Act 1

Scene 3

Laertes: I am packed and ready to leave. Goodbye. Instead of sleeping, write me letters if the ships continue to sail between Denmark and England.
Ophelia: Don't doubt that I will.
Laertes: All of these things Hamlet has done makes him immature. He is like a young violet and will overwhelm you now, but his love will not last long.
Ophelia: Why?
Laertes: Don't think of it anymore. You will grow up and mature. Nothing will convince you that he doesn't love you, but you must fear him because he is a prince. Princes can do what ever they want. He is bound by status to do what a prince has to do. Denmark depends on his choices, and even his choices are restricted. If you believe Hamlet, he will betray you. Don't believe him just because he is the prince. Decide what is more important to you: losing your dignity and virginity or keeping your dignity and your virginity. Even a naked woman dancing in the moonlight doesn't have virtues. You can't let him have sex with you before you are really ready. You can do what you want to, but it's youth's nature to rebel.
Ophelia: I'm going to listen to you, my good brother, but don't be critical.
Laertes: Of course, I will be good. I have to go, and here comes my father. Double graces are good.
Polonius: Why aren't you on your ship yet? You need to go. Take my advice. Don't say everything you think. Don't do everything you think. Be original: be yourself. Keep friends that you can trust. Be careful of new acquaintances. Don't fight with anyone, but if you have to fight, you had best win. Listen, and don't speak all the time. Take their opinion, but don't judge them on their opinion. Don't overspend on accessories. Dress nicely, not richly. People judge you by what you wear. French are snotty with dress, so remember your stature. Neither a borrower nor a lender be. If you loan money, you'll lose friends. If you borrow money, you won't manage very well. Be true to yourself. If you are true to yourself, you will be true to others. Think of this everyday and you'll do it everyday.
Laertes: Thank you for your advice, Father. Now I must leave.
Polonius: You must leave.
Laertes: Goodbye, Ophelia, and remember what I have told you.
Ophelia: It is locked in my memory and only you and I know of it.
Laertes: Farewell.
Polonius: What did he say to you?
Ophelia: Something about Hamlet.
Polonius: Hamlet has told me that he has seen you in private quite a bit. I must warn you of him. You must tell me the truth.
Ophelia: All he has done is offered me presents.
Polonius: Bull! You speak like a young girl in a fake relationship. Do you believe his love?
Ophelia: I don't know what to think.
Polonius: I'll teach you what to think. You believed Hamlet and his gifts of love, which are all not true. If you continue to see him and be with him, you will look like a fool.
Ophelia: He has been honorable.
Polonius: Yes, fashion you may call it. Hurry up hurry up.
Ophelia: He has sworn that he really does love me.
Polonius: Hamlet's promises aren't true! Don't be around Hamlet so much. If he asks to speak to you alone, don't allow him. Hamlet can do more than you can, but that doesn't mean that you have all the rights he has. Marrying Hamlet would only lead to betrayal. Come, we must leave.
Ophelia: I will obey.