Read it through once

_Polonius_ and _Laertes_ Behaviour to each other, is exceeding natural; and I agree with Mr. _Theobalds's_ Emendation as to that Circumstance, (p. 243.) of _Polonius_ Blessing his Son; but I can by no Means be of his Sentiment, that it was a Circumstance, which, if well managed by a Comick Actor, would raise a Laugh, (See his Note, p. 243.) for I am perswaded, that _Shakespeare_ was too good a Judge of Nature, to design any Thing Comick or Buffoonish upon so solemn an Occasion, as that of a Son's taking leave of his Father in the most emphatical and serious Manner. And therefore, whatever Actor proceeds upon this Supposition (as I have seen some do in parallel Cases) does only shew his Ignorance and Presumption. This Assertion of mine will appear indisputable, if my Reader considers well the whole Tenour of this Scene, with the grave and excellent Instructions which it contains, from _Polonius_ to _Laertes_, and from both to _Ophelia_. It is impossible that any Buffoonry could be here blended, to make void and insignificant so much good Sense expressed in the true Beauties of Poetry. As to Prince _Hamlet's_ Love for _Ophelia_, I shall speak to it in another Place.