Exchange Between Hamlet and a Clown, Before Hamlet Leaves for England
Disclaimer: does not own Hamlet. Dur.
Note: Last year, my senior year, we finally read Hamlet. A lot of the discourse takes place in the castle, and I always wondered what the common people thought of the drama taking place among the royal family. So, while I was bored, I wrote this.
Another note: Hamlet refers to himself to this in the third person. Why? Most likely 'cause he's royalty, and that's what they sometimes do, I've heard.
Clown (left arm outstretched): Silver for a song good Prince?
Hamlet (swats arm away): Songs? Bah! I find that people enjoy them too much. Nay, I will give all the ducats in my purse for the truth.
Clown: The truth? Let me think on't for a moment, for I know many a truth. If you allow me some time, I'm sure my words will give shadow their pale…
Hamlet: The truth I am acquainted with will surely grant anyone pale. Here knave, my truth is most horrible, most bloody and vile.
Clown: Do you not suggest the gentle Queen's folly?
Hamlet (mutters): Her folly is just a rank few threads of a mouldy arras…(looks up, loudly) How is't you know of the Queen's indiscretion?
Clown (stifling a laugh) The Queen's offense is known to much of Denmark. I should tell you more, but you might take offense as well.
Hamlet (throws a few gold coins at clown): Speak.
Clown: Denmark is well aware of it then. They jest and gibe in the alleys, under the hushed cloak of night. (Sings) They mock her duplicity, under the shades of the ever-green tree…(coughs, speaks normally) Let it be known, we are most unhappy with the state of Denmark.
Hamlet: I think the Prince should be the more miserable. The Queen is his mother, and his mother is traitor to his father, the late King.
Clown: The Queen is mother to Denmark, therefore, the mother of us all. As her children, we are all betrayed.
Hamlet: What should you do then, seek her life?
Clown: Never, sir! (Looks slyly at Hamlet) We would never cut a Queen Maybe a Prince, but never a Queen. (chuckles) Good night, sir.
Exit clown, jingling his pockets and humming.
Hamlet: I am not the only one who laments her deed, yet I am the only one from whom she should take heed. (Swings bag over shoulder, begins walking)
Exit Hamlet
