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Did not together pluck such envy from him

As did that one, and that, in my regard,

Of the unworthiest siege.

Laer. What part is that, my lord?

King. A very riband in the cap of youth,

Yet needful too; for youth no less becomes

The light and careless livery that it wears

Than settled age his sables and his weeds,

Importing health and graveness.] Two months since

Here was a gentleman of Normandy.

I've seen myself, and serv'd against the French,

And they can well on horseback; but this gallant

Had witchcraft in 't, he grew unto his seat,

And to such wondrous doing brought his horse,

As he had been incorps'd and demi-natur'd

With the brave beast; so far he topp'd my thought,

That I, in forgery of shapes and tricks,

Come short of what he did.

Laer. A Norman was 't?

King. A Norman.

Laer. Upon my life, Lamond.

King. The very same.

Laer. I know him well; he is the brooch indeed

And gem of all the nation.

King. He made confession of you,

And gave you such a masterly report

For art and exercise in your defence,

And for your rapier most especially,

That he cried out, 'twould be a sight indeed

 76 siege: rank; cf. n.

part: attribute

77 riband: ribbon

79 livery: garb

80 weeds: garments

81 health: prosperity

84 can well: are skilled

87 incorps'd and demi-natur'd; cf. n.

88 topp'd: surpassed

89 in tricks; cf. n.

95 confession: report

96 masterly report; cf. n.

97 art and exercise: skilful exercise

defence: science of defence

