Page:Hamlet (1917) Yale.djvu/188

176 satisfied in nature. Though his natural tendency is to be satisfied with Hamlet's explanation, yet his artificial honor as a courtier requires that the matter shall be adjudicated.

foil. That which sets something off to advantage, with a quibble on the meaning 'fencing foil.'

better'd. Some commentators take this to mean 'stands higher in reputation.'

quit. I.e., requite Laertes' winning of the first two bouts by gaining the third.

The usual method of representing upon the stage this exchange of rapiers is as follows: With a quick thrust Hamlet disarms Laertes. As the foil drops, Hamlet places his foot upon it, and, with a bow, offers Laertes his own in exchange. Courtesy compels Laertes to accept this, after which Hamlet stoops, picks up Laertes' foil from the ground, and resumes the bout.

Roman. It was a Roman custom to follow masters in death.

solicited. The sentence is left unfinished.

cries on havoc. Originally, to give an army the order 'havoc!' as the signal for pillaging.