ore mildly._) Don't
be frivolous! (_Confidentially._) I was murdered by a serpent, who now
wears my crown.

_Telmah_ (_in a tone of surprise_). O my prophetic soul! Mine uncle?

_Ghost_. Right you are! Swear to avenge me!

_Telmah_ (_after an internal struggle_). I swear!

[_Solo for the big drum. Re-enter troops, spectral effect, and
tableau._

ACT II.--_INTERIOR OF THE PALACE OF ELSINORE, NEAR EDINBURGH, ARRANGED
FOR PRIVATE THEATRICALS. MACCLAUDIUS, MACGERTRUDE AND COURT SEATED,
WITH TELMAH ACTING AS PROMPTER._

_MacClaudius_ (_aside to MACPOLONIUS_). Lord Chamberlain, have you
heard the argument? Is there no offence in't?

_MacPolonius_. Well, Sire, as I understand it is not intended for
public representation, I have not done more than glance at it. I am
told it is very clever, and called "_The Mouse-trap_."

_MacGertrude_. Rather an idiotic title! (_Contemptuously._) "_The
Mouse-trap_!"

[_Business. A King on the mimic stage goes to sleep, and a
shrouded figure pours poison into his ear. MACCLAUDIUS rises
abruptly._

_Telmah_ (_excitedly_). He poisons him for his estate. His name's
MACGONZAGO. The story is extant, and writ in choice Italian. You shall
see anon how the murderer gets the love of MACGONZAGO's wife!

_MacClaudius_ (_angrily to MACPOLONIUS_). Chamberlain, we part this
day month! Ma gracious! [_Exit, followed by Queen and Court._

_Telmah_ (_exultantly_). Now could I drink hot blood, and do such
bitter business as the day would quake to look on!

_Ghost_ (_entering abruptly_). Well, do it! What's the good of all
this play-acting? Cut the ranting, and come to the slaughtering!
(_Seizes TELMAH by the arm._) If you are an avenger, behave as such!

[_TELMAH greatly alarmed, sinks on his knees before Ghost,
and the Curtain falls on the tableau._

ACT III.--_THE MILITARY TOURNAMENT AT THE AGRICULTURAL HALL, ELSINORE,
NEAR EDINBURGH, TELMAH, AND MACLAERTES, DISCOVERED FENCING._

_Captain MacOsric, R.A._ (_Superintendent of the Circus_). A hit, a
palpable hit! (TELMAH _and_ MACLAERTES _engage a second time, and_
MACLAERTES _wounds his opponent._) One to white! (_Points out_
MACLAERTES _with a small flag. Another round, when_ TELMAH _wounds_
MACLAERTES.) One to black!

[_Touches TELMAH with his flag._

_MacClaudius_ (_pouring out a glass of cheap champagne_). Here,
TELMAH, you are heated, have a drink!

_Telmah_. I'll play this bout first. Set it by awhile.