Ham. Ay, sir; that soaks up the king's countenance, 15
his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the king
best service in the end: he keeps them, like an ape, in the[1602]
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 shall be dry again. 20
Ros. I understand you not, my lord.
Ham. I am glad of it: a knavish speech sleeps in a
foolish ear.
Ros. My lord, you must tell us where the body is, and
go with us to the king. 25
Ham. The body is with the king, but the king is not[1603]
with the body. The king is a thing—[1604]
Guil. A thing, my lord?[1605]
Ham. Of nothing: bring me to him. Hide fox, and[1606][1607]
all after. [Exeunt.[1607] 30
Scene III. Another room in the castle.
Enter King, attended.[1608]
King. I have sent to seek him, and to find the body.[1609]
How dangerous is it that this man goes loose!
Yet must not we put the strong law on him:[1610]
He's loved of the distracted multitude,
Who like not in their judgement, but their eyes; 5
And where 'tis so, the offender's scourge is weigh'd,[1611]
But never the offence. To bear all smooth and even,[1612]
This sudden sending him away must seem
Deliberate pause: diseases desperate grown
By desperate appliance are relieved, 10
Or not at all.