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- Edition: Hamlet
Hamlet (Quarto 2, 1604)
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4.2.2Rosencrantz
What have you done, my lord, with the dead body?
Compound[ed] 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 rewards, his 26462532authorities. But such officers do the King best service in the end: he 26472533keeps them, like [an ape] an apple in the corner of his jaw, first mouthed to be 26482534last swallowed. When 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.