For this effect defective comes by cause;
Thus it remains, and the remainder thus.
Perpend. 105
I have a daughter, have while she is mine;
Who, in her duty and obedience, mark,
Hath given me this: now, gather, and surmise.
The Letter.
"To the celestial, and my soul's idol, the most beautified Ophelia.—" 109
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.—" 112
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; 116
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,
Hamlet."
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 128
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
