Look, Horatio, this fool is much dearer to the king than my person. Let's hear what he has to say.

Welcome home, Prince Hamlet! Have you heard the news? The King has laid a wager on you and young Leonhardus. You are to fight together with foils, and he who gives his opponent the first two hits is to win a white Neapolitan horse.

Is this certain that you say?

Yes, nothing else!

Horatio, what can this mean? Leonhardus and I to fight each other! I believe they have been mocking this fool, for one can make him believe what one likes. Observe. Signor Phantasmo, it is terribly cold.

Ay, it is terribly cold?

Now it is not so cold any more.

You're right my lord, just the happy medium.

But now it is very hot indeed.

O what a dreadful heat!

Now it is neither very cold nor very warm.

Yes, now it is just temperate.

Do you see, Horatio, one can make him believe what one will. Phantasmo, go back to the King, and tell him that I'll wait upon him instantly.

5.3.14484Come, Horatio, I go this very minute, and present myself to the King. Ha! What does this mean? Drops of blood fall from my nose; my whole body trembles! Alas! what is happening to me?

Most noble Prince! O Heavens! what does this mean? Come to your senses my lord! My noble Prince, what is it? What is the matter with you?

I do not know Horatio. When I thought of going to court, a sudden faintness came over me. The gods alone know what it signifies.

Heaven grant that this omen foretells nothing bad!

Be it what it may, I shall nevertheless go to court, even should it cost me my life.