Ham. Is it possible?
Guil. O! there has been much throwing about
of brains. 384
Ham. Do the boys carry it away?
Ros. Ay, that they do, my lord; Hercules and
his load too. 387
Ham. It is not strange; for my uncle is
King of Denmark, and those that would make
mows at him while my father lived, give twenty,
forty, fifty, a hundred ducats a-piece for his
picture in little. 'Sblood, there is something in
this more than natural, if philosophy could find
it out. Flourish for the Players.
Guil. There are the players. 395
Ham. Gentlemen, you are welcome to Elsi-
nore. Your hands, come then; the appurtenance
of welcome is fashion and ceremony: let me
comply with you in this garb, lest my extent to
the players—which, I tell you, must show fairly
outward—should more appear like entertain-
ment than yours. You are welcome; but my
uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived.
Guil. In what, my dear lord? 404
Ham. I am but mad north-north-west: when
the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a
handsaw.
Enter Polonius.
Pol. Well be with you, gentlemen! 408
385 carry it away: carry the day
386 Hercules and his load; cf. n.
390 mows: grimaces
391 ducats: gold or silver coins
392 in little: in miniature
'Sblood: God's blood
394 Flourish: a trumpet call
397 appurtenance: proper accompaniment
399 comply: observe the formalities of courtesy
garb: manner
extent: showing of kindness
407 handsaw: saw managed with one hand; cf. n.
