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Context
Laertes is overcome with grief after the death of Ophelia. He and King Claudius have discussed a plan to get revenge on Hamlet, as the King cannot be seen to murder his own nephew/stepson. The King has proposed organizing a fencing match between Laertes and Hamlet, in which Laertes will secretly use his own, lethal military sword. To ensure Hamlet's death, Laertes will also coat the tip with a poison. Claudius also intends to lace Hamlet's wine with poison. Hamlet has accepted Laertes'
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KING CLAUDIUS
Come, Hamlet, come, and take this hand from me.
[KING CLAUDIUS puts LAERTES' hand into HAMLET's]
HAMLET
Give me your pardon, sir: I've done you wrong;
But pardon't, as you are a gentleman.
This presence knows,
And you must needs have heard, how I am punish'd
With sore distraction. What I have done,
That might your nature, honour
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