Page 333 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

fellows some means to the King. They have letters for him. Ere we were two
days old at sea, a pirate of very warlike appointment gave us chase. Finding
ourselves too slow of sail, we [15] put on a compelled valour, and in the
grapple I boarded them. On the instant they got clear of our ship, so I alone

became their prisoner. They have dealt with me like thieves of mercy. But
they knew what they did: I am to do a turn for them. Let the King have [20]
the letters I have sent, and repair thou to me with as much speed as thou
wouldest fly death. I have words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb;

yet are they much too light for the bore of the matter. These good fellows
will bring thee where I am. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hold their course
for England; of them I [25] have much to tell thee. Farewell.
He that thou knowest thine,

Hamlet.

Come, I will give you way for these your letters,
And do’t the speedier that you may direct me [30]
To him from whom you brought them.

Exeunt.

Scene VII IT

Enter King and Laertes.

KING
Now must your conscience my acquittance seal,
And you must put me in your heart for friend,

Sith you have heard, and with a knowing ear,
That he which hath your noble father slain
Pursu’d my life.

LAERTES
It well appears. But tell me [5]

Why you proceeded not against these feats,
So crimeful and so capital in nature,
As by your safety, wisdom, all things else
You mainly were stirr’d up.