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The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

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Act IV, Scene 6

Elsinore. Another room in the Castle.

       
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Enter Horatio with an Attendant.

  • Horatio. What are they that would speak with me? 3100
  • Servant. Seafaring men, sir. They say they have letters for you.
  • Horatio. Let them come in.
    [Exit Attendant.]
    I do not know from what part of the world
    I should be greeted, if not from Lord Hamlet. 3105

Enter Sailors.

  • Sailor. 'A shall, sir, an't please him. There's a letter for you,
    sir,- it comes from th' ambassador that was bound for England- if 3110
    your name be Horatio, as I am let to know it is.
  • Horatio. [reads the letter] 'Horatio, when thou shalt have overlook'd
    this, give these fellows some means to the King. They have
    letters for him. Ere we were two days old at sea, a pirate of
    very warlike appointment gave us chase. Finding ourselves too 3115
    slow of sail, we put on a compelled valour, and in the grapple I
    boarded them. On the instant they got clear of our ship; so I
    alone became their prisoner. They have dealt with me like thieves
    of mercy; but they knew what they did: I am to do a good turn for
    them. Let the King have the letters I have sent, and repair thou 3120
    to me with as much speed as thou wouldst fly death. I have words
    to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb; yet are they much too
    light for the bore of the matter. These good fellows will bring
    thee where I am. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hold their course
    for England. Of them I have much to tell thee. Farewell. 3125
    'He that thou knowest thine, HAMLET.'
    Come, I will give you way for these your letters,
    And do't the speedier that you may direct me
    To him from whom you brought them. Exeunt.