70 HOW THE LAST ACT OF HAMLET WAS WRITTEN.

“Mad Will!” exclaimed the heavy man, in his heaviest tones.
‘“‘ May the foul fiend seize him !”

“ May he endure thirst for a whole hour!” said another.

“May his wife live twenty years!” said the low comedian.
(Wynkyn was a bitter man when roused.)

“ A scurvy Jack!” said one.

“A pestilent knave !” said another.

“ An I have it not in my heart to cudgel him, call me sot!” said
the “leading lady” of the establishment, an athletic youth of seven-
teen.

“Why, what’s he been after now?” inquired the Earl, and the
waggish young nobleman added, with a knowing look, “ Surely they
be not adi bad parts in his new tragedy ?”

“ Itisn’t that, your excellency,” said Master Daggerwood; “though

as to my part, as it now stands, I must say, of all the rubbish——.

 

But no matter.”
“Then, what is it ?”
“The tragedy isn’t finished.”
“How much have you got ?”
“The first four acts.”
“Um! And when do you open?”
“Thursday, it is purposed ; but I wish they may get it.”
“ But there be two days yet; and Will hath a ready pen.”
Master Daggerwood indulged in a sepulchral monosyllabic laugh,