Ham.
But I am very sorry, good Horatio,
That to Laertes I forgot myself;
For by the image of my cause,^{48 note} I see
The portraiture of his.

Hor.
Peace! who comes here? Enter Osric (L. H.)

Osr.

Your lordship is right welcome back to Denmark.

Ham. (C.)

I humbly thank you, sir.—Dost know this water-fly?^{49 note}

Hor. (R.)

No, my good lord.

Ham.

Thy state is the more gracious; for 'tis a vice to know him.

Osr. (L.)

Sweet lord, if your lordship were at leisure, I should impart a thing to you from his majesty.

Ham.

I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit.^{50 note} Your bonnet to his right use; 'tis for the head.

Osr.

I thank your lordship, 'tis very hot.

Ham.

No, believe me, 'tis very cold; the wind is northerly.

Osr.

It is indifferent cold, my lord, indeed.

Ham.

But yet, methinks it is very sultry and hot,^{51 note} for my complexion,—

Osr.

Exceedingly, my lord; it is very sultry, as 'twere,— I cannot tell how.—But, my lord, his majesty bade me signify to you, that he has laid a great wager on your head: Sir, this is the matter,—

Ham.

I beseech you, remember—

Osr.

Nay, good my lord; for mine ease, in good faith.^{52 note} Sir, here is newly come to court Laertes; believe me, an absolute gentleman, full of most excellent differences, of very soft society and great showing:^{53 note} Indeed, to speak feelingly of him,^{54 note} he is the card or calendar of gentry,^{55 note}

for you shall find in him the continent of what part a gentleman would see.^{56 note}

Ham.

What imports the nomination of this gentleman?^{57 note}

Osr.

Of Laertes?

Ham.

Of him, sir.

Osr.

Sir, you are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is—

Ham.

I dare not confess that, lest I should compare with him in excellence; but, to know a man well, were to know himself.^{58 note}

Osr.

I mean, sir, for his weapon.

Ham.

What is his weapon?

Osr.

Rapier and dagger.

Ham.

That's two of his weapons: but, well.

Osr.

The king, sir, hath wagered with him six Barbary horses: against the which he has imponed,^{59 note} as I take it, six French rapiers and poignards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers,^{60 note} or so: Three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy, very responsive to the hilts, most delicate carriages, and of very liberal conceit.^{61 note}

Ham.

What call you the carriages?

Osr.

The carriages, sir, are the hangers.

Ham.

The phrase would be more german^{62 note} to the matter, if we could carry cannon by our sides.

Osr.

The king, sir, hath laid, that in a dozen passes between yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits; and it would come to immediate trial, if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer.^{63 note}

Ham.

How if I answer no?^{64 note}

Osr.

I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial.

Ham.

Sir, 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.

Osr.

Shall I deliver you so?

Ham.

To this effect, sir; after what flourish your nature will.

Osr.

I commend my duty to your lordship.

Hor.(R.)

You will lose this wager, my lord.

Ham.(C.)

I do not think so; since he went into France, I have been in continual practice; I shall win at the odds.^{65 note} But thou wouldst not think how ill all's here about my heart: but it is no matter.

Hor.

Nay, good my lord.

Ham.

It is but foolery; but it is such a kind of gain-giving,^{66 note} as would, perhaps, trouble a woman.

Hor.

If your mind dislike any thing, obey it:^{67 note} I will forestall their repair hither, and say, you are not fit.

Ham.

Not a whit, we defy augury: there is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow.

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