XI.

The KING having suggested to LAERTES that HAMLET

("Being remiss,

Most generous, and free from all contriving,
Will not peruse the foils; so that, with ease,
Or with a little shuffling, you may choose
A sword unbated, and, in a pass of practice,
Requite him for your father.")

And the following arrangement having been made by them,

"LAERT.

I will do 't:

And, for the purpose, I'll anoint my sword.

I bought an unction of a mountebank,

With this contagion, that, if I gall him slightly,
It may be death.

KING. When in your motion you are hot and dry,
(As make your bouts more violent to that end,)
And that he calls for drink, I'll have preferr'd him
A chalice for the nonce; whereon but sipping,

If he by chance escape your venom'd stuck,

Our purpose may hold there."

ACT IV. S. 7.

"LAERT. This is too heavy: let me see another. HAM. This likes me well.-These foils have all a

length?

OSRIC. Ay, my good lord."

ACT V. S. 2.