Part 9

[Footnote V.71: _Quit in answer_] Make the wager _quit_, or so far drawn.]

[Footnote V.72: _An union shall he throw_,] _i.e._, a fine pearl. To swallow a pearl in a draught seems to have been equally common to royal and mercantile prodigality. It may be observed that pearls were supposed to possess an exhilarating quality. It was generally thrown into the drink as a compliment to some distinguished guest, and the King in this scene, under the pretence of throwing a pearl into the cup, drops some poisonous drug into the wine.]

[Footnote V.73: _Kettle_] _i.e._, kettle drum.]

[Footnote V.74: _The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet._] _i.e._, drinks to your success.]

[Footnote V.75: _You make a wanton of me._] _i.e._, you trifle with me as if you were playing with a child.]

[Footnote V.76: _As a woodcock to my own springe._] I have run into a springe like a woodcock, and into such a noose or trap as a fool only would have fallen into; one of my own setting.]

[Footnote V.77: _Unbated, and envenom'd:_] _i.e._, having a sharp point envenomed with poison.]

[Footnote V.78: _The foul practice_] _i.e._, the wicked trick which I have practised.]

[Footnote V.79: _Fell sergeant, death_,] _i.e._, cruel sergeant--sergeant being an officer of the law.]

[Footnote V.80: _Live behind me!_] Survive me.]

[Footnote V.81: _Quite o'ercrows my spirit_;] Overpowers, exults over; no doubt an image taken from the lofty carriage of a victorious cock.]