Alas! father, protect me!

What is it, my child?

Alas! my father, Prince Hamlet plagues me; I can have no peace from him.

Calm yourself, dear daughter. But he has not done anything else to you? O! now I know why Prince Hamlet is mad: he is certainly in love with my daughter.

Has love then such power as to make a man mad?

My gracious master and king, most assuredly is love powerful enough to make a man mad. I remember when I myself was young, how love plagued me — indeed, but it made me as mad as a March hare. But now, I care for it no longer. I prefer to sit by the fire, to count my red pennies, and drink Your Majesty's health.

May we not ourselves see his raving and madness with our own eyes?

Yes, Your Majesty. We will stand a little on one side, and my daughter shall show him the jewel which he gave her. Then will Your Majesty be able to see his madness.

Dearest wife, we beseech you, go to your chamber. Meanwhile we will be a witness of his madness.