I think (or else this brain of mine
Hunts not the trail of policy[9] so sure
As it hath us'd to do), that I have found
The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy.

_King._ (C.) O, speak of that; that do I long to hear.

_Pol._ (L.C.) My liege, and madam, to expostulate[10]
What majesty should be, what duty is,
Why day is day, night night, and time is time,
Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time;
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,--
I will be brief:--Your noble son is mad:
Mad call I it; for, to define true madness,
What is't, but to be nothing else but mad?
But let that go.

_Queen._ (R.C.) More matter, with less art.

_Pol._ Madam, I swear I use no art at all.
That he is mad, 'tis true: 'tis true 'tis pity;
And pity 'tis, 'tis true: a foolish figure;
But farewell it, for I will use no art.
Mad let us grant him, then: and now remains
That we find out the cause of this effect,
Or, rather say, the cause of this defect,
For this effect defective comes by cause:
Thus it remains, and the remainder thus,
Perpend.[11]
I have a daughter, have, while she is mine,
Who, in her duty and obedience, mark,
Hath given me this: Now gather, and surmise.

[Reads] _To the celestial, and my soul's idol, the most beautified
Ophelia,--_[12]

That's an ill phrase, a vile phrase, _beautified_ is a vile phrase:
but you shall hear. Thus:

_In her excellent white bosom,[13] these_, &c.[14]

_Queen._ Came this from Hamlet to her?

_Pol._ Good madam, stay awhile; I will be faithful.--
[_Reads._]

_Doubt thou the stars are fire;_
_Doubt thou the sun doth move;_
_Doubt truth to be a liar;_
_But never doubt, I love._

_O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers;[15] I have not art to
reckon my groans: but that I love thee best, O most best,[16]
believe it. Adieu._

_Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst this machine is to him_,[17]
Hamlet.

This, in obedience, hath my daughter shown me:
And more above,[18] hath his solicitings,[19]
As they fell out by time, by means, and place,
All given to my ear.

_King._ But how hath she
Receiv'd his love?

_Pol._ What do you think of me?

_King._ As of a man faithful and honourable.

_Pol._ I would fain prove so. But what might you think,
When I had seen this h