Page 248 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Our hasty sending. Something have you heard
Of Hamlet’s transformation − so I call it, [5]
Sith nor th’exterior nor the inward man
Resembles that it was. What it should be,

More than his father’s death, that thus hath put him
So much from th’understanding of himself
I cannot dream of. I entreat you both [10]
That, being of so young days brought up with him,

And sith so neighbour’d to his youth and haviour,
That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
Some little time, so by your companies
To draw him on to pleasures and to gather, [15]

So much as from occasion you may glean,
Whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus
That, open’d, lies within our remedy.

QUEEN
Good gentlemen, he hath much talk’d of you,

And sure I am, two men there is not living [20]
To whom he more adheres. If it will please you
To show us so much gentry and good will
As to expend your time with us awhile
For the supply and profit of our hope,

Your visitation shall receive such thanks [25]
As fits a king’s remembrance.

ROSENCRANTZ
Both your Majesties
Might, by the sovereign power you have of us,

Put your dread pleasures more into command
Than to entreaty.

GUILDENSTERN
But we both obey,
And here give up ourselves in the full bent [30]
To lay our service freely at your feet

To be commanded.