Toolbox



Textual Analysis

[ Go ]

Shakespeare on Stage
American Shakespeare Center, The Duchess of Malfi. To Jun. 15, 2013.
Folger Shakespeare Library, Twelfth Night. To Jun. 9, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, Love's Labour's Lost. To Jun. 15, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, Twelfth Night. To Jun. 16, 2013.
American Shakespeare Center, Return to the Forbidden Planet. To Dec. 1, 2013.
More Performances…
‌

Hamlet (Modern, Based on Quarto 2)

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: David Bevington
Not Peer Reviewed
2630

[4.2]

Enter Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and others. [All but Hamlet are behind him, briefly still offstage, calling to him.]
Hamlet Safely stowed. But soft, what noise? Who calls on Hamlet? Oh, here they come.
2635Rosencrantz [as he and the others enter] What have you done, my lord, with the dead body?
Hamlet Compound it with dust, whereto 'tis kin.
Rosencrantz Tell us where 'tis, that we may take it thence and bear it to the chapel.
Hamlet Do not believe it.
2640Rosencrantz Believe what?
Hamlet That I can keep your counsel and not mine own. Besides,to be demanded of a sponge, what replication should be made by the son of a king?
Rosencrantz Take you me for a sponge, my lord?
2645Hamlet Ay, sir, that soaks up the King's countenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the King best service in the end: he keeps them like an apple in the corner of his jaw, first mouthed to be last swallowed. When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but 2650squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry again.
Rosencrantz I understand you not, my lord.
Hamlet I am glad of it. A knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear.
Rosencrantz My lord, you must tell us where the body is, and go with us 2655to the King.
Hamlet The body is with the King, but the King is not with the body. The King is a thing--
Guildenstern A thing, my lord?
Hamlet Of nothing. Bring me to him.
Exeunt.