I hold my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God, and to my gracious King: As it hath us'd to do,) that I have found King. O, speak of that; that do I long to hear. Pol. Give first admittance to th' ambassadors; My news shall be the fruit to that great feast. King. Thyself do grace to them, and bring them in. [Exit POLONIUS. 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. Enter POLONIUS, with VOLTIMAND and CORNELIUS. King. Well, we shall sift him. Welcome, my good friends. Say, Voltimand, what from our brother Norway? It was against your Highness: whereat griev'd, — So levied as before, against the Polack; [Giving a paper. That it might please you to give quiet pass King. It likes us well; And, at our more consider'd time, we'll read, Meantime, we thank you for your well-took labour. Pol. [Exeunt VOLTIMAND and CORNELIUS. My Liege, and Madam; to expostulate Why day is day, night, night, and time is time, Queen. More matter, with less art. Pol. Madam, I swear, I use no art at all. That he is mad, 'tis true: 'tis true 'tis pity, And pity 'tis 'tis true: a foolish figure; But farewell it, for I will use no art. Mad let us grant him, then; and now remains, Perpend. I have a daughter; have, whilst she is mine; Hath given me this. Now gather, and surmise. [Reads. "To the celestial, and my soul's idol, the most beau tified 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," &c.. Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her? ful. "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." This in obedience hath my daughter shewn me; And more above, hath his solicitings, 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. think, When I had seen this hot love on the wing, Or given my heart a winking, mute and dumb; Or look'd upon this love with idle sight; What might you think? no, I went round to work, 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, That I have positively said, 'Tis so,' When it prov'd otherwise? King. Pol. Take this from this, if this be otherwise. Not that I know. [Pointing to his head and shoulder. If circumstances lead me, I will find Where truth is hid, though it were hid indeed Within the centre. King. How may we try it farther. Pol. You know, sometimes he walks four hours Queen. So he does, indeed. Pol. At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him : Be you and I behind an arras, then: Mark the encounter; if he love her not, Let me be no assistant for a state, But keep a farm and carters. King. We will try it. Enter HAMLET, reading a book. Queen. But, look, where sadly the poor wretch comes reading. Pol. Away! I do beseech you, both away. I'll board him presently: [Exeunt King, Queen, and Attendants. O, give me leave. How does my good Lord Hamlet? Ham. Well, God-'a-mercy. Pol. Do you know me, my lord? Ham. Excellent, excellent well; y'are a fishmonger. Pol. Not I, my lord. Ham. Then, I would you were so honest a man. Pol. Honest, my lord? Ham. Ay, sir: to be honest, as this world goes, is to be one man pick'd out of ten thousand. Pol. That's very true, my lord. Have Ham. [Reading.] "For if the sun breed maggots in a dead dog, being a god kissing carrion," you a daughter? Pol. I have, my lord. Ham. Let her not walk i' th' sun: conception is a blessing; but not as your daughter may conceive: friend, look to't. Pol. [Aside.] How say you by that? Still harping |