There's such divinity doth hedge a king that treason can but peep to what it would, acts little of his will

There's such divinity doth hedge a king that treason can but peep to what it would, acts little of his will

In William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, the character of Claudius speaks the line, "There's such divinity doth hedge a king that treason can but peep to what it would, acts little of his will." This line reflects the idea that a king is protected by a divine power that prevents treason from fully manifesting itself. It suggests that even when someone attempts to betray or harm a king, their actions are ultimately futile because of the inherent power and authority that a king possesses.

The concept of divine protection surrounding a king is a common theme in Shakespeare's works. Kings were often seen as chosen by God to rule, and their authority was believed to be sanctioned by a higher power. This idea is reflected in the character of Claudius, who is the king of Denmark in Hamlet. Despite his own treacherous actions, Claudius believes that he is protected by a divine force that shields him from the consequences of his deeds.

The phrase "acts little of his will" suggests that a king's actions are not entirely his own, but are influenced by external forces beyond his control. This idea of a king being guided by divine will is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's plays, where kings are often portrayed as figures of authority who are subject to the will of a higher power.