To shew us so much gentry and good will Rosencrantz. Both your Majesties Might, by the sovereign power you have of us, Guildenstern. [But] we both obey; 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, And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is. Heavens make our presence, and our prac Guil. tices, Pol. Th' 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 I hold my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God, and to my gracious King: As it hath us'd tọ 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? His nephew's levies; which to him appear'd 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, Answer, and think upon this business: Meantime, we thank you for your well-took labour. Go to your rest; at night we'll feast together: 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 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," &c. Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her? Pol. ful. Good Madam, stay a while; I will be faith “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; 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 |