Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 5 Scene 1 Sub Scene 1

 Act Five

Act Five Scene One

Sub Scene One

A gravedigger’s conversation.

There can be no doubt that intentionally killing oneself is a sin. The Sixth Commandment clearly states, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), and suicide is murdering oneself. Yet we should not be quick to condemn a person who dies in this manner, the person who commits suicide often has been dealing with these issues secretly, the depth of his or her struggle known only to himself or herself.

Could God extend mercy, even to a believer who takes his or her life? After all, a believer certainly knows that suicide is wrong. Consider what the Psalms show about the character of God: “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:11). The Bible even weighs mercy against judgment, concluding that “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

(https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/life-after-death/what-does-the-bible-say-about-suicide/)

It’s not entirely shared by all.

At a personal plot of land near Elsinore Castle, two men were hard at work; digging a deep hole in the ground for the grave of named Ophelia.

“Is she to be buried in Christian burial, when she willfully seeks her self-salvation?” The gravedigger name as Abot stopped then the digging. He was leaning on the shovel taking in deep breaths. He wore dark blue work overall over his blue tunic.

“I tell thee she is. Therefore make her grave straight. The crowner hath sat on her and finds it Christian burial.” The other named Castello was still digging and had on the orange shade overall, over his white tunic. He had his bowler hat on the side of the grave site.

“Straight? It was always done that way. Had I ever dug a grave crooked?” Albert felt his works were done with the over forty graves he had dug in the county, including Norway.

“Tell it to one at Holly. You dug deep and it was narrow at the head.” Castello reminded the other.

“That was Mary Bottoms; she held a wider butt than most. I had to adjust for her.”

“Yup, you did and the priest almost fell in along.” Albert defended his action. “Not all of us were the same.”

“Bless thee, Mary. Albert gave you a bigger dug to lay in.” Castello laughed. “As he had laid his head into yours.”

“Hold on to that, Castello. Let us talk about it here. I heard she was …. How can that be unless she drowned
herself in her defense? No decent Christian will do that. It’s a sin.”

“Why, ’tis found so. Are you the Coroner now to determine the cause of death?” Castello stopped digging. “Or a priest now?”

“It must be se offended; it cannot be else. For here lies the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act, and an act hath three branches—it is to act, to do, to perform. Argal, she drowned herself wittingly.”

“Will you dig now? I am doing more than my share here.” Castello cut in.

“I will…” Albert replied but his shovel remained leaned on.

“Nay, but hear you, goodman delver—” Castello wanted to finish the dig.

“Give me leave. Here lies the water; good. Here stands the man; good. If the man goes to this water and drowns himself, it is (will he, nill he) he goes; mark you that. But if the water comes to him and drowns him, he drowns not himself. Argal, he that is not guilty of his death shortens not his own life.”

“Is this the law?” Castello was getting irritated. “Albert, she died and we dig. They bury her here.”

“Ay, but look at the coroner’s law first.” Albert was into the mood to present his case.

“Will you ha’ the truth on ’t? If this had not been a gentlewoman, she should have been buried out o’ Christian burial?” Castello was not a follower of the faith; Sunday mass had not his attendance.

“Why, there thou sayst. And the more pity that great folk should have countenance in this world to drown or hang themselves more than their even Christian. Come, my spade. There are no ancient gentlemen but gardeners, ditchers, and grave-makers. They hold up Adam’s profession.”

“Was he a gentleman? Bloody good Adam did for us,” Albert said. “If he had not done it, maybe we won’t be doing this today. It was said that the first to be at the garden, and Adam may have tended to the growth there. He probably got bored and complained to God, thus Eve was created and gifted the term ‘housewife’ or later ‘servant’. A woman need not deny their purpose of existence.” Castello was into his sarcastic remarks. “My dead mother once said; your father knew not of digging with his arms. It was she who tended the garden then. As most women do.”

“What, art a heathen? How dost thou understand the scripture?” Albert himself a devout follower of the Book chided at Castella. “The scripture says, Adam dug. Could he dig without arms? I’ll put another question to thee. If thou answerest me not to the purpose, confess thyself.”

“My confess? I would if there was a pint for me, but I will do as you asked. Go to!” Castello smiled.

“What is he that builds stronger than either the mason, the shipwright, or the carpenter?” Albert asked.

“The gallows-maker; for that frame outlives a thousand tenants. Even the rope may snap on long use, but never the gallows platform.” Castello smiled. “Ask the pirates; they hung many from it.”

“I like thy wit well, in good faith. The gallows do well. But how does it well? It does well to those that do ill. Now, thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the church. Argal, the gallows may do well to thee. Your turn to ask.”

“I know not what to ask,” Castella said.

“Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for your dull ass will not mend his pace with beating. And, when you are asked this question next, say “a grave-maker.” The houses he makes last till doomsday.” Albert was right. The grave was the one that last forever unless someone dug it up.

“You lost. Go, get thee in, and fetch me a stoup of liquor. The Other Man remains open now.” Albert told Castella. The other climbed out and then marched his way to the tavern nearby.

“And the Gravedigger digs and sings.
In youth when I did love, did love,
Methought it was very sweet
To contract—O—the time for—a—my behove, 65
O, methought there—a—was nothing—a—meet.” Castalla sang on his march.

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 5 Interlude

 Act Five

Interlude

“Laertes, you need to listen.” Reynaldo had interrupted the practice bout on fencing with his partner. Laertes was distracted and the partner’s foil had made contact with his heart.

“Touche!’ The other called out. Laertes lowered his foil to accept the defeat.

“I have your heart, oui?” The duel partner of Laertes stepped up to him while removing the visor they wore for the bout.

“Yes, mon Cherie. You won it.” Laertes had a smile on his face when he removed his visor. “We will toast to that soon.”

“Sure, I will await you. You can always take your thrusts into me.” The partner then took off to the shower rooms. Laertes watched the curves of the lady who was his partner then. He may enjoy her other bouts but loathed to lose it in the fencing bout.

“Laertes, I bring….” Reynaldo approached his care. The foil blunted at the end was still a deadly weapon. It was leveled at the throat of the servant.

“I hope you have better reasons to make me lose my bout.” Laertes hissed out his anger. Reynaldo knew that Laertes took his fencing like his acting; fierce and striving for the masterful.

“It’s your father. The Great Chamberlain is dead. I …”

“When did this happen?” Laertes was shaken by the news. “He was well when I left him.”

“I know not much but the words that reached me said he was …murdered. His body not found.” Reynaldo said. “I have no …”

“What of Elsinore? No one told us yet?” Laertes asked.

“None, Sire. Nothing was conveyed.” Reynaldo shook his head. “I only got to know from my ….friends.”

“How can that be? My father is the Great Chamberlain.” Laertes was upset. “He deserves more than …”

“I have made arrangements for your return. You will…” Reynaldo was cut off by the other.

“Tell me what your friends said.”

“They…They said he was murdered by… Hamlet, who had disposed of the body without any burial rituals.”

“My sister, Ophelia?”

“I heard nothing of her.” Reynaldo lied then.

“I must go then. She will need me.” Laertes pulled at his training vest.

“Yes, Sire. I will let Madame Denise…” Reynaldo tried to take care of matters.

“Yes, please do. She is a mess.” Laertes had his use of the French lady; she was a good sponsor of his acts. “I trust you will not fail me.”

“Nay to that. I will wait for your return.” Reynaldo lied with his smile. He had lost his benefactor, the Great Chamberlain, and knew that what he was getting from Laertes was too small an amount to suit his needs. He was thinking of another master or mistress to serve.

Laertes exited the hall, while Reynaldo took to his next task. He donned the vest and visor. Some tasks are best not recognized by others. He approached the shower room and locked the door.

“Is that you, my dearie?” Madam Denise called out from the hot shower cubicle. “I am already here.”

Reynaldo discarded his pants and approached the cubicle. He saw the lady standing there with her back to him. He stood behind her and pushed her forward by the hips. He gave her no opportunity to look and had his way into her.

“Ah…Such force. I like it.” The lady moaned at the act. “Like a stud onto the mare.”

“You are so …” The lady was in her bouts of ecstasy. “Mon Dieu, you complete me.”

Not all tasks were about reporting but closer rapport may do the tasks better.

Laertes mind was on the trip back.

How and what could he do? His father murdered or was said to be. Could the servants be mistaken? What has not Ophelia sent news to him on that? Could she be hurt too? He cannot imagine Ophelia being hurt but the images of her in his mind were vividly lurid not of her death but unconsented acts upon her.

“Hamlet, you bastard. You are capable of beastly acts.” Laertes clasped his face with his hands. “Oh God, not him. It’s so …cruel. I love her. She is to be mine.”

“If it’s, I swear by my …. Sister’s soul, I will …castrate you before I kill you.” Laertes was enraged then.

If only he knew how Ophelia felt then.

“One petal for you, one for you.” Ophelia had sat by the willow tree plucking at the petals. She had done her garlands and there were the remaining flowers that were not used.

“The garland shaped to bind two into one.” Ophelia smiled. “Like two hearts held by it; the flowers form the bond. With it, the cupid may release its arrow into the hearts. The petals are the new souls that will come from the garland; ever aplenty.”

“Father, please forgive me. I do love him very much, madness and all. For too long have I waited, but not for long. I knew you disliked him, but he is my choice.” Ophelia sighed. “Many had said that you were killed by him, but I am unsure. Could it be you made him do it to deny me of my love? You think he is at wit's end with his father’s death, his mother wedded to another, and you denying us.”

“I had to …deny you too. I gave it all up to him. He was …good and it’s done.” Ophelia smiled. “I had done my sorrows for your demise, and now I am rejoicing in mine. Not of sorrow but of a new beginning.”

“Don’t be upset, father. You will soon see your grandchild.” Ophelia smiled. “It was destined for us.”

Ophelia picked up the garland of flowers. It was a pretty mix of red roses, yellow dandelions, and white lilacs. It was a unique combination with each flower having its meaning. The dandelions were like a lion’s mane; the crown of Hamlet, the white lilac was her with her virtue, and the red roses were like love; the blood she sacrificed for him.

“Aha, you are here too,” Ophelia called out. She saw then the water nymphs; dozens of them jumping and running on the surface of the brook.

“Well, hello to all of you.” Ophelia smiled. “I made a garland on my love. Is it lovely?”

“The garland must reach the high branch.” Ophelia heard the call from the water nymphs.

“So, shall it be.” Ophelia carried the garland and climbed the willow tree. It was difficult but she managed with the water nymphs who pushed or pulled her up. She reached the top branch and sat there.

“Is this high enough?” Ophelia asked the water nymphs. It was then she slipped and fell into the brook. She lay there on the water's surface still holding the garland over her belly.

“I must not damage it. It’s our love.” Ophelia held the garland above the water. The water nymphs surrounded her and sang lullabies to her. She sang along, unaware of her slipping deep into the muddy bottom. All she felt then was comfort. She was cuddled by the warmth of her love.

“I am coming to see you, Hamlet.” Ophelia closed her eyes.

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 7 Sub Scene 4

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Seven

Sub Scene Four

Tragedy once more.

“Claudius, are you there?” It was Gertrude who appeared. She saw him with Laertes at the Library.

“There you are. And …Laertes, you are here too.” Gertrude stopped in her walk. “When did you arrive?”

“Just the day, and …” Laertes explained his arrival.

“We were talking here. I had not informed you as yet.” Claudius cut in. “Why do you look so distressed?”

“I brought deary news.” Gertrude approached Laertes. “One woe doth tread upon another’s heel,
So fast they follow. Your sister’s drowned, Laertes.”

“Ophelia? It can’t be.” Laertes was shocked. “I …”

“Please remain calm. Ophelia drowned.”

“Drowned? O, where?” Laertes's tears appeared on his cheeks.

“I am unsure. I was told that she was at the brook. There is a willow grows askant the brook That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream.” Gertrude knew the place. It was a beautiful spot to relax.

“Therewith fantastic garlands did she make of crowflowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples; that liberal shepherds give a grosser name, but our cold maids do “dead men’s fingers” call them.” Gertrude had heard names of the place from others.

"Forget them. Tell me of Ophelia.” Laertes said. “I need…”

“There she was placing the garlands of flowers on the branches. Where she could not reach, she climbed the tree onto its branches. She was cautioned on that before, but paid no heed to it.” Gertrude sighed. “It was then she fell when one of the branches broke. She dropped into the brook.”

“Her clothes spread wide, and mermaid-like awhile they bore her up, which time she chanted snatches of old lauds, as one incapable of her distress or like a creature native and endued unto that element.” It was rumored that water nymphs dwell there, and mischievous are they to call the innocents there.

“But long it could not be till that her garments, heavy with their drink, pulled the poor wretch from her melodious lay to muddy death.” Gertrude wept her tears.

“Why was there no one to help her? You said of seeing her fall.” Laertes looked at Gertrude.

“I was not. I heard the servants call out. I was in the courtyard. I went over but was too late.” Gertrude told Laertes. “They tried to drag her out, but were not to do so.”

“Alas, then she is drowned.” Laertes sobbed his pain out. “My Ophelia.”

“Drowned, drowned.” Gertrude joined in with the pain.

“Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia,” Laertes rubbed away his tears. “And therefore I forbid my tears. But yet …I had cautioned her of the …stay here.”

“It is our trick; nature her custom holds, the pain will bring the tears to our eyes. Let shame say what it will. When these are gone, the woman will be out.” Laertes cleared his mind thus his pain.

“Adieu, my lord. I have a speech o’ fire that fain would blaze our plan but that this folly drowns it. I must leave now.” Laertes left the library. Claudius knew it was fruitless to pursue the conversation with Laertes then.

“He needs to be calmed.” Claudius looked at the lady. “Let’s follow, Gertrude.”

“Such a sad day for him.” Gertrude leaned on her lover.

“How much I had to do to calm his rage! Now fear I this will give it a start again.” Claudius had the last words toward Gertrude. “Therefore, let’s follow the course of the events. We are in its stream now.”

They exit.

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 7 Sub Scene 3

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Seven

Sub Scene Three

The foul deed planned

“No place indeed should murder sanctuaries; revenge should have no bounds,” Claudius said well. He had differentiated murder from revenge. One is an act to take a life, and the other was to offer redemption to the death whose life was taken.

“There was a play recently here in the castle.” Claudius told Laertes.

“I heard. Ophelia was there.” Laertes knew of the play.

“A mockery of our art. It was by those amateurs who were given the script by  Hamlet. He made a mockery also of the great play. He made it so … scandalous. It would seem that the King was killed as assumed by many based on the malicious play  by a person that resembled me.” Claudius drew on the pained expression; an act he had perfected as Brutus.

“I for one loved the King. I was his companion when we were younger. I took him for my brother.” Claudius looked into his repertoire of words. “Before I loved thee as a brother, John, But now, I do respect thee as my soul.”

“Henry IV, Part 1, Act 5 Scene 4.” Laertes nodded.

“I was to the King, yet he …mock me with those words. I had known the King for many years; it was not an easy journey to be at the top. We were …. Unknowingly, or forced to some foul deeds that could have warranted revenge from his victims but it may not have taken place, thankfully or due to several factors; the inability to do it, or the payment of wealth to offset the desire like in the case of Fortinbras; wounded to be bed stricken, his vengeance was offset by the ducats paid to his son who in turn took it to war with the Polacks.”

“Yes, I heard. A costly price for two streets.” Laertes nodded.

“It’s the way today? Not everyone tolerated …other peers like your father had then. If your father was around, he would have met both and carved a truce but the Great Chamberlian exists no more.” Claudius added praise to the dead man.

“Will the Polacks turn to vengeance; it may happen out of desperation or when the means were available remains to be seen.” Claudius sighed. “Revenge should have no bounds.”

“I agreed,” Laertes concluded the needed action.

“But, good Laertes,” Claudius looked Laertes. “Will you do this? Vengeance is …personal.”

“For vengeance?” Laertes replied. “Ues.”

“Let us …plan. It must be …scripted like the play. Your role, mine, and the others'.” Claudius smiled.

“When Hamlet, returned, shall know you are home too. It will be a grand feast to welcome his safe return. His mother will insist.” Claudius gave out his plan. “We’ll put on those who shall praise your excellence and set a double varnish on the fame.”

“The Frenchman; an associate of mine will be there. He is a fencing judge himself. And a man of the dice. I will place a wager on your heads for a bout of skills with the foil, and he is the judge. He will take the foil, arranged by me for the bout. He, being remiss, most generous, and free in his drinks, may not peruse the foil, so that with ease, or with a little shuffling, you may choose a sword unabated, and in a pass of practice requite Hamlet for your father.” A lengthy explanation of the plan he had in mind to use Laertes as the vengeful son, of his adopted son.

“An unabated foil is blunt at the tip,” Laertes said. “You …”

“It will be done. Hamlet will hold that while you will get the sharpened end to the bout. With your skills and moves, I am sure your foil will stuck at Hamlet mortally. My Frenchman will judge it as an accident or a mishap of the bout. You will gain your vengeance then.” Claudius explained.

“For your father, for Ophelia, and for …Norway.”

“I will do ’t,”Laertes smiled. “And for that purpose, I’ll anoint my sword added. I bought an unction of a potion. 
So mortal that, but dip a knife in it, where it draws blood no cataplasm so rare, collected from all simples that have virtue under the moon, can save the thing from death “ Laertes shared his plan. “I got it from the traveling gypsies. “That is but scratched withal. I’ll touch on my point with this contagion, that, if I gall him slightly,
It may be death.”

“You had rehearsed the play before?’ Claudius laughed.

“Now I revealed my true intentions. I had planned it to be done in secrecy, maybe unknowingly by Ophelia. It was like getting rid of pests in the wall.” Laertes said.

“Pests in the walls? Yes, they were but it’s …” Claudius knew of the peek holes, and almost to tell more about it but he held his words back.

“Let’s further think of this,” Claudius was always meticulous in his rehearsals. “We cannot go wrong or more faults will be on ….me.”

“Weigh what convenience both of time and means that may fit us to our shape. If this should fail, and our drift looks through our bad performance,” Claudius gave deep thought to the plan. “We should have contingency plans. “Should have a back or second that might hold if this did blast in proof. Soft, let me see.”

“We’ll make a solemn wager on your cunnings— I ha ’t!” Claudius reviews the plan. “When in your motion you are hot and dry, your bouts more violent to that end, and that he calls for a drink, I’ll have prepared him
a chalice for the nonce, whereon but sipping, if he by chance escapes your venomed stuck, our purpose may hold there.”

It was then another shadow was seen approaching the library.

“Who’s there?” Claudius called.

 

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 7 Sub Scene 2

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Seven

Sub Scene Two

He lives

“Who interrupts?” Claudius was agitated. He then looked to Laertes. “Please stay. Our conversation has not concluded.”

“Letters, my lord, from Hamlet. These to your Majesty, this to the Queen.” The servant handed the letters.

“From Hamlet? Who brought them?”

“Horatio. He got them from some gentlemen from…. England.” The servant stood there. “I saw them not. They were given by Horatio to Bernard who received them from…I guess of him that brought them.”

“It’s okay. Leave us now.” Claudius dismissed the servant. He then told Laertes to hear the letter while he read.

"High and mighty, you shall know I am set naked on your kingdom. Tomorrow shall I beg to leave to see your kingly eyes when I shall (first ask your pardon) thereunto recount the occasion of my sudden and more strange return. Hamlet."

“What does he mean? Has his madness overtaken him?” Claudius was upset. He had sent Hamlet with a specific handler with specific instructions. Yet he is returning.

“What should this mean? Are all the rest coming back? What of Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern? Or is it some abuse and no such thing?” Claudius was upset. “I am an Emperor with no idea of what is happening?”

“Is it from Hamlet? Did he write it?” Laertes asked.

“I believe so. It looked like his handwriting. Your father will know better but I believed it so.” Claudius replied. “How I wished Polonius was still here? Perhaps you could. ’Tis Hamlet’s character. “Naked”— And in a postscript here, he says “alone.”

“Can you advise me?” Claudius looked to Laertes. He was feeding questions toward Laertes to read the other’s mind. It was a technique of acting to gauge their diverse acting capability, but then, Claudius was looking for emotional avenues. He found none; Laertes was good, but when the subject of the father, Laertes did react emotionally.

Or the mention of young Hamlet.

“I am lost in it, my lord. But let him come.” Claudius saw the clenched fists of Laertes. “It warms the very sickness in my heart that I shall live and tell him to his teeth, ‘Thus didst thou.’ Before his last breath.”

“If it is so, Laertes”, Claudius saw his ace in the pack of cards. “Will you be ruled by me?”

Claudius looked at Laertes for the reaction. It was a testy moment for the other was vengeful, and may go his way.

“Ay, my lord,” Laertes nodded before looking at Claudius. “So you will not o’errule me to a peace?”

“To thine own peace. If he is now returned, as checking at his voyage, and that he means. No more to undertake it, I will work him to an exploit, now ripe in my device, under which he shall not choose but fall.” Claudius had signed the ‘non-intervention’ clause.

“And for his death, no wind of blame shall breathe, but even his mother shall uncharge the practice and call it an accident,” Claudius spoke on behalf of the other.

“My lord, I will be ruled by you, the rather if you could devise it so that I might be the organ.” Laertes was willing to be the tool that Claudius could make use of.”

Claudius breathe ina relief. His audience was for him. He felt the ovation for his act. A good act deserves it, but the actor must be humble. There were always the returning acts that he needed them.

“You have been talked of since your travel much,” Claudius pushed to change the subject matter. “And that in Hamlet’s hearing, for a quality wherein they say you shine. Your sum of parts did not together pluck such envy from him as did that one, and that, in my regard, of the unworthiest siege.”

A little prodding to the younger man despite his feats, he still yield less of one compared to Hamlet.

“What part is that, my lord? We have our plays and audiences. We never met or perform in the same town or city.”

“Narry of that. I heard of yours, and my salutations to your performances.” Claudius was careful in his praise. “So young and talented. A very ribbon in the cap of youth— I had wished when I was of your age. Yet needful too, for youth no less becomes the light and careless livery that it wears Than settled age his sables and his weeds, importing health and graveness.”

“Two months since here was a gentleman of Normandy. I have seen myself, and served against, the French,
And they can well on horseback, but this gallant had witchcraft in ’t. He grew unto his seat, nd to such wondrous doing brought his horse as had he been endorsed and demi-natured with the brave beast. So far he topped my thought that I am in forgery of shapes and tricks. Come short of what he did.”

“A Norman was ’t?” Laertes asked. He was taken in by the mention of another.

“A Norman indeed.”

“Upon my life, Lampard is his name.” Laertes knew the man. “I know him well. He is the brooch indeed
And gem of all the nation.”

“He confessed to me. He gave you such a masterly report for art and exercise in your defense, and your foil most especially in the age yours; a rarity of the youth to hold a foil when a pistol was the gem.”  Claudius took the trail to lay the trap.

“He cried out ’ would be a sight indeed if one could match you. The ’scrimers of their nation he swore had neither motion, guard, nor eye if you opposed them. Sir, this was his report.” Claudius waited for the applaud then.

“He overly praised me there, my Emperor.” Laertes humbly declined.

“It did on Hamlet so envenom with his envy that he could nothing do,” Claudius told the other. “He has you your eyes, speed, and strength.” Claudius bow his head and sighed. “Now out of this—”

 “What out of this, my lord?: Laertes asked.

“Laertes, was your father dear to you? Or are you like the painting of sorrow, a face without a heart?” Claudius wants to know if the other was genuine in his grief.

“Why ask you this?”

“Not that I think you did not love your father, Claudius picked at his words. “You were away most times. But I know love is begun by time. And that I see, in passages of proof, time qualifies the spark and fire of it.”

“There lives within the very flame of love.” Claudius smiled. “I had not a son of my own, but I had seen that in you. A kind of wick or snuff that will abate it, And nothing is at a like goodness still; we should do when we would; for this “would” changes.”

“You are an actor. Recall these lines from Macbeth. Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more. Act 5 Scene 5.”

“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, Act 1 Scene 7.” Laertes hit back. “My ambition now is for my father’s honor/”

“Good on your soul. Hamlet comes back; what would you undertake to show yourself indeed your father’s son more than in words?” Claudius struck the nail into the coffin there.

“If that was to be done, I will cut his throat in the church,” Laertes affirmed his vow of vengeance. Unknown to many, Laertes despised the young Hamlet. He was the son of the King, and held the wealth of Norway, a rival of his acting fame, and his unrequited love for Ophelia, the one whom he felt was undeserving. If Hamlet was gone, his path would be paved with success.

 

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 7 Sub Scene 1

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Seven

Sub Scene One

Persuasion of the persuasive

Acting is to deliver the character's personality to the audience. It needs persuading most times. The better ones learned this as their skill. Grossly, it may take the form of seduction. Just as in writing here.

Claudius offered the glass of wine to Laertes when they were seated in the main library in the castle. There were four libraries in the castle, but the one where they were seated was the biggest, and filled with a huge collection of playwrights, both ancient and new to the unpublished ones. The King was always approached by aspiring playwrights to review and if possible to take up their plays. Most times, these playwrights get the attention of the aide of the Great Chamberlain who will receive them. However, the Great Chamberlain was an earnest reader of writes and never fails to peruse them.

Or snatched some ideas from some of the better ones.

“Behold, Laertes. Your father’s domain is here. His writes are among the greats here.” Claudius praised the dead man. “Most times, I find him perched on the rails there, reading and thinking.”

“The Great Chamberlain was ever the man you look for in the write. His words could bring the bird to your hands, or the dead to turn in their grave.”

“Pardon me there. He was such an inspiration.” Claudius played his words.

“My emperor, I am …I do understand my father well though I was away most times.” Laertes was an actor. “You need not …patronize him.”

“No, I was not. I was telling you the truth as a …. Personal close friend. Now must your conscience hold my acquittance seal, and you must put me in your heart for a friend too.” Claudius look with care toward Laertes. The latter is an actor, and he hid his real emotions well.

“Sith you have heard and with a knowing ear, that he which hath your noble father slain”, Claudius paused his words. He did it to emphasize the next line. “Now he pursued my life. Accusing me of …murder.”

“It well appears. I had heard from the …learned friends.” Laertes was careful to reveal his friends. At that moment, he trusts no one from Norway. “But tell me why you proceeded not against these feats?”

“So, criminal and so capital in nature, as by your safety, greatness, wisdom, all things else, you mainly were stirred up.” Laertes also knows that Claudius had not acted on it.

“O, for two special reasons”, Claudius looked away. “Not many knew of my predicament which may to you perhaps seem much unsinewed.”

“But yet to me, they’re strong to counter alone.” Claudius drew on the sympathy that he faced obstacles.

“The Madam, his mother lives almost by his looks”, Claudius dragged his words there. He knew Laertes did not have his mother with him when growing up. He was weaned off early but she still yearn for him. As for myself….”

“She is so conjunctive to my life and soul. I had known her long, and during her days with the King, but we are two personalities in nature. Like how the star moves not but in his sphere, I could not but by her.” Claudius tried to frame his relationship as complicated.

“The other motive why to a public count I might not go to is the great love the general gender bear for Hamlet. He is the Prince, adored and loved whose dips all his faults in their affection, work like the spring that turneth wood to stone, convert his gyves to graces, so that my arrows, too slightly timbered for so loud a wind, would have reverted to my bow again, but not where I have aimed them.” It was Claudius' words to make him the underdog in the competition for love there.

“It’s like Brutus’ speech to his audience. Good and noble reasons to kill Caesar for the Emperor was too ambitious and he would enslave the Romans if he lived.” Laertes confront Claudius. “But your lack of action caused me a father and maybe even my sister.”

“I will stand to it. I will have my vengeance.” Laertes dismissed Claudius' lack of action.

“Break not your nights of sleep for that. You must not think that we are made of stuff so flat and dull that we can let our beard be shaken with danger.” Claudius is agitated being told of his restraints for Hamlet. “I am my man, and unafraid. Place your trust in me. You shortly shall hear more.”

“I hope.” Laertes unconvinced of Claudius words.

“I loved your father, and we love ourselves well. It hurts me so unimaginable to lose him in such a fashion, my action will be seen.” Claudius sighed then. “Any form of death was imaginable but never that.”

“Bear with me, and think wide and deep, let your imagination unrestraint…” Claudius looked for the explanation to give to Laertes, but he was unsure of how to invite time and an open mind.

It was that he was saved by the servant. 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 6 Sub Scene 2

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Six

Sub Scene Two

England was not peaceful

Hamlet sat in the front passenger seat of the coal-driven engine of the four-wheel car; as they named it then. He had sat in the American Model T; the car that every family could afford if they hold enough money to buy it. That one driven from the English port was not entirely a Model T but modified to run coal which was abundant in the isle.

“It ain't as smooth but the coal cheaper.” The driver who picked up Hamlet told him. His name was Harold, dressed in the grey overall, and wore a battle iron hat from the isle army; I served at Somme and wore goggles over his eyes.

“I called her Connie, after my missus. She weighs a ton like this car.” Harold won’t stop talking while driving Hamlet. He was in the second car, behind the one where Rosencrantz and Guildenstern sat with two other English men. The other two Englishmen were dressed in tweeds and had on bowler hats.

Hamlet was met at the port by the two cars and whisked off immediately.

“The words were you are a Prince. I had not driven on before, besides a toff I once drove, who had his nose covered the whole trip and paid me miserably. Coal ain’t the smell of daisies, but she is ours.” Harold kept on the one-sided conversation. The drive went through the cobbled street in the villages, sacred to half the others, and woke up more of the late risers.

“If it was during my days, my paddy would have thrown me out of the barn for sleeping this late.” Harold was raised at the farm with the sows and cows and slept in the barn most nights.

It was by a long country road when the farm truck weighing more than the car, slammed into them, and send Connie into the ditch. Hamlet was thrown out at the side and landed on the sodden soil. He looked to Harold who was stuck behind the steering wheel and bloodied from head to shoulders. He heard gunshots then.

“It’s those bloody highway robbers.” One of the Englishmen called out. “They are the bane of the road.”

“Bloody good it will do to them.” The other English bloke had a revolver in his right hand and was firing at the bushes by the roadside.

“Can we take off now?” Rosencrantz asked.

“Boody well, but what if your Prince?” The English bloke asked back. “He is the reason we are here.”

“Let him be. The others will finish him off for all I cared.” Guildenstern was upset. “We were not tasked to take bullets for him.”

“It’s your neck on the noose, mate.” The English bloke told Guildenstern. “We will leave now.”

“Shoot a few rounds into the rear seat. That will finish him or not, wounded him fatally.” Guildenstern told the other. “I will tell the Emperor, his son died valiantly.”

The English bloke did as he was told, and then took off in their car. Hamlet still on the side, was wounded by the fall out of the car. He found himself surrounded by four rowdy-looking chaps holding pitchforks and scythes.

“If he is the Prince, I will be darned by my mother’s luck for charm,” One of the chaps said. “Let’s check his bags.”

“Issac, do not swear on your mother or I will clogger you from here to the farm.” Another cautioned the earlier one.

“Ouch, Pa. All I said…” The earlier one protested.

“Miff your mouth, Son. We got work to do.” The four blokes ignored Hamlet and took to the belongings from the car. Hamlet crawled to the side and watched them rummage through his bags.

“Lots of books. Do you read, Pa?” A younger one asked the elderly man.

“Not so much. Your mama read to me then. I just work with my hands.” The elderly man replied.

“Pa, what is … FANNY …HILL? I know of Daisy’s fanny though? Will mum read that to me?” Another one picked up the book to show his father.

“I thought you could not read?” The one that was quiet all along finally voiced out.

“Ma did teach me some words. She said it was polite to learn some. I learned the others from Uncle Jack.” The other replied. “Uncle Jack knew a lot of words. He told me of the Spanish flies; have not seen any. And the flies taste ….bitter.”

“You stayed away from Uncle Jack. He is loony. The last war cracked his skull.” The one we all knew as Pa cautioned his sons. “Let us get into the value items and leave. Pitchforks are not good against guns.”

“Pitchforks are the demon’s weapon, Pa, and they work well for them:” The learned one told his Pa.

“Get your asses into the works, or it will be my fork into your fault.” Pa at tethers with his patience. They soon left with the items of value, and Hamlet was alone. He was hurt but managed to pull himself further from the car to the road. He lay there waiting for help before he slipped into unconsciousness.

 Hamlet woke up to someone rummaging through his pockets.

“Hey!” Hamlet called out weakly. The hands left his pocket. “No, wait. I need help. I can pay you …handsomely. I am the Prince of Norway.”

“By gosh, I am the Prince of Persia.” The other said. “And it’s bigger than Norway.”

“Would this help?” Hamlet dug out some currencies from his hidden pocket in the vest.

“I loved Norwegian fishes.” That was how Hamlet was saved by the gentleman who took him to be nursed and helped him prepare some letters.

“His name is Horatio. See him and you will be paid.” 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 6 Sub Scene 1

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Six

Sub Scene One

Letters to Horatio

Horatio had walked to the courtyard to gather his wits. He felt suffocated in the castle. It was different when he returned after having been with Hamlet for some years; when the young one was able to function independently, Horatio was called back to the service of Elsinore Castle.

“Welcome back, Horatio. I am glad that your time with young Hamlet was good.” The King then praised Horatio. “So were your reports to me. He is growing fine, independent of his mother but surely better on his own.”

“I am glad to be of service, my King. Now may I retire to my father’s work now that he is no more in service. He was maintaining the gardens. He was always digging holes in the ground.” Horatio had learned of his father's demise when he was away, but he was not allowed to return. The young Hamlet was still under his care.

“I am ever sorry, Horatio that you could not be here for your father’s funeral but we took care of it well. He rested well now in Heaven.” King Hamlet had assured the son. “As for you, I have a new task for you.”

“I am now the King and with my ascension, I hold some rivals. I need good men to be at my side, and protect me.” The King plotted his words for Horatio. “You can be one of them. I need trustworthy guards, and above all, unafraid of any adversaries. You are not alone. I have others who will be you. Marcellus, your twin is one with me as a guard.”

“Who do you fear, my King?” Horatio asked. I think the King is but a man, as I am. The violet smells to him as it doth to me. The element shows to him as it doth to me. All his senses have but human conditions. His ceremonies laid by, in his nakedness, he appears but a man.” (King Henry in Henry V (4.1.105)) The King confessed his concern.

“In my career, I have been threatened and …abused, but no more. Now I am the King and all should bow toward me, though some may not. It’s the latter, I feared for they are not any raving member of the audience, but of more deadly means. I had been assaulted before.”

“So, you need guards. I can do that.” Horatio said. “I did my training in the army but the war ended.”

“And I asked of you this. ‘Master, go on, and I will follow thee To the last gasp with truth and loyalty. ‘Act 2 Scene 3, Shakespeare ‘As you like it’ play.” King Hamlet drew on Horatio’s oath.

“You will have it, my King.” Horatio bowed to the King.

“You will do fine, Horatio. Did your brother share his task with you before?”

“Marcellus did not tell me much of his task.” Horatio shook his head. It was fine for a while, until the day, he was asked to bury a body.

“How did the guy become dead? He was with the King just now.” Horatio asked. He was with his twin brother and Barnado. They had driven the body to the forest.

“He died then. We will just bury him.” Barnado had taken the shovel from the car. “We are not doctors.”

“He was fine just now.” Horatio was curious.

“Never ask. Just do the digging like me.” Marcellus took a shovel himself, and begin digging. It was the rare occasion that Horatio had to bury the dead, but he did lend his fists to others. Soon, he will be learned that whatever happens in Norway remains in Norway. There the King called the command. Horatio learned not to question. He once heard young Hamlet rehearse the play and these words struck him. “I am in blood / Stepped in so far” Macbeth Act 3 Scene 4.

“Horatio, sir.” The young servant had interrupted Horatio at his thoughts. “There are some gentlemen to see you.”

“What are they that would speak with me?” Horatio hardly had any guests at the castle.

“Far-flung travelers across the channel I believe, sir. They say they have letters for you.” The servant explains. “I knew from their way of speaking.”

“Let them come in.” The servant turned to leave.

“I do not know from what part of the world I should be greeted, if not from Lord Hamlet,” Horatio muttered.

“God bless you, Sire.” It was then Horatio met his guest. It was a man dressed in tweeds and holding a bowler in his hands.

“Let Him bless thee too,” Horatio said.

“He shall, sir, a ’t pleases Him. Pardon me, Sire. I have not been to a castle yet. A huge place it seems. Life at the docks does not give you anything bigger than the stores or the steamers that come a-calling. Me, a port worker; the ship’s cargo and the nearby taverns my daily chores.”

“I heard you have letters for me.” Horatio knew the tone of these men; they were simple folks with the need for coins. “I will reward you for that.”

The coins were exchanged for the letters. And some added for the trouble.

“There’s a letter for you, Sire. It came from the young ambassador that was bound for England; he should be having taken the smoke land ship, and …”

“How is he?” Horatio asked.

“He is well; slightly banged up but recovering.” The guest smiled.

“My goodness, please tell.” Horatio was concerned.

“He… he told me to tell only —if your name is Horatio, as I am let to know it is.” The man looked at Horatio.

“I am Horatio.” Horatio handed more coins.  

“He was on the street when I met him. I had taken him in and cared for him. He was not hurt badly but could not move much.” More coins were given. “He then took to write the letters and gave me passage to here. Nice castle/”

Nicer was the weight of coins.

“You got the letter and I am to go. There is a trawler awaiting me at the docks tomorrow. Have you any passage I can rely on to get there on time? But can wee’ have a drink to quench the thirst.”

Horatio arranged the kitchen to feed the man. He then read the letter addressed to him.

"Horatio, when thou shalt have overlooked this, give these other letters to the Emperor. The letters are for him. Ere we were two days old at sea, a pirate of very warlike appointment gave us chase. Finding ourselves too slow of sail, we put on a compelled valor, and in the grapple, I boarded them.” Horatio smiled. He had known Hamlet since young; always fancy himself a swashbuckling pirate to swing on the ropes.

“On the instant, they got clear of our ship; so I alone became their prisoner. They have dealt with me like thieves of mercy, but they knew what they did: I am to do a good turn for them.” Horatio was baffled. Hamlet was captured and in turn, do some good to his captors.

“Let the Emperor have the letters I have sent, and repair thou to me with as much speed as thou wouldst fly death. I have words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb; yet are they much too light for the bore of the matter.”

“These good fellows will bring thee where I am. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hold their course for England; of them, I have much to tell thee.”

“Farewell. He that thou knowest thine,”

“Hamlet."

‘Thine’ was the code word of Hamlet with Horatio when he meant ‘come to see me alone’.

“Come, I will give you way for these your letters, and do ’t the speedier that you may direct me to him from whom you brought them.” Horatio seeks the man in the kitchen.

“I have not finished my drink.” The man protested but Horatio was more persuasive than the pint of ale.

They exit.

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 5 Sub Scene 3

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Five

Sub Scene Three

Ophelia distress

The first sight of Laertes on his sister; the glamorous dressing yet simple in taste, and the gaily movements of joy was shattered by the emerging figure with the untidy dress, and shoeless, with the hair unkenpt, and made worse was she was singing lullabies that not understood by any.

“O heat, dry up my brains! Tears seven times salt Burnbout the sense and virtue of mine eye!” Laertes was stunned by the appearance. “By heaven, thy madness shall be paid with weight.”

It reminded him of the scane from King John, about Constance's grief.

I am not mad; I would to heaven I were,
For then ’tis like I should forget myself.
O, if I could, what grief should I forget!
(III.IV.49-51)

Laertes recited the words as if he was in a play.

“No, young Laertes. You shouldn’t.” Gertrude looked to the other. “She is ….”

“Till our scale turn the beam! O rose of May, dear maid, kind sister, sweet Ophelia!” Laertes approached his sister. Ophelia looked at him and smile.

“Hello, Laertes.” Ophelia recognized him then.

“O heavens, is ’t possible a young maid’s wits should be as mortal as an old man’s life? Nature is fine in love, and, where ’tis fine,I t sends some precious instance of itself after the thing it loves.” Laertes was in pain to see his sister having to face the death of their father all alone. He should have been there.

“They bore him barefaced on the bier, hey non-nonny, nonny, hey nonny, and in his grave rained many a tear. 
Fare you well, my dove.” Ophelia sang the words for her father.

“Hadst thou thy wits and didst persuade revenge,” Laertes had then resolved that her grief had strengthened his pain to avenge their father. “It could not move thus.”

“You must sing “A-down a-down”—and you “Call him a-down-a.”—O, how the wheel becomes 195
it! It is the false steward that stole his master’s daughter.”

It was Ophelia’s message that the event have turned, and the daughter was taken in by a pretender instead of the lord. It may be said to have been cheated or perhaps love may be deceiving.

“This nothing’s more than matter” Laertes was focused on the father...

“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, and remember. And there are pansies, that’s for thoughts.” Ophelia approached her brother, and with the flowers given to him for him to share the remembrance of their father.

“There’s fennel for you with the columbines.” Ophelia handed the other stalks to Claudius. The fennel symbolizes flattery which the emperor adores as an actor. The columbines denote adultery which Claudius was accused of.

“There’s rue for you, and here’s some for me; we may call it herb of grace o’ Sundays. You must wear
your rue with a difference.” Ophelia handed that to Gertrude. Rue is bitter and the two ladies are on the bitter end; one is lost to her love, and the other is at a loss to her love.

“There’s a daisy. I would give you some violets, but they withered all when my father died. They say he made a good end.” Ophelia addressed the last like her father; lovely in bloom but having withered then.

“For bonny sweet Robin is all my joy.” Ophelia begins to sing once more.

“Thought and afflictions, passion, hell itself, she turns to favor and prettiness.” Laertes thought of his sister in grief and had leaned toward the flowers as her way of expressing them.

And will he not come again?
And will he not come again?
No, no, he is dead. 
Go to thy deathbed.
He never will come again.

His beard was as white as snow,
All flaxen was his poll.
He is gone, he is gone, 
And we cast away moan.
God ’a mercy on his soul.
And of all Christians’ souls, I pray to God. God be wi’ you.”

(References to the song can be dated back to 1586, in a letter from Sir Walter Raleigh to Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester saying "The Queen is in very good terms with you now, and, thanks be to God, will be pacified, and you are again her Sweet Robin."[)

“I leave now, my lord.” Ophelia danced her way out.

“Do you see this, O God?” Laertes was in pain to see his sister not her usual. “Is she… Hamlet inflicted I was told.”

“Laertes, I must commune with your grief, or you deny me right. Go but apart from her, make the choice of whom your wisest friends you will, and they shall hear and judge ’twixt you and me.” Claudius say to Laertes. He played his role as the fair one toward the grieving son.

“If by direct or by collateral hand they find us touched, we will our kingdom give, our crown, our life, and all that we call ours, to you in satisfaction.” Claudius was willing to give up everything if he was linked to his father’s death.

Gertrude was dismayed by Claudius' offer which was too generous, or cowardly. Or has madness overtaken his mind too?

“But if not, be you content to lend your patience to us, and we shall jointly labor with your soul to give it due content.” Claudius the actor clawed back.

“Let this be so. his means of death, his obscure funeral, No trophy, sword, nor hatchment o’er his bones, no noble rite nor formal ostentation,” Laertes sighed. His father's death was incomplete in the last rites. “Cry to be heard, as ’twere from heaven to earth, that I must call ’t in question.”

Laertes was not satiated with the answers.

“So you shall, where th’ offense is, let the great ax fall. I pray you, go with me.” Claudius pulled at Laertes’ arms. They exit.

“Do I sit and await their action? Or do I act on my own?” Gertrude asked of herself. “All these men do take me for an audience instead of another actor. I will not be sidelined.”

Gertrude took to leave then. 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 4 Scene 5 Sub Scene 2

 Act Four

Act Four Scene Five

Sub Scene Two

Laertes storms the castle

“O, this is the poison of deep grief. It springs all from us, the King’s death. And then her father’s death, and now behold!” Gertrude moans her pain. “All that had happened comes around.”

“O Gertrude, Gertrude,” Claudius sighed at the lady’s emotion. “Let me arrange the facts. When sorrows arrived, they come not single spies, but in battalions. But in time, we will resolve it, and all will be well.”

Bad things may come in a stack at times; or was it Murphy who came visiting, and all went wrong at the same time?

“First, her father was slain.” Claudius did not mention the King.

“Next, your son is gone, and he most violent author of his own just remove; the people muddied, thick, and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers for good Polonius’ death, and we have done but greenly in hugger-mugger to inter him.”

“We did not inter him. How could we when he was not to be found? We had searched for him but he was not to be found. The one who did him refuses to tell. How could we be …… I don’t care what the others may say, we know not of his body…as yet.” Gertrude snapped back. Claudius saw the pressure issues had taken their toll on Gertrude. He turns to look at Ophelia.

“Poor Ophelia. She is divided from herself and her fair judgment, without the which we are pictures or mere beasts.” Claudius sensed the lady was lost in her mind. “Last, and as much containing as all these, her brother is in secret come from France.”

Claudius had news of Laertes returning to seek the answer to his father’s whereabouts.

“Feeds on his wonder keeps himself in clouds,” Laertes had kept silent of his return. “And wants not buzzers to infect his ear with pestilent speeches of his father’s death, wherein necessity, of matter, beggared, will nothing stick our person to arraign.”

“In-ear and ear. O, my dear Gertrude, this, like to a murdering piece, in many places gives me superfluous death.” Rumors abound on the cause of death, but it pains Claudius, that he will much prefer death himself to stop it.

It was then the noise was heard from the courtyard.

“Alack, what noise is this?” Gertrude called out in distress. “Have we no peace anymore?”

“Where are my guards? Let them guard the door.” Claudius called out.

“My lord, we have some commotions at the courtyard. Do not worry. The guards are attending to it.” A loyal elderly servant rushed in and reported to the Emperor.

“It’s young Laertes, in a riotous head, challenging your officers. Laertes was with rabble who call him “lord,” of some were our own who turn to the other side. Not the servants of young but of old, who had served with the Great Chamberlain’ they leaned to know of the old man’s fate.”

“Alas, I am of their age, but won’t do such acts that will demean my loyalty here. Such as the world were now but to begin,” The servant who served the King and then the Emperor, lament on the attitude of the others.

“Antiquity forgot, custom not known, the ratifiers and props of every word, they cry “Choose we, Laertes shall be king!”. They care not for the tradition.”

“How cheerfully on the false trail they cry. This is counter, you false dogs! There is no fox here but a pair of hares.” Gertrude cried out. “If the King was …”

It was then Laertes walked in. He was followed by the loyal guards battling to hold the others not of the castle to come in. Laertes saw Claudius and then turned to his rabble.

“I pray you, give me leave. I am to speak to the Emperor and madam ….alone.”

“What of the Great Chamberlain? We need to bury him properly.” An old ally of the Great Chamberlain called out.

“We will, we will.” The others echoed the call.

“I thank you. I will seek the answer you want, as well as for me. Please keep to the door.” Laertes addressed the rabble.

The rabble exited followed by the guards who closed the door.

“We are alone now, my Emperor,” Laertes addressed Claudius by his status. “O, give me my father!”

“Calmly, good Laertes.” Gertrude addressed the young man. “He is…”

“I held not the drop of blood that’s calm proclaims me bastard, cries “cuckold” to my father, brands the harlot
Even here between the chaste unsmirchèd brow of my true mother.” Laertes spoke for he is the true son of the man whose body had not been seen as yet. Not a harlot born.

It was a stinging insult to Gertrude that Hamlet may be of one.

“What is the cause, Laertes, thy rebellion looks so giant-like?—” Claudius was upset. “Bringing in my servants in tow.”

“Spare him, Claudius. He is …” Gertrude tried to calm things down. “Your friends I had known. They were your father’s.”

Gertrude, approached Laertes to hold his arms lest he strikes at Claudius.

“Let him go, Gertrude. Do not fear our person. There’s such divinity doth hedge a king. That treason can but peep to what it would, Acts little of his will.” Claudius dismissed the lady of her concern. He is the Emperor, and will not be challenged by the others on his standing unless it’s a treason act

“Tell me, Laertes, why thou art thus incensed?” Claudius asked again before he looked at Gertrude. “Let him go, Gertrude. Now speak, man?”.

“Where is my father?” Laertes asked.

“Dead,” Claudius replied.

“But not by him, ” Gertrude said to Laertes. “He did not do it.”

“Let him demand his fill.” Claudius stood there defiantly.

“How came he dead? I’ll not be juggled with. To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil!
Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation. To this point, I stand, That both the worlds I give to negligence, Let come what comes, only I’ll be avenged most thoroughly for my father.”

“Who shall stay you? Those…rabble out there?” Claudius asked.

“My will, not all the world. And for my means, I’ll husband them so well. They shall go far with little.” Laertes claimed his support from the loyal friends of his father. They will side with him for vengeance.

“Good Laertes,” Claudius looked to the door. “If you desire to know the certainty of your dear father, is ’t writ in your revenge. You will draw both friend and foe, winner and loser. There are sides to consider.”

“None but his enemies, my lord,” Laertes said. He cares not who is there, for he only wants the killer of his father.

“Will you know them, then?” Claudius asked.

“To his good friends thus wide I’ll open my arms and, like the kind life-rendering pelican, repast them with my blood.” Laertes had listened to the friends of his father and told him of the words they heard. He will believe them.

“Why, now you speak like a good child and a true gentleman, Laertes.” Claudius smiled at the young man. “I am your father’s friend too. Let me tell you that I am guiltless of your father’s death and am most sensibly in grief for it.”

A noise within: “Let her come in!”

“ How now, what noise is that?” Laertes turned to look at the door.