Hamlet

I had my father's signet53 in my purse, Which was the model of that Danish seal54: Folded the writ55 up in form of the other, Subscribed it, gave't th'impression56, placed it safely, The changeling57 never known. Now, the next day Was our sea-fight, and what to this was sequent58

Thou know'st already.

HORATIO So Guildenstern and Rosencrantz go to't.

HAMLET Why, man, they did make love to61 this employment: They are not near my conscience; their defeat62

Doth by their own insinuation63 grow.

'Tis dangerous when the baser64 nature comes Between the pass and fell incensed points65

Of mighty opposites66.

HORATIO Why, what a king is this!

HAMLET Does it not, think'st thee, stand me now upon68 --

He that hath killed my king and whored my mother,

Popped in between th'election70 and my hopes, Thrown out his angle for my proper71 life, And with such cozenage72 -- is't not perfect conscience To quit73 him with this arm? And is't not to be damned, To let this canker of our nature come74

In further evil?

HORATIO It must be shortly known to him from England What is the issue77 of the business there.

HAMLET It will be short: the interim is mine, And a man's life's no more than to say 'one'79.

But I am very sorry, good Horatio,

That to Laertes I forgot myself;

For by the image of my cause I see82

The portraiture of his. I'll count his favours.

But, sure, the bravery84 of his grief did put me Into a tow'ring passion.

HORATIO Peace, who comes here?

Takes off his hat

Enter young Osric

OSRIC Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark.

HAMLET I humbly thank you, sir.-- Dost know this water-fly88?

HORATIO No, my good lord.

HAMLET Thy state is the more gracious90, for 'tis a vice to know him. He hath much land, and fertile: let a beast be lord of91

beasts, and his crib92 shall stand at the king's mess; 'tis a chough93, but, as I say, spacious in the possession of dirt.

OSRIC Sweet lord, if your friendship were at leisure94, I should impart a thing to you from his majesty.

HAMLET I will receive it with all diligence of spirit. Put your bonnet97 to his right use: 'tis for the head.

OSRIC I thank your lordship, 'tis very hot.