CLAUDIUS, KING OF DENMARK.

HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK, NEPHEW TO CLAUDIUS. GHOST OF KING HAMLET, FATHER TO THE PRINCE.

POLONIUS, THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

LAERTES, SON TO POLONIUS.

HORATIO, FRIEND TO HAMLET.

GERTRUDE, QUEEN OF DENMARK, MOTHER TO HAMLET.

OPHELIA, DAUGHTER TO POLONIUS.

LORDS, LADIES, OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, PAGES, etc.

Place and Time.

SCENE.-Elsinore, in Denmark.

PERIOD.-The Eleventh Century.

TIME OF ACTION.-Between Two and Three Months.

Scene First.{

HAMLET.

Act First.

ELSINORE. A PLATFORM BEFORE THE
CASTLE. FULL STAGE. MOONLIGHT.

[Francisco, as sentinel on guard, discovered at his post. Enter to him Bernardo.

Who's there?

Ber.

Fran.

Nay, answer me; stand, and unfold yourself.

'T is now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco.

Fran.

For this relief much thanks: 't is bitter cold,

And I am sick at heart.

Ber.

Have you had quiet guard?

Fran.

Not a mouse stirring.

Ber.

Well, good night.

If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,

The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste.

Fran.

I think I hear them.—Stand, ho! Who's there?

[Exit Francisco.