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Shakespeare plays HAMLET on stage


A view of the stage, with a sign telling us that we are on the castle walls; lighted candles indicate that it is night.  Shakespeare is centre-stage, performing as Hamlet dressed in Elizabethan style.  He looks scared as he reaches out towards an actor in full armour, coloured blue from head to toe.  Two of Hamlet’s friends look on

HORATIO Look my lord, it comes.

HAMLET Angels and ministers of grace defend us:
Be thou a spirit of good or goblin damned,
Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell,
Be thy intents wicked or charitable,
Thou com'st in such a questionable shape
That I will speak to thee.

Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 4


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