Hamlet

Polonius

Hamlet is on his way. You must really let him have it. Tell him you’re not putting up with his troublemaking, and that you’ve been protecting him from Claudius’s anger. I’ll be quiet now. For God's sake, be strict with him.

Gertrude

Don’t worry about me, I’ll be strict with him. Hide, I hear him coming.

[Polonius conceals himself behind the curtain. Hamlet enters.]

Hamlet

Now mother, what's the matter?

Claudius

I don’t like whatever Hamlet is up to, nor is it safe for me to let this madman run free. Get yourselves ready for a voyage; your orders are being drawn up right now. You’re going to England, and you’re taking him with you. Someone in my position can’t put up with this dangerous insanity, which grows worse by the minute.

Guildenstern

We’ll get ready for the trip. As God’s chosen ruler, it’s your sacred duty to protect the many people who depend on you.

Hamlet
[Hamlet picks up two paintings]
Look here upon this picture, and on this, 
The counterfeit presentment of two brothers.
[Pointing to the picture of King Hamlet]
See what a grace was seated on his brow:
Hyperion's curls, the front of Jove himself,
An eye like Mars to threaten or command,
A station like the herald Mercury 
New lighted on a heaven-kissing hill;
A combination and a form indeed
Where every god did seem to set his seal
To give the world assurance of a man.
This was your husband. Look you now what follows.

Hamlet

Welcome, good friends. [To a young actor] Oh, my old friend!
Thy face is valanced since I saw thee last. Com'st
thou to beard me in Denmark? [To a young boy actor] What,
my young lady and mistress! By'r lady, your ladyship is nearer
heaven than when I saw you last, by the altitude of a chopine. 
Pray God your voice, like a piece of uncurrent gold, be not
cracked within the ring.  [To all]  Masters, you are all 
welcome. We'll e'en to't like French falconers — fly at
anything we see. We'll have a speech straight. Come, give
us a taste of your quality. Come, a passionate speech.

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