Hamlet

Act I

Scene I

Elsinore. A platform before the castle.

Francisco at his post. Enter to him Bernardo.

Bernardo

Who’s there?

Francisco

Nay, answer me: stand, and unfold yourself.

Bernardo

Long live the king!

Francisco

Bernardo?

Bernardo

Francisco

You come most carefully upon your hour.

Bernardo

’Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco.

Francisco

For this relief much thanks: ’tis bitter cold,And I am sick at heart.

Bernardo

Have you had quiet guard?

Francisco

Not a mouse stirring.

Bernardo

Well, good night.If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste.

Francisco

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

Enter Horatio and Marcellus.

Horatio

Friends to this ground.

Marcellus

And liegemen to the Dane.

Francisco

Give you good night.

Marcellus

O, farewell, honest soldier:Who hath relieved you?

Francisco

Bernardo has my place.Give you good night. Exit.

Marcellus

Holla! Bernardo!

Bernardo

Say,What, is Horatio there?

Horatio

A piece of him.

Bernardo

Welcome, Horatio: welcome, good Marcellus.

Marcellus

What, has this thing appear’d again to-night?

Bernardo

I have seen nothing.

Marcellus

Horatio says ’tis but our fantasy,And will not let belief take hold of himTouching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us:Therefore I have entreated him alongWith us to watch the minutes of this night;That if again this apparition come,He may approve our eyes and speak to it.

Horatio

Tush, tush, ’twill not appear.

Bernardo

Sit down awhile;And let us once again assail your ears,That are so fortified against our storyWhat we have two nights seen.

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