was less definite than it is to-day; e. g.: on=of, I. i. 55; to-of, I. ii. 37; with-by, I. ii. 205; of= by, I. iv. 18; of-from, II. ii. 11; of-over, II. ii. 27; of-upon, II. ii. 306; in with IV. iii. 5, IV. v. 90; in into, V. ii. 70. = = DRAMATIS PERSONAE. CLAUDIUS, King of Denmark. HAMLET, son to the late, and nephew to the present GERTRUDE, Queen of Denmark, and mother to Hamlet. OPHELIA, daughter to Polonius. Lords, Ladies, Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Messengers, and other Attendants. Ghost of Hamlet's Father. SCENE: Elsinore, Denmark. Fran. You come most carefully upon your hour. Ber. 'Tis now struck twelve. Get thee to bed, Francisco. Fran. For this relief much thanks. "Tis bitter cold, 'And I am sick at heart. 10 Ber. Have you had quiet guard? Fran. Ber. Well, good night. Not a mouse stirring. If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus, The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste. Ber Welcome, Horatio; welcome, good Marcellus. 20 Hor. What, has this thing appeared again to-night? Ber. I have seen nothing. Mar. Horatio says 'tis but our fantasy, And will not let belief take hold of him Touching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us; 25 With us to watch the minutes of this night, He may approve our eyes and speak to it. Ber. Sit down awhile, 30 And let us once again assail your ears, |