Soon enough. But I have the meantime. A human life is hardly long
enough to count to one in. But I really feel bad, Horatio, about
losing control of myself with Laertes. His situation is very much
like my own. I'll be nice to him. It was just that the
showiness of his grief sent me into a fury.
HORATIO
Peace.—Who comes here?
HORATIO
Hang on a minute—who are you?
Enter young OSRIC, a courtier, hat in
hand
OSRIC, a young courtier, enters with
his hat in his hand.
OSRIC
Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark.
OSRIC
Welcome back to Denmark, my lord.
HAMLET
I humbly thank you, sir. (aside to
HORATIO) Dost know this
water-fly?
HAMLET
Thank you kindly, sir.
(speaking so that
only
HORATIO can hear) Do you know this
insect?
HORATIO
(aside to
HAMLET) No, my good lord.
HORATIO
(speaking so that only HAMLET
can hear) No, my lord.
HAMLET
90
(aside to
HORATIO) Thy state is the more
gracious, for 'tis a
vice to know him. He hath much land, and fertile. Let a
beast be lord of beasts and his crib shall stand at the
king's
mess. 'Tis a chough, but, as I say, spacious in the
possession
of dirt.
HAMLET
(speaking so that only HORATIO
can hear) You're lucky,
since knowing him is most unpleasant. He owns a lot of good land.
Give an animal a lot of money, and he'll be welcome at
the king's table. He's a jerk, but he owns a
whole lot of dirt, so he's treated well.
OSRIC
95
Sweet lord, if your lordship were at leisure, I should impart
a thing to you from His Majesty.
OSRIC
My lord, if you have a free moment, I have a message from His
Majesty.
HAMLET
I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit. Put your
bonnet to his right use. 'Tis for the head.
HAMLET
I'll hang on every word you say. Put your hat back on,
where it belongs: it's for your head, not for your hands
to hold.
