Hamlet, Act I, Scene 2

Hamlet
Act I, Scene 2

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A room of state in the castle.
Enter KING CLAUDIUS, QUEEN GERTRUDE,
HAMLET, POLONIUS, LAERTES,
VOLTIMAND, CORNELIUS,
Lords, and Attendants

The scene begins inside the castle, the next morning. According to the stage directions, this scene takes place in “an audience chamber” in Elsinore Castle. This room was probably used for “official proclamations” by the King, and sure enough, the new King arrives to do some official proclamating, and stuff.

KING CLAUDIUS
Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death
The memory be green , and that it us befitted
To bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom
To be contracted in one brow of woe,
Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature
That we with wisest sorrow think on him,
Together with remembrance of ourselves.
Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen,
The imperial jointress to this warlike state ,
Have we, as 'twere with a defeated joy,--
With an auspicious and a dropping eye ,
With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage,
In equal scale weighing delight and dole ,--
Taken to wife: nor have we herein barr'd
Your better wisdoms, which have freely gone
The new King is a guy by the name of Claudius. It just so happens that Claudius is the brother of the former King, Old Hamlet. His brother? Now, this is curious.

With this affair along. For all, our thanks.
King Claudius begins by thanking the people for putting up with all of the excitement of recent days. After all, the people have witnessed a funeral for one King, followed very closely by a second marriage of their Queen, followed very closely by the crowning of a new King (Claudius himself).

Now follows, that you know, young Fortinbras,
Holding a weak supposal of our worth ,
Or thinking by our late dear brother's death
Our state to be disjoint and out of frame,
Colleagued with the dream of his advantage,
He hath not fail'd to pester us with message,
Now they are being threatened with a war by this young Fortinbras guy from Norway. According to Claudius, Fortinbras thinks that Denmark is "weak," and has been pestering the country. He wants the land back that the former King took. Fortinbras is threatening to go to war.

Importing the surrender of those lands
Lost by his father, with all bonds of law,
To our most valiant brother. So much for him.
Now for ourself and for this time of meeting:
The castle’s a buzzin’.

Thus much the business is: we have here writ
To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras,--
Who, impotent and bed-rid, scarcely hears
Of this his nephew 's purpose,--to suppress
His further gait herein; in that the levies,
The lists and full proportions, are all made
Out of his subject: and we here dispatch Claudius next deals with this “Fortinbras problem.” He sends a letter to the new King of Norway, who just happens to be the uncle of the young warrior, Fortinbras. “We have here writ to Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras...” (lines 27-28). This letter asks the new King to order young Fortinbras to “back off,” or else.

You, good Cornelius, and you, Voltimand,
For bearers of this greeting to old Norway;
Giving to you no further personal power
To business with the king, more than the scope
Of these delated articles allow .
Farewell, and let your haste commend your duty.

He gives this letter to a couple of flunky messengers, named Cornelius and Voltemand.

CORNELIUS and VOLTIMAND
In that and all things will we show our duty.

KING CLAUDIUS
We doubt it nothing: heartily farewell.

Exeunt VOLTIMAND and CORNELIUS

Cornelius and Voltemand go off to deliver it, immediately.

And now, Laertes, what's the news with you?
You told us of some suit; what is't, Laertes?
You cannot speak of reason to the Dane,
And loose your voice: what wouldst thou beg, Laertes,
That shall not be my offer, not thy asking?
The head is not more native to the heart,
The hand more instrumental to the mouth,
Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father.
What wouldst thou have, Laertes?

LAERTES
King Claudius now turns to a young college student named Laertes, and asks “what’s the news with you?” Laertes is the son of Claudius' chief advisor, Polonius. Laertes is home from school, which is unusual. Normally, he would probably be in Florida for spring break, but it seems he returned home for the festivities.

My dread lord,
Your leave and favor to return to France;
From whence though willingly I came to Denmark,
To show my duty in your coronation,
Yet now, I must confess, that duty done,
My thoughts and wishes bend again toward France
And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon.

KING CLAUDIUS

Laertes officially asks for permission to return to college at Wittenberg. He asks the king for his “leave and favor to return to France” (line 53).

Have you your father's leave? What says Polonius?

LORD POLONIUS

King Claudius asks whether this is okay with Laertes’ father, the advisor to the court.

He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave
By laboursome petition, and at last
Upon his will I seal 'd my hard consent:
I do beseech you, give him leave to go.

KING CLAUDIUS

Polonius, who is the father and “advisor” in question, explains that he approves.

Take thy fair hour, Laertes; time be thine,
And thy best graces spend it at thy will!
With that, King Claudius grants Laertes’ request, and gives the young man permission to go back to school.

But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son,--

Next, King Claudius turns to Young Hamlet, the Prince. “But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son-” He calls Hamlet a cousin, and he calls him a son, but both are actually a lie.

HAMLET
[Aside]
A little more than kin, and less than kind .
Such clever wordplay. Young Hamlet says that he is "more than" a kin. He is "kin" to his own uncle. He is now the stepson of this guy, too.

However, Hamlet does not think that Claudius is very "kind."

KING CLAUDIUS
How is it that the clouds still hang on you?

Young Hamlet is still dressed all in black, and is still mourning over his dead father.

HAMLET

Not so, my lord; I am too much i' the sun.

Hmmm. is this possibly a pun? The word "sun" also sounds to the audience like the word "son." Is Hamlet not happy to be the "son" of this stepfather?

QUEEN GERTRUDE

Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted colour off,
And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark.
Do not for ever with thy vailed lids
Seek for thy noble father in the dust:
Thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity.

HAMLET
Even Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, interrupts to tell Hamlet that he has mourned long enough, and that “thou knowest, ‘tis common... all that lives must die.” (Translation: “Everyone dies. Get over it!”)

Ay, madam, it is common.

QUEEN GERTRUDE
If it be,
Why seems it so particular with thee?

HAMLET

If something was "common," it happens too often. Also, if something was "common," it was rather vulgar, or disgusting.

Seems, madam! nay it is; I know not 'seems.'
'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother,
Nor customary suits of solemn black,
Nor windy suspiration of forced breath,
No, nor the fruitful river in the eye ,

Hamlet answers that what “seems” to be may not be what is “within.” He also speaks words which can be interpreted in two entirely different ways.

Nor the dejected 'havior of the visage,
Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief,
That can denote me truly: these indeed seem,
For they are actions that a man might play:
But I have that within which passeth show;
These but the trappings and the suits of woe.

KING CLAUDIUS

The word "'havior" is short for "behavior." The word "visage" can mean a face, or a mask.

'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet,
To give these mourning duties to your father:
But, you must know, your father lost a father;
That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow: but to persever
In obstinate condolement is a course
Claudius begins to lecture Hamlet. Typical stepfather.

Of impious stubbornness; 'tis unmanly grief;
It shows a will most incorrect to heaven,
A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,
An understanding simple and unschool'd:
For what we know must be and is as common
As any the most vulgar thing to sense,
Why should we in our peevish opposition
King Claudius tells young Hamlet that his grief is “unmanly” (line 94).

Take it to heart? Fie! 'tis a fault to heaven,
A fault against the dead, a fault to nature,
To reason most absurd: whose common theme
Is death of fathers, and who still hath cried,
From the first corse till he that died to-day,
'This must be so.' We pray you, throw to earth
This unprevailing woe, and think of us
As of a father: for let the world take note,
You are the most immediate to our throne;
And with no less nobility of love
Than that which dearest father bears his son,
Do I impart toward you. For your intent
Claudius also tells him it is unnatural, and that it is even a sin against the heavens. Claudius is very upset that Hamlet is still in mourning.

In going back to school in Wittenberg,
It is most retrograde to our desire:
And we beseech you, bend you to remain
Here, in the cheer and comfort of our eye ,
Our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son.
Finally, Claudius tells Hamlet that he should not return to Wittenberg, in Germany, where the young Prince attends school. Claudius would rather keep Hamlet close by him, where he can keep an eye on him.

QUEEN GERTRUDE

Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet:
I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg.

HAMLET

Even Queen Gertrude seems to agree. She asks Hamlet to hang around, as well (line 125).

I shall in all my best obey you, madam.

Hamlet answers her, saying “I shall in all my best obey you, mother” (line 126). Notice that he directed this at his momma. He does not seem to have a lot of respect for Claudius’ request. Notice also that he used the qualifying words, “...in all my best.” Does this mean he will try to obey, but only when it is for his best? Hmmmm...

KING CLAUDIUS

Why, 'tis a loving and a fair reply:
Be as ourself in Denmark. Madam, come;
This gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet
Sits smiling to my heart: in grace whereof,
No jocund health that Denmark drinks to-day,
But the great cannon to the clouds shall tell,
And the king's rouse the heavens all bruit again,
Re-speaking earthly thunder. Come away.

Claudius seems satisfied with Hamlet's reply, since he has agreed to stay at the castle.

Exeunt all but HAMLET

HAMLET
Everyone leaves the room, except Hamlet. Hamlet then speaks the first soliloquy of the play.

O, that this too too solid flesh would melt
Thaw and resolve itself into a dew!
Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd
His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God! God!
How weary, stale , flat and unprofitable,
Seem to me all the uses of this world!
Fie on't! ah fie! 'tis an unweeded garden,
That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature
Possess it merely . That it should come to this!
But two months dead: nay, not so much, not two:
Hamlet wishes that this “too, too, solid flesh” would just melt away. Is he having a bit of a weight problem, lately? He also wishes that it were not against God’s law to commit suicide (lines 131-132).

So excellent a king; that was, to this,
Hyperion to a satyr; so loving to my mother
That he might not beteem the winds of heaven
Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth!
Hamlet also discusses this new King, his uncle Claudius. He compares King Claudius to his dear, old dad, and thinks that one is a “hyperion” (a sun god), while the other is a “satyr.” A satyr was a creature in mythology who was half-man and half-goat, and who used to run around raping the women. Any guesses which king is which?

Must I remember ? Why, she would hang on him,
As if increase of appetite had grown
By what it fed on: and yet, within a month--
Hamlet also expresses his bitterness with his own mother. He does not like the way she hangs on Claudius.

Let me not think on't--Frailty, thy name is woman!--
A little month, or ere those shoes were old
With which she follow'd my poor father's body,
Like Niobe, all tears:--why she, even she--
O, God! a beast, that wants discourse of reason,
Would have mourn'd longer--married with my uncle,
He is disgusted at the fact that she married so suddenly after the funeral. “Frailty, thy name is woman” he says (line 152).

My father's brother, but no more like my father
Than I to Hercules: within a month:
Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears
Had left the flushing in her galled eyes,
She married. O, most wicked speed , to post
He also comments on the fact that Queen Gertrude was already related to her new husband.

With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!
It is not nor it cannot come to good:
Hamlet does not like this “incestuous” relationship.

But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue.
At the end he decides that he must hold his tongue. He opens his mouth, reaches in, and grabs.

Enter HORATIO, MARCELLUS,
and BERNARDO

HORATIO
Hail to your lordship!

HAMLET
I am glad to see you well:
Horatio,--or I do forget myself.

HORATIO
The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever.

HAMLET
Sir, my good friend ; I'll change that name with you:

The guards from scene one arrive (Bernardo and Marcellus), and Horatio is with them as well.

And what make you from Wittenberg, Horatio? Marcellus?

MARCELLUS
My good lord--

HAMLET
I am very glad to see you. Good even, sir.
But what, in faith, make you from Wittenberg?

Obviously, Horatio is also a student at Wittenberg.

HORATIO
A truant disposition, good my lord.

Horatio explains why he is not at school. He says he has a "truant" disposition. Horatio is upholding a noble and longstanding tradition among students. He is cutting classes.

HAMLET
I would not hear your enemy say so,
Nor shall you do mine ear that violence,
To make it truster of your own report
Against yourself: I know you are no truant.
But what is your affair in Elsinore? Hamlet still insists on knowing why Horatio is not back at school.

We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart .
The word "ere" means "before."

HORATIO
My lord, I came to see your father's funeral.

Horatio explains that he came back for the big funeral.

HAMLET
I pray thee, do not mock me, fellow-student;
I think it was to see my mother's wedding.

HORATIO
Indeed, my lord, it follow'd hard upon.

Hamlet mockingly accuses Horatio of returning for his mother's wedding.

HAMLET
Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables .
Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven
Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio!
My father!--methinks I see my father.

They are discussing the marriage, and how it followed the funeral of Hamlet's father. Hamlet is bitter, and blames it on "thrift." He implies that Claudius is so cheap he needed to use the same food and decorations for both occasions. Hamlet is feeling a wee bit sarcastic at the moment.

HORATIO
Where, my lord?

HAMLET
In my mind's eye, Horatio.

HORATIO
I saw him once; he was a goodly king.

HAMLET
He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again.

HORATIO
My lord, I think I saw him yesternight.

HAMLET
Saw? who?

HORATIO
My lord, the king your father.

HAMLET
The king my father!

HORATIO
Season your admiration for awhile
With an attent ear, till I may deliver,
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you.

HAMLET
For God's love, let me hear.

HORATIO
Two nights together had these gentlemen,
Marcellus and Bernardo, on their watch ,
In the dead vast and middle of the night,
Been thus encounter'd. A figure like your father,

After some small talk, Horatio tells Hamlet the big news—that they have seen a ghost. Horatio also tells him that this ghost looked very, very familiar.

Armed at point exactly, cap-a-pe,
Appears before them, and with solemn march
Goes slow and stately by them: thrice he walk'd
By their oppress'd and fear-surprised eyes,
Within his truncheon's length; whilst they, distilled
Almost to jelly with the act of fear,
Stand dumb and speak not to him. This to me
In dreadful secrecy impart they did;
And I with them the third night kept the watch ;
Where, as they had deliver'd, both in time,
Form of the thing, each word made true and good,
The apparition comes: I knew your father;
These hands are not more like.

HAMLET
But where was this?

MARCELLUS
My lord, upon the platform where we watch 'd.

HAMLET
Did you not speak to it?

HORATIO
My lord, I did;
But answer made it none: yet once methought

Scholars will tell you that the term "cap-a-pe" means from "head to foot." In other words, the ghost was armed from his "cap" to his, um, "pe."

It lifted up its head and did address
Itself to motion , like as it would speak;
But even then the morning cock crew loud,
And at the sound it shrunk in haste away,
And vanish'd from our sight .

HAMLET
'Tis very strange .

HORATIO
As I do live, my honour'd lord, 'tis true;
And we did think it writ down in our duty
To let you know of it.

HAMLET
Indeed, indeed, sirs, but this troubles me.
Hold you the watch to-night?

MARCELLUS and BERNARDO
We do, my lord.

Horatio explains that the ghost almost spoke to them, but then decided not to. He thinks it was that damn rooster again, which scared the ghost away.

HAMLET
Arm'd, say you?

MARCELLUS and BERNARDO
Arm'd, my lord.

HAMLET
From top to toe?

MARCELLUS and BERNARDO
My lord, from head to foot.

HAMLET
Then saw you not his face?

HORATIO

Hamlet questions them at length, about the ghost’s looks, its behavior, and its dress.
The three men describe the ghost's looks. They also describe its behavior. They fail to mention the dress.

O, yes, my lord; he wore his beaver up.

HAMLET
What, look'd he frowningly?

HORATIO
A countenance more in sorrow than in anger.

HAMLET
Pale or red?

HORATIO
Nay, very pale .

HAMLET
And fix'd his eyes upon you?

HORATIO
Most constantly .

HAMLET
I would I had been there.

HORATIO
It would have much amazed you.

HAMLET
Very like, very like. Stay'd it long?

HORATIO
While one with moderate haste might tell a hundred.

MARCELLUS and BERNARDO
Longer, longer.

HORATIO
Not when I saw 't.

HAMLET
His beard was grizzled--no?

HORATIO
It was, as I have seen it in his life,
A sable silver'd.

Tsk, tsk... and in public, too.

HAMLET
I will watch to-night;
Perchance 'twill walk again.

HORATIO
I warrant it will.

HAMLET
If it assume my noble father's person,
I'll speak to it, though hell itself should gape
And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all,
If you have hitherto conceal'd this sight ,
Let it be tenable in your silence still;
And whatsoever else shall hap to-night,
Give it an understanding, but no tongue:
I will requite your loves. So, fare you well:
Upon the platform, 'twixt eleven and twelve,
I'll visit you.

ALL
Our duty to your honour.

HAMLET
Your loves, as mine to you: farewell.

Finally, Prince Hamlet decides that he will join them tonight (lines 243-244), to see if the ghost (his father) might make yet another appearance.

Exeunt all but HAMLET
Everybody exits, except for Hamlet. The young Prince begins to talk to himself. Clearly, this ghost has upset him.

My father's spirit in arms! All is not well;
I doubt some foul play: would the night were come!
Till then sit still, my soul: foul deeds will rise,
Though all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes.

"All is not well," says Hamlet. The audience overwhelmingly agrees.

Exit
Hamlet checks his script, and realizes he has no more lines. He exits. The scene comes to an end.

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Shakespeare for Scholars:	Shakespeare for Everyone Else:
*A room of state in the castle.* Enter KING CLAUDIUS, QUEEN GERTRUDE, HAMLET, POLONIUS, LAERTES, VOLTIMAND, CORNELIUS, Lords, and Attendants	The scene begins inside the castle, the next morning. According to the stage directions, this scene takes place in “an audience chamber” in Elsinore Castle. This room was probably used for “official proclamations” by the King, and sure enough, the new King arrives to do some official proclamating, and stuff.
KING CLAUDIUS Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother's death The memory be green , and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe, Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature That we with wisest sorrow think on him, Together with remembrance of ourselves. Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen, The imperial jointress to this warlike state , Have we, as 'twere with a defeated joy,-- With an auspicious and a dropping eye , With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, In equal scale weighing delight and dole ,-- Taken to wife: nor have we herein barr'd Your better wisdoms, which have freely gone	The new King is a guy by the name of Claudius. It just so happens that Claudius is the brother of the former King, Old Hamlet. His brother? Now, this is curious.
With this affair along. For all, our thanks.	King Claudius begins by thanking the people for putting up with all of the excitement of recent days. After all, the people have witnessed a funeral for one King, followed very closely by a second marriage of their Queen, followed very closely by the crowning of a new King (Claudius himself).
Now follows, that you know, young Fortinbras, Holding a weak supposal of our worth , Or thinking by our late dear brother's death Our state to be disjoint and out of frame, Colleagued with the dream of his advantage, He hath not fail'd to pester us with message,	Now they are being threatened with a war by this young Fortinbras guy from Norway. According to Claudius, Fortinbras thinks that Denmark is "weak," and has been pestering the country. He wants the land back that the former King took. Fortinbras is threatening to go to war.
Importing the surrender of those lands Lost by his father, with all bonds of law, To our most valiant brother. So much for him. Now for ourself and for this time of meeting:	The castle’s a buzzin’.
Thus much the business is: we have here writ To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras,-- Who, impotent and bed-rid, scarcely hears Of this his nephew 's purpose,--to suppress His further gait herein; in that the levies, The lists and full proportions, are all made Out of his subject: and we here dispatch	Claudius next deals with this “Fortinbras problem.” He sends a letter to the new King of Norway, who just happens to be the uncle of the young warrior, Fortinbras. “We have here writ to Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras...” (lines 27-28). This letter asks the new King to order young Fortinbras to “back off,” or else.
You, good Cornelius, and you, Voltimand, For bearers of this greeting to old Norway; Giving to you no further personal power To business with the king, more than the scope Of these delated articles allow . Farewell, and let your haste commend your duty.	He gives this letter to a couple of flunky messengers, named Cornelius and Voltemand.
CORNELIUS and VOLTIMAND In that and all things will we show our duty. KING CLAUDIUS We doubt it nothing: heartily farewell. Exeunt VOLTIMAND and CORNELIUS	Cornelius and Voltemand go off to deliver it, immediately.
And now, Laertes, what's the news with you? You told us of some suit; what is't, Laertes? You cannot speak of reason to the Dane, And loose your voice: what wouldst thou beg, Laertes, That shall not be my offer, not thy asking? The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father. What wouldst thou have, Laertes? LAERTES	King Claudius now turns to a young college student named Laertes, and asks “what’s the news with you?” Laertes is the son of Claudius' chief advisor, Polonius. Laertes is home from school, which is unusual. Normally, he would probably be in Florida for spring break, but it seems he returned home for the festivities.
My dread lord, Your leave and favor to return to France; From whence though willingly I came to Denmark, To show my duty in your coronation, Yet now, I must confess, that duty done, My thoughts and wishes bend again toward France And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon. KING CLAUDIUS	Laertes officially asks for permission to return to college at Wittenberg. He asks the king for his “leave and favor to return to France” (line 53).
Have you your father's leave? What says Polonius? LORD POLONIUS	King Claudius asks whether this is okay with Laertes’ father, the advisor to the court.
He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave By laboursome petition, and at last Upon his will I seal 'd my hard consent: I do beseech you, give him leave to go. KING CLAUDIUS	Polonius, who is the father and “advisor” in question, explains that he approves.
Take thy fair hour, Laertes; time be thine, And thy best graces spend it at thy will!	With that, King Claudius grants Laertes’ request, and gives the young man permission to go back to school.
But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son,--	Next, King Claudius turns to Young Hamlet, the Prince. “But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son-” He calls Hamlet a cousin, and he calls him a son, but both are actually a lie.
HAMLET [Aside] A little more than kin, and less than kind .	Such clever wordplay. Young Hamlet says that he is "more than" a kin. He is "kin" to his own uncle. He is now the stepson of this guy, too. However, Hamlet does not think that Claudius is very "kind."
KING CLAUDIUS How is it that the clouds still hang on you?	Young Hamlet is still dressed all in black, and is still mourning over his dead father.
HAMLET
Not so, my lord; I am too much i' the sun.	Hmmm. is this possibly a pun? The word "sun" also sounds to the audience like the word "son." Is Hamlet not happy to be the "son" of this stepfather?
QUEEN GERTRUDE
Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted colour off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. Do not for ever with thy vailed lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust: Thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity. HAMLET	Even Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, interrupts to tell Hamlet that he has mourned long enough, and that “thou knowest, ‘tis common... all that lives must die.” (Translation: “Everyone dies. Get over it!”)
Ay, madam, it is common. QUEEN GERTRUDE If it be, Why seems it so particular with thee? HAMLET	If something was "common," it happens too often. Also, if something was "common," it was rather vulgar, or disgusting.
Seems, madam! nay it is; I know not 'seems.' 'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, Nor customary suits of solemn black, Nor windy suspiration of forced breath, No, nor the fruitful river in the eye ,	Hamlet answers that what “seems” to be may not be what is “within.” He also speaks words which can be interpreted in two entirely different ways.
Nor the dejected 'havior of the visage, Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief, That can denote me truly: these indeed seem, For they are actions that a man might play: But I have that within which passeth show; These but the trappings and the suits of woe. KING CLAUDIUS	The word "'havior" is short for "behavior." The word "visage" can mean a face, or a mask.
'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, To give these mourning duties to your father: But, you must know, your father lost a father; That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound In filial obligation for some term To do obsequious sorrow: but to persever In obstinate condolement is a course	Claudius begins to lecture Hamlet. Typical stepfather.
Of impious stubbornness; 'tis unmanly grief; It shows a will most incorrect to heaven, A heart unfortified, a mind impatient, An understanding simple and unschool'd: For what we know must be and is as common As any the most vulgar thing to sense, Why should we in our peevish opposition	King Claudius tells young Hamlet that his grief is “unmanly” (line 94).
Take it to heart? Fie! 'tis a fault to heaven, A fault against the dead, a fault to nature, To reason most absurd: whose common theme Is death of fathers, and who still hath cried, From the first corse till he that died to-day, 'This must be so.' We pray you, throw to earth This unprevailing woe, and think of us As of a father: for let the world take note, You are the most immediate to our throne; And with no less nobility of love Than that which dearest father bears his son, Do I impart toward you. For your intent	Claudius also tells him it is unnatural, and that it is even a sin against the heavens. Claudius is very upset that Hamlet is still in mourning.
In going back to school in Wittenberg, It is most retrograde to our desire: And we beseech you, bend you to remain Here, in the cheer and comfort of our eye , Our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son.	Finally, Claudius tells Hamlet that he should not return to Wittenberg, in Germany, where the young Prince attends school. Claudius would rather keep Hamlet close by him, where he can keep an eye on him.
QUEEN GERTRUDE
Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet: I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg. HAMLET	Even Queen Gertrude seems to agree. She asks Hamlet to hang around, as well (line 125).
I shall in all my best obey you, madam.	Hamlet answers her, saying “I shall in all my best obey you, mother” (line 126). Notice that he directed this at his momma. He does not seem to have a lot of respect for Claudius’ request. Notice also that he used the qualifying words, “...in all my best.” Does this mean he will try to obey, but only when it is for his best? Hmmmm...
KING CLAUDIUS
Why, 'tis a loving and a fair reply: Be as ourself in Denmark. Madam, come; This gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet Sits smiling to my heart: in grace whereof, No jocund health that Denmark drinks to-day, But the great cannon to the clouds shall tell, And the king's rouse the heavens all bruit again, Re-speaking earthly thunder. Come away.	Claudius seems satisfied with Hamlet's reply, since he has agreed to stay at the castle.
Exeunt all but HAMLET HAMLET	Everyone leaves the room, except Hamlet. Hamlet then speaks the first soliloquy of the play.
O, that this too too solid flesh would melt Thaw and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God! God! How weary, stale , flat and unprofitable, Seem to me all the uses of this world! Fie on't! ah fie! 'tis an unweeded garden, That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature Possess it merely . That it should come to this! But two months dead: nay, not so much, not two:	Hamlet wishes that this “too, too, solid flesh” would just melt away. Is he having a bit of a weight problem, lately? He also wishes that it were not against God’s law to commit suicide (lines 131-132).
So excellent a king; that was, to this, Hyperion to a satyr; so loving to my mother That he might not beteem the winds of heaven Visit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth!	Hamlet also discusses this new King, his uncle Claudius. He compares King Claudius to his dear, old dad, and thinks that one is a “hyperion” (a sun god), while the other is a “satyr.” A satyr was a creature in mythology who was half-man and half-goat, and who used to run around raping the women. Any guesses which king is which?
Must I remember ? Why, she would hang on him, As if increase of appetite had grown By what it fed on: and yet, within a month--	Hamlet also expresses his bitterness with his own mother. He does not like the way she hangs on Claudius.
Let me not think on't--Frailty, thy name is woman!-- A little month, or ere those shoes were old With which she follow'd my poor father's body, Like Niobe, all tears:--why she, even she-- O, God! a beast, that wants discourse of reason, Would have mourn'd longer--married with my uncle,	He is disgusted at the fact that she married so suddenly after the funeral. “Frailty, thy name is woman” he says (line 152).
My father's brother, but no more like my father Than I to Hercules: within a month: Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears Had left the flushing in her galled eyes, She married. O, most wicked speed , to post	He also comments on the fact that Queen Gertrude was already related to her new husband.
With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! It is not nor it cannot come to good:	Hamlet does not like this “incestuous” relationship.
But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue.	At the end he decides that he must hold his tongue. He opens his mouth, reaches in, and grabs.
Enter HORATIO, MARCELLUS, and BERNARDO HORATIO Hail to your lordship! HAMLET I am glad to see you well: Horatio,--or I do forget myself. HORATIO The same, my lord, and your poor servant ever. HAMLET Sir, my good friend ; I'll change that name with you:	The guards from scene one arrive (Bernardo and Marcellus), and Horatio is with them as well.
And what make you from Wittenberg, Horatio? Marcellus? MARCELLUS My good lord-- HAMLET I am very glad to see you. Good even, sir. But what, in faith, make you from Wittenberg?	Obviously, Horatio is also a student at Wittenberg.
HORATIO A truant disposition, good my lord.	Horatio explains why he is not at school. He says he has a "truant" disposition. Horatio is upholding a noble and longstanding tradition among students. He is cutting classes.
HAMLET I would not hear your enemy say so, Nor shall you do mine ear that violence, To make it truster of your own report Against yourself: I know you are no truant. But what is your affair in Elsinore?	Hamlet still insists on knowing why Horatio is not back at school.
We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart .	The word "ere" means "before."
HORATIO My lord, I came to see your father's funeral.	Horatio explains that he came back for the big funeral.
HAMLET I pray thee, do not mock me, fellow-student; I think it was to see my mother's wedding. HORATIO Indeed, my lord, it follow'd hard upon.	Hamlet mockingly accuses Horatio of returning for his mother's wedding.
HAMLET Thrift, thrift, Horatio! the funeral baked meats Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables . Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio! My father!--methinks I see my father.	They are discussing the marriage, and how it followed the funeral of Hamlet's father. Hamlet is bitter, and blames it on "thrift." He implies that Claudius is so cheap he needed to use the same food and decorations for both occasions. Hamlet is feeling a wee bit sarcastic at the moment.

HORATIO Where, my lord? HAMLET In my mind's eye, Horatio. HORATIO I saw him once; he was a goodly king. HAMLET He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.
HORATIO My lord, I think I saw him yesternight. HAMLET Saw? who? HORATIO My lord, the king your father. HAMLET The king my father! HORATIO Season your admiration for awhile With an attent ear, till I may deliver, Upon the witness of these gentlemen, This marvel to you. HAMLET For God's love, let me hear. HORATIO Two nights together had these gentlemen, Marcellus and Bernardo, on their watch , In the dead vast and middle of the night, Been thus encounter'd. A figure like your father,	After some small talk, Horatio tells Hamlet the big news—that they have seen a ghost. Horatio also tells him that this ghost looked very, very familiar.
Armed at point exactly, cap-a-pe, Appears before them, and with solemn march Goes slow and stately by them: thrice he walk'd By their oppress'd and fear-surprised eyes, Within his truncheon's length; whilst they, distilled Almost to jelly with the act of fear, Stand dumb and speak not to him. This to me In dreadful secrecy impart they did; And I with them the third night kept the watch ; Where, as they had deliver'd, both in time, Form of the thing, each word made true and good, The apparition comes: I knew your father; These hands are not more like. HAMLET But where was this? MARCELLUS My lord, upon the platform where we watch 'd. HAMLET Did you not speak to it? HORATIO My lord, I did; But answer made it none: yet once methought	Scholars will tell you that the term "cap-a-pe" means from "head to foot." In other words, the ghost was armed from his "cap" to his, um, "pe."
It lifted up its head and did address Itself to motion , like as it would speak; But even then the morning cock crew loud, And at the sound it shrunk in haste away, And vanish'd from our sight . HAMLET 'Tis very strange . HORATIO As I do live, my honour'd lord, 'tis true; And we did think it writ down in our duty To let you know of it. HAMLET Indeed, indeed, sirs, but this troubles me. Hold you the watch to-night? MARCELLUS and BERNARDO We do, my lord.	Horatio explains that the ghost almost spoke to them, but then decided not to. He thinks it was that damn rooster again, which scared the ghost away.
HAMLET Arm'd, say you? MARCELLUS and BERNARDO Arm'd, my lord. HAMLET From top to toe? MARCELLUS and BERNARDO My lord, from head to foot. HAMLET Then saw you not his face? HORATIO	Hamlet questions them at length, about the ghost’s looks, its behavior, and its dress. The three men describe the ghost's looks. They also describe its behavior. They fail to mention the dress.
O, yes, my lord; he wore his beaver up. HAMLET What, look'd he frowningly? HORATIO A countenance more in sorrow than in anger. HAMLET Pale or red? HORATIO Nay, very pale . HAMLET And fix'd his eyes upon you? HORATIO Most constantly . HAMLET I would I had been there. HORATIO It would have much amazed you. HAMLET Very like, very like. Stay'd it long? HORATIO While one with moderate haste might tell a hundred. MARCELLUS and BERNARDO Longer, longer. HORATIO Not when I saw 't. HAMLET His beard was grizzled--no? HORATIO It was, as I have seen it in his life, A sable silver'd.	Tsk, tsk... and in public, too.
HAMLET I will watch to-night; Perchance 'twill walk again. HORATIO I warrant it will. HAMLET If it assume my noble father's person, I'll speak to it, though hell itself should gape And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all, If you have hitherto conceal'd this sight , Let it be tenable in your silence still; And whatsoever else shall hap to-night, Give it an understanding, but no tongue: I will requite your loves. So, fare you well: Upon the platform, 'twixt eleven and twelve, I'll visit you. ALL Our duty to your honour. HAMLET Your loves, as mine to you: farewell.	Finally, Prince Hamlet decides that he will join them tonight (lines 243-244), to see if the ghost (his father) might make yet another appearance.
Exeunt all but HAMLET	Everybody exits, except for Hamlet. The young Prince begins to talk to himself. Clearly, this ghost has upset him.
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well; I doubt some foul play: would the night were come! Till then sit still, my soul: foul deeds will rise, Though all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes.	"All is not well," says Hamlet. The audience overwhelmingly agrees.
Exit	Hamlet checks his script, and realizes he has no more lines. He exits. The scene comes to an end.