I cannot deem of: I entreat you both, That, being of so young days brought up with him, And, since, so neighbour'd to his youth and humour, That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court To draw him on to pleasures; and to gather, That, open'd, lies within our remedy. Queen. Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you; And, sure I am, two men there are not living Ros. Both your majesties Might, by the sovereign power you have of us, Put your dread pleasures more into command Than to entreaty. Guil. But we both obey; And here give up ourselves, in the full bent, To be commanded. King. Thanks, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern. and gentle 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. Guil. Heavens make our presence, and our practices, Pleasant and helpful to him! Queen. Amen! [Exeunt Ros., GUIL., and some Attendants. Enter POLONIUS. Pol. The ambassadors from Norway, my good lord, Are joyfully return'd. King. Thou still hast been the father of good news. Pol. Have I, my lord? Assure you, my good liege, I hold my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God, one to my gracious king: King. O, speak of that; that I do long to hear. Pol. Give first admittance to the ambassadors; My news shall be the fruit to that great feast. King. Thyself do grace to them, and bring [Exit POLONIUS. them in. He tells me, my sweet queen, that he hath found The head and source of all your son's distemper. Queen. I doubt, it is no other but the main ; His father's death, and our o'erhasty marriage. King. Well, we shall sift him. Re-enter POLONIUS, with VOLTIMAND and CORNELIUS. Welcome, good friends! Say, Voltimand, what from our brother Nor way? Volt. Most fair return of greetings and desires. Upon our first, he sent out to suppress It was against your highness: whereat grieved,- To give the assay of arms against your majesty. King. Mean time, we thank you for your well-took labour: Go to your rest; at night we'll feast together: Most welcome home! Pol. [Exeunt VOLTIMAND and CORNELIUS. This business is well ended. My liege, and madam, to expostulate What majesty should be, what duty is, And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief: your noble son is mad: Queen. Mad let us grant him then and now remains, 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, 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. Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her? Pol. 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. 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 machine is to him, HAMLET. This, in obedience, hath my daughter show'd me: And more above, hath his solicitings, As they fell out by time, by means, and place, All given to mine ear. King. Received his love? Pol. But how hath she What do you think of me? King. As of a man faithful and honourable. Pol. I would fain prove so. But what might you think, When I had seen this hot love on the wing, Before my daughter told me,) what might you, What might you think? No, I went round to work, And my young mistress thus I did bespeak; This must not be: and then I precepts gave her, Thence to a watch; thence into a weakness; And all we wail for. King. Do you think 'tis this? Queen. It may be ; very likely. Pol. Hath there been such a time, (I'd fain know that,) |