Ham. Gentlemen, you are welcome to Elsinore. Your[793]
hands, come then: the appurtenance of welcome is fashion[852]
and ceremony: let me comply with you in this garb, lest[853][854]
my extent to the players, which, I tell you, must show[854][855] 355
fairly outwards, should more appear like entertainment[856]
than yours. You are welcome: but my uncle-father and
aunt-mother are deceived.

Guil. In what, my dear lord?

Ham. I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind 360
is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.[857]

Enter Polonius.

Pol. Well be with you, gentlemen![858]

Ham. Hark you, Guildenstern; and you too: at each[859]
ear a hearer: that great baby you see there is not yet out[860]
of his swaddling clouts.[861] 365

Ros. Happily he's the second time come to them; for[862]
they say an old man is twice a child.

Ham. I will prophesy he comes to tell me of the[863]
players; mark it. You say right, sir: o'Monday morning;[864]
'twas so, indeed.[865] 370

Pol. My lord, I have news to tell you.

Ham. My lord, I have news to tell you. When Roscius[866]
was an actor in Rome,—[867]