Act V, Scene 2
[Line 285]
[HAMLET and LAERTES prepare to duel.]
KING CLAUDIUS
Set me the stoups of wine upon that table.
If Hamlet give the first or second hit
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
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!
And you, the judges, bear a wary eye.
[Trumpets sound.]
HAMLET Come on, sir.
LAERTES Come, my lord.
[HAMLET and LAERTES play with rapier and dagger.]
HAMLET One!
LAERTES No.
HAMLET Judgement!
OSRIC A hit, a very palpable hit.
LAERTES Well, again!
KING CLAUDIUS
Stay, give me drink.—Hamlet, this pearl is thine!
Here’s to they health.
[CLAUDIUS drinks from the cup and then drops the poisoned pearl into the cup. Drums, trumpets, and cannons sound.]
Give him the cup.
HAMLET I’ll play this bout first. Set it by awhile.
Come! [HAMLET and LAERTES play again.] Another hit!
What say you?
LAERTES A touch, a touch.
I do confess’t.
KING CLAUDIUS
Our son shall win.
[Line 312]