For it is, as the air, invulnerable, And our vain blows malicious mockery. Ber. It was about to speak, when the cock crew. Hor. And then it started like a guilty thing Upon a fearful summons. I have heard, Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes The nights are wholesome; then no planets No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, So hallowed and so gracious is the time. Hor. So have I heard and do in part believe it. But, look, the morn, in russet mantle clad, Walks o'er the dew of yon high eastward hill. Break we our watch up; and, by my advice, Let us impart what we have seen to-night Unto young Hamlet; for, upon my life, This spirit, dumb to us, will speak to him. Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it, 150 155 160 165 170 As needful in our loves, fitting our duty? 175 Mar. Let's do't, I pray; and I this morning know Where we shall find him most conveniently. [Exeunt. 5 10 SCENE II. A room of state in the castle. Enter the King, Queen, Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, Voltimand, Cornelius, Lords, and Attendants. King. 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 The imperial jointress to this warlike state, With mirth in fùneral and with dirge in In equal scale weighing delight and dole,- Taken to wife; nor have we herein barred 20 80 Now for ourself and for this time of meeting, scope Of these delated articles allow. [Giving a paper. Farewell, and let your haste commend your duty. Cor. 60 Vol. S In that and all things will we show our duty. King. We doubt it nothing; heartily farewell. Laer. [Exeunt Voltimand and Cornelius. 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 lose your voice. What wouldst thou beg, Laertes, That shall not be my offer, not thy asking? My dread lord, To show my duty in your coronation, France And bow them to your gracious leave and pardon. King. Have you your father's leave? What says Polonius? Pol. He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave By laboursome petition, and at last Upon his will I sealed my hard consent. I do beseech you, give him leave to go. King. Take thy fair hour, Laertes. Time be thine, And thy best graces spend it at thy will! But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son,Ham. [Aside.] A little more than kin, and less 65 than kind. King. How is it that the clouds still hang on you? Ham. Not so, my lord; I am too much i' the sun. Queen. 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. Ham. Ay, madam, it is common. Queen. 70 If it be, 75 Why seems it so particular with thee? Ham. Seems, madam! Nay, it is; I know not "seems." "Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, Nor windy suspiration of forced breath, grief, 80 |