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    Not Peer Reviewed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)

    325[The Ghost stalks over the stage. [Lightning.]
    Hamlet
    Ah, gracious spirit of my father, stay. What dost thou want? Dost thou demand revenge? I shall execute it at the right time.
    Queen
    What are you doing? With whom are you speaking?
    Hamlet
    See you not the spirit of your late husband? Look, he beckons as if he would speak to you.
    Queen
    How? I see nothing.
    330Hamlet
    Indeed I believe you see nothing, for you are no longer worthy to look upon his form. Fie, shame on you! I shall say not another word to you.
    [Exit.]
    Queen
    [alone]. O Heavens! what great madness melancholy has brought upon the Prince! Alas, my only son has entirely lost his reason! And I am much to blame for it! Had I not taken in marriage my brother-in-law, I should not have robbed my son of the crown of Denmark. But what can be done about things that are done? Nothing, they must stay as they are. Had not the Pope allowed such a marriage, it would never have happened. I shall go and try my utmost to restore my son to his former understanding and health.
    [Exit.]