Chapter I: Act I: 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.

_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._