B009_Hamlet2.txt

The Tragedy of Hamlet Rumors were abroad that Claudius had indeed murdered his brother, and some said they saw the spirit of the late king at midnight on the open platform of the castle of the palace, they claimed he stood there wearing his usual armour, with pale face and heavy steps. It seemed he was trying to tell the people about his murder. This news soon came to the ears of Horatio, Hamlet's best friend. Horatio told Hamlet what he had heard, and Hamlet decided to see the ghost that night and find out the cause of his father's death. At nightfall, Hamlet and Horatio climbed up to the open platform where the ghost usually appeared. In a moment, there came the ghost. At first Hamlet was afraid. But at the second glance, his fear was overcome as he saw the ghost was indeed his father. He asked Horatio to wait for him aside, and then he alone followed the ghost to a quiet place. When there were only the two of them, the ghost spoke, "I am your father, that day when I was resting in the garden of the palace, Claudius, my brother poured poison into my ears. Thus he murdered me and stole my throne. Before my death, I had no chance to confess my sins to God. That is why I cannot enter paradise in Heaven but must wander aimlessly elsewhere. You must avenge your father, my son. But do not harm your mother. When she realizes her wrong-doings and prays to God, she will be forgiven." Then the ghost disappeared as quickly as it had come.