Dramatis Perfonæ. CLAUDIUS, King of Denmark. Hamlet, Son to the former, and Nephew to the prefent King. Horatio, Friend to Hamlet. Laertes, Son to Polonius. Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, and Mother to Hamlet. Ophelia, Daughter to Polonius, below'd by Hamlet. Ladies attending on the Queen. Players, Grave-makers, Sailors, Messengers, and other Attendants. SCENE, ELSINOOR. HAMLET HAMLET, Prince of DENMARK. A C T I. SCENE, a Platform before the Palace. Enter Bernardo and Francifco, two Centinels. BERNARDO. HO's there? Fran. Nay, anfwer me: ftand, and unfold yourself. Ber. Long live the King! Fran. Bernardo? Fran. You come moft carefully upon your hour. Ber. 'Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francifco. Fran. For this relief, much thanks: 'tis bitter cold, And I am fick at heart. Ber. Have you had quiet guard ? Fran. Not a mouse stirring. E 4 Bir. Ber. Well, good-night. If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus, The rivals of my watch, bid them make hafte. Enter Horatio and Marcellus. Fran. I think, I hear them. Stand, ho! who is there? Hor. Friends, to this ground. Mar. And liege-men to the Dane. Fran. Give you good-night. Mar. Oh, farewel, honeft foldier; who hath reliev'd you? Fran. Bernardo has my place; give you good-night. Mar. Holla! Bernardo, Ber. Say, what, is Horatio there? Hor. A piece of him. [Exit Francifco. Ber. Welcome, Horatio; welcome, good Marcellus. Mar. What, has this thing appeared again to-night? Ber. I have feen nothing. Mar. Horatio fays, 'tis but our phantafy; And will not let belief take hold of him, Touching this dreaded fight, twice feen of us With us, to watch the minutes of this night; And let us once again affail your ears, Hor. Well, fit we down, And let us hear Bernardo speak of this. Ber. Laft night of all, When yon fame ftar, that's weftward from the pole, Had made his course t'illume that part of heav'n Where now it burns, Marcellus and myself, The bell then beating one, Mar. Peace, break thee off; Enter |