I can. At least, I can tell you the rumours. Our late King, whose ghost we've just seen, was challenged to a duel by Fortinbras, the King of Norway, who was driven by an envious pride. Our valiant King Hamlet, as this part of our known world knew him, killed this Fortinbras, who by the legal terms of the duel, forfeited all his lands to his conqueror along with his life. Our King had lodged a similar agreement, with Danish territories going to Norway if Fortinbras had won. Now, sir, the young Fortinbras has grown up and, although he's a novice in war, he's spoiling for a fight and has assembled a gang of lawless troublemakers from the backwaters of Norway. For little more than their daily food they will try and recover the lands lost in that duel. From what I can gather this is the main reason for the watch and the frantic preparations for war.

It certainly stirs the imagination. At the height of Rome's might, just before the mighty Julius Caesar was assassinated, graves opened, and the dead walked the streets muttering and wailing. Stars of flaming fire came as disasters from the sun, and the moon, which influences Neptune's watery empire, was eclipsed. Similar sightings, like warnings from Heaven or prologues of an ill omen about to happen, have been witnessed here, by our own countrymen.

(Devastated) Now cracks a noble heart. (Softly) Good night, sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing you to your rest.