Thieves Of Mercy

TO JONATHAN BONAVENTURE NELSON, MY BEAUTIFUL BOY

Ere we were two days old at sea, a pirate of very warlike appointment gave us chase.

Finding ourselves too slow of sail, we put on a compelled valor, and in the grapple I boarded them.

On the instant they got clear of our ship, so I alone became their prisoner.

They have dealt with me like thieves of mercy…

SHAKESPEARE, HAMLET, ACT IV, SCENE 6