Hamlet

To an exploit, now ripe in my device67, Under the which he shall not choose but fall;

And for his death no wind of blame shall breathe,

But even his mother shall uncharge the practice70

And call it accident. Some two months since,

Here was a gentleman of Normandy.

I've seen myself, and served against, the French,

And they can well on horseback; but this gallant74

Had witchcraft in't; he grew into his seat,

And to such wondrous doing brought his horse

As had he been incorpsed and demi-natured77

With the brave beast: so far he passed my thought78, That I in forgery of shapes and tricks79

Come short of what he did.

LAERTES A Norman was't?

KING A Norman.

LAERTES Upon my life, Lamond83.

KING The very same.

LAERTES I know him well: he is the brooch85 indeed And gem of all our nation.

KING He made confession of you87, And gave you such a masterly report

For art and exercise in your defence89, And for your rapier most especially,

That he cried out, 'twould be a sight indeed

If one could match you. Sir, this report of his

Did Hamlet so envenom93 with his envy That he could nothing do but wish and beg

Your sudden coming o'er, to play95 with him.

Now, out of this--

LAERTES What out of this, my lord?

KING Laertes, was your father dear to you?

Or are you like the painting of a sorrow,

A face without a heart?

LAERTES Why ask you this?

KING Not that I think you did not love your father,