Both you and the king might have ordered us to execute your
command, instead of asking us so politely.
GUILDENSTERN
But we both obey
30
And here give up ourselves, in the full bent,
To lay our service freely at your feet
To be commanded.
GUILDENSTERN
But we'll obey. Our services are entirely at your
command.
CLAUDIUS
Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern.
CLAUDIUS
Thanks, Rosencrantz and worthy Guildenstern.
GERTRUDE
Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz.
35
And I beseech you instantly to visit
My too much changèd son. Go, some of you,
And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is.
GERTRUDE
Thanks, Guildenstern and worthy Rosencrantz.
I beg you to pay a visit right away to my son, who's
changed too much. Servants, take these gentlemen to see
Hamlet.
GUILDENSTERN
Heavens make our presence and our practices
Pleasant and helpful to him!
GUILDENSTERN
I hope to God we can make him happy and do him some good!
GERTRUDE
Ay, amen!
GERTRUDE
Amen to that!
Exeunt ROSENCRANTZ and
GUILDENSTERN, escorted by attendants
ROSENCRANTZ and
GUILDENSTERN exit, escorted by
attendants.
Enter POLONIUS
POLONIUS enters.
POLONIUS
40
Th' ambassadors from Norway, my good lord,
Are joyfully returned.
POLONIUS
The ambassadors are back from Norway, sir.
CLAUDIUS
Thou still hast been the father of good news.
CLAUDIUS
Once again you bring good news.
POLONIUS
Have I, my lord? I assure my good liege,
I hold my duty as I hold my soul,
45
Both to my God and to my gracious king.
And I do think—or else this brain of mine
Hunts not the trail of policy so sure
POLONIUS
Do I, sir? I assure your majesty I'm only doing my duty
both to my God and my good king. And I believe—unless
this brain of mine is not so politically cunning
