Chapter II: 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._