Enter HAMLet. Hamlet. Well, mother, what's the matter with you now? Queen. Your father, Sir, has made a pretty row (k). Hamlet. Mother, you've put my father in a passion. Queen. Zounds, Sir, don't answer in this idle fashion. Hamlet. None of your blarney; it won't do to-night— Have you forgot me, puppy? Queen. Hamlet. No, not quite : You are the Queen-wife to your husband's brother; Queen. Behave yourself;-be decent, Sir, I beg. Hamlet. Sit down, and dam'me if you stir a peg "Till I have let you see your very soul.— Queen. What! Wouldst thou kill me? Help, ho! Watch!— (Bebind.) Polonius. Patrole! Hamlet. A rat,—a rat,—by Jove, that's just the thing;— He's dead as sure as two-pence. (Hamlet draws, and stabs Polonius behind the arras.) Is't the King? Queen. O, Hamlet! you have done a deed felonious ;- Hamlet. They who throw stones should mind their windows, mother. Who kill'd a king and married with his brother? Queen. If I know what you mean, the devil burn me. Hamlet. (Lifts up the arras and sees Polonius.) Thou'st paid for list'ning to what don't concern thee. (To Queen.) Leave wringing of your hands; before we part, I'll take the liberty to wring your heart. Queen. What have I done that you dare make so free, As thus to blow me up, and bully me? Hamlet. Oh! such an act-it scarcely can be nam'd So bad I wonder you're not more asham'd. Jump o'er a broomstick (1), but don't make a farce on Queen. What act d'you mean?—You hoax-there's nothing in it. Hamlet. I'll let you know my meaning in a minute. SONG.-HAMLET. (Tune-" Drops of Brandy.”) Come sit you down here, ma'am, a little, Come, none of your fine airs and graces. A good-looking, fine, strapping, fellow ; Now, madam, this once was your hubby. You'll now please to look upon this : I'd have married a monkey as soon An old, ugly, undersiz'd, quiz Zounds! the fellow looks like a baboon! The one I now hold in my hand, mother? You can't say 'twas for love; for you know That you're almost as old as my grandmother. Queen. O, say no more—I'll mind what I'm about: Hamlet. Nay, but to live, (in not the best repute,) That from a shelf the precious crown did thieve, A King of shreds and patches-(Enter Ghost,) Ha! here's dad! What is't you're come about? Queen. Alas! he's mad! TRIO. HAMLET, GHOST, QUEEN. (Tune-" O, Lady Fair.") Hamlet-O, spectre grim! What brings thee here now? Ghost (Bass) A nod's like a wink to a horse that is blind, Sir. Queen-Say, Hamlet, say, on what art thou staring; Ghost I can see nothing! O, where art thou walking? Hamlet-Whom 'tis I look at, fain you'd be knowing : Queen Ghost-Whom 'tis you look at, fain she'd be knowing: Straight thro' the trap-door now I'm going. Queen. Together. [Ghost sinks. Hamlet, these pranks of your's do much amaze me; Hamlet. Mother, I fear your crimes are past all cure; Queen. O, Hamlet, you have cut my heart in twain. Hamlet. Then throw away the rotten part, good mother, And strive to make a better use of t'other. Good night; and, when you next lay down your head, |