Scene Two.—A ROOM IN THE SAME.

***

Enter King, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (R.H.)

King. I like him not; nor stands it safe with us

To let his madness range. Therefore prepare you;

I your commission will forthwith despatch,

And he to England shall along with you:

Arm you, I pray you, to this speedy voyage;

For we will fetters put upon this fear,

Which now goes too free-booted.

Ros.

Guil.

We will haste us.

[Cross behind the King, and exeunt Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, L.H.]

Enter Polonius (R.H.)

Pol. My lord, he’s going to his mother’s closet:

Behind the arras I’ll convey myself,

To hear the process; I’ll warrant, she’ll tax him home:

And, as you said, and wisely was it said,

‘Tis meet that some more audience than a mother,

Since nature makes them partial, should o’erhear

The speech of vantage. Fare you well, my liege:

[Polonius crosses to L.H.]

I’ll call upon you ere you go to bed,

And tell you what I know.

King.

Thanks, dear my lord.

[Exeunt Polonius, L.H., and King, R.H.]