When Churchyards Yawn

LORD POLONIUS
My lord, the queen would speak with you, and
presently.

HAMLET
Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel?

LORD POLONIUS
By the mass, and 'tis like a camel, indeed.

HAMLET
Methinks it is like a weasel.

LORD POLONIUS
It is backed like a weasel.

HAMLET
Or like a whale?

LORD POLONIUS
Very like a whale.

HAMLET
Then I will come to my mother by and by. They fool
me to the top of my bent. I will come by and by.

LORD POLONIUS
I will say so.

HAMLET
By and by is easily said.

Exit POLONIUS

Leave me, friends.

Exeunt all but HAMLET

Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world: now could I drink hot blood,
And do such bitter business as the day
Would quake to look on. Soft! now to my mother.
O heart, lose not thy nature; let not ever
The soul of Nero enter this firm bosom:
Let me be cruel, not unnatural:
I will speak daggers to her, but use none;
My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites;
How in my words soever she be shent,
To give them seals never, my soul, consent!

Exit

Happy Hallow's Eve, or at least Hallow's Eve festivities, to all on this merry Friday. The sun has risen to a cloudless blue sky, but shall surely set to an ominous moon and darker plots. Another of those evenings where the first few drinks are picked up by the fictional entity who cuts the paycheques. Bravo. Go forth into the world with an eye on absurdities, and thou shall be entertained, I say. At least such is the plan for this eventide on the wooden docks of the brave Atlantic. And I shall heed the advice of Rick James: "Enjoy yourself!" Indeed.