Laer. A document in madness; thoughts and remembrance
fitted. 175
Oph. There's fennel for you, and columbines: there's
rue for you; and here's some for me: we may call it herb[1791]
of grace o' Sundays: O, you must wear your rue with a[1791][1792]
difference. There's a daisy: I would give you some
violets, but they withered all when my father died: they 180
say a' made a good end,—[1793]
[Sings] For bonny sweet Robin is all my joy.[1794]
Laer. Thought and affliction, passion, hell itself,[1795]
She turns to favour and to prettiness.
Oph. [Sings] And will a' not come again?[1796][1797] 185
And will a' not come again?[1797]
No, no, he is dead,[1798]
Go to thy death-bed,[1798][1799]
He never will come again.
His beard was as white as snow,[1800] 190
All flaxen was his poll:[1801]
He is gone, he is gone,[1802]
And we cast away moan:[1802]
God ha' mercy on his soul![1803]
And of all Christian souls, I pray God. God be wi' you. 195
[Exit.[1804]
Laer. Do you see this, O God?[1805]
King. Laertes, I must commune with your grief,[1806]
Or you deny me right. Go but apart,
Make choice of whom your wisest friends you will,
And they shall hear and judge 'twixt you and me: 200
If by direct or by collateral hand[1807]
They find us touch'd, we will our kingdom give,[1808]
Our crown, our life, and all that we call ours,
To you in satisfaction; but if not,
Be you content to lend your patience to us,[1809] 205
And we shall jointly labour with your soul
To give it due content.