As therein are set down.(gives
CLAUDIUS a document
The old king was so overjoyed by this promise that he gave young
Fortinbras an annual income of three thousand crowns
and permission to lead his soldiers into Poland, asking you
officially in this letter to allow his troops to pass through your
kingdom on their way to Poland. He's assuring you of your
safety.(he gives CLAUDIUS
a document
CLAUDIUS
It likes us well,
And at our more considered time we'll read,
Answer, and think upon this business.
Meantime we thank you for your well-took labor.
85
Go to your rest. At night we'll feast together.
Most welcome home!
CLAUDIUS
I like this news, and when I have time I'll read this
and think about how to reply. Meanwhile, thank you for your efforts.
Go relax now. Tonight we'll have dinner. Welcome
back!
Exeunt VOLTEMAND and
CORNELIUS
VOLTEMAND and
CORNELIUS exit.
POLONIUS
This business is well ended.
My liege and madam, to expostulate
What majesty should be, what duty is,
90
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
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief: your noble son is mad.
95
Mad call I it, for, to define true madness,
What is 't but to be nothing else but mad?
But let that go.
POLONIUS
Well, that turned out well in the end. Sir and madam, to make
grand speeches about what majesty is, what service is, or why day is
day, night is night, and time is time is just a waste of a lot of
day, night, and time. Therefore, since the essence of wisdom is not
talking too much, I'll get right to the point here. Your
son is crazy. “Crazy” I'm calling
it, since how can you say what craziness is except to say that
it's craziness? But that's another
story.
GERTRUDE
More matter, with less art.
GERTRUDE
Please, stick to the point.
POLONIUS
Madam, I swear I use no art at all.
100
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.
Mad let us grant him then. And now remains
POLONIUS
Madam, I'm doing nothing but sticking to the point.
It's true he's crazy, and it's a
shame it's true, and it's truly a shame
he's crazy—but now I sound foolish, so
I'll get right to the point.
