Scene Two
[A Room in the Castle]
Enter King, Queen, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, with others.
King. Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern!
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
Of Hamlet's transformation; so I call it, 5
Since nor the exterior nor the inward man
Resembles that it was. What it should be
More than his father's death, that thus hath put him 8
So much from the understanding of himself,
I cannot dream of: I entreat you both,
That, being of so young days brought up with him,
And since so neighbour'd to his youth and humour, 12
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,
So much as from occasion you may glean, 16
[Whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus,]
That, open'd, lies within our remedy.
Queen. Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you;
And sure I am two men there are not living 20
To whom he more adheres. If it will please you
To show us so much gentry and good will
As to expend your time with us awhile,
For the supply and profit of our hope, 24
11 of so young days: from such early youth
12 neighbour'd . . . humour: near in age and temperament
13 vouchsafe your rest: please to reside
18 open'd: revealed
22 gentry: courtesy
24 supply and profit: aid and successful outcome
