OpEdNews - Article: Hamlet Adaptation (Act 1, Scene 2)

ACT 1, SCENE 2

                                   (Enter CLAUDIUS, GERTRUDE and council,
                                   including VOLTEMAND, CORNELIUS,
                                   POLONIUS, LAERTES, and HAMLET.)

                                   CLAUDIUS
            Even though the death of King Hamlet is still present in our
            minds, we must carry on. We must remember our
            responsibilities as royals, and our duty to the kingdom. The
            Queen and I have taken the lot life has presented and played
            it in an attempt to benefit us all. To benefit and fortify
            us in this time of war. It's bittersweet to be sure, but we
            are to live it and move forward. Young Fortinbras presumes
            we're preoccupied and disjointed, and he's gathering
            mercenaries, planning to attempt to retake what his father
            lost--what King Hamlet rightfully won. (Taking out a
            document) We've written to the bedridden King of Norway
            asking him to block his nephew from proceeding any further.
            Cornelius, Voltemand, take this notice, and take it quickly.

                                   CORNELIUS & VOLTEMAND
            Yes my lord.

                                   CLAUDIUS
            A hearty farewell to you.

                                   (Cornelius and Voltemand bow and exit.)

                                   CLAUDIUS
                          (to Laertes)
            And now Laertes, what is your request? The head couldn't be
            more closely related to the heart, nor the hand more
            instrumental to the mouth, as your father is to the throne.
            There's nothing reasonable you could request that will not be
            granted. What is your wish?

                                   LAERTES
            My lord, I would like permission to return to where I came
            from. I willingly came to Denmark to show my duty to your
            coronation, and with that done, my thoughts and desires bend
            back to France.

                                   CLAUDIUS
            And you have your father's blessings? Polonius, what do you
            say?

                                   POLONIUS
            He's pleaded with me, and of course I'd rather have him near,
            but please, grant him leave to go.

                                   CLAUDIUS
            Very well. Enjoy yourself Laertes, off to France with you.

                                   (Laertes bows and exits.)

                                   CLAUDIUS (CONT'D)
            And now, Hamlet, my cousin, my son--

                                   HAMLET
                          (as an aside)
            A little more than kin, and less than kind.

                                   CLAUDIUS
            How is it that the clouds still hang on you?

                                   HAMLET
            Not so my lord, I'm too much in the sun.

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