Drama

But an actor and a writer must also have a stage.
The theatres in London town were all the current rage.

Since there was no place to rent William built one of his own;
He cherished this new playhouse; The Globe as it was known.

The Globe was open to the sky, so plays were in the day.
The poor folk stood about the stage; a penny they did pay.

They were labelled "groundlings" and could get quite loud and rude;
If they didn't like the play they saw, they'd even throw their food.

Others paid a good deal more for shelter from the rain.
But on opening day for Shakespeare, no one person did complain.

"You've got to be kidding!" Helena cried,
"I know, it's Hermia, you want for your bride."
"Not a chance!" said Lysander, "It's you I love!
Who will not change a raven for a dove?"
"Give me a break!" Helena scoffed in dismay,
"Do you think I was born yesterday?
Your speech to me is like a thorn;
How dare you treat me with such scorn!"
Then she stomped off, in great disdain;
Lysander followed with a loving refrain.

Now the two stood together, royal Father and his son.
"Mark me!" the ghost shuddered, "My hour is almost come.
I am thy father's spirit doomed to walk the night.
At dawn, I render up myself and disappear from sight."
The mournful voice resounded from above,
"If thou didst ever thy dear father love,
Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder!" he cried.
"Murder?" Hamlet trembled, and looked horrified.
The very word hammered in his brain.
"Murder most foul!" the spirit bellowed again.
"Tis said," the ghost moaned, "that a serpent bit me.
And I died in my orchard, in tranquillity.
Indeed, a serpent did sting thy father's life.
But it now wears his crown, and has married his wife."
"Oh, my prophetic soul!" cried Hamlet, "Can this be true?"
"Aye!" moaned the spirit, "The facts I will review.
As I slept peacefully on that fateful day,
Your uncle crept towards me, like a beast of prey.
A poisonous liquid, he poured into my ear.
Then he slunk away, with a laughing sneer.
It was a moment I could never have foressen.
My brother snatched my life, my crown, and my Queen.
Bear it not, my son! Set my tortured spirit free!
Adieu, adieu, adieu. Remember me!"

As Banquo departed, Macbeth paced the floor,
"There's not a man who I fear more!
His sons will rule. The witches have shown,
My life is empty, with no heir to the throne.
Have I lost my honor, so his sons will reign?
Have I stained my soul for Banquo's gain?
Never!" he cried. "I will challenge this fate!"
Then two ragged men arrived at his gate.
He told these murderers to ride very fast,
"You must not let Banquo or Fleance slip past!
If I'm to stay king, they both must die.":
"We'll do as you ask. Like the wind we'll fly!"