HAMLET         If it assume my noble father’s person

I’ll speak to it, though hell itself should gape

And bid me hold my peace. I pray you all,

If you have hitherto concealed this sight

Let it be tenable in your silence still

And whatsomever else shall hap tonight

Give it an understanding but no tongue,

I will requite your loves. So, fare you well.

Upon the platform ’twixt eleven and twelve

I’ll visit you.               (1.2.242-51)

If it appears in the shape of my dad—if it assume my noble father’s person—I’ll speak to it, Hamlet promises, though hell itself should gape and bid me hold my peace. I’ll do it, no matter what, no matter how great the danger or how fierce the threat, come hell or high water. I’ll do it, I’m prepared to take the risk. And now to precautions: I pray you all, if you have hitherto concealed this sight—if you’ve kept what you’ve seen hush-hush so far—let it be tenable in your silence still; please, continue to keep it quiet, keep it to yourselves, hold it close? And whatsomever else shall hap tonight—whatever happens tonight, whatever new thing might come to pass—give it an understanding but no tongue. Continue to keep schtum. I will requite your loves: I’ll reward your loyalty and discretion! So, fare you well. Upon the platform ’twixt eleven and twelve I’ll visit you. I’ll join you on the battlements by midnight. Goodbye for now!