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"anoint my sword"
Wordplay
Act 4,
Scene 7
Lines 115a-116

An explanation of the phrase “anoint my sword” in Act 4, Scene 7 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Claudius

Requite him for your father.

Laertes

                                                  I will do't, 
And for that purpose I'll anoint my sword.

Laertes’ line can be read two ways:

  • He will apply sacramental oil to the sword to give it God’s blessing.
  • He will coat the sword with poison in order to kill Hamlet.