harmony: I have not the skill.
HAMLET Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you
make of me! You would play upon me; you would seem to
know my stops, you would pluck out the heart of my
mystery, you would sound348 me from my lowest note to the top
of my compass349, and there is much music, excellent voice, in
this little organ, yet cannot you make it speak. Why, do you
think that I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me
what instrument you will, though you can fret352 me, you
cannot play upon me.-- God bless you, sir!
To the entering Polonius
Enter Polonius
POLONIUS My lord, the queen would speak with you, and
presently355.
HAMLET Do you see that cloud that's almost in shape like a
camel?
POLONIUS By th'mass358, and it's like a camel indeed.
HAMLET Methinks it is like a weasel.
POLONIUS It is backed like a weasel.
HAMLET Or like a whale?
POLONIUS Very like a whale.
HAMLET Then will I will come to my mother by and by.--
Aside
They fool me to the top of my bent364.-- I will come by and by.
POLONIUS I will say so.
Exit
HAMLET 'By and by' is easily said.
Leave me, friends.
[Exeunt all but Hamlet]
'Tis now the very witching time of night,