A New Reading
KEMBLE playing Hamlet in the country, the gentleman who acted
Guildenstern was, or imagined himself to be, a capital musician.
Hamlet asks him, Will you play upon this pipe?--My lord, I
cannot.--I pray you.--Believe me, I cannot.--I do beseech
you.--Well, if your lordship insists on it, I shall do as well as I
can; and to the confusion of Hamlet, and the great amusement of the
audience, he played God save the king!