Page:Hamlet (1917) Yale.djvu/56

44

For this effect defective comes by cause;

Thus it remains, and the remainder thus.

Perpend.

I have a daughter, have while she is mine;

Who, in her duty and obedience, mark,

Hath given me this: now, gather, and surmise.

"To the celestial, and my soul's idol, the most beautified Ophelia.—"

That's an ill phrase, a vile phrase; 'beautified'

is a vile phrase; but you shall hear. Thus:

"In her excellent white bosom, these, &c.—"

Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her?

Pol. Good madam, stay awhile; I will be faithful.

Doubt thou the stars are fire;

Doubt that the sun doth move;

Doubt truth to be a liar;

But never doubt I love.

O dear Ophelia! I am ill at these numbers:

I have not art to reckon my groans; but that I

love thee best, O most best! believe it. Adieu.

Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst

this machine is to him,

."

This in obedience hath my daughter shown me;

And more above, hath his solicitings,

As they fell out by time, by means, and place,

All given to mine ear.

King. But how hath she

Received his love?

 105 Perpend: consider

109 beautified: beautiful, or, accomplished

112 these: i.e., these lines

119 ill at: unskilled at making

numbers: verses

120 reckon: number metrically, scan

123 machine: bodily frame; cf. n.

126 more above: moreover

127 fell out: occurred

means: opportunities of access

