Hamlet.

Look at mamma-She's grinning, by the pow'rs,
And father died within the last two hours!-

Two months.

Ophelia.

Hamlet.

So long? Nay then I'll turn the tables; The deuce take black; I'll have a suit of sables.

Ophelia.

Pray, what's the play, my Lord?

Hamlet.

I've ne'er a bill;

I cannot tell;-but that rum jockey will.

THE CURTAIN RISES.

Enter 2d ACTOR as Prologue.

For us, and for our pantomime,

We beg you'll give us grace and time (h).

[Exit.

THE PANTOMIME (¿).

SCENE-A garden.

Enter Duke and Duchess-They embrace-Vow eternal love and constancy-Duke suddenly taken ill-Duchess alarmed -Shrieks-Enter a Page-Exit-and return with a bottle and glass-Duchess fills the glass for Duke, whilst she herself receives consolation from the bottle-Duke intimates that he feels his end fast approaching-Duchess strikes her forehead, clasps her hands, &c. &c.—(the usual pantomime signs of distress)-Vows never to survive him—at least, to live single ever after-Duke shakes his head in a manner as expressive as possible of the monosyllable fudge -Duchess points to the cieling, (the pantomime mode of swearing), and exhibits a scroll thus inscribed :

They embrace-Duke gently reclines his head over his right shoulder, and meets it with the palm of his right hand (pantomime for "sleepy")-Duchess takes the hint-Reaches a chair-Duke seats himself-Sleeps-Snores-Duchess points to the Duke-Presses her heart-Points to the cieling -and exit.

You'll find they are but jesting in the end.
There's no offence: the story, please your grace,
A murder done in some outlandish place.

O, 'twas a scurvy trick; but that all nonsense is
То you and I, my Lord, who have clear consciences :
I never did a murder-I can bear it;

But if the cap fit you, why, you may wear it.
But let's be quiet-See, they're coming in.-
Now, murd'rer, damn your faces, and begin.

The pantomime continued.

Enter Duke's nephew-Listens whether the Duke is asleep-Takes a bottle from his pocket-Attempts in vain to draw the cork— Exit And return with a corkscrew and a funnel-Draws the cork-Puts the funnel to Duke's ear-Pours the contents of the bottle into it-A noise-Exit in haste.

Hamlet.

Is not the case of the poor Duke a hard one?
For his estate he's poison'd in his garden.

You'll see anon the murd'rer weds his widow ;"Twas his own nephew who the murder did.

King.

Oh!

King faints, and is carried off-Followed by Queen, Polonius, Ophelia, &c. &c.

[Manent Hamlet and Horatio.

SONG.-HAMLET.

Oh dear what can the matter be!

Dear, dear, what can the matter be!

O dear, what can the matter be!

Did you see how he fainted away?

To condemn any man on slight grounds I'm not willing;
But in future I'll take the ghost's word for a shilling:-
Did notice the king when it came to the killing?-
you
And now, friend, I wish you good day.

[Exit Horatio

Enter ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDenstern.

Rosen.

My Lord, I have a message.

Hamlet.

Well, what is it?

Rosen.

The Queen desires you'll pay her soon a visit.

Hamlet.

I'll come anon.-But stay-upon my life,

I'll have you play a tune upon this fife.

Rosen.

My Lord, I can't.

Hamlet.

I know you can.

Rosen.

The fact is,

I could play once, but now I'm out of practice.

Hamlet.

Come, Sir, then you shall play. (To Guild.)

Guild.

My Lord, I would,.

But I can't play at all, nor ever could.

Hamlet.

Why, look ye, what a nincompoop you'd make me.
Zounds, Sirs, for what the devil do you take me?
Not play on this, and yet sound me! Od's life,
D'ye think I'm easier play'd on than a fife?
I'm not the booby you may think-March! fly!—
And tell my mother I'll come by and by.

[Exeunt Rosen. and Guild..

SONG. HAMLET.

(Tune" Hey randy dandy O.")

'Tis now the very time of night,

Hey randy dandy O!

When ghosts to stalk about delight,

With their gallopping randy dandy O!!