CHAPTER

30
Tragedy
The Greek philosopher Aristotle defined tragedy as a dramatization of a serio s happening!not ne"essarily one ending #ith the death of the protagonist!and his definition remains among the $est% & t many plays ha'e $een #ritten sin"e Aristotle defined tragedy% (hen #e think of )hakespeare*s tragedies+ #e "annot resist narro#ing Aristotle*s definition $y adding something like sho#ing a str ggle that rends the protagonist*s #hole $eing, and #hen #e think of the pro$lem plays of the last h ndred years!the serio s treatments of s "h so"iologi"al pro$lems as al"oholism and ra"e pre- di"e!#e might $e in"lined to e."l de some of them $y adding to the definition something a$o t the need for ni'ersal appeal% The / estion remains, 0s there a single / ality present in all #orks that #e "all tragedy and a$sent from #orks not "alled tragedy1 0f there is+ no one has yet pointed it o t to general satisfa"tion% & t this fail re does not mean that there is no s "h "lassifi"ation as tragedy% (e sense that tragedies resem$le ea"h other as mem$ers of the same family resem$le ea"h other, t#o "hildren ha'e the mother*s "oloring and eyes+ a third "hild has the mother*s "oloring $ t the father*s eyes+ a fo rth "hild has the mother*s eyes $ t the father*s "oloring% 0n the ne.t fe# pages #e #ill e.amine three "omments on tragedy+ none of #hi"h is entirely a""epta$le+ $ t ea"h of #hi"h seems to ha'e some degree of tr th+ and ea"h of #hi"h "an help s dete"t resem$lan"es and differen"es among tragedies% The first "omment is $y Cyril To rne r+ a tragi" dramatist of the early se'enteenth "ent ry, (hen the $ad $leed+ then is the tragedy good% (e think of 2a"$eth 3 s rper+ $ t"her4% 2a"$eth is m "h more than a s rper and $ t"her+ $ t it is ndenia$le that he is an offender against the moral order% (hate'er the merits of To rne r*s statement+ ho#e'er+ if #e think of Romeo and 5 liet 3to "onsider only one play4+ #e realize its inade/ a"y% To rne r so stresses the g ilt of the protagonist that his or her s ffering $e"omes mere retri$ ti'e - sti"e% & t #e "annot pla si$ly say+ for e.ample+ that Romeo and 5 liet deser'ed to die $e"a se they married #itho t

their parents* "onsent6 it is m "h too simple to "all them $ad% Romeo and 5 liet are yo ng+ in lo'e+ no$ler in spirit than their parents% To rne r*s 'ie# is pro$a$ly deri'ed ltimately from an infl ential passage in Aristotle*s Poeti"s in #hi"h Aristotle speaks of hamartia+ sometimes literally translated as missing the target+ sometimes as 'i"e or fla# or #eakness+ $ t perhaps $est translated as mistake% Aristotle seems to imply that the hero is ndone $e"a se of some mistake he or she "ommits+ $ t this mistake need not $e the res lt of a moral fa lt6 it may $e simply a mis"al" lation!for e.ample+ fail re to foresee the "onse/ en"es of a deed% &r t s makes a strategi" mistake #hen he lets 2ar" Antony speak at Caesar*s f neral+ $ t #e "an hardly "all it a 'i"e% &e"a se Aristotle*s hamartia in"l des mistakes of this sort+ the "ommon translation tragi" fla# is erroneo s% 0n many Greek tragedies the hero*s hamartia is h $ris 3or hy$ris4+ s ally translated as

o'er#eening pride% The hero forgets that he or she is falli$le+ a"ts as tho gh he or she has the po#er and #isdom of the gods+ and is later h m$led for this arrogan"e% & t one "an arg e that this self7 asserti'eness is not a 'i"e $ t a 'irt e+ not a #eakness $ t a strength6 if the hero is destroyed for self7 assertion+ he or she is ne'ertheless greater than the s rro nding people+ - st as the person #ho tries to stem a lyn"h mo$ is greater than the mo$+ altho gh that person also may $e lyn"hed for his or her 'irt e% 8r a hero may $e ndone $y a high7mindedness that makes him or her ' lnera$le% Hamlet is ' lnera$le $e"a se he is+ as his enemy says+ most genero s and free from all "ontri'ing6 $e"a se Hamlet is high7 minded+ he #ill not s spe"t that the proposed fen"ing mat"h is a m rdero s plot% 8thello "an $e tri"ked into m rdering 9esdemona not simply $e"a se he is -ealo s $ t $e"a se he is 3in the #ords of the 'illaino s 0ago4 of a free and open nat re : That thinks men honest $ t seem so% 0ago kno#s+ too+ that o t of 9esdemona*s goodness he "an make the net : That shall enmesh them all% ;e.t+ here is a statement more or less the re'erse of To rne r*s+ $y a R ssian "riti"+ <% 0% Temofee', Tragedy in )o'iet literat re aro ses a feeling of pride for the man #ho has a""omplished a great deed for the people*s happiness6 it "alls for "ontin ed str ggle against the things #hi"h $ro ght a$o t the hero*s death% The distortions in )o'iet "riti"ism are often am sing, Hamlet is seen as an in"ipient Comm nist+ ndone $y the de"adent aristo"ra"y6 or Romeo and 5 liet as yo ng people of the f t re+ ndone $y $o rgeois parents% )o'iet drama in the third / arter of the t#entieth "ent ry so "onsistently sho#ed the tri mph of

the #orker that (estern 'isitors to R ssia "ommented on the a$sen"e of "ontemporary tragi" plays% )till+ there is m "h in the idea that the tragi" hero a""omplishes a great deed+ and perhaps #e do resent the things #hi"h $ro ght a$o t the hero*s death% The st $$ornness of the 2ontag es and Cap lets+ the f ry of the mo$ that t rns against &r t s+ the "rimes of Cla di s in Hamlet!all these #o ld seem to "all for o r indignation% The third "omment is $y Arth r 2iller, 0f it is tr e to say that in essen"e the tragi" hero is intent pon "laiming his #hole d e as a personality+ and if this str ggle m st $e total and #itho t reser'ation+ then it a tomati"ally demonstrates the indestr "ti$le #ill of man to a"hie'e his h manity% % % % 0t is " rio s+ altho gh edifying+ that the plays #e re'ere+ "ent ry after "ent ry+ are the tragedies% 0n them+ and in them alone+ lies the $elief!optimisti"+ if yo #ill!in the perfe"ti$ility of man% There is m "h in 2iller*s s ggestions that the tragi" hero makes a large and total "laim and that the a dien"e often senses tri mph rather than despair in tragedies% (e often feel that #e ha'e #itnessed h man greatness!that the hero+ despite profo nd s ffering+ has li'ed a""ording to his or her ideals% (e may feel that #e ha'e a"hie'ed ne# insight into h man greatness% & t the perfe"ti$ility of man1 9o #e feel that 5 li s Caesar or 2a"$eth or Hamlet ha'e to do #ith h man perfe"ti$ility1 9on*t these plays s ggest rather that people+ #hate'er their no$ility+ ha'e #ithin them the seeds of their o#n destr "tion1 (itho t o'eremphasizing the g ilt of the protagonists+ don*t #e feel that in part the plays dramatize the imperfe"ti$ility of h man $eings1 0n m "h tragedy+ after all+ the destr "tion "omes from #ithin+ not from #itho t, 0n tragi" life+ God #ot+ ;o 'illain need $e= Passions spin the plot, (e are $etrayed $y #hat is false #ithin% !George 2eredith (hat #e are talking a$o t is tragi" irony+ the "ontrast $et#een #hat is $elie'ed to $e so and #hat is so+ or $et#een e.pe"tations and a""omplishments%> )e'eral e.amples from 2a"$eth ill strate something of the range of tragi" irony #ithin a single play% 0n the first a"t+ ?ing 9 n"an $esto#s on 2a"$eth the title of Thane of Ca#dor% &y his kindness 9 n"an seals his o#n doom+ for 2a"$eth+ ha'ing a"hie'ed this rank+ #ill ne.t #ant to a"hie'e a higher one% 0n the third a"t+ 2a"$eth+ kno#ing that &an/ o #ill soon $e

m rdered+ hypo"riti"ally rges &an/ o to fail not o r feast% & t 2a"$eth*s hollo# re/ est is ironi"ally f lfilled, the ghost of &an/ o terrorizes 2a"$eth d ring the feast% The most per'asi'e irony of all+ of "o rse+ is that 2a"$eth aims at happiness #hen he kills 9 n"an and takes the throne+ $ t he #ins only sorro#% Aristotle*s dis" ssion of peripeteia 3re'ersal4 and anagnorisis 3re"ognition4 may $e a #ay of getting at this sort of irony% He may simply ha'e meant a re'ersal of fort ne 3for e.ample+ good l "k "eases4 and a re"ognition of #ho is #ho 3for e.ample+ the pa per is really the prin"e4+ $ t more likely he meant profo nder things% 8ne "an say that the re'ersal in 2a"$eth lies in the sorro# that 2a"$eth*s in"reased po#er $rings% The re"ognition "omes #hen he realizes the "onse/ en"es of his deeds, 0 ha'e li'ed long eno gh, my #ay of life 0s fall*n into the sere+ the yello# leaf6 And #hat #hi"h sho ld a""ompany old age+ As honor+ lo'e+ o$edien"e+ troops of friends+ 0 m st not look to ha'e6 $ t+ in their stead+ C rses+ not lo d $ t deep+ mo th7honor+ $reath (hi"h the poor heart #o ld fain deny+ and dare not% That o r deeds often ndo s+ that #e "an aim at o r good and prod "e o r r in+ #as not+ of "o rse+ a dis"o'ery of the tragi" dramatists% The ar"hetype is the story of Adam and E'e, these t#o aimed at $e"oming like God+ and as a "onse/ en"e+ they $ro ght pon themsel'es "orr ption+ death+ the loss of their earthly paradise% The &i$le is filled #ith stories of tragi" irony% A $rief / otation from E""lesiastes 3@0%ABC4 "an stand as an epitome of these stories, He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it6 and #hoso $reaketh an hedge+ a serpent shall $ite him% (hoso remo'eth stones shall $e h rt there#ith6 and he that "lea'eth #ood shall $e endangered there$y% He that "lea'eth #ood shall $e endangered there$y% A"ti'ity in'ol'es danger% To $e ina"ti'e is+ often+ to $e igno$le+ $ t to $e a"ti'e is ne"essarily to imperil oneself% Perhaps #e "an attempt a s mmary of tragi" fig res, they a"t+ and they s ffer+ s ally as a "onse/ en"e of their a"tion% The / estion is not of the a"tion*s $eing parti" larly $ad 3To rne r*s 'ie#4 or parti" larly good 3Timofee'*s 'ie#46 the a"tion is often $oth good and $ad+ a sign of "o rage and also of arrogan"e+ a sign of greatness and also of

limitations% Dinally+ a $rief "onsideration of the pleas re of tragedy, (hy do #e en-oy plays a$o t s ffering1 Aristotle has some o$s" re "omments on "atharsis 3p rgation4 that are often interpreted as saying that tragedy aro ses in s $oth pity and fear and then p rges s of these emotions% The idea+ perhaps+ is that - st as #e "an 3it is said4 harmlessly dis"harge o r aggressi'e imp lses $y #itnessing a prizefight or $y sho ting at an mpire+ so #e "an harmlessly dis"harge o r imp lses to pity and to fear $y #itnessing the dramatization of a person*s destr "tion% The theater in this 'ie# is an o tlet for emotions that else#here #o ld $e harmf l% & t+ it m st $e repeated+ Aristotle*s "omments on "atharsis are o$s" re6 perhaps+ too+ they are #rong% 2ost later theories on the pleas re of tragedy are footnotes to Aristotle*s #ords on "atharsis% )ome say that o r pleas re is sadisti" 3#e en-oy the sight of s ffering46 some+ that o r pleas re is maso"histi" 3#e en-oy la"erating o rsel'es46 some+ that it lies in sympathy 3#e en-oy e.tending pity and $ene'olen"e to the #ret"hed46 some+ that it lies in self7"ongrat lation 3#e are reminded+ #hen #e see s ffering+ of o r o#n good fort ne46 some+ that #e take pleas re in tragedy $e"a se the tragi" hero a"ts o t o r se"ret desires+ and #e re-oi"e in his or her aggression+ e.piating o r g ilt in his or her s ffering6 and so on% & t this is n"ertain psy"hology+ and it mostly negle"ts the distin"tion $et#een real s ffering and dramatized s ffering% 0n the latter+ s rely+ part of the pleas re is in the "ontemplation of an aestheti" o$-e"t+ an o$-e"t that is nified and "omplete% The "haos of real life seems+ for a fe# moments in drama+ to $e ordered, the protagonist*s a"tion+ his or her s $se/ ent s ffering+ and the total "osmos seem someho# related% Tragedy has no se for the passer$y #ho is killed $y a falling $ri"k% The e'ents 3the person*s #alk+ the $ri"k*s fall4 ha'e no meaningf l relation% & t s ppose a person "hooses to "lim$ a mo ntain+ and in making the as"ent sets in motion an a'alan"he that destroys that person% Here #e find 3ho#e'er simple the ill stration4 something "loser to tragedy% (e do not say that people sho ld a'oid mo ntains+ or that mo ntain "lim$ers deser'e to die $y a'alan"hes% & t #e feel that the e'ent is a""idental "on- n"tion of $ri"k and passer$y is not% Tragedy th s presents some sort of ordered a"tion6 tragi" drama itself is orderly% As #e see or read it+ #e feel it "annot $e other#ise6 #ord $egets #ord+ deed $egets deed+ and e'ery moment is e./ isitely appropriate% (hate'er the rele'an"e on sadism+ maso"hism+ sympathy+ and the rest+ the pleas re of tragedy s rely "omes in part from the artisti" shaping of the material% nified+ as the

A NOTE ON GREEK TRAGEDY

<ittle or nothing is kno#n for "ertain of the origin of Greek tragedy% The most "ommon hypothesis holds that it de'eloped from impro'ised spee"hes d ring "horal dan"es honoring 9ionys s+ a Greek nat re god asso"iated #ith spring+ fertility+ and #ine% Thespis 3#ho perhaps ne'er e.isted4 is said to ha'e introd "ed an a"tor into these "horal performan"es in the si.th "ent ry $"e Aes"hyl s 3EFEBGEH $"e4+ Gree"e*s first great #riter of tragedies+ added the se"ond a"tor+ and )opho"les 3GCE1BG0H $"e4 added the third a"tor and fi.ed the size of the "hor s at fifteen% 3&e"a se the "hor s leader often f n"tioned as an additional a"tor+ and $e"a se the a"tors sometimes do $led in their parts+ a Greek tragedy "o ld ha'e more "hara"ters than might at first $e tho ght%4 All the e.tant great Greek tragedy is of the fifth "ent ry $"e 0t #as performed at religio s festi'als in the #inter and early spring+ in large o tdoor amphitheaters $ ilt on hillsides% )ome of these theaters #ere enormo s6 the one at Epida r s held a$o t fifteen tho sand people% The a dien"e sat in tiers+ looking do#n on the or"hestra 3a dan"ing pla"e4+ #ith the a"ting area $ehind it and the skene 3the s"ene $ ilding4 yet farther $a"k% The s"ene $ ilding ser'ed as dressing room+ $a"kgro nd 3s ggesting a pala"e or temple4+ and pla"e for o""asional entran"es and e.its% D rthermore+ this $ ilding helped to pro'ide good a"o sti"s+ for spee"h tra'els #ell if there is a solid $arrier $ehind the speakers and a hard+ smooth s rfa"e in front of them+ and if the a dien"e sits in tiers% The #all of the s"ene $ ilding pro'ided the $arrier6 the or"hestra pro'ided the s rfa"e in front of the a"tors6 and the seats on the hillside f lfilled the third re/ irement% 2oreo'er+ the a"o sti"s #ere some#hat impro'ed $y slightly ele'ating the a"tors a$o'e the or"hestra+ $ t it is not kno#n e.a"tly #hen this platform #as first "onstr "ted in front of the s"ene $ ilding% A tragedy "ommonly $egins #ith a prologos 3prolog e4+ d ring #hi"h the e.position is gi'en% ;e.t "omes the pIrodos+ the "hor s*s ode of entran"e+ s ng #hile the "hor s mar"hes into the theater thro gh the side aisles and onto the or"hestra% The epeisodion 3episode4 is the ens ing s"ene6 it is follo#ed $y a stasimon 3"horal song+ ode4% Js ally there are fo r or fi'e epeisodia+ alternating #ith stasima% Ea"h of these "horal odes has a strophe 3lines pres ma$ly s ng #hile the "hor s dan"es in one dire"tion4 and an antistrophe 3lines pres ma$ly s ng #hile the "hor s retra"es its steps4% )ometimes a third part+ an epode+ "on"l des an ode% 30n addition to odes that are stasima+ there "an $e odes #ithin episodes6 the fo rth episode of Antigon "ontains an ode "omplete #ith epode%4 After the last part of the last ode "omes the e.odos+ the epilog e or final s"ene%

The a"tors 3all male4 #ore masks+ and they seem to ha'e "hanted m "h of the play% Perhaps the total res lt of "om$ining spee"h #ith m si" and dan"ing #as a sort of m si"7drama ro ghly akin to opera #ith some spoken dialog e+ s "h as 2ozart*s The 2agi" Dl te 3@KC@4%

TWO PLAYS BY SOPHOCLES

SOPHOCLES

8ne of the three great #riters of tragedies in an"ient Gree"e+ )opho"les 3GCH1BG0H $"e4 #as $orn in Colon s+ near Athens+ into a #ell7to7do family% (ell ed "ated+ he first #on p $li" a""laim as a tragi" poet at the age of FK+ in GHA $"e #hen he defeated Aes"hyl s in a "ompetition for #riting a tragi" play% He is said to ha'e #ritten some @F0 plays+ $ t only se'en tragedies are e.tant, among them are 8edip s Re.+ Antigone+ and 8edip s at Colon s% He died+ m "h honored+ in his ninetieth year+ in Athens+ #here he had li'ed his entire life%
Oedipus the King
Translated by Robert Fagles CHARACTER) oedipus, king of Thebes a priest of zeus creon, brother of Jocasta a chorus of Theban citizens and their leader tiresias, a blind prophet jocasta, the queen, wife of Oedipus

a messenger from orinth a shepherda messenger from inside the palace antigone, ismene, daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta guards and attendants priests of Thebes !T"#$ %&' ( $&$) The royal house of Thebes* 'ouble doors dominate the fa ade+ a stone altar stands at the center of the stage* #any years ha,e passed since oedipus sol,ed the riddle of the (phin- and ascended the throne of Thebes, and now a plague has struck the city* % procession of priests enters+ suppliants, broken and despondent, they carry branches wound in wool and lay them on the altar* The doors open* guards assemble* oedipus comes forward, majestic but for a telltale limp, and slowly ,iews the condition of his people*. oedip s% 8h my "hildren+ the ne# $lood of an"ient The$es+ #hy are yo here1 H ddling at my altar+ praying $efore me+ yo r $ran"hes #o nd in #ool%L 8 r "ity reeks #ith the smoke of $ rning in"ense+ rings #ith "ries for the HealerL and #ailing for the dead% 0 tho ght it #rong+ my "hildren+ to hear the tr th from others+ messengers% Here 0 am myself! yo all kno# me+ the #orld kno#s my fame, 0 am 8edip s% !/elping a priest to his feet*. )peak p+ old man% Mo r years+ yo r dignity!yo sho ld speak for the others% (hy here and kneeling+ #hat preys pon yo so1 )ome s dden fear1 some strong desire1 Mo "an tr st me% 0 am ready to help+ 0*ll do anything% 0 #o ld $e $lind to misery not to pity my people kneeling at my feet% @E @0 E

priest% 8h 8edip s+ king of the land+ o r greatest po#er= Mo see s $efore yo no#+ men of all ages "linging to yo r altars% Here are $oys+ still too #eak to fly from the nest+ and here the old+ $o#ed do#n #ith the years+ the holy ones!a priest of Ne sL myself!and here the pi"ked+ nmarried men+ the yo ng hope of The$es% And all the rest+ yo r great family gathers no#+ $ran"hes #reathed+ massing in the s/ ares+ kneeling $efore the t#o temples of / een AthenaL or the ri'er7shrine #here the em$ers glo# and die and Apollo sees the f t re in the ashes%L 8 r "ity! look aro nd yo + see #ith yo r o#n eyes! o r ship pit"hes #ildly+ "annot lift her head from the depths+ the red #a'es of death % % % 30 The$es is dying% A $light on the fresh "rops and the ri"h past res+ "attle si"ken and die+ and the #omen die in la$or+ "hildren still$orn+ and the plag e+ the fiery god of fe'er h rls do#n on the "ity+ his lightning slashing thro gh s! raging plag e in all its 'engean"e+ de'astating the ho se of Cadm s=L And $la"k 9eath l . riates in the ra#+ #ailing miseries of The$es% ;o# #e pray to yo % Mo "annot e/ al the gods+ yo r "hildren kno# that+ $ending at yo r altar% & t #e do rate yo first of men+ $oth in the "ommon "rises of o r li'es and fa"e7to7fa"e en"o nters #ith the gods% G0 3E FE F0

Mo freed s from the )phin.+L yo "ame to The$es and " t s loose from the $loody tri$ teL #e had paid GE that harsh+ $r tal singer% (e ta ght yo nothing+ no skill+ no e.tra kno#ledge+ still yo tri mphed% A god #as #ith yo + so they say+ and #e $elie'e it! yo lifted p o r li'es% )o no# again+ 8edip s+ king+ #e $end to yo + yo r po#er! #e implore yo + all of s on o r knees, find s strength+ res" e= Perhaps yo *'e heard the 'oi"e of a god or something from other men+ 8edip s % % % #hat do yo kno#1 The man of e.perien"e!yo see it e'ery day! his plans #ill #ork in a "risis+ his first of all% A"t no#!#e $eg yo + $est of men+ raise p o r "ity= A"t+ defend yo rself+ yo r former glory= Mo r "o ntry "alls yo sa'ior no# for yo r zeal+ yo r a"tion years ago% ;e'er let s remem$er of yo r reign, yo helped s stand+ only to fall on"e more% 8h raise p o r "ity+ set s on o r feet% The omens #ere good that day yo $ro ght s -oy! $e the same man today= HE H0 EE E0

R le o r land+ yo kno# yo ha'e the po#er+ $ t r le a land of the li'ing+ not a #asteland% )hip and to#ered "ity are nothing+ stripped of men ali'e #ithin it+ li'ing all as one% oedip s% 2y "hildren+ K0

0 pity yo % 0 see!ho# "o ld 0 fail to see

#hat longings $ring yo here1 (ell 0 kno# yo are si"k to death+ all of yo + $ t si"k as yo are+ not one is si"k as 0% Mo r pain strikes ea"h of yo alone+ ea"h in the "onfines of himself+ no other% & t my spirit grie'es for the "ity+ for myself and all of yo % 0 #asn*t asleep+ dreaming% Mo ha'en*t #akened me! 0*'e #ept thro gh the nights+ yo m st kno# that+ groping+ la$oring o'er many paths of tho ght% After a painf l sear"h 0 fo nd one " re, 0 a"ted at on"e% 0 sent Creon+ my #ife*s o#n $rother+ to 9elphiL! Apollo the Prophet*s ora"le!to learn #hat 0 might do or say to sa'e o r "ity% Today*s the day% (hen 0 "o nt the days gone $y it torments me % % % #hat is he doing1 )trange+ he*s late+ he*s gone too long% & t on"e he ret rns+ then+ then 0*ll $e a traitor if 0 do not do all the god makes "lear% priest% Timely #ords% The men o'er there are signaling!Creon*s - st arri'ing% oedip s% O)ighting "reon+ then t rning to the altar%P <ord Apollo+ let him "ome #ith a l "ky #ord of res" e+ shining like his eyes= priest% (el"ome ne#s+ 0 think!he*s "ro#ned+ look+ and the la rel #reath is $right #ith $erries% CE oedip s% (e*ll soon see% He*s "lose eno gh to hear! !$nter creon from the side+ his face is shaded with a wreath*. C0 AE A0 KE

Creon+ prin"e+ my kinsman+ #hat do yo $ring s1 (hat message from the god1 "reon% Good ne#s%

0 tell yo e'en the hardest things to $ear+ if they sho ld t rn o t #ell+ all #o ld $e #ell% @00

oedip s% 8f "o rse+ $ t #hat #ere the god*s #ords1 There*s no hope and nothing to fear in #hat yo *'e said so far% "reon% 0f yo #ant my report in the presen"e of these % % % !0ointing to the priests while drawing oedipus toward the palace*. 0*m ready no#+ or #e might go inside% oedip s% )peak o t+ @0E

speak to s all% 0 grie'e for these+ my people+ far more than 0 fear for my o#n life% "reon% Qery #ell+

0 #ill tell yo #hat 0 heard from the god% Apollo "ommands s!he #as / ite "lear! 9ri'e the "orr ption from the land+ don*t har$or it any longer+ past all " re+ don*t n rse it in yo r soil!root it o t= oedip s% Ho# "an #e "leanse o rsel'es!#hat rites1 (hat*s the so r"e of the tro $le1 "reon% &anish the man+ or pay $a"k $lood #ith $lood% 2 rder sets the plag e7storm on the "ity% oedip s% (hose fate does Apollo $ring to light1 "reon% 8 r leader+ (hose m rder1 @@E @@0

my lord+ #as on"e a man named <ai s+ $efore yo "ame and p t s straight on "o rse% oedip s% 0 kno#!

or so 0*'e heard% 0 ne'er sa# the man myself% "reon% (ell+ he #as killed+ and Apollo "ommands s no#! he "o ld not $e more "lear+ Pay the killers $a"k!#hoe'er is responsi$le% oedip s% (here on earth are they1 (here to find it no#+ the trail of the an"ient g ilt so hard to tra"e1 "reon% Here in The$es+ he said% @FE @F0

(hate'er is so ght for "an $e "a ght+ yo kno#+ #hate'er is negle"ted slips a#ay% oedip s% & t #here+

in the pala"e+ the fields or foreign soil+ #here did <ai s meet his $loody death1 "reon% He #ent to "ons lt an ora"le+ Apollo said+ @30 and he set o t and ne'er "ame home again% oedip s% ;o messenger+ no fello#7tra'eler sa# #hat happened1 )omeone to "ross7e.amine1 "reon% ;o+

they #ere all killed $ t one% He es"aped+ terrified+ he "o ld tell s nothing "learly+ nothing of #hat he sa#!- st one thing% oedip s% one thing "o ld hold the key to it all+ a small $eginning gi'e s gro nds for hope% "reon% He said thie'es atta"ked them!a #hole $and+ not single7handed+ " t ?ing <ai s do#n% oedip s% A thief+ so daring+ @G0 (hat*s that1 @3E

so #ild+ he*d kill a king1 0mpossi$le+ nless "onspirators paid him off in The$es% "reon% (e s spe"ted as m "h% & t #ith <ai s dead

no leader appeared to help s in o r tro $les% oedip s% Tro $le1 Mo r king #as m rdered!royal $lood= (hat stopped yo from tra"king do#n the killer then and there1 "reon% The singing+ riddling )phin.% @GE

)he % % % pers aded s to let the mystery go and "on"entrate on #hat lay at o r feet% oedip s% ;o+ @E0

0*ll start again!0*ll $ring it all to light myself= Apollo is right+ and so are yo + Creon+ to t rn o r attention $a"k to the m rdered man% ;o# yo ha'e me to fight for yo + yo *ll see, 0 am the land*s a'enger $y all rights+ and Apollo*s "hampion too% @EE

& t not to assist some distant kinsman+ no+ for my o#n sake 0*ll rid s of this "orr ption% (hoe'er killed the king may de"ide to kill me too+ #ith the same 'iolent hand!$y a'enging <ai s 0 defend myself% !To the priests*. R i"kly+ my "hildren% @H0

Jp from the steps+ take p yo r $ran"hes no#% !To the guards*. 8ne of yo s mmon the "ity here $efore s+ tell them 0*ll do e'erything% God help s+ #e #ill see o r tri mph!or o r fall% !oedipus and creon enter the palace, followed by the guards*. priest% Rise+ my sons% The kindness #e "ame for @HE 8edip s 'ol nteers himself%

Apollo has sent his #ord+ his ora"le! Come do#n+ Apollo+ sa'e s+ stop the plag e% !The priests rise, remo,e their branches and e-it to the side* $nter a chorus, the citizens of Thebes, who ha,e not heard the news that creon brings* They march around the altar, chanting*. "hro s% Ne s=

Great #el"ome 'oi"e of Ne s+L #hat do yo $ring1 (hat #ord from the gold 'a lts of 9elphi @K0

"omes to $rilliant The$es1 Ra"ked #ith terror! terror shakes my heart and 0 "ry yo r #ild "ries+ Apollo+ Healer of 9elosL 0 #orship yo in dread % % % #hat no#+ #hat is yo r pri"e1 some ne# sa"rifi"e1 some an"ient rite from the past @KE "ome ro nd again ea"h spring1! #hat #ill yo $ring to $irth1 Tell me+ "hild of golden Hope #arm 'oi"e that ne'er dies= Mo are the first 0 "all+ da ghter of Ne s @A0

deathless Athena!0 "all yo r sister Artemis+L heart of the market pla"e enthroned in glory+ g ardian of o r earth! 0 "all Apollo+ Ar"her astride the th nderheads of hea'en! 8 triple shield against death+ shine $efore me no#= @AE 0f e'er+ on"e in the past+ yo stopped some r in la n"hed against o r #alls yo h rled the flame of pain far+ far from The$es!yo gods "ome no#+ "ome do#n on"e more= ;o+ no @C0

the miseries n m$erless+ grief on grief+ no end! too m "h to $ear+ #e are all dying 8 my people % % % The$es like a great army dying and there is no s#ord of tho ght to sa'e s+ no and the fr its of o r famo s earth+ they #ill not ripen no and the #omen "annot s"ream their pangs to $irth! s"reams for the Healer+ "hildren dead in the #om$ and life on life goes do#n yo "an #at"h them go F00 like sea$irds #inging #est+ o tra"ing the day*s fire do#n the horizon+ irresisti$ly streaking on to the shores of E'ening 9eath so many deaths+ n m$erless deaths on deaths+ no end! The$es is dying+ look+ her "hildren F0E stripped of pity % % % generations stre#n on the gro nd n$ ried+ n#ept+ the dead spreading death and the yo ng #i'es and gray7haired mothers #ith them "ling to the altars+ trailing in from all o'er the "ity! F@0 The$es+ "ity of death+ one long "ortege and the s ffering rises #ails for mer"y rise and the #ild hymn for the Healer $lazes o t "lashing #ith o r so$s o r "ries of mo rning! 8 golden da ghter of god+L send res" e radiant as the kindness in yo r eyes= 9ri'e him $a"k=!the fe'er+ the god of death F@E @CE

that raging god of #ar not armored in $ronze+ not shielded no#+ he $ rns me+ $attle "ries in the onsla ght $ rning on! 8 ro t him from o r $orders= )ail him+ $last him o t to the )ea7/ een*s "ham$er the $la"k Atlanti" g lfs or the northern har$or+ death to all #here the Thra"ian s rf "omes "rashing% ;o# #hat the night spares he "omes $y day and kills! the god of death% 8 lord of the storm"lo d+ yo #ho t#irl the lightning+ Ne s+ Dather+ th nder 9eath to nothing= F30 Apollo+ lord of the light+ 0 $eg yo ! #hip yo r long$o#*s golden "ord sho#ering arro#s on o r enemies!shafts of po#er "hampions strong $efore s r shing on= Artemis+ H ntress+ F3E FFE FF0

tor"hes flaring o'er the eastern ridges! ride 9eath do#n in pain= God of the headdress gleaming gold+ 0 "ry to yo ! yo r name and o rs are one+ 9ionys sL! "ome #ith yo r fa"e aflame #ith #ine yo r ra'ing #omen*s "ries yo r army on the mar"h= Come #ith the lightning "ome #ith tor"hes $lazing+ eyes a$laze #ith glory= & rn that god of death that all gods hate= !oedipus enters from the palace to address the chorus, as if addressing the entire city of Thebes*. FG0

oedip s% Mo pray to the gods1 <et me grant yo r prayers% Come+ listen to me!do #hat the plag e demands, yo *ll find relief and lift yo r head from the depths% 0 #ill speak o t no# as a stranger to the story+ a stranger to the "rime% 0f 0*d $een present then+ there #o ld ha'e $een no mystery+ no long h nt #itho t a "l e in hand% )o no#+ "o nted a nati'e The$an years after the m rder+ to all of The$es 0 make this pro"lamation, if any one of yo kno#s #ho m rdered <ai s+ the son of <a$da" s+ 0 order him to re'eal the #hole tr th to me% ;othing to fear+ e'en if he m st deno n"e himself+ let him speak p and so es"ape the $r nt of the "harge! he #ill s ffer no n$eara$le p nishment+ nothing #orse than e.ile+ totally nharmed% !oedipus pauses, waiting for a reply*. ;e.t+ if anyone kno#s the m rderer is a stranger+ a man from alien soil+ "ome+ speak p% 0 #ill gi'e him a handsome re#ard+ and lay p gratit de in my heart for him $esides% !(ilence again, no reply*. & t if yo keep silent+ if anyone pani"king+ trying to shield himself or friend or kin+ re-e"ts my offer+ then hear #hat 0 #ill do% 0 order yo + e'ery "itizen of the state #here 0 hold throne and po#er, $anish this man! FK0 FHE FH0 FEE FE0

FGE

#hoe'er he may $e!ne'er shelter him+ ne'er speak a #ord to him+ ne'er make him partner to yo r prayers+ yo r 'i"tims $ rned to the gods% ;e'er let the holy #ater to "h his hands 9ri'e him o t+ ea"h of yo + from e'ery home% He is the plag e+ the heart of o r "orr ption+ as Apollo*s ora"le has - st re'ealed to me% )o 0 honor my o$ligations, 0 fight for the god and for the m rdered man% ;o# my " rse on the m rderer% (hoe'er he is+ a lone man nkno#n in his "rime or one among many+ let that man drag o t his life in agony+ step $y painf l step! 0 " rse myself as #ell % % % if $y any "han"e he pro'es to $e an intimate of o r ho se+ here at my hearth+ #ith my f ll kno#ledge+ may the " rse 0 - st "alled do#n on him strike me= These are yo r orders, perform them to the last% 0 "ommand yo + for my sake+ for Apollo*s+ for this "o ntry $lasted root and $ran"h $y the angry hea'ens% E'en if god had ne'er rged yo on to a"t+ ho# "o ld yo lea'e the "rime n"leansed so long1 A man so no$le!yo r king+ $ro ght do#n in $lood! yo sho ld ha'e sear"hed% & t 0 am the king no#+ 0 hold the throne that he held then+ possess his $ed and a #ife #ho shares o r seed % % % #hy+ o r seed might $e the same+ "hildren $orn of the same mother might ha'e "reated $lood7$onds $et#een s if his hope of offspring hadn*t met disaster! FCE FC0 FAE FA0 FKE

$ t fate s#ooped at his head and " t him short% )o 0 #ill fight for him as if he #ere my father+ stop at nothing+ sear"h the #orld to lay my hands on the man #ho shed his $lood+ the son of <a$da" s des"ended of Polydor s+ Cadm s of old and Agenor+ fo nder of the line, their po#er and mine are one% 8h dear gods+ my " rse on those #ho diso$ey these orders= <et no "rops gro# o t of the earth for them! shri'el their #omen+ kill their sons+ $ rn them to nothing in this plag e that hits s no#+ or something e'en #orse% 3@0

300

30E

& t yo + loyal men of The$es #ho appro'e my a"tions+ may o r "hampion+ 5 sti"e+ may all the gods $e #ith s+ fight $eside s to the end= leader% 0n the grip of yo r " rse+ my king+ 0 s#ear 0*m not the m rderer+ 0 "annot point him o t% As for the sear"h+ Apollo pressed it on s! he sho ld name the killer% oedip s% R ite right+ 3@E

$ t to for"e the gods to a"t against their #ill! no man has the po#er% leader% the ne.t $est thing % % % oedip s% don*t hold $a"k+ say it% leader% 0 still $elie'e % % % The third $est too! Then if 0 might mention 3F0

<ord TiresiasL sees #ith the eyes of <ord Apollo%

Anyone sear"hing for the tr th+ my king+ might learn it from the prophet+ "lear as day% oedip s% 0*'e not $een slo# #ith that% 8n Creon*s " e 0 sent the es"orts+ t#i"e+ #ithin the ho r% 0*m s rprised he isn*t here% leader% (e need him! 3FE

#itho t him #e ha'e nothing $ t old+ seless r mors% oedip s% (hi"h r mors1 0*ll sear"h o t e'ery #ord% leader% <ai s #as killed+ they say+ $y "ertain tra'elers% oedip s% 0 kno#!$ t no one "an find the m rderer% leader% 0f the man has a tra"e of fear in him he #on*t stay silent long+ not #ith yo r " rses ringing in his ears% oedip s% He didn*t flin"h at m rder+ he*ll ne'er flin"h at #ords% !$nter tiresias, the blind prophet, led by a boy with escorts in attendance* /e remains at a distance*. leader% Here is the one #ho #ill "on'i"t him+ look+ they $ring him on at last+ the seer+ the man of god% The tr th li'es inside him+ him alone% oedip s% master of all the mysteries of o r life+ all yo tea"h and all yo dare not tell+ signs in the hea'ens+ signs that #alk the earth= &lind as yo are+ yo "an feel all the more #hat si"kness ha nts o r "ity% Mo + my lord+ are the one shield+ the one sa'ior #e "an find% (e asked Apollo!perhaps the messengers ha'en*t told yo !he sent his ans#er $a"k, 3GE 8 Tiresias+ 3G0 33E 330

Relief from the plag e "an only "ome one #ay% Jn"o'er the m rderers of <ai s+ 3E0

p t them to death or dri'e them into e.ile% )o 0 $eg yo + gr dge s nothing no#+ no 'oi"e+ no message pl "ked from the $irds+ the em$ers or the other manti" #ays #ithin yo r grasp% Res" e yo rself+ yo r "ity+ res" e me! res" e e'erything infe"ted $y the dead% (e are in yo r hands% Dor a man to help others #ith all his gifts and nati'e strength, that is the no$lest #ork% tiresias% Ho# terri$le!to see the tr th 3H0 3EE

#hen the tr th is only pain to him #ho sees= 0 kne# it #ell+ $ t 0 p t it from my mind+ else 0 ne'er #o ld ha'e "ome% oedip s% (hat*s this1 (hy so grim+ so dire1 tiresias% 5 st send me home% Mo $ear yo r $ rdens+ 0*ll $ear mine% 0t*s $etter that #ay+ 3HE please $elie'e me% oedip s% )trange response % % % nla#f l+

nfriendly too to the state that $red and reared yo ! yo #ithhold the #ord of god% tiresias% 0 fail to see

that yo r o#n #ords are so #ell7timed% 0*d rather not ha'e the same thing said of me % % % oedip s% Dor the lo'e of god+ don*t t rn a#ay+ not if yo kno# something% (e $eg yo + all of s on o r knees% tiresias% ;one of yo kno#s! 3K0

and 0 #ill ne'er re'eal my dreadf l se"rets+ not to say yo r o#n% 3KE

oedip s% (hat1 Mo kno# and yo #on*t tell1 Mo *re $ent on $etraying s+ destroying The$es1 tiresias% 0*d rather not "a se pain for yo or me% )o #hy this % % % seless interrogation1 Mo *ll get nothing from me% oedip s% ;othing= Mo + 3A0

yo s" m of the earth+ yo *d enrage a heart of stone= Mo #on*t talk1 ;othing mo'es yo 1 8 t #ith it+ on"e and for all= tiresias% Mo "riti"ize my temper % % % na#are of the one yo li'e #ith+ yo re'ile me% 3AE

oedip s% (ho "o ld restrain his anger hearing yo 1 (hat o trage!yo sp rn the "ity= tiresias% (hat #ill "ome #ill "ome% E'en if 0 shro d it all in silen"e% oedip s% (hat #ill "ome1 Mo *re $o nd to tell me that% 3C0 tiresias% 0*ll say no more% 9o as yo like+ $ ild yo r anger to #hate'er pit"h yo please+ rage yo r #orst! oedip s% 8h 0*ll let loose+ 0 ha'e s "h f ry in me! no# 0 see it all% Mo helped hat"h the plot+ yo did the #ork+ yes+ short of killing him 3CE

#ith yo r o#n hands!and gi'en eyes 0*d say yo did the killing single7handed= tiresias% 0s that so=

0 "harge yo + then+ s $mit to that de"ree yo - st laid do#n, from this day on#ard speak to no one+ not these "itizens+ not myself% G00

Mo are the " rse+ the "orr ption of the land= oedip s% Mo + shameless! aren*t yo appalled to start p s "h a story1 Mo think yo "an get a#ay #ith this1 tiresias% 0 ha'e already% G0E

The tr th #ith all its po#er li'es inside me%

oedip s% (ho primed yo for this1 ;ot yo r prophet*s trade% tiresias% Mo did+ yo for"ed me+ t#isted it o t of me% oedip s% (hat1 )ay it again!0*ll nderstand it $etter% tiresias% 9idn*t yo nderstand+ - st no#1 G@0

8r are yo tempting me to talk1

oedip s% ;o+ 0 "an*t say 0 grasped yo r meaning% 8 t #ith it+ again= tiresias% 0 say yo are the m rderer yo h nt% oedip s% That o$s"enity+ t#i"e!$y god+ yo *ll pay% tiresias% )hall 0 say more+ so yo "an really rage1G@E oedip s% 2 "h as yo #ant% Mo r #ords are nothing!f tile% tiresias% Mo "annot imagine % % % 0 tell yo + yo and yo r lo'ed ones li'e together in infamy+ yo "annot see ho# far yo *'e gone in g ilt% oedip s% Mo think yo "an keep this p and ne'er s ffer1 tiresias% 0ndeed+ if the tr th has any po#er% oedip s% 0t does GF0

$ t not for yo + old man% Mo *'e lost yo r po#er+ stone7$lind+ stone7deaf!senses+ eyes $lind as stone= tiresias% 0 pity yo + flinging at me the 'ery ins lts ea"h man here #ill fling at yo so soon% oedip s% &lind+ GFE

lost in the night+ endless night that " rsed yo =

Mo "an*t h rt me or anyone else #ho sees the light! yo "an ne'er to "h me% tiresias% Tr e+ it is not yo r fate

to fall at my hands% Apollo is / ite eno gh+ and he #ill take some pains to #ork this o t% oedip s% Creon= 0s this "onspira"y his or yo rs1 tiresias% Creon is not yo r do#nfall+ no+ yo are yo r o#n% oedip s% #ealth and empire+ skill o tstripping skill in the heady ri'alries of life+ #hat en'y l rks inside yo = 5 st for this+ G3E 8 po#er! G30

the "ro#n the "ity ga'e me!0 ne'er so ght it+ they laid it in my hands!for this alone+ Creon+ the so l of tr st+ my loyal friend from the start steals against me % % % so h ngry to o'erthro# me he sets this #izard on me+ this s"heming / a"k+ this fort ne7teller peddling lies+ eyes peeled for his o#n profit!seer $lind in his "raft= Come here+ yo pio s fra d% Tell me+ #hen did yo e'er pro'e yo rself a prophet1 (hen the )phin.+ that "hanting D ry kept her death#at"h here+ #hy silent then+ not a #ord to set o r people free1 There #as a riddle+ not for some passer7$y to sol'e! it "ried o t for a prophet% (here #ere yo 1 9id yo rise to the "risis1 ;ot a #ord+ yo and yo r $irds+ yo r gods!nothing% ;o+ $ t 0 "ame $y+ 8edip s the ignorant+ 0 stopped the )phin.= (ith no help from the $irds+ the flight of my o#n intelligen"e hit the mark% GE0 GGE GG0

And this is the man yo *d try to o'erthro#1 Mo think yo *ll stand $y Creon #hen he*s king1 Mo and the great mastermind! yo *ll pay in tears+ 0 promise yo + for this+ this #it"h7h nt% 0f yo didn*t look so senile the lash #o ld tea"h yo #hat yo r s"heming means= leader% 0 #o ld s ggest his #ords #ere spoken in anger+ GH0 8edip s % % % yo rs too+ and it isn*t #hat #e need% The $est sol tion to the ora"le+ the riddle posed $y god!#e sho ld look for that% tiresias% Mo are the king no do $t+ $ t in one respe"t+ at least+ 0 am yo r e/ al, the right to reply% GHE 0 "laim that pri'ilege too% 0 am not yo r sla'e% 0 ser'e Apollo% 0 don*t need Creon to speak for me in p $li"% )o+ yo mo"k my $lindness1 <et me tell yo this% Mo #ith yo r pre"io s eyes+ GK0 GEE

yo *re $lind to the "orr ption of yo r life+ to the ho se yo li'e in+ those yo li'e #ith! #ho are yo r parents1 9o yo kno#1 All nkno#ing yo are the s"o rge of yo r o#n flesh and $lood+ the dead $elo# the earth and the li'ing here a$o'e+ GKE and the do $le lash of yo r mother and yo r father*s " rse #ill #hip yo from this land one day+ their footfall treading yo do#n in terror+ darkness shro ding yo r eyes that no# "an see the light= )oon+ soon yo *ll s"ream alo d!#hat ha'en #on*t re'er$erate1 GA0

(hat ro"k of CithaeronL #on*t s"ream $a"k in e"ho1 That day yo learn the tr th a$o t yo r marriage+ the #edding7mar"h that sang yo into yo r halls+ the l sty 'oyage home to the fatal har$or= And a "ro#d of other horrors yo *d ne'er dream #ill le'el yo #ith yo rself and all yo r "hildren% There% ;o# smear s #ith ins lts!Creon+ myself+ and e'ery #ord 0*'e said% ;o man #ill e'er $e rooted from the earth as $r tally as yo % oedip s% Eno gh= ) "h filth from him1 0ns ffera$le! #hat+ still ali'e1 Get o t! faster+ $a"k #here yo "ame from!'anish= tiresias% 0 #o ld ne'er ha'e "ome if yo hadn*t "alled me here% oedip s% 0f 0 tho ght yo #o ld $l rt o t s "h a$s rdities+ yo *d ha'e died #aiting $efore 0*d had yo s mmoned% tiresias% A$s rd+ am 0= To yo + not to yo r parents, the ones #ho $ore yo fo nd me sane eno gh% oedip s% Parents!#ho1 (ait % % % #ho is my father1 tiresias% This day #ill $ring yo r $irth and yo r destr "tion% oedip s% Riddles!all yo "an say are riddles+ m rk and darkness% E00 tiresias% Ah+ $ t aren*t yo the $est man ali'e at sol'ing riddles1 oedip s% 2o"k me for that+ go on+ and yo *ll re'eal my greatness% tiresias% Mo r great good fort ne+ tr e+ it #as yo r r in% oedip s% ;ot if 0 sa'ed the "ity!#hat do 0 "are1 tiresias% (ell then+ 0*ll $e going% !To his attendant*. Take me home+ $oy% oedip s% Mes+ take him a#ay% Mo *re a n isan"e here% 8 t of the #ay+ the irritation*s gone% E0E GCE GC0 GAE

!Turning his back on tiresias, mo,ing toward the palace*. tiresias% 0 #ill go+

on"e 0 ha'e said #hat 0 "ame here to say% 0*ll ne'er shrink from the anger in yo r eyes! yo "an*t destroy me% <isten to me "losely, E@0 the man yo *'e so ght so long+ pro"laiming+ " rsing p and do#n+ the m rderer of <ai s! he is here% A stranger% yo may think+ #ho li'es among yo + he soon #ill $e re'ealed a nati'e The$an $ t he #ill take no -oy in the re'elation% &lind #ho no# has eyes+ $eggar #ho no# is ri"h+ he #ill grope his #ay to#ard a foreign soil+ a sti"k tapping $efore him step $y step% !oedipus enters the palace*. Re'ealed at last+ $rother and father $oth to the "hildren he em$ra"es6 to his mother son and h s$and $oth!he so#ed the loins his father so#ed+ he spilled his father*s $lood= Go in and refle"t on that+ sol'e that% And if yo find 0*'e lied EFE from this day on#ard "all the prophet $lind% !tiresias and the boy e-it to the side*. "hor s% #ho is the man the 'oi"e of god deno n"es reso nding o t of the ro"ky gorge of 9elphi1 The horror too dark to tell+ #hose r thless $loody hands ha'e done the #ork1 His time has "ome to fly E30 (ho! EF0 E@E

to o tra"e the stallions of the storm his feet a streak of speed! Cased in armor+ Apollo son of the Dather l nges on him+ lightning7$olts afire= And the grim nerring D riesL "losing for the kill% <ook+ the #ord of god has - st "ome $lazing flashing off Parnass s*L sno#y heights= That man #ho left no tra"e! EG0 E3E

after him+ h nt him do#n #ith all o r strength= ;o# nder $ristling tim$er p thro gh ro"ks and "a'es he stalks like the #ild mo ntain $ ll! " t off from men+ ea"h step an agony+ frenzied+ ra"ing $lind EGE $ t he "annot o tra"e the dread 'oi"es of 9elphi ringing o t of the heart of Earth+ the dark #ings $eating aro nd him shrieking doom the doom that ne'er dies+ the terror! The skilled prophet s"ans the $irds and shatters me #ith terror= 0 "an*t a""ept him+ "an*t deny him+ don*t kno# #hat to say+ 0*m lost+ and the #ings of dark fore$oding $eating! 0 "annot see #hat*s "ome+ #hat*s still to "ome % % % and #hat "o ld $reed a $lood fe d $et#een <ai s* ho se and the son of Poly$ s1L EEE EE0

0 kno# of nothing+ not in the past and not no#+ no "harge to $ring against o r king+ no "a se to atta"k his fame that rings thro gho t The$es! not #itho t proof!not for the ghost of <ai s+

not to a'enge a m rder gone #itho t a tra"e% Ne s and Apollo kno#+ they kno#+ the great masters of all the dark and depth of h man life% & t #hether a mere man "an kno# the tr th+ #hether a seer "an fathom more than 0! there is no test+ no "ertain proof tho gh mat"hing skill for skill a man "an o tstrip a ri'al% ;o+ not till 0 see these "harges pro'ed #ill 0 side #ith his a"" sers% EHE

EH0

(e sa# him then+ #hen the she7ha#kL s#ept against him+ sa# #ith o r o#n eyes his skill+ his $rilliant tri mph! there #as the test!he #as the -oy of The$es= ;e'er #ill 0 "on'i"t my king+ ne'er in my heart% !$nter creon from the side*. "reon% 2y fello#7"itizens+ 0 hear ?ing 8edip s le'els terri$le "harges at me% 0 had to "ome% 0 resent it deeply% 0f+ in the present "risis he thinks he s ffers any a$ se from me+ anything 0*'e done or said that offers him the slightest in- ry+ #hy+ 0*'e no desire to linger o t this life+ my rep tation in r ins% The damage 0*d fa"e from s "h an a"" sation is nothing simple% ;o+ there*s nothing #orse, $randed a traitor in the "ity+ a traitor to all of yo and my good friends% leader% Tr e+ EA0 EKE EK0

$ t a sl r might ha'e $een for"ed o t of him+ $y anger perhaps+ not any firm "on'i"tion% EAE "reon% The "harge #as made in p $li"+ #asn*t it1

0 p t the prophet p to spreading lies1 leader% ) "h things #ere said % % % 0 don*t kno# #ith #hat intent+ if any% "reon% (as his glan"e steady+ his mind right #hen the "harge #as $ro ght against me1 leader% 0 really "o ldn*t say% 0 ne'er look to - dge the ones in po#er% !The doors open* oedipus enters*. (ait+ here*s 8edip s no#% oedip s% Mo !here1 Mo ha'e the gall ECE EC0

to sho# yo r fa"e $efore the pala"e gates1 Mo + plotting to kill me+ kill the king! 0 see it all+ the mara ding thief himself s"heming to steal my "ro#n and po#er=

Tell me+ in god*s name+ #hat did yo take me for+ "o#ard or fool+ #hen yo sp n o t yo r plot1 Mo r trea"hery!yo think 0*d ne'er dete"t it "reeping against me in the dark1 8r sensing it+ not defend myself1 Aren*t yo the fool+ yo and yo r high ad'ent re% <a"king n m$ers+ po#erf l friends+ o t for the $ig game of empire! yo need ri"hes+ armies to $ring that / arry do#n= "reon% Are yo / ite finished1 0t*s yo r t rn to listen for - st as long as yo *'e % % % instr "ted me% Hear me o t+ then - dge me on the fa"ts% oedip s% Mo *'e a #i"ked #ay #ith #ords+ Creon+ $ t 0*ll $e slo# to learn!from yo % H@0 H0E H00

0 find yo a mena"e+ a great $ rden to me% "reon% 5 st one thing+ hear me o t in this% oedip s% 5 st one thing+

don*t tell me yo *re not the enemy+ the traitor% "reon% <ook+ if yo think "r de+ mindless st $$ornness s "h a gift+ yo *'e lost yo r sense of $alan"e% oedip s% 0f yo think yo "an a$ se a kinsman+ then es"ape the penalty+ yo *re insane% "reon% Dair eno gh+ 0 grant yo % & t this in- ry yo say 0*'e done yo + #hat is it1 HF0 oedip s% 9id yo ind "e me+ yes or no+ to send for that san"timonio s prophet1 "reon% 0 did% And 0*d do the same again% oedip s% All right then+ tell me+ ho# long is it no# sin"e <ai s % % % "reon% oedip s% <ai s!#hat did he do1 Qanished+ HFE H@E

s#ept from sight+ m rdered in his tra"ks% "reon% The "o nt of the years #o ld r n yo far $a"k % % % oedip s% And that far $a"k+ #as the prophet at his trade1 "reon% )killed as he is today+ and - st as honored% oedip s% 9id he e'er refer to me then+ at that time1 "reon% ne'er+ at least+ #hen 0 #as in his presen"e% oedip s% & t yo did in'estigate the m rder+ didn*t yo 1 "reon% (e did o r $est+ of "o rse+ dis"o'ered nothing% oedip s% & t the great seer ne'er a"" sed me then!#hy not1 "reon% 0 don*t kno#% And #hen 0 don*t+ 0 keep / iet% oedip s% Mo do kno# this+ yo *d tell it too! H3E ;o+ H30

if yo had a shred of de"en"y% "reon% 0f 0 kno#+ 0 #on*t hold $a"k% oedip s% )imply this, (hat1

if the t#o of yo had ne'er p t heads together+ #e #o ld ne'er ha'e heard a$o t my killing <ai s% HG0 "reon% 0f that*s #hat he says % % % #ell+ yo kno# $est% & t no# 0 ha'e a right to learn from yo as yo - st learned from me% oedip s% <earn yo r fill+

yo ne'er #ill "on'i"t me of the m rder% "reon% Tell me+ yo *re married to my sister+ aren*t yo 1 HGE oedip s% A gen ine dis"o'ery!there*s no denying that% "reon% And yo r le the land #ith her+ #ith e/ al po#er1 oedip s% )he re"ei'es from me #hate'er she desires% "reon% And 0 am the third+ all of s are e/ als1 oedip s% Mes+ and it*s there yo sho# yo r stripes! yo $etray a kinsman% "reon% ;ot at all% HE0

;ot if yo see things "almly+ rationally+ as 0 do% <ook at it this #ay first, #ho in his right mind #o ld rather r le and li'e in an.iety than sleep in pea"e1 Parti" larly if he en-oys the same a thority% ;ot 0+ 0*m not the man to yearn for kingship+ not #ith a king*s po#er in my hands% (ho #o ld1 ;o#+ as it is+ yo offer me all 0 need+ HH0 HEE

not a fear in the #orld% & t if 0 #ore the "ro#n % % % there*d $e many painf l d ties to perform+

hardly to my taste% Ho# "o ld kingship please me more than infl en"e+ po#er #itho t a / alm1 0*m not that del ded yet+ HHE to rea"h for anything $ t pri'ilege o tright+ profit free and "lear% ;o# all men sing my praises+ all sal te me+ no# all #ho re/ est yo r fa'ors " rry mine% 0 am their $est hope, s ""ess rests in me% HK0

(hy gi'e p that+ 0 ask yo + and $orro# tro $le1 A man of sense+ someone #ho sees things "learly #o ld ne'er resort to treason% ;o+ 0*'e no l st for "onspira"y in me+ nor "o ld 0 e'er s ffer one #ho does% 9o yo #ant proof1 Go to 9elphi yo rself+ e.amine the ora"le and see if 0*'e reported the message #ord7for7#ord% This too, if yo dete"t that 0 and the "lair'oyant ha'e plotted anything in "ommon+ arrest me+ e.e" te me% ;ot on the strength of one 'ote+ t#o in this "ase+ mine as #ell as yo rs% & t don*t "on'i"t me on sheer n'erified s rmise% Ho# #rong it is to take the good for $ad+ p rely at random+ or take the $ad for good% HAE & t re-e"t a friend+ a kinsman1 0 #o ld as soon tear o t the life #ithin s+ pri"eless life itself% Mo *ll learn this #ell+ #itho t fail+ in time% Time alone "an $ring the - st man to light! the "riminal yo "an spot in one short day% HA0 HKE

leader%

Good ad'i"e+

HC0

my lord+ for anyone #ho #ants to a'oid disaster% Those #ho - mp to "on"l sions may go #rong% oedip s% (hen my enemy mo'es against me / i"kly+ plots in se"ret+ 0 mo'e / i"kly too+ 0 m st+ 0 plot and pay him $a"k% Rela. my g ard a moment+ HCE #aiting his ne.t mo'e!he #ins his o$-e"ti'e+ 0 lose mine% "reon% (hat do yo #ant1

Mo #ant me $anished1 oedip s% ;o+ 0 #ant yo dead%

"reon% 5 st to sho# ho# gly a gr dge "an % % % oedip s% )o+

still st $$orn1 yo don*t think 0*m serio s1 K00 "reon% 0 think yo *re insane% oedip s% R ite sane!in my $ehalf%

"reon% ;ot - st as m "h in mine1 oedip s% Mo !my mortal enemy1

"reon% (hat if yo *re #holly #rong1 oedip s% "reon% ;ot if yo r le n- stly% oedip s% Hear him+ The$es+ my "ity= K0E ;o matter!0 m st r le%

"reon% 2y "ity too+ not yo rs alone= leader% Please+ my lords% !$nter jocasta from the palace*.

<ook+ 5o"asta*s "oming+ and - st in time too% (ith her help yo m st p t this fighting of yo rs to rest% -o"asta% Ha'e yo no sense1 Poor misg ided men+

s "h sho ting!#hy this p $li" o t$ rst1 Aren*t yo ashamed+ #ith the land so si"k+ to stir p pri'ate / arrels1 !To oedipus*.

K@0

0nto the pala"e no#% And Creon+ yo go home% (hy make s "h a f ror o'er nothing1 "reon% 2y sister+ it*s dreadf l % % % 8edip s+ yo r h s$and+K@E he*s $ent on a "hoi"e of p nishments for me+ $anishment from the fatherland or death% oedip s% Pre"isely% 0 "a ght him in the a"t+ 5o"asta+ plotting+ a$o t to sta$ me in the $a"k% "reon% ;e'er!" rse me+ let me die and $e damned if 0*'e done yo any #rong yo "harge me #ith% -o"asta% 8h god+ $elie'e it+ 8edip s+ honor the solemn oath he s#ears to hea'en% 9o it for me+ for the sake of all yo r people% !The chorus begins to chant*. "hor s% &elie'e it+ $e sensi$le KFE gi'e #ay+ my king+ 0 $eg yo = oedip s% (hat do yo #ant from me+ "on"essions1 "hor s% Respe"t him!he*s $een no fool in the past and no# he*s strong #ith the oath he s#ears to god% oedip s% Mo kno# #hat yo *re asking1 "hor s% oedip s% 0 do% Then o t #ith it= K30 KF0

"hor s% The man*s yo r friend+ yo r kin+ he*s nder oath! don*t "ast him o t+ disgra"ed $randed #ith g ilt on the strength of hearsay only% oedip s% ?no# f ll #ell+ if that is #hat yo #ant

yo #ant me dead or $anished from the land% "hor s% ;e'er! K3E

no+ $y the $lazing ) n+ first god of the hea'ens= )tripped of the gods+ stripped of lo'ed ones+ let me die $y in"hes if that e'er "rossed my mind% & t the heart inside me si"kens+ dies as the land dies and no# on top of the old griefs yo pile this+ yo r f ry!$oth of yo = oedip s% Then let him go+ KG0

e'en if it does lead to my r in+ my death or my disgra"e+ dri'en from The$es for life% 0t*s yo + not him 0 pity!yo r #ords mo'e me% He+ #here'er he goes+ my hate goes #ith him% KGE

"reon% <ook at yo + s llen in yielding+ $r tal in yo r rage! yo *ll go too far% 0t*s perfe"t - sti"e, nat res like yo rs are hardest on themsel'es% oedip s% Then lea'e me alone!get o t= "reon% 0*m going%

Mo *re #rong+ so #rong% These men kno# 0*m right% KE0 !$-it to the side* The chorus turns to jocasta*. "hor s% (hy do yo hesitate+ my lady #hy not help him in1 -o"asta% Tell me #hat*s happened first% "hor s% <oose+ ignorant talk started dark s spi"ions and a sense of in- sti"e " t deeply too% -o"asta% 8n $oth sides1 "hor s% -o"asta% 8h yes% (hat did they say1 KEE

"hor s% Eno gh+ please+ eno gh= The land*s so ra"ked already

or so it seems to me % % % End the tro $le here+ - st #here they left it% oedip s% Mo see #hat "omes of yo r good intentions no#1 And all $e"a se yo tried to $l nt my anger% "hor s% 2y king+ KH0

0*'e said it on"e+ 0*ll say it time and again! 0*d $e insane+ yo kno# it+ senseless+ e'er to t rn my $a"k on yo % Mo #ho set o r $elo'ed land!storm7tossed+ shattered! straight on "o rse% ;o# again+ good helmsman+ steer s thro gh the storm= !The chorus draws away, lea,ing oedipus and jocasta side by side*. -o"asta% Dor the lo'e of god+ KHE

8edip s+ tell me too+ #hat is it1 (hy this rage1 Mo *re so n$ending% oedip s% 0 #ill tell yo % 0 respe"t yo + 5o"asta+ m "h more than these % % % !1lancing at the chorus*. Creon*s to $lame+ Creon s"hemes against me% -o"asta% Tell me "learly+ ho# did the / arrel start1 oedip s% He says 0 m rdered <ai s!0 am g ilty% -o"asta% Ho# does he kno#1 )ome se"ret kno#ledge or simple hearsay1 oedip s% 8h+ he sent his prophet in KKE KK0

to do his dirty #ork% Mo kno# Creon+ Creon keeps his o#n lips "lean% -o"asta% A prophet1

(ell then+ free yo rself of e'ery "harge= <isten to me and learn some pea"e of mind, KA0

no skill in the #orld+ nothing h man "an penetrate the f t re% Here is proof+ / i"k and to the point% An ora"le "ame to <ai s one fine day 30 #on*t say from Apollo himself KAE

$ t his nderlings+ his priests4 and it said that doom #o ld strike him do#n at the hands of a son+ o r son+ to $e $orn of o r o#n flesh and $lood% & t <ai s+ so the report goes at least+ #as killed $y strangers+ thie'es+ at a pla"e #here three roads meet % % % my son! he #asn*t three days old and the $oy*s father fastened his ankles+ had a hen"hman fling him a#ay on a $arren+ tra"kless mo ntain% There+ yo see1 Apollo $ro ght neither thing to pass% 2y $a$y no more m rdered his father than <ai s s ffered! KCE his #ildest fear!death at his o#n son*s hands% That*s ho# the seers and all their re'elations mapped o t the f t re% &r sh them from yo r mind% (hate'er the god needs and seeks he*ll $ring to light himself+ #ith ease% oedip s% )trange+ A00 KC0

hearing yo - st no# % % % my mind #andered+ my tho ghts ra"ing $a"k and forth% -o"asta% (hat do yo mean1 (hy so an.io s+ startled1 oedip s% 0 tho ght 0 heard yo say that <ai s #as " t do#n at a pla"e #here three roads meet% -o"asta% That #as the story% 0t hasn*t died o t yet% oedip s% (here did this thing happen1 &e pre"ise% A0E

-o"asta% A pla"e "alled Pho"is+ #here t#o $ran"hing roads+ one from 9a lia+ one from 9elphi+ "ome together!a "rossroads% oedip s% (hen1 Ho# long ago1 -o"asta% The heralds no sooner reported <ai s dead than yo appeared and they hailed yo king of The$es% oedip s% 2y god+ my god!#hat ha'e yo planned to do to me1 -o"asta% (hat+ 8edip s1 (hat ha nts yo so1 oedip s% <ai s!ho# did he look1 9es"ri$e him% Had he rea"hed his prime1 -o"asta% He #as s#arthy+ ;ot yet% A@E A@0

and the gray had - st $eg n to streak his temples+ and his $ ild % % % #asn*t far from yo rs% oedip s% 8h no no+ AF0

0 think 0*'e - st "alled do#n a dreadf l " rse pon myself!0 simply didn*t kno#= -o"asta% (hat are yo saying1 0 sh dder to look at yo % oedip s% 0 ha'e a terri$le fear the $lind seer "an see% 0*ll kno# in a moment% 8ne thing more! -o"asta% Anything+ AFE

afraid as 0 am!ask+ 0*ll ans#er+ all 0 "an% oedip s% 9id he go #ith a light or hea'y es"ort+ se'eral men7at7arms+ like a lord+ a king1

-o"asta% There #ere fi'e in the party+ a herald among them+ and a single #agon "arrying <ai s% oedip s% no# 0 "an see it all+ "lear as day% Ai! A30

(ho told yo all this at the time+ 5o"asta1

-o"asta% A ser'ant #ho rea"hed home+ the lone s r'i'or% oedip s% )o+ "o ld he still $e in the pala"e!e'en no#1 -o"asta% ;o indeed% )oon as he ret rned from the s"ene and sa# yo on the throne #ith <ai s dead and gone+ he knelt and "l t"hed my hand+ pleading #ith me to send him into the hinterlands+ to past re+ far as possi$le+ o t of sight of The$es% 0 sent him a#ay% )la'e tho gh he #as+ he*d earned that fa'or!and m "h more% oedip s% Can #e $ring him $a"k+ / i"kly1 -o"asta% Easily% (hy do yo #ant him so1 oedip s% 5o"asta+ 0 ha'e said too m "h already% That man!0*'e got to see him% -o"asta% Then he*ll "ome% AGE 0*m afraid+ AG0 A3E

& t e'en 0 ha'e a right+ 0*d like to think+ to kno# #hat*s tort ring yo + my lord%

oedip s% And so yo shall!0 "an hold nothing $a"k from yo + no# 0*'e rea"hed this pit"h of dark fore$oding% (ho means more to me than yo 1 Tell me+ #hom #o ld 0 t rn to#ard $ t yo AE0 as 0 go thro gh all this1 2y father #as Poly$ s+ king of Corinth% 2y mother+ a 9orian+ 2erope% And 0 #as held the prin"e of the realm among the people there+ till something str "k me o t of no#here+ AEE

something strange % % % #orth remarking perhaps+ hardly #orth the an.iety 0 ga'e it% )ome man at a $an/ et #ho had dr nk too m "h

sho ted o t!he #as far gone+ mind yo ! that 0 am not my father*s son% Dighting #ords= 0 $arely restrained myself that day $ t early the ne.t 0 #ent to mother and father+ / estioned them "losely+ and they #ere enraged at the a"" sation and the fool #ho let it fly% )o as for my parents 0 #as satisfied+ $ t still this thing kept gna#ing at me+ the slander spread!0 had to make my mo'e% And so+ nkno#n to mother and father 0 set o t for 9elphi+ and the god Apollo sp rned me+ sent me a#ay denied the fa"ts 0 "ame for+ AK0 AHE AH0

$ t first he flashed $efore my eyes a f t re great #ith pain+ terror+ disaster!0 "an hear him "ry+ Mo are fated to "o ple #ith yo r mother+ yo #ill $ring a $reed of "hildren into the light no man "an $ear to see! yo #ill kill yo r father+ the one #ho ga'e yo life= AKE 0 heard all that and ran% 0 a$andoned Corinth+ from that day on 0 ga ged its landfall only $y the stars+ r nning+ al#ays r nning to#ard some pla"e #here 0 #o ld ne'er see the shame of all those ora"les "ome tr e% And as 0 fled 0 rea"hed that 'ery spot #here the great king+ yo say+ met his death% ;o#+ 5o"asta+ 0 #ill tell yo all% 2aking my #ay to#ard this triple "rossroad 0 $egan to see a herald+ then a $ra"e of "olts AAE dra#ing a #agon+ and mo nted on the $en"h % % % a man+ AA0

- st as yo *'e des"ri$ed him+ "oming fa"e7to7fa"e+ and the one in the lead and the old man himself #ere a$o t to thr st me off the road!$r te for"e! and the one sho ldering me aside+ the dri'er+ AC0

0 strike him in anger=!and the old man+ #at"hing me "oming p along his #heels!he $rings do#n his prod+ t#o prongs straight at my head= 0 paid him $a"k #ith interest= )hort #ork+ $y god!#ith one $lo# of the staff in this right hand 0 kno"k him o t of his high seat+ roll him o t of the #agon+ spra#ling headlong! 0 killed them all!e'ery mother*s son= 8h+ $ t if there is any $lood7tie $et#een <ai s and this stranger % % % #hat man ali'e more misera$le than 01 2ore hated $y the gods1 0 am the man no alien+ no "itizen #el"omes to his ho se+ la# for$ids it!not a #ord to me in p $li"+ dri'en o t of e'ery hearth and home% And all these " rses 0!no one $ t 0 $ro ght do#n these piling " rses on myself= And yo + his #ife+ 0*'e to "hed yo r $ody #ith these+ the hands that killed yo r h s$and "o'er yo #ith $lood% (asn*t 0 $orn for torment1 <ook me in the eyes= 0 am a$omination!heart and so l= 0 m st $e e.iled+ and e'en in e.ile ne'er see my parents+ ne'er set foot on nati'e gro nd again% Else 0 am doomed to "o ple #ith my mother and " t my father do#n % % % C@E C@0 C0E C00 ACE

Poly$ s #ho reared me+ ga'e me life% & t #hy+ #hy1 (o ldn*t a man of - dgment say!and #o ldn*t he $e right! some sa'age po#er has $ro ght this do#n pon my head1 8h no+ not that+ yo p re and a#esome gods+ ne'er let me see that day= <et me slip CF0

from the #orld of men+ 'anish #itho t a tra"e $efore 0 see myself stained #ith s "h "orr ption+ stained to the heart% leader% 2y lord+ yo fill o r hearts #ith fear% & t at least ntil yo / estion the #itness+ CFE do take hope% oedip s% E.a"tly% He is my last hope!

0 am #aiting for the shepherd% He is "r "ial% -o"asta% And on"e he appears+ #hat then1 (hy so rgent1 oedip s% 0 #ill tell yo % 0f it t rns o t that his story mat"hes yo rs+ 0*'e es"aped the #orst% -o"asta% (hat did 0 say1 (hat str "k yo so1 oedip s% Mo said thie'es! C30

he told yo a #hole $and of them m rdered <ai s% )o+ if he still holds to the same n m$er+ 0 "annot $e the killer% 8ne "an*t e/ al many% & t if he refers to one man+ one alone+ "learly the s"ales "ome do#n on me, 0 am g ilty% -o"asta% 0mpossi$le% Tr st me+ C3E

0 told yo pre"isely #hat he said+ and he "an*t retra"t it no#6 the #hole "ity heard it+ not - st 0% CG0

And e'en if he sho ld 'ary his first report $y one man more or less+ still+ my lord+ he "o ld ne'er make the m rder of <ai s tr ly fit the prophe"y% Apollo #as e.pli"it, my son #as doomed to kill my h s$and % % % my son+ CGE poor defenseless thing+ he ne'er had a "han"e to kill his father% They destroyed him first% )o m "h for prophe"y% 0t*s neither here nor there% Drom this day on+ 0 #o ldn*t look right or left% oedip s% Tr e+ tr e% )till+ that shepherd+CE0 someone fet"h him!no#= -o"asta% 0*ll send at on"e% & t do let*s go inside% 0*d ne'er displease yo + least of all in this% !oedipus and jocasta enter the palace*. "hor s% 9estiny g ide me al#ays 9estiny find me filled #ith re'eren"e p re in #ord and deed% Great la#s to#er a$o'e s+ reared on high $orn for the $rilliant 'a lt of hea'en! 8lympian )ky their only father+ nothing mortal+ no man ga'e them $irth+ their memory deathless+ ne'er lost in sleep, #ithin them li'es a mighty god+ the god does not gro# old% Pride $reeds the tyrant 'iolent pride+ gorging+ "rammed to $ rsting #ith all that is o'erripe and ri"h #ith r in! "la#ing p to the heights+ headlong pride "rashes do#n the a$yss!sheer doom= ;o footing helps+ all foothold lost and gone% CHE CH0 CEE

& t the healthy strife that makes the "ity strong! 0 pray that god #ill ne'er end that #restling, god+ my "hampion+ 0 #ill ne'er let yo go% & t if any man "omes striding+ high and mighty in all he says and does+ no fear of - sti"e+ no re'eren"e for the temples of the gods! let a ro gh doom tear him do#n+ repay his pride+ $reakne"k+ r ino s pride= 0f he "annot reap his profits fairly "annot restrain himself from o trage! mad+ laying hands on the holy things nto "ha$le= Can s "h a man+ so desperate+ still $oast he "an sa'e his life from the flashing $olts of god1 0f all s "h 'iolen"e goes #ith honor no# #hy -oin the sa"red dan"e1 ;e'er again #ill 0 go re'erent to 9elphi+ the in'iolate heart of Earth or Apollo*s an"ient ora"le at A$ae or 8lympia of the fires! nless these prophe"ies all "ome tr e for all mankind to point to#ard in #onder% CC0 ?ing of kings+ if yo deser'e yo r titles Ne s+ remem$er+ ne'er forget= Mo and yo r deathless+ e'erlasting reign% They are dying+ the old ora"les sent to <ai s+ no# o r masters strike them off the rolls% ;o#here Apollo*s golden glory no#! the gods+ the gods go do#n% CCE CAE CA0 CKE CK0

!$nter jocasta from the palace, carrying a suppliant2s branch wound in wool*. -o"asta% <ords of the realm+ it o"" rred to me+ - st no#+ to 'isit the temples of the gods+ so 0 ha'e my $ran"h in my hand and in"ense too% 8edip s is $eside himself% Ra"ked #ith ang ish+ no longer a man of sense+ he #on*t admit the latest prophe"ies are hollo# as the old! he*s at the mer"y of e'ery passing 'oi"e if the 'oi"e tells of terror% @00E 0 rge him gently+ nothing seems to help+ so 0 t rn to yo + Apollo+ yo are nearest% !0lacing her branch on the altar, while an old herdsman enters from the side, not the one just summoned by the 3ing but an une-pected messenger from orinth*. 0 "ome #ith prayers and offerings % % % 0 $eg yo + "leanse s+ set s free of defilement= <ook at s+ passengers in the grip of fear+ #at"hing the pilot of the 'essel go to pie"es% messenger% OApproa"hing -o"asta and the "hor s%P )trangers+ please+ 0 #onder if yo "o ld lead s to the pala"e of the king % % % 0 think it*s 8edip s% &etter+ the man himself!yo kno# #here he is1 leader% This is his pala"e+ stranger% He*s inside% @0@E & t here is his / een+ his #ife and mother of his "hildren% messenger% &lessings on yo + no$le / een+ @0@0 @000

/ een of 8edip s "ro#ned #ith all yo r family! $lessings on yo al#ays= -o"asta% And the same to yo + stranger+ yo deser'e it % % % @0F0 s "h a greeting% & t #hat ha'e yo "ome for1

Ha'e yo $ro ght s ne#s1 messenger% (onderf l ne#s!

for the ho se+ my lady+ for yo r h s$and too% -o"asta% Really+ #hat1 (ho sent yo 1 messenger% Corinth% @0FE

0*ll gi'e yo the message in a moment%

Mo *ll $e glad of it!ho# "o ld yo help it1! tho gh it "osts a little sorro# in the $argain% -o"asta% (hat "an it $e+ #ith s "h a do $le edge1 messenger% The people there+ they #ant to make yo r 8edip s king of Corinth+ so they*re saying no#% -o"asta% (hy1 0sn*t old Poly$ s still in po#er1 messenger% ;o more% 9eath has got him in the tom$% -o"asta% (hat are yo saying1 Poly$ s+ dead1!dead1 messenger% if 0*m not telling the tr th+ strike me dead too% -o"asta% OTo a ser'ant%P R i"kly+ go to yo r master+ tell him this= @03E 0f not+ @030

Mo prophe"ies of the gods+ #here are yo no#1 This is the man that 8edip s feared for years+ he fled him+ not to kill him!and no# he*s dead+ / ite $y "han"e+ a normal+ nat ral death+ not m rdered $y his son% oedip s% OEmerging from the pala"e%P 9earest+ #hat no#1 (hy "all me from the pala"e1 -o"asta% O&ringing the messenger "loser%P <isten to him+ see for yo rself #hat all those a#f l prophe"ies of god ha'e "ome to% @0G0

oedip s% And #ho is he1 (hat "an he ha'e for me1 -o"asta% He*s from Corinth+ he*s "ome to tell yo @0GE yo r father is no more!Poly$ s!he*s dead= oedip s% O(heeling on the messenger%P (hat1 <et me ha'e it from yo r lips% messenger% (ell+

if that*s #hat yo #ant first+ then here it is, make no mistake+ Poly$ s is dead and gone% oedip s% Ho#!m rder1 si"kness1!#hat1 #hat killed him1 messenger% A light tip of the s"ales p t old $ones to rest% oedip s% )i"kness then!poor man+ it #ore him do#n% messenger% and the long "o nt of years he*d meas red o t% oedip s% 5o"asta+ #hy+ #hy look to the Prophet*s hearth+ the fires of the f t re1 (hy s"an the $irds @0EE )o= That+ @0E0

that s"ream a$o'e o r heads1 They #inged me on to the m rder of my father+ did they1 That #as my doom1 (ell look+ he*s dead and $ ried+ hidden nder the earth+ and here 0 am in The$es+ 0 ne'er p t hand to s#ord! nless some longing for me #asted him a#ay+ then in a sense yo *d say 0 "a sed his death% & t no#+ all those prophe"ies 0 feared!Poly$ s pa"ks them off to sleep #ith him in hell= They*re nothing+ #orthless% -o"asta% There% @0HE @0H0

9idn*t 0 tell yo from the start1 oedip s% )o yo did% 0 #as lost in fear%

-o"asta% ;o more+ s#eep it from yo r mind fore'er%

oedip s% & t my mother*s $ed+ s rely 0 m st fear! -o"asta% (hat sho ld a man fear1 0t*s all "han"e+ "han"e r les o r li'es% ;ot a man on earth @0K0 "an see a day ahead+ groping thro gh the dark% &etter to li'e at random+ $est #e "an% And as for this marriage #ith yo r mother! ha'e no fear% 2any a man $efore yo + in his dreams+ has shared his mother*s $ed% @0KE Take s "h things for shado#s+ nothing at all! <i'e+ 8edip s+ as if there*s no tomorro#= oedip s% &ra'e #ords+ Dear1

and yo *d pers ade me if mother #eren*t ali'e% & t mother li'es+ so for all yo r reass ran"es 0 li'e in fear+ 0 m st% -o"asta% & t yo r father*s death+ @0A0

that+ at least+ is a great $lessing+ -oy to the eyes= oedip s% Great+ 0 kno# % % % $ t 0 fear her!she*s still ali'e% messenger% (ait+ #ho is this #oman+ makes yo so afraid1 oedip s% 2erope+ old man% The #ife of Poly$ s% @0AE messenger% The / een1 (hat*s there to fear in her1 oedip s% A dreadf l prophe"y+ stranger+ sent $y the gods% messenger% Tell me+ "o ld yo 1 Jnless it*s for$idden other ears to hear% oedip s% ;ot at all% @0C0

Apollo told me on"e!it is my fate! 0 m st make lo'e #ith my o#n mother+ shed my father*s $lood #ith my o#n hands%

)o for years 0*'e gi'en Corinth a #ide $erth+ and it*s $een my good fort ne too% & t still+ to see one*s parents and look into their eyes @0CE is the greatest -oy 0 kno#% messenger% Mo *re afraid of that1

That kept yo o t of Corinth1 oedip s% so 0 #o ldn*t kill my father% messenger% )o that*s it% 2y father+ old man!

(ell then+ seeing 0 "ame #ith s "h good #ill+ my king+ #hy don*t 0 rid yo of that old #orry no#1 @@00 oedip s% (hat a ri"h re#ard yo *d ha'e for that= messenger% (hat do yo think 0 "ame for+ ma-esty1 )o yo *d "ome home and 0*d $e $etter off% oedip s% ;e'er+ 0 #ill ne'er go near my parents% messenger% 2y $oy+ it*s "lear+ yo don*t kno# #hat yo *re doing% @@0E oedip s% (hat do yo mean+ old man1 Dor god*s sake+ e.plain% messenger% 0f yo ran from them+ al#ays dodging home % % % oedip s% Al#ays+ terrified Apollo*s ora"le might "ome tr e! messenger% And yo *d $e "o'ered #ith g ilt+ from $oth yo r parents% oedip s% That*s right+ old man+ that fear is al#ays #ith me% messenger% 9on*t yo kno#1 Mo *'e really nothing to fear% oedip s% & t #hy1 0f 0*m their son!2erope+ Poly$ s1 messenger% Poly$ s #as nothing to yo + that*s #hy+ not in $lood% oedip s% (hat are yo saying!Poly$ s #as not my father1 messenger% ;o more than 0 am% He and 0 are e/ als% oedip s% 2y father! @@@E @@@0

ho# "an my father e/ al nothing1 Mo *re nothing to me= messenger% ;either #as he+ no more yo r father than 0 am%

oedip s% Then #hy did he "all me his son1 messenger% years ago!kno# for a fa"t he took yo from my hands% oedip s% ;o+ from another*s hands1 @@F0 Mo #ere a gift+

Then ho# "o ld he lo'e me so1 He lo'ed me+ deeply % % % messenger% Tr e+ and his early years #itho t a "hild made him lo'e yo all the more% oedip s% $ y me1 find me $y a""ident1 messenger% 0 st m$led on yo + And yo + did yo % % %

do#n the #oody flanks of 2o nt Cithaeron% oedip s% )o "lose+ @@FE

#hat #ere yo doing here+ - st passing thro gh1 messenger% (at"hing o'er my flo"ks+ grazing them on the slopes% oedip s% A herdsman+ #ere yo 1 A 'aga$ond+ s"raping for #ages1 messenger% Mo r sa'ior too+ my son+ in yo r #orst ho r% oedip s% 8h! @@30

#hen yo pi"ked me p+ #as 0 in pain1 (hat e.a"tly1 messenger% Mo r ankles % % % they tell the story% <ook at them% oedip s% (hy remind me of that+ that old affli"tion1 messenger% Mo r ankles #ere pinned together% 0 set yo free% oedip s% That dreadf l mark!0*'e had it from the "radle% messenger% And yo got yo r nameL from that misfort ne too+ the name*s still #ith yo % oedip s% mother1 father1 Tell me% messenger% 0 don*t kno#% 9ear god+ #ho did it1!

@@3E

The one #ho ga'e yo to me+ he*d kno# more%

oedip s% (hat1 Mo took me from someone else1 Mo didn*t find me yo rself1 messenger% ;o sir+ @@G0

another shepherd passed yo on to me% oedip s% (ho1 9o yo kno#1 9es"ri$e him% messenger% He "alled himself a ser'ant of % % % if 0 remem$er rightly!<ai s% !jocasta turns sharply*. oedip s% The king of the land #ho r led here long ago1 @@GE messenger% That*s the one% That herdsman #as his man% oedip s% 0s he still ali'e1 Can 0 see him1 messenger% They*d kno# $est+ the people of these parts% !oedipus and the messenger turn to the chorus*. oedip s% 9oes anyone kno# that herdsman+ the one he mentioned1 Anyone seen him in the fields+ in the "ity1 8 t #ith it= The time has "ome to re'eal this on"e for all% leader% 0 think he*s the 'ery shepherd yo #anted to see+ a moment ago% & t the / een+ 5o"asta+ she*s the one to say% oedip s% 5o"asta+ @@EE @@E0

yo remem$er the man #e - st sent for1 0s that the one he means1 -o"asta% That man % % %

#hy ask1 8ld shepherd+ talk+ empty nonsense+ don*t gi'e it another tho ght+ don*t e'en think! oedip s% (hat!gi'e p no#+ #ith a "l e like this1 Dail to sol'e the mystery of my $irth1 ;ot for all the #orld= @@H0

-o"asta%

)top!in the name of god+

if yo lo'e yo r o#n life+ "all off this sear"h= 2y s ffering is eno gh% oedip s% Co rage= @@HE

E'en if my mother t rns o t to $e a sla'e+ and 0 a sla'e+ three generations $a"k+ yo #o ld not seem "ommon% -o"asta% 8h no+

listen to me+ 0 $eg yo + don*t do this% oedip s% <isten to yo 1 ;o more% 0 m st kno# it all+ m st see the tr th at last% -o"asta% ;o+ please! @@K0

for yo r sake!0 #ant the $est for yo = oedip s% Mo r $est is more than 0 "an $ear% -o"asta% may yo ne'er fathom #ho yo are= oedip s% OTo a ser'ant%P H rry+ fet"h me the herdsman+ no#= <ea'e her to glory in her royal $irth% -o"asta% Aieeeeee! man of agony! that is the only name 0 ha'e for yo + that+ no other!e'er+ e'er+ e'er= !Flinging through the palace doors* % long, tense silence follows*. leader% (here*s she gone+ 8edip s1 R shing off+ s "h #ild grief % % % 0*m afraid that from this silen"e something monstro s may "ome $ rsting forth% oedip s% <et it $ rst= (hate'er #ill+ #hate'er m st= 0 m st kno# my $irth+ no matter ho# "ommon @@A0 @@KE Mo *re doomed!

it may $e!0 m st see my origins fa"e7to7fa"e% )he perhaps+ she #ith her #oman*s pride may #ell $e mortified $y my $irth+ $ t 0+ 0 "o nt myself the son of Chan"e+ the great goddess+ gi'er of all good things! 0*ll ne'er see myself disgra"ed% )he is my mother=

@@AE

@@C0

And the moons ha'e marked me o t+ my $lood7$rothers+ one moon on the #ane+ the ne.t moon great #ith po#er% That is my $lood+ my nat re!0 #ill ne'er $etray it+ ne'er fail to sear"h and learn my $irth= "hor s% Mes!if 0 am a tr e prophet if 0 "an grasp the tr th+ $y the $o ndless skies of 8lymp s+ at the f ll moon of tomorro#+ 2o nt Cithaeron yo #ill kno# ho# 8edip s glories in yo ! yo + his $irthpla"e+ n rse+ his mo ntain7mother= And #e #ill sing yo + dan"ing o t yo r praise! yo lift o r monar"h*s heart= Apollo+ Apollo+ god of the #ild "ry may o r dan"ing please yo = 8edip s! son+ dear "hild+ #ho $ore yo 1 @F0E (ho of the nymphs #ho seem to li'e fore'er mated #ith Pan+L the mo ntain7striding Dather1 (ho #as yo r mother1 #ho+ some $ride of Apollo the god #ho lo'es the past res spreading to#ard the s n1 8r #as it Hermes+ king of the lightning ridges1 @F@0 @F00 @@CE

8r 9ionys s+ lord of frenzy+ lord of the $arren peaks! did he seize yo in his hands+ dearest of all his l "ky finds1!

fo nd $y the nymphs+ their #arm eyes dan"ing+ gift to the lord #ho lo'es them dan"ing o t his -oy= !oedipus strains to see a figure coming from the distance* %ttended by palace guards, an old shepherd enters slowly, reluctant to approach the king*. oedip s% 0 ne'er met the man+ my friends % % % still+ if 0 had to g ess+ 0*d say that*s the shepherd+ the 'ery one #e*'e looked for all along% &rothers in old age+ t#o of a kind+ he and o r g est here% At any rate the ones #ho $ring him in are my o#n men+ @FF0 0 re"ognize them% !Turning to the leader*. & t yo kno# more than 0+ yo sho ld+ yo *'e seen the man $efore% leader% 0 kno# him+ definitely% 8ne of <ai s* men+ a tr sty shepherd+ if there e'er #as one% oedip s% Mo + 0 ask yo first+ stranger+ @FFE yo from Corinth!is this the one yo mean1 messenger% Mo *re looking at him% He*s yo r man% oedip s% OTo the shepherd%P Mo + old man+ "ome o'er here! look at me% Ans#er all my / estions% 9id yo e'er ser'e ?ing <ai s1 shepherd% )o 0 did % % % @F30 @F@E

a sla'e+ not $o ght on the $lo"k tho gh+ $orn and reared in the pala"e% oedip s% Mo r d ties+ yo r kind of #ork1 shepherd% Herding the flo"ks+ the $etter part of my life% oedip s% (here+ mostly1 (here did yo do yo r grazing1

shepherd% Cithaeron sometimes+ or the foothills ro nd a$o t% oedip s% This man!yo kno# him1 e'er see him there1

(ell+

@F3E

shepherd% OConf sed+ glan"ing from the messenger to the king%P 9oing #hat1!#hat man do yo mean1 oedip s% OPointing to the messenger%P This one here!e'er ha'e dealings #ith him1 shepherd% ;ot so 0 "o ld say+ $ t gi'e me a "han"e+ my memory*s $ad % % % messenger% ;o #onder he doesn*t kno# me+ master% & t let me refresh his memory for him% 0*m s re he re"alls old times #e had on the slopes of 2o nt Cithaeron6 @FGE he and 0+ grazing o r flo"ks+ he #ith t#o and 0 #ith one!#e $oth str "k p together+ three #hole seasons+ si. months at a stret"h from spring to the rising of Ar"t r sL in the fall+ then #ith #inter "oming on 0*d dri'e my herds to my o#n pens+ and $a"k he*d go #ith his to <ai s* folds% !To the shepherd*. ;o# that*s ho# it #as+ #asn*t it!yes or no1 shepherd% it*s all so long ago% messenger% Come+ tell me+ @FEE Mes+ 0 s ppose % % % @FE0 @FG0

yo ga'e me a "hild $a"k then+ a $oy+ remem$er1 A little fello# to rear+ my 'ery o#n% shepherd% (hat1 (hy rake p that again1

messenger% <ook+ here he is+ my fine old friend! the same man #ho #as - st a $a$y then% shepherd% 9amn yo + sh t yo r mo th!/ iet= @FH0 oedip s% 9on*t lash o t at him+ old man! yo need lashing more than he does% shepherd% (hy+

master+ ma-esty!#hat ha'e 0 done #rong1 oedip s% Mo #on*t ans#er his / estion a$o t the $oy% shepherd% He*s talking nonsense+ #asting his $reath% oedip s% )o+ yo #on*t talk #illingly! then yo *ll talk #ith pain% !The guards seize the shepherd*. shepherd% ;o+ dear god+ don*t tort re an old man= oedip s% T#ist his arms $a"k+ / i"kly= shepherd% #hat more do yo need to kno#1 God help s+ #hy1! @FK0 @FHE

oedip s% 9id yo gi'e him that "hild1 He*s asking% shepherd% 0 did % % % 0 #ish to god 0*d died that day% oedip s% Mo *'e got yo r #ish if yo don*t tell the tr th% shepherd% The more 0 tell+ the #orse the death 0*ll die% oedip s% 8 r friend here #ants to stret"h things o t+ does he1 !#otioning to his men for torture*. shepherd% ;o+ no+ 0 ga'e it to him!0 - st said so% oedip s% (here did yo get it1 Mo r ho se1 )omeone else*s1 shepherd% 0t #asn*t mine+ no% 0 got it from % % % someone% oedip s% (hi"h one of them1 !4ooking at the citizens*. (hose ho se1 shepherd% ;o! @FKE

god*s sake+ master+ no more / estions=

@FA0

oedip s% Mo *re a dead man if 0 ha'e to ask again% shepherd% Then!the "hild "ame from the ho se % % % of <ai s% oedip s% A sla'e1 or $orn of his o#n $lood1 shepherd% 8h no+

0*m right at the edge+ the horri$le tr th!0*'e got to say it= oedip s% And 0*m at the edge of hearing horrors+ yes+ $ t 0 m st hear= shepherd% All right= His son+ they said it #as!his son= & t the one inside+ yo r #ife+ she*d tell it $est% oedip s% 2y #ife! she ga'e it to yo 1 shepherd% Mes+ yes+ my king% oedip s% (hy+ #hat for1 shepherd% To kill it% oedip s% Her o#n "hild+ ho# "o ld she1 @FCE shepherd% )he #as afraid! frightening prophe"ies% oedip s% (hat1 shepherd% They said! @FC0 @FAE

he*d kill his parents% oedip s% & t yo ga'e him to this old man!#hy1 shepherd% 0 pitied the little $a$y+ master+ hoped he*d take him off to his o#n "o ntry+ far a#ay+ $ t he sa'ed him for this+ his fate% 0f yo are the man he says yo are+ $elie'e me+ yo #ere $orn for pain% oedip s% 8 god! @30E @300

all "ome tr e+ all $ rst to light= 8 light!no# let me look my last on yo = 0 stand re'ealed at last! " rsed in my $irth+ " rsed in marriage+ " rsed in the li'es 0 " t do#n #ith these hands= !Rushing through the doors with a great cry* The attendants e-it slowly to the side*. "hor s% 8 the generations of men the dying generations!adding the total of all yo r li'es 0 find they "ome to nothing % % % does there e.ist+ is there a man on earth #ho seizes more -oy than - st a dream+ a 'ision1 And the 'ision no sooner da#ns than dies $lazing into o$li'ion% Mo are my great e.ample+ yo + yo r life yo r destiny+ 8edip s+ man of misery! 0 "o nt no man $lest% Mo o tranged all men= &ending yo r $o# to the $reaking7point yo "apt red pri"eless glory+ 8 dear god+ and the )phin. "ame "rashing do#n+ the 'irgin+ "la#s hooked like a $ird of omen singing+ shrieking death! like a fortress reared in the fa"e of death yo rose and sa'ed o r land% Drom that day on #e "alled yo king #e "ro#ned yo #ith honors+ 8edip s+ to#ering o'er all! mighty king of the se'en gates of The$es% @330 @3FE @3F0 @3@E @3@0 orinthian messenger, the shepherd and

& t no# to hear yo r story!is there a man more agonized1

2ore #ed to pain and frenzy1 ;ot a man on earth+ the -oy of yo r life gro nd do#n to nothing 8 8edip s+ name for the ages! one and the same #ide har$or ser'ed yo son and father $oth son and father "ame to rest in the same $ridal "ham$er% Ho#+ ho# "o ld the f rro#s yo r father plo#ed $ear yo + yo r agony+ harro#ing on in silen"e 8 so long1 & t no# for all yo r po#er Time+ all7seeing Time has dragged yo to the light+ - dged yo r marriage monstro s from the start! the son and the father tangling+ $oth one! 8 "hild of <ai s+ #o ld to god 0*d ne'er seen yo + ne'er ne'er= @3GE ;o# 0 #eep like a man #ho #ails the dead and the dirge "omes po ring forth #ith all my heart= 0 tell yo the tr th+ yo ga'e me life my $reath leapt p in yo and no# yo $ring do#n the night pon my eyes% !$nter a messenger from the palace*. messenger% 2en of The$es+ al#ays first in honor+ #hat horrors yo #ill hear+ #hat yo #ill see+ #hat a hea'y #eight of sorro# yo #ill sho lder % % % if yo are tr e to yo r $irth+ if yo still ha'e some feeling for the royal ho se of The$es% @3EE 0 tell yo neither the #aters of the 9an $e nor the ;ile "an #ash this pala"e "lean% ) "h things it hides+ it soon #ill $ring to light! @3E0 @3G0 @33E

terri$le things+ and none done $lindly no#+ all done #ith a #ill% The pains @3H0

#e infli"t pon o rsel'es h rt most of all% leader% God kno#s #e ha'e pains eno gh already% (hat "an yo add to them1 messenger% The / een is dead% leader% Poor lady!ho#1 @3HE

messenger% &y her o#n hand% & t yo are spared the #orst+ yo ne'er had to #at"h % % % 0 sa# it all+ and #ith all the memory that*s in me yo #ill learn #hat that poor #oman s ffered% 8n"e she*d $roken in thro gh the gates+ dashing past s+ franti"+ #hipped to f ry+ ripping her hair o t #ith $oth hands! straight to her rooms she r shed+ flinging herself a"ross the $ridal7$ed+ doors slamming $ehind her! on"e inside+ she #ailed for <ai s+ dead so long+ remem$ering ho# she $ore his "hild long ago+ the life that rose p to destroy him+ lea'ing its mother to mother li'ing "reat res #ith the 'ery son she*d $orne% 8h ho# she #ept+ mo rning the marriage7$ed #here she let loose that do $le $rood!monsters! @3A0 h s$and $y her h s$and+ "hildren $y her "hild% And then! $ t ho# she died is more than 0 "an say% ) ddenly 8edip s $ rst in+ s"reaming+ he st nned s so #e "o ldn*t #at"h her agony to the end+ o r eyes #ere fi.ed on him% Cir"ling @3AE @3KE @3K0

like a maddened $east+ stalking+ here+ there+ "rying o t to s! Gi'e him a s#ord= His #ife+ no #ife+ his mother+ #here "an he find the mother earth that "ropped t#o "rops at on"e+ himself and all his "hildren1 He #as raging!one of the dark po#ers pointing the #ay+ none of s mortals "ro#ding aro nd him+ no+ #ith a great shattering "ry!someone+ something leading him on! he h rled at the t#in doors and $ending the $olts $a"k o t of their so"kets+ "rashed thro gh the "ham$er% And there #e sa# the #oman hanging $y the ne"k+ @3CE "radled high in a #o'en noose+ spinning+ s#inging $a"k and forth% And #hen he sa# her+ gi'ing a lo#+ #ren"hing so$ that $roke o r hearts+ slipping the halter from her throat+ he eased her do#n+ in a slo# em$ra"e he laid her do#n+ poor thing % % % @G00 then+ #hat "ame ne.t+ #hat horror #e $eheld= He rips off her $roo"hes+ the long gold pins holding her ro$es!and lifting them high+ looking straight p into the points+ he digs them do#n the so"kets of his eyes+ "rying+ Mo + yo *ll see no more the pain 0 s ffered+ all the pain 0 "a sed= Too long yo looked on the ones yo ne'er sho ld ha'e seen+ $lind to the ones yo longed to see+ to kno#= &lind from this ho r on= &lind in the darkness!$lind= His 'oi"e like a dirge+ rising+ o'er and o'er @G@0 raising the pins+ raking them do#n his eyes% And at ea"h stroke $lood sp rts from the roots+ splashing his $eard+ a s#irl of it+ ner'es and "lots! @G0E @3C0

$la"k hail of $lood p lsing+ g shing do#n% These are the griefs that $ rst pon them $oth+ @G@E

"o pling man and #oman% The -oy they had so lately+ the fort ne of their old an"estral ho se #as deep -oy indeed% ;o#+ in this one day+ #ailing+ madness and doom+ death+ disgra"e+ all the griefs in the #orld that yo "an name+ all are theirs fore'er% leader% 8h poor man+ the misery! @GF0

has he any rest from pain no#1 !% ,oice within, in torment*. messenger% He*s sho ting+

<oose the $olts+ someone+ sho# me to all of The$es= 2y father*s m rderer+ my mother*s! ;o+ 0 "an*t repeat it+ it*s nholy% @GFE

;o# he*ll tear himself from his nati'e earth+ not linger+ " rse the ho se #ith his o#n " rse% & t he needs strength+ and a g ide to lead him on% This is si"kness more than he "an $ear% !The palace doors open*. <ook+ he*ll sho# yo himself% The great doors are opening! yo are a$o t to see a sight+ a horror e'en his mortal enemy #o ld pity% !$nter oedipus, blinded, led by a boy* /e stands at the palace steps, as if sur,eying his people once again*. "hor s% the s ffering+ for all the #orld to see+ the #orst terror that e'er met my eyes% 8 the terror! @G30

(hat madness s#ept o'er yo 1 (hat god+ @G3E #hat dark po#er leapt $eyond all $o nds+ $eyond $elief+ to "r sh yo r #ret"hed life1! godforsaken+ " rsed $y the gods= 0 pity yo $ t 0 "an*t $ear to look% 0*'e m "h to ask+ so m "h to learn+ @GG0 so m "h fas"inates my eyes+ $ t yo % % % 0 sh dder at the sight% oedip s% the agony= 0 am agony! #here am 0 going1 #here on earth1 #here does all this agony h rl me1 #here*s my 'oi"e1! #inging+ s#ept a#ay on a dark tide! 2y destiny+ my dark po#er+ #hat a leap yo made= "hor s% To the depths of terror+ too dark to hear+ to see% oedip s% 9ark+ horror of darkness @GE0 @GGE 8h+ 8hh!

my darkness+ dro#ning+ s#irling aro nd me "rashing #a'e on #a'e! nspeaka$le+ irresisti$le head#ind+ fatal har$or= 8h again+ the misery+ all at on"e+ o'er and o'er the sta$$ing daggers+ sta$ of memory raking me insane% "hor s% ;o #onder yo s ffer @GEE

t#i"e o'er+ the pain of yo r #o nds+ the lasting grief of pain% oedip s% 9ear friend+ still here1

)tanding $y me+ still #ith a "are for me+ the $lind man1 ) "h "ompassion+ @GH0

loyal to the last% 8h it*s yo + 0 kno# yo *re here+ dark as it is 0*d kno# yo any#here+ yo r 'oi"e! it*s yo rs+ "learly yo rs% "hor s% 9readf l+ #hat yo *'e done % % % @GHE

ho# "o ld yo $ear it+ go ging o t yo r eyes1 (hat s perh man po#er dro'e yo on1 oedip s% Apollo+ friends+ Apollo! he ordained my agonies!these+ my pains on pains= & t the hand that str "k my eyes #as mine+ mine alone!no one else! 0 did it all myself= (hat good #ere eyes to me1 ;othing 0 "o ld see "o ld $ring me -oy% "hor s% ;o+ no+ e.a"tly as yo say% oedip s% (hat "an 0 e'er see1 @GK0

(hat lo'e+ #hat "all of the heart @GKE "an to "h my ears #ith -oy1 ;othing+ friends% Take me a#ay+ far+ far from The$es+ / i"kly+ "ast me a#ay+ my friends! this great m rdero s r in+ this man " rsed to hea'en+ the man the deathless gods hate most of all= "hor s% Pitif l+ yo s ffer so+ yo 0 #ish yo *d ne'er kno#n% oedip s% 9ie+ die! nderstand so m "h % % % @GA0

#hoe'er he #as that day in the #ilds #ho " t my ankles free of the r thless pins+ he p lled me "lear of death+ he sa'ed my life for this+ this kindness! @GAE

C rse him+ kill him= 0f 0*d died then+ 0*d ne'er ha'e dragged myself+ my lo'ed ones thro gh s "h hell% "hor s% 8h if only % % % #o ld to god% oedip s% 0*d ne'er ha'e "ome to this+ @GC0

my father*s m rderer!ne'er $een $randed mother*s h s$and+ all men see me no#= ;o#+ loathed $y the gods+ son of the mother 0 defiled "o pling in my father*s $ed+ spa#ning li'es in the loins that spa#ned my #ret"hed life% (hat grief "an "ro#n this grief1 0t*s mine alone+ my destiny!0 am 8edip s= "hor s% Ho# "an 0 say yo *'e "hosen for the $est1 &etter to die than $e ali'e and $lind% oedip s% (hat 0 did #as $est!don*t le"t re me+ no more ad'i"e% 0+ #ith my eyes+ @E00 @GCE

ho# "o ld 0 look my father in the eyes #hen 0 go do#n to death1 8r mother+ so a$ sed % % % 0 ha'e done s "h things to the t#o of them+ "rimes too h ge for hanging% (orse yet+ the sight of my "hildren+ $orn as they #ere $orn+ ho# "o ld 0 long to look into their eyes1 ;o+ not #ith these eyes of mine+ ne'er% ;ot this "ity either+ her high to#ers+ the sa"red glittering images of her gods! 0 am misery= 0+ her $est son+ reared @E@0 as no other son of The$es #as e'er reared+ 0*'e stripped myself+ 0 ga'e the "ommand myself% All men m st "ast a#ay the great $lasphemer+ @E0E

the " rse no# $ro ght to light $y the gods+ the son of <ai s!0+ my father*s son= ;o# 0*'e e.posed my g ilt+ horrendo s g ilt+ "o ld 0 train a le'el glan"e on yo + my "o ntrymen1 0mpossi$le= ;o+ if 0 "o ld - st $lo"k off my ears+ the springs of hearing+ 0 #o ld stop at nothing! 0*d #all p my loathsome $ody like a prison+ $lind to the so nd of life+ not - st the sight, 8$li'ion!#hat a $lessing % % % for the mind to d#ell a #orld a#ay from pain% 8 Cithaeron+ #hy did yo gi'e me shelter1 (hy didn*t yo take me+ "r sh my life o t on the spot1 0*d ne'er ha'e re'ealed my $irth to all mankind% 8 Poly$ s+ Corinth+ the old ho se of my fathers+ so 0 $elie'ed!#hat a handsome prin"e yo raised! nder the skin+ #hat si"kness to the "ore% <ook at me= &orn of o trage+ o trage to the "ore% 8 triple roads!it all "omes $a"k+ the se"ret+ dark ra'ine+ and the oaks "losing in #here the three roads -oin % % % Mo drank my father*s $lood+ my o#n $lood spilled $y my o#n hands!yo still remem$er me1 (hat things yo sa# me do1 Then 0 "ame here and did them all on"e more= 2arriages= 8 marriage+ yo ga'e me $irth+ and on"e yo $ro ght me into the #orld yo $ro ght my sperm rising $a"k+ springing to light fathers+ $rothers+ sons!one m rdero s $reed! $rides+ #i'es+ mothers% The $la"kest things @EG0 @E3E @E30 @EFE @EF0 @E@E

a man "an do+ 0 ha'e done them all= ;o more! it*s #rong to name #hat*s #rong to do% R i"kly+ for the lo'e of god+ hide me some#here+ kill me+ h rl me into the sea @EGE

#here yo "an ne'er look on me again% !5eckoning to the chorus as they shrink away*. Closer+ it*s all right% To "h the man of grief% 9o% 9on*t $e afraid% 2y tro $les are mine and 0 am the only man ali'e #ho "an s stain them% !$nter creon from the palace, attended by palace guards*. leader% P t yo r re/ ests to Creon% Here he is+ @EE0

- st #hen #e need him% He*ll ha'e a plan+ he*ll a"t% ;o# that he*s the sole defense of the "o ntry in yo r pla"e% oedip s% 8h no+ #hat "an 0 say to him1

Ho# "an 0 e'er hope to #in his tr st1 0 #ronged him so+ - st no#+ in e'ery #ay% @EEE

Mo m st see that!0 #as so #rong+ so #rong% "reon% 0 ha'en*t "ome to mo"k yo + 8edip s+ or to "riti"ize yo r former failings% !Turning to the guards*. Mo there+ ha'e yo lost all respe"t for h man feelings1 At least re'ere the ) n+ the holy fire that keeps s all ali'e% ;e'er e.pose a thing of g ilt and holy dread so great it appalls the earth+ the rain from hea'en+ the light of day= @EH0

Get him into the halls!/ i"kly as yo "an% Piety demands no less% ?indred alone @EHE

sho ld see a kinsman*s shame% This is o$s"ene% oedip s% Please+ in god*s name % % % yo #ipe my fears a#ay+ "oming so genero sly to me+ the #orst of men% 9o one thing more+ for yo r sake+ not mine% "reon% (hat do yo #ant1 (hy so insistent1 @EK0

oedip s% 9ri'e me o t of the land at on"e+ far from sight+ #here 0 "an ne'er hear a h man 'oi"e% "reon% 0*d ha'e done that already+ 0 promise yo % Dirst 0 #anted the god to "larify my d ties% oedip s% The god1 His "ommand #as "lear+ e'ery #ord, @EKE death for the father7killer+ the " rse! he said destroy me= "reon% )o he did% )till+ in s "h a "risis it*s $etter to ask pre"isely #hat to do% oedip s% )o misera$le!

yo *d "ons lt the god a$o t a man like me1 @EA0 "reon% &y all means% And this time+ 0 ass me+ e'en yo #ill o$ey the god*s de"rees% oedip s% 0 #ill+

0 #ill% And yo + 0 "ommand yo !0 $eg yo % % % the #oman inside+ $ ry her as yo see fit% 0t*s the only de"ent thing+ @EAE to gi'e yo r o#n the last rites% As for me+ ne'er "ondemn the "ity of my fathers to ho se my $ody+ not #hile 0*m ali'e+ no+ let me li'e on the mo ntains+ on Cithaeron+ my fa'orite ha nt+ 0 ha'e made it famo s% @EC0

2other and father marked o t that ro"k to $e my e'erlasting tom$!$ ried ali'e% <et me die there+ #here they tried to kill me% 8h $ t this 0 kno#, no si"kness "an destroy me+ nothing "an% 0 #o ld ne'er ha'e $een sa'ed @ECE from death!0 ha'e $een sa'ed for something great and terri$le+ something strange% (ell let my destiny "ome and take me on its #ay= A$o t my "hildren+ Creon+ the $oys at least+ don*t $ rden yo rself% They*re men+ @H00

#here'er they go+ they*ll find the means to li'e% & t my t#o da ghters+ my poor helpless girls+ "l stering at o r ta$le+ ne'er #itho t me ho'ering near them % % % #hate'er 0 to "hed+ they al#ays had their share% Take "are of them+ 0 $eg yo % (ait+ $etter!permit me+ #o ld yo 1 5 st to to "h them #ith my hands and take o r fill of tears% Please % % % my king% Grant it+ #ith all yo r no$le heart% 0f 0 "o ld hold them+ - st on"e+ 0*d think 0 had them #ith me+ like the early days #hen 0 "o ld see their eyes% !antigone and ismene, two small children, are led in from the palace by a nurse*. (hat*s that 8 god= 9o 0 really hear yo so$$ing1! my t#o "hildren% Creon+ yo *'e pitied me1 )ent me my darling girls+ my o#n flesh and $lood= Am 0 right1 "reon% Mes+ it*s my doing% @H@E @H@0 @H0E

0 kno# the -oy they ga'e yo all these years+ the -oy yo m st feel no#% oedip s% &less yo + Creon=

2ay god #at"h o'er yo for this kindness+ $etter than he e'er g arded me% Children+ #here are yo 1 Here+ "ome / i"kly! !1roping for antigone and ismene, who approach their father cautiously, then embrace him*. Come to these hands of mine+ yo r $rother*s hands+ yo r o#n father*s hands that ser'ed his on"e $right eyes so #ell! that made them $lind% )eeing nothing+ "hildren+ kno#ing nothing+ 0 $e"ame yo r father+ 0 fathered yo in the soil that ga'e me life% Ho# 0 #eep for yo !0 "annot see yo no# % % % - st thinking of all yo r days to "ome+ the $itterness+ the life that ro gh mankind #ill thr st pon yo % (here are the p $li" gatherings yo "an -oin+ the $an/ ets of the "lans1 Home yo *ll "ome+ in tears+ " t off from the sight of it all+ the $rilliant rites nfinished% And #hen yo rea"h perfe"tion+ ripe for marriage+ #ho #ill he $e+ my dear ones1 Risking all @H3E @H30 @HFE @HF0

to sho lder the " rse that #eighs do#n my parents+ yes and yo too!that #o nds s all together% (hat more misery "o ld yo #ant1 Mo r father killed his father+ so#ed his mother+ one+ one and the selfsame #om$ sprang yo ! @HG0

he "ropped the 'ery roots of his e.isten"e% ) "h disgra"e+ and yo m st $ear it all= (ho #ill marry yo then1 ;ot a man on earth% Mo r doom is "lear, yo *ll #ither a#ay to nothing+ single+ #itho t a "hild% !Turning to creon*. 8h Creon+ @HGE yo are the only father they ha'e no# % % % #e #ho $ro ght them into the #orld are gone+ $oth gone at a stroke! 9on*t let them go $egging+ a$andoned+ #omen #itho t men% Mo r o#n flesh and $lood= ;e'er $ring them do#n to the le'el of my pains% Pity them% <ook at them+ so yo ng+ so ' lnera$le+ shorn of e'erything!yo *re their only hope% Promise me+ no$le Creon+ to "h my hand= !Reaching toward creon, who draws back*. Mo + little ones+ if yo #ere old eno gh to nderstand+ there is m "h 0*d tell yo % ;o#+ as it is+ 0*d ha'e yo say a prayer% Pray for life+ my "hildren+ li'e #here yo are free to gro# and season% Pray god yo find a $etter life than mine+ the father #ho $egot yo % "reon% Eno gh% @HH0 @HEE @HE0

Mo *'e #ept eno gh% 0nto the pala"e no#% oedip s% 0 m st+ $ t 0 find it 'ery hard% "reon% Time is the great healer+ yo #ill see% oedip s% 0 am going!yo kno# on #hat "ondition1 @HHE

"reon% Tell me% 0*m listening% oedip s% 9ri'e me o t of The$es+ in e.ile% "reon% ;ot 0% 8nly the gods "an gi'e yo that% oedip s% ) rely the gods hate me so m "h! "reon% Mo *ll get yo r #ish at on"e% oedip s% Mo "onsent1 @HK0

"reon% 0 try to say #hat 0 mean6 it*s my ha$it% oedip s% Then take me a#ay% 0t*s time% "reon% Come along+ let go of the "hildren% oedip s% ;o!

don*t take them a#ay from me+ not no#= ;o no no= ! lutching his daughters as the guards wrench them loose and take them through the palace doors*. "reon% )till the king+ the master of all things1 ;o more, here yo r po#er ends% ;one of yo r po#er follo#s yo thro gh life% !$-it oedipus and creon to the palace* The chorus comes forward to address the audience directly*. "hor s% People of The$es+ my "o ntrymen+ look on 8edip s% He sol'ed the famo s riddle #ith his $rillian"e+ he rose to po#er+ a man $eyond all po#er% @HA0 (ho "o ld $ehold his greatness #itho t en'y1 ;o# #hat a $la"k sea of terror has o'er#helmed him% ;o# as #e keep o r #at"h and #ait the final day+ "o nt no man happy till he dies+ free of pain at last% !$-it in procession*. J Topi"s for Criti"al Thinking and (riting @HKE

The Play on the Page

@% 78n the $asis of lines @B@GC+ "hara"terize 8edip s% 9oes he seem an effe"ti'e leader1 (hat

additional traits are re'ealed in lines F0EBGC@1 F% 70n yo r opinion+ ho# fair is it to say that 8edip s is morally g ilty1 9oes he arg e that he is morally inno"ent $e"a se he did not intend to do immoral deeds1 Can it $e said that he is g ilty of hy$ris $ t that hy$ris 3see page @0CE4 has nothing to do #ith his fall1 3% 78edip s says that he $linds himself in order not to look pon people he sho ld not% (hat f rther reasons "an $e gi'en1 (hy does he not 3like 5o"asta4 "ommit s i"ide1 G% 79oes the play sho# the f tility of h man effots to a"t intelligently1 E% 70n 8edip s+ do yo find the gods e'il1 H% 7Are the "horal odes lyri"al interl des that ser'e to separate the s"enes+ or do they ad'an"e the dramati" a"tion1 K% 72atthe# Arnold said that )opho"les sa# life steadily and sa# it #hole% & t in this play is )opho"les fa"ing the fa"ts of life1 8r+ on the "ontrary+ is he a'oiding #hat #e think of as normal life+ and presenting a series of nnat ral and o trageo s "oin"iden"es1 0n either "ase+ do yo think the play is rele'ant today1 A% 7Can yo des"ri$e yo r emotions at the end of the play1 9o they in"l de pity for 8edip s1 Pity for all h man $eings+ in"l ding yo rself1 Dear that yo might $e p nished for some nintended transgression1 A#e+ engendered $y a per"eption of the interrelatedness of things1 Relief that the story is only a story1 E.hilaration1 E.plain yo r rea"tion%

The Play on the )tage

C% 79 ring yo r first "onsideration of the play+ start #ith a reading of lines @B@GC% Choose someone from the gro p to stand on a "hair 38edip s4+ t#o other readers to stand near$y 3the Priest and Creon4+ and se'eral others to kneel or lie on the floor 3The$an "itizens4% After this ro gh ena"tment+ ask the readers ho# they felt a$o t their roles% Then dis" ss the #ays a modern staging "o ld "reate a po#erf l opening for the play% )ome / estions to "onsider, 9o the The$ans e'er to "h 8edip s1 )ho ld the a"tor playing 8edip s make eye "onta"t #ith anyone on the stage1 @0% 78riginally the Greek "hor s "hanted and dan"ed% (hat are yo r re"ommendations for a dire"tor today1 Choose a parti" lar passage from the play to ill strate yo r ideas% @@% 70magine that yo are dire"ting a prod "tion of 8edip s% Propose a "ast for the prin"ipal roles+ sing #ell7kno#n a"tors or people from yo r o#n "ir"le% E.plain the reasons for yo r "hoi"es%

@F% 7(hat might $e gained or lost $y performing the play in modern dress1 8r is there some period other than an"ient Gree"e!let*s say the Qi"torian period!in #hi"h yo think the play might $e effe"ti'ely set1 @3% 7Alan 2a"Qey+ #ho dire"ted a prod "tion at the Jni'ersity of 0o#a+ sed "lassi"al "ost mes $ t after#ard said that he #ished he had sed a "onferen"e ta$le as the set and had "ost med the royalty in po#er s its% (hat is yo r response to this idea1

Antigone
Translated by Robert Fagles CHARACTER) antigone, daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta ismene, sister of %ntigone a chorus, of old Theban citizens and their leader creon, king of Thebes, uncle of %ntigone and "smene a sentry haemon, son of reon and $urydice tiresias, a blind prophet a messenger eurydice, wife of reon guards, attendants, and a boy !T"#$ %&' ( $&$) The royal house of Thebes* "t is still night, and the in,ading armies of %rgos ha,e just been dri,en from the city* Fighting on opposite sides, the sons of oedipus, eteocles and polynices, ha,e killed each other in combat* Their uncle, creon, is now king of Thebes* $nter antigone, slipping through the central doors of the palace* (he motions to her sister, ismene, who follows her cautiously toward an altar at the center of the stage*. antigone% 2y o#n flesh and $lood!dear sister+ dear 0smene+ ho# many griefs o r father 8edip sL handed do#n= 9o yo kno# one+ 0 ask yo + one grief that Ne sL #ill not perfe"t for the t#o of s #hile #e still li'e and $reathe= There*s nothing+ E

no pain!o r li'es are pain!no pri'ate shame+ no p $li" disgra"e+ nothing 0 ha'en*t seen in yo r griefs and mine% And no# this, an emergen"y de"ree+ they say+ the Commander has - st de"lared for all of The$es% @0 (hat+ ha'en*t yo heard1 9on*t yo see1 The doom reser'ed for enemies mar"hes on the ones #e lo'e the most% ismene% ;ot 0+ 0 ha'en*t heard a #ord+ Antigone% ;othing of lo'ed ones+ @E

no -oy or pain has "ome my #ay+ not sin"e the t#o of s #ere ro$$ed of o r t#o $rothers+ $oth gone in a day+ a do $le $lo#! not sin"e the armies of Argos 'anished+ - st this 'ery night% 0 kno# nothing more+ F0

#hether o r l "k*s impro'ed or r in*s still to "ome% antigone% 0 tho ght so% That*s #hy 0 $ro ght yo o t here+ past the gates+ so yo "o ld hear in pri'ate% ismene% (hat*s the matter1 Tro $le+ "learly % % % yo so nd so dark+ so grim% FE

antigone% (hy not1 8 r o#n $rothers* $ rial= Hasn*t Creon gra"ed one #ith all the rites+ disgra"ed the other1 Eteo"les+ they say+ has $een gi'en f ll military honors+ rightly so!Creon*s laid him in the earth 30

and he goes #ith glory do#n among the dead% & t the $ody of Polyni"es+ #ho died misera$ly! #hy+ a "ity7#ide pro"lamation+ r mor has it+ for$ids anyone to $ ry him+ e'en mo rn him%

He*s to $e left n#ept+ n$ ried+ a lo'ely treas re

3E

for $irds that s"an the field and feast to their heart*s "ontent% ) "h+ 0 hear+ is the martial la# o r good Creon lays do#n for yo and me!yes+ me+ 0 tell yo ! and he*s "oming here to alert the ninformed in no n"ertain terms+ G0

and he #on*t treat the matter lightly% (hoe'er diso$eys in the least #ill die+ his doom is sealed, stoning to death inside the "ity #alls= There yo ha'e it% Mo *ll soon sho# #hat yo are+ #orth yo r $reeding+ 0smene+ or a "o#ard! GE for all yo r royal $lood% ismene% 2y poor sister+ if things ha'e "ome to this+ #ho am 0 to make or mend them+ tell me+ #hat good am 0 to yo 1 antigone% 9e"ide% E0

(ill yo share the la$or+ share the #ork1

ismene% (hat #ork+ #hat*s the risk1 (hat do yo mean1 antigone% ORaising her hands%P (ill yo lift p his $ody #ith these $are hands and lo#er it #ith me1 ismene% (hat1 Mo *d $ ry him!

#hen a la# for$ids the "ity1 antigone% Mes=

He is my $rother and!deny it as yo #ill! EE yo r $rother too% ;o one #ill e'er "on'i"t me for a traitor% ismene% )o desperate+ and Creon has e.pressly! antigone% ;o+

he has no right to keep me from my o#n% ismene% 8h my sister+ think! H0 think ho# o r o#n father died+ hated+ his rep tation in r ins+ dri'en on $y the "rimes he $ro ght to light himself to go ge o t his eyes #ith his o#n hands! then mother % % % his mother and #ife+ $oth in one+ m tilating her life in the t#isted noose! and last+ o r t#o $rothers dead in a single day+ $oth shedding their o#n $lood+ poor s ffering $oys+ $attling o t their "ommon destiny hand7to7hand% ;o# look at the t#o of s+ left so alone % % % K0 think #hat a death #e*ll die+ the #orst of all if #e 'iolate the la#s and o'erride the fi.ed de"ree of the throne+ its po#er! #e m st $e sensi$le% Remem$er #e are #omen+ #e*re not $orn to "ontend #ith men% Then too+ #e*re nderlings+ r led $y m "h stronger hands+ so #e m st s $mit in this+ and things still #orse% 0+ for one+ 0*ll $eg the dead to forgi'e me! 0*m for"ed+ 0 ha'e no "hoi"e!0 m st o$ey the ones #ho stand in po#er% (hy r sh to e.tremes1 A0 0t*s madness+ madness% antigone% 0 #on*t insist+ KE HE

no+ e'en if yo sho ld ha'e a "hange of heart+ 0*d ne'er #el"ome yo in the la$or+ not #ith me% )o+ do as yo like+ #hate'er s its yo $est! 0*ll $ ry him myself% AE

And e'en if 0 die in the a"t+ that death #ill $e a glory%

0*ll lie #ith the one 0 lo'e and lo'ed $y him! an o trage sa"red to the gods= 0 ha'e longer to please the dead than please the li'ing here, in the kingdom do#n $elo# 0*ll lie fore'er% C0 9o as yo like+ dishonor the la#s the gods hold in honor% ismene% 0*d do them no dishonor % % %

$ t defy the "ity1 0 ha'e no strength for that% antigone% Mo ha'e yo r e." ses% 0 am on my #ay+ 0*ll raise a mo nd for him+ for my dear $rother% CE

ismene% 8h Antigone+ yo *re so rash!0*m so afraid for yo = antigone% 9on*t fear for me% )et yo r o#n life in order% ismene% Then don*t+ at least+ $l rt this o t to anyone% ?eep it a se"ret% 0*ll -oin yo in that+ 0 promise% antigone% 9ear god+ sho t it from the rooftops% 0*ll hate yo all the more for silen"e!tell the #orld= ismene% )o fiery!and it o ght to "hill yo r heart% antigone% 0 kno# 0 please #here 0 m st please the most% ismene% Mes+ if yo "an+ $ t yo *re in lo'e #ith impossi$ility% antigone% Qery #ell then+ on"e my strength gi'es o t 0 #ill $e done at last% ismene% Mo *re #rong from the start+ @0E @00

yo *re off on a hopeless / est% antigone% 0f yo say so+ yo #ill make me hate yo + and the hatred of the dead+ $y all rights+ #ill ha nt yo night and day% @@0

& t lea'e me to my o#n a$s rdity+ lea'e me to s ffer this!dreadf l thing% 0*ll s ffer nothing as great as death #itho t glory% OE.it to the side%P

ismene% Then go if yo m st+ $ t rest ass red+ #ild+ irrational as yo are+ my sister+ yo are tr ly dear to the ones #ho lo'e yo % !6ithdrawing to the palace* $nter a chorus, the old citizens of Thebes, chanting as the sun begins to rise*. "hor s% Glory=!great $eam of s n+ $rightest of all that e'er rose on the se'en gates of The$es+ yo $ rn thro gh night at last= Great eye of the golden day+ @F0 @@E

mo nting the 9ir"e*s $anksL yo thro# him $a"k! the enemy o t of Argos+ the #hite shield+ the man of $ronze! he*s flying headlong no# the $ridle of fate stampeding him #ith pain= And he had dri'en against o r $orders+ @FE

la n"hed $y the #arring "laims of Polyni"es! like an eagle s"reaming+ #inging ha'o" o'er the land+ #ings of armor shielded #hite as sno#+ a h ge army massing+ @30 "rested helmets $ristling for assa lt% He ho'ered a$o'e o r roofs+ his 'ast ma# gaping "losing do#n aro nd o r se'en gates+ his spears thirsting for the kill $ t no# he*s gone+ look+ @3E $efore he "o ld gl t his -a#s #ith The$an $lood or the god of fire p t o r "ro#n of to#ers to the tor"h% He grappled the 9ragon none "an master!The$es! the "lang of o r arms like th nder at his $a"k= Ne s hates #ith a 'engean"e all $ra'ado+ @G0

the mighty $oasts of men% He #at"hed them "oming on in a rising flood+ the pride of their golden armor ringing shrill! and $randishing his lightning $lasted the fighter - st at the goal+ @GE

r shing to sho t his tri mph from o r #alls% 9o#n from the heights he "rashed+ po nding do#n on the earth= And a moment ago+ $lazing tor"h in hand! mad for atta"k+ e"stati" he $reathed his rage+ the storm of his f ry h rling at o r heads= & t no# his high hopes ha'e laid him lo# and do#n the enemy ranks the iron god of #ar deals his re#ards+ his st nning $lo#s!AresL rapt re of $attle+ o r right arm in the "risis% )e'en "aptains marshaled at se'en gates se'en against their e/ als+ ga'e their $razen trophies p to Ne s+ god of the $reaking ro t of $attle+ all $ t t#o, those $lood $rothers+ @H0 @EE @E0

one father+ one mother!mat"hed in rage+ spears mat"hed for the t#in "on/ est! "lashed and #on the "ommon prize of death% & t no# for Qi"tory= Glorio s in the morning+ -oy in her eyes to meet o r -oy she is #inging do#n to The$es+ o r fleets of "hariots #heeling in her #ake! ;o# let s #in o$li'ion from the #ars+ thronging the temples of the gods @HE

in singing+ dan"ing "hoirs thro gh the night= <ord 9ionys s+L god of the dan"e

@K0

that shakes the land of The$es+ no# lead the #ay= !$nter creon from the palace, attended by his guard*. & t look+ the king of the realm is "oming+ Creon+ the ne# man for the ne# day+ #hate'er the gods are sending no# % % % @KE #hat ne# plan #ill he la n"h1 (hy this+ this spe"ial session1 (hy this s dden "all to the old men s mmoned at one "ommand1 "reon% 2y "o ntrymen+ @A0

the ship of state is safe% The gods #ho ro"ked her+ after a long+ mer"iless po nding in the storm+ ha'e righted her on"e more% 8 t of the #hole "ity 0 ha'e "alled yo here alone% (ell 0 kno#+ first+ yo r nde'iating respe"t for the throne and royal po#er of ?ing <ai s% ;e.t+ #hile 8edip s steered the land of The$es+ and e'en after he died+ yo r loyalty #as nshaka$le+ yo still stood $y their "hildren% ;o# then+ sin"e the t#o sons are dead!t#o $lo#s of fate in the same day+ " t do#n $y ea"h other*s hands+ $oth killers+ $oth $rothers stained #ith $lood! as 0 am ne.t in kin to the dead+ 0 no# possess the throne and all its po#ers% 8f "o rse yo "annot kno# a man "ompletely+ his "hara"ter+ his prin"iples+ sense of - dgment+

@AE

@C0

@CE

not till he*s sho#n his "olors+ r ling the people+ making la#s% E.perien"e+ there*s the test% As 0 see it+ #hoe'er ass mes the task+ the a#esome task of setting the "ity*s "o rse+ and ref ses to adopt the so ndest poli"ies F00

$ t fearing someone+ keeps his lips lo"ked tight+ he*s tterly #orthless% )o 0 rate him no#+ 0 al#ays ha'e% And #hoe'er pla"es a friend a$o'e the good of his o#n "o ntry+ he is nothing, 0 ha'e no se for him% Ne s my #itness+ Ne s #ho sees all things+ al#ays! 0 "o ld ne'er stand $y silent+ #at"hing destr "tion mar"h against o r "ity+ p tting safety to ro t+ nor "o ld 0 e'er make that man a friend of mine #ho mena"es o r "o ntry% Remem$er this, F@0 o r "o ntry is o r safety% 8nly #hile she 'oyages tr e on "o rse "an #e esta$lish friendships+ tr er than $lood itself% ) "h are my standards% They make o r "ity great% Closely akin to them 0 ha'e pro"laimed+ - st no#+ the follo#ing de"ree to o r people "on"erning the t#o sons of 8edip s% Eteo"les+ #ho died fighting for The$es+ e."elling all in arms, he shall $e $ ried+ "ro#ned #ith a hero*s honors+ the " ps #e po r to soak the earth and rea"h the famo s dead% & t as for his $lood $rother+ Polyni"es+ #ho ret rned from e.ile+ home to his father7"ity and the gods of his ra"e+ "ons med #ith one desire! FF0 F@E F0E

to $ rn them roof to roots!#ho thirsted to drink his kinsmen*s $lood and sell the rest to sla'ery, that man!a pro"lamation has for$idden the "ity to dignify him #ith $ rial+ mo rn him at all% ;o+ he m st $e left n$ ried+ his "orpse "arrion for the $irds and dogs to tear+ an o$s"enity for the "itizens to $ehold= These are my prin"iples% ;e'er at my hands #ill the traitor $e honored a$o'e the patriot% & t #hoe'er pro'es his loyalty to the state, 0*ll prize that man in death as #ell as life% leader% 0f this is yo r pleas re+ Creon+ treating o r "ity*s enemy and o r friend this #ay % % % The po#er is yo rs+ 0 s ppose+ to enfor"e it #ith the la#s+ $oth for the dead and all of s+ the li'ing% "reon% Dollo# my orders "losely then+ FG0 F3E F30

FFE

$e on yo r g ard% leader% (e*re too old%

<ay that $ rden on yo nger sho lders% "reon% ;o+ no+

0 don*t mean the $ody!0*'e posted g ards already% leader% (hat "ommands for s then1 (hat other ser'i"e1 "reon% )ee that yo ne'er side #ith those #ho $reak my orders% leader% ;e'er% 8nly a fool "o ld $e in lo'e #ith death% "reon% 9eath is the pri"e!yo *re right% & t all too often the mere hope of money has r ined many men% !% sentry enters from the side*. sentry% 2y lord+ FGE

0 "an*t say 0*m #inded from r nning+ or set o t #ith any spring in my legs either!no sir+ FE0

0 #as lost in tho ght+ and it made me stop+ often+ dead in my tra"ks+ #heeling+ t rning $a"k+ and all the time a 'oi"e inside me m ttering+ 0diot+ #hy1 Mo *re going straight to yo r death% Then m ttering+ )topped again+ poor fool1 FEE 0f some$ody gets the ne#s to Creon first+ #hat*s to sa'e yo r ne"k1 And so+ m lling it o'er+ on 0 tr dged+ dragging my feet+ yo "an make a short road take fore'er % % % $ t at last+ look+ "ommon sense #on o t+ 0*m here+ and 0*m all yo rs+ and e'en tho gh 0 "ome empty7handed 0*ll tell my story - st the same+ $e"a se 0*'e "ome #ith a good grip on one hope+ #hat #ill "ome #ill "ome+ #hate'er fate! FHE "reon% Come to the point= (hat*s #rong!#hy so afraid1 sentry% Dirst+ myself+ 0*'e got to tell yo + 0 didn*t do it+ didn*t see #ho did! &e fair+ don*t take it o t on me% "reon% Mo *re playing it safe+ soldier+ $arri"ading yo rself from any tro $le% 0t*s o$'io s+ yo *'e something strange to tell% sentry% 9angero s too+ and danger makes yo delay for all yo *re #orth% FKE FK0 FH0

"reon% 8 t #ith it!then dismiss=

sentry% All right+ here it "omes% The $ody! someone*s - st $ ried it+ then r n off % % % sprinkled some dry d st on the flesh+ gi'en it proper rites% "reon% (hat1 FA0

(hat man ali'e #o ld dare! sentry% 0*'e no idea+ 0 s#ear it%

There #as no mark of a spade+ no pi"ka.e there+ no earth t rned p+ the gro nd pa"ked hard and dry+ n$roken+ no tra"ks+ no #heelr ts+ nothing+ the #orkman left no tra"e% 5 st at s n p the first #at"h of the day points it o t! it #as a #onder= (e #ere st nned % % % a terrifi" $ rden too+ for all of s+ listen, yo "an*t see the "orpse+ not that it*s $ ried+ really+ - st a light "o'er of road7d st on it+ FC0 as if someone meant to lay the dead to rest and keep from getting " rsed% ;ot a sign in sight that dogs or #ild $easts had #orried the $ody+ e'en torn the skin% & t #hat "ame ne.t= Ro gh talk fle# thi"k and fast+ FCE g ard grilling g ard!#e*d ha'e "ome to $lo#s at last+ nothing to stop it6 ea"h man for himself and ea"h the " lprit+ no one "a ght red7handed+ all of s pleading ignoran"e+ dodging the "harges+ ready to take p red7hot iron in o r fists+ go thro gh fire+ s#ear oaths to the gods! 0 didn*t do it+ 0 had no hand in it either+ not in the plotting+ not in the #ork itself= 300 FAE

Dinally+ after all this #rangling "ame to nothing+ one man spoke o t and made s stare at the gro nd+ 30E hanging o r heads in fear% ;o #ay to "o nter him+ no #ay to take his ad'i"e and "ome thro gh safe and so nd% Here*s #hat he said, <ook+ #e*'e got to report the fa"ts to Creon+ #e "an*t keep this hidden% (ell+ that #on o t+ and the lot fell on me+ "ondemned me+ nl "ky as e'er+ 0 got the prize% )o here 0 am+ against my #ill and yo rs too+ #ell 0 kno#! no one #ants the man #ho $rings $ad ne#s% leader% 2y king+ 3@0

e'er sin"e he $egan 0*'e $een de$ating in my mind+ 3@E "o ld this possi$ly $e the #ork of the gods1 "reon% )top!

$efore yo make me "hoke #ith anger!the gods= Mo + yo *re senile+ m st yo $e insane1 Mo say!#hy it*s intolera$le!say the gods "o ld ha'e the slightest "on"ern for that "orpse1 Tell me+ #as it for meritorio s ser'i"e they pro"eeded to $ ry him+ prized him so1 The hero #ho "ame to $ rn their temples ringed #ith pillars+ their golden treas res!s"or"h their hallo#ed earth and fling their la#s to the #inds% 3FE 3F0

E.a"tly #hen did yo last see the gods "ele$rating traitors1 0n"on"ei'a$le= ;o+ from the first there #ere "ertain "itizens #ho "o ld hardly stand the spirit of my regime+ gr m$ling against me in the dark+ heads together+ 330

tossing #ildly+ ne'er keeping their ne"ks $eneath the yoke+ loyally s $mitting to their king% These are the instigators+ 0*m "on'in"ed! they*'e per'erted my o#n g ard+ $ri$ed them to do their #ork% 2oney= ;othing #orse 33E

in o r li'es+ so " rrent+ rampant+ so "orr pting% 2oney!yo demolish "ities+ root men from their homes+ yo train and t#ist good minds and set them on to the most atro"io s s"hemes% ;o limit+ yo make them adept at e'ery kind of o trage+ e'ery godless "rime!money= E'eryone! the #hole "re# $ri$ed to "ommit this "rime+ they*'e made one thing s re at least, sooner or later they #ill pay the pri"e% !6heeling on the sentry*. 7ou8 0 s#ear to Ne s as 0 still $elie'e in Ne s+ 3GE 3G0

if yo don*t find the man #ho $ ried that "orpse+ the 'ery man+ and prod "e him $efore my eyes+ simple death #on*t $e eno gh for yo + not till #e string yo p ali'e 3E0

and #ring the immortality o t of yo % Then yo "an steal the rest of yo r days+

$etter informed a$o t #here to make a killing% Mo *ll ha'e learned+ at last+ it doesn*t pay to it"h for re#ards from e'ery hand that $e"kons% Dilthy profits #re"k most men+ yo *ll see! 3EE

they*ll ne'er sa'e yo r life% sentry% Please+

may 0 say a #ord or t#o+ or - st t rn and go1 "reon% Can*t yo tell1 E'erything yo say offends me% sentry% (here does it h rt yo + in the ears or in the heart1 "reon% And #ho are yo to pinpoint my displeas re1 sentry% The " lprit grates on yo r feelings+ 0 - st annoy yo r ears% "reon% )till talking1 3H0

Mo talk too m "h= A $orn n isan"e! sentry% $ t 0 ne'er did this thing+ so help me= "reon% Mes yo did! 3HE 2ay$e so+

#hat*s more+ yo s/ andered yo r life for sil'er=

sentry% 8h it*s terri$le #hen the one #ho does the - dging - dges things all #rong% "reon% (ell no#+

yo - st $e "le'er a$o t yo r - dgments! if yo fail to prod "e the "riminals for me+ yo *ll s#ear yo r dirty money $ro ght yo pain% !Turning sharply, reentering the palace*. sentry% 0 hope he*s fo nd% &est thing $y far% & t "a ght or not+ that*s in the lap of fort ne6 0*ll ne'er "ome $a"k+ yo *'e seen the last of me% 0*m sa'ed+ e'en no#+ and 0 ne'er tho ght+ 0 ne'er hoped! 3KE dear gods+ 0 o#e yo all my thanks= "hor s% OR shing o t%P 3K0

; m$erless #onders

terri$le #onders #alk the #orld $ t none the mat"h for man!

that great #onder "rossing the hea'ing gray sea+ dri'en on $y the $last of #inter on thro gh $reakers "rashing left and right+ 3A0 holds his steady "o rse and the oldest of the gods he #ears a#ay! the Earth+ the immortal+ the ine.ha sti$le! as his plo#s go $a"k and forth+ year in+ year o t #ith the $reed of stallions t rning p the f rro#s% 3AE And the $lithe+ lightheaded ra"e of $irds he snares+ the tri$es of sa'age $easts+ the life that s#arms the depths! #ith one fling of his nets #o'en and "oiled tight+ he takes them all+ man the skilled+ the $rilliant= 3C0

He "on/ ers all+ taming #ith his te"hni/ es the prey that roams the "liffs and #ild lairs+ training the stallion+ "lamping the yoke a"ross his shaggy ne"k+ and the tireless mo ntain $ ll% And spee"h and tho ght+ / i"k as the #ind 3CE and the mood and mind for la# that r les the "ity! all these he has ta ght himself and shelter from the arro#s of the frost #hen there*s ro gh lodging nder the "old "lear sky and the shafts of lashing rain! ready+ reso r"ef l man= ;e'er #itho t reso r"es ne'er an impasse as he mar"hes on the f t re! only 9eath+ from 9eath alone he #ill find no res" e $ t from desperate plag es he has plotted his es"apes% 2an the master+ ingenio s past all meas re G0E G00

past all dreams+ the skills #ithin his grasp! he forges on+ no# to destr "tion no# again to greatness% (hen he #ea'es in the la#s of the land+ and the - sti"e of the gods that $inds his oaths together he and his "ity rise high! $ t the "ity "asts o t that man #ho #eds himself to inh manity thanks to re"kless daring% ;e'er share my hearth ne'er think my tho ghts+ #hoe'er does s "h things% !$nter antigone from the side, accompanied by the sentry*. Here is a dark sign from the gods! #hat to make of this1 0 kno# her+ ho# "an 0 deny it1 That yo ng girl*s Antigone= (ret"hed+ "hild of a #ret"hed father+ 8edip s% <ook+ is it possi$le1 They $ring yo in like a prisoner! #hy1 did yo $reak the king*s la#s1 9id they take yo in some a"t of mad defian"e1 sentry% )he*s the one+ she did it single7handed! GFE #e "a ght her $ rying the $ody% (here*s Creon1 !$nter creon from the palace*. leader% &a"k again+ - st in time #hen yo need him% "reon% 0n time for #hat1 (hat is it1 sentry% 2y king+ GF0 G@E G@0

there*s nothing yo "an s#ear yo *ll ne'er do! se"ond tho ghts make liars of s all% 0 "o ld ha'e s#orn 0 #o ldn*t h rry $a"k 3#hat #ith yo r threats+ the $ ffeting 0 - st took4+ G30

$ t a stroke of l "k $eyond o r #ildest hopes+ #hat a -oy+ there*s nothing like it% )o+ $a"k 0*'e "ome+ $reaking my oath+ #ho "ares1 0*m $ringing in o r prisoner!this yo ng girl! #e took her gi'ing the dead the last rites% & t no "asting lots this time+ this is my l "k+ my prize+ no one else*s% ;o#+ my lord+ here she is% Take her+ / estion her+ GG0 "ross7e.amine her to yo r heart*s "ontent% & t set me free+ it*s only right! 0*m rid of this dreadf l $ siness on"e for all% "reon% Prisoner= Her1 Mo took her!#here+ doing #hat1 sentry% & rying the man% That*s the #hole story% "reon% (hat1 GGE G3E

Mo mean #hat yo say+ yo *re telling me the tr th1 sentry% )he*s the one% (ith my o#n eyes 0 sa# her $ ry the $ody+ - st #hat yo *'e for$idden% There% 0s that plain and "lear1 "reon% (hat did yo see1 9id yo "at"h her in the a"t1 sentry% Here*s #hat happened% (e #ent $a"k to o r post+ those threats of yo rs $reathing do#n o r ne"ks! #e $r shed the "orpse "lean of the d st that "o'ered it+ stripped it $are % % % it #as slimy+ going soft+ and #e took to high gro nd+ $a"ks to the #ind so the stink of him "o ldn*t hit s6 -ostling+ $aiting ea"h other to keep a#ake+ sho ting $a"k and forth!no napping on the -o$+ not this time% And so the ho rs dragged $y GEE GE0

ntil the s n stood dead a$o'e o r heads+ a h ge #hite $all in the noon sky+ $eating+ $lazing do#n+ and then it happened! s ddenly+ a #hirl#ind=

GH0

T#isting a great d st7storm p from the earth+ a $la"k plag e of the hea'ens+ filling the plain+ ripping the lea'es off e'ery tree in sight+ "hoking the air and sky% (e s/ inted hard and took o r #hipping from the gods% And after the storm passed!it seemed endless! there+ #e sa# the girl= GK0 GHE

And she "ried o t a sharp+ pier"ing "ry+ like a $ird "ome $a"k to an empty nest+ peering into its $ed+ and all the $a$ies gone % % % 5 st so+ #hen she sees the "orpse $are she $ rsts into a long+ shattering #ail GKE

and "alls do#n #ithering " rses on the heads of all #ho did the #ork% And she s"oops p dry d st+ handf ls+ / i"kly+ and lifting a fine $ronze rn+ lifting it high and po ring+ she "ro#ns the dead #ith three f ll li$ations% )oon as #e sa# GA0

#e r shed her+ "losed on the kill like h nters+ and she+ she didn*t flin"h% (e interrogated her+ "harging her #ith offenses past and present! she stood p to it all+ denied nothing% 0 tell yo + it made me a"he and la gh in the same $reath% 0t*s p re -oy to es"ape the #orst yo rself+ it h rts a man to $ring do#n his friends% GAE

& t all that+ 0*m afraid+ means less to me than my o#n skin% That*s the #ay 0*m made% "reon% O(heeling on antigone%P Mo + GC0

#ith yo r eyes fi.ed on the gro nd!speak p% 9o yo deny yo did this+ yes or no1 antigone% 0 did it% 0 don*t deny a thing%

"reon% OTo the sentry%P Mo + get o t+ #here'er yo please! yo *re "lear of a 'ery hea'y "harge% !/e lea,es+ creon turns back to antigone*. Mo + tell me $riefly+ no long spee"hes! #ere yo a#are a de"ree had for$idden this1 antigone% (ell a#are% Ho# "o ld 0 a'oid it1 0t #as p $li"% "reon% And still yo had the gall to $reak this la#1 antigone% 8f "o rse 0 did% 0t #asn*t Ne s+ not in the least+ #ho made this pro"lamation!not to me% ;or did that 5 sti"e+ d#elling #ith the gods $eneath the earth+ ordain s "h la#s for men% ;or did 0 think yo r edi"t had s "h for"e that yo + a mere mortal+ "o ld o'erride the gods+ the great n#ritten+ nshaka$le traditions% E0E They are ali'e+ not - st today or yesterday, they li'e fore'er+ from the first of time+ and no one kno#s #hen they first sa# the light% These la#s!0 #as not a$o t to $reak them+ not o t of fear of some man*s #o nded pride+ and fa"e the retri$ tion of the gods% 9ie 0 m st+ 0*'e kno#n it all my life! ho# "o ld 0 keep from kno#ing1!e'en #itho t yo r death7senten"e ringing in my ears% E@0 E00 GCE

And if 0 am to die $efore my time E@E 0 "onsider that a gain% (ho on earth+ ali'e in the midst of so m "h grief as 0+ "o ld fail to find his death a ri"h re#ard1 )o for me+ at least+ to meet this doom of yo rs is pre"io s little pain% & t if 0 had allo#ed EF0 my o#n mother*s son to rot+ an n$ ried "orpse! that #o ld ha'e $een an agony= This is nothing% And if my present a"tions strike yo as foolish+ let*s - st say 0*'e $een a"" sed of folly $y a fool% leader% <ike father like da ghter+ EFE

passionate+ #ild % % % she hasn*t learned to $end $efore ad'ersity% "reon% ;o1 &elie'e me+ the stiffest st $$orn #ills fall the hardest6 the to ghest iron+ tempered strong in the #hite7hot fire+ yo *ll see it "ra"k and shatter first of all% And 0*'e kno#n spirited horses yo "an $reak #ith a light $it!pro d+ re$ellio s horses% There*s no room for pride+ not in a sla'e not #ith the lord and master standing $y% This girl #as an old hand at insolen"e #hen she o'errode the edi"ts #e made p $li"% & t on"e she*d done it!the insolen"e+ t#i"e o'er!to glory in it+ la ghing+ mo"king s to o r fa"e #ith #hat she*d done% 0*m not the man+ not no#, she is the man if this 'i"tory goes to her and she goes free% EG0 E3E E30

;e'er= )ister*s "hild or "loser in $lood than all my family "l stered at my altar #orshiping G ardian Ne s!she*ll ne'er es"ape+ she and her $lood sister+ the most $ar$ari" death% Mes+ 0 a"" se her sister of an e/ al part in s"heming this+ this $ rial% !To his attendants*. &ring her here= 0 - st sa# her inside+ hysteri"al+ gone to pie"es% 0t ne'er fails, the mind "on'i"ts itself EE0 EGE

in ad'an"e+ #hen s"o ndrels are p to no good+ plotting in the dark% 8h $ t 0 hate it more #hen a traitor+ "a ght red7handed+ tries to glorify his "rimes% antigone% Creon+ #hat more do yo #ant than my arrest and e.e" tion1 "reon% ;othing% Then 0 ha'e it all% antigone% Then #hy delay1 Mo r moralizing repels me+ e'ery #ord yo say!pray god it al#ays #ill% )o nat rally all 0 say repels yo too% Eno gh% EH0 Gi'e me glory= (hat greater glory "o ld 0 #in than to gi'e my o#n $rother de"ent $ rial1 These "itizens here #o ld all agree+ !To the chorus*. they*d praise me too if their lips #eren*t lo"ked in fear% EHE !0ointing to creon*. < "ky tyrants!the per/ isites of po#er= EEE

R thless po#er to do and say #hate'er pleases them% "reon% Mo alone+ of all the people in The$es+ see things that #ay% antigone% They see it - st that #ay EK0

$ t defer to yo and keep their tong es in leash%

"reon% And yo + aren*t yo ashamed to differ so from them1 )o disloyal= antigone% ;ot ashamed for a moment+

not to honor my $rother+ my o#n flesh and $lood% "reon% (asn*t Eteo"les a $rother too!" t do#n+ fa"ing him1 antigone% &rother+ yes+ $y the same mother+ the same father% "reon% Then ho# "an yo render his enemy s "h honors+ s "h impieties in his eyes1 antigone% He*ll ne'er testify to that+ Eteo"les dead and $ ried% "reon% He #ill! EKE

if yo honor the traitor - st as m "h as him% EA0 antigone% & t it #as his $rother+ not some sla'e that died! "reon% Ra'aging o r "o ntry=! $ t Eteo"les died fighting in o r $ehalf% antigone% ;o matter!9eath longs for the same rites for all% "reon% ;e'er the same for the patriot and the traitor% EAE

antigone% (ho+ Creon+ #ho on earth "an say the ones $elo# don*t find this p re and n"orr pt1 "reon% ;e'er% 8n"e an enemy+ ne'er a friend+ not e'en after death% antigone% 0 #as $orn to -oin in lo'e+ not hate! EC0 that is my nat re% "reon% Go do#n $elo# and lo'e+

if lo'e yo m st!lo'e the dead= (hile 0*m ali'e+ no #oman is going to lord it o'er me% !$nter ismene from the palace, under guard*. "hor s% <ook+

0smene*s "oming+ #eeping a sister*s tears+ lo'ing sister+ nder a "lo d % % % ECE

her fa"e is fl shed+ her "heeks streaming% )orro# p ts her lo'ely radian"e in the dark% "reon% in my ho se+ yo 'iper+ slinking ndete"ted+ s "king my life7$lood= 0 ne'er kne# 0 #as $reeding t#in disasters+ the t#o of yo rising p against my throne% Come+ tell me+ #ill yo "onfess yo r part in the "rime or not1 Ans#er me% )#ear to me% ismene% 0 did it+ yes! H00 Mo !

if only she "onsents!0 share the g ilt+ the "onse/ en"es too% antigone% ;o+H0E

5 sti"e #ill ne'er s ffer that!not yo + yo #ere n#illing% 0 ne'er $ro ght yo in% ismene% & t no# yo fa"e s "h dangers % % % 0*m not ashamed to sail thro gh tro $le #ith yo + make yo r tro $les mine% antigone% (ho did the #ork1 H@0

<et the dead and the god of death $ear #itness= 0*'e no lo'e for a friend #ho lo'es in #ords alone% ismene% 8h no+ my sister+ don*t re-e"t me+ please+ let me die $eside yo + "onse"rating

the dead together% antigone% ;e'er share my dying+ H@E

don*t lay "laim to #hat yo ne'er to "hed% 2y death #ill $e eno gh% ismene% (hat do 0 "are for life+ " t off from yo 1 antigone% Ask Creon% Mo r "on"ern is all for him% ismene% (hy a$ se me so1 0t doesn*t help yo no#% antigone% if 0 mo"k yo + 0 get no pleas re from it+ only pain% ismene% Tell me+ dear one+ Mo *re right! HF0

#hat "an 0 do to help yo + e'en no#1 antigone% )a'e yo rself% 0 don*t gr dge yo yo r s r'i'al% ismene% 8h no+ no+ denied my portion in yo r death1 antigone% Mo "hose to li'e+ 0 "hose to die% ismene% ;ot+ at least+ HFE

#itho t e'ery kind of "a tion 0 "o ld 'oi"e% antigone% Mo r #isdom appealed to one #orld!mine+ another% ismene% & t look+ #e*re $oth g ilty+ $oth "ondemned to death% antigone% Co rage= <i'e yo r life% 0 ga'e myself to death+ H30 long ago+ so 0 might ser'e the dead% "reon% They*re $oth mad+ 0 tell yo + the t#o of them% 8ne*s - st sho#n it+ the other*s $een that #ay sin"e she #as $orn% ismene% Tr e+ my king+

the sense #e #ere $orn #ith "annot last fore'er % % % H3E "ommit "r elty on a person long eno gh and the mind $egins to go% "reon% Mo rs did+

#hen yo "hose to "ommit yo r "rimes #ith her% ismene% Ho# "an 0 li'e alone+ #itho t her1 "reon% Her1 HG0

9on*t e'en mention her!she no longer e.ists% ismene% (hat1 Mo *d kill yo r o#n son*s $ride1 "reon% there are other fields for him to plo#% ismene% Perhaps+

A$sol tely,

$ t ne'er as tr e+ as "lose a $ond as theirs% "reon% A #orthless #oman for my son1 0t repels me% ismene% 9earest Haemon+ yo r father #rongs yo so= "reon% Eno gh+ eno gh!yo and yo r talk of marriage= ismene% Creon!yo *re really going to ro$ yo r son of Antigone1 "reon% 9eath #ill do it for me!$reak their marriage off% leader% )o+ it*s settled then1 Antigone m st die1 "reon% )ettled+ yes!#e $oth kno# that% HE0 !To the guards*. )top #asting time% Take them in% Drom no# on they*ll a"t like #omen% Tie them p+ no more r nning loose6 e'en the $ra'est #ill " t and r n+ on"e they see 9eath "oming for their li'es% HEE !The guards escort antigone and ismene into the palace* creon remains while the old citizens form their chorus*. "hor s% &lest+ they are tr ly $lest #ho all their li'es ha'e ne'er tasted de'astation% Dor others+ on"e the gods ha'e ro"ked a ho se to its fo ndations the r in #ill ne'er "ease+ "resting on and on from one generation on thro gho t the ra"e! HH0 HGE

like a great mo nting tide dri'en on $y sa'age northern gales+ s rging o'er the dead $la"k depths roiling p from the $ottom dark hea'es of sand and the headlands+ taking the storm*s onsla ght f ll7for"e+ roar+ and the lo# moaning e"hoes on and on and no# as in an"ient times 0 see the sorro#s of the ho se+ the li'ing heirs of the old an"estral kings+ piling on the sorro#s of the dead and one generation "annot free the ne.t! some god #ill $ring them "rashing do#n+ the ra"e finds no release% And no# the light+ the hope springing p from the late last root in the ho se of 8edip s+ that hope*s " t do#n in t rnHKE $y the long+ $loody knife s# ng $y the gods of death $y a senseless #ord $y f ry at the heart% Ne s+ yo rs is the po#er+ Ne s+ #hat man on earth "an o'erride it+ #ho "an hold it $a"k1 Po#er that neither )leep+ the all7ensnaring HA0 no+ nor the tireless months of hea'en "an e'er o'ermaster!yo ng thro gh all time+ mighty lord of po#er+ yo hold fast the dazzling "rystal mansions of 8lymp s% And thro gho t the f t re+ late and soon HAE HK0 HHE

as thro gh the past+ yo r la# pre'ails, no to#ering form of greatness enters into the li'es of mortals free and "lear of r in% Tr e+ o r dreams+ o r high hopes 'oyaging far and #ide $ring sheer delight to many+ to many others del sion+ $lithe+ mindless l sts and the fra d steals on one slo#ly % % % na#are till he trips and p ts his foot into the fire% He #as a #ise old man #ho "oined the famo s saying, )ooner or later fo l is fair+ fair is fo l to the man the gods #ill r in! He goes his #ay for a moment only free of $linding r in% K00 !$nter haemon from the palace*. Here*s Haemon no#+ the last of all yo r sons% 9oes he "ome in tears for his $ride+ his doomed $ride+ Antigone! $itter at $eing "heated of their marriage1 "reon% (e*ll soon kno#+ $etter than seers "o ld tell s% !Turning to haemon*. )on+ yo *'e heard the final 'erdi"t on yo r $ride1 Are yo "oming no#+ ra'ing against yo r father1 8r do yo lo'e me+ no matter #hat 0 do1 haemon% Dather+ 0*m yo r son % % %yo in yo r #isdom set my $earings for me!0 o$ey yo % K@0 K0E HCE HC0

;o marriage "o ld e'er mean more to me than yo +

#hate'er good dire"tion yo may offer% "reon% Dine+ Haemon%

That*s ho# yo o ght to feel #ithin yo r heart+ s $ordinate to yo r father*s #ill in e'ery #ay% That*s #hat a man prays for, to prod "e good sons! K@E ho seholds f ll of them+ d tif l and attenti'e+ so they "an pay his enemy $a"k #ith interest and mat"h the respe"t their father sho#s his friend% & t the man #ho rears a $rood of seless "hildren+ #hat has he $ro ght into the #orld+ 0 ask yo 1 ;othing $ t tro $le for himself+ and mo"kery from his enemies la ghing in his fa"e% 8h Haemon+ ne'er lose yo r sense of - dgment o'er a #oman% The #armth+ the r sh of pleas re+ it all goes "old in yo r arms+ 0 #arn yo % % % a #orthless #oman in yo r ho se+ a misery in yo r $ed% (hat #o nd " ts deeper than a lo'ed one t rned against yo 1 )pit her o t+ like a mortal enemy!let the girl go% <et her find a h s$and do#n among the dead% 0magine it, 0 "a ght her in naked re$ellion+ the traitor+ the only one in the #hole "ity% 0*m not a$o t to pro'e myself a liar+ not to my people+ no+ 0*m going to kill her= That*s right!so let her "ry for mer"y+ sing her hymns to Ne s #ho defends all $onds of kindred $lood% (hy+ if 0 $ring p my o#n kin to $e re$els+ think #hat 0*d s ffer from the #orld at large% K3E K30 KFE KF0

)ho# me the man #ho r les his ho sehold #ell, 0*ll sho# yo someone fit to r le the state% That good man+ my son+ 0 ha'e e'ery "onfiden"e he and he alone "an gi'e "ommands and take them too% )ta n"h in the storm of spears he*ll stand his gro nd+ a loyal+ nflin"hing "omrade at yo r side% KGE KG0

& t #hoe'er steps o t of line+ 'iolates the la#s or pres mes to hand o t orders to his s periors+ he*ll #in no praise from me% & t that man the "ity pla"es in a thority+ his orders m st $e o$eyed+ large and small+ right and #rong% Anar"hy! sho# me a greater "rime in all the earth= )he+ she destroys "ities+ rips p ho ses+ $reaks the ranks of spearmen into headlong ro t% & t the ones #ho last it o t+ the great mass of them KEE o#e their li'es to dis"ipline% Therefore #e m st defend the men #ho li'e $y la#+ ne'er let some #oman tri mph o'er s% &etter to fall from po#er+ if fall #e m st+ at the hands of a man!ne'er $e rated inferior to a #oman+ ne'er% leader% To s+ KH0 KE0

nless old age has ro$$ed s of o r #its+ yo seem to say #hat yo ha'e to say #ith sense% haemon% Dather+ only the gods endo# a man #ith reason+ the finest of all their gifts+ a treas re% KHE

Dar $e it from me!0 ha'en*t the skill+ and "ertainly no desire+ to tell yo #hen+ if e'er+ yo make a slip in spee"h % % % tho gh someone else might ha'e a good s ggestion% 8f "o rse it*s not for yo + KK0 in the normal r n of things+ to #at"h #hate'er men say or do+ or find to "riti"ize% The man in the street+ yo kno#+ dreads yo r glan"e+ he*d ne'er say anything displeasing to yo r fa"e% & t it*s for me to "at"h the m rm rs in the dark+ the #ay the "ity mo rns for this yo ng girl% ;o #oman+ they say+ e'er deser'ed death less+ and s "h a $r tal death for s "h a glorio s a"tion% )he+ #ith her o#n dear $rother lying in his $lood! she "o ldn*t $ear to lea'e him dead+ n$ ried+ food for the #ild dogs or #heeling ' lt res% 9eath1 )he deser'es a glo#ing "ro#n of gold= )o they say+ and the r mor spreads in se"ret+ darkly % % % 0 re-oi"e in yo r s ""ess+ father! nothing more pre"io s to me in the #orld% KAE (hat medal of honor $righter to his "hildren than a father*s gro#ing glory1 8r a "hild*s to his pro d father1 ;o# don*t+ please+ $e / ite so single7minded+ self7in'ol'ed+ or ass me the #orld is #rong and yo are right% (hoe'er thinks that he alone possesses intelligen"e+ the gift of elo/ en"e+ he and no one else+ and "hara"ter too % % % s "h men+ 0 tell yo + KC0 KA0 KKE

spread them open!yo #ill find them empty% ;o+ it*s no disgra"e for a man+ e'en a #ise man+ KCE to learn many things and not to $e too rigid% Mo *'e seen trees $y a raging #inter torrent+ ho# many s#ay #ith the flood and sal'age e'ery t#ig+ $ t not the st $$orn!they*re ripped o t+ roots and all% &end or $reak% The same #hen a man is sailing, ha l yo r sheets too ta t+ ne'er gi'e an in"h+ yo *ll "apsize+ go the rest of the 'oyage keel p and the ro#ing7$en"hes nder% 8h gi'e #ay% Rela. yo r anger!"hange= 0*m yo ng+ 0 kno#+ $ t let me offer this, it #o ld $e $est $y far+ 0 admit+ if a man #ere $orn infalli$le+ right $y nat re% 0f not!and things don*t often go that #ay+ it*s $est to learn from those #ith good ad'i"e% leader% Mo *d do #ell+ my lord+ if he*s speaking to the point+ to learn from him% !Turning to haemon*. and yo + my $oy+ from him% Mo $oth are talking sense% "reon% )o+ A@0 A0E A00

men o r age+ #e*re to $e le"t red+ are #e1! s"hooled $y a $oy his age1 haemon% 8nly in #hat is right% & t if 0 seem yo ng+ look less to my years and more to #hat 0 do% "reon% 9o1 0s admiring re$els an a"hie'ement1 haemon% 0*d ne'er s ggest that yo admire treason% A@E

"reon% isn*t that - st the si"kness that*s atta"ked her1

8h1!

haemon% The #hole "ity of The$es denies it+ to a man% "reon% And is The$es a$o t to tell me ho# to r le1 haemon% ;o#+ yo see1 (ho*s talking like a "hild1 "reon% Am 0 to r le this land for others!or myself1 haemon% 0t*s no "ity at all+ o#ned $y one man alone% "reon% (hat1 The "ity is the king*s!that*s the la#=

AF0

AFE

haemon% (hat a splendid king yo *d make of a desert island! yo and yo alone% "reon% OTo the "hor s%P This $oy+ 0 do $elie'e+ is fighting on her side+ the #oman*s side% haemon% 0f yo are a #oman+ yes6 my "on"ern is all for yo % A30 "reon% (hy+ yo degenerate!$andying a"" sations+ threatening me #ith - sti"e+ yo r o#n father= haemon% 0 see my father offending - sti"e!#rong% "reon% To prote"t my royal rights1 haemon% Prote"t yo r rights1 A3E (rong1

(hen yo trample do#n the honors of the gods1 "reon% Mo + yo so l of "orr ption+ rotten thro gh! #oman*s a""ompli"e= haemon% That may $e+

$ t yo *ll ne'er find me a""ompli"e to a "riminal% "reon% That*s #hat she is+ and e'ery #ord yo say is a $latant appeal for her! AG0 haemon% And yo + and me+ and the gods $eneath the earth% "reon% Mo *ll ne'er marry her+ not #hile she*s ali'e%

haemon% Then she*ll die % % % $ t her death #ill kill another% "reon% (hat+ $razen threats1 Mo go too far= haemon% (hat threat1 AGE

Com$ating yo r empty+ mindless - dgments #ith a #ord1

"reon% Mo *ll s ffer for yo r sermons+ yo and yo r empty #isdom= haemon% 0f yo #eren*t my father+ 0*d say yo #ere insane% "reon% 9on*t flatter me #ith Dather!yo #oman*s sla'e= haemon% Mo really e.pe"t to fling a$ se at me and not re"ei'e the same1 "reon% 0s that so= AE0

;o#+ $y hea'en+ 0 promise yo + yo *ll pay! ta nting+ ins lting me= &ring her o t+ that hatef l!she*ll die no#+ here+ in front of his eyes+ $eside her groom= haemon% ;o+ no+ she #ill ne'er die $eside me! AEE don*t del de yo rself% And yo #ill ne'er see me+ ne'er set eyes on my fa"e again% Rage yo r heart o t+ rage #ith friends #ho "an stand the sight of yo % OR shing o t%P AH0

leader% Gone+ my king+ in a $ rst of anger% A temper yo ng as his % % % h rt him on"e+ he may do something 'iolent% "reon% <et him do!

dream p something desperate+ past all h man limit= Good riddan"e% Rest ass red+ he*ll ne'er sa'e those t#o yo ng girls from death% leader% &oth of them+ yo really intend to kill them $oth1 "reon% ;o+ not her+ the one #hose hands are "lean6 yo *re / ite right% AHE

leader%

& t Antigone!

#hat sort of death do yo ha'e in mind for her1 "reon% 0*ll take her do#n some #ild+ desolate path ne'er trod $y men+ and #all her p ali'e in a ro"ky 'a lt+ and set o t short rations+ - st a gest re of piety to keep the entire "ity free of defilement% There let her pray to the one god she #orships, AKE AK0

9eath!#ho kno#s1!may - st reprie'e her from death% 8r she may learn at last+ $etter late than ne'er+ #hat a #aste of $reath it is to #orship 9eath% !$-it to the palace*. "hor s% <o'e+ ne'er "on/ ered in $attle <o'e the pl nderer laying #aste the ri"h= <o'e standing the night7#at"h g arding a girl*s soft "heek+ yo range the seas+ the shepherds* steadings off in the #ilds! not e'en the deathless gods "an flee yo r onset+ nothing h man $orn for a day! AAE AA0

#hoe'er feels yo r grip is dri'en mad% <o'e yo #ren"h the minds of the righteo s into o trage+ s#er'e them to their r in!yo ha'e ignited this+ this kindred strife+ father and son at #ar and <o'e alone the 'i"tor! AC0

#arm glan"e of the $ride tri mphant+ $ rning #ith desire= Throned in po#er+ side7$y7side #ith the mighty la#s= 0rresisti$le Aphrodite+L ne'er "on/ ered! <o'e+ yo mo"k s for yo r sport%

!antigone is brought from the palace under guard*. & t no#+ e'en 0*d re$el against the king+ ACE 0*d $reak all $o nds #hen 0 see this! 0 fill #ith tears+ "an*t hold them $a"k+ not any more % % % 0 see Antigone make her #ay to the $ridal 'a lt #here all are laid to rest% antigone% <ook at me+ men of my fatherland+ setting o t on the last road looking into the last light of day the last 0*ll e'er see % % % the god of death #ho p ts s all to $ed takes me do#n to the $anks of A"heronL ali'e! denied my part in the #edding7songs+ no #edding7song in the d sk has "ro#ned my marriage! 0 go to #ed the lord of the dark #aters% "hor s% ;ot "ro#ned #ith glory+ "ro#ned #ith a dirge+ yo lea'e for the deep pit of the dead% ;o #ithering illness laid yo lo#+ no strokes of the s#ord!a la# to yo rself+ alone+ no mortal like yo + e'er+ yo go do#n to the halls of 9eath ali'e and $reathing% antigone% & t think of ;io$eL!#ell 0 kno# her story! C@E think #hat a li'ing death she died+ Tantal s* da ghter+ stranger / een from the east, there on the mo ntain heights+ gro#ing stone $inding as i'y+ slo#ly #alled her ro nd and the rains #ill ne'er "ease+ the legends say the sno#s #ill ne'er lea'e her % % % #asting a#ay+ nder her $ro#s the tears CF0 C@0 C0E C00

sho#ering do#n her $reasting ridge and slopes! a ro"ky death like hers p ts me to sleep% "hor s% & t she #as a god+ $orn of gods+ and #e are only mortals $orn to die% And yet+ of "o rse+ it*s a great thing for a dying girl to hear+ - st hear she shares a destiny e/ al to the gods+ d ring life and later+ on"e she*s dead% antigone% 8 yo mo"k me= C30 CFE

(hy+ in the name of all my fathers* gods #hy "an*t yo #ait till 0 am gone! m st yo a$ se me to my fa"e1 8 my "ity+ all yo r fine ri"h sons= And yo + yo springs of the 9ir"e+ C3E holy gro'e of The$es #here the "hariots gather+ yo at least+ yo *ll $ear me #itness+ look+ nmo rned $y friends and for"ed $y s "h "r de la#s 0 go to my ro"k$o nd prison+ strange ne# tom$! al#ays a stranger+ 8 dear god+ CG0

0 ha'e no home on earth and none $elo#+ not #ith the li'ing+ not #ith the $reathless dead% "hor s% Mo #ent too far+ the last limits of daring! smashing against the high throne of 5 sti"e= Mo r life*s in r ins+ "hild!0 #onder % % % CGE do yo pay for yo r father*s terri$le ordeal1 antigone% There!at last yo *'e to "hed it+ the #orst pain the #orst ang ish= Raking p the grief for father three times o'er+ for all the doom that*s str "k s do#n+ the $rilliant ho se of <ai s% CE0

8 mother+ yo r marriage7$ed the "oiling horrors+ the "o pling there! yo #ith yo r o#n son+ my father!doomstr "k mother= ) "h+ s "h #ere my parents+ and 0 their #ret"hed "hild% 0 go to them no#+ " rsed+ n#ed+ to share their home! 0 am a stranger= 8 dear $rother+ doomed in yo r marriage!yo r marriage m rders mine+ yo r dying drags me do#n to death ali'e= !$nter creon*. "hor s% Re'eren"e asks some re'eren"e in ret rn! $ t atta"ks on po#er ne'er go n"he"ked+ CH0 CEE

not $y the man #ho holds the reins of po#er% Mo r o#n $lind #ill+ yo r passion has destroyed yo % antigone% ;o one to #eep for me+ my friends+ no #edding7song!they take me a#ay in all my pain % % % the road lies open+ #aiting% ;e'er again+ the la# for$ids me to see the sa"red eye of day% 0 am agony= ;o tears for the destiny that*s mine+ no lo'ed one mo rns my death% "reon% Can*t yo see1 CK0 CHE

0f a man "o ld #ail his o#n dirge $efore he dies+ he*d ne'er finish% !To the guards*. Take her a#ay+ / i"kly= (all her p in the tom$+ yo ha'e yo r orders% A$andon her there+ alone+ and let her "hoose! death or a $ ried life #ith a good roof for shelter% As for myself+ my hands are "lean% This yo ng girl!

CKE

dead or ali'e+ she #ill $e stripped of her rights+ her stranger*s rights+ here in the #orld a$o'e% antigone% 8 tom$+ my $ridal7$ed!my ho se+ my prison " t in the hollo# ro"k+ my e'erlasting #at"h= 0*ll soon $e there+ soon em$ra"e my o#n+ the great gro#ing family of o r dead PersephoneL has re"ei'ed among her ghosts% 0+ the last of them all+ the most re'iled $y far+ go do#n $efore my destined time*s r n o t% & t still 0 go+ "herishing one good hope, my arri'al may $e dear to father+ dear to yo + my mother+ dear to yo + my lo'ing $rother+ Eteo"les! (hen yo died 0 #ashed yo #ith my hands+ 0 dressed yo all+ 0 po red the " ps CC0 a"ross yo r tom$s% & t no#+ Polyni"es+ $e"a se 0 laid yo r $ody o t as #ell+ this+ this is my re#ard% ;e'ertheless 0 honored yo !the de"ent #ill admit it! #ell and #isely too% ;e'er+ 0 tell yo + if 0 had $een the mother of "hildren or if my h s$and died+ e.posed and rotting! 0*d ne'er ha'e taken this ordeal pon myself+ ne'er defied o r people*s #ill% (hat la#+ yo ask+ do 0 satisfy #ith #hat 0 say1 @000 CCE CAE CA0

A h s$and dead+ there might ha'e $een another% A "hild $y another too+ if 0 had lost the first%

& t mother and father $oth lost in the halls of 9eath+ no $rother "o ld e'er spring to light again% Dor this la# alone 0 held yo first in honor% @00E Dor this+ Creon+ the king+ - dges me a "riminal g ilty of dreadf l o trage+ my dear $rother= And no# he leads me off+ a "apti'e in his hands+ #ith no part in the $ridal7song+ the $ridal7$ed+ denied all -oy of marriage+ raising "hildren! deserted so $y lo'ed ones+ str "k $y fate+ 0 des"end ali'e to the "a'erns of the dead% (hat la# of the mighty gods ha'e 0 transgressed1 (hy look to the hea'ens any more+ tormented as 0 am1 (hom to "all+ #hat "omrades no#1 5 st think+ my re'eren"e only $rands me for irre'eren"e= Qery #ell, if this is the pleas re of the gods+ on"e 0 s ffer 0 #ill kno# that 0 #as #rong% & t if these men are #rong+ let them s ffer nothing #orse than they mete o t to me! @0F0 these masters of in- sti"e= leader% )till the same ro gh #inds+ the #ild passion raging thro gh the girl% "reon% OTo the g ards%P Take her a#ay% @0@E @0@0

Mo *re #asting time!yo *ll pay for it too% antigone% 8h god+ the 'oi"e of death% 0t*s "ome+ it*s here% @0FE "reon% Tr e% ;ot a #ord of hope!yo r doom is sealed% antigone% <and of The$es+ "ity of all my fathers! 8 yo gods+ the first gods of the ra"e= They drag me a#ay+ no#+ no more delay% <ook on me+ yo no$le sons of The$es! @030

the last of a great line of kings+ 0 alone+ see #hat 0 s ffer no# at the hands of #hat $reed of men! all for re'eren"e+ my re'eren"e for the gods= !(he lea,es under guard+ the chorus gathers*. "hor s% 9anaS+L 9anaS! @03E

e'en she end red a fate like yo rs+ in all her lo'ely strength she traded the light of day for the $olted $razen 'a lt! $ ried #ithin her tom$+ her $ridal7"ham$er+ #ed to the yoke and $roken% & t she #as of glorio s $irth my "hild+ my "hild and treas red the seed of Ne s #ithin her #om$+ the "lo d$ rst streaming gold= The po#er of fate is a #onder+ dark+ terri$le #onder! neither #ealth nor armies to#ered #alls nor ships $la"k h lls lashed $y the salt "an sa'e s from that for"e% The yoke tamed him too yo ng <y" rg sL flaming in anger king of Edonia+ all for his mad ta nts 9ionys s "lamped him do#n+ en"ased in the "hain7mail of ro"k @0EE and there his rage his terri$le flo#ering rage $ rst! so$$ing+ dying a#ay % % % at last that madman @0E0 @0GE @0G0

"ame to kno# his god! the po#er he mo"ked+ the po#er @0H0 he ta nted in all his frenzy trying to stamp o t the #omen strong #ith the god! the tor"h+ the ra'ing sa"red "ries! enraging the 2 sesL #ho adore the fl te% @0HE And far north #here the &la"k Ro"ks " t the sea in half and m rdero s straits split the "oast of Thra"e a for$idding "ity stands @0K0 #here on"e+ hard $y the #alls the sa'age Ares thrilled to #at"h a king*s ne# / een+ a D ry rearing in rage against his t#o royal sons! her $loody hands+ her dagger7sh ttle @0KE

sta$$ing o t their eyes!" rsed+ $linding #o nds! their eyes $lind so"kets s"reaming for re'enge= They #ailed in agony+ "ries e"hoing "ries the prin"es doomed at $irth % % % and their mother doomed to "hains+ #alled off in a tom$ of stone! $ t she tra"ed her o#n $irth $a"k to a pro d Athenian line and the high gods and off in "a'erns half the #orld a#ay+ $orn of the #ild ;orth (ind she sprang on her father*s gales+ ra"ing stallions p the leaping "liffs! @0AE @0A0

"hild of the hea'ens% & t e'en on her the Dates the gray e'erlasting Dates rode hard my "hild+ my "hild% !$nter tiresias, the blind prophet, led by a boy*. tiresias% <ords of The$es+@0C0

0 and the $oy ha'e "ome together+ hand in hand% T#o see #ith the eyes of one % % % so the $lind m st go+ #ith a g ide to lead the #ay% "reon% (hat is it+ old Tiresias1 (hat ne#s no#1 tiresias% 0 #ill tea"h yo % And yo o$ey the seer% "reon% 0*'e ne'er #a'ered from yo r ad'i"e $efore% tiresias% And so yo kept the "ity straight on "o rse% "reon% 0 o#e yo a great deal+ 0 s#ear to that% tiresias% Then refle"t+ my son, yo are poised+ on"e more+ on the razor7edge of fate% "reon% (hat is it1 0 sh dder to hear yo % tiresias% Mo #ill learn @@00 0 #ill+ @0CE

#hen yo listen to the #arnings of my "raft% As 0 sat in the an"ient seat of a g ry+ in the san"t ary #here e'ery $ird 0 kno# #ill ho'er at my hands!s ddenly 0 heard it+ a strange 'oi"e in the #ing$eats+ nintelligi$le+ $ar$ari"+ a mad s"ream= Talons flashing+ ripping+ they #ere killing ea"h other!that m "h 0 kne#! the m rdero s f ry #hirring in those #ings made that m "h "lear= 0 #as afraid+ @@@0 0 t rned / i"kly+ tested the $ rnt7sa"rifi"e+ @@0E

ignited the altar at all points!$ t no fire+ the god in the fire ne'er $lazed% ;ot from those offerings % % % o'er the em$ers slid a hea'y ooze from the long thigh$ones+ @@@E smoking+ sp ttering o t+ and the $ladder p ffed and $ rst!spraying gall into the air! and the fat #rapping the $ones slithered off and left them glistening #hite% ;o fire= The rites failed that might ha'e $lazed the f t re #ith a sign% )o 0 learned from the $oy here6 he is my g ide+ as 0 am g ide to others% And it*s yo ! yo r high resol'e that sets this plag e on The$es% The p $li" altars and sa"red hearths are fo led+ one and all+ $y the $irds and dogs #ith "arrion @@FE @@F0

torn from the "orpse+ the doomstr "k son of 8edip s= And so the gods are deaf to o r prayers+ they sp rn the offerings in o r hands+ the flame of holy flesh% ;o $irds "ry o t an omen "lear and tr e! they*re gorged #ith the m rdered 'i"tim*s $lood and fat% Take these things to heart+ my son+ 0 #arn yo % All men make mistakes+ it is only h man% & t on"e the #rong is done+ a man "an t rn his $a"k on folly+ misfort ne too+ if he tries to make amends+ ho#e'er lo# he*s fallen+ @@3E and stops his $ llne"ked #ays% )t $$ornness $rands yo for st pidity!pride is a "rime% ;o+ yield to the dead= ;e'er sta$ the fighter #hen he*s do#n% @@30

(here*s the glory+ killing the dead t#i"e o'er1 0 mean yo #ell% 0 gi'e yo so nd ad'i"e% 0t*s $est to learn from a good ad'iser #hen he speaks for yo r o#n good, it*s p re gain% "reon% 8ld man!all of yo = )o+

@@G0

yo shoot yo r arro#s at my head like ar"hers at the target! @@GE 0 e'en ha'e him loosed on me+ this fort ne7teller% 8h his ilk has tried to sell me short and ship me off for years% (ell+ dri'e yo r $argains+ traffi"!m "h as yo like! in the gold of 0ndia+ sil'er7gold of )ardis% Mo *ll ne'er $ ry that $ody in the gra'e+ not e'en if Ne s*s eagles rip the "orpse and #ing their rotten pi"kings off to the throne of god= ;e'er+ not e'en in fear of s "h defilement #ill 0 tolerate his $ rial+ that traitor% (ell 0 kno#+ #e "an*t defile the gods! no mortal has the po#er% ;o+ re'erend old Tiresias+ all men fall+ it*s only h man+ $ t the #isest fall o$s"enely #hen they glorify o$s"ene ad'i"e #ith rhetori"! all for their o#n gain% tiresias% 8h god+ is there a man ali'e #ho kno#s+ #ho a"t ally $elie'es % % % "reon% (hat no#1 @@H0 @@EE @@E0

(hat earth7shattering tr th are yo a$o t to tter1 tiresias% % % %- st ho# m "h a sense of - dgment+ #isdom @@HE

is the greatest gift #e ha'e1 "reon% 5 st as m "h+ 0*d say+

as a t#isted mind is the #orst affli"tion going% tiresias% Mo are the one #ho*s si"k+ Creon+ si"k to death% "reon% 0 am in no mood to trade ins lts #ith a seer% tiresias% Mo ha'e already+ "alling my prophe"ies a lie% "reon% (hy not1 @@K0

Mo and the #hole $reed of seers are mad for money= tiresias% And the #hole ra"e of tyrants l sts to rake it in% "reon% This slander of yo rs! are yo a#are yo *re speaking to the king1 tiresias% (ell a#are% (ho helped yo sa'e the "ity1 "reon% Mo ! @@KE

yo ha'e yo r skills+ old seer+ $ t yo l st for in- sti"e= tiresias% Mo #ill dri'e me to tter the dreadf l se"ret in my heart% "reon% )pit it o t= 5 st don*t speak it o t for profit% tiresias% Profit1 ;o+ not a $it of profit+ not for yo % "reon% ?no# f ll #ell+ yo *ll ne'er $ y off my resol'e% tiresias% Then kno# this too+ learn this $y heart= The "hariot of the s n #ill not ra"e thro gh so many "ir" its more+ $efore yo ha'e s rrendered one $orn of yo r o#n loins+ yo r o#n flesh and $lood+ a "orpse for "orpses gi'en in ret rn+ sin"e yo ha'e thr st to the #orld $elo# a "hild spr ng from the #orld a$o'e+ r thlessly lodged a li'ing so l #ithin the gra'e! then yo *'e ro$$ed the gods $elo# the earth+ keeping a dead $ody here in the $right air+ n$ ried+ ns ng+ nhallo#ed $y the rites% @@C0 Mo + yo ha'e no $ siness #ith the dead+ @@AE @@A0

nor do the gods a$o'e!this is 'iolen"e yo ha'e for"ed pon the hea'ens% And so the a'engers+ the dark destroyers late $ t tr e to the mark+ no# lie in #ait for yo + the D ries sent $y the gods and the god of death to strike yo do#n #ith the pains that yo perfe"ted= There% Refle"t on that+ tell me 0*'e $een $ri$ed% The day "omes soon+ no long test of time+ not no#+ that #akes the #ails for men and #omen in yo r halls% Great hatred rises against yo ! "ities in t m lt+ all #hose m tilated sons the dogs ha'e gra"ed #ith $ rial+ or the #ild $easts+ some #heeling "ro# that #ings the ngodly sten"h of "arrion $a"k to ea"h "ity+ ea"h #arrior*s heart and home% These arro#s for yo r heart= )in"e yo *'e raked me 0 loose them like an ar"her in my anger+ arro#s deadly tr e% Mo *ll ne'er es"ape their $ rning+ searing for"e% !#otioning to his escort*. Come+ $oy+ take me home%@F@0 )o he "an 'ent his rage on yo nger men+ and learn to keep a gentler tong e in his head and $etter sense than #hat he "arries no#% !$-it to the side*. leader% The old man*s gone+ my king! terri$le prophe"ies% (ell 0 kno#+ @F@E @F0E @F00 @@CE

sin"e the hair on his old head #ent gray+ he*s ne'er lied to The$es% "reon% 0 kno# it myself!0*m shaken+ torn%

0t*s a dreadf l thing to yield % % % $ t resist no#1 <ay my pride $are to the $lo#s of r in1 That*s dreadf l too% leader% & t good ad'i"e+ @FF0

Creon+ take it no#+ yo m st% "reon% (hat sho ld 0 do1 Tell me % % % 0*ll o$ey% leader% Go= Dree the girl from the ro"ky 'a lt and raise a mo nd for the $ody yo e.posed% "reon% That*s yo r ad'i"e1 Mo think 0 sho ld gi'e in1 leader% Mes+ my king+ / i"kly% 9isasters sent $y the gods " t short o r follies in a flash% "reon% 8h it*s hard% @FFE

gi'ing p the heart*s desire % % % $ t 0 #ill do it! no more fighting a losing $attle #ith ne"essity% leader% 9o it no#+ go+ don*t lea'e it to others% "reon% ;o#!0*m on my #ay= Come+ ea"h of yo + take p a.es+ make for the high gro nd+ o'er there+ / i"kly= 0 and my $etter - dgment ha'e "ome ro nd to this!0 sha"kled her+ 0*ll set her free myself% 0 am afraid % % % it*s $est to keep the esta$lished la#s to the 'ery day #e die% !Rushing out, followed by his entourage* The chorus clusters around the altar*. "hor s% God of a h ndred names= Great 9ionys s! )on and glory of )emele= Pride of The$es! @FG0 Child of Ne s #hose th nder ro"ks the "lo ds! <ord of the famo s lands of e'ening! ?ing of the 2ysteries= @F3E @F30

?ing of Ele sis+ 9emeter*s plainL her $reasting hills that #el"ome in the #orld! Great 9ionys s= &a""h s+L li'ing in The$es @FGE the mother7"ity of all yo r frenzied #omen! &a""h s li'ing along the 0smen s*L rippling #aters standing o'er the field so#n #ith the 9ragons* teeth= Mo !#e ha'e seen yo thro gh the flaring smoky fires+ yo r tor"hes $lazing o'er the t#in peaks @FE0 #here nymphs of the hallo#ed "a'e "lim$ on#ard fired #ith yo + yo r sa"red rage! #e ha'e seen yo at Castalia*s r nning springL and do#n from the heights of ;ysaL "ro#ned #ith i'y the greening shore rioting 'ines and grapes @FEE do#n yo "ome in yo r storm of #ild #omen e"stati"+ mysti" "ries! 9ionys s! do#n to #at"h and #ard the roads of The$es= Dirst of all "ities+ The$es yo honor first yo and yo r mother+ $ride of the lightning! "ome+ 9ionys s= no# yo r people lie in the iron grip of plag e+ "ome in yo r ra"ing+ healing stride do#n Parnass s*L slopes or a"ross the moaning straits% <ord of the dan"ing! @FHE @FH0

dan"e+ dan"e the "onstellations $reathing fire= Great master of the 'oi"es of the night=

Child of Ne s+ God*s offspring+ "ome+ "ome forth= <ord+ king+ dan"e #ith yo r nymphs+ s#irling+ ra'ing arm7in7arm in frenzy thro gh the night they dan"e yo + 0a""h sL! 9an"e+ 9ionys s gi'er of all good things= !$nter a messenger from the side*. messenger% ;eigh$ors+ @FK0

friends of the ho se of Cadm s and the kings+ there*s not a thing in this life of o rs 0*d praise or $lame as settled on"e for all% Dort ne lifts and Dort ne fells the l "ky and nl "ky e'ery day% ;o prophet on earth "an tell a man his fate% Take Creon, there #as a man to ro se yo r en'y on"e+ as 0 see it% He sa'ed the realm from enemies6 taking po#er+ he alone+ the lord of the fatherland+ he set s tr e on "o rse!flo rished like a tree #ith the no$le line of sons he $red and reared % % % and no# it*s lost+ all gone% &elie'e me+ #hen a man has s/ andered his tr e -oys+ @FAE @FA0 @FKE

he*s good as dead+ 0 tell yo + a li'ing "orpse% Pile p ri"hes in yo r ho se+ as m "h as yo like! li'e like a king #ith a h ge sho# of pomp+ $ t if real delight is missing from the lot+ 0 #o ldn*t gi'e yo a #isp of smoke for it+ @FC0 not "ompared #ith -oy% leader% (hat no#1

(hat ne# grief do yo $ring the ho se of kings1 messenger% 9ead+ dead!and the li'ing are g ilty of their death= leader% (ho*s the m rderer1 (ho is dead1 Tell s% messenger% Haemon*s gone+ his $lood spilled $y the 'ery hand! @FCE leader% His father*s or his o#n1 messenger% His o#n % % %

raging mad #ith his father for the death! leader% 8h great seer+

yo sa# it all+ yo $ro ght yo r #ord to $irth= messenger% Those are the fa"ts% 9eal #ith them as yo #ill% !%s he turns to go, eurydice enters from the palace*. leader% <ook+ E rydi"e% Poor #oman+ Creon*s #ife+ so "lose at hand% &y "han"e perhaps+ nless she*s heard the ne#s a$o t her son% e rydi"e% 2y "o ntrymen+ @300

all of yo !0 "a ght the so nd of yo r #ords as 0 #as lea'ing to do my part+ to appeal to / een AthenaL #ith my prayers%@30E 0 #as - st loosing the $olts+ opening the doors+ #hen a 'oi"e filled #ith sorro#+ family sorro#+ str "k my ears+ and 0 fell $a"k+ terrified+ into the #omen*s arms!e'erything #ent $la"k% Tell me the ne#s+ again+ #hate'er it is % % % @3@0 sorro# and 0 are hardly strangers6 0 "an $ear the #orst% messenger% 0!dear lady+

0*ll speak as an eye7#itness% 0 #as there% And 0 #on*t pass o'er one #ord of the tr th% (hy sho ld 0 try to soothe yo #ith a story+ @3@E

only to pro'e a liar in a moment1 Tr th is al#ays $est% )o+ 0 es"orted yo r lord+ 0 g ided him to the edge of the plain #here the $ody lay+ Polyni"es+ torn $y the dogs and still nmo rned% And saying a prayer to He"ate of the Crossroads+ Pl toL too+ to hold their anger and $e kind+ #e #ashed the dead in a $ath of holy #ater and pl "king some fresh $ran"hes+ gathering % % % #hat #as left of him+ #e $ rned them all together and raised a high mo nd of nati'e earth+ and then #e t rned and made for that ro"ky 'a lt of hers+ the hollo#+ empty $ed of the $ride of 9eath% And far off+ one of s heard a 'oi"e+ a long #ail rising+ e"hoing @330 @3FE @3F0

o t of that nhallo#ed #edding7"ham$er6 he ran to alert the master and Creon pressed on+ "loser!the strange+ ins"r ta$le "ry "ame sharper+ thro$$ing aro nd him no#+ and he let loose a "ry of his o#n+ eno gh to #ren"h the heart+ 8h god+ am 0 the prophet no#1 going do#n the darkest road 0*'e e'er gone1 2y son! it*s his dear 'oi"e+ he greets me= Go+ men+ "loser+ / i"kly= Go thro gh the gap+ the ro"ks are dragged $a"k! @3G0 @33E

right to the tom$*s 'ery mo th!and look+ see if it*s Haemon*s 'oi"e 0 think 0 hear+ or the gods ha'e ro$$ed me of my senses%

The king #as shattered% (e took his orders+ #ent and sear"hed+ and there in the deepest+ @3GE dark re"esses of the tom$ #e fo nd her % % % hanged $y the ne"k in a fine linen noose+ strangled in her 'eils!and the $oy+ his arms fl ng aro nd her #aist+ "linging to her+ #ailing for his $ride+ @3E0

dead and do#n $elo#+ for his father*s "rimes and the $ed of his marriage $lighted $y misfort ne% (hen Creon sa# him+ he ga'e a deep so$+ he ran in+ sho ting+ "rying o t to him+ 8h my "hild!#hat ha'e yo done1 #hat seized yo + #hat insanity1 #hat disaster dro'e yo mad1 Come o t+ my son= 0 $eg yo on my knees= & t the $oy ga'e him a #ild $ rning glan"e+ spat in his fa"e+ not a #ord in reply+ he dre# his s#ord!his father r shed o t+ r nning as Haemon l nged and missed=! and then+ doomed+ desperate #ith himself+ s ddenly leaning his f ll #eight on the $lade+ he $ ried it in his $ody+ half#ay to the hilt% And still in his senses+ po ring his arms aro nd her+ @3HE he em$ra"ed the girl and $reathing hard+ released a / i"k r sh of $lood+ $right red on her "heek glistening #hite% And there he lies+ $ody enfolding $ody % % % he has #on his $ride at last+ poor $oy+ not here $ t in the ho ses of the dead% Creon sho#s the #orld that of all the ills @3K0 @3H0 @3EE

affli"ting men the #orst is la"k of - dgment% !eurydice turns and reenters the palace*. leader% (hat do yo make of that1 The lady*s gone+ #itho t a #ord+ good or $ad% messenger% 0*m alarmed too @3KE

$ t here*s my hope!fa"ed #ith her son*s death+ she finds it n$e"oming to mo rn in p $li"% 0nside+ nder her roof+ she*ll set her #omen to the task and #ail the sorro# of the ho se% )he*s too dis"reet% )he #on*t do something rash% leader% 0*m not so s re% To me+ at least+ a long hea'y silen"e promises danger+ - st as m "h as a lot of empty o t"ries% messenger% (e*ll see if she*s holding something $a"k+ hiding some passion in her heart% @3AE 0*m going in% Mo may $e right!#ho kno#s1 E'en too m "h silen"e has its dangers% !$-it to the palace* $nter creon from the side, escorted by attendants carrying haemon2s body on a bier*. leader% The king himself= Coming to#ard s+ look+ holding the $oy*s head in his hands% Clear+ damning proof+ if it*s right to say so! proof of his o#n madness+ no one else*s+ no+ his o#n $lind #rongs% "reon% 8hhh+ @3C0 @3A0

so senseless+ so insane % % % my "rimes+ my st $$orn+ deadly! <ook at s+ the killer+ the killed+ @3CE

father and son+ the same $lood!the misery=

2y plans+ my mad fanati" heart+ my son+ " t off so yo ng= Ai+ dead+ lost to the #orld+ not thro gh yo r st pidity+ no+ my o#n% leader% too late+ yo see #hat - sti"e means% "reon% 8h 0*'e learned Too late+ @G00

thro gh $lood and tears= Then+ it #as then+ #hen the god "ame do#n and str "k me!a great #eight shattering+ dri'ing me do#n that #ild sa'age path+ r ining+ trampling do#n my -oy% 8h the agony+ the heart$reaking agonies of o r li'es% !$nter the messenger from the palace*. messenger% 2aster+ @G0E

#hat a hoard of grief yo ha'e+ and yo *ll ha'e more% The grief that lies to hand yo *'e $ro ght yo rself! !0ointing to haemon2s body*. the rest+ in the ho se+ yo *ll see it all too soon% "reon% (hat no#1 (hat*s #orse than this1 messenger% The / een is dead% @G@0

The mother of this dead $oy % % % mother to the end! poor thing+ her #o nds are fresh% "reon% ;o+ no+

har$or of 9eath+ so "hoked+ so hard to "leanse=! #hy me1 #hy are yo killing me1 Herald of pain+ more #ords+ more grief1 0 died on"e+ yo kill me again and again= (hat*s the report+ $oy % % % some ne#s for me1 2y #ife dead1 8 dear god= @G@E

)la ghter heaped on sla ghter1 !The doors open+ the body of eurydice is brought out on her bier*. messenger% )ee for yo rself,

no# they $ring her $ody from the pala"e% "reon% another+ a se"ond loss to $reak the heart% (hat ne.t+ #hat fate still #aits for me1 0 - st held my son in my arms and no#+ look+ a ne# "orpse rising $efore my eyes! #ret"hed+ helpless mother!8 my son= messenger% )he sta$$ed herself at the altar+ then her eyes #ent dark+ after she*d raised a "ry for the no$le fate of 2egare s+L the hero killed in the first assa lt+ then for Haemon+ then #ith her dying $reath she "alled do#n @G30 torments on yo r head!yo killed her sons% "reon% 8h the dread+ @GFE 8h no+ @GF0

0 sh dder #ith dread= (hy not kill me too1! r n me thro gh #ith a good sharp s#ord1 8h god+ the misery+ ang ish! 0+ 0*m "h rning #ith it+ going nder% @G3E

messenger% Mes+ and the dead+ the #oman lying there+ piles the g ilt of all their deaths on yo % "reon% Ho# did she end her life+ #hat $loody stroke1 messenger% )he dro'e home to the heart #ith her o#n hand+ on"e she learned her son #as dead % % % that agony% "reon% And the g ilt is all mine! "an ne'er $e fi.ed on another man+ no es"ape for me% 0 killed yo + @GG0

0+ god help me+ 0 admit it all= !To his attendants*. Take me a#ay+ / i"kly+ o t of sight% 0 don*t e'en e.ist!0*m no one% ;othing% leader% Good ad'i"e+ if there*s any good in s ffering% R i"kest is $est #hen tro $les $lo"k the #ay% "reon% !3neeling in prayer*. Come+ let it "ome=!that $est of fates for me that $rings the final day+ $est fate of all% 8h / i"kly+ no#! so 0 ne'er ha'e to see another s nrise% leader% That #ill "ome #hen it "omes6 #e m st deal #ith all that lies $efore s% The f t re rests #ith the ones #ho tend the f t re% "reon% That prayer!0 po red my heart into that prayer= leader% ;o more prayers no#% Dor mortal men there is no es"ape from the doom #e m st end re% "reon% Take me a#ay+ 0 $eg yo + o t of sight% A rash+ indis"riminate fool= @GH0 @GEE @GE0 @GGE

0 m rdered yo + my son+ against my #ill! yo too+ my #ife % % % (ailing #re"k of a man+ #hom to look to1 #here to lean for s pport1 !'esperately turning from haemon to eurydice on their biers*. (hate'er 0 to "h goes #rong!on"e more a "r shing fate*s "ome do#n pon my head% @GHE !The messenger and attendants lead creon into the palace*. "hor s% (isdom is $y far the greatest part of -oy+

and re'eren"e to#ard the gods m st $e safeg arded% The mighty #ords of the pro d are paid in f ll #ith mighty $lo#s of fate+ and at long last those $lo#s #ill tea"h s #isdom% @GK0 !The old citizens e-it to the side*. J Topi"s for Criti"al Thinking and (riting

The Play on the Page

@% 70f yo ha'e read 8edip s+ "ompare and "ontrast the Creon of Antigone #ith the Creon of 8edip s% F% 7Altho gh )opho"les "alled his play Antigone+ many "riti"s say that Creon is the real tragi" hero+ pointing o t that Antigone is a$sent from the last third of the play% E'al ate this 'ie#% 3% 70n some Greek tragedies+ fate plays a great role in $ringing a$o t the do#nfall of the tragi" hero% Tho gh there are referen"es to the " rse on the Ho se of 8edip s in Antigone+ do #e feel that Antigone goes to her death as a res lt of the #orkings of fate1 9o #e feel that fate is responsi$le for Creon*s fall1 Are $oth Antigone and Creon the "reators of their o#n tragedy1 G% 7Are the #ords hamartia and hy$ris 3see pages @0CGB@0CE4 rele'ant to Antigone1 To Creon1 E% 7(hy does Creon+ "ontrary to the Chor s*s ad'i"e 3lines @FFGB@FFE4+ $ ry the $ody of Polyni"es $efore he releases Antigone1 9oes his a"tion sho# a zeal for piety as short7sighted as his earlier zeal for la#1 0s his a"tion pla si$le+ in 'ie# of the fa"ts that Tiresias has d#elt on the #rong done to Polyni"es and that Antigone has rit al food to s stain her1 8r are #e not to #orry a$o t Creon*s moti'e1 H% 7A foil is a "hara"ter #ho+ $y "ontrast+ sets off or helps define another "hara"ter% To #hat e.tent is 0smene a foil to Antigone1 0s she entirely #itho t "o rage1 K% 7(hat f n"tion does E rydi"e ser'e1 Ho# deeply do #e feel a$o t her fate1

The Play on the )tage

A% 7(o ld yo se masks for some 3or all4 of the "hara"ters1 0f so+ #o ld they $e masks that f lly

"o'er the fa"e+ Greek7style+ or some sort of half7masks1 3A f ll mask enlarges the fa"e+ and "on"ei'a$ly the mo thpie"e "an amplify the 'oi"e+ $ t only an e."eptionally large theater might re/ ire s "h help% Perhaps half7masks are eno gh if the aim is "hiefly to distan"e the a"tors from

the a dien"e and from daily reality+ and to for"e the a"tors to de'elop reso r"es other than fa"ial gest res% 8ne dire"tor+ arg ing in fa'or of half7masks+ has said that a"tors #ho #ear e'en a half7 mask learn to a"t not #ith the eyes $ t #ith the ne"k%4 C% 7Ho# #o ld yo "ost me the players1 (o ld yo dress them as the Greeks might ha'e1 (hy1 8ne arg ment sometimes sed $y those #ho hold that modern prod "tions of Greek drama sho ld se "lassi"al "ost mes is that Greek drama o ght to $e remote and rit alisti"% E'al ate this 'ie#% (hat sort of modern dress might $e effe"ti'e1 @0% 70f yo #ere dire"ting a "ollege prod "tion of Antigone+ ho# large a "hor s #o ld yo se1

3)opho"les is said to ha'e sed a "hor s of fifteen%4 (o ld yo ha'e the "hor s re"ite 3or "hant4 the odes in nison+ or #o ld yo assign lines to single speakers1 0n )opho"les* day+ the "hor s dan"ed% (o ld yo se dan"e mo'ements1 0f not+ in #hat sorts of mo'ements might they engage1

TWO PLAYS BY SHAKESPEARE

A Case$ook on Hamlet
This "ase$ook "ontains 3in addition to ill strations of the original te.ts of Hamlet+ the Eliza$ethan theater+ and modern prod "tions4 the follo#ing material, @% 7A note on the Eliza$ethan theater F% 7A note on the te.t of Hamlet 3#ith fa"similies of three 'ersions of Hamlet*s to $e or not to $e4 3% 7The te.t of Hamlet G% 7A Dre dian interpretation $y Ernest 5ones E% 7)tanley (ells*s analysis of the first solilo/ y H% 7Elaine )ho#alter*s dis" ssion of 8phelia K% 7Claire &loom*s "omments on her performan"e as Gertr de+ in the &&C TQ prod "tion of Hamlet 3@CA04 A% 7&erni"e (% ?liman*s re'ie# of the &&C TQ prod "tion of Hamlet 3@CA04 C% 7A re'ie# $y a st dent+ (ill )aretta+ of ?enneth &ranagh*s film 'ersion of Hamlet 3@CCH4

A NOTE ON THE ELIZABETHAN THEATER

)hakespeare*s theater #as #ooden+ ro nd or polygonal 3the Chor s in Henry Q "alls it a #ooden 84% A$o t eight h ndred spe"tators "o ld stand in the yard in front of!and perhaps along the t#o sides of!

the stage that - tted from the rear #all+ and another fifteen h ndred or so spe"tators "o ld sit in the three roofed galleries that ringed the stage% That portion of the galleries that #as a$o'e the rear of the stage #as sometimes sed $y a"tors% Dor instan"e+ in The Tempest+ 3%3+ a stage dire"tion follo#ing line @K mentions Prospero on the top+ in'isi$le+ that is+ he is imagined to $e in'isi$le to the "hara"ters in the play% Entry to the stage #as normally gained $y doors at the rear+ $ t apparently on rare o""asions se #as made of a " rtained al"o'e!or perhaps a $ooth!$et#een the doors+ #hi"h allo#ed "hara"ters to $e dis"o'ered 3re'ealed4 as in the modern pros"eni m theater+ #hi"h normally employs a " rtain% ) "h dis"o'ery s"enes are rare% Altho gh the theater as a #hole #as nroofed+ the stage #as prote"ted $y a roof+ s pported $y t#o pillars% These "o ld ser'e 3$y an a"t of imagination4 as trees $ehind #hi"h a"tors might pretend to "on"eal themsel'es% A performan"e #as pro$a$ly ninterr pted $y intermissions or $y long pa ses for the "hanging of s"enery6 a gro p of "hara"ters lea'es the stage+ another enters+ and if the lo"ale has "hanged the ne# "hara"ters someho# tell s% 32odern editors " stomarily add indi"ations of lo"ales to help a reader+ $ t it sho ld $e remem$ered that the a"tion on the Eliza$ethan stage #as "ontin o s%4

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
6illiam (hakespeare 9:;<=>:<:<? was born in (tratford, $ngland, of middle@class parents* &othing of interest is known about his early years, but by :;AB he was acting and writing plays in 4ondon* 5y the end of the following decade he had worked in all three $lizabethan dramatic genres8tragedy, comedy, and history* Romeo and Juliet, for e-ample, was written about :;A;, the year of Richard "", and in the following year he wrote % #idsummer &ight2s 'ream* Julius aesar 9:;AA? probably preceded %s 7ou

4ike "t by one year, and /amlet probably followed %s 7ou 4ike "t by less than a year* %mong the plays that followed Othello 9:<BC>:<B=? were 3ing 4ear 9:<B;>:<B<?, #acbeth 9:<B;>:<B<?, and se,eral DromancesE8plays that ha,e happy endings but that seem more meditati,e and closer to tragedy than such comedies as % #idsummer &ight2s 'ream, %s 7ou 4ike "t, and Twelfth &ight* A ;ote on the Te.ts of Hamlet )hakespeare*s Hamlet "omes to s in three 'ersions% The first+ kno#n as the Dirst R arto 3R@4+ #as p $lished in @H03% 0t is an illegitimate gar$led 'ersion+ perhaps deri'ed from the memory of the a"tor #ho

played 2ar"ell s 3this part is "onspi" o sly more a"" rate than the rest of the play4 in a short 'ersion of the play% The se"ond printed 'ersion 3RF4+ #hi"h appeared in @H0G+ is almost t#i"e as long as R@6 all in all+ it is the $est te.t #e ha'e+ do $tless p $lished 3as R@ #as not4 #ith the permission of )hakespeare*s theatri"al "ompany% The third printed 'ersion+ in the Dirst Dolio 3the "olle"ted edition of )hakespeare*s plays+ p $lished in @HF34+ is also legitimate+ $ t it seems to $e an a"ting 'ersion+ for it la"ks some t#o h ndred lines of RF% 8n the other hand+ the Dolio te.t in"l des some ninety lines not fo nd in RF% &e"a se RF is the longest 'ersion+ gi'ing s more of the play as )hakespeare "on"ei'ed it than either of the other te.ts+ it ser'es as the $asi" 'ersion for this te.t% Jnfort nately+ the printers of RF often #orked "arelessly, (ords and phrases are omitted+ there are plain misreadings of #hat m st ha'e $een in )hakespeare*s man s"ript+ and spee"hes are sometimes #rongly assigned% 0t is therefore ne"essary to t rn to the Dirst Dolio for many readings% 0t has $een fo nd sef l+ also+ to di'ide the play into a"ts and s"enes6 these di'isions+ not fo nd in RF 3and only a fe# are fo nd in the Dolio4+ are p rely editorial additions+ and they are therefore en"losed in s/ are $ra"kets% (e se the te.t edited $y 9a'id &e'ington%

PORTFOLIO: HAMLET ON THE STAGE

(e kno# that Hamlet #as pop lar d ring )hakespeare*s lifetime+ $ t the earliest ill stration 3@K0C4 sho#ing a s"ene from the play #as engra'ed more than a "ent ry after the play #as #ritten+ so #e kno# little a$o t #hat Hamlet looked like on )hakespeare*s stage% )till+ #e do ha'e at least a little idea% (e kno#+ for instan"e+ that at least in the first s"ene Hamlet #ore $la"k 3he speaks of his inky "loak4+ and #e kno# that #hen the Ghost first appears it is dressed in the 'ery armor he had on : (hen he the am$itio s ;or#ay "om$atted 3@%@%HGBHE4% (e kno#+ too+ that #hen the Ghost appears later+ in the R een*s "ham$er 33%G4+ he does not #ear armor+ a sign that his mood is different% (e also ha'e a fe# tantalizing glimpses of Eliza$ethan a"ting% Th s+ in the d m$ sho# 3pantomime4 pre"eding The 2 rder of Gonzago that the to ring players in 3%F prod "e for the "o rt+ #e get this stage dire"tion, Enter a ?ing and a R een 'ery lo'ingly, the R een em$ra"ing him and he her% A little later+ #hen the R een in this d m$ sho# finds that the ?ing has $een poisoned+ she makes passionate a"tion+ $ t then+ #hen the poisoner #oos her+ she seems harsh a #hile $ t in the end a""epts lo'e%

(e kno# something+ too+ of the so nd effe"ts% Possi$ly the play $egins #ith the $ell tolling t#el'e 3in @%@ &ernardo says+ *Tis no# str "k t#el'e4+ and "ertainly in the first s"ene #e hear the "ro#ing of a "o"k+ #hi"h "a ses the Ghost to depart% <ater #e hear the so nd of dr ms+ tr mpets+ and "annon #hen Cla di s drinks toasts+ and the play ends #ith the so nd of "annon+ #hen Dortin$ras orders the soldiers to pay tri$ te to the dead Hamlet% (hat a$o t "ost mes1 0n their o#n day+ Eliza$ethan plays #ere staged "hiefly in "ontemporary dress !do $let 3"lose7fitting -a"ket4 and hose 3tights4 for the men+ go#ns of 'ario s sorts for the #omen 3#hose roles #ere played $y $oy a"tors4!tho gh for "lassi"al plays s "h as 5 li s Caesar some attempt #as made in the dire"tion of an"ient "ost me+ at least for the ma-or "hara"ters% The se'enteenth and eighteenth "ent ries+ too+ staged the plays in the "ost me of the day+ #hi"h of "o rse #as not Eliza$ethan+ $ t in m "h of the nineteenth "ent ry+ and in the first third of the t#entieth+ a strong sense that the plays #ere Eliza$ethan "a sed prod "ers to se Eliza$ethan "ost mes+ altho gh these "ost mes!

"ontemporary #hen the plays #ere first performed!no# had $e"ome histori"al "ost me+ marking the plays as of an age remote from o r o#n% 0n @CFE &arry 5a"kson staged a modern7dress prod "tion in <ondon+ in an effort to emphasize the play*s "ontemporary rele'an"e% Today+ prod "tions tend to $e in modern dress in the sense that they a'oid Eliza$ethan "ost me6 $ t s ally+ in an effort to add some "olor to the stage as #ell as to add some 3$ t not a great4 sense of remoteness+ they se "ost mes of the nineteenth "ent ry+ #hi"h allo# for splendid go#ns and for military niforms #ith sashes%

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

O9RA2AT0) PER)8;AE ghost of Hamlet+ the former ?ing of 9enmark "la di s+ ?ing of 9enmark+ the former ?ing*s $rother gertr de+ R een of 9enmark+ #ido# of the former ?ing and no# #ife of Cla di s hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark+ son of the late ?ing and of Gertr de poloni s+ "o n"illor to the ?ing laertes+ his son ophelia+ his da ghter reynaldo+ his ser'ant horatio+ Hamlet*s friend and fello# st dent

'oltimand+ "orneli s+ rosen"rantz+ g ildenstern+ osri"+ a gentleman+ a lord+ $ernardo+ fran"is"o+ mar"ell s+ fortin$ras+ Prin"e of ;or#ay "aptain in his army Three or Do r players+ taking the roles of prolog e+ player king+ player / een+ and l "ian s Two messengers first sailor Two clowns, a gra,edigger and his companion priest first am$assador from England <ords+ )oldiers+ Attendants+ G ards+ other Players+ Dollo#ers of <aertes+ other )ailors+ another Am$assador or Am$assadors from England ( $&$) 'enmark. :*: $nter bernardo and francisco, two sentinels !meeting.* $ernardo% (ho*s there1 fran"is"o% ;ay+ ans#er me%L )tand and nfold yo rself%L $ernardo% <ong li'e the ?ing= fran"is"o% &ernardo1 $ernardo% He% E offi"ers and soldiers on #at"h mem$ers of the 9anish "o rt

fran"is"o% Mo "ome most "aref lly pon yo r ho r% $ernardo% *Tis no# str "k t#el'e% Get thee to $ed+ Dran"is"o%

fran"is"o% Dor this relief m "h thanks% *Tis $itter "old+ And 0 am si"k at heart% $ernardo% Ha'e yo had / iet g ard1 fran"is"o% ;ot a mo se stirring% $ernardo% (ell+ good night% 0f yo do meet Horatio and 2ar"ell s+ The ri'alsL of my #at"h+ $id them make haste% $nter horatio and marcellus* fran"is"o% 0 think 0 hear them%!)tand+ ho= (ho is there1 @E horatio% Driends to this gro nd%L mar"ell s% And liegemen to the 9ane%L fran"is"o% Gi'eL yo good night% mar"ell s% 8+ fare#ell+ honest soldier% (ho hath relie'ed yo 1 fran"is"o% &ernardo hath my pla"e% Gi'e yo good night% F0 $-it francisco* mar"ell s% Holla= &ernardo= $ernardo% )ay+ #hat+ is Horatio there1 horatio% A pie"e of him% $ernardo% (el"ome+ Horatio% (el"ome+ good 2ar"ell s% horatio% (hat+ has this thing appeared again tonight1 $ernardo% 0 ha'e seen nothing% mar"ell s% Horatio says *tis $ t o r fantasy+L And #ill not let $elief take hold of him To "hing this dreaded sight t#i"e seen of s% Therefore " ha,e entreated him alongF 6ith us to watchF the minutes of this night, That if again this apparition "ome He may appro'eL o r eyes and speak to it% horatio% T sh+ t sh+ *t#ill not appear% $ernardo% )it do#n a#hile+ CB FE @0

And let s on"e again assail yo r ears+ That are so fortified against o r story+ (hatL #e ha'e t#o nights seen% horatio%

3E

(ell+ sit #e do#n+

And let s hear &ernardo speak of this% $ernardo% <ast night of all+L (hen yond same star that*s #est#ard from the poleL G0 Had made hisL "o rse t* ill meL that part of hea'en (here no# it $ rns+ 2ar"ell s and myself+ The $ell then $eating one! $nter ghost* mar"ell s% Pea"e+ $reak thee off= <ook #here it "omes again= $ernardo% 0n the same fig re like the ?ing that*s dead% mar"ell s% Tho art a s"holar%L )peak to it+ Horatio% $ernardo% <ooks *aL not like the ?ing1 2ark it+ Horatio% horatio% 2ost like% 0t harro#s me #ith fear and #onder% $ernardo% 0t #o ld $e spoke to%L mar"ell s% )peak to it+ Horatio% E0 GE

horatio% (hat art tho that s rp*stL this time of night+ Together #ith that fair and #arlike form 0n #hi"h the ma-esty of $ ried 9enmarkL

9id sometimeL mar"h1 &y hea'en+ 0 "harge thee+ speak= mar"ell s% 0t is offended% $ernardo% )ee+ it stalks a#ay% EE

horatio% )tay= )peak+ speak= 0 "harge thee+ speak= $-it ghost* mar"ell s% *Tis gone and #ill not ans#er% $ernardo% Ho# no#+ Horatio1 Mo trem$le and look pale% 0s not this something more than fantasy1

(hat think yo on *t1L horatio% &efore my God+ 0 might not this $elie'e H0 (itho t the sensi$leL and tr e a'o "hL 8f mine o#n eyes% mar"ell s% 0s it not like the ?ing1

horatio% As tho art to thyself% ) "h #as the 'ery armor he had on (hen he the am$itio s ;or#ayL "om$ated% HE )o fro#ned he on"e #hen+ in an angry parle+L He smote the sleddedL Pola"ksL on the i"e% *Tis strange% mar"ell s% Th s t#i"e $efore+ and - mpL at this dead ho r+ (ith martial stalkL hath he gone $y o r #at"h% horatio% 0n #hat parti" lar tho ght to #orkL 0 kno# not+ & t in the gross and s"opeL of mine opinion This $odes some strange er ption to o r state% mar"ell s% Good no#+L sit do#n+ and tell me+ he that kno#s+ (hy this same stri"t and most o$ser'ant #at"h )o nightly toilsL the s $-e"tL of the land+ And #hy s "h daily "astL of $razen "annon And foreign martL for implements of #ar+ (hy s "h impressL of ship#rights+ #hose sore task 9oes not di'ide the ) nday from the #eek% A0 (hat might $e to#ard+L that this s#eaty haste 9oth make the night -oint7la$orer #ith the day1 (ho is *t that "an inform me1 horatio% That "an 06 KE K0

At least+ the #hisper goes so% 8 r last king+ (hose image e'en $ t no# appeared to s+ AE

(as+ as yo kno#+ $y Dortin$ras of ;or#ay+ Thereto pri"ked onL $y a most em lateL pride+L 9ared to the "om$at6 in #hi"h o r 'aliant Hamlet! Dor so this side of o r kno#n #orldL esteemed him! 9id slay this Dortin$ras6 #ho $y a sealedL "ompa"t (ell ratified $y la# and heraldry 9id forfeit+ #ith his life+ all those his lands (hi"h he stood seizedL of+ to the "on/ eror6 Against theL #hi"h a moiety "ompetentL (as gagdL $y o r king+ #hi"h had ret rnedL To the inheritan"eL of Dortin$ras Had he $een 'an/ isher+ as+ $y the same "o'*nantL And "arriage of the arti"le designed+L His fell to Hamlet% ;o#+ sir+ yo ng Dortin$ras+ 8f nimpro'd mettleL hot and f ll+ Hath in the skirtsL of ;or#ay here and there )harked pL a listL of la#less resol tesL Dor food and dietL to some enterprise That hath a stoma"hL in *t+ #hi"h is no other! As it doth #ell appear nto o r state! & t to re"o'er of s+ $y strong hand And terms "omp lsatory+ those foresaid lands )o $y his father lost% And this+ 0 take it+ 0s the main moti'e of o r preparations+ The so r"e of this o r #at"h+ and the "hief headL 8f this posthaste and r mmageL in the land% $ernardo% 0 think it $e no other $ t e*en so% (ell may it sortL that this portento s fig re Comes armd thro gh o r #at"h so like the ?ing @@0 @0E @00 CE C0

That #as and is the / estionL of these #ars% @@E horatio% A moteL it is to tro $le the mind*s eye% 0n the most high and palmyL state of Rome+ A little ere the mightiest 5 li s fell+ The gra'es stood tenantless+ and the sheetedL dead 9id s/ eak and gi$$er in the Roman streets6 AsL stars #ith trainsL of fire and de#s of $lood+ 9isastersL in the s n6 and the moist starL Jpon #hose infl en"e ;ept ne*sL empire standsL (as si"k almost to doomsdayL #ith e"lipse% And e'en the like pre" rseL of feared e'ents+ As har$ingersL pre"eding stillL the fates And prolog e to the omenL "oming on+ Ha'e hea'en and earth together demonstrated Jnto o r "limat resL and "o ntrymen% $nter ghost* & t soft+L $ehold= <o+ #here it "omes again= @30 0*ll "rossL it+ tho gh it $lastL me% O0t spreads hisL arms%P )tay+ ill sion= 0f tho hast any so nd or se of 'oi"e+ )peak to me= 0f there $e any good thing to $e done That may to thee do ease and gra"e to me+ @3E )peak to me= 0f tho art pri'y toL thy "o ntry*s fate+ (hi"h happily+L forekno#ing may a'oid+ 8+ speak= 8r if tho hast phoarded in thy life E.torted treas re in the #om$ of earth+ @G0 @FE @F0

Dor #hi"h+ they say+ yo spirits oft #alk in death+ )peak of it= OThe "o"k "ro#s%P )tay and speak=!)top it+ 2ar"ell s% mar"ell s% )hall 0 strike at it #ith my partisan1L horatio% 9o+ if it #ill not stand% $ernardo% *Tis here= horatio% *Tis here= mar"ell s% *Tis gone% (e do it #rong+ $eing so ma-esti"al+ To offer it the sho# of 'iolen"e+ Dor it is as the air in' lnera$le+ And o r 'ain $lo#s mali"io s mo"kery% $ernardo% 0t #as a$o t to speak #hen the "o"k "re#% horatio% And then it started like a g ilty thing Jpon a fearf l s mmons% 0 ha'e heard The "o"k+ that is the tr mpetL to the morn+ 9oth #ith his lofty and shrill7standing throat A#ake the god of day+ and at his #arning+ (hether in sea or fire+ in earth or air+ Th* e.tra'agant and erringL spirit hiesL To his "onfine6 and of the tr th herein This present o$-e"t made pro$ation%L mar"ell s% 0t faded on the "ro#ing of the "o"k% )ome say that e'er *gainstL that season "omes (herein o r )a'ior*s $irth is "ele$rated+ This $ird of da#ning singeth all night long+ And then+ they say+ no spirit dare stir a$road6 The nights are #holesome+ then no planets strike+L ;o fairy takes+L nor #it"h hath po#er to "harm+ )o hallo#ed and so gra"io sL is that time% @K0 @HE @H0 @EE @E0 OE.it ghost%P OThey strike at it%P @GE

horatio% )o ha'e 0 heared and do in part $elie'e it% & t+ look+ the morn in r sset mantle "lad (alks o*er the de# of yon high east#ard hill% &reak #e o r #at"h p+ and $y my ad'i"e <et s impart #hat #e ha'e seen tonight Jnto yo ng Hamlet6 for pon my life+ This spirit+ d m$ to s+ #ill speak to him% 9o yo "onsent #e shall a"/ aint him #ith it+ As needf l in o r lo'es+ fitting o r d ty1 mar"ell s% <et*s do *t+ 0 pray+ and 0 this morning kno# (here #e shall find him most "on'eniently% $-eunt* :*G Flourish* $nter claudius, 3ing of 'enmark, gertrude the Hueen, !the. ouncil, @A0 @KE

asF polonius and his son, laertes, hamlet, cum aliisF !including ,oltimand and cornelius.* king% Tho gh yet of Hamlet o rL dear $rother*s death The memory $e green+ and that it s $efitted To $ear o r hearts in grief and o r #hole kingdom To $e "ontra"ted in one $ro# of #oe+ Met so far hath dis"retion fo ght #ith nat re That #e #ith #isest sorro# think on him Together #ith remem$ran"e of o rsel'es Therefore o r sometimeL sister+ no# o r / een+ Th* imperial -ointressL to this #arlike state+ Ha'e #e+ as *t#ere #ith a defeated -oy! (ith an a spi"io s and a dropping eye+L (ith mirth in f neral and #ith dirge in marriage+ 0n e/ al s"ale #eighing delight and doleL! Taken to #ife, nor ha'e #e herein $arred @0 E

Mo r $etter #isdoms+ #hi"h ha'e freely gone (ith this affair along% Dor all+ o r thanks% ;o# follo#s that yo kno#L yo ng Dortin$ras+ Holding a #eak s pposalL of o r #orth+ 8r thinking $y o r late dear $rother*s death 8 r state to $e dis-oint and o t of frame+ F0

@E

Co7leag d #ithL this dream of his ad'antage+L He hath not failed to pester s #ith message 0mportingL the s rrender of those lands <ost $y his father+ #ith all $ondsL of la#+ To o r most 'aliant $rother% )o m "h for him% ;o# for o rself and for this time of meeting% Th s m "h the $ siness is, #e ha'e here #rit To ;or#ay+ n"le of yo ng Dortin$ras! (ho+ impotentL and $ed7rid+ s"ar"ely hears 8f this his nephe#*s p rpose!to s ppress 30 HisL f rther gaitL herein+ in that the le'ies+ The lists+ and f ll proportions are all made 8 t of his s $-e"t+L and #e here dispat"h Mo + good Corneli s+ and yo + Qoltimand+ Dor $earers of this greeting to old ;or#ay+ 3E Gi'ing to yo no f rther personal po#er To $ siness #ith the king more than the s"ope 8f these dilatedL arti"les allo#% OHe gi'es a paper%P FE

Dare#ell+ and let yo r haste "ommend yo r d ty%L "orneli s+ 'oltimand% 0n that+ and all things+ #ill #e sho# o r d ty% king% (e do $t it nothing%L Heartily fare#ell% !$-eunt ,oltimand and cornelius*. And no#+ <aertes+ #hat*s the ne#s #ith yo 1 G0

Mo told s of some s it6 #hat is *t+ <aertes1 Mo "annot speak of reason to the 9aneL And lose yo r 'oi"e%L (hat #o ldst tho $eg+ <aertes+ That shall not $e my offer+ not thy asking1 The head is not more nati'eL to the heart+ The hand more instr mentalL to the mo th+ Than is the throne of 9enmark to thy father% (hat #o ldst tho ha'e+ <aertes1 laertes% 2y dread lord+ E0 GE

Mo r lea'e and fa'orL to ret rn to Dran"e+ Drom #hen"e tho gh #illingly 0 "ame to 9enmark To sho# my d ty in yo r "oronation+ Met no# 0 m st "onfess+ that d ty done+ 2y tho ghts and #ishes $end again to#ard Dran"e And $o# them to yo r gra"io s lea'e and pardon%L king% Ha'e yo yo r father*s lea'e1 (hat says Poloni s1 poloni s% H*ath+L my lord+ #r ng from me my slo# lea'e &y la$orsome petition+ and at last Jpon his #ill 0 sealedL my hardL "onsent% 0 do $esee"h yo + gi'e him lea'e to go% king% Take thy fair ho r+L <aertes% Time $e thine+ And thy $est gra"es spend it at thy #ill=L & t no#+ my "o sinL Hamlet+ and my son! hamlet% A little more than kin+ and less than kind%L king% Ho# is it that the "lo ds still hang on yo 1 hamlet% ;ot so+ my lord% 0 am too m "h in the s n%L / een% Good Hamlet+ "ast thy nighted "olorL off+ And let thine eye look like a friend on 9enmark%L 9o not fore'er #ith thy 'aild lidsL K0 HE H0 EE

)eek for thy no$le father in the d st% Tho kno#*st *tis "ommon+L all that li'es m st die+ Passing thro gh nat re to eternity% hamlet% Ay+ madam+ it is "ommon% / een% 0f it $e+ KE

(hy seems it so parti" larL #ith thee1

hamlet% )eems+ madam1 ;ay+ it is% 0 kno# not seems% *Tis not alone my inky "loak+ good 2other+ ;or " stomaryL s its of solemn $la"k+ ;or #indy s spirationL of for"ed $reath+ ;o+ nor the fr itf lL ri'er in the eye+ ;or the de-e"ted ha'iorL of the 'isage+ Together #ith all forms+ moods+L shapes of grief+ That "an denote me tr ly% These indeed seem+ Dor they are a"tions that a man might play% & t 0 ha'e that #ithin #hi"h passes sho#6 AE These $ t the trappings and the s its of #oe% king% *Tis s#eet and "ommenda$le in yo r nat re+ Hamlet+ To gi'e these mo rning d ties to yo r father% & t yo m st kno# yo r father lost a father+ That father lost+ lost his+ and the s r'i'or $o nd 0n filial o$ligation for some term To do o$se/ io sL sorro#% & t to perse'erL 0n o$stinate "ondolementL is a "o rse 8f impio s st $$ornness% *Tis nmanly grief% 0t sho#s a #ill most in"orre"t to hea'en+ A heart nfortified+L a mind impatient+ An nderstanding simpleL and ns"hooled% Dor #hat #e kno# m st $e and is as "ommon CE C0 A0

As any the most ' lgar thing to sense+L (hy sho ld #e in o r pee'ish opposition Take it to heart1 Die+ *tis a fa lt to hea'en+ A fa lt against the dead+ a fa lt to nat re+ To reason most a$s rd+ #hose "ommon theme 0s death of fathers+ and #ho stillL hath "ried+ Drom the first "orpseL till he that died today+@0E This m st $e so% (e pray yo + thro# to earth This npre'ailingL #oe and think of s As of a father6 for let the #orld take note+ Mo are the most immediateL to o r throne+ And #ith no less no$ility of lo'e @@0 @00

Than that #hi"h dearest father $ears his son 9o 0 impart to#ardL yo % DorL yo r intent 0n going $a"k to s"hoolL in (itten$erg+L 0t is most retrogradeL to o r desire+ And #e $esee"h yo $end yo L to remain Here in the "heer and "omfort of o r eye+ 8 r "hiefest "o rtier+ "o sin+ and o r son% / een% <et not thy mother lose her prayers+ Hamlet% 0 pray thee+ stay #ith s+ go not to (itten$erg% hamlet% 0 shall in all my $estL o$ey yo + madam% @F0 king% (hy *tis a lo'ing and a fair reply% &e as o rself in 9enmark% 2adam+ "ome% This gentle and nfor"ed a""ord of Hamlet )its smiling toL my heart+ in gra"eL #hereof ;o -o" ndL health that 9enmark drinks today & t the great "annon to the "lo ds shall tell+ And the ?ing*s ro seL the hea'en shall $r it again+L @FE @@E

Respeaking earthly th nder%L Come a#ay% Flourish* $-eunt all but hamlet* hamlet% 8+ that this too too s lliedL flesh #o ld melt+ Tha#+ and resol'e itself into a de#= 8r that the E'erlasting had not fi.ed His "anonL *gainst self7sla ghter= 8 God+ God+ Ho# #eary+ stale+ flat+ and nprofita$le )eem to me all the sesL of this #orld= Die on *t+ ah fie= *Tis an n#eeded garden @3E That gro#s to seed% Things rank and gross in nat re Possess it merely%L That it sho ld "ome to this= & t t#o months dead!nay+ not so m "h+ not t#o% )o e."ellent a king+ that #as toL this HyperionL to a satyr+L so lo'ing to my mother That he might not $eteemL the #inds of hea'en Qisit her fa"e too ro ghly% Hea'en and earth+ 2 st 0 remem$er1 (hy+ she #o ld hang on him As if in"rease of appetite had gro#n &y #hat it fed on+ and yet #ithin a month! @GE <et me not think of *t6 frailty+ thy name is #oman=! A little month+ or ereL those shoes #ere old (ith #hi"h she follo#ed my poor father*s $ody+ <ike ;io$e6L all tears+ #hy she+ e'en she! 8 God+ a $east+ that #ants dis"o rse of reason+L @E0 @G0 @30

(o ld ha'e mo rned longer!married #ith my n"le+ 2y father*s $rother+ $ t no more like my father Than 0 to Her" les% (ithin a month+ Ere yet the sale of most nrighteo s tears Had left the fl shing in her galldL eyes+ @EE

)he married% 8+ most #i"ked speed+ to postL (ith s "h de.terity to in"est o sL sheets= 0t is not+ nor it "annot "ome to good% & t $reak+ my heart+ for 0 m st hold my tong e% $nter horatio, marcellus and bernardo* horatio% Hail to yo r lordship= hamlet% 0 am glad to see yo #ell% @H0

Horatio!or 0 do forget myself% horatio% The same+ my lord+ and yo r poor ser'ant e'er% hamlet% )ir+ my good friend6 0*ll "hange that nameL #ith yo % And #hat make yo fromL (itten$erg+ Horatio1 2ar"ell s% @HE

mar"ell s% 2y good lord% hamlet% 0 am 'ery glad to see yo % OTo $ernardo%P Good e'en+ sir%! & t #hat in faith make yo from (itten$erg1 horatio% A tr ant disposition+ good my lord% hamlet% 0 #o ld not hear yo r enemy say so+ ;or shall yo do my ear that 'iolen"e To make it tr ster of yo r o#n report Against yo rself% 0 kno# yo are no tr ant% & t #hat is yo r affair in Elsinore1 (e*ll tea"h yo to drink deep ere yo depart% horatio% 2y lord+ 0 "ame to see yo r father*s f neral% hamlet% 0 prithee+ do not mo"k me+ fello# st dent6 0 think it #as to see my mother*s #edding% horatio% 0ndeed+ my lord+ it follo#ed hardL pon% hamlet% Thrift+ thrift+ Horatio= The f neral $aked meatsL @A0 9id "oldlyL f rnish forth the marriage ta$les% (o ld 0 had met my dearestL foe in hea'en @KE @K0

8r e'erL 0 had seen that day+ Horatio% 2y father!2ethinks 0 see my father% horatio% (here+ my lord1 hamlet% 0n my mind*s eye+ Horatio% @AE

horatio% 0 sa# him on"e% *AL #as a goodly king% hamlet% *A #as a man% Take him for all in all+ 0 shall not look pon his like again% horatio% 2y lord+ 0 think 0 sa# him yesternight% hamlet% )a#1 (ho1 @C0 horatio% 2y lord+ the ?ing yo r father% hamlet% The ?ing my father1 horatio% )eason yo r admirationL for a #hile (ith an attentL ear till 0 may deli'er+ Jpon the #itness of these gentlemen+ This mar'el to yo % hamlet% Dor God*s lo'e+ let me hear= @CE

horatio% T#o nights together had these gentlemen+ 2ar"ell s and &ernardo+ on their #at"h+ 0n the dead #asteL and middle of the night+ &een th s en"o ntered% A fig re like yo r father+ Armd at pointL e.a"tly+ "ap7T7pie+L Appears $efore them+ and #ith solemn mar"h Goes slo# and stately $y them% Thri"e he #alked &y their oppressed and fear7s rprisd eyes (ithin his tr n"heon*sL length+ #hilst they+ distilledL Almost to -elly #ith the a"tL of fear+ )tand d m$ and speak not to him% This to me 0n dreadf lL se"re"y impart they did+ And 0 #ith them the third night kept the #at"h+ F0E F00

(here+ as they had deli'ered+ $oth in time+ F@0 Dorm of the thing+ ea"h #ord made tr e and good+ The apparition "omes% 0 kne# yo r father6 These hands are not more like% hamlet% & t #here #as this1

mar"ell s% 2y lord+ pon the platform #here #e #at"h% hamlet% 9id yo not speak to it1 horatio% 2y lord+ 0 did+ F@E

& t ans#er made it none% Met on"e metho ght 0t lifted p its head and did address 0tself to motion+ like as it #o ld speak6L & t e'en thenL the morning "o"k "re# lo d+ And at the so nd it shr nk in haste a#ay And 'anished from o r sight% hamlet% *Tis 'ery strange% FF0

horatio% As 0 do li'e+ my hono red lord+ *tis tr e+ And #e did think it #rit do#n in o r d ty To let yo kno# of it% hamlet% 0ndeed+ indeed+ sirs% & t this tro $les me% Hold yo the #at"h tonight1 all% (e do+ my lord% hamlet% Armed+ say yo 1 all% Armed+ my lord% hamlet% Drom top to toe1 all% 2y lord+ from head to foot%F30 hamlet% Then sa# yo not his fa"e1 horatio% 8+ yes+ my lord+ he #ore his $ea'erL p% hamlet% (hatL looked he+ fro#ningly1 horatio% A "o ntenan"e more in sorro# than in anger% FFE

hamlet% Pale or red1 F3E horatio% ;ay+ 'ery pale% hamlet% And fi.ed his eyes pon yo 1 horatio% 2ost "onstantly% hamlet% 0 #o ld 0 had $een there% horatio% 0t #o ld ha'e m "h amazed yo % hamlet% Qery like+ 'ery like% )tayed it long1 horatio% (hile one #ith moderate haste might tellL a h ndred% mar"ell s+ $ernardo% <onger+ longer% horatio% ;ot #hen 0 sa#*t% hamlet% His $eard #as grizzledL!no1 FGE horatio% 0t #as+ as 0 ha'e seen it in his life+ A sa$le sil'ered%L hamlet% 0 #ill #at"h tonight% FG0

Per"han"e *t#ill #alk again% horatio% 0 #arrantL it #ill%

hamlet% 0f it ass me my no$le father*s person+ 0*ll speak to it tho gh hell itself sho ld gape FE0 And $id me hold my pea"e% 0 pray yo all+ 0f yo ha'e hitherto "on"ealed this sight+ <et it $e tena$leL in yo r silen"e still+ And #hatsoe'er else shall hap tonight+ Gi'e it an nderstanding $ t no tong e% 0 #ill re/ ite yo r lo'es% )o+ fare yo #ell% Jpon the platform t#i.t ele'en and t#el'e 0*ll 'isit yo % all% 8 r d ty to yo r honor% hamlet% Mo r lo'es+ as mine to yo % Dare#ell% E.e nt Oall $ t hamletP% FEE

2y father*s spirit in arms= All is not #ell%

FH0

0 do $tL some fo l play% (o ld the night #ere "ome= Till then sit still+ my so l% Do l deeds #ill rise+ Tho gh all the earth o*er#helm them+ to men*s eyes% $-it* :*C $nter laertes and ophelia, his sister* laertes% 2y ne"essaries are em$arked% Dare#ell% And+ sister+ as the #inds gi'e $enefit And "on'oy is assistant+L do not sleep & t let me hear from yo % ophelia% 9o yo do $t that1

laertes% Dor Hamlet+ and the trifling of his fa'or+ E Hold it a fashion and a toy in $lood+L A 'iolet in the yo th of primyL nat re+ Dor#ard+L not permanent+ s#eet+ not lasting+ The perf me and s pplian"eL of a min te! ;o more% ophelia% laertes% ;o more $ t so1 Think it no more% @0

Dor nat re "res"entL does not gro# alone 0n the#sL and $ lk+ $ t as this templeL #a.es The in#ard ser'i"e of the mind and so l Gro#s #ide #ithal%L Perhaps he lo'es yo no#+ And no# no soilL nor "a telL doth $esmir"h @E The 'irt e of his #ill+L $ t yo m st fear+ His greatness #eighed+L his #ill is not his o#n% Dor he himself is s $-e"t to his $irth% He may not+ as n'al ed persons do+ Car'eL for himself+ for on his "hoi"e depends F0

The safety and health of this #hole state+ And therefore m st his "hoi"e $e "ir" ms"ri$ed Jnto the 'oi"e and yieldingL of that $ody (hereof he is the head% Then if he says he lo'es yo + 0t fits yo r #isdom so far to $elie'e it As he in his parti" lar a"t and pla"eL 2ay gi'e his saying deed+ #hi"h is no f rther Than the main 'oi"eL of 9enmark goes #ithal%L Then #eigh #hat loss yo r honor may s stain 0f #ith too "redentL ear yo listL his songs+ 30 8r lose yo r heart+ or yo r "haste treas re open To his nmastered import nity% Dear it+ 8phelia+ fear it+ my dear sister+ And keep yo in the rear of yo r affe"tion+L 8 t of the shot and danger of desire% The "hariestL maid is prodigal eno gh 0f she nmaskL her $ea ty to the moon%L Qirt e itself s"apes not "al mnio s strokes% The "anker gallsL the infants of the spring Too oft $efore their $ ttonsL $e dis"losed+L G0 And in the morn and li/ id de#L of yo th Contagio s $lastmentsL are most imminent% &e #ary then6 $est safety lies in fear% Mo th to itself re$els+L tho gh none else near% ophelia% 0 shall the effe"t of this good lesson keep As #at"hman to my heart% & t+ good my $rother+ 9o not+ as some ngra"io sL pastors do+ )ho# me the steep and thorny #ay to hea'en+ (hiles like a p ffedL and re"kless li$ertine GE 3E FE

Himself the primrose path of dallian"e treads+ And re"ksL not his o#n rede%L $nter polonius* laertes% 8+ fear me not%L

E0

0 stay too long% & t here my father "omes% A do $leL $lessing is a do $le gra"e6 8""asion smiles pon a se"ond lea'e%L poloni s% Met here+ <aertes1 A$oard+ a$oard+ for shame= EE The #ind sits in the sho lder of yo r sail+ And yo are stayed for% There!my $lessing #ith thee= And these fe# pre"epts in thy memory <ookL tho "hara"ter%L Gi'e thy tho ghts no tong e+ ;or any nproportionedL tho ght hisL a"t% &e tho familiar+L $ t $y no means ' lgar%L Those friends tho hast+ and their adoption tried+L Grapple them nto thy so l #ith hoops of steel+ & t do not d ll thy palmL #ith entertainment 8f ea"h ne#7hat"hed+ nfledged "o rage%L &e#are 8f entran"e to a / arrel+ $ t $eing in+ &ear *t thatL th* opposd may $e#are of thee% Gi'e e'ery man thy ear+ $ t fe# thy 'oi"e6 Take ea"h man*s "ens re+L $ t reser'e thy - dgment% Costly thy ha$itL as thy p rse "an $ y+ K0 & t not e.pressed in fan"y6L ri"h+ not ga dy+ Dor the apparel oft pro"laims the man+ And they in Dran"e of the $est rank and station Are of a most sele"t and genero s "hief in that%L ;either a $orro#er nor a lender $e+ KE Dor loan oft loses $oth itself and friend+ HE H0

And $orro#ing d lleth edge of h s$andry%L This a$o'e all, to thine o#n self $e tr e+ And it m st follo#+ as the night the day+ Tho "anst not then $e false to any man% Dare#ell% 2y $lessing seasonL this in thee= laertes% 2ost h m$ly do 0 take my lea'e+ my lord% poloni s% The time in'estsL yo % Go+ yo r ser'ants tend%L laertes% Dare#ell+ 8phelia+ and remem$er #ell (hat 0 ha'e said to yo % AE ophelia% *Tis in my memory lo"ked+ And yo yo rself shall keep the key of it% laertes% Dare#ell% $-it laertes* poloni s% (hat is *t+ 8phelia+ he hath said to yo 1 ophelia% )o please yo + something to "hing the <ord Hamlet% poloni s% 2arry+L #ell $etho ght% *Tis told me he hath 'ery oft of late Gi'en pri'ate time to yo + and yo yo rself Ha'e of yo r a dien"e $een most free and $o nteo s% 0f it $e so!as so *tis p t onL me+ CE C0 A0

And that in #ay of "a tion!0 m st tell yo Mo do not nderstand yo rself so "learly As it $ehoo'esL my da ghter and yo r honor% (hat is $et#een yo 1 Gi'e me p the tr th% ophelia% He hath+ my lord+ of late made many tendersL 8f his affe"tion to me% poloni s% Affe"tion1 Pooh= Mo speak like a green girl+ JnsiftedL in s "h perilo s "ir" mstan"e% 9o yo $elie'e his tenders+ as yo "all them1 @00

ophelia% 0 do not kno#+ my lord+ #hat 0 sho ld think% poloni s% 2arry+ 0 #ill tea"h yo % Think yo rself a $a$y That yo ha'e ta*en these tenders for tr e pay

@0E

(hi"h are not sterling%L TenderL yo rself more dearly+ 8r!not to "ra"k the #indL of the poor phrase+ R nning it th s!yo *ll tender me a fool%L @@0 ophelia% 2y lord+ he hath import ned me #ith lo'e 0n honora$le fashion% poloni s% Ay+ fashionL yo may "all it% Go to+L go to% ophelia% And hath gi'en "o ntenan"eL to his spee"h+ my lord+ (ith almost all the holy 'o#s of hea'en% @@E

poloni s% Ay+ springesL to "at"h #ood"o"ks%L 0 do kno#+ (hen the $lood $ rns+ ho# prodigalL the so l <ends the tong e 'o#s% These $lazes+ da ghter+ Gi'ing more light than heat+ e.tin"t in $oth E'en in their promise as itL is a7making+ Mo m st not take for fire% Drom this time &e somethingL s"anter of yo r maiden presen"e% )et yo r entreatmentsL at a higher rate Than a "ommand to parle%L Dor <ord Hamlet+ &elie'e so m "h in himL that he is yo ng+ And #ith a larger tether may he #alk Than may $e gi'en yo % 0n fe#+L 8phelia+ 9o not $elie'e his 'o#s+ for they are $rokers+L ;ot of that dyeL #hi"h their in'estmentsL sho#+ & t mere imploratorsL of nholy s its+ &reathingL like san"tified and pio s $a#ds+ The $etter to $eg ile% This is for all,L 0 #o ld not+ in plain terms+ from this time forth @30 @FE @F0

Ha'e yo so slanderL any momentL leis re As to gi'e #ords or talk #ith the <ord Hamlet% <ook to *t+ 0 "harge yo % Come yo r #ays%L ophelia% 0 shall o$ey+ my lord% $-eunt* :*= $nter hamlet, horatio, and marcellus* hamlet% The air $ites shre#dly+L it is 'ery "old% horatio% 0t is a nipping and eagerL air% hamlet% (hat ho r no#1 horatio% 0 think it la"ks ofL t#el'e% @3E

mar"ell s% ;o+ it is str "k% horatio% 0ndeed1 0 heard it not% E

0t then dra#s near the seasonL

(herein the spirit held his #ontL to #alk% A flo rish of tr mpets+ and t#o pie"esL go off O#ithinP% (hat does this mean+ my lord1 hamlet% The ?ing doth #akeL tonight and takes his ro se+L ?eeps #assail+L and the s#aggering pspringL reels+L And as he drains his drafts of RhenishL do#n+ The kettledr m and tr mpet th s $ray o t The tri mph of his pledge%L horatio% hamlet% Ay+ marry+ is*t+ & t to my mind+ tho gh 0 am nati'e here And to my mannerL $orn+ it is a " stom @E 0t is a " stom1 @0

2ore honored in the $rea"h than the o$ser'an"e%L This hea'y7headed re'el east and #estL 2akes s trad "ed and ta.ed ofL other nations% They "lepeL s dr nkards+ and #ith s#inish phraseL

)oil o r addition6L and indeed it takes

F0

Drom o r a"hie'ements+ tho gh performed at height+L The pith and marro# of o r attri$ te%L )o+ oft it "han"es in parti" lar men+ That forL some 'i"io s mole of nat reL in them+ As in their $irth!#herein they are not g ilty+ )in"e nat re "annot "hoose hisL origin! &y their o*ergro#th of some "omple.ion+L 8ft $reaking do#n the palesL and forts of reason+ 8r $y some ha$it that too m "h o*erlea'ensL The form of pla si'eL manners+ that these men+ Carrying+ 0 say+ the stamp of one defe"t+ &eing nat re*s li'eryL or fort ne*s star+L His 'irt es else+L $e they as p re as gra"e+ As infinite as man may ndergo+L )hall in the general "ens reL take "orr ption Drom that parti" lar fa lt% The dram of e'il 9oth all the no$le s $stan"e often do t To his o#n s"andal%L $nter ghost* horatio% <ook+ my lord+ it "omes= 3E 30 FE

hamlet% Angels and ministers of gra"eL defend s= &e tho L a spirit of healthL or go$lin damned+ G0

&ringL #ith thee airs from hea'en or $lasts from hell+ &e thy intentsL #i"ked or "harita$le+ Tho "om*st in s "h a / estiona$leL shape That 0 #ill speak to thee% 0*ll "all thee Hamlet+ ?ing+ father+ royal 9ane% 8+ ans#er me= <et me not $ rst in ignoran"e+ $ t tell GE

(hy thy "anonizedL $ones+ hearsdL in death+ Ha'e $ rst their "erements6L #hy the sep l"her (herein #e sa# thee / ietly in rnedL Hath oped his pondero s and mar$le -a#s To "ast thee p again% (hat may this mean+ That tho + dead "orpse+ again in "omplete steel+L Re'isits th s the glimpses of the moon+L 2aking night hideo s+ and #e fools of nat reL )o horridly to shake o r dispositionL EE E0

(ith tho ghts $eyond the rea"hes of o r so ls1 )ay+ #hy is this1 (herefore1 (hat sho ld #e do1 !The ghost. beckons !hamlet.* horatio% 0t $e"kons yo to go a#ay #ith it+ As if it some impartmentL did desire To yo alone% mar"ell s% <ook #ith #hat "o rteo s a"tion H0

0t #afts yo to a more remo'd gro nd% & t do not go #ith it% horatio% ;o+ $y no means%

hamlet% 0t #ill not speak% Then 0 #ill follo# it% horatio% 9o not+ my lord= hamlet% (hy+ #hat sho ld $e the fear1

0 do not set my life at a pin*s fee+L HE And for my so l+ #hat "an it do to that+ &eing a thing immortal as itself1 0t #a'es me forth again% 0*ll follo# it% horatio% (hat if it tempt yo to#ard the flood+L my lord+ 8r to the dreadf l s mmit of the "liff That $eetles o*erL hisL $ase into the sea+ K0

And there ass me some other horri$le form (hi"h might depri'e yo r so'ereignty of reasonL And dra# yo into madness1 Think of it% The 'ery pla"e p ts toys of desperation+L (itho t more moti'e+ into e'ery $rain That looks so many fathoms to the sea And hears it roar $eneath% hamlet% 0t #afts me still%!Go on+ 0*ll follo# thee% mar"ell s% Mo shall not go+ my lord% hamlet% horatio% &e r led% Mo shall not go% hamlet% 2y fate "ries o t+L OThey try to stop him%P Hold off yo r hands= A0 KE

And makes ea"h pettyL arteryL in this $ody As hardy as the ;emean lion*sL ner'e%L )till am 0 "alled% Jnhand me+ gentlemen% &y hea'en+ 0*ll make a ghost of him that letsL me= 0 say+ a#ay=!Go on+ 0*ll follo# thee% $-eunt ghost and hamlet* horatio% He #a.es desperate #ith imagination% mar"ell s% <et*s follo#% *Tis not fit th s to o$ey him% horatio% Ha'e after%L To #hat iss eL #ill this "ome1 mar"ell s% )omething is rotten in the state of 9enmark% C0 horatio% Hea'en #ill dire"t it%L mar"ell s% $-eunt* :*; $nter ghost and hamlet* hamlet% (hither #ilt tho lead me1 )peak% 0*ll go no f rther% ghost% 2ark me% hamlet% 0 #ill% ;ay+ let*s follo# him% AE

ghost%

2y ho r is almost "ome+

(hen 0 to s lf ro s and tormenting flames 2 st render p myself% hamlet% Alas+ poor ghost=

ghost% Pity me not+ $ t lend thy serio s hearing E To #hat 0 shall nfold% hamlet% )peak% 0 am $o ndL to hear% ghost% )o art tho to re'enge+ #hen tho shalt hear% hamlet% (hat1 ghost% 0 am thy father*s spirit+ @0 9oomed for a "ertain term to #alk the night+ And for the day "onfined to fastL in fires+ Till the fo l "rimesL done in my days of nat reL Are $ rnt and p rged a#ay% & t thatL 0 am for$id To tell the se"rets of my prison ho se+ 0 "o ld a tale nfold #hose lightest #ord (o ld harro# pL thy so l+ freeze thy yo ng $lood+ 2ake thy t#o eyes like stars start from their spheres+L Thy knotted and "om$ind lo"ksL to part+ And ea"h parti" lar hair to stand on end <ike / ills pon the fretf l por" pine% & t this eternal $lazonL m st not $e To ears of flesh and $lood% <ist+ list+ 8+ list= 0f tho didst e'er thy dear father lo'e! hamlet% 8 God= FE F0 @E

ghost% Re'enge his fo l and most nnat ral m rder% hamlet% 2 rder1 ghost% 2 rder most fo l+ as in the $estL it is+ & t this most fo l+ strange+ and nnat ral%

hamlet% Haste me to kno#*t+ that 0+ #ith #ings as s#ift 30 As meditation or the tho ghts of lo'e+ 2ay s#eep to my re'enge% ghost% 0 find thee apt6

And d ller sho ldst tho $eL than the fatL #eed That roots itself in ease on <etheL #harf+ (o ldst tho not stir in this% ;o#+ Hamlet+ hear% *Tis gi'en o t that+ sleeping in my or"hard+L A serpent st ng me% )o the #hole ear of 9enmark 0s $y a forgd pro"essL of my death Rankly a$ sed%L & t kno#+ tho no$le yo th+ The serpent that did sting thy father*s life ;o# #ears his "ro#n% hamlet% 8+ my propheti" so l= 2y n"le= ghost% Ay+ that in"est o s+ that ad lterateL $east+ (ith #it"h"raft of his #it+ #ith traitoro s giftsL! 8 #i"ked #it and gifts+ that ha'e the po#er GE )o to sed "e=!#on to his shamef l l st The #ill of my most seeming7'irt o s / een% 8 Hamlet+ #hat a falling off #as there= Drom me+ #hose lo'e #as of that dignity That it #ent hand in hand e'en #ith the 'o#L 0 made to her in marriage+ and to de"line Jpon a #ret"h #hose nat ral gifts #ere poor ToL those of mine= & t 'irt e+ as itL ne'er #ill $e mo'ed+ Tho gh le#dness "o rt it in a shape of hea'en+L )o l st+ tho gh to a radiant angel linked+ (ill sate itself in a "elestial $edL EE E0 G0 3E

And prey on gar$age% & t soft+ methinks 0 s"ent the morning air% &rief let me $e% )leeping #ithin my or"hard+ 2y " stom al#ays of the afternoon+ Jpon my se" reL ho r thy n"le stole+ (ith - i"e of " rsd he$onaL in a 'ial+ And in the por"hes of my earsL did po r The lepro s distillment+L #hose effe"t Holds s "h an enmity #ith $lood of man That s#ift as / i"ksil'er it "o rses thro gh The nat ral gates and alleys of the $ody+ And #ith a s dden 'igor it doth possetL And " rd+ like eagerL droppings into milk+ K0 The thin and #holesome $lood% )o did it mine+ And a most instant tetterL $arkedL a$o t+ 2ost lazar7like+L #ith 'ile and loathsome "r st+ All my smooth $ody% Th s #as 0+ sleeping+ $y a $rother*s hand KE HE H0

8f life+ of "ro#n+ of / een at on"e dispat"hed+L C t off e'en in the $lossoms of my sin+ Jnho seled+L disappointed+L naneled+L ;o re"koningL made+ $ t sent to my a""o nt (ith all my imperfe"tions on my head% 8+ horri$le= 8+ horri$le+ most horri$le= 0f tho hast nat reL in thee+ $ear it not% <et not the royal $ed of 9enmark $e A "o "h for l . ryL and damnd in"est% & t+ ho#soe'er tho p rs es this a"t+ Taint not thy mind nor let thy so l "ontri'e AE A0

Against thy mother a ght% <ea'e her to hea'en And to those thorns that in her $osom lodge+ To pri"k and sting her% Dare thee #ell at on"e% The glo##orm sho#s the matinL to $e near+ C0 And *gins to pale hisL neffe"t al fire% Adie + adie + adie = Remem$er me% !$-it*. hamlet% 8 all yo host of hea'en= 8 earth= (hat else1 And shall 0 "o pleL hell1 8+ fie= Hold+L hold+ my heart+ And yo + my sine#s+ gro# not instantL old+ CE & t $ear me stiffly p% Remem$er thee1 Ay+ tho poor ghost+ #hiles memory holds a seat 0n this distra"ted glo$e%L Remem$er thee1 Mea+ from the ta$leL of my memory 0*ll #ipe a#ay all tri'ial fondL re"ords+ @00

All sa#sL of $ooks+ all forms+L all press resL past That yo th and o$ser'ations "opied there+ And thy "ommandment all alone shall li'e (ithin the $ook and 'ol me of my $rain+ Jnmi.ed #ith $aser matter% Mes+ $y hea'en= 8 most perni"io s #oman= 8 'illain+ 'illain+ smiling+ damn d 'illain= 2y ta$lesL!meet it isL 0 set it do#n That one may smile+ and smile+ and $e a 'illain% At least 0 am s re it may $e so in 9enmark% @@0 !6riting*. )o n"le+ there yo are%L ;o# to my #ord, 0t is Adie + adie = Remem$er me% 0 ha'e s#orn*t% @0E

$nter horatio and marcellus* horatio% 2y lord+ my lord= mar"ell s% <ord Hamlet= horatio% Hea'ens se" re him=L hamlet% )o $e it% mar"ell s% Hilo+ ho+ ho+ my lord= hamlet% Hillo+ ho+ ho+ $oy= Come+ $ird+ "ome%L mar"ell s% Ho# is*t+ my no$le lord1 horatio% (hat ne#s+ my lord1 hamlet% 8+ #onderf l= horatio% Good my lord+ tell it% hamlet% ;o+ yo #ill re'eal it% horatio% ;ot 0+ my lord+ $y hea'en% mar"ell s% ;or 0+ my lord% hamlet% Ho# say yo + then+ #o ld heart of man on"eL think it1 & t yo *ll $e se"ret1 horatio+ mar"ell s% Ay+ $y hea'en+ my lord% @FE @F0 @@E

hamlet% There*s ne'er a 'illain d#elling in all 9enmark & t he*s an arrantL kna'e% @30 horatio% There needs no ghost+ my lord+ "ome from the gra'e To tell s this% hamlet% (hy+ right+ yo are in the right%

And so+ #itho t more "ir" mstan"eL at all+ 0 hold it fit that #e shake hands and part+ Mo as yo r $ siness and desire shall point yo ! Dor e'ery man hath $ siness and desire+ ) "h as it is!and for my o#n poor part+ <ook yo + 0*ll go pray+ horatio% These are $ t #ild and #hirling #ords+ my lord% @3E

hamlet% 0 am sorry they offend yo + heartily6 Mes+ faith+ heartily% horatio%

@G0

There*s no offense+ my lord%

hamlet% Mes+ $ t )aint Patri"k+L $ t there is+ Horatio+ And m "h offenseL too% To "hing this 'ision here+ 0t is an honest ghost+L that let me tell yo % Dor yo r desire to kno# #hat is $et#een s+ @GE 8*ermaster*t as yo may% And no#+ good friends+ As yo are friends+ s"holars+ and soldiers+ Gi'e me one poor re/ est% horatio% (hat is*t+ my lord1 (e #ill% hamlet% ;e'er make kno#n #hat yo ha'e seen tonight% @E0 horatio+ mar"ell s% 2y lord+ #e #ill not% hamlet% ;ay+ $ t s#ear*t% horatio% 0n faith+ my lord+ not 0%L mar"ell s% ;or 0+ my lord+ in faith% hamlet% Jpon my s#ord%L OHe holds o t his s#ord%P @EE

mar"ell s% (e ha'e s#orn+ my lord+ already%L hamlet% 0ndeed+ pon my s#ord+ indeed% ghost O"ries nder the stageP% )#ear% hamlet% Ha+ ha+ $oy+ sayst tho so1 Art tho there+ tr epennyL Come on+ yo hear this fello# in the "ellarage% Consent to s#ear% horatio% Propose the oath+ my lord% @H0

hamlet% ;e'er to speak of this that yo ha'e seen+ )#ear $y the s#ord% ghost O$eneathP% )#ear% hamlet% Hi" et $i/ e1L Then #e*ll shift o r gro nd% !/e mo,es to another spot*. OThey s#ear%LP @HE

Come hither+ gentlemen+ And lay yo r hands again pon my s#ord% )#ear $y my s#ord ;e'er to speak of this that yo ha'e heard% ghost O$eneathP% )#ear $y his s#ord% OThey s#ear%P @K0

hamlet% (ell said+ old mole% Canst #ork i* th* earth so fast1 A #orthy pioneer=L!8n"e more remo'ed+ good friends% !/e mo,es again*. horatio% 8 day and night+ $ t this is #ondro s strange= hamlet% And hen"eforth as a strangerL gi'e it #el"ome% There are more things in hea'en and earth+ Horatio+ @KE Than are dreamt of in yo r philosophy%L & t "ome6 Here+ as $efore+ ne'er+ so help yo mer"y+L Ho# strange or odd soe*er 0 $ear myself! As 0 per"han"e hereafter shall think meet To p t an anti"L disposition on! That yo + at s "h times seeing me+ ne'er shall+ (ith arms en" m$eredL th s+ or this headshake+ 8r $y prono n"ing of some do $tf l phrase As (ell+ #e kno#+ or (e "o ld+ an ifL #e #o ld+ 8r 0f #e listL to speak+ or There $e+ an if they might+L 8r s "h am$ig o s gi'ing o t+L to noteL That yo kno# a ghtL of me!this do s#ear+ )o gra"e and mer"y at yo r most need help yo % ghost O$eneathP% )#ear% OThey s#ear%P @C0 @AE @A0

hamlet% Rest+ rest+ pert r$d spirit= )o+ gentlemen+ (ith all my lo'e 0 do "ommend me to yo 6L And #hat so poor a man as Hamlet is

2ay do t* e.press his lo'e and friendingL to yo + God #illing+ shall not la"k%L <et s go in together+ And stillL yo r fingers on yo r lips+ 0 pray% The timeL is o t of -oint% 8 " rsd spiteL That e'er 0 #as $orn to set it right= !They wait for him to lea,e first*. ;ay+ "ome+ let*s go together%L $-eunt* G*: $nter old polonius with his man !reynaldo.* poloni s% Gi'e him this money and these notes+ Reynaldo% !/e gi,es money and papers*. reynaldo% 0 #ill+ my lord% poloni s% Mo shall do mar'elo sL #isely+ good Reynaldo+ &efore yo 'isit him+ to make in/ ireL 8f his $eha'ior% reynaldo% 2y lord+ 0 did intend it% E @CE

poloni s% 2arry+ #ell said+ 'ery #ell said% <ook yo + sir+ 0n/ ire me first #hat 9anskersL are in Paris+ And ho#+ and #ho+ #hat means+L and #here they keep+L (hat "ompany+ at #hat e.pense6 and finding &y this en"ompassmentL and driftL of / estion That they do kno# my son+ "ome yo more nearer Than yo r parti" lar demands #ill to "h it%L Take yo +L as *t#ere+ some distant kno#ledge of him+ As th s+ 0 kno# his father and his friends+ And in part him% 9o yo mark this+ Reynaldo1 reynaldo% Ay+ 'ery #ell+ my lord% poloni s% And in part him+ $ t+ yo may say+ not #ell% & t if *t $e he 0 mean+ he*s 'ery #ild+ @E @0

Addi"ted so and so+ and there p t onL him (hat forgeriesL yo please!marry+ none so rankL As may dishonor him+ take heed of that+ & t+ sir+ s "h #anton+L #ild+ and s al slips As are "ompanions noted and most kno#n To yo th and li$erty% reynaldo% As gaming+ my lord% FE poloni s% Ay+ or drinking+ fen"ing+ s#earing+ R arreling+ dra$$ingL!yo may go so far% reynaldo% 2y lord+ that #o ld dishonor him% poloni s% Daith+ no+ as yo may seasonL it in the "harge% Mo m st not p t another s"andal on him That he is open to in"ontinen"yL That*s not my meaning% & t $reathe his fa lts so / aintlyL That they may seem the taints of li$erty+L The flash and o t$reak of a fiery mind+ A sa'ageness in nre"laimd $lood+ 8f general assa lt%L reynaldo% & t+ my good lord! poloni s% (herefore sho ld yo do this1 reynaldo% Ay+ my lord+ 0 #o ld kno# that% poloni s% 2arry+ sir+ here*s my drift+ G0 3E 30 F0

And 0 $elie'e it is a fet"h of #arrant%L Mo laying these slight s llies on my son+ As *t#ere a thing a little soiled #i* the #orking+L 2ark yo + Mo r party in "on'erse+L him yo #o ld so nd+L Ha'ing e'erL seen in the prenominate "rimesL The yo th yo $reatheL of g ilty+ $e ass red GE

He "loses #ith yo in this "onse/ en"e,L Good sir+ or so+ or friend+ or gentleman+ A""ording to the phrase or the additionL 8f man and "o ntry% reynaldo% Qery good+ my lord% E0

poloni s% And then+ sir does *a this!*a does!#hat #as 0 a$o t to say1 &y the 2ass+ 0 #as a$o t to say something% (here did 0 lea'e1 reynaldo% At "loses in the "onse/ en"e% EE

poloni s% At "loses in the "onse/ en"e+ ay+ marry% He "loses th s, 0 kno# the gentleman+ 0 sa# him yesterday+ or th* other day+ 8r then+ or then+ #ith s "h or s "h+ and as yo say+ There #as *a gaming+ there o*ertook in *s ro se+L H0 There falling o tL at tennis+ or per"han"e 0 sa# him enter s "h a ho se of sale+ Qideli"etL a $rothel+ or so forth% )ee yo no#+ Mo r $ait of falsehood takes this "arpL of tr th6 And th s do #e of #isdom and of rea"h+L (ith #indlassesL and #ith assays of $ias+L &y indire"tions find dire"tionsL o t% )o $y my former le"t re and ad'i"e )hall yo my son% Mo ha'eL me+ ha'e yo not1 reynaldo% 2y lord+ 0 ha'e% poloni s% reynaldo% Good my lord% poloni s% 8$ser'e his in"lination in yo rself%L reynaldo% 0 shall+ my lord% poloni s% And let him ply his m si"% God $*#i*L ye6 fare ye #ell% K0 HE

reynaldo% (ell+ my lord% poloni s% Dare#ell% $-it reynaldo* $nter ophelia*

KE

Ho# no#+ 8phelia+ #hat*s the matter1 ophelia% 8 my lord+ my lord+ 0 ha'e $een so affrighted= poloni s% (ith #hat+ i* the name of God1 ophelia% 2y lord+ as 0 #as se#ing in my "loset+L <ord Hamlet+ #ith his do $letL all n$ra"ed+L ;o hat pon his head+ his sto"kings fo led+ Jngartered+ and do#n7gy'dL to his ankle+ Pale as his shirt+ his knees kno"king ea"h other+ And #ith a look so piteo s in p rportL As if he had $een loosd o t of hell To speak of horrors!he "omes $efore me% poloni s% 2ad for thy lo'e1 ophelia% & t tr ly 0 do fear it% poloni s% (hat said he1 2y lord+ 0 do not kno#+ AE A0

ophelia% He took me $y the #rist and held me hard% Then goes he to the length of all his arm+ And+ #ith his other hand th s o*er his $ro# He falls to s "h per sal of my fa"e AsL *a #o ld dra# it% <ong stayed he so% At last+ a little shaking of mine arm And thri"e his head th s #a'ing p and do#n+ He raised a sigh so piteo s and profo nd As it did seem to shatter all his $ lkL And end his $eing% That done+ he lets me go+ CE C0

And #ith his head o'er his sho lder t rned He seemed to find his #ay #itho t his eyes+ @00 Dor o t o* doors he #ent #itho t their helps+ And to the last $ended their light on me% poloni s% Come+ go #ith me% 0 #ill go seek the ?ing% This is the 'ery e"stasyL of lo'e+ (hose 'iolent propertyL fordoesL itself And leads the #ill to desperate ndertakings As oft as any passion nder hea'en That does affli"t o r nat res% 0 am sorry% (hat+ ha'e yo gi'en him any hard #ords of late1 ophelia% ;o+ my good lord+ $ t as yo did "ommand 0 did repel his letters and denied His a""ess to me% poloni s% That hath made him mad% @@0 @0E

0 am sorry that #ith $etter heed and - dgment 0 had not / otedL him% 0 feared he did $ t trifle And mean to #ra"kL thee% & t $eshre# my -ealo sy=L @@E &y hea'en+ it is as proper to o r ageL To "ast $eyondL o rsel'es in o r opinions As it is "ommon for the yo nger sort To la"k dis"retion% Come+ go #e to the ?ing% This m st $e kno#n+L #hi"h+ $eing kept "lose+L might mo'e @F0 2ore grief to hide than hate to tter lo'e%L Come% $-eunt* G*G @Flourish* $nter king and queen, rosencrantz, and guildenstern !with others.* king% (el"ome+ dear Rosen"rantz and G ildenstern% 2oreo'er thatL #e m "h did long to see yo +

The need #e ha'e to se yo did pro'oke 8 r hasty sending% )omething ha'e yo heard 8f Hamlet*s transformation!so "all it+ )ith norL th* e.terior nor the in#ard man Resem$les thatL it #as% (hat it sho ld $e+ 2ore than his father*s death+ that th s hath p t him )o m "h from th* nderstanding of himself+ 0 "annot dream of% 0 entreat yo $oth @0 E

That+ $eing of so yo ng daysL $ro ght p #ith him+ And sith so neigh$ored toL his yo th and ha'ior+L That yo 'o "hsafe yo r restL here in o r "o rt )ome little time+ so $y yo r "ompanies To dra# him on to pleas res+ and to gather @E )o m "h as from o""asionL yo may glean+ (hether a ght to s nkno#n affli"ts him th s That+ opened+L lies #ithin o r remedy% / een% Good gentlemen+ he hath m "h talked of yo + And s re 0 am t#o men there is not li'ing F0

To #hom he more adheres% 0f it #ill please yo To sho# s so m "h gentryL and good #ill As to e.pend yo r time #ith s a#hile Dor the s pply and profit of o r hope+L Mo r 'isitation shall re"ei'e s "h thanks As fits a king*s remem$ran"e%L rosen"rantz% &oth Mo r 2a-esties FE

2ight+ $y the so'ereign po#er yo ha'e ofL s+ P t yo r dreadL pleas res more into "ommand Than to entreaty% g ildenstern% & t #e $oth o$ey+

And here gi'e p o rsel'es in the f ll $entL 30 To lay o r ser'i"e freely at yo r feet+ To $e "ommanded% king% Thanks+ Rosen"rantz and gentle G ildenstern% / een% Thanks+ G ildenstern and gentle Rosen"rantz% And 0 $esee"h yo instantly to 'isit 3E 2y too m "h "hangd son% Go+ some of yo + And $ring these gentlemen #here Hamlet is% g ildenstern% Hea'ens make o r presen"e and o r pra"ti"esL Pleasant and helpf l to him= / een% Ay+ amen=

E.e nt rosen"rantz and g ildenstern O#ith some attendantsP% $nter polonius* poloni s% Th* am$assadors from ;or#ay+ my good lord+ G0 Are -oyf lly ret rned% king% Tho stillL hast $een the father of good ne#s% poloni s% Ha'e 0+ my lord1 0 ass re my good liege 0 holdL my d ty+ asL 0 hold my so l+ &oth to my God and to my gra"io s king6 And 0 do think+ or else this $rain of mine H nts not the trail of poli"yL so s re As it hath sed to do+ that 0 ha'e fo nd The 'ery "a se of Hamlet*s l na"y% king% 8+ speak of that= That do 0 long to hear% E0 GE

poloni s% Gi'e first admittan"e to th* am$assadors% 2y ne#s shall $e the fr itL to that great feast% king% Thyself do gra"eL to them and $ring them in% !$-it polonius*. He tells me+ my dear Gertr de+ he hath fo nd

The head and so r"e of all yo r son*s distemper% / een% 0 do $tL it is no other $ t the main+L His father*s death and o r o*erhasty marriage%

EE

$nter %mbassadors ,oltimand and cornelius, with polonius* king% (ell+ #e shall sift him%L!(el"ome+ my good friends= )ay+ Qoltimand+ #hat from o r $rotherL ;or#ay1 'oltimand% 2ost fair ret rn of greetings and desires%L Jpon o r first+L he sent o t to s ppress His nephe#*s le'ies+ #hi"h to him appeared To $e a preparation *gainst the Pola"k+ & t+ $etter looked into+ he tr ly fo nd 0t #as against Mo r Highness% (hereat grie'ed That so his si"kness+ age+ and impoten"eL (as falsely $orne in hand+L sends o t arrestsL 8n Dortin$ras+ #hi"h he+ in $rief+ o$eys+ Re"ei'es re$ ke from ;or#ay+ and in fineL 2akes 'o# $efore his n"le ne'er more K0 HE H0

To gi'e th* assayL of arms against Mo r 2a-esty% (hereon old ;or#ay+ o'er"ome #ith -oy+ Gi'es him three tho sand "ro#ns in ann al fee And his "ommission to employ those soldiers+ )o le'ied as $efore+ against the Pola"k+ (ith an entreaty+ herein f rther sho#n+ That it might please yo to gi'e / iet pass Thro gh yo r dominions for this enterprise 8n s "h regards of safety and allo#an"eL As therein are set do#n% king% 0t likesL s #ell+ A0 KE Ogi'ing a paperP

And at more "onsideredL time #e*ll read+

Ans#er+ and think pon this $ siness% 2eantime #e thank yo for yo r #ell7took la$or% Go to yo r rest6 at night #e*ll feast together% 2ost #el"ome home= $-eunt %mbassadors* poloni s% This $ siness is #ell ended% AE

2y liege+ and madam+ to e.post lateL (hat ma-esty sho ld $e+ #hat d ty is+ (hy day is day+ night night+ and time is time+ (ere nothing $ t to #aste night+ day+ and time% Therefore+ sin"e $re'ity is the so l of #it+L C0 And tedio sness the lim$s and o t#ard flo rishes+ 0 #ill $e $rief% Mo r no$le son is mad% 2ad "all 0 it+ for+ to define tr e madness% (hat is*t $ t to $e nothing else $ t mad1 & t let that go% / een% 2ore matter+ #ith less art% CE

poloni s% 2adam+ 0 s#ear 0 se no art at all% That he*s mad+ tis tr e, *tis tr e *tis pity% And pity *tis *tis tr e!a foolish fig re+L & t fare#ell it+ for 0 #ill se no art% 2ad let s grant him+ then+ and no# remains That #e find o t the "a se of this defe"t+ 8r rather say+ the "a se of this defe"t+ Dor this effe"t defe"ti'e "omes $y "a se%L Th s it remains+ and the remainder th s% Perpend%L @0E @00

0 ha'e a da ghter!ha'e #hile she is mine! (ho+ in her d ty and o$edien"e+ mark+

Hath gi'en me this% ;o# gather and s rmise%L OHe reads the letter%P To the "elestial and my so l*s idol+ the most $ea tified 8phelia! @@0

That*s an ill phrase+ a 'ile phrase6 $ea tified is a 'ile phrase% & t yo shall hear% Th s, 0n her e."ellent #hite $osom+L these+L et"% / een% Came this from Hamlet to her1 poloni s% Good madam+ stayL a#hile+ 0 #ill $e faithf l%L 9o $t tho the stars are fire+ 9o $t that the s n doth mo'e+ 9o $tL tr th to $e a liar+ & t ne'er do $t 0 lo'e% 78 dear 8phelia+ 0 am ill at these n m$ers%L 0 ha'e not art to re"konL my groans% & t that 0 lo'e thee $est+ 8 most $est+ $elie'e it% Adie % Thine e'ermore+ most dear lady+ #hilst this ma"hineL is to him+ Hamlet% This in o$edien"e hath my da ghter sho#n me+ And+ more a$o'e+L hath his soli"itings+ As they fell o tL $yL time+ $y means+ and pla"e+ All gi'en to mine ear%L king% Re"ei'ed his lo'e1 poloni s% (hat do yo think of me1 @30 & t ho# hath she @FE @F0 OHe reads%P @@E OHe reads%P

king% As of a man faithf l and honora$le%

poloni s% 0 #o ld fainL pro'e so% & t #hat might yo think+ (hen 0 had seen this hot lo'e on the #ing! As 0 per"ei'ed it+ 0 m st tell yo that+ &efore my da ghter told me!#hat might yo +

8r my dear 2a-esty yo r / een here+ think+ @3E 0f 0 had played the desk or ta$le $ook+L 8r gi'en my heart a #inking+L m te and d m$+ 8r looked pon this lo'e #ith idle sight1L (hat might yo think1 ;o+ 0 #ent ro ndL to #ork+ And my yo ng mistress th s 0 did $espeak,L @G0 <ord Hamlet is a prin"e o t of thy star6L This m st not $e% And then 0 pres"riptsL ga'e her+ That she sho ld lo"k herself from his resort+L Admit no messengers+ re"ei'e no tokens% (hi"h done+ she took the fr its of my ad'i"e6 And he+ repelld!a short tale to make! Dell into a sadness+ then into a fast+ Then"e to a #at"h+L then"e into a #eakness+ Then"e to a lightness+L and $y this de"lensionL 0nto the madness #herein no# he ra'es+ And all #eL mo rn for% king% Oto the / eenP% / een% 0t may $e+ 'ery like% poloni s% Hath there $een s "h a time!0 #o ld fain kno# that! That 0 ha'e positi'ely said *Tis so+ (hen it pro'ed other#ise1 king% ;ot that 0 kno#% @EE 9o yo think *tis this1 @E0 @GE

poloni s% Take this from this+L if this $e other#ise% 0f "ir" mstan"es lead me+ 0 #ill find (here tr th is hid+ tho gh it #ere hid indeed (ithin the "enter%L king% Ho# may #e tryL it f rther1 @H0

poloni s% Mo kno# sometimes he #alks for ho rs together

Here in the lo$$y% / een% )o he does indeed%

poloni s% At s "h a time 0*ll looseL my da ghter to him% &e yo and 0 $ehind an arrasL then% 2ark the en"o nter% 0f he lo'e her not And $e not from his reason fall*n thereon+L @HE <et me $e no assistant for a state+ & t keep a farm and "arters%L king% (e #ill try it%

$nter hamlet !reading on a book.* / een% & t look #here sadlyL the poor #ret"h "omes reading% poloni s% A#ay+ 0 do $esee"h yo $oth+ a#ay% 0*ll $oardL him presently%L 8+ gi'e me lea'e%L $-eunt king and queen !with attendants.* Ho# does my good <ord Hamlet1 hamlet% (ell+ God7a7mer"y%L poloni s% 9o yo kno# me+ my lord1 hamlet% E."ellent #ell% Mo are a fishmonger%L poloni s% ;ot 0+ my lord% @KE @K0

hamlet% Then 0 #o ld yo #ere so honest a man% poloni s% Honest+ my lord1 hamlet% Ay+ sir% To $e honest+ as this #orld goes+ is to $e one man pi"ked o t of ten tho sand% poloni s% That*s 'ery tr e+ my lord% @A0

hamlet% Dor if the s n $reed maggots in a dead dog+ $eing a good kissing "arrionL!Ha'e yo a da ghter1 poloni s% 0 ha'e+ my lord% hamlet% <et her not #alk i* the s n%L Con"eptionL is a $lessing+ $ t as yo r da ghter may "on"ei'e+ friend+ look to *t% @AE

poloni s OasideP% Ho# say yo $y that1 )till harping on my da ghter% Met he kne# me not at first6 *aL said 0 #as a fishmonger% *A is far gone% And tr ly in my yo th 0 s ffered m "h e.tremity for lo'e+ 'ery near this% 0*ll speak to him again%!(hat do yo read+ my lord1 hamlet% (ords+ #ords+ #ords% @C0 poloni s% (hat is the matter+L my lord1 hamlet% &et#een #ho1 poloni s% 0 mean+ the matter that yo read+ my lord% hamlet% )landers+ sir6 for the satiri"al rog e says here that old men ha'e gray $eards+ that their fa"es are #rinkled+ their eyes p rgingL thi"k am$erL and pl m7tree g m+ and that they ha'e a plentif l la"k of #it+L together #ith most #eak hams% All #hi"h+ sir+ tho gh 0 most po#erf lly and potently $elie'e+ yet 0 hold it not honestyL to ha'e it th s set do#n+ for yo rself+ sir+ shall gro# oldL as 0 am+ if like a "ra$ yo "o ld go $a"k#ard% F00

poloni s OasideP% Tho gh this $e madness+ yet there is method in *t%! (ill yo #alk o t of the air+L my lord1 hamlet% 0nto my gra'e% poloni s% 0ndeed+ that*s o t of the air% OAside%P Ho# pregnantL some7 times his replies are= A happinessL that often madness hits on+ #hi"h reason and sanity "o ld not so prospero slyL $e deli'ered of% 0 #ill lea'e him and s ddenlyL "ontri'e the means of meeting $et#een him and my da ghter%!2y honora$le lord+ 0 #ill most h m$ly take my lea'e of yo % hamlet% Mo "annot+ sir+ take from me anything that 0 #ill more #illingly part #ithalL!e."ept my life+ e."ept my life+ e."ept my life% $nter guildenstern and rosencrantz* poloni s% Dare yo #ell+ my lord% hamlet% These tedio s old fools=L

poloni s% Mo go to seek the <ord Hamlet% There he is% rosen"rantz Oto poloni sP% God sa'e yo + sir= !$-it polonius*. g ildenstern% 2y honored lord= rosen"rantz% 2y most dear lord= hamlet% 2y e."ellent good friends= Ho# dost tho + G ildenstern1 Ah+ Rosen"rantz= Good lads+ ho# do yo $oth1 rosen"rantz% As the indifferentL "hildren of the earth% g ildenstern% Happy in that #e are not o'erhappy% 8n Dort ne*s "ap #e are not the 'ery $ tton% hamlet% ;or the soles of her shoe1 rosen"rantz% ;either+ my lord% hamlet% Then yo li'e a$o t her #aist+ or in the middle of her fa'ors1L g ildenstern% Daith+ her pri'ates #e%L hamlet% 0n the se"ret parts of Dort ne1 8+ most tr e+ she is a str mpet%L (hat ne#s1 rosen"rantz% ;one+ my lord+ $ t the #orld*s gro#n honest% hamlet% Then is doomsday near% & t yo r ne#s is not tr e% <et me / estion more in parti" lar% (hat ha'e yo + my good friends+ deser'ed at the hands of Dort ne that she sends yo to prison hither1 g ildenstern% Prison+ my lord1 hamlet% 9enmark*s a prison% rosen"rantz% Then is the #orld one% F3E FFE FF0 F@E

hamlet* % goodly one, in which there are many confines,F wards,F and d ngeons+ 9enmark $eing one o* the #orst% rosen"rantz% (e think not so+ my lord% hamlet* 6hy then 2tis none to you, for there is nothing either good or $ad $ t thinking makes it so% To me it is a prison% FG0

rosencrantz* 6hy then, your ambition makes it one* 2Tis too narrow

for yo r mind% hamlet* O 1od, " could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite spa"e+ #ere it not that 0 ha'e $ad dreams% guildenstern* 6hich dreams indeed are ambition, for the ,ery sub@ stan"e of the am$itio sL is merely the shado# of a dream% hamlet% A dream itself is $ t a shado#% rosencrantz* Truly, and " hold ambition of so airy and light a quality that it is $ t a shado#*s shado#% hamlet* Then are our beggars bodies,F and our monarchs and out@ stret"hedL heroes the $eggars* shado#s% )hall #e to the "o rt1 Dor+ $y my fay+L 0 "annot reason% rosen"rantz+ g ildenstern% (e*ll #ait ponL yo % hamlet% ;o s "h matter% 0 #ill not sortL yo #ith the rest of my ser'ants+ for+ to speak to yo like an honest man+ 0 am most dreadf lly attended%L & t+ in the $eaten #ayL of friendship+ #hat makeL yo at Elsinore1 rosen"rantz% To 'isit yo + my lord+ no other o""asion% hamlet% &eggar that 0 am+ 0*m e'en poor in thanks6 $ t 0 thank yo + and s re+ dear friends+ my thanks are too dear a halfpenny%L (ere yo not sent for1 0s it yo r o#n in"lining1 0s it a freeL 'isitation1 Come+ "ome+ deal - stly #ith me% Come+ "ome% ;ay+ speak% g ildenstern% (hat sho ld #e say6 my lord1 hamlet% Anything $ t to the p rpose%L Mo #ere sent for+ and there is a kind of "onfession in yo r looks #hi"h yo r modestiesL ha'e not "raft eno gh to "olor%L 0 kno# the good ?ing and R een ha'e sent for yo % rosen"rantz% To #hat end+ my lord1 hamlet% That yo m st tea"h me% & t let me "on- reL yo + $y the rights of o r fello#ship+ $y the "onsonan"y of o r yo th+L $y the o$ligation of o r e'er7preser'ed lo'e+ and $y #hat more dear a $etterL proposer "o ld "hargeL yo #ithal+ $e e'enL and dire"t #ith me

#hether yo #ere sent for or no% rosen"rantz Oaside to g ildensternP% (hat say yo 1 hamlet OasideP% ;ay+ then+ 0 ha'e an eye ofL yo %!0f yo lo'e me+ hold not off%L g ildenstern% 2y lord+ #e #ere sent for% hamlet% 0 #ill tell yo #hy6 so shall my anti"ipation pre'ent yo r dis"o'ery+L and yo r se"re"y to the ?ing and R een molt no feather+L 0 ha'e of late!$ t #herefore 0 kno# not!lost all my mirth+ forgone all " stom of e.er"ises6 and indeed it goes so hea'ily #ith my disposition that this goodly frame+ the earth+ seems to me a sterile promontory6 this most e."ellent "anopy+ the air+ look yo + this $ra'eL o*erhanging firmament+ this ma-esti"al roof frettedL #ith golden fire+ #hy+ it appeareth nothing to me $ t a fo l and pestilent "ongregationL of 'apors% (hat a pie"e of #orkL is a man= Ho# no$le in reason+ ho# infinite in fa" lties+ in form and mo'ing ho# e.pressL and admira$le+ in a"tion ho# like an angel+ in apprehensionL ho# like a god= The $ea ty of the #orld+ the paragon of animals= And ye+ to me+ #hat is this / intessen"eLof d st1 2an delights not me!no+ nor #oman neither+ tho gh $y yo r smiling yo seem to say so% rosen"rantz% 2y lord+ there #as no s "h st ff in my tho ghts% hamlet% (hy did yo la gh+ then+ #hen 0 said man delights not me1 rosen"rantz% To think+ my lord+ if yo delight not in man+ #hat <enten entertainmentL the players shall re"ei'e from yo % (e "otedL them on the #ay+ and higher are they "oming to offer yo ser'i"e% hamlet% He that plays the king shall $e #el"ome6 His 2a-esty shall ha'e tri$ teL ofL me% The ad'ent ro s knight shall se his foil and target+L the lo'er shall not sigh gratis+L the

h moro s manL shall end his part in pea"e+L the "lo#n shall make those la gh #hose l ngs are ti"kle o* the sear+L and the lady shall say her mind freely+ or the $lank 'erse shall haltL for *t% (hat players are they1 rosen"rantz% E'en those yo #ere #ont to take s "h delight in+ the tragediansL of the "ity% 30E

hamlet% Ho# "han"es it they tra'el1 Their residen"e+L $oth in rep tation and profit+ #as $etter $oth #ays%

rosen"rantz% 0 think their inhi$itionL "omes $y the means of the lateL inno'ation%L hamlet% 9o they hold the same estimation they did #hen 0 #as in the "ity1 Are they so follo#ed1 rosen"rantz% ;o+ indeed are they not% hamlet% Ho# "omes it1 9o they gro# r sty1 rosen"rantz% ;ay+ their endea'or keepsL in the #ontedL pa"e% & t there is+ sir+ an aerieL of "hildren+ little eyases+L that "ry o t on the top of / estionL and are most tyranni"allyL "lapped for *t% These are no# the fashion+ and so $erattleL the "ommon stagesL!so they "all them! that many #earing rapiersL are afraid of goose / illsL and dare s"ar"e "ome thither% hamlet% (hat+ are they "hildren1 (ho maintains *em1 Ho# are they es"oted1L (ill they p rs e the / alityL no longer than they "an sing1L (ill they not say after#ards+ if they sho ld gro# themsel'es to "ommonL prayers!as it is most like+L if their means are no $etterL!their #riters do them #rong to make them e."laim against their o#n s ""ession1L 3FE

rosen"rantz% Daith+ there has $een m "h to7doL on $oth sides+ and the nation holds it no sin to tarL them to "ontro'ersy% There #as for a #hile no money $id for arg ment nless the poet and the player #ent to " ffs in the / estion%L hamlet% 0s *t possi$le1 330 g ildenstern% 8+ there has $een m "h thro#ing a$o t of $rains% hamlet% 9o the $oys "arry it a#ay1L rosen"rantz% Ay+ that they do+ my lord!Her" les and his loadL too%L hamlet% 0t is not 'ery strange6 for my n"le is ?ing of 9enmark+ and those that #o ld make mo thsL at him #hile my father li'ed gi'e t#enty+ forty+ fifty+ a h ndred d "atsL apie"e for his pi"t re in little%L *)$lood+L there is something in this more than nat ral+ if philosophyL "o ld find it o t% % flourish !of trumpets within.* g ildenstern% There are the players%

hamlet% Gentlemen+ yo are #el"ome to Elsinore% Mo r hands+ "ome then% Th* app rtenan"eL of #el"ome is fashion and "eremony% <et me "omplyL #ith yo in this gar$+L lest my e.tentL to the players+ #hi"h+ 0 tell yo + m st sho# fairly o t#ards+L sho ld more appear like entertainmentL than yo rs% Mo are #el"ome% & t my n"le7father and a nt7mother are de"ei'ed% g ildenstern% 0n #hat+ my dear lord1 hamlet% 0 am $ t mad north7north7#est%L (hen the #ind is so therly 0 kno# a ha#k from a handsa#%L $nter polonius* poloni s% (ell $e #ith yo + gentlemen= hamlet% Hark yo + G ildenstern+ and yo too6 at ea"h ear a hearer% That great $a$y yo see there is not yet o t of his s#addling "lo ts%L rosen"rantz% HaplyL he is the se"ond time "ome to them+ for they say an old man is t#i"e a "hild% hamlet% 0 #ill prophesy he "omes to tell me of the players% 2ark it%! Mo say right+ sir+ o* 2onday morning+ *t#as then indeed% poloni s% 2y lord+ 0 ha'e ne#s to tell yo % hamlet% 2y lord+ 0 ha'e ne#s to tell yo % (hen Ros"i sL #as an a"tor in Rome! poloni s% The a"tors are "ome hither+ my lord% hamlet% & zz+L $ zz= 3H0 poloni s% Jpon my honor! hamlet% Then "ame ea"h a"tor on his ass% poloni s% The $est a"tors in the #orld+ either for tragedy+ "omedy+ history+ pastoral+ pastoral7 "omi"al+ histori"al7pastoral+ tragi"al7histori"al+ tragi"al7"omi"al7histori"al7pastoral+ s"ene indi'ida$le+L or poem nlimited%L )ene"aL "annot $e too hea'y+ nor Pla t sL too light% Dor the la# of #rit and the li$erty+L theseL are the only men% hamlet% 8 5ephthah+ - dge of 0srael+L #hat a treas re hadst tho = poloni s% (hat a treas re had he+ my lord1 hamlet% (hy+ 3K0 3EE

8ne fair da ghter+ and no more+

The #hi"h he lo'd passingL #ell% poloni s OasideP% )till on my da ghter% hamlet% Am 0 not i* the right+ old 5ephthah1 poloni s% 0f yo "all me 5ephthah+ my lord+ 0 ha'e a da ghter that 0 lo'e passing #ell% hamlet% ;ay+ that follo#s not% poloni s% (hat follo#s then+ my lord1 hamlet% (hy+ As $y lot+L God #ot+L 3A0 and then+ yo kno#% 0t "ame to pass+ as most likeL it #as! the first ro#L of the pio s "hansonL #ill sho# yo more+ for look #here my a$ridgementL "omes% $nter the players* Mo are #el"ome+ masters6 #el"ome+ all% 0 am glad to see thee #ell% (el"ome+ good friends% 8+ old friend= (hy+ thy fa"e is 'alan"edL sin"e 0 sa# thee last% Com*st tho to $eardL me in 9enmark1 (hat+ my yo ng ladyL and mistress= &y *r <ady+L yo r ladyship is nearer to hea'en than #hen 0 sa# yo last+ $y the altit de of a "hopine%L Pray God yo r 'oi"e+ like a pie"e of n" rrentL gold+ $e not "ra"ked #ithin the ring%L 2asters+ yo are all #el"ome% (e*ll e*en to *tL like Dren"h fal"oners+ fly at anything #e see% (e*ll ha'e a spee"h straight% L Come+ gi'e s a taste of yo r / ality%L Come+ a passionate spee"h% first player% (hat spee"h+ my good lord1 3CE

hamlet% 0 heard thee speak me a spee"h on"e+ $ t it #as ne'er a"ted+ or if it #as+ not a$o'e on"e+ for the play+ 0 remem$er+ pleased not the million6 *t#as "a'iar to the general%L & t it #as!as 0 re"ei'ed it+ and others+ #hose - dgments in s "h matters "ried in the top ofL mine!an e."ellent play+ #ell digestedL in the s"enes+ set do#n #ith as m "h modestyL as " nning%L 0 remem$er one said there #ere no salletsL in the lines to make the matter sa'ory+ nor no matter in the phrase that might indi"tL the a thor of affe"tation+ $ t "alled it an honest method+ as #holesome as s#eet+ and $y 'ery m "h more handsomeL than fine%L 8ne spee"h

in *t 0 "hiefly lo'ed, *t#as Aeneas* tale to 9ido+ and therea$o t of it espe"ially #hen he speaks of Priam*s sla ghter%L 0f it li'e in yo r memory+ $egin at this line, let me see+ let me see! The r gged Pyrrh s+L like th* Hyr"anian $eastL! *Tis not so% 0t $egins #ith Pyrrh s, G@0 The r ggedL Pyrrh s+ he #hose sa$leL arms+ &la"k as his p rpose+ did the night resem$le (hen he lay "o "hdL in the omino s horse+L Hath no# this dread and $la"k "omple.ion smeared (ith heraldry more dismal%L Head to foot G@E ;o# is he total g les+L horridly tri"kedL (ith $lood of fathers+ mothers+ da ghters+ sons+ &aked and impastedL #ith the par"hing streets+L That lend a tyranno sL and a damn d light To their lord*sL m rder% Roasted in #rath and fire+ GF0 And th s o*ersizedL #ith "oaglate gore+ (ith eyes like "ar$ n"les+L the hellish Pyrrh s 8ld grandsire Priam seeks% )o pro"eed yo % poloni s% *Dore God+ my lord+ #ell spoken+ #ith good a""ent and good dis"retion% first player% Anon he finds him )triking too short at Greeks% His anti/ eL s#ord+ Re$ellio s to his arm+ lies #here it falls+ Rep gnantL to "ommand% Jne/ al mat"hed+ G30 Pyrrh s at Priam dri'es+ in rage strikes #ide+ & t #ith the #hiff and #ind of his fellL s#ord Th* nner'dL father falls% Then senseless 0li m+L )eeming to feel this $lo#+ #ith flaming top GFE

)toops to hisL $ase+ and #ith a hideo s "rash Takes prisoner Pyrrh s* ear% Dor+ lo= His s#ord+ (hi"h #as de"liningL on the milkyL head 8f re'erend Priam+ seemed i* th* air to sti"k% )o as a paintedL tyrant Pyrrh s stood+ And+ like a ne tral to his #ill and matter+L GG0 9id nothing% & t as #e often see againstL some storm A silen"e in the hea'ens+ the ra"kL stand still+ The $old #inds spee"hless+ and the or$L $elo# As h sh as death+ anon the dreadf l th nder GGE 9oth rend the region+L so+ after Pyrrh s* pa se+ A ro sd 'engean"e sets him ne# a7#ork And ne'er did the Cy"lopsL hammers fall 8n 2ars*s armor forged for proof eterneL (ith less remorseL than Pyrrh s $leeding s#ord ;o# falls on Priam% 8 t+ o t+ tho str mpet Dort ne= All yo gods 0n general synodL take a#ay her po#er= &reak all the spokes and felliesL from her #heel+

G3E

GE0

And $o#l the ro nd na'eL do#n the hill of hea'enL GEE As lo# as to the fiends= poloni s% This is too long% hamlet% 0t shall to the $ar$er*s #ith yo r $eard%!Prithee+ say on% He*s for a -igL or a tale of $a#dry+ or he sleeps% )ay on6 "ome to He" $a%L GH0

first player% & t #ho+ ah #oe= hadL seen the mo$ldL / een! hamlet% The mo$ld / een1 poloni s% That*s good% 2o$ld / een is good%

first player% R n $arefoot p and do#n+ threat*ning the flamesL (ith $isson rhe m+L a "lo tL pon that head GHE (here lateL the diadem stood+ and+ for a ro$e+ A$o t her lank and all o*erteemdL loins A $lanket+ in the alarm of fear "a ght p! (ho this had seen+ #ith tong e in 'enom steeped+ *Gainst Dort ne*s stateL #o ld treason ha'e prono n"ed%L & t if the gods themsel'es did see her then (hen she sa# Pyrrh s make mali"io s sport 0n min"ing #ith his s#ord her h s$and*s lim$s+ The instant $ rst of "lamor that she made+ Jnless things mortal mo'e them not at all+ GKE (o ld ha'e made mil"hL the $ rning eyes of hea'en+L And passionL in the gods% poloni s% <ook #he*erL he has not t rned his "olor and has tears in *s eyes% Prithee+ no more% hamlet% *Tis #ell6 0*ll ha'e thee speak o t the rest of this soon%!Good GA0 GK0

my lord+ #ill yo see the players #ell $esto#ed1L 9o yo hear+ let them $e #ell sed+ for they are the a$stra"tL and $rief "hroni"les of the time% After yo r death yo #ere $etter ha'e a $ad epitaph than their ill report #hile yo li'e% poloni s% 2y lord+ 0 #ill se them a""ording to their desert% GAE

hamlet% God*s $odikin+L man+ m "h $etter% Jse e'ery man after his desert+ and #ho shall s"ape #hipping1 Jse them afterL yo r o#n honor and dignity% The less they deser'e+ the more merit is in yo r $o nty% Take them in% poloni s% Come+ sirs% GC0 !$-it*. hamlet* Follow him, friends* 6e2ll hear a play tomorrow* !%s they start to lea,e, hamlet detains the first player*. 'ost thou hear me, old friendI an you play The #urder of 1onzagoI first player% Ay+ my lord%

hamlet% (e*ll ha *tL tomorro# night% Mo "o ld+ for a need+ st dyL a

GCE

spee"h of some dozen or si.teen lines #hi"h 0 #o ld set do#n and insert in *t+ "o ld yo not1 first player% Ay+ my lord% hamlet* Jery well* Follow that lord, and look you mock him not* 9$-eunt players*? #y good friends, "2ll lea,e you till night* 7ou are welcome to $lsinore* rosen"rantz% Good my lord= $-eunt !rosencrantz and guildenstern.* hamlet% Ay+ so good$ye to yo %!;o# 0 am alone% 8+ #hat a rog e and peasant sla'e am 0= 0s it not monstro s that this player here+ & tL in a fi"tion+ in a dream of passion+ Co ld for"e his so l so to his o#n "on"eit1L That from her #orkingL all his 'isage #anned+L Tears in his eyes+ distra"tion in his aspe"t+L A $roken 'oi"e+ and his #hole f n"tion s iting (ith forms to his "on"eitL And all for nothing= Dor He" $a= (hat*s He" $a to him+ or he to He" $a+ That he sho ld #eep for her1 (hat #o ld he do Had he the moti'e and the " e for passion E@E E@0 E0E

That 0 ha'e1 He #o ld dro#n the stage #ith tears And "lea'e the general earL #ith horridL spee"h+ 2ake mad the g ilty and appallL the free+L Confo nd the ignorant+L and amazeL indeed The 'ery fa" lties of eyes and ears% Met 0+ A d ll and m ddy7mettledL ras"al+ peakL <ike 5ohn7a7dreams+L npregnant ofL my "a se+ And "an say nothing!no+ not for a king EF0

Jpon #hose propertyL and most dear life A damned defeatL #as made% Am 0 a "o#ard1 (ho "alls me 'illain1 &reaks my pateL a"ross1 Pl "ks off my $eard and $lo#s it in my fa"e1 T#eaks me $y the nose1 Gi'es me the lie i* the throatL As deep as to the l ngs1 (ho does me this1 Ha+ *s#o nds+L 0 sho ld take it6 for it "annot $e & t 0 am pigeon7li'eredL and la"k gall To make oppression $itter+L or ere this 0 sho ld ha* fatted all the region kitesL (ith this sla'e*s offal%L &loody+ $a#dy 'illain= Remorseless+L trea"hero s+ le"hero s+ kindlessL 'illain= 8+ 'engean"e= (hy+ #hat an ass am 01 This is most $ra'e+L That 0+ the son of a dear father m rdered+ Prompted to my re'enge $y hea'en and hell+ 2 st like a #hore npa"k my heart #ith #ords And fall a7" rsing+ like a 'ery dra$+L A s" llion=L Die pon *t+ foh= A$o t+L my $rains= H m+ 0 ha'e heard That g ilty "reat res sitting at a play Ha'e $y the 'ery " nningL of the s"eneL &een str "k so to the so l that presentlyL They ha'e pro"laimed their malefa"tions6 Dor m rder+ tho gh it ha'e no tong e+ #ill speak (ith most mira" lo s organ% 0*ll ha'e these players Play something like the m rder of my father EE0 &efore mine n"le% 0*ll o$ser'e his looks6 0*ll tentL him to the / i"k%L 0f *a do $len"h+L EGE EG0 E3E E30 EFE

0 kno# my "o rse% The spirit that 0 ha'e seen 2ay $e the de'il+ and the de'il hath po#er T* ass me a pleasing shape6 yea+ and perhaps+ 8 t of my #eakness and my melan"holy+ As he is 'ery potent #ith s "h spirits+L A$ sesL me to damn me% 0*ll ha'e gro nds 2ore relati'eL than this% The play*s the thing (herein 0*ll "at"h the "ons"ien"e of the ?ing% $-it* C*: @$nter king, queen, polonius, ophelia, rosencrantz, guildenstern, lords* king% And "an yo $y no drift of "onferen"eL Get from him #hy he p ts on this "onf sion+ Grating so harshly all his days of / iet (ith t r$ lent and dangero s l na"y1 rosen"rantz% He does "onfess he feels himself distra"ted+ E & t from #hat "a se *a #ill $y no means speak% g ildenstern% ;or do #e find him for#ardL to $e so nded+L & t #ith a "rafty madness keeps aloof (hen #e #o ld $ring him on to some "onfession 8f his tr e state% / een% 9id he re"ei'e yo #ell1 @0 EH0 EEE

rosen"rantz% 2ost like a gentleman% g ildenstern% & t #ith m "h for"ing of his disposition%L rosen"rantz% ;iggardL of / estion+L $ t of o r demands 2ost free in his reply% / een% To any pastime1 @E rosen"rantz% 2adam+ it so fell o t that "ertain players (e o*erra ghtL on the #ay% 8f these #e told him+ 9id yo assayL him

And there did seem in him a kind of -oy To hear of it% They are here a$o t the "o rt+ And+ as 0 think+ they ha'e already order This night to play $efore him% poloni s% *Tis most tr e+ F0

And he $esee"hed me to entreat Mo r 2a-esties To hear and see the matter% king% (ith all my heart+ and it doth m "h "ontent me To hear him so in"lined% FE Good gentlemen+ gi'e him a f rther edgeL And dri'e his p rpose into these delights% rosen"rantz% (e shall+ my lord% $-eunt rosencrantz and guildenstern* king% )#eet Gertr de+ lea'e s too+

Dor #e ha'e "loselyL sent for Hamlet hither+ That he+ as *t#ere $y a""ident+ may here AffrontL 8phelia% Her father and myself+ la#f l espials+L (ill so $esto# o rsel'es that seeing+ nseen+ (e may of their en"o nter frankly - dge+ And gather $y him+ as he is $eha'ed+ 0f*t $e th* affli"tion of his lo'e or no That th s he s ffers for% / een% 0 shall o$ey yo % 3E 30

And for yo r part+ 8phelia+ 0 do #ish That yo r good $ea ties $e the happy "a se 8f Hamlet*s #ildness% )o shall 0 hope yo r 'irt es (ill $ring him to his #ontedL #ay again+ To $oth yo r honors% G0

ophelia% !$-it queen*.

2adame+ 0 #ish it may%

poloni s% 8phelia+ #alk yo here%!Gra"io s+L so please yo + (e #ill $esto#L o rsel'es% OTo ophelia%P Read on this $ook+ !gi,ing her a book. That sho# of s "h an e.er"iseL may "olorL GE Mo r loneliness%L (e are oft to $lame in this! *Tis too m "h pro'edL!that #ith de'otion*s 'isage And pio s a"tion #e do s gar o*er The de'il himself% king OasideP% 8 *tis too tr e= E0

Ho# smart a lash that spee"h doth gi'e my "ons"ien"e= The harlot*s "he"k+ $ea tied #ith plastering art+ 0s not more gly toL the thingL that helps it Than is my deed to my most painted #ord% 8 hea'y $ rden= EE poloni s% 0 hear him "oming% <et*s #ithdra#+ my lord% OThe king and poloni s #ithdra#%LP Enter hamlet% Oophelia pretends to read a $ook%P hamlet% To $e+ or not to $e+ that is the / estion, (hether *tis no$ler in the mind to s ffer The slingsL and arro#s of o trageo s fort ne+ 8r to take arms against a sea of tro $les H0

And $y opposing end them% To die+ to sleep! ;o more!and $y a sleep to say #e end The hearta"he and the tho sand nat ral sho"ks That flesh is heir to% *Tis a "ons mmation 9e'o tly to $e #ished% To die+ to sleep6 HE

To sleep+ per"han"e to dream% Ay+ there*s the r $+L

Dor in that sleep of death #hat dreams may "ome+ (hen #e ha'e sh ffledL off this mortal "oil+L 2 st gi'e s pa se% There*s the respe"tL That makes "alamity of so long life%L K0

Dor #ho #o ld $ear the #hips and s"orns of time+ Th* oppressor*s #rong+ the pro d man*s "ont mely+L The pangs of disprizedL lo'e+ the la#*s delay+ The insolen"e of offi"e+L and the sp rnsL That patient merit of th* n#orthy takes+L (hen he himself might his / iet sL make (ith a $are $odkin1L (ho #o ld fardelsL $ear+ To gr nt and s#eat nder a #eary life+ & t that the dread of something after death+ The ndis"o'ered "o ntry from #hose $o rnL ;o tra'eler ret rns+ p zzles the #ill+ And makes s rather $ear those ills #e ha'e Than fly to others that #e kno# not of1 Th s "ons"ien"e does make "o#ards of s all6 And th s the nati'e h eL of resol tion AE A0 KE

0s si"klied o*er #ith the pale "astL of tho ght+ And enterprises of great pit"hL and momentL (ith this regardL their " rrentsL t rn a#ry And lose the name of a"tion%!)oft yo L no#+ The fair 8phelia% ;ymph+ in thy orisonsL &e all my sins remem$ered% ophelia% Good my lord+ C0

Ho# does yo r honor for this many a day1 hamlet% 0 h m$ly thank yo 6 #ell+ #ell+ #ell% ophelia% 2y lord+ 0 ha'e remem$ran"es of yo rs+

That 0 ha'e longd long to redeli'er% 0 pray yo + no# re"ei'e them% hamlet% ;o+ not 0+ 0 ne'er ga'e yo a ght%

CE O)he offers tokens%P

ophelia% 2y honored lord+ yo kno# right #ell yo did+ And #ith them #ords of so s#eet $reath "omposed As made the things more ri"h% Their perf me lost+ Take these again+ for to the no$le mind Ri"h gifts #a. poor #hen gi'ers pro'e nkind% There+ my lord% hamlet% Ha+ ha= Are yo honest1L ophelia% 2y lord1 hamlet% Are yo fair1L ophelia% (hat means yo r lordship1 hamlet% That if yo $e honest and fair+ yo r honestyL sho ld admit no dis"o rseL to yo r $ea ty% ophelia% Co ld $ea ty+ my lord+ ha'e $etter "ommer"eL than #ith honesty1 hamlet% Ay+ tr ly+ for the po#er of $ea ty #ill sooner transform honesty from #hat it is to a $a#d than the for"e of honesty "an translate $ea ty into hisL likeness% This #as sometimeL a parado.+L $ t no# the timeL gi'es it proof% 0 did lo'e yo on"e% ophelia% 0ndeed+ my lord+ yo made me $elie'e so% hamlet% Mo sho ld not ha'e $elie'ed me+ for 'irt e "annot so ino" lateL o r old sto"k $ t #e shall relish of it%L 0 lo'ed yo not% ophelia% 0 #as the more de"ei'ed% hamlet% Get thee to a n nnery%L (hy #o ldst tho $e a $reeder of sinners1 0 am myself @0E O)he gi'es tokens%P @00

indifferent honest+L $ t yet 0 "o ld a"" se me of s "h things that it #ere $etter my mother had not $orne me, 0 am 'ery pro d+ re'engef l+ am$itio s+ #ith more offenses at my $e"kL than 0 ha'e tho ghts to p t them in+ imagination to gi'e them shape+ or time to a"t them in% (hat sho ld s "h fello#s as 0 do "ra#ling $et#een earth and hea'en1 (e are arrant kna'es all6 $elie'e none of s% Go thy #ays to a n nnery% (here*s yo r father1 ophelia% At home+ my lord%

hamlet% <et the doors $e sh t pon him+ that he may play the fool no#here $ t in*s o#n ho se% Dare#ell% ophelia% 8+ help him+ yo s#eet hea'ens= hamlet% 0f tho dost marry+ 0*ll gi'e thee this plag e for thy do#ry, $e tho as "haste as i"e+ as p re as sno#+ tho shall not es"ape "al mny% Get thee to a n nnery+ fare#ell% 8r+ if tho #ilt needs marry+ marry a fool+ for #ise men kno# #ell eno gh #hat monstersL yo L make of them% To a n nnery+ go+ and / i"kly too% Dare#ell% ophelia% Hea'enly po#ers+ restore him= hamlet% 0 ha'e heard of yo r paintings too+ #ell eno gh% God hath gi'en yo one fa"e+ and yo make yo rsel'es another% Mo -ig+L yo am$le+L and yo lisp+ yo ni"kname God*s "reat res+L and make yo r #antonness yo r ignoran"e%L Go to+ 0*ll no more on *t6L it hath made me mad% 0 say #e #ill ha'e no more marriage% Those that are married already!all $ t one!shall li'e% The rest shall keep as they are% To a n nnery+ go% E.it% ophelia% 8+ #hat a no$ler mind is here o*erthro#n= The "o rtier*s+ soldier*s+ s"holar*s+ eye+ tong e+ s#ord+ Th e.pe"tan"yL and roseL of the fair state+ The glass of fashion and the mold of form+L Th* o$ser'ed of all o$ser'ers+L / ite+ / ite do#n= And 0+ of ladies most de-e"t and #ret"hed+ That s "ked the honey of his m si"L 'o#s+ ;o# see that no$le and most so'ereign reason <ike s#eet $ells -angled o t of t ne and harsh+ That nmat"hed form and feat re of $lo#nL yo th &lastedL #ith e"stasy%L 8+ #oe is me+ T* ha'e seen #hat 0 ha'e seen+ see #hat 0 see= Enter king and poloni s% king% <o'e1 His affe"tionsL do not that #ay tend6 @EE @E0

;or #hat he spake+ tho gh it la"ked form a little+ (as not like madness% There*s something in his so l @H0 8*er #hi"h his melan"holy sits on $rood+L And 0 do do $tL the hat"h and the dis"loseL (ill $e some danger+ #hi"h for to pre'ent+ 0 ha'e in / i"k determination Th s set it do#n,L he shall #ith speed to England Dor the demand ofL o r negle"ted tri$ te% Haply the seas and "o ntries different (ith 'aria$le o$-e"tsL shall e.pel This something7settled matter in his heart+L (hereon his $rains stillL $eating p ts him th s Drom fashion of himself%L (hat think yo on *t1 poloni s% 0t shall do #ell% & t yet do 0 $elie'e The origin and "ommen"ement of his grief )pr ng from negle"ted lo'e%!Ho# no#+ 8phelia1 Mo need not tell s #hat <ord Hamlet said6@KE (e heard it all%!2y lord+ do as yo please+ & t+ if yo hold it fit+ after the play <et his / een7motherL all alone entreat him To sho# his grief% <et her $e ro ndL #ith him6 And 0*ll $e pla"ed+ so please yo + in the ear @A0 8f all their "onferen"e% 0f she find him not+L To England send him+ or "onfine him #here Mo r #isdom $est shall think% king% 0t shall $e so% @K0 @HE

2adness in great ones m st not n#at"hed to% $-eunt* C*G $nter hamlet and three of the players*

hamlet% )peak the spee"h+ 0 pray yo + as 0 prono n"ed it to yo + trippingly on the tong e% & t if yo mo th it+ as many of o r playersL do+ 0 had as liefL the to#n "rier spoke my lines% ;or do not sa# the air too m "h #ith yo r hand+ th s+ $ t se all gently6 for in the 'ery torrent+ tempest+ and+ as 0 may say+ #hirl#ind of yo r passion+ yo m st a"/ ire and $eget a temperan"e that may gi'e it smoothness% 8+ it offends me to the so l to hear a ro$ stio sL peri#ig7patedL fello# tear a passion to tatters+ to 'ery rags+ to split the ears of the gro ndlings+L #ho for the most part are "apa$le ofL nothing $ t ine.pli"a$le d m$ sho#sL and noise% 0 #o ld ha'e s "h a fello# #hipped for o*erdoing Termagant%L 0t o t7 Herods Herod%L Pray yo + a'oid it% first player% 0 #arrant yo r honor% hamlet% &e not too tame neither+ $ t let yo r o#n dis"retion $e yo r t tor% ) it the a"tion in the #ord+ the #ord to the a"tion+ #ith this spe"ial o$ser'an"e+ that yo o*erstep not the modestyL of nat re% Dor anything so o*erdone is fromL the p rpose of playing+ #hose end+ $oth at the first and no#+ #as and is to hold as *t #ere the mirror p to nat re+ to sho# 'irt e her feat re+ s"ornL her o#n image+ and the 'ery age and $ody of the timeL hisL form and press re%L ;o# this o'erdone or "ome tardy off+L tho gh it makes the nskillf lL la gh+ "annot $ t make the - di"io s grie'e+ the "ens re of the #hi"h oneL m st in yo r allo#an"eL o*er#eigh a #hole theater of others% 8+ there $e players that 0 ha'e seen play+ and heard others praise+ and that highly+ not to speak it profanely+L that+ neither ha'ing th* a""ent of ChristiansL nor the gait of Christian+ pagan+ nor man+L ha'e so str tted and $ello#ed that 0 ha'e tho ght some of nat re*s -o rneymenL had made men and not made them #ell+ they imitated h manity so a$omina$ly%L first player% 0 hope #e ha'e reformed that indifferentlyL #ith s+ sir% 30

hamlet% 8+ reform it altogether% And let those that play yo r "lo#ns speak no more than is set do#n for them6 for there $e of themL that #ill themsel'es la gh+ to set on some / antity of $arrenL spe"tators to la gh too+ tho gh in the meantime some ne"essary / estion of the play $e then to $e "onsidered% That*s 'illaino s+ and sho#s a most pitif l am$ition in the fool that ses it% Go make yo ready%

!$-eunt players*. Enter poloni s+ g ildenstern and rosen"rantz% Ho# no#+ my lord+ #ill the ?ing hear this pie"e of #ork1 poloni s% And the R een too+ and that presently%L hamlet% &id the players make haste% !$-it polonius*. (ill yo t#o help to hasten them1 rosen"rantz% Ay+ my lord% $-eunt they two* hamlet% Enter horatio% horatio% Here+ s#eet lord+ at yo r ser'i"e% hamlet% Horatio+ tho art e*en as - st a man As e*er my "on'ersation "oped #ithal%L horatio% 8+ my dear lord! hamlet% ;ay+ do not think 0 flatter+ GE (hat ho+ Horatio= G0

Dor #hat ad'an"ement may 0 hope from thee That no re'en e hast $ t thy good spirits To feed and "lothe thee1 (hy sho ld the poor $e flattered1 ;o+ let the "andiedL tong e li"k a$s rd pomp+ And "rook the pregnantL hinges of the knee (here thriftL may follo# fa#ning% 9ost tho hear1 )in"e my dear so l #as mistress of her "hoi"e And "o ld of men disting ish her ele"tion+L )h* hath sealed theeL for herself+ for tho hast $een EE As one+ in s ffering all+ that s ffers nothing+ A man that Dort ne*s $ ffets and re#ards Hast ta*en #ith e/ al thanks6 and $lest are those (hose $loodL and - dgment are so #ell "ommeddledL E0

That they are not a pipe for Dort ne*s finger H0 To so nd #hat stopL she please% Gi'e me that man That is not passion*s sla'e+ and 0 #ill #ear him 0n my heart*s "ore+ ay+ in my heart of heart+ As 0 do thee%!)omething too m "h of this%! There is a play tonight $efore the ?ing% 8ne s"ene of it "omes near the "ir" mstan"e (hi"h 0 ha'e told thee of my father*s death% 0 prithee+ #hen tho seest that a"t afoot+ E'en #ith the 'ery "omment of thy so lL 8$ser'e my n"le% 0f his o"" ltedL g ilt 9o not itself nkennelL in one spee"h+ 0t is a damndL ghost that #e ha'e seen+ And my imaginations are as fo l As Q l"an*t stithy%L Gi'e him heedf l note+ Dor 0 mine eyes #ill ri'et to his fa"e+ And after #e #ill $oth o r - dgments -oin 0n "ens re of his seeming%L horatio% (ell+ my lord% KE K0 HE

0f *a steal a ghtL the #hilst this play is playing And s"ape dete"ting+ 0 #ill pay the theft% !Flourish*. $nter trumpets and kettledrums, king, queen, polonius, ophelia, !rosencrantz, guildenstern, and other lords, with guards carrying torches.* hamlet% They are "oming to the play% 0 m st $e idle%L Get yo a pla"e% A0

OThe king+ / een+ and "o rtiers sit%P

king% Ho# fares o r "o sinL Hamlet1 hamlet% E."ellent+ i* faith+ of the "hameleon*s dish,L 0 eat the air+ promise7"rammed% Mo "annot feed "aponsL so% king% 0 ha'e nothing #ithL this ans#er+ Hamlet% These #ords are not

mine%L hamlet% ;o+ nor mine no#%L OTo poloni s%P 2y lord+ yo played on"e i* th* ni'ersity+ yo say1 poloni s% That did 0+ my lord+ and #as a""o nted a good a"tor% hamlet% (hat did yo ena"t1 poloni s% 0 did ena"t 5 li s Caesar% 0 #as killed i* the Capitol6 &r t s killed me% hamlet% 0t #as a $r teL partL of him to kill so "apital a "alfL there%!&e the players ready1 rosen"rantz% Ay+ my lord% They stay ponL yo r patien"e% / een% Come hither+ my dear Hamlet+ sit $y me% hamlet% ;o+ good 2other+ here*s metalL more attra"ti'e% poloni s Oto the ?ingP% 8+ ho+ do yo mark that1 hamlet% <ady+ shall 0 lie in yo r lap1 !4ying down at ophelia2s feet*. ophelia% ;o+ my lord% hamlet% 0 mean+ my head pon yo r lap1 ophelia% Ay+ my lord% hamlet% 9o yo think 0 meant "o ntry matters1L ophelia% 0 think nothing+ my lord% hamlet% That*s a fair tho ght to lie $et#een maids* legs% @0E ophelia% (hat is+ my lord1 hamlet% ;othing%L ophelia% Mo are merry+ my lord% hamlet% (ho+ 01 ophelia% Ay+ my lord% @@0 hamlet% 8 God+ yo r only -ig maker%L (hat sho ld a man do $ t $e merry1 Dor look yo ho# "heerf lly my mother looks+ and my father died #ithin*sL t#o ho rs%

ophelia% ;ay+ *tis t#i"e t#o months+ my lord% hamlet% )o long1 ;ay then+ let the de'il #ear $la"k+ for 0*ll ha'e a s it of sa$les%L 8 hea'ens= 9ie t#o months ago+ and not forgotten yet1 Then there*s hope a great man*s memory may o tli'e his life half a year% & t+ $y *r <ady+ *a m st $ ild "h r"hes+ then+ or else shall *a s ffer not thinking on+L #ith the ho$$yhorse+ #hose epitaph is Dor 8+ for 8+ the ho$$yhorse is forgot%L The trumpets sound* 'umb show follows* $nter a 3ing and a Hueen !,ery lo,ingly.+ the Hueen embracing him, and he her* !(he kneels, and makes show of protestation unto him*. /e takes her up, and declines his head upon her neck* /e lies him down upon a bank of flowers* (he, seeing him asleep, lea,es him* %non comes in another man, takes off his crown, kisses it, pours poison in the sleeper2s ears, and lea,es him* The Hueen returns, finds the 3ing dead, makes passionate action* The 0oisoner with some three or four come in again, seem to condole with her* The dead body is carried away* The 0oisoner woos the Hueen with gifts+ she seems harsh awhile, but in the end accepts lo,e* !$-eunt players*. ophelia% (hat means this+ my lord1 hamlet% 2arry+ this* mi"hing malli"o6L it means mis"hief% ophelia% &elikeL this sho# imports the arg mentL of the play% Enter prolog e% hamlet% (e shall kno# $y this fello#% The players "annot keep "o nsel6L they*ll tell all @FE

ophelia% (ill *a tell s #hat this sho# meant1 hamlet% Ay+ or any sho# that yo #ill sho# him% &e not yo L ashamed to sho#+ he*ll not shame to tell yo #hat it means% ophelia% Mo are na ght+L yo are na ght% 0*ll mark the play% prolog e% Dor s and for o r tragedy+ Here stoopingL to yo r "lemen"y+ (e $eg yo r hearing patiently% @30

!$-it*. hamlet% 0s this a prolog e+ or the posy of a ring1L ophelia% *Tis $rief+ my lord% hamlet% As #oman*s lo'e% @3E

Enter Ot#o players asP ?ing and R een% player king% D ll thirty times hath Phoe$ s* "artL gone ro nd ;ept ne*s salt #ashL and Tell s*L or$d gro nd+ And thirty dozen moons #ith $orro#edL sheen A$o t the #orld ha'e times t#el'e thirties $een+ )in"e lo'e o r hearts and HymenL did o r hands Jnite "omm t alL in most sa"red $ands%L player / een% )o many -o rneys may the s n and moon 2ake s again "o nt o*er ere lo'e $e done= & t+ #oe is me+ yo are si"k of late+ )o far from "heer and from yo r former state+ That 0 distr stL yo % Met+ tho gh 0 distr st+ 9is"omfortL yo + my lord+ it is nothingL m st% Dor #omen*s fear and lo'e hold / antity6L 0n neither a ght+ or in e.tremity%L ;o#+ #hat my lo'e is+ proofL hath made yo kno#+ @E0 And as my lo'e is sized+L my fear is so% (here lo'e is great+ the littlest do $ts are fear6 (here little fears gro# great+ great lo'e gro#s there% player king% Daith+ 0 m st lea'e thee+ lo'e+ and shortly too6 2y operant po#ersL their f n"tions lea'e to do%L And tho shalt li'e in this fair #orld $ehind+L Honored+ $elo'ed6 and haply one as kind Dor h s$and shalt tho ! player / een% 8+ "onfo nd the rest= @EE @GE @G0

) "h lo'e m st needs $e treason in my $reast% 0n se"ond h s$and let me $e a"" rst= @H0

;oneL #ed the se"ond $ t #hoL killed the first% hamlet% (orm#ood+L #orm#ood% player / een% The instan"esL that se"ond marriage mo'eL Are $ase respe"ts of thrift+L $ t none of lo'e% A se"ond time 0 kill my h s$and dead (hen se"ond h s$and kisses me in $ed% player king% 0 do $elie'e yo think #hat no# yo speak+ & t #hat #e do determine oft #e $reak% P rpose is $ t the sla'e to memory+L 8f 'iolent $irth+ $ t poor 'alidity+L @K0 (hi"hL no#+ like fr it nripe+ sti"ks on the tree+ & t fall nshaken #hen they mello# $e% 2ost ne"essary *tis that #e forget To pay o rsel'es #hat to o rsel'es is de$t%L (hat to o rsel'es in passion #e propose+ The passion ending+ doth the p rpose lose% The 'iolen"e of either grief or -oy Their o#n ena"t resL #ith themsel'es destroy% (here -oy most re'els+ grief doth most lament6 Grief -oys+ -oy grie'es+ on slender a""ident%L @A0 This #orld is not for aye+L nor *tis not strange That e'en o r lo'es sho ld #ith o r fort nes "hange6 Dor *tis a / estion left s yet to pro'e+ (hether lo'e lead fort ne+ or else fort ne lo'e% The great man do#n+L yo mark his fa'orite flies6 The poor ad'an"ed makes friends of enemies%L And hithertoL doth lo'e on fort ne tend6L @AE @KE @HE

Dor #ho not needsL shall ne'er la"k a friend+ And #ho in #antL a hollo# friend doth tryL 9ire"tly seasons himL his enemy% @C0 & t+ orderly to end #here 0 $eg n+ 8 r #ills and fates do so "ontrary r nL That o r de'i"es stillL are o'erthro#n6 8 r tho ghts are o rs+ their endsL none of o r o#n% )o think tho #ilt no se"ond h s$and #ed+ @CE & t die thy tho ghts #hen thy first lord is dead% player / een% ;orL earth to me gi'e food+ nor hea'en light+ )port and repose lo"k from me day and night+L To desperation t rn my tr st and hope+ An an"hor*s "heerL in prison $e my s"ope=L F00 Ea"h opposite that $lanksL the fa"e of -oy 2eet #hat 0 #o ld ha'e #ell and it destroy=L &oth here and hen"eL p rs e me lasting strife 0f+ on"e a #ido#+ e'er 0 $e #ife= hamlet% 0f she sho ld $reak it no#= F0E

player king% *Tis deeply s#orn% )#eet+ lea'e me here a#hile6 2y spiritsL gro# d ll+ and fain 0 #o ld $eg ile% The tedio s day #ith sleep% player / een% )leep ro"k thy $rain+

And ne'er "ome mis"han"e $et#een s t#ain= !/e sleeps*. $-it !player queen.* hamlet% 2adam+ ho# like yo this play1 F@0

/ een% The lady doth protest too m "h+L methinks% hamlet% 8+ $ t she*ll keep her #ord% king% Ha'e yo heard the arg ment1L 0s there no offense in *t1 hamlet* &o, no, they do but jest,F poison in jest* &o offenseF i2 the

#orld%

F@E

king% (hat do yo "all the play1 hamlet* The #ousetrap* #arry, howI Tropically*F This play is the image of a murder done in Jienna* 1onzago is the 'uke2sF name, his wife, 5aptista* 7ou shall see anon* 2Tis a kna,ish piece of work, but #hat of that1 Mo r 2a-esty+ and #e that ha'e freeL so ls+ it to "hes s not% <et the galled -adeL #in"e+ o r #ithersL are n#r ng%L Enter l "ian s% This is one < "ian s+ nephe# to the ?ing% ophelia% Mo are as good as a "hor s+L my lord% hamlet% 0 "o ld interpretL $et#een yo and yo r lo'e+ if 0 "o ld see the p ppets dallying%L FFE FF0

ophelia% Mo are keen+L my lord+ yo are keen% hamlet% 0t #o ld "ost yo a groaning to take off mine edge% ophelia% )till $etter+ and #orse%L hamlet% )oL yo mis7takeL yo r h s$ands% &egin+ m rder6 lea'e thy damna$le fa"es and $egin% Come+ the "roaking ra'en doth $ello# for re'enge% l "ian s% Tho ghts $la"k+ hands apt+ dr gs fit+ and time agreeing+ Confederate season+L elseL no "reat re seeing+L Tho mi.t re rank+ of midnight #eeds "olle"ted+ (ith He"ate*s $anL thri"e $lasted+ thri"e infe"ted+ Thy nat ral magi" and dire propertyL 8n #holesome life s rp immediately% !/e pours the poison into the sleeper2s ear*. hamlet% *A poisons him i* the garden for his estate%L HisL name*s Gonzago% The story is e.tant+ and #ritten in 'ery "hoi"e 0talian% Mo shall see anon ho# the m rderer gets the lo'e of Gonzago*s #ife% FG0 F3E F30

!claudius rises*. ophelia% The ?ing rises% hamlet% (hat+ frighted #ith false fire1L / een% Ho# fares my lord1 poloni s% Gi'e o*er the play% FGE

king% Gi'e me some light% A#ay= poloni s% <ights+ lights+ lights= $-eunt all but hamlet and horatio* hamlet% (hy+ let the str "ken deer go #eep+ The hart ngalldL play% Dor some m st #at"h+L #hile some m st sleep6 Th s r ns the #orld a#ay%L (o ld not this+L sir+ and a forest of feathersL!if the rest of my fort nes t rn T rk #ithL me !#ith t#o Pro'in"ial rosesL on my razedL shoes+ get me a fello#ship in a "ryL of players1L horatio% Half a share% FEE hamlet% A #hole one+ 0% Dor tho dost kno#+ 8 9amonL dear+ This realm dismantledL #as 8f 5o'e himself+ and no# reigns here A 'ery+ 'ery!pa-o"k%LFH0 horatio% Mo might ha'e rhymed% hamlet% 8 good Horatio+ 0*ll take the ghost*s #ord for a tho sand po nd% 9idst per"ei'e1 horatio% Qery #ell+ my lord% hamlet% Jpon the talk of the poisoning1 FHE horatio% 0 did 'ery #ell note him% $nter rosencrantz and guildenstern* hamlet% Aha= Come+ some m si"= Come+ the re"orders%L Dor if the ?ing like not the "omedy+ FE0

(hy then+ $elike+ he likes it not+ perdy%L Come+ some m si"% FK0

g ildenstern% Good my lord+ 'o "hsafe me a #ord #ith yo % hamlet% )ir+ a #hole history% g ildenstern% The ?ing+ sir! hamlet% Ay+ sir+ #hat of him1 g ildenstern% 0s in his retirementL mar'elo s distempered%L hamlet% (ith drink+ sir1 g ildenstern% ;o+ my lord+ #ith "holer%L hamlet% Mo r #isdom sho ld sho# itself more ri"her to signify this to the do"tor+ for me to p t him to his p rgationL #o ld perhaps pl nge him into more "holer% FA0 FKE

g ildenstern% Good my lord+ p t yo r dis"o rse into some frameL and startL not so #ildly from my affair% hamlet% 0 am tame+ sir% Prono n"e% g ildenstern% The R een+ yo r mother+ in most great affli"tion of spirit+ hath sent me to yo % hamlet% Mo are #el"ome% g ildenstern% ;ay+ good my lord+ this "o rtesy is not of the right $reed%L 0f it shall please yo to make me a #holesome ans#er+ 0 #ill do yo r mother*s "ommandment6 if not+ yo r pardonL and my ret rn shall $e the end of my $ siness% hamlet% )ir+ 0 "annot% rosen"rantz% (hat+ my lord1 hamlet% 2ake yo a #holesome ans#er6 my #it*s diseased% & t+ sir+ s "h ans#er as 0 "an make+ yo shall "ommand+ or rather+ as yo say+ my mother% Therefore no more+ $ t to the matter% 2y mother+ yo FCE say! rosen"rantz% Then th s she says, yo r $eha'ior hath str "k her into FC0 FAE

amazement and admiration%L hamlet% 8 #onderf l son+ that "an so stonish a mother= & t is there no se/ el at the heels of this mother*s admiration1 0mpart% 300

rosen"rantz% )he desires to speak #ith yo in her "losetL ere yo go to $ed% hamlet% (e shall o$ey+ #ere she ten times o r mother% Ha'e yo any f rther trade #ith s1 rosen"rantz% 2y lord+ yo on"e did lo'e me% 30E

hamlet% And so still+ $y these pi"kers and stealers%L rosen"rantz% Good my lord+ #hat is yo r "a se of distemper1 Mo do s rely $ar the door pon yo r o#n li$ertyL if yo denyL yo r griefs to yo r friend% hamlet% )ir+ 0 la"k ad'an"ement% 3@0

rosen"rantz% Ho# "an that $e+ #hen yo ha'e the 'oi"e of the ?ing himself for yo r s ""ession in 9enmark1 hamlet% Ay+ sir+ $ t (hile the grass gro#sL!the pro'er$ is somethingL m sty% $nter the playersF with recorders* 8+ the re"orders% <et me see one% OHe takes a re"order%P 3@E

To #ithdra#L #ith yo , #hy do yo go a$o t to re"o'er the #indL of me+ as if yo #o ld dri'e me into a toil1L g ildenstern% 8+ my lord+ if my d ty $e too $old+ my lo'e is too nmannerly%L hamlet% 0 do not #ell nderstand that%L (ill yo play pon this pipe1 g ildenstern% 2y lord+ 0 "annot% hamlet% 0 pray yo % g ildenstern% &elie'e me+ 0 "annot% hamlet% 0 do $esee"h yo % g ildenstern% 0 kno# no to "h of it+ my lord% 3FE 3F0

hamlet% 0t is as easy as lying% Go'ern these 'entagesL #ith yo r fingers and th m$+ gi'e it $reath #ith yo r mo th+ and it #ill dis"o rse most elo/ ent m si"% <ook yo + these are the stops% g ildenstern% & t these "annot 0 "ommand to any tteran"e of harmony% 0 ha'e not the skill% hamlet% (hy+ look yo no#+ ho# n#orthy a thing yo make of me= Mo #o ld play pon me+ yo #o ld seem to kno# my stops+ yo #o ld pl "k o t the heart of my mystery+ yo #o ld

so ndL me from my lo#est note to the top of my "ompass+L and there is m "h m si"+ e."ellent 'oi"e+ in this little organ+L yet "annot yo make it speak% *)$lood+ do yo think 0 am easier to $e played on than a pipe1 Call me #hat instr ment yo #ill+ tho gh yo "an fretL me+ yo "annot play pon me% $nter polonius* God $less yo + sir= poloni s% 2y lord+ the R een #o ld speak #ith yo + and presently%L hamlet% 9o yo see yonder "lo d that*s almost in shape of a "amel1 poloni s% &y the 2ass and *tis+ like a "amel indeed% hamlet% 2ethinks it is like a #easel% poloni s% 0t is $a"ked like a #easel% hamlet% 8r like a #hale% poloni s% Qery like a #hale% hamlet% Then 0 #ill "ome to my mother $y and $y%L OAside%P They fool meL to the top of my $ent% L!0 #ill "ome $y and $y% poloni s% 0 #ill say so% !$-it*. hamlet% &y and $y is easily said% <ea'e me+ friends% !$-eunt all but hamlet*. *Tis no# the 'ery #it"hing timeL of night+ (hen "h r"hyards ya#n and hell itself $reathes o t Contagion to his #orld% ;o# "o ld 0 drink hot $lood And do s "h $itter $ siness as the day (o ld / ake to look on% )oft+ no# to my mother% 8 heart+ lose not thy nat re=L <et not e'er The so l of ;eroL enter this firm $osom% <et me $e "r el+ not nnat ral6 0 #ill speak daggers to her+ $ t se none% 2y tong e and so l in this $e hypo"rites, 3H0 3EE 3E0 3GE 3G0

Ho# in my #ords soe'erL she $e shent+L To gi'e them sealsL ne'er my so l "onsent= $-it* C*C $nter king, rosencrantz, and guildenstern* king% 0 like himL not+ nor stands it safe #ith s To let his madness range% Therefore prepare yo % 0 yo r "ommission #ill forth#ith dispat"h+L And he to England shall along #ith yo % The terms of o r estateL may not end re Hazard so near *s as doth ho rly gro# 8 t of his $ro#s%L g ildenstern% (e #ill o rsel'es pro'ide% E

2ost holy and religio s fearL it is To keep those many $odies safe That li'e and feed pon Mo r 2a-esty% @0

rosen"rantz% The single and pe" liarL life is $o nd (ith all the strength and armor of the mind To keep itself from noyan"e+L $ t m "h more That spirit pon #hose #eal depends and rests The li'es of many% The "essL of ma-esty 9ies not alone+ $ t like a g lfL doth dra# (hat*s near it #ith it6 or it is a massyL #heel Di.ed on the s mmit of the highest mo nt+ To #hose h ge spokes ten tho sand lesser things Are mortisedL and ad-oined+ #hi"h+ #hen it falls+L Ea"h small anne.ment+ petty "onse/ en"e+L AttendsL the $oistero s r in% ;e'er alone 9id the ?ing sigh+ $ t #ith a general groan% king% ArmL yo + 0 pray yo + to this speedy 'oyage+ F0 @E

Dor #e #ill fetters p t a$o t this fear+ (hi"h no# goes too free7footed% rosen"rantz%

FE

(e #ill haste s%

$-eunt gentlemen !rosencrantz and guildenstern.* $nter polonius* poloni s% 2y lord+ he*s going to his mother*s "loset% &ehind the arrasL 0*ll "on'ey myself To hear the pro"ess%L 0*ll #arrant she*ll ta. him home+L And+ as yo said!and #isely #as it said! 30 *Tis meetL that some more a dien"e than a mother+ )in"e nat re makes them partial+ sho ld o*erhear The spee"h+ of 'antage%L Dare yo #ell+ my liege% 0*ll "all pon yo ere yo go to $ed And tell yo #hat 0 kno#% king% $-it !polonius.* 8+ my offense is rank= 0t smells to hea'en% 0t hath the primal eldest " rseL pon*t+ A $rother*s m rder% Pray "an 0 not+ Tho gh in"lination $e as sharp as #ill6L #y stronger guilt defeats my strong intent, =B %nd like a man to double business boundF 0 stand in pa se #here 0 shall first $egin+ And $oth negle"t% (hat if this " rsd hand (ere thi"ker than itself #ith $rother*s $lood+ "s there not rain enough in the sweet hea,ens =; Thanks+ dear my lord% 3E

To #ash it #hite as sno#1 (hereto ser'es mer"y & t to "onfront the 'isage of offense1L And #hat*s in prayer $ t this t#ofold for"e+

To $e forestalldL ere #e "ome to fall+ Or pardoned being downI Then "2ll look up* 2y fa lt is past% & t 8+ #hat form of prayer Can ser'e my t rn1 Dorgi'e me my fo l m rder1 That "annot $e+ sin"e 0 am still possessed 8f those effe"ts for #hi"h 0 did the m rder, #y crown, mine own ambition, and my Hueen* #ay one be pardoned and retain th2 offenseIF "n the corrupted currentsF of this world Offense2s gilded handF may sho,e byF justice, %nd oft 2tis seen the wicked prizeF itself 5uys out the law* 5ut 2tis not so abo,e* <B ;; ;B

ThereF is no shuffling,F there the action liesF "n hisF true nature, and we oursel,es compelled, $,en to the teeth and foreheadF of our faults, To gi,e inF e,idence* 6hat thenI 6hat restsIF Try what repentance can* 6hat can it notI <; Met #hat "an it+ #hen one "annot repent1 8 #ret"hed state+ 8 $osom $la"k as death+ 8 limdL so l+ that+ str ggling to $e free+ Are more engaged=L Help+ angels= 2ake assay%L 5ow, stubborn knees, and heart with strings of steel, KB &e soft as sine#s of the ne#$orn $a$e= All may $e #ell% !/e kneels*. $nter hamlet* hamlet% ;o# might 0 do it pat+L no# *a is a7praying6 And no# 0*ll do *t% OHe dra#s his s#ord%P And so *a goes to hea'en+ And so am 0 re'enged% That #o ld $e s"anned,L KE

A 'illain kills my father+ and for that+ 0+ his sole son+ do this same 'illain send To hea'en% (hy+ this is hire and salary+ not re'enge% *A took my father grossly+ f ll of $read+L A0

(ith all his "rimes $road $lo#n+L as fl shL as 2ay6 And ho# his a ditL stands #ho kno#s sa'eL hea'en1 & t in o r "ir" mstan"e and "o rse of tho ghtL *Tis hea'y #ith him% And am 0 then re'enged+ To take him in the p rging of his so l+ AE

(hen he is fit and seasonedL for his passage1 ;o= Jp+ s#ord+ and kno# tho a more horrid hent%L !/e puts up his sword*. (hen he is dr nk asleep+ or in his rage+L 8r in th* in"est o s pleas re of his $ed+ At game+L a7s#earing+ or a$o t some a"t That has no relishL of sal'ation in *t! Then trip him+ that his heels may ki"k at hea'en+ And that his so l may $e as damned and $la"k As hell+ #hereto it goes% 2y mother stays%L CE This physi"L $ t prolongs thy si"kly days% $-it* king% 2y #ords fly p+ my tho ghts remain $elo#% (ords #itho t tho ghts ne'er to hea'en go% $-it* C*= $nter !queen. gertrude and polonius* poloni s% *A #ill "ome straight% <ook yo lay homeL to him% Tell him his pranks ha'e $een too $roadL to $ear #ith+ C0

And that Mo r Gra"e hath s"reened and stood $et#een 2 "h heatL and him% 0*ll shro dL me e'en here% Pray yo + $e ro ndL #ith him% E

hamlet O#ithinP% 2other+ 2other+ 2other= / een% 0*ll #arrant yo + fear me not% (ithdra#+ 0 hear him "oming% Opoloni s hides $ehind the arras%P $nter hamlet* hamlet% ;o#+ 2other+ #hat*s the matter1 / een% Hamlet+ tho hast thy fatherL m "h offended% hamlet% 2other+ yo ha'e my father m "h offended% / een% Come+ "ome+ yo ans#er #ith an idleL tong e% hamlet% Go+ go yo / estion #ith a #i"ked tong e% / een% (hy+ ho# no#+ Hamlet1 hamlet% / een% Ha'e yo forgot me1L hamlet% ;o+ $y the rood+L not so, @E (hat*s the matter no#1 @0

Mo are the R een yo r h s$and*s $rother*s #ife+ And!#o ld it #ere not so=!yo are my mother% / een% ;ay+ then+ 0*ll set those to yo that "an speak%L hamlet% Come+ "ome+ and sit yo do#n6 yo shall not $ dge% Mo go not till 0 set yo p a glass F0

(here yo may see the inmost part of yo % / een% (hat #ilt tho do1 Tho #ilt not m rder me1 Help+ ho= poloni s O$ehind the arrasP% (hat ho= Help= hamlet Odra#ingP% Ho# no#1 A rat1 9ead for a d "at+L dead= !/e thrusts his rapier through the arras*. poloni s O$ehind the arrasP% 8+ 0 am slain= OHe falls and dies%P FE

/ een% hamlet% ;ay+ 0 kno# not% 0s it the ?ing1

8 me+ #hat hast tho done1

/ een% 8+ #hat a rash and $loody deed is this= hamlet% A $loody deed!almost as $ad+ good 2other+ As kill a ?ing+ and marry #ith his $rother% 30 / een% As kill a ?ing= hamlet% Ay+ lady+ it #as my #ord%

OHe parts the arras and dis"o'ers poloni s%P Tho #ret"hed+ rash+ intr ding fool+ fare#ell= 0 took thee for thy $etter% Take thy fort ne% Tho find*st to $e too $ syL is some danger%! <ea'e #ringing of yo r hands% Pea"e+ sit yo do#n+ 3E And let me #ring yo r heart+ for so 0 shall+ 0f it $e made of penetra$le st ff+ 0f damnd " stomL ha'e not $razedL it so That it $e proofL and $ l#ark against sense%L / een% (hat ha'e 0 done+ that tho dar*st #ag thy tong e G0 0n noise so r de against me1 hamlet% ) "h an a"t

That $l rs the gra"e and $l sh of modesty+ Calls 'irt e hypo"rite+ takes off the rose Drom the fair forehead of an inno"ent lo'e And sets a $listerL there+ makes marriage 'o#s As false as di"ers* oaths% 8+ s "h a deed As from the $ody of "ontra"tionL pl "ks The 'ery so l+ and s#eet religion makesL A rhapsodyL of #ords% Hea'en*s fa"e does glo# 8*er this solidity and "ompo nd mass (ith tristf l 'isage+ as against the doom+ E0 GE

0s tho ght7si"k at the a"t%L / een% Ay me+ #hat a"t+

That roars so lo d and th nders in the inde.1L hamlet Osho#ing her t#o likenessesP% <ook here pon this pi"t re+ and The "o nterfeit presentmentL of t#o $rothers% )ee #hat a gra"e #as seated on this $ro#, Hyperion*sL " rls+ the frontL of 5o'e himself+ An eye like 2arsL to threaten and "ommand+ A stationL like the herald 2er" ryL ;e#7lightedL on a hea'en7kissing hill! A "om$ination and a form indeed (here e'ery god did seem to set his seal1L To gi'e the #orld ass ran"e of a man% This #as yo r h s$and% <ook yo no# #hat follo#s, Here is yo r h s$and+ like a milde#ed ear+L HE &lastingL his #holesome $rother% Ha'e yo eyes1 Co ld yo on this far mo ntain lea'eL to feed And $attenL on this moor1L Ha+ ha'e yo eyes1 Mo "annot "all it lo'e+ for at yo r age The heydayL in the $loodL is tame+ it*s h m$le+ And #aits pon the - dgment+ and #hat - dgment (o ld step from this to this1 )ense+L s re+ yo ha'e+ Else "o ld yo not ha'e motion+ $ t s re that sense 0s apople.ed+L for madness #o ld not err+L ;or sense to e"stasy #as ne*er so thralled+ KE & tL it reser'ed some / antity of "hoi"e To ser'e in s "h a differen"e%L (hat de'il #as *t That th s hath "ozenedL yo at hoodman7$lind1L Eyes #itho t feeling+ feeling #itho t sight+ K0 H0 EE on this+

Ears #itho t hands or eyes+ smelling sansL all+ 8r $ t a si"kly part of one tr e sense Co ld not so mope%L 8 shame+ #here is thy $l sh1 Re$ellio s hell+ 0f tho "anst m tineL in a matron*s $ones+ To flaming yo th let 'irt e $e as #a. AE

A0

And melt in her o#n fire%L Pro"laim no shame (hen the "omp lsi'e ardor gi'es the "harge+ )in"e frost itself as a"ti'ely doth $ rn+ And reason panders #ill%L / een% 8 Hamlet+ speak no more= C0

Tho t rn*st mine eyes into my 'ery so l+ And there 0 see s "h $la"k and grain dL spots As #ill not lea'e their tin"t%L hamlet% ;ay+ $ t to li'e

0n the rank s#eat of an enseam dL $ed+ )te#edL in "orr ption+ honeying and making lo'e 8'er the nasty sty= / een% 8+ speak to me no more= These #ords like daggers enter in my ears% ;o more+ s#eet Hamlet= hamlet% A m rderer and a 'illain+ CE

A sla'e that is not t#entieth part the titheL @00 8f yo r pre"edent lord+L a 'i"eL of kings+ A " tp rse of the empire and the r le+ That from a shelf the pre"io s diadem stole And p t it in his po"ket= / een% ;o more= @0E

$nter ghost !in his nightgown.*

hamlet% A king of shreds and pat"hesL! )a'e me+ and ho'er o*er me #ith yo r #ings+ Mo hea'enly g ards= (hat #o ld yo r gra"io s fig re1 / een% Alas+ he*s mad= hamlet% 9o yo not "ome yo r tardy son to "hide+ That+ lapsedL in time and passion+ lets go $y Th* importantL a"ting of yo r dread "ommand1 8+ say= ghost% 9o not forget% This 'isitation 0s $ t to #het thy almost $l nted p rpose% & t look+ amazementL on thy mother sits% 8+ step $et#een her and her fighting so l= Con"eitL in #eakest $odies strongest #orks% )peak to her+ Hamlet% hamlet% Ho# is it #ith yo + lady1 @F0 @@E @@0

/ een% Alas+ ho# is *t #ith yo +

That yo do $end yo r eye on 'a"an"y+ And #ith th* in"orporalL air do hold dis"o rse1 Dorth at yo r eyes yo r spirts #ildly peep+ And+ as the sleeping soldiers in th* alarm+L Mo r $eddedL hair+ like life in e."rements+L @FE )tart p and stand on end% 8 gentle son+ Jpon the heat and flame of thy distemperL )prinkle "ool patien"e% (hereon do yo look1 hamlet% 8n him+ on him= <ook yo ho# pale he glares= His form and "a se "on-oined+L prea"hing to stones+ @30 (o ld make them "apa$le%L!9o not look pon me+ <est #ith this piteo s a"tion yo "on'ert 2y stern effe"ts%L Then #hat 0 ha'e to do

(ill #ant tr e "olor!tears per"han"e for $lood%L / een% To #hom do yo speak this1 hamlet% 9o yo see nothing there1 / een% ;othing at all+ yet all that is 0 see% hamlet% ;or did yo nothing hear1 / een% ;o+ nothing $ t o rsel'es% hamlet% (hy+ look yo there+ look ho# it steals a#ay= 2y father+ in his ha$itL asL he li'ed= <ook #here he goes e'en no# o t at the portal= $-it ghost* / een% This is the 'eryL "oinage of yo r $rain% This $odiless "reation e"stasy 0s 'ery " nning in%L hamlet% E"stasy1 2y p lse as yo rs doth temperately keep time+ And makes as healthf l m si"% 0t is not madness That 0 ha'e ttered% &ring me to the test+ And 0 the matter #ill re#ord+L #hi"h madness (o ld gam$olL from% 2other+ for lo'e of gra"e+ <ay not that flattering n"tionL to yo r so l That not yo r trespass $ t my madness speaks% 0t #ill $ t skinL and film the l"ero s pla"e+ (hiles rank "orr ption+ miningL all #ithin+ @EE 0nfe"ts nseen% Confess yo rself to hea'en+ Repeat #hat*s past+ a'oid #hat is to "ome+ And do not spread the "ompostL on the #eeds To make them ranker% Dorgi'e me this my 'irt e6L Dor in the fatnessL of these p rsyL times Qirt e itself of 'i"e m st pardon $eg+ @H0 @E0 @GE @G0 @3E

Mea+ " r$L and #oo for lea'eL to do him good% / een% 8 Hamlet+ tho hast "left my heart in t#ain% hamlet% 8+ thro# a#ay the #orser part of it+ And li'e the p rer #ith the other half% Good night% & t go not to my n"le*s $ed6 Ass me a 'irt e+ if yo ha'e it not% That monster+ " stom+ #ho all sense doth eat+L 8f ha$its de'il+L is angel yet in this+ That to the se of a"tions fair and good He like#ise gi'es a fro"k or li'eryL That aptlyL is p t on% Refrain tonight+ And that shall lend a kind of easiness To the ne.t a$stinen"e6 the ne.t more easy6 Dor seL almost "an "hange the stamp of nat re+L And eitherL % % %the de'il+ or thro# him o t (ith #ondro s poten"y% 8n"e more+ good night6 And #hen yo are desiro s to $e $lest+ 0*ll $lessing $eg of yo %L Dor this same lord+ !0ointing to polonius*. 0 do repent6 $ t hea'en hath pleased it so To p nish me #ith this+ and this #ith me+ That 0 m st $e their s"o rge and minister%L 0 #ill $esto#L him+ and #ill ans#erL #ell The death 0 ga'e him% )o again+ good night% 0 m st $e "r el only to $e kind% @AE @A0 @KE @K0 @HE

ThisL $ad $egins+ and #orse remains $ehind%L 8ne #ord more+ good lady% / een% (hat shall 0 do1

hamlet% ;ot this $y no means that 0 $id yo do,

<et the $loatL ?ing tempt yo again to $ed+ Pin"h #antonL on yo r "heek+ "all yo his mo se+ And let him+ for a pair of ree"hyL kisses+ 8r paddlingL in yo r ne"k #ith his damned fingers+ 2ake yo to ra'el all this matter o tL That 0 essentially am not in madness+ & t mad in "raft%L *T#ere goodL yo let him kno#+ Dor #ho that*s $ t a R een+ fair+ so$er+ #ise+ (o ld from a paddo"k+L from a $at+ a gi$+L ) "h dear "on"erningsL hide1 (ho #o ld do so1 ;o+ in despite of sense and se"re"y+L Jnpeg the $asketL on the ho se*s top+ <et the $irds fly+ and like the famo s ape+L To try "on"l sions+L in the $asket "reep And $reak yo r o#n ne"k do#n%L / een% &e tho ass red+ if #ords $e made of $reath+ And $reath of life+ 0 ha'e no life to $reathe F0E (hat tho hast said to me% hamlet% 0 m st to England% Mo kno# that1 / een% 0 had forgot% *Tis so "on"l ded on% hamlet% There*s letters sealed+ and my t#o s"hoolfello#s+ (hom 0 #ill tr st as 0 #ill adders fanged+ F@0 Ala"k+ F00 @CE @C0

They $ear the mandate6 they m st s#eep my #ay And marshall me to kna'ery%L <et it #ork%L Dor *tis the sport to ha'e the enginerL Hoist #ithL his o#n petard+L and *t shall go hard & t 0 #illL del'e one yard $elo# their minesL And $lo# them at the moon% 8+ *tis most s#eet F@E

(hen in one lineL t#o "raftsL dire"tly meet% This man shall set me pa"king%L 0*ll l g the g ts into the neigh$or room% 2other+ good night indeed% This "o nselor FF0 0s no# most still+ most se"ret+ and most gra'e+ (ho #as in life a foolish prating kna'e%! Come+ sir+ to dra# to#ard an endL #ith yo %! Good night+ 2other% $-eunt !separately, hamlet dragging in polonius.* =*: $nter king and queenF, with rosencrantz and guildenstern* king% There*s matterL in these sighs+ these profo nd hea'es%L Mo m st translate, *tis fit #e nderstand them% (here is yo r son1 / een% &esto# this pla"e on s a little #hile% !$-eunt rosencrantz and guildenstern*. Ah+ mine o#n lord+ #hat ha'e 0 seen tonight= king% (hat+ Gertr de1 Ho# does Hamlet1 / een% 2ad as the sea and #ind #hen $oth "ontend (hi"h is the mightier% 0n his la#less fit+ &ehind the arras hearing something stir+ (hips o t his rapier+ "ries+ A rat+ a rat= And in this $rainish apprehensionL kills The nseen good old man% king% 8 hea'yL deed= @0 E

0t had $een so #ith s+L had #e $een there% His li$erty is f ll of threats to all! To yo yo rself+ to s+ to e'eryone% @E Alas+ ho# shall this $loody deed $e ans#ered1L 0t #ill $e laid to s+ #hose pro'iden"eL

)ho ld ha'e kept short+L restrained+ and o t of ha ntL This mad yo ng man% & t so m "h #as o r lo'e+ (e #o ld not nderstand #hat #as most fit+ & t+ like the o#ner of a fo l disease+ To keep it from di' lging+L let it feed E'en on the pith of life% (here is he gone1 / een% To dra# apart the $ody he hath killed+ 8*er #hom his 'ery madness+ like some oreL Among a mineralL of metals $ase+ )ho#s itself p re, *a #eeps for #hat is done% king% 8 Gertr de+ "ome a#ay= The s n no sooner shall the mo ntains to "h & t #e #ill ship him hen"e+ and this 'ile deed (e m st #ith all o r ma-esty and skill &oth "o ntenan"eL and e." se%!Ho+ G ildenstern= $nter rosencrantz and guildenstern* Driends $oth+ go -oin yo #ith some f rther aid% Hamlet in madness hath Poloni s slain+ And from his mother*s "loset hath he dragged him% 3E Go seek him o t+ speak fair+ and $ring the $ody 0nto the "hapel% 0 pray yo + haste in this% !$-eunt rosencrantz and guildenstern*. Come+ Gertr de+ #e*ll "all p o r #isest friends And let them kno# $oth #hat #e mean to do And #hat*s ntimely doneL% % % % % % % % (hose #hisper o*er the #orld*s diameter+L As le'elL as the "annon to his $lank+L Transports his poisoned shot+ may miss o r name And hit the #o ndlessL air% 8+ "ome a#ay= G0 30 FE F0

2y so l is f ll of dis"ord and dismay% $-eunt* =*G $nter hamlet* hamlet% )afely sto#ed%

GE

rosen"rantz+ g ildenstern O#ithinP% Hamlet= <ord Hamlet= hamlet% & t soft+ #hat noise1 (ho "alls on Hamlet1 8+ here they "ome% $nter rosencrantz and guildenstern* rosen"rantz% (hat ha'e yo done+ my lord+ #ith the dead $ody1 hamlet% Compo nded it #ith d st+ #hereto *tis kin% rosen"rantz% Tell s #here *tis+ that #e may take it then"e And $ear it to the "hapel% hamlet% 9o not $elie'e it% rosen"rantz% &elie'e #hat1 hamlet% That 0 "an keep yo r "o nsel and not mine o#n%L &esides+ to $e demanded ofL a sponge+ #hat repli"ationL sho ld $e made $y the son of a king1 rosen"rantz% Take yo me for a sponge+ my lord1 hamlet% Ay+ sir+ that soaks p the ?ing*s "o ntenan"e+L his re#ards+ his a thorities%L & t s "h offi"ers do the ?ing $est ser'i"e in the end% He keeps them+ like an ape+ an apple+ in the "orner of his -a#+ first mo thed to $e last s#allo#ed% (hen he needs #hat yo ha'e gleaned+ it is $ t s/ eezing yo + and+ sponge+ yo shall $e dry again% rosen"rantz% 0 nderstand yo not+ my lord% F0 @E @0 E

hamlet% 0 am glad of it% A kna'ish spee"h sleeps inL a foolish ear% rosen"rantz% 2y lord+ yo m st tell s #here the $ody is and go #ith s to the ?ing% hamlet% The $ody is #ith the ?ing+ $ t the ?ing is not #ith the $ody%L The ?ing is a thing! FE

g ildenstern% A thing+ my lord1 hamlet% 8f nothing%L &ring me to him% Hide fo.+ and all after=L $-eunt !running.* =*C $nter king, and two or three* king% 0 ha'e sent to seek him+ and to find the $ody% Ho# dangero s is it that this man goes loose= Met m st not #e p t the strong la# on him% He*s lo'ed ofL the distra"tedL m ltit de+ (ho like not in their - dgment+ $ t their eyes+L E

And #here *tis so+ th* offender*s s"o rgeL is #eighed+L & t ne'er the offense% To $ear all smooth and e'en+L This s dden sending him a#ay m st seem 9eli$erate pa se%L 9iseases desperate gro#n &y desperate applian"eL are relie'ed+ 8r not at all% $nter rosencrantz, guildenstern, and all the rest* Ho# no#+ #hat hath $efall*n1 rosen"rantz% (here the dead $ody is $esto#ed+ my lord+ (e "annot get from him% king% & t #here is he1 @0

rosen"rantz% (itho t+ my lord6 g arded+ to kno# yo r pleas re% king% &ring him $efore s% rosen"rantz% Ho= &ring in the lord% @E

They enter !with hamlet.* king% ;o#+ Hamlet+ #here*s Poloni s1 hamlet% At s pper% king% At s pper1 (here1 hamlet% ;ot #here he eats+ $ t #here *a is eaten% A "ertain "on'o"ation of politi" #ormsL are

e*enL at him% Mo r #ormL is yo r only emperor for diet%L (e fat all "reat res else to fat s+ and #e fat o rsel'es for maggots% Mo r fat king and yo r lean $eggar is $ t 'aria$le ser'i"eL!t#o dishes+ $ t to one ta$le% That*s the end% king% Alas+ alas= hamlet% A many may fish #ith the #orm that hath eatL of a king+ and eat of the fish that hath fed of that #orm% king% (hat dost tho mean $y this1 hamlet% ;othing $ t to sho# yo ho# a king may go a progressL thro gh the g ts of a $eggar% king% (here is Poloni s1 30

hamlet% 0n hea'en% )end thither to see% 0f yo r messenger find him not there+ seek him i* th* other pla"e yo rself% & t if indeed yo find him not #ithin this month+ yo shall nose him as yo go p the stairs into the lo$$y% king Oto some attendantsP% Go seek him there% hamlet% *A #ill stay till yo "ome% !$-eunt attendants*. king% Hamlet+ this deed+ for thine espe"ial safety! (hi"h #e do tender+L as #e dearlyL grie'e Dor that #hi"h tho hast done!m st send thee hen"e 6ith fiery quickness* Therefore prepare thyself* The barkF is ready, and the wind at help, Th2 associates tend,F and e,erything is bentF Dor England% hamlet% Dor England= king% Ay+ Hamlet% hamlet% Good% king% )o is it+ if tho kne#*st o r p rposes% hamlet% 0 see a "her $L that sees them% & t "ome+ for England= Dare#ell+ dear mother% king% Thy lo'ing father+ Hamlet% E0 GE =B 3E

hamlet% 2y mother% Dather and mother is man and #ife+ man and #ife is one flesh+ and so+ my mother% Come+ for England= $-it* king% Dollo# him at foot6L tempt him #ith speed a$oard% 9elay it not% 0*ll ha'e him hen"e tonight% A#ay= Dor e'erything is sealed and done EE

That else leans onL th* affair% Pray yo + make haste% !$-eunt all but the king*. And+ England+L if my lo'e tho hold*st at a ghtL! As my great po#er thereof may gi'e thee sense+L )in"e yet thy "i"atri"eL looks ra# and red After the 9anish s#ord+ and thy free a#eL H0 Pays homage to s!tho mayst not "oldly setL 8 r so'ereign pro"ess+L #hi"h imports at f ll+L &y letters "ongr ingL to that effe"t+ The presentL death of Hamlet% 9o it+ England+ Dor like the he"ti"L in my $lood he rages+ HE

And tho m st " re me% Till 0 kno# *tis done+ Ho#e*er my haps+L my -oys #ere ne*er $eg n% $-it* =*= $nter fortinbras with his army o,er the stage* fortin$ras% Go+ Captain+ from me greet the 9anish king% Tell him that $y his li"enseL Dortin$ras Cra'es the "on'eyan"e ofL a promised mar"h 8'er his kingdom% Mo kno# the rendez'o s% 0f that His 2a-esty #o ld a ght #ith s+ (e shall e.press o r d tyL in his eye6L And let him kno# so% "aptain% 0 #ill do *t+ my lord% E

fortin$ras% Go softlyL on% !$-eunt all but the captain*. $nter hamlet, rosencrantz, !guildenstern,. etc* hamlet% Good sir+ #hose po#ersL are these1 "aptain% They are of ;or#ay+ sir% hamlet% Ho# p rposed+ sir+ 0 pray yo 1 "aptain% Against some part of Poland% hamlet% (ho "ommands them+ sir1 "aptain% The nephe# to old ;or#ay% Dortin$ras% @E hamlet% Goes it against the mainL of Poland+ sir+ 8r for some frontier1 "aptain% Tr ly to speak+ and #ith no addition+L (e go to gain a little pat"h of gro nd That hath in it no profit $ t the name% F0 @0

To payL fi'e d "ats+ fi'e+ 0 #o ld not farm it6L ;or #ill it yield to ;or#ay or the Pole A rankerL rate+ sho ld it $e sold in fee%L hamlet% (hy+ then the Pola"k ne'er #ill defend it% "aptain% Mes+ it is already garrisoned% FE

hamlet% T#o tho sand so ls and t#enty tho sand d "ats (ill not de$ate the / estion of this stra#%L This is th* impost meL of m "h #ealth and pea"e+ That in#ard $reaks+ and sho#s no "a se #itho t (hy the man dies% 0 h m$ly thank yo + sir% 30 "aptain% God $* #i* yo + sir% !$-it*. rosen"rantz% (ill *t please yo go+ my lord1

hamlet% 0*ll $e #ith yo straight% Go a little $efore% !$-eunt all e-cept hamlet*.

Ho# all o""asions do inform againstL me And sp r my d ll re'enge= (hat is a man+ 0f his "hief good and market ofL his time &e $ t to sleep and feed1 A $east+ no more% ) re he that made s #ith s "h large dis"o rse+L <ooking $efore and after+L ga'e s not That "apa$ility and godlike reason To f stL in s n sed% ;o#+ #hether it $e &estial o$li'ion+L or some "ra'enL s"r ple 8f thinking too pre"iselyL on th* e'entL! A tho ght #hi"h+ / artered+ hath $ t one part #isdom And e'er three parts "o#ard!0 do not kno# (hy yet 0 li'e to say This thing*s to do+ GE G0 3E

)ithL 0 ha'e "a se+ and #ill+ and strength+ and means To do *t% E.amples grossL as earth e.hort me, (itness this army of s "h mass and "harge+L <ed $y a deli"ate and tenderL prin"e+ (hose spirit #ith di'ine am$ition p ffed 2akes mo thsL at the in'isi$le e'ent+L E.posing #hat is moral and ns re To all that fort ne+ death+ and danger dare+L E'en for an eggshell% Rightly to $e great 0s not to stir #itho t great arg ment+ & t greatly to find / arrel in a stra# (hen honor*s at the stake%L Ho# stand 0+ then+ That ha'e a father killed+ a mother stained+ E."itements ofL my reason and my $lood+ And let all sleep+ #hile to my shame 0 see H0 EE E0

The imminent death of t#enty tho sand men

That for a fantasyL and tri"kL of fame Go to their gra'es like $eds+ fight for a plotL (hereon the n m$ers "annot try the "a se+L (hi"h is not tom$ eno gh and "ontinentL To hide the slain1 8+ from this time forth 2y tho ghts $e $loody or $e nothing #orth= $-it* =*; $nter horatio, !queen. gertrude, and a gentleman* / een% 0 #ill not speak #ith her% gentleman% )he is import nate+ HE

0ndeed distra"t%L Her mood #ill needs $e pitied% / een% (hat #o ld she ha'e1 gentleman% )he speaks m "h of her father+ says she hears There*s tri"ksL i* the #orld+ and hems+L and $eats her heart+L E )p rns en'io sly at stra#s+L speaks things in do $tL That "arry $ t half sense% Her spee"h is nothing+ Met the nshapd seL of it doth mo'e The hearers to "olle"tion6L they ya#nL at it+ And $ot"hL the #ords p fit to their o#n tho ghts+ @0

(hi"h+L as her #inks and nods and gest res yieldL them+ 0ndeed #o ld make one think there might $e tho ght+L Tho gh nothing s re+ yet m "h nhappily%L horatio% *T#ere good she #ere spoken #ith+ for she may stre# 9angero s "on-e"t res in ill7$reedingL minds% / een% <et her "ome in% OAside%P To my si"k so l+ as sin*s tr e nat re is+ Ea"h toyL seems prolog e to some great amiss%L )o f ll of artless -ealo sy is g ilt+ 0t spills itself in fearing to $e spilt%L F0 @E OE.it gentleman%P

$nter opheliaF !distracted.* ophelia% (here is the $ea teo s ma-esty of 9enmark1 / een% Ho# no#+ 8phelia1 ophelia Oshe singsP% Ho# sho ld 0 yo r tr e lo'e kno# Drom another one1 &y his "o"kle hatL and staff+ And his sandal shoon%L / een% Alas+ s#eet lady+ #hat imports this song1 ophelia% )ay yo 1 ;ay+ pray yo + mark% He is dead and gone+ lady+ He is dead and gone6 30 O)ong%P FE

At his head a grass7green t rf+ At his heels a stone% 8+ ho= / een% ;ay+ $ t 8phelia! ophelia% Pray yo + mark% (hite his shro d as the mo ntain sno#! $nter king* / een% Alas+ look here+ my lord% ophelia% <ardedL #ith s#eet flo#ers6 (hi"h $e#ept to the gro nd did not go (ith tr e7lo'e sho#ers%L king% Ho# do yo + pretty lady1 ophelia% (ell+ God *ildL yo = They say the o#lL #as a $aker*s da ghter% <ord+ #e kno# #hat #e are+ $ t kno# not #hat #e may $e% God $e at yo r ta$le= king% Con"eitL pon her father%GE G0 O)ong%P O)ings%P 3E

ophelia% Pray let*s ha'e no #ords of this6 $ t #hen they ask yo #hat it means+ say yo this, Tomorro# is )aint Qalentine*s day+ All in the morning $etime+L And 0 a maid at yo r #indo#+ To $e yo r Qalentine% Then p he rose+ and donned his "lothes+ And d ppedL the "ham$er door+ <et in the maid+ that o t a maid ;e'er departed more% EE king% Pretty 8phelia! ophelia% 0ndeed+ la+ #itho t an oath+ 0*ll make an end on *t, &y GisL and $y )aint Charity+ Ala"k+ and fie for shame= Mo ng men #ill do *t+ if they "ome to *t6 &y Co"k+L they are to $lame% R oth she+ U&efore yo t m$led me% Mo promised me to #ed%* He ans#ers, U)o #o ld 0 ha* done+ $y yonder s n+ AnL tho hadst not "ome to my $ed%* king% Ho# long hath she $een th s1 ophelia% 0 hope all #ill $e #ell% (e m st $e patient+ $ t 0 "annot "hoose $ t #eep to think they #o ld lay him i* the "old gro nd% 2y $rother shall kno# of it% And so 0 thank yo for yo r good "o nsel% Come+ my "oa"h= Good night+ ladies+ good night+ s#eet ladies+ good night+ good night% !$-it*. king Oto horatioP% Dollo# her "lose% Gi'e her good #at"h+ 0 pray yo % !$-it horatio*. HE H0 O)ings%P E0 O)ong%P

8+ this is the poison of deep grief6 it springs All from her father*s death!and no# $ehold= 8 Gertr de+ Gertr de+ (hen sorro#s "ome+ they "ome not single spies+L & t in $attalions% Dirst+ her father slain6 ;e.t+ yo r son gone+ and he most 'iolent a thor 8f his o#n - st remo'e6L the people m ddied+L A0 KE

Thi"k and n#holesome in their tho ghts and #hispers Dor good Poloni s* death! and #e ha'e done $ t greenly+L 0n h gger7m ggerL to inter him6 poor 8phelia 9i'ided from herself and her fair - dgment% (itho t the #hi"h #e are pi"t res or mere $easts6 <ast+ and as m "h "ontainingL as all these+ Her $rother is in se"ret "ome from Dran"e+ Deeds on this #onder+ keeps himself in "lo ds+L And #antsL not $ zzersL to infe"t his ear (ith pestilent spee"hes of his father*s death+ (herein ne"essity+L of matter $eggared+L (ill nothing sti"k o r person to arraign 0n ear and ear%L 8 my dear Gertr de+ this+ <ike to a m rdering pie"e+L in many pla"es Gi'es me s perfl o s death%L / een% Ala"k+ #hat noise is this1 king% Attend=L (here is my )#itzers1L <et them g ard the door% $nter a messenger* (hat is the matter1 messenger% )a'e yo rself+ my lord= OA noise #ithin%P CE C0 AE

The o"ean+ o'erpeering of his list+L @00

Eats not the flatsL #ith more impet o sL haste Than yo ng <aertes+ in a rioto s head+L 8*er$ears yo r offi"ers% The ra$$le "all him lord+ And+ asL the #orld #ere no# $ t to $egin+ Anti/ ity forgot+ " stom not kno#n+ The ratifiers and props of e'ery #ord+L They "ry+ Choose #e= <aertes shall $e king= Caps+L hands+ and tong es appla d it to the "lo ds+ <aertes shall $e king+ <aertes king= / een% Ho# "heerf lly on the false trail they "ry=@@0 !% noise within*. 8+ this is "o nter+L yo false 9anish dogs= $nter laertes with others* king% The doors are $roke% laertes% (here is this king1!)irs+ stand yo all #itho t% all% ;o+ let*s "ome in% laertes% 0 pray yo + gi'e me lea'e% all% (e #ill+ #e #ill% laertes% 0 thank yo % ?eep the door% OE.e nt follo#ers%P 8 tho 'ile king+ Gi'e me my father= / een Orestraining himP% Calmly+ good <aertes% laertes% That drop of $lood that*s "alm pro"laims me $astard+ Cries " "kold to my father+ $rands the harlot E'en here+ $et#eenL the "haste nsmir"h d $ro# 8f my tr e mother% king% (hat is the "a se+ <aertes+ @F0 @@E @0E

That thy re$ellion looks so giantlike1 <et him go+ Gertr de% 9o not fear o rL person% There*s s "h di'inity doth hedgeL a king @FE

That treason "an $ t peep to #hat it #o ld+L A"ts little of his #ill%L Tell me+ <aertes+ (hy tho art th s in"ensed% <et him go+ Gertr de% )peak+ man% laertes% king% / een% & t not $y him% king% <et him demand his fill% @30 (here is my father1 9ead%

laertes% Ho# "ame he dead1 0*ll not $e - ggled #ith%L To hell+ allegian"e= Qo#s+ to the $la"kest de'il= Cons"ien"e and gra"e+ to the profo ndest pit= 0 dare damnation% To this point 0 stand+L That $oth the #orlds 0 gi'e to negligen"e+L @3E <et "ome #hat "omes+ only 0*ll $e re'enged 2ost thro ghlyL for my father% king% (ho shall stay yo 1 laertes% 2y #ill+ not all the #orld*s%L And forL my means+ 0*ll h s$and them so #ell They shall go far #ith little% king% Good <aertes+ @G0

0f yo desire to kno# the "ertainty 8f yo r dear father+ is *t #rit in yo r re'enge That+ s#oopstake+L yo #ill dra# $oth friend and foe+ (inner and loser1 laertes% ;one $ t his enemies% king% (ill yo kno# them+ then1 laertes% To his good friends th s #ide 0*ll ope my arms+ And like the kind life7rendering peli"anL RepastL them #ith my $lood% @GE

king%

(hy+ no# yo speak @E0

<ike a good "hild and a tr e gentleman% That 0 am g iltless of yo r father*s death+ And am most sensi$lyL in grief for it+ 0t shall as le'elL to yo r - dgment *pear As day does to yo r eye% laertes% Ho# no#+ #hat noise is that1 $nter ophelia* king% <et her "ome in% OA noise #ithin%P @EE

laertes% 8 heat+ dry p my $rains= Tears se'en times salt & rn o t the sense and 'irt eL of mine eye= &y hea'en+ thy madness shall $e paid #ith #eightL Till o r s"ale t rn the $eam%L 8 rose of 2ay= 9ear maid+ kind sister+ s#eet 8phelia= 8 hea'ens+ is *t possi$le a yo ng maid*s #its )ho ld $e as mortal as an old man*s life1 ;at re is fine inL lo'e+ and #here *tis fine 0t sends some pre"io s instan"eL of itself After the thing it lo'es%L ophelia% They $ore him $arefa"ed on the $ier+ Hey non nonny+ nonny+ hey nonny+ And in his gra'e rained many a tear! Dare yo #ell+ my do'e= @K0 O)ong%P @HE @H0

laertes% Hadst tho thy #its and didst pers adeL re'enge+ 0t "o ld not mo'e th s% ophelia% Mo m st sing A7do#n a7do#n+ and yo "all him a7do#n7a%L 8+ ho# the #heelL $e"omes it= 0t is the false ste#ardL that stole his master*s da ghter% @KE

laertes% This nothing*s more than matter%L ophelia% There*s rosemary+L that*s for remem$ran"e6 pray yo + lo'e+ remem$er% And there is pansies6L that*s for tho ghts% laertes% A do" mentL in madness+ tho ghts and remem$ran"e fitted% ophelia% There*s fennelL for yo + and "ol m$ines%L There*s r eL for @A0

yo + and here*s some for me6 #e may "all it her$ of gra"e o* ) ndays% Mo m st #ear yo r r e #ith a differen"e%L There*s a daisy%L 0 #o ld gi'e yo some 'iolets+L $ t they #ithered all #hen my father died% They say *a made a good end! O)ings%P Dor $onny s#eet Ro$in is all my -oy% laertes% Tho ghtL and affli"tion+ passion+L hell itself+ )he t rns to fa'orL and to prettiness% ophelia% And #ill *a not "ome again1 And #ill *a not "ome again1 ;o+ no+ he is dead% Go to thy death$ed+ He ne'er #ill "ome again% His $eard #as as #hite as sno#+ All fla.en #as his poll%L He is gone+ he is gone+ @CE And #e "ast a#ay moan% God ha* mer"y on his so l= And of all Christian so ls+ 0 pray God% God $* #i* yo % !$-it, followed by gertrude*. laertes% 9o yo see this+ 8 God1 king% <aertes+ 0 m st "omm ne #ith yo r grief+ F00 8r yo deny me right% Go $ t apart+ 2ake "hoi"e of #homL yo r #isest friends yo #ill+ And they shall hear and - dge t#i.t yo and me% @C0 O)ong%P @AE

0f $y dire"t or $y "ollateral handL They find s to "hed+L #e #ill o r kingdom gi'e+ 8 r "ro#n+ o r life+ and all that #e "all o rs To yo in satisfa"tion6 $ t if not+ &e yo "ontent to lend yo r patien"e to s+ And #e shall -ointly la$or #ith yo r so l To gi'e it d e "ontent% laertes% <et this $e so% F@0 F0E

His means of death+ his o$s" re f neral! ;o trophy+L s#ord+ nor hat"hmentL o*er his $ones+ ;o no$le rite+ nor formal ostentationL! Cry to $e heard+ as *t#ere from hea'en to earth+ ThatL 0 m st "all *t in / estion%L king% )o yo shall+ F@E

And #here th* offense is+ let the great a. fall% 0 pray yo + go #ith me% $-eunt* =*< $nter horatio and others* horatio% (hat are they that #o ld speak #ith me1 gentleman% )eafaring men+ sir% They say they ha'e letters for yo % horatio% <et them "ome in% !$-it gentleman*. 0 do not kno# from #hat part of the #orld 0 sho ld $e greeted+ if not from <ord Hamlet% Enter )ailors% first sailor% God $less yo + sir% horatio% <et him $less thee too% first sailor% *A shall+ sir+ an *tL please him% There*s a letter for yo + sir! it "ame from th* am$assadorL that #as $o nd for England!if yo r E

name $e Horatio+ as 0 am let to kno# it is% OHe gi'es a letter%P @0 horatio OreadsP% Horatio+ #hen tho shalt ha'e o'erlookedL this+ gi'e these fello#s some

meansL to the ?ing6 they ha'e letters for him% Ere #e #ere t#o days old at sea+ a pirate of 'ery #arlike appointmentL ga'e s "hase% Dinding o rsel'es too slo# of sail+ #e p t on a "ompelled 'alor+ and in the grapple 0 $oarded them% 8n the instant they got "lear of o r ship+ so 0 alone $e"ame their prisoner% They ha'e dealt #ith me like thie'es of mer"y+L $ t they kne# #hat they did, 0 am to do a good t rn for them% <et the ?ing ha'e the letters 0 ha'e sent+ and repairL tho to me #ith as m "h speed as tho #o ldest fly death% 0 ha'e #ords to speak in thine ear #ill make thee d m$+ yet are they m "h too light for the $oreL of the matter% These good fello#s #ill $ring thee #here 0 am% Rosen"rantz and G ildenstern hold their "o rse for England% 8f them 0 ha'e m "h to tell thee% Dare#ell% He that tho kno#est thine+ Hamlet% Come+ 0 #ill gi'e yo #ayL for these yo r letters% And do *t the speedier that yo may dire"t me To him from #hom yo $ro ght them% $-eunt* =*K $nter king and laertes* king% ;o# m st yo r "ons"ien"e my a"/ ittan"e seal+L And yo m st p t me in yo r heart for friend+ )ithL yo ha'e heard+ and #ith a kno#ing ear+ That he #hi"h hath yo r no$le father slain P rs ed my life% laertes% 0t #ell appears% & t tell me E FE

(hy yo pro"eeded not against these featsL )o "rimef l and so "apitalL in nat re+ As $y yo r safety+ greatness+ #isdom+ all things else+ Mo mainlyL #ere stirred p% king% 8+ for t#o spe"ial reasons+ @0

(hi"h may to yo perhaps seem m "h nsine#ed+L

& t yet to me they*re strong% The R een his mother <i'es almost $y his looks+ and for myself! 2y 'irt e or my plag e+ $e it either #hi"h! )he is so "on- n"ti'eL to my life and so l @E

That+ as the star mo'es not $ t in hisL sphere+L 0 "o ld not $ t $y her% The other moti'e (hy to a p $li" "o ntL 0 might not go 0s the great lo'e the general genderL $ear him+ (ho+ dipping all his fa lts in their affe"tion+ (orkL like the springL that t rneth #ood to stone+ Con'ert his gy'esL to gra"es+ so that my arro#s+ Too slightly tim$eredL for so lo dL a #ind+ (o ld ha'e re'ertedL to my $o# again & t not #here 0 had aimed them% FE F0

laertes% And so ha'e 0 a no$le father lost+ A sister dri'en into desperate terms+L (hose #orth+ if praises may go $a"kL again+ )tood "hallenger on mo ntL of all the age Dor her perfe"tions% & t my re'enge #ill "ome% king% &reak not yo r sleeps for that% Mo m st not think That #e are made of st ff so flat and d ll That #e "an let o r $eard $e shook #ith danger And think it pastime% Mo shortly shall hear more% 0 lo'ed yo r father+ and #e lo'e o rself6 3E 30

And that+ 0 hope+ #ill tea"h yo to imagine! Enter a messenger #ith letters% Ho# no#1 (hat ne#s1 messenger% <etters+ my lord+ from Hamlet, This to Mo r 2a-esty+ this to the R een%

!/e gi,es letters*. king% Drom Hamlet1 (ho $ro ght them1 G0

messenger% )ailors+ my lord+ they say% 0 sa# them not% They #ere gi'en me $y Cla dio% He re"ei'ed them 8f him that $ro ght them% king% <ea'e s% !$-it messenger*. OHe reads%P High and mighty+ yo shall kno# 0 am set nakedL on GE <aertes+ yo shall hear them%!

yo r kingdom% Tomorro# shall 0 $eg lea'e to see yo r kingly eyes+ #hen 0 shall+ first asking yo r pardon+L there nto re"o nt the o""asion of my s dden and more strange ret rn% Hamlet% (hat sho ld this mean1 Are all the rest "ome $a"k1 8r is it some a$ se+L and no s "h thing1L laertes% ?no# yo the hand1 king% *Tis Hamlet*s "hara"ter%L ;aked= E0

And in a posts"ript here he says alone% Can yo de'iseL me1 laertes% 0 am lost in it+ my lord% & t let him "ome% 0t #arms the 'ery si"kness in my heart That 0 shall li'e and tell him to his teeth+ Th s didst tho %L king% 0f it $e so+ <aertes! EE

As ho# sho ld it $e so1 Ho# other#ise1L! (ill yo $e r led $y me1 laertes% Ay+ my lord+ H0

)oL yo #ill not o*err le me to a pea"e% king% To thine o#n pea"e% 0f he $e no# ret rned+

As "he"king atL his 'oyage+ and thatL he means

;o more to ndertake it+ 0 #ill #ork him To an e.ploit+ no# ripe in my de'i"e+L Jnder the #hi"h he shall not "hoose $ t fall6 And for his death no #ind of $lame shall $reathe+ & t e'en his mother shall n"harge the pra"ti"eL And "all it an a""ident% laertes% 2y lord+ 0 #ill $e r led+ HE

The rather if yo "o ld de'ise it so That 0 might $e the organ%L king% 0t falls right% K0

Mo ha'e $een talked of sin"e yo r tra'el m "h+ And that in Hamlet*s hearing+ for a / ality (herein they say yo shine% Mo r s m of partsL 9id not together pl "k s "h en'y from him As did that one+ and that+ in my regard+ 8f the n#orthiest siege%L laertes% (hat part is that+ my lord1 king% A 'ery ri$$on in the "ap of yo th+ Met needf l too+ for yo th no less $e"omesL The light and "areless li'erty that it #ears Than settled age his sa$lesL and his #eedsL 0mporting health and gra'eness%L T#o months sin"e Here #as a gentleman of ;ormandy% 0 ha'e seen myself+ and ser'ed against+ the Dren"h+ And they "an #ellL on horse$a"k+ $ t this gallant Had #it"h"raft in *t6 he gre# nto his seat+ And to s "h #ondro s doing $ro ght his horse As had he $een in"orpsed and demi7nat redL (ith the $ra'e $east% )o far he toppedL my tho ght AE A0 KE

That 0 in forgeryL of shapes and tri"ks Come short of #hat he did% laertes% king% A ;orman% laertes% Jpon my life+ <amord% king% The 'ery same%

C0

A ;orman #as *t1

laertes% 0 kno# him #ell% He is the $roo"hL indeed And gem of all the nation% CE king% He made "onfessionL of yo + And ga'e yo s "h a masterly report Dor art and e.er"ise in yo r defense+L And for yo r rapier most espe"ial+ That he "ried o t *t#o ld $e a sight indeed @00 0f one "o ld mat"h yo % Th* es"rimersL of their nation+ He s#ore+ had neither motion+ g ard+ nor eye 0f yo opposed them% )ir+ this report of his 9id Hamlet so en'enom #ith his en'y That he "o ld nothing do $ t #ish and $eg @0E Mo r s ddenL "oming o*er+ to playL #ith yo % ;o#+ o t of this! laertes% (hat o t of this+ my lord1

king% <aertes+ #as yo r father dear to yo 1 8r are yo like the painting of a sorro#+ A fa"e #itho t a heart1 laertes% (hy ask yo this1 @@0

king% ;ot that 0 think yo did not lo'e yo r father+ & t that 0 kno# lo'e is $eg n $y time+L And that 0 see+ in passages of proof+L Time / alifiesL the spark and fire of it%

There li'es #ithin the 'ery flame of lo'e A kind of #i"k or sn ffL that #ill a$ate it+ And nothing is at a like goodness still+L Dor goodness+ gro#ing to a ple risy+L

@@E

9ies in his o#n too m "h%L ThatL #e #o ld do+ (e sho ld do #hen #e #o ld6 for this #o ld "hanges And hath a$atementsL and delays as many As there are tong es+ are hands+ are a""idents+L And then this sho ld is like a spendthrift sigh+L That h rts $y easing%L & t+ to the / i"k o* th* l"er,L Hamlet "omes $a"k% (hat #o ld yo ndertake @FE @F0

To sho# yo rself in deed yo r father*s son 2ore than in #ords1 laertes% To " t his throat i* the "h r"h%

king% ;o pla"e+ indeed+ sho ld m rder san"t arize6L Re'enge sho ld ha'e no $o nds% & t good <aertes+ (ill yo do this+L keep "lose #ithin yo r "ham$er% Hamlet ret rned shall kno# yo are "ome home% (e*ll p t on those shallL praise yo r e."ellen"e And set a do $le 'arnish on the fame The Dren"hman ga'e yo + $ring yo in fineL together+ And #ager on yo r heads% He+ $eing remiss+L 2ost genero s+L and free from all "ontri'ing+ (ill not per se the foils+ so that #ith ease+ 8r #ith a little sh ffling+ yo may "hoose A s#ord na$ated+L and in a pass of pra"ti"eL Re/ ite him for yo r father% laertes% 0 #ill do *t% @G0 @3E @30

And for that p rpose 0*ll anoint my s#ord%

0 $o ght an n"tionL of a mo nte$ankL )o mortal that+ $ t dip a knife in it+ (here it dra#s $lood no "ataplasmL so rare+ Colle"ted from all simplesL that ha'e 'irt eL @GE Jnder the moon+L "an sa'e the thing from death That is $ t s"rat"hed #ithal% 0*ll to "h my point (ith this "ontagion+ that if 0 gallL him slightly+ 0t may $e death% king% <et*s f rther think of this+ @E0

(eigh #hat "on'enien"e $oth of time and means 2ay fit s to o r shape%L 0f this sho ld fail+

And that o r drift look thro gh o r $ad performan"e+L *T#ere $etter not assayed% Therefore this pro-e"t )ho ld ha'e a $a"k or se"ond+ that might hold 0f this did $last in proof%L )oft+ let me see @EE

(e*ll make a solemn #ager on yo r " nningsL! 0 ha *t= (hen in yo r motion yo are hot and dry! AsL make yo r $o ts more 'iolent to that end! And that he "alls for drink+ 0*ll ha'e prepared him A "hali"e for the non"e+L #hereon $ t sipping+ 0f he $y "han"e es"ape yo r 'enomed st "k+L 8 r p rpose may hold there% OA "ry #ithin%P & t stay+ #hat noise1 $nter queen* / een% 8ne #oe doth tread pon another*s heel+ )o fast they follo#% Mo r sister*s dro#ned+ <aertes% @HE laertes% 9ro#ned= 8+ #here / een% There is a #illo# gro#s askantL the $rook+ That sho#s his hoar lea'esL in the glassy stream6 @H0

There#ith fantasti" garlands did she make 8f "ro#flo#ers+ nettles+ daisies+ and long p rples+L That li$eralL shepherds gi'e a grosser name+L & t o r "oldL maids do dead men*s fingers "all them% There on the pendentL $o ghs her "ro#netL #eeds Clam$*ring to hang+ an en'io s sli'erL $roke+ (hen do#n her #eedyL trophies and herself @KE Dell in the #eeping $rook% Her "lothes spread #ide+ And mermaidlike a#hile they $ore her p+ (hi"h time she "hanted snat"hes of old la ds+L As one in"apa$le ofL her o#n distress+ 8r like a "reat re nati'e and end edL Jnto that element% & t long it "o ld not $e Till that her garments+ hea'y #ith their drink+ P lled the poor #ret"h from her melodio s lay To m ddy death% laertes% Alas+ then she is dro#ned1 @AE @A0 @K0

/ een% 9ro#ned+ dro#ned%

laertes% Too m "h of #ater hast tho + poor 8phelia+ And therefore 0 for$id my tears% & t yet 0t is o r tri"k6L nat re her " stom holds+ <et shame say #hat it #ill% OHe #eeps%P (hen these are gone+ The #oman #ill $e o t%L Adie + my lord% 0 ha'e a spee"h of fire that fain #o ld $laze+ & t that this folly do tsL it% $-it* king% <et*s follo#+ Gertr de% @C0

Ho# m "h 0 had to do to "alm his rage= ;o# fear 0 this #ill gi'e it start again6

Therefore let*s follo#% $-eunt*

@CE

;*: $nter two clownsF !with spades and mattocks.* first "lo#n% 0s she to $e $ ried in Christian $ rial+ #hen she #illf lly seeks her o#n sal'ation1L se"ond "lo#n% 0 tell thee she is6 therefore make her gra'e straight%L The "ro#nerL hath sat on her+ L and finds itL Christian $ rial% first "lo#n% Ho# "an that $e+ nless she dro#ned herself in her o#n defense1 se"ond "lo#n% (hy+ *tis fo nd so%L first "lo#n% 0t m st $e se offendendo+L it "annot $e else% Dor here lies the point, if 0 dro#n myself #ittingly+ it arg es an a"t+ and an a"t hath three $ran"hes!it is to a"t+ to do+ and to perform% Argal+L she dro#ned herself #ittingly% se"ond "lo#n% ;ay+ $ t hear yo + goodmanL del'er! first "lo#n% Gi'e me lea'e% Here lies the #ater6 good% Here stands the man6 good% 0f the man go to this #ater and dro#n himself+ it is+ #ill he+ nill he+L he goes+ mark yo that% & t if the #ater "ome to him and dro#n him+ he dro#ns not himself% Argal+ he that is not g ilty of his o#n death shortens not his o#n life% se"ond "lo#n% & t is this la#1 first "lo#n% Ay+ marry+ is *t!"ro#ner*s / estL la#% se"ond "lo#n% (ill yo ha* the tr th on *t1 0f this had not $een a gentle7 #oman+ she sho ld ha'e $een $ ried o t o* Christian $ rial% first "lo#n% (hy+ there tho sayst%L And the more pity that great folk sho ld ha'e "o ntenan"eL in this #orld to dro#n or hang themsel'es+ more than their e'en7 Christian%L Come+ my spade% There is no an"ientL gentlemen $ t gardeners+ dit"hers+ and gra'e makers% They hold pL Adam*s profession% FE F0 @E @0 E

se"ond "lo#n% (as he a gentleman1 first "lo#n% *A #as the first that e'er $ore arms%L se"ond "lo#n% (hy+ he had none% first "lo#n% (hat+ art a heathen1 Ho# dost tho nderstand the )"rip7 30

t re1 The )"ript re says Adam digged% Co ld he dig #itho t arms1L 0*ll p t another / estion to thee% 0f tho ans#erest me not to the p rpose+ "onfess thyselfL! se"ond "lo#n% Go to% first "lo#n% (hat is he that $ ilds stronger than either the mason+ the ship#right+ or the "arpenter1 se"ond "lo#n% The gallo#s maker+ for that frameL o tli'es a tho sand tenants% first "lo#n% 0 like thy #it #ell+ in good faith% The gallo#s does #ell%L & t ho# does it #ell1 0t does #ell to those that do ill% ;o# tho dost ill to say the gallo#s is $ ilt stronger than the "h r"h% Argal+ the gallo#s may do #ell to thee% To *t again+ "ome% se"ond "lo#n% (ho $ ilds stronger than a mason+ a ship#right+ or a "arpenter1 first "lo#n% Ay+ tell me that+ and nyoke%L se"ond "lo#n% 2arry+ no# 0 "an tell% first "lo#n% To *t% se"ond "lo#n% 2ass+L 0 "annot tell% $nter hamlet and horatio !at a distance.* first "lo#n% C dgel thy $rains no more a$o t it+ for yo r d ll ass #ill not mend his pa"e #ith $eating6 and #hen yo are asked this / es7 E0 GE G0 3E

tion ne.t+ say a gra'e maker% The ho ses he makes lasts till doomsday% Go get thee in and fet"h me a sto pL of li/ or% !$-it second clown* first clown digs*. (ong* 0n yo th+ #hen 0 did lo'e+ did lo'e+L

2etho ght it #as 'ery s#eet+ To "ontra"t!8!the time for!a!my $eho'e+L EE

8+ metho ght there!a!#as nothing!a!meet%L hamlet% Has this fello# no feeling of his $ siness+ *aL sings in gra'e7making1 horatio% C stom hath made it in him a property of easiness%L hamlet% *Tis e*en so% The hand of little employment hath the daintier sense%L first "lo#n% & t age #ith his stealing steps Hath "la#ed me in his "l t"h+ And hath shipped me into the land+L As if 0 had ne'er $een s "h% !/e throws up a skull*. hamlet% That sk ll had a tong e in it and "o ld sing on"e% Ho# the kna'e -o#lsL it to the gro nd+ as if *t#ere Cain*s -a#$one+ that did the first m rder= This might $e the pate of a politi"ian+ L #hi"h this ass no# o*errea"hes+L one that #o ld "ir" m'ent God+ might it not1 K0 HE )ong% H0

horatio% 0t might+ my lord% hamlet% 8r of a "o rtier+ #hi"h "o ld say+ Good morro#+ s#eet lord= Ho# dost tho + s#eet lord1 This might $e my <ord ) "h7a7one+ that praised my <ord ) "h7a7one*s horse #hen *a meant to $eg it+ might it not1 horatio% Ay+ my lord hamlet% (hy e*en so+ and no# my lady (orm*s+ "hapless+L and kno"ked a$o t the mazardL #ith a se.ton*s spade% Here*s fine re'ol tion+L anL #e had the tri"k to seeL *t% 9id these $ones "ost no more the $reeding $ t to playL at loggetsL #ith them1 2ine a"he to think on *t% first "lo#n% )ong% A0 KE

A pi"ka. and a spade+ a spade+ Dor andL a shro ding sheet6 8+ a pit of "lay for to $e made Dor s "h a g est is meet% !/e throws up another skull*. hamlet% There*s another% (hy may not that $e the sk ll of a la#yer1 (here $e his / idditiesL no#+ his / illities+L his "ases+ his ten res+L and his tri"ks1 (hy does he s ffer this mad kna'e no# to kno"k him a$o t the s"on"eL #ith a dirty sho'el+ and #ill not tell him of his a"tion of $attery1L H m+ this fello# might $e in *s time a C0 AE

great $ yer of land+ #ith his stat tes+ his re"ognizan"es+L his fines+ his do $leL 'o "hers+L his re"o'eries%L 0n this the fine of his fines and the re"o'ery of re"o'eries+ to ha'e his fine pate f ll of fine dirt1L (ill his 'o "hers 'o "h him no more of his p r"hases+ and do $le ones too+ than the length and $readth of a pair of inden7 CE

t res1L The 'ery "on'eyan"esL of his lands #ill s"ar"ely lie in this $o.+L and m st th* inheritorL himself ha'e no more+ ha1 horatio% ;ot a -ot more+ my lord% hamlet% 0s not par"hment made of sheepskins1 horatio% Ay+ my lord+ and of "al'es* skins too% @00

hamlet% They are sheep and "al'es+ #hi"h seek o t ass ran"e in that%L 0 #ill speak to this fello#% !(hose gra'e*s this+ sirrah1L first "lo#n% 2ine+ sir% 8+ pit of "lay for to $e made Dor s "h a g est is meet% @0E hamlet% 0 think it $e thine+ indeed+ for tho liest in *t% first "lo#n% Mo lie o t on *t+ sir+ and therefore *tis not yo rs% Dor my part+ 0 do not lie in *t+ yet it is mine% hamlet% Tho dost lie in *t+ to $e in *t and say it is thine% *Tis for the dead+ not for the / i"k6L therefore tho liest% @@0 first "lo#n% UTis a / i"k lie+ sir6 *t#ill a#ay again from me to yo % O)ings%P

hamlet% (hat man dost tho dig it for1 first "lo#n% Dor no man+ sir% hamlet% (hat #oman+ then1 first "lo#n% Dor none+ neither% @@E hamlet% (ho is to $e $ ried in *t1 first "lo#n% 8ne that #as a #oman+ sir+ $ t+ rest her so l+ she*s dead% hamlet% Ho# a$sol teL the kna'e is= (e m st speak $y the "ard+L or e/ i'o"ationL #ill ndo s% &y the <ord+ Horatio+ this three years 0 ha'e tookL note of it, the age is gro#n so pi"kedL that the toe of @F0

the peasant "omes so near the heel of the "o rtier+ he galls his ki$e%L!Ho# long has tho $een gra'e maker1 first "lo#n% 8f all the days i* the year+ 0 "ame to *t that day that o r last king Hamlet o'er"ame Dortin$ras% hamlet% Ho# long is that sin"e1 @FE

first "lo#n% Cannot yo tell that1 E'ery fool "an tell that% 0t #as that 'ery day that yo ng Hamlet #as $orn!he that is mad and sent into England% hamlet% Ay+ marry+ #hy #as he sent into England1 first "lo#n% (hy+ $e"a se *a #as mad% *A shall re"o'er his #its there+ or if *a do not+ *tis no great matter there% hamlet% (hy1 first "lo#n% *T#ill not $e seen in him there% There the men are as mad as he% hamlet% Ho# "ame he mad1 @3E @30

first "lo#n% Qery strangely+ they say% hamlet% Ho# strangely1 first "lo#n% Daith+ e*en #ith losing his #its% hamlet% Jpon #hat gro nd1L first "lo#n% (hy+ here in 9enmark% 0 ha'e $een se.ton here+ man and $oy+ thirty years% @G0

hamlet% Ho# long #ill a man lie i* th* earth ere he rot1 first "lo#n% Daith+ if *a $e not rotten $efore *a die!as #e ha'e many po"kyL "orpses no#adays+ that #ill s"ar"e hold the laying inL!*a #ill last yo L some eight year or nine year% A tanner #ill last yo nine year% hamlet% (hy he more than another1 first "lo#n% (hy+ sir+ his hide is so tanned #ith his trade that *a #ill keep o t #ater a great #hile+ and yo r #ater is a soreL de"ayer of yo r #horesonL dead $ody% OHe pi"ks p a sk ll%P Here*s a sk ll no# hath lien yo L i* th* earth three7and7t#enty years% hamlet% (hose #as it1 first "lo#n% A #horeson mad fello#*s it #as% (hose do yo think it #as1 hamlet% ;ay+ 0 kno# not% @EE @E0 @GE

first "lo#n% A pestilen"e on him for a mad rog e= *A po red a flagon of RhenishL on my head on"e% This same sk ll+ sir+ #as+ sir+ Mori"k*s sk ll+ the ?ing*s -ester% hamlet% This1 first "lo#n% E*en that% @H0 hamlet% <et me see% OHe takes the sk ll%P Alas+ poor Mori"k= 0 kne# him+ Horatio+ a fello# of infinite -est+ of most e."ellent fan"y% He hath $oreL me on his $a"k a tho sand times+ and no# ho# a$horred in my imagination it is= 2y gorge risesL at it% Here h ng those lips that 0 ha'e kissed 0 kno# not ho# oft% (here $e yo r gi$es no#1 Mo r gam$ols+ yo r songs+ yo r flashes of merriment that #ere #ontL to set the ta$le on a roar1 ;ot one no#+ to mo"k yo r o#n grinning1L R ite "hopfallen1L ;o# get yo to my lady*s "ham$er and tell her+ let her paint an in"h thi"k+ to this fa'orL she m st "ome% 2ake her la gh at that% Prithee+ Horatio+ tell me one thing% horatio% (hat*s that+ my lord1 hamlet% 9ost tho think Ale.ander looked o* this fashion i* th* earth1 horatio% E*en so% hamlet% And smelt so1 Pah= OHe thro#s do#n the sk ll%P @K0

horatio% E*en so+ my lord%

@KE

hamlet% To #hat $ase ses #e may ret rn+ Horatio= (hy may not imagination tra"e the no$le d st of Ale.ander till *a find it stopping a $ nghole1L horatio% UT#ere to "onsider too " rio slyL to "onsider so% hamlet% ;o+ faith+ not a -ot+ $ t to follo# him thither #ith modestyL @A0

eno gh+ and likelihood to lead it% As th s, Ale.ander died+ Ale.ander #as $ ried+ Ale.ander ret rneth to d st+ the d st is earth+ of earth #e make loam+L and #hy of that loam #hereto he #as "on'erted might they not stop a $eer $arrel1 0mperio sL Caesar+ dead and t rned to "lay+ @AE 2ight stop a hole to keep the #ind a#ay% 8+ that that earth #hi"h kept the #orld in a#e )ho ld pat"h a #all t* e.pel the #inter*s fla#=L $nter king, queen, laertes, and the corpse !of ophelia, in procession, with priest, lords, etc*.* & t soft+L $ t soft a#hile= Here "omes the ?ing+ The R een+ the "o rtiers% (ho is this they follo#1 And #ith s "h maimdL rites1 This doth $etoken The "orpse they follo# did #ith desperate hand DordoL its o#n life% *T#as of some estate%L Co "h #eL a#hile and mark% !/e and horatio conceal themsel,es* ophelia2s body is taken to the gra,e*. laertes% (hat "eremony else1 @CE hamlet Oto horatioP% That is <aertes+ a 'ery no$le yo th% 2ark% laertes% (hat "eremony else1 priest% Her o$se/ ies ha'e $een as far enlarged As #e ha'e #arranty%L Her death #as do $tf l+ And $ t that great "ommand o*ers#ays the orderL )he sho ld in gro nd nsan"tified $een lodgedL Till the last tr mpet% DorL "harita$le prayers+ )hards+L flints+ and pe$$les sho ld $e thro#n on her% F00 @C0

Met here she is allo#ed her 'irgin "rants+L Her maiden stre#ments+L and the $ringing home 8f $ell and $ rial%L laertes% 2 st there no more $e done1 priest% ;o more $e done% F0E

(e sho ld profane the ser'i"e of the dead To sing a re/ iem and s "h restL to her As to pea"e7parted so ls%L laertes% <ay her i* th* earth+ F@0

And from her fair and npoll ted flesh 2ay 'ioletsL spring= 0 tell thee+ "h rlish priest+ A ministering angel shall my sister $e (hen tho liest ho#ling%L hamlet Oto horatioP% (hat+ the fair 8phelia=

/ een Os"attering flo#ersP% )#eets to the s#eet= Dare#ell% F@E 0 hoped tho sho ldst ha'e $een my Hamlet*s #ife% 0 tho ght thy $ride7$ed to ha'e de"ked+ s#eet maid+ And not t* ha'e stre#ed thy gra'e% laertes% 8+ tre$le #oe

Dall ten times tre$le on that " rsd head (hose #i"ked deed thy most ingenio s senseL 9epri'ed thee of= Hold off the earth a#hile+ Till 0 ha'e "a ght her on"e more in mine arms% !/e leaps into the gra,e and embraces ophelia*. ;o# pile yo r d st pon the / i"k and dead+ Till of this flat a mo ntain yo ha'e made T* o*ertop old Pelion or the skyish head 8f $l e 8lymp s%L hamlet O"oming for#ardP% (hat is he #hose grief FFE FF0

&ears s "h an emphasis+L #hose phrase of sorro# Con- res the #andering starsL and makes them stand <ike #onder7#o ndedL hearers1 This is 0+ Hamlet the 9ane%L F30

laertes Ograppling #ith himLP% The de'il take thy so l= hamlet% Tho pray*st not #ell% 0 prithee+ take thy fingers from my throat+ Dor tho gh 0 am not spleniti'eL and rash+ Met ha'e 0 in me something dangero s+ (hi"h let thy #isdom fear% Hold off thy hand% king% Pl "k them as nder% / een% Hamlet+ Hamlet= all% Gentlemen= horatio% Good my lord+ $e / iet% !hamlet and laertes are parted*. hamlet% (hy+ 0 #ill fight #ith him pon this theme Jntil my eyelids #ill no longer #ag%L / een% 8 my son+ #hat theme1 hamlet% 0 lo'ed 8phelia% Dorty tho sand $rothers Co ld not #ith all their / antity of lo'e 2ake p my s m% (hat #ilt tho do for her1 king% 8+ he is mad+ <aertes% / een% Dor lo'e of God+ for$ear him%L hamlet% *)#o nds+L sho# me #hat tho *lt do% (oo*tL #eep1 (oo*t fight1 (oo*t fast1 (oo*t tear thyself1 (oo*t drink pL eisel1L Eat a "ro"odile1L 0*ll do *t% 9ost "ome here to #hine1 To o tfa"e me #ith leaping in her gra'e1 &e $ ried / i"kL #ith her+ and so #ill 0% FE0 FGE FG0 F3E

And if tho prate of mo ntains+ let them thro# 2illions of a"res on s+ till o r gro nd+ FEE

)ingeing his pateL against the $ rning zone+L 2ake 8ssaL like a #art= ;ay+ anL tho *lt mo th+L 0*ll rant as #ell as tho % / een% This is mereL madness+

And th s a#hile the fit #ill #ork on him6 Anon+ as patient as the female do'e FH0

(hen that her golden "o pletsL are dis"losed+L His silen"e #ill sit drooping% hamlet% (hat is the reason that yo Hear yo + sir+ se me th s1

0 lo'ed yo e'er% & t it is no matter% <et Her" les himself do #hat he may+ FHE

The "at #ill me#+ and dog #ill ha'e his day%L $-it hamlet* king% 0 pray thee+ good Horatio+ #ait pon him% !$-it horatio*. OTo laertes%P )trengthen yo r patien"e inL o r last night*s spee"h6 (e*ll p t the matter to the present p sh%L! Good Gertr de+ set some #at"h o'er yo r son%! This gra'e shall ha'e a li'ingL mon ment% An ho r of / ietL shortly shall #e see6 Till then+ in patien"e o r pro"eeding $e% $-eunt* ;*G $nter hamlet and horatio* hamlet% )o m "h for this+ sir6 no# shall yo see the other%L Mo do remem$er all the "ir" mstan"e1 horatio% Remem$er it+ my lord= FK0

hamlet% )ir+ in my heart there #as a kind of fighting That #o ld not let me sleep% 2etho ght 0 lay (orse than the m tinesL in the $il$oesL Rashly+L And praised $e rashness for it!let s kno#L 8 r indis"retionL sometimes ser'es s #ell (hen o r deep plots do pall+L and that sho ld learnL s There*s a di'inity that shapes o r ends+ Ro gh7he#L them ho# #e #ill! horatio% hamlet% Jp from my "a$in+ 2y sea7go#nL s"arfedL a$o t me+ in the dark Groped 0 to find o t them+L had my desire+ DingeredL their pa"ket+ and in fineL #ithdre# To mine o#n room again+ making so $old+ 2y fears forgetting manners+ to nseal Their grand "ommission6 #here 0 fo nd+ Horatio! Ah+ royal kna'ery=!an e.a"t "ommand+ <ardedL #ith many se'eralL sorts of reasons F0 0mportingL 9enmark*s health and England*s too+ (ith+ ho= s "h $ gsL and go$lins in my life+L That on the s per'ise+L no leis re $ated+L ;o+ not to stayL the grinding of the a.+ 2y head sho ld $e str "k off% horatio% hamlet Ogi'ing a do" mentP% Here*s the "ommission% Read it at more leis re% & t #ilt tho hear no# ho# 0 did pro"eed1 horatio% 0 $esee"h yo % hamlet% &eing th s $enetted ro nd #ith 'illainies! 0s*t possi$le1 FE @E That is most "ertain% @0 E

Ere 0 "o ld make a prolog e to my $rains+ They had $eg n the playL!0 sat me do#n+ 9e'ised a ne# "ommission+ #rote it fair%L 0 on"e did hold it+ as o r statistsL do+ A $asenessL to #rite fair+ and la$ored m "h Ho# to forget that learning6 $ t+ sir+ no#

30

3E

0t did me yeoman*sL ser'i"e% (ilt tho kno# Th* effe"tL of #hat 0 #rote1 horatio% Ay+ good my lord%

hamlet% An earnest "on- rationL from the ?ing+ As England #as his faithf l tri$ tary+ As lo'e $et#een them like the palmL might flo rish+ G0 As pea"e sho ld stillL her #heaten garlandL #ear And stand a "ommaL *t#een their amities+ And many s "hlike asesL of great "harge+L That on the 'ie# and kno#ing of these "ontents+ (itho t de$atement f rther more or less+ GE

He sho ld those $earers p t to s dden death+ ;ot shri'ing timeL allo#ed% horatio% Ho# #as this sealed1

hamlet% (hy+ e'en in that #as hea'en ordinant%L 0 had my father*s signetL in my p rse% (hi"h #as the modelL of that 9anish seal6 E0 Dolded the #ritL p in the form of th* other+ ) $s"ri$edL it+ ga'e *t th* impression+L pla"ed it safely+ The "hangelingL ne'er kno#n% ;o#+ the ne.t day (as o r sea fight+ and #hat to this #as se/ entL Tho kno#est already% EE

horatio% )o G ildenstern and Rosen"rantz go to *t%

hamlet% (hy+ man+ they did make lo'e to this employment% They are not near my "ons"ien"e% Their defeatL 9oes $y their o#n insin ationL gro#% *Tis dangero s #hen the $aserL nat re "omes &et#een the passL and fellL in"ensd points 8f mightly opposites%L horatio% (hy+ #hat a king is this= H0

hamlet% 9oes it not+ think thee+ stand me no# ponL! He that hath killed my king and #hored my mother+ Popped in $et#een th* ele"tionL and my hopes+ Thro#n o t his angleL for my properL life+ And #ith s "h "ozenageL!is *t not perfe"t "ons"ien"e To / itL him #ith this arm1 And is *t not to $e damned To let this "ankerL of o r nat re "ome 0nL f rther e'il1 K0 horatio% 0t m st $e shortly kno#n to him from England (hat is the iss e of the $ siness there% hamlet% 0t #ill $e short% The interim is mine+ And a man*s life*s no more than to say one%L & t 0 am 'ery sorry+ good Horatio+ KE That to <aertes 0 forgot myself+ Dor $y the image of my "a se 0 see The portrait re of his% 0*ll "o rt his fa'ors% & t+ s re+ the $ra'eryL of his grief did p t me 0nto a to#*ring passion% horatio% Pea"e+ #ho "omes here1 A0 HE

$nter a ourtier !osric.* osri"% Mo r lordship is right #el"ome $a"k to 9enmark% hamlet% 0 h m$ly thank yo + sir% OTo horatio%P 9ost kno# this #ater fly1

horatio% ;o+ my good lord% hamlet% Thy state is the more gra"io s+ for *tis a 'i"e to kno# him% He hath m "h land+ and fertile% <et a $east $e lord of $easts+ and his "ri$L shall stand at the ?ing*s mess%L *Tis a "h ff+L $ t+ as 0 say+ spa"io s in the possession of dirt% osri"% )#eet lord+ if yo r lordship #ere at leis re+ 0 sho ld impart a thing to yo from His 2a-esty% C0 hamlet% 0 #ill re"ei'e it+ sir+ #ith all diligen"e of spirit% P t yo r $onnetL to hisL right se6 *tis for the head% osri"% 0 thank yo r lordship+ it is 'ery hot% hamlet% ;o+ $elie'e me+ *tis 'ery "old% The #ind is northerly% osri"% 0t is indifferentL "old+ my lord+ indeed% CE AE

hamlet% & t yet methinks it is 'ery s ltry and hot for my "omple.ion%L osri"% E."eedingly+ my lord% 0t is 'ery s ltry+ as *t#ere!0 "annot tell ho#% 2y lord+ His 2a-esty $ade me signify to yo that *a has laid a great #ager on yo r head% )ir+ this is the matter! hamlet% 0 $esee"h yo + remem$er% @00

!hamlet mo,es him to put on his hat*. osri"% ;ay+ good my lord6 for my ease+L in good faith% )ir+ here is ne#ly "ome to "o rt <aertes!$elie'e me+ an a$sol teL gentleman+ f ll of most e."ellent

differen"es+L of 'ery soft so"ietyL and great sho#ing%L 0ndeed+ to speak feelinglyL of him+ he is the "ardL or "alendarL of gentry+L for yo shall find in him the "ontinent of #hat part a gentleman #o ld see%L hamlet% )ir+ his definementL s ffers no perditionL in yo +L tho gh 0 kno# to di'ide him in'entoriallyL #o ld dozyL th* arithmeti" of memory+ and yet $ t ya#L neitherL in respe"t ofL his / i"k sail% & t+ in the 'erity of e.tolment+L 0 take him to $e a so l of great arti"le+L and his inf sionL of s "h dearth and rarenessL as+ to make tr e di"tionL of him+ his sem$la$leL is his mirror and @0E

#ho else #o ld tra"eL him his m$rage+L nothing more% osri"% Mo r lordship speaks most infalli$ly of him% hamlet% The "on"ernan"y+L sir1 (hy do #e #rap the gentleman in o r more ra#er $reath1L osri"% )ir1 horatio% 0s *t not possi$le to nderstand in another tong e1L Mo #ill do *t+L sir+ really% hamlet% (hat imports the nominationL of this gentleman1 osri"% 8f <aertes1 horatio Oto hamletP% His p rse is empty already6 all *s golden #ords are spent% hamlet% 8f him+ sir% osri"% 0 kno# yo are not ignorant! @FE @F0 @@E

hamlet% 0 #o ld yo did+ sir% Met in faith if yo did+ it #o ld not m "h appro'eL me% (ell+ sir1 osri"% Mo are not ignorant of #hat e."ellen"e <aertes is! hamlet% 0 dare not "onfess that+ lest 0 sho ld "ompare #ith him in e.7 "ellen"e% & t to kno# a man #ell #ere to kno# himself%L @30

osri"% 0 mean+ sir+ forL his #eapon6 $ t in the imp tation laid on him $y them+L in his meedL he*s nfello#ed%L hamlet% (hat*s his #eapon1 osri"% Rapier and dagger% hamlet% That*s t#o of his #eapons!$ t #ell%L @3E

osri"% The ?ing+ sir+ hath #agered #ith him si. &ar$ary horses+ against the #hi"h heL has impa#ned+L as 0 take it+ si. Dren"h rapiers and poniards+L #ith their assigns+L as girdle+ hangers+L and so%L Three of the "arriages+L in faith+ are 'ery dear to fan"y+L 'ery responsi'eL to the hilts+ most deli"ateL "arriages+ and of 'ery li$eral "on"eit%L @G0 hamlet% (hat "all yo the "arriages1 horatio Oto hamletP% 0 kne# yo m st $e edified $y the margentL ere yo had done%

osri"% The "arriages+ sir+ are the hangers% hamlet% The phrase #o ld $e more germane to the matter if #e "o ld "arry a "annon $y o r sides6 0 #o ld it might $e hangers till then% & t+ on, si. &ar$ary horses against si. Dren"h s#ords+ their assigns+ and three li$eral7"on"eited "arriages6 that*s the Dren"h $et against the 9anish% (hy is this impa#ned+ as yo "all it1 osri"% The ?ing+ sir+ hath laid+L sir+ that in a dozen passesL $et#een yo rself and him+ he shall not e."eed yo three hits% He hath laid on t#el'e for nine+ and it #o ld "ome to immediate trial+ if yo r lordship #o ld 'o "hsafe the ans#er%L hamlet% Ho# if 0 ans#er no1 osri"% 0 mean+ my lord+ the opposition of yo r person in trial% @EE

hamlet% )ir+ 0 #ill #alk here in the hall% 0f it please His 2a-esty+ it is the $reathing timeL of day #ith me% <etL the foils $e $ro ght+ the gentleman #illing+ and the ?ing hold his p rpose% 0 #ill #in for him an 0 "an6 if not+ 0 #ill gain nothing $ t my shame and the odd hits% osri"% )hall 0 deli'er yo L so1 @H0 hamlet% To this effe"t+ sir!after #hat flo rish yo r nat re #ill% osri"% 0 "ommendL my d ty to yo r lordship% hamlet% Mo rs+ yo rs% OE.it osri"%P *A does #ell to "ommend it himself6 there are no tong es else for *s t rn%L horatio% This lap#ingL r ns a#ay #ith the shell on his head% @HE

hamlet% *A did "omply #ith his d gL $efore a* s "ked it% Th s has he! and many more of the same $reed that 0 kno# the drossyL age dotes on!only got the t neL of the time and+ o t of an ha$it of en"o nter+L a kind of yeastyL "olle"tion+L #hi"h "arries them thro gh and thro gh the most fanned and #inno#ed opinions6L and doL $ t $lo# them to their trial+ the $ $$les are o t%L $nter a lord*

lord% 2y lord% His 2a-esty "ommended him to yo $y yo ng 8sri"+ #ho $rings $a"k to him that yo attend him in the hall% He sends to kno# if yo r pleas re hold to play #ith <aertes+ or thatL yo #ill take longer time% @KE hamlet% 0 am "onstant to my p rposes6 they follo# the ?ing*s pleas re% 0f his fitness speaks+ mine is ready6L no# or #hensoe'er+ pro'ided 0 $e so a$le as no#% lord% The ?ing and R een and all are "oming do#n% hamlet% 0n happy time%L @A0

lord% The R een desires yo to se some gentle entertainmentL to <aertes $efore yo fall to play% hamlet% )he #ell instr "ts me% OE.it lord%P

horatio% Mo #ill lose+ my lord% hamlet% 0 do not think so% )in"e he #ent into Dran"e+ 0 ha'e $een in "ontin al pra"ti"e6 0 shall #in at the odds% & t tho #o ldst not think ho# ill all*s here a$o t my heart6 $ t it is no matter% horatio% ;ay+ good my lord! hamlet% 0t is $ t foolery+ $ t it is s "h a kind of gaingi'ingL as #o ld perhaps tro $le a #oman% @C0 horatio% 0f yo r mind dislike anything+ o$ey it% 0 #ill forestall their repairL hither and say yo are not fit% hamlet% ;ot a #hit+ #e defy a g ry% There is spe"ial pro'iden"e in the fall of a sparro#% 0f it $e no#+ *tis not to "ome6 if it $e not to "ome+ it #ill $e no#6 if it $e not no#+ yet it #ill "ome% The readiness is all% )in"e no man of a ght he lea'es kno#s+ #hat is *t to lea'e $etimes1 <et $e%L % table prepared* !$nter. trumpets, drums, and officers with cushions+ king, queen, !osric,. and all the state+ foils, daggers, !and wine borne in+. and laertes* king% Come+ Hamlet+ "ome and take this hand from me% !The king puts laertes2 hand into hamlet2s*.

hamlet Oto laertesP% Gi'e me yo r pardon+ sir% 0 ha'e done yo #rong+ & t pardon *t as yo are a gentleman% This presen"eL kno#s+ And yo m st needs ha'e heard+ ho# 0 am p nishedL (ith a sore distra"tion% (hat 0 ha'e done That might yo r nat re+ honor+ and e."eptionL Ro ghly a#ake+ 0 here pro"laim #as madness% (as *t Hamlet #ronged <aertes1 ;e'er Hamlet% 0f Hamlet from himself $e ta*en a#ay+ And #hen he*s not himself does #rong <aertes+ Then Hamlet does it not+ Hamlet denies it% (ho does it+ then1 His madness% 0f *t $e so+ F@0 Hamlet is of the fa"tionL that is #ronged6 His madness is poor Hamlet*s enemy% )ir+ in this a dien"e <et my dis"laiming from a p rposed e'il Dree me so far in yo r most genero s tho ghts That 0 ha'eL shot my arro# o*er the ho se And h rt my $rother% laertes% 0 am satisfied in nat re+L F@E F0E F00

(hose moti'eL in this "ase sho ld stir me most To my re'enge% & t in my terms of honor 0 stand aloof+ and #ill no re"on"ilement Till $y some elder masters of kno#n honor 0 ha'e a 'oi"eL and pre"edent of pea"eL To keep my name ngored%L & t till that time 0 do re"ei'e o r offered lo'e like lo'e+ And #ill not #rong it% hamlet% 0 em$ra"e it freely+ FFE FF0

And #ill this $rothers* #ager franklyL play%! Gi'e s the foils% Come on% laertes% Come+ one for me%

hamlet% 0*ll $e yo r foil+L <aertes% 0n mine ignoran"e Mo r skill shall+ like a star i* the darkest night% )ti"k fiery offL indeed% laertes% hamlet% ;o+ $y this hand% king% Gi'e them the foils+ yo ng 8sri"% Co sin Hamlet+ Mo kno# the #ager1 hamlet% Qery #ell+ my lord% Mo mo"k me+ sir% F30

Mo r Gra"e has laid the odds o*L the #eaker side% king% 0 do not fear it6 0 ha'e seen yo $oth% F3E

& t sin"e he is $ettered+L #e ha'e therefore odds% laertes% This is too hea'y% <et me see another% !/e e-changes his foil for another*. hamlet% This likes meL #ell% These foils ha'e all a length1 !They prepare to play*. osri"% Ay+ my good lord% king% )et me the sto ps of #ine pon that ta$le% FG0 0f Hamlet gi'e the first or se"ond hit% 8r / it in ans#er of the third e."hange+L <et all the $attlements their ordnan"e fire% The ?ing shall drink to Hamlet*s $etter $reath+L And in the " p an nionL shall he thro# FGE

Ri"her than that #hi"h fo r s ""essi'e kings 0n 9enmark*s "ro#n ha'e #orn% Gi'e me the " ps+ And let the kettleL to the tr mpet speak+ The tr mpet to the "annoneer #itho t+

The "annons to the hea'ens+ the hea'en to earth+ ;o# the ?ing drinks to Hamlet% Come+ $egin% Trumpets the while* And yo + the - dges+ $ear a #ary eye% hamlet% Come on+ sir% laertes% Come+ my lord% hamlet% 8ne% FEE laertes% ;o% hamlet% 5 dgment% osri"% A hit+ a 'ery palpa$le hit%

FE0

OThey play% hamlet s"ores a hit%P

'rum, trumpets, and shot* Flourish* % piece goes off* laertes% (ell+ again% king% )tay+ gi'e me drink% Hamlet+ this pearl is thine% !/e drinks, and throws a pearl in hamlet2s cup*. Here*s to thy health% Gi'e him the " p% hamlet% 0*ll play this $o t first% )et it $y a#hile% Come% OThey play%P Another hit6 #hat say yo 1 laertes% A to "h+ a to "h+ 0 do "onfess *t% king% 8 r son shall #in% / een% He*s fatL and s"ant of $reath% FHE FH0

Here+ Hamlet+ take my napkin+L r $ thy $ro#s% The R een "aro sesL to thy fort ne+ Hamlet% hamlet% Good+ madam= king% Gertr de+ do not drink% / een% 0 #ill+ my lord+ 0 pray yo pardon me% king OasideP% 0t is the poisoned " p% 0t is too late% FK0 hamlet% 0 dare not drink yet+ madam6 $y and $y% / een% Come+ let me #ipe thy fa"e% laertes Oto kingP% 2y lord+ 0*ll hit him no#%

O)he drinks%P

king%

0 do not think *t%

laertes OasideP% And yet it is almost against my "ons"ien"e% hamlet% Come+ for the third+ <aertes% Mo do $ t dally% 0 pray yo + passL #ith yo r $est 'iolen"e6 0 am afeard yo make a #anton of me%L laertes% )ay yo so1 Come on% osri"% ;othing neither #ay% laertes% Ha'e at yo no#= !laertes wounds hamlet+ then, in scuffling, they change rapiers,F and hamlet wounds laertes*. king% hamlet% ;ay+ "ome+ again% osri"% Part them= They are in"ensed% FA0 OThe / een falls%P <ook to the R een there+ ho= OThey play%P FKE

horatio% They $leed on $oth sides% Ho# is it+ my lord1 osri"% Ho# is *t+ <aertes1 laertes% (hy+ as a #ood"o"kL to mine o#n springe+L 8sri"6 0 am - stly killed #ith mine o#n trea"hery% FAE hamlet% Ho# does the R een1 king% )he s#oons to see them $leed%

/ een% ;o+ no+ the drink+ the drink!8 my dear Hamlet! The drink+ the drink= 0 am poisoned% hamlet% 8 'illainy= Ho+ let the door $e lo"ked= Trea"hery= )eek it o t% !laertes falls* $-it osric*. laertes% 0t is here+ Hamlet% Hamlet+ tho art slain% ;o med*"ine in the #orld "an do thee good6 0n thee there is not half an ho r*s life% The trea"hero s instr ment is in thy hand+ Jn$atedL and en'enomed% The fo l pra"ti"eL FCE FC0 O)he dies%P

Hath t rned itself on me% <o+ here 0 lie+ ;e'er to rise again% Thy mother*s poisoned% 0 "an no more% The ?ing+ the ?ing*s to $lame% hamlet% The point en'enomed too1 Then+ 'enom+ to thy #ork% !/e stabs the king*. all% Treason= Treason= 300

king% 8+ yet defend me+ friends= 0 am $ t h rt% hamlet Ofor"ing the king to drinkP% Here+ tho in"est o s+ m rdero s+ damn d 9ane+ 9rink off this potion% 0s thy nionL here1 Dollo# my mother% laertes% He is - stly ser'ed% OThe king dies%P

0t is a poison temperedL $y himself% 30E E."hange forgi'eness #ith me+ no$le Hamlet% 2ine and my father*s death "ome not pon thee+ ;or thine on me= hamlet% Hea'en make thee free of it= 0 follo# thee% 0 am dead+ Horatio% (ret"hed R een+ adie =3@0 Mo that look pale and trem$le at this "han"e+L That are $ t m tesL or a dien"e to this a"t+ Had 0 $ t time!as this fellL sergeant+L 9eath+ 0s stri"tL in his arrestL!8+ 0 "o ld tell yo ! & t let it $e% Horatio+ 0 am dead6 3@E OHe dies%P

Tho li'est% Report me and my "a se aright To the nsatisfied% horatio% ;e'er $elie'e it%

0 am more an anti/ e RomanL than a 9ane% Here*s yet some li/ or left% OHe attempts to drink from the poisoned " p% hamlet pre'ents him%P

hamlet%

As tho *rt a man+ 3F0

Gi'e me the " p= <et go= &y hea'en+ 0*ll ha *t% 8 God+ Horatio+ #hat a #o nded name+

Things standing th s nkno#n+ shall 0 lea'e $ehind me= 0f tho didst e'er hold me in thy heart+ A$sent thee from feli"ity a#hile+ And in this harsh #orld dra# thy $reath in pain To tell my story% (hat #arlike noise is this1 $nter osric* osri"% Mo ng Dortin$ras+ #ith "on/ est "ome from Poland+ To th* am$assadors of England gi'es This #arlike 'olley% hamlet% 8+ 0 die+ Horatio= 330 3FE

A mar"h afar off Oand a 'olley #ithinP%

The potent poison / ite o*er"ro#sL my spirit% 0 "annot li'e to hear the ne#s from England+ & t 0 do prophesy th* ele"tion lights 8n Dortin$ras% He has my dying 'oi"e%L )o tell him+ #ith th* o"" rentsL more and less (hi"h ha'e soli"itedL!the rest is silen"e% OHe dies%P

33E

horatio% ;o# "ra"ks a no$le heart% Good night+ s#eet prin"e+ And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest= !#arch within*. (hy does the dr m "ome hither1 $nter fortinbras, with the !$nglish. %mbassadors !with drum, colors, and attendants.* fortin$ras% (here is this sight1 horatio% (hat is it yo #o ld see1 3G0

0f a ght of #oe or #onder+ "ease yo r sear"h% fortin$ras% This / arryL "ries on ha'o"%L 8 pro d 9eath+

(hat feastL is to#ardL in thine eternal "ell+ That tho so many prin"es at a shot )o $loodily hast str "k1 first am$assador% The sight is dismal+

And o r affirs from England "ome too late% 3GE The ears are senseless that sho ld gi'e s hearing+ To tell him his "ommandment is f lfilled+ That Rosen"rantz and G ildenstern are dead% (here sho ld #e ha'e o r thanks1 horatio% ;ot from hisL mo th+ 3E0

Had it th* a$ility of life to thank yo %

He ne'er ga'e "ommandment for their death% & t sin"e+ so - mpL pon this $loody / estion+L Mo from the Pola"k #ars+ and yo from England+ And here arri'ed+ gi'e orders that these $odies High on a stageL $e pla"d to the 'ie#+ 3EE

And let me speak to th* yet nkno#ing #orld Ho# these things "ame a$o t% )o shall yo hear 8f "arnal+ $loody+ and nnat ral a"ts+ 8f a""idental - dgments+L "as alL sla ghters+ 8f deaths p t onL $y " nning and for"ed "a se+L And+ in this pshot+ p rposes mistook Dall*n on th* in'entors* heads% All this "an 0 Tr ly deli'er% fortin$ras% <et s haste to hear it+ 3H0

And "all the no$lest to the a dien"e% Dor me+ #ith sorro# 0 em$ra"e my fort ne% 3HE 0 ha'e some rights of memoryL in this kingdom+ (hi"h no# to "laim my 'antageL doth in'ite me%

horatio% 8f that 0 shall ha'e also "a se to speak+ And from his mo th #hose 'oi"e #ill dra# on more%L & t let this same $e presentlyL performed+ 3K0

E'en #hile men*s minds are #ild+ lest more mis"han"e 8nL plots and errors happen% fortin$ras% <et fo r "aptains

&ear Hamlet+ like a soldier+ to the stage+ Dor he #as likely+ had he $een p t on+L To ha'e pro'ed most royal6 and for his passage+L The soldiers* m si" and the rite of #ar )peakL lo dly for him% Take p the $odies% ) "h a sight as this &e"omes the field+L $ t there sho#s m "h amiss% Go $id the soldiers shoot% 3A0 $-eunt !marching, bearing off the dead bodies+ a peal of ordnance is shot off.* L Topics for ritical Thinking and 6riting 3KE

A"t @
@% 7The first s"ene 3like many other s"enes in this play4 is f ll of e.pressions of n"ertainty% (hat are some of these n"ertainties1 The Ghost first appears at @%@%GF% 9oes his appearan"e s rprise s+ or ha'e #e $een prepared for it1 8r is there $oth preparation and s rprise1 9o the last fo r spee"hes of @%@ help to introd "e a note of hope1 0f so+ ho#1 F% 79oes the ?ing*s opening spee"h in @%F re'eal him to $e an a""omplished p $li" speaker!or are lines @0B@G offensi'e1 0n his se"ond spee"h 3lines G@BGC4+ #hat is the effe"t of naming <aertes fo r times1 Cla di s sometimes ses the royal prono ns 3#e+ o r4+ sometimes the more intimate 0 and my% )t dy his se of these in lines @BG and in @0HB@@K% (hat do yo think he is getting at1 3% 7Hamlet*s first solilo/ y 3@%F%@FCB@EC4 re'eals that more than - st his father*s death distresses him% &e as spe"ifi" as possi$le a$o t the "a ses of Hamlet*s ang ish here% (hat traits does Hamlet re'eal in his "on'ersation #ith Horatio 3@%F%@H0BFEA41 G% 7(hat do yo make of Poloni s*s ad'i"e to <aertes 3@%3%EEBA@41 0s it so nd1 )o nd ad'i"e+ $ t

here ttered $y a fool1 0gno$le ad'i"e1 Ho# #o ld one follo# the ad'i"e of line KA, to thine o#n self $e tr e1 0n his #ords to 8phelia in @%3%@0FB@3H+ #hat does he re'eal a$o t himself1 E% 7Can @%G%@KB3A reasona$ly $e taken as a spee"h on the tragi" fla#1 38n this idea+ see page @0CE%4 8r is the passage a m "h more limited dis" ssion+ a "omment simply on 9anish drinking ha$its1 H% 7Hamlet is "on'in"ed in @%E%C3B@0G that the Ghost has told the tr th+ indeed+ the only important tr th% & t do #e dete"t in @0EB@@F a hint of a tone s ggesting that Hamlet delights in hating 'illainy1 0f so+ "an it $e said that later this delight gro#s+ and that in some s"enes 3e%g%+ 3%34 #e feel that Hamlet has almost $e"ome a dia$oli" re'enger1 E.plain%

A"t F
@% 7Chara"terize Poloni s on the $asis of F%@%@BKH% F% 70n light of #hat #e ha'e seen of Hamlet+ is 8phelia*s report of his strange $eha'ior #hen he 'isits her nderstanda$le1 3% 7(hy does F%F%33B3G seem almost "omi"1 Ho# do these lines help s to form a 'ie# a$o t Rosen"rantz and G ildenstern1 G% 70s the hellish Pyrrh s 3F%F%GFF4 Hamlet*s 'ersion of Cla di s1 8r is he Hamlet+ #ho soon #ill $e responsi$le for the deaths of Poloni s+ Rosen"rantz and G ildenstern+ Cla di s+ Gertr de+ 8phelia+ and <aertes1 E.plain% E% 70s the Dirst Player*s spee"h 3F%F%GFKff4 an inflated spee"h1 0f so+ #hy1 To disting ish it from the poetry of the play itself1 To "hara"terize the $loody deeds that Hamlet "annot des"end to1 H% 70n F%F%E0GBEGF Hamlet re$ kes himself for not a"ting% (hy has he not a"ted1 &e"a se he is a "o#ard 3line E3@41 &e"a se he has a "ons"ien"e1 &e"a se no a"tion "an restore his father and his mother*s p rity1 &e"a se he do $ts the Ghost1 (hat reason3s4 "an yo offer1

A"t 3
@% 7(hat do yo make of Hamlet*s assertion to 8phelia, 0 lo'ed yo not 33%@%@@A41 8f his "hara"terization of himself as f ll of offenses 33%@%@F@B@FK41 (hy is Hamlet so harsh to 8phelia1 F% 70n 3%3%3HBKF Cla di s*s "ons"ien"e affli"ts him% & t is he repentant1 (hat makes yo say so1 3% 70s Hamlet other than a$horrent in 3%3%K3BCH1 9o #e #ant him to kill Cla di s at this moment+ #hen Cla di s 3pres ma$ly #ith his $a"k to Hamlet4 is praying1 (hy1

G% 7The Ghost speaks of Hamlet*s almost $l nted p rpose 33%G%@@E4% 0s the a"" sation fair1 E.plain% E% 7Ho# #o ld yo "hara"terize the Hamlet #ho speaks in 3%G%F0CBFFG1

A"t G
@% 70s Gertr de prote"ting Hamlet #hen she says he is mad 3G%@%K4+ or does she $elie'e that he is mad1 0f she $elie'es he is mad+ does it follo# that she no longer feels ashamed and g ilty1 E.plain% F% 7(hy sho ld Hamlet hide Poloni s*s $ody 3in G%F41 0s he feigning madness1 0s he on the edge of madness1 E.plain% 3% 7Ho# "an #e e.plain Hamlet*s #illingness to go to England 3G%3%EF41 G% 75 dging from G%E+ #hat has dri'en 8phelia mad1 0s <aertes heroi"+ or some#hat foolish1 Consider also the #ay Cla di s treats him in G%K%

A"t E
@% 7(o ld anything $e lost if the gra'ediggers in E%@ #ere omitted1 F% 7To #hat e.tent do #e - dge Hamlet se'erely for sending Rosen"rantz and G ildenstern to their deaths+ as he reports in E%F1 8n the #hole+ do #e think of Hamlet as an intrig er1 (hat other intrig es has he engendered1 Ho# s ""essf l #ere they1 3% 79oes E%F%@C3B@CK sho# a paralysis of the #ill+ or a #ise re"ognition that more is needed than mere h man s"heming1 E.plain% G% 79oes E%F%FA0 s ggest that <aertes takes ad'antage of a momentary pa se and nfairly sta$s Hamlet1 0s the e."hange of #eapons a""idental+ or does Hamlet 3as in 8li'ier*s film 'ersion4+ realizing that he has $een $etrayed+ deli$erately get possession of <aertes*s deadly #eapon1 E% 7Dortin$ras is often " t from the play% Ho# m "h is lost $y the " t1 E.plain% H% 7Dortin$ras gi'es Hamlet a soldier*s f neral% 0s this ridi" lo s1 Can it fairly $e said that+ in a sense+ Hamlet has $een at #ar1 E.plain%

General R estions
@% 7Hamlet in E%F%@0B@@ speaks of a di'inity that shapes o r ends% To #hat e.tent does di'inity 3or Date or mysterio s Chan"e4 play a role in the happenings1 F% 7Ho# do <aertes+ Dortin$ras+ and Horatio help to define Hamlet for s1 3% 7T% )% Eliot says 3in )hakespeare and the )toi"ism of )ene"a4 that Hamlet+ ha'ing made a mess+

dies fairly #ell pleased #ith himself% E'al ate%

ERNEST JONES Hamlet and the Oedipus Complex* [1 ! "

0n short+ the #hole pi"t re presented $y Hamlet+ his deep depression+ the hopeless note in his attit de to#ards the #orld and to#ards the 'al e of life+ his dread of death+ his repeated referen"e to $ad dreams+ his self7a"" sations+ his desperate efforts to get a#ay from the tho ghts of his d ty+ and his 'ain attempts to find an e." se for his pro"rastination, all this ne/ i'o"ally points to a tort red "ons"ien"e+ to some hidden gro nd for shirking his task+ a gro nd #hi"h he dare not or "annot a'o# to himself% %%% E.tensi'e st dies of the past half "ent ry+ inspired $y Dre d+ ha'e ta ght s that a psy"hone rosis means a state of mind #here the person is nd ly+ and often painf lly+ dri'en or th#arted $y the n"ons"io s part of his mind+ that $ ried part that #as on"e the infant*s mind and still li'es on side $y side #ith the ad lt mentality that has de'eloped o t of it and sho ld ha'e taken its pla"e% 0t signifies internal mental "onfli"t% (e ha'e here the reason #hy it is impossi$le to dis" ss intelligently the state of mind of anyone s ffering from a psy"hone rosis+ #hether the des"ription is of a li'ing person or an imagined one+ #itho t "orrelating the manifestations #ith #hat m st ha'e operated in his infan"y and is still operating% That is #hat 0 propose to attempt here% Dor some deep7seated reason+ #hi"h is to him na""epta$le+ Hamlet is pl nged into ang ish at the tho ght of his father $eing repla"ed in his mother*s affe"tions $y someone else% 0t is as if his de'otion to his mother had made him so -ealo s for her affe"tion that he had fo nd it hard eno gh to share this e'en #ith his father and "o ld not end re to share it #ith still another man% Against this tho ght+ ho#e'er+ s ggesti'e as it is+ may $e rged three o$-e"tions% Dirst+ if it #ere in itself a f ll statement of the matter+ Hamlet #o ld ha'e $een a#are of the -ealo sy+ #hereas #e ha'e "on"l ded that the mental pro"ess #e are seeking is hidden from him% )e"ondly+ #e see in it no e'iden"e of the aro sing of an old and forgotten memory% And+ thirdly+ Hamlet is $eing depri'ed $y Cla di s of no greater share in the R een*s affe"tion than he had $een $y his o#n father+ for the t#o $rothers made e.a"tly similar "laims in this respe"t!namely+ those of a lo'ed h s$and% The last7named o$-e"tion+ ho#e'er+ leads s to the heart of the sit ation% Ho# if+ in fa"t+ Hamlet had in years gone $y+ as a

"hild+ $itterly resented ha'ing had to share his mother*s affe"tion e'en #ith his o#n father+ had regarded him as a ri'al+ and had se"retly #ished him o t of the #ay so that he might en-oy ndisp ted and ndist r$ed the monopoly of that affe"tion1 0f s "h tho ghts had $een present in his mind in "hildhood days they e'idently #o ld ha'e $een repressed+ and all tra"es of them o$literated+ $y filial piety and other ed "ati'e infl en"es% The a"t al realization of his early #ish in the death of his father at the hands of a -ealo s ri'al #o ld then ha'e stim lated into a"ti'ity these repressed memories+ #hi"h #o ld ha'e prod "ed+ in the form of depression and other s ffering+ an o$s" re aftermath of his "hildhood*s "onfli"t% This is at all e'ents the me"hanism that is a"t ally fo nd in the real Hamlets #ho are in'estigated psy"hologi"ally% The e.planation+ therefore+ of the delay and self7fr stration e.hi$ited in the endea'or to f lfil his father*s demand for 'engean"e is that to Hamlet the tho ght of in"est and parri"ide "om$ined is too intolera$le to $e $orne% 8ne part of him tries to "arry o t the task+ the other flin"hes ine.ora$ly from the tho ght of it% Ho# fain #o ld he $lot it o t in that $estial o$li'ion #hi"h nfort nately for him his "ons"ien"e "ondemns% He is torn and tort red in an insol $le inner "onfli"t% %%% ;o# "omes the father*s death and the mother*s se"ond marriage% The asso"iation of the idea of se. ality #ith his mother+ $ ried sin"e infan"y+ "an no longer $e "on"ealed from his "ons"io sness% As &radley #ell says, Her son #as for"ed to see in her a"tion not only an asto nding shallo#ness of feeling+ $ t an er ption of "oarse sens ality+ Urank and gross+* speeding post7haste to its horri$le delight% Deelings #hi"h on"e+ in the infan"y of long ago+ #ere pleas ra$le desires "an no#+ $e"a se of his repressions+ only fill him #ith rep lsion% The long repressed desire to take his father*s pla"e in his mother*s affe"tion is stim lated to n"ons"io s a"ti'ity $y the sight of someone s rping this pla"e e.a"tly as he himself had on"e longed to do% 2ore+ this someone #as a mem$er of the same family+ so that the a"t al s rpation f rther resem$led the imaginary one in $eing in"est o s%

(itho t his $eing in the least a#are of it these an"ient desires are ringing in his mind+ are on"e more str ggling to find "ons"io s e.pression+ and need s "h an e.pendit re of energy again to repress them that he is red "ed to the deplora$le mental state he himself so 'i'idly depi"ts% There follo#s the Ghost*s anno n"ement that the father*s death #as a #illed one+ #as d e to m rder% Hamlet+ ha'ing at the moment his mind filled #ith nat ral indignation at the ne#s+ ans#ers

normally eno gh #ith the "ry 3A"t 0+ )"% E4, Haste me to kno# *t+ that 0 #ith #ings as s#ift As meditation or the tho ghts of lo'e+ 2ay s#eep to my re'enge% The momento s #ords follo# re'ealing #ho #as the g ilty person+ namely a relati'e #ho had "ommitted the deed at the $idding of l st%@ Hamlet*s se"ond g ilty #ish had th s also $een realized $y his n"le+ namely to pro" re the f lfilment of the first!the possession of the mother!$y a personal deed+ in fa"t $y m rder of the father% The t#o re"ent e'ents+ the father*s death and the mother*s se"ond marriage+ seemed to the #orld to ha'e no inner "a sal relation to ea"h other+ $ t they represented ideas #hi"h in Hamlet*s n"ons"io s phantasy had al#ays $een "losely asso"iated% These ideas no# in a moment for"ed their #ay to "ons"io s re"ognition in spite of all repressing for"es+ and fo nd immediate e.pression in his almost refle. "ry, 8 my propheti" so l= 2y n"le1 The frightf l tr th his n"ons"io s had already int iti'ely di'ined+ his "ons"io sness had no# to assimiliate as $est it "o ld% Dor the rest of the inter'ie# Hamlet is st nned $y the effe"t of the internal "onfli"t th s re7a#akened+ #hi"h from no# on ne'er "eases+ and into the essential nat re of #hi"h he ne'er penetrates%

STANLEY WELLS On the #irst $olilo%u& [1 '"

2ore than most plays+ Hamlet is a series of opport nities for 'irt osity% This is tr e a$o'e all of the role of Hamlet himself% Hamlet+ #rote 2a. &eer$ohm+ is a hoop thro gh #hi"h e'ery 'ery eminent a"tor m st+ sooner or later+ - mp% There is no #onder that it has $een s "h a fa'orite part #ith a"tors+ and e'en #ith a"tresses% The performer has the opport nity to demonstrate a #ide range of a$ility+ to $e melan"holy and gay+ "harming and "yni"al+ tho ghtf l and flippant+ tender and "r el+ "alm and impassioned+ no$le and 'indi"ti'e+ do#n"ast and #itty+ all #ithin a fe# ho rs% He "an #ear a 'ariety of "ost mes+ he need not disg ise good looks+ he "an demonstrate athleti" a$ility+ he has perhaps the longest role in drama!he "o ld s"ar"ely ask for more+ e."ept perhaps the opport nity to sing and dan"e% And if the role of Hamlet is the greatest reason for the play*s pop larity #ith a"tors+ the "hara"ter of Hamlet is s rely the greatest reason for its pop larity #ith a dien"es% Hamlet is the most

sympatheti" of tragi" heroes% (e are dra#n to him $y his yo th+ his intelligen"e+ and his ' lnera$ility% As soon as he appears #e are "ons"io s of one of the so r"es of his appeal, his immense "apa"ity for taking life serio sly% 0t may so nd like a slightly repellent / ality+ $ t 0 don*t mean to imply that he is e."essi'ely gloomy or o'er7earnest% 8ften he is deeply de-e"ted, $ t he has good "a se% There is nothing e."eptional a$o t his emotional rea"tions e."ept perhaps their intensity% He has a larger7than7life "apa"ity for e.perien"e+ a f llness of response+ a depth of feeling+ a 'i$ran"y of li'ing+ #hi"h mark him o t from the ordinary% He is a ra# ner'e in the "o rt of 9enmark+ dis"on"ertingly lia$le to make the instin"ti'e rather than the "onditioned response% This " ts him off from those aro nd him+ $ t it p ts him into pe" liar "onta"t #ith the a dien"e% And as Hamlet is to the other fig res of the play+ so his solilo/ ies are to the role+ for in them )hakespeare sho#s s the ra# ner'es of Hamlet himself% The se of solilo/ y is one of the most $rilliant feat res of the play+ for in these spee"hes )hakespeare sol'es a ma-or te"hni"al pro$lem in the presentation of his "entral "hara"ter% The yo ng man #ho takes himself serio sly+ #ho persists in e.plaining himself and his pro$lems+ is someone #e are apt!perhaps too apt!to regard as a $ore% (e ha'e all had e.perien"e of him+ and so pro$a$ly ha'e most of o r friends% 8n the other hand+ the desire to kno# someone to the depths is f ndamental to h man nat re% Here #as $oth a pro$lem and a "hallenge, ho# to let Hamlet re'eal himself #itho t $e"oming an almighty $ore1 )hakespeare fo nd a do $le sol tion% Dirst+ he "a sed Hamlet to "ond "t his deepest self7"omm nings in solit de+ so that there is none of the a#k#ardness asso"iated #ith the presen"e of a "onfidant% And se"ondly+ the solilo/ ies are #ritten in a style #hi"h presents s not #ith "on"l sions $ t #ith the 'ery pro"esses of Hamlet*s mind% There had $een nothing like this in drama $efore, nothing #hi"h+ #hile retaining a 'erse form+ at the same time so 'i'idly re'ealed #hat )hakespeare else#here "alls the / i"k forge and #orking7 ho se of tho ght 3Henry the Difth OE%Pro%F3P4% Qo"a$ lary+ synta.+ and rhythm all "ontri$ te to the effe"t% Consider the se"ond half of Hamlet*s first solilo/ y+ $eginning #ith his "ontrast $et#een his n"le and his dead father, That it sho ld "ome to this! & t t#o months dead!nay+ not so m "h+ not t#o! )o e."ellent a king that #as to this

Hyperion to a satyr+ so lo'ing to my mother That he might not $eteem the #inds of hea'en Qisit her fa"e too ro ghly= Hea'en and earth+ 2 st 0 remem$er1 (hy+ she #o ld hang on him As if in"rease of appetite had gro#n &y #hat it fed on+ and yet #ithin a month! <et me not think on*t6 frailty+ thy name is #oman! A little month+ or ere those shoes #ere old (ith #hi"h she follo#ed my poor father*s $ody+ <ike ;io$e+ all tears+ #hy she+ e'en she! 8 God+ a $east that #ants dis"o rse of reason (o ld ha'e mo rned longer=!married #ith mine n"le+ 2y father*s $rother+ $ t no more like my father Than 0 to Her" les6 #ithin a month+ Ere yet the salt of most nrighteo s tears Had left the fl shing of her gall d eyes+ )he married% 8 most #i"ked speed+ to post (ith s "h de.terity to in"est o s sheets= 0t is not+ nor it "annot "ome to good% & t $reak+ my heart+ for 0 m st hold my tong e% 3@%F%@3KB@EC4 The ang ish that it "a ses Hamlet to think of his mother*s o'er7hasty marriage is "on'eyed as m "h $y the tort red synta. as $y dire"t statement6 #e share his diffi" lty as he tries!and fails!to assimilate these n#el"ome fa"ts into his "ons"io sness+ seeking to $ring nder emotional "ontrol the dis"ordant elements of his disr pted ni'erse, his lo'e of his dead father+ his lo'e of his mother "om$ined #ith disg st at her marriage to the n"le #hom he loathes+ and the disill sion #ith

#omankind that this has pro'oked in him% The short e."lamations interr pting the senten"e str "t re point his horror, the rhythms of ordinary spee"h #ithin the 'erse gi'e immedia"y to the "ontrasts in phrases s "h as Hyperion to a satyr and Than 0 to Her" les6 and the "on"reteness of the imagery

$etrays the effort it "osts him to master the n#el"ome nat re of the fa"ts #hi"h it e.presses, his mother*s haste to marry or ere those shoes #ere old : (ith #hi"h she follo#ed my poor father*s $ody!it is as if only $y "on"entrating on the matter7of7fa"t+ physi"al aspe"ts of the s"ene "an he $ear to "ontemplate it+ or $ring it #ithin his $elief% He ends on a note of tter helplessness, he alone sees the tr th6 he kno#s that his mother*s a"tions+ #hi"h $oth he and she see as e'il+ m st $ring forth e'il6 $ t he+ the only emotionally honest person there+ "annot e.press his emotion!e."ept to s%

ELAINE SHOWALTER (epresenting Ophelia [1 )'"

8f all the "hara"ters in Hamlet+ &ridget <yons has pointed o t+ 8phelia is most persistently presented in terms of sym$oli" meanings% Her $eha'ior+ her appearan"e+ her gest res+ her "ost me+ her props+ are freighted #ith em$lemati" signifi"an"e+ and for many generations of )hakespearean "riti"s her part in the play has seemed to $e primarily i"onographi"% 8phelia*s sym$oli" meanings+ moreo'er+ are spe"ifi"ally feminine% (hereas for Hamlet madness is metaphysi"al+ linked #ith " lt re+ for 8phelia it is a prod "t of the female $ody and female nat re+ perhaps that nat re*s p rest form% 8n the Eliza$ethan stage+ the "on'entions of female insanity #ere sharply defined% 8phelia dresses in #hite+ de"ks herself #ith fantasti"al garlands of #ild flo#ers+ and enters+ a""ording to the stage dire"tions of the &ad R arto+ distra"ted playing on a l te #ith her hair do#n singing% Her spee"hes are marked $y e.tra'agant metaphors+ lyri"al free asso"iations+ and e.plosi'e se. al imagery% )he sings #istf l and $a#dy $allads+ and ends her life $y dro#ning% All of these "on'entions "arry spe"ifi" messages a$o t femininity and se. ality% 8phelia*s 'irginal and 'a"ant #hite is "ontrasted #ith Hamlet*s s"holar*s gar$+ his s its of solemn $la"k% Her flo#ers s ggest the dis"ordant do $le images of female se. ality as $oth inno"ent $lossoming and #horish "ontamination6 she is the green girl of pastoral+ the 'irginal Rose of 2ay and the se. ally e.pli"it mad#oman #ho+ in gi'ing a#ay her #ild flo#ers and her$s+ is sym$oli"ally deflo#ering herself% The #eedy trophies and phalli" long p rples #hi"h she #ears to her death intimate an improper and dis"ordant se. ality that Gertr de*s lo'ely elegy "annot / ite o$s" re% 0n Eliza$ethan and 5a"o$ean drama+ the stage dire"tion that a #oman enters #ith dishe'elled hair indi"ates that she might either $e mad or the 'i"tim of a rape6 the disordered hair+ her offense against de"or m+ s ggests sens ality in ea"h "ase% The mad 8phelia*s $a#dy songs and 'er$al li"ense+ #hile

they gi'e her a""ess to an entirely different range of e.perien"e from #hat she is allo#ed as the d tif l da ghter+ seem to $e her one san"tioned form of self7assertion as a #oman+ / i"kly follo#ed+ as if in retri$ tion+ $y her death% 9ro#ning too #as asso"iated #ith the feminine+ #ith female fl idity as opposed to mas" line aridity% 0n his dis" ssion of the 8phelia "omple.+ the phenomenologist Gaston &a"helard tra"es the sym$oli" "onne"tions $et#een #omen+ #ater+ and death% 9ro#ning+ he s ggests+ $e"omes the tr ly feminine death in the dramas of literat re and life+ one #hi"h is a $ea tif l immersion and s $mersion in the female element% (ater is the profo nd and organi" sym$ol of the li/ id #oman #hose eyes are so easily dro#ned in tears+ as her $ody is the repository of $lood+ amnioti" fl id+ and milk% A man "ontemplating this feminine s i"ide nderstands it $y rea"hing for #hat is feminine in himself+ like <aertes+ $y a temporary s rrender to his o#n fl idity!that is+ his tears6 and he $e"omes a man again in $e"oming on"e more dry!#hen his tears are stopped% Clini"ally speaking+ 8phelia*s $eha'ior and appearan"e are "hara"teristi" of the malady the Eliza$ethans #o ld ha'e diagnosed as female lo'e7melan"holy+ or erotomania% Drom a$o t @EA0+ melan"holy had $e"ome a fashiona$le disease among yo ng men+ espe"ially in <ondon+ and Hamlet himself is a prototype of the melan"holy hero% Met the epidemi" of melan"holy asso"iated #ith intelle"t al and imaginati'e geni s " rio sly $y7passed #omen% (omen*s melan"holy #as seen instead as $iologi"al+ and emotional in origins%

CLAIRE BLOOM Pla&ing *ertrude on +ele,ision [1 )-"

@$ditors2 note) laire 5loom played 1ertrude in the 55 TJ production 9:AMB?, directed by Rodney 5ennett, with 0atrick (tewart as laudius* "n the following passage she discusses the role* 0t*s 'ery hard to play $e"a se strangely eno gh Gertr de has 'ery fe# lines6 0*'e al#ays kno#n it #as a #onderf l part and it is+ $ t #hen yo "ome to play it yo realise yo ha'e to find many #ays aro nd the fa"t that she in a"t al fa"t says little= Mo "ome to rehearse a part like this #ith "ertain pre"on"ei'ed notions+ #hi"h yo s ally lea'e=

0 "an only des"ri$e them as a $attering ram!yo kno"k do#n the first #all then #hat is inside is something / ite different from #hat yo *d imagined% 0 #as "on'in"ed that she #as g ilty+ not of the m rder+ $ t "ertainly that she had fo nd o t from Cla di s that he had killed her h s$and% & t

there*s nothing in the te.t that $ears that o t and many things that "ontradi"t it% 0 had tho ght it #o ld make her less of a 'i"tim+ more of a performer in the #orld+ $ t Oshe la ghs at herselfP it isn*t so% <ike anyone if yo li'e #ith a man+ she m st kno# there #as something more+ $ t 0 no# $elie'e that #hen Hamlet "onfronts her #ith as kill a king % % % ay+ madam+ it #as my #ord+ it*s the first time she*s realised% 0 think from then on she kno#s and she m st a""ept the fa"t that Cla di s did it+ and there is a "hange in their relationship% & t there isn*t a $reak!yo don*t $reak #ith someone s ddenly like that% 0t "hanges6 perhaps if they*d li'ed another t#enty years they #o ld ha'e drifted apart% & t there isn*t a "omplete #ithdra#al% The hold they ha'e on ea"h other is too strong for that to happen% That "a sed me great diffi" lty6 the s"ene after the "loset s"ene is #ith Cla di s+ #hen he repeats t#i"e Gertr de+ "ome a#ay+ and she doesn*t reply% 0t*s 'ery mysterio s% 0t*s a kind of nder#ritten s"ene ntil yo realise+ or 0 realised+ that there is no real "hoi"e for her% Dor the moment she doesn*t go #ith him+ $ t the ne.t day she does% Hamlet kno#s it #hen he says+ Go not to my n"le*s $ed% )he ne'er replies and says 0 #on*t6 she - st says+ Tho hast "left my heart in t#ain% )he*s a #oman #ho goes #ith #hate'er is happening at the time% )he*s a #eak7#illed #oman+ $ t most of s are #eak7#illed if #e*re in the po#er of some$ody #ho is 'ery strong!and Cla di s and Hamlet are $oth pretty strong fello#s% The mysterio s s"ene #ith Cla di s #as one of the hardest to deal #ith in rehearsal% % % % (e tried $a"k#ards+ for#ards+ pside do#n and inside o t and didn*t really find it ntil a "o ple of days $efore #e shot it% The min te #e fo nd it #e kne# it #as the right one+ $ t at other times #e*d go a#ay saying+ (e*'e got it+ then $oth Patri"k and 0 #o ld "ome in the ne.t day depressed and say to Rodney+ Co ld #e please do that s"ene again $e"a se it doesn*t make sense #hen yo think a$o t it% There are / estions that 0*m s re ha'e $een asked $y e'ery "ast of e'ery Hamlet sin"e & r$age@ and for Gertr de they are, (as there a de"ision to go #ith Cla di s or not to go #ith Cla di s1 Ho# far #as she lying a$o t Hamlet*s madness1 0 do think part of her $elie'es he*s mad+ $ t #hen she says to the king He*s mad+ 0 think that*s prote"tion+ or o'erstating a fa"t she $elie'es is possi$ly tr e% And of "o rse she #ithholds information from Cla di s6 she says+ &ehind the arras hearing something stir % % % OheP kills the nseen good old man+ $ t she doesn*t say he said 0s it the king1 That is a 'ery important $it of information #hi"h she "ertainly doesn*t pass on=

BERNICE W. KLIMAN

+he ..C Hamlet/ A +ele,ision Production

[1 )1"

(ith Hamlet+ the prod "ers of the &&C )hakespeare Plays ha'e finally met the demands of )hakespeare7on7tele'ision $y "hoosing a relati'ely $are set+ "on"eding only a fe# ri"hly detailed mo'a$le panels and props to shape key lo"ales% &y a'oiding $oth lo"ation and realisti" settings+ they point p the nat ral affinity $et#een )hakespeare*s stage and the ndisg ised so nd set% This

starkness of setting admits poetry+ heightened intensity!and #hat not that*s s#eet and happy% The prod "ers ha'e th s made a 'alid "hoi"e from among tele'ision*s three fa"es, one+ $road"ast films+ #hether made for tele'ision or not+ #hi"h e.ploit lo"ation settings+ long shots+ and all the "li"hVs #e asso"iate #ith mo'ies+ in"l ding s dden shifts of spa"e and time and f ll se of distan"e+ from the most e.treme long shots to eyes only "lose ps6 t#o+ st dio7shot tele'ision drama #ith nat ralisti" settings+ s "h as the hospital "orridors and middle7"lass li'ing rooms of sit7"oms and soap operas+ mostly in mid7 to "lose7shots+ often interspersed+ to $e s re+ #ith a $it of sto"k footage of high#ays and skylines to esta$lish a realisti" en'ironment% This se"ond style 'aries from a "lose representation of real a"tion to frankly staged a"tion+ #here "anned la ghter or e'en shado#y glimpses of the st dio a dien"e "an heighten the staged effe"t% Three+ there is $are spa"e #ith little or no effort made to disg ise that this is a tele'ised a"ti'ity #ith a tele'ision "re# o t of sight $ t near$y% ;e#s $road"asts+ talk sho#s and some tele'ision drama fit into this third "ategory% &e"a se of its patently nrepresentational / ality+ this last type offers the most freedom in shooting style% To all three kinds of settings #e $ring parti" lar e.pe"tations in response to their "on'entions% )hakespeare*s plays #ork $est in the last kind of tele'ision spa"e+ 0 $elie'e+ $e"a se it a'oids the "lash $et#een realism and poetry+ $et#een the nity often e.pe"ted in realisti" media and the dis nity and am$ig ity of many of the plays+ espe"ially Hamlet% Met+ #hile "losest to the kind of stage )hakespeare #rote for+ the $are tele'ision set "an $e stret"hed thro gh "reati'e "amera #ork% Dor e.ample+ #hen Hamlet follo#s the ghost in the &&C play+ the t#o repeatedly #alk a"ross the frame and o t of it+ first from one dire"tion+ then from another6 framing fosters the ill sion of e.tended spa"e% Dreeing this Hamlet from lo"ation 3as in the &&C As Mo <ike 0t4 and from realisti" sets 3as in the &&C 2eas re for 2eas re!ho#e'er #ell those sets #orked for that play4 allo#s the play to $e as in"onsistent as it is+ #ith+ as &ernard &e"kerman has so $rilliantly e.plained in )hakespeare at the Glo$e+ @ECCB@H0C+ a rising and falling a"tion in ea"h indi'id al s"ene rather than thro gh the "o rse

of the drama as a #hole% 0t also allo#s for a"ting+ the $ra' ra kind that 9erek 5a"o$i is so "apa$le of% Altho gh grad ally "oales"ing like the pointillism of impressionisti" paintings into a s $tly te.t red portrait+ at first his mannerisms s ggesting madness seem e."essi'e% 0t is to $e e.pe"ted+ perhaps+ that Hamlet is a $it nhinged after the ghost s"ene+ $ t 5a"o$i*s rapid+ hard $lo#s to his forehead #ith the flat of hand as he says 2y ta$les re"all the desperation of <ear*s "ry, 8+ let me not $e mad+ not mad+ s#eet hea'en% And soon after+ follo#ing the last "o plet of the s"ene+ Hamlet+ mania"ally playf l+ #idens his eyes and points+ pretending to see the ghost again+ then g ffa#s at 2ar"ell s*s fears% E'en more nsettling is his la ghter #hen he is alone+ as #hile he is saying The play*s the thing : (herein 0*ll "at"h the "ons"ien"e of the ?ing% 2ore signifi"antly+ he $reaks p his o#n 2o setrap $y getting right into the play+ destroying the distan"e $et#een a dien"e and stage 3a 'ery real raked pros"eni m7ar"h stage4+ spoiling it as a test+ $e"a se Cla di s has a right to $e in"ensed at Hamlet*s $eha'ior% 8f "o rse+ Hamlet does so $e"a se Cla di s ne'er gi'es himself a#ay+ an n s al and pro'o"ati'e $ t not impossi$le interpretation% Th s+ Cla di s "an only ha'e the

"o rt*s sympathy as he "almly "alls for light and ses it to e.amine Hamlet "losely% Hamlet+ in response+ "o'ers his fa"e+ then la ghs% Hamlet himself thinks he is mad% To 8phelia he says+ as if the realization had s ddenly str "k him+ 0t hath made me mad Oemphasis hisP 3000%i%@GK4% To his mother he stresses the #ord essentially in 0 essentially am not in madness 3000%i'%@AK4% That is+ in all essential matters he "an $e "onsidered sane+ tho gh mad aro nd the edges% This indeed t rns o t to $e the e.planation% Ho#e'er do $tf l a$o t Hamlet*s sanity 5a"o$i*s a"ting lea'es s+ in this prod "tion this / estion does not seem to make a differen"e $e"a se it does not ha'e a $earing on the tragedy+ and this is tr e at least partly $e"a se in ea"h s"ene on this nonrealisti" set #e seem to start ane#+ ready to let Hamlet*s $eha'ior tell s if he is mad or not% 2oreo'er+ if Hamlet is mad+ it is not so totally as to o$s" re reason or sensi$ility% Dar from it% 0t is more as if e.a"er$ated reason and sensi$ility sometimes tip him into madness% This madness is no e." se for a"tion or delay6 it is simply part of the s ffering that Hamlet is heir to% Hamlet+ then+ is left to str ggle against himself!s rely #here )hakespeare intended the str ggle to a$ide% 8ne of the "onfli"ts in this Hamlet res lts from his affinity+ perhaps+ more to the $ rea "rati" Cla di s #ho handles #ar7s"ares #ith diploma"y and #ho sits at a desk #hile $rooding

o'er his sins than to the #arlike ?ing Hamlet #ho "omes in f ll armor% Hamlet may admire Dortin$ras $ t is himself more like the $ookish Horatio% Thro gh n an"e of gest re+ thro gh $ody mo'ement+ thro gh a fa"e that is indeed a map of all emotions+ 5a"o$i shapes a Hamlet #ho lo'es his father too m "h to disregard his "ommand+ yet #ho "annot hate his step7father eno gh to attend to it% &e"a se 5a"o$i "on'eys so f lly Hamlet*s aloneness and ' lnera$ility+ one "o ld $e str "k+ for the first time+ $y the ghost*s silen"e a$o t his son% There is no de"laration of lo'e+ no "on"ern a$o t Hamlet*s as"ension to the throne% Hamlet is doomed+ it seems+ to "are a$o t those #ho "onsistently "are more for others than for him% All of this prod "tion*s ri"hness and s ggesti'eness #as realized not only $e"a se 5a"o$i is a mar'elo s a"tor!as indeed he is!$ t also $e"a se #ithin the set*s spareness that a"ting "o ld nfold+ an a"ting style that s $s mes and trans"ends the real% This prod "tion*s spa"e tells s #hat is possi$le for tele'ision presentations of )hakespeare% The more $are the set+ it seems+ the more glo#ing the #ords+ the more immediate o r apprehension of the ena"ted emotion%

WILL SARETTA
6hat follows is an undergraduate2s re,iew, published in a college newspaper, of 3enneth 5ranagh2s film ,ersion of /amlet 9:AA<?*

.ranagh0s #ilm of Hamlet

[1

1"

?enneth &ranagh*s Hamlet opened last night at the Harman A ditori m+ and #ill $e sho#n again on (ednesday and Th rsday at K,30 p%m% A""ording to the "lo"k the e'ening #ill $e long!the film r ns for fo r ho rs+ and in addition there is one ten7min te intermission!$ t yo #ill en-oy e'ery min te of it% (ell+ almost e'ery min te% C rio sly+ the film $egins and ends relati'ely #eakly+ $ t most of #hat o"" rs in $et#een is good and m "h of it is #onderf l% The $eginning is #eak $e"a se it is too strong6 &ernardo+ the sentinel+ offstage says (ho*s there1 $ t $efore he gets a reply he "rashes onto the s"reen and kno"ks Dran"is"o do#n% The t#o soldiers grapple+ s#ords flash in the darkness+ and Dran"is"o finally says+ ;ay+ ans#er me% )tand and nfold yo rself% Pres ma$ly &ranagh #anted to $egin #ith a $ang+ $ t here+ as often+ more is less% A / ieter+ less physi"al opening in #hi"h &ernardo+ "oming on d ty+ hears a noise and demands that the maker of the noise identify himself+ and Dran"is"o+ the sentinel on d ty+ rightly demands that the ne#"omer identify himself+ #o ld "at"h

the

neasiness and the mystery that per'ades the play m "h $etter than does &ranagh*s sho#y

$eginning% )imilarly+ at the end of the film+ #e get too m "h% Dor one thing+ shots of Dortin$ras*s army in'ading Elsinore alternate #ith shots of the d el $et#een Hamlet and ?ing Cla di s*s pa#n+ <aertes+ and they merely distra"t s from #hat really "o nts in this s"ene+ the d el itself+ #hi"h #ill res lt in Hamlet*s death $ t also in Hamlet*s s ""essf l "ompletion of his mission to a'enge his father% )e"ond+ at the 'ery end #e get shots of Dortin$ras*s men p lling do#n a massi'e stat e of Hamlet )enior+ pro$a$ly infl en"ed $y tele'ision and ne#spaper shots of stat es of <enin $eing p lled do#n #hen the )o'iet Jnion #as dissol'ed a fe# years earlier% This is ridi" lo s6 Hamlet is not a play a$o t the fall of Comm nism+ or a$o t the one form of tyranny repla"ing another% )hakespeare*s Hamlet is not a$o t the tri mph of Dortin$ras% 0t is a$o t Hamlet*s $ra'e and ltimately s ""essf l efforts to do #hat is right+ against o'er#helming odds+ and to offer s the "onsolation that in a #orld #here death al#ays tri mphs there ne'ertheless is something that $e "alled no$ility% (hat+ then+ is good a$o t the film1 Dirst of all+ the film gi'es s the #hole play+ #hereas almost all prod "tions+ #hether on the stage or in the mo'ie ho se+ gi'es s drasti"ally a$$re'iated 'ersions% Altho gh less is often more+ #hen it "omes to the te.t of Hamlet+ more is $etter+ and #e sho ld $e gratef l to &ranagh for letting s hear all of the lines% )e"ond+ it is 'ery #ell performed+ #ith only a fe# e."eptions% 5a"k <emmon as 2ar"ell s is pretty $ad+ $ t fort nately the part is small% 8ther $ig7 name a"tors in small parts!Charlton Heston as the Player ?ing+ Ro$in (illiams as 8sri"+ and &illy Crystal as the Dirst Gra'edigger!are admira$le% & t of "o rse the s ""ess or fail re of any prod "tion of Hamlet #ill depend "hiefly on the a"tor #ho plays Hamlet+ and to a "onsidera$le degree on the a"tors #ho play Cla di s+ Gertr de+ Poloni s+ 8phelia+ <aertes+ and Horatio% There isn*t spa"e here to "omment on all of these roles+ $ t let it $e said that &ranagh*s Prin"e Hamlet is indeed prin"ely+ a man #ho strikes s as ha'ing the a$ility to $e"ome a king+ not a #impy #hining fig re% (hen at the end Dortin$ras says that if Hamlet had li'ed to $e"ome the king+ he #o ld ha'e pro'ed most royal+ #e $elie'e him% And his ad'ersary+ ?ing Cla di s+ tho gh morally despi"a$le+ is a man of great "harm and great a$ility% The t#o men are indeed mighty opposites+ to se Hamlet*s o#n #ords%

&ranagh*s de"ision to set the play in the late nineteenth "ent ry rather than in the Eliza$ethan period of )hakespeare*s day and rather than in o r o#n day "ontri$ tes to this sense of po#erf l for"es at #ork% 0f the play #ere set in )hakespeare*s day+ the men #o ld #ear tights+ and if it #ere set in o r day they #o ld #ear s its or tro sers and sports -a"kets and s#eaters+ $ t in the film all of the men #ear military "ost mes 3$la"k for Hamlet+ s"arlet for Cla di s+ #hite for <aertes4 and the #omen #ear $all go#ns of the Qi"torian period% &ranagh gi'es s a #orld that is "loser to o r o#n than #o ld Eliza$ethan "ost mes+ $ t yet it is+ 'is ally at least+ also distant eno gh to "on'ey a sense of grande r+ #hi"h modern dress "annot s ggest% 8f "o rse Hamlet "an $e done in modern dress+ - st as Romeo and 5 liet #as done+ s ""essf lly+ in the re"ent film starring Claire 9anes and <eonardo 9iCaprio+ set in a #orld that seemed to $e 2iami &ea"h+ $ t Romeo and 5 liet is less "on"erned #ith heroism and grande r than Hamlet is+ so &ranagh pro$a$ly did #ell to a'oid "ontemporary "ost mes% Altho gh &ranagh is faithf l to the te.t+ in that he gi'es s the entire te.t+ he kno#s that a good film "annot $e made merely $y re"ording on film a stage prod "tion+ and so he gi'es s handsome shots of lands"ape+ and of ri"h interiors!for instan"e+ a great mirrored hall!that #o ld $e $eyond the reso r"es of any theatri"al prod "tion% 0 ha'e already said that at the end+ #hen Dortin$ras*s army s#arms o'er the "o ntryside and then in'ades the "astle #e get material that is distra"ting+ indeed irrele'ant+ $ t there are also a fe# other distra"tions% 0t is all 'ery #ell to let s see the "ontent of long narrati'e spee"hes 3for instan"e+ #hen the Player ?ing talks of the fall of Troy and the death of ?ing Priam and the lament of R een He" $a+ &ranagh sho#s s these things+ #ith 5ohn Gielg d as Priam and 5 di 9en"h as He" $a+ performing in pantomime4+ $ t there s rely is no need for s to see a naked Hamlet and a naked 8phelia in $ed+ #hen Poloni s is #arning 8phelia that Hamlet*s talk of lo'e "annot $e tr sted% Poloni s*s #arning is not so long or so ndramati" that #e need to $e entertained 'is ally #ith an in'ention that finds not a #ord of s pport in the te.t% 8n the "ontrary+ all of 8phelia*s lines s ggest that she #o ld not $e other than a d tif l yo ng #oman+ o$edient to the morals of the times and to her father*s a thority% Met another of &ranagh*s nfort nate in'entions is the prostit te #ho appears in Poloni s*s $edroom+ d ring Poloni s*s inter'ie# #ith Reynaldo% A final e.ample of nne"essary spe"ta"le is Hamlet*s killing of Cla di s, He h rls his rapier the length of the hall+ impaling Cla di s+ and then like some @C30*s mo'ie star he s#ings on the "handelier and drops do#n on Cla di s to finish him off%

& t it is #rong to end this re'ie# $y pointing o t fa lts in &ranagh*s film of Hamlet% There is so m "h in this film that is e."iting+ so m "h that is mo'ing+ so m "h that is % % %+ #ell+ so m "h that is Hamlet 3#hi"h is to say that is a great e.perien"e4+ that the film m st $e re"ommended #itho t reser'ation% Go to see it% The fo r ho rs #ill fly% A posts"ript% 0t is good to see that &ranagh ses "olor7$lind "asting% Qoltemand+ Dortin$ras*s Captain+ and the messenger #ho anno n"es <aertes*s ret rn are all $la"ks!the messenger is a $la"k #oman!altho gh of "o rse medie'al 9enmark and Eliza$ethan England+ and+ for that matter+ Qi"torian England+ #o ld not ha'e ro tinely in"l ded $la"ks% These performers are effe"ti'e+ and it is appropriate that a"tors of "olor take their pla"e in the #orld*s greatest play% Tragedy Chapter 30 : Tragedy >Tragi" irony is sometimes dramati" irony or )opho"lean irony% The terms are often applied to spee"hes or a"tions that the a dien"e nderstands in a sense f ller than or different from the sense in #hi"h the dramati" "hara"ters nderstand them% Tragedy Chapter 30 : Tragedy Greek theater of Epida r s on the Peloponnes s east of ;a plia% )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy <a ren"e 8li'ier in 8edip s Re.% 3 $ran"hes #o nd in #ool ) ppliants laid s "h offerings on the altar of Apollo+ god of healing+ ntil their re/ est #as granted% ;oti"e that in line @H@ 8edip s tells the s ppliants to remo'e the $ran"hes+ th s s ggesting that he #ill heal them% E the Healer Apollo% )opho"les F@ Ne s "hief deity on 2t% 8lymp s+ and father of Apollo% FE Athena goddess of #isdom and prote"tor of "ities% FK the ashes 9i'iners foretold the f t re $y e.amining the ashes of $ rnt offerings% 3K Cadm s mythi"al fo nder of The$es% GG the )phin. a female monster 3$ody of a lion+ #ings of a $ird+ fa"e of a #oman4 #ho asked the riddle (hat goes on fo r legs in the morning+ t#o at noon+ and three in the e'ening1 and #ho killed those #ho "o ld not ans#er% (hen 8edip s

responded "orre"tly that man "ra#ls on all fo rs in infan"y+ #alks pright in mat rity+ and ses a staff in old age+ the )phin. destroyed herself% Chapter 30 : Tragedy GE $loody tri$ te i%e%+ the yo ng The$ans #ho had tried to sol'e the riddle and had failed% AF 9elphi site of a shrine of Apollo% )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les @HC #el"ome 'oi"e of Ne s Apollo+ son of Ne s+ spoke for Ne s% @K3 9elos sa"red island #here Apollo #as $orn% @A@ Artemis a goddess+ sister of Apollo% Chapter 30 : Tragedy F@H golden da ghter of god Athena% F3C 9ionys s god of #ine and fertility% He #as attended $y the 2aenads 3the ra'ing #omen of line FG@4% )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy 3F3 Tiresias a $lind prophet% )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy GA@ Cithaeron mo ntains near The$es+ #here 8edip s #as a$andoned as an infant% )opho"les E3H D ries a'enging deities% E3C Parnass s a mo ntain asso"iated #ith Apollo% EEE son of Poly$ s 8edip s is mistakenly tho ght to $e the son of Poly$ s+ ?ing of Corinth% Chapter 30 : Tragedy EHC the she7ha#k the )phin.% )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les

Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les @@3E yo got yo r name 8edip s means s#ollen foot% Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les @F0K Pan god of shepherds 3asso"iated+ like Hermes and 9ionys s+ #ith #ilderness4% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @FGC Ar"t r s a star #hose rising signaled the end of s mmer% )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy A ;ote on Greek Tragedy Chapter 30 : Tragedy F 8edip s+ on"e ?ing of The$es+ #as the father of Antigone and 0smene+ and of their $rothers Polyni"es

and Eteo"les% 8edip s n#ittingly killed his faither+ <ai s+ and married his o#n mother+ 5o"asta% (hen he learned #hat he had done+ he $linded himself and left The$es% Eteo"les and Polyni"es / arreled6 Polyni"es #as dri'en o t $ t ret rned to assa lt The$es% 0n the $attle+ ea"h $rother killed the other+ and Creon $e"ame king and ordered that Polyni"es $e left to rot n$ ried on the $attlefield as a traitor% G Ne s highest of the deities on 2t% 8lymp s% )opho"les 5ane <apotaire in Antigone+ ;ational Theater+ <ondon+ @CAG% Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les @F@ the 9ir"e*s $anks $anks of the Ri'er 9ir"e+ near The$es% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @EG Ares god of #ar% @K@ 9ionys s god of fertility and #ine% )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les

AC3 Aphrodite goddess of lo'e% C0E A"heron ri'er in the nder#orld% C@E ;io$e a The$an / een #hose pride in her "hildren #as p nished $y the gods+ #ho t rned her into stone% Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les CAF Persephone / een of the nder#orld% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @03E 9anaS 9anaS*s father lo"ked her in a "ell $e"a se it had $een predi"ted that she #o ld $ear a son #ho #o ld kill him6 Ne s entered the "ell in the form of a sho#er of gold+ and engendered Perse s% @0EF <y" rg s <y" rg s ref sed to #orship 9ionys s+ and therefore 9ionys s p nished him% )opho"les @0HE 2 ses nine goddesses of the arts and s"ien"es% Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les @FG3 9emeter*s plain 9emeter+ goddess of grain+ #as #orshipped at Ele sis+ near Athens% @FGE &a""h s a name for 9ionys s% @FGK 0smen s a ri'er near The$es% The fo nders of The$es sprang from a dragon*s teeth so#n $y Cadm s 3see line @FK34 near the ri'er% @FE3 Castalia*s r nning spring the sa"red spring of Apollo*s ora"le at 9elphia% @FEG ;ysa a mo ntain #here 9ionys s #as #orshipped% @FHG Parnass s a mo ntain sa"red to 9ionys s% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @FK@ 0a""h s a lofty name for 9ionys s% @30E Athena goddess of #isdom% )opho"les @3F@B@3FF He"ate % % % Pl to deities of the nder#orld% Chapter 30 : Tragedy )opho"les @GFA 2egare s son of Creon and E rydi"e% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A ;ote on Greek Tragedy

Chapter 30 : Tragedy <eft, 5ohannes de (itt+ a Continental 'isitor to <ondon+ made a dra#ing of the )#an Theater in a$o t the year @ECH% The original dra#ing is lost6 this is Arend 'an & "hel*s "opy of it% Right, C% (alter Hodges*s dra#ing 3@CHE4 of an Eliza$ethan playho se% A ;ote on the Te.ts of Hamlet Chapter 30 : Tragedy Here and on the ne.t page #e print To $e or not to $e+ as gi'en in the Dirst R arto 3R0+ @H034% 38n pages @@AFB@@A3+ #e gi'e the spee"h as it appears in the )e"ond R arto+ and on page @@AG+ the spee"h in the Dirst Dolio%4 3"ontin ed4 A ;ote on the Te.ts of Hamlet Chapter 30 : Tragedy 8n this page and the ne.t #e print To $e or not to $e+ as gi'en in the )e"ond R arto 3RF+ @H0G4% 3"ontin ed4 A ;ote on the Te.ts of Hamlet Chapter 30 : Tragedy To $e or not to $e+ as gi'en in the Dirst Dolio 3D@+ @HF34% Portfolio, Hamlet on the )tage The 2 rder of Gonzago in 3%3% &e"a se this episode is a play7#ithin7the7play+ )hakespeare ses a distin"ti'e form of 'erse 3pairs of rhyming lines+ eight sylla$les to a line4 that sets it off from the lang age of the rest of the play 3"hiefly prose+ or nrhymed lines of ten sylla$les4% The lang age+ too+ is different+ for it is "onspi" o sly old7fashioned 3the s n is "alled Phoe$ s* "art6 the o"ean is "alled ;ept ne*s salt #ash4% 0n this modern7dress prod "tion done at )tratford+ England+ in @CKE+ Cla di s #ore a $l e $ siness s it and Dortin$ras #ore "om$at gear+ $ t the "hara"ters in the play7#ithin7the7play #ere masked+ to emphasize their theatri"ality% Chapter 30 : Tragedy The "loset s"ene in 3%G% A line in the pre"eding s"ene spe"ifi"ally tells s that Hamlet is going to his mother*s "loset% 30n Eliza$ethan lang age+ a "loset is a pri'ate room+ as opposed to a p $li" room!for instan"e+ a room in #hi"h a monar"h might pray+ or rela.+ as opposed to an a dien"e "ham$er in #hi"h he or she #o ld engage in offi"ial a"tions%4 0n the t#entieth "ent ry+ at least as early as 5ohn Gielg d*s

;e# Mork prod "tion in @C3E+ and pro$a$ly in response to Dre dian interpretations of the play+ the R een*s "loset has $een fitted #ith a $ed on #hi"h Hamlet and Gertr de t ssle+ and indeed the s"ene is often #rongly "alled the $edroom s"ene% 0n this @CAC Royal )hakespeare Company prod "tion+ #ith 2ark Rylan"e as Hamlet+ a ranting Hamlet 3at the left4 "onfronts Gertr de% The Ghost+ nkno#n to Gertr de+ sits on the $ed+ pres ma$ly seeking to prote"t her from Hamlet*s assa lt% The setting #as not realisti" $ t e.pressionisti"6 that is+ the " rtains stirred and the lighting "hanged+ not $e"a se a physi"al #ind #as $lo#ing or the so r"es of ill mination #ere "hanging+ $ t to e.press the passions of the "hara"ters% Portfolio, Hamlet on the )tage Hamlet meditates on death in the gra'e yard in E%@% ?enneth &ranagh portrayed Hamlet in @CC3 for The Royal )hakespeare Theatre% The prod "tion sed "ost mes s ggesting the late nineteenth "ent ry% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene @

The same s"ene 3E%@4 as in the pre'io s photo sho#s ?e'in ?line as Hamlet in the @CAH ;e# Mork )hakespeare Desti'al prod "tion% Cost mes are late nineteenth "ent ry% Horatio is played $y an Afri"an7 Ameri"an% P tting aside plays $y $la"k a thors+ and a 'ery fe# plays $y #hites a$o t $la"ks 3s "h as E gene 8*;eill*s The Emperor 5ones4+ there are fe# roles in drama e.pressly #ritten for $la"ks% )hakespeare offers only three, 8thello+ Aaron 3a 2oor in Tit s Adroni" s4+ and the Prin"e of 2orro"o 3in The 2er"hant of Qeni"e4% The fe# $la"k a"tors #ho played other )hakespearean roles+ s "h as the great 0ra Aldridge #ho in the nineteenth "ent ry #as kno#n for his ?ing <ear+ performed the roles in #hitefa"e% )in"e the @CA0s+ ho#e'er+ dire"tors ha'e engaged in open "asting+ sing $la"ks 3and Asians4 in any and all roles+ and not re/ iring #hite make p% A"t @+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@%@ <o"ation, Elsinore "astle% A g ard platform% F me 3Dran"is"o emphasizes that he is the sentry " rrently on #at"h%4 nfold yo rself re'eal yo r identity% @G ri'als partners% @H gro nd "o ntry+

land% @K liegemen to the 9ane men s#orn to ser'e the 9anish king% @A Gi'e i%e%+ may God gi'e% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene @ 33 appro'e

FK fantasy imagination% 30 along to "ome along% 3@ #at"h keep #at"h d ring%

"orro$orate% 3K (hat #ith #hat% 3C <ast % % % all i%e%+ this 'ery last night% 3Emphati"%4 G0 pole polestar+ north star% G@ his its% ill me ill minate% GH s"holar one learned eno gh to kno# ho# to / estion a

ghost properly% GK *a he% GC 0t % % % to 30t #as "ommonly $elie'ed that a ghost "o ld not speak ntil spoken to%4 E0 s rp*st #rongf lly takes o'er% EF $ ried 9enmark the $ ried ?ing of 9enmark% E3

sometime formerly% A"t @+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark HE ;or#ay ?ing of

EC on *t of it% H@ sensi$le "onfirmed $y the senses% a'o "h #arrant+ e'iden"e%

;or#ay% HH parle parley% HK sledded tra'eling on sleds% Pola"ks Poles% HC - mp e.a"tly% K0 stalk stride% K@ to #ork i%e%+ to "olle"t my tho ghts and try to nderstand this% KF gross and s"ope general drift% KG Good no# 3An e.pression denoting entreaty or e.post lation%4 KH toils "a ses to toil% s $-e"t s $-e"ts% KK "ast "asting% KA mart $ ying and selling% KC impress impressment+ "ons"ription% A@ to#ard in preparation% AK pri"ked on in"ited% em late em lo s+ am$itio s% Thereto % % % pride 3Refers to old Dortin$ras+ not the 9anish ?ing%4 "ertified+ "onfirmed% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene @ AC this % % % #orld i%e%+ all E rope+ the (estern #orld% C0 sealed

C3 seized possessed% CG Against the in ret rn for% moiety "ompetent "orresponding portion% CE gagd engaged+ pledged% had ret rned #o ld ha'e passed% CH inheritan"e possession% CK "o'*nant i%e%+ the sealed "ompa"t of line C0% CA "arriage % % % designed "arrying o t of the arti"le or "la se dra#n p to "o'er the point% @00 nimpro'd mettle ntried+ ndis"iplined spirits% @0@ skirts o tlying regions+

o tskirts% @0F )harked p gathered p+ as a shark takes fish% list i%e%+ troop% resol tes desperadoes% @03 Dor food and diet i%e%+ they are to ser'e as food+ or means+ to some enterprise6 also they ser'e in ret rn for the rations they get% @0G stoma"h 3@4 a spirit of daring 3F4 an appetite that is fed $y the la#less resol tes% @@0 head so r"e% @@@ r mmage $ stle+ "ommotion% @@3 sort s it% @@E / estion fo" s of "ontention% @@H mote spe"k of d st% @@K palmy flo rishing% @@C sheeted shro ded% @F@ As 3This a$r pt transition s ggests that matter is possi$ly omitted $et#een lines @F0 and @F@%4 trains trails% @FF 9isasters nfa'ora$le signs or aspe"ts% moist star i%e%+ moon+ go'erning tides% @F3 ;ept ne god of the sea% stands depends% @FG si"k % % % doomsday 3)ee 2atthe# FG%FC and Re'elation H%@F%4 @FE pre" rse heralding+ foreshado#ing% @FH har$ingers forer nners% still "ontin ally% A"t @+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@FK omen "alamito s e'ent% @FC "limat res regions% @30 soft i%e%+ eno gh+ $reak off% @3@ "ross stand in its path+ "onfront% $last #ither+ strike #ith a " rse% s%d% his its% @3K pri'y to in on the se"ret of% @3A

happily haply+ per"han"e% @GG partisan long7handled spear% @EH tr mpet tr mpeter% @H0 e.tra'agant and erring #andering $eyond $o nds% 3The #ords ha'e similar meaning%4 @H0 hies hastens% @HF pro$ation proof% @HG *gainst - st $efore% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene F

@HA strike destroy $y e'il infl en"e% @HC takes $e#it"hes% @K0 gra"io s f ll of gra"e% @%F% <o"ation, The "astle% s%d% as i%e%+ s "h as+ in"l ding% " m aliis #ith others% @ o r my% 3The royal #e6 also in the follo#ing lines%4 A sometime former% C -ointress #oman possessing property #ith her h s$and% @@ (ith % % % eye #ith one eye smiling and the other #eeping% @3 dole grief% @K that yo kno# #hat yo kno# already+ that6 or+ that yo $e informed as follo#s% @A #eak s pposal lo# estimate% F@ Co7leag d #ith -oined to+ allied #ith% dream % % % ad'antage ill sory hope of ha'ing the ad'antage% 3His only ally is this hope%4 A"t @+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

F3 0mporting pertaining to% FG $onds "ontra"ts% FC impotent helpless% 3@ His i%e%+ Dortin$ras*s% gait pro"eeding% 3@B33 in that % % % s $-e"t sin"e the le'ying of troops and s pplies is dra#n entirely from the ?ing of ;or#ay*s o#n s $-e"ts% 3A dilated set o t at length% 3C let % % % d ty let yo r s#ift o$eying of orders+ rather than mere #ords+ e.press yo r d tif lness% G@ nothing not at all% GG the 9ane the 9anish king% GE lose yo r 'oi"e #aste yo r spee"h% GK nati'e "losely "onne"ted+ related% GA instr mental ser'i"ea$le% E@ lea'e and fa'or kind permission% EH $o# % % % pardon entreatingly make a deep $o#+ asking yo r permission to depart% EA H*ath he has% H0 sealed 3as if sealing a legal do" ment4% hard rel "tant% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene F

HF Take thy fair ho r en-oy yo r time of yo th% H3 And % % % #ill and may yo r finest / alities g ide the #ay yo "hoose to spend yo r time% HG "o sin any kin not of the immediate family% HE A little % % % kind i%e%+ "loser than an ordinary nephe# 3sin"e 0 am stepson4+ and yet more separated in nat ral feeling 3#ith p n on kind meaning affe"tionate and nat ral+ la#f l4% This line is often read as an aside+ $ t it need not $e% The ?ing "hooses perhaps not to respond to Hamlet*s "rypti" and $itter remark% HK the s n i%e%+ the s nshine of the ?ing*s royal fa'or 3#ith p n on son4% HA nighted "olor 3@4 mo rning garments of $la"k 3F4 dark melan"holy% HC 9enmark the ?ing of 9enmark% K0 'aild lids lo#ered eyes% KF "ommon of ni'ersal o"" rren"e% 3& t Hamlet plays on the sense of ' lgar in line KG%4 KE parti" lar

personal% KA " stomary 3@4 so"ially "on'entional 3F4 ha$it al #ith me% KC s spiration sighing% A0 fr itf l a$ ndant% A@ ha'ior e.pression% AF moods o t#ard e.pression of feeling% CF o$se/ io s s ited to o$se/ ies or f nerals% perse'er perse'ere% C3 "ondolement sorro#ing% A"t @+ )"ene F CH Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

nfortified i%e%+ against ad'ersity% CK simple ignorant% CC As % % % sense as the most ordinary

e.perien"e% @0G still al#ays% @0E the first "orpse 3A$el*s4% @0K npre'ailing na'ailing+ seless% @0C most immediate ne.t in s ""ession% @@F impart to#ard i%e%+ $esto# my affe"tion on% Dor as for% @@3 to s"hool i%e%+ to yo r st dies% @@3 (itten$erg famo s German ni'ersity fo nded in @E0F% @@G retrograde "ontrary% @@E $end yo in"line yo rself% @F0 in all my $est to the $est of my a$ility% @FG to i%e%+ at% gra"e thanksgi'ing% @FE -o" nd merry% @FK ro se drinking of a draft of li/ or% $r it again lo dly e"ho% @FA th nder i%e%+ of tr mpet and kettledr m+ so nded #hen the ?ing drinks6 see @%G%AB@F% @FC s llied defiled% 3The early / artos read sallied6 the Dolio+ solid%4 @3F "anon la#% @3G all the ses the #hole ro tine% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene F

@3K merely "ompletely% @3C to in "omparison to% @G0 Hyperion Titan s n7god+ father of Helios% satyr a le"hero s "reat re of "lassi"al mythology+ half7h man $ t #ith a goat*s legs+ tail+ ears+ and horns% @G@ $eteem allo#% @GK or ere e'en $efore% @GC ;io$e Tantal s* da ghter+ R een of The$es+ #ho $oasted that she had more sons and da ghters than <eto6 for this+ Apollo and Artemis+ "hildren of <eto+ sle# her fo rteen "hildren% )he #as t rned $y Ne s into a stone that "ontin ally dropped tears% @E0 #ants % % % reason la"ks the fa" lty of reason% @EE galld irritated+ inflamed% @EH post hasten% @EK in"est o s 30n )hakespeare*s day+ the marriage of a man like Cla di s to his de"eased $rother*s #ife #as "onsidered in"est o s%4 @H3 "hange that name i%e%+ gi'e and re"ei'e re"ipro"ally the name of friend 3rather than talk of ser'ant4% @HG make yo from are yo doing a#ay from% A"t @+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@KC hard "lose% @A0 $aked meats meat pies% @A@ "oldly i%e%+ as "old lefto'ers% @AF dearest "losest 3and therefore deadliest4% @A3 8r e'er $efore% @AH *A he% @C3 )eason yo r admiration restrain yo r astonishment% @CG attent attenti'e% @CC dead #aste desolate stillness% F0@ at point "orre"tly in e'ery detail% "ap7T7pie from head to foot% F0E tr n"heon offi"er*s staff% distilled dissol'ed% F0H a"t a"tion+ operation% F0A dreadf l f ll of dread% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene F

F@KBF@A did % % % speak $egan to mo'e as tho gh it #ere a$o t to speak% F@C e'en then at that 'ery instant% F3F $ea'er 'isor on the helmet% F33 (hat ho#% FGF tell "o nt% FGE grizzled gray% FGK sa$le sil'ered $la"k mi.ed #ith #hite% FGA #arrant ass re yo % A"t @+ )"ene 3 Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

FE3 tena$le held% FH@ do $t s spe"t% @%3% <o"ation, Poloni s* "ham$ers% 3 "on'oy is assistant means of "on'eyan"e are a'aila$le% H toy in $lood passing amoro s fan"y% K primy in its prime+ springtime% A Dor#ard pre"o"io s% C s pplian"e s pply+ filler% @@ "res"ent gro#ing+ #a.ing% @F the#s $odily strength% temple i%e%+ $ody% @G Gro#s #ide #ithal gro#s along #ith it% @E soil $lemish% "a tel

de"eit% @H #ill desire% @K His greatness #eighed if yo take into a""o nt his high position% F0 Car'e i%e%+ "hoose% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene 3

F3 'oi"e and yielding assent+ appro'al% FH in % % % pla"e in his parti" lar restri"ted "ir" mstan"es% FA main 'oi"e general assent% #ithal along #ith% 30 "redent "red lo s% list listen to% 3G keep % % % affe"tion don*t ad'an"e as far as yo r affe"tion might lead yo % 3A military metaphor%4 3H "hariest most s"r p lo sly modest% 3K 0f she nmask if she does no more than sho# her $ea ty% moon 3)ym$ol of "hastity%4 3C "anker galls "anker7#orm destroys% G0 $ ttons $ ds% dis"losed opened% G@ li/ id de# i%e%+ time #hen de# is fresh and $right% GF $lastments $lights% GG Mo th % % % re$els yo th is inherently re$ellio s% GK ngra"io s ngodly% GC p ffed $loated+ or s#ollen #ith pride% E@ re"ks heeds% rede

"o nsel% fear me not don*t #orry on my a""o nt% E3 do $le 3<aertes has already $id his father good7 $ye%4 EG 8""asion % % % lea'e happy is the "ir" mstan"e that pro'ides a se"ond lea'e7taking% 3The goddess 8""asion+ or 8pport nity+ smiles%4 A"t @+ )"ene 3 Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

EC <ook $e s re that% "hara"ter ins"ri$e% H0 nproportioned $adly "al" lated+ intemperate% his its% H@ familiar so"ia$le% ' lgar "ommon% HF and their adoption tried and also their s ita$ility for adoption as friends ha'ing $een tested% HG d ll thy palm i%e%+ shake hands so often as to make the gest re meaningless% HE "o rage yo ng man of spirit% HK &ear *t that manage it so that% HC "ens re opinion+ - dgment% K0 ha$it "lothing% K@ fan"y e."essi'e ornament+ de"adent fashion% KG Are % % % that are of a most refined and #ell7$red preeminen"e in "hoosing #hat to #ear% KK h s$andry thrift% A@ season mat re% A3 in'ests $esieges+ presses pon% tend attend+ #ait% C@ 2arry i%e%+ $y the Qirgin 2ary% 3A mild

oath%4 CE p t on impressed on+ told to% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene 3

CA $ehoo'es $efits% @00 tenders offers% @03 Jnsifted i%e%+ ntried% @0A sterling legal " rren"y% Tender hold+ look after+ offer% @0C "ra"k the #ind i%e%+ r n it ntil it is $roken7#inded% @@0 tender me a fool 3@4 sho# yo rself to me as a fool 3F4 sho# me p as a fool 334 present me #ith a grand"hild% 3Dool #as a term of endearment for a "hild%4 @@3 fashion mere form+ pretense% Go to 3An e.pression of impatien"e%4 @@G "o ntenan"e "redit+ "onfirmation% @@H springes snares% #ood"o"ks $irds easily "a ght6 here sed to

"onnote g lli$ility% @@K prodigal prodigally% @F0 it i%e%+ the promise% @FF something some#hat% @F3 entreatments negotiations for s rrender% 3A military term%4 @FG parle dis" ss terms #ith the enemy% 3Poloni s rges his da ghter+ in the metaphor of military lang age+ not to meet #ith Hamlet and "onsider gi'ing in to him merely $e"a se he re/ ests an inter'ie#%4 @FE so % % % him this m "h "on"erning him% @FK 0n fe# $riefly% @FA $rokers go7$et#eens+ pro" rers% @FC dye "olor or sort% in'estments

"lothes% 3The 'o#s are not #hat they seem%4 @30 mere implorators o t7and7o t soli"itors% @3@ &reathing speaking% A"t @+ )"ene G Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@3F for all on"e for all+ in s m% @3G slander a$ se+ mis se% moment moment*s% @3H Come yo r #ays "ome along% @%G% <o"ation, The g ard platform% @ shre#dly keenly+ sharply% F eager $iting% 3 la"ks of is - st short of% E season time% H held his #ont #as a"" stomed% s%d% pie"es i%e%+ of ordnan"e+ "annon% A #ake stay a#ake and hold re'el% takes his ro se "aro ses% C #assail "aro sal% pspring #ild German

dan"e% reels dan"es% @0 Rhenish Rhine #ine% @F The tri mph % % % pledge i%e%+ his feat in draining the #ine in a single draft% @E manner " stom 3of drinking4% @H 2ore % % % o$ser'an"e $etter negle"ted than follo#ed% @K east and #est i%e%+ e'ery#here% @A ta.ed of "ens red $y% @C "lepe "all% #ith s#inish phrase i%e%+ $y "alling s s#ine% F0 addition rep tation% F@ at height o tstandingly% FF The pith % % % attri$ te the essen"e of the rep tation that others attri$ te to s% FG for on a""o nt of% mole of nat re nat ral $lemish in one*s "onstit tion% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene G

FH his its% FK their o*ergro#th % % % "omple.ion the e."essi'e gro#th in indi'id als of some nat ral trait% FA pales palings+ fen"es 3as of a fortifi"ation4% FC o*erlea'ens ind "es a "hange thro gho t 3as yeast #orks in do gh4% 30 pla si'e pleasing% 3F nat re*s li'ery sign of one*s ser'it de to nat re% fort ne*s star

the destiny that "han"e $rings% 33 His 'irt es else i%e%+ the other / alities of these men 3line 304% 3G may ndergo "an s stain% 3E general "ens re general opinion that people ha'e of him% 3HB3A The dram % % % s"andal i%e%+ the small drop of e'il $lots o t or #orks against the no$le s $stan"e of the #hole and $rings it into disrep te% To do t is to $lot o t% 3A famo s "r .%4 3C ministers of gra"e messengers of God% G0 &e tho #hether yo are% spirit of health good angel% G@ &ring #hether yo $ring% GF &e thy intents

#hether yo r intentions are% G3 / estiona$le in'iting / estion% GK "anonized $ ried a""ording to the "anons of the "h r"h% hearsd "offined% GA "erements gra'e "lothes% GC in rned entom$ed% EF "omplete steel f ll armor% E3 glimpses of the moon pale and n"ertain moonlight% EG fools of nat re mere men+ limited to nat ral kno#ledge and s $-e"t to nat re% EE )o % % % disposition to distress o r mental "ompos re so 'iolently% A"t @+ )"ene G Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

EC impartment "omm ni"ation% HE fee 'al e% HC flood sea% K@ $eetles o*er o'erhangs threateningly 3like $ shy eye$ro#s4% his its% K3 depri'e % % % reason take a#ay the r le of reason o'er yo r mind% KE toys of desperation fan"ies of desperate a"ts+ i%e%+ s i"ide% A@ 2y fate "ries o t my destiny s mmons me% AF petty #eak% artery 3thro gh #hi"h the 'ital spirits #ere tho ght to ha'e $een "on'eyed4% A3 ;emean lion one of the monsters slain $y Her" les in his t#el'e la$ors% ner'e sine#% AE lets hinders% AC Ha'e after let*s go after him% iss e o t"ome% C@ it i%e%+ the o t"ome% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene E

@%E <o"ation, The $attlements of the "astle% K $o nd 3@4 ready 3F4 o$ligated $y d ty and fate% 3The Ghost+ in line A+ ans#ers in the se"ond sense%4 @F fast do penan"e $y fasting% @3 "rimes sins% of nat re as a mortal% @G & t that #ere it not that% @K harro# p la"erate+ tear% @A spheres i%e%+ eye7so"kets+ here "ompared to the or$its or transparent re'ol'ing spheres in #hi"h+ a""ording to Ptolemai" astronomy+ the hea'enly $odies #ere fi.ed% @C knotted % % % lo"ks hair neatly arranged and "onfined% FF eternal $lazon re'elation of the se"rets of eternity% FA in the $est e'en at $est% 33 sho ldst tho $e yo #o ld ha'e to $e% fat torpid+ lethargi"% 3G <ethe the ri'er of forgetf lness in Hades% A"t @+ )"ene E Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

3H or"hard garden% 3A forgd pro"ess falsified a""o nt% 3C a$ sed de"ei'ed% G3 ad lterate ad ltero s% GG gifts 3@4 talents 3F4 presents% E0 e'en #ith the 'o# #ith the 'ery 'o#% E3 To "ompared to% EG 'irt e+ as it as 'irt e% EE shape of hea'en hea'enly form% EK sate % % % $ed "ease to find se. al

pleas re in a 'irt o sly la#f l marriage% HF se" re "onfident+ ns spi"io s% H3 he$ona a poison% 3The #ord seems to $e a form of e$ony+ tho gh it is tho ght perhaps to $e related to hen$ane+ a poison+ or to e$en s+ ye#%4 HG por"hes of my ears ears as a por"h or entran"e of the $ody% HE lepro s distillment distillation "a sing leprosylike disfig rement% HC posset "oag late+ " rdle% K0 eager so r+ a"id% KF tetter er ption of s"a$s% $arked re"o'ered #ith a ro gh "o'ering+ like $ark on a tree% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene E

K3 lazar7like leperlike% KH dispat"hed s ddenly depri'ed% KA Jnho seled #itho t ha'ing re"ei'ed the )a"rament% disappointed nready 3spirit ally4 for the last -o rney% naneled #itho t ha'ing re"ei'ed

e.treme n"tion% KC re"koning settling of a""o nts% AF nat re i%e%+ the promptings of a son% AG l . ry le"hery% C0 matin morning% C@ his its% CG "o ple add% Hold hold together% CE instant instantly% CA glo$e 3@4 head 3F4 #orld% CC ta$le ta$let+ slate% @00 fond foolish% @0@ sa#s #ise sayings% forms shapes or images "opied onto the slate6 general ideas% press res impressions stamped% @0A ta$les #riting ta$lets% meet it is it is fitting% A"t @+ )"ene E Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@@@ there yo are i%e%+ there+ 0*'e #ritten that do#n against yo % @@H se" re him keep him safe% @@C Hilo % % % "ome 3A fal"oner*s "all to a ha#k in air% Hamlet mo"ks the hallooing as tho gh it #ere a part of ha#king%4 @FK on"e e'er% @30 arrant thoro ghgoing% @33 "ir" mstan"e "eremony+ ela$oration% @GF )aint Patri"k 3The keeper of P rgatory and patron saint of all $l nders and "onf sion%4 @G3 offense 3Hamlet deli$erately "hanges Horatio*s no offense taken to an offense against all de"en"y%4 @GG an honest ghost i%e%+ a real ghost and not an e'il spirit% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t @+ )"ene E

@E3 0n faith % % % 0 i%e%+ 0 s#ear not to tell #hat 0 ha'e seen% 3Horatio is not ref sing to s#ear%4 @EE s#ord i%e%+ the hilt in the form of a "ross% @EH (e % % % already i%e%+ #e s#ore in faith% @EC tr epenny honest old fello#% @HG s%d% They s#ear 3)eemingly they s#ear here+ and at lines @K0 and @C0+ as they lay their hands on Hamlet*s s#ord% Triple oaths #o ld ha'e parti" lar for"e6 these three oaths deal #ith #hat they ha'e seen+ #hat they ha'e heard+ and #hat they promise a$o t Hamlet*s anti" disposition%4 @HE Hi" et $i/ e here and e'ery#here% 3<atin%4 @KF pioneer foot soldier assigned to dig t nnels and e."a'ations% @KG as a stranger i%e%+ needing yo r hospitality% @KH yo r philosophy this s $-e"t "alled nat ral philosophy or s"ien"e that people talk a$o t% @KA so help yo mer"y as yo hope for God*s mer"y #hen yo are

- dged% @A@ anti" fantasti"% @A3 en" m$ered folded% A"t F+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@AE an if if% @AH list #ished% There % % % might i%e%+ there are people here 3#e+ in fa"t4 #ho "o ld tell ne#s if #e #ere at li$erty to do so% @AK gi'ing o t intimation% something se"ret% @CF do % % % yo note dra# attention to the fa"t% @AA a ght i%e%+

entr st myself to yo % @CG friending friendliness% @CE la"k $e

la"king% @CH still al#ays% @CK The time the state of affairs% spite i%e%+ the spite of Dort ne% @CC let*s go together 3Pro$a$ly they #ait for him to lea'e first+ $ t he ref ses this "eremonio sness%4 F%@ <o"ation, Poloni s*s "ham$ers% 3 mar'elo s mar'elo sly% G in/ ire in/ iry% K 9anskers 9anes% A #hat means #hat #ealth 3they ha'e4% keep d#ell% @0 en"ompassment ro nda$o t talking% drift grad al approa"h of "o rse% @@B@F "ome % % % it yo #ill find o t more this #ay than $y asking pointed / estions 3parti" lar demands4% @3 Take yo ass me+ pretend% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t F+ )"ene @ nrestrained% FK

@C p t on imp te to% F0 forgeries in'ented tales% rank gross% FF #anton sporti'e+

dra$$ing #horing% FC season temper+ soften% 3@ in"ontinen"y ha$it al se. al e."ess% 3F / aintly artf lly+ s $tly% 33 taints of li$erty fa lts res lting from free li'ing% 3EB3H A sa'ageness % % % assa lt a #ildness in ntamed yo th that assails all indis"riminately% G@ fet"h of #arrant legitimate tri"k% G3 soiled #i* the #orking soiled $y handling #hile it is $eing made+ i%e%+ $y in'ol'ement in the #ays of the #orld% GE "on'erse "on'ersion% so nd i%e%+ so nd o t% GH Ha'ing e'er if he has e'er% prenominate "rimes $efore7mentioned offenses% GK $reathe speak% GA "loses % % % "onse/ en"e takes yo "onfiden"e in some fashion+ as follo#s% E0 addition title% A"t F+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark into his

H0 o*ertook in *s ro se o'er"ome $y drink% H@ falling o t / arreling% H3 Qideli"et namely% HG "arp a fish% HE rea"h "apa"ity+ a$ility% HH #indlasses i%e%+ "ir" ito s paths% 3<iterally+ "ir" its made to head off the game in h nting%4 assays of $ias attempts thro gh indire"tion 3like the " r'ing path of the $o#ling $all+ #hi"h is $iased or #eighted to one side4% HK dire"tions i%e%+ the #ay things really are% HC ha'e nderstand% K0 $* #i* $e #ith% KF in yo rself in yo r o#n person 3as #ell as $y asking / estions4% KC "loset pri'ate "ham$er% A0 do $let "lose7fitting -a"ket% n$ra"ed nfastened% AF do#n7gy'd fallen to

the ankles 3like gy'es or fetters4% AG in p rport in #hat it e.pressed% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t F+ )"ene F

C3 As as if 3also in line CK4% CK $ lk $ody% @0G e"stasy madness% @0E property nat re% fordoes destroys% @@G / oted o$ser'ed% @@E #ra"k r in+ sed "e% s spi"io s nat re% @@H proper % % % age "hara"teristi" of $eshre# my -ealo sy a plag e pon my

s 3old4 men% @@K "ast $eyond o'ershoot+

mis"al" late 3a metaphor from h nting4% @F0 kno#n made kno#n 3to the ?ing4% "lose se"ret% @F0B@F@ might % % % lo'e i%e%+ might "a se more grief 3$e"a se of #hat Hamlet might do4 $y hiding the kno#ledge of Hamlet*s strange $eha'ior to 8phelia than npleasantness $y telling it% F%F% <o"ation, The "astle% F

2oreo'er that $esides the fa"t that% H )ith nor sin"e neither% K that #hat% A"t F+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@@ of % % % days from s "h early yo th% @F And sith so neigh$ored to and sin"e yo are 3or+ and sin"e that time yo are4 intimately a"/ ainted #ith% ha'ior demeanor% @3 'o "hsafe yo r rest please to stay% @H o""asion opport nity% @A opened $eing re'ealed% FF gentry "o rtesy% FG s pply % % % hope aid and f rtheran"e of #hat #e hope for% FH As fits % % % remem$ran"e as #o ld $e a fitting gift of a king #ho re#ards tr e ser'i"e% FK of o'er% FA dread inspiring a#e% 30 in % % % $ent to the tmost degree of o r "apa"ity 3an ar"hery metaphor4% 3A pra"ti"es doings% GF still al#ays% GG hold maintain% as firmly as% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t F+ )"ene F

GK poli"y saga"ity% EF fr it dessert% E3 gra"e honor 3p nning on gra"e said $efore a feast+ line EF4% EH do $t fear+ s spe"t% main "hief point+ prin"ipal "on"ern% EA sift him / estion Poloni s "losely% EC

$rother fello# king% H0 desires good #ishes% H@ Jpon o r first at o r first #ords on the $ siness% HH impoten"e helplessness% HK $orne in hand del ded+ taken ad'antage of% arrests orders to desist% HC in fine in "on"l sion% K@ gi'e th* assay make trial of strength+ "hallenge% KA 8n % % % allo#an"e i%e%+ #ith s "h "onsiderations for the safety of 9enmark and permission for Dortin$ras% A0 likes pleases% A@ "onsidered s ita$le for deli$eration% A"t F+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

AH e.post late e.po nd+ in/ ire into% C0 #it sense or - dgment% CA fig re fig re of spee"h% @03 Dor % % % "a se i%e%+ for this defe"ti'e $eha'ior+ this madness+ has a "a se% @0E Perpend "onsider% @0A gather and s rmise dra# yo r o#n "on"l sions% @@3 0n % % % $osom 3The letter is poeti"ally addressed to her heart%4 these i%e%+ the letter% @@E stay #ait% faithf l i%e%+ in reading the letter a"" rately% @@A 9o $t s spe"t% @F0 ill % % % n m$ers nskilled at #riting 'erses% re"kon 3@4 "o nt 3F4 n m$er metri"ally+ s"an% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t F+ )"ene F

@F3 ma"hine i%e%+ $ody% @FH more a$o'e moreo'er% @FK fell o t o"" rred%

$y a""ording to% @FA

gi'en % % % ear i%e%+ told me a$o t% @3@ fain gladly% @3H played % % % ta$le $ook i%e%+ remained sh t p+ "on"ealing the information% @3K gi'en % % % #inking "losed the eyes of my heart to this% @3A #ith idle sight "ompla"ently or in"omprehendingly% @3C ro nd ro ndly+ plainly% @G0 $espeak address% @G@ o t of thy star a$o'e yo r sphere+ position% @GF pres"ripts orders% @G3 his resort his 'isits% @GA #at"h state of sleeplessness% @GC lightness lightheadedness% de"lension de"line+ deterioration 3#ith a p n on the

grammati"al sense4% @E@ all #e all of s+ or+ into e'erything that #e% @EH Take this from this 3The a"tor pro$a$ly gest res+ indi"ating that he means his head from his sho lders+ or his staff of offi"e or "hain from his hands or ne"k+ or something similar%4 A"t F+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark ni'erse4% try test+

@EC "enter middle point of the earth 3#hi"h is also the "enter of the Ptolemai"

- dge% @HF loose 3as one might release an animal that is $eing mated4% @H3 arras hanging+ tapestry% @HE thereon on that a""o nt% @HK "arters #agon dri'ers% @HA sadly serio sly% @K0 $oard a""ost% presently at on"e% gi'e me lea'e i%e%+ e." se me+ lea'e me alone 3said to those he h rries offstage+ in"l ding the ?ing and R een4% @KF God a7mer"y God ha'e mer"y+ i%e%+ thank yo % @KG fishmonger fish mer"hant% @A@B@AF a good kissing "arrion i%e%+ a good pie"e of flesh for kissing+ or for the s n to kiss% @AG i* the s n in p $li" 3#ith additional impli"ation of the s nshine of prin"ely fa'ors4% pregnan"y% @AK *a he% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @CE F0E F@0 @C@ matter s $stan"e% 3& t Hamlet plays on the sense of $asis for a disp te%4 @CE p rging dis"harging% @CH am$er i%e%+ resin+ like the resino s pl m7tree g m% @CK #it nderstanding% @CA honesty de"en"y+ de"or m% @CC old as old% F0F o t of the air 3The open air #as "onsidered dangero s for si"k people%4 F0G pregnant / i"k7#itted+ f ll of meaning% F0E happiness feli"ity of e.pression% F0H prospero sly s ""essf lly% F0K s ddenly immediately% F@@ #ithal #ith% F@3 old fools i%e%+ old men like Poloni s% FF0 indifferent ordinary+ at neither e.treme of fort ne or misfort ne% FFE fa'ors i%e%+ se. al fa'ors% FFH her pri'ates #e i%e%+ 3@4 #e are se. ally intimate #ith Dort ne+ the fi"kle goddess #ho $esto#s A"t F+ )"ene F Con"eption 3@4 nderstanding 3F4

her fa'ors indis"riminately 3F4 #e are her pri'ate "itizens% FFK str mpet prostit te 3a "ommon epithet for indis"riminate Dort ne6 see line GEF4% A"t F+ )"ene F F30 FGE FE0 FEE FH0 FHE F3H "onfines pla"es of "onfinement% #ards "ells% FGEBFGH the 'ery % % % am$itio s that seemingly 'ery s $stantial thing that the am$itio s p rs e% FE0 $odies i%e%+ solid s $stan"es rather than shado#s 3sin"e $eggars are not am$itio s4% FE0BFE@ o tstret"hed 3@4 far7rea"hing in their am$ition 3F4 elongated as shado#s% FEF fay faith% FE3 #ait pon a""ompany+ attend 3$ t Hamlet ses the phrase in the sense of pro'iding menial ser'i"e4% FEG sort "lass+ "ategorize% FEEBFEH dreadf lly attended #aited slo'enly fashion% FEH pon in Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

$eaten #ay familiar path+ tried7and7tr e "o rse% make do% FH0 too dear a

halfpenny 3@4 too e.pensi'e at e'en a halfpenny+ i%e%+ of little #orth 3F4 too e.pensi'e $y a halfpenny in ret rn for #orthless kindness% FH@ free 'ol ntary% FHG Anything $ t to the p rpose anything e."ept a straightfor#ard ans#er 3said ironi"ally4% FHE modesties sense of shame% FHH "olor disg ise% Chapter 30 : Tragedy FK0 FKE FA0 FAE FC0 FCE 300 FHC "on- re ad- re+ entreat% FK0 the "onsonan"y of o r yo th o r "loseness in o r yo nger days% FK@ $etter more skillf l% FKF "harge rge% e'en straight+ honest% FKE of on% FKEBFKH hold not off don*t hold $a"k% FKABFKC so % % % dis"o'ery in that #ay my saying it first #ill spare yo from re'ealing the tr th% FKC A"t F+ )"ene F

molt no feather i%e%+ not diminish in the least% FAG $ra'e splendid% fretted adorned 3#ith fret#ork+ as in a 'a lted "eiling4% FAH "ongregation mass% pie"e of #ork masterpie"e% FAA e.press #ell7framed+ e.a"t+ e.pressi'e% FAABFAC apprehension po#er of "omprehending% FC0 / intessen"e the fifth essen"e of an"ient philosophy+ $eyond earth+ #ater+ air+ and fire+ s pposed to $e the s $stan"e of the hea'enly $odies and to $e latent in all things% FCEBFCH <enten entertainment meager re"eption 3appropriate to <ent4% FCH "oted o'ertook and passed $y% FCC tri$ te 3@4 appla se 3F4 homage paid in money% of from% FCCB300 foil and target s#ord and shield% 300 gratis for nothing% h moro s man e""entri" "hara"ter+ dominated $y one trait or h mor% 30@ in pea"e i%e%+ #ith f ll li"ense% 30F ti"kle o* the sear easy on the trigger+ read to la gh easily 3a sear is part of a g nlo"k4% 303 halt limp% A"t F+ )"ene F 3@0 3@E 3F0 30E tragedians a"tors% 30H residen"e remaining in their s al pla"e+ i%e%+ in the "ity% 30A inhi$ition formal prohi$ition 3from a"ting plays in the "ity4% late re"ent% 30C inno'ation i%e%+ the ne# fashion in satiri"al plays performed $y $oy a"tors in the pri'ate theaters6 or possi$ly a politi"al prising6 or the stri"t limitations set on the theaters in <ondon in @H00% 3@G keeps "ontin es% #onted s al% 3@E aerie nest% eyases yo ng ha#ks% 3@EB3@H "ry % % % / estion speak shrilly+ dominating the "ontro'ersy 3in de"rying the p $li" theaters4% 3@H tyranni"ally o trageo sly% 3@K $erattle $erate+ "lamor Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

against% "ommon stages p $li" theaters% 3@A many #earing rapiers i%e%+ many men of fashion+ afraid to patronize the "ommon players for fear of $eing satirized $y the poets #riting for the $oy a"tors% goose

/ ills i%e%+ pens of satirists% 3F0B3F@ es"oted maintained% 3F@ / ality 3a"ting4 profession% 3F@B3FF no longer % % % sing i%e%+ only ntil their 'oi"es "hange% 3F3 "ommon reg lar+ ad lt% like likely% 3F3B3FG if % % % $etter if they find no $etter #ay to s pport themsel'es% 3FE s ""ession i%e%+ f t re "areers% 3FH to7 do ado% 3FK tar set on 3as dogs4% 3FKB3FC There % % % / estion i%e%+ for a #hile+ no money #as offered $y the a"ting "ompanies to play#rights for the plot to a play nless the satiri"al poets #ho #rote for the $oys and the ad lt a"tors "ame to $lo#s in the play itself% 33F "arry it a#ay i%e%+ #in the day% 333 Her" les % % % load 3Tho ght to $e an all sion to the sign of the Glo$e Theatre+ #hi"h #as Her" les $earing the #orld on his sho lders%4 3@3B333 Ho# % % % load too 3The passage+ omitted from the early / artos+ all des to the so7

"alled (ar of the Theaters+ @ECCB@H0F+ the ri'alry $et#een the "hildren*s "ompanies and the ad lt a"tors%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy 33E 3G0 3GE 3E0 3HE 33E mo ths fa"es% 33H d "ats gold "oins% 33HB33K in little in miniat re% 33K *)$lood $y God*s 3Christ*s4 $lood% 33A philosophy i%e%+ s"ientifi" in/ iry% 3G@ app rtenan"e proper a""ompaniment% 3GF "omply o$ser'e the formalities of "o rtesy% gar$ i%e%+ manner% my e.tent that #hi"h 0 e.tend+ i%e%+ my polite $eha'ior% 3G3 sho# fairly o t#ards sho# e'ery e'iden"e of "ordiality% 3GG entertainment a 3#arm4 re"eption% 3GK north7north7#est - st off tr e north+ only partly% 3GA ha#k+ handsa# i%e%+ t#o 'ery different things+ tho gh also perhaps meaning a matto"k 3or ha"k4 and a "arpenter*s " tting tool+ respe"ti'ely6 also $irds+ #ith a play on hernsha#+ or heron% 3E@ s#addling "lo ts "loths in #hi"h to #rap a ne#$orn $a$y% 3EF Haply perhaps% 3EK Ros"i s a famo s Roman a"tor #ho died in HF $"e 3H0 & zz 3An inter-e"tion sed to denote stale ne#s%4 3HE s"ene indi'ida$le a play o$ser'ing the nity of pla"e6 or perhaps one that is n"lassifia$le+ or performed #itho t intermission% A"t F+ )"ene F 3KE 3AE 3C0 3HEB3HH poem nlimited a play disregarding the nities of time and pla"e6 one that is all7in"l si'e% )ene"a #riter of <atin tragedies% Pla t s #riter of <atin "omedy% 3HK la# % % % li$erty dramati" Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark A"t F+ )"ene F

"omposition $oth a""ording to the r les and disregarding the r les% these i%e%+ the a"tors% 3HA 5ephthah % % % 0srael 35ephthah had to sa"rifi"e his da ghter6 see 5 dges @@% Hamlet goes on to / ote from a $allad on the theme%4 3KF passing s rpassingly% 3A0 lot "han"e% #ot kno#s% 3AF like likely+ pro$a$le% 3A3 ro# stanza% "hanson $allad+ song% 3AG my a$ridgement something that " ts short my "on'ersation6 also+ a di'ersion% 3AK 'alan"ed fringed 3#ith a $eard4% $eard "onfront+ "hallenge 3#ith

o$'io s p n4% 3AA yo ng lady i%e%+ $oy playing #omen*s parts% &y *r <ady $y 8 r <ady% 3C0 "hopine thi"k7soled shoe of 0talian fashion% n" rrent not passa$le as la#f l "oinage% 3C@ "ra"ked % % % ring i%e%+

"hanged from adoles"ent to male 'oi"e+ no longer s ita$le for #omen*s roles% 3Coins feat red rings en"losing the so'ereign*s head6 if the "oin #as "ra"ked #ithin this ring+ it #as nfit for " rren"y4% 3CF e*en to *t go at it% 3C3 straight at on"e% / ality professional skill% 3CA "a'iar to the general "a'iar to the m ltit de+ i%e%+ a "hoi"e dish too elegant for "oarse tastes% Chapter 30 : Tragedy G00 G0E 3CC "ried in the top of i%e%+ spoke #ith greater a thority than% G00 digested arranged+ ordered% G0@ modesty moderation+ restraint% " nning skill% G0F sallets i%e%+ something sa'ory+ spi"y A"t F+ )"ene F

improprieties% G03 indi"t "on'i"t% G0E handsome #ell7proportioned% fine ela$orately ornamented+ sho#y% G0K Priam*s sla ghter the slaying of the r ler of Troy+ #hen the Greeks finally took the "ity% G0C Pyrrh s a Greek hero in the Tro-an (ar+ also kno#n as ;eoptolem s+ son of A"hilles!another a'enging son% Hyr"anian $east i%e%+ tiger% 38n the death of Priam+ see Qirgil+ Aeneid+ F%E0H ff%6 "ompare the #hole spee"h #ith 2arlo#e*s 9ido R een of Carthage+ F%@%F@G ff% 8n the Hyr"anian tiger+ see Aeneid+ G%3HHB 3HK% Hyr"ania is on the Caspian )ea%4 G@@ r gged shaggy+ sa'age% sa$le $la"k 3for reasons of "amo flage d ring the episode of the Tro-an horse4% G@3 "o "hd "on"ealed% omino s horse fatef l Tro-an horse+ $y #hi"h the Greeks gained a""ess to Troy% G@E dismal ill7omened% G@H total g les entirely red 3a heraldi" term4% tri"ked spotted and smeared 3heraldi"4% G@A impasted "r sted+ like a thi"k paste% #ith % % % streets $y the par"hing heat of the streets 3$e"a se of the fires e'ery#here4% G@C tyranno s "r el% GF0 their lord*s i%e%+ Priam*s% GF@ o*ersized "o'ered as #ith size or gl e% GFF "ar$ n"les large fiery7red pre"io s stones tho ght to emit their o#n light% GFA anti/ e an"ient+ long7 sed% G30 Rep gnant diso$edient+ resistant% A"t F+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

G3F fell "r el% G33 nner'd strengthless% senseless 0li m inanimate "itadel of Troy% G3E his its% G3K de"lining des"ending% milky #hite7haired% G3C painted i%e%+ painted in a pi"t re% GG0 like % % % matter i%e%+ as tho gh s spended $et#een his intention and its f lfillment% GGF against - st $efore% GG3 ra"k mass of "lo ds% GGG or$ glo$e+ earth% GGH region sky% GGA Cy"lops giant armor makers in the smithy of Q l"an% GGC proof eterne eternal resistan"e to assa lt% GE0 remorse pity% GE3 synod assem$ly% GEG fellies

pie"es of #ood forming the rim of a #heel% GEE na'e h $% hill of hea'en 2o nt 8lymp s% GEC -ig "omi" song and dan"e often gi'en at the end of a play% GH0 He" $a #ife of Priam% GH@ #ho % % % had anyone #ho had 3also in line GHC4% mo$ld m ffled% GHG threat*ning the flames i%e%+ #eeping hard eno gh to

dampen the flames% GHE $isson rhe m $ ilding tears% "lo t "loth% GHH late lately% GHK all o*erteemd tterly #orn o t #ith $earing "hildren% Chapter 30 : Tragedy E00 GK0 state r le+ managing% prono n"ed pro"laimed% GKH mil"h milky+ moist #ith tears% $ rning eyes of hea'en i%e%+ hea'enly $odies% GKK passion o'erpo#ering emotion% GKA #he*er #hether% GA@ $esto#ed lodged% GAF a$stra"t s mmary a""o nt% GAH God*s $odikin $y God*s 3Christ*s4 little $ody+ $odykin 3not to $e "onf sed #ith $odkin+ dagger4% GAK after a""ording to% GCE ha *t ha'e it% st dy memorize% E0H & t merely% E0K for"e % % % "on"eit $ring his innermost $eing so entirely into a""ord #ith his "on"eption 3of the role4% E0A from her #orking as a res lt of+ or in response to+ his so l*s a"ti'ity% pale% E0C aspe"t look+ glan"e% A"t F+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark #anned gre# A"t F+ )"ene F

E@0BE@@ his #hole % % % "on"eit all his $odily po#ers responding #ith a"tions to s it his tho ght% E@K the general ear e'eryone*s ear% horrid horri$le% E@A appall 3literally+ make pale%4 free inno"ent% E@C

Confo nd the ignorant i%e%+ d m$fo nd those #ho kno# nothing of the "rime that has $een "ommitted% amaze st n% EF@ m ddy7mettled d ll7spirited% peak mope+ pine% EFF 5ohn7a7dreams a sleepy+ dreaming idler% npregnant of not / i"kened $y% EFG property i%e%+ the "ro#n6 also "hara"ter+ / ality% EFE damned

defeat damna$le a"t of destr "tion% EFH pate head% EFA Gi'es % % % throat "alls me an o t7and7o t liar% E30 *s#o nds $y his 3Christ*s4 #o nds% E3@ pigeon7li'ered 3The pigeon or do'e #as pop larly s pposed to $e mild $e"a se it se"reted no gall4% E3F $itter i%e%+ $itter to me% E33 region kites kites 3$irds of prey4 of the air% E3G offal entrails% E3E Remorseless pitiless% kindless nnat ral% E3K $ra'e fine+

admira$le 3said ironi"ally4% EG@ dra$ #hore% EGF s" llion menial kit"hen ser'ant 3apt to $e fo l7 mo thed4% A$o t a$o t it+ to #ork% EGE " nning art+ skill% s"ene dramati" presentation% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene @

EGH presently at on"e% EEF tent pro$e% the / i"k the tender part of a #o nd+ the "ore% $len"h / ail+ flin"h% EEK spirits h mors 3of melan"holy4% EEA A$ ses del des% EEC relati'e "ogent+ pertinent% 3%@%

<o"ation, The "astle% @ drift of "onferen"e dire"ting of "on'ersation% K for#ard #illing%

so nded

/ estioned% @F disposition in"lination% @3 ;iggard stingy% / estion "on'ersation% @G assay try to #in% @K o*erra ght o'ertook% A"t 3+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

FH edge in"itement% FC "losely pri'ately% 3@ Affront "onfront+ meet% 3F espials spies% G@ #onted a"" stomed% G3 Gra"io s Mo r Gra"e 3i%e%+ the ?ing4% GG $esto# "on"eal% GE e.er"ise religio s e.er"ise% 3The $ook she reads is one of de'otion%4 "olor gi'e a pla si$le appearan"e to% GH loneliness $eing

alone% GK too m "h pro'ed too often sho#n to $e tr e+ too often pra"ti"ed% E3 to "ompared to% the thing i%e%+ the "osmeti"% EH s%d% #ithdra# 3The ?ing and Poloni s may retire $ehind an arras% The stage dire"tions spe"ify that they enter again near the end of the s"ene%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene @

EC slings missiles% HH r $ 3<iterally+ an o$sta"le in the game of $o#ls%4 HA sh ffled slo ghed+ "ast% "oil t rmoil% HC respe"t "onsideration% K0 of % % % life so long7li'ed+ something #e #illingly end re for so long 3also s ggesting that long life is itself a "alamity4% KF "ont mely insolent a$ se% K3 disprized n'al ed% KG offi"e offi"ialdom% sp rns ins lts% KE of % % % takes re"ei'es from n#orthy persons% KH / iet s a"/ itan"e6 here+ death% KK a $are $odkin a mere dagger+ nsheathed% fardels $ rdens% A0 $o rn frontier+ $o ndary% AE nati'e h e nat ral "olor "omple.ion% AH "ast tinge+ shade of "olor% AK pit"h height 3as of a fal"on*s flight4% moment importan"e% AA regard respe"t+ "onsideration% " rrents "o rses% AC )oft yo i%e%+ #ait a min te+ gently% C0 orisons prayers% A"t 3+ )"ene @ @@0 @@E @F0 @FE @30 @0G honest 3@4 tr thf l 3F4 "haste% @0H fair 3@4 $ea tif l 3F4 - st+ honora$le% @0A yo r honesty yo r "hastity% @0C dis"o rse to familiar dealings #ith% @@0 "ommer"e dealings+ inter"o rse% @@G his its% sometime formerly% a parado. a 'ie# opposite to "ommonly held opinion% @@E the time the present age% @@KB@@A ino" late graft+ $e engrafted to% @@A $ t % % % it that #e do not still ha'e a$o t s a taste of Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

the old sto"k+ i%e%+ retain o r sinf lness% @F0 n nnery "on'ent 3#ith possi$ly an a#areness that the #ord #as also "ommand% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @3E @G0 @GE @3EB@3H monsters 3An ill sion to the horns of a " "kold%4 yo i%e%+ yo #omen% @G0 -ig dan"e% @G@ am$le mo'e "oyly% @G@ yo ni"kname % % % "reat res i%e%+ yo gi'e trendy names to things in pla"e of their God7gi'en names% @GF make % % % ignoran"e i%e%+ e." se yo r affe"tation on the gro nds of pretended ignoran"e% on *t of it% @GA e.pe"tan"y hope% rose ornament% @GC The glass % % % form the mirror of tr e fashioning and the pattern of "o rtly $eha'ior% @E0 Th* o$ser'ed % % % o$ser'ers i%e%+ the "enter of attention and honor in the "o rt% @EF m si" m si"al+ s#eetly ttered% @EE $lo#n $looming% @EH &lasted A"t 3+ )"ene @ sed derisi'ely to denote a $rothel4% @F@ indifferent honest reasona$ly 'irt o s% @F3 $e"k

#ithered% @EH e"stasy madness% @EA affe"tions emotions+ feelings% @H@ sits on $rood sits like a $ird on a nest+ a$o t to hat"h mis"hief 3line @HF4% @HF do $t fear% dis"lose dis"los re+ hat"hing% @HE set it do#n resol'ed% @HH Dor % % % of to demand% @HA 'aria$le o$-e"ts 'ario s sights and s rro ndings to di'ert him% A"t 3+ )"ene F E @0 @E @HC This something % % % heart the strange matter settled in his heart% @K0 still "ontin ally% @K@ Drom % % % himself o t of his nat ral manner% @KA / een7mother / een and mother% @KC ro nd $l nt% @A@ find him not fails to dis"o'er #hat is tro $ling him% 3%F% <o"ation, The "astle% F o r players players no#adays% 3 0 had as lief 0 #o ld - st as soon% K ro$ stio s 'iolent+ $oistero s% KBA peri#ig7pated #earing a #ig% C gro ndlings spe"tators #ho paid least and stood in the yard of the theater% "apa$le of a$le to nderstand% @0 d m$ sho#s mimed performan"es+ often sed $efore )hakespeare*s time to pre"ede a play or ea"h a"t% @@ Termagant a s pposed deity of the 2ohammedans+ not fo nd in any English medie'al play $ t else#here portrayed as 'iolent and $l stering% Herod Herod of 5e#ry% 3A "hara"ter in The )la ghter of the 0nno"ents and other "y"le plays% The part #as played #ith great noise and f ry%4 @H Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

modesty restraint+ moderation% @K from "ontrary to% Chapter 30 : Tragedy F0 FE 3E @C s"orn i%e%+ something foolish and deser'ing of s"orn% F0 the 'ery % % % time i%e%+ the present state of affairs% his its% F0BF@ press re stamp+ impressed "hara"ter% F@ "ome tardy off inade/ ately done% F@BFF the nskillf l those la"king in - dgment% FFBF3 the "ens re % % % one the - dgment of e'en one of A"t 3+ )"ene F

#hom% F3 yo r allo#an"e yo r s"ale of 'al es% FE not % % % profanely 3Hamlet anti"ipates his idea in lines FKBFC that some men #ere not made $y God at all%4 FH Christians i%e%+ ordinary de"ent folk% FHBFK nor man i%e%+ nor any h man $eing at all% FA -o rneymen la$orers #ho are not yet masters in their trade% FC a$omina$ly 3)hakespeare*s s al spelling+ a$homina$ly+ s ggests a literal tho gh etymologi"ally in"orre"t meaning+ remo'ed from h man nat re%4 30 indifferently tolera$ly% 3F of them some among them% 33 $arren i%e%+ of #it% 3C presently at on"e% GE my % % % #ithal my dealings en"o ntered% A"t 3+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

E0 "andied s gared+ flattering% E@ pregnant "ompliant% EF thrift profit% EG "o ld % % % ele"tion "o ld make disting ishing "hoi"es among persons% EE sealed thee 3<iterally+ as one #o ld seal a legal do" ment to mark possession%4 EC $lood passion% "ommeddled "ommingled% H@ stop hole in a #ind instr ment for "ontrolling the so nd% HC 'ery % % % so l yo r most penetrating o$ser'ation and "onsideration% K0 o"" lted hidden% K@ nkennel 3As one #o ld say of a fo. dri'en from its lair%4 KF damnd in leag e #ith

)atan% KG stithy smithy+ pla"e of stiths 3an'ils4% KK "ens re of his seeming - dgment of his appearan"e or $eha'ior% KA 0f *a steal a ght if he gets a#ay #ith anything% A0 idle 3@4 no"" pied 3F4 mad% AF "o sin i%e%+ "lose relati'e% Chapter 30 : Tragedy AE C0 CE @00 A3 "hameleon*s dish 3Chameleons #ere s pposed to feed on air% Hamlet deli$erately misinterprets the A"t 3+ )"ene F

?ing*s fares as feeds% &y his phrase eat the air he also plays on the idea of feeding himself #ith the promise of s ""ession+ of $eing the heir%4 AG "apons roosters "astrated and "rammed #ith feed to make them s "" lent% AE ha'e % % % #ith make nothing of+ or gain nothing from% AH are not mine do not respond to #hat 0 asked% AK nor mine no# 38n"e spoken+ #ords are pro'er$ially no longer the speaker*s o#n! and hen"e sho ld $e ttered #arily%4 C3 $r te 3The <atin meaning of $r t s+ st pid+ #as often sed p nningly #ith the name &r t s%4 part 3@4 deed 3F4 role% "alf fool% CE stay pon a#ait% CK metal

s $stan"e that is attra"ti'e+ i%e%+ magneti"+ $ t #ith s ggestion also of mettle+ disposition% @03 "o ntry matters se. al inter"o rse 3making a $a#dy p n on the first sylla$le of "o ntry4% @0K ;othing the fig re zero or na ght+ s ggesting the female se. al anatomy% 3Thing not infre/ ently has a $a#dy "onnotation of male or female anatomy+ and the referen"e here "o ld $e made%4 @@@ only -ig maker 'ery $est "omposer of -igs+ i%e%+ pointless merriment% 3Hamlet replies sardoni"ally to 8phelia*s o$ser'ation that he is merry $y saying+ 0f yo *re looking for someone #ho is really merry+ yo *'e "ome to the right person%4 @@3 #ithin*s #ithin this 3i%e%+ these4% A"t 3+ )"ene F @@E @F0 @@EB@@H s it of sa$les garments trimmed #ith the f r of the sa$le and hen"e s ited for a #ealthy person+ not a mo rner 3$ t #ith a p n on sa$le+ $la"k+ ironi"ally s ggesting mo rning on"e again4% @@C s ffer % % % on ndergone o$li'ion% @F0 Dor % % % forgot 3Qerse of a song o"" rring also in <o'e*s <a$or <ost+ 3%@%FKBFA% The ho$$yhorse #as a "hara"ter made p to resem$le a horse and rider+ appearing in the morris dan"e and s "h 2ay7game sports% This song laments the disappearan"e of s "h " stoms nder press re from the P ritans%4 @FF this* mi"hing malli"o this is sneaking mis"hief% @F3 &elike pro$a$ly% arg ment plot% @FG "o nsel se"ret% @FK &e not yo pro'ided yo are not% @FC na ght inde"ent% 38phelia is rea"ting to Hamlet*s pointed remarks a$o t not $eing ashamed to sho# all%4 @3@ stooping $o#ing% @33 posy % % % ring $rief motto in 'erse ins"ri$ed in a ring% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@3H Phoe$ s* "art the s n7god*s "hariot+ making its yearly "y"le% @3K salt #ash the sea% Tell s goddess of the earth+ of the or$d gro nd% @3A $orro#ed i%e%+ refle"ted% @G0 Hymen god of matrimony% @G@ "omm t al m t ally% $ands $onds% @GH distr st am an.io s a$o t% @GK 9is"omfort distress% nothing not

at all% @GA hold / antity keep proportion #ith one another% @GC 0n % % % e.tremity i%e%+ #omen fear and lo'e either too little or too m "h+ $ t the t#o+ fear and lo'e+ are e/ al in either "ase% @E0 proof e.perien"e% @E@ sized in size% @EE operant po#ers 'ital f n"tions% lea'e to do "ease to perform% @EH $ehind after 0 ha'e gone% @H@ ;one i%e%+ let no #oman% $ t #ho e."ept the one #ho% @HF (orm#ood i%e%+ ho# $itter% 3<iterally+ a $itter7tasting plant%4 @H3 instan"es moti'es% mo'e moti'ate% @HG $ase % % % thrift igno$le "onsiderations of material prosperity% @HC P rpose % % % memory o r good intentions are s $-e"t to forgetf lness% @K0 'alidity strength+ d ra$ility% @K@ (hi"h i%e%+ p rpose% A"t 3+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@K3B@KG 2ost % % % de$t it*s ine'ita$le that in time #e forget the o$ligations #e ha'e imposed on o rsel'es% @KA ena"t res f lfillments% @KCB@A0 (here % % % a""ident the "apa"ity for e.treme -oy and grief go together+ and often one e.treme is instantly "hanged into its opposite on the slightest pro'o"ation% @A@ aye e'er% @AE do#n fallen in fort ne% @AH The poor % % % enemies #hen one of h m$le station is promoted+ yo see his enemies s ddenly $e"oming his friends% @AK hitherto p to this point in the arg ment+ or+ to this e.tent% tend attend% #ho not needs he #ho is not in need 3of #ealth4% @AC #ho in #ant he #ho+ $eing in need% try test 3his generosity4% @C0 seasons him ripens him into% @CF 8 r % % % r n #hat #e #ant and #hat #e get go so "ontrarily% @C3 de'i"es still intentions "ontin ally% @CG ends res lts% @CK ;or let neither% @CA )port % % % night may day deny me its pastimes and night its repose% F00 an"hor*s "heer an"horite*s or hermit*s fare% my s"ope the e.tent of my happiness% F0@ $lanks "a ses to $lan"h or gro# pale% F0@BF0F Ea"h % % % destroy may e'ery ad'erse thing that "a ses the fa"e of -oy to t rn pale meet and destroy e'erything that 0 desire to see prosper% F03 hen"e in the life hereafter% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene F

F0K spirits 'ital spirits% F@@ doth % % % m "h makes too many promises and protestations% F@3 arg ment plot% F@G -est make $elie'e% F@3BF@G offense % % % offense "a se for o$-e"tion % % % a"t al in- ry+ "rime% F@K Tropi"ally fig rati'ely% 3The Dirst R arto reading+ trapi"ally+ s ggests a p n on trap in 2o setrap%4 F@A 9 ke*s i%e%+ ?ing*s% 3A slip that may $e d e to )hakespeare*s possi$le so r"e+ the alleged m rder of the 9 ke of Jr$ino $y < igi Gonzaga in @E3A%4 FF0 free g iltless% FF@ galled -ade horse #hose hide is r $$ed $y saddle or harness% #ithers the part $et#een the horse*s sho lder $lades% n#r ng not r $$ed

sore% FF3 "hor s 30n many Eliza$ethan plays+ the forth"oming a"tion #as e.plained $y an a"tor kno#n as the "hor s6 at a p ppet sho#+ the a"tor #ho spoke the dialog e #as kno#n as an interpreter+ as

indi"ated $y the lines follo#ing%4 FFG interpret 3@4 'entrilo/ ize the dialog e+ as in p ppet sho# 3F4 a"t as pander% FFE p ppets dallying 3(ith s ggestion of se. al play+ "ontin ed in keen+ se. ally aro sed+ groaning+ moaning in pregnan"y+ and edge+ se. al desire or impet osity%4 FFH keen sharp+ $itter% FFA )till % % % #orse more keen+ al#ays $ettering #hat other people say #ith #itty #ordplay+ $ t at the same time more offensi'e% FFC )o e'en th s 3in marriage4% mis7take take falseheartedly and "heat on% 3The marriage 'o#s say for $etter+ for #orse%4 F33 Confederate season the time and o""asion "onspiring 3to assist the m rderer4% else other#ise% seeing seeing me% A"t 3+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

F3E He"ate*s $an the " rse of He"ate+ the goddess of #it"h"raft% F3H dire property $alef l / ality% F3A estate i%e%+ the kingship% His i%e%+ the ?ing*s% FG3 false fire the $lank dis"harge of a g n loaded #ith po#der $ t no shot% FGABFE@ (hy % % % a#ay 3Pro$a$ly from an old $allad+ #ith all sion to the pop lar $elief that a #o nded deer retires to #eep and die6 "ompare #ith As Mo <ike 0t+ F%@%33BHH%4 FGC ngalld naffli"ted% FE0 #at"h remain a#ake% FE@ Th s % % % a#ay th s the #orld goes% FEF this i%e%+ the play% feathers 3All sion to the pl mes that Eliza$ethan a"tors #ere fond of #earing%4 FE3 t rn T rk #ith t rn renegade against+ go $a"k on% Pro'in"ial roses rosettes of ri$$on+ named for roses gro#n in a part of Dran"e% FEG razed #ith ornamental slashing% "ry pa"k 3of ho nds4% fello#ship % % % players

partnership in a theatri"al "ompany% FEK 9amon the friend of Pythias+ as Horatio is friend of Hamlet6 or+ a traditional pastoral name% FEA dismantled stripped+ di'ested% FEABFH0 This realm % % % pa-o"k i%e%+ 5o'e+ representing di'ine a thority and - sti"e+ has a$andoned this realm to its o#n de'i"es+ lea'ing in its stead only a pea"o"k or 'ain pretender to 'irt e 3tho gh the rhyme7#ord e.pe"ted in pla"e of pa-o"k or pea"o"k s ggests that the realm is no# r led o'er $y an ass4% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene F

FHK re"orders #ind instr ments of the fl te kind% FHC perdy 3A "orr ption of the Dren"h par die + $y God%4 FKE retirement #ithdra#al to his "ham$ers% distempered o t of h mor% 3& t Hamlet deli$erately plays on the #ider appli"ation to any illness of mind or $ody+ as in line 30K+ espe"ially to dr nkenness%4 FKK "holer anger% 3& t Hamlet takes the #ord in its more $asi" h moral sense of $ilio s disorder%4 FKC p rgation 3Hamlet hints at something going $eyond medi"al treatment to $loodletting and the e.tra"tion of "onfession%4 FA@ frame order% FAF start shy or - mp a#ay 3like a horse6 the opposite of tame in line FA34% FAA $reed 3@4 kind 3F4 $reeding+ manners% FAC pardon permission to depart% FCA

admiration $e#ilderment% 30@ "loset pri'ate "ham$er% A"t 3+ )"ene F 330 33E 30H pi"kers and stealers i%e%+ hands% 3)o "alled from the "ate"hism+ to keep my hands from pi"king and stealing%4 30A li$erty i%e%+ $eing freed from distemper+ line 30K6 $ t perhaps #ith a 'eiled threat as #ell% deny ref se to share% 3@3 (hile % % % gro#s 3The rest of the pro'er$ is the silly horse star'es6 Hamlet may not li'e long eno gh to s ""eed to the kingdom%4 3@3B3@G something some#hat% s%d% Players a"tors% 3@H #ithdra# speak pri'ately% re"o'er the #ind get to the #ind#ard side 3th s dri'ing the game into the toil+ or net4% 3@K toil snare% 3@AB3@C if % % % nmannerly if 0 am sing an nmannerly $oldness+ it is my lo'e that o""asions it% 3F0 0 % % % that i%e%+ 0 don*t nderstand ho# gen ine lo'e "an $e nmannerly% 3FH 'entages finger7holes or stops 3line 3FA4 of the re"order% 333 so nd 3@4 fathom 3F4 prod "e so nd in% 33G "ompass range 3of 'oi"e4% 33E organ m si"al instr ment% 33K fret irritate 3#ith a / i$$le on fret+ meaning the pie"e of #ood+ g t+ or metal that reg lates the fingering of an instr ment4% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene 3 Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

3G0 presently at on"e% 3GK $y and $y / ite soon% 3GKB3GA fool me trifle #ith me+ h mor my fooling% 3GA top of my $ent limit of my a$ility or end ran"e% 3<iterally+ the e.tent to #hi"h a $o# may $e $ent%4 3E@ #it"hing time time #hen spells are "ast and e'il is a$road% 3EH nat re nat ral feeling% 3EK ;ero m rderer of his mother+ Agrippina% 3H@ Ho# % % % soe'er ho#e'er m "h $y my #ords% shent re$ ked% 3HF gi'e them seals i%e%+ "onfirm them #ith deeds% 3%3 <o"ation, The "astle% @ him i%e%+ his $eha'ior% 3 dispat"h prepare+ "a se to $e dra#n p% E terms of o r estate "ir" mstan"es of my royal position% K o t of his $ro#s i%e%+ from his $rain+ in the form of plots and threats% A religio s fear sa"red "on"ern% A"t 3+ )"ene 3 Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@@ single and pe" liar indi'id al and pri'ate% @3 noyan"e harm% @E "ess de"ease+ "essation% @H g lf #hirlpool% @K massy massi'e% F0 mortised fastened 3as #ith a fitted -oint4% #hen it falls i%e%+ #hen it des"ends+ like the #heel of Dort ne+ $ringing a king do#n #ith it% F@ Ea"h % % % "onse/ en"e i%e%+ e'ery hanger7on and nimportant person or thing "onne"ted #ith the ?ing% FF Attends parti"ipates in% FG Arm prepare% FA arras s"reen of tapestry pla"ed aro nd the #alls of ho sehold apartments% 38n the

Eliza$ethan stage+ the arras #as pres ma$ly o'er a door or dis"o'ery spa"e in the tiring7ho se fa"ade%4 FC pro"ess pro"eedings% ta. him home repro'e him se'erely% 3@ meet fitting% 33 of 'antage from an ad'antageo s pla"e+ or+ in addition% 3K the primal eldest " rse the " rse of Cain+ the first m rderer6 he killed his $rother A$el% 3C Tho gh % % % #ill tho gh my desire is as strong as my determination% G@ $o nd 3@4 destined 3F4 o$liged% 3The ?ing #ants to repent and still en-oy #hat he has gained%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene 3

GHBGK (hereto % % % offense #hat f n"tion does mer"y ser'e other than to meet sin fa"e to fa"e1 GC forestalld pre'ented 3from sinning4% EH th* offense the thing for #hi"h one offended% EK " rrents "o rses% EA gilded hand hand offering gold as a $ri$e% sho'e $y thr st aside% EC #i"ked prize prize #on $y #i"kedness% H@ There i%e%+ in hea'en% sh ffling es"ape $y tri"kery% the a"tion lies the a"" sation is made manifest 3a legal metaphor4% HF his its% H3 to the teeth and forehead fa"e to fa"e+ "on"ealing nothing% HG gi'e in pro'ide% rests remains% HA limd "a ght as #ith $irdlime+ a sti"ky s $stan"e sed to ensnare $irds% HC engaged entangled% assay trial 3said to himself4% K3 pat opport nely% KE #o ld $e s"anned needs to $e looked into+ or+ #o ld $e interpreted as follo#s% A"t 3+ )"ene G Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

A0 grossly+ f ll of $read i%e%+ en-oying his #orldly pleas res rather than fasting% 3)ee Ezekiel @H%GC%4 A@ "rimes $road $lo#n sins in f ll $loom% fl sh 'igoro s% AF a dit a""o nt% sa'e e."ept for% A3 in % % % tho ght as #e see it from o r mortal perspe"ti'e% AH seasoned mat red+ readied% AA kno# % % % hent a#ait to $e grasped $y me on a more horrid o""asion% hent a"t of seizing% AC dr nk % % % rage dead dr nk+ or in a fit of se. al passion% C@ game gam$ling% CF relish tra"e+ sa'or% CE stays a#aits 3me4% CH physi" p rging 3$y prayer4+ or+ Hamlet*s postponement of the killing% 3%G <o"ation, The R een*s pri'ate "ham$er% @ lay home thr st to the heart+ repro'e him so ndly% F $road nrestrained% G 2 "h heat i%e%+ the ?ing*s

anger% shro d "on"eal% 3(ith ironi" fitness to Poloni s*s imminent death% The #ord is only in the Dirst R arto, the )e"ond R arto and the Dolio read silen"e%4 E ro nd $l nt% @0 thy father i%e%+ yo r stepfather+ Cla di s% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene G

@F idle foolish% @E forgot me i%e%+ forgotten that 0 am yo r mother% rood "ross of Christ% @A speak i%e%+ to someone so r de% FE 9ead for a d "at i%e%+ 0 $et a d "at he*s dead6 or a d "at is his life*s fee% 3G $ sy nosey% 3A damnd " stom ha$it al #i"kedness% $razed $razened+ hardened% 3C proof armor% sense

feeling% GE sets a $lister i%e+ $rands as a harlot% GK "ontra"tion the marriage "ontra"t% A"t 3+ )"ene G Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

GA s#eet religion makes i%e%+ makes marriage 'o#s% GC rhapsody senseless string% GCBEF Hea'en*s % % % a"t hea'en*s fa"e $l shes at this solid #orld "ompo nded of the 'ario s elements+ #ith sorro#f l fa"e as tho gh the day of doom #ere near+ and is si"k #ith horror at the deed 3i%e%+ Gertr de*s marriage4% E3 inde. ta$le of "ontents+ prel de or prefa"e% EE "o nterfeit presentment portrayed representation% EK Hyperion*s the s ngod*s% front $ro#% EA 2ars god of #ar% EC station manner of standing% 2er" ry #inged messenger of the gods% H0 ;e#7lighted ne#ly alighted% HF set his seal i%e%+ affi. his appro'al% HE ear i%e%+ of grain% HH &lasting $lighting% HK lea'e "ease% HA $atten gorge% moor $arren or marshy gro nd 3s ggesting also dark7skinned4% K0 heyday state of e."itement% $lood passion% KF )ense per"eption thro gh the fi'e senses 3the f n"tions of the middle or sensi$le so l4% KG apople.ed paralyzed% 3Hamlet goes on to e.plain that+ #itho t s "h a paralysis of #ill+ mere madness #o ld not so err+ nor #o ld the fi'e senses so enthrall themsel'es to e"stasy or l na"y6 e'en s "h deranged states of mind #o ld $e a$le to make the o$'io s "hoi"e $et#een Hamlet )enior and Cla di s%4 err so err% KH & t $ t that% KK To % % % differen"e to help in making a "hoi"e $et#een t#o s "h men% KA "ozened "heated% hoodman7$lind $lindman*s $l ff% 30n this game+ says Hamlet+ the de'il m st ha'e p shed Cla di s to#ard Gertr de #hile she #as $lindfolded%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene G

A0 sans #itho t% AF mope $e dazed+ a"t aimlessly% AG m tine in"ite m tiny% AEBAH $e as #a. % % % fire melt like a "andle or sti"k of sealing #a. held o'er the "andle flame% AHBAC Pro"laim % % % #ill "all it no shamef l $ siness #hen the "ompelling ardor of yo th deli'ers the atta"k+ i%e%+ "ommits le"hery+ sin"e the frost of ad'an"ed age $ rns #ith as a"ti'e a fire of l st and reason per'erts itself $y fomenting l st rather than restraining it% CF graind dyed in grain+ indeli$le% C3 lea'e their tin"t s rrender their "olor% CG enseamd sat rated in the grease and filth of passionate lo'emaking% CE )te#ed soaked+ $athed 3#ith a s ggestion of ste#+ $rothel4% @00 tithe tenth part% @0@ pre"edent lord former h s$and% 'i"e $ ffoon% 3A referen"e to the Qi"e of the morality plays%4 @0H shreds and pat"hes i%e%+ motley+ the traditional "ost me of the "lo#n or fool% @@@ lapsed delaying% @@F important import nate+ rgent% A"t 3+ )"ene G Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@@H amazement distra"tion% @@A Con"eit imagination% @FF in"orporal immaterial% @FG as % % % alarm like

soldiers "alled o t of sleep $y an alarm% @FE $edded laid flat% like life in e."rements i%e%+ as tho gh hair+ an o tgro#th of the $ody+ had a life of its o#n% 3Hair #as tho ght to $e lifeless $e"a se it la"ks sensation+ and so its standing on end #o ld $e nnat ral and omino s%4 @FK distemper disorder% @30 His % % % "on-oined his appearan"e -oined to his "a se for speaking% @3@ "apa$le re"epti'e% @3FB@33 "on'ert % % % effe"ts di'ert me from my stern d ty% @3G #ant % % % $lood la"k pla si$ility so that 3#ith a play on the normal sense of "olor4 0 shall shed "olorless tears instead of $lood% @G@ ha$it "lothes% as as #hen% @G3 'ery mere% @GGB@GE This % % % in madness is skillf l in "reating this kind of hall "ination% @E0 re#ord repeat #ord for #ord% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t 3+ )"ene G

@E@ gam$ol skip a#ay% @EF n"tion ointment% @EG skin gro# a skin for% @EE mining #orking nder the s rfa"e% @EA "ompost man re% @EC this my 'irt e my 'irt o s talk in repro'ing yo % @H0 fatness grossness% p rsy fla$$y+ o t of shape% @HF " r$ $o#+ $end the knee% @HF lea'e permission% @HA #ho % % % eat #hi"h "ons mes all proper or nat ral feeling+ all sensi$ility% @HC 8f ha$its de'il de'il7like in prompting e'il ha$its% @K@ li'ery an o ter appearan"e+ a " stomary gar$ 3and hen"e a predisposition easily ass med in time of stress4% @KF aptly readily% @KE se ha$it% traits% @KH And either 3A defe"ti'e line+ the stamp of nat re o r in$orn

s ally emended $y inserting the #ord master after either+

follo#ing the Do rth R arto and early editors%4 @KAB@KC #hen % % % yo i%e%+ #hen yo are ready to $e penitent and seek God*s $lessing+ 0 #ill ask yo r $lessing as a d tif l son sho ld% @AF their s"o rge and minister i%e%+ agent of hea'enly retri$ tion% 3&y s"o rge+ Hamlet also s ggests that he himself #ill e'ent ally s ffer p nishment in the pro"ess of f lfilling hea'en*s #ill%4 @A3 $esto# sto#+ dispose of% @A3 ans#er a""o nt or pay for% A"t 3+ )"ene G Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@AH This i%e%+ the killing of Poloni s% $ehind to "ome% @AC $loat $loated% @C0 Pin"h #anton i%e%+ lea'e his lo'e pin"hes on yo r "heeks+ $randing yo as #anton% @C@ ree"hy dirty+ filthy% @CF paddling fingering amoro sly% @C3 ra'el % % % o t nra'el+ dis"lose% @CE in "raft $y " nning% good 3)aid sar"asti"ally6 also the follo#ing eight lines%4 @CK paddo"k toad% gi$ tom"at% @CA dear "on"ernings important affairs% @CC sense and se"re"y se"re"y that "ommon sense re/ ires% F00 Jnpeg the $asket open the "age+ i%e%+ let o t the se"ret% F0@ famo s ape 30n a story no# lost%4 F0F try "on"l sions test the o t"ome 3in #hi"h the ape apparently enters a "age from #hi"h $irds ha'e $een released and then tries to fly o t of the "age as they

ha'e done+ falling to its death4% F03 do#n in the fall6 tterly% F@@BF@F s#eep % % % kna'ery s#eep a path $efore me and "ond "t me to some kna'ery or trea"hery prepared for me% F@F #ork pro"eed% F@3 enginer maker of military "ontri'an"es% F@G Hoist #ith $lo#n p $y% petard an e.plosi'e sed to $lo# in a door or make a $rea"h% F@GBF@E *t shall % % % #ill nless l "k is against me+ 0 #ill% F@E mines t nnels sed in #arfare to ndermine the enemy*s empla"ements6 Hamlet #ill "o ntermine $y going nder their

mines% F@K in one line i%e%+ mines and "o ntermines on a "ollision "o rse+ or the "o ntermines dire"tly $elo# the mines% "rafts a"ts of g ile+ plots% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene @

F@A set me pa"king set me to making s"hemes+ and set me to l gging 3him4+ and+ also+ send me off in a h rry% FF3 dra# % % % end finish p 3#ith a p n on dra#+ p ll4% G%@ <o"ation, The "astle% s%d% Enter % % % R een 3)ome editors arg e that Gertr de ne'er e.its in 3%G and that the s"ene is "ontin o s here+ as s ggested in the Dolio+ $ t the )e"ond R arto marks an entran"e for her and at line 3E Cla di s speaks of Gertr de*s "loset as tho gh it #ere else#here% A short time has elapsed+ d ring #hi"h the ?ing has $e"ome a#are of her highly #ro ght emotional state%4 @ matter signifi"an"e% hea'es hea'y sighs% @@ $rainish apprehension headstrong "on"eption% @F hea'y grie'o s% @3 s i%e%+ me% 3The royal #e6 also in line @E%4 @H ans#ered e.plained% @K pro'iden"e foresight% @A short i%e%+ on a short tether% o t of ha nt se"l ded% FF di' lging $e"oming e'ident% FE ore 'ein of gold% FH mineral mine% A"t G+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

3F "o ntenan"e p t the $est fa"e on% G0 And % % % done 3A defe"ti'e line6 "on-e"t res as to the missing #ords in"l de )o+ haply+ slander OCapell and othersP6 Dor+ haply+ slander OTheo$ald and othersP6 and )o en'io s slander O5enkinsP%4 G@ diameter e.tent from side to side% GF As le'el #ith as dire"t aim% his $lank its target at point7$lank range% GG #o ndless in' lnera$le% G%F <o"ation, The "astle% @0 That % % % o#n i%e%+ that 0 "an follo# yo r ad'i"e 3$y telling #here the $ody is4 and still keep my o#n se"ret% @@ demanded of / estioned $y% repli"ation reply% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene 3

@G "o ntenan"e fa'or% @E a thorities delegated po#er+ infl en"e% F@ sleeps in has no meaning to% FG The % % % $ody 3Perhaps all des to the legal "ommonpla"e of the king*s t#o $odies+ #hi"h dra# a distin"tion $et#een the sa"red offi"e of kingship and the parti" lar mortal #ho possessed it at any gi'en time% Hen"e+ altho gh Cla di s*s $ody is ne"essarily a part of him+ tr e kingship is not "ontained in it% )imilarly+

Cla di s #ill ha'e Poloni s*s $ody #hen it is fo nd+ $ t there is no kingship in this $ siness either%4 FK 8f nothing 3@4 of no a""o nt 3F4 la"king the essen"e of kingship+ as in lines FGBFE and note% Hide % % % after 3An old signal "ry in the game of hide7and7seek+ s ggesting that Hamlet no# r ns a#ay from them%4 G%3 <o"ation, The "astle% G of $y% distra"ted fi"kle+ nsta$le% E (ho % % % eyes #ho "hoose not $y - dgment $ t $y appearan"e% H s"o rge p nishment% 3<iterally+ $lo# #ith a #hip%4 #eighed sympatheti"ally "onsidered% K To % % % e'en to manage the $ siness in an npro'o"ati'e #ay% C 9eli$erate pa se "aref lly "onsidered a"tion% @0 applian"e remedies% A"t G+ )"ene 3 F0 FE F0 politi" #orms "rafty #orms 3s ited to a master spy like Poloni s4% e*en e'en no#% Mo r #orm yo r a'erage #orm% 3Compare yo r fat king and yo r lean $eggar in line FF%4 F@ diet food+ eating 3#ith a p nning referen"e to the 9iet of (orms+ a famo s "on'o"ation held in @EF@4% FFBF3 'aria$le ser'i"e different "o rses of a single meal% FE eat eaten% 3Prono n"ed et%4 FA progress royal -o rney of state% 3A tender regard+ hold dear% dearly intensely% G@ $ark sailing 'essel% GF tend #ait% $ent in readiness% GA "her $ 3Cher $im are angels of kno#ledge% Hamlet hints that $oth he and hea'en are onto Cla di s*s tri"ks%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene G pon+ is related to% EK England i%e%+ ?ing of Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

E3 at foot "lose $ehind+ at heel% EH leans on $ears

England% at a ght at any 'al e% EA As % % % sense for so my great po#er may gi'e yo a - st appre"iation of the importan"e of 'al ing my lo'e% EC "i"atri"e s"ar% H0 free a#e 'ol ntary sho# of respe"t% H@ "oldly set regard #ith indifferen"e% HF pro"ess "ommand% imports at f ll "on'eys spe"ifi" dire"tions for% H3 "ongr ing agreeing% HG present immediate% HE he"ti" persistent fe'er% HK haps fort nes% G%G <o"ation, The "oast of 9enmark% F li"ense permission% 3 the "on'eyan"e of es"ort d ring% H d ty respe"t% eye presen"e% C softly slo#ly+ "ir" mspe"tly% @0 po#ers for"es% A"t G+ )"ene G Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@H main main part @A addition e.aggeration% F@ To pay i%e%+ for a yearly rental of% F@ farm it take a lease of it% F3 ranker higher% in fee fee simple+ o tright% FK de$ate % % % stra# settle this trifling matter% FA impost me a$s"ess% 33 inform against deno n"e+ $etray6 take shape against% 3E market of profit of+

"ompensation for% 3K dis"o rse po#er of reasoning% 3A <ooking $efore and after a$le to re'ie# past e'ents and anti"ipate the f t re% G0 f st gro# moldy% G@ o$li'ion forgetf lness% "ra'en "o#ardly% GF pre"isely s"r p lo sly% e'ent o t"ome% GH )ith sin"e% GK gross o$'io s% GA "harge e.pense% GC deli"ate and tender of fine and yo thf l / alities% E@ 2akes mo ths makes s"ornf l fa"es in'isi$le e'ent nforeseea$le o t"ome% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene E

E3 dare "o ld do 3to him4% EGBEK Rightly % % % stake tr e greatness does not normally "onsist of r shing into a"tion o'er some tri'ial pro'o"ation6 ho#e'er+ #hen one*s honor is in'ol'ed+ e'en a trifling ins lt re/ ires that one respond greatly 314% at the stake 3A metaphor from gam$ling or $ear7$aiting%4 EC E."itements of promptings $y% HF fantasy fan"if l "apri"e+ ill sion% tri"k trifle+ de"eit% H3 plot plot of gro nd% HG (hereon % % % "a se on #hi"h there is ins ffi"ient room for the soldiers needed to engage in a military "ontest% HE "ontinent re"epta"le6 "ontainer% G%E <o"ation, The "astle% F distra"t distra"ted% E tri"ks de"eptions% hems makes hmm so nds% E heart i%e%+ $reast% H )p rns % % % stra#s ki"ks spitef lly+ takes offense at trifles% in do $t o$s" rely% A nshapd se in"oherent manner% C "olle"tion inferen"e+ a g ess at some sort of meaning% ya#n gape+ #onder6 grasp% 3The Dolio reading+ aim+ is possi$le%4 @0 $ot"h pat"h% @@ (hi"h #hi"h #ords% yield deli'er+ represent% @F tho ght intended% @3 nhappily npleasantly near the tr th+ shre#dly% @E ill7$reeding prone to s spe"t the #orst and to make mis"hief% A"t G+ )"ene E Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@A toy trifle% amiss "alamity% @CBF0 )o % % % split g ilt is so f ll of s spi"ion that it nskillf lly $etrays itself in fearing $etrayal% F0 s%d% Enter 8phelia 30n the Dirst R arto+ 8phelia enters+ Playing on a l te+ and her hair do#n+ singing%4 FE "o"kle hat hat #ith "o"kle7shell st "k in it as a sign that the #earer had $een a pilgrim to the shrine of )aint 5ames of Compostela in )pain% FH shoon shoes% 3A <arded de"orated% G0 sho#ers i%e%+ tears% GF God *ild God yield or re#ard% o#l 3Refers to a legend a$o t a $aker*s da ghter #ho #as t rned into an o#l for $eing $read%4 GE Con"eit $rooding% Chapter 30 : Tragedy K0 GC $etime early% E3 d pped did p+ opened% EA Gis 5es s% H@ Co"k 3A per'ersion of God in oaths6 here also #ith a / i$$le on the slang #ord for penis%4 HH An if% KK spies s"o ts sent in ad'an"e of the main A"t G+ )"ene E ngenero s #hen 5es s $egged a loaf of

for"e% A0 remo'e remo'al% m ddied stirred

p+ "onf sed% AF greenly in an ine.perien"ed #ay+

foolishly% A3 h gger7m gger se"ret haste% AH as m "h "ontaining as f ll of serio s matter% AA Deeds % % % "lo ds feeds his resentment or sho"ked grie'an"e+ holds himself ins"r ta$le and aloof amid all this r mor% AC #ants la"ks% $ zzers gossipers+ informers% A"t G+ )"ene E Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

C@ ne"essity i%e%+ the need to in'ent some pla si$le e.planation% of matter $eggared npro'ided #ith fa"ts% CFBC3 (ill % % % ear #ill not hesitate to a"" se my 3royal4 person in e'ery$ody*s ears% CG m rdering pie"e "annon loaded so as to s"atter its shot% CE Gi'es % % % death kills me o'er and o'er% CK Attend i%e%+ g ard me% CA )#itzers )#iss g ards+ mer"enaries% @00 o'erpeering of his list o'erflo#ing its shore+ $o ndary% @0@ flats i%e%+ flatlands near shore% impet o s 'iolent% 3Perhaps also #ith the meaning of impiteo s Oimpitio s+ RFP+ pitiless%4 @0F head ins rre"tion% @0G as as if% @0H The ratifiers % % % #ord i%e%+ anti/ ity 3or tradition4 and " stom o ght to "onfirm 3ratify4 and nderprop o r e'ery #ord or

promise% @0A Caps 3The "aps are thro#n in the air%4 @@@ "o nter 3A h nting term+ meaning to follo# the trail in a dire"tion opposite to that #hi"h the game has taken%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene E

@F@ $et#een in the middle of% @FG fear o r fear for my% @FE hedge prote"t+ as #ith a s rro nding $arrier% @FH "an % % % #o ld "an only peep f rti'ely+ as thro gh a $arrier+ at #hat it #o ld intend% @FK A"ts % % % #ill 3$ t4 performs little of #hat it intends% @3@ - ggled #ith "heated+ de"ei'ed% @3G To % % % stand 0 am resol'ed in this% @3E $oth % % % negligen"e i%e%+ $oth this #orld and the ne.t are of no "onse/ en"e to me% @3K thro ghly thoro ghly% @3C 2y #ill % % % #orld*s 0*ll stop 3stay4 #hen my #ill is a""omplished+ not for anyone else*s% @G0 for as for% @GG s#oopstake i%e%+ indis"riminately% 3<iterally+ taking all stakes on the gam$ling ta$le at on"e% 9ra# is also a gam$ling term+ meaning take from%4 @GC peli"an 3Refers to the $elief that the female peli"an fed its yo ng #ith its o#n $lood%4 @E0 Repast feed% A"t G+ )"ene E Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@E3 sensi$ly feelingly% @EG le'el plain% @EA 'irt e fa" lty+ po#er% @EC paid #ith #eight repaid+ a'enged e/ ally or more% @H0 $eam "ross$ar of a $alan"e% @HG fine in refined $y% @HE instan"e token% @HH After % % % lo'es i%e%+ into the gra'e+ along #ith Poloni s% @K@ pers ade arg e "ogently for% @K3 Mo % % % a7 do#n7a 38phelia assigns the singing of refrains+ like her o#n Hey non nonny+ to others present%4 @KG #heel spinning #heel as a""ompaniment to the song+ or refrain% false ste#ard 3The story is

nkno#n%4 @KH This % % % matter this seeming nonsense is more elo/ ent than sane

tteran"e% @KK

rosemary 3Jsed as a sym$ol of remem$ran"e $oth at #eddings and at f nerals%4 @KA pansies 3Em$lems of lo'e and "o rtship6 perhaps from Dren"h pensVes+ tho ghts%4 @KC do" ment instr "tion+ lesson% @A0 fennel 3Em$lem of flattery%4 "ol m$ines 3Em$lems of n"hastity or ingratit de%4 r e 3Em$lem of

repentan"e!a signifi"ation that is e'ident in its pop lar name+ her$ of gra"e%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene E

@AF #ith a differen"e 3A de'i"e sed in heraldry to disting ish one family from another on the "oat of arms+ here s ggesting that 8phelia and the others ha'e different "a ses of sorro# and repentan"e6 perhaps #ith a play on r e in the sense of r th+ pity%4 daisy 3Em$lem of dissem$ling+ faithlessness%4 @A3 'iolets 3Em$lems of faithf lness%4 @AH Tho ght melan"holy% passion s ffering% @AK fa'or gra"e+ $ea ty% @CG poll head% F0F #hom #hi"he'er of% F0G "ollateral hand indire"t agen"y% F0E s to "hed me impli"ated% F@F trophy memorial% hat"hment ta$let displaying the armorial $earings of a de"eased

person% F@3 ostentation "eremony% F@E That so that% "all *t in / estion demand an e.planation% A"t G+ )"ene K @E F0 G%H <o"ation, The "astle% A an *t if it% C th* am$assador 3E'idently Hamlet% The sailor is $eing "ir" mspe"t%4 @@ o'erlooked looked o'er% @F means means of a""ess% @3B@G appointment e/ ipage% @K thie'es of mer"y mer"if l thie'es% @C repair "ome% F@ $ore "ali$er+ i%e%+ importan"e% FH #ay means of a""ess% G%K <o"ation, The "astle% @ my a"/ ittan"e seal "onfirm or a"kno#ledge my inno"en"e% 3 )ith sin"e% H feats a"ts% K "apital p nisha$le $y death% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene K Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

C mainly greatly% @@ nsine#ed #eak% @E "on- n"ti'e "losely nited% 3An astronomi"al metaphor%4 @H his its% sphere one of the hollo# spheres in #hi"h+ a""ording to Ptolemati" astronomy+ the planets #ere s pposed to mo'e% @A "o nt a""o nt+ re"koning+ indi"tment% @C general gender "ommon people% F@ (ork operate+ a"t% spring i%e%+ a spring #ith s "h a "on"entration of lime that it "oats a pie"e of #ood #ith limestone+ in effe"t gilding and petrifying it% FF gy'es fetters 3#hi"h+ gilded $y the people*s praise+ #o ld look like $adges of honor4% F3 slightly tim$ered light% lo d 3s ggesting p $li" o t"ry on Hamlet*s $ehalf4% FG re'erted ret rned% FK terms state+ "ondition% FA go $a"k i%e%+ re"all #hat she #as% FC on

mo nt set p on high% A"t G+ )"ene K Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

GE naked destit te+ narmed+ #itho t follo#ing% GK pardon permission% E0 a$ se de"eit% no s "h thing not #hat it appears% E@ "hara"ter hand#riting% E3 de'ise e.plain to% EK Th s didst tho i%e%+ here*s for #hat yo did to my father% EA As % % % other#ise ho# "an this 3Hamlet*s ret rn4 $e tr e1 Met ho# other#ise than tr e 3sin"e #e ha'e the e'iden"e of his letter41 H0 )o pro'ided that% HF "he"king at i%e%+ t rning aside from 3like a fal"on lea'ing the / arry to fly at a "han"e $ird4% that if% HG de'i"e de'ising+ in'ention% HK n"harge the pra"ti"e a"/ it the strategem of $eing a plot% K0 organ agent+ instr ment% K3 Mo r % % % parts i%e%+ all yo r other 'irt es% KH n#orthiest siege least important rank% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene K

KC no less $e"omes is no less s ited $y% A@ his sa$les its ri"h ro$es f rred #ith sa$le% #eeds garments% AF 0mporting % % % gra'eness signifying a "on"ern for health and dignified prosperity6 also+ gi'ing an impression of "omforta$le prosperity% AE "an #ell are skilled% AA As % % % demi7nat red as if he had $een of one $ody and nearly of one nat re 3like the "enta r4% AC topped s rpassed% C0 forgery imagining% CG $roo"h ornament% CH "onfession testimonial+ admission of s periority% CA Dor % % % defense #ith respe"t to yo r skill and pra"ti"e #ith yo r #eapon% @0@ es"rimers fen"ers% @0H s dden immediate% play

fen"e% @@F $eg n $y time i%e%+ "reated $y the right "ir" mstan"e and hen"e s $-e"t to "hange% A"t G+ )"ene K Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@@3 passages of proof a"t al instan"es that pro'e it% @@G / alifies #eakens+ moderates% @@H sn ff the "harred part of a "andle#i"k% @@K nothing % % % still nothing remains at a "onstant le'el of perfe"tion% @@A ple risy e."ess+ plethora% 3<iterally+ a "hest inflammation%4 @@C in % % % m "h of its o#n e."ess% That that #hi"h% @F@ a$atements dimin tions% @FF As % % % a""idents as there are tong es to diss ade+ hands to pre'ent+ and "han"e e'ents to inter'ene% @F3 spendthrift sigh 3An all sion to the $elief that sighs dra# $lood from the heart%4 @FG h rts $y easing i%e%+ "osts the heart $lood and #astes pre"io s opport nity e'en #hile it affords emotional relief% @FG / i"k o* th* l"er i%e%+ heart of the matter% @FA san"t arize prote"t from p nishment% 3All des to the right of san"t ary #ith #hi"h "ertain religio s pla"es #ere in'ested%4 @30 (ill yo do this if yo #ish to do this% @3F p t on those shall arrange for some to% @3G in fine finally% @3E remiss negligently ns spi"io s% @3H genero s no$le7minded% @3C na$ated not

$l nted+ ha'ing no $ tton% pass of pra"ti"e trea"hero s thr st% @GF n"tion ointment% mo nte$ank / a"k

do"tor% @GG "ataplasm plaster or po lti"e% @GE simples her$s% 'irt e poten"y% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t G+ )"ene K

@GH Jnder the moon i%e%+ any#here 3#ith referen"e perhaps to the $elief that her$s gathered at night had a spe"ial po#er4% @GA gall graze+ #o nd% @E@ shape part #e propose to a"t% @EF drift % % % performan"e intention sho ld $e made 'isi$le $y o r $ ngling% @EE $last in proof $ rst in the test 3like a "annon4% @EH " nnings respe"ti'e skills% @EC As i%e%+ and yo sho ld% @H@ non"e o""asion% @HF st "k thr st% 3Drom sto""ado+ a fen"ing term%4 @HK askant aslant% @HA hoar lea'es #hite or gray ndersides of the lea'es% @K0 long p rples early p rple or"hids% @K@ li$eral free7spoken% a grosser name 3The testi"le7resem$ling t $ers of the or"hid+ #hi"h also in some "ases resem$le dead men*s fingers+ ha'e earned 'ario s slang names like dogstones and " llions%4 @KF "old "haste% @K3 pendent o'erhanging% "ro#net made into a "haplet or "oronet% @KG en'io s sli'er mali"io s $ran"h% @KE #eedy i%e%+ of plants% @KA la ds hymns% @KC in"apa$le of la"king "apa"ity to apprehend% A"t E+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@A0 end ed adapted $y nat re% @AA 0t is o r tri"k i%e%+ #eeping is o r nat ral #ay 3#hen sad4% @ACB@C0 (hen % % % o t #hen my tears are all shed+ the #oman in me #ill $e e.pended+ satisfied% @CF do ts e.ting ishes% 3The )e"ond R arto reads dro#ns%4 E%@ <o"ation, A "h r"hyard% s%d% Clo#ns r sti"s% F sal'ation 3A $l nder for damnation+ or perhaps a s ggestion that 8phelia #as taking her o#n short" t to hea'en%4 3 straight straight#ay+ immediately% 3& t #ith a p n on strait+ narro#%4 G "ro#ner "oroner% sat on her "ond "ted an in/ est on her "ase% finds it gi'es his offi"ial 'erdi"t that her means of death #as "onsistent #ith% K fo nd so determined so in the "oroner*s 'erdi"t% A se offendendo 3A "omi" mistake for se defendendo+ a term sed in 'erdi"ts of - stifia$le homi"ide%4 @0 Argal 3Corr ption of ergo+ therefore%4 @F goodman 3An honorifi" title often sed #ith the name of a profession or "raft%4 @GB@E #ill he+ nill he #hether he #ill or no+ #illy7nilly% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t E+ )"ene @ sayst i%e%+ that*s right% F3 "o ntenan"e pri'ilege% FG e'en7Christian

@C / est in/ est% FF there tho

fello# Christians% FE an"ient going $a"k to an"ient times% FH hold p maintain% FA $ore arms 3To $e entitled to $ear a "oat of arms #o ld make Adam a gentleman+ $ t as one #ho $ore a spade+ o r "ommon an"estor #as an ordinary del'er in the earth%4 3@ arms i%e%+ the arms of the $ody% 33 "onfess thyself 3The saying "ontin es+ and $e hanged%4 3K frame 3@4 gallo#s 3F4 str "t re% 3C does #ell 3@4 is an apt ans#er

3F4 does a good t rn% GE nyoke i%e%+ after this great effort+ yo may nharness the team of yo r #its% GA 2ass $y the 2ass% EF sto p t#o7/ art meas re% A"t E+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

E3 0n % % % lo'e 3This and the t#o follo#ing stanzas+ #ith nonsensi"al 'ariations+ are from a poem attri$ ted to <ord Qa . and printed in Tottel*s 2is"ellany+ @EEK% The 8 and a Ofor ahP seemingly are the gr nts of the digger%4 EE To "ontra"t % % % $eho'e i%e%+ to shorten the time for my o#n ad'antage% 3Perhaps he means to prolong it%4 EH meet s ita$le+ i%e%+ more s ita$le% EK *a that he% EC property of easiness something he "an do easily and indifferently% H0BH@ daintier sense more deli"ate sense of feeling% HG into the land i%e%+ to#ard my gra'e 314% 3& t note the la"k of rhyme in steps+ land%4 HK -o#ls dashes 3#ith a p n on -o#l+ -a#$one4% HA politi"ian s"hemer+ plotter% HC o*errea"hes "ir" m'ents+ gets the $etter of 3#ith a / i$$le on the literal sense4% KK "hapless ha'ing no lo#er -a#% KA mazard i%e%+ head 3literally+ a drinking 'essel4% KABKC re'ol tion t rn of Dort ne*s #heel+ "hange% KC an if% tri"k to see kna"k of seeing% KCBA0 "ost % % % play in'ol'e so little e.pense and "are in p$ringing that #e may

play% A0 loggets a game in #hi"h pie"es of hard #ood shaped like 0ndian "l $s or $o#ling pins are thro#n to lie as near as possi$le to a stake% A3 Dor and and moreo'er% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t E+ )"ene @

AK / iddities s $tleties+ / i$$les 3from <atin / id+ a thing4% / illities 'er$al ni"eties+ s $tle distin"tions 3'ariation of / iddities4% AA ten res the holding of a pie"e of property or offi"e+ or the "onditions or period of s "h holding% AC s"on"e head% C0 a"tion of $attery la#s it a$o t physi"al assa lt% C@ stat tes+ re"ognizan"es legal do" ments g aranteeing a de$t $y atta"hing land and property% C@BCF fines % % % re"o'eries #ays of "on'erting entailed estates into fee simple or freehold% CF do $le signed $y t#o signatories% 'o "hers g arantees of the legality of a title to real estate% CFBCG fine of his fines % % % fine pate % % % fine dirt end of his legal mane 'ers % % % elegant head % % % min tely sifted dirt% CEBCH pair of indent res legal do" ments dra#n p in d pli"ate on a single sheet and then " t apart on a zigzag line so that ea"h pair #as ni/ ely mat"hed% 3Hamlet may refer to t#o ro#s of teeth or dent res%4 CH

"on'eyan"es deeds% CK $o. 3@4 deed $o. 3F4 "offin% 3)k ll has $een s ggested%4 inheritor possessor+ o#ner% @0@ ass ran"e in that safety in legal par"hments% @0F sirrah 3A term of address to inferiors%4 @@0 / i"k li'ing% A"t E+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@@A a$sol te stri"t+ pre"ise% $y the "ard i%e%+ #ith pre"ision% 3<iterally+ $y the mariner*s "ompass7"ard+ on #hi"h the points of the "ompass #ere marked%4 @@C e/ i'o"ation am$ig ity in the se of terms% @F0 took taken% pi"ked refined+ fastidio s% @F@B@FF galls his ki$e "hafes the "o rtier*s "hil$lain% @3C gro nd "a se% 3& t+ in the ne.t line+ the gra'edigger takes the #ord in the sense of land+ "o ntry%4 @GG po"ky rotten+ diseased 3literally+ #ith the po.+ or syphilis4% hold the laying in hold together long eno gh to $e interred% @GE last yo last% 3Mo is sed "ollo/ ially here and in the follo#ing lines%4 @GC sore i%e%+ terri$le+ great% @E0 #horeson i%e%+ 'ile+ s" r'y% @E@ lien yo lain% 3)ee the note at line @GE%4 @EK Rhenish Rhine #ine% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @HE @H3 $ore $orne% @HG 2y gorge rises i%e%+ 0 feel na seated% @HH #ere #ont sed% @HK mo"k yo r o#n grinning mo"k at the #ay yo r sk ll seems to $e grinning 3- st as yo sed to mo"k at yo rself and those A"t E+ )"ene @

#ho grinned at yo 4% @HA "hopfallen 3@4 la"king the lo#er -a# 3F4 de-e"ted% @HC fa'or aspe"t+ appearan"e% @KA $ nghole hole for filling or emptying a "ask% @KC " rio sly min tely% @A0 modesty pla si$le moderation% @A3 loam mortar "onsisting "hiefly of moistened "lay and stra#% @AE 0mperio s imperial% @AA fla# g st of #ind% @AC soft i%e%+ #ait+ $e "aref l% @C@ maimd m tilated+ in"omplete% @C3 Dordo destroy% estate rank% @CG Co "h #e let*s hide+ lie lo#% A"t E+ )"ene @ Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@CC #arranty i%e%+ e""lesiasti"al a thority% F00 great % % % order orders from on high o'err le the pres"ri$ed pro"ed res% F0@ )he sho ld % % % lodged she sho ld ha'e $een $ ried in nsan"tified gro nd% F0F Dor in pla"e of% F03 )hards $roken $its of pottery% F0G "rants garlands $etokening maidenhood% F0E stre#ments flo#ers stre#n on a "offin% F0EBF0H $ringing % % % $ rial laying the $ody to rest+ to the so nd of the $ell% F0C s "h rest i%e%+ to pray for s "h rest% F@0 pea"e7parted so ls those #ho ha'e died at pea"e #ith God% F@F 'iolets 3)ee G%E%@A3 and note%4 F@G ho#ling i%e%+ in hell% FF0 ingenio s sense a mind that is / i"k+ alert+ of fine / alities% FFEBFFH Pelion+ 8lymp s sa"red mo ntains in the north of Thessaly6 see also 8ssa+ $elo#+ at line FEK% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t E+ )"ene @

FFK emphasis i%e%+ rhetori"al and florid emphasis% 3Phrase has a similar rhetori"al "onnotation%4 FFA #andering stars planets% FFC #onder7#o nded str "k #ith amazement% F30 the 9ane 3This title

normally signifies the ?ing6 see @%@%@K and note%4 s%d% grappling #ith him The testimony of the Dirst R arto that Hamlet leaps in after <aertes and the Elegy on & r$age 38ft ha'e 0 seen him leap into the gra'e4 seem to indi"ate one #ay in #hi"h this fight #as staged6 ho#e'er+ the diffi" lty of fitting t#o "ontenders and 8phelia*s $ody into a "onfined spa"e 3pro$a$ly the trapdoor4 s ggests to many editors the alternati'e+ that <aertes - mps o t of the gra'e to atta"k Hamlet% F33 spleniti'e / i"k7tempered% FG@ #ag mo'e% 3A fl ttering eyelid is a "on'entional sign that life has not yet gone%4 FGK for$ear him lea'e him alone% FGA *)#o nds $y His 3Christ*s4 #o nds% FGC (oo*t #ilt tho % FE0 drink p drink deeply% eisel 'inegar% "ro"odile 3Cro"odiles #ere to gh and dangero s+ and #ere s pposed to shed hypo"riti"al tears%4 FE3 / i"k ali'e% FEH his pate its head+ i%e%+ top% $ rning zone zone in the "elestial sphere "ontaining the s n*s or$it+ $et#een the tropi"s of Can"er and Capri"orn% A"t E+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

FEK 8ssa another mo ntain in Thessaly% 30n their #ar against the 8lympian gods+ the giants attempted to heap 8ssa on Pelion to s"ale 8lymp s%4 an if% mo th i%e%+ rant% FEA mere tter% FH@ golden "o plets t#o $a$y pigeons+ "o'ered #ith yello# do#n% dis"losed hat"hed% FHEBFHH <et % % % day i%e%+ 3@4 e'en Her" les "o ldn*t stop <aertes*s theatri"al rant 3F4 0+ too+ #ill ha'e my t rn6 i%e%+ despite any $l stering attempts at interferen"e+ e'ery person #ill sooner or later do #hat he or she m st do% FHA in i%e%+ $y re"alling% FHC present p sh immediate test% FK@ li'ing lasting% 3Dor <aertes*s pri'ate nderstanding+ Cla di s also hints that Hamlet*s death #ill ser'e as s "h a mon ment%4 FKF ho r of / iet time free of "onfli"t% E%F <o"ation, The "astle% @ see the other hear the other ne#s% H m tines m tineers% $il$oes sha"kles% Rashly on imp lse 3this ad'er$ goes #ith lines @F ff%4% K kno# a"kno#ledge% A indis"retion la"k of foresight and - dgment 3not an indis"reet a"t4% C pall fail+ falter+ go stale% learn tea"h% @@ Ro gh7he# shape ro ghly% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t E+ )"ene F

@3 sea7go#n seaman*s "oat% s"arfed loosely #rapped% @G them i%e%+ Rosen"rantz and G ildenstern% @E Dingered pilfered+ pin"hed% in fine finally+ in "on"l sion% F0 <arded garnished% se'eral different% F@ 0mporting relating to% FF $ gs $ g$ears+ ho$go$lins% in my life i%e%+ to $e feared if 0 #ere allo#ed to li'e% F3 s per'ise reading% leis re $ated delay allo#ed% FG stay a#ait% 30B3@ Ere % % % play $efore 0 "o ld "ons"io sly t rn my $rain to the matter+ it had started #orking on a plan% 3F fair in a "lear hand% 33 statists statesmen% 3G $aseness i%e%+ lo#er7"lass trait% 3H yeoman*s i%e%+ s $stantial+ faithf l+ loyal% 3K effe"t p rport% 3A "on- ration entreaty% G0 palm 3An image of health6 see Psalm CF%@F%4 G@ still

al#ays% #heaten garland 3)ym$oli" of fr itf l agri" lt re+ of pea"e and plenty%4 GF "omma 30ndi"ating "ontin ity+ link%4 G3 ases 3@4 the #hereases of a formal do" ment 3F4 asses% "harge 3@4 import 3F4 $ rden 3appropriate to asses4% A"t E+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

GK shri'ing time time for "onfession and a$sol tion% GA ordinant dire"ting% GC signet small seal% E0 model repli"a% E@ #rit #riting% EF ) $s"ri$ed signed 3#ith forged signat re4% impression i%e%+ #ith a

#a. seal% E3 "hangeling i%e%+ s $stit ted letter% 3<iterally+ a fairy "hild s $stit ted for a h man one%4 EG #as se/ ent follo#ed% EA defeat destr "tion% EC insin ation intr si'e inter'ention+ sti"king their noses in my $ siness% H0 $aser of lo#er so"ial station% H@ pass thr st% fell fier"e% HF opposites antagonists% H3 stand me no# pon $e"ome in" m$ent on me no#% HE ele"tion 3The 9anish monar"h #as ele"ted $y a small n m$er of high7ranking ele"tors%4 HH angle fishhook% proper 'ery% HK "ozenage tri"kery% HA / it re/ ite+ pay $a"k% HC "anker l"er% HCBK0 "ome 0n gro# into% KG a man*s % % % one one*s #hole life o"" pies s "h a short time+ only as long as it takes to "o nt to @% KC $ra'ery $ra'ado% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @@0 AK "ri$ manger% AHBAK <et % % % mess i%e%+ if a man+ no matter ho# $eastlike+ is as ri"h in li'esto"k and possessions as 8sri"+ he may eat at the ?ing*s ta$le% AK "h ff $oor+ "h rl% 3The )e"ond R arto spelling+ "ho gh+ is a 'ariant spelling that also s ggests the meaning here of "hattering -a"kda#%4 CF $onnet any kind of "ap or hat% his its% CE indifferent some#hat% CH "omple.ion temperament% @0@ for my ease 3A "on'entional reply de"lining the in'itation to p t his hat $a"k on%4 @0F a$sol te perfe"t% @03 differen"es spe"ial / alities% soft so"iety agreea$le manners% @03B@0G great sho#ing disting ished appearan"e% @0G feelingly #ith - st per"eption% "ard "hart+ map% "alendar g ide% @0E gentry good $reeding% @0EB@0H the "ontinent % % % see one #ho "ontains in him all the / alities a gentleman #o ld like to see 3a "ontinent is that #hi"h "ontains4% @0K definement definition% 3Hamlet pro"eeds to mo"k 8sri" $y thro#ing his lofty di"tion $a"k at him%4 perdition loss+ dimin tion% yo yo r des"ription% @0A di'ide him in'entorially A"t E+ )"ene F

en merate his gra"es% dozy dizzy% @0C ya# s#ing nsteadily off "o rse 3said of a ship4% neither for all that% in respe"t of in "omparison #ith% @@0 in % % % e.tolment in tr e praise 3of him4% A"t E+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

@@0B@@@ of great arti"le one #ith many arti"les in his in'entory% @@@ inf sion essen"e+ "hara"ter inf sed

into him $y nat re% dearth and rareness rarity% @@@B@@F make tr e di"tion speak tr ly% @@F sem$la$le only tr e likeness% @@FB@@3 #ho % % % tra"e any other person #ho #o ld #ish to follo#% @@3 m$rage shado#% @@E "on"ernan"y import+ rele'an"e% @@H ra#er $reath nrefined spee"h that "an "ome short in praising him% @@A to nderstand % % % tong e i%e%+ for yo + 8sri"+ to nderstand #hen someone else speaks yo r lang age% 3Horatio t#its 8sri" for not $eing a$le to nderstand the kind of flo#ery spee"h he himself ses+ #hen Hamlet speaks in s "h a 'ein% Alternati'ely+ all this "o ld $e said to Hamlet%4 @@AB@@C Mo #ill do *t i%e%+ yo "an if yo try+ or+ yo may #ell ha'e to try 3to speak plainly4% @F0 nomination naming% @FK appro'e "ommend% @FCB@30 0 dare % % % himself 0 dare not $oast of kno#ing <aertes*s e."ellen"e lest 0 seem to imply a "ompara$le e."ellen"e in myself% Certainly+ to kno# another person #ell+ one m st kno# oneself% @3@ for i%e%+ #ith% @3@B@3F imp tation % % % them rep tation gi'en him $y others% @3F meed merit% nfello#ed nmat"hed% @3E $ t #ell $ t ne'er mind% @3K he i%e%+ <aertes%

impa#ned staked+ #agered% @3A poniards daggers% assigns app rtenan"es% hangers straps on the s#ord $elt 3girdle4+ from #hi"h the s#ord h ng% and so and so on% @3C "arriages 3An affe"ted #ay of saying hangers6 literally+ g n "arriages%4 dear to fan"y delightf l to the fan"y% responsi'e "orresponding "losely6 mat"hing or #ell ad- sted% @G0 deli"ate 3i%e%+ in #orkmanship%4 li$eral "on"eit ela$orate design% Chapter 30 : Tragedy @GE @E0 @K0 @GF margent margin of a $ook+ pla"e for e.planatory notes% @E0 laid #agered% passes $o ts% 3The odds of the $etting are hard to e.plain% Possi$ly the ?ing $ets that Hamlet #ill #in at least fi'e o t of t#el'e+ at #hi"h point <aertes raises the odds against himself $y $etting he #ill #in nine%4 @E3 'o "hsafe the ans#er $e so good as to a""ept the "hallenge% 3Hamlet deli$erately takes the phrase in its literal sense of replying%4 @EK $reathing time e.er"ise period% <et i%e%+ if% @H0 deli'er yo report #hat yo say% @HF A"t E+ )"ene F

"ommend "ommit to yo r fa'or% 3A "on'entional sal tation+ $ t Hamlet #ryly ses a more literal meaning+ re"ommend+ praise+ in line @H3%4 @HG for *s t rn for his p rposes+ i%e%+ to do it for him% @HE lap#ing 3A pro'er$ial type of yo thf l for#ardness% Also+ a $ird that dra#s intr ders a#ay from its nest and #as tho ght to r n a$o t #ith its head in the shell #hen ne#ly hat"hed6 a seeming referen"e to 8sri"*s hat%4 @HH "omply % % % d g o$ser'e "eremonio s formality to#ard his n rse*s or mother*s teat% @HK

drossy laden #ith s" m and imp rities+ fri'olo s% @HA t ne temper+ mood+ manner of spee"h% @HAB@HC an ha$it of en"o nter a demeanor in "on'ersing 3#ith "o rtiers of his o#n kind4% @HC yeasty frothy% "olle"tion i%e%+ of " rrent phrases% @HCB@K0 "arries % % % opinions s stains them right thro gh the s"r tiny of persons #hose opinions are sele"t and refined% 3<iterally+ like grain separated from its "haff% 8sri" is $oth the "haff and the $ $$ly froth on the s rfa"e of the li/ or that is soon $lo#n a#ay%4 @K0 and do yet do% @K@ $lo# % % % o t test them $y merely $lo#ing on them+ and their $ $$les $ rst% A"t E+ )"ene F @AE @CE @KG that if% @KK 0f % % % ready if he de"lares his readiness+ my "on'enien"e #aits on his% @A0 0n happy time 3A phrase of "o rtesy indi"ating that the time is "on'enient%4 @A@ entertainment greeting% @AC gaingi'ing misgi'ing% @C@B@CF repair "oming% @CHB@CK )in"e % % % <et $e )in"e no one has kno#ledge of #hat he is lea'ing $ehind+ #hat does an early death matter after all1 Eno gh6 don*t str ggle against it% F0@ presen"e royal assem$ly% F0F p nished affli"ted% F0G e."eption disappro'al% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t E+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

F@@ fa"tion party% F@H That 0 ha'e as if 0 had% F@K in nat re i%e%+ as to my personal feelings% F@A moti'e prompting% FFF 'oi"e a thoritati'e prono n"ement% of pea"e for re"on"iliation% FF3 name rep tation ngored

n#o nded% FFH frankly #itho t ill feeling or the $ rden of ran"or% FFA foil thin metal

$a"kgro nd #hi"h sets a -e#el off 3#ith p n on the $l nted rapier for fen"ing4% F30 )ti"k fiery off stand o t $rilliantly% F3G laid the odds o* $et on+ $a"ked% F3H is $ettered has impro'ed6 is the odds7on fa'orite% 3<aertes* handi"ap is the three hits spe"ified in line @E@%4 F3A likes me pleases me% A"t E+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

FGF 8r % % % e."hange i%e%+ or re/ ites <aertes in the third $o t for ha'ing #on the first t#o% FGG $etter $reath impro'ed 'igor% FGE nion pearl% 3)o "alled+ a""ording to Pliny*s ;at ral History+ C+ $e"a se pearls are ni/ e+ ne'er identi"al%4 FGA kettle kettledr m% FHG fat not physi"ally fit+ o t of training% FHE napkin handker"hief% FHH "aro ses drinks a toast% FKH pass thr st% FKK make % % % me i%e%+ treat me like a spoiled "hild+ trifle #ith me% Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t E+ )"ene F

FA0 s%d% in s" ffling+ they "hange rapiers 3This stage dire"tion o"" rs in the Dolio% A""ording to a

#idespread stage tradition+ Hamlet re"ei'es a s"rat"h+ realizes that <aertes*s s#ord is

n$ated+ and

a""ordingly for"es an e."hange%4 FAG #ood"o"k a $ird+ a type of st pidity or as a de"oy% springe trap+ snare% FCE Jn$ated not $l nted #ith a $ tton% pra"ti"e plot% 303 nion pearl% 3)ee line FGE6 #ith grim p ns on the #ord*s other meanings, marriage+ shared death%4 30E tempered mi.ed% 3@@ "han"e mis"han"e% A"t E+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

3@F m tes silent o$ser'ers% 3<iterally+ a"tors #ith nonspeaking parts%4 3@3 fell "r el% sergeant sheriff*s offi"er% 3@G stri"t 3@4 se'erely - st 3F4 na'oida$le% 3@G arrest 3@4 taking into " stody 3F4 stopping my spee"h% 3@A Roman 3) i"ide #as an honora$le "hoi"e for many Romans as an alternati'e to a dishonora$le life%4 330 o*er"ro#s tri mphs o'er 3like the #inner in a "o"kfight4% 333 'oi"e 'ote% 33G o"" rrents e'ents+ in"idents% 33E soli"ited mo'ed+ rged% 3Hamlet doesn*t finish saying #hat the e'ents ha'e prompted!pres ma$ly+ his a"ts of 'engean"e+ or his reporting of those e'ents to Dortin$ras%4 Chapter 30 : Tragedy A"t E+ )"ene F

3G@ / arry heap of dead% "ries on ha'o" pro"laims a general sla ghter% 3GF feast i%e%+ 9eath feasting on those #ho ha'e fallen% to#ard in preparation% 3GC his i%e%+ Cla di s*s% 3EF - mp pre"isely+ immediately% / estion disp te+ affair% 3EE stage platform% 3EC - dgments retri$ tions% "as al o"" rring $y "han"e% 3H0 p t on instigated% for"ed "a se "ontri'an"e% 3HH of memory traditional+ remem$ered+ nforgotten% 3HK 'antage fa'ora$le opport nity% 3HC 'oi"e % % % more 'ote #ill infl en"e still others% 3K0 presently immediately% 3KF 8n on the $asis of6 on top of% 3KG p t on i%e%+ in'ested in royal offi"e and so p t to the test% A"t E+ )"ene F Hamlet+ Prin"e of 9enmark

3KE passage i%e%+ from life to death% 3KK )peak 3let them4 speak% 3KC &e"omes the field s its the field of $attle% Chapter 30 : Tragedy Ernest 5ones >The title is the editors*% Dootnotes are a$ridged% Chapter 30 : Tragedy )tanley (ells @0t is not maintained that this #as $y any means Cla di s* #hole moti'e+ $ t it #as e'idently a po#erf l

one and the one that most impressed Hamlet% Chapter 30 : Tragedy Elaine )ho#alter Chapter 30 : Tragedy &erni"e (% ?liman @& r$age Ri"hard & r$age 3"% @EHKB@H@C4+ the first a"tor to play )hakespeare*s Hamlet% Chapter 30 : Tragedy (ill )aretta Chapter 30 : Tragedy (ill )aretta W