[The scene represents a platform before the castle of Elsinore, the royal seat of the Kings of Denmark. A bell tolls midnight. The curtain rises at the sixth stroke of the bell and discovers FRANCISCO walking on his post. BERNARDO enters at the tenth stroke of the bell.]

Nay, answer me: stand, and unfold yourself.

BERNARDO.

Long live the king!

FRANCISCO.

Bernardo?

BERNARDO.

He.

FRANCISCO.

You come most carefully upon your hour.

BERNARDO.

'Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco.

FRANCISCO.

For this relief much thanks: 'tis bitter cold,
And I am sick at heart.

BERNARDO.

Have you had quiet guard?

FRANCISCO.

Not a mouse stirring.

BERNARDO.

Well, good night.

If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus,

The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste.

FRANCISCO.

I think I hear them. Stand, ho! Who is there?

What, has this thing appear'd again to-night?

I have seen nothing.

BERNARDO.

MARCELLUS.

Horatio says 'tis but our fantasy,

And will not let belief take hold of him
Touching this dreaded sight, twice seen of us:
Therefore I have entreated him along
With us to watch the minutes of this night,
That if again this apparition come,

He may approve our eyes and speak to it.
HORATIO.

Tush, tush, 'twill not appear.

BERNARDO.

Sit down a while;

And let us once again assail your ears,
That are so fortified against our story,
What we have two nights seen.

HORATIO.

Well, sit we down,

And let us hear Bernardo speak of this.

Last night of all,

BERNARDO.

When yond same star that's westward from the pole

Had made his course to illume that part of heaven
Where now it burns, Marcellus and myself,
The bell then beating one,―

Enter GHOST.

MARCELLUS.

Peace, break thee off; look, where it comes again! BERNARDO.

In the same figure, like the king that's dead.

HORATIO.

Most like it harrows me with fear and wonder.