CLAUDIUS AND GERTRUDE;
or, Love and Delicacy.
ORMERLY, in Denmark, dwelt a lady of a most noble family, both young in years and of the rarest beauty; but above all this she had a great heart, and was as noble in mind as in birth.
While she was at the court of Britain (where she had spent some seasons with others, ladies and Danish gentlemen, after the ratifying of a friendly peace between the two kingdoms) she was wooed by many a knightly tongue; and many gallant and high-born youths contended for her favour and regard. Heaven, however, put it into her power to judge of the strength of their affections.
Being out on a party of hawking with the king, her horse threw her, and so severely in-
