The scene opens in Polonius’s house where Laertes and Ophelia converse. Laertes tells his sister he must depart, having “embark’d” his necessities, and cautions her about Hamlet’s affection, describing it as a fleeting fashion that cannot endure and warning that Hamlet’s choices are bound by his royal duty, so any declaration of love may be merely political. Ophelia promises to heed his advice, asking that he not lead her astray. Their dialogue is interrupted by the entrance of Lord Polonius. Polonius greets Laertes warmly and, before the young man departs, offers a lengthy speech of advice: be true to yourself, avoid borrowing or lending, keep one’s reputation modest, and trust one’s own judgment. He then turns to Ophelia, probing her relationship with Hamlet. He learns that Hamlet has lately been giving her “tenders of affection.” Polonius dismisses Hamlet’s vows as empty, comparing them to “springs to catch woodcocks,” and orders Ophelia to distance herself from him, deeming his promises untrustworthy and potentially damaging to her honor. Ophelia reluctantly agrees to obey his command. The scene concludes with the characters exiting: Laertes takes his leave, Ophelia resolves to remember the warnings, and Polonius reminds Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet.