Editorial note
While editing this page from Act 1, Scene 4, we wanted to create a 'translation' that felt easy to read to children as a nursery rhyme. We tried to rid the transcription of majorly mature themes (such as excess drinking), keeping the meat of the play the same but making our version appeal to a larger audience. In this scene, Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus are visited by the late king's ghost. This is the first time that Hamlet has seen the ghost of his father, and this is reflected in his distressed reaction. In our version, we use simpler words and a couplet rhyming scheme to make the passages more engaging for children who are not accustomed to such mature themes such as death and revenge. Our hope is that this allows even more people to appreciate Hamlet and Shakespeare for the story it tells, and not the archaic language that can be confusing for some.
HORATIO:
No I did not hear the clock,
yet it is the time when the ghost may knock
What’s that noise? What does it mean?
HAMLET: That would be the king living the dream
As the king drinks his wine
The trumpets shout, “It’s party time!”
Celebrating like it’s his mission
HORATIO: Tell me lord, is that tradition?
HAMLET:
Yes, this tradition would be so
But at this time, we should say no!
HORATIO: Ah look, the ghost is here!
HAMLET: Angel please save us from our fear!
Whether you are evil, or whether you are kind
I must speak with you to learn your mind
I call you Hamlet, King, Father, Dane
Speak! For not knowing, drives me insane
Your soul should be at peace and rest
Father, what business do you have left?
You were laid in your tomb after your death abrupt,
So what is it that got you up?
Beneath the moon, you stand alone,
Once again your armor has shone
Of your visit I am weary
Why are you here, making the night scary?
Please tell me father, what should I do?
HORATIO: It seems that he would speak to you.
Marcellus:
He politely asks for you away
So we don't hear what he has to say
Image credit: British Library (Halliwell-Phillips edition). The tragicall historie of Hamlet Prince of Denmarke. First Quarto. London: 1603.
Citing this page: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, C3r. London: 1603. Cacodemon Digital Shakespeare. Edited by: [Alyssa & Anushka]. Source Edition: British Library (Halliwell-Phillips Edition). http://cacodemonshakespeare.com/tragedies/hamlet/c3r.
