_Pol._ I would fain prove so. But what might you think,[705] 130 When I had seen this hot love on the wing,--[706] As I perceived it, I must tell you that, Before my daughter told me,--what might you, Or my dear majesty your queen here, think,[707] If I had play'd the desk or table-book,[708] 135 Or given my heart a winking, mute and dumb,[709] Or look'd upon this love with idle sight; What might you think? No, I went round to work, And my young mistress thus I did bespeak:[710] 'Lord Hamlet is a prince, out of thy star;[711] 140 This must not be:' and then I prescripts gave her,[712] That she should lock herself from his resort,[713] Admit no messengers, receive no tokens. Which done, she took the fruits of my advice;[714] And he repulsed, a short tale to make,[714][715] 145 Fell into a sadness, then into a fast,[716] Thence to a watch, thence into a weakness,[717][718] Thence to a lightness, and by this declension[718][719] Into the madness wherein now he raves[720] And all we mourn for.[721] 150 _King._ Do you think this? _Queen._ It may be, very like.[722] _Pol._ Hath there been such a time, I'ld fain know that,[723] That I have positively said ''tis so,' When it proved otherwise? _King._ Not that I know. _Pol._ [_Pointing to his head and shoulder_] Take this from this, if this be otherwise:[724] 155 If circumstances lead me, I will find Where truth is hid, though it were hid indeed Within the centre. _King._ How may we try it further?[725] _Pol._ You know, sometimes he walks four hours together[726][727] Here in the lobby.[726] _Queen._ So he does, indeed.[728] 160 _Pol._ At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him: Be you and I behind an arras then;[729][730] Mark the encounter: if he love her not,[729] And be not from his reason fall'n thereon, Let me be no assistant for a state, 165 But keep a farm and carters.[731] _King._ We will try it. _Queen._ But look where sadly the poor wretch comes reading.[732] _Pol._ Away, I do beseech you, both away:[733] I'll board him presently. [_Exeunt King, Queen, and Attendants._ _Enter_ HAMLET, _reading_.[734] O, give me leave: how does my good Lord Hamlet?[735] 170 _Ham._ Well, God-a-mercy. _Pol._ Do you know me, my lord? _Ham._ Excellent well; you are a fishmonger.[736] _Pol._ Not I, my lord. _Ham._ Then I would you were so honest a man. 175 _Pol._ Honest, my lord![737]