Safely stowed. But soft, what noise? Who calls on Hamlet? 26342520Oh, here they come.

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

26382524And bear it to the chapel.

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.

My lord, you must tell us where the body is, and go with us 26552539to the King.

The body is with the King, but the King is not with the 26572541body. The King is a thing.

A thing, my lord?

Of nothing. Bring me to him.