The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark — Act 4, Scene 1: A room in the castle.

Claudius and Gertrude meet with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and Claudius presses Gertrude to explain Hamlet’s behavior. After the others leave, Gertrude tells him that Hamlet is wildly angry and, hearing movement behind the curtain, stabbed through the arras, killing Polonius. Claudius is alarmed by the murder and says Hamlet’s freedom now threatens everyone, including Gertrude and the court. Gertrude adds that Hamlet seemed shaken and wept over what he had done. Claudius decides Hamlet must be sent away at once and calls Rosencrantz and Guildenstern back, ordering them to find Hamlet, treat him gently, and bring Polonius’s body to the chapel. He and Gertrude then leave to consult their allies.