Page 251 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

So levied, as before, against the Polack, [75]
With an entreaty, herein further shown,
[Gives a paper.]
That it might please you to give quiet pass

Through your dominions for this enterprise
On such regards of safety and allowance
As therein are set down.

KING
It likes us well; [80]

And at our more consider’d time we’ll read,
Answer, and think upon this business.
Meantime, we thank you for your well-took labour.
Go to your rest, at night we’ll feast together.
Most welcome home.

Exeunt Voltemand and Cornelius.

POLONIUS
This business is well ended. [85]
My liege and madam, to expostulate
What majesty should be, what duty is,

Why day is day, night night, and time is time,
Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time.
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, [90]
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,

I will be brief. Your noble son is mad.
Mad call I it, for to define true madness,
What is’t but to be nothing else but mad?
But let that go.

QUEEN

More matter with less art. [95]

POLONIUS

Madam, I swear I use no art at all.
That he is mad ’tis true; ’tis true ’tis pity;
And pity ’tis ’tis true. A foolish figure −
But farewell it, for I will use no art.