Hamlet. The world's gone mad-Curs'd fate, that ever I [Exeunt. SCENE V. An Apartment in POLONIUS's House. Enter POLONIUS, meeting OPHELIA. Polonius. You look stark mad, Ophelia !-What's the row? (s) I thought 'twas Old Scratch, And went on with my work as before; But whilst my needle I was threading, Lord Hamlet popp'd his head inFor, d'ye mind, he kick'd open the door. His doublet unbrac'd, Was slung round his waist, And his stockings were dirty and loose; And could scarce keep his feet : Thus he came in, and star'd like a goose! He took hold of my wrist, And gave it a twist That made me to quiver and quake: As tho' he meant to draw my phiz; And then gave me a terrible shake. Next so sadly he sigh'd, Lord! I thought he'd have died! Then he thrice up and down shook his noddle. After treating me so, He thought fit to let me go; And then tow'rds the stairs did he waddle. "Twas a chance he didn't fall Over bannisters and all, For I vow not a step could he see; To my utter surprize, He found his way without his eyes,—— To the last they were bent upon me. C Polonius. Come, go with me, I will go seek the king: Ophelia. Oh, no-I never did a cross word say: Polonius. Aye! that hath made him mad—I do not doubt it. 'We'll to the king, and tell him all about it. [Exeunt. SCENE VI. The Palace. Enter KING, QUeen, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern. King. Welcome, dear Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern: We find impossible; so you must pump him: If he won't tell by fair means-why then-thump him. Queen. Good gentlemen, right heartily he'll greet you, often hath he wish'd to meet you; For very So stay, and find out what his real state is, And we will give you board and lodging gratis. Rosen. Needs must (t)-You'd make us tarry if we wou'dn't, And if we rather chose to go we cou❜dn't. Guild. We'll so behave ourselves that you shall boast of us; Whilst we remain, I'd have you make the most of us. Now pray discover what this fun is. (To attendants) Hollo, there! bring these jockeys where I think my plan will hit-they're caught, egad! Guild'stern and Rosencrantz just now they sent For guilty people oft (as nurses say) We'll get "Twill make a charming ballet-pantomime- But if the play affect him, I shall tell, O! [Exit Hamlet. END OF THE FIRST ACT. |