King.
Explain these sighs; 'tis fit we share the fun:
How's Hamlet?

Queen.
Mad as butter in the sun (a)8Q0016:
Hearing a noise, “a rat, a rat,” he roar'd,
And in his crazy fit whip'd out his sword,
And ran Polonius thro' behind the curtain.

King.
Had we been there, he'd have spik'd us for certain.
Soon as 'tis day-light he shall buy a brush;
And this unlucky job we'll try to hush.
Ho! Guild'stern! (Enter Guild. and Rosen.) Just now hath Hamlet slain,
By way of joke, our poor lord chamberlain.—

The body to the bone-house take;—seek out
And bring lord Hamlet here.—Come, jump about. [Exeunt Guild. and Rosen.
We'll now prepare to pack him off to London:—
As for Polonius—what's done can't be undone. [Exit Queen.
If Hamlet thus go loose he'll make a racket;
And yet we dare not give him a straight-jacket:
Because tag-rag and bob-tail love him dearly—
And right from wrong, they can't distinguish clearly. Enter Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with Hamlet.

King.
Now, Hamlet, where's Polonius?

Hamlet.
He's in heav'n;
But if you think that I'm to lying giv'n,
Send there to see: if there your man don't nick him,
E'en to the devil go yourself and seek him.
If in a month you find not where he's closeted,
Your nose will hint i'th' dust-hole he's deposited.

King.
Go seek him there: I fear he's only humming. [Exit Guild.

Hamlet.
Pray don't fatigue yourself; he'll wait your coming.

King.
From pure regard for thee, this cursed blunder
Must send thee, Hamlet, hence.

Hamlet.
I shou'dn't wonder!

King.
Therefore for England instantly prepare;
The packet's ready and the wind is fair.

Hamlet.
Good.

King.
So you'd say if you our reasons knew.

Hamlet.
There's one above sees all—But come; adieu! [Exit Hamlet and Rosen.

King.
Now, England, if thou car'st for us a button,
Thou'lt sweetly tickle this young jockey's mutton (b)8Q0017. [Exit King.

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