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    Not Peer Reviewed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.
    Hamlet
    Look, Horatio, this fool is much dearer to the king than my person. Let's hear what he has to say.
    Phantasmo
    Welcome home, Prince Hamlet! Have you heard the news? The King has laid a wager on you and young Leonhardus. You are to fight together with foils, and he who gives his opponent the first two hits is to win a white Neapolitan horse.
    Hamlet
    Is this certain that you say?
    470Phantasmo
    Yes, nothing else!
    Hamlet
    Horatio, what can this mean? Leonhardus and I to fight each other! I believe they have been mocking this fool, for one can make him believe what one likes. Observe. Signor Phantasmo, it is terribly cold.
    Phantasmo
    Ay, it is terribly cold?
    [His teeth are chattering with cold.]
    Hamlet
    Now it is not so cold any more.
    475Phantasmo
    You're right my lord, just the happy medium.
    Hamlet
    But now it is very hot indeed.
    [Wiping his face.]
    Phantasmo
    O what a dreadful heat!
    [Also wiping away the perspiration.]
    480Hamlet
    Now it is neither very cold nor very warm.
    Phantasmo
    Yes, now it is just temperate.
    Hamlet
    Do you see, Horatio, one can make him believe what one will. Phantasmo, go back to the King, and tell him that I'll wait upon him instantly.
    [Exit Phantasmo.]
    Come, Horatio, I go this very minute, and present myself to the King. Ha! What does this mean? Drops of blood fall from my nose; my whole body trembles! Alas! what is happening to me?
    485[He faints.]
    Horatio
    Most noble Prince! O Heavens! what does this mean? Come to your senses my lord! My noble Prince, what is it? What is the matter with you?
    Hamlet
    I do not know Horatio. When I thought of going to court, a sudden faintness came over me. The gods alone know what it signifies.
    Horatio
    Heaven grant that this omen foretells nothing bad!
    Hamlet
    Be it what it may, I shall nevertheless go to court, even should it cost me my life.
    490[Exeunt.]