Claudius, King of Denmark.

Hamlet, son to the former, and nephew to the

present, King.

Polonius, Lord Chamberlain.

Horatio, friend to Hamlet.

Laertes, son to l'olonius,

Bernardo,

Courtiers.

Officers.

Francisco, a soldier.

Reynaldo, servant to Polonius.
A Captain. An Ambassador.
Ghost of Hamlet's father.
Fortinbras, Prince of Norway.

Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, and mother of

Hamlet.

Ophelia, daughter of Polonius.

Lords, Ladies, Officers, Soldiers, Players, Gravediggers; Sailors, Messengers, and other Attendants.

SCENE, Elsinore,

HAMLET,

PRINCE OF DENMARK.

ACT I. SCENE I.

Elsinore. A Platform before the Castle.

FRANCISCO on his post. Enter to him
BERNARDO.

Ber. Who's there?

Fran. Nay, answer me: stand and unfold Yourself.

Ber. Long live the King!

Fran. Bernardo?

Ber. He.

Fran. You come most carefully upon your

hour.

Ber. 'Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed,

Francisco.

Fran. For this relief, much thanks: 'tis bitter

And I am sick at heart.

cold,

Ber. Have you had quiet guard ?