Shone, uttering words of cheer. But, last of all,

The people rose, swearing a king should rule,

To keep their ancient empery of the isles

Inviolate and thrifty: bade me choose

A mate, nor longer dally. Then I prayed

Respite, until the web within my loom,

Of gold and purple curiously devised

For old Laertes’ shroud, should fall complete

From hands still faithful to his blood. Thou knowest

How like a ghost I left my couch at night,