Hamlet

Claudius

Can’t you steer the conversation to find out why he’s behaving so crazy, why his normal peaceful state of mind has been replaced with this violent, dangerous lunacy?

Rosencrantz

He confesses that he feels bothered, but he won’t say why.

Guildenstern

He didn’t seem to like being questioned. He cleverly faked madness to avoid revealing what’s really going on.

Gertrude

Was he polite to you?

Claudius

Welcome, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I really wanted to see you while you’re here at Elsinore, but I also need your help. That’s why I’ve sent for you. You’ve heard of Hamlet’s “transformation” – let’s call it that. He doesn’t look or act like he used to. I can’t imagine what’s caused this change, other than his father’s death.

Since you know him so well, having grown up with him, I would prefer if you two would stay here a little longer and hang out with him. Find out if anything is bothering him that, if I knew about it, I could fix.

Polonius

Reynaldo, when you get to Paris, give this money and these letters to Laertes. [He gives some money and papers to Reynaldo.]

Reynaldo

I will, my lord.

Polonius

It would be a good idea if, before you visit my son, you ask around about his behavior.

Reynaldo

My lord, that’s what I intended to do.

Hamlet

Where are you taking me? Speak. I'll go no further.

Ghost

Listen to me.

Hamlet

I will.

Ghost

My time is almost up. Soon, I’ll have to return to those terrible fires.

Hamlet

Oh, poor ghost!

Ghost

Don’t pity me, but listen seriously to what I have to tell you.

Hamlet

Speak. I’m eager to hear what you have to say.

Laertes

My bags are packed. Farewell. And sister, whenever the winds allow the mail ships to sail, let me hear from you.

Ophelia

Do you doubt that?

Laertes

As for Hamlet and the attention he has been paying you, interpret this as casual flirtation from a young man coming into his sexual prime. It’s like the sweet smell of perfume, which provides a minute of pleasure, but nothing lasting.

Ophelia

You think it’s no more than that?

Claudius

It has only been a short time since the death of my brother, King Hamlet, and it is fitting that the kingdom come together in mourning. However, my judgment needs to overrule my personal grief, as I must also consider the welfare of the whole kingdom.

Bernardo

Who's there?

Francisco

You answer me! Stay where you are and identify yourself.

Bernardo

Long live the king!

Francisco

Bernardo, is that you?

Bernardo

It’s me.

Francisco

You’re right on time to take over the watch.

Bernardo

The clock tower has already struck midnight. Get to bed.

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