Ham.
At supper.
King.
At supper! where?
Ham.
Not where he eats, but where he is eaten: a certain
convocation of politic worms are e'en at him. 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.
King.
Alas, alas!
Ham.
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?
Ham.
Nothing but to show you how a king may go a progress through
the guts of a beggar.
King.
Where is Polonius?
Ham.
In heaven: send thither to see: if your messenger find him not
there, seek him i' the other place yourself. But, indeed, if you
find him not within this month, you shall nose him as you go up
the stairs into the lobby.
King.
Go seek him there. [To some Attendants.]
Ham.
He will stay till you come.
[Exeunt Attendants.]
King.
Hamlet, this deed, for thine especial safety,
Which we do tender, as we dearly grieve
For that which thou hast done,must send thee hence
With fiery quickness: therefore prepare thyself;