Page 324 - Hamlet: The Cambridge Dover Wilson Shakespeare

3.4. NOTE S 217

200. / must to England Ham.'s knowledge of this
has puzzled critics; but the K. had decided on the
mission (for the sake of Ham.'s health) before the Play-
scene (v. note 3.1.172-78), and Ham. would naturally
be informed of the royal pleasure in order that due
preparations might be made. Moreover, Ham.'s words
in 11. 204-205 imply that Ros. and Guild, have been
instructed to precede him, taking the sealed commission
with them, in accordance with the usual practice of such
political missions. What Ham. does not know is that
orders have already been issued for his leaving at once,
and that Ros. and Guild, are now to accompany him as
his guards (3. 3. 2-4).
202-10. There's letters.. .meet F i omits. MSH.
p. 28.
204. the mandate Cf. 5. 2. 18 ff.
211. packing A quibble, v. G. Ham. recognises
that the death of Pol. will hasten his departure.
213. good night indeed (Q2) F i 'good night.
Indeed' The F i period brushes away a delicate
point; the 'indeed' echoes 1. 159.
216. to draw... with you i.e. let me finish my con-
versation with you ('foolish prating knave').
217. S.D. Fi'Exit Hamlet tugging in Polonius.'

4.1 .
Rowe, following Q. 1676, introduced this act-
division, which is 'not very happy, for the pause is made
at a time when there is more continuity of action than in
almost any other of the Scenes' (Johnson).
S.D. Q2 'Eenter [sic] King, and Queene, with
Rosencraus and Guyldensterne.' F 1 'Enter King.' The
S.D. in Q 2 is doubly remarkable, seeing that Gertrude
is already 'on' at the end of 3. 4., and that Ros. and
Guild, are brought in to be dismissed at once. Perhaps
some intervening scene or episode has been omitted.
MSH. pp. 38, 91-2.