The Exchange of Rapiers

Abstract

I am not going to discuss the question how this exchange ought to be managed. I wish merely to point out that the stage-direction fails to show the sequence of speeches and events. The passage is as follows (Globe text):

Ham. Come, for the third, Laertes: you but dally;

I pray you, pass with your best violence;

I am afeared you make a wanton of me.

Laer. Say you so? come on. [They play.

Osr. Nothing, neither way.

Laer. Have at you now!

[Laertes wounds Hamlet; then, in scuffling, they change rapiers, and Hamlet wounds Laertes.¹

King. Part them; they are incensed.

Ham. Nay, come, again. [The Queen falls.²

Osr. Look to the Queen there, ho!

Hor. They bleed on both sides. How is it, my lord?

Osr. How is’t, Laertes?