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  • Title: Hamlet (Quarto 1, 1603)
  • Textual editor: Eric Rasmussen
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-434-9

    Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Hamlet (Quarto 1, 1603)

    The Tragedie of Hamlet
    Cor. Haue I my Lord? I assure your grace,
    I holde my duetie as I holde my life,
    Both to my God, and to my soueraigne King:
    1070And I beleeue, or else this braine of mine
    Hunts not the traine of policie so well
    As it had wont to doe, but I haue found
    The very depth of Hamlets lunacie.
    1073.1Queene God graunt he hath.
    Enter the Ambassadors.
    King Now Voltemar, what from our brother Norway?
    1085Volt. Most faire returnes of greetings and desires,
    Vpon our first he sent forth to suppresse
    His nephews leuies, which to him appear'd
    To be a preparation gainst the Polacke:
    But better look't into, he truely found
    1090It was against your Highnesse, whereat grieued,
    That so his sickenesse, age, and impotence,
    Was falsely borne in hand, sends out arrests
    On Fortenbrasse, which he in briefe obays,
    Receiues rebuke from Norway: and in fine,
    1095Makes vow before his vncle, neuer more
    To giue the assay of Armes against your Maiestie,
    Whereon olde Norway ouercome with ioy,
    Giues him three thousand crownes in annuall fee,
    And his Commission to employ those souldiers,
    1100So leuied as before, against the Polacke,
    With an intreaty heerein further shewne,
    That it would please you to giue quiet passe
    Through your dominions, for that enterprise
    On such regardes of safety and allowances
    1105As therein are set downe.
    King It likes vs well, and at fit time and leasure
    Weele reade and answere these his Articles,
    Meane time we thanke you for your well
    Tooke labour: go to your rest, at night weele feast togither:
    Right welcome home. exeunt Ambassadors.
    Cor.