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Ophelia's Song of Madness

"How should I your truelove know from another one?

By his cockle hat and staff

And his sandal shoon.

 

He is dead and gone, lady,

He is dead and gone;

At his head a grass-green turf,

At his heels a stone.

White his shroud as the mountain snow

 

Larded all with sweet flowers

Which bewept to the grave did not go

WIth truelove showers.

 

Well God dild you! They say the owl was a bakers daughter. Lord, we know what we are, but not what me may be. God be at your table!

 

Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's day.

All in the morning bedtime,

And I a maid at your window,

To be your valentine.

Then up he rose and donned his clothes

And dupped the chamber door,

Let in the maid, that out a maid

Never departed more.

 

By Gis and by Saint Charity,

Alack, and fie for shame!

Young men will do't if they come to't,

By Cock they are to blame.;

Quoth she, 'Before you tumbled me,

you promised me to wed."

He answers: 'So would I 'a' done, by yonder sun,

An tho hadst not come to my bed.'

 

I hope all will be well. We must be patient, but I cannot choose but weep to think they would lay him i' th' cold ground. My brother shall know of it; and so I thank you for your good counsel. Come, my coach! Good night, laides, good night. Sweet ladies, good night, good night."

-Act IV scene V lines 23-73

Hamlet