Page 317 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

HAMLET

Not where he eats, but where a is eaten. A certain convocation of politic
worms are e’en at him. [20] Your worm is your only emperor for diet: we fat
all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king

and your lean beggar is but variable service − two dishes, but to one table.
That’s the end. [25]

KING
Alas, alas.

HAMLET
A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that
hath fed of that worm.

KING
What dost thou mean by this?

HAMLET
Nothing but to show you how a king may [30] go a progress through the guts

of a beggar.

KING
Where is Polonius?

HAMLET
In heaven. Send thither to see. If your messenger find him not there, seek
him i’th’other place yourself. But if indeed you find him not within this [35]

month, you shall nose him as you go up the stairs into the lobby.

KING

[To some Attendants] Go seek him there.

HAMLET
A will stay till you come.
[Exeunt Attendants.]

KING