Whose violent property fordoes itself That does afflict our natures. I am sorry, What, have you given him any hard words of late? Ophelia. No, my good lord, but, as you did command, I did repel his letters, and denied His access to me. Polonius. That hath made him mad. I am sorry that with better heed and judgment I had not quoted him. I fear'd he did but trifle, To cast beyond ourselves in our opinions As it is common for the younger sort To lack discretion. Come, go we to the king: 110 This must be known; which, being kept close, might move More grief to hide than hate to utter love. SCENE II. A Room in the Castle. [Exeunt Enter KING, QUEEN, ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN, and Attendants. King. Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern! Moreover that we much did long to see you, The need we have to use you did provoke Sith nor the exterior nor the inward man I cannot dream of. I entreat you both, That, being of so young days brought up with him, ៩. That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court Queen. Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you; To whom he more adheres. If it will please you To show us so much gentry and good will As to expend your time with us awhile, Rosencrantz. Both your majesties Might, by the sovereign power you have of us, And here give up ourselves, in the full bent To lay our service freely at your feet, To be commanded. King. Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern. Queen. Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz; And I beseech you instantly to visit My too much changed son.—Go, some of you, And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is. Guildenstern. Heavens make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpful to him! Queen. Ay, amen! [Exeunt Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and some Attendants. Enter POLONIUS. Polonius. The ambassadors from Norway, my good lord, Are joyfully return'd. King. Thou still hast been the father of good news. Polonius. Have I, my lord? Assure you, my good liege, I hold my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God and to my gracious king; And I do think, or else this brain of mine As it hath us'd to do, that I have found The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy. King. O, speak of that; that do I long to hear. Polonius. Give first admittance to the ambassadors; 41 50 My news shall be the fruit to that great feast. He tells me, my sweet queen, that he hath found Re-enter POLONIUS, with VOLTIMAND and CORNELIUS. Welcome, my good friends! Say, Voltimand, what from our brother Norway? Voltimand. Most fair return of greetings and desires. 60 Upon our first, he sent out to suppress His nephew's levies, which to him appear'd To be a preparation 'gainst the Polack, It was against your highness: whereat griev'd, Receives rebuke from Norway, and in fine To give the assay of arms against your majesty. King. It likes us well; And at our more consider'd time we 'll read, Answer, and think upon this business. 70 [Giving a paper. Meantime we thank you for your well-took labour. Go to your rest; at night we 'll feast together: 80 Most welcome home! [Exeunt Voltimand and Cornelius. Polonius. This business is well ended.— My liege, and madam, to expostulate What majesty should be, what duty is, Why day is day, night night, and time is time, And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, More matter, with less art. Mad let us grant him, then; and now remains 90 100 That we find out the cause of this effect, I have a daughter-have while she is mine- Hath given me this; now gather, and surmise. [Reads] 'To the celestial and my soul's idol, the most beautified Ophelia,' 110 That 's an ill phrase, a vile phrase; 'beautified' is a vile phrase but you shall hear. Thus: [Reads] 'In her excellent white bosom, these, etc.' Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her? Polonius. Good madam, stay awhile; I will be faithful. [Reads] 'Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love. 119 'O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers. I have not art to reckon my groans; but that I love thee best, O most best, believe it. Adieu. 'Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst this This in obedience hath my daughter shown me, As they fell out by time, by means, and place, King. Receiv'd his love? Polonius. But how hath she What do you think of me? King. As of a man faithful and honourable. 130 Polonius. I would fain prove so. But what might you think, When I had seen this hot love on the wing |