Page 307 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

O say.

GHOST
Do not forget. This visitation [110]
Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose.
But look, amazement on thy mother sits.
O step between her and her fighting soul.

Conceit in weakest bodies strongest works.
Speak to her, Hamlet. [115]

HAMLET
How is it with you, lady?

QUEEN
Alas, how is’t with you,

That you do bend your eye on vacancy,
And with th’incorporal air do hold discourse?
Forth at your eyes your spirits wildly peep,
And, as the sleeping soldiers in th’alarm, [120]
Your bedded hair, like life in excrements,

Start up and stand an end. O gentle son,
Upon the heat and flame of thy distemper
Sprinkle cool patience. Whereon do you look?

HAMLET
On him, on him. Look you how pale he glares. [125]

His form and cause conjoin’d, preaching to stones,
Would make them capable. − Do not look upon me,
Lest with this piteous action you convert
My stern effects. Then what I have to do

Will want true colour − tears perchance for blood [130]

QUEEN
To whom do you speak this?

HAMLET
Do you see nothing there?