ACT IV, Sc. 2: Describe Hamlet's tone her. Is he feigning madness like he did in ACT II?

Rosencrantz. What have you done, my lord, with the dead body?

Hamlet. Compounded it with dust, whereto 'tis kin.

Rosencrantz. Tell us where 'tis, that we may take it thence

and bear it to the chapel.

Hamlet. Do not believe it.

Rosencrantz. Believe what?

Hamlet. That I can keep your counsel and not mine own.

Besides, to be demanded of a sponge - what replication

should be made by the son of a king?

Rosencrantz. Take you me for a sponge, my lord?

Hamlet. 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 keep 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 shall be dry again.

Rosencrantz. I understand you not, my lord.

Hamlet. I am glad of it. A knavish speech sleeps in a foolish

ear.

Rosencrantz. My lord, you must tell us where the body is and

go with us to the King.

Hamlet. The body is with the King, but the King is not with

the body. The King is a thing -

Guildenstern. A thing, my lord?

Hamlet. Of nothing. Bring me to him.