Hamlet to Horatio Eulogy

Year 12 English - Hamlet's Eulogy (delivered by Horatio) Simone Schulz

Lords, ladies and citizens of Elsinore, what treasure lost. It is with great sorrow that I stand before you in this difficult day, in this difficult time. I do not know what to say nor how to say it. We are all here to honour, remember and pay respect to the most remarkable Prince we could ever know, Prince Hamlet of Denmark, beloved son of the late King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude, royal courtier and loyal friend.

To all thee of Denmark, your presence here today is a extraordinary tribute to Prince Hamlet, a reflection of his courage, strength and dignity, we shall not look upon his like again. If but only for today, we are all united, burdened with the like weight of pain, which will remain to-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow.

To Hamlet, your parting is met with such sweet sorrow, each soul you graced broken with the devastation and shock of your tragic death, so wise so young, they say never do live long. What is there to say about the life of a man who is quite possibly the most loved Prince Denmark has ever be blessed with? I suppose honest plain words best pierce the ear of grief.

We shall use today to unify in remembrance of a man whose kind soul will live on and to be thankful that such a man walked among us. For this we give thanks and knows not how to do it but with tears.

In Hamlet's short life of a mere 30 years, he managed to accomplish so much, not only in terms of his academic pursuits but his personal life and his dedication to his duties to the people of Denmark. We will all cherish dearly the many fond memories we share of our great, noble and honorable friend and not Mars his sword nor war's quick fire shall burn the living record of [his] memory.

For me, the memories I am flooded with are those of not only a loyal, trustworthy childhood friend and honorable Prince, but indeed an superior scholar. It was whilst at Wittenburg that many of your true talents and loves shined. Perhaps it was the release from royal pressures or the opportunity you had to immerse yourself in your love of classics and the theater. I am lucky enough to be able to reminisce about the numerous occasions in which we sat around discussing trivial topics for hours, as you were a very reflective man or listening to you recite your favourite lines from classic plays, which I can finally admit now, I didn't quite enjoy it as much as you did.

Always cheerful, a man of quick wit, I was in awe of his amazing ability to connect with people, from his professors to fellow students. It is these simple moments, of laughter, joy and wit that I will miss the most. Ever shall they be remembered in my heart, for in praising what is lost, makes the remembrance dear.

Despite some doubt and confusion, Hamlet was very much in love with the late Ophelia. It was whilst returning to Elsinore that Hamlet heard of Ophelia's death, not in the best of circumstances. The course of [their] true love never did run smooth. Hamlet loved