The Things That Haven't Been Done Before - Edgar Guest - Poem & Summary

 Polonius’ Advice to His Son Laertes

                              -William Shakespeare

                        The poem “Polonius Advises Laertes” is an excerpt from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. Polonius is chief counsellor to the King Claudius at Danish Court. In Act I, Scene 3, Polonius gives his son Laertes a few pieces of advice. Laertes leaves for France to join a University. As a father, Polonius offers blessings and asks his son to keep his advice in memory. His list of advice comprises moral and ethical elements. Polonius advises his son to think well before speaking and taking action. He asks his son to be friendly but never to cross limits. He tells him to make friends but warns him about false friends. He asks him not to enter into a quarrel if he cannot avoid it. But one has to make the opponent aware of his strength. Polonius advises his son to listen more and speak less. The father asks his son to receive criticism from all but reserves his opinion to himself. He should have habits that can be afforded by himself. His son may buy rich clothes but not gaudy ones. He tells his son not to lend and not to borrow money. He tells that lending money leads to the loss of money and friends. He tells that borrowing shows our inability to work well. Above all, Polonius wishes his son to be true to himself. He should not be false to anyone.