The Horse Guards Parade, Elsinore, near Edinburgh.
Enter MACCLAUDIUS, MACGERTRUDE, Brilliant Staff, and Scotch Guards. The Colours are trooped.
Then enter TELMAH, who returns salute of Sentries.
MacClaudius. I am just glad you have joined us, TELMAH.
Telmah. Really! I fancied some function was going on, but thought it was a parade, in honour of my father's funeral.
MacGertrude (with a forced laugh). Don't be so absurd! Your poor father—the very best of men—died months ago.
Telmah (bitterly). So long!
MacClaudius (aside). Ma gracious! He's in one of his nasty tempers, MACGERTRUDE. Come away! (Aloud.) Believe me, I shall drink your health to-night in Perrier Jouet of '74. Come!
[Exeunt with Queen and Guards.
Telmah. Oh! that this too solid flesh would melt! (Enter Ghost.) Hallo! Who are you?
Ghost (impressively). I am thy father's spirit! List, TELMAH, oh, list!
Telmah. Would, with pleasure, were I not already a Major in the Army, and an Hon. Colonel in the Militia.