So, by my former lecture and advice, Rey. My lord, I have. How now, Ophelia ! what's the matter? Oph. Alas, my lord, I have been so affrighted! Oph. My lord, as I was sewing in my chamber, 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. Pol. Mad for thy love? Oph. But, truly, I do fear it. Pol. My lord, I do not know; What said he? Oph. 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, He falls to such perusal of my face As he would draw it. Long stay'd he so; And thrice his head thus waving up and down,— That it did seem to shatter all his bulk, And end his being: that done, he lets me go: 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. SCENE II. The same. A room in the castle. [Exeunt. Enter King, Queen, ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN, and Attendants. Resembles that it was. What it should be, 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, And since so neighbour'd to his youth and humour, you vouchsafe your rest here in our court That Some little time: so by your companies 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. Queen. Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz : 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! [Exeunt Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and some Attendants. Enter POLONIUS. 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 liege, 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 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? To give th' assay of arms against your majesty. As therein are set down. It likes us well; King. [Gives a paper. Answer, and think upon this business. Meantime we thank you for your well-took labour: 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 I have a daughter,-have whilst she is mine, [Reads. Who, in her duty and obedience, mark, 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. Thus : "In her excellent-white bosom, these," &c. Queen. Came this from Hamlet to her? [Reads. 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 |