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? 76
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, 80
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 84
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, 88
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. 92
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 96
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
