HAMLET. O good Horatio, I’ll take the ghost’s word for a thousand pound. Didst perceive? 

 HORATIO. Very well, my lord. 

 HAMLET. Upon the talk of the poisoning? 

 HORATIO. I did very well note him. 

 HAMLET. Ah, ha! Come, some music. Come, the recorders. For if the king like not the comedy, Why then, belike he likes it not, perdie. Come, some music. 

 Enter Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. 

Rosencrantz

Guildenstern

 GUILDENSTERN. Good my lord, vouchsafe me a word with you. 

 HAMLET. Sir, a whole history. 

 GUILDENSTERN. The King, sir— 

 HAMLET. Ay, sir, what of him? 

 GUILDENSTERN. Is in his retirement, marvellous distempered. 

 HAMLET. With drink, sir? 

 GUILDENSTERN. No, my lord; rather with choler. 

 HAMLET. Your wisdom should show itself more richer to signify this to the doctor, for me to put him to his purgation would perhaps plunge him into far more choler. 

 GUILDENSTERN. Good my lord, put your discourse into some frame, and start not so wildly from my affair. 

 HAMLET. I am tame, sir, pronounce. 

 GUILDENSTERN. The Queen your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you. 

 HAMLET. You are welcome. 

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