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 ...