Page 352 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

LAERTES

What ceremony else?

PRIEST
Her obsequies have been as far enlarg’d
As we have warranty. Her death was doubtful; [220]
And but that great command o’ersways the order,

She should in ground unsanctified been lodg’d
Till the last trumpet: for charitable prayers
Shards, flints, and pebbles should be thrown on her.
Yet here she is allow’d her virgin crants, [225]

Her maiden strewments, and the bringing home
Of bell and burial.

LAERTES
Must there no more be done?

PRIEST
No more be done.
We should profane the service of the dead

To sing sage requiem and such rest to her [230]
As to peace-parted souls.

LAERTES
Lay her i’th’ earth,
And from her fair and unpolluted flesh
May violets spring. I tell thee, churlish priest,

A minist’ring angel shall my sister be
When thou hest howling.

HAMLET
What, the fair Ophelia! [235]

QUEEN
[scattering flowers] Sweets to the sweet. Farewell.

I hop’d thou shouldst have been my Hamlet’s wife:
I thought thy bride-bed to have deck’d, sweet maid,