It perplexes us to think how on his way to the vessel, Hamlet could fall in with the Norwegian captain. This may have been one of Shakspere's reasons for striking the whole scene out—but he had other and more pregnant reasons.]
[Footnote 11: Here is now the proper close of the Third Act.]
[Footnote 12: Commencement of the Fourth Act.
Between the third and the fourth passes the time Hamlet is away; for the latter, in which he returns, and whose scenes are contiguous, needs no more than one day.]
[Footnote 13: 'claims a convoy in fulfilment of the king's promise to allow him to march over his kingdom.' The meaning is made plainer by the correspondent passage in the 1st Quarto:
Tell him that Fortenbrasse nephew to old Norway,
Craues a free passe and conduct ouer his land,
According to the Articles agreed on:]
[Footnote 14: 'where to rejoin us.']
[Page 192]
If that his Maiesty would ought with vs,
We shall expresse our dutie in his eye,[1]
And let[2] him know so.
Cap. I will doo't, my Lord.