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.

ACT III.—­THE MILITARY TOURNAMENT AT THE AGRICULTURAL HALL, ELSINORE, NEAR EDINBURGH, TELMAH, AND MACLAERTES, DISCOVERED FENCING.

Captain MacOsric, R.A. (Superintendent of the Circus).  A hit, a palpable hit! (TELMAH and MACLAERTES engage a second time, and MACLAERTES wounds his opponent.) One to white! (Points out MACLAERTES with a small flag.  Another round, when TELMAH wounds MACLAERTES.) One to black!

    [Touches TELMAH with his flag.

MacClaudius (pouring out a glass of cheap champagne).  Here, TELMAH, you are heated, have a drink!

Telmah.  I’ll play this bout first.  Set it by awhile. (Aside to MAC-HORATIO, who smiles.) I know his cellar!

MacGertrude.  I will take it for you, dear! (Impatiently.) Give me the cup? (Seizes it.) The Queen carouses to thy fortunes, TELMAH! [Drinks eagerly and with gusto.

MacClaudius (aside).  The poisoned cup at eighteen shillings the dozen!  It is too late!  Ma gracious! [QUEEN dies in agonies.

MacLaertes.  TELMAH, I am slain, and so are you—­the foils are tipped with poison! (Speaking with difficulty.) Prod the old ’un!

    [Dies.

Telmah. The point envenomed, too!  Then venom do thy work!

    [Stabs King and dies.

Ghost (entering in blue fire, triumphantly to MACCLAUDIUS).  Now, you’ll remember me! [MACCLAUDIUS dies.

[Soft music.  Scene sinks, discovering magnificent funeral ceremony at the Abbey, Elsinore, near Edinburgh.  A solemn dirge (specially composed for this new and original piece) is sung.  Slow Curtain.

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