HAM/THELLO: the moor of denmark
                                                         copyright © 2006 Jeff Goode


                                    ACT V - The Duel 

           SCENE 1 - The castle grounds.
                  Enter HAMLET and HORATIO
           HAMLET
              But I am very sorry, good Horatio, 
              That to Ophelia I forgot myself; 
              For, by the image of my cause, I see 
              The portraiture of hers:  I'll court her favours.
           HORATIO
              Peace! who comes here?
                  Enter MARCELLUS
           MARCELLUS 
              Sweet lord, if your lordship were at leisure, I should impart a thing to you from his majesty.
           HAMLET
              I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit.
           MARCELLUS 
              My lord, his majesty bade me signify to you that he has laid a great wager on your head: sir,
              this is the matter,--You are not ignorant of what excellence Ophelia is--
           HAMLET 
              I know a lad in Venice would have walked barefoot to Palestine for a touch of her nether lip.]
           MARCELLUS 
              I mean, sir, for her weapon; but in the imputation laid on her by the Queen, in her meed
              she's unfellowed.  The king, sir, hath laid, that in a dozen passes between yourself and her,
              she shall not exceed you three hits: he hath laid on twelve for nine; and it would come to
              immediate trial, if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer.
           HAMLET 
              If it please his majesty, let the foils be brought, the gentlewoman willing, and the king hold
              his purpose, I will win for him an I can; if not, I will gain nothing but my shame and the
              odd hits.]
           MARCELLUS 
              I commend my duty to your lordship.]
                                                             Exit MARCELLUS
           HAMLET 
              Come, let us to the castle. 
                                                                    Exeunt

Forth!