{"product_id":"four-tragedies-isbn-9780553212839","title":"Four Tragedies","description":"\u003ci\u003eHamlet\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most famous plays of all time, the compelling tragedy of the young prince of Denmark who must reconcile his longing for oblivion with his duty to avenge his father’s murder is one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. The ghost, Ophelia’s death and burial, the play within a play, and the breathtaking swordplay are just some of the elements that make Hamlet a masterpiece of the theater.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOthello\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis great tragedy of unsurpassed intensity and emotion is played out against Renaissance splendor. The doomed marriage of Desdemona to the Moor Othello is the focus of a storm of tension, incited by the consummately evil villain Iago, that culminates in one of the most deeply moving scenes in theatrical history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKing Lear\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere is the famous and moving tragedy of a king who foolishly divides his kingdom between his two wicked daughters and estranges himself from the young daughter who loves him–a theatrical spectacle of outstanding proportions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMacbeth\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo dramatist has ever seen with more frightening clarity into the heart and mind of a murderer than has Shakespeare in this brilliant and bloody tragedy of evil. Taunted into asserting his “masculinity” by his ambitious wife, Macbeth chooses to embrace the Weird Sisters’ prophecy and kill his king–and thus, seals his own doom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach Edition Includes:\u003cbr\u003e• Comprehensive explanatory notes \u003cbr\u003e• Vivid introductions and the most up-to-date scholarship \u003cbr\u003e• Clear, modernized spelling and punctuation, enabling contemporary readers to understand the Elizabethan English\u003cbr\u003e• Completely updated, detailed bibliographies and performance histories \u003cbr\u003e• An interpretive essay on film adaptations of the play, along with an extensive filmographyWilliam Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, and his birth is traditionally celebrated on April 23.  The facts of his life, known from surviving documents, are sparse.  He was one of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a merchant of some standing in his community.  William probably went to the King’s New School in Stratford, but he had no university education.  In November 1582, at the age of eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, who was pregnant with their first child, Susanna.  She was born on May 26, 1583.  Twins, a boy, Hamnet ( who would die at age eleven), and a girl, Judith, were born in 1585.  By 1592 Shakespeare had gone to London working as an actor and already known as a playwright.  A rival dramatist, Robert Greene, referred to him as “an upstart crow, beautified with our feathers.”  Shakespeare became a principal shareholder and playwright of the successful acting troupe, the Lord  Chamberlain’s Men (later under James I, called the King’s Men).  In 1599 the Lord Chamberlain’s Men built and occupied the Globe Theater in Southwark near the Thames River.  Here many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed by the most famous actors of his time, including Richard Burbage, Will Kempe, and Robert Armin.  In addition to his 37 plays, Shakespeare had a hand in others, including \u003ci\u003eSir Thomas More\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Two Noble Kinsmen\u003c\/i\u003e, and he wrote poems, including \u003ci\u003eVenus and Adonis\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Rape of Lucrece\u003c\/i\u003e. His 154 sonnets were published, probably without his authorization, in 1609.  In 1611 or 1612 he gave up his lodgings in London and devoted more and more time to retirement in Stratford, though he continued writing such plays as \u003cb\u003eThe Tempest\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eHenry VII\u003c\/b\u003e until about 1613.  He died on April 23 1616, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.  No collected edition of his plays was published during his life-time, but in 1623 two members of his acting company, John Heminges and Henry Condell, put together the great collection now called the First Folio.\u003cp\u003e[Dramatis Personae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eghost of Hamlet, the former King of Denmark\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eClaudius, King of Denmark, the former King's brother \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGertrude, Queen of Denmark, widow of the former King and now wife of Claudius\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHamlet, Prince of Denmark, son of the late King and of Gertrude\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolonius, Councillor to the King\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLaertes, his son\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOphelia, his daughter\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReynaldo, his servant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio, Hamlet's friend and fellow student\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVoltimand, \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCornelius, \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRosencrantz, \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGuildenstern,         members of the Danish court\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOsric, \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ea gentleman, \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ea lord,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo, \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco,                officers and soldiers on watch\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus, \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFortinbras, Prince of Norway\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ecaptain in his army\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThree or Four players, taking the roles of  prologue, player king, player queen, and Lucianus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo messengers\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003efirst sailor\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo clowns, a gravedigger and his companion\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003epriest\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003efirst ambassador from England\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLords, Soldiers, Attendants, Guards, other Players, Followers of Laertes, other Sailors, another Ambassador or Ambassadors from England\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003escene: Denmark]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e[1.1] A Enter Bernardo and Francisco, two sentinels,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e[meeting].\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  Who's there?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNay, answer me. Stand and unfold yourself. 2\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  Long live the King!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco  Bernardo?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  He.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou come most carefully upon your hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Tis now struck twelve. Get thee to bed, Francisco.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor this relief much thanks. 'Tis bitter cold,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd I am sick at heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  Have you had quiet guard?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco  Not a mouse stirring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  Well, good night.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe rivals of my watch, bid them make haste. 14\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnter Horatio and Marcellus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI think I hear them.--Stand, ho! Who is there?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio  Friends to this ground. 16\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus  And liegemen to the Dane. 17\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco  Give you good night. 18\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOh, farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved you?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrancisco\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo hath my place. Give you good night.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExit Francisco.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus  Holla! Bernardo!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  Say, what, is Horatio there?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio  A piece of him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWelcome, Horatio. Welcome, good Marcellus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat, has this thing appeared again tonight?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  I have seen nothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio says 'tis but our fantasy, 27\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd will not let belief take hold of him\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTouching this dreaded sight twice seen of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTherefore I have entreated him along 30\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith us to watch the minutes of this night, 31\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat if again this apparition come\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe may approve our eyes and speak to it. 33\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTush, tush, 'twill not appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo Sit down awhile\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd let us once again assail your ears,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat are so fortified against our story,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat we have two nights seen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio Well, sit we down,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd let us hear Bernardo speak of this.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  Last night of all, 39\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen yond same star that's westward from the pole 40\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHad made his course t'illume that part of heaven 41\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere now it burns, Marcellus and myself,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bell then beating one--\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Enter Ghost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeace, break thee off! Look where it comes again!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the same figure like the King that's dead.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThou art a scholar. Speak to it, Horatio. 46\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLooks 'a not like the King? Mark it, Horatio. 47\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost like. It harrows me with fear and wonder.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt would be spoke to.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus Speak to it, Horatio. 49\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat art thou that usurp'st this time of night, 50\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTogether with that fair and warlike form\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn which the majesty of buried Denmark 52\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDid sometimes march? By heaven, I charge thee, speak! 53\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is offended.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo See, it stalks away.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStay! Speak, speak! I charge thee, speak! Exit Ghost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus  'Tis gone and will not answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow now, Horatio? You tremble and look pale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIs not this something more than fantasy?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat think you on't? 59\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore my God, I might not this believe\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWithout the sensible and true avouch 61\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf mine own eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus Is it not like the King?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio  As thou art to thyself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuch was the very armor he had on\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen he the ambitious Norway combated. 65\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo frowned he once when, in an angry parle, 66\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe smote the sledded Polacks on the ice. 67\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Tis strange.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThus twice before, and jump at this dead hour, 69\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith martial stalk hath he gone by our watch. 70\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn what particular thought to work I know not, 71\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut in the gross and scope of mine opinion 72\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis bodes some strange eruption to our state.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood now, sit down, and tell me, he that knows, 74\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy this same strict and most observant watch\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo nightly toils the subject of the land, 76\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd why such daily cast of brazen cannon 77\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd foreign mart for implements of war, 78\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy such impress of shipwrights, whose sore task 79\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDoes not divide the Sunday from the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat might be toward, that this sweaty haste 81\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDoth make the night joint-laborer with the day?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWho is't that can inform me?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio That can I;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt least, the whisper goes so. Our last king,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhose image even but now appeared to us,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWas, as you know, by Fortinbras of Norway,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThereto pricked on by a most emulate pride, 87\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDared to the combat; in which our valiant Hamlet--\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor so this side of our known world esteemed him-- 89\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDid slay this Fortinbras; who by a sealed compact 90\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWell ratified by law and heraldry 91\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDid forfeit, with his life, all those his lands\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhich he stood seized of, to the conqueror; 93\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgainst the which a moiety competent 94\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWas gaged by our king, which had returned 95\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo the inheritance of Fortinbras 96\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHad he been vanquisher, as, by the same cov'nant 97\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd carriage of the article designed, 98\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis fell to Hamlet. Now, sir, young Fortinbras,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf unimproved mettle hot and full, 100\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHath in the skirts of Norway here and there 101\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSharked up a list of lawless resolutes 102\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor food and diet to some enterprise 103\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat hath a stomach in't, which is no other-- 104\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs it doth well appear unto our state--\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut to recover of us, by strong hand\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd terms compulsatory, those foresaid lands\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo by his father lost. And this, I take it,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIs the main motive of our preparations,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe source of this our watch, and the chief head 110\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf this posthaste and rummage in the land. 111\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI think it be no other but e'en so.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWell may it sort that this portentous figure 113\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eComes armed through our watch so like the King\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat was and is the question of these wars. 115\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA mote it is to trouble the mind's eye. 116\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the most high and palmy state of Rome, 117\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA little ere the mightiest Julius fell, 118\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe graves stood tenantless, and the sheeted dead 119\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDid squeak and gibber in the Roman streets;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs stars with trains of fire and dews of blood, 121\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisasters in the sun; and the moist star 122\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUpon whose influence Neptune's empire stands 123\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWas sick almost to doomsday with eclipse. 124\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd even the like precurse of feared events, 125\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs harbingers preceding still the fates 126\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd prologue to the omen coming on, 127\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave heaven and earth together demonstrated\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnto our climatures and countrymen. 129\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnter Ghost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut soft, behold! Lo, where it comes again! 130\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI'll cross it, though it blast me. (It spreads his arms.) Stay,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e  illusion! 131\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf thou hast any sound or use of voice,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpeak to me!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf there be any good thing to be done\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat may to thee do ease and grace to me,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpeak to me!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf thou art privy to thy country's fate, 137\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhich, happily, foreknowing may avoid, 138\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOh, speak!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOr if thou hast uphoarded in thy life\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtorted treasure in the womb of earth,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpeak of it! (The cock crows.) Stay and speak!--Stop it,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e  Marcellus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShall I strike at it with my partisan? 144\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio  Do, if it will not stand. [They strike at it.]\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo  'Tis here! 146\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio  'Tis here! [Exit Ghost.] 147\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus  'Tis gone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe do it wrong, being so majestical,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo offer it the show of violence,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor it is as the air invulnerable,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd our vain blows malicious mockery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBernardo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was about to speak when the cock crew.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd then it started like a guilty thing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUpon a fearful summons. I have heard\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe cock, that is the trumpet to the morn, 156\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDoth with his lofty and shrill-sounding throat\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAwake the god of day, and at his warning,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether in sea or fire, in earth or air,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTh'extravagant and erring spirit hies 160\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo his confine; and of the truth herein\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis present object made probation. 162\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt faded on the crowing of the cock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome say that ever 'gainst that season comes 164\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWherein our Savior's birth is celebrated,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis bird of dawning singeth all night long,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd then, they say, no spirit dare stir abroad;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe nights are wholesome, then no planets strike, 168\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, 169\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo hallowed and so gracious is that time. 170\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHoratio\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo have I heard and do in part believe it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut, look, the morn in russet mantle clad 172\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWalks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreak we our watch up, and by my advice\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLet us impart what we have seen tonight\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnto young Hamlet; for upon my life,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you consent we shall acquaint him with it,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs needful in our loves, fitting our duty?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarcellus\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLet's do't, I pray, and I this morning know\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere we shall find him most conveniently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Exeunt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e[1.2] A Flourish. Enter Claudius, King of Denmark,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGertrude the Queen, [the] Council, as Polonius\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eand his son Laertes, Hamlet, cum aliis [including\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVoltimand and Cornelius].\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThough yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death 1\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe memory be green, and that it us befitted\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo be contracted in one brow of woe,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet so far hath discretion fought with nature\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat we with wisest sorrow think on him\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTogether with remembrance of ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTherefore our sometime sister, now our queen, 8\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTh'imperial jointress to this warlike state, 9\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave we, as 'twere with a defeated joy--\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith an auspicious and a dropping eye, 11\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn equal scale weighing delight and dole-- 13\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaken to wife. Nor have we herein barred\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour better wisdoms, which have freely gone\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith this affair along. For all, our thanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNow follows that you know young Fortinbras, 17\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHolding a weak supposal of our worth, 18\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOr thinking by our late dear brother's death\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur state to be disjoint and out of frame, 20\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCo-leagued with this dream of his advantage, 21\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe hath not failed to pester us with message\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImporting the surrender of those lands 23\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLost by his father, with all bonds of law, 24\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo our most valiant brother. So much for him.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNow for ourself and for this time of meeting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThus much the business is: we have here writ\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras--\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWho, impotent and bed-rid, scarcely hears 29\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf this his nephew's purpose--to suppress\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis further gait herein, in that the levies, 31\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe lists, and full proportions are all made 32\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOut of his subject; and we here dispatch 33\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou, good Cornelius, and you, Voltimand,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor bearers of this greeting to old Norway,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGiving to you no further personal power\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo business with the King more than the scope\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf these dilated articles allow. [He gives a paper.]  38\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarewell, and let your haste commend your duty. 39\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCornelius, Voltimand\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn that, and all things, will we show our duty.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe doubt it nothing. Heartily farewell. 41\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e [Exeunt Voltimand and Cornelius.]\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd now, Laertes, what's the news with you?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou told us of some suit; what is't, Laertes?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou cannot speak of reason to the Dane 44\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd lose your voice. What wouldst thou beg, Laertes, 45\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat shall not be my offer, not thy asking?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe head is not more native to the heart, 47\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe hand more instrumental to the mouth, 48\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThan is the throne of Denmark to thy father.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat wouldst thou have, Laertes?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLaertes My dread lord,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour leave and favor to return to France, 51\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom whence though willingly I came to Denmark\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo show my duty in your coronation,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet now I must confess, that duty done,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMy thoughts and wishes bend again toward France\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd bow them to your gracious leave and pardon. 56\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you your father's leave? What says Polonius?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolonius\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eH'ath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave 58\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBy laborsome petition, and at last\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUpon his will I sealed my hard consent. 60\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI do beseech you, give him leave to go.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTake thy fair hour, Laertes. Time be thine, 62\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd thy best graces spend it at thy will. 63\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son-- 64\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHamlet\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA little more than kin, and less than kind. 65\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow is it that the clouds still hang on you?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHamlet\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot so, my lord. I am too much in the sun. 67\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003equeen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off, 68\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. 69\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not forever with thy vailed lids 70\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeek for thy noble father in the dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThou know'st 'tis common, all that lives must die, 72\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePassing through nature to eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHamlet\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAy, madam, it is common.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003equeen If it be,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy seems it so particular with thee? 75\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHamlet\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not \"seems.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNor customary suits of solemn black, 78\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNor windy suspiration of forced breath, 79\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo, nor the fruitful river in the eye, 80\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNor the dejected havior of the visage, 81\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTogether with all forms, moods, shapes of grief, 82\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat can denote me truly. These indeed seem,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor they are actions that a man might play.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut I have that within which passes show;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese but the trappings and the suits of woe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo give these mourning duties to your father.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut you must know your father lost a father,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn filial obligation for some term\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo do obsequious sorrow. But to persever 92\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn obstinate condolement is a course 93\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf impious stubbornness. 'Tis unmanly grief.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt shows a will most incorrect to heaven,\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA heart unfortified, a mind impatient, 96\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn understanding simple and unschooled. 97\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor what we know must be and is as common\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs any the most vulgar thing to sense, 99\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy should we in our peevish opposition\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTake it to heart? Fie, 'tis a fault to heaven,\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bantam Classics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46301913809125,"sku":"NP9780553212839","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780553212839.jpg?v=1767727612","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/four-tragedies-isbn-9780553212839","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}