SCENE II.-A Room in the Castle. Enter KING, Queen, Rosencrantz, GUILDENSTERN, and Attendants. King. Welcome, dear Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern! Moreover that we much did long to see you, That, being of so young days brought up with him, Whether aught, to us unknown, afflicts him thus, Queen. Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you; And, sure I am, two men there are not living To whom he more adheres. If it will please you Ros. Both your majesties Might, by the sovereign power you have of us, Put your dread pleasures more into command Than to entreaty. And here give up ourselves, in the full bent, To be commanded. King. Thanks, Rosencrantz, and gentle Guilden stern. Queen. Thanks, Guildenstern, and gentle Rosen crantz : And I beseech you instantly to visit My too much changed son. Go, some of you, 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: And I do think (or else this brain of mine King. O, speak of that; that I do long to hear. Queen. I doubt, it is no other but the main; His father's death, and our o'erhasty marriage. Re-enter POLONIUS, with VOLTIMAND and CORnelius. King. Well, we shall sift him.-Welcome, good Say, Voltimand, what from our brother Norway? His nephew's levies, which to him appear'd It was against your highness: Whereat griev'd,— So levied as before, against the Polack; With an entreaty, herein further shown, [Gives a paper. King. It likes us well; Mean time, we thank you for your well-took labour : Most welcome home! [Exeunt VOLT. and CORN. What majesty should be, what duty is, Why day is day, night, night, and time is time, Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, Queen. More matter, with less art. Pol. Madam, I swear, I use no art at all. Mad let us grant him then and now remains, I have a daughter; have, whilst she is mine; Hath given me this: Now gather, and surmise. -"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. "These. In her excellent white bosom, these."a Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her? Pol. Good madam, stay awhile; I will be faithful. "Doubt thou, the stars are fire; Doubt, that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt, I love. [Reads. 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." a The ladies of Elizabeth's day, and much later, wore a small pocket in the front of their stays. This, in obedience, hath my daughter showed me: As they fell out by time, by means, and place, King. Receiv'd 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, (As I perceiv'd it, I must tell you that, What might you think? no, I went round to work, And all we wail for. King. Do you think 't is this? Queen. It may be, very likely. Pol. Hath there been such a time, (I'd fain know that,) That I have positively said, ""T is so," When it prov'd otherwise? King. Not that I know. |