During their stakeout at the castle, Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus spot the ghost, who clearly wants to talk to Hamlet. Despite his friends’ protests, Hamlet leaves with the ghost for a private chat.
Hamlet
The air is really biting. It is very cold.
Horatio
Yes, the air is nipping at us.
Hamlet
What time is it?
Horatio
I think it’s just before midnight.
Marcellus
No, the bell has already struck twelve.
Horatio
Really? I didn’t hear it. Then it’s nearly the time when that spirit normally appears. [Noise of trumpets and cannons being fired.] What does that mean, my lord?
Hamlet
The king is up late and still partying – making toasts and dancing. Each time he says “bottoms up” and drains his glass, they blow the trumpets and beat the drums.
Horatio
Is this a custom here at Elsinore?
Hamlet
Yes, it is. But in my opinion, even though I’m from here and used to it, we Danes would be better off without this custom of excessive drinking.
Horatio
Look, my lord, it comes!
Hamlet
Heaven help us! [To the Ghost] Though you may be a friendly or an evil spirit, come from heaven or hell, or do wicked or helpful acts, your appearance demands questions, so I’ll speak to you. I'll call you Hamlet, King, father, royal Dane. Please tell me, I’m dying to know. Why, after we buried your sacred remains, have you thrown off your burial clothes? Why has your burial vault, where we quietly laid you to rest, opened its doors and spit you out?
What does this mean? Why are you, a dead corpse in armor, disturbing the night and frightening us mortals with your supernatural presence? Why have you come? What should we do?
Horatio
It motions for you to go away with it, as if it wants to say something only to you.
Marcellus
He’s politely indicating for you to go over there with him. Don’t go.
Horatio
No, by no means.
Hamlet
It will not speak, so I’ll follow it.
Horatio
Do not, my lord.
Hamlet
Why not, why should I be afraid? I wouldn’t give two cents for my life. And as for my soul, what can it do to it, since it’s immortal, just like him? It’s motioning for me to go with it again. I’ll follow it.
Horatio
What if it lures you to the sea, then turns into some frightening image, causing you to go mad and throw yourself off the cliff? Think about that!
Hamlet
It’s still motioning to me. [To Ghost] Go on, I'll follow you.
Marcellus
You shall not go, my lord.
Hamlet
Take your hands off me!
Horatio
Listen to us. You shouldn’t go.
Hamlet
My fate is calling me, and giving me the nerves of a lion. I’m still being called. Take your hands off me, gentlemen! By God, I'll make a ghost of anyone who tries to stop me. I’m telling you again, let me go! [To the Ghost] Go on, I'll follow you.
Horatio
His imagination is making him crazy.
Marcellus
Let's follow. It’s our duty not to obey him.
Horatio
Let’s go after them. What’s going to come of this?
Marcellus
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
Horatio
Heaven will determine the outcome.
Marcellus
Don’t wait on heaven. Let's follow him.
