIA still weeps]
[HAMLET] To a nunnery,…
…go.
[OPHELIA keeps weeping]
[KING] Love? His affections do not that way tend.
Nor what he spake, though it lacked form a little, was not like madness.
There's something in his soul…
…o'er which his melancholy sits on brood,…
…and I do fear the unheeded consequence will be some danger.
Which to prevent, I have in quick determination thus set it down: …
…he shall with speed to England!
Haply the seas, and countries different, with variable objects, shall expel this something settled matter in his heart!
What think you on 't?
[POLONIUS] It shall do well.
But yet I do believe the origin and commencement of his grief sprung from neglected love.
How now, Ophelia?
You need not tell us what Lord Hamlet said.
We heard it all.
My lord, do as you please.
[KING] It shall be so!
Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.
[OPHELIA weeps]
[HAMLET] To be…
…or not to be.
That is the question.
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind…
…to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,…
…or to take arms against a sea of troubles,…
…and, by opposing,…
…end them.
To die,…
…to sleep – no more –,…
…and, by a sleep, to say we end the heartache…
…and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.
'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished.
To die, to sleep…
To sleep,…
…perchance to dream!
Aye, there's the rub.
For, in that sleep of death,…
…what dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil,…
…must give us pause.
There's the respect that makes calamity of so long life.
For, who would bear the whips and scorns of time,…?
…the oppressor's wrong,…
…the proud man's contumely,…?
…the pangs of despised love,…?
…the law's delays,…?
…the insolence of office,…?
…and the spurns that patient merit of th' unworthy takes,…?
…when he himself might his quietus make,…?
…with a bare bodkin?
Who would fardels bear,…?
…to grunt and sweat under a weary life,…?
…but that the dread of something after death,…?
…the undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns,…?
…puzzles the will,…?
…and makes us rather bear those ills we have,…?
…than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,…
…and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,…
…and enterprises of great pith and moment…
…with this regard, their currents…
…turn awry,…
…and lose the name…
…of action.
[POLONIUS] My lord…?
I have news to tell you!
The actors are come hither, my lord.
[HAMLET] He that plays the King shall be welcome.
[POLONIUS] The best actors in the world!
Either for tragedy, comedy, history, pastoral,…
…pastoral–comical, historical–pastoral, tragical–historical,…
…tragical–comical–historical–pastoral,…
Seneca cannot be too heavy, nor Plautus too light. For these are the only men!
[PLAYERS enter]
[HAMLET] You are welcome, masters!
– [HAMLET] Welcome all! – [DOG barks] – [HAMLET] I'm glad to see thee well!
[ALL laugh]
[HAMLET] Welcome,good friends!
O, my old friend!
Why, thy face is valanced since I saw thee last.
– [HAMLET] Com'st thou to beard me in Denmark? – [ALL laugh]
[HAMLET] What, my young lady and mistress!
By'r Lady,your Ladyship is nearer to heaven than when I saw you last!
Pray God your voice, like a piece of uncurrent gold, be not cracked in this ring.
[ALL laugh]
[HAMLET] Masters, you are all welcome!
Good my lord, will you see the players well bestowed?
You hear, let them be well used, for they are the abstract and brief chronicles of the time.
After your death, you were better have a bad epitaph, than their ill report while you live.
– [POLONIUS] My lord, I will use them according to their desert. – [HAMLET] God's bodykins, man, much better!
[HAMLET] Use every man after his desert, and who shall 'scape whipping?
Use them after your own honor and dignity.
The less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty. Take them in.
[POLONIUS] Come, sirs!
[HAMLET] Follow him, friends!
– [HAMLET] We'll hear a play tomorrow. [PLAYERS leave]
[HAMLET] Dost hear me, old friend?
Can you play…?
– [HAMLET] …“The Murder of Gonzago”? – [FIRST PLAYER] Aye, my lord!
[HAMLET] We'll have it tomorrow night.
You could, for a need,…
…study a speech of some dozen or sixteen lines, that I would set down and insert in it, could you not?
[FIRST PLAYER] Aye, my lord!
[HAMLET] Very well. Follow that lord.
And look you mock him not!
[FIRST PLAYER acquiesces]
[HAMLET] The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King!
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 your 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 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…
…that out–Herods Herod.
– [HAMLET] Pray you, avoid it. – [PLAYER] I warrant your Honor.
[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 o'erdone 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,…
…though it makes the unskillful laugh,…
…cannot but make the judicious grieve,…
…the censure of which ONE…!
…must, in your allowance, o'erweigh a whole theater of others!
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 pagan, Christian, nor man,…
…have so strutted and bellowed…
…that I have thought that some of Nature's journeymen had made men, and not made them well, they imitated humanity so abominably.
[PLAYER] I hope we have reformed that indifferently with us.
[HAMLET] Oh? 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 barren quantity of spectators to laugh too, though in the meantime some necessary question of the play be then to be considered. That's villainous,…!
…and shows the most pitiful ambition of the fool that uses it.
Go, make you ready.
How now, my lord, will the King hear this piece of work?
[POLONIUS] And the Queen too, and that presently.
– [HAMLET] Bid the players make haste. – [POLONIUS] Aye, my lord.
[HAMLET] Horatio!
– [HORATIO] Here, sweet lord, at your service. –[HAMLET] Observe mine uncle, give him heedful note.
– [HORATIO] Well, my lord. – [HAMLET] They are coming to the play. I must be idle. Get you a place.
[Flourish of trumpets]
[Enter the KING and the QUEEN]
– [KING] How fares our cousin Hamlet? – [HAMLET] Excellent, i' faith, of the chameleon's dish!
[HAMLET] I eat the air, promise–crammed! You cannot feed capons so!
– [KING] I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet. These words are not mine! – [HAMLET] No, nor mine now.
[HAMLET] My lord, you played once i' th' university, you say?
– [POLONIUS] Did it I, my lord, and was accounted a good actor! – [HAMLET] What did you enact?
[POLONIUS] I did enact Julius Caesar. I was killed i' th' Capitol.
– [POLONIUS] Brutus killed me. – [HAMLET] It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf there.
– [POLONIUS laughs] – [HAMLET] Be the players ready?
[HORATIO] Aye, my lord. They stay upon your patience.
[QUEEN] Come hither, my dear Hamlet, sit by me.
[HAMLET] No, good mother.
Here's metal more attractive.
[POLONIUS] Oh, ho! Did you mark that?
[HAMLET] Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
– [OPHELIA] No, my lord! – [HAMLET] I mean, my head upon your lap?
[OPHELIA] Aye, my lord.
[HAMLET] Do you think I meant country matters?
[OPHELIA] I think nothing, my lord.
[HAMLET] That's a fair thought, to lie between maids' legs.
– [OPHELIA] What is, my lord? – [HAMLET] Nothing!
– [OPHELIA] You are merry, my lord. – [HAMLET] Who, I? – [OPHELIA] Aye, my lord. – [HAMLET] O God, your only jig–maker.
[HAMLET] Why, what should a man do, but be merry?
For look you, how merrily my mother looks, and my father died within 's two hours!!
[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,…
…died two months ago, and not forgotten yet?
Why, then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life half a year!
[Flourish of trumpets]
[PLAYER] For us and for our tragedy,…
…here stooping to your clemency,…
…we beg your hearing… patiently.
[APPLAUSE]
[HAMLET] Is this a prologue, or the posy of a ring?
[OPHELIA] 'Tis brief, my lord.
[HAMLET] As woman's love.
[OPHELIA] You are keen, my lord, you are keen.
[HAMLET] It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge.
[KING] Give me some light!
Away!
[POLONIUS] Lights! Lights!
Lights!
Lights!
[Confusion, screams, shouts]
[HAMLET] Why~y~~y~y!
Let the stricken deer go weep, the hart ungallèd play!
For some must watch, while some must sleep: …
Thus runs the world away! Oh, good Horatio!
– [HAMLET] I'll take the ghost's word for a thousand pounds. Didst perceive? – [HORATIO] Very well, my lord. – [HAMLET] Upon the act of the poisoning? – [HORATIO] I did very well note him. – [HAMLET] God bless you!
– [POLONIUS] Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you. – [HAMLET] Sir, a whole history!
– [POLONIUS] The King, sir,… – [HAMLET] Aye, sir, what of him?
– [POLONIUS] Is in his retirement marvelous distempered. – [HAMLET] With drink, sir?
[POLONIUS] No, my lord, rather 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.
– [POLONIUS] Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame, and start not so wildly from my affair. – [HAMLET] I am tame, sir. Pronounce.
[POLONIUS] The Queen, your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.
[HAMLET] You are welcome.
[POLONIUS] Nay, 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.
– [POLONIUS] What, my lord? – [HAMLET] Make you a wholesome answer. My wit's diseased.
[HAMLET] 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,…
[POLONIUS] 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?
[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?
[POLONIUS] By th' Mass, and 'tis like a camel indeed.
[HAMLET] Methinks it is like a weasel.
– [POLONIUS] It is backed like a weasel. – [HAMLET] Or like a whale.
[POLONIUS] Very like a whale!
[HAMLET] Then I will come to my mother by and by.
[POLONIUS] I will say so.
[HAMLET] “By and by” is easily said.
Leave me, friend.
[HAMLET] '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 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.
[POLONIUS] My lord?
He's going to his mother's closet.
Behind the arras I'll conceal myself, to hear the process.
I'll warrant she'll tax him home; and, as you said,…
…– and wisely was it said –,…
…'tis meet that some more audience than a mother, since Nature makes them partial, should o'erhear the speech, of vantage.
Fare you well, my liege. I'll call upon you ere you go to bed, and tell you what I know.
[KING] Thanks, dear my lord.
[POLONIUS] Majesty…
[KING] Oh, my offense is rank,…
…it smells to heaven.
It hath the primal eldest curse upon 't,…
…a brother's murder.
Pray can I not,…
…though inclination be as sharp as will.
What if this cursèd hand were thicker than itself with brother's blood?
Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens to wash it, white as snow?
But, oh, what form of prayer can serve my turn?
Forgive me my foul murder? That cannot be, since I am still possessed of those effects for which I did the murder: …
My crown,…
…mine own ambition,…
…and my Queen.
Oh, wretched state!
Oh, bosom black as death!
Help, angels!
All may yet be well!
[HAMLET] Now might I do it pat!
Now he is praying.
Now I'll do 't.
And so he goes to heaven.
And so am I revenged.
That would be thought on.
A villain kills my father,…
…and for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven.
Why, this is hire and salary, not revenge!
He took my father with all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May;…
…and how his audit stands who knows, save heaven?
But in our circumstance and course of thought 'tis heavy with him.
And am I then revenged to take him in the purging of his soul, when he is fit and seasoned for his passage?
No!
Up sword, and know thou a more dark intent, when he is drunk, asleep, or in his rage,…
…or in th' incestuous pleasure of his bed.
At gaming, swearing, or about some act that has no relish of salvation in 't.
Then, trip him,…
…that his heels may kick at heaven, and that his soul may be as damned and black as hell, whereto it goes.
My mother stays.
This physic but prolongs thy sickly days.
[KING sighs]
My words fly up,…!
…my thoughts remain below!
Words without thoughts…!
…never to heaven go!
[POLONIUS] He will come straight.
Look you lay home to him! Tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear!
And that your Grace hath screened, and stood between much heat and him!
I'll silence me even here.
– [POLONIUS] Pray, you be round with him! – [HAMLET, within] Mother?
Mother?
Mother!
[QUEEN] I'll warrant you. Fear me not.
Withdraw, I hear him coming!
[HAMLET] Now, mother, what's the matter?
[QUEEN] Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended.
[HAMLET] Mother, YOU have my father much offended!
– [QUEEN] Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue. – [HAMLET] Go, go, you question with a wicked tongue!
– [QUEEN] Why, how now, Hamlet? – [HAMLET] What's the matter now?
– [QUEEN] Have you forgot me? – [HAMLET] No, by the rood, not so!
[HAMLET] You are the Queen,…!
…your husband's brother's wife,…!
…and – would it were not so –, you are my mother!
– [QUEEN] Nay, then I'll set those to you that can speak. – [HAMLET] Come, come, and sit you down; you shall not budge! – [QUEEN wails]
[HAMLET] You go not till I set you up a glass, where you may see the inmost part of you!
[QUEEN] What wilt thou do?
– [QUEEN] Thou wilt not murder me? Help! Help! – [POLONIUS] Ho! Ho!
– [QUEEN] Help! Help! – [POLONIUS] Ho! Ho! – [HAMLET] How now? A rat?!
[HAMLET] Dead, for a ducat!
– [QUEEN screams] – [POLONIUS screams in agony] – [HAMLET] Dead!
[QUEEN] O me, what hast thou done?
[HAMLET] Nay, I know not!
IS IT THE KING?
[QUEEN] Oh, what a rash and bloody deed is this!
[HAMLET] A bloody deed!
Almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king, and marry with his brother.
[QUEEN] As kill a king?
[HAMLET] Aye, Lady.
It was my word.
Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool,…
…farewell.
I took thee for thy better.
Take thy fortune.
Thou find'st, to be too busy, is some danger.
– [QUEEN sobs] – [HAMLET] Leave wringing of your hands!
[HAMLET] Peace, sit you down, and let me wring your heart!
[HAMLET] For so I shall, if it be made of penetrable stuff!
– [QUEEN] What have I done, that thou dar'st wag thy tongue in noise so rude against me? – [HAMLET] Such an act, that blurs the grace and blush of modesty,…
[HAMLET] …calls virtue hypocrite,…
– [HAMLET]…takes off the rose from the fair forehead of an innocent love and sets a blister there, makes marriage vows as false as dicers' oaths! – [QUEEN] Ay me, what act?!
[HAMLET] Look here, upon this picture!
And on this,…!
…the counterfeit presentment of two brothers.
See what a grace was seated on this brow,…!
…an eye like Mars' to threaten and command,…!
…a stature like the herald Mercury, new–lighted on a heaven–kissing hill,…!
…a combination and a form indeed, where every god did seem to set his seal, to give the world assurance of a man!
This was your husband!
Look you now what follows.
Here is your husband, like a mildewed ear, blasting his wholesome brother!
Have you eyes?
You cannot call it love,…!
…for at your age the heyday in the blood is tame; it's humble, and waits upon the judgment!
And what judgment would step from this to this?
What devil was't that thus hath cozened you?
O shame, where is thy blush?
– [HAMLET] If hell can rise that in a matron's bones, to flaming youth let virtue be as wax! – [QUEEN] O Hamlet, speak no more!
[QUEEN] Thou turn'st my eyes into my very soul,…!
– [QUEEN] …and there I see such black and grainèd spots as will not lose their tinct! – [HAMLET] Nay,…!
[HAMLET] …but to live in the rank sweat of a lascivious bed,…
– [HAMLET] …stewed in corruption, honeying and making love over the nasty sty! – [QUEEN] Oh, speak to me no more!
– [QUEEN] These words, like daggers, enter in my ears! No more, sweet Hamlet! – [HAMLET] A murderer, and a villain!
A slave that is not twentieth part the worth of your true lord!
– [HAMLET] A cutpurse of the empire and the rule, that from a shelf the precious diadem stole, and put it in his pocket! – [QUEEN wails] No more, Hamlet!
– [HAMLET] A king of shreds and patches,…! – [QUEEN wails]
[Heavy steps outside – The Ghost]
[HAMLET] Save me, and hover o'er me with your wings, you heavenly guards!
What would your gracious figure?
[QUEEN] Alas, he's mad!
[HAMLET] Do you not come your tardy son to chide,…?
…that, lapsed in time and passion,…?
…let go by th' important acting of your dread command?
O, say!
[GHOST] Do not forget!
This visitation is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose.
But look,…
…amazement on thy mother sits.
O, step between her and her fighting soul.
Speak to her, Hamlet!
[HAMLET] How is it with you, lady?
[QUEEN] Alas, how is 't with you,…?
…that you do bend your eye on vacancy, and with th' incorporal air do hold discourse?
O gentle son,…
…upon the heat and flame of thy distemper sprinkle cool patience!
Whereon do you look?
[HAMLET] On him!
On him!
Look you how pale he glares!
His form and cause conjoined, preaching to stones, would make them saint.
[To the Ghost] Do not look upon me,…!
…lest with this piteous action you convert my stern intents!
So I shed tears, not blood.
[QUEEN] To whom do you speak this?
[HAMLET] Do you see nothing there?
[QUEEN] Nothing at all!
Yet, all that is, I see.
[HAMLET] Nor do you nothing hear?
[QUEEN] No, nothing but ourselves.
[HAMLET] Why, look you there!
Look how it steals away!
My father, in his habit as he lived!
Look where he goes, even now, out at the portal!
[QUEEN] This is the very coinage of your brain.
This bodiless creation, madness is very cunning in!
[HAMLET] Madness?
My pulse, as yours, doth temperately keep time, and makes as healthful music.
Mother, for love of grace, lay not that flattering unction to your soul, that not your trespass but my madness speaks.
Confess yourself to heaven.
Repent what's past,…
…avoid what is to come,…
– [HAMLET] …and do not spread the compost on the weeds, to make them ranker. – [QUEEN wails]
[HAMLET] Forgive me this my virtue,…
[QUEEN, sobbing] O Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in twain!
[HAMLET] Oh,…
…throw away the worser part of it,…
…and live the purer with the other half!
[QUEEN weeps]
[HAMLET] Good night.
But,…
…go not to my uncle's bed.
Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
Refrain tonight,…
…and that shall lend a kind of easiness to the next abstinence,…
…the next more easy.
For use almost can change the stamp of nature.
Once more, good night.
When you are desirous to be blest,…
…I'll blessing beg of you.
I must be cruel,…
…only to be kind.
[HAMLET] I must to England, you know that?
[QUEEN] Alack, I had forgot!
'Tis so concluded on?
[HAMLET] There's letters sealed.
This man shall set me packing.
– [HAMLET] I'll lug the guts into the neighbor room. – [QUEEN] Aahh!
[HAMLET] Indeed, this counselor is now most still,…
…most secret,…
…and most grave,…
…that was in life a foolish, prating knave.
Come, sir,…
…to draw toward an end with you!
Good night, mother!
[KING] Now, Hamlet, where's Polonius?
[HAMLET] At supper.
– [KING] At supper? – [HAMLET] Hmm! – [KING] Where?
[HAMLET] Not where he eats,…! but where he is eaten!
A certain convocation of politic worms are e'en at him.
Your worm is your only emperor for diet.
We fat all creatures else to fat us,…
…and we fat ourselves…
…for worms.
Your fat king, and your lean beggar, is but variable service: two dishes, but to one table. That's the end.
[KING] Alas, alas!
[HAMLET] A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king,…
…and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm.
– [KING] What dost thou mean by this? – [HAMLET] Nothing,…!
…but to show you how a king may go a progress through the guts of a beggar!
– [KING] Where is Polonius? – [HAMLET] In heaven.
[HAMLET] Send thither to see!
If your messenger find him not there, seek him i' th' other place yourself!
But, indeed, if you find him not within this month,…
…you shall nose him, as you go up the stairs into the lobby.
[KING] Go, seek him there!
[HAMLET] He will stay till you come.
[KING] Hamlet,…
…for thine especial safety, which we do tender,…
…as we do deeply grieve for that which thou hast done,…
…this deed must send thee hence with fiery quickness!
Therefore, prepare thyself!
The bark is ready, the wind sets fair, and everything is bent for England!
[HAMLET] For England?
[KING] Aye, Hamlet.
[HAMLET] Good.
[KING] So is it, if thou knew'st our purposes.
[HAMLET] I see a cherub that sees them!
But come,…
…for England.
Farewell,…
…dear mother.
[KING] Thy loving father, Hamlet.
[HAMLET] My mother.
Father and mother is man and wife,…
…man and wife is one flesh.
And so,…
…my mother!
Come!
For England.
[KING] Follow him thus; tempt him with speed aboard, delay it not. I'll have him hence tonight! Away!
Everything is sealed and done, that else leans on th' affair.
Pray you, make haste!
[KING] And England,…
…if my love thou hold'st at aught, thou mayst not coldly treat our sovereign honour,…
…which imports at full,…
…the present death of Hamlet.
Do it, England,…
…for like the fever in my blood he rages,…
…and thou must cure me.
Till I know 'tis done, howe'er my haps, my joys were ne'er begun.
[OPHELIA screams with horror]
[OPHELIA] Where is the beauteous majesty of Denmark?
[QUEEN] Why, how now, Ophelia?
[OPHELIA] Say you?
Nay, pray you, mark!
[OPHELIA sings] He is dead and gone, lady,…
…he is dead and gone.
At his head a grass–green turf,…
…at his heels a…
…stone!
[OPHELIA wails]
– [OPHELIA wails] – [QUEEN] Nay, but Ophelia,…
[OPHELIA] Pray you, mark!
[OPHELIA sings] White his shroud as the mountain snow,…
– [OPHELIA sings] Larded all with sweet flowers;… – [QUEEN] Alas, look here, my lord!
[OPHELIA sings] …which bewept to the grave did go,…
…with true–love…
…showers.
[KING] How do you, pretty lady?
[OPHELIA] Well, God dild you.
Ah, ha, ha, ha! Hah!
hey say the owl was a baker's daughter! Ah, ha, ha, ha! Hah!
Oohh!
[Sigh]
Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be.
God be at your table.
[KING] Distraction for her father.
[OPHELIA] I hope all will be well.
We must be patient!
But I cannot choose but weep!
To think they should lay him i' th' cold ground!
My brother shall know of it!
And so I thank you for your good counsel!
Come my coach!
Good night, ladies!
Sweet ladies.
Good night.
Good night.
[KING] Follow her close! Give her good watch, I pray you.
O Gertrude, Gertrude!
When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions!
First, her father slain;…
…next, our son gone;…
…the people muddied, thick, and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers!
Poor Ophelia,…
…divided from herself…
…and her fair judgment.
Last,…
…and more dangerous than all of these,…
…her brother is in secret come from France, and wants not buzzers to infect his ear with pestilent speeches of his father's death.
He himself not hesitates to threaten…!
…our own person!
O, my dear Gertrude!
This, like to a murd'ring piece, in many places gives me superfluous death!
How now! What news?
Ahem!
– [OSRIC, courtier] Letters, my lord, from Hamlet! – [KING] From Hamlet?
[OSRIC] This, to your Majesty,…!
…this, to the Queen!
[KING] Who brought them?
– [OSRIC] Sailors, my lord, they say. – [KING] Leave us!
[SAILOR] God bless you, sir!
[HORATIO] Let Him bless thee too!
[SAILOR] He shall, sir, and 't please Him!
There's a letter for you, sir.
It comes from th' Ambassador that was bound for England.
If your name be Horatio, as I am let to know it is.
[Hamlet's voice, reading the letter] "Horatio,…"
"…ere we were 2 days old at sea,…"
"…a pirate of very warlike appointment gave us chase."
"Finding ourselves too slow of sail,…"
"…we put on a compelled valour,…"
"…and in the grapple,… I boarded them."
"On the instant, they got clear of our ship,…"
"…so I alone became their prisoner."
"They have dealt with me like thieves of mercy,…"
"…but they knew what they did."
"I am to do a good turn for them."
"Repair thou to me, with as much speed as thou wouldst fly death."
"These good fellows will bring thee where I am."
"Farewell."
"He, that thou knowest thine,…"
"…Hamlet."
[OPHELIA arrives, singing] Alack and fie for shame,…
…young men will do 't, if they come to 't;…
…by Cock, they are to blame!
Quoth she, “Before you tumbled me,…"
"…you promised me to wed.”
“So would I 'a done, by yonder sun,…"
– [HORATIO] Come, that you may direct me to him from whom you brought this. – [OPHELIA, inaudible] "An thou hadst not come to my bed.”
[LAERTES] How came he dead?
I'll not be juggled with!
To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest pit!
– [LAERTES] …only I'll be revenged most throughly for my father. – [KING] Good Laertes, if you desire to know the certainty of your dear father,…
– [KING] …is 't writ in your revenge that, swoopstake, you will draw both friend and foe, winner and loser? – [LAERTES] None but his enemies!
– [KING] Will you know them, then? – [LAERTES] To his good friends, thus wide I'll ope my arms!
[KING] Why, now you speak like a good child, and a true gentleman!
That I am guiltless of your father's death, and am most sensibly in grief for it,…
…it shall appear as clear to your judgment as day does to your eye!
– [OPHELIA] You must sing! – [LAERTES] How now, what noise is this?
[OPHELIA sings] A-down, a-down!
– [OPHELIA sings] O, how the wheel becomes it! – [LAERTES] Kind sister!
[LAERTES] Sweet Ophelia!
[OPHELIA sings] It was the false steward that stole his master's daughter.
[LAERTES] O heat, dry up my brains!
– [OPHELIA sings] They bore him barefaced on the bier,… – [LAERTES] O rose of May!
– [OPHELIA sings] …hey non nonny, nonny, hey nonny,… – [LAERTES] O heavens, is 't possible a young maid's wits should be as mortal as an old man's life?
– [OPHELIA sings] And in his grave rained many a tear. – [LAERTES] By heaven, thy madness shall be paid by weight!
[LAERTES] Till our scale turn the beam!
[OPHELIA] Fare you well, my dove.
There's rosemary!
That's for remembrance.
[OPHELIA] Pray you, love,…
…remember.
There is pansies!
That's for thoughts.
There's fennel for you, and columbines.
There's rue for you.
And here's some for me.
We may call it "herb of grace" o' Sundays!
Oh, you must wear your rue with a difference!
There's a daisy!
I would give you some violets,…
…but they withered all, when my father died.
They say he made a good end.
For bonny sweet Robin is all my joy!
– [LAERTES] Do you see this, O God? – [OPHELIA sings] And will he not come again?
[OPHELIA sings] And will he not come again?
No, no, he is dead!
Go to thy deathbed!
[Sobbing] He never…
…will come again!
[Singing] He never will come again!
And of all Christians' souls, I pray God.
God be with you!
[QUEEN] There is a willow grows aslant the brook,…
…that shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream.
There, with fantastic garlands, did she come,…
…of crowflowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples.
There, on the pendant boughs,…
…her coronet weeds clamb'ring to hang,…
…an envious sliver broke,…
…when down her weedy trophies and herself fell in the weeping brook.
Her clothes spread wide,…
– [QUEEN] …and mermaid–like awhile they bore her up. – [OPHELIA, singing] How should I your true love know…?
[OPHELIA] …from another one?
When his sandal shoon,… a–hand his…
…a–hand… a–hand…
[QUEEN] But long it could not be,…
…till that her garments,…
…heavy with their drink,…
…pulled the poor wretch, from her melodious lay,…
…to muddy death.
Alas!
[LAERTES] Then she is drowned.
[QUEEN] Drowned.
Drowned!
[GRAVEDIGGER, singing] In youth when I did love, did love,…
…methought it was very sweet,…
…to contract – oh! –…
…the time for – ah! – my behove!
Methought there was…
…nothing meet!
– [GRAVEDIGGER] But age, with his stealing steps, hath clawed me in his clutch,… – [HAMLET] Whose grave is this, sirrah?
[GRAVEDIGGER] Mine, sir.
[HAMLET] I think it be thine indeed, for thou liest in 't.
[GRAVEDIGGER] You lie out on 't, sir, and therefore, 'tis not yours. For my part, I do not lie in 't,…
…and yet it is mine.
[HORATIO] Thou dost lie in 't, to be in 't, and say it is thine.
'Tis for the dead, not the quick!
Therefore, thou liest.
[GRAVEDIGGER] 'Tis a quick lie, sir; 'twill away again from me to you.
– [HAMLET] What man dost thou dig it for? – [GRAVEDIGGER] For no man, sir!
– [HAMLET] What woman, then? – [GRAVEDIGGER] For none, neither!
[HAMLET] Who is to be buried in 't?
[GRAVEDIGGER] One that was a woman, sir; but, rest her soul, she's dead.
[HAMLET] How absolute the knave is!
We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us.
How long hast thou been grave–maker?
[GRAVEDIGGER] Of all the days i'th'year, I came to't that day that our last King Hamlet overcame Fortinbras.
– [HAMLET] How long is that since? – [GRAVEDIGGER] Cannot you tell that?
[GRAVEDIGGER] Every fool can tell that!
It was that very day that young Hamlet was born!
– [GRAVEDIGGER] He that is mad, and sent into England. – [HAMLET] Aye, marry,…
– [HAMLET] …why was he sent into England? – [GRAVEDIGGER] Why?! Because he was mad!
[GRAVEDIGGER] He shall recover his wits there!
– [GRAVEDIGGER] Or, if he do not, 'tis no great matter there. – [HAMLET] Why?
[GRAVEDIGGER] 'Twill not be seen in him there.
There, the men are as mad as he!
[HAMLET] How came he mad?
– [GRAVEDIGGER] Very strangely, they say. – [HAMLET] How, “strangely”?
[GRAVEDIGGER] 'Faith,…
– [GRAVEDIGGER] …e'en by losing his wits. – [HAMLET] Upon what ground? – [GRAVEDIGGER] Why, here, in Denmark!
[HAMLET] How long will a man lie i' th' earth, ere he rots?
[GRAVEDIGGER] I' faith, if he be not rotten before he die, he will last some eight year, or nine year.
– [GRAVEDIGGER] A tanner will last you nine year. – [HAMLET] Why he more than another?
[GRAVEDIGGER] Why, sir, his hide is so tanned with his trade,…
…will keep out water a great while.
And your water is a sore decayer of your whoreson dead body.
Here,…
…here's a skull now.
This skull hath lain i' th' earth three–and–twenty years.
[HAMLET] Whose was it?
[GRAVEDIGGER] A whoreson mad fellow's it was.
Whose do you think it was?
[HAMLET] Nay, I know not!
[GRAVEDIGGER] A pestilence on him for a mad rogue!
Heh!
He poured a flagon of Rhenish on me head once.
This same skull, sir, was Yorick's skull! The King's jester!
[HAMLET] This?
[GRAVEDIGGER] E'en that!
[HAMLET] Let me see!
Alas, poor Yorick!
I knew him, Horatio.
A fellow of infinite jest,…!
…of most excellent fancy!
He hath borne me on his back a thousand times!
And now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it.
Here hung those lips, that I have kissed I know not how oft.
Where be your gibes now?
Your songs? Your gambols?
Your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar?
Not one now, to mock your own grinning?
Quite chapfallen?
Now, get you to my lady's chamber;…
…tell her,…
…let her paint an inch thick.
To this favour she must come.
Make her laugh at that!
[Bell peals]
Stop!
[Bell peals]
[Bell peals
[HAMLET] The King!
– [HORATIO] The Queen! – [HAMLET] The courtiers!
[HAMLET] Who is this they follow?
And with such meager rites?
[HORATIO] This doth betoken, the corpse they follow did with desp'rate hand take its own life!
Ahh!
[HAMLET] Mark!
[LAERTES] What ceremony else?
[HAMLET] That is Laertes, a very noble youth. Mark!
[LAERTES] What ceremony else?
[PRIEST] Her obsequies have been as far enlarged as we have warranty.
Her death was doubtful.
And, but that great command o'ersways the order,…
…she should in ground unsanctified lodge, till the Last Trumpet.
[LAERTES] Must there no more be done?
[PRIEST] No more be done?
We should profane the service of the dead to sing a requiem and such rest to her,…?
…as to peace–parted souls?
[Bell peals]
[LAERTES] Lay her i' th' earth.
[Bell peals]
[LAERTES] And from her fair…
…and unpolluted flesh…
…may violets spring!
[Bell peals]
[LAERTES] I tell thee, churlish priest,…
…a minist'ring angel shall my sister be, when thou liest howling.
[HAMLET] What?
[QUEEN] Fair creature!
Sweets to the sweet.
Farewell.
I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife.
I thought thy bride–bed to have decked, sweet maid,…
…and not have strewed thy grave.
[LAERTES] O, treble woe, fallen times treble on that cursèd head,…!
…whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense deprived thee of!
– [LAERTES] Hold off the earth awhile, till I have caught her once more in mine arms! – [PRIEST] Eehh?
[LAERTES] Now, pile your dust upon the quick and dead,…!
– [LAERTES] …till of this flat a mountain you have made! Who is he, whose grief bears such an emphasis?
– [HAMLET] This is I, Hamlet, the Dane! – [LAERTES] The devil take thy soul!
– [LAERTES] Thou pray'st not well! – [HAMLET] I prithee, take thy fingers from my throat!
– [HAMLET] Hold off thy hand! – [KING] Pluck them asunder! – [Confusion, screams]
– [HORATIO] Quiet! – [HAMLET] Why, I will fight with him upon this theme, until my eyelids will no longer wag! – [QUEEN] O my son, what theme?
[HAMLET] I loved Ophelia!
Forty thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love, make up my sum!
– [HAMLET] 'Swounds, what wilt thou do for her? – [KING] He is mad, Laertes! – [QUEEN] For love of God, forbear him! – [HAMLET] 'Swounds, show me what thou woo't do!
[HAMLET] Woo't weep, woo't fight, woo't fast, woo't tear thyself, woo't drink up poison, eat a crocodile? I'll do 't!
Dost thou come here to whine? To outface me, with leaping in her grave? Be buried quick with her, and so will I!
Or, if thou prate of mountains, let them throw millions of acres on us!
Nay, and thou 'lt mouth, I'll rant as well as thou!
[QUEEN] This is mere madness!
And thus awhile the fit will work on him!
Anon, as patient as the female dove, his silence will sit drooping.
[HAMLET] Hear you, sir.
What is the reason that you use me thus?
I loved you ever!
But it is no matter.
Let Hercules himself do what he may!
The cat will mew,…!
…and dog will have his day!
[KING] I pray you, good Horatio,…
…wait upon him.
Good Gertrude, set some watch over your son.
[LAERTES weeps]
[KING] Laertes, I must commune with your grief,…
…or you deny me right.
You must put me in your heart for friend.
Where th' offense is, let the great ax fall. Hmm?
[LAERTES] It shall be so.
But tell me why you have proceeded not against him,…
[KING] Oh, for two special reasons, which may to you seem much unsinewed,…
…yet to me they're strong!
The Queen, his mother, lives almost by his looks,…
…and for myself – my virtue or my plague, be it either way –,…
…she is so conjunctive to my life and soul…
…that, as the star moves not but in his sphere,…
…I could not but by her.
The other motive is the great love the general people bear him.
Who, dipping all his faults in their affections, convert his sins to graces.
[LAERTES] And so have I…
…a noble father lost,…
…a sister driven into a desp'rate end,…
…whose worth, if praises may go back again,…
…stood challenger on mount of all the age for her perfections.
But my revenge will come!
[KING] Break not your sleeps for that!
You must not think that we are made of stuff so flat and dull that we can let our beard be shook with danger, and think it pastime!
As he be now returned, I'll work him to an exploit, now ripe in my device,…
…under the which he shall not choose, but fall.
And, for his death…
…no wind of blame shall breathe, but even his mother shall uncharge the practice, and call it accident.
[LAERTES] My lord, I will be ruled more willingly if you'd devise it so that I might be the instrument.
[KING] It falls right!
You've been talked of, since your travel much, and that in Hamlet's hearing, for a quality wherein they say you shine.
Two months since, here was a gentleman of Normandy.
He made confession of you, and gave you such a masterly report for art and exercise in your defense,…
…and for your rapier most especially,…
…that he cried out, 'twould be a sight indeed, if one could match you.
Sir, this report of his did Hamlet so envenom with his envy,…
…he could nothing do, but beg and wish your sudden coming–o'er, to fence with him!
Now,…
…out of this,…
[LAERTES] What out of this, my lord?
[KING] Laertes,…
…was your father dear to you?
Or are you like the painting of a sorrow,…?
…a face without a heart?
[LAERTES] Why ask you this?
[KING] That we would do, we should do when we would.
For this “would” changes,…
…hath abatements, and delays,…
…as many as there are words, are thoughts, are accidents.
And then this “should” is like a spendthrift sigh.
To the quick of th' ulcer: …
We'll put on those shall praise your excellence,…
…bring you, in short, together,…
…and wager on your heads.
Hamlet,…
…being guileless, will not peruse the swords,…
…so that with ease, or,… with a little shuffling,…
…you may choose a sword unbated,…
…and, in a pass of practice, requite him for your father!
[LAERTES] I will do 't.
For that purpose, I'll anoint my sword.
I bought an unction of a mountebank.
So mortal that,…
…but I dip a knife in it,…
…no medicine, so rare, can save the man from death,…
…that is but scratched withal.
[KING] If this should fail,…
Soft, let me see.
We'll make a solemn wager on your cunnings…
I have 't!
When in the action you are hot and dry, and that he calls for drink,…
…I'll have prepared him a chalice for the nonce, whereon, but sipping,…
…if he, by chance, escape your venomed point, our purpose may hold there.
[HAMLET] Horatio,…
…thou art e'en as just a man as e'er my conversation coped withal.
– [HORATIO] O, my dear lord,…! – [HAMLET] Nay,…!
[HAMLET] …do not think I flatter!
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;…
…aye, in my heart of hearts,…
…as I do thee.
Something too much of this.
But I am very sorry, good Horatio, that to Laertes I forgot myself,…
…for, by the image of my cause, I see the portraiture of his. I'll court his favours!
But, sure, the bravery of his grief did put me into a tow'ring passion.
[HORATIO] Peace, who comes here?
Enter OSRIC, a courtier, panting]
[OSRIC] Aahh! Your Lordship is right welcome back to Denmark.
[HAMLET] I humbly thank you, sir. Dost know this waterfly?
[HORATIO] No, my good lord.
– [HAMLET] Thy state is the more gracious,… – [OSRIC] O sweet lord,…
[OSRIC] …if your Lordship were at leisure, I should impart a thing to you from his Majesty.
[HAMLET] We shall receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit. Put your bonnet to its right use: 'tis for the head.
– [OSRIC] I thank your Lordship; it is very hot. – [HAMLET] No, believe me, 'tis very cold; the wind is northerly.
– [OSRIC] It is indifferent cold, my lord, indeed. – [HAMLET] And yet methinks it is very sultry, and hot for my complexion.
[OSRIC] Exceedingly, my lord; it is very sultry, as 'twere.
Aha! I cannot tell how!
But my lord,…!
…His Majesty bade me signify to you that he has laid a great wager on your head!
– [OSRIC] Sir, and this is the matter. – [HAMLET] I beseech you,…
[HAMLET] …remember.
[OSRIC] Oho! Ahem! Nay, good my lord, for my ease, in good faith.
Sir,…
…eh,… here is newly come to court Laertes.
Oh, believe me, an absolute gentleman, full of most excellent differences, of very soft society, and great showing.
– [OSRIC] Indeed, to speak feelingly of him, he is the card or calendar of gentry! – [HAMLET] The concernancy, sir?
[HAMLET] Why do we wrap the gentleman in our more rawer breath?
[OSRIC] Sir?
[HORATIO] Is it not possible to understand in another tongue?
You will to 't, sir, really.
[HAMLET] What imports the nomination of this gentleman?
[OSRIC] Of… Laertes?
[HORATIO] Of him.
[OSRIC] I know you are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is.
I mean, sir, for his weapon.
– [HAMLET] What is his weapon? – [OSRIC] Rapier and dagger.
[HAMLET] That's two of his weapons. But, well,…
[OSRIC] The King, sir, hath wagered with him six Barbary horses,…
…against the which he has impawned, as I take it,…
…six French rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and so.
Ah! Three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy, very responsive to the hilts,…
…most delicate carriages, and of very liberal design.
[HAMLET] What call you the “carriages”?
[OSRIC] Ah! The carriages, sir, are the…
…hangers.
[HAMLET] The phrase would be more germane to the matter if we could carry a cannon by our sides! I would it might be“hangers” till then. But on.
[OSRIC] The King, sir, hath laid, sir,…
…that in a dozen passes, between yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits.
He hath laid on twelve for nine,…
…and it would come to immediate trial if your Lordship would vouchsafe the answer.
[HAMLET] How if I answer no?
[OSRIC] I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial.
[HAMLET] Sir, I will walk here in the hall!
If it please His Majesty, it is the breathing time of day with me. Let the foils be brought.
The gentleman willing, and the King hold his purpose, I will win for him, if I can.
If not, I will gain nothing, but my shame and the odd hits.
[OSRIC] Shall I deliver you, e'en so?
[HAMLET] To this effect, sir, after what flourish your nature will.
– [OSRIC] Ah! I commend my duty to your Lordship. – [HAMLET] Yours. – [OSRIC] Ahh!
– [HAMLET] Yours! – [OSRIC] Ah, ha, ha, ha!
[OSRIC] Ah, ha, ha… Oohh! Ooohh!
[HORATIO] You will lose this wager, my lord?
[HAMLET] I do not think so!
[HAMLET] Since he {Laertes} went into France, I have been in continual practice.
I shall win at the odds.
Thou wouldst not think how ill all's here about my heart.
– [HAMLET] But it is no matter. – [HORATIO] Nay, good my lord,… – [HAMLET] It is but foolery,…
…but it is just such a kind of misgiving as would perhaps trouble a woman.
[HORATIO] If your mind dislike anything, obey it.
– [HORATIO] I will forestall their coming hither, and say you are not fit. – [HAMLET] Not a whit!
[HAMLET] We defy augury!
There is special Providence in the fall of a sparrow.
If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now.
If it be not now,…
…yet it will come.
The readiness is all.
There's a divinity that shapes our ends,…
…rough-hew them how we will.
[Flourish of trumpets]
– [HAMLET] Let be! – [Flourish of trumpets]
[KING] Come, Hamlet, come,…!
…and take this hand from me!
[HAMLET] Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong.
But pardon 't as you are a gentleman.
This presence knows,…
…and you must needs have heard, how I am punished with a sore distraction.
What I have done that might your nature, honour, and exception, roughly awake,…
…I here proclaim, was madness.
Was 't Hamlet wronged Laertes?
Never Hamlet.
If Hamlet from himself be ta'en away, and when he's not himself does wrong Laertes,…
…then Hamlet does it not; Hamlet denies it.
Who does it, then?
His madness.
If 't be so,…
…Hamlet is of the faction that is wronged;…
…his madness is poor Hamlet's enemy.
Sir,…
…in this audience, let my disclaiming from a purposed evil…
…free me so far in your most generous thoughts…
…that I have shot my arrow o'er the house,…
…and hurt my brother.
[General murmurs and applause]
[LAERTES] Give us the foils! Come on!
[HAMLET] Ha! I'll be your foil, Laertes!
– [HAMLET] In mine ignorance, your skill shall, like a star i' th' darkest night, stick fiery off indeed. – [LAERTES] You mock me, sir! – [HAMLET] No, by this hand!
[KING] Give them the foils, young Osric! Cousin Hamlet,…
– [KING]…you know the wager? – [HAMLET] Very well, my lord. Your Grace has laid the odds o' th' weaker side! – [KING] I do not fear it: I have seen you both!
[KING] But, since he is better, we have therefore odds!
[LAERTES] This is too heavy, let me see another!
– [HAMLET] This likes me well. These foils have all a length? –[OSRIC] Aye, my good lord.
[KING] Set me the stoups of wine upon that table.
If Hamlet give the first or second hit,…
…let all the battlements their ordnance fire.
The King shall drink to Hamlet's better breath,…
…and in the cup a jewel shall he throw,…
…richer than that which four successive kings…
…in Denmark's crown have worn!
– [Applause] – [KING] Give me the cups,…!
[KING] …and let the kettle to the trumpet speak!
[KING] The trumpet to the cannoneer without!
[KING] The cannons to the heavens, the heavens to earth!
Now the King drinks to Hamlet!
[General acclamation]
[KING] Come, begin!
And you, the judges, bear a wary eye!
– [HAMLET] Come on, sir! – [LAERTES] Come, my lord!
– [HAMLET] One! – [LAERTES] No! – [HAMLET] Judgment! – [OSRIC] A hit, a very palpable hit!
[LAERTES] Well, again! – [KING] Stay!
[KING] Give me drink!
Hamlet,…
– [KING] …this pearl is thine! – [Acclamations!
[KING] Here's to thy health!
[Applause]
[KING] Give him the cup!
[HAMLET] I'll play this bout first. Set it by awhile.
Come!
– [HAMLET] Another hit! What say you? – [LAERTES] A touch, a touch! I do confess 't.
[KING] Our son shall win!
[QUEEN] He's fat, and scant of breath. Here, Hamlet, take my napkin; rub thy brows.
[KING] Good Gertrude, do not drink it!
[QUEEN] I will, my lord; I pray you pardon me.
[QUEEN] The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet!
[HAMLET] Good madam!
[KING, aside] It's too late!
[LAERTES] My lord, I'll hit him now.
[KING] I do not think 't.
[LAERTES, aside] And yet it is almost against my conscience.
[QUEEN] Let me wipe thy face.
[HAMLET] Come, for the third, Laertes! You do but dally!
– [HAMLET] I pray you pass with your best violence, I am afeard you make a wanton of me! – [LAERTES] Say you so? Come on!
[OSRIC] Nothing! Neither way.
[Applause]
[LAERTES] At you now!
– [KING] Part them! They are incensed! – [HAMLET] Nay, come again!
[Cries of horror]
[OSRIC] How is 't, Laertes?
[LAERTES] Justly killed…!
…with mine own treachery!
[HORATIO] How is it, my lord?
[HAMLET] How does the Queen?!
– [KING] She swoons to see them bleed! – [QUEEN] No!
[QUEEN] No.
The drink!
The drink.
My dear Hamlet!
[HAMLET] O villainy!
Ho! Let the door be locked!
Treachery!
– [HAMLET] Seek it out! – [LAERTES] It is here, Hamlet!
[LAERTES] Hamlet, thou art slain!
In thee there is not half an hour's life.
The treacherous instrument is in thy hand,…
…unbated,… and envenomed!
The foul practice hath turned itself on me!
Lo, here I lie, never to rise again.
Thy mother's poisoned!
I can no more.
The King!
The King's to blame!
[HAMLET] The point envenomed too!
Then, venom, TO THY WORK!!
[LAERTES] Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.
Mine and my father's death come not upon thee,…
…nor thine on me.
[HAMLET] Heaven make thee free of it.
I follow thee.
I am dead, Horatio.
Wretched Queen,…
…adieu.
You that look pale,…
…and tremble at this chance,…
…that are but mutes, or audience to this act,…
…had I but time…
…– as this fell sergeant, Death, is strict in his arrest –,…
…oh, I could tell you…
But let it be.
I die, Horatio.
The potent poison…
…quite o'ercrows my spirit.
If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart,…
…absent thee from felicity awhile,…
…and in this harsh world…
…draw thy breath in pain,…
…to tell my story.
The rest…
…is silence!
[HORATIO] Let four captains bear Hamlet like a soldier to the stage,…
…for he was likely, had he been put on,…
…to've proved most royal.
And for his passage,…
…the soldier's music,…
…and the rites of war speak loudly for him.
Go!
Bid the soldiers shoot!
Good night, sweet prince,…
…and flights of angels…
…sing thee to thy rest.
[Cannon fire]