第一景: 墓园里
[两位掘坟工人(丑角)入]
工甲: 虽然她是自杀身亡的, 但她仍是以基督圣礼来安葬吗? {注1}
工乙: 我跟你说是的, 所以, 你就好好的去掘你的坟罢。
法医已考虑过此事, 并决定以圣礼来安葬。
工甲: 那怎么可以呢, 除非她是因自卫而身死?
工乙: 此事已如此决定了。
工甲: 一定要『自卫身亡』才行, 不能有其它原因;
理由在此:
如果我蓄意的把我自己溺死, 那么, 这算是一种举动,
而任何举动都分有三部份, 那就是『想做』、『要做』、与『去做』。
由此可见, 她的确是蓄意自杀的。
工乙: 好了, 不过, 善良的掘坟先生, 请听...
工甲: 算啦,
{用手比著}
水在这头, 好吧。
人在这头, 好吧。
如果这人走到水那边去溺死, 那么, 活该。
可是, 如果水到人这边来把他溺死, 那么, 这人不算是自杀,
他无罪故意切短他自己的寿命。
工乙: 难道这是法律吗?
工甲: 当然是哟, 这就是『法医验尸法。』
工乙: 你要知道真相吗? 此人若不是出身自贵族,
那她才不可能按圣礼来安葬的。
工甲: 不错, 这回你可说对了:
贵族比一般老百姓更有自由去投河、上吊; 真是不公平啊!
来, 把我的铲子给我。
古代的唯一贵族就是园丁、挖壕工、与掘坟工人们啦--
他们继承了亚当的职业。 [边掘边语]
工乙: 他曾是个贵族吗?
工甲: 他是第一有纹章之人{注2}。
工乙: 呸, 他才没有呢!
工甲: 什么, 你是个异教徒吗? 你的圣经是怎么读的?
圣经上说:『亚当挖掘,』 他没手臂怎能掘土?
我再问你一个问题, 你若答不出来, 那你真该去忏悔。
工乙: 你尽管问罢。
工甲: 谁建造的东西比泥水匠、造船工、或木匠所建造的还更坚固?
工乙: 绞架的建匠, 因为他的造物能耐过於千人。
工甲: 我喜欢你的聪明答覆; 真的, 绞架是个好答覆;
不过, 它为什么好呢?
那就是因为, 用它来对付恶人很好。
可是, 现在你说绞架比教堂还更坚固就不对了, 这也算是一种恶行,
所以, 绞架对你也许会有点益处!
来, 再试一次吧。
工乙: {用心思考}
谁造的比泥水匠、造船工、或木匠造的还要牢...
工甲: 是的, 你若答对, 今天就没事了。
工乙: 有了, 我晓得了!
工甲: 说呀!
工乙:, 我不晓得。
工甲: 别再为此事棒击你的脑子了--笨驴是怎么打也走不快的。
假如下次有人问你此事, 你就回答:『掘坟工人,』
因为他所造之屋宇能耐至世界末日!
去, 去约汉酒 那儿, 替我筛碗酒来。
[工乙出, 工甲继续掘土]
[开始唱歌]
『少年时我曾恋过, 曾恋过;
当时感觉真甜美:
嗨哟, 短暂的好时光, 嗨哟,
无事比它更美好。』
[他正唱时, 哈姆雷特与赫瑞修入]
哈: 难道此家伙对他的行业毫无感触, 他能边掘坟边歌唱?
赫: 习惯已使他对此事毫不在乎。
哈: 真是呀, 这种柔情只有闲汉才能有!
工甲:『可惜时光不饶人,
它的魔掌攫住我,
把我带回泥土中,
就像从来无此生。』
[挖出一骷颅头, 把它扔至坑外]
哈: 这头颅也曾有根舌头, 也曾能歌唱;
现在这家伙却把它乱扔出来, 把它当作第一杀人者该隐的颚骨般{注3}。
这也许是个精明人氏的头颅, 现在却被这匹驴占了便宜,
想骗老天爷似的。 你说不是吗?
赫: 是呀, 殿下。
哈: 它也可能是个朝臣的头颅,
他会说:『早安, 阁下。 您好吗? 亲爱的阁下。』
他也可能是某某大爷, 他会去夸奖某某大爷的骏马, 全为了他想借用它。
你说不是吗?
赫: 是的, 殿下。
哈: 真是的,
现在, 他只能与蛆虫为伍,
既无下颚, 也被司事用铲子敲他的脑袋。
如果我们有智慧领悟此事, 这就是命运循回的上好例子呀!
这些头颅, 除了可当保龄球玩耍之外, 难道就无价值了吗?
想到这些, 我的脑袋就疼。
工甲: {唱歌}
『一柄锄头一把铲,
加上一块裹尸布,
掘得六尺黏土坑,
好来款待贵宾客。』
[又抛出一头颅]
哈: 又来一个!
这不会是个律师的头颅吧?
他的钻牛角尖式之弄法手段、他的分毫必争之雄辩、他的诉讼案子、
他的契据、他的巧妙诡计现在都到哪儿去了呢?
为什么他现在肯让这位鲁莽的家伙用柄肮脏的铲子来敲他的脑壳子,
而不去控告他犯了殴打罪?
哼, 这位家伙在生前也可能是个地产的大买主,
整天就与他的抵押、他的债卷、他的赔偿、他的证人、他的收回权为伴。
现在, 他的上好脑袋里所装的仅是些上好砂土,
难道这就是他的最後赔偿、最後收回吗?
他的证人们还肯不肯为他作证, 去买两块地契般大小的地皮呢?
现在, 他的棺材可是恰够大小来存放这些证件喽。
难道这位买主就无法得到比此更多吗? 哈!
赫: 一寸都不能多, 殿下。
哈: 证书纸是羊皮做的吗?
赫: 是的, 殿下; 也有牛皮。
哈: 倘若人们都指望由此文件上得到保障, 那么, 他们真是不如牛羊。
让我和这家伙谈谈。
{对工人}
汉子呀, 这是谁的坟?
工甲: 我的, 先生。
[唱]
『掘得六尺黏土坑...』
哈: 我相信它的确是你的, 因为你躺在它里头。
工甲: 您躺在它外头, 所以它不是您的。
对我来说, 虽然我不躺在它里头, 但它仍然是我的。
哈: 你确实是在它里头; 你也说它是你的;
不过, 它是给死人用的, 不是给活人的;
所以, 你在撒谎。
工甲: 这是句敏捷的谎, 先生, 它能由我口转移至您口。
哈: 你是在为哪位先生掘此坟?
工甲: 不是一位男子, 先生。
哈: 那么, 是哪位女子?
工甲: 也不是一位女子。
哈: 究竟是谁将埋葬於此地?
工甲: 一位曾是女子之人, 先生;
但是, 上帝赐予她灵魂安息, 她现在已死了。
哈: {对赫瑞修}
这浑蛋把事情分辨得这么清楚! 我们一定要把话准确的讲,
要不然, 措辞之含糊将把我们搞得束手无策。
老天爷, 赫瑞修呀, 这三年来我发觉世人都变得非常的虚伪,
连乡巴佬都爱装腔作势, 脚趾接踵的直赶朝庭臣子们。
{对工人}
你做掘坟工作有多少年了?
工甲: 一年的所有日子中,
我就是在先王哈姆雷特击败福丁布拉氏那天上任的。
哈: 那有多久了呢?
工甲: 您不晓得这个吗? 连傻瓜都晓得这个:
就是小哈姆雷特出生那天。
现在他已疯了, 被送至英格兰。
哈: 是的, 的确是的。
他为什么被送至英格兰?
工甲: 就是因为他疯了; 在那儿, 他能恢复他的理智;
假如他无法如此的话, 那也没啥关系。
哈: 为什么?
工甲: 在那儿, 无人会注意到他--那边的人都和他一般的疯。
哈: 他是怎样变疯的?
工甲: 很奇异的, 有人说。
哈: 怎样的奇异法?
工甲: 他的理智出了毛病。
哈: 原因在哪里?
工甲: 当然是在这里罗, 在丹麦。
我在这儿当司事, 长短也有三十年啦。
哈: 一人要被埋多久後才会腐烂?
工甲: 老实说, 如果他在死前还未腐烂的话--
这年头, 我们有很多患了花柳病的尸体, 它们未埋已先烂了--
一具尸体能维持差不多八、九年。
一具制革匠的尸体能熬上个九年。
哈: 为什么他的能维持较久?
工甲: 先生, 他的皮肤因他的行业而早被硝得比别人都硬,
能够长期防水, 而水就是能使那那些臭尸体腐烂之主要原因。
{挖出另一颗骷颅头}
这儿有颗头颅, 它埋在此地已二十有三年了。
哈: 这是谁的头颅?
工甲: 是个婊子养的疯哥儿, 您猜他是谁?
哈: 嗯, 我不晓得。
工甲: 他真是个该死的无赖、神经病, 他曾把一壶葡萄酒灌在我的头上;
这颗骷颅头, 先生, 就是国王的弄臣约利克的头颅。
哈: 这就是? {惊讶的接过骷颅头来}
工甲: 正是。
哈: 唉呀, 可怜的约利克, 赫兄啊, 我曾认得他!
他是个风趣无限, 满腹想像力的家伙;
他曾千百次的背我於他背上玩耍。
现在回想起来, 那是多么的令人 心, 令人反胃。
在这儿{抚摸著骷颅牙齿}悬挂著我曾亲过不知多少次的嘴唇。
你的讥嘲、你的欢跃、你的歌声、
你的能让整桌哄然之妙语现在都到哪里去了呢?
无人再来讥笑你的龇牙笑脸了吧? 下巴没了?
你快去我女士的闺房那儿, 告诉她, 就算她现在抹上一寸厚的胭脂,
到头来她也将变成如此; 让她去笑这些罢!
赫兄, 请告诉我...
赫: 什么, 殿下?
哈: 你认为亚历山大帝现在是否也是如此模样?
赫: 我想是的。
哈: 也同样的臭吗? 呸! {放下骷颅}
赫: 也同样的, 殿下。
哈: 我们到头来都会回到那最卑贱的职位,
赫瑞修啊,
你能否想像到, 亚历山大的高贵遗灰,
有朝会变成个啤酒桶塞?
赫: 那真是太不可思议了。
哈: 不, 一点也不。
只要一步步的由可能方面去推想:
亚历山大死了, 亚历山大被埋葬,
亚历山大化为灰尘,
灰尘变成土, 我们用土来做泥巴,
谁能说人们不会用此泥巴来封个啤酒桶?
{念起即兴的打油诗}
『凯撒死後化为土,
黏土补洞风可堵,
叱吒风云一生功,
补道墙来避严冬!』
且慢, 别作声! 国王、皇后、与朝臣他们来了。
[祭司、国王、皇后、雷尔提与众侍从携棺木入]
他们在哀悼谁? 行著如此简陋的仪式?
看来这亡者大概是自杀身死, 但也是个颇有身份之人。
我们躲起来观看罢。
雷: {问祭司} 还有什么仪式呢?
哈: {对赫瑞修} 这位是雷尔提, 一位高贵的青年, 我们听他说些什么。
雷: 还有什么其它仪式?
祭司: 她的葬礼已超越了她所应得; 我们所能做到的, 都已做到了。
她的死因不详, 有所嫌疑; 要不是王上有命令强迫,
我们应按例把她葬於不圣之地, 直至世界末日之来临。
投入坟中的, 也不应是些同情的祝祷, 而是一些瓦砾与碎石。
今日她所得到的, 却是处女的花圈和代表贞节的散花,
并有鸣钟之礼送她入土。
雷: 难道仅此而以?
祭司: 仅此而以。
我们若以通常死者之礼仪来安葬她, 并唱予隆重的悼歌,
那么, 我们将亵渎了悼祭亡魂之圣典。
雷: 把她安置入土罢。
从她纯洁无瑕的肌肤里, 将冒出芬芳馥郁的紫罗兰;
我告诉你, 无仁的教士, 当你躺在地狱里哀号时,
我的妹妹将是个天命天使!
哈: {发现死者是欧菲莉亚}
什么! 美丽的欧菲莉亚!
后: {散花於坟中}
甜美的鲜花应归於甜美的女子; 再会罢。
我曾期望你是我儿哈姆雷特之妻,
只想到将来用鲜花来布置你的新床, 甜蜜的女郎啊,
而没想到却会把它们散布於你的坟中。
雷: 啊, 但愿无数的灾难落至那使你丧失理智那人的该死头上!
请暂别堆土上来, 让我最後一次的去拥抱她!
[跃入坟中]
现在, 你们可尽管把泥土堆在死者与活人身上,
直堆至此地比古老的霹霖山{注4}及耸入青天的奥林匹士山还要高。
哈: {从隐僻处走出}
负如此沉重哀伤者是谁?
他的悲痛字句足够使天上的行星听得如傻如痴, 为之止步;
那是谁呀?
我, 就是丹麦的哈姆雷特!
雷: {掐住哈姆雷特的脖子}
魔鬼攫走你的灵魂!
哈: {与雷尔提争扎}
这是个不善的祈望!
请你把指头放开我的喉咙。
我虽然不是个粗暴之人,
但是我仍有我的危险之一面, 你宜惧之。
放开你的手!
王: 拉开他们! {侍从们揪住二人}
后: 哈姆雷特! 哈姆雷特!
全体人: 先生们!
赫: 我的好殿下, 请冷静下来!
哈: 我将与他争执此点, 直至我瞑目方止。
后: 我儿, 哪一点?
哈: 我爱欧菲莉亚, 四万个兄弟之爱加起来也不足我所给予她之爱。
{对雷尔提} 为了她, 你肯去做些什么?
王: 啊, 他疯了, 雷尔提。
后: 看在老天爷的份上, 你们就让让他罢!
哈: 哼, 让我瞧瞧, 为了她, 你肯去做些什么。
肯哭泣? 肯打架? 肯绝食? 肯撕破自己的身体? 肯喝一缸醋?
肯吞食一条鳄鱼? 我肯!
你到此地, 是为了要啼哭? 要跳入她的坟中来羞辱我?
你想为她活埋, 我亦愿意的。
你还喋喋不休的说了些什么高山, 那么,
就让百万亩的土壤倾倒在我们的身上,
堆至炎阳烧焦了它的顶峰,
让奥撒山相形之下只不过是个小疣方止。
你能大吹大嚷, 我能吹嚷得比你更大声!
后: 他的这些只是疯话而已,
当他发狂时是会如此的;
不过, 待会儿他就会变得像支母鸽,
像它金卵孵化时一般的鸦雀无声。
哈: 你听我说好了, 先生, 你为何要如此的对待我? 我一向都是爱你的;
好了, 不理这些了, 赫酋力士想做的事, 他会去做的。
任猫去叫, 任狗去闹罢!
[奔出]
王: 善良的赫瑞修, 我求你跟随他去。
[赫瑞修出]
{对雷尔提}
关於我们昨夜所谈之事, 请加强你的耐心,
我们马上就会为此有所了断的。
{对皇后}
好夫人, 请派人监视他; 此坟将有个活生生的纪念碑。
让我们暂且休息一个时辰,
那时之前, 我们应耐心行事。
[全人出]
____________________________________________________________________
译者注:
(1). 按中古教规, 自杀是罪孽, 死尸不得用圣礼来安葬於圣地。
(2). 纹章(coat of arms): 代表贵族家系之标图, 英文与『手臂』
同字, 成双关语。
(3). 圣经里的第一位杀人者该隐(Cain,) 用驴子的下颚骨来杀死其兄亚伯。
(4). 霹霖山(Mt. Pelion,) 奥林匹士山(Mt. Olympus,),
与奥撒山(Mt. Ossa)为希腊神话中之三大名山。
第二景: 城堡中一厅
{哈姆雷特与赫瑞修入}
哈: {指著送给赫瑞修的那封信, 继续的把话说完}
此事就这样讲完了, 先生。
现在, 我要告诉你另一段事情;
你还记不记得当时之情况?
赫: 记得, 殿下。
哈: 先生, 那夜, 我因胸中纳闷, 无法入睡,
折腾得比那铐了脚镣的叛变水手还更难过;
那时, 我就冲动的--
好在有那一时之念,
因为有时我们在无意中所做的事能够圆满,
经深谋细虑之事反会失败。
由此可知, 无论我们是怎样的去筹划,
结局还总归是神来安排的。
赫: 那是无可置疑的。
哈: {继续}
从我的船舱里爬起, 披上了我的水手袍子,
在黑暗中摸索的去找寻他们。
果然, 我就如愿的找到了他们, 也摸得了他们的公文袋;
然後, 我就悄悄的回到了我的房间。
恐惧使我忘却了所有的礼仪, 使我大胆的拆开了他们的公文。
在那里头, 赫瑞修呀, 我发现了一宗天大之阴谋:
有道命令, 它假参了许多好听之理由, 说什么是为了两国之利益,
列出了我魔鬼一般的罪状, 要求英王览毕此函後,
不必浪费时间去磨利那大斧,
应不容怠慢的立即砍下我的首级。
赫: 有这等事?
哈: 国书就在此; 你有空时, 可自读之。
不过, 你现在想不想听听我是如何的去对付此事?
赫: 我求你告诉我。
哈: 我被如此恶毒之罗网重重围住,
当我的脑子尚未摸熟此剧之大纲时, 这出好戏已锵锵开场了。
当时我就坐了下来, 用著官方的华丽语气重新写了一封国书。
从前我认为--我国的许多官员也有同感--此类的书信法是卑贱的,
并且也尽力的去忘记这门学问; 不过, 先生,
这回它可派上用场了。
你想不想知道我究竟写了些什么?
赫: 是的, 我的好殿下。
哈: 我假借丹麦王之名, 写下了这篇恳切的要求:
『英王既为丹麦之忠心蕃属, 两邦之宜将盛如棕榈,
和平之神也须永戴其昌隆之冠, 以便沟通两国之情...』
加上许多诸类此等之盛大理由, 要求英王阅毕此函後,
速斩此信传人, 不容分说, 不容忏悔。
赫: 您是如何的封上此书?
哈: 说来, 那也是天数:
我携有我父王之指环图章在我的腰包里,
它与丹麦之国玺是一模一样的。
我就把这封伪信依原样摺好, 签了字, 盖了封印,
然後小心翼翼的把它归返原处;
这宗掉包完全没被人发现。
第二天就是我们的海战; 其馀之事, 你以知道。
赫: 那么, 盖登思邓与罗生克兰已把命送了?
哈: 怎么, 人呀, 那是他们自己喜欢那件差事,
我才不会把他们放在我的良心上呢;
他们的杀身之祸全是自惹的。
当两个强敌在恶斗时, 小辈们走近他们的往来剑锋, 是极危险的。
赫: 哼, 这是一个什么国王!
哈: 你难道不认为, 这是我的职责:
他弑我君、娼我母、挫我登基之望、并用诡计来图谋我的性命,
你说, 按道义来讲, 我是否应手刃此徒, 以雪此恨?
我若不除此毒瘤, 而让它继续为非做歹, 那我是否应受天谴?
赫: 他马上就会由英王那儿得知那里所发生之事。
哈: 时间是非常的短促, 可是, 它是属於我的--
取人性命, 快之可如喊『著!』
不过, 善良的赫瑞修, 我很抱歉我对雷尔提失去了控制,
因为由我的处境, 我能了解他的立场。
我将设法去争取他的谅解。
不过, 那也实在是因为我见到他的夸张举动,
才会使我怒火冲天的。
赫: 不要作声, 谁来了?
[朝臣奥斯力克入]
奥: {必恭必敬的行个大礼}
恭迎王子殿下归返丹麦!
哈: 我谦卑的谢谢你。
{私下对赫瑞修}
你认识这位点水蜻蜓吗?
赫: 不认得, 殿下。
哈: 那是你的福气, 因为认得他是件恶事。
他拥有很多肥沃良田。
任何一头畜牲, 只要它是万头畜牲之主,
它的畜舍就会被摆在国王的餐桌旁。
他是支饶舌的乌鸦;
不过, 就如我所说, 他拥有大量的泥土。
奥: {深深的鞠恭, 帽子碰地}
甜美的殿下, 您若有空, 我想为国王传句话...
哈: 那么, 先生, 我一定会洗耳恭听的。
请你把帽子戴好, 它是用在头顶上的。
奥: 谢谢, 殿下, 今天很热。
哈: 不, 相信我, 今天很冷, 在吹著北风呢。
奥: 是蛮冷的, 殿下, 真的是。
哈: 不过, 我认为, 依我的体质来讲, 它还是很闷热。
奥: 非常的闷热, 殿下, 闷热的就像....我无法形容...
殿下, 陛下教我告诉你, 他已在你的头上下了一笔大注;
先生, 事是如此...
哈: [作手势教他把帽子戴好]
我求你, 记得吗?
奥: 不, 好殿下, 我还是这样比较舒服, 真的。 {用帽子扇凉}
先生, 宫中现在新来了一位雷尔提先生;
请相信我, 他是位完完全全的绅士, 充满了最卓越的优点,
有著翩翩的风度与堂堂的相貌。
真的, 套句雅话, 他不愧是个贵族之楷模、典范;
您也将发现, 他的本人就代表了一位『绅士』所应有。
哈: 先生, 你把他形容得真是淋漓无愧;
不过, 我晓得, 若欲分门别类的列出他的所有优点,
那它将无从算起, 数目将庞大的令人痴傻,
就像面对其快帆之船, 我们将永远望尘莫及。
他的品德也是举世罕见, 除了他自己的镜中影之外,
世上可说无人能与他媲美。 若有人欲与他比较,
那他只配当他影子而已。
奥: 殿下把他说得一点儿也不错。
哈: 但此话之用意是何在?
为何我们要一味的把这位先生圜绕於我们佣俗的唇齿之间?
奥: {愣住} 先生?
赫: {对奥斯力克} 你自己的语言, 换个人来讲, 就不懂了?
你该专心的去听。
哈: {解释刚才的话} 你向我提起这位绅士的目地是何在?
奥: 您在说雷尔提?
赫: {讥笑奥斯力克} 他的锦囊已空, 金言已尽。
哈: 我正是在说他。
奥: 我知道您并不是不晓得...
哈: 我希望你确实是如此, 先生;
就算你是, 那它对我也无益处。
怎样, 先生?
奥: 我知道您并不是不晓得他很了得...
哈: 那我可不敢承认, 除非我有意与他比个高下。
欲知他人底细, 先得认清自己。
奥: 我的意思是, 先生, 他的武功了得。
据他的手下说, 他乃举世无双。
哈: 他用的是什么兵器?
奥: 长短双剑{注1}。
哈: 那是两件兵器, 嗯...
奥: 国王已以六匹巴巴利{注2}骏马为注和他打赌, 先生;
他也相对的提出了--据我所知--六柄法国长剑、短刃及其附件,
悬挂之佩带等等。 不瞒您说,
其中有三套载架尤是精美; 它们吻配其鞘, 乃精工巧匠所制。
哈: 你所谓的『载架』是何许东西?
赫: 我就料到你需要个注解在後头。
奥: 载架, 先生, 就是那挂剑的皮带。
哈: 假如我们能在身边悬挂一尊炮, 那么, 这个名词可能比较恰当。
直到那时, 我们还是称它为『皮带』罢。
好了, 继续说...六匹骏马对六柄长剑及其附件,
还有三套精致的『载架』...这是个法国人对丹麦人之赌呀!
他们为何要下如此的赌注呢?
奥: 国王已打赌, 先生, 他与您交手的十二回合中,
他的命中次数将决不超你於三。
雷尔提却打赌他在十二回合中必能击中您九次。
殿下要是不弃, 此事可立即能有一试。
哈: 要是我回答个『不』呢?
奥: 我的意思是, 殿下, 请您亲身去与他比较个高低。
哈: 先生, 倘若陛下容允, 我将在厅内走走, 此刻是我的运动时间。
要是兵器已被搬出, 那位先生也同意, 并且王上也无变挂,
那么, 我将尽我的能力去为他赢个胜利; 我若不能得胜,
那我赢得的仅将是些羞耻, 将甘败下风。
奥: 您要我如此的去禀告吗?
哈: 你可用自己的美言妙语去传达我的意思。
奥: {深深的鞠躬告辞}
我向殿下恭 我的服务。
哈: 再见, 再见。
[奥斯力克出]
{对赫瑞修} 他这般的自 也好, 因为无人有他的花腔口舌。
赫: {指其华丽的帽子} 这支田鸭子, 就这样头戴蛋壳的跑了。
哈: 他在哺其母乳之前, 还要向奶头谄媚恭为一番呢!
我认得许多此等之人, 他们在此腐败的时代里非常得宠;
他们只懂得些表面功夫, 靠著一些模彷来的语气与外表,
就能跻身於名流大儒之间。
给他们一个真正的考验, 他们的幌子立即将成为泡影。
[一贵族入]
贵族: 殿下, 王上刚才遣派了奥斯力克来向您传旨,
现在他回报说殿下已在厅中等候陛下旨意。
此时陛下欲知, 您是要马上和雷尔提比赛呢,
还是待会儿再说?
哈: 我的主意已定, 一切将听从陛下的指示;
如果他已准备齐全, 那我亦然。
此刻或任何时候, 只要我能像现在一般的有能力就可。
贵族: 国王、皇后、与众臣们马上驾到。
哈: 来得正是时候。
贵族: 皇后希望您在比赛之前能与雷尔提客气的寒喧几句。
哈: 我将听从她的指意。
[贵族出]
赫: 殿下, 您会赌输的。
哈: 我想不会的;
他赴法国以後, 我曾不断的练习;
按此赌规, 我必能把他击败。
我想, 你也许不能体会到我心中对此事之忧虑,
不过, 此事不打紧...
赫: 可是, 殿下...
哈: 说来可笑, 一些会使婆娘疑虑的琐事...
赫: 您的内心若有顾虑, 那您就应该去听从它。
我会阻止他们来此的, 就说您不舒服。
哈: 那可不必; 我们不能迷信预感,
因为连一支麻雀之死, 都是预先注定的。
死之来临, 不是现在, 即是将来; 不是将来, 即是现在;
只要对它有所准备就好了。
既然无人能知死後会缺少些什么, 早死有何可惧?
任它来罢!
[一张桌子被侍从们排开, 鼓号齐响後一队军官持垫鱼贯而入。
国王、皇后、雷尔提、奥斯力克、与众朝臣入。 众侍从持剑入。 ]
王: 来, 哈姆雷特, 来握这支手。
[把雷尔提的手放在哈姆雷特的手中]
哈: {对雷尔提}
请原谅我, 先生, 我得罪了你;
请原谅我, 因你是位绅士。
在座的诸位都晓得, 你也必曾听闻, 我患有严重的疯症。
我所做的, 伤害了你的感情与荣誉, 使你怀恨在心;
但是, 现在我要说, 那是我的疯症所为。
对不起雷尔提的, 是哈姆雷特吗? 不, 决对不是哈姆雷特!
倘若哈姆雷特丧失了他的心志,
然後他不由自主的去做了一些对不起雷尔提之事,
那么, 这些事情不是哈姆雷特所干的,
而哈姆雷特也不会承认。
但是, 这些事情是谁干的呢? 就是哈姆雷特的疯症所干的!
既是如此, 那么, 哈姆雷特本身也就是一个受害者,
而他的疯症也是可怜的哈姆雷特之敌人。
先生, 我现在要在诸位观众的面前郑重声明, 我并无蓄意为恶,
希望由此能得到你的宽宏谅解,
让你能明白, 我是在无意中把箭矢射越了屋脊,
而伤害到了我的一位弟兄。
雷: 以我的受创感情而言--光仗著它就足够使一人去图谋报复--
我已满足了。
但是, 以我的荣誉而言, 为了维护其完整, 我仍是冷漠无衷。
未经大众敬仰的父老们调停判决此事之前, 我是无法平息此恨的。
不过, 在那之前, 我能领会你的表白,
晓得它乃出自诚意, 而不会去辜负它的。
哈: 我乐意的接受此言, 并以兄弟之情展开这场竞赛。
取剑来罢!
雷: 来, 也给我一柄。
哈: 把我当作你挥耍之剑吧, 雷尔提!
依我之庸才, 你的技艺必能如黑夜之明星, 大放其光彩。
雷: 先生取笑了!
哈: 我发誓没有。
王: 拿剑来给他们罢, 奥斯力克。
哈姆雷特爱侄, 你懂得赌规吗?
哈: 懂得, 主公。
您已下注在实力较弱的那一方。
王: 我并不为此忧虑;
我曾领教过你们二位的剑技,
既然他的实力近来大有进步, 所以他按赌规应让你数招。
雷: {发觉他拿的不是毒剑} 这柄太重了, 让我试试另一把。
哈: {挥耍他的剑} 这柄很适合我。
这些剑都是一般长吗?
奥: 是的, 我的好殿下。
[二人准备开始竞赛。 侍从们端酒出来]
王: 请把这盅酒摆在那桌上;
倘若哈姆雷特击中第一或第二回, 或在第三回合里取得胜利而停赛,
那么, 炮台之炮将一齐鸣放, 朕也将敬酒为他祝贺,
并将在杯中投入一颗珍珠,
它比我国四位先王皇冠上所戴之珍珠还更名贵。
拿酒来吧! 让隆隆的鼓声传信於号角, 号角传信於炮手,
炮手传信於苍天, 苍天再传信於大地: 本王今日将为哈姆雷特开怀痛饮!
来, 开始罢! 裁判们, 请看好。
哈: 来罢, 先生!
雷: 来呀, 殿下。
[开始斗剑]
哈: 著!
雷: 没中!
哈: 裁判!
奥: 击中了, 显然的击中了。
雷: 好罢, 再来! {作手示要再赛}
王: 稍候, 把酒给我。 {自己先喝一大口}
哈姆雷特, 这颗珍珠是属於你的, 祝你建康! {投毒药於杯中}
[鼓、号、炮声齐鸣]
{对侍从} 把杯子端给他。
哈: 请暂且把它搁在一边, 让我先斗完这回再说。
[又开始斗剑]
又中了! 你怎么说?
雷: 被你点中了, 我承认, 被你轻轻的点中了。
王: 吾子将胜罗...
后: 他体胖气急;
来呀, 哈姆雷特, 用我的手帕去擦你的额头。
哈姆雷特, 母后为你的好运敬酒! {举毒酒至唇欲引}
哈: 谢母后!
王: 葛簇特, 别喝!
后: 我想喝, 对不起。
[喝口酒後捧杯给哈姆雷特]
王: [私下] 那是毒酒, 已太迟了...
哈: {对皇后} 我现在还不敢喝, 母亲, 待会儿再说。
后: 来, 让娘擦你脸上的汗水。
雷: {对国王} 主公, 这回我会击中他的。
王: 我看不见得。
雷: [私下] 虽然我的良心使我几乎下不了手!
哈: 来第三回合罢, 雷尔提, 别浪费时间了;
使出你的全力罢, 我怀疑你只是在消遣我呢。
雷: 你以为? 来吧!
{他们三度交锋, 揪缠於一团; 奥斯力克用力的把他们扯开}
奥: 双方打个平手。
雷: 去你的! {雷尔提在乱中趁哈姆雷特不备, 刺哈姆雷特一剑}
[哈姆雷特因被雷尔提偷袭而受伤, 所以怒火填胸, 持剑猛攻。
一阵混乱中, 双方的剑都落在地上, 然後各方把对方的剑捡起]
王: 把他们扯开, 他们恼怒了!
哈: 不, 再来罢!
[哈姆雷特持毒剑刺伤雷尔提; 皇后也在同时毒性发作倒於地上]
奥: 大家看看皇后, 别斗了!
赫: 双方都在淌血!
{对哈姆雷特}
您还好吗, 殿下?
奥: 您怎么样, 雷尔提?
雷: 就像支自投罗网的小鸟, 奥斯力克,
我活该被自设的诡计害死。
哈: 皇后怎么啦?
王: 她见血就晕过去了。
后: 不, 不...那酒, 那酒! 喔, 我的亲爱的哈姆雷特,
那酒, 那酒, 我中毒了...
[皇后死]
哈: 唉哟! 狠毒呀!
停止一切, 把门栓上;
奸计, 露出你的面孔罢!
[奥斯力克出]
雷: 它就在此, 哈姆雷特;
哈姆雷特呀, 你已经死定了!
天下再好之良药对你也无效, 你将活不过半个时辰。
奸诈之凶器正握在你的手中; 它未上护套, 并涂有毒汁;
这宗诡计已转过头来害了我自己;
你看, 我躺在此, 将永远不能再起。
你的母亲也被下毒了; 我已无能再说了。 国王...国王就是罪人...
哈: 剑尖也涂了毒药? 那么, 去发挥你的毒性罢!
[持毒剑猛刺国王]
全体人: 叛国! 叛国!
王: {重伤垂危} 喔, 朋友们, 求你们救救我罢, 我受伤了。
哈: 去罢, 你这个乱伦、杀人、该死的丹麦王,
去痛饮你的这剂药罢! 你的珍珠还在里头吗?
尾随我的母亲去罢!
[强迫重伤的国王喝鸩酒; 国王死]
雷: 这是他的报应, 鸩酒是他调的。
高贵的哈姆雷特呀, 让我们来互换宽恕罢:
我不怪你杀死我和我父亲, 你也勿怪我把你杀死。
[雷尔提死]
哈: 天堂会赦免你的; 我也会马上跟随你去的。
我将死了, 赫瑞修。
可怜的皇后, 再会罢。
{对众臣}
你们有人面色苍白, 有人为此惨变战栗,
但是, 你们只是无言的旁观者;
只要我能够有时间, 我能告诉你们...啊, 不管这些了;
可怖的死神真是个毫不留情的补快!
赫瑞修, 我死了, 你尚活著;
请你把我的故事告诉给那些不知底细的民众们。
赫: 别提这些了;
我虽身为丹麦人, 但是我的内心却像个古罗马人(注3);
这里还有些剩酒...{拿起剩下的毒酒欲饮}
哈: 你是个男子汉, 把杯子给我! {与赫瑞修争夺酒杯}
放开！老天, 把它给我! {打翻赫瑞修手中的酒杯}
神呀, 如果无人能来揭发此事之真相, 那么,
我的留名将多么的受到损害!
倘若你曾爱我, 那就请你暂且牺牲天国之幸福,
留在这冷酷的世界里去忍痛告诉世人我的故事罢。
[远处传来军歌与炮声]
那是什么声音?
[奥斯力克入]
奥: 福丁布拉少氏, 远征波兰後班师回朝, 为英国大使鸣炮行礼。
哈: 喔, 我将死了, 赫瑞修;
剧毒已经克服了我的灵魂, 我将无法活著听到来自英国之消息;
不过, 我预测福丁布拉将被推举为丹麦王;
他已得到我这垂死之人的赞许;
请告诉他这里所发生之一切事故。
其馀的, 仅是宁静... [哈姆雷特死]
赫: 一颗高贵的心, 此时已碎。
晚安罢, 甜美的王子,
让一群天使的歌声来伴你入眠。
[行军声由远处传来]
为何鼓声渐近?
[福丁布拉率众军士, 偕英国大使们入]
福: 盛大的比赛是在何处举行?
赫: 您想看什么?
您若想看凄惨骇人之景象, 那您可无须再找了。
福: 遍地的死尸告诉了我此地曾发生过惨案;
骄矜的死神呀, 在您永恒不灭的巢窟里, 您在办何种宴席,
须要如此血淋淋地同时杀害这么多王裔、贵族?
英使甲: 这是个悲惨的景象; 我们从英国带来了消息, 不过已经太迟了:
要听此消息的耳朵, 现在都已经无知觉了。
我们要告诉他, 他的旨意已经圆满达成: 罗生克兰与盖登思邓已死。
现在我们能去哪里讨声谢言呢?
赫: {指著国王尸首}
不能由他的口中,
即使他还活著, 并能向你们致谢, 他也不会的,
因为他从来未曾指使你们去处死他们。 不过,
既然你们已从波兰的沙场及英格兰赶来此处, 在此血腥之时辰,
那就请您们下令把这些尸体安置於一高台上, 让众人瞻顾,
并让我向那些不知情的世人们讲解此事发生之过程。
你们将听到一些涉及淫欲、流血、及乱伦的故事。
这里头也有冥冥的判断、意外的戳戮、设计的谋杀、
及自食其果的结局。 对这些事情, 我必能做个忠实的报导。
福: 希望我们能尽快的听到此事之情节, 并能招集众贵族为听众。
至於本人, 我是抱著悲伤的心情来接受此佳运的,
我未曾忘却我在此国所拥有之权益, 现在它在邀请本人把它收回。
赫: 关於此事, 我也有一句话要说, 因我曾得到死者的委托,
而他的话在推选国君的过程中带有极大的影响力。
让我们立刻就去举办这项大典罢, 虽然这是个人心惶惶的时刻,
但是这样去做, 能避免更多的不幸与失误。
福: 请四位军官把哈姆雷特的遗体以军礼抬上高台,
因为假如他曾登基即位, 那他必定是个英明的君主。
为了哀吊他之死, 我们必须以响亮的军歌及隆重的军仪向他致敬。
把这些尸体抬上高台去罢;
此种景象在浴血的战场中是常见的,
但是在此却令人不安。
命将士们放炮!
[开始奏出丧礼进行曲, 众人抬尸首慢步出场, 後台传来炮声数响]
--[幕落, 全剧终]--
______________________________________________________________________
译者注
(1). 长短双剑: 古人决斗时, 手持双剑: 右手拿长剑攻, 左手拿短剑守。
(2). 巴巴利(Barbary): 北菲沿海地区。
(3). 古罗马人: 相传古罗马人通常宁可自杀, 不可受辱。
Elsinore. A churchyard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter two Clowns, [with spades and pickaxes].
First Clown. Is she to be buried in Christian burial when she wilfully seeks her own salvation?
Second Clown. I tell thee she is; therefore make her grave straight.
The crowner hath sate on her, and finds it Christian burial. 3350First Clown. How can that be, unless she drown'd herself in her own
defence?
Second Clown. Why, 'tis found so.
First Clown. It must be se offendendo; it cannot be else. For here lies
the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act; and an 3355
act hath three branches-it is to act, to do, and to perform;
argal, she drown'd herself wittingly.
Second Clown. Nay, but hear you, Goodman Delver!
First Clown. Give me leave. Here lies the water; good. Here stands the
man; good. If the man go to this water and drown himself, it is, 3360
will he nill he, he goes- mark you that. But if the water come to
him and drown him, he drowns not himself. Argal, he that is not
guilty of his own death shortens not his own life.
Second Clown. But is this law?
First Clown. Ay, marry, is't- crowner's quest law. 3365Second Clown. Will you ha' the truth an't? If this had not been a
gentlewoman, she should have been buried out o' Christian burial.
First Clown. Why, there thou say'st! And the more pity that great folk
should have count'nance in this world to drown or hang themselves
more than their even-Christian. Come, my spade! There is no 3370
ancient gentlemen but gard'ners, ditchers, and grave-makers. They
hold up Adam's profession.
Second Clown. Was he a gentleman?
First Clown. 'A was the first that ever bore arms.
Second Clown. Why, he had none. 3375First Clown. What, art a heathen? How dost thou understand the Scripture?
The Scripture says Adam digg'd. Could he dig without arms? I'll
put another question to thee. If thou answerest me not to the
purpose, confess thyself-
Second Clown. Go to! 3380First Clown. What is he that builds stronger than either the mason, the
shipwright, or the carpenter?
Second Clown. The gallows-maker; for that frame outlives a thousand
tenants.
First Clown. I like thy wit well, in good faith. The gallows does well. 3385
But how does it well? It does well to those that do ill. Now,
thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the
church. Argal, the gallows may do well to thee. To't again, come!
Second Clown. Who builds stronger than a mason, a shipwright, or a
carpenter? 3390First Clown. Ay, tell me that, and unyoke.
Second Clown. Marry, now I can tell!
First Clown. To't.
Second Clown. Mass, I cannot tell.
Enter Hamlet and Horatio afar off.
First Clown. Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for your dull ass will
not mend his pace with beating; and when you are ask'd this
question next, say 'a grave-maker.' The houses he makes lasts
till doomsday. Go, get thee to Yaughan; fetch me a stoup of
liquor. 3400[Exit Second Clown.]
[Clown digs and] sings.
First Clown. In youth when I did love, did love,
Methought it was very sweet;
To contract- O- the time for- a- my behove, 3405
O, methought there- a- was nothing- a- meet.
Hamlet. Has this fellow no feeling of his business, that he sings at
grave-making?
Horatio. Custom hath made it in him a property of easiness.
Hamlet. 'Tis e'en so. The hand of little employment hath the daintier 3410
sense.
First Clown. [sings]
But age with his stealing steps
Hath clawed me in his clutch,
And hath shipped me intil the land, 3415
As if I had never been such.
[Throws up a skull.]
Hamlet. That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once. How the
knave jowls it to the ground,as if 'twere Cain's jawbone, that
did the first murther! This might be the pate of a Politician, 3420
which this ass now o'erreaches; one that would circumvent God,
might it not?
Horatio. It might, my lord.
Hamlet. Or of a courtier, which could say 'Good morrow, sweet lord!
How dost thou, good lord?' This might be my Lord Such-a-one, that 3425
prais'd my Lord Such-a-one's horse when he meant to beg it- might
it not?
Horatio. Ay, my lord.
Hamlet. Why, e'en so! and now my Lady Worm's, chapless, and knock'd
about the mazzard with a sexton's spade. Here's fine revolution, 3430
and we had the trick to see't. Did these bones cost no more the
breeding but to play at loggets with 'em? Mine ache to think
on't.
First Clown. [Sings]
A pickaxe and a spade, a spade, 3435
For and a shrouding sheet;
O, a Pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is meet.
Throws up [another skull].
Hamlet. There's another. Why may not that be the skull of a lawyer? 3440
Where be his quiddits now, his quillets, his cases, his tenures,
and his tricks? Why does he suffer this rude knave now to knock
him about the sconce with a dirty shovel, and will not tell him
of his action of battery? Hum! This fellow might be in's time a
great buyer of land, with his statutes, his recognizances, his 3445
fines, his double vouchers, his recoveries. Is this the fine of
his fines, and the recovery of his recoveries, to have his fine
pate full of fine dirt? Will his vouchers vouch him no more of
his purchases, and double ones too, than the length and breadth
of a pair of indentures? The very conveyances of his lands will 3450
scarcely lie in this box; and must th' inheritor himself have no
more, ha?
Horatio. Not a jot more, my lord.
Hamlet. Is not parchment made of sheepskins?
Horatio. Ay, my lord, And of calveskins too. 3455Hamlet. They are sheep and calves which seek out assurance in that. I
will speak to this fellow. Whose grave's this, sirrah?
First Clown. Mine, sir.
[Sings] O, a pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is meet. 3460Hamlet. I think it be thine indeed, for thou liest in't.
First Clown. You lie out on't, sir, and therefore 'tis not yours.
For my part, I do not lie in't, yet it is mine.
Hamlet. Thou dost lie in't, to be in't and say it is thine. 'Tis for
the dead, not for the quick; therefore thou liest. 3465First Clown. 'Tis a quick lie, sir; 'twill away again from me to you.
Hamlet. What man dost thou dig it for?
First Clown. For no man, sir.
Hamlet. What woman then?
First Clown. For none neither. 3470Hamlet. Who is to be buried in't?
First Clown. One that was a woman, sir; but, rest her soul, she's dead.
Hamlet. How absolute the knave is! We must speak by the card, or
equivocation will undo us. By the Lord, Horatio, this three years
I have taken note of it, the age is grown so picked that the toe 3475
of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier he galls
his kibe.- How long hast thou been a grave-maker?
First Clown. Of all the days i' th' year, I came to't that day that our
last king Hamlet overcame Fortinbras.
Hamlet. How long is that since? 3480First Clown. Cannot you tell that? Every fool can tell that. It was the
very day that young Hamlet was born- he that is mad, and sent
into England.
Hamlet. Ay, marry, why was be sent into England?
First Clown. Why, because 'a was mad. 'A shall recover his wits there; 3485
or, if 'a do not, 'tis no great matter there.
Hamlet. Why?
First Clown. 'Twill not he seen in him there. There the men are as mad as
he.
Hamlet. How came he mad? 3490First Clown. Very strangely, they say.
Hamlet. How strangely?
First Clown. Faith, e'en with losing his wits.
Hamlet. Upon what ground?
First Clown. Why, here in Denmark. I have been sexton here, man and boy 3495
thirty years.
Hamlet. How long will a man lie i' th' earth ere he rot?
First Clown. Faith, if 'a be not rotten before 'a die (as we have many
pocky corses now-a-days that will scarce hold the laying in, I
will last you some eight year or nine year. A tanner will last 3500
you nine year.
Hamlet. Why he more than another?
First Clown. Why, sir, his hide is so tann'd with his trade that 'a will
keep out water a great while; and your water is a sore decayer of
your whoreson dead body. Here's a skull now. This skull hath lien 3505
you i' th' earth three-and-twenty years.
Hamlet. Whose was it?
First Clown. A whoreson, mad fellow's it was. Whose do you think it was?
Hamlet. Nay, I know not.
First Clown. A pestilence on him for a mad rogue! 'A pour'd a flagon of 3510
Rhenish on my head once. This same skull, sir, was Yorick's
skull, the King's jester.
Hamlet. This?
First Clown. E'en that.
Hamlet. Let me see. [Takes the skull.] Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, 3515
Horatio. A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He
hath borne me on his back a thousand times. And now how abhorred
in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those
lips that I have kiss'd I know not how oft. Where be your gibes
now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment that 3520
were wont to set the table on a roar? Not one now, to mock your
own grinning? Quite chap- fall'n? Now get you to my lady's
chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this
favour she must come. Make her laugh at that. Prithee, Horatio,
tell me one thing. 3525Horatio. What's that, my lord?
Hamlet. Dost thou think Alexander look'd o' this fashion i' th' earth?
Horatio. E'en so.
Hamlet. And smelt so? Pah!
[Puts down the skull.]
Horatio. E'en so, my lord.
Hamlet. To what base uses we may return, Horatio! Why may not
imagination trace the noble dust of Alexander till he find it
stopping a bunghole?
Horatio. 'Twere to consider too curiously, to consider so. 3535Hamlet. No, faith, not a jot; but to follow him thither with modesty
enough, and likelihood to lead it; as thus: Alexander died,
Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust; the dust is
earth; of earth we make loam; and why of that loam (whereto he
was converted) might they not stop a beer barrel? 3540
Imperious Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay,
Might stop a hole to keep the wind away.
O, that that earth which kept the world in awe
Should patch a wall t' expel the winter's flaw!
But soft! but soft! aside! Here comes the King- 3545
Enter [priests with] a coffin [in funeral procession], King,
[Queen, Laertes, with Lords attendant.]
The Queen, the courtiers. Who is this they follow?
And with such maimed rites? This doth betoken
The corse they follow did with desp'rate hand 3550
Fordo it own life. 'Twas of some estate.
Couch we awhile, and mark.
[Retires with Horatio.]
Laertes. What ceremony else?
Hamlet. That is Laertes, 3555
A very noble youth. Mark.
Laertes. What ceremony else?
Priest. Her obsequies have been as far enlarg'd
As we have warranty. Her death was doubtful;
And, but that great command o'ersways the order, 3560
She should in ground unsanctified have lodg'd
Till the last trumpet. For charitable prayers,
Shards, flints, and pebbles should be thrown on her.
Yet here she is allow'd her virgin rites,
Her maiden strewments, and the bringing home 3565
Of bell and burial.
Laertes. Must there no more be done?
Priest. No more be done.
We should profane the service of the dead
To sing a requiem and such rest to her 3570
As to peace-parted souls.
Laertes. Lay her i' th' earth;
And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,
A minist'ring angel shall my sister be 3575
When thou liest howling.
Hamlet. What, the fair Ophelia?
Gertrude. Sweets to the sweet! Farewell.
[Scatters flowers.]
I hop'd thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife; 3580
I thought thy bride-bed to have deck'd, sweet maid,
And not have strew'd thy grave.
Laertes. O, treble woe
Fall ten times treble on that cursed head
Whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense 3585
Depriv'd thee of! Hold off the earth awhile,
Till I have caught her once more in mine arms.
[Leaps in the grave.]
Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead
Till of this flat a mountain you have made 3590
T' o'ertop old Pelion or the skyish head
Of blue Olympus.
Hamlet. [comes forward] What is he whose grief
Bears such an emphasis? whose phrase of sorrow
Conjures the wand'ring stars, and makes them stand 3595
Like wonder-wounded hearers? This is I,
Hamlet the Dane. [Leaps in after Laertes.]
Laertes. The devil take thy soul!
[Grapples with him.]
Hamlet. Thou pray'st not well. 3600
I prithee take thy fingers from my throat;
For, though I am not splenitive and rash,
Yet have I in me something dangerous,
Which let thy wisdom fear. Hold off thy hand!
Claudius. Pluck them asunder. 3605Gertrude. Hamlet, Hamlet!
All. Gentlemen!
Horatio. Good my lord, be quiet.
[The Attendants part them, and they come out of the grave.]
Hamlet. Why, I will fight with him upon this theme 3610
Until my eyelids will no longer wag.
Gertrude. O my son, what theme?
Hamlet. I lov'd Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers
Could not (with all their quantity of love)
Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her? 3615Claudius. O, he is mad, Laertes.
Gertrude. For love of God, forbear him!
Hamlet. 'Swounds, show me what thou't do.
Woo't weep? woo't fight? woo't fast? woo't tear thyself?
Woo't drink up esill? eat a crocodile? 3620
I'll do't. Dost thou come here to whine?
To outface me with leaping in her grave?
Be buried quick with her, and so will I.
And if thou prate of mountains, let them throw
Millions of acres on us, till our ground, 3625
Singeing his pate against the burning zone,
Make Ossa like a wart! Nay, an thou'lt mouth,
I'll rant as well as thou.
Gertrude. This is mere madness;
And thus a while the fit will work on him. 3630
Anon, as patient as the female dove
When that her golden couplets are disclos'd,
His silence will sit drooping.
Hamlet. Hear you, sir!
What is the reason that you use me thus? 3635
I lov'd you ever. But it is no matter.
Let Hercules himself do what he may,
The cat will mew, and dog will have his day.
Exit.
Claudius. I pray thee, good Horatio, wait upon him. 3640
[Exit Horatio.]
[To Laertes] Strengthen your patience in our last night's speech.
We'll put the matter to the present push.-
Good Gertrude, set some watch over your son.-
This grave shall have a living monument. 3645
An hour of quiet shortly shall we see;
Till then in patience our proceeding be.
Exeunt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act V, Scene 2
Elsinore. A hall in the Castle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter Hamlet and Horatio.
Hamlet. So much for this, sir; now shall you see the other. 3650
You do remember all the circumstance?
Horatio. Remember it, my lord!
Hamlet. Sir, in my heart there was a kind of fighting
That would not let me sleep. Methought I lay
Worse than the mutinies in the bilboes. Rashly- 3655
And prais'd be rashness for it; let us know,
Our indiscretion sometime serves us well
When our deep plots do pall; and that should learn us
There's a divinity that shapes our ends,
Rough-hew them how we will- 3660Horatio. That is most certain.
Hamlet. Up from my cabin,
My sea-gown scarf'd about me, in the dark
Grop'd I to find out them; had my desire,
Finger'd their packet, and in fine withdrew 3665
To mine own room again; making so bold
(My fears forgetting manners) to unseal
Their grand commission; where I found, Horatio
(O royal knavery!), an exact command,
Larded with many several sorts of reasons, 3670
Importing Denmark's health, and England's too,
With, hoo! such bugs and goblins in my life-
That, on the supervise, no leisure bated,
No, not to stay the finding of the axe,
My head should be struck off. 3675Horatio. Is't possible?
Hamlet. Here's the commission; read it at more leisure.
But wilt thou bear me how I did proceed?
Horatio. I beseech you.
Hamlet. Being thus benetted round with villanies, 3680
Or I could make a prologue to my brains,
They had begun the play. I sat me down;
Devis'd a new commission; wrote it fair.
I once did hold it, as our statists do,
A baseness to write fair, and labour'd much 3685
How to forget that learning; but, sir, now
It did me yeoman's service. Wilt thou know
Th' effect of what I wrote?
Horatio. Ay, good my lord.
Hamlet. An earnest conjuration from the King, 3690
As England was his faithful tributary,
As love between them like the palm might flourish,
As peace should still her wheaten garland wear
And stand a comma 'tween their amities,
And many such-like as's of great charge, 3695
That, on the view and knowing of these contents,
Without debatement further, more or less,
He should the bearers put to sudden death,
Not shriving time allow'd.
Horatio. How was this seal'd? 3700Hamlet. Why, even in that was heaven ordinant.
I had my father's signet in my purse,
Which was the model of that Danish seal;
Folded the writ up in the form of th' other,
Subscrib'd it, gave't th' impression, plac'd it safely, 3705
The changeling never known. Now, the next day
Was our sea-fight; and what to this was sequent
Thou know'st already.
Horatio. So Guildenstern and Rosencrantz go to't.
Hamlet. Why, man, they did make love to this employment! 3710
They are not near my conscience; their defeat
Does by their own insinuation grow.
'Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes
Between the pass and fell incensed points
Of mighty opposites. 3715Horatio. Why, what a king is this!
Hamlet. Does it not, thinks't thee, stand me now upon-
He that hath kill'd my king, and whor'd my mother;
Popp'd in between th' election and my hopes;
Thrown out his angle for my proper life, 3720
And with such coz'nage- is't not perfect conscience
To quit him with this arm? And is't not to be damn'd
To let this canker of our nature come
In further evil?
Horatio. It must be shortly known to him from England 3725
What is the issue of the business there.
Hamlet. It will be short; the interim is mine,
And a man's life is no more than to say 'one.'
But I am very sorry, good Horatio,
That to Laertes I forgot myself, 3730
For by the image of my cause I see
The portraiture of his. I'll court his favours.
But sure the bravery of his grief did put me
Into a tow'ring passion.
Horatio. Peace! Who comes here? 3735Enter young Osric, a courtier.
Osric. Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark.
Hamlet. I humbly thank you, sir. [Aside to Horatio] Dost know this
waterfly?
Horatio. [aside to Hamlet] No, my good lord. 3740Hamlet. [aside to Horatio] Thy state is the more gracious; for 'tis a
vice to know him. He hath much land, and fertile. Let a beast be
lord of beasts, and his crib shall stand at the king's mess. 'Tis
a chough; but, as I say, spacious in the possession of dirt.
Osric. Sweet lord, if your lordship were at leisure, I should impart 3745
a thing to you from his Majesty.
Hamlet. I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit. Put your
bonnet to his right use. 'Tis for the head.
Osric. I thank your lordship, it is very hot.
Hamlet. No, believe me, 'tis very cold; the wind is northerly. 3750Osric. It is indifferent cold, my lord, indeed.
Hamlet. But yet methinks it is very sultry and hot for my complexion.
Osric. Exceedingly, my lord; it is very sultry, as 'twere- I cannot
tell how. But, my lord, his Majesty bade me signify to you that
he has laid a great wager on your head. Sir, this is the matter- 3755Hamlet. I beseech you remember.
[Hamlet moves him to put on his hat.]
Osric. Nay, good my lord; for mine ease, in good faith. Sir, here is
newly come to court Laertes; believe me, an absolute gentleman,
full of most excellent differences, of very soft society and 3760
great showing. Indeed, to speak feelingly of him, he is the card
or calendar of gentry; for you shall find in him the continent of
what part a gentleman would see.
Hamlet. Sir, his definement suffers no perdition in you; though, I
know, to divide him inventorially would dozy th' arithmetic of 3765
memory, and yet but yaw neither in respect of his quick sail.
But, in the verity of extolment, I take him to be a soul of great
article, and his infusion of such dearth and rareness as, to make
true diction of him, his semblable is his mirror, and who else would trace him, his umbrage, nothing more.
Osric. Your lordship speaks most infallibly of him. 3770Hamlet. The concernancy, sir? Why do we wrap the gentleman in our more
rawer breath?
Osric. Sir?
Horatio. [aside to Hamlet] Is't not possible to understand in another
tongue? You will do't, sir, really. 3775Hamlet. What imports the nomination of this gentleman?
Osric. Of Laertes?
Horatio. [aside] His purse is empty already. All's golden words are
spent.
Hamlet. Of him, sir. 3780Osric. I know you are not ignorant-
Hamlet. I would you did, sir; yet, in faith, if you did, it would not
much approve me. Well, sir?
Osric. You are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is-
Hamlet. I dare not confess that, lest I should compare with him in 3785
excellence; but to know a man well were to know himself.
Osric. I mean, sir, for his weapon; but in the imputation laid on him
by them, in his meed he's unfellowed.
Hamlet. What's his weapon?
Osric. Rapier and dagger. 3790Hamlet. That's two of his weapons- but well.
Osric. The King, sir, hath wager'd with him six Barbary horses;
against the which he has impon'd, as I take it, six French
rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and
so. Three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy, 3795
very responsive to the hilts, most delicate carriages, and of
very liberal conceit.
Hamlet. What call you the carriages?
Horatio. [aside to Hamlet] I knew you must be edified by the margent
ere you had done. 3800Osric. The carriages, sir, are the hangers.
Hamlet. The phrase would be more germane to the matter if we could
carry cannon by our sides. I would it might be hangers till then.
But on! Six Barbary horses against six French swords, their
assigns, and three liberal-conceited carriages: that's the French 3805
bet against the Danish. Why is this all impon'd, as you call it?
Osric. The King, sir, hath laid that, in a dozen passes between
yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits; he hath
laid on twelve for nine, and it would come to immediate trial
if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer. 3810Hamlet. How if I answer no?
Osric. I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial.
Hamlet. Sir, I will walk here in the hall. If it please his Majesty,
it is the breathing time of day with me. Let the foils be
brought, the gentleman willing, and the King hold his purpose, 3815
I will win for him if I can; if not, I will gain nothing but my
shame and the odd hits.
Osric. Shall I redeliver you e'en so?
Hamlet. To this effect, sir, after what flourish your nature will.
Osric. I commend my duty to your lordship. 3820Hamlet. Yours, yours. [Exit Osric.] He does well to commend it
himself; there are no tongues else for's turn.
Horatio. This lapwing runs away with the shell on his head.
Hamlet. He did comply with his dug before he suck'd it. Thus has he,
and many more of the same bevy that I know the drossy age dotes 3825
on, only got the tune of the time and outward habit of encounter-
a kind of yesty collection, which carries them through and
through the most fann'd and winnowed opinions; and do but blow
them to their trial-the bubbles are out,
Enter a Lord.
Lord. My lord, his Majesty commended him to you by young Osric, who
brings back to him, that you attend him in the hall. He sends to
know if your pleasure hold to play with Laertes, or that you will
take longer time.
Hamlet. I am constant to my purposes; they follow the King's pleasure. 3835
If his fitness speaks, mine is ready; now or whensoever, provided
I be so able as now.
Lord. The King and Queen and all are coming down.
Hamlet. In happy time.
Lord. The Queen desires you to use some gentle entertainment to 3840
Laertes before you fall to play.
Hamlet. She well instructs me.
[Exit Lord.]
Horatio. You will lose this wager, my lord.
Hamlet. I do not think so. Since he went into France I have been in 3845
continual practice. I shall win at the odds. But thou wouldst not
think how ill all's here about my heart. But it is no matter.
Horatio. Nay, good my lord—
Hamlet. It is but foolery; but it is such a kind of gaingiving as
would perhaps trouble a woman. 3850Horatio. If your mind dislike anything, obey it. I will forestall their
repair hither and say you are not fit.
Hamlet. Not a whit, we defy augury; there's a special providence in
the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be
not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: 3855
the readiness is all. Since no man knows aught of what he leaves,
what is't to leave betimes? Let be.
Enter King, Queen, Laertes, Osric, and Lords, with other
Attendants with foils and gauntlets.
A table and flagons of wine on it.
Claudius. Come, Hamlet, come, and take this hand from me.
[The King puts Laertes' hand into Hamlet's.]
Hamlet. Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong;
But pardon't, as you are a gentleman.
This presence knows, 3865
And you must needs have heard, how I am punish'd
With sore distraction. What I have done
That might your nature, honour, and exception
Roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness.
Was't Hamlet wrong'd Laertes? Never Hamlet. 3870
If Hamlet from himself be taken away,
And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes,
Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it.
Who does it, then? His madness. If't be so,
Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong'd; 3875
His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy.
Sir, in this audience,
Let my disclaiming from a purpos'd evil
Free me so far in your most generous thoughts
That I have shot my arrow o'er the house 3880
And hurt my brother.
Laertes. I am satisfied in nature,
Whose motive in this case should stir me most
To my revenge. But in my terms of honour
I stand aloof, and will no reconcilement 3885
Till by some elder masters of known honour
I have a voice and precedent of peace
To keep my name ungor'd. But till that time
I do receive your offer'd love like love,
And will not wrong it. 3890Hamlet. I embrace it freely,
And will this brother's wager frankly play.
Give us the foils. Come on.
Laertes. Come, one for me.
Hamlet. I'll be your foil, Laertes. In mine ignorance 3895
Your skill shall, like a star i' th' darkest night,
Stick fiery off indeed.
Laertes. You mock me, sir.
Hamlet. No, by this hand.
Claudius. Give them the foils, young Osric. Cousin Hamlet, 3900
You know the wager?
Hamlet. Very well, my lord.
Your Grace has laid the odds o' th' weaker side.
Claudius. I do not fear it, I have seen you both;
But since he is better'd, we have therefore odds. 3905Laertes. This is too heavy; let me see another.
Hamlet. This likes me well. These foils have all a length?
Prepare to play.
Osric. Ay, my good lord.
Claudius. Set me the stoups of wine upon that table. 3910
If Hamlet give the first or second hit,
Or quit in answer of the third exchange,
Let all the battlements their ordnance fire;
The King shall drink to Hamlet's better breath,
And in the cup an union shall he throw 3915
Richer than that which four successive kings
In Denmark's crown have worn. Give me the cups;
And let the kettle to the trumpet speak,
The trumpet to the cannoneer without,
The cannons to the heavens, the heaven to earth, 3920
'Now the King drinks to Hamlet.' Come, begin.
And you the judges, bear a wary eye.
Hamlet. Come on, sir.
Laertes. Come, my lord. They play.
Hamlet. One. 3925Laertes. No.
Hamlet. Judgment!
Osric. A hit, a very palpable hit.
Laertes. Well, again!
Claudius. Stay, give me drink. Hamlet, this pearl is thine; 3930
Here's to thy health.
[Drum; trumpets sound; a piece goes off [within].]
Give him the cup.
Hamlet. I'll play this bout first; set it by awhile.
Come. [They play.] Another hit. What say you? 3935Laertes. A touch, a touch; I do confess't.
Claudius. Our son shall win.
Gertrude. He's fat, and scant of breath.
Here, Hamlet, take my napkin, rub thy brows.
The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet. 3940Hamlet. Good madam!
Claudius. Gertrude, do not drink.
Gertrude. I will, my lord; I pray you pardon me. Drinks.
Claudius. [aside] It is the poison'd cup; it is too late.
Hamlet. I dare not drink yet, madam; by-and-by. 3945Gertrude. Come, let me wipe thy face.
Laertes. My lord, I'll hit him now.
Claudius. I do not think't.
Laertes. [aside] And yet it is almost against my conscience.
Hamlet. Come for the third, Laertes! You but dally. 3950
Pray you pass with your best violence;
I am afeard you make a wanton of me.
Laertes. Say you so? Come on. Play.
Osric. Nothing neither way.
Laertes. Have at you now! 3955[Laertes wounds Hamlet; then] in scuffling, they change rapiers, [and Hamlet wounds Laertes].
Claudius. Part them! They are incens'd.
Hamlet. Nay come! again! The Queen falls.
Osric. Look to the Queen there, ho!
Horatio. They bleed on both sides. How is it, my lord? 3960Osric. How is't, Laertes?
Laertes. Why, as a woodcock to mine own springe, Osric.I am justly kill'd with mine own treachery.
Hamlet. How does the Queen?
Claudius. She sounds to see them bleed.
Gertrude. No, no! the drink, the drink! O my dear Hamlet! 3965
The drink, the drink! I am poison'd. [Dies.]
Hamlet. O villany! Ho! let the door be lock'd.
Treachery! Seek it out.
[Laertes falls.]
Laertes. It is here, Hamlet. Hamlet, thou art slain; 3970
No medicine in the world can do thee good.
In thee there is not half an hour of life.
The treacherous instrument is in thy hand,
Unbated and envenom'd. The foul practice
Hath turn'd itself on me. Lo, here I lie, 3975
Never to rise again. Thy mother's poison'd.
I can no more. The King, the King's to blame.
Hamlet. The point envenom'd too?
Then, venom, to thy work. Hurts the King.
All. Treason! treason! 3980Claudius. O, yet defend me, friends! I am but hurt.
Hamlet. Here, thou incestuous, murd'rous, damned Dane,
Drink off this potion! Is thy union here?
Follow my mother. King dies.
Laertes. He is justly serv'd. 3985
It is a poison temper'd by himself.
Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.
Mine and my father's death come not upon thee,
Nor thine on me! Dies.
Hamlet. Heaven make thee free of it! I follow thee. 3990
I am dead, Horatio. Wretched queen, adieu!
You that look pale and tremble at this chance,
That are but mutes or audience to this act,
Had I but time (as this fell sergeant, Death,
Is strict in his arrest) O, I could tell you- 3995
But let it be. Horatio, I am dead;
Thou liv'st; report me and my cause aright
To the unsatisfied.
Horatio. Never believe it.
I am more an antique Roman than a Dane. 4000
Here's yet some liquor left.
Hamlet. As th'art a man,
Give me the cup. Let go! By heaven, I'll ha't.
O good Horatio, what a wounded name
(Things standing thus unknown) shall live behind me! 4005
If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart,
Absent thee from felicity awhile,
And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain,
To tell my story. [March afar off, and shot within.]
What warlike noise is this? 4010Osric. Young Fortinbras, with conquest come from Poland,
To the ambassadors of England gives
This warlike volley.
Hamlet. O, I die, Horatio!
The potent poison quite o'ercrows my spirit. 4015
I cannot live to hear the news from England,
But I do prophesy th' election lights
On Fortinbras. He has my dying voice.
So tell him, with th' occurrents, more and less,
Which have solicited- the rest is silence. Dies. 4020Horatio. Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!
[March within.]
Why does the drum come hither?
Enter Fortinbras and English Ambassadors, with Drum, Colours, and Attendants. 4025Fortinbras. Where is this sight?
Horatio. What is it you will see?
If aught of woe or wonder, cease your search.
Fortinbras. This quarry cries on havoc. O proud Death,
What feast is toward in thine eternal cell 4030
That thou so many princes at a shot
So bloodily hast struck.
Ambassador. The sight is dismal;
And our affairs from England come too late.
The ears are senseless that should give us hearing 4035
To tell him his commandment is fulfill'd
That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead.
Where should we have our thanks?
Horatio. Not from his mouth,
Had it th' ability of life to thank you. 4040
He never gave commandment for their death.
But since, so jump upon this bloody question,
You from the Polack wars, and you from England,
Are here arriv'd, give order that these bodies
High on a stage be placed to the view; 4045
And let me speak to the yet unknowing world
How these things came about. So shall you hear
Of carnal, bloody and unnatural acts;
Of accidental judgments, casual slaughters;
Of deaths put on by cunning and forc'd cause; 4050
And, in this upshot, purposes mistook
Fall'n on th' inventors' heads. All this can I
Truly deliver.
Fortinbras. Let us haste to hear it,
And call the noblest to the audience. 4055
For me, with sorrow I embrace my fortune.
I have some rights of memory in this kingdom
Which now, to claim my vantage doth invite me.
Horatio. Of that I shall have also cause to speak,
And from his mouth whose voice will draw on more. 4060
But let this same be presently perform'd,
Even while men's minds are wild, lest more mischance
On plots and errors happen.
Fortinbras. Let four captains
Bear Hamlet like a soldier to the stage; 4065
For he was likely, had he been put on,
To have prov'd most royally; and for his passage
The soldiers' music and the rites of war
Speak loudly for him.
Take up the bodies. Such a sight as this 4070
Becomes the field but here shows much amiss.
Go, bid the soldiers shoot.
Exeunt marching; after the which a peal of ordnance are shot off.
THE END
[两位掘坟工人(丑角)入]
工甲: 虽然她是自杀身亡的, 但她仍是以基督圣礼来安葬吗? {注1}
工乙: 我跟你说是的, 所以, 你就好好的去掘你的坟罢。
法医已考虑过此事, 并决定以圣礼来安葬。
工甲: 那怎么可以呢, 除非她是因自卫而身死?
工乙: 此事已如此决定了。
工甲: 一定要『自卫身亡』才行, 不能有其它原因;
理由在此:
如果我蓄意的把我自己溺死, 那么, 这算是一种举动,
而任何举动都分有三部份, 那就是『想做』、『要做』、与『去做』。
由此可见, 她的确是蓄意自杀的。
工乙: 好了, 不过, 善良的掘坟先生, 请听...
工甲: 算啦,
{用手比著}
水在这头, 好吧。
人在这头, 好吧。
如果这人走到水那边去溺死, 那么, 活该。
可是, 如果水到人这边来把他溺死, 那么, 这人不算是自杀,
他无罪故意切短他自己的寿命。
工乙: 难道这是法律吗?
工甲: 当然是哟, 这就是『法医验尸法。』
工乙: 你要知道真相吗? 此人若不是出身自贵族,
那她才不可能按圣礼来安葬的。
工甲: 不错, 这回你可说对了:
贵族比一般老百姓更有自由去投河、上吊; 真是不公平啊!
来, 把我的铲子给我。
古代的唯一贵族就是园丁、挖壕工、与掘坟工人们啦--
他们继承了亚当的职业。 [边掘边语]
工乙: 他曾是个贵族吗?
工甲: 他是第一有纹章之人{注2}。
工乙: 呸, 他才没有呢!
工甲: 什么, 你是个异教徒吗? 你的圣经是怎么读的?
圣经上说:『亚当挖掘,』 他没手臂怎能掘土?
我再问你一个问题, 你若答不出来, 那你真该去忏悔。
工乙: 你尽管问罢。
工甲: 谁建造的东西比泥水匠、造船工、或木匠所建造的还更坚固?
工乙: 绞架的建匠, 因为他的造物能耐过於千人。
工甲: 我喜欢你的聪明答覆; 真的, 绞架是个好答覆;
不过, 它为什么好呢?
那就是因为, 用它来对付恶人很好。
可是, 现在你说绞架比教堂还更坚固就不对了, 这也算是一种恶行,
所以, 绞架对你也许会有点益处!
来, 再试一次吧。
工乙: {用心思考}
谁造的比泥水匠、造船工、或木匠造的还要牢...
工甲: 是的, 你若答对, 今天就没事了。
工乙: 有了, 我晓得了!
工甲: 说呀!
工乙:, 我不晓得。
工甲: 别再为此事棒击你的脑子了--笨驴是怎么打也走不快的。
假如下次有人问你此事, 你就回答:『掘坟工人,』
因为他所造之屋宇能耐至世界末日!
去, 去约汉酒 那儿, 替我筛碗酒来。
[工乙出, 工甲继续掘土]
[开始唱歌]
『少年时我曾恋过, 曾恋过;
当时感觉真甜美:
嗨哟, 短暂的好时光, 嗨哟,
无事比它更美好。』
[他正唱时, 哈姆雷特与赫瑞修入]
哈: 难道此家伙对他的行业毫无感触, 他能边掘坟边歌唱?
赫: 习惯已使他对此事毫不在乎。
哈: 真是呀, 这种柔情只有闲汉才能有!
工甲:『可惜时光不饶人,
它的魔掌攫住我,
把我带回泥土中,
就像从来无此生。』
[挖出一骷颅头, 把它扔至坑外]
哈: 这头颅也曾有根舌头, 也曾能歌唱;
现在这家伙却把它乱扔出来, 把它当作第一杀人者该隐的颚骨般{注3}。
这也许是个精明人氏的头颅, 现在却被这匹驴占了便宜,
想骗老天爷似的。 你说不是吗?
赫: 是呀, 殿下。
哈: 它也可能是个朝臣的头颅,
他会说:『早安, 阁下。 您好吗? 亲爱的阁下。』
他也可能是某某大爷, 他会去夸奖某某大爷的骏马, 全为了他想借用它。
你说不是吗?
赫: 是的, 殿下。
哈: 真是的,
现在, 他只能与蛆虫为伍,
既无下颚, 也被司事用铲子敲他的脑袋。
如果我们有智慧领悟此事, 这就是命运循回的上好例子呀!
这些头颅, 除了可当保龄球玩耍之外, 难道就无价值了吗?
想到这些, 我的脑袋就疼。
工甲: {唱歌}
『一柄锄头一把铲,
加上一块裹尸布,
掘得六尺黏土坑,
好来款待贵宾客。』
[又抛出一头颅]
哈: 又来一个!
这不会是个律师的头颅吧?
他的钻牛角尖式之弄法手段、他的分毫必争之雄辩、他的诉讼案子、
他的契据、他的巧妙诡计现在都到哪儿去了呢?
为什么他现在肯让这位鲁莽的家伙用柄肮脏的铲子来敲他的脑壳子,
而不去控告他犯了殴打罪?
哼, 这位家伙在生前也可能是个地产的大买主,
整天就与他的抵押、他的债卷、他的赔偿、他的证人、他的收回权为伴。
现在, 他的上好脑袋里所装的仅是些上好砂土,
难道这就是他的最後赔偿、最後收回吗?
他的证人们还肯不肯为他作证, 去买两块地契般大小的地皮呢?
现在, 他的棺材可是恰够大小来存放这些证件喽。
难道这位买主就无法得到比此更多吗? 哈!
赫: 一寸都不能多, 殿下。
哈: 证书纸是羊皮做的吗?
赫: 是的, 殿下; 也有牛皮。
哈: 倘若人们都指望由此文件上得到保障, 那么, 他们真是不如牛羊。
让我和这家伙谈谈。
{对工人}
汉子呀, 这是谁的坟?
工甲: 我的, 先生。
[唱]
『掘得六尺黏土坑...』
哈: 我相信它的确是你的, 因为你躺在它里头。
工甲: 您躺在它外头, 所以它不是您的。
对我来说, 虽然我不躺在它里头, 但它仍然是我的。
哈: 你确实是在它里头; 你也说它是你的;
不过, 它是给死人用的, 不是给活人的;
所以, 你在撒谎。
工甲: 这是句敏捷的谎, 先生, 它能由我口转移至您口。
哈: 你是在为哪位先生掘此坟?
工甲: 不是一位男子, 先生。
哈: 那么, 是哪位女子?
工甲: 也不是一位女子。
哈: 究竟是谁将埋葬於此地?
工甲: 一位曾是女子之人, 先生;
但是, 上帝赐予她灵魂安息, 她现在已死了。
哈: {对赫瑞修}
这浑蛋把事情分辨得这么清楚! 我们一定要把话准确的讲,
要不然, 措辞之含糊将把我们搞得束手无策。
老天爷, 赫瑞修呀, 这三年来我发觉世人都变得非常的虚伪,
连乡巴佬都爱装腔作势, 脚趾接踵的直赶朝庭臣子们。
{对工人}
你做掘坟工作有多少年了?
工甲: 一年的所有日子中,
我就是在先王哈姆雷特击败福丁布拉氏那天上任的。
哈: 那有多久了呢?
工甲: 您不晓得这个吗? 连傻瓜都晓得这个:
就是小哈姆雷特出生那天。
现在他已疯了, 被送至英格兰。
哈: 是的, 的确是的。
他为什么被送至英格兰?
工甲: 就是因为他疯了; 在那儿, 他能恢复他的理智;
假如他无法如此的话, 那也没啥关系。
哈: 为什么?
工甲: 在那儿, 无人会注意到他--那边的人都和他一般的疯。
哈: 他是怎样变疯的?
工甲: 很奇异的, 有人说。
哈: 怎样的奇异法?
工甲: 他的理智出了毛病。
哈: 原因在哪里?
工甲: 当然是在这里罗, 在丹麦。
我在这儿当司事, 长短也有三十年啦。
哈: 一人要被埋多久後才会腐烂?
工甲: 老实说, 如果他在死前还未腐烂的话--
这年头, 我们有很多患了花柳病的尸体, 它们未埋已先烂了--
一具尸体能维持差不多八、九年。
一具制革匠的尸体能熬上个九年。
哈: 为什么他的能维持较久?
工甲: 先生, 他的皮肤因他的行业而早被硝得比别人都硬,
能够长期防水, 而水就是能使那那些臭尸体腐烂之主要原因。
{挖出另一颗骷颅头}
这儿有颗头颅, 它埋在此地已二十有三年了。
哈: 这是谁的头颅?
工甲: 是个婊子养的疯哥儿, 您猜他是谁?
哈: 嗯, 我不晓得。
工甲: 他真是个该死的无赖、神经病, 他曾把一壶葡萄酒灌在我的头上;
这颗骷颅头, 先生, 就是国王的弄臣约利克的头颅。
哈: 这就是? {惊讶的接过骷颅头来}
工甲: 正是。
哈: 唉呀, 可怜的约利克, 赫兄啊, 我曾认得他!
他是个风趣无限, 满腹想像力的家伙;
他曾千百次的背我於他背上玩耍。
现在回想起来, 那是多么的令人 心, 令人反胃。
在这儿{抚摸著骷颅牙齿}悬挂著我曾亲过不知多少次的嘴唇。
你的讥嘲、你的欢跃、你的歌声、
你的能让整桌哄然之妙语现在都到哪里去了呢?
无人再来讥笑你的龇牙笑脸了吧? 下巴没了?
你快去我女士的闺房那儿, 告诉她, 就算她现在抹上一寸厚的胭脂,
到头来她也将变成如此; 让她去笑这些罢!
赫兄, 请告诉我...
赫: 什么, 殿下?
哈: 你认为亚历山大帝现在是否也是如此模样?
赫: 我想是的。
哈: 也同样的臭吗? 呸! {放下骷颅}
赫: 也同样的, 殿下。
哈: 我们到头来都会回到那最卑贱的职位,
赫瑞修啊,
你能否想像到, 亚历山大的高贵遗灰,
有朝会变成个啤酒桶塞?
赫: 那真是太不可思议了。
哈: 不, 一点也不。
只要一步步的由可能方面去推想:
亚历山大死了, 亚历山大被埋葬,
亚历山大化为灰尘,
灰尘变成土, 我们用土来做泥巴,
谁能说人们不会用此泥巴来封个啤酒桶?
{念起即兴的打油诗}
『凯撒死後化为土,
黏土补洞风可堵,
叱吒风云一生功,
补道墙来避严冬!』
且慢, 别作声! 国王、皇后、与朝臣他们来了。
[祭司、国王、皇后、雷尔提与众侍从携棺木入]
他们在哀悼谁? 行著如此简陋的仪式?
看来这亡者大概是自杀身死, 但也是个颇有身份之人。
我们躲起来观看罢。
雷: {问祭司} 还有什么仪式呢?
哈: {对赫瑞修} 这位是雷尔提, 一位高贵的青年, 我们听他说些什么。
雷: 还有什么其它仪式?
祭司: 她的葬礼已超越了她所应得; 我们所能做到的, 都已做到了。
她的死因不详, 有所嫌疑; 要不是王上有命令强迫,
我们应按例把她葬於不圣之地, 直至世界末日之来临。
投入坟中的, 也不应是些同情的祝祷, 而是一些瓦砾与碎石。
今日她所得到的, 却是处女的花圈和代表贞节的散花,
并有鸣钟之礼送她入土。
雷: 难道仅此而以?
祭司: 仅此而以。
我们若以通常死者之礼仪来安葬她, 并唱予隆重的悼歌,
那么, 我们将亵渎了悼祭亡魂之圣典。
雷: 把她安置入土罢。
从她纯洁无瑕的肌肤里, 将冒出芬芳馥郁的紫罗兰;
我告诉你, 无仁的教士, 当你躺在地狱里哀号时,
我的妹妹将是个天命天使!
哈: {发现死者是欧菲莉亚}
什么! 美丽的欧菲莉亚!
后: {散花於坟中}
甜美的鲜花应归於甜美的女子; 再会罢。
我曾期望你是我儿哈姆雷特之妻,
只想到将来用鲜花来布置你的新床, 甜蜜的女郎啊,
而没想到却会把它们散布於你的坟中。
雷: 啊, 但愿无数的灾难落至那使你丧失理智那人的该死头上!
请暂别堆土上来, 让我最後一次的去拥抱她!
[跃入坟中]
现在, 你们可尽管把泥土堆在死者与活人身上,
直堆至此地比古老的霹霖山{注4}及耸入青天的奥林匹士山还要高。
哈: {从隐僻处走出}
负如此沉重哀伤者是谁?
他的悲痛字句足够使天上的行星听得如傻如痴, 为之止步;
那是谁呀?
我, 就是丹麦的哈姆雷特!
雷: {掐住哈姆雷特的脖子}
魔鬼攫走你的灵魂!
哈: {与雷尔提争扎}
这是个不善的祈望!
请你把指头放开我的喉咙。
我虽然不是个粗暴之人,
但是我仍有我的危险之一面, 你宜惧之。
放开你的手!
王: 拉开他们! {侍从们揪住二人}
后: 哈姆雷特! 哈姆雷特!
全体人: 先生们!
赫: 我的好殿下, 请冷静下来!
哈: 我将与他争执此点, 直至我瞑目方止。
后: 我儿, 哪一点?
哈: 我爱欧菲莉亚, 四万个兄弟之爱加起来也不足我所给予她之爱。
{对雷尔提} 为了她, 你肯去做些什么?
王: 啊, 他疯了, 雷尔提。
后: 看在老天爷的份上, 你们就让让他罢!
哈: 哼, 让我瞧瞧, 为了她, 你肯去做些什么。
肯哭泣? 肯打架? 肯绝食? 肯撕破自己的身体? 肯喝一缸醋?
肯吞食一条鳄鱼? 我肯!
你到此地, 是为了要啼哭? 要跳入她的坟中来羞辱我?
你想为她活埋, 我亦愿意的。
你还喋喋不休的说了些什么高山, 那么,
就让百万亩的土壤倾倒在我们的身上,
堆至炎阳烧焦了它的顶峰,
让奥撒山相形之下只不过是个小疣方止。
你能大吹大嚷, 我能吹嚷得比你更大声!
后: 他的这些只是疯话而已,
当他发狂时是会如此的;
不过, 待会儿他就会变得像支母鸽,
像它金卵孵化时一般的鸦雀无声。
哈: 你听我说好了, 先生, 你为何要如此的对待我? 我一向都是爱你的;
好了, 不理这些了, 赫酋力士想做的事, 他会去做的。
任猫去叫, 任狗去闹罢!
[奔出]
王: 善良的赫瑞修, 我求你跟随他去。
[赫瑞修出]
{对雷尔提}
关於我们昨夜所谈之事, 请加强你的耐心,
我们马上就会为此有所了断的。
{对皇后}
好夫人, 请派人监视他; 此坟将有个活生生的纪念碑。
让我们暂且休息一个时辰,
那时之前, 我们应耐心行事。
[全人出]
____________________________________________________________________
译者注:
(1). 按中古教规, 自杀是罪孽, 死尸不得用圣礼来安葬於圣地。
(2). 纹章(coat of arms): 代表贵族家系之标图, 英文与『手臂』
同字, 成双关语。
(3). 圣经里的第一位杀人者该隐(Cain,) 用驴子的下颚骨来杀死其兄亚伯。
(4). 霹霖山(Mt. Pelion,) 奥林匹士山(Mt. Olympus,),
与奥撒山(Mt. Ossa)为希腊神话中之三大名山。
第二景: 城堡中一厅
{哈姆雷特与赫瑞修入}
哈: {指著送给赫瑞修的那封信, 继续的把话说完}
此事就这样讲完了, 先生。
现在, 我要告诉你另一段事情;
你还记不记得当时之情况?
赫: 记得, 殿下。
哈: 先生, 那夜, 我因胸中纳闷, 无法入睡,
折腾得比那铐了脚镣的叛变水手还更难过;
那时, 我就冲动的--
好在有那一时之念,
因为有时我们在无意中所做的事能够圆满,
经深谋细虑之事反会失败。
由此可知, 无论我们是怎样的去筹划,
结局还总归是神来安排的。
赫: 那是无可置疑的。
哈: {继续}
从我的船舱里爬起, 披上了我的水手袍子,
在黑暗中摸索的去找寻他们。
果然, 我就如愿的找到了他们, 也摸得了他们的公文袋;
然後, 我就悄悄的回到了我的房间。
恐惧使我忘却了所有的礼仪, 使我大胆的拆开了他们的公文。
在那里头, 赫瑞修呀, 我发现了一宗天大之阴谋:
有道命令, 它假参了许多好听之理由, 说什么是为了两国之利益,
列出了我魔鬼一般的罪状, 要求英王览毕此函後,
不必浪费时间去磨利那大斧,
应不容怠慢的立即砍下我的首级。
赫: 有这等事?
哈: 国书就在此; 你有空时, 可自读之。
不过, 你现在想不想听听我是如何的去对付此事?
赫: 我求你告诉我。
哈: 我被如此恶毒之罗网重重围住,
当我的脑子尚未摸熟此剧之大纲时, 这出好戏已锵锵开场了。
当时我就坐了下来, 用著官方的华丽语气重新写了一封国书。
从前我认为--我国的许多官员也有同感--此类的书信法是卑贱的,
并且也尽力的去忘记这门学问; 不过, 先生,
这回它可派上用场了。
你想不想知道我究竟写了些什么?
赫: 是的, 我的好殿下。
哈: 我假借丹麦王之名, 写下了这篇恳切的要求:
『英王既为丹麦之忠心蕃属, 两邦之宜将盛如棕榈,
和平之神也须永戴其昌隆之冠, 以便沟通两国之情...』
加上许多诸类此等之盛大理由, 要求英王阅毕此函後,
速斩此信传人, 不容分说, 不容忏悔。
赫: 您是如何的封上此书?
哈: 说来, 那也是天数:
我携有我父王之指环图章在我的腰包里,
它与丹麦之国玺是一模一样的。
我就把这封伪信依原样摺好, 签了字, 盖了封印,
然後小心翼翼的把它归返原处;
这宗掉包完全没被人发现。
第二天就是我们的海战; 其馀之事, 你以知道。
赫: 那么, 盖登思邓与罗生克兰已把命送了?
哈: 怎么, 人呀, 那是他们自己喜欢那件差事,
我才不会把他们放在我的良心上呢;
他们的杀身之祸全是自惹的。
当两个强敌在恶斗时, 小辈们走近他们的往来剑锋, 是极危险的。
赫: 哼, 这是一个什么国王!
哈: 你难道不认为, 这是我的职责:
他弑我君、娼我母、挫我登基之望、并用诡计来图谋我的性命,
你说, 按道义来讲, 我是否应手刃此徒, 以雪此恨?
我若不除此毒瘤, 而让它继续为非做歹, 那我是否应受天谴?
赫: 他马上就会由英王那儿得知那里所发生之事。
哈: 时间是非常的短促, 可是, 它是属於我的--
取人性命, 快之可如喊『著!』
不过, 善良的赫瑞修, 我很抱歉我对雷尔提失去了控制,
因为由我的处境, 我能了解他的立场。
我将设法去争取他的谅解。
不过, 那也实在是因为我见到他的夸张举动,
才会使我怒火冲天的。
赫: 不要作声, 谁来了?
[朝臣奥斯力克入]
奥: {必恭必敬的行个大礼}
恭迎王子殿下归返丹麦!
哈: 我谦卑的谢谢你。
{私下对赫瑞修}
你认识这位点水蜻蜓吗?
赫: 不认得, 殿下。
哈: 那是你的福气, 因为认得他是件恶事。
他拥有很多肥沃良田。
任何一头畜牲, 只要它是万头畜牲之主,
它的畜舍就会被摆在国王的餐桌旁。
他是支饶舌的乌鸦;
不过, 就如我所说, 他拥有大量的泥土。
奥: {深深的鞠恭, 帽子碰地}
甜美的殿下, 您若有空, 我想为国王传句话...
哈: 那么, 先生, 我一定会洗耳恭听的。
请你把帽子戴好, 它是用在头顶上的。
奥: 谢谢, 殿下, 今天很热。
哈: 不, 相信我, 今天很冷, 在吹著北风呢。
奥: 是蛮冷的, 殿下, 真的是。
哈: 不过, 我认为, 依我的体质来讲, 它还是很闷热。
奥: 非常的闷热, 殿下, 闷热的就像....我无法形容...
殿下, 陛下教我告诉你, 他已在你的头上下了一笔大注;
先生, 事是如此...
哈: [作手势教他把帽子戴好]
我求你, 记得吗?
奥: 不, 好殿下, 我还是这样比较舒服, 真的。 {用帽子扇凉}
先生, 宫中现在新来了一位雷尔提先生;
请相信我, 他是位完完全全的绅士, 充满了最卓越的优点,
有著翩翩的风度与堂堂的相貌。
真的, 套句雅话, 他不愧是个贵族之楷模、典范;
您也将发现, 他的本人就代表了一位『绅士』所应有。
哈: 先生, 你把他形容得真是淋漓无愧;
不过, 我晓得, 若欲分门别类的列出他的所有优点,
那它将无从算起, 数目将庞大的令人痴傻,
就像面对其快帆之船, 我们将永远望尘莫及。
他的品德也是举世罕见, 除了他自己的镜中影之外,
世上可说无人能与他媲美。 若有人欲与他比较,
那他只配当他影子而已。
奥: 殿下把他说得一点儿也不错。
哈: 但此话之用意是何在?
为何我们要一味的把这位先生圜绕於我们佣俗的唇齿之间?
奥: {愣住} 先生?
赫: {对奥斯力克} 你自己的语言, 换个人来讲, 就不懂了?
你该专心的去听。
哈: {解释刚才的话} 你向我提起这位绅士的目地是何在?
奥: 您在说雷尔提?
赫: {讥笑奥斯力克} 他的锦囊已空, 金言已尽。
哈: 我正是在说他。
奥: 我知道您并不是不晓得...
哈: 我希望你确实是如此, 先生;
就算你是, 那它对我也无益处。
怎样, 先生?
奥: 我知道您并不是不晓得他很了得...
哈: 那我可不敢承认, 除非我有意与他比个高下。
欲知他人底细, 先得认清自己。
奥: 我的意思是, 先生, 他的武功了得。
据他的手下说, 他乃举世无双。
哈: 他用的是什么兵器?
奥: 长短双剑{注1}。
哈: 那是两件兵器, 嗯...
奥: 国王已以六匹巴巴利{注2}骏马为注和他打赌, 先生;
他也相对的提出了--据我所知--六柄法国长剑、短刃及其附件,
悬挂之佩带等等。 不瞒您说,
其中有三套载架尤是精美; 它们吻配其鞘, 乃精工巧匠所制。
哈: 你所谓的『载架』是何许东西?
赫: 我就料到你需要个注解在後头。
奥: 载架, 先生, 就是那挂剑的皮带。
哈: 假如我们能在身边悬挂一尊炮, 那么, 这个名词可能比较恰当。
直到那时, 我们还是称它为『皮带』罢。
好了, 继续说...六匹骏马对六柄长剑及其附件,
还有三套精致的『载架』...这是个法国人对丹麦人之赌呀!
他们为何要下如此的赌注呢?
奥: 国王已打赌, 先生, 他与您交手的十二回合中,
他的命中次数将决不超你於三。
雷尔提却打赌他在十二回合中必能击中您九次。
殿下要是不弃, 此事可立即能有一试。
哈: 要是我回答个『不』呢?
奥: 我的意思是, 殿下, 请您亲身去与他比较个高低。
哈: 先生, 倘若陛下容允, 我将在厅内走走, 此刻是我的运动时间。
要是兵器已被搬出, 那位先生也同意, 并且王上也无变挂,
那么, 我将尽我的能力去为他赢个胜利; 我若不能得胜,
那我赢得的仅将是些羞耻, 将甘败下风。
奥: 您要我如此的去禀告吗?
哈: 你可用自己的美言妙语去传达我的意思。
奥: {深深的鞠躬告辞}
我向殿下恭 我的服务。
哈: 再见, 再见。
[奥斯力克出]
{对赫瑞修} 他这般的自 也好, 因为无人有他的花腔口舌。
赫: {指其华丽的帽子} 这支田鸭子, 就这样头戴蛋壳的跑了。
哈: 他在哺其母乳之前, 还要向奶头谄媚恭为一番呢!
我认得许多此等之人, 他们在此腐败的时代里非常得宠;
他们只懂得些表面功夫, 靠著一些模彷来的语气与外表,
就能跻身於名流大儒之间。
给他们一个真正的考验, 他们的幌子立即将成为泡影。
[一贵族入]
贵族: 殿下, 王上刚才遣派了奥斯力克来向您传旨,
现在他回报说殿下已在厅中等候陛下旨意。
此时陛下欲知, 您是要马上和雷尔提比赛呢,
还是待会儿再说?
哈: 我的主意已定, 一切将听从陛下的指示;
如果他已准备齐全, 那我亦然。
此刻或任何时候, 只要我能像现在一般的有能力就可。
贵族: 国王、皇后、与众臣们马上驾到。
哈: 来得正是时候。
贵族: 皇后希望您在比赛之前能与雷尔提客气的寒喧几句。
哈: 我将听从她的指意。
[贵族出]
赫: 殿下, 您会赌输的。
哈: 我想不会的;
他赴法国以後, 我曾不断的练习;
按此赌规, 我必能把他击败。
我想, 你也许不能体会到我心中对此事之忧虑,
不过, 此事不打紧...
赫: 可是, 殿下...
哈: 说来可笑, 一些会使婆娘疑虑的琐事...
赫: 您的内心若有顾虑, 那您就应该去听从它。
我会阻止他们来此的, 就说您不舒服。
哈: 那可不必; 我们不能迷信预感,
因为连一支麻雀之死, 都是预先注定的。
死之来临, 不是现在, 即是将来; 不是将来, 即是现在;
只要对它有所准备就好了。
既然无人能知死後会缺少些什么, 早死有何可惧?
任它来罢!
[一张桌子被侍从们排开, 鼓号齐响後一队军官持垫鱼贯而入。
国王、皇后、雷尔提、奥斯力克、与众朝臣入。 众侍从持剑入。 ]
王: 来, 哈姆雷特, 来握这支手。
[把雷尔提的手放在哈姆雷特的手中]
哈: {对雷尔提}
请原谅我, 先生, 我得罪了你;
请原谅我, 因你是位绅士。
在座的诸位都晓得, 你也必曾听闻, 我患有严重的疯症。
我所做的, 伤害了你的感情与荣誉, 使你怀恨在心;
但是, 现在我要说, 那是我的疯症所为。
对不起雷尔提的, 是哈姆雷特吗? 不, 决对不是哈姆雷特!
倘若哈姆雷特丧失了他的心志,
然後他不由自主的去做了一些对不起雷尔提之事,
那么, 这些事情不是哈姆雷特所干的,
而哈姆雷特也不会承认。
但是, 这些事情是谁干的呢? 就是哈姆雷特的疯症所干的!
既是如此, 那么, 哈姆雷特本身也就是一个受害者,
而他的疯症也是可怜的哈姆雷特之敌人。
先生, 我现在要在诸位观众的面前郑重声明, 我并无蓄意为恶,
希望由此能得到你的宽宏谅解,
让你能明白, 我是在无意中把箭矢射越了屋脊,
而伤害到了我的一位弟兄。
雷: 以我的受创感情而言--光仗著它就足够使一人去图谋报复--
我已满足了。
但是, 以我的荣誉而言, 为了维护其完整, 我仍是冷漠无衷。
未经大众敬仰的父老们调停判决此事之前, 我是无法平息此恨的。
不过, 在那之前, 我能领会你的表白,
晓得它乃出自诚意, 而不会去辜负它的。
哈: 我乐意的接受此言, 并以兄弟之情展开这场竞赛。
取剑来罢!
雷: 来, 也给我一柄。
哈: 把我当作你挥耍之剑吧, 雷尔提!
依我之庸才, 你的技艺必能如黑夜之明星, 大放其光彩。
雷: 先生取笑了!
哈: 我发誓没有。
王: 拿剑来给他们罢, 奥斯力克。
哈姆雷特爱侄, 你懂得赌规吗?
哈: 懂得, 主公。
您已下注在实力较弱的那一方。
王: 我并不为此忧虑;
我曾领教过你们二位的剑技,
既然他的实力近来大有进步, 所以他按赌规应让你数招。
雷: {发觉他拿的不是毒剑} 这柄太重了, 让我试试另一把。
哈: {挥耍他的剑} 这柄很适合我。
这些剑都是一般长吗?
奥: 是的, 我的好殿下。
[二人准备开始竞赛。 侍从们端酒出来]
王: 请把这盅酒摆在那桌上;
倘若哈姆雷特击中第一或第二回, 或在第三回合里取得胜利而停赛,
那么, 炮台之炮将一齐鸣放, 朕也将敬酒为他祝贺,
并将在杯中投入一颗珍珠,
它比我国四位先王皇冠上所戴之珍珠还更名贵。
拿酒来吧! 让隆隆的鼓声传信於号角, 号角传信於炮手,
炮手传信於苍天, 苍天再传信於大地: 本王今日将为哈姆雷特开怀痛饮!
来, 开始罢! 裁判们, 请看好。
哈: 来罢, 先生!
雷: 来呀, 殿下。
[开始斗剑]
哈: 著!
雷: 没中!
哈: 裁判!
奥: 击中了, 显然的击中了。
雷: 好罢, 再来! {作手示要再赛}
王: 稍候, 把酒给我。 {自己先喝一大口}
哈姆雷特, 这颗珍珠是属於你的, 祝你建康! {投毒药於杯中}
[鼓、号、炮声齐鸣]
{对侍从} 把杯子端给他。
哈: 请暂且把它搁在一边, 让我先斗完这回再说。
[又开始斗剑]
又中了! 你怎么说?
雷: 被你点中了, 我承认, 被你轻轻的点中了。
王: 吾子将胜罗...
后: 他体胖气急;
来呀, 哈姆雷特, 用我的手帕去擦你的额头。
哈姆雷特, 母后为你的好运敬酒! {举毒酒至唇欲引}
哈: 谢母后!
王: 葛簇特, 别喝!
后: 我想喝, 对不起。
[喝口酒後捧杯给哈姆雷特]
王: [私下] 那是毒酒, 已太迟了...
哈: {对皇后} 我现在还不敢喝, 母亲, 待会儿再说。
后: 来, 让娘擦你脸上的汗水。
雷: {对国王} 主公, 这回我会击中他的。
王: 我看不见得。
雷: [私下] 虽然我的良心使我几乎下不了手!
哈: 来第三回合罢, 雷尔提, 别浪费时间了;
使出你的全力罢, 我怀疑你只是在消遣我呢。
雷: 你以为? 来吧!
{他们三度交锋, 揪缠於一团; 奥斯力克用力的把他们扯开}
奥: 双方打个平手。
雷: 去你的! {雷尔提在乱中趁哈姆雷特不备, 刺哈姆雷特一剑}
[哈姆雷特因被雷尔提偷袭而受伤, 所以怒火填胸, 持剑猛攻。
一阵混乱中, 双方的剑都落在地上, 然後各方把对方的剑捡起]
王: 把他们扯开, 他们恼怒了!
哈: 不, 再来罢!
[哈姆雷特持毒剑刺伤雷尔提; 皇后也在同时毒性发作倒於地上]
奥: 大家看看皇后, 别斗了!
赫: 双方都在淌血!
{对哈姆雷特}
您还好吗, 殿下?
奥: 您怎么样, 雷尔提?
雷: 就像支自投罗网的小鸟, 奥斯力克,
我活该被自设的诡计害死。
哈: 皇后怎么啦?
王: 她见血就晕过去了。
后: 不, 不...那酒, 那酒! 喔, 我的亲爱的哈姆雷特,
那酒, 那酒, 我中毒了...
[皇后死]
哈: 唉哟! 狠毒呀!
停止一切, 把门栓上;
奸计, 露出你的面孔罢!
[奥斯力克出]
雷: 它就在此, 哈姆雷特;
哈姆雷特呀, 你已经死定了!
天下再好之良药对你也无效, 你将活不过半个时辰。
奸诈之凶器正握在你的手中; 它未上护套, 并涂有毒汁;
这宗诡计已转过头来害了我自己;
你看, 我躺在此, 将永远不能再起。
你的母亲也被下毒了; 我已无能再说了。 国王...国王就是罪人...
哈: 剑尖也涂了毒药? 那么, 去发挥你的毒性罢!
[持毒剑猛刺国王]
全体人: 叛国! 叛国!
王: {重伤垂危} 喔, 朋友们, 求你们救救我罢, 我受伤了。
哈: 去罢, 你这个乱伦、杀人、该死的丹麦王,
去痛饮你的这剂药罢! 你的珍珠还在里头吗?
尾随我的母亲去罢!
[强迫重伤的国王喝鸩酒; 国王死]
雷: 这是他的报应, 鸩酒是他调的。
高贵的哈姆雷特呀, 让我们来互换宽恕罢:
我不怪你杀死我和我父亲, 你也勿怪我把你杀死。
[雷尔提死]
哈: 天堂会赦免你的; 我也会马上跟随你去的。
我将死了, 赫瑞修。
可怜的皇后, 再会罢。
{对众臣}
你们有人面色苍白, 有人为此惨变战栗,
但是, 你们只是无言的旁观者;
只要我能够有时间, 我能告诉你们...啊, 不管这些了;
可怖的死神真是个毫不留情的补快!
赫瑞修, 我死了, 你尚活著;
请你把我的故事告诉给那些不知底细的民众们。
赫: 别提这些了;
我虽身为丹麦人, 但是我的内心却像个古罗马人(注3);
这里还有些剩酒...{拿起剩下的毒酒欲饮}
哈: 你是个男子汉, 把杯子给我! {与赫瑞修争夺酒杯}
放开！老天, 把它给我! {打翻赫瑞修手中的酒杯}
神呀, 如果无人能来揭发此事之真相, 那么,
我的留名将多么的受到损害!
倘若你曾爱我, 那就请你暂且牺牲天国之幸福,
留在这冷酷的世界里去忍痛告诉世人我的故事罢。
[远处传来军歌与炮声]
那是什么声音?
[奥斯力克入]
奥: 福丁布拉少氏, 远征波兰後班师回朝, 为英国大使鸣炮行礼。
哈: 喔, 我将死了, 赫瑞修;
剧毒已经克服了我的灵魂, 我将无法活著听到来自英国之消息;
不过, 我预测福丁布拉将被推举为丹麦王;
他已得到我这垂死之人的赞许;
请告诉他这里所发生之一切事故。
其馀的, 仅是宁静... [哈姆雷特死]
赫: 一颗高贵的心, 此时已碎。
晚安罢, 甜美的王子,
让一群天使的歌声来伴你入眠。
[行军声由远处传来]
为何鼓声渐近?
[福丁布拉率众军士, 偕英国大使们入]
福: 盛大的比赛是在何处举行?
赫: 您想看什么?
您若想看凄惨骇人之景象, 那您可无须再找了。
福: 遍地的死尸告诉了我此地曾发生过惨案;
骄矜的死神呀, 在您永恒不灭的巢窟里, 您在办何种宴席,
须要如此血淋淋地同时杀害这么多王裔、贵族?
英使甲: 这是个悲惨的景象; 我们从英国带来了消息, 不过已经太迟了:
要听此消息的耳朵, 现在都已经无知觉了。
我们要告诉他, 他的旨意已经圆满达成: 罗生克兰与盖登思邓已死。
现在我们能去哪里讨声谢言呢?
赫: {指著国王尸首}
不能由他的口中,
即使他还活著, 并能向你们致谢, 他也不会的,
因为他从来未曾指使你们去处死他们。 不过,
既然你们已从波兰的沙场及英格兰赶来此处, 在此血腥之时辰,
那就请您们下令把这些尸体安置於一高台上, 让众人瞻顾,
并让我向那些不知情的世人们讲解此事发生之过程。
你们将听到一些涉及淫欲、流血、及乱伦的故事。
这里头也有冥冥的判断、意外的戳戮、设计的谋杀、
及自食其果的结局。 对这些事情, 我必能做个忠实的报导。
福: 希望我们能尽快的听到此事之情节, 并能招集众贵族为听众。
至於本人, 我是抱著悲伤的心情来接受此佳运的,
我未曾忘却我在此国所拥有之权益, 现在它在邀请本人把它收回。
赫: 关於此事, 我也有一句话要说, 因我曾得到死者的委托,
而他的话在推选国君的过程中带有极大的影响力。
让我们立刻就去举办这项大典罢, 虽然这是个人心惶惶的时刻,
但是这样去做, 能避免更多的不幸与失误。
福: 请四位军官把哈姆雷特的遗体以军礼抬上高台,
因为假如他曾登基即位, 那他必定是个英明的君主。
为了哀吊他之死, 我们必须以响亮的军歌及隆重的军仪向他致敬。
把这些尸体抬上高台去罢;
此种景象在浴血的战场中是常见的,
但是在此却令人不安。
命将士们放炮!
[开始奏出丧礼进行曲, 众人抬尸首慢步出场, 後台传来炮声数响]
--[幕落, 全剧终]--
______________________________________________________________________
译者注
(1). 长短双剑: 古人决斗时, 手持双剑: 右手拿长剑攻, 左手拿短剑守。
(2). 巴巴利(Barbary): 北菲沿海地区。
(3). 古罗马人: 相传古罗马人通常宁可自杀, 不可受辱。
Elsinore. A churchyard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter two Clowns, [with spades and pickaxes].
First Clown. Is she to be buried in Christian burial when she wilfully seeks her own salvation?
Second Clown. I tell thee she is; therefore make her grave straight.
The crowner hath sate on her, and finds it Christian burial. 3350First Clown. How can that be, unless she drown'd herself in her own
defence?
Second Clown. Why, 'tis found so.
First Clown. It must be se offendendo; it cannot be else. For here lies
the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act; and an 3355
act hath three branches-it is to act, to do, and to perform;
argal, she drown'd herself wittingly.
Second Clown. Nay, but hear you, Goodman Delver!
First Clown. Give me leave. Here lies the water; good. Here stands the
man; good. If the man go to this water and drown himself, it is, 3360
will he nill he, he goes- mark you that. But if the water come to
him and drown him, he drowns not himself. Argal, he that is not
guilty of his own death shortens not his own life.
Second Clown. But is this law?
First Clown. Ay, marry, is't- crowner's quest law. 3365Second Clown. Will you ha' the truth an't? If this had not been a
gentlewoman, she should have been buried out o' Christian burial.
First Clown. Why, there thou say'st! And the more pity that great folk
should have count'nance in this world to drown or hang themselves
more than their even-Christian. Come, my spade! There is no 3370
ancient gentlemen but gard'ners, ditchers, and grave-makers. They
hold up Adam's profession.
Second Clown. Was he a gentleman?
First Clown. 'A was the first that ever bore arms.
Second Clown. Why, he had none. 3375First Clown. What, art a heathen? How dost thou understand the Scripture?
The Scripture says Adam digg'd. Could he dig without arms? I'll
put another question to thee. If thou answerest me not to the
purpose, confess thyself-
Second Clown. Go to! 3380First Clown. What is he that builds stronger than either the mason, the
shipwright, or the carpenter?
Second Clown. The gallows-maker; for that frame outlives a thousand
tenants.
First Clown. I like thy wit well, in good faith. The gallows does well. 3385
But how does it well? It does well to those that do ill. Now,
thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the
church. Argal, the gallows may do well to thee. To't again, come!
Second Clown. Who builds stronger than a mason, a shipwright, or a
carpenter? 3390First Clown. Ay, tell me that, and unyoke.
Second Clown. Marry, now I can tell!
First Clown. To't.
Second Clown. Mass, I cannot tell.
Enter Hamlet and Horatio afar off.
First Clown. Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for your dull ass will
not mend his pace with beating; and when you are ask'd this
question next, say 'a grave-maker.' The houses he makes lasts
till doomsday. Go, get thee to Yaughan; fetch me a stoup of
liquor. 3400[Exit Second Clown.]
[Clown digs and] sings.
First Clown. In youth when I did love, did love,
Methought it was very sweet;
To contract- O- the time for- a- my behove, 3405
O, methought there- a- was nothing- a- meet.
Hamlet. Has this fellow no feeling of his business, that he sings at
grave-making?
Horatio. Custom hath made it in him a property of easiness.
Hamlet. 'Tis e'en so. The hand of little employment hath the daintier 3410
sense.
First Clown. [sings]
But age with his stealing steps
Hath clawed me in his clutch,
And hath shipped me intil the land, 3415
As if I had never been such.
[Throws up a skull.]
Hamlet. That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once. How the
knave jowls it to the ground,as if 'twere Cain's jawbone, that
did the first murther! This might be the pate of a Politician, 3420
which this ass now o'erreaches; one that would circumvent God,
might it not?
Horatio. It might, my lord.
Hamlet. Or of a courtier, which could say 'Good morrow, sweet lord!
How dost thou, good lord?' This might be my Lord Such-a-one, that 3425
prais'd my Lord Such-a-one's horse when he meant to beg it- might
it not?
Horatio. Ay, my lord.
Hamlet. Why, e'en so! and now my Lady Worm's, chapless, and knock'd
about the mazzard with a sexton's spade. Here's fine revolution, 3430
and we had the trick to see't. Did these bones cost no more the
breeding but to play at loggets with 'em? Mine ache to think
on't.
First Clown. [Sings]
A pickaxe and a spade, a spade, 3435
For and a shrouding sheet;
O, a Pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is meet.
Throws up [another skull].
Hamlet. There's another. Why may not that be the skull of a lawyer? 3440
Where be his quiddits now, his quillets, his cases, his tenures,
and his tricks? Why does he suffer this rude knave now to knock
him about the sconce with a dirty shovel, and will not tell him
of his action of battery? Hum! This fellow might be in's time a
great buyer of land, with his statutes, his recognizances, his 3445
fines, his double vouchers, his recoveries. Is this the fine of
his fines, and the recovery of his recoveries, to have his fine
pate full of fine dirt? Will his vouchers vouch him no more of
his purchases, and double ones too, than the length and breadth
of a pair of indentures? The very conveyances of his lands will 3450
scarcely lie in this box; and must th' inheritor himself have no
more, ha?
Horatio. Not a jot more, my lord.
Hamlet. Is not parchment made of sheepskins?
Horatio. Ay, my lord, And of calveskins too. 3455Hamlet. They are sheep and calves which seek out assurance in that. I
will speak to this fellow. Whose grave's this, sirrah?
First Clown. Mine, sir.
[Sings] O, a pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is meet. 3460Hamlet. I think it be thine indeed, for thou liest in't.
First Clown. You lie out on't, sir, and therefore 'tis not yours.
For my part, I do not lie in't, yet it is mine.
Hamlet. Thou dost lie in't, to be in't and say it is thine. 'Tis for
the dead, not for the quick; therefore thou liest. 3465First Clown. 'Tis a quick lie, sir; 'twill away again from me to you.
Hamlet. What man dost thou dig it for?
First Clown. For no man, sir.
Hamlet. What woman then?
First Clown. For none neither. 3470Hamlet. Who is to be buried in't?
First Clown. One that was a woman, sir; but, rest her soul, she's dead.
Hamlet. How absolute the knave is! We must speak by the card, or
equivocation will undo us. By the Lord, Horatio, this three years
I have taken note of it, the age is grown so picked that the toe 3475
of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier he galls
his kibe.- How long hast thou been a grave-maker?
First Clown. Of all the days i' th' year, I came to't that day that our
last king Hamlet overcame Fortinbras.
Hamlet. How long is that since? 3480First Clown. Cannot you tell that? Every fool can tell that. It was the
very day that young Hamlet was born- he that is mad, and sent
into England.
Hamlet. Ay, marry, why was be sent into England?
First Clown. Why, because 'a was mad. 'A shall recover his wits there; 3485
or, if 'a do not, 'tis no great matter there.
Hamlet. Why?
First Clown. 'Twill not he seen in him there. There the men are as mad as
he.
Hamlet. How came he mad? 3490First Clown. Very strangely, they say.
Hamlet. How strangely?
First Clown. Faith, e'en with losing his wits.
Hamlet. Upon what ground?
First Clown. Why, here in Denmark. I have been sexton here, man and boy 3495
thirty years.
Hamlet. How long will a man lie i' th' earth ere he rot?
First Clown. Faith, if 'a be not rotten before 'a die (as we have many
pocky corses now-a-days that will scarce hold the laying in, I
will last you some eight year or nine year. A tanner will last 3500
you nine year.
Hamlet. Why he more than another?
First Clown. Why, sir, his hide is so tann'd with his trade that 'a will
keep out water a great while; and your water is a sore decayer of
your whoreson dead body. Here's a skull now. This skull hath lien 3505
you i' th' earth three-and-twenty years.
Hamlet. Whose was it?
First Clown. A whoreson, mad fellow's it was. Whose do you think it was?
Hamlet. Nay, I know not.
First Clown. A pestilence on him for a mad rogue! 'A pour'd a flagon of 3510
Rhenish on my head once. This same skull, sir, was Yorick's
skull, the King's jester.
Hamlet. This?
First Clown. E'en that.
Hamlet. Let me see. [Takes the skull.] Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, 3515
Horatio. A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He
hath borne me on his back a thousand times. And now how abhorred
in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those
lips that I have kiss'd I know not how oft. Where be your gibes
now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment that 3520
were wont to set the table on a roar? Not one now, to mock your
own grinning? Quite chap- fall'n? Now get you to my lady's
chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this
favour she must come. Make her laugh at that. Prithee, Horatio,
tell me one thing. 3525Horatio. What's that, my lord?
Hamlet. Dost thou think Alexander look'd o' this fashion i' th' earth?
Horatio. E'en so.
Hamlet. And smelt so? Pah!
[Puts down the skull.]
Horatio. E'en so, my lord.
Hamlet. To what base uses we may return, Horatio! Why may not
imagination trace the noble dust of Alexander till he find it
stopping a bunghole?
Horatio. 'Twere to consider too curiously, to consider so. 3535Hamlet. No, faith, not a jot; but to follow him thither with modesty
enough, and likelihood to lead it; as thus: Alexander died,
Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust; the dust is
earth; of earth we make loam; and why of that loam (whereto he
was converted) might they not stop a beer barrel? 3540
Imperious Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay,
Might stop a hole to keep the wind away.
O, that that earth which kept the world in awe
Should patch a wall t' expel the winter's flaw!
But soft! but soft! aside! Here comes the King- 3545
Enter [priests with] a coffin [in funeral procession], King,
[Queen, Laertes, with Lords attendant.]
The Queen, the courtiers. Who is this they follow?
And with such maimed rites? This doth betoken
The corse they follow did with desp'rate hand 3550
Fordo it own life. 'Twas of some estate.
Couch we awhile, and mark.
[Retires with Horatio.]
Laertes. What ceremony else?
Hamlet. That is Laertes, 3555
A very noble youth. Mark.
Laertes. What ceremony else?
Priest. Her obsequies have been as far enlarg'd
As we have warranty. Her death was doubtful;
And, but that great command o'ersways the order, 3560
She should in ground unsanctified have lodg'd
Till the last trumpet. For charitable prayers,
Shards, flints, and pebbles should be thrown on her.
Yet here she is allow'd her virgin rites,
Her maiden strewments, and the bringing home 3565
Of bell and burial.
Laertes. Must there no more be done?
Priest. No more be done.
We should profane the service of the dead
To sing a requiem and such rest to her 3570
As to peace-parted souls.
Laertes. Lay her i' th' earth;
And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest,
A minist'ring angel shall my sister be 3575
When thou liest howling.
Hamlet. What, the fair Ophelia?
Gertrude. Sweets to the sweet! Farewell.
[Scatters flowers.]
I hop'd thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife; 3580
I thought thy bride-bed to have deck'd, sweet maid,
And not have strew'd thy grave.
Laertes. O, treble woe
Fall ten times treble on that cursed head
Whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense 3585
Depriv'd thee of! Hold off the earth awhile,
Till I have caught her once more in mine arms.
[Leaps in the grave.]
Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead
Till of this flat a mountain you have made 3590
T' o'ertop old Pelion or the skyish head
Of blue Olympus.
Hamlet. [comes forward] What is he whose grief
Bears such an emphasis? whose phrase of sorrow
Conjures the wand'ring stars, and makes them stand 3595
Like wonder-wounded hearers? This is I,
Hamlet the Dane. [Leaps in after Laertes.]
Laertes. The devil take thy soul!
[Grapples with him.]
Hamlet. Thou pray'st not well. 3600
I prithee take thy fingers from my throat;
For, though I am not splenitive and rash,
Yet have I in me something dangerous,
Which let thy wisdom fear. Hold off thy hand!
Claudius. Pluck them asunder. 3605Gertrude. Hamlet, Hamlet!
All. Gentlemen!
Horatio. Good my lord, be quiet.
[The Attendants part them, and they come out of the grave.]
Hamlet. Why, I will fight with him upon this theme 3610
Until my eyelids will no longer wag.
Gertrude. O my son, what theme?
Hamlet. I lov'd Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers
Could not (with all their quantity of love)
Make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her? 3615Claudius. O, he is mad, Laertes.
Gertrude. For love of God, forbear him!
Hamlet. 'Swounds, show me what thou't do.
Woo't weep? woo't fight? woo't fast? woo't tear thyself?
Woo't drink up esill? eat a crocodile? 3620
I'll do't. Dost thou come here to whine?
To outface me with leaping in her grave?
Be buried quick with her, and so will I.
And if thou prate of mountains, let them throw
Millions of acres on us, till our ground, 3625
Singeing his pate against the burning zone,
Make Ossa like a wart! Nay, an thou'lt mouth,
I'll rant as well as thou.
Gertrude. This is mere madness;
And thus a while the fit will work on him. 3630
Anon, as patient as the female dove
When that her golden couplets are disclos'd,
His silence will sit drooping.
Hamlet. Hear you, sir!
What is the reason that you use me thus? 3635
I lov'd you ever. But it is no matter.
Let Hercules himself do what he may,
The cat will mew, and dog will have his day.
Exit.
Claudius. I pray thee, good Horatio, wait upon him. 3640
[Exit Horatio.]
[To Laertes] Strengthen your patience in our last night's speech.
We'll put the matter to the present push.-
Good Gertrude, set some watch over your son.-
This grave shall have a living monument. 3645
An hour of quiet shortly shall we see;
Till then in patience our proceeding be.
Exeunt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Act V, Scene 2
Elsinore. A hall in the Castle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter Hamlet and Horatio.
Hamlet. So much for this, sir; now shall you see the other. 3650
You do remember all the circumstance?
Horatio. Remember it, my lord!
Hamlet. Sir, in my heart there was a kind of fighting
That would not let me sleep. Methought I lay
Worse than the mutinies in the bilboes. Rashly- 3655
And prais'd be rashness for it; let us know,
Our indiscretion sometime serves us well
When our deep plots do pall; and that should learn us
There's a divinity that shapes our ends,
Rough-hew them how we will- 3660Horatio. That is most certain.
Hamlet. Up from my cabin,
My sea-gown scarf'd about me, in the dark
Grop'd I to find out them; had my desire,
Finger'd their packet, and in fine withdrew 3665
To mine own room again; making so bold
(My fears forgetting manners) to unseal
Their grand commission; where I found, Horatio
(O royal knavery!), an exact command,
Larded with many several sorts of reasons, 3670
Importing Denmark's health, and England's too,
With, hoo! such bugs and goblins in my life-
That, on the supervise, no leisure bated,
No, not to stay the finding of the axe,
My head should be struck off. 3675Horatio. Is't possible?
Hamlet. Here's the commission; read it at more leisure.
But wilt thou bear me how I did proceed?
Horatio. I beseech you.
Hamlet. Being thus benetted round with villanies, 3680
Or I could make a prologue to my brains,
They had begun the play. I sat me down;
Devis'd a new commission; wrote it fair.
I once did hold it, as our statists do,
A baseness to write fair, and labour'd much 3685
How to forget that learning; but, sir, now
It did me yeoman's service. Wilt thou know
Th' effect of what I wrote?
Horatio. Ay, good my lord.
Hamlet. An earnest conjuration from the King, 3690
As England was his faithful tributary,
As love between them like the palm might flourish,
As peace should still her wheaten garland wear
And stand a comma 'tween their amities,
And many such-like as's of great charge, 3695
That, on the view and knowing of these contents,
Without debatement further, more or less,
He should the bearers put to sudden death,
Not shriving time allow'd.
Horatio. How was this seal'd? 3700Hamlet. Why, even in that was heaven ordinant.
I had my father's signet in my purse,
Which was the model of that Danish seal;
Folded the writ up in the form of th' other,
Subscrib'd it, gave't th' impression, plac'd it safely, 3705
The changeling never known. Now, the next day
Was our sea-fight; and what to this was sequent
Thou know'st already.
Horatio. So Guildenstern and Rosencrantz go to't.
Hamlet. Why, man, they did make love to this employment! 3710
They are not near my conscience; their defeat
Does by their own insinuation grow.
'Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes
Between the pass and fell incensed points
Of mighty opposites. 3715Horatio. Why, what a king is this!
Hamlet. Does it not, thinks't thee, stand me now upon-
He that hath kill'd my king, and whor'd my mother;
Popp'd in between th' election and my hopes;
Thrown out his angle for my proper life, 3720
And with such coz'nage- is't not perfect conscience
To quit him with this arm? And is't not to be damn'd
To let this canker of our nature come
In further evil?
Horatio. It must be shortly known to him from England 3725
What is the issue of the business there.
Hamlet. It will be short; the interim is mine,
And a man's life is no more than to say 'one.'
But I am very sorry, good Horatio,
That to Laertes I forgot myself, 3730
For by the image of my cause I see
The portraiture of his. I'll court his favours.
But sure the bravery of his grief did put me
Into a tow'ring passion.
Horatio. Peace! Who comes here? 3735Enter young Osric, a courtier.
Osric. Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark.
Hamlet. I humbly thank you, sir. [Aside to Horatio] Dost know this
waterfly?
Horatio. [aside to Hamlet] No, my good lord. 3740Hamlet. [aside to Horatio] Thy state is the more gracious; for 'tis a
vice to know him. He hath much land, and fertile. Let a beast be
lord of beasts, and his crib shall stand at the king's mess. 'Tis
a chough; but, as I say, spacious in the possession of dirt.
Osric. Sweet lord, if your lordship were at leisure, I should impart 3745
a thing to you from his Majesty.
Hamlet. I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit. Put your
bonnet to his right use. 'Tis for the head.
Osric. I thank your lordship, it is very hot.
Hamlet. No, believe me, 'tis very cold; the wind is northerly. 3750Osric. It is indifferent cold, my lord, indeed.
Hamlet. But yet methinks it is very sultry and hot for my complexion.
Osric. Exceedingly, my lord; it is very sultry, as 'twere- I cannot
tell how. But, my lord, his Majesty bade me signify to you that
he has laid a great wager on your head. Sir, this is the matter- 3755Hamlet. I beseech you remember.
[Hamlet moves him to put on his hat.]
Osric. Nay, good my lord; for mine ease, in good faith. Sir, here is
newly come to court Laertes; believe me, an absolute gentleman,
full of most excellent differences, of very soft society and 3760
great showing. Indeed, to speak feelingly of him, he is the card
or calendar of gentry; for you shall find in him the continent of
what part a gentleman would see.
Hamlet. Sir, his definement suffers no perdition in you; though, I
know, to divide him inventorially would dozy th' arithmetic of 3765
memory, and yet but yaw neither in respect of his quick sail.
But, in the verity of extolment, I take him to be a soul of great
article, and his infusion of such dearth and rareness as, to make
true diction of him, his semblable is his mirror, and who else would trace him, his umbrage, nothing more.
Osric. Your lordship speaks most infallibly of him. 3770Hamlet. The concernancy, sir? Why do we wrap the gentleman in our more
rawer breath?
Osric. Sir?
Horatio. [aside to Hamlet] Is't not possible to understand in another
tongue? You will do't, sir, really. 3775Hamlet. What imports the nomination of this gentleman?
Osric. Of Laertes?
Horatio. [aside] His purse is empty already. All's golden words are
spent.
Hamlet. Of him, sir. 3780Osric. I know you are not ignorant-
Hamlet. I would you did, sir; yet, in faith, if you did, it would not
much approve me. Well, sir?
Osric. You are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is-
Hamlet. I dare not confess that, lest I should compare with him in 3785
excellence; but to know a man well were to know himself.
Osric. I mean, sir, for his weapon; but in the imputation laid on him
by them, in his meed he's unfellowed.
Hamlet. What's his weapon?
Osric. Rapier and dagger. 3790Hamlet. That's two of his weapons- but well.
Osric. The King, sir, hath wager'd with him six Barbary horses;
against the which he has impon'd, as I take it, six French
rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and
so. Three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy, 3795
very responsive to the hilts, most delicate carriages, and of
very liberal conceit.
Hamlet. What call you the carriages?
Horatio. [aside to Hamlet] I knew you must be edified by the margent
ere you had done. 3800Osric. The carriages, sir, are the hangers.
Hamlet. The phrase would be more germane to the matter if we could
carry cannon by our sides. I would it might be hangers till then.
But on! Six Barbary horses against six French swords, their
assigns, and three liberal-conceited carriages: that's the French 3805
bet against the Danish. Why is this all impon'd, as you call it?
Osric. The King, sir, hath laid that, in a dozen passes between
yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits; he hath
laid on twelve for nine, and it would come to immediate trial
if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer. 3810Hamlet. How if I answer no?
Osric. I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial.
Hamlet. Sir, I will walk here in the hall. If it please his Majesty,
it is the breathing time of day with me. Let the foils be
brought, the gentleman willing, and the King hold his purpose, 3815
I will win for him if I can; if not, I will gain nothing but my
shame and the odd hits.
Osric. Shall I redeliver you e'en so?
Hamlet. To this effect, sir, after what flourish your nature will.
Osric. I commend my duty to your lordship. 3820Hamlet. Yours, yours. [Exit Osric.] He does well to commend it
himself; there are no tongues else for's turn.
Horatio. This lapwing runs away with the shell on his head.
Hamlet. He did comply with his dug before he suck'd it. Thus has he,
and many more of the same bevy that I know the drossy age dotes 3825
on, only got the tune of the time and outward habit of encounter-
a kind of yesty collection, which carries them through and
through the most fann'd and winnowed opinions; and do but blow
them to their trial-the bubbles are out,
Enter a Lord.
Lord. My lord, his Majesty commended him to you by young Osric, who
brings back to him, that you attend him in the hall. He sends to
know if your pleasure hold to play with Laertes, or that you will
take longer time.
Hamlet. I am constant to my purposes; they follow the King's pleasure. 3835
If his fitness speaks, mine is ready; now or whensoever, provided
I be so able as now.
Lord. The King and Queen and all are coming down.
Hamlet. In happy time.
Lord. The Queen desires you to use some gentle entertainment to 3840
Laertes before you fall to play.
Hamlet. She well instructs me.
[Exit Lord.]
Horatio. You will lose this wager, my lord.
Hamlet. I do not think so. Since he went into France I have been in 3845
continual practice. I shall win at the odds. But thou wouldst not
think how ill all's here about my heart. But it is no matter.
Horatio. Nay, good my lord—
Hamlet. It is but foolery; but it is such a kind of gaingiving as
would perhaps trouble a woman. 3850Horatio. If your mind dislike anything, obey it. I will forestall their
repair hither and say you are not fit.
Hamlet. Not a whit, we defy augury; there's a special providence in
the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be
not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: 3855
the readiness is all. Since no man knows aught of what he leaves,
what is't to leave betimes? Let be.
Enter King, Queen, Laertes, Osric, and Lords, with other
Attendants with foils and gauntlets.
A table and flagons of wine on it.
Claudius. Come, Hamlet, come, and take this hand from me.
[The King puts Laertes' hand into Hamlet's.]
Hamlet. Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong;
But pardon't, as you are a gentleman.
This presence knows, 3865
And you must needs have heard, how I am punish'd
With sore distraction. What I have done
That might your nature, honour, and exception
Roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness.
Was't Hamlet wrong'd Laertes? Never Hamlet. 3870
If Hamlet from himself be taken away,
And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes,
Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it.
Who does it, then? His madness. If't be so,
Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong'd; 3875
His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy.
Sir, in this audience,
Let my disclaiming from a purpos'd evil
Free me so far in your most generous thoughts
That I have shot my arrow o'er the house 3880
And hurt my brother.
Laertes. I am satisfied in nature,
Whose motive in this case should stir me most
To my revenge. But in my terms of honour
I stand aloof, and will no reconcilement 3885
Till by some elder masters of known honour
I have a voice and precedent of peace
To keep my name ungor'd. But till that time
I do receive your offer'd love like love,
And will not wrong it. 3890Hamlet. I embrace it freely,
And will this brother's wager frankly play.
Give us the foils. Come on.
Laertes. Come, one for me.
Hamlet. I'll be your foil, Laertes. In mine ignorance 3895
Your skill shall, like a star i' th' darkest night,
Stick fiery off indeed.
Laertes. You mock me, sir.
Hamlet. No, by this hand.
Claudius. Give them the foils, young Osric. Cousin Hamlet, 3900
You know the wager?
Hamlet. Very well, my lord.
Your Grace has laid the odds o' th' weaker side.
Claudius. I do not fear it, I have seen you both;
But since he is better'd, we have therefore odds. 3905Laertes. This is too heavy; let me see another.
Hamlet. This likes me well. These foils have all a length?
Prepare to play.
Osric. Ay, my good lord.
Claudius. Set me the stoups of wine upon that table. 3910
If Hamlet give the first or second hit,
Or quit in answer of the third exchange,
Let all the battlements their ordnance fire;
The King shall drink to Hamlet's better breath,
And in the cup an union shall he throw 3915
Richer than that which four successive kings
In Denmark's crown have worn. Give me the cups;
And let the kettle to the trumpet speak,
The trumpet to the cannoneer without,
The cannons to the heavens, the heaven to earth, 3920
'Now the King drinks to Hamlet.' Come, begin.
And you the judges, bear a wary eye.
Hamlet. Come on, sir.
Laertes. Come, my lord. They play.
Hamlet. One. 3925Laertes. No.
Hamlet. Judgment!
Osric. A hit, a very palpable hit.
Laertes. Well, again!
Claudius. Stay, give me drink. Hamlet, this pearl is thine; 3930
Here's to thy health.
[Drum; trumpets sound; a piece goes off [within].]
Give him the cup.
Hamlet. I'll play this bout first; set it by awhile.
Come. [They play.] Another hit. What say you? 3935Laertes. A touch, a touch; I do confess't.
Claudius. Our son shall win.
Gertrude. He's fat, and scant of breath.
Here, Hamlet, take my napkin, rub thy brows.
The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet. 3940Hamlet. Good madam!
Claudius. Gertrude, do not drink.
Gertrude. I will, my lord; I pray you pardon me. Drinks.
Claudius. [aside] It is the poison'd cup; it is too late.
Hamlet. I dare not drink yet, madam; by-and-by. 3945Gertrude. Come, let me wipe thy face.
Laertes. My lord, I'll hit him now.
Claudius. I do not think't.
Laertes. [aside] And yet it is almost against my conscience.
Hamlet. Come for the third, Laertes! You but dally. 3950
Pray you pass with your best violence;
I am afeard you make a wanton of me.
Laertes. Say you so? Come on. Play.
Osric. Nothing neither way.
Laertes. Have at you now! 3955[Laertes wounds Hamlet; then] in scuffling, they change rapiers, [and Hamlet wounds Laertes].
Claudius. Part them! They are incens'd.
Hamlet. Nay come! again! The Queen falls.
Osric. Look to the Queen there, ho!
Horatio. They bleed on both sides. How is it, my lord? 3960Osric. How is't, Laertes?
Laertes. Why, as a woodcock to mine own springe, Osric.I am justly kill'd with mine own treachery.
Hamlet. How does the Queen?
Claudius. She sounds to see them bleed.
Gertrude. No, no! the drink, the drink! O my dear Hamlet! 3965
The drink, the drink! I am poison'd. [Dies.]
Hamlet. O villany! Ho! let the door be lock'd.
Treachery! Seek it out.
[Laertes falls.]
Laertes. It is here, Hamlet. Hamlet, thou art slain; 3970
No medicine in the world can do thee good.
In thee there is not half an hour of life.
The treacherous instrument is in thy hand,
Unbated and envenom'd. The foul practice
Hath turn'd itself on me. Lo, here I lie, 3975
Never to rise again. Thy mother's poison'd.
I can no more. The King, the King's to blame.
Hamlet. The point envenom'd too?
Then, venom, to thy work. Hurts the King.
All. Treason! treason! 3980Claudius. O, yet defend me, friends! I am but hurt.
Hamlet. Here, thou incestuous, murd'rous, damned Dane,
Drink off this potion! Is thy union here?
Follow my mother. King dies.
Laertes. He is justly serv'd. 3985
It is a poison temper'd by himself.
Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.
Mine and my father's death come not upon thee,
Nor thine on me! Dies.
Hamlet. Heaven make thee free of it! I follow thee. 3990
I am dead, Horatio. Wretched queen, adieu!
You that look pale and tremble at this chance,
That are but mutes or audience to this act,
Had I but time (as this fell sergeant, Death,
Is strict in his arrest) O, I could tell you- 3995
But let it be. Horatio, I am dead;
Thou liv'st; report me and my cause aright
To the unsatisfied.
Horatio. Never believe it.
I am more an antique Roman than a Dane. 4000
Here's yet some liquor left.
Hamlet. As th'art a man,
Give me the cup. Let go! By heaven, I'll ha't.
O good Horatio, what a wounded name
(Things standing thus unknown) shall live behind me! 4005
If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart,
Absent thee from felicity awhile,
And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain,
To tell my story. [March afar off, and shot within.]
What warlike noise is this? 4010Osric. Young Fortinbras, with conquest come from Poland,
To the ambassadors of England gives
This warlike volley.
Hamlet. O, I die, Horatio!
The potent poison quite o'ercrows my spirit. 4015
I cannot live to hear the news from England,
But I do prophesy th' election lights
On Fortinbras. He has my dying voice.
So tell him, with th' occurrents, more and less,
Which have solicited- the rest is silence. Dies. 4020Horatio. Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!
[March within.]
Why does the drum come hither?
Enter Fortinbras and English Ambassadors, with Drum, Colours, and Attendants. 4025Fortinbras. Where is this sight?
Horatio. What is it you will see?
If aught of woe or wonder, cease your search.
Fortinbras. This quarry cries on havoc. O proud Death,
What feast is toward in thine eternal cell 4030
That thou so many princes at a shot
So bloodily hast struck.
Ambassador. The sight is dismal;
And our affairs from England come too late.
The ears are senseless that should give us hearing 4035
To tell him his commandment is fulfill'd
That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead.
Where should we have our thanks?
Horatio. Not from his mouth,
Had it th' ability of life to thank you. 4040
He never gave commandment for their death.
But since, so jump upon this bloody question,
You from the Polack wars, and you from England,
Are here arriv'd, give order that these bodies
High on a stage be placed to the view; 4045
And let me speak to the yet unknowing world
How these things came about. So shall you hear
Of carnal, bloody and unnatural acts;
Of accidental judgments, casual slaughters;
Of deaths put on by cunning and forc'd cause; 4050
And, in this upshot, purposes mistook
Fall'n on th' inventors' heads. All this can I
Truly deliver.
Fortinbras. Let us haste to hear it,
And call the noblest to the audience. 4055
For me, with sorrow I embrace my fortune.
I have some rights of memory in this kingdom
Which now, to claim my vantage doth invite me.
Horatio. Of that I shall have also cause to speak,
And from his mouth whose voice will draw on more. 4060
But let this same be presently perform'd,
Even while men's minds are wild, lest more mischance
On plots and errors happen.
Fortinbras. Let four captains
Bear Hamlet like a soldier to the stage; 4065
For he was likely, had he been put on,
To have prov'd most royally; and for his passage
The soldiers' music and the rites of war
Speak loudly for him.
Take up the bodies. Such a sight as this 4070
Becomes the field but here shows much amiss.
Go, bid the soldiers shoot.
Exeunt marching; after the which a peal of ordnance are shot off.
THE END