otnote 13: The knowledge, even, of what is to come could never, any
more than ordinary expediency, be the _law_ of a man's conduct. St.
Paul, informed by the prophet Agabus of the troubles that awaited him at
Jerusalem, and entreated by his friends not to go thither, believed the
prophet, and went on to Jerusalem to be delivered into the hands of the
Gentiles.]

[Footnote 14: One of Shakspere's many allusions to sayings of the Lord.]

[Footnote 15: Osricke does not come back: he has begged off but ventures
later, under the wing of the king.]

[Footnote 16: May not this form of the name suggest that in it is
intended the 'foolish' ostrich?]

[Footnote 17: The king is making delay: he has to have his 'union'
ready.]

[Footnote 18: 'if he feels ready, I am.']

[Footnote 19: 'They are _well-come_.']

[Footnote 20: 'to be polite to Laertes.' The print shows where _to_ has
slipped out.

The queen is anxious; she distrusts Laertes, and the king's influence
over him.]

[Page 262]

it[1] be now, 'tis not to come: if it bee not to come,
[Sidenote: be, tis]
it will bee now: if it be not now; yet it will come;
[Sidenote: it well come,]
[Sidenote: 54, 164] the readinesse is all,[2] since no man ha's ought of
[Sidenote: man of ought he leaues, knowes what ist
to leaue betimes, let be.]
[Sidenote: 252] what he leaues. What is't to leaue betimes?[3]

_Enter King, Queene, Laertes and Lords, with other
Attendants with Foyles, and Gauntlets, a Table
and Flagons of Wine on it._
[Sidenote: _A table prepard, Trumpets, Drums and officers
with cushion, King, Queene, and all the state,
Foiles, Daggers, and Laertes._]

_Kin_. Come _Hamlet_ come, and take this hand
from me.

[Sidenote: 245] _Ham_.[4] Giue me your pardon Sir, I'ue done you
wrong,[5] [Sidenote: I haue]
But pardon't as you are a Gentleman.
This presence[6] knowes,
And you must needs haue heard how I am punisht
With sore distraction?[7] What I haue done [Sidenote: With a sore]
That might your nature honour, and exception
[Sidenote: 242, 252] Roughly awake,[8] heere proclaime was madnesse:[9]
Was't _Hamlet_ wrong'd _Laertes_? Neuer _Hamlet_.
If _Hamlet_ from himselfe be