Hamlet

Doubt122 truth to be a liar,

But never doubt I love.

O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers124: I have not art to

reckon my groans125; but that I love thee best, O, most best,

believe it. Adieu. Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst this

machine is to127 him, Hamlet.'

This in obedience hath my daughter showed me,

And more above129, hath his solicitings,

As they fell out130 by time, by means and place,

All given to mine ear.

KING But how hath she received his love?

POLONIUS What do you think of me?

KING As of a man faithful and honourable.

POLONIUS I would fain135 prove so. But what might you think,

When I had seen this hot love on the wing --

As I perceived it, I must tell you that,

Before my daughter told me -- what might you,

Or my dear majesty your queen here, think,

If I had played the desk or table-book140,

Or given my heart a winking141, mute and dumb,

Or looked upon this love with idle sight142?

What might you think? No, I went round143 to work,

And my young mistress thus I did bespeak144:

'Lord Hamlet is a prince, out of thy star145:

This must not be.' And then I precepts146 gave her

That she should lock herself from his resort147,

Admit no messengers, receive no tokens:

Which done, she took the fruits of my advice,

And he, repulsed -- a short tale to make --

Fell into a sadness, then into a fast,