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Hamlet:
The phrase would be more german to the matter if we could carry cannon by our sides. I would it might be hangers till then. But on. Six Barbary horses against six French swords, their assigns, and three liberal conceited carriages: that’s the French bet against the Danish. Why is this all imponed, as you call it?
Osric:
The King, sir, hath laid that in a dozen passes between you and him, he shall not exceed you three hits. He hath laid on twelve for nine. And it would come to immediate trial if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer.
Hamlet:
How if I answer no?
Osric:
I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial.
Hamlet:
Sir, I will walk here in the hall. If it please his Majesty, it is the breathing time of day with me. Let the foils be brought, the gentleman willing, and the King hold his purpose, I will win for him if I can; if not, I will gain nothing but my shame and the odd hits.
Osric:
Shall I re-deliver you e’en so?
Hamlet:
To this effect, sir; after what flourish your nature will.
Osric:
I commend my duty to your lordship.
Hamlet:
Yours, yours.
(Exit Osric.)
He does well to commend it himself, there are no tongues else for’s turn.
Horatio:
This lapwing runs away with the shell on his head.
Hamlet:
He did comply with his dug before he suck’d it. Thus has he,—and many more of the same bevy that I know the drossy age dotes on,— only got the tune of the time and outward habit of encounter; a kind of yeasty collection, which carries them through and through the most fanned and winnowed opinions; and do but blow them to their trial, the bubbles are out.
Enter a Lord.
Lord:
My lord, his Majesty commended him to you by young Osric, who brings back to him that you attend him in the hall. He sends to know if your pleasure hold to play with Laertes or that you will take longer time.
Hamlet:
I am constant to my purposes, they follow the King’s pleasure. If his fitness speaks, mine is ready. Now or whensoever, provided I be so able as now.
Lord:
The King and Queen and all are coming down.
Hamlet:
In happy time.