Love Poems

Polonius:
Good madam, stay awhile. I will be faithful.
    He reads the letter.
         Doubt that the stars are fire,
             Doubt that the sun doth move,
         Doubt truth to be a liar,
             But never doubt I love.
    O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers. I have not 
    art to reckon my groans, but that I love thee best, O
    most best, believe it. Adieu.
                          Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst
                          this machine is to him, Hamlet.
(2.2.123-132)

    Polonius has thought for a while at this point that Hamlet's infatuation with Ophelia is the source of his strange behavior. Before Polonius shows this letter to the King and Queen, as he does in this passage, Ophelia comes to him with news of Hamlet's behavior. This includes, but is not limited to: appearing in ragged clothing during untimely hours, profoundly sighing, grabbing her wrist, and exiting rooms apparently without the aid of his eyes. Polonius is convinced that this behavior is entirely truthful, and that the contents of this letter prove his hunch.
     Hamlet starts his love letter with a poem that he has composed himself, which is revealed through his complaining about his lack of skill: "I am ill at these numbers" is Hamlet saying he lacks dexterity in writing poetry (2.2.128). In his poem, he tells Ophelia to doubt several statements. His usage of "doubt" varies in connotation, however. In the first two lines of the poem, doubt implies skepticism of various truisms, while in the third it implies weariness towards the personified truth. In the fourth line, however, Hamlet implores Ophelia: "never doubt I love" (2.2.127). Here he asks her not to believe his love his fake.
    At the end of the letter, Hamlet leaves a note saying not only that he loves her, but that he loves her more than any other. He uses "best" and "most" several times in line 128-132, displaying his value of Ophelia above all else. He still seems able, however, to bring in a bit of existential dread at the end. He claims to be hers forever "whilst this machine is to him," or, until his soul leaves his body.
    It's difficult to verify or dispute Polonius's opinion on this letter, precisely because there's such a gap in information. One can't know when the letter was written, or in what context. If the letter was written after Hamlet's father had died, it would hold different implications than if it was written before. This can be said of almost any event in the play, which makes this letter all the more ambiguous. One can assume, through other clues in the play, that Hamlet is affectionate of Ophelia, but this letter cannot tell one to what degree.