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 ape, in the corner of his jaw,
first mouthed to be last swallowed. When he needs what
you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you
20
shall be dry again.
HAMLET
Yes, sir, a sponge that soaks up the king's approval,
his rewards, and his decisions. Officers like that give the king the
best service in the end. He keeps them in his mouth like an ape.
First he moves them around, then he swallows them. When he needs
what you have found out, he can just squeeze you like a sponge and
you'll be dry again.
ROSENCRANTZ
I understand you not, my lord.
ROSENCRANTZ
I don't follow, my lord.
HAMLET
I am glad of it. A knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear.
HAMLET
I'm glad about that. Sly words are never understood by
fools.
ROSENCRANTZ
My lord, you must tell us where the body is and go with us
to the king.
ROSENCRANTZ
My lord, you have to tell us where the body is, and then go with
us to see the king.
HAMLET
25
The body is with the king, but the king is not with the body.
The king is a thing—
HAMLET
The body's with the king, but the king's not
with the body. The king's a thing …
GUILDENSTERN
A thing, my lord?
GUILDENSTERN
A “thing,” my lord?
HAMLET
Of nothing. Bring me to him. Hide, fox, and all after.
HAMLET
A thing of no importance. Take me to him. Ready or not, here I
come!
