DEAR MR. PUNCH,--I see that Mr. BEERBOHM TREE in his recent production
of _Hamlet_ has introduced a novelty into the tragedy by inventing
fresh business. Unauthorised by the text, he has included _Ophelia_
amongst the Court "attendants," and, finding her on the stage, has
indulged in a dignified flirtation (in dumb show), worthy of the hero
of _L'Enfant Prodigue_ himself. Now I think this a great improvement,
and were the masterpiece to be "written up" throughout on the same
lines, I am sure the representation would be received with enthusiasm.
It might be that the performance would be a little longer, but think
of the enormous gain in interest. To show you what I mean, I take the
first five lines of the opening Act:--

SHAKSPEARE'S VERSION.

SCENE I.--_Elsinore. A Platform before the Castle. FRANCISCO
on his post. Enter to him BERNARDO._

_Bernardo._ Who's there?

_Francisco._ Nay answer me: stand and unfold yourself!

This passage, furnished with proper business, might be rendered the
means of showing the sort of life led by _Laertes_, justifying the
advice subsequently given to him by _Polonius_ more appropriate to
the conditions of the case as now (for the first time) fully divulged,
Thus--I give my view of the matter:--

AMENDED VERSION.

SCENE I.--_Elsinore. A Platform before the Castle. As the