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 (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. 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! 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 Queen Say, Hamlet, say, on what art thou staring; On what art thou looking? To whom art thou talking? I can see nothing! O, where art thou walking? Ghost-But look at thy mother; she seems in a stew, Sir; Tell her she'd better not be frighten'd-pray do, Sir! Hamlet-Whom 'tis I look at, fain you'd be knowing: Queen-Whom 'tis you look at, fain I'd be knowing :- Ghost-Whom 'tis you look at, fain she'd be knowing: 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, Be sure you kick my uncle out of bed: |