Good night: but go not to my uncle's bed; And when you are desirous to be blest, (Pointing to POLONIUS.) I do repent: but heaven hath pleased it so, To punish me with this, and this with me, That I must be their scourge and minister. I will bestow him, and will answer well The death I gave him. Good night, mother. (Exit QUEEN.) I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins, and worse remains behind. (HAMLET weeps over body of POLONIUS.) CURTAIN. [The scene shows a room in the Castle of Elsinore. The QUEEN and MARCELLUS enter.] She is importunate, indeed distract: She speaks much of her father, says she hears There's tricks i' the world, and hems and beats her heart, 'Twere good she were spoken with, for she may strew Dangerous conjectures in ill-breeding minds. Let her come in. QUEEN. (Exit MARCELLUS.) (Aside.) To my sick soul, as sin's true nature is, Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss. Re-enter MARCELLUS, with OPHELIA. OPHELIA. Where is the beauteous majesty of Denmark? How now, Ophelia ! QUEEN OPHELIA. (Sings.) How should I your true love know From another one? By his cockle hat and staff And his sandal shoon. QUEEN. Alas, sweet lady, what imports this song ? |