"Tis now the time when church-yards yawn, And let their tenants out till morn, With their gallopping randy dandy O! For a precious row I'm just in cue; Some mischief I should like to do, With my gallopping randy dandy O! But first I'll to my mother go, Hey randy dandy O! And what is what I'll soon let her know, With my gallopping randy dandy O! [Exit Hamlet. SCENE III. The Queen's Closet. Enter QUEEN and POLONIUS. Polonius. He'll soon be here:-then let him have his whack: Queen. I'll tip it him for certain. [Polonius concealshimself behind the arras. 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 Queen. Have you forgot me, puppy? Humlet. No, not quite: You are the Queen-wife to your husband's brother; And (tho' I blush to own you) you're my mother. 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! (Behind.) Polonius. Patrole! Hamlet. A rat,-a rat, by Jove, that's just the thing ;- (Hamlet draws, and stabs Polonius behind the arras.) 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, Hamlet. Oh! such an act-it scarcely can be nam'd— Jump o'er a broomstick (7), 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. You'll now please to look upon this: I'd have married a monkey as soon- Ri tol, &c. Zounds! the fellow looks like a baboon! How could you take this-and forego The one I now hold in my hand, mother? Queen. O, say no more— -I'll mind what I'm about: Hamlet. Nay, but to live, (in not the best repute,) 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? Thou com'st thy tardy son to chide, I fear now. I own thy commission, as yet, is not quite done; Don't be in a hurry, and all shall be right done. Thee of thy promise I come to remind, Sir :(Bass) A nod's like a wink to a horse that is blind, Sir. Ghost |