Chapter 12

_Enter_ KING, ROSENCRANTZ _and_ GUILDENSTERN (R.H.)

_King._ I like him not; nor stands it safe with us[107] To let his madness range. Therefore prepare you; I your commission will forthwith despatch, And he to England shall along with you: Arm you, I pray you, to this speedy voyage; For we will fetters put upon this fear,[108] Which now goes too free-booted.

_Ros._ } } We will haste us. _Guil._}

[_Cross behind the_ KING, _and exeunt_ ROSENCRANTZ _and_ GUILDENSTERN, L.H.]

_Enter_ POLONIUS (R.H.)

_Pol._ My lord, he's going to his mother's closet: Behind the arras I'll convey myself,[109] To hear the process;[110] I'll warrant, she'll tax him home: And, as you said, and wisely was it said, 'Tis meet that some more audience than a mother, Since nature makes them partial, should o'erhear The speech of vantage.[111] Fare you well, my liege:

[POLONIUS _crosses to_ L.H.]

I'll call upon you ere you go to bed, And tell you what I know.

_King._ Thanks, dear my lord.

[_Exeunt_ POLONIUS, L.H., _and_ KING, R.H.]