Act IV
Scene 2
SETTING: A room in the castle
(CLAUDIUS, ROSENCRANTZ, and GUILDENSTERN enter)
CLAUDIUS
I don’t like the way he’s acting; he’s getting crazier by the hour and I can’t risk the danger. His insanity has gotten out of control. Get prepared. I’m sending both of you to England on diplomatic business, and Hamlets going with you.
GUILDENSTERN
We’ll take care of it. It’s our sacred duty to protect the lives of all those who depend on Your Highness.
ROSENCRANTZ
Everyone tries to avoid harm, but the public figure demands even more protection. When a great leader dies he doesn’t die alone, like a whirlpool, draws others with him. Whenever a king sighs, everyone groans.
CLAUDIUS
Go prepare yourself for the trip. We’ll put a leash on this danger that’s now run rampant.
ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN
(they kneel)
Yes, my lord.
(they rise)
(ROSENCRANTZ and GUILDENSTERN exit)
(POLONIUS enters)
POLONIUS
My lord, Hamlet’s going to his mother’s closet chamber. I’ll hide behind the tapestry to hear what they say. I bet she’ll give him an earful. And as you said(and you said it wisely), it’s good having someone other than a mother listening, since she can be too partial to him. Goodbye, my lord. I’ll stop in before you go to bed, and tell you what I’ve heard.
CLAUDIUS
Thank you, lord Polonius.
(POLONIUS exits)
Oh, why is this so rotten it stinks to high heaven? I can’t pray, though I want too desperately. My guilt is stronger even than my intentions. And like a person with two opposite things to do at once, I stand paralyzed and neglect them both. So what if this cursed hand of mine will be coated in blood. Isn’t there enough rain in heaven to wash it clean as snow? Isn’t that what God’s mercy is for? And doesn’t prayer serve these two purposes—to keep us from sinning and to bring us forgiveness when we have sinned? But what kind of prayer is there for me? “Dear Lord, forgive me for this murder”? Can a person be forgiven and still keep the fruits of their crime? So what can I do? What is there left to do? Offer whatever repentance I can—that couldn’t hurt. But it can’t help either! Oh, what a lousy place I’m in. My heart’s as black as death. My soul is stuck to sin, and the more it struggles to break free, the more it sticks. Help me, angels! C’mon, make an effort. Bend stubborn knees.
(he kneels)
(HAMLET enters)
HAMLET
He’s praying.
(he draws out his sword)
And there he goes, off to heaven. And that’s my revenge. Is it really revenge for me if I kill Claudius right when he is confessing his sins, in perfect condition for a trip to heaven?
(he puts his sword away)
The king’s trying to cure himself with prayer, but all he’s done is keep himself alive a little longer.
(HAMLET exits)
CLAUDIUS
(rises)
My words fly up toward heaven, but my thoughts stay down here on earth. Words without thoughts behind them never make it there.
(CLAUDIUS exits)
(END OF SCENE)
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