e his revenge quickly before Claudius learns what has happened in England. A courtier, Osric, comes in to tell Hamlet that Claudius has set up a fencing contest and a wager, pitting Hamlet against Laertes, if Hamlet will agree. Hamlet does, but tells Horatio that he has misgivings about the match. Horatio urges him not to go through with it, but Hamlet does not heed him. Before the match, Hamlet asks Laertes's pardon if, in his madness, he has wronged him. Laertes answers in a hypocritical way, seeming to accept Hamlet's explanation of his behavior. Falsely, Claudius seems to be Hamlet's champion, saying cannon fire, drums, and trumpets will mark Hamlet's success. He then "drinks to Hamlet." Hamlet is now winning, and Claudius urges him to drink too, but Hamlet is not ready. Instead, Gertrude drinks from the poisoned cup that Claudius had intended for Hamlet. Laertes wounds Hamlet with the unblunted sword, they scuffle, and change swords. Hamlet now has the sword with the poisoned tip, and he wounds Laertes. The king tries to stop the match. Gertrude collapses. Both contestants are bleeding. Laertes realizes that his own trickery will now be the cause of his death. Dying, Gertrude calls out to Hamlet that the drink is poisoned. Laertes now collapses but confesses to Hamlet about the poisoned sword; he puts the blame on Claudius. Hamlet wounds Claudius and gives him the poisoned wine. Claudius dies. Just before Laertes dies, he asks Hamlet to exchange forgiveness with him. Hamlet is dying. Horatio is about to commit suicide, but Hamlet says he must live to tell Hamlet's story and clear his name. Fortinbras arrives, victorious, and Hamlet, dying. predicts Fortinbras will be Denmark's new king. Fortinbras assumes the authority, gives a tribute to Hamlet, and says he will have a hero's burial. ...
