PERSONS REPRESENTED. CLAUDIUS, King of Denmark. HAMLET, son to the late, and nephew to the present King. GERTRUDE, Queen of Denmark, and mother to Hamlet. OPHELIA, daughter to Polonius. Lords, Ladies, Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Messengers, and other Attendants. Ghost of Hamlet's father. SCENE,-Elsinore. HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK. ACT I. SCENE I.-Elsinore. A Platform before the Castle. FRANCISCO on guard. Enter to him BERNARDO. Ber. Bernardo. HO'S there? Fran. Nay, answer me: stand, and unfold yourself. Ber. Long live the king! Fran. Bernardo? He. Fran. You come most carefully upon your hour. Ber. 'Tis 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. Not a mouse stirring. If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus, Enter HORATIO and MARCELLUS. Fran. I think I hear them.-Stand! who's Mar. What, has this thing appear'd again tonight? Ber. I have seen nothing. Mar. Horatio says, 'tis but our fantasy; And will not let belief take hold of him, Touching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us: With us to watch the minutes of this night; Sit down awhile; Well, sit we down, Hor. |