Act 2.11
(Claudius stands behind the table in the King Hamlet’s chamber. The vial on the table looks very like the one used to contain the previous philter meant to produce a child by the king.)
Claudius:
Here it is, as the king has said, the philter contained within. I see it now with dread.
I would despair, but that would make more sin. I will proceed instead. Once he drank to make a child, and now I act for death. Once the king ruled in a manner mild, and now he begs for rest. Is this life’s eternal pain, to choose between extremes, to set a goal and chase it down by any and all means? If the means be violation, can the end be what it should? Is that the worst temptation, to do bad for doing good?
Is this bravery or am I a fool to enter into killing? I will kill as he waits still and oh so very willing. That does not erase the thing that’s base even as I act in mercy. I will not judge myself or him for in that I am not worthy.
(Claudius picks up the vial and walks into the king’s garden.)