_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._