(Laertes and OPHELIA enter.)
LAERTES
I'm all set to go. Please make sure you write me.
OPHELIA
Of course I will.
As for Hamlet and his interest in you, don't take it for
anything more than flirtation.
OPHELIA
It's nothing more than that?
LAERTES
That's not entirely it. Maybe he does love you now, and
maybe his intentions are true--but remember--he's not his own
master. He can't carve out a life like you or I because his
life is attached to the state. He's subject to his birth.
If he says he loves you, believe it if you will, but his fate
is more complex than his maturity yet comprehends. You risk
not only your heart, but your honor. Stay out of range. Out
of the danger of desire. For now, unmask your beauty to the
moon. Your time will come. It's just happened so many times
where the promise of an entire life is corrupted by simple
misunderstandings in youth. Please be careful.
OPHELIA
I'll take what you're saying to heart, just make sure your
not a preacher who points out a road to heaven while you
yourself blaze a trail of indulgence.
LAERTES
Don't worry about me.
(Polonius enters.)
LAERTES (CONT'D)
But I should be off--
POLONIUS
(to Laertes)
Are you still here? What are you doing? The wind's just
right--they're waiting for you.
LAERTES
I'm just on my way.
POLONIUS
Remember what I told you?
LAERTES
Yes father.
POLONIUS
Don't give your thoughts a tongue, keep your opinions to
yourself.
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