but she must not let the king know that. He then leaves, taking Polonius's corpse with him. Act IV, Scene I - Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet, in his madness, has killed Polonius. Claudius realizes that Hamlet is sane and probably intended the sword thrust for him. But he says to Gertrude that because Hamlet is mad, he is a threat to all of them. He tells her that the public will be critical that Hamlet was not restrained before this. He plans to send Hamlet to England immediately and will inform his councilors of the murder and his plans for Hamlet's departure. Thus he, hopes to avert a scandal which might weaken his own position. He sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Polonius's body and take it to the chapel. Act IV, Scene II - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern approach Hamlet, asking where Polonius's body is. He is flippant with them and still feigns madness. He tells them. in effect, that the king is using them and will discard them when he is through. Act IV, Scene III - Alone, Claudius voices his thoughts. He must be careful in his treatment of Hamlet because the people love him and would resent his being punished. Rosencrantz reports that Polonius's body has not been found. Then Guildenstern brings in Hamlet. When the king asks Hamlet where he has put Polonius's corpse, Hamlet says it is food for the worms. Claudius is outwardly patient with Hamlet and tells him that, for his own safety, he must leave for England immediately. After Hamlet goes out, the king instructs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to get Hamlet aboard ship at once; it is to sail that night. Alone again, Claudius reveals in a soliloquy that he has sent letters to the king of England, asking that Hamlet be put to death. The king is under obligation to Claudius and will do his bidding. Act IV, Scene IV - Fortinbras and his troops are marching across Denmark to Poland. Hamlet meets one of the officers and finds that these Norwegians are going to risk their lives...
