Hamlet Oh Jephthah, Judge of Israel, what a treasure hadst thou? Polonius What a treasure had he, my lord? Hamlet Why, [Singing] "One fair daughter and no more, The which he loved passing well." Polonius [Aside] Still on my daughter. Hamlet Am I not i'th' right, old Jephthah? Polonius If you call me Jephthah, my lord, I have a daughter that I love passing well. Hamlet Nay, that follows not. Polonius What follows then, my lord? Hamlet Why, "As by lot, God wot," and then you know, “It came to pass, as most like it was." The first row of the pious chanson will show you more; [Several actors approach] for look where my abridgments come. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: Jephthah's Daughter
Hamlet Then came each actor on his ass. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: "actor on his ass"
Polonius My lord, I have news to tell you ... Hamlet [Interrupting] My lord, I have news to tell you. When Roscius was an actor in Rome ... Polonius The actors are come hither, my lord. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: Roscius
Hamlet Gentlemen, you are welcome to Elsinore. Your hands, come. Th' appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony. Let me comply with you in the garb, lest my extent to the players (which, I tell you, must show fairly outward) should more appear like entertainment than yours. You are welcome. – But my uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived. Guildenstern In what, my dear lord? Hamlet I am but mad north-northwest. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a hand saw. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: "north-northwest," "wind is southerly," and "a hawk from a hand saw"
Rosencrantz Faith, there has been much to-do on both sides, and the nation holds it no sin to tar them to controversy. There was, for a while, no money bid for argument unless the poet and the player went to cuffs on the question. Hamlet Is't possible? Guildenstern Oh, there has been much throwing about of brains. Hamlet Do the boys carry it away? Rosencrantz Ay, that they do, my lord, Hercules and his load too. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: "Hercules and his load"
Rosencrantz Nay, their endeavor keeps in the wonted pace. But there is, sir, an eyrie of children, little eyases, that cry out on the top of question, and are most tyrannically clapped for't. These are now the fashion, and so berattle the common stages (so they call them) that many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose quills and dare scarce come thither. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: "goose quills"
Hamlet How chances it they travel? Their residence both in reputation and profit was better both ways. Rosencrantz I think their inhibition comes by the means of the late innovation. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: "late innovation"
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? Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: "tribute"
Both We'll wait upon you. Hamlet No such matter. I will not sort you with the rest of my servants, for (to speak to you like an honest man) I am most dreadfully attended. – But in the beaten way of friendship, what make you at Elsinore? Rosencrantz To visit you my lord, no other occasion. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: “sort you with the rest”
Both We'll wait upon you. Hamlet No such matter. I will not sort you with the rest of my servants, for (to speak to you like an honest man) I am most dreadfully attended. – But in the beaten way of friendship, what make you at Elsinore? Rosencrantz To visit you my lord, no other occasion. Read more about Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: "wait upon you"
