You are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is,
Ham.
I dare not confess that, lest I should compare with him in
excellence; but to know a man well were to know himself.
Osr.
I mean, sir, for his weapon; but in the imputation laid on
him by them, in his meed he's unfellowed.
Ham.
What's his weapon?
Osr.
Rapier and dagger.
Ham.
That's two of his weapons:but well.
Osr.
The king, sir, hath wager'd with him six Barbary horses:
against the which he has imponed, as I take it, six French
rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and
so: three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy,
very responsive to the hilts, most delicate carriages, and of
very liberal conceit.
Ham.
What call you the carriages?
Hor.
I knew you must be edified by the margent ere you had done.
Osr.
The carriages, sir, are the hangers.
Ham.
The phrase would be more german to the matter if we could
carry cannon by our sides. I would it might be hangers till then.
But, on: six Barbary horses against six French swords, their
assigns, and three liberal conceited carriages: that's the French
bet against the Danish: why is this all imponed, as you call it?
Osr.
The king, sir, hath laid that, in a dozen passes between
your and him, he 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.
Ham.