Finally, after shaking my arm a little, and jerking his head up
and down three times, he sighed like it was his last breath. After
that he let me go. He left the room with his head turned back on me,
finding his way out without looking, since his eyes were on me the
whole time.
POLONIUS
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
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As oft as any passion under heaven
That does afflict our natures. I am sorry.
What, have you given him any hard words of late?
POLONIUS
Come with me. I'll go tell the king about this. This is
definitely love-craziness. Love is such a violent emotion that it
makes people self-destruct, as much as any strong emotion.
I'm so sorry. Did you tell him anything that might have
hurt his feelings lately?
OPHELIA
No, my good lord. But as you did command
I did repel his fetters and denied
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His access to me.
OPHELIA
No, father, but I did what you told me to do and sent back his
letters and wouldn't let him visit me.
POLONIUS
That hath made him mad.
I am sorry that with better heed and judgment
I had not quoted him. I feared he did but trifle
And meant to wreck thee. But beshrew my jealousy!
By heaven, it is as proper to our age
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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.
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Come.
POLONIUS
That's what made him crazy. I regret not observing him
more closely before I told you to do that. I thought he was just
toying with you and meant to ruin your reputation. Damn my
suspicious thoughts! It's as common for us old people to
assume we know more than we do as for young people to be too wild
and crazy. Come on, let's go see the king.
We've got to discuss this matter, which could cause more
trouble if we keep it secret than if we discuss it openly.
