ACT ONE - SCENE 2 (I.2) (Official hall in the castle) (Enter King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Prince Hamlet, Voltimand, Cornelius, Polonius with his son Laertes, and others)

CLAUDIUS Although the memory of the loss of Hamlet, my beloved brother, is still fresh, and our hearts should be steeped in mourning with the entire kingdom gloomy from the heavy sorrow, yet, behold, reason has triumphed over nature, and now with prudent sadness we remember him without neglecting ourselves. Therefore, I took as my wife my late sister-in-law and now queen, co-ruler on the throne of our majestic state. But my joy was mixed with sorrow, one eye wept while the other laughed; the wedding was a funeral and the funeral a wedding, with equal measures of grief and joy.

And, of course, I did not oppose your wise counsel, which freely supported my action. Therefore, I thank you all. Now, to another matter: as you know, young Fortinbras - not valuing our strength or thinking that the death of my dear brother paralyzed the state and dissolved the country, with the dream that he somehow excels, continues to annoy us, requesting through messages that we return the lands rightfully lost by his father and won by my brave brother.

That is his matter. As for us and the purpose for which I called you, the issue is as follows: I have ready the letter for the King of Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras, who is incapacitated, bedridden, and has no idea of his nephew's plans, in which I ask him to halt the young man's activities, for the enlistments, recruitments, and preparations are all taking place within his territory.

Therefore, I send you, dear Cornelius, and you, Voltimand, to the old Norwegian to deliver this letter with my greetings. This only, for you have no authority for negotiations with the king: you will do only what is specified in detail in this document. Farewell: your speed will show your zeal.