_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