Scene XI : (Hamlet greets the players to Elsinorē. At a quiet moment he asks if they could act a few lines that he would write for them. They agree. The king, queen and attendants attend the performance. Horatio, Hamlet, and Polonius watch the king’s reaction.)
Osric. Here are the players, my lord.
Ham. Actors, you are welcome to Elsinor. My good Osric, will you see the players well bestowed? Let them be well used; for they are the abstract and brief chronicles of the time. The king and queen await their performance.
Osric. My lord, I will. Come sirs! (all but one of the players exit with Osric)
Ham. (to one of the actors) May I have a word while the others follow Osric?
Player. Certainly, for you my lord, the entire American Heritage Dictionary.
Ham. A bit anachronistic wouldn’t you think. Can you play “The Murder of Gonzago”?
Player. Ay, my lord.
Ham. We’ll hav’t tonight. Could you insert some actions I’ve conceived for the occasion?
Player. Ay, my lord.
Ham. Very well. Here is the material. Study it and know it well.
Player. We shall, my lord.
(exit Hamlet and Player) [Longest transition in the play: takes time to set up]