Hamlet
Page 119
HAMLET No, believe me, 'tis very cold: the wind is northerly.
OSRIC It is indifferent100 cold, my lord, indeed.
HAMLET Methinks it is very sultry and hot for my complexion101.
OSRIC 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--
Gestures towards hat
HAMLET I beseech you remember106--
OSRIC Nay, in good faith, for mine ease107, in good faith. Sir, you are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is at his
weapon.
HAMLET What's his weapon?
OSRIC Rapier111 and dagger.
HAMLET That's two of his weapons; but, well112.
OSRIC The king, sir, has waged with him six Barbary113
horses, against the which he imponed114, as I take it, six French rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers115
or so. Three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy116, very responsive to the hilts, most delicate117 carriages, and of very liberal conceit118.
HAMLET What call you119 the carriages?
OSRIC The carriages, sir, are the hangers.
HAMLET The phrase would be more germane121 to the matter, if we could carry cannon by our sides122: 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 'imponed' as you call it?
OSRIC The king, sir, hath laid, that in a dozen passes127
between you and him128, he shall not exceed you three hits: he hath laid on twelve for nine, and that would come to
immediate trial, if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer130.
HAMLET How if I answer 'no'?
OSRIC I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in132
trial.
HAMLET Sir, I will walk here in the hall: if it please his majesty, 'tis the breathing time135 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'll gain nothing