Scene III. A room in Polonius' house.
In Polonius’s house, Laertes prepares to leave for France. He tells Ophelia that his belongings are packed and bids her farewell, warning her that Hamlet’s love is temporary, likely driven by courtly fashion, and constrained by his royal duties. Laertes advises Ophelia to guard her honor, keep her distance, and remain wary of Hamlet’s promises, asserting that the prince’s actions are subject to the state’s needs. Ophelia agrees to heed his counsel. Polonius then enters and offers Laertes a comprehensive list of advice: be modest but not vulgar, choose friends wisely, avoid unnecessary quarrels, listen more than you speak, keep a modest appearance, avoid borrowing or lending, and, most importantly, “to thine own self be true.” Laertes thanks him and departs. After Laertes’s exit, Polonius turns to Ophelia, questioning her about Hamlet’s recent attentions. Ophelia reports that Hamlet has lately made many tender overtures. Polonius dismisses these as fleeting “fashion,” warns that Hamlet’s vows are not trustworthy, and instructs Ophelia to distance herself from him, insisting she must not speak or meet the prince. Ophelia promises obedience, and the scene ends with her and Polonius exiting together.