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.
HAM.
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 tickle o’ the sere, and the lady shall say her mind freely, or the blank verse shall halt for’t. What players are they?
ROS.
Even those you were wont to take such delight in, the tragedians of the city.
HAM.
How chances it they travel? Their residence, both in reputation and profit, was better both ways.
ROS.
I think their inhibition comes by the means of the late innovation.