Page images
PDF
EPUB
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

THE present Edition of Hamlet is an accurate reprint from the only known copy of this Tragedy as originally written by Shakespeare, which he afterwards altered and enlarged. It is given to the world under the impression of rendering an acceptable service to literature. Some variations in the plot, as compared with the received Text, will be perceived; but its chief value consists in bringing to light several lines of great beauty subsequently omitted, and in many new readings of passages which have been the subject of much controversy among the critics. The typographical errors and even negligent omissions in the Text are common to all the Editions published during the life time of Shakespeare, who, it is believed, never superintended the publication of any of his works, excepting the Poems of Venus and Adonis, and Tarquin and Lucrece.

The last leaf is wanting; but as the Play is perfect to the death of Hamlet, the loss is of comparatively small importance.

[ocr errors]

THE

Tragicall Historie of

HAMLET

Prince of Denmarke

By William Shake-fpeare.

As it hath beene diuerse times acted by his Highnesse seruants in the Cittie of London: as also in the two Vniuersities of Cambridge and Oxford, and else-where

At London printed for N. L. and Iohn Trundell.

1603.

« PreviousContinue »