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. 160
Ham. What call you the carriages?
[Hor. I knew you must be edified by the mar-
gent, ere you had done.]
Osr. The carriages, sir, are the hangers. 164
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 'imponed,' as you call it?
Osr. The king sir, hath laid, that in a dozen
passes between yourself 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. 176
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 majesty, 'tis the breathing time of day
with me; let the foils be brought; the gentleman
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. 185
Osr. Shall I re-deliver you so?
157 assigns: appurtenances
hangers: straps from which a sword is suspended
158 carriages: hangers
159 dear to fancy: unusual in design
responsive: corresponding
160 delicate: finely wrought
liberal conceit: tasteful design
162 margent: commentary
165 german: appropriate
174 twelve for nine; cf. n.
181 breathing time: exercise period
