Laertes asks Claudius why he has not avenged his father's death. Claudius replies that there are two reasons: first, for the sake of his wife, who loves Hamlet dearly, and second, he is worried about the reactions of his subjects, who love Hamlet. He tells Laertes he loved his father and will avenge him. News arrives that Hamlet has been brought "naked" back to Denmark and will appear in Court to beg his pardon. Claudius asks Laertes if he will obey him. Laertes replies if he will not restrain him. Claudius says that he will see that an accident befalls Hamlet. They will arrange a duel for sport. But Laertes' sword will be poisoned so that the slightest scratch will kill Hamlet. And, if that doesn't work, Claudius will prepare a.....
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