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Table of Contents

Act I

Hamlet (cont.)
That for some vicious mole of nature in them,
As, in their birth⁠—wherein they are not guilty,
Since nature cannot choose his origin⁠—
By the o’ergrowth of some complexion,
Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason,
Or by some habit that too much o’er-leavens
The form of plausive manners, that these men,
Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect,
Being nature’s livery, or fortune’s star⁠—
Their virtues else⁠—be they as pure as grace,
As infinite as man may undergo⁠—
Shall in the general censure take corruption
From that particular fault: the dram of eale
Doth all the noble substance of a doubt
To his own scandal.
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