King. Good Gertrude, see your crazy son you make fast. And now, [Exit Queen. Laertes-we'll go home to breakfast. SCENE V. A Hall in the Palace. Enter Hamlet and Horatio. Hamlet. Horatio, I am sorry for this squabble; Enter Osrick. Osrick. (To Hamlet) His Majesty hath made a match for you, Sir, To spar with young Laertes,-a prime bruiser ;- That you, my lord, will give the first knock down. They're all assembled, and but wait for you. Hamlet. Lead on: I'll fight him, Sir: I ne'er felt bolder. Horatio. I'll be your second. Osrick. I, your bottle-holder. SCENE VI. The Court of Denmark. Flourish of trumpets and drums. King and Queen seated-Laertes, Osrick, Marcellus, Bernardo, Gentlemen and Ladies discovered. Enter Hamlet and Horatio. King. To put an end to squabble, strife, and noise, [To Hamlet and Laertes. Hamlet. (To Laertes) Sir, I have done you wrong, and sorely rue.it, But, on my word, I didn't go to do it: Therefore let's make it up ;-come, don't be hard on— Laertes. Enough; no man can do more than beg pardon.- Hamlet. With all my heart. Come, lets set to. Bring us the gloves Laertes. And bring me a pair too. Aye, my lord: You've back'd the worser man tho' on my word. King. I'm not afraid; I'm sure you'll not fight shy; Laertes. These gloves are much too tight-another pair Hamlet. Mine fit.-Are his as soft as mine? Osrick. All's fair. King. - If i' th' two first rounds Hamlet hit most blows, Here's Hamlet's health! (Drums, trumpets, and cannon) Come, now begin the bout. And you, the judges, keep a sharp look out. Hamlet and Laertes spar. Hamlet. A hit. Laertes. No hit. Osrick. A hit, I'll bet a crown. Hamlet. A hit or not, 't has almost knock'd him down. [Drums, trumpets, and cannon. King. Give me the beer: this nutmeg is for you. [Puts poison into the drink. Hamlet, your health (pretends to drink). You'd better drink some too. Hamlet. Let's have this round; when I want drink I'll ask it. (They fight again.) Egad, I had him there in the bread-basket (1). Queen. Hamlet, your health. (drinks) Ha! this is famous stingo! [Aside. I'll nab him ;-but it goes against my conscience. Hamlet. Laertes, you're afraid to hit. Laertes. Pooh! nonsense. They fight again-Hamlet knocks Laertes down.-. The Queen swoons. Osrick. Look to the Queen. (To Laertes) How is't, my lord? Laertes. I'm caught as neatly as I could have wish'd. I'm dish'd; |