Hamlet

Roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness.

Was't Hamlet wronged Laertes? Never Hamlet:

If Hamlet from himself be ta'en away,

And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes,

Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it.

Who does it, then? His madness. If't be so,

Hamlet is of the faction182 that is wronged, His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy.

Sir, in this audience,

Let my disclaiming from a purposed185 evil Free me so far in your most generous186 thoughts That I have187 shot mine arrow o'er the house, And hurt my brother.

LAERTES I am satisfied in nature,

Whose motive in this case should stir me most

To my revenge: but in my terms of honour191

I stand aloof, and will192 no reconcilement Till by some elder masters, of known honour

I have a voice and precedent of peace194, To keep my name ungored195. But till that time, I do receive your offered love like love,

And will not wrong it.

HAMLET I do embrace it freely,

And will this brother's wager frankly199 play.--

Give us the foils. Come on.

LAERTES Come, one for me.

HAMLET I'll be your foil202, Laertes: in mine ignorance Your skill shall, like a star i'th'darkest night,

Stick fiery off204 indeed.

LAERTES You mock me, sir.

HAMLET No, by this hand.

KING Give them the foils, young Osric. Cousin Hamlet, You know the wager?

HAMLET Very well, my lord:

Your grace hath laid the odds210 o'th'weaker side.

KING I do not fear it: I have seen you both: But since he is bettered, we have therefore odds212.

Looks over the foils

LAERTES This is too heavy, let me see another.

HAMLET This likes me well. These foils have all a length214?