How now Ophelia, what's the matter? Ophe. Alas my Lord, I have been so affrighted. No hat upon his head, his stockings foul'd, As if he had been loosed out of hell, To speak of horrors: he comes before me. Polon. Mad for thy Love? Ophe. My Lord, I do not know: but truly I do fear it. Polon. What said he? Ophe. He took me by the wrist, and held me hard; Then goes he to the length of all his arm; And with his other hand thus o'er his brow, As he would draw it. Long stay'd he so, And thrice his head thus waving up and down; Whose violent property fordoes it self, That does afflict our Natures. I am sorry, What have you given him any hard words of late? Ophe. No my good Lord: but as you did command, I did repel his Letters, and denied His access to me. Pol. That hath made him mad. I am sorry that with better speed and judgment I had not quoted him. I fear he did but trifle, And meant to wreck thee: but beshrew my jealousy : To cast beyond our selves 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 Scena Secunda. Exeunt. Enter King, Queen, Rosincrane, and Guildensterne Cumaliis. More than his Fathers death, that thus hath put him I cannot deem of. I entreat you both, That being of so young days brought up with him : Qu. Good Gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you, As to expend your time with us a-while, Rosin. Both your Majesties Might by the Sovereign power you have of us, Guil. We both obey, And here give up our selves, in the full bent, To be commanded. King. Thanks Rosincrance, and gentle Guildensterne. Qu. Thanks Guildensterne and gentle Rosincrance. And I beseech you instantly to visit My too much changed Son. Go some of ye, And bring the Gentlemen where Hamlet is. Guil. Heavens make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpful to him. Queen. Amen. 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, one to my gracious King: The very cause of Hamlets Lunacy. King. Oh speak of that, that I do long to hear. My News shall be the News to that great Feast. Exit. He tells me my sweet Queen, that he hath found Qu. I doubt it is no other, but the main, Enter Polonius, Voltumand, and Cornelius. King. Well, we shall sift him. Welcome good Frends: Upon our first, he sent out to suppress His Nephews Levies, which to him appear'd : It was against your Highness, whereat grieved, So levied as before, against the Polack : King. It likes us well: And at our more consider'd time we'll read, Answer, and think upon this Business. Mean time we thank you, for your well-took Labour. Go to your rest, at night we'll Feast together. Most welcome home. Pol. This business is very well ended. My Liege, and Madam, to expostulate Exit Ambass. What Majesty should be, what Duty is, Why day is day; night, night; and time is time. And tediousness, the limbs and outward flourishes, Mad call I it; for to define true Madness, Qu. 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 it is true: A foolish figure, But farewell it: for I will use no Art. Mad let us grant him then and now remains Or rather say, the cause of this defect; Thus it remains, and the remainder thus. Perpend, Hath given me this: now gather, and surmise. The Letter. To the Celestial, and my Souls 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. Qu. 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. O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these Numbers: I have not Art to reckon my groans; but that I love thee best, oh most Best believe it. Adieu. Thine evermore most dear Lady, whilst this Machine is to him, Hamlet. |