And cast me to its shores on fated ship,
Though fate be but a dealer's slight of hand
That cast the card of murder on my deck.
Upon my face a shadow follows still,
That I did kill Laertes' father's life.
Though 't was mistaken thought guided my hand,
And pierced his bosom through the thin arras.
'T was chance that caused the sound to reach my ear
From poor Polonius' disturbed action,
And chance has once again disturbed my fate
To bring me information in this note.
A royal stamp does seal this very trick,
That makes of England executioner,
But 't is my murderous uncle's design
To have me done away so easily.
It seems he has forgotten my quick mind,
And that I carry such a royal seal,
So quickly I will change this harsh decree,
And see, too, that its bearers come to harm.
So Claudius has cause for some alarm.
before || after
