HAMLET.
Very well, my lord;
Your grace has laid the odds o' the weaker side.
KING.
I do not fear it; I have seen you both;
But since he's better'd, we have therefore odds.
LAERTES.
This is too heavy, let me see another.
HAMLET.
This likes me well. These foils have all a length?
[They prepare to play.]
OSRIC.
Ay, my good lord.
KING.
Set me the stoups of wine upon that table, —
If Hamlet give the first or second hit,
Or quit in answer of the third exchange,
Let all the battlements their ordnance fire;
The king shall drink to Hamlet's better breath;
And in the cup an union shall he throw,
Richer than that which four successive kings
In Denmark's crown have worn. Give me the cups;
And let the kettle to the trumpet speak,
The trumpet to the cannoneer without,
The cannons to the heavens, the heavens to earth,
'Now the king drinks to Hamlet.' — Come, begin: —
And you, the judges, bear a wary eye.
HAMLET.
Come on, sir.
LAERTES.
Come, my lord.
[They play.]
HAMLET.
One.
LAERTES.
No.
HAMLET.
Judgment!
OSRIC.
A hit, a very palpable hit.
LAERTES.
Well; — again.
KING.
Stay, give me drink. — Hamlet, this pearl is thine;
Here's to thy health. —
[Trumpets sound, and cannon shot off within.]
Give him the cup.
HAMLET.
I'll play this bout first; set it by awhile. —
Come. — Another hit; what say you?
[They play.]
LAERTES.
A touch, a touch, I do confess.
KING.
Our son shall win.
QUEEN.
He's fat, and scant of breath. —
Here, Hamlet, take my napkin, rub thy brows:
The queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet.
HAMLET.
Good madam!
KING.
Gertrude, do not drink.
QUEEN.
I will, my lord; I pray you pardon me.
KING.
[Aside.] It is the poison'd cup; it is too late.
HAMLET.
I dare not drink yet, madam; by-and-by.
QUEEN.
Come, let me wipe thy face.
LAERTES.
My lord, I'll hit him now.
KING.
I do not think't.
LAERTES.
[Aside.] And yet 'tis almost 'gainst my conscience.
HAMLET.
Come, for the third, Laertes: you but dally;
I pray you pass with your best violence:
I am afeard you make a wanton of me.
LAERTES.
Say you so? come on.
[They play.]
OSRIC.
Nothing, neither way.
