Hamlet passed away young, a mere 30 years of age, and I sincerely regret that I will never be able to see such a fine young man take command of the throne and restore nobility to the state of Denmark. He was the son of the great King Hamlet, one of the best kings this country has ever seen, and Queen Gertrude, our countries finest lady who has also now sadly passed away. I am sure that all of you here today looked up to Hamlet as a fine young prince, but I knew him as much more than that. To me he was the best friend a man could have, loyal, witty, and extremely trustworthy. I remember the days back when we studied together in Wittenberg, we spent a lot of time together and he was always there to support and help me. He was always cheerful but quiet and had a quick wit, which fascinated me. Hamlet delighted in "flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table in a roar." His ability to read my mind always astounded me, although I could never see his thoughts. He was a lover of drama, both the classics and more modern pieces and was always ready and willing to recite a line to entertain. However, it is this that I will miss most of you and I am sure all present today will miss these qualities in you.
Hamlet was deeply in love with the recently departed fair Ophelia, daughter of Polonious, who also sadly is not with us. He loved her much more than he expressed, and it is unfortunate that his inability to express his love for her could have been part of her downfall. Although he treated her scornfully and rudely I know that he loved her more than anyone could imagine. Hamlet, I remember, at the dear Ophelia's funeral, you told the whole world of your love. "I loved Ophelia. 40 thousand brothers could not, with all their quantity of love make up my sum," you said. I cannot help but think that if you had expressed your love for the fair maiden, both her and quite possibly you would still be with us today.
John Coltrane was born in born in Hamlet, North Carolina on September 23, 1926. ... Pg. 7 His music was non political for the most part except for Alabama, his eulogy for four young black girls killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. ...
