Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Not Peer Reviewed

Hamlet (Quarto 1, 1603)

The Tragedy of Hamlet
2727.1He presently without demaunding why,
2730That Hamlet loose his head, for he must die,
2730.1There's more in him than shallow eyes can see:
He once being dead, why then our state is free. exit.

Enter Fortenbrasse, Drumme and Souldiers.

2735Fort. Captaine, from vs goe greete
The king of Denmarke:
Tell him that Fortenbrasse nephew to old Norway,
Craues a free passe and conduct ouer his land,
2737.1According to the Articles agreed on:
You know our Randevous, goe march away. exeunt all.

2738.1enter King and Queene.

King Hamlet is ship't for England, fare him well,
I hope to heare good newes from thence ere long,
If euery thing fall out to our content,
2738.5As I doe make no doubt but so it shall.
Queene God grant it may, heau'ns keep my Hamlet safe:
2820But this mischance of olde Corambis death,
Hath piersed so the yong Ofeliaes heart,
That she, poore maide, is quite bereft her wittes.
King Alas deere heart! And on the other side,
2825We vnderstand her brother's come from France,
2825.1And he hath halfe the heart of all our Land,
And hardly hee'le forget his fathers death,
2828.1Vnlesse by some meanes he be pacified.
Qu. O see where the yong Ofelia is!

Enter Ofelia playing on a Lute, and her haire
2766.1downe singing.
Ofelia How should I your true loue know
From another man?
2770By his cockle hatte, and his staffe,
And