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Table of Contents

Act II

Rosencrantz
My lord, there was no such stuff in my thoughts.
Hamlet
Why did you laugh then, when I said “man delights not me”?
Rosencrantz
To think, my lord, if you delight not in man, what lenten entertainment the players shall receive from you: we coted them on the way; and hither are they coming, to offer you service.
Hamlet
He that plays the king shall be welcome; his majesty shall have tribute of me; the adventurous knight shall use his foil and target; the lover shall not sigh gratis; the humourous man shall end his part in peace; the clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickled o’ the sere; and the lady shall say her mind freely, or the blank verse shall halt for’t. What players are they?
Rosencrantz
Even those you were wont to take delight in, the tragedians of the city.
Hamlet
How chances it they travel? their residence, both in reputation and profit, was better both ways.
Rosencrantz
I think their inhibition comes by the means of the late innovation.
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