(Enter King, Queen, Polonius [with
BOOK], Ophelia, Rosencrantz,
Guildenstern)
CLAUDIUS
(to Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern)
So you've gotten nothing from the prince as to why he's
acting the way he is?
ROSENCRANTZ
He confesses feeling distracted and troubled--but the exact
cause? He will not say.
He evades any deep discussion with jokes and questions to
questions.
GERTRUDE
But he did welcome you, he was genuinely pleased to see you,
was he not?
ROSENCRANTZ
Yes, he was your majesty.
GUILDENSTERN
It appeared to take some effort to shift his disposition, but
then we got along just as we have in the past.
GERTRUDE
And what are your plans to entertain him? I want him
distracted from his distraction.
ROSENCRANTZ
As it turns out Madam, we happened upon some players--
POLONIUS
That is correct, and I was to inform your majesty shortly: a
troupe of actors have paid visit, and the prince has
commissioned them to perform this evening. He would like the
King and Queen to attend.
CLAUDIUS
Excellent.
GERTRUDE
This pleases me too. Dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern go to
him again now, and let him know we are pleased, and that we
will be in attendance tonight.
(Rosencrantz and Guildenstern bow and
exit.)
GERTRUDE (CONT'D)
Now, as to the plan to better understand the disposition of
the prince--Ophelia--I do hope your beauty is the true cause
of his wildness. And in which case, I pray your charms can
calm him and restore both your honors.
OPHELIA
Madam, I dearly hope so too.
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