1 That is Laertes, a very noble youth.
2 Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.
3 Do not for ever with thy vailed lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust.
4 The dram of evil Doth all the noble substance often doubt To his own scandal.
5 If it assume my noble father's person, I'll speak to it, though hell itself should gape And bid me hold my peace.
6 And so have I a noble father lost, A sister driven into desperate terms, Whose worth, if praises may go back again, Stood challenger on mount of all the age For her perfections.
7 Now must your conscience my acquittance seal, And you must put me in your heart for friend, Sith you have heard, and with a knowing ear, That he which hath your noble father slain Pursu'd my life.
8 My honour'd lord, you know right well you did, And with them words of so sweet breath compos'd As made the things more rich; their perfume lost, Take these again; for to the noble mind Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.
9 Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me; so the whole ear of Denmark Is by a forged process of my death Rankly abus'd; but know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father's life Now wears his crown.