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    Not Peer Reviewed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)

    Phantasmo, Ophelia.
    380Phantasmo
    Wherever I go or stay, that cracked girl runs after me from every corner. I can get not a moment's peace for her; she says continually that I'm her lover; and that's not true. If I could only hide where she couldn't find me! Oh, the devil's loose again; there she is once more!
    Ophelia
    Where can my sweetheart be? The rogue will not stay with me, he'd rather flee from me ? but see! there he is. Listen darling, I've been to the priest, and he will unite us this very day; I have made all ready for the wedding; and bought pullets, hares, meat, butter, cheese. Now there is nothing more wanting than for the musicians to play us to bed.
    Phantasmo
    I can only say yes. Come then, we'll go to bed together.
    Ophelia
    No, no, my puppet, we must first go to church together, afterwards eat and drink, and then dance ? ah! how merry we shall be!
    Phantasmo
    Ay, it will be very merry; three will eat off one plate.
    385Ophelia
    What do you say? If you will not have me, I will not have you. [She strikes him.] There, there, is my dearest, he beckons me. Look there, what a beautiful suit he has on! Look, he wants to entice me to him, he throws me a lily and a rose; he wants to take me in his arms; he beckons me; I come, I come.
    [Exit.]
    Phantasmo
    At close quarters she's lost her wits, but further off she's clean mad. I wish she were hanged, and then the carrion could not pester me so.
    [Exit.]