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All Site ContentHamletAct 2Scene 2
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"tribute"
Wordplay
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 313-323

An explanation of the “tribute” pun in Act 2, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Rosencrantz   

To think, my lord, if you delight not in man, what 
lenten entertainment the players shall receive from
you. We coted them on the way, and hither are they
coming to offer you service.

Hamlet   

He that plays the king shall be welcome; his majesty
shall have tribute of me. The Adventurous Knight shall    
use his foil and target; the Lover shall not sigh gratis;
the Humorous Man shall end his part in peace; the Clown
shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickled o'th' sear; 
and the Lady shall say her mind freely, or the blank verse
shall halt for't. What players are they?

Shakespeare’s wordplay in this line means that “tribute” can be read in two ways:

  • A tribute refers to praise of the actor playing the role of the king.
  • But it can also refer to money a vassal pays in subservience to the king.