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  • Title: Hamlet (Modern, Quarto 1)
  • Editor: David Bevington

    • ISBN: 978-1-55058-434-9

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    Not Peer Reviewed

    Hamlet (Modern, Quarto 1)

    2971.1[Scene 14]
    Enter Horatio [with a letter] and the Queen.
    Horatio
    Madam, your son is safe arrived in Denmark.
    2985This letter I even now received of him,
    2985.1Whereas he writes how he escaped the danger
    And subtle treason that the King had plotted.
    Being crossed by the contention of the winds,
    3515He found the packet sent to the King of England,
    3525Wherein he saw himself betrayed to death,
    3525.1As, at his next convers'ion with your grace,
    He will relate the circumstance at full.
    Queen
    Then I perceive there's treason in his looks
    That seemed to sugar o'er his villainy.
    3525.5But I will soothe and please him for a time,
    For murderous minds are always jealous.
    But know not you, Horatio, where he is?
    Horatio
    Yes, madam, and he hath appointed me
    To meet him on the east side of the city
    3525.10Tomorrow morning.
    Queen
    Oh, fail not, good Horatio, and withal commend me
    A mother's care to him. Bid him awhile
    Be wary of his presence, lest that he
    Fail in that he goes about.
    3525.15Horatio
    Madam, never make doubt of that.
    I think by this the news be come to court:
    He is arrived. Observe the King, and you shall
    Quickly find, Hamlet being here,
    Things fell not to his mind.
    Queen
    But what become of Gilderstone and Rossencraft?
    Horatio
    He being set ashore, they went for England,
    And in the packet there writ down that doom
    To be performed on them 'pointed for him.
    And by great chance he had his father's seal,
    3551.1So all was done without discovery.
    Queen
    Thanks be to heaven for blessing of the Prince!
    Horatio, once again I take my leave,
    With thousand mother's blessings to my son.
    3551.5Horatio
    Madam, adieu.
    [Exeunt.]
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