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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.

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.

[Trumpet call. Enter Brutus and Messala]

Brutus

Ride Messala, and give these instructions to the legions on the other side of our formation.

[Loud trumpet call]

Let them begin the battle at once, for I can see that Octavius' troops are in low spirits, and with a sudden push we can defeat them. Ride on, Messala! Let them advance.

[Exit]

 

[Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Lucius, and Soldiers; Titinius and Pindarus meeting them]

Brutus

Stop!

Lucilius

Pass on the order, and stop!

Brutus

What's this, Lucilius, is Cassius nearby?

Lucilius

He's close by. Pindarus has come to salute you on behalf of this master.

[Enter Brutus and Cassius, and a throng of Citizens]

Plebeians

Give us some answers! We want answers!

Brutus

Then follow me and let me speak to you, friends. Cassius, you go into the other street and divide the crowd. Let anyone who wants to hear me speak stay here, and those who wish to hear you can go with you. We'll both give reasons before the public for Caesar's death.

First Plebeian

I want to hear Brutus speak.

Caesar

Neither heaven nor earth have been quiet tonight. Calpurnia cried out three times in her sleep "Oh no, they're murdering Caesar!"—Who's there?

[Enter a Servant]

Servant

My lord?

Caesar

Go tell the priests to perform an animal sacrifice immediately, read the signs in its internal organs, and report to me whether or not this bodes success for my endeavors.

Servant

I will, my lord.

Menteith

The English soldiers are nearby, led by Malcolm, his uncle Siward, and good Macduff. They’re burning with revenge. Their reasons for revenge would stir even a dead man to fight.

Angus

We’ll meet them near Birnam Wood as they’re coming from that direction.

Caithness

Does anyone know if Donalbain is with his brother?

Lady Macduff

What did he do, that he had to run away?

Ross

You must be patient, madam.

Lady Macduff

He wasn’t patient. It was crazy to run away! Even when we’ve done nothing wrong, that kind of fear makes us look like traitors.

Ross

You don’t know if he ran away out of wise caution or fear.

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