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Hamlet

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LAERTES Farewell.

Exit Laertes

POLONIUS What is't, Ophelia, he hath said to you?

OPHELIA So please you, something touching93 the lord Hamlet.

POLONIUS Marry, well bethought94.

'Tis told me, he hath very oft of late

Given private time to you; and you yourself

Have of your audience97 been most free and bounteous:

If it be so, as so 'tis put on98 me,

And that in way of caution, I must tell you

You do not understand yourself so clearly

As it behoves101 my daughter and your honour.

What is between you? Give me up the truth.

OPHELIA He hath, my lord, of late made many tenders103

Of his affection to me.

POLONIUS Affection? Puh! You speak like a green105 girl,

Unsifted106 in such perilous circumstance.

Do you believe his tenders, as you call them?

OPHELIA I do not know, my lord, what I should think.

POLONIUS Marry, I'll teach you: think yourself a baby

That you have ta'en his tenders for true pay

Which are not sterling. Tender yourself more dearly111;

Or -- not to crack the wind of112 the poor phrase,

Running it thus -- you'll tender me a fool113.

OPHELIA My lord, he hath importuned114 me with love

In honourable fashion.

POLONIUS Ay, fashion you may call it. Go to116, go to.

OPHELIA And hath given countenance117 to his speech,

My lord, with all the vows of heaven.

POLONIUS Ay, springes to catch woodcocks119. I do know,



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