OpEdNews - Page 4 of Article: Hamlet 5:2

HAMLET
What's his weapon?

OSRIC
Rapier and dagger.

HAMLET
That's two weapons.

OSRIC
The king, sir, has wagered with him six Barbary horses
against, as I take it, six of his French rapiers and daggers;
along with all their accessories--belts, and so on.

HAMLET
Is that so?

OSRIC
Yes, my lord. Three of the carriages are most excellent
indeed, well matched with the hilt of the swords--each and
every one finely balanced and wrought.

HAMLET
What are the "carriages?"

HORATIO
I knew you'd need an explanation somewhere along the line.

OSRIC
The carriages are the holsters, my lord.

HAMLET
The word is put to better use if we were carrying cannons at
our sides; until then I prefer to call them hangers. Though
six Barbary horses against six French swords, accessories and
all--but why?

OSRIC
The king has wagered that in a dozen passes between you and
Laertes, he'll win less than nine of the twelve.

(Beat.)

OSRIC (CONT'D)
It could be settled immediately if your lordship would like
it so.

HAMLET
What if I decline?

OSRIC
To take it up immediately? Or decline the match altogether,
my lord?

HAMLET
I'll walk here in the hall for a bit. If it pleases his
majesty, and the gentleman willing, let the foils be brought
here. If no one has changed their mind, then I will win what
I can. If not, I gain nothing but my shame and the odd hits.

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