The mind of the reader is wonderfully prepared for his reception by the discourses that precede it.

His dumb behaviour at his first entrance strikes the imagination very strongly; but every time he enters he is still more terrifying.
Who can read the speech with which young Hamlet accosts him without trembling?
"_Hor_.

Look, my Lord, it comes! "_Ham_.

Angels and ministers of grace defend us! Be thou a spirit of health, or goblin damn'd; Bring with thee airs from heav'n, or blasts from hell; Be thy events wicked or charitable; Thou com'st in such a questionable shape That I will speak to thee.

I'll call thee Hamlet, King, Father, Royal Dane.