Act II, Scene 2 of Hamlet is a long and pivotal scene in which much significant action takes place. It is in the middle of this scene that the ambassadors, Voltimond and Cornelius, return from their journey to Norway and reveal their news.

They state that "our brother Norway," the King of Norway, has been forced to "suppress his nephew's levies" because he interpreted them to be preparations to launch an attack on "Polack" (Poland). However, upon looking into it further, he found that the preparations were for an attack "against your highness," Denmark. As such, Norway "sent out arrests on Fortinbras" and made him promise never again to attempt to launch an attack on the King of Denmark. Polonius comments that the business has therefore been "well ended," and that Claudius, as King of Denmark, can now rest safely, free from the threat of Norwegian attack.

Hamlet, however, is less content with the idea of Claudius being able to rest safely on the throne. Later in the play, he becomes fascinated with Fortinbras as his efforts are redirected towards Poland, and ultimately, of course, Hamlet appoints him his successor, impressed by his "mettle."