King. That may you speedily.-E'en now I've learn'd, Now, I've a scheme will suit us to a T; Laertes. I will be rul'd by you; but plan it so, ·-- "Tis rumour'd you're a famous pugilist ;- Laertes. To give him a sound drubbing I'll engage, Sir: Depend upon't, who's who I'll let him know. King. Contrive to give him an unlucky blow.- And when he's hot and thirsty with the fight, Laertes. Right! Enter QUEEN. Queen. Misfortunes ne'er come singly, oft I've found; SONG.-QUEEN. (Tune-" Our Polly is a sad slut.") Ophelia is a sad slut! In spite of all I'd taught her, And fell into the water. An envious bramble near the ditch Fast by the ankle caught her, Slap-dash into the water. Laertes. Oh! I've a speech of fire; but, like a spout, King. I've had enough ado to keep him quiet, [Exit. [Exeunt. SCENE IV. A Church-Yard. Gravedigger discovered digging a Grave. SONG. GRAvedigger. (Tune-" Black Joke.") O, long life to the sons of the pick-axe and spade, With my dig, dig, pick-axe and spade. ་ In the hist❜ry of all early states 'twill be found, Whilst the GRAVEDIGGER is singing this Verse, Hamlet. This fellow digs and sings-unfeeling knave! He's making merry of a trade that's grave. Use, Sir, is second nature. Horatio. Hamlet. On reflection, I think I'd do the same were I a sexton. Gravedigger (sings). The carpenter, shipwright, and mason, may boast Of the strength of their buildings-they're nut-shells at most: But the sexton builds stronger than all put together, Hamlet. That skull might once have been a politician's; Horatio. Please yourself. Hamlet. (To Gravedigger) Do'st know whose skull was this amongst the many? Gravedigger. What! can't you tell? Hamlet. Why, how the devil can I? Gravedigger. Of all good fellows sure he was the best, Sir! Hamlet. Alas, poor Yorick !-Sir, I knew him well-O! O' th' wrong side of his mouth he's laughing now. SONG.-HAMLET. (Tune-" Dorothy Dumps.") When depriv'd of our breath, First his magic displaces Eyes and nose from our faces, 'Tis to him the same thing, Whether beggar or king,— 'Midst his frolics all share the same fate; And certain it is, To a thing just like this, He transform'd Alexander the Great.. |