The answer is: to stop himself from attacking the Danes.
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," after the King of Norway sends the order to Fortinbras, he is so pleased that he allows him to attack Poland instead. For that reason, he asks Claudius for permission so that Fortinbras' army can go past Denmark on their way to Poland.
This question belongs to the tragedy <em>"Hamlet"</em> by William Shakespeare which was first published in 1603. The themes of the play are revenge, indecision, deception, loyalty, ambition, and fate.
The correct answer is the following:
Voltemand and Cornelius bring to Claudius the news that the king of Norway has ordered Fortinbras to stop the attack of Denmark. Instead, he wants to attack Poland which requires Fortinbras' marching through Denmark. This is why he asks for permission to do that.
