is apology has no
reference to the fate of his father or his sister; Hamlet is not aware
that Laertes associates him with either, and plainly the public did not
know Hamlet killed Polonius; while Laertes could have no intention of
alluding to the fact, seeing it would frustrate his scheme of
treachery.]

[Page 264]

_Laer_. I am satisfied in Nature,[1]
Whose motiue in this case should stirre me most
To my Reuenge. But in my termes of Honor
I stand aloofe, and will no reconcilement,
Till by some elder Masters of knowne Honor,
I haue a voyce, and president of peace
To keepe my name vngorg'd.[2] But till that time,
[Sidenote: To my name vngord: but all that]
I do receiue your offer'd loue like loue,
And wil not wrong it.

_Ham_. I do embrace it freely, [Sidenote: I embrace]
And will this Brothers wager frankely play.
Giue vs the Foyles: Come on.[3]

_Laer_. Come one for me.[4]

_Ham_. Ile be your foile[5] _Laertes_, in mine ignorance,
[Sidenote: 218] Your Skill shall like a Starre i'th'darkest night,[6]
Sticke fiery off indeede.

_Laer_. You mocke me Sir.

_Ham_. No by this hand.[7]

_King_. Giue them the Foyles yong _Osricke_,[8]
[Sidenote: _Ostricke_,[8]]
Cousen _Hamlet_, you know the wager.

_Ham_. Verie well my Lord,
Your Grace hath laide the oddes a'th'weaker side, [Sidenote: has]

_King._ I do not feare it,
I haue seene you both:[9]
But since he is better'd, we haue therefore oddes.[10]
[Sidenote: better, we]

[Footnote 1: 'in my own feelings and person.' Laertes does not refer to
his father or sister. He professes to be satisfied in his heart with
Hamlet's apology for his behaviour at the funeral, but not to be sure
whether in the opinion of others, and by the laws of honour, he can
accept it as amends, and forbear to challenge him. But the words 'Whose
motiue in this case should stirre me most to my Reuenge' may refer to
his father and sister, and, if so taken, should be spoken aside. To
accept apology for them and not for his honour would surely be too
barefaced! The point concerning them has not been started.

But why not receive the apology as quite satisfactory? That he would not
seems to show a lingering regard to _real_ honour. A downright villain,
like the king, would have pretended its _thorough_
acceptance--especially as they were just