Act 4 Scene 6

This short scene involves Horatio, a servant, a sailor, and an ominous letter from Hamlet about a pirate attack. In the letter, Hamlet tells Horatio that some pirates attacked the ship he was travelling on. The pirates captured the ship and took Hamlet hostage, treating him relatively kindly considering the circumstances. He says, “They have dealt with me like thieves of mercy,” and wants to reward them for doing so. The pirates were actually making their way back to Denmark. Hamlet also requests that Horatio invite the sailors in to talk to the King and Queen. Additionally, he has some information about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he wants to share. As per the requests, Horatio escorts the two sailors to Claudius and Gertrude, and then goes to meet with Hamlet.