Claudius's plot and Ophelia's death

Scene summary

Claudius tells Laertes that Hamlet killed Polonius while attempting the king's life, and explains why he did not punish him: the queen lives for her son, and the people love him. A letter from Hamlet arrives announcing his return: he says he was left "naked" in the realm, and a postscript adds "alone." The king asks Laertes whether he would accept being guided by him, and Laertes answers yes, provided he is not guided toward peace. Claudius says Hamlet envied the praise a Norman gentleman gave to Laertes's fencing. Laertes says he would cut Hamlet's throat in church, and the king proposes a wagered duel, in which Laertes will choose a sharp-tipped sword and Hamlet, with his guard down, will not examine the weapons. Laertes agrees and adds that he will anoint the tip with poison. The king plans, besides, a poisoned cup, which he will offer Hamlet when he is thirsty, in case he escapes the blow.

Gertrude enters and reports that Ophelia has drowned: she was hanging garlands of flowers on the branches of a willow over the brook when a branch broke and she fell. Her clothes kept her afloat for a time, while she sang, and then dragged her down to the bottom. Laertes weeps, says he will drive out his weaker nature with tears, and leaves with words of fire in his mouth. Claudius fears that the grief will wake him from the fury he calmed with such effort, and goes after him with the queen.