_King._ Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern![640][641] Moreover that we much did long to see you, The need we have to use you did provoke Our hasty sending. Something have you heard[642] Of Hamlet's transformation; so call it,[643] 5 Sith nor the exterior nor the inward man[644] Resembles that it was. What it should be, More than his father's death, that thus hath put him So much from th' understanding of himself, I cannot dream of: I entreat you both,[645] 10 That, being of so young days brought up with him And sith so neighbour'd to his youth and haviour,[646] That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court Some little time: so by your companies To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather 15 So much as from occasion you may glean,[647] Whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus,[648] That open'd lies within our remedy.[649] _Queen._ Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you, And sure I am two men there are not living[650] 20 To whom he more adheres. If it will please you To show us so much gentry and good will[651] As to expend your time with us awhile[652] For the supply and profit of our hope, Your visitation shall receive such thanks[653] 25 As fits a king's remembrance. _Ros._ Both your majesties Might, by the sovereign power you have of us,[654] Put your dread pleasures more into command Than to entreaty. _Guil._ But we both obey,[655] And here give up ourselves, in the full bent 30 To lay our service freely at your feet,[656] To be commanded.[657] _King._ Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern.[640][641] _Queen._ Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz:[640][641] And I beseech you instantly to visit 35 My too much changed son. Go, some of you,[658] And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is.[659] _Guil._ Heavens make our presence and our practices Pleasant and helpful to him! _Queen._ Ay, amen! [_Exeunt Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and some Attendants._[660] _Enter_ POLONIUS. _Pol._ The ambassadors from Norway, my good lord, 40 Are joyfully return'd. _King._ Thou still hast been the father of good news. _Pol._ Have I, my lord? I assure my good liege,[661] I hold my duty as I hold my soul, Both to my God and to my gracious king:[662] 45 And I do think, or else this brain of mine Hunts not the trail of policy so sure[663] As it hath used to do, that I have found[664] The very cause of Hamlet's lunacy. _King._ O, speak of that; that do I long to hear.[665] 50