Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Der bestrafte Brudermord (Fratricide Punished)
  • Author: Anonymous
  • Editor: David Bevington
  • General textual editors: James D. Mardock, Eric Rasmussen
  • Associate textual editor: Donald Bailey
  • Coordinating editor: Michael Best
  • Associate coordinating editor: Janelle Jenstad

  • Copyright David Bevington. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Anonymous
    Editor: David Bevington
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Der bestrafte Brudermord (Fratricide Punished)

    Ophelia
    Ophelia
    Alas! father, protect me!
    Corambus
    What is it, my child?
    Ophelia
    Alas! my father, Prince Hamlet plagues me; I can have no peace from him.
    190Corambus
    Calm yourself, dear daughter. But he has not done anything else to you? O! now I know why Prince Hamlet is mad: he is certainly in love with my daughter.
    Has love then such power as to make a man mad?
    Corambus
    My gracious master and king, most assuredly is love powerful enough to make a man mad. I remember when I myself was young, how love plagued me — indeed, but it made me as mad as a March hare. But now, I care for it no longer. I prefer to sit by the fire, to count my red pennies, and drink Your Majesty's health.
    May we not ourselves see his raving and madness with our own eyes?
    Corambus
    Yes, Your Majesty. We will stand a little on one side, and my daughter shall show him the jewel which he gave her. Then will Your Majesty be able to see his madness.
    Dearest wife, we beseech you, go to your chamber. Meanwhile we will be a witness of his madness.
    [They hide themselves.]