OpEdNews - Article: Hamlet Adaptation (Act 1, Scene 3)

            ACT 1, SCENE 3

                                   (Laertes and OPHELIA enter.)

                                   LAERTES
            I'm all set to go. Please make sure you write me.

                                   OPHELIA
            Of course I will.

                                   LAERTES
            As for Hamlet and his interest in you, don't take it for
            anything more than flirtation.

                                   OPHELIA
            It's nothing more than that?

                                   LAERTES
            That's not entirely it. Maybe he does love you now, and
            maybe his intentions are true--but remember--he's not his own
            master. He can't carve out a life like you or I because his
            life is attached to the state. He's subject to his birth.
            If he says he loves you, believe it if you will, but his fate
            is more complex than his maturity yet comprehends. You risk
            not only your heart, but your honor. Stay out of range. Out
            of the danger of desire. For now, unmask your beauty to the
            moon. Your time will come. It's just happened so many times
            where the promise of an entire life is corrupted by simple
            misunderstandings in youth. Please be careful.

                                   OPHELIA
            I'll take what you're saying to heart, just make sure your
            not a preacher who points out a road to heaven while you
            yourself blaze a trail of indulgence.

                                   LAERTES
            Don't worry about me.

                                   (Polonius enters.)

                                   LAERTES (CONT'D)
            But I should be off--

                                   POLONIUS
                          (to Laertes)
            Are you still here? What are you doing? The wind's just
            right--they're waiting for you.

                                   LAERTES
            I'm just on my way.

                                   POLONIUS
            Remember what I told you?

                                   LAERTES
            Yes father.

                                   POLONIUS
            Don't give your thoughts a tongue, keep your opinions to
            yourself.

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