Ghost (severely). None of your nonsense! (More 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.