University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

A Hall in the Palace.
Enter Hamlet and Horatio.
Hamlet.
Horatio, I am sorry for this squabble;
I fear 'twill get me in a precious hobble.

Enter Osrick.
Osrick.
(To Hamlet)
His Majesty hath made a match for you, Sir,
To spar with young Laertes,—a prime bruiser;—
And betted him ten shillings to a crown,
That you, my lord, will give the first knock down.
Laertes is quite ready to set to;
They're all assembled, and but wait for you.

Hamlet.
Lead on: I'll fight him, Sir: I ne'er felt bolder.

Horatio.
I'll be your second.

Osrick.
I, your bottle-holder.

[Exeunt.