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Rh We know that walls have ears—I gave them tongues— And they were eloquent with promises!
 * Q. Even the dead walls?
 * (solemnly). Aye, the deader they,

The louder they proclaimed!
 * Q. (appalled). Oh, marvellous!
 * The day approached—all Denmark stood agape.

Arrangements were devised at once by which Seats might be booked a twelvemonth in advance. The first night came!
 * Q. And did the play succeed?
 * In one sense, yes.
 * Q. Oh, I was sure of it!
 * A farce was given to play the people in—

My tragedy succeeded that. That's all!
 * Q. And how long did it run?
 * About ten minutes!

Ere the first act had traced one-half its course The curtain fell—never to rise again!
 * Q. And did the people hiss?
 * No—worse than that—

They laughed! Sick with the shame that covered me, I knelt down palsied in my private box, And prayed the hearsed and catacombed dead Might quit their vaults, and claim me for their own! But it was not to be!
 * Q. Oh, my good lord,

The house was surely packed!
 * It was—by me.

My favourite courtiers crowded every place— From floor to floor the house was peopled by