Page 290 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

HAMLET

No, no, they do but jest − poison in jest. No offence i’th’ world. [230]

KING
What do you call the play?

HAMLET
The Mousetrap − marry, how tropically! This play is the image of a murder
done in Vienna − Gonzago is the Duke’s name, his wife Baptista − you shall

see anon. ’Tis a knavish piece of work, but what [235] o’ that? Your Majesty,
and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the galled jade wince, our
withers are unwrung.

Enter Lucianus.

This is one Lucianus, nephew to the King.

OPHELIA
You are as good as a chorus, my lord. [240]

HAMLET
I could interpret between you and your love if I could see the puppets

dallying.

OPHELIA
You are keen, my lord, you are keen.

HAMLET
It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge.

OPHELIA
Still better, and worse. [245]

HAMLET
So you mis-take your husbands. − Begin, murderer. Leave thy damnable
faces and begin. Come, the croaking raven doth bellow for revenge.