Hamlet

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,