_Ham._ The phrase would be more germane to the[2240] 150 matter if we could carry a cannon by our sides: I would[2241] it might be hangers till then. But, on: six Barbary horses[2242] against six French swords, their assigns, and three liberal-conceited carriages; that's the French bet against the[2243][2244] Danish. Why is this 'imponed,' as you call it?[2244][2245] 155 _Osr._ The king, sir, hath laid, sir, that in a dozen[2246] passes between yourself and him, he shall not exceed you[2247] three hits: he hath laid on twelve for nine; and it would[2248] come to immediate trial, if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer. 160 _Ham._ How if I answer 'no'? _Osr._ I mean, my lord, the opposition of your person in trial. _Ham._ Sir, I will walk here in the hall: if it please his[2249] majesty, it is the breathing time of day with me; let the[2249][2250] 165 foils be brought, the gentleman willing, and the king hold[2251] his purpose, I will win for him an I can; if not, I will gain[2252] nothing but my shame and the odd hits. _Osr._ Shall I redeliver you e'en so?[2253] _Ham._ To this effect, sir, after what flourish your nature[2254] 170 will. _Osr._ I commend my duty to your lordship.[2255] _Ham._ Yours, yours. [_Exit Osric._] He does well to[2256] commend it himself; there are no tongues else for's turn.[2257] _Hor._ This lapwing runs away with the shell on his[2258] 175 head. _Ham._ He did comply with his dug before he sucked[2259] it. Thus has he--and many more of the same breed that[2260] I know the drossy age dotes on--only got the tune of the time and outward habit of encounter; a kind of yesty[2261][2262] 180 collection, which carries them through and through the most[2261] fond and winnowed opinions; and do but blow them to[2263] their trial, the bubbles are out.[2264] _Enter a_ Lord.[2265] _Lord._ My lord, his majesty commended him to you by[2265] young Osric, who brings back to him, that you attend him[2265][2266] 185 in the hall: he sends to know if your pleasure hold to play[2265] with Laertes, or that you will take longer time.[2265] _Ham._ I am constant to my purposes; they follow the[2265] king's pleasure: if his fitness speaks, mine is ready; now or[2265] whensoever, provided I be so able as now.[2265] 190 _Lord._ The king and queen and all are coming down.[2265] _Ham._ In happy time.[2265] _Lord._ The queen desires you to use some gentle entertainment[2265][2267] to Laertes before you fall to play.[2265][2268] _Ham._ She well instructs me. [_Exit Lord._[2265][2269] 195 _Hor._ You will lose this wager, my lord.[2270]