{"id":27,"date":"2023-02-28T04:45:41","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T04:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nelsonlopez.com\/?p=27"},"modified":"2025-11-20T18:36:38","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T18:36:38","slug":"27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nelsonlopez.com\/index.php\/2023\/02\/28\/27\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Left Text Box<\/h2>\n

Enter\u202fPolonius\u202fand\u202fReynaldo.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nReynaldo, when you get to Paris, give these notes and money to Laertes. And be sure to inquire about his behavior before you see him.<\/p>\n

REYNALDO
\nWill do, my lord.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nExcellent. First, go into town and talk to the locals. Find out where the prominent Danes hang out and ask about how they spend their money. Pay particular attention to what Laertes may be doing with his own money. Do you understand?<\/p>\n

REYNALDO
\nI understand.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nLet no one know you are gathering information. \u202f Make is seem as if\u202fthe information you are getting from them is not from them that you\u2019re getting. \u202f Does that make sense?<\/p>\n

REYNALDO
\nYes, it does. In every way.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nDon’t be too direct. As men of understanding and wisdom, we know how to extract information through indirect methods. Pretend you know Laertes’ family and friends, but not him personally. Then, throw out a few false statements about him and see what type of response you receive.<\/p>\n

REYNALDO
\nWhat kind of lies should I tell?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nLies about engaging in bestiality, tax evasion, whore-mongering, gambling and spitting. The usual behavior typical of men his age. Feel free to take it as far as you wish.<\/p>\n

REYNALDO
\nWill that not bring him dishonor and ruin his reputation?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nDo not bring him dishonor by making statements that will ruin his reputation.
\nBut, if you must ruin his reputation, do it in a way which will not bring him dishonor.
\nPhrase your statements in an indirect but artful manner so that, if anyone\u202fagrees with you, it will confirm that Laertes has been up to doing those things.<\/p>\n

REYNALDO
\nBrilliant!<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nGo on, now.\u202f Gather as much information as you can about my son.<\/p>\n

REYNALDO
\nMost eagerly, my lord.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nGood-bye.\u202f Fare you well.<\/p>\n

(Exit Reynaldo.)<\/p>\n

(Enter Ophelia.)<\/p>\n

OPHELIA
\nFather!<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nOphelia!\u202f Are you ok?<\/p>\n

OPHELIA
\nIt\u2019s Hamlet!\u202f He is not well!<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nWhat happened?<\/p>\n

OPHELIA
\nI was in my sewing room when he walked in looking ragged and deranged.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nWhat did he say? What did he do?<\/p>\n

OPHELIA
\nHe didn\u2019t say anything.\u202f He simply walked up, grabbed my wrist with one hand, placed the other on his forehead and stared at me.\u202f Then he shook my arm vigorously, nodded three times and sighed loudly as if he were about to die.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThat\u2019s rather odd.<\/p>\n

OPHELIA
\nThen he walked away without taking his eyes off me.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nWhat did you do to provoke him?<\/p>\n

OPHELIA
\nAll I did was send back his letters and refused to see him. Just as you told me to.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nHow foolish of me to underestimate the stupidity of young people in love.
\nThe poor lad has gone crazy.<\/p>\n

We must tell the King.
\nKeeping this thing a secret may cause greater grief than the anger caused by its revelation.<\/p>\n

(Exeunt.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Right Text Box<\/h2>\n

Act 2, Scene 2
\nFlourish.\u202f Enter King and Queen, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, with Attendants.<\/p>\n

KING: Welcome dear Rosenstern and Guildencrantz.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ: I\u2019m Rosencrantz.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN: And I\u2019m Guildenstern.<\/p>\n

KING: We’ve summoned you to help us understand the mystery behind Hamlet’s strange behavior.<\/p>\n

QUEEN: We know you’re two of his closest friends.<\/p>\n

KING: We’re asking you to observe him and report back to us anything that may help explain his sudden mental illness.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN: Is this more of a command than a request?<\/p>\n

QUEEN: You’ll be rewarded for your help.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ: Then, it’s our duty to serve the King, Queen, and country.<\/p>\n

KING: Thank you, Rosenstern and gentle Guildencrantz.<\/p>\n

QUEEN: Thank you, Guildencrantz and gentle Rosenstern. .<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ: It’s Rosencrantz.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN: (whispers) Shut up. Just take the money.<\/p>\n

QUEEN: Thank you both.<\/p>\n

(To Servants) Escort these gentlemen to Hamlet.<\/p>\n

(Exit Rosencrantz and Guildenstern)<\/p>\n

(Enter Polonius)<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: The ambassadors have returned from Norway with great news!<\/p>\n

KING: As always, Polonius, you’re up-to-date.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: And I have discovered the reason for Hamlet’s madness.<\/p>\n

KING: We’re eager to hear it.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Let the ambassadors speak first. My news will be the icing on the cake!<\/p>\n

(Exit Polonius)<\/p>\n

KING: (To Queen) He says he knows why Hamlet is acting strange.<\/p>\n

QUEEN: I suppose he’s been traumatized by our hasty marriage.<\/p>\n

KING: Maybe we should have waited another week.<\/p>\n

(Enter Voltemand and Cornelius)<\/p>\n

VOLTEMAND: Your majesty, the Norwegian King has convinced his nephew Fortinbras to abandon his plans to attack us.<\/p>\n

KING: That’s great news. How was the Norwegian King able appeal to Fortinbras’ nobler senses?<\/p>\n

VOLTEMAND: Through bribery.<\/p>\n

KING: Hey, whatever works.<\/p>\n

CORNELIUS: Now, Fortinbras is turning his sword towards Poland. The Norwegian King asks that you allow him safe passage through Denmark as he marches against the Poles.<\/p>\n

KING: I’ll have to think about that.<\/p>\n

(Exit Cornelius and Voltemand)<\/p>\n

KING: Polonius, tell us your explanation for Hamlet’s madness.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS:
\nYes, as is my duty. But what is duty?
\nWhy is day day and night night?
\nWhy is time time?
\nDoesn’t pondering such things waste day, night, and time?<\/p>\n

KING: (Aside) Oh, here we go.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: But since brevity is the soul of wit and dullness lives in elaborate outward…<\/p>\n

QUEEN: Polonius! Get to the point.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Okay, to be brief, Hamlet has lost his mind.
\nHe’s flipped his lid and it’s a shame that it’s true.
\nIf we had to define it, we would call it insanity.
\nBut by defining it, doesn’t that make us insane too?<\/p>\n

QUEEN: It’s crazy, but true.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS:
\nExactly. We need to find out what caused this effect.
\nOr, what caused this defect since there must be a cause that affects his defects.<\/p>\n

KING: I need another drink.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS:
\nNo, stay with me. I have one of Hamlet’s letters to Ophelia that proves my theory.<\/p>\n

(reads letter)<\/p>\n

Do you really think the stars are fire?
\nOr that the sun’s a spinning tire?
\nTruth can be a liar, that is true,
\nBut will not hide my love for you.<\/p>\n

My poetic skills are lame,
\nMost my writings sound the same,
\nA lifeless lump, no pulse, no sound,
\nAs a furry creature, once renowned,
\nNo more running, no more tread.
\nThe wheel spins but the hamster’s dead.<\/p>\n

Until my machine gives up,
\nMark my overflowing cup,
\nIf you don’t like it, what the heck?
\nJust kidding, I love you,
\nNothing can change that, it’s totally true!
\nLove,
\nHamlet\u201d<\/p>\n

QUEEN: Hamlet wouldn’t write such unhinged gibberish.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Think about it, what other explanation could there be for his behavior?<\/p>\n

KING:
\n(To Queen)
\nPolonius may have a valid argument.<\/p>\n

QUEEN: I remain unconvinced.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Trust me, I have always been right in the past.<\/p>\n

KING: You have been wrong on many occasions.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Let’s put that aside and focus on this. Hamlet is known to wander these halls at this time of day. I will send my daughter to cross his path, and we will secretly watch them to see if my suspicions are correct. If I am wrong, I will leave my position and take up a job as a dung shoveler.<\/p>\n

KING:
\nThere’s no need for you to leave your position.<\/p>\n

(Enter Hamlet reading a book)<\/p>\n

QUEEN: Here comes Hamlet. He looks miserable.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Please, go both of you. Let me talk to him alone.<\/p>\n

(Exit King and Queen)<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: How is my good lord?<\/p>\n

HAMLET: I am well, and you?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Do you know who I am?<\/p>\n

HAMLET: Yes, you’re a fishmonger.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: I am no fishmonger.<\/p>\n

HAMLET: Then I wish you were as honorable as one. For if the sun finds rotting flesh good enough to kiss and breed maggots, then… wait a minute, you have a daughter?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Yes, I do.<\/p>\n

HAMLET: Conception is creation and can be either a blessing or a curse. You are a fishmonger, but you may have a baker in the family. One with a loaf in the oven. Don’t let her walk in the sun for she may also be kissed by it and breed.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: (Aside) He acknowledges me in his speech yet continues to talk about my daughter. (To Hamlet) What are you reading?<\/p>\n

HAMLET: Words.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Words?<\/p>\n

HAMLET: Word.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: What is the matter?<\/p>\n

HAMLET: The matter with what?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: I meant… the book.<\/p>\n

HAMLET: Interesting you should ask. It’s about old men with grey beards, wrinkled faces, and runny eyes. (Stares at Polonius) The author states that old men are intellectually dull and weak at the knees. I think it’s wrong of him to write such things since you yourself will grow old like I will, if you could go back in time.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: (Aside) Though this may seem madness, there is a method to it.<\/p>\n

(To Hamlet) Would you like to take a walk, my lord?<\/p>\n

HAMLET: You mean go to my grave?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Yes, that would be stepping out of the air. (Aside) His answers are filled with profound truth and meaning.<\/p>\n

(To Hamlet) I will take my leave of you, my lord.<\/p>\n

HAMLET: You cannot take anything from me that I would not willingly part with… except my life.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: Farewell, my lord.<\/p>\n

HAMLET: (Aside) Stupid old bastard.<\/p>\n

(Enter Rosencrantz and Guildenstern)<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: You’re looking for Lord Hamlet?<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN: Yes.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS: There he is. Good luck.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nGod save you, sir.<\/p>\n

(Polonius exits)<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nRosencrantz and Guildenstern, my two most excellent friends. How are you?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nWe are as well as the average children of the earth.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nThat’s unfortunate to hear.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nWe are content with not being too content, as we know we are not the brightest crayons in the box.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nYou are correct in that.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nThank you, my lord.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nAre you enjoying the favors of fortune or are you struggling?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nWe are currently in the midst of her favor.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nSuch scoundrels! What’s new?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nNothing new, except that the world has grown more honest.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nWhat have you done to deserve being in prison?<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nWhat prison?<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nDenmark.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nI see Denmark as a good place, not a bad one.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nAs the saying goes, there’s nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so. Therefore, it is a prison.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nPerhaps it is your own ambition that makes Denmark feel like a prison, Sire.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nIt’s not my ambition, but the nightmares that haunt me and make my life so unbearable. If it weren’t for those nightmares, I wouldn’t have any dreams at all.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nDreams are ambition that stirs a man’s desire. Desire is but a shadow of a dream.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nIs a dream not, in itself, a shadow?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nAmbition is but a shadow of a shadow.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nIt is what it is, I suppose. Why have you come to Elsinore?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nWe came to visit you, for no other reason.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nDid you come on your own or were you summoned?<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nWe were summoned by the King and Queen.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nI knew it! What a strange and unpredictable creature man is. Man gives me no pleasure. And neither does woman, as implied by the stupid look on your faces.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nNo such thoughts came to mind, sir.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nSo, why did you smile when I said man gives me no delight?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nBecause it might please you to learn about a group of actors coming to Elsinore.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nWhich actors?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nThe ones you were so fond of as a child.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nWhy are they coming here?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nThey were too controversial for their town and were forced to leave.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nAre they as good as they were when we were kids?<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nNothing is what it used to be, Sire.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nThey are still very good but they were outperformed by a female dog. The bitches.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nThat’s a tough act to follow.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nLife can be fickle and strange.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nFickle but not strange. My uncle was once the butt of many jokes, but now the same people who ridiculed him pay top dollar for his miniature portrait.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nHere come the players.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nI welcome you both. However, my uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived.<\/p>\n

GUILDENSTERN
\nIn what way?<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nI am only crazy when the wind blows north by northwest. When it blows from the south, I know a hand from a hacksaw.<\/p>\n

(Polonius enters)<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nGood day, gentlemen.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nObserve this overgrown boob. He is not yet out of his diapers.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nPerhaps it’s his second go at them.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nIt’s likely he will bring news we already know. Watch this… Oh, yes, it was on Monday morning, perhaps the day after yesterday or the day before tomorrow. I have difficulty remembering…<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nLord, I have news for you.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nAnd I have news for you! When Roscius was an actor in Rome, it was the first century BC.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nAnd?<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nHe died.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThen what?<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nHe’s still dead.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThat’s sad.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nSo, what news do you have?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThe actors are coming!<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nReally? The actors are coming to Elsinore!? Oh, Jephthah, judge of Israel, what a treasure you had. One fair daughter and no more, for whom he had utmost love.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS (Aside)
\nHe continues to talk about my daughter.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nAm I right, Jepthah?<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nJepthah? I have nothing in common with him.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nThat’s not true.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThen, what is true?<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nRead the book and find the answer for yourself. Here come the actors.<\/p>\n

(Four or five players enter)
\nWelcome, all. You have all changed so much since the last time I saw you. Your voices have cracked! Give us a taste of your quality; give us a passionate speech.<\/p>\n

FIRST PLAYER
\nWhat speech, my lord?<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nI heard you recite a speech once. It was never acted, but I thought it was very clever, skillfully written with well-plotted scenes. The critics bashed it. They thought it sucked, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I particularly liked the part where Pyrrhus slaughtered Priam. If you still remember these lines, let me see…<\/p>\n

Oh, rugged Pyrrhus, his purpose black as the night while he lay hidden in the ominous Trojan horse. He has now smeared this terrifying black complexion with dismaying colors. Head to toe, he is now totally red, horribly covered with the blood of fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. It has baked and dried with the heat of the burning streets. He has roasted in fury and fire and is covered with bloody gore. His eyes glow like fiery jewels as the hellish Pyrrhus seeks old grandfather Priam. He turns a fierce and damned light toward their king’s murder. Now, go on, take it from there.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nBravo!\u202f Well spoken, with good accent and good discretion.
\nFIRST PLAYER
\nOld Priam fought with all his might,
\nBut Pyrrhus was too strong, too bright.
\nWith one swift blow, the old man fell,
\nHis sword dropped as he bid farewell.<\/p>\n

Stuck between desire and action,
\nPyrrhus paused, unsure of his reaction.
\nBut vengeance soon aroused his sense,
\nAnd he returned to the bloody offense.<\/p>\n

Never before had the war god seen,
\nA hammer fall with such cruel mean,
\nAs Pyrrhus’ sword, with each bloody strike,
\nFell on Priam’s carcass like a spike.<\/p>\n

Out, out Fortune, thou art the bitch!
\nAll you gods, in conference, switch,
\nTake away the power, break the wheel,
\nAnd send her down to the fiery hell.<\/p>\n

For Pyrrhus’ rage could not be quelled,
\nAs Priam’s lifeless body swelled,
\nAnd the world below was hushed in fear,
\nAs the storm raged on, death was near.<\/p>\n

But when the end came, it was swift,
\nAnd Pyrrhus was left to sift,
\nThrough the aftermath of his cruel deed,
\nAs the gods above looked down and agreed.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nIt\u02bcs too long.\u202f Way too long.
\nHAMLET
\n(To Polonius.)
\nYou should be one to say.
\n(To Player.)
\nDon\u02bct mind him.\u202f This old man like books with dirty pictures.\u202f Go on to the part about Hecuba.
\nFIRST PLAYER
\nWho has seen the mobled queen?
\nPOLONIUS
\nMobled queen. I like that.
\nHAMLET
\nOh, shut up.
\nFIRST PLAYER
\nShe ran like the wind, with nothing but her tears,
\nA scarf for a crown, and a blanket for her fears.
\nFortune had played her, oh what a cruel bitch,
\nTaking away her throne, leaving her in a ditch.<\/p>\n

Pyrrhus had taken pleasure in Hecuba’s pain,
\nHacking her husband’s limbs, tearing him apart with disdain.
\nBut little did he know, his act of malice and hate,
\nWould move the heavens and the gods, sealing his fate.<\/p>\n

The gods must have heard Hecuba’s anguished cries,
\nAnd seen Pyrrhus revel in his wicked lies.
\nFor even the stars shed milky tears that day,
\nAnd the gods themselves were moved to grief and dismay.<\/p>\n

Oh Fortune, thou art a fickle mistress, indeed,
\nBringing kingdoms to ruin, with no remorse or heed.
\nBut Hecuba’s strength and courage will live on,
\nA testament to the human spirit, forever strong.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThe actor himself has become emotional and is moved to tears.
\nStop!\u202f You\u02bcre breaking my heart.
\nHAMLET
\nFinish it up later, gents.
\nPolonius, lodge these men in one of the finer chambers.\u202f Make sure they get a nice room with tiny cockroaches.
\nPOLONIUS
\nI will treat them as they deserve.
\nHAMLET
\nNo, treat them better.\u202f\u202f Keep the power of guilt on your side.
\nPOLONIUS
\nCome, sirs.
\nHAMLET
\nFollow him, friends. \u202f If he talks, do not engage.
\n(To First Player.)
\nCan you perform the Murder of Gonzago?
\nFIRST PLAYER
\nOnly the first part; not the sequel.
\nHAMLET
\nI would like for you to perform it tomorrow night.\u202f I\u02bcve added a few extra lines. \u202f Would you recite them as well?
\nFIRST PLAYER
\nNot a problem.
\nHAMLET
\nVery well.
\n(To the Players.)
\nYou all make sure you follow his cues, no matter how stupid he may appear while doing so. (Exit Polonius and Players.)
\nHAMLET
\n(To Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.)
\nMy good friends.\u202f Welcome to Elsinore.
\nROSENCRANTZ
\nGood night, my lord.
\n(Exit Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.)
\nHAMLET
\nNow I am alone.
\nO, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!
\nHow an actor could tear his soul over a fictional character, Hecuba.\u202f What\u02bcs Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba?
\nWhat would he be capable of if he had as much reason for passion as I do? He would probably drown the stage in tears and have the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.
\nYet, I stand here as a spineless, spiritless mope with no sense of purpose.\u202f Why do I not take action on behalf of a king whose property and life were damnably destroyed?\u202f Why do I lack the gall to stand against injustice? \u202f Chicken shit, I am.
\nThis ghost I have seen may have actually been an evil spirit.\u202f The devil has the power to appear in a pleasant shape.
\nSo, I must have stronger evidence.
\nGuilty people, upon being touched by the power of a scene, have been moved to confession.\u202f\u202f I will watch my uncle closely during the play.
\nI can observe a lot by watching and, in doing so, I will be able to tell whether he is guilty or not.
\nThe play\u02bcs the thing with which I\u02bcll catch the conscience of the king.
\n(Exit Hamlet.)<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nPolonius, you should know, you talk too much.<\/p>\n

FIRST PLAYER
\nThe character of Priam fights against the Greeks, but he is too old and weak. He drops his sword and is no match for the young Pyrrhus, who strikes him down with one blow. As Pyrrhus watches the old man die, there is a moment of calm, but then a thunderstorm breaks out and Pyrrhus resumes his attack.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThis is too long, way too long.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nDon’t mind him, he likes books with lots of pictures. Continue with the part about Hecuba.<\/p>\n

FIRST PLAYER
\nHecuba, the queen, runs barefoot, trying to put out the flames with her tears. She wears a scarf where a crown once stood and a blanket where a robe once was. Anyone seeing the fear in her eyes would have thought Fortune had betrayed her.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nThis actor is becoming emotional and is moved to tears.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nFinish it later, gentlemen. Polonius, make sure these men have a nice room with tiny cockroaches.<\/p>\n

POLONIUS
\nI will make sure they are treated well.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nNo, treat them even better. Keep the power of guilt on your side.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\n(To the first player) Can you perform the play “The Murder of Gonzago”?<\/p>\n

FIRST PLAYER
\nI can perform the first part, but not the sequel.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nI would like for you to perform it tomorrow night. I’ve added some extra lines. Will you recite those as well?<\/p>\n

FIRST PLAYER
\nNo problem.<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nGood. (to the players) Make sure you follow his cues, no matter how strange they may seem.<\/p>\n

(Polonius and the players exit)<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\n(To Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) My dear friends, welcome to Elsinore.<\/p>\n

ROSENCRANTZ
\nGood night, my lord.<\/p>\n

(Rosencrantz and Guildenstern exit)<\/p>\n

HAMLET
\nNow I am alone. Oh, what a rogue and peasant slave am I! How can an actor become so passionate over a fictional character like Hecuba? What is she to him, or he to her? What would he be capable of if he had as much reason for passion as I do? He would probably drown the stage in tears and have the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. But here I stand, a spineless, spiritless mope with no sense of purpose. Why do I not take action and make something of myself?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n