Act 3, Scene 13 Summary

As he reads from a book, Hieronimo speaks in soliloquy about his right to have revenge for the murder of Horatio, his uncertainty about how to achieve it, and his decision to mask his grief and anger with politeness, good manners, and patience.

Three citizens come in, seeking justice from Hieronimo in his position as marshal (sheriff). The first two present matters relating to property, while the third presents a matter calling for justice in his son's murder. This reminds Hieronimo of what happened to Horatio, and he brings out the bloody handkerchief (Act 2, Scene 5). He speaks again about his grief, hands over his gold and several other possessions to the first two citizens, berates himself for not taking his revenge more quickly, and then calls on the Third Citizen to inspire him to do so. He tears apart the documents...