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- Edition: Hamlet
Hamlet (Modern, Editor's Version)
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2629.1[4.2]
Safely stowed.
within Hamlet! Lord Hamlet!
4.2.4Rosencrantz
What have you done, my lord, with the dead body?
Compounded it with dust, whereto 'tis kin.
Tell us where 'tis, that we may take it thence
Do not believe it.
Believe what?
That I can keep your counsel and not mine own. Besides,26422528to be demanded of a sponge, what replication should be made by 26432529the son of a king?
Take you me for a sponge, my lord?
Ay, sir, that soaks up the King's countenance, his 2646rewards, his 2532authorities. But such officers do the King 2647best service in the end: he 2533keeps them, like an ape an apple in 2648the corner of his jaw, first mouthed to be 2534last swallowed. 2649When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but 26502535squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry again.
I understand you not, my lord.
I am glad of it. A knavish speech sleeps in a 2653foolish ear.
A thing, my lord?
Of nothing. Bring me to him. Hide fox, and all after!
2660Exeunt.