And, to the last, bended their light on me. Pol. Come, go with me: I will go seek the king. This is the very ecstasy of love; Whose violent property fordoes itself, And leads the will to desperate undertakings, That does afflict our natures. I am sorry,- His access to me. Pol. That hath made him mad. I'm sorry that with better heed and judgment I had not quoted him: I fear'd he did but trifle, And meant to wreck thee; but, beshrew my jealousy! It seems it is as proper to our age To cast beyond ourselves in our opinions, As it is common for the younger sort To lack discretion. Come, go we to the king: This must be known; which, being kept close, might move More grief to hide than hate to utter love. Come. [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. A room in the castle. Enter King, Queen, ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN, and Attendants. The need we have to use you did provoke More than his father's death, that thus hath put him I cannot dream of: I entreat you both, That, being of so young days brought up with him, Some little time: so by your companies To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather, Queen. Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of Ros. Guil. But we both obey, And here give up ourselves, in the full bent, To be commanded. you; King. Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern. And I beseech you instantly to visit My too-much-changèd 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. Ay, amen! [Exeunt Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and some Attendants. Enter POLONIUS. Pol. Th' ambassadors from Norway, my good lord, King. Thou still hast been the father of good news. I hold my duty, as I hold my soul, Both to my God and to my gracious king:(51) And I do think-or else this brain of mine Hunts not the trail of policy so sure As it hath us'd to do-that I have found King. O, speak of that; that do I long to hear. He tells me, my dear Gertrude, he hath found Queen. I doubt it is no other but the main,- Re-enter POLONIUS, with VOLTIMAND and CORnelius. Welcome, my good friends !(53) Say, Voltimand, what from our brother Norway? Upon our first, he sent out to suppress It was against your highness: whereat griev'd,— To give th' assay of arms against your majesty. King. It likes us well; And at our more consider'd time we'll read, [Gives a paper. Answer, and think upon this business. Most welcome home! Pol. [Exeunt Voltimand and Cornelius. This business is well ended. My liege, and madam,-to expostulate 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 Who, in her duty and obedience, mark, 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, phrase but you shall hear. Thus : "beautified" is a vile [Reads. "In her excellent-white bosom, these," &c.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 This, in obedience, hath my daughter shown me : As they fell out by time, by means, and place, King. As of a man faithful and honourable. Pol. I would fain prove so. think, But what might you When I had seen this hot love on the wing,- Before my daughter told me,—what might you, Or given my heart a winking, mute and dumb; What might you think? No, I went round to work, And all we mourn 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. Not that I know. |