Page 367 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

KING

I do not fear it. I have seen you both,
But since he is better’d, we have therefore odds. [260]

LAERTES
This is too heavy. Let me see another.

HAMLET
This likes me well. These foils have all a lenght?

OSRIC
Ay, my good lord.

They prepare to play.

[Enter Servants with] flagons of wine.

KING
Set me the stoups of wine upon that table.
If Hamlet give the first or second hit, [265]
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 [270]

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 heaven to earth,

‘Now the King drinks to Hamlet.’ Come, begin. [275]
And you, the judges, bear a wary eye.

HAMLET
Come on, sir.

LAERTES
Come, my lord.
They play.