You'll find they are but jesting in the end. O, 'twas a scurvy trick; but that all nonsense is But if the cap fit you, why, you may wear it. 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 corkExit 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? 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; Did you notice the king when it came to the killing?— 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, 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. [Exeunt Rosen, and Guild.. 'Tis now the very time of night, When ghosts to stalk about delight, With their gallopping randy dandy O! '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? Hamlet. 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! |