EEET T ET WF?( T I-I E F I R S T P R O O F S

ELIZABE T H, Q UE EN O F ENG LAND ,

A N D

MARY, Q UE EN O F SCO T LAND .

By ALDEMAH .

P rin ted for the B rothers byJ9 l b ) 0

F . J . SCHUL T E 65 COMPANY,PU BLISH E RS

,

CHICAG O,1892 .

Copyri ght , 1892 ,By F RAN CIS J . SCHUL T E .

All ri ghts reserved .

INT RODUCT ION .

IT may be stated as a general truth, that all intell igent conceptions of the human mind are based upon fact . Regardi ngthought as but the reflection of an impression received by theinner consciousness, though often imperfectly translated by theexternal perceptive faculties, we may state that whatever isimpressed upon the mind

,or inner consciousness, with sufficient

vividness to enable the mind to express th e conception in intelligent thought, may be understood . It is a maxim of civil lawthat “ ignorance does not excuse . ” Applying this wise axiomto the domain of human intel ligence

,are we justified i n abso

lutely denying, as erroneous or false, a conception of the mindwhich we do not fully comprehend, or accepting, without carefulanaly

'

sis, a reflection that may be but imperfectly translated bythe external faculties ?T o arrive at a positive and reli able understanding of a mentalconception we must supplant the testimony of the external evid ences by an appeal to the inner consciousness . Reason

,whi ch

formul ates conclusions based upon the evidence of the sensesalone

,cannot be relied upon to positively answer the questionings

of the soul . It is onl y when the soul ofman divests itself of thebewi ldering evidences received by the external senses, and communes with the intuitive

'

conception , which alone has access tothe fountain of all truth , that he is able to intelligently comprehend and understand h is own being and his relation to G od andh is fellow sojourners .T hat there are many occurrences which baffle the keenestobservation, and escape the sharpest attempts at analysis, may

be admitted. T his admission necessarily implies that the explanation has escaped simply because of ignorance . Remembering the maxim of law

,are we satisfied that perpetual ignor

ance is the heritage of man ? We leave the arguing of thisquestion to those who contend that ignorance may excuse, and

6 INT ROD UCT ION.

who are willing thereby to remain groping in the fog ofbigotry,and astrav within the swamps of superstition .

T o those who wait reverently for more light, and who acceptgladl y and thankfull y every grain of truth, every step ofadvancement, every proffered help that may be ofl

‘

ered with -thehonest intention of increasing the store of human knowledge,and advancing al l to a hi gher plane of intellectual liberty, andespecially to a greater Sp iritual freedom ; to these,— and they arebrave soul s who have come up from out the valleys of doubt, andstand now on the highest peaks of trusting expectancy , withtheir faces turned to the light

,theirminds free from the bondage

ofsuperstition,and from the chains of creed

,— to these inqui ring

ones, to these earnest searchers for light, we offer the followingwork .

It is commonly held, although rarely expressed in writing, thatthe one cardinal deficiency in the world’s accepted religions isthe absence of a demonstrable proof of the existence of thehuman soul after it has passed through the portals of what wecall death . Immortali ty is generally accepted more as a hopethan a certainty . Within every thinking soul is the earnest h Opethat immortality is true . T his hepe is the corner- stone uponwhi chrests every form of religious belief

,and yet the world h as

accepted the thought,as has been stated

,solely and entirely

because immortality is so desirable, and because it is the onething for which the soul hungers and thirsts. T here was a timein the hi story of the human race when this belief in immortalitywas universally accepted, because the then purity of the mindgave it access to the source of knowledge , and this knowledgehad among its cardinal principles the truth of immortality.

T hrough strange perverseness and willful blindness the worlddrew away from its knowledge, until that which had been actualat last became but ah Ope. But the truth was not wholly lost. A

few soul s remained faithful ; a few souls closed not their eyes tothe light ; a few souls forgot not that purity, that innocence , thatsimplicity that is the endowment of perfect understanding.

T hey preserved the truth,and the knowledge of i t gave them

understanding . Now,after long years of lamenting over the

world’s aimless wanderings— after watching with sorrow the

IN T R0D UCT ION . 7

useless beating of the air of those who vainly struggle for light ,but still turn their faces to darkness—we

, who possess theknowledge, who retain the proof absolute of immortality, have ,from observation of the signs and careful study of the heartthrobs ofhoping humanity, judged that the time is ripe for theattempt to give again to the world its old knowledge of the truthfor which it hepes and longs.

In this age of material advancement and spiritual activity,

many wonderful occurrences are startling the attentive world.

And while , to the outer senses, mankind at large seems to begiven wholly to material advancement, and the preferment ofphysical attainments, there is evident to the careful observer aquiet

,deep, steady 1md ertow ofsearching, penetrating, inquiring

spiritual thought . An d while materialistsmay not know it, andin their busy strife and labored anxiety they may not realize it,still this resistless undertow of deep Spiritual thought is gradually, but absolutely, drifting the whole world out into the boundless ocean of spiritual truth. Having waited for years for thisopportune hour

,we gladly take advantage of the general drift

toward higher spiritual thought to so show our light that it may

throw its beams far out onto the troubled waters of the world,

so that the h onest, earnest, trusting mariners of thought mayguide their ships in from the sea of doubt to the harbor of cer~

tainty.

Generally stated, then, the object of thi s work is to offer thefirst of a series of proofs that shall satisfy inquiring minds of

the truth of immortality. When this statement is first read itmay appear startling, and require deep thought to determin ethe connection between the presentation ofa work of thi s character and the proposed establishment of the truth of immortality.

T h e inquiry here awakened is natural,and to answer it will the

better assist us in unfolding this our introduction .

T o establish a proposition it is necessary that some knownand recognized fact should be used as a basis upon which thewhole fabric may be built.80

, in order to establish the truth of immortality, it is necessary to select some obj ect the existence ofwhich is beyond controversy. T his leads us to the threshold ofour statement .

INT RODUCT ION.

7

T hat such a person as William Shakspeare w as born and

wrote most marvelously, and that the years of h is l ife wereamong the most fruitful in intellectual advancement of those ofany age

,needs no proof3 a simple reference to the fact is all

that is necessary. T h e genius of Shakspeare has challenged,and will continue to challenge

,the admiration of the world for

ages . T h e grandeur of his thought,the breadth and depth of

his inspiration have rarely been equaled and never surpassed.

In all ages of the world’s history an intellectual giant, hestands clear

, di stinct , and needing but the reference to h is nameto recal l his sublime and imm ortal works.T h e acknowledged g randeur and the universally concededbeauty and sweetness of this man’s intellect would most naturally mark him as being the one most likely to be first selected

,

were it within the power of the world’s uni ted effort to recallinto renewed activity that which , in the past, has been such asource

‘

of intell ectual gratifi cation,the reflection of which

,in

the present,brings such enj oyment. It was for this purpose

that we selected this author,this universally known and uni

versal ly accepted genius. And here we may retrace our thoughta moment

,in order that we may note the fact that the surest

and safest method ofreach ing the thinking world is by directing its attention into paths the traveling ofwhich has hithertoafforded unalloyed satisfaction.

T he grandeur and beauty of the productions of this poet needno applause from us . T heir admitted excellence and universallyaccepted worth may not be contemplated without the heartfeltdesire that the world .may again be blessed by a similar mind.

T h is admitted excellence necessarily implies th e general wishfor its continuance . T hat which has such wide and deepinfluence for good must be a necessity . Admitting this , it ismost desirable that an influence so beneficent

,so far-reaching in

i ts good effects,should continue ; and the natural conclusion in

the mind s of those who accept the recurrence of good as theresul t of law,

is,that whatever h as benefitted and worked good

to the world,cannot be lost. And thus we are led to our first

positive statement .T he m ind ofWill iam Shakspeare , once having been call ed

IN T R0DUCT ION . 9

into existence , can never be extingui shed, for the processionand progression of mind is endless . Once having, by D ivinelaw, received its ind ividual identity, it may not surrender thatidentity, but, ever passing on and on , through coun tless stagesof existence

,it must retain i ts individuality unimpaired through

each successive stage .We

,recognizing thi s fact

,hereby seek to establish the general

acceptance of the continued existence of the soul as a fundamental truth ; for this is the true idea of the immortality of thesoul and mind of man .

T here are many noted minds that have labored to enrich thearchi ves of the world’s knowledge, but we have chosen that ofShakspeare, because of the breadth and depth of h is intellect,which affords the most congenial field for the elucidation of thetruth we seek to present.

Q

We have waited with untiring patience for thi s intellect tocome again within the range of our influence, that [we mightdraw aside the veil which the world has Voluntarily hung beforeits eyes, and display to the waiting ones the first evidence of thetruth . T his, then , more correctly stated, is simply the doctrineof reincarnation

,or the progression of the soul through number

less life existences. W e hold,and we submit the statement

without argument,that that which has once existed, and has

proved: a source of benefit, must always continue to exist.It is this fact from which the world h as drifted away . So

general has the belief become that individual genius and individual intellect cease when the possessor of these attributes

passes from this short life existence,that when these master

mi nds are again re-mcarnated they find themselves ushered intoa world which so strongly and positively regards them as deadlost— that, notwithstanding their power, they find it utterlyimpossible to exhibit again those masterly traits which theworld has repeatedly and positively declared to be lost . Conse

quently their marked pecul iarities and their towering geniushave been gradually and finally completely obscured, so thatthey pass through the new existence unrecognized by the world ,unknown even to themselves .T his condition arises from error in belief, or, rather, from the

10 IN T RODUCT ION .

absence of a positive belief. In the place ofpositive knowledgethe world has formulated creeds, faiths, dogmas and systems,which all rest on the one great HOPE of immortality . F eeling that this mighty corner- stone of T ruth, this everlasting fact,shoul d no longer be regarded as a supposition, based upon hop ealone

,but that it should be as absolutely accepted as it is

devoutly wished for, we seek to give knowledge for ignorance,certainty for hope

,and light for

'

d arkness. T oo long has theworld accepted the shadow when the substance was withinreach . Bathed in an

’

ocean of positive knowledge, the worldstill continues to grow faint with imbibing an ignorance thatonly exists because of error.

Believing that our statements have been suffi ciently plain toprepare the reader

,we will make again the original proposition,

which is,to establish the° truth of the hepe that the existence of

the soul and mind is endless . T o do this we propose to exhibitto the world a series ofwritings that are the productions of thesame mind

,the same genius as that possessed by the immortal

Sh akspeare, whose works, written over three hundred yearsago, are to -day regarded with universal admiration . T he firstof these works here presented has been written within thepresent year and is to be followed by oth ers

,and in such

variety as to exhibit fully the wonderful gifts of this wonderfulman . If the writings brought forth by the present mind shallequal the productions of its previous existence

,we shall have

not only conferred a priceless literary favor upon the world byinfluencing this master mind to again display itself

,but shall

have made a mighty step in establishing the T ruth of Immor

tality .

And here we would state that it is not our purpose at anytime to engage in discussion or to assist in argument . In thenatural world

,the changes of seasons, the movements of the

planets,and o ther known and accepted facts do not need argu

ment to establ ish the truth of the ir different phases . If this beso ofthe natural world

,it should be so of the spiritual

,and will

be when the world g ives up its self-imposed blindness .We h old

,as a part of the truth of immortali ty

,that the mind

,

including the intellect and genius of Shakspeare, having once

IN TR0DUCT ION . 11

existed, still exists, although the world at large holds tothe general supposition that, when , on that April morning, he

lay down and ceased t o exist as the mortal man W illiam Shakspeare, the play-writer, then and forever that brilliant lightwent out , and that the world from that day and forevermust be satisfied with the reflections only that have been transmitted through the records of that brief existence .

W e hold, and shal l endeavor to prove, that the mind and‘soul

of ShakSpeare still exists, and is as capable of unfolding itsmasterly self as it was during that previous life which a blindworld believes to have terminated.

We have,therefore, in obedience to known and natural

laws,ascertained the re birth of this wonderful genius

,and

after removing almost countless obstacles,and striving for years

to bring about harmonious conditions, at last succeeded in freeing this mind

,that it may again exhibit itself, and thereby lend

its powerful aid to us in re-establishing the acceptance of thetruth of immortality. Were we to make this claim unsupported

“

,

we should, of course , be obliged to sustain the statement wi thlabored arguments and exhaustive propositions . We have

,

therefore,deemed it better to adopt that which seems to us the

most natural course , namely, to allow this mind to again exhibititself

,for in this way we prove our trust and confidence in our

belief,and display our honesty of purpose . T herefore we sub

mi t the followingHaving recognized that the world is again in possession of itshonored and revered poet

,we have simply brought him under

the influence of well -known laws , and allowed h im the samenatural freedom

"

that he enjoyed while in a previ ous existence .T he liberated mind at once , and gladly, took advantage of thehappy conditions that permitted it to enter its loved fields

,and

the resul t is before you.

We claim,therefore

,that the production herein entitled “ T h e

Queens , ” etc . is the literary work of the same mind , the samegenius

,that formerly composed and wrote the immortal works

now known as those ofWilliam Shakspeare . We submit thisstatement without a desire to enter into controversy

,and with

no intention to take part in any argument . W e state that

12 IN T R0D UOT ION .

which we know ; namely, that the genius of Shakspeare, afterpassing through an earth existence ordinarily measured by fiftytwo years

,died

,in the sense in whi ch the world at large

regards death, and having, in obedience to a D ivine and eternallaw

,passed through a state or condi tion involving nearly three

hund red years,has again

,also in obedi ence to a Divi ne and

eternal law,resumed an earth existence .

In proof of this plain statement we offer the drama here presented

,relying upon the support vouchsafed by the internal

evidence of the work itself to sustain our statement .A word of explanation in reference to the play itself. Itcovers a period from the departure of Mary, Queen of Scots,from the Court of F rance , to the day following her execution atF otheringay Castle, a period of a little more than twenty-six

years . As was necessary,in preparing a work of this kind

,many

details have been omitted,and in arranging the acts and scenes

more attention has been paid to the production of a connectedstory than to the exact date of the events portrayed .

T h e affixing of dates is not deemed necessary in a work ofthis character ; however, in behalf of its accuracy, we wouldstate that in no case has the auth or represented an action so outofharmony, with reference to time , as to be historically inaccurate

,with the single exception of the introduction of the

parliamentary committee that visited Queen E lizabeth andurged upon her the propriety of her marriage . T his eventactually took place about two years previous to the time atwhich the rest of the scene occurred . T he author’s objectin introducing it was

,first, to exhibit one of the marked

pecul iarities of E lizabeth , and, second , to give needed variety .

Also,in order to maintain a connected story

,it was necessary

to condense events and actions that occupied days,into

a single scene . T his is notable in the trial scene . T hismemorable trial occupied four days , but the author has cond ensed it into a sing le scene , and in this scene the actionportrayed is selected from that of th e whole trial . It maybe noted here also as a fact, that the author h imself was aninterested spectator of most ofth is celebrated trial , having, withthe enthusiasm of youth , gained entrance to the great hall, where

IN T R0DUO'T ION . 13

he, by his sympathy with the royal defendant, became deeplyimpressedwith all that took place . T he acuteness ofhis observations

,as portrayed in this scene

,may be verified by reference to

history. Many noted events are necessarily omitted, and onlysuch striking points touched upon as present the most markedcharacteristics of the two central figures . T he historical accuracy of the prominent part taken by the E arl of Leicester,a ssisted by Sir N icholas T hrogmorton, in involving the Duke ofN orfolk

,and fin ally Queen Mary herself, in a net from whi ch

neither could escape,will not be questioned by careful students

of E nglish history .

T he subject of the drama is of the author’s own selection.

And this brings us to the manner in which the work has beenwritten . Having satisfied our selves that the author could produce a work of literary merit equal to that ofany previously putforth while in a former life existence , we brought him,

aftermonths of training, into that condition which, for the want of abetter term

,we designate “ IndividualRecognition

,and then

arranged for the author to proceed with the work as here presented.

T o explain the method in which the work was received,we

will state that, some months previous to beginning the presentwriting, the author was by us, in conformity with known laws,removed from the influence of h is present surroundings, andpermitted to assume the conditions most natural, which werethose which d ominated his previous existence . Wh en under theinfluence of these conditions

,he dictated to friends who are

associated with him the work as herein presented . Scene afterscene and act after act were rapidly dictated and transcribed .

In order that there might be other witnesses than those whoassisted him,

it was directed that certain persons be invited tomeet the author, to observe the method followed, and to listento the dictation . T hese directions were carefully obeyed.

Several well-known and locally prominent persons were invitedto attend

,and did so . T he author

,in a normal condition

, dic

tated as long as the persons who were invited as witnessesremained present. T his method was repeated as often as wasthought necessary. At other times he dictated for hours with

14 IN T R01)UCT ION .

out apparent efibrt, giving, correctly, date of years and days ofthe month to important events described in the drama . T his

was done entirely without any previous preparation, withoutconsulting at any tim e any work relating to the history of thetimes in which the drama moves .In regard to the li terary character of the work, we would say,

in behalf of the author,that

,dealing with facts as he does, and

relating incidents and conversations that are parts of recordedhi story, he was, necessarily, confined to plain and actual d ialogue

,this leaving little room for the Operation of imagination

and th e display of sentiment . T his will explain the absence, inthe present work

,of those grand fli ghts of imagination, and

beautiful outbursts of sublime sentiment,which graced many of

the author’s previ ous works. T hat this emission may be supplied

,we will state that the author will produce

,at an early day,

another work of an entirely different character, which willafford him every Opportunity to exh ibit all the delicacy andexpressive depth of sentiment

,and subl ime imagination

,that

has marked him among the most gifted of the world’s geniuses .Most of the events portrayed took place during his lifetime .

Of some of the incidents he was an eye-witness . Others he drewfrom such friends and acquaintances as were conversant withthe facts .

As has been stated,th e arrangement of the scenes and acts is

nearly chronologically correct, and the reader’s mind will besatisfied in regard to the historical accuracy of the work if hebut recollect that no note is taken of the interval oftime whichactually elapsed between the several scenes and acts

,and that

the whole drama is arranged in its present connected shape inorder to afford a continuous story.

W ith these explanations we unhesitatingly send forth thiswork, taking this opportunity only to announce that other andmore startling writings are to fol low and , as each will have itsproper introduction , it is only necessary to ask that all be giventhat respectful hearing to wh ich our s incerity

,and the desire

we have to benefit the world at large,entitles them .

In answer to the natural inquiry that may arise in the minds .

of the read ers of th is work in regard to the p ersonnel of the

BROT liIE RS, we would only say at present that our‘

Brotherhood is composed ofa number of learned persons who have devoted their lives to the study of all T ruths, and to ascertainingarid formulating the best methods of presenting these truths tothe world.

As a distinct and organized Brotherhood, we have had an

actual existence for over eight hundred years. T hrough allthese years themembers, during their life-connection with theorganization

,have devoted their whole time to earnest study

and searching investigation .

W e have in our possession many ancient manuscripts, scrolls,tablets

,transcripts from ancient monuments, tombs and obelisks,

some ofwh ich record events many years prior to accepted written history. T he larger part of these writings are unknown tothe rest of the world .

p

F rom the earliest times our Brotherhood has collected everyattainable scrap of history, recorded traditions and writings of

every character pertaining to the most remote history of theworld , until we now possess an immense and invaluable colleetion of ancient histories, traditions, historical hymns, songs ofthe people

,and other writings pertaining to periods far antedat

ing any other records known to be in possession ofman. T hesehave been carefully preserved, diligently studied and handeddown from Brother to Brother .In addition to all this, our Brotherhood retains oral instructions

,traditions and written explanations ofnatural and spirit

ual laws which were the heritage of the founders of our Order.In regard to ourselves, it need only be said that we are theinheritors of this vast mine of knowledge, and also that we ,from long and earnest devotion to the highest promptings of ourspiritual natures, and earnest and attentive listening to the profoundest communications received by intuition

,and by commun

ionwith the highest source ofknowledge,havefitted ourselves for

Spiritual research and intellectual understanding. Our attainments are ours only because of years of study, and long andearnest attempts to perfect our understanding of the laws governing mankind, and our relation to the One Source of L ife .

Now, therefore, in obedience to our vows, and in compliance

16 IN T R0D UGT ION .

with our inclinations, we attempt, in the presentation of the following work

,to carry out the objects for which our Order was

instituted .

T he present work is but one of a class,and is to be followed

by others, whi ch we hope will do much in forwarding the principles whi ch actuate us in our labors . We do not deem itnecessary

,at present

,to make further explanation

,adding only

that our Object and aim is to establ ish, firmly, the T ruth Of theF atherhood of GOD ,

the Brotherhood of Man , and the Immortaili ty of the Soul .

F or truth and li ght,“ T HE BROTHERS.

”

[ T ran slated ]

T O T HE READER.

In compliance with the suggestion of the Brothers, I havewritten the following personal note I have no explanation toad d to that given in the Introduction, ” and most positively noexcuse to make for the following pages .A few months ago , the remarkable statements made by the

Brothers in their Introduction,

” and the almost marvelousclaims therein put forward, woul d have astonished me as muchas th eywill themost incredulous reader of thi s book . When theimpressions fir st came to me I coul d not, and did not , fully realize what a strange

,wonderful experience was before me, nor

coul d I accept the startling statements made by the Brothers inregard to my most remarkable reincarnation. After somemonths Of mental struggle I at last was compelled not only tohave my impressions transcribed, but also to fully accept thestatements as made in the Introduction .

” T hen,with the

assistance of friends selected by the Brothers,I commenced

work by di ctating a number Of hours each day . T he resul t isbefore you .

I have no comment to make upon the literary part of the work ,and can onl y say that it is a truthful and exact transcript Of thevivid and life-l ike impressions that came to me . T h e book hasnot in any sense been edited, and now appears just as it was dictated ; no one has added to or taken from the work as originallygiven .

With the exception of an indescribable feeling Of buoyancyand an excessive acuteness to sound and all outward impressions ,I may truthfully state that I regarded my condi tion while dictating as in every way perfectly normal . T here was certainlyno trance

,nor did I repeat the words of another

,borne to me by

what is known as“ thought transference . T here was at no

time any condi tion or influence that could possibly be designated2 I7

18 T O THE RE ADE R .

7

as spiritualistic . T o myself I appeared to be an actual spectator of the acts portrayed ; that is, I described the severalscenes just as if they had occurred in my presence but a fewhours before I dictated them as they now appear. SO life -likeand real did the more exciting parts seem to me that I felt as ifI coul d have gone on for hours describing the moving scenes thatso strongly impressed me .With the exception Of consul ting , afi er the book was written, awork of reference to Obtainthe correct spelling of the names ofthe persons represented in the drama, I di d not, either before orduring the writing

,refer to any historical or other book treating

on E nglish hi story ; nor d id I read or have read to me any Ofthe plays OfShakspeare. I do not desire nor intend to supplement the marvelous statements and claims Of the Brothersby any words of my own . I seem now only called upon towrite as I am impressed . T his I shall continue to do as I havedone

,trusting

,with confidence not only in the merit Of the writ

ings , but in the noble , high and pure aims of the Brothers, asexpressed in the “ Introduction

,

” that I may not only help tosubstantiate the claims made by them, but gain for my efforts arespectful hearing .

T HE AUTHOR.

https://www.forgottenbooks.com/join

20 THE QUE E NS.

f

PELANGO, an Italian agent Of the E arl ofLeicester.

DAV ISON, secretary to Lord Burghley.

BARNEY,servant to the E arl ofLeicester.

SANDY, a servant ofQueen E lizabeth .

SNOWDON, chairman of the parliamental commi ttee .MARY

, Queen ofScotland .

MARY LIvINGST ON ,

MARY SEATON, Ladies in waiting to Mary, Queen of

MARY BEATON, Scotland .

MARY F LEMING,D’OYSE LL , ambassador Of Queen Mary.

DUKE OF GUISE, uncle ofQueen Mary.

BISHOP OF ROSS, adviser and agent of Queen Mary.

STEPHENS, agent Of Queen Mary.

Lords,ladi es, commissioners, Sherifi

”

, watchmen, members OfQueen E lizabeth’s parliament, servants and other attendants .

T HE PROLOGUE .

W ITH no intent to foster feud, or wakeT he burning smart of memories-long asleep ;Nor so to praise or frown with favors leanT hat my lines may Seem other than exact ;I W ould yet make Of truth such good display,T hat

,hearing

, you might choose the better partF rom Out

'

the deeds Of those who,good or ill,

In life work’d out their ways ; and in the choiceMake small the loss Of that which weakest is .

T hus may you, in the grander, nobler traits,Know, then judge that which better was, and is.

Of two brave hearts my story chiefly treats,Pray give to both your charity’s sweetest W ISh .

F or her who,craving deep th e warmth of lOve ,

And feeling sore the loss She could not hide ,M ade pretense stand for that her heart was not,W hile her poor hungry soul made cry within ,I ask but such forbearance as the weightOfher yet better deeds SO well may claim .

T hink,I pray you , on both the state and times

And then so measure your COIl Cl ll SlOIl S fair,T hat the good may, by contrast with the wrong ,Be still the larger Of the deeds she wrought .

SO for her who, by force Of hapless birth .

Urged rule Of realm with more Of trust in menT han comprehension Of the ends they sought ;And who too soon made care the Shift ofj oy,And thus robb’d the sad, darksome years that cameOf wisdom’s weight, by over-stress in youth ,Iwould crave such rate as sweet compassionShall urge is just to clew the ends Ofright .But with full sense of both the loss and gain,

22 T HE QUE E NS. [PROLOGUE

F itting decision well to circumstance,Ask that justice may be SO measuredT hat none a touch of quittance shall regret,Remembering that Often lesser sinsAre not of choice, but chance, and that sometimesOne is not the knave he woul d be, for lackOf wit doth clothe him with garments so pureT hat he may strut in an innocence thatHath not a place withi n h is washy soul .I would not have you make a prize ofwrong,

An d so cheat the right,that that which is hurt

Might,by strength Of force, O’ercome the better ;

But giving greater weight to ends than means ;And

, mindful that the corn ofgood intentIs oft O’errun by weeds Of accident

,

L earn that the good that men would gladly doMay be lost in the maze Of plot and parle.F or

,Oh ! man’s will is oft SO soft a thing

,

T hat it may,perchance

,do a monstrous wrong ,

HOping that good as recompense may come .

But on your hearts I’ve play’d enough , SO now,Lest I be thought to impeach your judgment,I’ll urge no longer this my poor prologue ;But

, turning back the years, before you bringT hose who strove and won, those who strove and lost,Leaving the verdict of their acts with you,F eeling that

,whatever it is

,

’tis true .

T HE QUEENS.

ACT I .

SCE NE I.—Room tn the Palace of St. Germain, F rance.

E nter MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTLAND , MARY L IV INGSTON, MARY

F LEMING, MARY BE ATON, MARY SEATON and MONSIEUR

D’OYSE LL .

Q . M ary . I do now repent me that I di d askOfmy cousin this poor favor, for whatN eed have I , full as much a queen as she,

"

T O crave as favor that which is my right“i

Has now this Queen Of E ngland grown so greatT hat she doth claim the right to rule the sea ”

3

But tell me,friend, how made the queen answer ?

D’Oysell. I pray, your Majesty, that you do onlyAsk of me such a report as the wordsOf it would not profane your ears to hear ;F or if I do drag before you fullyT he speech which the English queen did assay,I have good need to be unmindful ofYour Majesty’s presence

,and so loud-mouth’d be

As would Shame yourself and gentle ladies .

Q . M ary. Have no fear,good friend

,for I hold you

SO fair ambassadeur,so tall a man

,

T hat rough,unseemly words

,though from a boor

,

Would,wh en filtered through your honest lips,

Make no Offense to gentlest, maid or queen .

Say on please . Salas [E xeant attendants.

D’Ooselt. I will keep in bondT he harsher words, or make Of them good props

23

24 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT I.

T O stay my zeal for truth, that th ey may urge ,By remembrance of the wr ong to thee,A yet fairer report Ofroyal spiteI now repeat that which ros’d my cheekWith shame to hear at large from queenly lips,And alas ! wrung such dolor from my soulT hat I could no fitting answer make .

Q . M ary . You d id honor your sense in matching not,

T o grievous hurt Of self,the queen’s hot words .

But sure the waters between have SO cool’d

Your choler that thou mayest now repeatWith no h arm

,her baneful Spleen

,word for word ,

Withholding only such poor slurs as Shame ,By their intent and port, our intellect .D’Oysell. When I had come, by her most gracious leaveInto the presence of the queen and court,I made to del iver privatelyYour Majesty’s most reasonable wish .

But scarce had I disclosed my Office quite ,When 10

,at sight of your royal sea],

T h e queen did such hot salutation make ,T hat I lost by surprise a fuller senseOf her brunt .

Q . M ary. Why ! d id sparks so quickly blazeAt this poor Show that reason was consum’d ?D’Oysell. It does not become me to judge her words

E xcept to point the ir force and full intent .With such words as I had fully shap’d ,And with much Of care to escape OffenseI d id address th e queen as was fi tting .

But meth inks it was not the words nor form,

But rather th e favor which I d id ask,

T hat d id SO much anger the E nglish queen .

Pray judge you now h ow you would have made cess.

Id o use aga in the self- same word s, forSO Oft had I sch ool’d myself for thisT hat I had writ it down on memory’s page ,SO that for your sake I might make no slip .

SCENE T HE QUE E N S.

T hen in this wise did I deliver myself .

Q. Mary . Did not the queen my cousin make a SignT hat woul d have given you private hearing ?D’Oysell. Nay, rather SO loudly did she herald,

T hat not a few came in frOm outer rooms,

As bOys do mob after drollery Sh ows ,And they, wi de -mouth’d

,di d chuckle at the rent .

Q . M ary . A shameless show Of Spleen .

D’Oysell. I thought it so,

But for your sake I helped it not o’er much,

T hinking the exh ibit Shoul d E nglish be .

So,when the clamor of her tongue did Ofl

’

er,

I said I fain would plead your royal cause .

T hen , following your own sweet words exact,I said :

'

Being wi d ow’d now, you had mi nd

T O return to Scotland and your people,And you craved but that fair considerationIn your passage as friend would give to friend .

I said that you would not lay money taxOn her friendshi p

,but, in just , full, fair coin,

Make recompense as right for meat and drink,Nor tarry longer than would meet your need .

T hen,to soften even this fair request

,

I did display your loving, queenly trustIn her gracious remembrance Of your strait .And when

,by force Of plea, I had tapped

T h e founts of other eyes,I bolder grew

,

And would have yet further softness spoken ,But the queen

,with a face as hard as flint

,

Bade me stop,and

,turning her sharp about,

Sh e said T h e Queen Of Scots may sail to hell(Si t venta verbo, — Ido speak exact .)My kingdom is no inn for such as she .Let her first keep ‘her honest bond with me

,

And Sign the fair covenant made and seal’d .

I would,indeed

,make small use Of my hand

T O Sign for her safe conduct,that sh e may

T he nearer be to plot and plan and scheme .

26 THE QUE E N S.

If your mistress had more Of years and sense,Or could She barter face for craft Of state

,

She migh t have spared you all this useless bruit.Od’s hate to her and all her tricky tribe .

Not a grain Of my realm shall feel her footT ill she shall fully mend her broken word .

T ell her that the Scots need a firmer hand,

And yet more a head than a pretty face .Let her stay

,the plaything Of your gay court,

Such as She is fitter '

to dance than rule .

Yet she is not so young that she hath notLearned to quibble and play the hypocrite.

Look ! her fair paper, with its seal and crest,I thus do Spit upon . T O the d evilWith it and her

,till she do rightly Sign

T h e compact whereof she hath so agreed .

”

T hen,with far more of strut than royal grace,

Sh e stump’d with noisy fling and lofty swag

Out of the room,leaving me amaz’d and sham’d .

Q . M ary. Oh that I did so belittle myselfAs to ask

,from SO hard a heart

,that which

I had no need to crave,nor wish for now .

G ood friend, I pray you, if I have not lost,T hrough this lame affair

,your sweet respect

,

T hat you do spare me further, and, perchance,Yet baser report Of this wanton hurt .I’m sick at heart to think how woman’s wrong’dBy such a vixen as this proud antique .

But did not her courtiers seek to becalmHer hot and riotous blood ?D’Oysell. D id man e’er still

SO sharp a tongue? I think an earl or suchDid assay to cool her fiery ranting,But if could be got more Of l ip than I .

Why,She doth rule so much with fist and foot

T hat I fear her court hath yet more of thumpsT han thanks .

[ACT I.

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28 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT I.

Your royal birth and most gracious pleasure .

T hese E nglishmen do Shut the door themselvesBy consenting to thus import to youT heir churlis

‘h refusal,so shamelessly put .

Q . M ary . I shall hear this,her agent

,unburden,

And then so reply that,haply

,I may

E xtract from his mind something Of the ShameOf my poor

,weakly p lay at

’

state-craft’s game .

But I shal l make the entertainment SOT hat he and I alone shall see and knowHow much the blood OfE ngland’s queen and mineDoth foam and fume alik e when equal heatStirs up the natures Of our human hearts .

E nter Page .

Page. His Grace th e Duke of Guise .

E nter DUKE OF GUISE .

Duke of G . I salute you all .

F rom eye and face I judge some work of weightDoth deep concern you . Pray do I intrude “

?

Q . M ary . I did but hark to mine ambassadeur,

Who hath just return’d from the E nglish court,

Where both he and I have been so befoul’dT hat I now feel that only long penanceAnd much Of pax will , alas ! make us clean .

D uke of G . Not you two so much as th e E nglish courtDO need the holy Office Of the church .

I have heard how reformation would treatA christian and a prince

,who only ask’d

Such common favor as the granting wouldBut prove one’s relation to God and man .

If this be the fruits of their prated creed,

I fear the ir h ot reform d oth spring from hate,

And hath in it more Of devil than God .

0 that some good,brave

,christian prince would wrench

T his red-bair’d bastard from her stolen throne .

I have mind to counsel that F rance demand ,By threat or force, such apology

SCE NE T HE QUE E NS. 29

F or this hurt to the relic Of our kingAs will make them mindful Of right and wrong.

My indignation hath hid the reasonOf my coming. Plum

’d and booted,without

Doth wait the representative Of spite,

Who, with Oily tongue and cant and lies,Would bolster up” his pagan court and state

,

By plea as excuse for this heartless front,T he necessities of the public weal . ”

Will your Majesty see th is man ?Of choice

,

I would hear him not . But the good tenetsOf our better faith do plead kinder thought .I pray you , good friends, let this interviewBe between this diplomat and myself.I would cur tain all anger and h ot Speech

,

And SO keep in the bounds Of good intentT hat I stand by contrast not the less right.What blow or sting hath come to me may notLighter be, or less hard , if I do sendA like hurt back to her who coldly struck .

Let me,then

,be alone .

Duke of G . If you so mind .

[T o Page] , You wil l say to Monsieur l’Ambassad eur,Her majesty doth await h is presence . [E xi t Page.

Q . M ary . Monsieur d’Oysell , I pray that you wait near.Should I call thus [blows whistle] , you will attend me .

Duke of G . I,too

,will remain within summons’reach . [E xi t

D’Oysell. I shall await your Majesty’s command . [E xi tE nter Page .

Page. Monsieur l’Ambassad eur.

Your Majesty,

By command royal, and choi ce , I salute you . [Kneels .

Q . Mary . If your good smiles do prove your mission fairI bid you rise

,and pray accept

T he Offer of my frend sh ip in good heart .T hrog . I have my duty to my queen to say .

If it hath not in it words oversoft,

3 0 THE QUE E N S. [ACT 1.

Pray lament the necessity .

I d o,And in so lamenting I grieve me mostT hat the queen your mistress hath SO much lostO f her good ami ty towardmyself,T hat I feel aggriev’d .

You can have no more ,I trow

,than hath the queen my mistress ,

Of grievous pain .

You bring your queen’s reply?T hrog . Such is*my mission . I pray that you

So weigh my words that they have such forceAS the gravity Ofmy charge d oth bring .

Q. Mary . As doth become me,I will hear you, sir.

T hrog . It was your good pleasure to lately sendT o her majesty

,the queen

,my mistress

,

Monsieur d’Oysell , your good ambassadeur,T o prav Ofher majesty safe conduct,F irst

,for your free passage

,by land or sea

,

Into your realm,and also therewith

T o be accommodated with favorsSuch as upon events you might have need .

T h e queen my mistress hath not thought it goodT o let Monsieur d’Oysel l pass to Scotland ,Nor to satisfy your further desires .T h e queen my mistress hath deemed herselfRight fully justified in refusingYour supplications

,inasmuch as you

Have not kept good,as yet

,your honorable bond

With the queen my mistress,as you agreed ;

But I am commanded to assure youT hat

,if you will be yet better advis’d

,

And think with more reason and sweeter will,And agree to the ratification ,T h e queen my mistress will not only seeYou within her realm ,

but g rant you freelySuch accommodations as you may needAnd make for you your voyage to your country

SCE NE T HE QUE E NS.

Safe and pleasant . F or the queen my mistressDoth desire that between you shoul d stil l beT hat ami ty that becomes you two akin .

Q . M ary . I pray you, Monsieur l’Ambassadeur,Be seated . I see you note th e absenceOfmy friends —and attendants . I know notO’er well mi ne own poor infirmities

,nor

How far I may by them be transported .

I like not to have so many hearersOf such weakness as I may

,perchance

,speak

,

As d id the queen your mistress,when she talk’d

With Monsieur d’Oysell .I pray you think

On the time and place when he did assayT o approach the queen my mistress .

I d o,

Good Monsieur l’Ambassad eur , and yetT h e thinking doth not mend the case a whit.A queen may always be a queen

,I trow

,

Nor place nor time urge loss of dignity .

How far the queen’s your mistress’deportmentDoth with the fashion Of your country run

,

I know not,for I do lack in . wit Of courts .

I am,as Sh e said

,not Old

,and lacking

Her experience,I have requested

T hat I be permitted to exhibitMy loss of sweeter mind and lack Of craftT o you alone .

T hrog . Not of reason need youSo appoint .

Q . M ary . I know your ready hand,

Good Monsieur l’Ambassad eur , and howT he queen your mistress would hear ofmy slips

,

E ither in speech or manner .T hrog . Is this kind ‘

11

Your words do make a most unfair accuse,

Or by ambuling, force my gallantryT o claim that you do wound another, absent ,

3 2 T HE QUE E NS.

By prick Of words to me .

Who makes reportShall , Of truth, repeat what a queen should say,If they put down aright my simple speech .

My dearth Of words doth cut me short, I fear,Of the flood wherewith your mistress the queenD id make her answer to my poor request .If to you I do lack in this respect,Recol lect that I have not the schoolingWhich so goodly a court as yours affords .You do make

,good Monsieur l’AmbasSad eur

,

T OO much force Of this your point Of signingWhat the queen your mistress names a treaty .

Pray,have I not already made to the queen

Your mistress a full,fair answer on this point ?

Wh en this you are pleased to call a treatyWas writ and signed

,I had such lack

,as too

,

Alas ! also had the king, my late lordAnd husband, Of the yet deeper meaningsOf this binding bond you do now urge meT O Sign

,that neither he nor I then thought

How far these smoothly-running words would reach.

I feel I am not,either in j ustice

Or honor,bound or held by decisions

T hat were made and consented to whileI was yet under advisement, beingStill young, of my uncles , his holinessT he Cardinal

,and h is grace

,Duke Of Guise .

And more yet, good Monsieur l’Ambassad eur ;A t the time when I d id seem to consentT O the signing Of this treaty

,mine affairs

And interests,and

,alas ! al l my poor heart

,

Were bound up in this realm of F rance . But now

T hat I am w id ow’d,my further interests

T urn,as is most natural

,to the country

Whereof I am rightly queen . And feel ingT hat now this matter doth d eeply concernMy lords and estates, I do see that I

[ACT I.

SCENE I. ] T HE QUE E NS.

Need their judgment, which is far wiserT han mine, in this most important business.

I had mind to return soon to Scotland,

T hat I might counsel with those whose interest:Are akin to mine own . W h en I had SpokenMine intent to the queen your mistress ,Sh e not only refused the asking, butI am told bymine agents in the north ,T hat your queen hath lurking ships that wil l striveT o lay themselves across my path, that theyMay impeach my return to mine own realm .

I pray you, good Monsieur l’Ambassad eur,T hat if you have in store yet other wordsWhich Shall more fully acquaint my poor mindOf the queen’s your mistress’full reason forT his sore displeasure which she doth feel for me ,T hat you w ill advise me Of their import ,SO, that if haply I do discover my faults,I may yet the more quickly remove them .

T hrog . T here is naught Of displeasure that the queenMymi stress doth hold toward you, save thatYou do continue to avoid that which youShould of right make good at once by signing .

And further : Pray do you think it ismeetT hat you do now emblazon , even blend,T he arms ofE ngland with your own on thisYour shield ? By this am I to judge Ofthe fullDegree ofyour amity toward the queenMy mistress

0!

Q . Mary . IS this,then

,so great a thing ?

Have these harmless, outlined marks here engrav’dUpon this field

,now

,so much weight and force

,

T hat the queen your mistress would make estrangeT wo hearts that should loving be ?

But,madam

Q. Mary. I pray you,goodMonsieur l’Ambassadeur

,

DO hear me out on this matter touchingT his crest and arms . ’T is true I bear it not

3

3 4 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT 1 .

Of mine own W i ll,but, making friendl y tha gui de

Of those wiser in the affairs of state,

I did consent to this harml ess blending.

But since the death Of the late king,my lord,

I have made no use of this as a sign,

And onl y now,by most unhappy chance

,

Had I this poor,useless toy about me .

But see,I lay it down

,norw ear it more .

T his I do as a token Of friendship .

I fear me,good Monsieur l’Ambassad eur

,

T hat the queen your mistress hath time that dothHang idly on her hands

,if she would make

SO great a rift for a thing SO smally .

But that I may do yet more than my half,

T O show that my feelings are ofbetter growth,

I will say to you that I will wear it no moreNor use this that hath so much Of fri ghtUpon its face . In laying i t asideI do sue the better thought Of your heart

,

T hat you may say to the queen your mistress ,How glad I am for peace .

T hrog . You say good plea,But the words you speak make SO thick a cloudOf dull

,foggy seeming , that I do miss

Your plain answer to the queen’s plain request .

Q . M ary. Had I not vow’d to myself and to GodT O hold in leash the sterner

,b iting words

My lips would speak , I might here make sharp tort ;F ormy soul doth rail at this your fel l stir .

But no . We may not meet the ends Of rightBy thi s our poor, vain pitting wrong to wrong .

Have I not,Monsieur l’Ambassad eur , shown

T he full reason for withholding my Sign“!

Is,indeed

,your message so poor and Short

T hat you do need to stick on th is one point ?I do have it in mine heart to spare youA further tilt with your own better thought ;F or I know full well that you but sneap me

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3 6* T H E QUE E NS . [ACT I .

T h e queen my mistress seeing this full well,Hath d eem’d it yet more prudent for your goodT o have and hold her fri endship

,as you may

In affliction have need Of her support .

Q . M ary . I ask nothing but mine own rights Of her.

I do not trouble her state or subjects .

And yet I know that there be not a fewAmong her people who have not the mindSh e hath

,in religion or other things ;

Yet I have no will to fret her subjects .T he queen says I am young . T rue

,I am not

As Old -as she,but I am Old enough

T O use myself toward my kin and friendsUprightly and as becomes a christian ;And I trust my youth will not lead meT o so heat my passion that I shall useOther language than doth become a queen .

T hrog . Madam , you do so beat about with words,T hat you do hide the point as yet unmet .I pray you let us have no more stilting .

If you have it not in your heart to nowRedeem your rightful pledge, pray make to meAs you may, your pleasure as to Signing .

T hat whereof your lords and self have agreed ,While yet the king

,your late lord and husband ,

Was al ive,and did right fully assent .

Q . M ary . You do,indeed

,SO Shake my good intent

With the smart of your purpose to Offend ,T hat I am near constrain’d to ask a truce

,

Lest I be plung’d into a foreign sin ,And be yet weaker by imitationT han I ought to be

,who am so nearly

Akin to so grand a model .By my faith ,

I d o not know which to lament me mostT his stiffness in one that’s SO young and fair,Or th is unwil l ingness to meet arightT he w ise course the queen my mistress d oth Show .

SCENE I. ] T HE QUE E N S. 3 716

Q . M ary . Wise ! How SO ? Is it good wisdom throwMyself into an unknown sea of trust

,

Where I must needs look alone for mine helpT O those who would but gladly see me sink?Monsieur l’Ambassad eur, you have my say,Nor will I my rashness now further tempt .T hrog . T his then’s final “?

Reason doth so affirm .

T hrog . Make not reason parent so wrong a thing ;But pray send to me a yet fairer word,T hat doth the more befit your royal grace .

I have good mind to lag me yet awhile,

Or until a sweeter lull doth followT his resentful storm

,which hath only cast

T hese words of broken drift upon the ShoreOf your troubled sea

,which must calmer be

When self"

and soul shall take account alone .

Q . M ary. I see the queen your mistress hath, forsooth,Well equipp

’d her ambassadeur .

T hrog . How so ?Can I fail to see that which is not hid ?F or

,wi th all your queenly seeming

,

You d o but play the sterner parts,though well

,

Yet still , beneath the biting frost I seeA warmer self.

Q . M ary . If I do play, and gain,In the playing , your gracious meed, I doYet feel the want Of care

,lest your sweet praise

Lead me to so mistake the false for trueT hat I may miss my wit

,and fail to see

T hat this shallow glaze Of bland , wee confect,Is but an after-touch Of lush softnessT hat policy doth append .

T hrog . You wrong bothT he good queen her majesty and myself.

Q . M ary . If I do wrong,pray forgive . I only

Make such a defense as my case demands .I pray you that you so use your Ofii ce

3 8* T HE QUE E NS . [ACT I .

T hat, if there be but a small spark of loveBetween the queen your mistress and myself,It be fann’d into a better blaze

,

T o the end,that we may yet be as doth

Become two queens akin .

T hroy . I am not hereOf my own choice , but rather to appealIn affairs of state to one whois wise

,

But whose wisdom doth need a broader scepe .

Q . M ary . Such wit as I have,be it small or great

,

I have no desire to measure it nowIn a fi eld not Of mine own selecting.

T hrog . But,madam

,the treaty is sure your own

Inasmuch as the kingE nough

,I pray .

Alas,though a skillful player, you do

Harp upon a single string far too much .

T hrog . If there be those whose souls are not attun’d ,E xcept

Q . Mary . It is not the player so muchAs the air he doth assay to playT hat sore offends .

If I Offend,I pray

T hat I may withdraw .

It were better so .

But,in going

,I pray you to take

With you sweet remembrance Of the goodI meant to say

,forgetting not

,alas

,

My lack Of that wisdom which doth SO graceT he queen your mistress, and doth leave me nowSO poor when weigh’d with her .

I have onlyYour refuse to say to the queen my mistress .Is this a thin glaze Of bland , wee confectT hat policy doth append ?” You do seemBetter arm’d than I ; or, from practice , d oKeep your most deadly Shafts to close the bout .In affairs like this ’tis not meet to sue

SCENE T HE QUE E NS.

As rustic lovers do,by gush of parle ,

Nor even trust a kiss to mend a breach,

Nor yet the damper Office of a tearT o patch a broken pledg e .

Q . Mary . [B lows whistle. E nter D’OYSE LL . ] I have‘

ish ed .

[ T o D’OYSE LL . ] I pray you, hand Monsieur l’Ambassad eur

T h at whereon we have so agreed. In this,

My seal , you wil l discover our answerT here are no tears

,

’

nor yet a queenly kiss,Only an equal’s most needful render.T hrog .

[

If this your written word doth but containT he fore-fix’d ' speech you h ave just made to me,T here be small need to bear it hence .

I askG ood Monsi eur l’Ambassad eur

,that you use

Your noble Offi ce as doth fit a manWhose aim it should be to foster ratherSweet amity than strife . Your loyal tyI praise

,though its use be askew a wee

Yet I gladly bear witness to your zeal,

And , as an earnest of mine esteem ,pray

Accept the better wishes Ofmine heart . [G ives him her hand .

T hrog . T he pleading of your eyes Sh all more affectT he good tenor Ofmy report, than shallT he wisdom Of your queenly words .

Of truthT hen let mine eyes Speak what my lips have miss’d .

If you d o see that which doth better seemT han that which you have heard , pray SO report.

E nter DUKE OF GUISE and the four Marys .T hrog . I see the private intervi ew i s o’er .

Q . M ary . T hese who now attend do but witness bearT hat we part as friends .

’T is true,as friends .

Q. Mary . T hen with these sweeter words,more to mine heart,

I wish you safe return, and G od’s dear care .

May the sea be calm and the winds blow fair . [E xeunt omnes .

3 6 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT I .

SCENE II . Room in W estminster Palace, London .

E nter SANDY and BARNEY .

Sandy. Aye, guid Barney, th ir be sturtsome times . W hat wi’

the lairds an’gentles yeding wi’ae’anither , an’the awsomedunt the queen gi e ye master yestreen ; an’I say thee nae as ae’

what hae it hack,for h e the bars me mither wore , I saw it ; an’

wi’sic smart skill d id the queen pit the lounder , that his laird

ship was glad to Skyt out 0’reach frae h er nive

,an’hald h is

wud for some lesser chucky .

Barney . Sure, men, ye prate o’er much for a thing so small .Sure that’s no clout the quane did fling .

’Pon me saul it wasbut a pat .

Sandy . I dinna ken what ye ca’a pat, but na sma’blaw cannamak’sic a knoost as ye master did dree . W hy, mon, na runyonwad gie a war’ae’

,an’wi’the nevel gade Sic wyte

,that ye mas

ter norsed hi s haffet in lown , as was halesome ; tho’I ken hislairdship wad gie a wee to hae mends O’a lesser, or yet a sma’

tooly wi’underling .

B arney . Sure , mon, nither pat or speech would harm the earl .Sure lovers Oft spit like that, then when alone the goose wi ll suefor peace

,and the silly gander, with the promise of a buss, will

forget th e dig .

Sandy . As ye will, guid Barney, as ye will ; but I ween ye mas

ter wad lure tak’the buss than the fl ewitt, seeing he’s her j o nalang

,an’anither may be nist owk . But muckle mair be in the

mirk,Barney, muckle mair, nor ony sturt or snib 0

’queen or

blether O’earl . W hy, I was tauld yestreen that our Scottiequeen hae skt her ain hame an’raught Ingliss cosie in sic sorrybrats that h ersell maun thig len O’husk an’sark to pit herbrands in .

T hey gOSSie she d oth orp muckle an’claver 0

’church,an’

quoth,she do dree a’for rel igion .

” Ah, me, what unco

haviour fowk w ill hae,an’say it’s a’for God . Why

,here’s

Inglan’s sain’d queen

, God bless her saul, she doth gar the popish knaves to grace fou mony a woody ; an’She’s lifting men’staps frae aff their backs, then in her haly prayers she doth quoth ,F or thy sake, O Jesu

,I do it T hen here’s this forfairn

SCENE IL ] THE QUE E NS. 3 7

queen, _ wi’mair looe’s an’p

‘

rets than siller or wat, an’I fear

less 0’virtue than has ye mither

,an’mair youdith than

harns,spanging O

’er eard an’sea, wi’na time to greet o

’er herblowed up guid mon’s mools ; gowling in the gurly wind wi

’Od d

h e’s an’half ungeared,til l Sh e fain wad drain her cens to Speel

to her fawn throne again . An’then,forletting her own wan

grace, sh e quoth s, F or haly church an’sweet religion I gie

up Ah me, guid Barney, wha’s got religion an

’what be it ?Barney. Religion, fool ! why, your wit must have a ban on it .

Know ye not what religion is ? W hy mon, he’s most Of religionwho’s most atop . In our good

,fair E ngland her majesty hath

the true religion,for she doth ride the heap . But if the Span

ish Philip came and blocked her head, and put the Scot in herrobes, why sh e would hoist her religion in , and then that wouldbe the true just the same . SO, my lad, religion, as played bykings and quanes, is but a see -saw mock . T he common folk withsmal l pretense

,have most of honest faith . But list

, Sandy, forsuch as we Should not bother our pates with matters that plumnot our puddings . Have you a mind to tell me how the earl gotthat pat . I wouldn’t mind a pint Of scuds to have it straight fromyouwho sawit sure . Some daywhen master’s in his stroot I’ll givehim how much I know,

and so making Shame a leash keep selfand barns in pence .

Sandy . G in it be ye fother to trade on the haps O’ courtI’ll na’sta’k your sta’; for how ken I you’ll na’twig me wi’theding

,that a d og’ll fetch a ban will na’be h OOly to sneak twa

away .

Barney . 0 make not Of yourself boast of that ye got not . Ifyou keep a secret it’s your forebears hanging . Sure I’ve noneed to ear o’er much to con all in your pate . But come, let usas of yore

,go snacks on what we know.

Sandy . What we ken ? G in ye spelder what wee you ken,he’ven len’ye the glare 0’sin to mak’a halsome show 0

’what’sleft . Why

,Barney

,ye canna forleet muckle mae an’miss the

dolt catcher .Barney. Stilly mon

,stilly . Is this wit

,or something you’ve

heard,and in the hearing lost its comprah ension

‘f

Sandy . Pray lud , ye mauna stent at sic lang words, ye might

3 8 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT I .

split a gut, or swelt yoursell . Nay, Barney, hald ye rift to coolye het speech . Nay, sic ye gie sic ye get.Barney . 0 , let us be friends, and save our sharp tongues forthose who would shame us if they coul d.

Sandy. Ri’t, Barney, ri’t . T ak an afier an’’gree, the low’scostly .

Barney . Say, overheard you the til t when it laid on ? Or

saw you but the smite ? How first it? Did the earl make someslip, such as praise a comely maid? Or did he trip and stir upyellowness by bilking to some new jade in sight of queen ?Sure , he has need Of care, for when he’s long away from court

he,

picks up so much unfit for gentle cars, that I wonder hehath not more Of the queen’s resent. Sure , you folk at court,who make no long stay in outish lands, can keep your mannerselegant . But say, Sandy, give us the bout, for I know I’ll getit fine Of you ; and being SO near the throne your say Of currents will lack the tint ofbrag

,but have the glare Of truth .

Sandy . Weel,gin ye maun, this is how it came aff. Ye

master speer the queen for sunkets at court for a friend,or sib

,

an’to beit the case he pu’ed the billy’s braw Sister in,an’

mowsing 0’her bonny face an’tydie body

,as mon are wont to

do, grew knacky o’er muckle while he prated 0’her eens and

lips, and e’en spoke O’ither charms .Now the queen, an’I’se hald ye leal that ye keep it whisht,a’ways forleets her havins when mon at court do praise a face,save it be her ain . Sae when they speak 0’charms, whilk She

but kens frae sic She sees on ithers, she looses quite her hald O?tongue

,an’in the quiet O’speech gains pith O’spaul . An’sae

it was when ye master strove to ’Sist a friend, an’as a prep 0’

sr-mou’d the sister’s canty sell, the queen, mair mindful 0’her

ain loss than 0’her laits

,did fling the earl sic a flewitt that I

amist feared he’d smite her back . But the blaw she pit wasfrae her right, an’when he saw her left on guard he hid h isd irle

,an’petted the stang in quiet .

B arney . Is this the fi rst,or has h is lordship had other favors

such “3

Sandy . F irst ! why ye fozy, toom pate must be stuck wi’

fause cens g in ye see na ony the wow haviour about the court.

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40 THE QUE E N S. [AC T I.

candle . Weel, he’ll mend when he grows better, lik’sour ale insummer . He has some wit, but a dolt hath the gui ding O’t.

[E xi t

E nter E ARL OF LEICESTER , DUKE OF NORFOLK , E ARL OFSU SSE x and E ARL OF PEMBROKE .

Lei . T rue , my lord, true , this new turn doth bring with it asorry gambit . E nough

,already

,had her maj esty of trouble wi th

the Scots when they kept their queen at home ; but now thewaif doth seek a shelter within her majesty’s realm

,the case has

a most darksome look .

M he ofN. Has her majesty been informed Of this new turn ?Lei . A messenger did bring her the Scot’s letter from Work

ington yesternight?E arl of S . Workington ! W as it at that slip sh e did land?What retainers d id she bring ?L ei . With little thought of queenly dignity

,and less Of

womanly comfort, her passage over was in old Degg’s fishing

boat .Duke of N. Of truth thi s is a most sorry plight . How littlewe know what a day may bring . It seems only a season ago

,

so swift is time,that this young queen sailed away to the gay

F rench court . Well do I remember how our late king madevain reach to stay her passage thither, even as the queen hermajesty strove to check h er coming back . And now

,another

turn Of fortune’s wheel, and 10 , she sues at E ngland’s doors forfavors . I do believe that fate has sadly mixed her fortunes up .

L ei . Your Grace , you do exhibit more pity for her who hathugly threat against the realm and our queen than caution toprotect your sovereign .

Duke ofN. Aye, my lord , but must one lose all sense Of pity,and be dead to touch Of heart

,before he may have wisdom fit to

give advice ? Pray,do I sl ip my better thought Of queen or

realm when I do pity the distress of one misled?L ei . T ake my advice , your Grace, and keep leagues between

you and this fair lassie queen . F or a heart SO over soft , may

melt at the ligh t Of those bright eyes, which they say the Scotdoth flash .

SCENE II ] THE QUE E N S.

Duke ofN Caution, my lord, comes well from you in affairsOf the heart . But pray, if you have so much to give , would notprudence suggest that you keep a grain for use at court?E ar l of S . T ut

,tut

,gentlemen . Let us rather think of how

we shall spread this delicate -matter -before her majesty. T herebe good need that we do use such care as Shall stay undue haste .

Duke ofN. T his unwelcome visitor hath,in her hasty flight,

not left behind her queenly rights,and her very stress doth the

more proclaim that we should make Of this affair an opportunityto teach , as would right gladly please the queen her maj esty,that subjects must respect their princes .Lei . How think you, your Grace, would you counsel such areception to this broken queen as would Offend the lords andestates Of Scotland?Duke ofN. I would house and feed

,as doth become a Chris

tian,any soul that doth crave so smal l a gift . But saw you the

letter th e Scot d id send ? What was its import “? Was it as onewho demands ? or d id she humbly crave “

? Is she broken inspirit

,or still rides she her pride?

Lei . I myself read to the queen her maj esty that wherewith the Scottish queen did announce her coming . I make nofault with the letter, but I do lament me sore the need Of thesending. Sh e doth use a flood of words

,plastered with high

sounding speeches . Sh e doth rehearse. the hot revolt and sudden turning in her fortunes and realm . She prates of oneKnox,

and says h e hath stirred up sedition ; and"then says her brother

,

the E arl ofMurray , hath turned against her and th e state . She

doth give as a reason for her hasty flight,that she was deprived

Of the advice Of her loyal council,and she also laments in tears

,

that she was forced from her lord and husband . 0 , heaven !how low one may drag her sense of right to so far forget thy law,

that she will seek to bolster the results of sin by pleadingreligion’s need as excuse for wrong.

E ar l of S . She preach of husband ! T he brazen wench ! SO

little regard hath She for that good name,that she doth plot and

plan to send her lawful lord and husband out of the world ind ust and smoke

,and then make quick haste to bed with h is

murderer . Had she more Show Of virtue,I Should have more

42 THE QUE E NS . [ACT I.

pity for one so young , but she hath banished the sweeter thoughtof charity by her low traffi c on her charms.

Duke ofN. I have no thought to even condemn the faul ts ofwhich you Speak , my lord. We men are oft too prone to preachand slur , and take to ourselves a vi rtue not our own . T hosewho soil themselves by our help are full as pure as we who j oinin the soiling . We hold ourselves in proud disdain , and oft

avert our faces at woman’s plight ; and yet the best of us butneed the dark to smutch not alone ourselves, but those we shamto blame, and so become by ourweak mockery weaker still thanthose we so falsely condemn. T here never yet fell a throne ofwomanly virtue that went not down either to love or siege . In

passion’s sin two must trade,and if two Sin, wist you which is

the greater sinner,the one who sells or the one who buys?

Lei . Your Grace , your pious words would fit our bishop . But

are we here rather to preach than to plan? I feel it meet thatwe proceed with the business which to my mind is more of policythan morals .E arl of S . Gentlemen , as neither of you have the queen’s letto preach , but rather her full desire to mind this affair, I prayyou that we do so attend .

Lei . Such is my choice .

Duke ofN. F or that end came I h ere by royal command.

But we have no need, gentlemen , in our coming , to forget the

good graces ofour common blood .

Lei . I have no desire , your Grace , to forget , but rather tolearn . But this affair doth so disturb me that I do use the toolsfirst at hand

,that I may the better unwind this ugly snarl, to

meet th e wishes of the queen her maj esty .

Duke of N. W e must so Shape advice that naught shall behasti ly done

,and so counsel action that there shall be no need

to make a move but once . Nofauxp as.

E arl of S . F rom the tenor of the letter judge you that therewas yet much in blindness

,or did the Scot speak openly and

fl ank?Lei . I have made some study of the letter , and I disguise it

not from you,gentlemen

,that it doth become us to look most

SCENE IL ] T HE QUE E N S . 43

carefully to our“

every move , and not alone to our own actions,but also to the Scot’s and her friends .Duke ofN. Wh en i s this matter to be brought before the

queen ?Lei .

‘

T his hour,in council , and I am informed that you, your

G race, have been invited to consult with her maj esty and hercouncil .Duke ofN. I have been so summoned .

Lei . It is her majesty’s good pleasure that this affair shall beas quickly arranged as may be . F or she doth rightly feel that

,

in dealing with one who makes so many speedy changes,there

be most earnest need for decision while the Scot doth remainwithin decision’s reach .

E ar l of S . Where lodges the Scottish queen? and who hasSh e in her train ?Lei . At Workington , in Cumberland, at the inn of “ Horseand Boots . ” But, as that hostry be not toh er liking, she maymake short tarry at so dull a place . Above sixty tailed aftertheir fleCked queen .

Duke ofN . My L ord Scrope be not afar from that place , ath is manor, Carlisle castle . He hath ever been mind ful of hermajesty’s best interests, I trow . He would make good host forthis most unwelcome , though needy g liest.

E arl of S . He has a most watchful eye , and there would belittle hatching that would miss h is ken .

Lei . [Rings bell. E n ter Page ] Say to the keeper of thecouncil chamber, that he shall acquaint her majesty that thecouncil awaits her pleasure . [E xit Page.

E nter SIR WILLIAM CECIL, SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON,

SIR T HOMAS SMITH .

E arl of S . Gentlemen , we do now attend her majesty thequeen .

Ceci l. Such is our intent .Lei . May our prayers keep step with our resolves .Duke of N. Let us go to the council

,gentlemen

, understanding one another . I am here by royal command . I do butadvise in the matter of the Scot. T his is so new a turn

, so rare

44 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT 1 .

a hap,that we have good need for care , that we may draw not

the eyes of those who would float their arms to answer affrontto this unhappy queen

,if unh appily affront Should fellow our

action . T his queen may have lost her throne , ’tis true, butmethinks there be those even in her topple who would burn nota little battle to help so fair a beggar .

E nter Page .

Page. My lords and gentlemen , the queen , her maj esty,doth await your presence .

Ceci l. G entlemen , we will to the council .‘

Lei . Y our Grace , I pray you, as you love a calm yet morethan a blow

,look to it that you praise not overmuch this

northern dilling,nor Speak of her graces to the exclusion of her

faults . Between ourselves we may smack of charms,and even

long a wee,but before her maj esty , th e queen, it doth become

us, as we prize our skins,to be rather advisers

,however thin

,

than playing gallants .H at. Good E arl , your caution is finely Shown , and you whohave had so many marks of royal jests , do right well know thevalue of caution .

Duke of N. I trust that if I pity, as any Christian may, I amnot the less fi t to advise with her maj esty , the queen . If th e

good earl hath need to restrain h is overheat for bonny faces,I

see not the force of h is urging like bit on those who make noShow of fire. T hey who cry in the market places , with muchnoise

,their stock ofvirtue , are sometimes found poorly off in the

l ight Of inquiry .

E arl of S . I fear, your Grace , that you slept not over welllast night .Duke of N. T he sleep was good , my Lord , but it is this ri d eawakening that doth disturb . But pray forg ive this poor resent.I have but added another’s stress to my own , and, by weakdefense of self, made thin my attempted shielding of the needy .

Lei . I d id but Speak ad visingly, your Grace , yet meant notal l I prated .

Duke of N. I l ike not a glib, oily tongue , that doth blusterthat whereof it h as no purpose save sound . [E xeunt.

SCENE III. ] T H E QUE E NS. 45

SCENE III . Counci l Chamber , W estminster .

QUEEN E LIZABETH and Council d iscovered .

Q . E lie . My L ords and Gentlemen : I desire that you list tothe important matter that shall now be brought before you. Ihave thought it w1se and proper that we proceed in this affairas doth become us as Christians who have been appealed toby one who is most grievously and sore oppressed. You haveheard the letter read wherewith we were acquainted with thearrival of the heir of James V . of Scotland within our realm.

A portion of this strange letter relates to matters that properlycome before you

,my Lords and Gentlemen, for consideration .

In adjusting this unhappy business I ask you to measure wellthe distress and full circumstances of the sender of this un

usual message .

Lei . May it please your Majesty, I d id , with my Lords andGentlemen , in a slight manner , discuss this affair, breaking tothem suCh of the contents of the

Q. E lie . T hat you have done this doth Show that you havenot as yet outgrown your guardage . T hat I d id so far forgetmyself as to make you privy to this delicate deal

,doth but re

mind me that I have afore had occasionto remark on your looseness.

Lei . I pray your Majesty that you do but consider to whomI did revealQ . E lie . Wh at matter

,I pray you, doth it signify to whom or

when one doth blab the affairs of court ? Had I meant to makepublic proclamation of this most skittish thing I should haveannounced it

,and so have saved you the post ofherald .

Ceci l. May it please your Majesty, as this matter has not asyet gained public car

,I pray you overlook this Slight Slip the E arl

ofLeicester has most unwittingly made .

Q. E lie . So oft have I to overlook these slips and haps theearl doth make

,that I have good need to search for taller man

,

and so save you, gentlemen, and myself this oft reprove.Lei . May it please your gracious Majesty, I d id but speak of

this while yetwewere waiting in the outer room, seeking thereby

46 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT 1 .

to so acquaint h is grace the duke,that when we had met we

mi ght proceed with that understanding that the gravity of thecase did demand .

Q. E lie . How so? T his, then , is another slip . You soughtto so cut and dry

,and make of this matter a pattern fitting your

own sweet will,that the weight of my counsel would be but as

seeming . Your explanations do but thicken your exposure . F or

yourself it woul d have been better had you but played thedouble with more ofhush and less ofblab .

Lei Your Maj esty,I am done .

Q. E lie . It were well that you were done before you began .

Ceci l. I pray your Majesty that we do proceed,for even now

while we make play Ofwords,she

,for whom we woul d counsel,

doth tarry not to her liking,and may change her decision , and

so rob your Majesty of the Opportunity that providence seems tohave vouchsafed to place within your hands, one who, for thegood of our kingdom and the peace and quiet of your Majesty,doth , indeed, need safe disposal, and such wisdom in the counselofher affairs as shall prevent the spread of sedi tion and the uprising offoes .

Q . E lie . It is my purpose, my Lords and Gentlemen , that weproceed with this matter at once . W hy, if we are to judge bythe volume of this strange letter

,we have good need to be

solemn in our actions .Duke ofN. May it please your Majesty, it doth seem thatthat which first demands attention is this Show of real wantwhich the Scottish queen has , with sad tale , made known . Itdoth not look that there be now so much need ofdeep andsearching counsel

,as there is want of new gowns for her

,who

in her wow flight hath dropped among us illy clothed .

Q. E lie . Pray your Grace , let not your kind reach for theproper false poverty of this motley-minded breed-bate makethin your better j ud gment . I trust that you will credit me withat least having mind for the comfort of the body of this mountebank

,that doth ask so impertinently for alms .

Duke ofN. It was my purpose, your Majesty, in alluding to

this , to but d isplay your goodness of heart, by directing atten

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48 T HE QUE E N S . [ACT I.

Q. E lie . In her flight how many di d brave her sinkingfortun es

,and trust their luck with hers ?

Ceci l. By courier we are informed that all told there areSixty od d

,who

,with more a Show of faithfulness than judgment

,

leeched themselves to their fallen queen .

Q. E lie . Sixty ! and I trow sixty as hungry Scotchmen as

ever munched oats . So great a swarm of hungry mouths mustnot be thrown upon my L ord Scrope at once . In this matter Ithink there’s wisdom in division . I pray you, then, that suchamong them as are without mark be hurried back , but such asare of some estate be quartered where the ear of this

,their

fallen mistress,be not yet within too easy reach

,for it be wise

if we be solicited to guide her fortunes while she doth tarrywithin our realm ,

that there be not over many to thwart ourplans .L ei . May it please your Majesty, there be among this company

,which doth attend the Scottish queen , those whose

youth and tenderness would suggest the propriety ofaffordingthem the protection of those who are sedate and discreet .

Q. E lie . T his class among the Scots , then, have good needto feel afirigh t did they know that you, my lord, had a voice intheir protection . I trust

,for their sweet sakes

,that you may

not feel that urgency of business would call your lordship intothat part of the country where they now are .

Duke ofN. T h e Scottish queen herself, may it please yourMajesty , h ath not yet so far succumbed to years that she hathlost that comeliness that would make a bounty in the eyes ofevil ; and so if she be bereft of protection wh ile she doth dwellamong folk not acquaint , she will need , to save her from uneasi

ness,your Majesty’s order concerning her personal safety .

Q . E lie . F ig on her comeliness ! Have I need to ask thatmy parl iament pass some stiff act that Shall throw about thisfalsing face a protection that my own ladies stand not in needof? I pray you good Duke , if this be th e humor that doth runwith your blood , that you do give more time to poesy than toaffairs of state . But

,I thank you that in thi s softness of speech ,

you have set me good warning th at not such as you shouldtake into Cumberland whatever message we have to send .

SCENE III . ] T HE QUE E NS . 49

Duke ofN. I have but closely followed, may it please yourMajesty, what I have learned of your sweeter will. If I havemade poor slip , by shifting from your lips to mine a thoughtthat did you honor

,I pray your Maj esty that you blame

rather my lack Of words th an my perception of your royal goed e

ness of heart .‘

Q. E lie. Your Grace , you have, indeed, missed your calling .

One who can so clearly read that which has not been expressedshould lose no time in providing himself with an owl, a blackeat

,an empty skull

,dress in green , cross himself, then cast the

future for trusting fools .Duke ofN. So wide a fi eld

,your Majesty , doth your great

learning cover,that your

'

d eep allusions are quite beyond myreach

,and because you have such knowledge so wel l in grasp

d oth near ur‘ge me back to bench and birch .

Lei . It is understood, then, your Majesty, that the Scottishqueen Shall be housed in Carlisle castle?

Q. E lie . Such is my pleasure . But it were better had younot known the lodging

,nor yet the country .

Lei . I do know the country,may it please your Majesty

,and

there be few hills and valleys o’er which I have not followed

my hounds in many a hot and galloping chase .

Q . E lie . See to it, my Lord , that both you and your houndsShall hunt no more in that fair land

,at least until sh ch game as

you do mostly chase be safely housed.

E arl of S . May it please your Maj esty , would it not becomeyour thought to make such provision as would meet the nocessities which this queen in her letter doth so urgently disclose ?Q. E lie . T his matter

,my Lord

,hath already been fully at

tended to . [ T o Cecil ] Make in your instructions that earnestness for her comfort that shal l betray to Lady ScrOpe my desirethat there be not over much time pass when she cannot

,with

good readiness , bring within her Sight this flitting outcast .Ceci l. It Shall be as you desire, your Majesty . When I have

the order prepared it shall be submitted for your approval.Q . E lie . I pray you

,go not out ofthe way to net for over soft

words . T here be such need for firmness in th is matter that notone line should be writ down that the twisting of it would mean

50 T HE QUE E N S. [ACT 1 .

aught than what we say; for so slippery a matter is thi s that ifwe nurse this stranger overmuch we may plant within our sidesan ugly thorn .

Duke of N. T he kinder will that has so far made sweet andgood your gracious reign, has not yet so far spent itself, thatfrom very poverty, there needs be Shut from this your order,your Majesty

,some word of Christian tenor, that shall stand in

sweet contrast,in your reception, to the barbarous coldness and

heartless fury that has compelled thi s young queen to flight.

Q . E lie . Is there need for longer that you, your Grace , shouldprate and slabber such weak drivel

,and thus display your

chi cken-heart ? If you have so much milk in your blood, I pray

you seek a nursery, and there with sucklings creep and bilk,and lament the crushing of a fly. T here is so much softness inyour play at counsel

,that

,indeed , your words do sound like

children at close of shuttle- cock . If you have so much heart forthis fouty fallen d rab

,seek her out

,and on bended knee make

full display ofyour tender passion . Perchance thi s loose fl irt gillmay turn to you, and wi th eyes swimmi ng with tears, give , as arecompense for your girlish interest

,a smile

,or perhaps a chuck .

But I have done . I pray you, M ister Secretary , make to mea fair copy of this order ; and it is my pleasure that Sir F rancisKnollys Shall be the messenger who shall hear these instructions. And further

,this is my pleasure : Say to this Scottish

outcast,that my ears are ofiend ed with the report that reaches

me of her conduct,and the dark suspicions that do attach

themselves to her in the manner of the taking CH of her latelord and husband . L ikewise

,I am Shocked at the unholy speed

with which Sh e d id wed with the E arl of Bothwell . Say to her,when she has c leared herself of these and other dark and foulsuspicions

,of which th e air is full

,that I will treat with her for

that protection which her case Shall warrant .l t is my pleasure that this message be d espatched at once .

Make no delay because of night. F urnish horsemen and suchescort as Shal l safely d etermine the delivery of this most important matter. And it is my express command that IShall bekept fully and complete ly informed , not only ofevery act ofyou,

SCENE III. ) T HE QUE E NS. 51

gentlemen , in this affair, but all rumors that the people domouth .

I Shal l summon presently such of you, my lords and gentlemen

,as I have need

,and I therefore ask that you tarry with

that end in view. I have finished .

E nter Keeper of the Council Chamber

Keep er . Your Majesty , I crave to announce that there bewithout a committee from your honorable parliament, and theypray that your Maj esty do grant them a hearing .

Q. E lie . Admit them . My lords and gentlemen, remain thatwe may hear this committee .

E n ter Committee .

Q. E lie . Gentlemen, make known your message .

Chairman . M ost gracious Majesty , by vote of parliament assembled

,and by its further direct ion

,we do appear before you

and most humbly crave your most gracious indulgence .

Q . E lie . Gentlemen, say on . Let this that you have to maketo me be quickly said .

Chairman . Your Maj esty, that there shal l be nothing undersaid , and that we may make no loss of time by oversaying , wehave thought it proper to set down in writing that which is thewish of your parliament .

”

And that wemay the better enforcethe full meaning of the sentiment that hath invoked our presence

,we would crave permission to read to your Majesty the re

solve passed .

Q . E lie . G entlemen, let not this interview he overlong . If

the weight of your communication be right and agreeable , itwill gain nothing by overmuch speaking ; if it contains thatwhich bath in it matters not pertinent

,it were better that you

left it unsaid, and that your assembly use their time in markingthe boundaries to Hick’s field, rather than importuning yoursovereign .

Chairman . We have,your Maj esty

,but our duty to perform ,

be it il l or pleasant,it is not of our choosing.

Q . E lie . You have my permission to readChairman . [Reads ] May it please your most graciousMajesty .

Your parliament in assembly, with most anxious hearts, and full

52 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT I.

sense of your good, have thought it fit and proper to express toyour Majesty their wish and most earnest desire that happilyyou may find it in your mind to accord with them

,to

'

the endthat t here be yet more qui et in your realm by reason of thepeacefulness of your reign

,and the hope that it may be con

tinned by yourself,and in the end be further continued by your

most blessed and devoutly desired rightful heir. T o this endyour parliament would most earnestly pray that you do, of yourown free wi ll and choice , select from among those of loyal bloodand goodl y line

,a lord and hq and .

Q . E lie . So my parliament would force me to marry ? I suppose before your reading is finished it will appear that your mostaudacious assembly h as instructed you to season your bold,brazen address with a dash of threat . I pray you, gentlemen,twist your courage , and out with it, that I may the better makeanswer to the whole ofyour fat address rather than a part of it.

Chairman . F or this, your parliament would pray and beseech ,with no thought save your own happiness

,and safety of the

realm . And your parliament would further pray that you dotake thi s matter under advisement right speedily, to the endthat you make choice of a lord and husband

,loyal and true , so

that by the blessing of Almighty God you may present yourloyal and happy subjects with a rightful heir.

Q . E lie . I would not interrupt,save that I might remark

,

that your importune for my marriage doth bear with it yet astill further bit

,that I shal l become a mother . T hink you not,

gentlemen, that this is a matter not within the province of yourgreat body to settle ”.2 I have no experience in these affairs

,yet

I would be greatly astonished to be informed , even by youraugust fellows

,that conception may take place by act of

parliament . I know ,gentlemen

,that your house be almighty

pert and gush,but I fear you have taken unto yourselves far too

high a degree of importance . If I m istake not , the matter youd o so gl ibly spread doth the better rest , as heretofore , in thehand s of God .

Chairman . If it shall please your Majesty to signify yourcompliance in this most righteous wish of your people , it hasbeen voted that your parl iament do grant to your Majesty the

SCEN E III . ]

full amount asked for in your royal demands . If, after duereflection

,your Maj esty shall not fin d pleasure in a compliance

with the expressed wish of your parliament and people,it has

been voted that the allowance asked for shall be withheld,in

part , at least .

Q. E lie . So ! so ! my sense d id not play me false . I did,

then,sniff this , your trick . So you woul d force your sovereign .

Gentlemen, return to your house . Say to parliament that , asthey have retained a part of their senses

,and d id not seek to

force upon me,their rightful queen

,a husband by name

,nor yet

so‘

far forget themselves as to fix a date which , in their greatminds

,should be the l imit of my singleness

,I do answer to their

broad address,that I will take the matter

,of whi ch you speak

so freely,into‘my mind for reflection

,and

,if I can be made to

feel the need—of thi s which you have pregaged to deliver to me,I wil l inform your honorable body. Say to parliament that Iam not pleased that they have thought it fit and proper toattempt to force me

,their rightful sovereign . You do make

your base threat of withholding the just and righteous demandsof th e

°

throne a lyam,that you may therewith drag or drive me ,

your queen,to meet your sturt orison .

Return to your house,gentlemen

,and say to my parliament

that I am no stupe,that I do need advice on. the matter that

they have so much ranted over. If my parliament has no betteruse for their time

,they might, with good grace, rap their omoe

for more deedful labor,and so save themselves this over-strain

ing . Gentlemen, you have discharged your supposed duty, and

as there remains nothing further for you to communicate , youmay retire .

Chairman . Doth your Majesty, then , consent to the withholding of the allowance ?

Q . E lie . I consent to nothing . When I have had further conference with my council

,I will send for you . In the meantime

,

pray betake yourselves to your duties . You may retire .

My lords and gentlemen . we may not prolong this sitting . Iwill confer with you after this matter has by myself been con

sidered .

54 THE QUE E NS. [ACT 1 .

F orce me ! T his is indeed strutting highness ! T hi s is puffedlittleness grown big by feeding on its own tough conceit . T o

the devil with p arliament, and their milky threats ! W hen Ineed the ornamental consort of a man I’ll have one made, andso meet my fancy’s desi re . Men nowadays are so loosely flungin nature’s mold

,and grow so twisted by unsafe lunes, that a

woman, who bargains for the loan of their company throughlife , must needs have more sfifiness than doth stay a queen torule a kingdom . [E xit Queen . E xeunt Council .

SCENE IV. A Street in London . E arl ofLeicester’s house right.

E nter BARNE Y .

Barney . W hoop ! Stiddy top, stiddy . Sure you’re trippingme pins . Swaddle , daddle , walk straight or straddle . Bellyful, wofui . A lout holds so much

,a lord can hold no more , and

both are twi n fools when moggy full . Sure I’ve good,fine com

pany to -night . I’m full,but the high old moon’s fuller yet .

Sure I must keep both eye and lugs wel l out for the watch .

Devil take the watch Was ever a land like this ".2 Here’sa gentleman who

,as is his good right

,hath made merry with

his sweet friends,and now

,forsooth

,when he would to bed ,

and doth by grace have the company of the parish lantern , hemust needs sneak and spy like a river thief

,and all because he

hath sung a stirrup-verse over longy to toy h is cheery mates .T o the devil with the watch

,say I ; to the d evil with the watch.

VVh oop .

Who watches the watchman ? Who oath s whether he bemoggy or neat ? Sure where he’s wanted most he never is , andwhen its better grace that he stay away

,he’s th icker than bees .

T h is be a strange slip of right . Here these bashy hangbys, intheir fine becomes

,click the ir gilt for padding , while I, every

whit as much a man as they,if I be caught out over late , must

needs be stocked for doing what they make their betters feethem for.

Wide and long , d eep and h igh ; tide comes in and tide goesout ; bloaters float

,but the slim must swim . Big fish eat the

little fish , and the devil gets the fat.

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56 THE QUE E NS. [ACT 1 .

F irst W atch. Come,my fel low , come, you talk over-much .

If you coul d walk with your mouth , you’d have been well homenow, even had you lived in Shore D itch .

Second W atch. If you have no better account to give ofyourself than this gust of

‘

balder words,there be nothing for us to do

but walk you in.

B arney . Walk is it ! Sure , have you with you an two pair oflegs? I have so little h Ope m these dabby ones ofmine, that Ithink ’em more for show than use . Sure ! and it do become methat I am proud of their good mold

,but

,by me faith

,I would

have yet more pride in them,ifI could break them of this habit

they have of losing their straight -up and strength when I d omost need them .

F irst W atch . I think I know this man . He belongs to thehousehold of the E arl of L eicester .

Barney . How know you us folk at court ? Sure,I thought

th at eye of yours had got its pop from peeping , and that redhead would ind ad e give you favor, were it not that with thequane

,red is -dowdy .

Second W atch . N o slurs , my man, no slurs to her maj esty .

If you do belong to the household of the earl, your slanderedlegs h ave far more wit than your nodd le , for they have wallowedyou to your master’s door, and that you have so good a master,we’ll save him the disgrace of’porting you muzzy .

Barney . Sur e,you’ve had a dab of court holy-water, and it

hath balmed thee ; gunpowder with thy beer would stand theebetter .

F irst W atch . Let us arm him ,and so round to th e servants’

door and then knock up th e butler. [ T hey take Barney up .

Barney . Sure the rich may rid e , but it takes a cob to stride the

quane’s watch . Gentlemen , wi ll your stent end when you

’ve putme a bed , as they do the earl when he

’s naught? I wish thee

good night, brigh t moon , good n ight . [S ings ] F ing ,ding , to

the moon I sing . G ood night, all night, full moon . [ E xeunt

E nter PELANG O , cautiously .

F el . So long has that d runken brawler blocked the way thatit’s now past the hour when I d id appo int to meet the earl . I

SCENE Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS. 57

trust that sleep hath not so dulled h is ears that the signal willnot assail them . [Strikes three times on the ground .

E nter LEICESTER .

Lei . Piano T his brawl and tumult wi ll so keep the neighbors’ears alert that we have need of caution .

T his wherewith I now acquaint you needs your utmost wariness

,and that there be no slip

,I pray you give good ear to my

instructions . F irst,it is my desire that you ride to Workington,

in Cumberland,to -night . T o do this you have been named as

one of the guards that shall accompany Sir F rancis Knollys .F el. Maestro

,this be bat-fowling

,of truth ! I had but just

the matter well in hand that did concern Lady Alice,and by

your bl ind order,sent her good

,slack lord intoD urham,

and somade clear the field for your lordship .

Lei . I ! that be but weeds beside the corn I would now garner.T his easy game wi ll do for l eisure times ; but look you, here’sno lesser fruit than queenly plum

,which by rudely winds has

been detached from its supporting limb , and d ropped, plumpand fresh , at our very feet ; and

’

we have but to st00p to pickit up .

F el . Be there reason , Maestro , for my starting at on ce ?L ei . Yes, Pelango , at once . And of reasons make no fear ;I will supply them . L ook you ! At council to -day his grace

,

the Duke ofNorfolk , was over soft toward this young snippedqueen who has dropped among us so strangely . If I be good atguessing , the duke has more water in h is mouth than grace inh is heart for this vender of charms . H is warm pleading didbook for me th e one I needed . W hat he doth chatter at I’llgambl e for . An d as he is one of the slower sort

,and will wait

him for light-o’-day before he moves,I,who have learned pru

dence in my Cupid’s wars,will plan by day and fight by night .

And now , as I must needs keep eye on matters here, I bid youfly to where the Scottish queen doth rest

,and then fui ly

acquaint me with every move she, and those who are with herdo make .

F el. Is it your purpose , Maestro , to give me ful l measure ofthe ends in view ? Is this an “ in ”

or an out

Lei . Neither yet an “ i n nor an out but I woul d sohedge my knowledge with understanding that I may with forewarning act .F el. Shall I go armed, Maestro , as one who would removesuch bars as may hap ?Lei . How much of arms you prepare is a matter for your owndecision

,but

,as you are a Christian , there should be no striking

in this affair,except to preserve self

,and do my biddi ng faith

fully. T his,then

,is your mission : Learn who goes to the Scot,

as well as the full import of their business . Let nothing comefrom her, either to her own people, or to the queen our mistress ,that you d o not know the full measure of. I have little need totell you how to gain the ear and lip of the under help ; one soskill ed in sucking and bolting has little need to list to instructionsfrom me in this .F el. How Maestro

,is this information

,when obtained, to

reach your Lordsh ip ? T h e comes and goes would make thebetweens so long that I would do little else than ride .

Lei . I will send with you my man Bowe . Make careful sealof that you would return , and so disguise the pack that i t shallnot awake suspicion . But in all these matters your full aoquaintance with the needs will make to you good suggestion fortheir fulfillment . It may please the queen our mistress tochange her royal guest from where she now is to yet anotherlodgment . If this be so

,her change is yours . Shoul d I need you

here in town,I will so inform you, when you are to return at

once .

F el. [ T aking out a p urse ] Maestro,the slimness of this

good friend doth suggest massingL ei . Had I more leisure I would give to your accounts thatscanning which they seem to demand . When we have this peatwe ll in hand they shall receive my at tention . Ad d this to yourskimmings [Gives him money] , and heaven help me if I get notback richer returns than the last allotment .F el. Mayhap

,Maestro

,you may find an agent thatwould have

the will to do your bidd ing,and st ill have such honesty in pence

that your questioning would be yet less than your directions .Lei . O , prate not o f your morals now. Such as vou have in

SCENE Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS. 59

store you better need than I. Pray hoop your conceit, and lend

your spirit more to this affair, and less to bolstering up yourvirtues .F el. T his be a poor hour, Maestro, to enter just with me . Ifthis matter which you now d o entrust me with merits a fair settlement, there be little righteousness in asking your steward topay for wines he may never taste . I do but make a trade ofmysmall part, and if I do ask such render as you would but give anyfaithful scrub

,I have not stepped beyond th e bounds ofyet good

ask or fair plenish .

L ei . T here,there ; the hour be late , and already the clatter

of hoof doth warn us that the troop would start . Make quickchange and be off. Master Gray will mount you, and as he hasbeen instructed

,will make small interference with your move

ments. See to it that you ride not near the~

link -men , this business needs not over much of glare on it . Now,

go . Keep feara stranger and caution a bed-fellow . If youmust spit , spit withthe wind . E at light

,drink lighter

,sleep lighter still . Let your

ears stand sentry over your mouth,and your eyes guard over all .

Be a gib by night and a man by day. If you know any charmthat’s good as wit , take it with you, but still let wit be master,and jingle your charm for grace . Do you know a prayer ? Say

it while you ride; for when you come to business you will notfind it of a prayerful kind . Now , go , and make such hush of

your going that you shall lose your very shadow Basta .

[E xi t F elango.

Now,my fine lady, it is my turn . You thought it as adding

to your dignity to spurn my offer. Now the asker shall turn,

and,spurning thee, make thy plight his opportunity . Gay and

hand some,I? Men dance to you

,they say . Well , let us see

who will do the dancing now . You will have good need , 0 un

crowned queen,to make your prayers to heaven more from heart

and soul than from gilded portace, for I , who have been a cullyin days agone , am now in form to make my gifts worth the asking , and woe to you who have incivil been . [E xi tLeicester.

ACT II.

SCENE 1 . Room in Carlisle Castle.

MARY QUE EN or SCOTLAND and Maid d iscovered .

E nter LADY SCROPE .

Lady S . I trust, your Majesty, that you will find good ease ,and so nurse the present comfort, that it wil l stay a fresh re

membrance ofvour trials .

Q. M ary . I have,forsooth , good need to hold an’keep a

leash upon the awsome past, and so muster my better thoughtsthat they may d well on the present alone ; an’so soothe memorythat its stalking ghosts may hie away to L ethe, an’let me palmthi s new sweet rest upon mine aching soul .Lady S . Will your Majesty make further suggestion for quietand ease?

Q . M ary. Almost this good comfort doth surfeit me,in that

I have this unremembrance 0’my leal friends ; and do now baskin a warmth that doth shame by thought 0

’their impendi ngwants .Lady S . Your Majesty need not so sore lament your goodfriends , they have , by the queen

’s command . been both carefullyhoused and comforted .

Q . M ary . I most lament me that I do 1011 in this soft easew ith no m ind for others . Had they as unmindfu l been 0’me , Iwould have so far missed this sweet fare

,that in its stead I

should now have been in bonds . T his dulcet feast would gallmy graceless lips , had I not your ladyship

’s good assurance theyfe lt no need .

L ady S . T h is tender though t doth well become your Maj esty ;but I pray you , slur not the present comfort by overweigh t ofwistfulness for friends . T he ir needs have met ful l satisfact ion

60

SCENE T HE QUE E NS . 61

and you do make most of comfort for them by surrendering yourself to your present rest .

E nter Page .

Page. Please yer la’yship , _ me lud say me ter say ye wi’h is

hereabouts,an’ter say that he hae in h is presence an afficer

frae the court 0’her maj esty , the queen . An’me lud bid mefurthersum ter say when yer la’yship wud make ter him yer sayfor h is speech wi’yersel .L ady S. I am instructed

,your Maj esty, that my lord and

husband,together with Sir F rancis Knollys , who , by the queen ,

her majesty,hath been sent

,do await your most gracious

pleasure .

Q. M ary . So sore hath my heart grown that I do shrink atthis weighty message . 0 ,

that I could barter all this queenlycare for some day-maid’s ease . T hrone

,crown

,scepter

,robes ,

alas ! how vain are these ! In the last great sweeping up suchpoor toys shall mingle with the vulgar dust o"earth’s forgottenjoys

,an’’I shall have only left at last my small acts an’deeds to

buy or lose heaven’s eternal bliss . But pardon me,my lady, I

will hear these gentlemen at their good pleasure .Lady S . Announce the gentlemen . [E d i tPage.

Q . M ary . Whatever fate hath in store for me , whether 0’

good or i ll , I shrink no more . If'

th ere be in this a hope for better days , I do already too long delay . I have so oft eagerlywaited for the unfolding o’a hope only to see it fade , that I doneed the strength 0

’trust to stay me now .

0 God , take from mine heart this vain struggle ; too long haveI sought to master fate . G ive, 0 give in exchange for my feeblestrife , that sweet trust in T hy dear love and care that dothsatisfy and fi ll .

E nter Page .

Page. Sir F rancis Knollys an’me Lud Scrope . [E d i t Page.

E nter SIR F RANCIS KNOLLYS and LORD SCROPE .

Lord S . May it please your Majesty. I am commanded of

the queen,my mistress

,to present to you this gentleman

,who

doth bear from the queen,h er majesty

,a commission, addressed

by name to this gentleman , Sir F rancis Knollys, and myself. Of

62 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT II.

the full import of this commission Sir F rancis will acquaint yourMaj esty.

Q . M ary. As one who needeth sore the sweet proffer o’a

friend , I welcome this gentleman, and yourself, my Lord, wi ththe h Ope that you do bring me balm .

Sir F . I am directed by her majesty the queen to conveyto vou her tender wish for your welfare

,and to make known to

you the full expression of her pleasure , touching the letter youd id sen d her maj esty. T hat I may not forestall your judgment,or bolster your expect by seeming promi ses that our missionand message are twins of sweetness alone, I woul d declare,flatly, that whatever words I may say must have in them butthe deep concern that the queen

,our mistress

,d oth feel in this

affair , that doth so greatly affect , not only the realm,but for

eigh states and princes as well . F or th ere‘

be those who haveno mind to regard , save with misunderstanding, her majesty,th e queen , our mistress , in all that she doth attempt for thegood of her people and realm ; and in her strivings for sweeterconcord with neighboring princes

,but would missay quickly

any move touching your affairs that had not the ir full approval .

Q . M ary . I bespeak you,sir

,that I have not taken unto my

self. nor am I likely to take , more 0’a hope for gladn ess thanwould meet the need 0’one who doth faint for friendly counsel .Alas , sir, so few the joys that come to me , that I should, indeed,be poor at school ing d id I look for sweetness in affairs of thisnature

,when so few pleasures come even from more hopeful

sources . So long have clouds o’erhung my sky, that I have

grown a stranger to the sun of peace,an’now amid the fogs o’

doubts an’fears,I blind ly grope for a hand I may not touch . If

this,sir

,which you bring me doth h ave in it a still darker

weight than that wh ich has so far rid den my grief- shot heart, Ipray you exhibit it , for so tired have I grown , an

’grief hath soworked me frail

,that even ifyou do bring but a slighter weight

of disheart , Ifear the fount may break , an’in the breaking set

free a spirit that hath known no freedom,save in its t rust in

God .

Sir F . It is not my purpose,madam

,to so conduct this inter

view that it shall be one ofreminiscences. But the past has so

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64 T H E QUE E NS . [ACT II .

hint at? If answer be required to clear murkness from myreputation , I would right quickly make it.

Sir F . If,madam

,your answers be as earnest as your

efforts to dibble, you might, of truth,satisfy the queen our

mistress by a straight denial at once . As you d o ask plainly asto the charges, I will answer plainly. F irst

,then : As to the

manner of the death ofyour late lord and husband,Lord Darn

ley . Rumor doth say, with how much truth I leave to your ownsoul and your God , that you were privy to h is untimely death ;and that those who d id stain their hands and souls by theunholy deed were known to you

,and that the act was approved

by you ;

Q . M ary. Sir, if this be the thickness 0’th e queen my

cousin’s reception,I pray you let me depart at once ; for I would

by grace have better fate to trust myself in the hands 0’myfriends

,even in my distracted realm ,

than to place myself inth e power 0’one who hath harbored this foul suspicion agains ther sister an’next 0’kin . If this blot be laying, in all its ugliness

,athwart my soul

,it were a most unholy show indeed , that

I should raise my then unshameful face an’crave e’en the pitydue a dog .

Lord S . T hat there be need for a full and free answer, yourMajesty, to these most darkly charges , must to you seem fullywarranted . If you are innocent in your soul , as you say, andas your lips so quickly proclaim

, you need have small fear ; forif these foul rumors be but the sting of weak scandal

,or the

sleet of foes, you need no great denials to hush them . We read

that the well need not a physician,but they that are sick . If

the ugly fame that doth so affect you be but of such substanceas d oth make the we ight of troubled dreams, you may hear andmake g ood answer, and give full satisfaction to the queen

, our

mistress .

Q . M ary. It doth grieve me most that this hearsay shouldso have found lodgment in the mind 0

’the queen my cousin,

that I have need to macerate mine heart to prove th ls awsomemurkness is foreign to my soul .Sir

,F . T he queen our mistress hath reserved

,as IS her

right, hcr judgment as to tho sleet and slime that have come to

SCENE I. ] T H E QUE E N S. 65

her on the wings of vulgar report . It is but meet that, havingbeen pained by the recital of the rumors touching yourself, sheshould now ask for such assuage as the proofs you say you canadduce may afford her.

Q . M ary . Sir,i t dot-h not please me that th e queen my cousin

doth require that before she may house me,or afiord me needed

protection,I d o drag the sorrows o’the past before the

whole world . T hat persecution hath ridden hard along mytrack doth not l icense any

,queen or common

,to foul their

thought 0’me by harboring a belief in deeds so black as is thismonstrous slander .Say to the queen my cousin that I came not here for trial,

an’if I had

,the common laws 0’j ustice would withhold j udg

ment until after pleading . I ask naught 0’her save that entertainment that one may find at better inns . If she hath not the

grace —to grant'

me th is,I wil l seek in less coldy lands that wel

come due a Christian in distress .L ord S . Your Majesty , you have forgotten that it be not becoming to the queen our mistress to treat upon this matter

,

which doth not only closely concern our realm ,but also foreign

states and princes,until she hath a ful l and satisfactory ans er

,

upon which she may base her actions in this your case .

Q. M ary . T reat ? Pardon me, your L ordship, have I made

such careless use 0’my tongue,or hand

,as to give you gentlemen ,

or the queen my cousin to understand that I desire to treatwith you, or her, as ambassadors do ? You mistake , yourL ord ship

,I do not ask your queen to interest herself in mine

affairs . I have simply been thrown upon your coast,an’am

like a ship -wrecked mariner,an’only ask that kindly assist

ance that your honest shore-men would give to any stormtossed soul . Is there need

,in giving so small a gift

'

as acup 0’cold water to one that asketh

,that it doth require a formal

treaty ? Is there need,gentlemen , that before your queen my

cousin can offer to exhibit her Christian charity,she doth re

quire of me a rehearsal 0’my purely domestic affairs ? I prayyou

, gentlemen , return to the queen your mistress an’say toher

,that I wil l notvex herself

,or her council

,with

~

my temporarydistress . I think there be th ose in my company who are able to

66 T HE Q UE E NS . [ACT 1 1 .

make the ordinary returns for such entertainment as we haveh ad , or may need, for the few days we shal l remain in yourrealm ; an

’,when I have counseled with my friends , if they

shoul d not deem it expedient for me to return to mine own

country,I wil l make good their better directions

,an’seek qui et

and rest at a more friendl y court,where there be less 0’ofi‘i cious

ness an’more Christian grace .

S ir F . Coming as you”

did,madam

,and acquainting the

queen,our mistress, with your arrival in her realm ,

has,both by

common law and the laws of states , invested her with full andcomplete authority to proceed in this matter with that gravitythat the situati on demands . We have not been delegated , noris it our wish , to force you to comply with the queen our

mistress’simple suggestions .

Q. M ary. F orce ? T his I did submit to when my very weakness d id both prevent me from resisting , an’gave the cowardlyOpportuni ty. I had thought that this very weakness would saveme from further show 0

’force here .

Sir F . T h e queen our mistress hath heard, and the samehath been reported to her ofli cial ly, that after your late lord andhusband’s death

, you di d submit to the embraces of the E arl ofBothwell , and this, too, before that season which law and common decency do prescribe as fi t and legal . T he worth andweight of this foul slander, if such it be , you wot better thanany. Marriage is honorable , this we all

Q . M ary . Sir ! T his is most unnatural , o’truth . I have so

far kept in check an indignation that you seem to have doneyour best to loose . How far I may be able to control myself Iknow not . T he queen my cousin , if sh e be deeply concernedin matters 0’embraces, hath small need to go beyond her owncourt to satisfy her curiosity . I do fear me that she doth makethis keek inquiry more to gain variety than to accomplish thatwhich you seem to suggest.

Sir F . Mad am ,the subj ects of the queen our mistress d o

not inc l ine,nor d are they, brawl such speeches as you have just

committed yourself of. What her own subjects are by law andd ecency restrained from d o ing

,an uncrowned , loosely heralded

fore ign stranger should not d are to utter .

SCENE I. ] THE QUE E NS . 67

Q . M ary. T h e recital o’my misfortunes should, to gentlemen0’blood

,afford me that protecti on that I do seem sadl y to have

missed here .

Lord S . Madam,we have our duty to perform,

and as I haveafore said

,if these unpleasant rumors be not true

,there be no

harmlikely to follow, ifyou do consent to permit the queen ourmistress to act

'

as your arbitrator . As you are a person ofquality

,you should j ud ge that other lands and other peoples

will think themselves of this matter .T he strangely un settled affairs in the kingdom of Scotlandseem not over likely to become peaceful in a day ; and as youhave yet deep interests in that kingdom,

your standing beforethe world should be mad e in as good a light as may be .

T hat the queen our mistress hath ears is . not in our landcounted a sin , but if she have ears, and give no attention to theintrigues ofneighboring princes, and yet more especially suchas are her next neighbors and near of kin

,she doth sadly miss

that wisdom whi ch is so becoming a mighty prince,such as

she is .

Q . M ary . Gentlemen, if this matter be stripped o’th e wordsan’usages o’courts, an’stated as man to man, plainly, whatthen be thi s that the queen my cousin doth require ?Sir F . Madam

,it be

'

requi red , as is right and proper , thatyou do permit the queen our mistress to make full inquiry intothe truth or falsity of the serious charges against you laid .

Q . Mary . Already,sir

,in the very beginni ng you are too

broad . If it must needs be that th e queen my cousin wouldperform my laundry maid’s work

,I do much prefer that she

shall cleanse my l inen singly, piece by piece , an’not by onequick plunge attempt to do that which from her very misund erstanding she may mi sdo .

S ir F . Madam, you have asked that in discussing this , your

sad case,we refrain from the use of court language and etiquette .

In granting this, are we to descend to vulgar drabbish babblingin arranging this affair?

Q . M ary . Pardon me,gentlemen

,if this

,my al lusion

,was

unsavory . I d id but try to match the requirements .

68 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT II .

Sir F . I fear, madam,that to prolong this interview would

deprive us of the presence of a lady, and submit us to the painof treating with a vulgar.

Q . M ary .

‘

T hat there be two 0’you doth give you an advan

tage which,added to the heartlessness 0 your instructions

,

forces me to display weakness,Iadm it .

Sir F . Al ready too long have we ridden over barren fields tochase game not to our liking . If you have no mind, madam,

tohear us fairly, and answer the queen our mistress graciously,there be but one course open to us as comm issioners that is

,to

proclaim you and your blind foll owers as lawless invaders, landing upon her maj esty’s domain without her let. And

,if it doth

please your temper to slight her courtesy and refuse her mostrighteous inquiries , we are in structed to impeach your furthermovements

,and restrain your correspondence .

Q . Mary . I d id more than half guess me that“ with her usual

pseudo g enerosity, the queen your mistress would offer mesuccor

,an’then

,as a return

,force me to meet her hard demands .

Under the thin guise o’friendship an’charity, she now offers toshelter me

,on conditions that I d o place myself in her power.

As you count it sedition for me to,

speak my mind freely in th ismatter , I can only say

,that were the queen my cousin in my

place an’I in hers,I would not make for her so hard a task for

so small a favor .Sir F . Madam

,will you make to us

,direct

,such an answer

as we can make to the queen our mistress direct?

Q. M ary . I will,si r

,when you have as directly acquainted

me whereof I am to make answer.

Sir F . T hat you may not have even this poor excuse, madam ,

Iwil l repeat . F irst : You are charged with a foreknowledge of

the murder of your lord and husband,Lord Darnley ; and sec

ond,that you d id , w ith unholy haste , wed with the E arl of

Bothwell,knowing h im to be the cruel instigator of the murd er

ofyour lord and husband . Also

Q . M ary . Gentlemen ! E nough ! E nough ! Spare me, I pray !IfI be guil ty 0

’but one 0’these crimes

,I am no longer worthy

O’the cons id eration 0’even the most h eartless . If these l iggs

have gained such currency as to so affect my good name , as to

Sam 1 ] THE QUE E NS . 69

thus compel the queen my cousin to these hard measures,I am

,

gentlemen, ready to wash the stain out, if happily I may, bymine own denial an’the proofs o’my friends .L ord S . At last your Maj esty has struck the better thoughtthat d id urge the queen our mistress to make this wish .

Q. M ary . T hen I pray you,gentlemen

,let us to business .

Sir F . [ W ri ting at table ] Do you,madam

,make formal

denial of the chargesmentioned ?

Q . M ary . My God ! My God ! I do ! I d o ! [Crosses herself ]I pray you

,gentlemen, make no step let this unhappy business

be quickly despatched. But see to it that you do inject nothingmore hurtful than your comm1ss10n doth call for .S ir F . And you do

,of your own free will , consent and ask

that the queen,our mistress

,shall make full inquiry

,by her

proper officers,into the charges and unpleasant rumors that are

mentioned in these instructions

Q . M ary . I do consent ; but, sir , write i t not down that I doconsent 0’mine own free will . If there be need 0’this most coldbusiness

,I pray you, as we are Christians , let us write down no

liggs.

Sir F . You do , then , consent ?

Q . M ary . T hat I do consent doth not carry with it that I doconsent 0’mine own free will .Lord S . Your Maj esty

,this strange h esitancy would not plead

over well for your innocency.

Q . M ary . My L ord, I pray you to consider I am alone . T herebe wi th me no friend or adviser to whom I can turn and say :How shall I make answer ?” Alone ! Al one ! My God , alone !and so sorely pressed . How know I that inmy consenting tomakethe queen

,your mi stress

,mine arbitrator

,I make her not my

gaoler,an’mayhap my executor ? If I do hesitate, think, 0 ,

myLord

,think of my utter lonel iness .

L ord . S . Your Majesty,the queen our mi stress doth bethink

herself ofyour comfort and safety

Q . M ary . Safety ! My L ord, safety ? If she bath in her hearta single thought 0’my safety

,she hath

,alas

,made a most nu

happy showing of its good profier .

Sir F . I have,madam

,written that you deny the charges

70 T HE Q UE E NS. [ACT 1 1 .

heretofore mentioned ; and that you do ask the queen our mistress that she shall appoint and convene a commission , whichshall make a ful l inquiry

,to the end that you may, as you claim

you can,satisfy the world of your innocency. And that you do

hold yourself in readiness to answer to the queen our mistressat such time and place as her good pleasure and the ends ofjustice shall determine .

Q . M ary . 0 ,gentlemen ! M ine heart doth ache to cast

among your hard legal words some speech 0’woman’s tender

ness ; but as such poor weakness doth not become so stiff apaper

,I pray you remember something 0

’the stress in whichyou find me, an’make 0

’the best I may have said,something

that shall di splay a sweeter ending 0’this cold reading.

Sir E . It doth require,madam

,that you aflix here your legal

Sign .

Q. M ary . Do I,sir

,sign this which be not yet mine own

words ?S ir F . I d id acquaint you with the full import of the writ

ing , and did but set down your own asking .

Q. Mary . It do matter little . If this be my guietus , it maybe a happy despatch . So sorely am I pressed that if this doexpress the knowledge 0’mine end

,it shall be a rel ief to know

even this 0’a surety.

Sir F . Madam,there be no further need vexing yourself.

My L ord and Lady Scrope wil l,by the queen our mistress’

command , afford you every entertainment . Your people havebeen housed

,and you have yourself but to rest content until

this your case can be adjusted . My Lady Scrope will shield youfrom every intrusion

,and so minister to your comfort that you

shall not regret that providence hath given you so sweet ahostess .

Q. M ary . [ T o Lady ScrOp e. ] O,I pray you , give me but

th e touch 0’thine hand

,that it prove to me the coming 0

’al ittle rest. Speak some word that may happily be the key thatshal l unlock the store -house of my tears . 0 ,

if mine eyeswould only swim

,m ine h eart might sail into a quieter sea .

I pray you,my lady, touch me as you would your own child ;

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72 THE QUE E NS. [Aar II.

E nter QUEEN E LIZABETH .

Q. E lie . What hour is it ? I am so worn and so grieved atheart, that I do find yet more comfort in this, my awake , than Ifound in my useless wooing of sleep . Ah

,me ! Am id this pomp

and all this power,how tied and useless are my hands .

I saw Hester’s nurse to -night kiss and lay baby Beatrice down,

and then the mother came,and with that sweet softness, which

is more a badge ofwoman’s love than is yet this mighty scepterthat I sway, she _

caught and transferred to her loving heart thebaby’s tender form . I turned me away

,sick at soul

,for in that

smile I saw and felt my loss . T he saddest chamber within myheart must remain unfilled . How much I have missed , andturned aside by my own selfish pride ! But there be yet left methis sad comfort of review : what I have missed must be measured by what I have gained . F or thee

,0 E ngland, I hush the

yearnings ofmy heart, and so, hiding beneath a smile I do butassume, I make a color of that which to me is white as death .

[ T o Countess of Nottingham. ] Countess,why did you not

signal your presence? It is,indeed

,well that I have made but

trial ofmy scholarship,in rende ring into E nglish that which I

had read in outish tongue .

Countess ofN. I pray,your Majesty

,that you do acquit me

of the sin that your words d o imply. I but saw your Maj esty,

and in the onset,mad e notice that you d id not address your

words to me,and so closed the avenues to my senses .

Q . E lie . I pray you let not this affair rest as a burden . T hatwhich I d id rehearse was some nightmare, written by someearly Latin

,love -sick poet ; and so poor a sleek have I made of

it that I fear the s il ly dolt would not know h is dull lines frommy poor rendering .

Countess of N. What is your Majesty’s good pleasure? T he

fatigues of th e day d o so haunt you that you have , indeed , goodneed of rest . Let me

,I pray you, bring you some softer gown ,

and then with suggestion of a happier thought, perchance ,launch your troubled heart out into the peaceful sea ofsleep .

Q . E lie . How know you I am troubled ? In my face do theregrow lines that mark the tramp of care ?

SCENE II . ] T HE QUE E NS. 73

Countess of N. Nay,your Majesty

,I have oft heard it t e

marked,and by older heads than mine

,that there n’er yet was

seen a face that so well bore th e trials of a crown - as doth thekindly face “of E ngland’s queen .

Q. E lie . Heard you this? or is it some sycophantcy that,ready mad e,

'

you keep to serve as wit shall prompt?Countess of N. Of truth ,

“ your Majesty, not Once but oft

have I heard foreign ministers, and even princes, remark howwell you stood the cares of realm .

Q . E lie . [Asi de ] Alas,prince nor minister hath seen

,nor

known,my aching heart . Well

,be this as it may

,I make no

complaint . . If the years do sap my youth,they shall ‘

fi ll thestore-house of my age

,and that which Igive up of face or form

shall come to me again in the thought that I have tried to domy duty

,and this shall be a recompense for seeming loss .

Pray observe if h is grace the Duke of Norfolk hath yet leftthe palace .

Countess of N. I will,your Majesty .

Q. E lie . Out of the N orth , out of the E ast, come thou whodoth bring in thine embrace destruction . 0

,turn from me this

awful hurt that doth haunt me like a ghost . [ T akes p ap erfromher bosom ] T hese are the directions . [Reads

A t two burn the yellow,at three burn thegreen, atfour burn the

purp le.

0,if this last fail me

,then I have

,indeed , need to make good

search for other shifts . [Burns theyellowp ap er in the light.

T urn and twist, tremble and wri the. Yellow burn ! burn ! burn !

[ T akes burntp ap er and throws i tfrom her .

Into the South I cast thee,return no more

I’oe burned thy color in fire,I’oe scattered thy ash in air

,

H elp me now,0fates ,

And save mefrom desp air !

0,if this bring me not that peace which I do so sorely need

,I

fear good Doctor Dee hath missed the charm wherein h e had sofine a promise . I make no complaint . God grant me that I d oso sorely need .

[ACT II.

E nter CouN T E ss OFNOTTINGHAM .

Countess ofN. May it please your Majesty , his grace theduke ofNorfolk doth yet attend

, as by your royal word, and hedoth await such commands as shall please your Majesty.

Q . E lie . Say to his grace that I await h im here . I do butrequire that you d irect him . [E xit Countess ofN.

Now must I make such a use of words th at this over- tenderduke may turn h is softness into such ch annel s as will save h isjudgment for my strength . I think me that he hath goodhonesty in h is heart

,and if I can but bend the tenor ofh is ways

so that he shall feel the common need rather than the stress ofone who has not the good of the realm a t heart, I shall haved one that whereof I do feel the weight of state doth demand .

Why should he pant to succor this outcast, who with plaintivewail doth thrust the asking palm? I shall strive to save hisloyalty from too great a strain . 0

,that I had eyes that now I

could scan the leagues between this doxy queen and me . T heysay she hath a lovely face

,and a form that doth fi re even foes .

Ah me ! ah me ! God help th e E ngl ish fogs that they do spatterthat fair skin until it shall breed on its luscious whiteness ascore of ugly warts

,and fade her soft

,pink blush to a pale ,

dingy gray .

I have need to work a change in the mind of this tender duke .

W hy, he doth even babble in praise of this fl irt-gill at my veryface .

E nter DUxE OF NORFOLK.

Wel come, your Grace . Pray be seated . I w ill detain you but

a few moments,happy ifin those few moments I may make such

choice ofwords as w ill fully acquaint you with the gravity ofth e ch arge I would now

,make to your Grace , and whereof I

have felt compelled to require your presence .

Duke of N. I await your Majesty’s pleasure, and I do bringwith me a heart singularly tuned for your Majesty

’s sweet comfort and peace .

Q. E lie . If fairness of speech,your Grace, proved your

loyalty,traitors would d rop dead at the sight of your shoes, and

your morion would turn an army .

SCENE II . ] T HE QUE E NS . 75

Duke ofN. I am pleased that your Majesty doth rate myloyalty from my feet up

,for now that I have removed my head

piece , I s tand with loyalty ou my feet, and might in my hands,and trust that I may make so good a sign with my lips that yourMajesty need not miss the fullness of my heart in its devotionto your royal person and your cause .

Q . E lie . If Icredit but half your words,your G r’ace

,Ihave

no need to feel dread that I may over- tax either your friendshipor your loyalty .

Duke ofN. Your Majesty doth confer in your good opinionpraise beyond my desert.

Q. E lie . I-have sent for your Grace in that I do most ful lytrust the wisdom of your acuteness . It is my desire that you

,

with my L ord Chief Justice,fully acquaint yourselves with the

laws of states touching thi s affair of the Scottish queen, nowabiding within our borders . L eave no point undiscovered ;and see to it

,as doth become loyal subj ects , that every turn be

carefully guarded ; for this matter is one of such delicacy(

thatcombined wisdom is right fully needed to avoid unseemly slip .

When you, have wel l mastered the points in this business,I pray

you confer with me again, for this deal will not brook delay.

On the return of Sir F rancis Knollys, we must be fully preparedto act at once upon any; Condition of affairs that he shall reportto us .Duke ofN. It shall be as your Majesty doth command . Iwill make sleep a stranger to mine eyes until I have fathomedthe rule touching this matter . T hat I may the more lawfullyact, your Majesty, and in acting exh ibit my authority, shouldnot the right

,as attested by your royal seal

,be mine for favor?

And further, should not your honorable council be informed of

my hand in the adjustment of this most taint affair?

Q . E lie . Your suggestion, your Grace , has already been

acted upon, and my secretary has prepared an order which onlyneed s the royal seal to become a command . T his , when proclaimed , shall give you full authority in relation to this whereofI have summoned your Grace .

Duke of N. Pray,your Maj esty

,no longer so divide the

hours of night that you do rob yourself of rightful sleep . T his

76 _T H E QUE E NS . [ACT II.

afiair is so well in hand that you mav retire now , feeling thatthose who love thee will watch your interests, even whileyour tired heart is lulled by the consciousness of

’

your wellacqui tted duty .

Q . E lie T hanks, your Grace . Do you,too

,seek that rest

whi ch you yourself must need after the fatigues of the d ay .

Peace go with you . Au re'

voir . [E xit Queen E lieabeth .

Duhe ofN. Sleep dear Queen , and may sweet angels bringthee light to see thy duty

,and strength to do it . God send thee

quiet of soul, and rest of heart and wi sdom to know the betterpart . [E xi t

SCENE III . Counci l Chamber, W estminster Palace, London .

Council d iscovered .

Ceci l . My lords and gentlemen, we may not proceed furtherin this matter without th e presence of her majesty, the queen .

Smi th . May not we now acquaint her majesty of our presence?Ceci l . [ T o Page ] Say to the keeper of the queen’s chamber

that he may announce to her majesty that the council awaitsher pleasure . [E xi t Page.

L ei . My lords and gentlemen , may we not now speak withsuch earnestness as shall exhibit to her maj estv, th e queen , ourdeep concern touch ing the great need of moving at once in thecase of the Scottish queen

,and the matter of the hearing ?

Smith . If to move quickly is to move unlawful ly, I pray you,my lords and gentlemen

,that we make a virtue of slowness .

We may have less display in caution than in precipitance , butcaution doth better become statists

,wh ile haste may curtain

w isdom and shift justice .

L ei . F ar be it from my intent to counsel an act unlawful . Id id but imply that we make such haste as would assure us adefendant when we h ad named a d ay for the hearing . I have ,I trust

,not m issaid in my effort to advise .

Smi th . N ot m issaid,my Lord

,but from your dilogy speech I

d id not catch your ful l meaning . [E nter Page.

Page. Her Majesty,th e Queen . Gentlemen , th e Queen .

E nter QUEEN E LIZABETH .

Cecil . Your Majesty,we do await your gracious pleasure .

SCENE —

m ] T HE QUE E NS . 77

Q . E lie . Pleasure ! my lords and gentlemen ; my soul dothmake the hope that y ou have brought this rare commodity withyou, or happily you may make discovery of it mid my overlooking .

Ceci l . Your Majesty hath indeed sweetest pleasure, and dothliberally bestow it by the permitting of this audience .

Lei . Heaven in its shower of blessing hath indeed been mostliberal to your Majesty

,and so graced your royal person with its

tokens that the silent sense of your presence doth crown thenow as king of pleasure.

Q E lie . Had I my back turned to you,my L ord

,and were

your voice less familiar, I might have thought I heard the truth,for so cunning d o you gild your fl attery that i twere almost a joyto be the target of its shafts . You

,and such as you, have so soft

a speech in seeming , that your very falsity doth assume the formof luxury ; yet your words, to those who understand, are but theshadowof the sweet they sound ; stil l so weak are human heartsthat they do prize the deception

,knowing that they are being

fed W ith weakest pap .

L ei . Your Majesty, if happily in my strivings I have so faranswered my desires as to even seem that for which I so eagerlycontend, I am the better encouraged to so shape my acts thatmy seeming may grow to such a degree of reality that yourMajesty shall finally credit me with honest endeavors to serve .

Q . E lie . If I d id not know that your time,when out of eye

,

was mostly spent in ends not fully public , but yet not unknownwhere least suspected

, Ishoul d ween that you made such storeof honeyed words as would make you good game for bees .L ei . Not alone

,your Maj esty

,have you stored the stock of

bees in honeyed words,but you have borrowed not a few oftheir

stings .

Q . E lie . If these stings were indeed my only weapons theywould leave me quite defenseless

,for your armor of flattery would

turn even sharper halberds than stings .Ceci l. May it please your Majesty, I have brought wi th me

the papers relating to the Scottish queen .

Q . E lie . Gentlemen, please be seated . What new turn has

78 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT II .

thi s affair taken ? T he assent of the Scottish heir to the hearing in her behalf has not been advantaged as yet .Ceci l. Your Maj esty

,the assent hath been so far amended

that it d oth'

now assume the form of a request for a redraw of

the agreement .

Q . E lie . How so ? I did fear this . Does my cousin repenther that she d id entrust this matter to our hands ?Ceci l. I fear

,your Majesty

,that the Scottish queen has been

so wrought upon by those whose interests are not akin to yourown

,that she doth repent her aforetime decision

,not so much

from her own thought as from the urg ing of others .

Q . E lie . My poor cousin be , indeed, sorely pressed. I prayyou, my lords and gentlemen, in considering this lame affair,that you be not unmindful of the loneliness -of her who seeks ofus advice and guidance . T hink you well first, on the frailty ofhumanity

,and then the weakness of this storm-tossed soul.

As far as her acts do effect the realm we may judge them bythe laws provided for such cases

,but there is a court

,my lord s

and gentlemen,that shall even with greater justice measure her

deed s, and not hers alone , but ours also .

It is my pleasure that this hearing be kept from everysemblance of Oppression

,and that we do so profier fairness that

jud gment shall not miss approval . I would have you find inthi s case an opportunity for the full breadth of your Christianvirtues . I know no better rule in the judging than to so sh owyour justice

,that were you the judged you might well approve

the fairness,if not the verdict

,of the judges .

Ceci l. Your Majesty, the proprie ty and sweetness of yourcounsel doth well admonish us to use fairness

,and urge us to

charity . In the contemplation of this matter , and assaying abetter understanding

,it doth become us to no longer avoid

meeting a necessity. If the Scottish queen be, as she claims,innocent of the charges against her, she has smal l need to fear ;but we would give to her

,by your Majesty's command , the

noble g ift of a ful l vindication , ifher innocency shall merit it.

Q . E lie . How think you, my lords and gentlemen , shall thismatter be the better righted?Smi th . As you have, your Majesty, so far tempered your

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80 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT 1 1 .

end with as li ttle hurt as is possible , doth, indeed , credi t wellyour heart , and add to your wisdom . But

,if I be not

over forward,I woul d proffer the introduction of clauses looking

to caution,for i t be wel l known that this person who has volun

tarily requested your Majesty’s action as her fautor

,doth lack

that steadfastness that woul d rightful ly assist in the just endsyou have in view for her own betterment, and the safety andpeace of your realm . It be necessary, therefore , that the d ecision of this hour shall be so carefully framed that it may not beset aside

,either by the craftiness or wil lfulness of the faul tful

and designing Scot .

Q . E lie . Better justice woul d demand that this hearingshoul d,as far as possible, lose its appearance of a trial, and butbe that whi ch it real ly is, a hearing.

T his dethroned queen doth not stand as doth a criminal,but

rather as any one,queen or common , who asks our assistance in

a matter where we are t o act as becomes Christians wh o wouldtemper justice with mercy . T hese foul rumors

,which do so Ofiend

and grieve us,may or may not be true

,yet common justice to

ourselves and to our realm would demand, and must have , afairunderstanding of th is most grievous question . We may notknow the whole of truth from the preposed hearing alone ofthose who make accuse ; nor is i t righ t to give judgment untilthe accused herself has been heard , e ither by her own pleading ,or the testimony of such friends , if happily these she may have ,who be willing to profier some kindlyword that may lighten theweight ofreproach .

L ei . Your Maj esty h as so well outlined the course wh ich w isdom doth approve that the task of preparation is l ight . T hereremains now ,

your Majesty,but the naming of th e court to com

plete the full arrangements for this important hearing .

Q. E lie . I pray you , my lords and gentlemen , that you re

tire to the Offi ce of state , and there prepare th is affair as dothbecome papers of th is k ind . It is my desire that you acquaintme w ith th e ful l read ing when drawn . [A ll r ise.

Cecil . It shal l be as your Majesty des ires . I wil l submit it foryour approval when righ tful ly drawn .

Q . E lie . I would have you immold not a little tend erness

[SCENE III. T HE QUE E NS .

and compassron mto yourstark, legal paper. T h e j ustemi lieu

is the better . My lords and gentlemen, you may retire .

[E xeunt counc il.

How swiftly flow the moments of the day . Action makes thehours seem short . T o those who wring under sorrow’s infli ctionth emoments run with sluggi sh drag , if they feed th e tim e ontheir grief alone, but if they mold their heart- aches into acts ,and shape their sorrows to trend the events of the day, they wil trather seek to stay the moments than note the slowness of thehour .

E nter E ARL OF LEICESTER.

Lei . Your Majesty, I do return that you may make to me thefulfi lling of the promised grant of a free and unrestricted pass

,

and your gracious permi ssion to follow my own bent,touching

the matter ofwatching and crossmg th e plans and ends of yourenemies

,who seek to advantage by the Scot’s presence in your

realm .

Q . E lie . My Lord, if I do’

grant to you this carte blanche,

how kn ow I that you will not use it to my hurt ?Lei . Your gracious M aj esty, only this : Look with your deepsearching sight into the chambers of my soul

,and there read

the unselfishness of‘my purposes,and the honesty of my aims .

I do but ask this that I may the better protect your Majesty’sinterests

,and keep informed of the moves ofyour foes . With

this,your permi t

,I need not inform - other gentlemen of the

council when I feel it is for your interest to act,and thus pro

oecd as your agent alone . D id I not know,your M aj esty , that

you fully trusted me,I would not ask this thing . But with such

a bond between us you cannot doubt me . No ! T h e swimmingof your eyes brings in th e tide of your sweeter self. I amanswered . Your honest eyes have spoken qui cker than yourtruthful lips . F or your people and yourself, whose interests Iserve alone

,I thank thee

,my Queen ! F or myself

,I can but

ask that you read in my eyes the full answer ofmy soul’s thanksfor your renewed trust in me

,your slave .

Q. E lie . W on again ! won again ! F ool ish woman,weak

queen . Yes,as you will . So now,

as it always was , soft speech ,6

82 T HE QUE E NS. [Aer -n .

soft act . F ollow me, and I will make to you the fulfil ling ofmypromise , if I harden not in my walk from here . Lead on ,

leadon . Poor fool of a queen, how you do barter the graces ofyourstation for this thin seeming ; yet so starved is my heart that Ido go blindly, knowing that I am but duped

,while I make a

treasure of that which, had I the real, I would spurn to hail.

[E xit E lieabeth .

Lei . F irst the heart , then the will. If heaven’s j oys could behad by lover’s suing, I might gain eternal bliss by my play atwooing.

[E xi t Leicester.

SCENE IV. Great Hall, Buckingham Castle.

E nter Servant .

Servant. T his grand room, which hath so oft tossed laughabout

,and made echoes of boisterous mirth, is now to be saluted

with graver preach . See, here will sit my lord s and gentlemen,clothed with dignity and wrapped in power, grave as owls, withintent within their hearts

,and purposes high or low ,

which nonebut God may know. And here the broken Scot will take herplace , and strive, and plead, and make denials long delay .

T here’s something strangely out ofplace in making this gay halla scoring -room .

E nter SIR WILLIAM CECIL , E ARL OF LEICESTER, SIR CHRIST OPHE R HATTON , E ARL OF ARUNDEL

,E ARL OF PEMBROKE

,

SIR T HOMAS SMITH, SIR WILLIAM T AIT , LORD CLINTON,DUKE OFNORF

‘

OLK, and others .

Cecil. I pray you, my lords and gentlemen, be seated . Ifthere can be comfort in this unhappy business, pray tax youringenuity and find it .Lei . One can hardly expect to find even ease of body, when

the mind is so disquiet . 0 , that the world would make its petitions to heaven so earnest, that they might draw from the throneofGod such a desire for rectitude , as to escape the sin of hotambition .

Duke ofN. Ambition,my Lord

,whether hot or cold

,is a

plaything that not a few have toyed with . T hose who have

SCENE Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS. 83

beenmost successful in its direction, are those who have shapedambition most for other’s good .

Hatton . My lords,there are so many kinds of ambition, thatI do tire in my efforts to make a proper rate . I know an earlwhose ambition’s in h is buskins

,and with such labor doth he

adjust the coverings of his feet, that, indeed, h is ambition hathbent him sore .

‘

And I know a lord whose ambition for set ofbreeck hath so taxed his brain in contrivance of look

,that he

hath crossed both h is eyes in spying set of seat . And other menlet ambition run to hose and ruffs . And women folk

,heaven

help me fin d the pitch, have so much ambition in out and fi t,

farthingales and bishops , without a word of puff and stuff, thatby my rapier, in ambition

’s train they lead the march .

Duke of N. What vast difference there be , gentlemen, inmeasuring ambition’s end . Some men aim under ambition’sgoad to stride a kingdom ; while another , with full as muchstrain

,may cope with the latitude of a feak . He who sees in

ambition’s field the gateway to a fortun e,may; when he

’s fordedo’er the moat

,assail a gaudy bubble . T O-day may prize an act

that to -morrow may stamp as treason,and to -day’s treason may

be to-morrow’s devotion.

Clinton . My lords and gentlemen, are we here to soliloquizeon modes and follies

,and guess at life’s poor tangled riddle? or

have we met by royal command to regard the affairs of state ?Lei . [ T o N orfolk ] Your Grace , a word with you privately.

T hat we may th e better adjust this affair so as not to discoverthe purpose of our intent, I pray you that you make l isteningeloquent , and speaking a rarity ; for, however careful ly you mayshape your words, the delivery of them will betray your heart.And

,if it come to points over soft

,avert your face

,that your

eyes may not play you betrayal .Duke of N. I trust

,my L ord

,I shall not lose sense of my

duty in the depths of my emotion . I have so cultivated myinstincts that my faults do not herd as wolves with my betterdesires

,and so prey upon them that I may become bewildered

in an honest cause . Such leaning as I have toward the Scottishqueen hath the assurance ofmy approval

,and my approvals are

the fruits ofmy intercession with God .

84 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT II.

L ei . Your religion , your Grace , may indeed serve you wellat church, but in matters of this kind your dependence shouldbe more upon wit.Duke ofN. I will follow your directions , my Lord , so long asthey lead to the hill of right, but when they pad the valley

'

of

doubt , I shall trust alone to the sense that never played mefalse .

L ei . It is well, your Grace ; let us to the hearing .

Ceci l . If you have done your fine speeches, my lords andgentlemen

,we may try the virtue of compliance with the queen’s

commands. [ T o Serv. ] Acquaint my lord the E arl of Murraywith our readiness ; and with our compliments

,say to my Lady

Shrewsbury that her charge may be forthcoming. G entlemen,

my lords , I pray you that in this matter we d o follow the d irection of her majesty the queen ; and that we may escape disorder, let us move straightly .

E nter E ARL OF MURRAY and LORD NORTH.

E arl ofM . Me lords and gentlemen, we salute you.

Ceci l. I beseech you, gentlemen , that you find comfort,at

least such as this distressing afiair mav afford .

E nter MARY , QUEEN OF SCOTLAND . [All ri se.

Madam ,such accommodations as the queen our mistress has

provided,we ofier you . Pray be seated within the inclosure .

Q . M ary . Why this inclosure ? I am not a criminal at thebar. My presence 'here is in violation o’my protest .Ceci l . I pray you, madam ,

protest not in the beginning overmuch ; for this convening is, indeed , the outcome of your own

request .

Q . M ary . I d id,sir

,make mine earnest while in the maze o’

bewild erment,but in a more fortunate season I d id seek to with

draw my consent,but was so hotly refused that the naming o’it

was counted an offense .

H atton . You should not,madam

,forestall judgment by be

l ittling your judges .

Q . Mary . My j udges ? My lord s and gentlemen , th is assembly or any part 0’it is not 0’mine own choosing. T he rule at

SCENE Iv . ] THE QUE E NS. 85

common law would hold that even the meanest should in trialbe voiced in selecting his jurors .Lei . Madam

,this is not a trial . T h e graciousness of the

queen her majesty hath,in royal goodness , afforded you this

opportunity o f acquittal , if happily your denials be of thatweight .

Q . M ary . T hat I am not charged with wrong should estoptrial . One may not deny, at least without danger o’suspi cion o’

guilt,that wherewith they have not been lawful ly charged

,note

you, my lords and gentlemen , lawfully .

E arl ofA . Madam,the putting down of the charge was a

matter intrusted to proper hands . T h e deni al of the knowledgeof the charg e on your part doth not speak well for the strictnesswith which you may answer the inquiry .

Q . M ary . I am,my lords and gentlemen

,alone . I woul d

not so display a plea for pity as to wry your judgment ; norwould I ask other forbearance than that which one Christianshould give to another . But my very loneliness doth warn methat the lines o’my Speech must run in directions not heartward

,but rather in sterner moods as may the better make for

me a force 0’pleading that shall stay myself an’cause .

Duke ofN. My lords and gentlemen , that we may not takeover advantage, I pray you that we

'proceed first upon the merits ofj urisdiction

,which

,if it hold

,we may then proceed to the

os of the matter .E arl ofA . T he principles of law would make no question of

the jur isdiction , your Grace ; the command of her majesty thequeen has affirmed that

,for it is based on a full knowledge of

the statutes .

Q. M ary . T h e queen your mistress hath small right to at

tempt to force me against my will,seeing I am no subject

,to in

any manner answer slanders that the harboring o’doth ill be

come her,and which are but weakest hearsay .

Ceci l . Our loyalty to her majesty th e queen would haltseditious speech .

Duke of. N. My lords and gentlemen, I trow there be needfor a most careful beginning in this case , to the end that wemeet the full approval of our own consciences, and likewise the

86 THE QUE E NS. [ACT 11 .

fair assent of the party most interested in the hearing, that wehave acted justly.

Madam,howbeit

,there be not a few among your own people

who hold th e '

scand als wherewith you are charged of sufli cientweight to be admi tted as true . And yet I am in honor bound,as doth become fairness , whi ch I would make my chief stay, todeclare unto you that the proof of your guil t is not now strongenough

,at least at this di stance , to warrant the just in accept

ing the full burden of th e grievous reports obj ected against yourgood name and fame . I hold it not as a secret that I havewithin my own heart such whi sperings of doubt as do mostearnestly plead with my sense of justice for a fuller hearing .

And there be those assembled with me here,by th e queen’s

command,who are nobles and gentlemen

,who have

,as was

right and proper,acquainted me wi th their like feelings . T hat we

may,therefore

,madam

,the better tend to th e solution of our

own doubts,as well as to assist you in the establishment ofyour

innocency, we woul d pray that you waive your claim as aprincess

,to the end that as queen

,not -yet without hope of

restoration,you may silence sland er and shame envy .

T hat you have not an advocate of your own ch oosing , doththe better testify to th e confi dence of the queen our mistressin the fairness and uprightness of these her chosen commissioners

,who

,by her royal command , would , without prejudice,

arrive at such a conclusion as shall establish and maintain amityand sweet friendship between the queen our mistress and yourself.Make

,therefore

,no further obj ecti on

,but lend us that kind

aid which shall happily discover the grounds ofyour innocency,and the confusion of your accusers ; to the end that you maybe received by the queen her majesty as doth become yourreval blood and close relationship .

Q . M ary . My lords and g entlemen, I d rop al l parley, andimitating your weapons, I urge your farce by defiance .

L ei . Madam,more of th e Christian spirit that h as graced

your afore speech would ease the weight of our duties .

Q . M ary . Give, I pray you, my lords an’gentlemen, my case

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88 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT 1 1 .

taking off, howbeit, my lords an’gentlemen, that I did hazardmine own life in mine attention as his nurse , while he lay smittenby pestilence? Had mine ambition for change 0’bed so mastered my sense 0’right, as to h arbor the wish to speed my lord’sdeath

,I had only towait

,for the stroke which had marked him

was but suspend ed,an’would have dealt the blow that made

me widowed , but little lagging the fell infli ction that misfortunesaw fit to use .

Ceci l. A plain denial,madam

,would better answer this

clause .

Q . M ary. If I be unspeechful , my lords an’gen tlemen , an’

but turn my face to you, you must read in the reflection frommy soul a full denial 0’this unnatural charg e . Have I need toagainCeci l. An undisguised no

,or yes, would as well meet the

ends of j astice as wil l this overflood ofwords,which but awake

or foster bewilderment as to your intent , while it does not removesuspicion .

Q . M ary . It were well,my lords an’gentlemen

,if it be your

intent to conduct this hearing thus shortly to have made mineanswers for yourselves

,an’allowed me to have saved myself

this shameless hurt .

Hatton . Madam,the word bewilderment has been used

,and

it doth well tag my state of mind . Ifain would dissolve thethickness of your meaning by pluck ing your over- speech .

Q . M ary . Had you,sir, spent more time at your prayers , an’

less with your valet,an’in your first vears taken with your milk

more good sense , an’in later years had less 0’balancing , you

m ight now have graced your present station a bit, rather th anexhib it

,as you do , your d esire to wound . Sir, if you were

d eprived O’queenly favor,into wh ich gossie doth quoth you d id

dance with d omino down,your havior would far better fit you for

th e antics o’a zany .

H atton . Ihave gathered in my l ifetime , madamQ . M ary . Your gathering , sir, doth make poor exhibit when

out o’proper place .

Ceci l. Mad am, you are charged , second , with wedding nu

lawfully with the E arl of Bothwell .

SCENE IV . ] T HE QUE E NS. 89

Q: M ary . In mine own land, sir, wedding be not unl awful .Ceci l . In the land wherein you now are , and whose repre

sentatives we are , it is not lawful to turn funeral hymns towedding marches .

Q . M ary . Ar e there not stresses,my lords an’gentlemen,

th at‘

th e weight 0’a kingdom doth lay upon one that she maybe so forced to shape her course that th enecessities may changecommon usage?Ceci l. T h e laws of this land are so drawn and framed that

necessities make unto themselves only such forbearance as shal lnot confli ct with comm on good .

Q. M ary . It was the common good,my lords an’gentlemen

,

that drove me to this appearance 0’evil . But I admit not thatth e act was other than that wh ich did meet the full approval 0’

heaven .

E ar l of A . If you do look to heaven for approval of yourmost unwomanly acts

,it were well to sue death for acquittal ,

that you might know the grounds for your h Ope.

Q . M ary . I fear,my lords and gentlemen

,that you d o

judge as my portion death without my suing . If I make carefulscanning 0

’your faces,save two

,I catch the reason 0

’my slandered l ife

,an’miss that fair that doth temper justice .

E arl of A . I pray let us proceed,my lords and gentlemen .

We do tax the time with parley .

Ceci l. Madam , I am not able to record your answer to thesecond charge .

Smi th . My lords and gentlemen, are we to pass simply upona quick denial th e fir st of these grave charges ? I fear we shallmiss the ends of even mercyd id we enter verdict without separation of proffered testimony

,which we have at our command .

Ceci l . It was my purpose,my L ord

,to first read the charges

,

and record the defendant’s answers thereto,and then return and

submit said answers to the crown’s rebutting.

L ei . T hat we may consume no more of the time than isnecessary

,could we not ful ly touch all the requirements by

noting each charge , pro and con,as presented ?

E ar l of A . Justice makes no note of time,save that it be

employed in meeting the ends of fairness .

90 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT II.

Ceci l. If it be the better thought, we wil l return then, andcontinue by clauses.

Q. M ary . Will oft-repeated deni als , my lords an’gentlemen,make more p os itive mine innocency ? If there be a happierthought

,as yet unspoken, that I may make more apted to my

distress,an’so ease my pli ght

,I pray God that you h elp me find

it ; for mine appeals seem useless, an’naught but G od’s interference may help me .

Ceci l. T he denial in the first clause has been recorded . Doththe accused rest her denial upon her afore statement ?

Q. M ary . I may not further alter i t, but I wish not to surrender any advantage that may present in the further unfolding.

I would restate my position I am no subj ect .Ceci l. If your further answers are but vain interferences, it

would be better to think of curtailment in your speeches .

Q . M ary. It doth occur to me,my lOrd s and gentlemen, that

with so great advantages on your side , I should be granted suchliberty of answering as

,in my weakness an’ignorance , I may

feel as helping my case .

Ceci l. Madam, you deny then , any participation , by knowl

edge or otherwi se,in the cruel murder ofyour husband .

Q. M ary . My lords and gentlemen : If I do lose myself an’

forget my station in this,my sea 0’trouble

,I pray you extend to

me,as men whose years should have brought the mi lk 0

’kindforbearance

,such forgetfulness o’my hot speech , which this oft

probing doth force,as will cred it your years . I am a queen,

who,by policy’s turning

,am absent from my throne . I stand

before you cruelly accused, an’sadly bereft. I would so reinforcemy denial 0’this most sad an’wicked crime , that itmay save mefurther reference to so dark a horror .

My lords an’gentlemen , once for al l , an’I do most earnestlyask God to witness my word s, I deny any an

’all foreknowledge

o’the w icked murder 0’my late lord an’husband .

E ar l ofA . My lords and gentlemen , now that we have at lasta pos itive d enial from the accused , may we not meet the d enial,at least in part

,by the presentation of the profiered testimony

offered by the E arl ofMurray , and also th e hearing of other important witnesses? T o sustain the charge of foreknowledge of

Seem Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS . 91

this,

suspected murder, it is necessary for the prosecution to es

tablish both a motive and an incentive, and also show that thedefendant was influenced by the parties

,or party

,that actually

committed the deed .

As the E arl ofBothwel l be not here to answer the questioningsof this commission, and as vulgar opinions do credit him withplanning and directing thi s foul murder, it be but necessary toestablish between the accused before us and the guilty earl sucha bond of regard and understanding as would make, by commonconsent

,the accused privy to the designs and purposes of him

who hath alrea dy been publicly condemned .

Ceci l. T hat we may arrive at a full understanding, and givethis denial its just weight, it is proper that witnesses from theaccused’s own country be heard herewith .

Q. M ary . I d id flee mine own country to escape persecution .

IS‘ this a Christian act

,to import hi ther my relentless foes? An’

I see that you woul d call even mine own blood to rise up againstme .

Ceci l. Until the meeting ofyour deni al, there be not furtherneed of your interruptions . My L ord Murray, have you thepapers and letters which you submittedE arl ofM . I hae me lords and gentl emen, submitted nathing.

By favor I d id say her majesty th e queen your mi stress an’hercouncil

,privately

,that I hae in me keeping letters that d id

pass atwixt the E arl o’Bothwel l an’me sister wha is before you .

Q . M ary . 0 Brother ! hast thou forgotten how in youth wemade the bond 0’love the clasp between us? T hou an’I wereloving an’true as brother an’sister ; shall now this hateful shift0’policy rise between us ? Canst thou

,O brother , thus coldly

forge an’hurl cruel irons o’hate to pierce my soul ?T urn back

, 0 brother, turn back, and read with eyes 0’love

on memory’s tablet an oath for yet better deeds than this .Ceci l. Madam

, your mature years, and not your youth , isnow the object of inquiry . [ T o M urray ] My Lord , do theseletters which you possess relate to time while yet the late LordDarnley was still alive ?E arl of M . T hey do

,me Lord

Ceci l. It be counted no viola tion of privacy to further the

92 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT 11 .

ends of jus tice by any means . May I ask that you read firstsuch letters from the E arl of Bothwel l to your sister as might ,by inference at least

,exhibit an intimacy that would furnish

the motive for the committing by one party,and sanctioning by

another,of a deed or deeds

,of such gravi ty as to hold the

parties amenable to law .

E arl of M . Me lord s and gentlemen, I winna gainsay you d ourge me to a maist clinty thing . I do

,in truth

,herein hald letters

whilk need the fullest explate frae the rackless writers to dightthem 0

’an acknown aware wi’guilt . T o read them mesel,me

lord s and gentlemen,is a taz to me maist laithfu, an’d id I

obey the dehorting lane 0’me safter thoughts, I wad hae stayedme presence by excuse o’kinship .

E arl of A . Your presence,my Lord

,doth vouchsafe the

expectations of the commission , in that you have promised submitting the guilty letters . Ki nship furnishes no excuse forshielding wrong ; none but participants seek to h ide guilt.

E arl of M . T his whilk I hald in me h an’,an’whilk me

d esire for the hale truth aboon a’things, an’me wish for theright weers me frae wi’hald ing , doth hae the date

Q. M ary . My lords an’gentlemen, if you have so far for~

gotten th e dignity 0’your station , an’th e due to decency, an’

the respect o’my rank,as to descend

,in your deliberations, to

the listening to forged an’stolen private c orrespondence , youhave sunk to such depths as to forbid my further participationin your wanton an’cruel mockery

,wh ich you attempt to dignify

by naming it a hearing . Your eagerness to avail yourself 0’

this last foul means,deprives you o’the right to expect from

me a request for permission to retire . As I am to be adj udgedso unfairly

,my absence will not afiect your verdict, nor can your

verdict affect mine innocency . On entering your assembly Id eclared I was no subj ect

,ne ither am I; but as an independent

queen , I d isplay my disapproval 0’your unlawful an’unchristianproceed ings by thus retiring . [E xi t

Ceci l . T he retiring , my lords and gentlemen , of th e accusedd oth not meet fully th e end s of our inquiry

,except the act be

taken as further evid ence ofguilt .

SCENE Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS . 93

E arl ofA ; Should we not listen to the reading of the guiltyletters in possession of the E arl ofMurray

—

Duke ofN. My lords and gentlemen, would it not be morebecoming

,now that our harshness has compelled the retirement

of the Scottish queen , that, we do adjourn until sleep or prayersdo the. better frame our further inquiry .

E ar l ofM . I trust, me lords an’gentlemen , that you will nawyte me for this unco behavior 0

’me slid sister ; but I winnahald back frae ye that I did fear this very Skyt 0’her . T hisml schance do stay me frae further expose

,at least sae near to her

presence . T h e mirk guilt an’het temper 0’me sister wad hasteto impeach this maist leal hearing .

Within t his casket be letters 0’fu’an’plain evidence,whilk

do saefi x her guilt that naught save the sweet mercy o’heavenwad remove the awsomeness o

’hersel acknown connect wi’,

na’auly the crime that vulgar rumor do d ing her wi’, but monyithers yet mair mirk an’devilish .

E arl ofA . T h e rules of law would forbid further proceedings

,at least in form of trial, without the presence of the ac

cused we may adjust th is matter to the end that we may makea proper report to her majesty the queen .

Duke ofN. T here be about this such a taint of unfairnessthat I no longer submit to this strain upon my better sense byfurther participation in your deliberations . And I crave both ofmy queen and you, my lords and gentlemen , that forbearance tomy refusal as the honesty of my convictions doth entitlethem to .

E arl ofA . Your Grace , you may not withdraw thus freelywithout royal consent

,by whose command we are convened.

Duke ofN. As the accused hath withdrawn,a further hear

ing would be in form of council . My warrant from her majestyreads T o attend in person the hearing and ful l answering ofthe accusations against the Queen of Scotland .

” As that person has retired

,there is naught in my warrant that d irects my

further attendance .

Ceci l . I do join the Duke ofNorfolk, at least in part of hisstand . Wha t remains of this hearing may now be conducted,and I affirm with better propriety, in our capacity as a council .

94 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT 1 1 .

T he churlish retirement of the accused, together with the undisputod statement of the E arl of Murray, have surely determinedthe verdict . T here is left to us

, therefore, only the drawing of

the report to the queen her maj esty.

If,therefore

,there be no further answer

,I do

,by authority in

me invested,declare this hearing closed ; and the convening of its

memberswill be subject to the command of the queen . [A ll rise.

I pray you, gentlemen, that the outcome of this convening remain as a state secret until such time as it becomes public byauthority of the queen her majesty . [E xeunt omnes .

SCENE V. Room in the H ouse of the E arl of Leicester, London .

E nter E ARL OF LEICESTER and SIR NICHOLAS T HROGMORTON .

Lei . T hat you h ave , my good friend, just cause for offense Ido allow. T his thing of which you d o complain is but a singleact .T hrog . Pardon me

,my L ord , I have not so made measure of

this most grevious hurt in that it be encompassed in a singleact . So long and slow bath the agony of this slight d raggeditself through my mind that it hath grown into an hundredatfronts. Why

,look you

,my L ord : Stood I not fully accredited

with her maj esty the queen,and was not the path of preferment

as open to me as to this man,her minister? Did he not d rag me

from mine estates , and so make report to the queen that she d idconsent to my recall? T rue

,my Lord

,this was but a single

act,but look you to th e monstrous progeny it doth bring forth .

Not only am I we ighted with the loss of my preferment, but soslender are my Opportunities that I am even less than those whomade yet smaller office in the affairs of court. And to suchdepths doth this assign me that I am

,of truth

,afflicted in mind

and estate . And having lost good favor , you yourself, my Lord ,know how steep a thing it be to gain anew that which dothgrieve us in the losing .

L ei . I would not make yet smal ler your affront. T his manofwhom you do complain hath worked me not a little harm ,

and I would count it smal l loss if I were to grant unto h im yetmore ofmy peace , if thereby in the end I m ight improve myself.

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96 T HE Q UE E NS . [Act 1 1 .

Lei . Be there need to involve the Duke of“

Norfolk,th at we

may yet reach within th e council?T hrog . If the chief within the council coul d be wrought

upon,by promises of the settlemen t of this vexed question of

how to dispose of the Scot and the smoothing over of other yetlesser troubl es

,think you not that he would look with a degree

of favor upon an alliance of the duke with the Scot?L ei . I do but half see the drift ofyour reach .

T hrog . Well said,my Lord

,for I am but half cited .

L ei . If the unsaid of your speech doth not have in it morepromise of the fulfil lment ofour mutual wish

,you might well

pronounce fin is now .

T hrog . I pray you,my L ord, stay both your judgments and

your j ests,until my designs call for one. or my sli ps deserve the

other . If I am a marplot,my L ord, let my words canvass it.

L ei . Has this scheme the merit of maturity ? or be it ratherthe conception of the moment ?T hrog . It hath wel l taxed my mind , my L ord , even from

my first rack , and it hath bedded with me so long that itis no unproportioned thought .L ei . And now to better nurse your un ease you ask me to tie

my resent wi th yours, and take the smart of your hurt for mycue . By my faith , you must have sucked your philosophy fromstones

,and lost sleep in the labor .

T hrog . I do assure you,my Lord

,that in my waking I have

matched well the diverse bits of this which I do now unfold ,and such labor have I made of it, that sleep, of truth , has beena sly visitor .Lei . If you have lost sleep to plan, who can so much deviltryset afoot when awake

, God and the angels protect him whom

you do seek to encompass .T hrog . T hat I am not fat-brained, my Lord , my foes will

oath . In mine offi ce,as ambassador

,I d id learn both by listen

ing , and my own experience, that the d eepest plans had fewestdetai ls

,and if you bear with me yet a little, I will so clear this

affair, wherewith I would fix your attention,that it shall not

miss your approval .Lei . By listening Ido not comm it myself.

SCENE v . ] T HE QUE E NS . 97

T hrog . T hat you do li sten , my Lord, doth give me assurancethat whatever the plans be, the end aimed at is the same withus both .

Lei . I have not yet so assented .

T hrog . I trust,my Lord

,I do not bootlessly wait for your

assent : I have afore read so much of your sweet mind, th at Idi d make no disquiet with myself as to your consent, feelingthat you

,as well as I

,would relish the cleaving of that power

that has slighted us both .

Lei . You do plead with such earnest force, that I do hold incheck my judgment to hear yet further whereof of thi s matter

you would speak .

T hrog . Y ou have made good use ofyour judgment, my Lord ,and I trust I offer not stale refreshment for the good entertainment of such gracious willingness . If the Duk e of Norfolk ,who hath already absorbed not a little of the moon in h is nature ,be but gently urg ed, he wi l l take upon himself the full omce of

a knight errant , and strutting beneath the starlit cope, makesuch lament of the s orry plight of his lakin that he will forgetboth religion and realm

,and so thirst for knightly tilt

,to loose

the bars that cruel hold the obj ect of his fire, th at he wouldslap h is thigh and commit some such act of rashness

, as woul dawake in her majesty the queen the force of her asperity .

Lei . But you forget that the Duke of Norfolk is not hermajesty’s counsellor

,SirWilliam .

T hrog . T rue , my L ord . but the duke be but one link in this,my chain of circumstance . T hink you not, my Lord, that therebe good words enough

,that by cunning shaping

,one might win

the approval ofa man or two of the council to this plighting?‘

Lei . You have a good head, and if you had yet more gracethan cunning

,you could cure more souls than Knox .

T hrog . T hat I have not the gown, my L ord, doth not whollycheck my winning men .

Lei . But how can the man or two of the council be sizedin this affair ? F or they who assent to this union must not feelunfavorable to th e Scot, and what favor the Scot d oth have of

theirs, the queen her majesty must lose , and she takes not overkindly, even the missing of a grain of favor . And if it do come

98 T HE Q UE E NS . [ACT 1 1 .

to her ear that there be those among her council,

. or even aboutthe court, who woul d attempt, by act or assent, the interest ofthe Scot, they would quickly find themselves face to face with asearching questioner.T hrog . You have approached , my Lord, the gate whereof I

have labored to throw open and make inviting the view,that

our friend Sir William may the easier enter fields, in whosegreenness he would become a conspicuous trespasser ; and when ,at last

,he hath strayed so far from the entrance that seemed so

pleasant a chap,and offered such good excuses for h is coming

,he

will be suddenly called upon to explain the obj ect ofhis presenceon forbidden ground, and will become so confused that h is poorgambling would betray his loss of loyalty to her majesty thequeen . T hen

,while he doth strive to armor h isweak slip

,he wi ll

be the more easily plucked, and by the queen reduced . T henwe

,my L ord

,yea ! even you and I, can, in the future, when

meeting this now high cock , keep our reverence for those whoretain without abuse their lofty station .

L ei . How? My good friend, would you assay to so train thefates that you might sweep in with one fell , cunnin g stroke allat court

,who , in their serving her majesty the queen , have

nicked your proud sensitive self?T hrog . Your comprehension

,my Lord , of the plan is good ;

but I have not laid so deep a scheme as will reach beyond our

friend,Sir William,

except it break a hanger on or two,who in

their blind dancing to h is dull piping, would not lose their stepeven in the crash of fortune .

Lei . T hink you, good friend, that if mercy be so small a partof this your smart plan , that in the reckoning twixt God and

you, He will hold from you the full measure of that you wouldturn from another ?T hrog . I have not, my Lord, your prophetic sight, nor yet a

vision beyond our present need,and so only d eal to overthrow

proud flesh here,that in its rank struttings has pruned without

mercy,and sullied without stent . If in this attempt to even the

digs of spite, th is stiff lump be toppled, and in his trip he d otumble a kin or two

,they but receive that reward due the weak

,

who too bl indly claw for h ire . It be my intention,my Lord, to

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00 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT 11 .

Lei . Why ! before I had cracked a word you di d seem tosmell adventure . My Lord , if you were made finder, in lessthan quarter year not a witch woul d mumble in all our queen’sgood land .

I/nni . Your compliment,my L ord , doth of truth bewitch me

,

but I do fail to find its wi t.

Lei . My L ord, what think you? Doth the Duke ofNorfolkreally love the bonny Scot, or has he allowed his mouth to runat sight of face?I/nm. T hi nk you, my Lord, that I am sitting up 0’nightsmaking note of lover’s prate ?Lei . T hen you adjudge the good duke that he be a lover ?Li nn . It be not so long ago that I did sigh and swear by lunathat I have lost the memory of the stare that swains d o wear . Ifhis grace the Duke ofNorfolk hath not for the filly Scot thelover’s yuke

,he hath

,then

,no excuse for that dreamy , far Oh

“

look in h is blue eyes .L ei . So you have noted this, my Lord ?1mm. Who hath not ? I trow you there be not a maid or pag ethat meets the duke but hath smiled at h is lovesick looks .L ei . My L ord , you have been a closer watcher than I ; as goodeven as our friend h ere .

T hrog . Pray,my L ord

,do not appeal to me in matters of this

kind . It doth not become me to nose among the love affairs ofcourt .L in n. Not your nose , Sir N icholas, but your eyes would fullycompass this blunt affair.L ei . I trust, gentlemen , that it be not envy that doth pepperyour speech .

L inn. My Lord, less of grum in your words would clear themof th e suspicion that they are prompted by the green-eyed .

Lei . F ie ! gentlemen , fie ! I trust we old hay- stacks need nottake fire at the sheen of thisNorthern Siren’s eyes .

Lum . N ot fire so much , my Lord , as faddle .

T hrog . What th ink you , my Lord , be there those 111 the council who would frown or smile if his grace th e duke should provein earnest ?

SCE NE v . ] THE QUE E NS. 101

Law . If the duke be in earnest he would make little of thefrowns or smiles of the council , or yet the crown .

‘

Lei . T hink you that he hath so stiffa neck ?M m. T hat he hath , doth the better grant me the license toannounce that he be not easily blown about, unless the breezedo please h im .

L ei . You have, my Lord, so much mind of the duke’s - bias,

pray have you mixed with it a bit of ween of the Scot’s bent ?Doth she lean toward h is grace th e _

duke ?

Linn . How much of melting this giglot has for the duke Iknow not , but I have read in rhyme of a bird, not cage-bred ,that so pined for flight that it coupled with a hawk to gain itswelkin .

Lei . T h ink you th e Scot doth put more weight on flight thanon the means of gaining it? and that she woul d tarre the duk eif thereby sh e might slip her present closeness ?L inn . But

,my Lord

,are you not over-rating the duke’s soft

ness and earnest ? Or perchance, you may have lost your scoring in his make-up .

T hrog . G entlemen, we may measure but poorly h ow much ofearnestness the duke may have

,but we are most concerned

that he shal l go blindl y and swiftly,for I hold that a man who

loves blindly has pawn ed reason .

a . You have, good Sir Nicholas, I trow, all of reason onyour side .

T hrog . Such reason as I have,my Lord, I do bend it to your

better judgment .

Lei . If you coul d hunt hares as you can claw, I would ofchoice ride with you a day .

T hrog . It’s not the hunting,my L ord

,that doth testify the

profit,but the bagg ing .

L inn . T hi s game that you would bag i s sly .

T hrog . I would,my L ord , that you d id have a better under

standi ng of that whereof we have conversed .

Lei . I wi ll acquaint his lordship with th e drift of yourscheme ;

E nter Page .

Page. May it please your Lordship, a gentleman doth attend

102 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT n .

who woul d speak with thee privately, and as an earnest“

dothbid me hand you thi s bill .

Lei . Gentlemen, grant me your indulgence . A matter of

private import demands my attention . I pray you, during myabsence, look to the details . I will j oin you qui ckly. [E xi tI/um. Hi s lordship seems strangely agitated in the reading

of this note .T hrog . I think

,my Lord, it was some matter of church or

charity .

I/Ltm. Of church? Pray what church doth hold so thin acreed that it may h onor the E arl of L eicester with fellowshi p?By my word, if he hath a church the prince of darkness is thecurate . W as it thus [crosses himself] we di d for grace , underth e old?

T hrog . If your Lordship doth make inquiry on mattersreligious

,I fear my answer woul d not enr ich you. I set so small

a store on all this rasping over creeds,that I scarce d o know

which be up and which be down . I hold that’s better poli cy topraise the ups and parole th e downs, but do both my praisingand my promising with such a degree of indecision , that if thedowns were up they could not swear which were praises andwhi ch were promises .L inn . You should be L ord Chief Justice , for one so nicelybalanced as you would decide a case purely upon its merits,that is

,if its merits were to your liking .

T hrog . I would not be Chief Justice , my L ord , but yet Iwould

,had I a good opportunity

,so cheapen justice that all

might,at least

,have a taste of it .

Linn . Have th e earl and yourself yet brought your plan tofull maturity?T hrog . I did but this hour

,may it please your Lordship ,

enter upon its consideration .

E nter LEICESTER .

L ei . Lord Lumley will you be kind enough to lend me yourpresence . So th ick hath th is matter g rown that it be necessarythat Ido acquaint you with that which hath been aforesaid .

[E xeunt L eicester and Lumley .

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104 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT II.

Lei . Not angels, but men do most concern us now. L ook youwell, my Lord , to your agreement . I will more of this matter ,when i t shall yet be more happily arranged .

Lani . I do trus t your better discretion that this matter comenot to the ears of th e queen until such time as there be necessityfor it ; even then, my L ord, you are to stand between any royaldispleasure and myself. As your salutation was so sweet on mycoming, I pray that I may us e the remembrance of it to speedmy parting .

Lei. Such good wishes , my Lord, as welcome di d offer to yourapproach

,have increased during your tarry

,and I check not

your remembrance of them ,but repeat with interest for your

departuretheir sense , adding : may heaven’s best grace aecompany thee .

Luni . So noble an ad ieu, my Lord, merits speedy exi t.

[E xit Lumley .

L ei . T he undercurrent of this matter should of need be keptwithin bounds . I have surfaced hi s lordship

,and shall make such

use of him as can with propriety be done without throwingdown the bars of concealment necessary for th e success of yourenterprise .

T hrog . Your prudence,my L ord

,bespeaks much for success .

It were well that there be not too many hands in the glove .

L ei . It,then

,is understood that the duke is to be urged in his

fancy , and that as many of th e council as we wish to blind, notomitting our friend SirWilham,

are to be baited into its encouragement. T hen

,when we have them fully committed

,we may ,

by accident, mind you, by accident , loose ourselves for the

queen’s hearing .

T hrog . T o the better push our plans,it be necessary that the

E arl ofMurray should be made a party in this dance of circumstance .

Lei . I hear at court that the E arl of Murray will soon visither maj esty th e queen by invi tation .

T hrog . F ate and fortune have ind eed tumbled our d ice .L ei . Is it then so fortunate a th ing that the E arl of Murray’spresence do grace this scheme? [Ring bell.

E nter PELANGO .

SCENE v . ] T HE QUE E NS. 105

T hrog . Of grace I say not, but of policy I think it fortunate .Lei . [T o F elango] It be my pleasure that when it be an

nounced that the E arl of Mur ray hath arrived, you do fully in

form yourself of h is mi ssion , and whatever passes between himand those with whom h e -doth converse

,acquain t Ine forthwi th .

F el. T h e details of this, Maestro , sh ould be arranged yetwith more care .

L ei . I will make further speech with you when it be moreopportune . Bethi nk you I am daft?T hrog . My Lord , I thi nk it meet that I do betake me to the

office of the secretary,and there smooth the way for the intro

ducti on of our train .

L ei . As you are a Chr isti an, see to it that you do not bendunholy means to your ends

,for whatsoever you do more than

the license of holy writ, you shall be called upon to answer for

to heaven ]T hrog . I will

,my L ord, so carefull y mix the ingredi ents in

this afi'

air that there shall be no offense to heaven or hell . Inmy departure I do leave further audience wi th you at yourpleasure

,and the need of our mutual ends .

L ei . How now ! So full of cares am I,and so loose have the

ends run,that I am in danger of strangely mixing my tantles

with tragedies to my expose .

F el. I pray you ,Maestro

,in the nobler affairs keep your own

counsel , in th e darker, trust to me .

Lei T rust to you ! T hat I have trusted to you hath solicensed the evi l within me that it hath blighted the good .

E el. Say not so, Maestro . T here be now onl y such need of

patience as shall dispose of your last unfortunate sl ip , then ,make such installments of prudence as shall assure you yet

longer draughts of pleasure,without the risk of expose . and all

shall be well .L ei . T his be but a hoot snatch . What of the maid ? Did

you entice young Howard to your liking ?F el . More to my liking than to the maid’s

,Maestro . Of truth

she hath such h eaviness ofheart,and ofbody too

,that she doth

illy take to love -making .

Lei . F ie on love G ive this young dolt, Howard , full swing of

106 T HE,

QUE E NS . [Aer II .

encouragement, and in his firehe will forget consci ence ; and sosore ofplight is this wench that it be not an over hard labor tobreak her stiffwill, and so change from me to Howard the consequence of this weak folly.

E el. I fear me, Maestro, th at the lady doth make suspect ofsome such deal

,and hath grown shy of the approach of men.

Lei . It were better for her were this shyness not so new athing .

E el . But,Maestro

,was not her shyness o’ercome by the fer

vor ofyour suit ?L ei . It doth not suit me that you should pick apart thesewarm afiairs of my heart . I have done with this wench ; shehath in her too little discretion to meet my ends, either of toolor toy.

E el. T rue, Maestro , but the results of your favor may not belonger concealed

,and already the lady be so wrought upon by

th e fear of her situation that the look of her judgment may bebroken by the dr ead ofher pl ight

,and she be open to peach .

L ei . I know ofno Christian way to settle this miserable affair

,and to meet such emergencies as this d id I make attach

ment of your pecul iar chi ce . If this wench will not submit toyour directions

,and thus avoid my expose

,I prayyou adopt such

means as you have foun d expedient in your own country for thesettling of these tort slips . But look you ! I have a horror ofblood. If this wench be so foolish as to refuse th e better part

,I

pray you,Pelango

,see to i t that there be a bush put upon h er

blab . Have I not read of how you Italians can chase away thebreath of life and leave no mark of the chasingE el. In matters of th is kind

,Maestro

,it be customary to fix

the sum wh ich shall recompense the remover in proportion tothe need of the snuffing out of the removed .

L ei . 0 man pounds and pence are the motives ofyour soul .You d o prate of th e cost of this thing as if it were a bag of corn[g ives him a p urse] . Here , I have no desire to know the fee Ipay for this necessary h itch . Be it much or little

,I pray you

let me not know how ’twere done,only that it be well done .

E el. One word more,Maestro; Lady Sheffie ld d id instruct me

to acquaint your Lordsh ip with the appointment for to -night .

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ACT III .

SCENE I . Room in the house of the Duke ofNorfolk, London.

DUKE OF NORFOLK,BISHOP OF Ross and SIR NICHOLAS

T HROGMORTON d iscovered .

Duke ofN. G entlemen , so much at heart have I this matter,that I count not

"

any sacrifice as loss,if I may

,thereby

,relieve

the Oppressed , or render assistance unto the queen mymistress .T hrog .

’

My Lord, it is to that end that I have bethought meof this . T he presence of the Sco ttish queen within the realmof her majesty our mistress doth engender strife; and, as thequeen our mistress doth the more desire peace

,it of right be

comes her loyal subjects to so shape their acts that they mayassist their loved mistress in maintaining that sweet calm whichhas so far blessed her reign .

Duke ofN. So little of self have I thought, but so much ofthe good of queen and realm

,that I am bound to sag at noth

ing that will impeach disquiet,or further success to E ngland .

I have given not a little thought and prayer to the affairs of thequeen of Scotland

,and trust I do not slur my loyalty, nor invite

a question as to my devotion to my faith , if I display a desire tosuccor the distressed , when, in so doing, I would strive to lift aburden from my sovereign’s heart .B ishop ofR . In so sore a pl ight is this poor queen of Scotland

,that I do think the ends fully justify desperate means .

If the queen of E ngland w ill .not be softened by appeals, we ,who see the right

,should not h esitate to act. In my heart I

feel that i f your Grace will venture upon such troubled seas , asare the affairs of Scotland

,and give

,by your all iance with the

Scottish queen,the weight of your position, and th e strength

of your mind,we Shall

,ere long

,gain that tranquility so much

prayed for by the lords and estates of that distracted realm .

D uke of N. But h ow think you the queen my mistress andher ministers would judg e this, my open avowal at th is time?

1 0 8

SCENE I. ] T HE QUE E NS . 109

T hrog . Sogreat a burden hath this northern queen become byher presence

,that it will be no mighty task to side the minis

ters of the crown with this righteous move, which promises suchhappy delivery from unease .

Duke of N. Have you, then, Sir Nicholas, uncovered"

thisscheme to anywithin the council?T hrog . T hat I am here

,my Lord, doth testify to my

authority to speak .

‘

T h e tenderness of this matter demandssuch prudent concealment as shal l save all from danger of tooprevious a betrayal of the ends sought .Duke of N. If this matter be honorable , wherein is thenecessity, for concealment?T hrog . Your Grace, prudence be no less a companion to hon

esty than it be to trickery . T here be th ose among the councilwho

,if th is

’

th ing be too bluntly broached, would not list, butwould retard the good work by

‘

a too thoughtless condemnation ;yet these same persons , if carefully lured, - would adopt it rightheartily if it smelt of royal favor or displayed a shadowof

courtly approval . Your assent,your Grace, would stamp this

affair with a degree ofrighteousness that would prevent its overhasty rejection by those who suck policy and fatten on chance .

B ishop ofR . I am powered to announce,your Grace

,that if

the Scottish queen be restored , and‘

it be through your happyOffer

,and her restoration include her wedding with yourself

,

then the crown 'matrimonial would be a part of the fruits of thismost honorable draft.T hrog . I pray you, gentlemen, let us speak lightly of the

fruits,butmake such happy display of our good motives as shall

forestall the assaults of our enemies . T hat h is grace shouldwear the Scottish crown is but right

,but that the Scottish

crown should appear as the motive to the act should beconcealed .

Why should we run to meet the d ate of biting envy ? Whyforestall that we would escape ? If we display the ends as selfishgain , we lop ourselves the good that heaven designed should fallto the deserving .

Duke ofN T hy words have in them the sound of diplomacy .

110 THE QUE E NS . [ACT 1 11 .

Of that I do not object,so long as the ends be p ure and the

means honorable ,T hrog . I have not the heart, your Grace , to bring to you,

even were I so inclined,aught that would miss your approval .

B ishop ofR . I have made good canvass of this affair amongthose ofbetter j udgment

,and I have gathered such Opinions as

fully bear me out in urging you to accept, your Grace , this thatheaven doth seem to offer .

Duke ofN. Prudence and loyalty would seem to dictate thatwe shoul d acquaint the queen her majesty with this affair

,and

our intent .T hrog . Not so ! your Grace, not so ! Rather it be good prudence that we do fir st enlist upon our side so tall a company

,

that the queen’s resentment will be impeached by such array ofadvocates that she may thereby be recomforted, and her angerturned to sweet assent .Duke ofN. T h e queen our mistress doth the more kindly taketo any proj ect when she be privy to its inception and mind ful ofits growth .

T hrog . T hat this be so, your Grace , doth hold in all matterssave this . We must not conceal from ourselves that this castdoth have in it so much of knack th at they who helm it must,forsooth

,be as wise as statists and soft as lovers ; for the queen

her majesty hath nursed not a little of that yellowness that dothgnaw womankind at large

,and so palled her wit in the pout of

envy that she be , alas, strangely askew in the settlement of thisd elicate matter .

Duke ofN. If there be a misunderstanding by the queen hermajesty

,then there be all the more necessity that her loyal sub

j ects do avoid an advantage that be the growth of that misunderstanding.

T hrog . F ar be it from me , your Grace , to favor or suggestthat there be any beneath work in this matter ; but anxietydoth so Oppress th e queen her majesty , that she has missed thatcalm which would assist a better settlement. As they who aresick wist not the drug they swig , but on the turn of strengthbless the leech !that gave it, so she

’ll favor those who mend her

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1 12 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT III.

Duke ofN. As I must needs have a friend who shall approachthe Scottish queen in my interest, I know not one among all mytrusted acquaintance to whom I could, with more safety, trustthe sweet office of love’s embassador than to you , good SirN icholas . Wil l you, therefore, take to the Scottish queen mytender solicitude for her welfare

,and obtain from her

,if it be

consistent wi th her gracious wish, and do meet with her full desire

,the privi lege of an intervi ew between herself and me .

T hrog . T hat you do trust me,your Grace , to be the messenger

of so sweet and delicate an approach , would force from me , evenwere I coldly inclined

,so quick a compliance , that my resolve

would be second only to your own . Your approof, your Grace ,ofmy friendship merits most earnest effort in your behalf ; andasyour kind request meets fully my most heartfelt wish , I dothe more readily offer my acceptance of your honored trust .And to discharge which, I would make the good excuse of myhasty exit, to the end that we may th e sooner reap the fruits ofour resolve .

Duke of N. T hi s is , indeed, a proof of sweet friendship .

With no vow,save that which should be between brothers of a

common blood,I do accept your willing offer to lend me the safe

tend of your valued assistance .Bishop ofR . God bestow upon all the fullness ofhis blessing ,and grant such wisdom as faithfulness shall profitably use .

[E xeunt.

SCENE II . Room in Leicester’s House.

E n ter BARNEY .

Barney . Sure,

’pon my soul butmaster’s foxy . By the soundof h is words he doth mouth the prayers of saints, but in h is actshe d oth more than meet the devil’s task . Sure , h e doth havesuch softness in his month that he doth make all at court h isdolts . Sure , but he

’s as tricky as Judas , and this I say whenout ofbreath ofprayers

, yet when I hear h im preach , I’d swear

he’s fi t for bishop’s stole . Ah , wellad ay, wellad ay ! What w iththat ’T alian d evil , and master’s tricks, sure , God

’s pity needscome to any those two fly at .

E n ter PELANGO .

SCENE IL ] T HE Q UE E NS.

Sure, its you, is it ? By me soul I just spoke your name, orthat ’0 your master. Sure , the word’s not cold on me lips yet.E el . W hy man, the E arl’s is not so strange a name that youneed harp a slur upon it .Barney . Sure , the devil’s no earl !E el: Devil “

! [ Crosses himself ] How dare you proclaim theimp my master ? I have within my heart such words of graceas would quit his presence ; my life in its every act, makes toostrong a wal l for Satan’s bolt .Barney . Your life ! Sure

,but you’re a fine scholar ; but your

glab hath not in it th e goodness that the words woul d bring,were they your own ; for sure , you get your tip from master,and you’ve not his good sense in choice ofhearers .E el. Still your tongue man, sti ll your tongue, and keepyour chatter to brawl at cook . Is Maes tro in ?Barney . Sure , it’s not public that he’s out, leastwise he’s notposted . If he was h ere he’d be home, and if he was home surehe’d be in . Hark ye ! from the bang in the hall I catch theclepe of his coming .

E xi t BARNEY.

E el. T here are two things that the fates have denied me . Iam not handsome

,nor am I rich . Heaven in its dealings has

scanted me,and so sl im am I in luring looks that maids are shy

,

and I am lone in their soft company. In gold I have so missedmy deserts

,that were my wits as thin as is my purse

,I would

have good need to feel with care , and stumble with rol led upeyes

,and j ourney with a dog .

So loosely run th e E arl’s accounts, and so much have I themin hand

,that I am dull indeed

,ifI sl ip this chance to hedge my

poverty . [ Un locks d rawer in the table ] I think there is, orShould be, here , the warrant of my search . Could I make thismy own

,I could laugh at Jew, and fig his envied loan . Saints

,

it is here ! F or once fortune has favored the good . [ Conceals

p ap er . ]E nter BARNEY.

Barney. Here yet? Sure ye stick like want . Master’ll not

return for hour yet .E el. How ! Sent he message?8

1 14 T HE QUE E N S. [ACCI: 111 .

Barney . No message , but an asking .

E el. W h at was the inquiry?Barney . As master bespok’for gentlemen you need have no

uneasin ess .E el . Man you should salt your wit , and keep it.Barney . My wit’s the kind that keeps without salting. Sureif ’twas as poor as yours salt would not save it . F or a wagerSignor

,be you wed?

E el. No,man

,but why make to me such a put?

B arney. T hen wait,good friend

,till you’re a dad

,and learn

how slim your wit wi ll be when your first brat begins askingquestions .

-E el. T ell me,Barney

,was Sir Nicholas T hrogmorton tag

ging your master to -d ay?B arney . Sure

,do you take me for a well?

E el. Yes,and a dry one, and as you are dry , here’s the pri ce

of a pint .B arney. Sure, you

’re a sly one . Pence will fetch what blabwont . Yes

, SirNicholas was here, and he and master blusteredan hour . Sure, Pelango, what’s this new deal the earl do sendabout?E el . Wel l

,as Imay g ive it to you, and know that it’ll be

kept,it’s this : Your maestro

,the earl , has a bit of hump left

from h is slight the Scottish queen d id send , and so to even upthe cut

,he’d make her shed a tear or two. And as he has

,as

all good men should,the praise of time, he would make a double

h itch,and in h is reach for the Scot bring down a lofty coun

cil lor or two . You,Barney

,even in your dullness , must have

seen the fire that flew when the queen’s secretary, Sir William ,

j ammed the earl a bit,so your maestro , now that this north

ern fi ll -g ill has dropped within h is s troke , would , by one wel lmeasured rout

,bring down a queen and councillor, as payment

for h is hurt .Barney . So that’s it ! Sure he’s a will of oak and a heart ofstone

,and ne’er forgets . But what’s the hand of SirNicholas

do ing ? Is he a tool or partner ?E el . Why he , like the earl , your maestro , nurses a bit of

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116 T H E QUE E NS. [ACT III .

shall flow,as shall sweep Sir William

,with a hanger on or two

,

smooth out the council chamber. And then,when like drown

ing rats they trail to shore, he’ll draw so much of vulgar gaze

to their sorry‘

plight, that they shall lose all fi tness for futuregreatness . And in the tumble of these lords the Scottish queenwill get her dim ; for the queen, to make good prevent of otherhaps will qui ckly lop her head, and so the earl your maestrowill by this stroke meet the sweetness of his wait .

[Bell heard wi thout.

Barney . May the good L ord protect us ! Sure , but masterhas a head ! Holy mother, but he’s a sly one. But I beli eve that’shi s ring .

- E el. Measure for measure ; man for man . I , too, think theearl a sly one .

E nter LEICESTER .

Good Maestro , I have waited with some impatience your coming, because of the importance of the hour .Lei . I have dreaded with some impatience your presence .

E el. T h e gods,Maestro , must have winged my coming .

Lei . Not the gods, but plainly your own interest . But

enough of I . Hark you,there be urgent need for your im

mediate presence in th e vicinity ofthe Scot . F irst then,convey

to the Duke ofNorfolk the full assurance of my friendship,and

say to h im that I have counseled well to the fur therance of his

interests . Say, al so , that I have so approached the queen withthe import ofh is desire , that I have partly Opened the way forits easy fulfill ing . Say, also

,to the Scottish queen

,that the

queen my mistress may not look with disfavor upon this new

turn,and force home to her the largeness of my interest in her

affairs ; but in the playing of your tongue forget not the use of

your eyes,and so keep your ears in read iness that they may

prompt your l ips to reh earse to me the ful lness of all that hathtranspired of interest in th is matter .

E el. Shal l I go at once,Maestro? How of the other matter?

Lei . Yes,at once ; and ofth e other matter make abeyance.

T h is most need s th e earnestness of our immed iate intent.

Here’s the needful pass . Show it, but do not deliver it up . On

SCENE III ] T HE QUE E NS. 1 17

your return , if you fin d me not here, send to me the import of

your errand, if it be important .0 words , 0 words ! howmany meanings have thy uses . T hatwhich to friend doth assur e h im j oy

,doth

,wi thout change

,in an

enemy’s ears, “shape offense . T h e hallowed be and “ amen

of our prayers we oft warp to basest ends . If i t thu s be gainto so distort the weight of speech

,he is best

,at least outwardl y ,

whose stock ofwords doth make the greater show ; and kn avemay di stance churchmen in the race , if he but have an oilytongue and smiling face . [E xi t Leicester.

SCENE III . Room in Bolton C’astle.

E nter QUEEN MARY and BISHOP OF Ross .

B ishop of B . May it please your most gracious Majesty, I amof truth pleased if my coming hath brought you pl easur e .

Q . M ary . Your Reverence doth,indeed

,by your presence

and your holy words confer sweetest pleasure . So dully dothtime drag, and so poorly decked is it with j oy, that I am sadl yoff with this great lack of earth’s poor j oys . But your goodand comforting words of cheer , your Reverence , stayed as theyare by your words of tender piety, bring to me a sweetness longa stranger to my days of captivity .

B ishop of B . May it please your Maj esty , as I may not prolong thi s interview

,I would come at once at the fullness of my

mission .

Q . M ary . I do the more cheerfully hear you, your Reverence ,for the assurance of your holy ofii ce doth give me the knowledgethat your offer of counsel shall not have in it other than thatmeant for my peace . I know and feel that you , your Reverence ,can not bring me harm .

B ishop of B . N ot harm , your Majesty, but balm I would offeryou . Your friends

,whi le they may not cast down

,as yet

,the

walls that so cruel ly hold you, are still mindful of your distress,and

,in their prayers

,they petition heaven for your Speedy

del ivery . And , as if in answer to their supplications, there hasarisen within the souls of your best and most tried friends ahearty desire to see you bettered . His grace the noble Duke ofNorfolk, of good report and most elegant mien , hath joined your

1 18 THE QUE E NS. [ACT 111 .

friends with such earnestness that he hath bethought him mostprayerful ly how he may best work for your Maj esty’s comfortand peace .

Q . M ary . Hi s grace the Duk e ofNorfolk is , indeed, of mostnoble blood

,and

,already

,I h ave

twi thin my heart a strange

interest that he shoul d th ink well of me .

B ishop of R . Your Majesty,it be

,forsooth

,a happy turn that

you have this sweet interest in your heart, for it is h is deepconcern in your affairs that has so warmed hi s heart .

Q . M ary . Your Reverence, do you plead as an ambassad orfrom Cupid ? If thi s be the weight of your mi ssion, think younot that so tender a dint woul d fall with more softness , and bemore to the hk ing

,if it were delivered alone by the heart that

prompted it?B ishop of B . Your Majesty, happy indeed would his gracethe duke feel

,if he might be privileged to betray himself to so

sweet a h stener.

Q . M ary . Ori e may not offer , your Reverence , except wherethe proffer seems desired by act of th e intended recipient .B ishop of R . F ar be it

,your Majesty

,from me to attempt

th e role of negotiator in matters where the heart is concerned .

But as in nature th e grateful summer showers are oft forerunby gusts ofboisterous wind

,so I

,by my rude bluster, would but

herald th e approach of a gentler shower of words from one

whom you have met before, but in the meeting had not tilt withlover’s lance

,but fair and square in fortune’s field , fought out

th e fight of right and wrong .

Q . M ary . Your Reverence,I am poor at spae . Pray tell me

whom did I tilt with that shall new again measure lance withme?B isl p of R . He whom I would summon , and who doth at

tend wi thout,is one who

,in fortune’s turn hath lost h is gil t, and

in th e losing laid down h is bond to claims of other days ; andnow that he no longer serves a creature powered by wrong, hehath renewed h is honorableness

,and so j oined himself to your

friend s ; and as one still trusted in a measure by your foes , hewould aud ience with your Majesty

,that he may bespeak the

good intentions of the honorable Duke ofNorfolk . F rom your

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120 T HE QUE E N S . [ACT III .

from his grace the duke , may we not learn what cheer our

agent, Stephens, may have ; for, by the providence of God , he

hath safely passed al l suspicion and is now with us again . W illyour Majesty hear h im ?

Q . M ary . Of truth,I will most gladly hear this , our faithful

friend . God grant he bring me sweet ch eer .Bishop ofR . Will your Maj esty summon an attendant ?

[Mary blows a whistle.

E nter Page .

Say to the first gentleman in the ante-room that her majestyawaits his presence . T his your agent

, your Majesty, has withmuch peril despatched your commands . [E xi t Page.

E nter STEPHENS .

Ah ! Good friend,I bid you welcome

,and as your presence doth

bespeak the arrival of messages from friends,I can the more

readily bid you salute her maj esty the queen .

Step h . Most gracious Maj esty,I read in your face an earnest

longing for pleasant greeting . I would to God that such of

merit as I bring were increased a thousand fold .

Q . M ary . I do bid you welcome , and as you are but a bearerofnews

,not a maker

,I receive with grace your proffered Offer,

and your sweet wish . My heart has hushed its long-delayedhope ofgreat fortune fast arriving

,and so content am I with

heaven’s dealings that I do make even my small comforts athanksgiving .

B ishOp of R . Do you bring despatches ?Step h . Only such

,your Reverence as I may deliver by word

of mouth . T h e heartless barbarity of your keepers , yourMajesty

,forbid my del ivering such despatches as I had . Your

Reverence,are we without l isteners

,save ourselves ?

B ishop of R . In this room,yes .

Q . M ary . I know not what l ife these walls may have, norwhat eyes d o look upon us unbidd en . I know but this, thatfrom my long d etention , and the strictness of the watch , I havelearned caution . Whatsoever communication you have to make,let it not be over loud

,for

,if there be ears other than our own ,

they belong to those who have not kindly tongues, and they

SCENE III . ] T HE QUE E NS. 121

might,should their reasons demand it, so twist even the innocent

babblings of a babe that in its rehearsal it would be treason .

B ishop of R . Has word been returned from His Holiness thePope ? What message sent the King of Spain?Step h . We have from the Holy F ather, your Reverence , fi rst

h is hlessing on our undertaking, and the full assurance thatwhen once the blow has been struck he will render substantialassistance . T he King of Spain may not openly send arms, buthe gladly bears the expense of an

‘

hundred agents,and he but

waits your sanction, your Majesty, to despatch a goodly numberof trusty men at once .

Q . M ary . T he fullness of the plan, your Reverence , hath notas yet been detailed to me . I do trust mine advisers

,and only

ask that this affair shall be so conducted as to avoid slaughter .Bishop ofR . Your Majesty

,your friends who have planned

this enterpr1se have first consulted, with deep reverence , yourown immediate in terests

,knowing ful l well that in return of your

better fortune , the church sh all receive that recognition whi ch itmerits from your Royal Highness. It is our purpose to so interest the lords and estates within this realm,

who stil l maintaintheir loyalty to the true church

,that they shall see that in your

liberty and rightful acknowledgment their interests will be improved . T here be not a‘ few, your Majesty, even among thosewho seem to accept the new order

,that would

,should your

cause make a formidable showing,attach themselves to your in

terests . Among these we may first claim h is grace the Duke ofNorfolk . He hath afore manifested deep concern in your welfare

,and hath gained for himself not a little of the queen’s dis

pleasure,because of his honorableness in dealing with your

Majesty’s case .

Q. Mary. His grace the Duke of Norfolk is indeed of gentleblood

,and of such kindly thoughts, and so mildly mannered ,

that I do feel encouraged to hear you proclaim that such as hedo Openly defend me .

Bishop ofR . Not only openly defend you, your Majesty, butyet more deeply doth he speak ofyourself and your affairs .Step h . T he burden ofmy message

, your Majesty, be not for

122 T HE Q UE E NS . [ACT III.

eign, but doth partake of matters relating more nearly to theDuke ofNorfolk and h is interest in your Majesty.

Q . M ary . I wi ll hear you, and as you have promi sed thatyour message Contained a little cheer, I do trust that you are tomake disclosure of that whereof I had hoped .

Step h . Let me say first, yourMajesty, that in theNorth countries

,around about my L ord Northumberland

,there be many

who have banded th emselves'

togeth er in your interest, and butwait a favorable moment to strike the blow that shall restoreyou to liberty and your throne . And hereabouts there are thosewho do meet secretly

,and are so strongly bolstered by your

friends in F rance,that they do even now labor to restrain their

spirit,and but need to receive the promised help from theNorth

to lead them to make the move that shall restore you . F romlong closeting

,and after much counsel

,your friends have de

cided that it were better that you do hold convent with the DukeofNorfolk . I am assured that he has not only healthy plans foryour betterment

,but he has al so the means for executing them‘

.

In proof of this,I have but to crave of your Maj esty permission

to introduce a gentleman,who in this matter acts as hi s agent

,

and who waits without subj ect to your pleasure .

Q. M ary . Your Reverence , is it meet that I do receive thisgentlemanB ishop ofR . Such, your Maj esty, is the better thought ofyour friends .

Q . M ary . As I have trusted my friends thus far,I may not

endanger myself by a further exhibition of confidence . Dothth is gentleman await within summons ?Step h . Your Majesty, he doth but tarry without the door .

[ T he queen blows whistle.

E nter Page .

Bishop ofR . Say to the gentleman who doth await, that it isher maj esty’s pleasure that h e do enter .

Q . Mary . Your Reverence , if I do exhibit a lack ofquicknessin meeting the speech of SirNicholas

,I pray you make not too

great a note of i t, for so oft have we rode at arms, and so freelyhave we struck

,that I may

,from force of habit , so exhibit my

guard that in our first round we may seem more like knights

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124 T HE Q UE E NS. [ACT III .

myself plainly, and seeking to avoid offense, hold to such closeness of directions as will save me from the missmg of anythingof importance .

Q . M ary . Your approach, good Sir Nicholas, hath been soann ounced that you are well saved much bush -beating

,and

press of time can wel l excuse good plainness .

T hrog . T hi s,then

,your Majesty

,IS the matter I have in

hand . His grace the Duke ofNorfolk,ofwhose interest you are

no stranger,has

,by the advice of friends

,and h is own inclina

tion,commissioned me to crave of your Maj esty the gracious

privilege of an interview. And this he does the more boldly askin that he has afore conferred with your friends, among whomstands first your most trusted embassador , his reverence theB ishop ofRoss. I may not enter into the details

, your Maj esty,or even shadow the import of the designs and ends of h is gracethe duke . T hese have been so freely d iscussed among yourfriends

,and you h ave been kept so well informed

,that

,mayhap ,

you have this matter better in hand even than I . My office onlyincludes the soliciting of your approval to the interview . Whenthis I do happily possess

,and th e naming of a suitable day

,at

the pleasure of your Maj esty, I may well consider the success ofmy mission as having been abundant .

Q. M ary . Your Reverence,hath this matter been concluded

between the friends ? And be there no overreaching ofproprietyin my granting this reasonable request of his grace the Duke ofNorfolk ?B ishop ofR . T he matter

,your Majesty

,hath been fully dis

cussed,and the conclusions fully meet the desires expressed by

SirNicholas .

Q . M ary . T hat I may exhibit my confidence in my friends,and display my trust in h is grace the Duke ofNorfolk, knowing full well that one of such gentle blood and noble Christiansp irit must bring me great sweetness, and much peace , by consenting to interest himself in my poor affairs , I, therefore ,fully second th e advice of my friends, and freely grant the nobleduke th is interview

,and leave to you, as h is agent and friend,

such arrangements as are necessary to meet th e designs. T hisI do without exacting a pledge

,believing fully that one of such

SCENE Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS. 125

Christian nobility as his grace the duke , woul d scorn a selfishadvantage

,and refuse an unfair deal .

T hrog . T his,indeed, fully meets the expectation of your

friends,and the hopes of his grace the Duke ofNorfolk . And

now,that I may not awake suspicion that shal l cloud this

happy‘issue, I w ould crave, yourMajesty, your sweet indulgencefor my speedy departure, to the end that I may bear quicklyyour gracious consent to the anxious duke .

Q. M ary . I do,indeed , grant you your withd rawal, and

praise your faithfulness . Say to his grace the Duke ofNorfolk,that I do send my heart’s best wish for h is good welfare

,and

bid him accept th e assurance of my poor prayers .T hrog .

’

Your Majesty, that I may not d isturb your hallowedwishes , I would, in going , crave that you do remember me, notas of old, but as your friend . [E xi t T hrogmorton .

Q . M ary . God grant that this move hath in store for me apromise of brighter days .

Bishop of R . God give to thee the full ness of thy hope .

Your Majesty, may we not now prepare the reply to the messages [E xeunt.

SCENE IV . Audience Room in Richmond House, London .

E nter QUEEN E LIZABETH , LADY KNOLLYS, LADY SHEFFIELD,LADY F RANCIS HOWARD, and CouN T E ss OFNOTTINGHAM .

Q . E lie . Your good words do set me so fine a note that I ammore than half incl ined to humor you silly bilkers .Countess of N. May it please your Maj esty, of this suit I

have,In your interest , made earnest canvass .

Q . E lie . If you have made yourself over busy with this myaffair

, you have j arred that which should have run with sweet

glabrity .

Countess ofN. Only so far, your Majesty, have I spoken in

this your cause , as would give me audience with your own

court .

Q. E lie . My own court have not all of them such an overburden of prudence as would give them the full liberty of myaffairs

,and more especially in afiaires d

’amour .

126 T HE QUE E N S. [ACT m .

Lady Shef. I pray, your Majesty, make unto us a yet moreopen avowal of the duke’s pleading ; it hath in it so 'much thatdoth awake the tenderest depths ofour souls , that we yearn formore ; and envy of your lot is but checked in us by the remembrance of the royalty of the lover.

Q . E lie . T hese F rench do most bewitching exhibit theirtend erness . T he royal duke of Anjou doth , indeed, moststoutly display h is passion ; for, such words, such stringingtogether of tender phrases d o well nigh shake my resolve .

I do acknowledge my trust in you,that I do permit this taste,

and mind you, but a taste, of F rench delices. [Reads‘fYour M ost Gracious and Grand ly B eautiful Maj esty . So

long hath my heart made i ts hop eless siege, that the army ofmy blood i s well n igh stricken with the p overty of wai ting .

Lulling sleep hath“

forsaken my eyes, and I am become as one

stricken . My days are so filled with the longing of my soul,

and the necessi ty of thy p resence, that I have forgotten the

changes of day and night, and n ight and day .

“ In thinking of thee I am drowned in a sweet sea of exp ect

ancy . 0,make to me some signal that shall bridge the Sp ace

between us ; for so rebellious hath my heart become with the

restraint of i ts unsatisfied longings, that i t wi ll turn and devour

i tself if i t cannot, in thy dear p resence, p lead i ts loving

cause.

T here , Iwill read no more; such as this is not for you. You

two have had your tastes of sweets,and now are far too dry to

relish th is,only as a b it of gossip . Mind you now,

I havemade such a show of

'

this affair as doth but poorly display howfar the honorable duke hath prospered in his suit . T here be inthis

,I have read , nothing that doth betray how great a breach

the duke hath made in the c itadel of my heart .Lady Shef. Your Majesty hath left us so unsatisfied that wehave , indeed , good need to re- collect some stray straws of

lover’s gleanings in other days, to fill the space we d id make fora yet ful ler hearing of the duke’s most tender and loving avowal .Q . E lie . You have no need

,my lady

,to go back into your

tend er years to search for straws of love ; for so careless haveyou been in your recent gleaning , that not alone the straws of

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128 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT In .

failed in their ofli ce,or that my senses deceived me, when I not

onl y saw the earl’s tender looks, but the guilty answering of

your own over-ready passion ?Lady Shef. But

, your Majesty, have I control—w

Q. E lie . Of your own person,yes ; because you do admire

your rounded neck,and do waste your hours in training for a

more amorous expose of your acquired charms, thi nk you thatthereby the E arl of L eicester hath privileges whi ch shoul dbelong alone to thy wedded lord?Lady Shef. But, yourMajesty, I have no lord, being widowed .

Q. E lie . T h at doth but the better assert your need to yeteven more modesty . T hink you that you can toy with

'

th is vainman , and yet escape a greater hurt ? See to it ! If you do notmake the earl a stranger to your flame, I shall so snuff out yourli ght that you shall have need to seek in other fi elds a lover lessnear the court . [Rings a bell.

E nter Page .

[ T o Page ] Conduct Lady Sheffield to the salon .

[E xeunt Page and Lady Shefiield .

[ T aking out the letter from her bosom. ] 0 , words that warmmy heart, 0 ,

lines that answer the longings of my soul,come

,

dew my eyes again with thy loving breath . O,realm

,O,

crown,0 , power and pomp , all your incertain grandeur have

not in them the sweet content for woman’s heart as have thesewords

,if they be true .

Queen, thou art swallowed up in that yet sweeter wordwife ; and king , thou dost shrink to naught beside the tenderness of that other name , sweeter still , husband .

” I look aboutme and see

,with in my beck and call

,that for which the world

doth strive,and seek to gain

,and in the gaining count it prize ;

and yet the weight of this, and all the power and might of thisroyal station would I glad exchange for one true , faithful , honest, loving h eart to call my own . T hese who d ance in mockeryabout my throne

,and bow and cringe with borrowed reverence,

do small favor to my better self.He who to -day d oth pawn h is soul to gain royal favor , would,to -morrow

,barter away that favor that h e might gain the smile

of some new face, even if in h is gain he encompass me with

SCENE Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS . 129

harm. Who have I, that with un selfishness loves me ? T heywhose ends I meet

,and whose plans I urge with friendl y zeal

,

do lend me but the semblance of love ; and so thin a thing is it,

that the mere approach of disaster doth shatter the sentiment,

born but to deceive .

O,earth ; in thy busy round be there not some place where

mortal s do remember something of their god- like nature ?andkeep sweet and pure the peace of heaven’s love? O

,that there

were some clime where deception had not tainted all,and where

the eye in its answering look would speak al one the truth .

[Puts letter into her bosom. ] T hou herald of what shoul d betrue

,nestle close within my heart . If fate doth rob me of a

ful ler knowledge of thy better essence, heaven grant that naughtmay transpire to mar the remembrance of my more charitablethought

,that he hath writ the truth.

But what matter if this boy doth or doth not love? Have Inot here at my very feet a lover yetmore tender? I d o let thi sF rench boy prattle

,for his lines do prank an idle hour, and by

my show of interest I bind the eyes of envy, and stil l the speechof scandal . But my heart is afire with an unholy anger thatdoth eat away my case. [Rings bell.

E nter Page .

Say to my Lord Leicester that I do desire h is presence .

[E xitPage.

0 , God ! calm my achi ng heart and troubled mind .

E nter LEICESTER .

Lei . Your Maj esty, I attend upon your gracious pleasure .

Make to me a command for proof.

Q . E lie . My L ord , see you not in my eyes the throbs ofmybreaking heart ? T his play at words between us doth sorelyhurt . Your soft parry doth but increase the smart . [ T akinghis hand ] 0 , my L ord, this poor seeming hath in it but theshadow of satisfaction . I pray you, throw off this pomp of

court,and give me that for which I long

,the realness of your

honest self.Lei . Your Majesty, the affai rs of state require such earnestthought that I do lament the need of this poor seeming . If

9

1 3 0 T HE QUE E N S . [ACT In .

your words to me do grieve your heart, how think you they restwithin my brui sed soul .

Q. E lie . You are yourself, my Lord , not so much to bepiti ed for this hurt to your heart

,for it is common gossip at

court that the E arl of Leicester doth wear h is heart upon hi ssleeve

,so it is ever within easy reach of hurt.

L ei . If it be true,your Majesty , that my heart be upon my

sleeve, it hath but crept from its hiding place that it may thenearer be to thy dear self.

Q. E lie . 0,good E arl

,if your words were as true as they

sound,I woul d well change my throne for a continuance of thy

compani onship ; but, true or false, they be indeed, such wordsas the good and true do use

,and so I make of them the most

their sound doth imply. But tell me, within the hour have notother cars than mine heard thi s same sp eech ?Lei . I pray yourMajesty, make no jest of this,mymost earnestthought . Have I not made proof of the full strength of thi s,my interestQ . E lie . 0 , that mine ears were deaf to other words than

these . So sweet is thi s your avowal , that I could well wish noharsher news had offered . I woul d

,indeed

,prolong this span

and crave repeating ofyour tender speech,but so loudly doth the

clamor of gossip assail my sense,that I would do violence to

judgment did I keep back the exhibit of the report borne to me .

Lei . How oft,your Majesty, shall I cleanse your mind from

rude slander and false report . If the envious do so offend as tosalute your ears with base untruths, your patient listening dothbut encourage the sin .

Q. E lie . Nay,not alone what I hear doth hurt, but what

mine eyes have seen doth grieve me most .Lei . Seen ! pray who hath bewitched thine eyes ?Q . E lie . Nay

,rather

,who hath bewitched your heart ?

Lei . T he answer to your question, your Majesty, doth leavemine unanswered ; but as your wish is a command, I can butsay I am bewitched ofthee .Q . E l ie . O

,fool that I am

,to maw this cloyless sweet that

must ere long prove b itter . But no,I will unburden . So long

hath this sting made pain in my heart that it hath winged to my

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1 3 2 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT III.

hearty approval,but there be bounds which even a knight must

not pass.

L ei . If I have without intention

Q. E lie. Not without intention , but it is the with intentionthat doth grieve me . But O

,my L ord

,make no further parl ey .

I saw your soft caress, and read that look within your eyes ,which I was fool enough to think I alone could well . Had

another disturbed me from my dream,the awakening would have

had in it so much of doubt,that I might yet have had a grain

ofpleasure left ; but thi s rude awakening evidence of mine owneyes , robs me of the kind shift that doubt might have brought,and forces the cruel iron into my vei y soul .Lei .

'

T h e evidence even of queenl y eyes, when dimmed bytears

,may not always be such as would meet full approval in

more sober moments.

Q . E lie . Your acts,while yet in sight

,did but hint the

broader scope ofyour intent when in the fi eld of ful l er liberties .L ei . T his is my field

,and you are the giver of my Opportu

nities . I have no longing for other fields, nor lament the ab

sence ofmore golden Opportunities, save that the decrees of fatedo so much keep me from thy side . I feel the loss that you areso much by cares of realm engrossed that I must at a distancegaze and worship the object ofmy heart .

Q . E lie . 0 ,poor

,weak woman ! and I the weakest of them

all . O,what hunger hath my soul that it doth feast on these

poor,stale crumbs?

L ei . Not so , your Majesty, not so ! T hese are the virginfruits of this my heart. I pray you no longer strive with yourbetter self. See [p uts his arm about her] , you are not weak ;for in my pride I h ave oft dubbed myself as strong

, yet I nogreater exh ibit make of my manly strength than this— the surrender ofmy heart and soul to thee .

Q. E lie . I know not the terms that men at arms do use whenthey surrenderall

,but here

,if th is my speech be poor

,itbe not be

cause it lacketh truth . By this act I make forget of hurt andharm ofyesternight . I would not longer have you make denial ,for in the denial you must needs repeat the act, and so earagain

SCENE Iv . ] THE QUE ENS. 13 3

my,soul ; rather let me as a queen forget, but as a hungry

hearted woman feast on your soft words .Lei . T hou art now, indeed, your Maj esty, more a queen thanever ; and of all your willing, faithful subjects write me down asfirst and truest . N ow that sweeter, better thoughts d o troopwithin your kindly heart, pray lend me a moment of this blissthat I may forge it into a shield for your own protection. Knowyou not this Scot, that doth so trouble your case and threatenthe safety ofyour realm

,should -be more carefully housed?

Q. E lie . How so? Are not the walls of Bolton Castle strongenoughLei . Not their strength , your Majesty, doth give concern, but

rath er/

the easy ope of the gate , and the too free admittance of

meddlesome herds .

Q . E lie . T his Scot be so well guarded,at least such has been

my command,that none may approach h er save such as be loyal

to ourselves.Lei . I would not add, your Majesty, to your weight of cares,yet I should doubt mine own loyalty d id I seek to hide the needof closer watch .

Q. E lie . Such as are about this person are fully trusted . Ifthere be those who from cur1osity, or yet baser motives, seekaudience

,they have not the means to do more than stain their

own names by semblance of disobedience, and bending to sentiments ofweakness .Lei . I make no question, your Maj esty, of their w eakness,and my testimony will bear witness to the fact that there beboth weak and wicked persons who do visit the Scot .

Q . E lie . I am not ignorant of the fact that there be thosewho seek to use this wily Scot, that they may better th eir ownadvancement ; but I hold that their plans have in them so littlepromise

,that the striving for their fulfillment will but expose

their weakness .Lei . Your Majesty h as presumed to make full trust of theloyalty ofthose who may seek the presence of this your unwelcome visitor. I pray you , think me not over harsh , or so tempered with suspicion as to misjudge those whom you havetrusted . Loyalty , your Majesty, hath in these days become so

1 3 4 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT m .

strangely mix ed with selfishn ess,that he judges hims elf most

loyal who is most mindful of h is own in terests . As an evidenceofmy concern in the adjusting of th is affair to your betterment,I would ask the confidence ofyour attention .

H owbeit, there are those who are not of the faith even, noryet of the country

,as is thi s Scot, and those, too, who have so

loudly proclaimed their loyal ty that they are conspicuous intheassemblies, as steadfast to your cause , who have yet so in terested thems elves in the affairs of this woman that honest menhave attributed

"

their motives either to overzeal or to bewil derment

,induced by such desires as infl uence the baser sort

,when

brought in contact with dependent beauty in distress .

Q. E lie . I pray you, why so loudly proclaim thi s weak thingas a queenly beauty ? Have you

,too

,had your head turned

by those dimpled cheeks , which , alas ! but mask so deceitful aheart ? If you have no better name than beauty in which topronounce your reference to my thorn , I pray you make yetfurther search within your store of words ; forgetting for oncethis vulgar craze that seeks to use in public mind , thi s poorgeek from the north , and give to me a meaning less fraught wi thhurt than thi s you do so ghbly fling.

L ei . I d id but use th e term,your Maj esty, the better to

install your good sense with that wherewith , at least some of

thy courtiers,have caught moon-blin dness .

Q . E lie . What say you, of truth,hath this weak gadder

inflamed the hearts of E ngland’s stouter sons ? I pray you, if

there be those who have bartered loyalty and right for smile of‘

deceit,make me acquaint with names and estates , that I may

with righteous vi sitation call back their better blood, that itmay flow again within the channel of loyalty.

L ei . My observation,your Majesty

,hath

,as yet, but

noticed feverish symptoms of weakly heat,not enough to war

rant measures over strong,but yet sufficient to prompt caution .

I beseech your Maj esty,that you do so far trust my discretion

as to grant me pe rmission to so broaden my watch as to includeall w ithin my suspect .Q. E lie . My Lord , give me the ful l depth of thine eye, nor

seek to h old back reflections of y our heart. Answer me truly,

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13 8 THE Q UE E NS . [ACT III'

.

for careful watch ; of truth,there can be none of mark who

would so tempt fate as to tip lance in such unholy reach forglow .

Lei . I pray, your Majesty, take not to yourself an overweight of uneasiness because of this new turn . T rust to methe plumbing of anv scheme or plot meant to work you harm .

If there be those who woul d lay to your di squiet,I would

,by

your gracious permi ssion,di scover them to their dire confusion .

Alr eady I do hold in abeyance my acts touching the suspected ,because of the absence of your sanction .

Q . E lie . T hat I do consent to thus commi ssion you is areproach upon my wit ; but that I may again make trial ofyourconstancy, I do give to you this whereof you do seek . See toit, then, that you bring to me fullest information upon thismatter.Lei . With thi s end in view,

I would plan . So frail a pedestal has thi s churl hoisted herself upon , that coul d it be assail edby truth

,the lured and enchanted might by exhibit of sicken

ing sights of murderous detail s, be sided back to perferment ofright .

Q . E lie . Naught save good of realm doth make me to consent to this unsavory drag ; but as a prevent for greater ills Imind to use the less . But

,my L ord

,in th e breadth of your

statement, you have lost the singling of your suspicion ; at

least,I have missed the hearing of the suspected by name .

L ei . Lest I be impelled by my zeal to suggil the innocent , Ipray your Majesty let me so keep lock upon this which hathprompted the asking , that I may the freer act, bolstering thisrequest with the assurance that both early and full report shallrequite your indulgence . And now,

for fear that I have createdan unwarranted suspect

,I crave that you

,your Majesty, free

your mind of the awakened uneasiness, and let me close thisinterview as it began

,by sweeter speech and dearest converse ,

that Imay thereby so honey the remembrance of this interview ,

that we may with pleasure recall only its beginning and i ts

ending .

Q . E lie . I am warned by your words,my Lord, to still keep

my wit on guard ; for when you do make play with Cupid’s

SCEN E v . ] T H E QUE E NS. 1 3 7‘

words, I must confess judgment woul d preach beware.

” But

you do so flavor your words, and you have learned so well thepaths to my weakness , that even my poor protest doth soundmore like maiden’s “ no, ” that meaneth “ yes . ” But wh atmatter ?‘ As one at banquet

,who

,by force of etiquette must

taste a dish he doth not wish, and so repeat the forms ofbreeding that when at last the sweets are brought

,whi ch

better fit h is taste,h is inclination is crowded out by forced o’er

feedi ng,yet he doth maw the dainties

,though they cloy so I,

after your long,unwelcome

,yet perhaps needful speech

,do

accept your proffered sweets,knowi ng full well they are not

food,but only sugared bits that shall ere long missit on my

satiated,sober thought .L ei . Your Maj esty’s graciousness doth encourage the bestwi thin me . I have no need to form or forge words my heartwould Speak ; for ready-coin ed wi thin my soul are sweet, loyalthoughts , by thee as yet unmined .

Q . E lie . T oo long,my L ord, too long have we consumed the

time . W hile here exchanging words meant for us two alone,

the urgent needs of state do clamor for our action . Go,but so

use your time that in your deal with weightier afiairs you mayfind a thought of me, that shal l at least be a shadow of thi shour . GO, and in your going hold this for my dear j oy and your

good talisman. [Gives him her hand ] [E xeunt.

SCENE V. Room in Bolton Castle.

E nter BISHOP OF ROSS and DUK E OF NORFOLK .

B ishop of B . T o your comfort,I would say

,your Grace, that

the breach ing of thi s matter d id meet with such good recepti onfrom the queen that I hold that you need more of gentle wooing than urgent suing to find the queen right buxom to yourpleading .

Duke ofN. I admi t that I feel within my blood such movi ngofmy better nature that I am nearly constrained to mend mypurpose and sue for l ove alone . T hink you a suit so proffered

,

with so poor a suitor , would meet with queenly favor?B ishOp ofR . T h e queen

,your Grace , hath afore spoken well

in your favor, and so offered praise that you h ave but to recall

13 8 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT m .

her words,that they may lend their force to your suit . As hap

pily you have already drawn the queen’s esteem,when naught

but affair s of the dul ler sort have lent their weight to yourcredi t

,may it not be now

,when thi s more righteous show

doth so fire your manhood as to display it to yet better ad vantage

,that the approve you have h ad in calmer walks shal l be so

fanned by this more fortunate circumstance that words of praiseShall not lag far behind words of land ?Duke of N. It doth concern me most that I do first right

eously merit the l ove ofyour good mi stress the queen .

B ishop ofR . If you are seeking rewards, your Grace, foryour d eserts, I fear me that the Scots must plead a dearth offi tting returns for th at which you so richly merit .

'

Duke of N. T hat you have mind to make ofmy poor virtuessuch friendl y praise

,I pray you that you do yet give further

proof of your friendship by withholdi ng not from me the justnotice ofmine infirmities . T hat your praise should indeed carrywith it a conviction of your sincerity

,it do th well need to be

companioned with a reminder of my faults,to the end that I

may so cultivate virtue as to lessen the weight of your censure,if such I need.

B ishOp ofR . At our age,your Grace , friends should not hes

itate to rightly name not only vi rtue,but faults

,and that I do

acknowledge the rightfulness of this necessity,and as earnestly

proclaim it,doth testify to my sincerity of praise and my truth

fulness,when I affirm that you do but merit approval from me .

Duke of N. Let this act seal our friendship . If it be thatfate hath not in store for us a yet firmer cement ing of our love

,

let this clasp make of the present so holy a th ing that it be notsacrilege to remember it in your prayers .

E nter Page.Page. Your Reverence

,the gentlemen in the ante-room

,with

compl iments,signify their readiness to accompany you . [E xit

Bishop of R . Your Grace ,'

th e presence of these gentlemend oth deep concern us both . Will you accompany me to theante -room? And if it be to our mutual advantage I will makeyou party to our interview .

[E xeunt B iShOp of Ross and Duke of Norfolk.

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140 T HE QUE E N S . [ACT m .

the nobility of your soul . F or one in your station to take sokindly a thought for so sorely an oppressed prisoner

,doth

,

indeed,prove not only your gentle birth, but mark your

Christian grace .Duke of N. T h e righteousness of your cause , your Majesty,hath given me opportunity to obey the dictates of my heart .I have so far considered your situation, that the attempt tomend it doth well meet wi th the approval of my better jud gment . My loyalty to my sovereign, and my adherence to myfaith do not bid me wi thhold such kindly office as doth butbecome one Christian toward another. T he weight of youraffairs, your Majesty, borne to me by the recital of your sorrow,

has so woven itself into the nature of my better sensethat not alone duty to my queen, but the wish to succor youroppression

,doth prompt me to offer my poor assistance .

Bishop ofR . F or the better adjustment of thi s affair,I trow

the principals may the freer act alone . If it please yourMajesty,I would make such excuse of my going, as would haste the advancing of a sweet understanding between you two . [E xit

Q . M ary . Your Grace , the troubles of my realm have so

wrought upon my condition,that I do the more readily accept

the sweet promise of your offer to int erest yourself in my behalf.Duke of N. You do

,your Maj esty

,seem bereft of friendly

counsel lors .

Q. M ary . Such as have it in their hearts, your Grace, to proffer to me kindly advice , do , from lack of opportunity, or fear ofconsequences

,restrain their impulses, and leave but the slender

shadow of their sweet thoughts for my comfort.Duke of N. Your affairs have so mixed themselves, throughno fault of yours, your Majesty, with the weaknesses of others ,that it doth require most careful exhibit, that in offering fairtend to your necessities , one may not make encouragement towrong .

Q . Mary. Your Grace , if I do make a most earnest recall ofmy past

,I find not a day or an hour that hath not in it either

the pain of a grievous hurt, or the sad remembrance of a bitteraffl iction . E ven before my coming , fate had shrouded my cradle; and when that age came which brings to others so much of

SCENE v . ] T HE QUE E N S . 141

j oy,i t found me bargained in a quarrel , and betrothed to strife .

And when at last my life was l inked to a loving heart,the

sweetness of that happy union was turned to sad bitterness bythe briefness of my j oy . _ T hen, turning to those in whom Ishoul d have found that love and sympathy my tears had earned

,

I found alas , that where my sorrows began they had grown, andthen

,indeed

,was I alone . With mine heart yearning for love’s

sweet trust,I sought

,in a hope of finding a balm for my loss

,

to entice into the empty chambers of my soul a shadow of its

former tenant . But my poor, bruised heart, fill ed with the holyechoes of the hallowed past

,made poor banquet room for

h im who would revel alone in sense. So while but on thethreshold

,with no thought of the deeper

,sweeter depths

,he

turned him back,and closing fast the door

,stood sentry over

the grave of my dead past,and with so little reverence kept he

guard,that the sentry grew to a thing of hate . F or not con

tent with rude tramping o’er the graves ofmy sacred memories,

in whose recalling alone I had j oy,he with sickening touch

sought to render the sacredness of love profane . Is it a wonderthen

,your Grace , that by contrasting the only love I knew with

the wreck of th at foresworn,I should grieve

,and in my griev

ing so foster discontent as to barter judgment for hope of re

prieve?Duke ofN. T hat your Majesty doth entrust me with thesesad memories doth the better encourage me to prepose such aturning in the current of your life that there may come back toyou from out of your brief dream ofj oy, such a sweet aftermaththat it may hi de the grosser hurts that have sadly marred a lifeso fi tted for its best j oys .

Q . M ary . Your Grace, your words warn me that you have

yet more weighty matters to acquaint me with .

Duke ofN. I fear, your Majesty, that I do lack the courage

to offer as free a lance in my own cause as I hope to lend to yourgood reli ef.

Q . M ary. Such courage as is yours by blood,your Grace,

shoul d not fear to enter any fi eld,not barred by honor

,nor fear

to ride where the best may spur .Duke ofN. If in this field where Ido now make so poor a

142 T HE Q UE E NS . [ACT III .

show of valor,I might stride my mount, and so add hi s prane

ing mettle to my lagging resolve , I might indeed, ride swi ft withborrowed boldness to meet the object of my desire .

Q. M ary . Are there not sometimes,your Grace, on fields of

justs, knights, who, from favor’s lean, surrender wi thout a pushof lance ?

Duke ofN. T hat they do, your Maj esty, doth the better en

courage me,

'

who am already pricked deep of heart,to sue for

the sweet healing ofyour smile .

Q . M ary . One so hurt should not longer contend,but by

right of honorable wound, qui t the field, and claim the bestow

ing of the gift .Duke of N. Your words

, your Majesty, do, indeed, stay myconstancy. And to prove that you are a sweet and prudentleech , in matters of weak and halting speech , I would exhibitthe full return of my courage

,by declaring , that my interest in

your affairs has so warmed my heart, that I find the fullness ofmy resolve met

,in the avowal

,that

,from pity’s shallow tend,

my emotion has grown to love’s deepest proffer ; and so emboldened am I by the fervor ofmy soul

,that I do thus [kneels] ofier

you, your Majesty, my heart, and the assurance ofmy mosttender and devoted love .

Q . M ary . In my proffered advice,your Grace , I did little

think that I led to so tender an ofier . T hat you do thus prove

your will ingness to meet the dangers of so open an intent in mybehalf

,doth indeed

,testify to your courage and honorableness.

I do but regret that I have so poor a heart to return for so noblea sacrifice . If in me you find , your Grace , the measure of yourhonest desire

,I can but bid you rise

,and seal your plight by

accepting my bruised and hungry heart as freely as I do acceptthe sweet offer of your noble love .

Duke ofN. In this blessed convention I would gladly forgetall calls to sterner affairs, and basking in th is hallowed peace ,offer prayer to heaven

,that the future may for us be fashioned

from th e model of this hour.

Q. M ary . O,that I might forget strife for place, the gall of

power,and in th is sweeter , d earer mood float out into a sea of

undisturbed peace, with faith for pilot, and love for master.

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144 T HE Q UE E NS . [ACT m .

and less of arms, so press the fairness of your restoration thatopposition

,like whi pped hounds

,will slink

!to cove

,and such

as have a selfi sh interest in your restraint shall , by their ownnoisy strife

,Show the weakness of their cause .

Q . M ary . How, your Grace, will thi s assignation touch the

queen my cousin ?Duke of N. As d o

"

other caseswhere her austerity has causedOpposal

,and her maj esty was obliged to discede . T o my hum

ble mind she di d first enter upon your restraint,taking upon

herself a hope of aggrandi sement through judging a queen .

But now, feel ing that the assumpt doth bring with it such aweight of care

,that the dignity of the ofli ce wil l be more than

swall owed up in the doubtful verdict, she would make a virtueof repentance , and slip her self- imposed task . While she wouldnot with open over-readiness relinquish her hold

,yet I do feel

that she woul d give a goodly strip of fen-lands were she relievedin some such mann er

,that she might proclaim to foreign

princes that you had asked for her consideration, but tarriednot for its bestowal.

Q . M ary . D oth the queen my cousin so much regret mypresence ? I would that her obj ection might shape itself so asto determine the coming of my liberty .

Duke of N. It is proper,your Maj esty, that we determine at

once the full scope of our proposed actions .

Q . M ary. T hat this plan, your Grace, involves not theshedding of blood, doth the more readily claim min e assent .Duke of N. May we not now summon the gentlemen , thatthey may witness this, our mutual understanding ?

Q . M ary . So complete is mine happiness with this sweet d iscovery that I would indeed seek to advantage my content bysharing my j oy with trusted friends . [B lows whistle.

E nter Page .

Say to th e gentlemen without that I do await their presence .

[E xit Page.

Duke of N. F rom conferences had with your friends,your

Maj esty, it hath been deemed w ise and prudent that we doadept in al l correspondence

,a secret cipher . T his matter hath

SCENE v . ] T HE QUE E N S. 145

been intrusted to hi s reverence,the B ishop of Ross; he will

acquain t you with all need ed instruction .

E nter BISHOP OF Ross and T HROGMORTON .

Q . M ary . I have sent for you, your Reverence,that you

might partake of this my great j oy, which heaven hath vouchsafed to me

,through the sweet resolve of h is grace the Duke

ofNorfolk . He hath not only taken upon himself deep interestin the mending of

_

my broken fortun es, but hehath so appealedto the tenderest emotions ofmin e heart

,that I have surrendered

to him the keeping of mine happiness,and granted to h im the

full right to maintain mine honor and defend my rights .Bishop of R . May the blessings of heaven, and the attendance of angels

,bless this most noble selection

,and aid in the

furtherance of this most righteous cause .

T hrog . If the deserving are blessed by merits,the principals

to thi s convent should receive liberal ly the tokens of heaven .

But whi le we rejoice at this happy consummation,and for this

sweet instal lment of peace,let us not forget caution

,nor neglect

to recognize the necessity for present concealment ; for thepowers do so hedge right, that it be, of truth, good battle toovercome their designs by temporarily using their own weaponsagainst them .

Duke ofN. T h e half truth of your statement,good Sir N ich

olas,may not yet excuse the full weight ofyour insinuations .

T hrog . I trust,your Grace, that words of caution may not be

too great a tax on friendship .

Duke of N. Of caution,I make no complaint

, but we doblaspheme if we ask the blessings of heaven upon duplicity.

Q . M ary . I trust,good friends

,that the sweet understand

ing of this hour may so companion brotherly love, that there beno gaps through which inh armony may stalk .

BishOp ofR . May it please your Majesty, we may not longercontinue this interview without exciting comment

, ifnot suspicion . I woul d, therefore , crave permission for our retiring , andas I may by so doing exhibit my office

,I pray you accept the

holy benediction of the church,for to your everlasting peace

hath been granted the blessings ofthe holy father. In my going

146 T HE Q UE E NS . [ACT III .

permit me to extend to you, your Maj esty, mine own humbleblessing. [Places his hand on the queen

’s head ] May God

grant thee the full measure ofHis everlasting love, and th e consolation ofHis divine peace . [E xi tRoss .

Q . M ary. So rich is my soul with this peace of God , that Ihave not the heart to tempt the mixture of affairs of earth withthe sweetness of the trust and h Ope of my soul . I pray you,therefore

, your Grace, grant me the liberty to continue thismost earnest longing for further intercession with God . [GivesNorfolk her hand to kiss ] [E xit Queen M ary.

Duke of N. [T o Th rogmorton ] Lead on, seek to add nosound to the tender echo of her voice . Leave these walls towh isper the sweet speech of her going . [E xeunt.

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148 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT IV .

yet more of this babbling,save it for your drab; do not sicken

my senses further by thi s your weak exhibit. T o the point .How served you the wench ? How served you?E el. As you will

,Maestro . It was in thi s wise . T he lady

came at the hour,which was ni ne

,and

,as you had directed in

your note,she were her heavy cloak and wraps . W h en she had

reached the cliff,and waited at the spot pointed out

,I di d ap

proach . In the darkness she thought it was you, and with suchqui ckness as her stoutness would permi t

,she made to embrace

me . An d when she had her arms about my h eck,I d id thus !

and thus ! and thus ! [Imi tates stabbing ] So heavy was herstress

,and such inroad had sorrow made

,that Sh e had not

strength for outcry; but with yourname upon her lips , she sankat my feet

,and it was over . My God , Maestro , but I have

blotched my soul for thee, and leagued it to eternal hell by thisfoul deed .

Lei . Save your preaching man, save your preaching. Whatdid you wi th ”the corse ?E el. It went out

,Maestro

,with th e tide; for I did so weight

it that it saw not the l ight again ,but it floated out on the

sl ippery ooze of the river’s bed, and hath ere now beensepul chred in hungry fi shes maw .

L ei . T his oversh ow of virtue on thy part wil l cost me dear.Not the deed so much , which was but the snuffing out of a foolish weakly light

,which had more heat and trust than sense and

right . Sh e woul d have made a failure of l ife’s game at best .But

, go now . Remember my instructions . T on ight the DukeofNorfolk meets me here , and I would have you keep your earand eye ever within whisper rate .

E el . I , Maestro , thou dost pass from deed to deed, like birdfrom twig to twig . I have not in my blood an overdash of

water, yet so sly and cunning are thy turns , that I do fear my

own good wyson .

L ei . Let your estimation stay your prudence .

[E xit F elango.

Well,here is another thorn removed ; but I must sip more

shy . My Lady Al ice , I trow ,will not play me this hazard, for

sh e doth so temper her clips with prudence , that we may make

SCENE I. ] THE QUE E NS. 149

the play to our liking . What fools these ladi es are ! T hey selltheir smil es for poor

,weak chuck

,and pawn their soul s for the

fleeting lend of love .

E nter BARNEY .

Barney.

'

Me L ord,the Duke of Norfolk and friends do

attend .

Lei . Show them in ; and Barney , see to it that no big-eyed,broad-cared, loose- lipped whelp do hang about the room ordoors . T h e gentlemen are here on business for th e crown, andI woul d have no leaking of the affairs of state . Show thegentlemen in. [E xitBarney .

I have the duke well won . If I can but get h im to makeavowal within the hearing of Pembroke and Smi th, and if theybut willingly li sten, they wil l be so far committed that theycannot take even a backward step withOut showing their weakness; and then they, wanting better company, will seek to proptheir shp by hoisting in my much-loved friend

, Sir William .

T hen,when that is done, I have no fears but what , to save

themselves, they’ll load the blame for this rank deal on theback of him who highest stands as statist, in favor of thequeen . But they come .

E nter DUKE OF NORFOLK, E ARL OF PEMBROKE , E ARL OF

SussE x and SIR T HOMAS SMITH .

Duke of N. I trust, my Lord, you have not waited overlongfor us .L ei . I have stayed my impatient longing for your coming bythe anticipated pleasure of your presence . My lords andgentlemen

,I b id you all most hearty welcome . It doth speak

well for the furtherance of our plans, that thi s meeting isgraced by so goodly a company . It must be

,gentlemen

,that

heaven will smile upon our cause, for the worthiness andnobility of these interested bespeaks , indeed, the blessing ofGod , on our undertaking .

Smi th. Pardon me, my L ord, may we not, with due propriety,first acquaint one another with the ful l object of our meeting

,

before we seek to implore the blessing ofGod ?Lei . T he object, my lords and gentlemen, doth afore so pave

150 THE QUE ENS. [ACT IV .

the way to G od’s approval that on the better understanding wemay feel the full assurance of His blessing.

Duke of N T hy devout salutation, my lord, doth vouch forthy munific nature . But

,I pray you , gentlemen, let us to the

consideration ; and as to me may fall the burden of whateverreproach

,if unhappily reproaches come

,shall follow th e fii lfil l

ing of our desires, let me state the object of thi s conference .

T here be present with us those who,with love of realm at heart

,

have bethought themselves how best to solve the gri evousstraits that do so sore oppress the queen our mistress . I holdthat it be no treason

,nor yet sedition

,to speak the prompt

ings ofmy heart, and say I beli eve the Scotti sh queen unlawful ly held and detained .

Smi th . By decree of commission, she d oth‘

stand adjudged abedswerver and a murderess .Duke of N. T hose are heavy words

,sir

,heavy word s . Haste

rather than proof hath parented th em .

Smi th . My words, your Grace, are most fully sustained byev i dence . With your own eyes y ou read the letters that th eScot wrote to th e E arl of Bothwell

,while yet her husband and

lord was still alive .

Duke of N. T rue , sir ; I d id read the letters, and with morecare

,I trow

,than hath another

,even of the commission ; and I

am s atisfied within my own soul,and I call upon God to w it

ness the recording of my words , that the letters presented bythe E arl of Murray and my LordNorth

,that were of the Queen

ofScot’s own wri ting, were such as she had written to her lord andhusband

,both before and after their marriage

,and were found

among the effects l eft by Lord Darnley at h is death . T his is moreeasily accounted for

,as in addressing them no name was at

tach ed,but rather some term of endearment . And they could,

my lords and gentlemen , have been ascribed as well to any gentleman present as to the E arl of Bothwel l . T here are otherletters among them add ressed by name . T hese

,I am most

sure,are but imitations

,and are the issue of the E arl ofMurray

himself.

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152 T HE QUE E N S. [ACT rv.

ness in one who breaks hi s lance tomeet the approval of h isown soul.L ei . Well spoken, well spoken . And by thy speech thouhast won my ears, if not my heart .Duke of N. My Lerd s and Gentlemen, now that I have displayed my reason

,I crave your indulgence for the details Of my

thought . T hat I may make for the queen our mistress a lighterweight of cares, and thereby meet the wishes of my soul , Iwould

,wi th your kind approval , seek to wed with the Scottish

queen . And then, with approval of our queen, restore her toher rightful throne, with such guarantees as shall protect thereligion of our realm,

and hold at bay further interference byScottish subjects wi th E nglish affairs and laws .E arl of Sus . Has the Scottish queen

,your Grace, signifi ed

to you, or friend, that your approaches have in them a degreeof gratifi cation that would prompt her to approve youradvancesDuke of N. My lords and gentlemen, I have not movedblindl y in this affair, but as one who, seeing his duty, and finding that it has in it the approval of h is soul

,moves by gift of

wit .Smi th. If happily the Scottish queen could be removed, and

then,by wifing with his grace the duke, the queen our mis

tress’sad unease be thereby stayed , I should , indeed, feel thatit was a most happy ending of a most troublesome snarl ; andour court and realm be the winners in the exchange . But h ow

think you Sir William will let this matter rest upon his sensitiveheart ?Lei . My lords and gentlemen , when most ofnumbers , as arehere assembled

,who sit in privy council

,have agreed upon a

measure,feel ing that it is the best for all , may it not be carried

as right doth d ispose ? But if there are those who from fear, orperch ance motives yet thinner, do seek to withhold from queenlyapproval an act judged to be for the best ‘good, both for realmand crown

,may not those in the right use means to help the

ends offairness? It so happens that the justness of our measures do fully sanction resort to means more forcing than lead ing ,

It be not a secret among us gentlemen , that good Sir W illiam

SCENH”

I . ] THE QUE E NS. 153

hath long withheld the payment of the dues to theNetherlands ;and this, too , when —the queen our mistress had supposed thedebt well paid . Now,

hark you ! if he, Sir Will iam,should

wi thhold his approval from this righteous and goodly settlement,may we not

,as loyal subjects, acquaint h im with our purpose ,

that if h is persistence be over- long, we wi ll discover to thequeen th e fullness of his unlawful wi thholdi ng of that whereofshe di d command should be met and paid ?

‘

I hold that whenthis matter is presented to the queen our mistress, she will nothesitate to so hotly assail h im

,that he will be in danger of being

d iscommissroned . And I have it within my heart,and I do

betray it to you, my lords and gentlemen, that were this highsecretary plucked , for the betterment of the realm

,it would

meet vulgar applause ; for he doth so measure hisfavors that,except to his own clan, the plums of court are illy distributed.

E nter QUEEN E LIZABETH . [A ll rise.

Q. E lie . God’s death ! My lords and gentlemen, I d o, indeed,appear as an ind ignant sovereign. By the faithfulness of myagents, I have been warned ofyour hellish plot, and treasonablemeeting .

Lei . YourMajestyQ. E lie . Hold ! my Lord

,hold ! I am not surprised now at

this your presence . Your damn ed cunning wi ll not save youfrom my most righteous displeasure . Look

,my L ord

,I have

wished you well,but my favor is n ot locked up for you

,that

others shall not participate thereof; for I have many servantsunto whom I have, and will at my pleasure, bequeath my favor,and likewise resume the same; and if you think you rule, I willtake course to se e you forthcoming. I will have but one

mistress , and no master. So, look you well that no ill happensto my secretary, Sir William,

least it be severally required atyour hands . Ungrateful hound ! Is this the return you woul dmake for my kindness? How have I pampered you, and nowwhen stress of realm did sore oppress, you turn and rend thevery hand that has fed you.

If you would sleep to -night without the tower’s walls,keep

your words of excuses for those who care to hear them . No !

154 THE QUE E NS. [ACT Iv.

save your speech until you have forged it into more loyal wordsthan your acts would companion .

And you, your Grace, have a care, have a care on whatpil low youwoul d lay your head . I have caught but a part of

your dri ft, but enough to warrant me in branding you as moreweak than crafty. Your silly sentiment for my wanton chargedoth have in it so much of youth’s sick gall that youare fitter to rove the fi elds by light of moon than even sit thisassembly of fools. You seem here

,my lords and gentlemen ,

without a head ; I wi ll supply the miss by the proffer of my

E arl of P. Your Majesty,we did but assemble that we might

the better relieve your heart from a most grievous burden .

Q. E lie . T his were,indeed

,a mark of your loyalty, to here

in secret plot and plan to set aside my commands . And not onl ymy commands

,but the legal acts made and passed by my parli

ament in assembly . Look you,my lords and gentlemen, am I

not an anointed and rightful queen? and are you not subjects ?How then woul d youmeet these two ends, I, as queen , you as sub

j ect. You would meet them ,my lords and gentlemen, by crafty

plot and sedi tious plans . You thought to overthrow my secretary

, SirWilliam, by your devi lish dip, and so weigh upon h imby your hellish designs

,as to force him to companion your own

di sloyal weakness. But, you have failed ; for, by your acts,

you have but strengthened my esteem for him . Look you, hi sloyalty is as far above yours as is Charles’wain above yourempty pates . I shall counsel with h im,

and he shall adjudge

your acts . T hink you , my lords and gentlemen, that I am deadto tenderness of heart for this my weak sister? By her crimesshe hath forfeited doubly h er life; yet I have more regard forher and her distress than you

,in your weak

,silly illurement

,can

ever have . I would to God she were back upon her throne,

with hands as free from blood as are her son’s . My grief at herd istress hath brought me more sorrow than your weak headscan know.

Did I love ease more , I might well let this sick matter take itsown course, and she , the plotting ingrate , should be free tomorrow . God j udge me, I would her stinking case were in other

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Lei . T his is a most unfortunate catch indeed . I must nowlay on lush softnessto overcome thi s bad slip .

But I trow the duke is so firmly hooked that he may not misshis deal . T here must be other reachi ng to bring thewilyWilliamdown . [E xi t Leicester .

SCENE II . Room in the house of Dr . Dee,London .

E nter QUEEN E LIZABETH and WORCESTER d isguised , wi th

Servant .

Servant. I pray you, gentles , tarry here . I will speak yourpresence to my master . [E xit Servant.

W or . T his he indeed, your Majesty, a most strange adventure . T hat I am here doth testify to my loyalty to your person .

Q. E lie . 0 Book,trouble yourself no more . If I have a fancyto humor this whim, you serve me best by staying your Opposition .

W ar . I have no opposition, your Maj esty. It be not yourcoming that doth lament me, but rather the manner of it.

Q . E lie . Manner? What is there out of proper? Is not thisgown trig? and there be nothing sluttish in these robes . Pray

,

Book , why tremble ? Do you fear your father’s ghost?W or . Nay, your Majesty ! I beseech you save me from part

nersh ip in a j est with so dead a core .

Q . E lie . D ead ! W hy, man, did you expect to meet the livingin a place like this?W or . If disrespect to the dead, your Majesty, be a charm of

discernment, I will keep my ignorance to meet the living , andlet those at rest feel my respect through my silence .

Q . E lie . Hush ! Here comes the doctor .

E nter DR . D E E .

Dee. I salute your most gracious Majesty. T he honor of

your presence confers d istinction on my humbl e abod e .

Q . E l ie . I come not for claw,good doctor

,that I may find

thick enough at court . I came rather to consult your powers ind ark and troublesome matters . T he cares of realm do so oppress me that I fain would find through your magic a solution ofthe maze wherein I am bewild ered .

Dee. Your Maj esty , if you do come to consult the powers atmy command , I pray you pard on me if I require the same of

your Majesty as from a common .

SCENE II. ] T HE Q UE E NS. 157

Q, E lie . W hatever your dark ways may ask,I do attest my

willingness to follow your instructions by my presence .

Dee. Pardon me, then , your Maj esty, if I do request you torobe yourself in your color

,vi olet . T o the better accomplish

this , pray use thi s ante-room . A servant wil l robe you .

[E xi t Queen .

[ T o W orcester . ] Are you, sir, a participant ?W or . I am here by royal command . Wh atever her majesty

,

the queen,may do I am ready to follow .

Dee. T hen,sir, I request th e same comphance from you as

from her majesty . Please retire here ; a servant will robe youin your color, blue . [E xeunt W orcester and Dee.

E nter Servant .

[Servant draws aside heavy red curtains and d iscovers the

room ofmagic. P laces three chairs in center of room“

,one drap ed

in violet, one in blue and one in green . On stand, at right, burns

red light, on left burns yellow light. On left wall hangs E gyp tiansign of life, on right hangs a crescent and star . In the rear of theroom hang black curtains, which conceal a large mirror - like

surface, on which Dr .Dee commands p ictures to app ear . Servant

rings bell . ]

E nter DR . DE E , robed in green QUEEN E LIZABETH, robed inviolet; WORCESTER

,in blue.

D ee. I pray you, your Majesty, under no circumstance speakduring the Sitting, except in the propounding of proper questions . A s your robes indicate , select your seats. Your Majesty,state the obj ect of your coming.

Q . E lie . T h eDuke ofNorfolk,with other misthinking persons,do conspire not only against the state

,but my own peace ; and

the better to accomplish their wicked designs th ey do,against

my express wish and command, seek to form an all iance betweenthe Queen of Scots , my charge , and the Duke of Norfolk . Iwould learn how this devilish plan may be circumvented .

Dee. Make no outcry,your Maj esty .

[Draws aside black curtains, and d iscloses the Duke of Norfolkwith head on block, executioner stand ing over him wi th axe ]

158 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT Iv .

Q . E lie . But the duke is of noble blood . May not so harsh aremedy awake vulgar comment ?D ee. I pray, your Majesty, make no words ; you do

di sturb the powers. [Drop s curtain .

Q. E lie . If I may not do this, but move less sterner,what

shall followD ee. T his . [Draws asi de curtain and d iscloses Mary, Queen

of Scots, and the Duke of Norfolk, crowned , si tting on a throne ]Q . E lie . My God ! this is my suspect . Do they reign as Scots

or E ngli sh? [Drop s curtain .

Dee. Behold ! [Draws aside curtains,discloses the Scottish

arms blended with the E nglish ]Q . E lie. God’s death ! How may this be prevented?

[Drop s curtain .

Dee. T hus . [Draws asi de curtain, d iscloses Queen Marywith her head up on the block ]

Q . E lie . My duty is plain. God grant me strength that Ifalter not. I-have accomplished the object of my visit . I pray

you, good Dr. Dee, I would retire . [E xi t Queen .

W or . Ah ,sir! T hi s means more blood . Unhappy queen !

T ake your bloody fee . [Gives himp urse ] [E xitDee T his is a most loathy affair. I fear I have lent myselfto a damned grievous hurt .

E nter E ARL of LEICESTER .

Lei . Good D octor, I saw your show ; you are indeed a mostcunning wizard . But for the price

, you should have given hermaj esty yet more of creeps . But that man Worcester

,he’ll not

sleep again for a month . But her majesty the queen is made ofsterner stuff

,and sh e so hates the Scot’s winsome face that I

hope her yellowness,and your shift

,will work to rid the realm

of this most ugly plague . If unhappily this moves not, I mayhave need to use your hire again; if should be , I pray you, goodDr. Dee

,put more twist in this your next exhibit ; and, if you

do fetch blood on your further show,I will make my gift well

worth your reach .

Dee. Your agent made to me,my Lord

,the promise of

further preferment at court .L ei . T h is is a matter wh ich may be arranged when success

shall make the court good hunting ground for your magic . In

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160 T H E QUE E NS . [ACT Iv .

Hi s agent, one Benton , hath confessed to secretly deliveringletters and dispatches to his grace the duke, and others to theBishop ofBoss, to be forwarded to Philip ofSpain, and the Popeat Rome

,and some that were to other foreign princes ; these

di spatches were fromour charge here . How she did forwardthem

,I wis not 5 but this I do know, her majesty the queen is

very h ot over this slip , and will require a full answer to this untimely strew .

Sad . D id these look to this queen’s liberty alone ? or hadthey in them yet deeper designs ?E arl of Shrew . My di spatches but inform me of the discovery

of th e plot wherein the Duke ofNorfolk sought to wed with th isqueen

,and thereby attempt her restoration . T his

,of truth

would be treason,if proven against the duke . He hath failed

,

and now he doth nurse his failur e within th e T ower wall s . By

these dispatches I am commanded to question the Scottish queen,to the end that I may determine how far she be privy to thismost seditious plot

,and for that end I have requested your pres

ence,that happily we might the better discover

,by some good

surprise,how far she hath involved herself and th e weak duke

in this affair.Sad . I’ll able your lordship what I can, that I may thereby

offer devotion to her majesty the queen . [Shrewsbury rings bell.

E nter Page .E arl of Shrew. [ T o Page ] Say to h er ladyship , your mistress

,that I do desire the presence of herself and charge

forthwith . [E xit Page.

T hat we may the better report, make good tax of your memory, to the end that no important word may escape noting .

Sad . How far is our charge to be discovered, my Lord ? tothe involving ofothers? Shall we push our inquiries? or shal lour probing relate alone to this queen and the Duke ofNorfolk ?

E arl of Shrew. Ifforgetfulness attend not her speech , it maybe our good fortune to gather such hints as wil l make to hermaj esty a fair s uspect as to the designs, not alone of this queen ,but of others who may be at cross purposes with the state . Itrow her majesty well wishes this intriguer were safe enskyed ,

SCENE III . ] T HE QUE E NS. 161

so sore are her days with distress from this sad t ax upon hertime and patience .

E nter QUEEN MARY and COUNTESS OF SHREWSBURY .

Countess of S . My Lord, you d id send for me , and in com

pliance with your request, I bethought me to suggest thekindattendance of

_

our guest .

Q. M ary . My L ord, I wil l not attempt to disguise from youthat I sense the approach of unhappy news. So thick are mydays now set with pains

,that I Start at every courrier

, fearingthat the burden ofnew announ cements may bring me yet furtherevil . So little is my world now, and so much of sorrow dothmark its slow dragging hours, that I rarely mi ss my anticipations when ‘

I assign a new grief as the salutation of incertaincommunications .E arl of_

Shrew. T hose who by their own acts curtain thelight that would be a gui de to their feet

,lose time in complain

ing if they fall ; and those who wil lfully shut their eyes , thatthey may not see the forthright

,forfeit the sympathy of those

who woul d otherwise pity, if they bruise themselves by sad misstep .

Q. M ary . My Lord , I came not hither to sue for pity, and ifmy weak words di d betray but a single ache ofmine heart

,I

pray you forgive the exh ibit. I Should have known, for I have '

been taught,that sympathy is not a flower grown in this part of

the queen my cousin’s realm .

E ar l of Shrew . Madam,by royal command I am directed to

acquaint you with the arrest of the Duke of N orfolk, and hiscommittal to the T ower .

Q . M ary. Would the queen my cousin counsel with me ?E lsewise she hath no need to inform me of the imprisonment ofher subjects . Mine own imprisonment doth concern me most.

E arl of Shrew. W hen the Duke ofNorfolk was apprehendedthere were found on his person certain papers

,letters and d is

patches . Some were written plainly, and some in cipher . T hesepapers

,so I am informed

,related in detail to the duke’s pur

poses concerning yourself. I am also informed,madam

,that

some of these letters in secret cipher were written by yourself.

1 62 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT Iv .

Q. Mary . T he Duke ofNorfolk , my Lord, hath such ablenessthat he may answer for himself. If he hath done an unlawfulact

,he may be held to answer to his queen . T ome his imprison

ment hath Such interest only as one unfortunate shoul d havetoward another .E arl of Shrew. Likewise , madam, your agent , the Bishop of

Ross,hath been committed to the T ower ; and one Benton, serv

ant of the duke ofNorfolk“

, hath also been made a prisoner .F rom th ese have been learned such contemplated violations ofthe law as will

,indeed, work great sorrow for the Duk e ofNor

folk,and such as are concerned with him .

By command of her majesty the queen I am directed to demand of you how far you did incite , and do acknowledge theacts

,commi tted and contemplated by the Duke ofNorfolk and

his agents .

Q . M ary . My Lord, that I am unlawfully detained, and inviolation of the laws of hospitality, and the usages of nations

,

doth not give the queen my cousin the right to demand of meanswers

,if in answering I do thereby

,as unh appily I might

,

without good counsel,involve myself and friends . T hat th e

queen my cousin hath imprisoned mine ambassador, the goodB ishop of Ross

,doth

,indeed

,forewarn me

'

that mine own endbe not far off.T hat mine ambassador hath been imprisoned , and thus prevented from visiting me

,doth embolden me to ask what d is

posal hath been made of the forty thousand pound s ofmy dowryfrom F rance ? F or myself

,my Lord

,I ask nothing, but for

those who by their faithfulness and devotion have earned mygratitude

,and the sweet plaudits ofprinces, I but crave such of

mine own as will permit me to grant unto them a part of suchreward as a Christian sovereign would give to the loyal , and an

honest prince bestow upon the brave and good . I have nomeasure

,my L ord

,with which to speak of the full sense of mine

own d espair . Uncrowned,unwifed

,broken in health

,alone in

the world . With my poor estate narrowed to four stone walls .With every hepe dead

,save that which touch es heaven

,I trembl

ingly call up the sad memories ofmine once noble greatness . A

queen of two mighty and powerful states, now the poor, weak,

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164 T HE QUE E NS. [A CT Iv.

honest,and command your lady to put a yet stricter watch upon

me,for this be your cruel meaning.

Countess of S . My Lord, I pray you that you do speak with mewhen you have concluded your interview with Sir Ralph . [E xi t

E arl of Shrew . T his mi ngling ofmelting softness and stirringfire in this queen doth forbode much mischief for us who mustencompass her acts

,and forstall her agents .

Sad . Sh e hath, indeed, great force of speech,and doth so

mouth her complaints that she would well gain pity. [E xeun t.

SCENE IV. Queen E lieabeth’sPresence Chamber, W estminster

Palace.

E nter QUEEN E LIZABETH, LADY KN OLLYS and Page .

Q. E lie . I am,indeed

,sore of heart

,and well nigh spent

with grief. 0,that I did consent to this which I do now see

was so great a wrong. I have not slept,nor have I known a

moment’s rest since their great urging di d drag me into thissea of troubled conscience .

Lady K. I pray, your Majesty, take not this past matter so

to heart . T here were need of this, elsewise there would nothave been that fullness Of accord in your Majesty’s council thatdid so freely advise .

Q . E lie . [ T o Page ] Say to my lords and gentlemen, that Iawait their presence . [E xi t Page.

T hat you may not witness the fullness and force of my addressto the council, I pray you that you do retire and await my presence .Lady K. I trust, your Majesty, that you will no longer allowthis matter to prey upon your heart . T h e cares of state do sodemand ofyou that your subj ects pray for a continuance ofyourhealth . And you would wrong yourself and them by furtherlamenting a necessity that the welfare Of your kingdom did butso surely requi re . [E xi t

E nter LORD WALSINGHAM,

LORD BURGHLEY,

and SIR

T HOMAS SMITH .

W at. Your Majesty , we salute you, and in the salutation signify our Obedience to your command s .

Q . E lie . O,my lords and gentlemen, I have this day taken

SCENE Iv . ] THE CUE E NS. 165

leave of my earthly peace . I do now regret me that I di dconsent to the untimely death Of the Duke OfNorfolk .

Burgh. Your Majesty,this regret doth indeed add charms

to your goodn ess ofheart; but your firmness and loyalty to dutyhave endeared you in th e hearts Of your good subjects .W al. Your Majesty

,this

,indeed

,were a most unpleasant

task . T he duke unmisled was my fri end; but I have no friendswho are your enemi es

,or who are di sloyal to the realm .

Q. E lie . My lords and gentlemen , I speak but the words ofmy heart when I say that I d o

’regret that I d id permi t this

most harmful and unh oly taking Ofi° of the noble Duke Of Norfolk .

L ook you, this man, whom you have forced me to block, wasOf noble blood

,and more

,was of our religion . 0

,that I di d

submi t to your heartless importuning . Had I but waited,affairs

might have shaped themselves so as to have spared the spill ingof blood from such worthy veins . It was not my purpose thatthe sentence shoul d have been ful ly carried out. I meantrather to have held the warrant

,and my Sign

,as a stay to

further plotting.

W al. Your Majesty,there was

,indeed

,good and righteous

need for this act,for so deep had the plot grown

,and in such

great danger was your royal person,that nothing but the watch

ful eyes ofyour trusted and faithful agents and friends savedyou from dire hurt .

Q. E lie . Gentlemen, I d o await such communications as youhave to make . I pray you that you do make but slight tax onmy patience , for so painful is this regretting that I am illy fittedfor matters of weightBurgh . Your Majesty. F rom letters received yesternightfrom the E arl Of Shrewsbury, l ikewise from those arrived to -dayfrom Sir Ralph Sadler, we are informed that it is impossible tolonger house safely the Scot with the earl . T O the end thatthere Shal l be no attempts at rescue

,or wild schemes rising, as

a result of the present disturbance, it has been suggested thattwenty-Six additional soldiers shall be furnished and forwardedfor the better protection of the Scottish queen .

W al . It h as also been suggested , your Majesty, that there be

166 T HE Q UE E NS.

z

[ACT w .

need for better provis ion for the table of the Scot and herretainers . A part Of the letters received were heavily burdenedwi th loud lamentings as to the poor napery and other furnishings allowed .

Q . E lie . My lady hath indeed grown mighty proud. D id she

transmi t her bill signifying ful ly her dain ty needs ? Gentlemen,we shall have need for a new levy if thi s

,my fine lady

,doth

swing herself yet more freely. Last month the stink was Of thewin e and beer

,the month before the meat and bread were not

to her liking . Now ,with little of modesty, and less of grace,

Sh e doth clamor for finer l inen . F ig on the tossy ! Such as sheshoul d say her prayers

,and be thankful for crumbs

,but no

,she

doth demand the best,and even when the best

'

i s served,she

doth exh ibit such greenness that her demands are more uncomfortable than the winds of March .

Burgh. Shall the same order,your Majesty , be made as was

last forwarded ?

Q . E lie . T h e same,save the wording Of it need not be so

couched as will act as Sop for further unjus t demands .

Burgh. And the troops,your Majesty ?

Q . E lie . If they be necessary to hold thi s ungrateful churl,let them be forwarded . T h e expense Of quartering must belimited . Make to me the order when I will sign . If you havedone

,gentlemen

,you may retire . [E xeunt Counci l .

0,what sad d emands do forge my heartless words . I would

give the half my realm were this grievous prick removed . How

long ! 0 ,how long shall this thing ride upon my tired heart ?

E xit.

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168 T HE QUE E NS. [ACT v .

Lei . I have in my employ a good and trusted agent,one

acquainted with drugs,and cunning in their administration ; he

hath such foreign lore in the way of qui ck dispatch,that those

who have enjoyed his lopping have in the qui tting of life,SO

easy and quiet was the taking off,only regretted that the speed

ofdepartur e cut Short the Opportun ity for the return of thanksto the ski llful dispatcher . Not in my service, but from truthfulreport

,which I am the more wi llin g to believe because of skill

di splayed in other deli cate affairs , I learn that he hath in hi spossession a subtle drug, that one might take without suspect

,

and fall asleep,and sleeping, dream he di ed, and, failing to

wake,learn in another world the dream was true .

W al. O,my Lord, you are cunning and persuading ; and

your anxiety to serve our queen hath made you to harbor thatwhich in less trying straits woul d awake your honest horror .NO , my L ord, it is better, with the proof we have, to wait theslower end of law . Sh e cannot escape us , and now that hersecretaries have made so good a puke, we have already enoughto damn

,even if the object of our anxiety were twice the

strength she be .

Lei . I, my L ord, I know the law will stil l this wench,and

have no fear but that the honorable judges will find naked guiltwith little looking, and right quick pass condemnation ; but herethe lameness Of th e case will make its sorry halt, to drag and tirethe patience Of those who would hide this stink that hath solong vexed the queen, and this our land . F or look you

,if

righteous judgment be found in a day , and sentence given as thejustice of God would not oppose, yet we might fail to meet fullythe find of law through the over- softness in heart of this ourqueen ; for it is not so long, that we have forgot what sorryworkwe had in measuring j ustice to the deluded Duke ofNorfolk ;and I do bel ieve the queen would have saved h is silly head, hadnot we , by devices th at the stress of the times d id approve,hasted h is dispatch .

W a l. No,my Lord, I am determined, and , while I commend

your zeal , I w il l yet Obey my own j udgment. I pray you d ismiss th is thing ,

and leave to l awful ends th e d ealing out of

justice .

SCENE I. ] T HE QUE E NS. 169

Lei . My Lord , I di d make dependence upon your friendshipin revealing my scheme . Let me set a higher merit still upon itby asking that

,if you do not j oin me by you approval

, you wil lcontinue to meet my confidence by letting this matter remain asbetween us two ; and as a token of your judgment

,anda s an

earnest Ofmy appreciation of your better thought, I will di smi ssthis matter, and Offer you my hand ; and in the offering signifymy willingness to j oin you heartily in furthering the ends of thecomm ission appointed to try the Scottish queen .

W al. Right ! my L ord, right ! I am glad to see this evidenceOf your better nature , and I d o account it an honor, ifmy wordshave surfaced this which you d id have in your heart .L ei . T hank s

,my L ord

,thanks . I shall j oin you in every

thing that Shall tend to confound the adversaries of our queen .

W al . Meet me then, my Lord, at the house of the treasurer .

It is well that we make note of the matter to be heard before wehave betrayed it in the presence Of the Scot . Au revoir .

Lei . My lord is lab but sly. I think he will not, howso,missay me . T hat I had his ear doth stay him.

[Clap s hands thrice.

E nter PELANGO .

Piano ! p iano ! How now, what word? Did you succeed withyour devilish aqua tofana ? You should report to me that herbelly is in knots , or that her body is boarded for cooling . Is itso , or have you failed?F el . T hat I have failed, Maestro , doth speak well for Sir

Amias Paulet, who so closely keeps his prisoner that even afriend who would lull her to sleep may not play h is kind Ofii ce .

W hy, so close does he keep this fair lady, that even death mayfind it hard to enter in, and woe her . I showed th is valiantkeeper your pass

,and

,as broadly as circumstance would permit

,

hinted the sweetness of my intent; but he would none of me ,and said : “ Without royal seal

,even my lords of the ‘privy

council’could not enter th e chamber ofh is prisoner . ”

Lei . I fear you are losing your cunning, but as the rewardI Offered was great

,I will stay my judgment; for, as you make

170 T HE Q UE E N S . [ACT v .

no return that should claim the offer I made, I fain would thinkyou assayed a trial .E el . So I did

,Maestro

, but I cannot contend against so cunning a keeper ; so, lest I might be discovered, and unhappilybring you embarrassment, I made a grace ofmy retiring.

L ei . GO you now, but meet me at Radoes to-night, at elevenO’clock . See to it that none notice our converse .

[E xit Leicester right, F elango left.

SCENE II . GreatHall, F otheringay Castle.

H igh Commission d iscovered . (F ourteen earls, thirteen barons

and the kn ights of the Privy Coun ci l.) Chancellor Bromley at

head .

Lord Chief Justice at table in center of hall, wi th the Queen’s

attorney-

general, three solicitors, two sergeants and two nota

ries,wi th the high sherifi

‘

.

A t head of the table sets a chair of state, drap ed with purpk .

Common chair at lefi ,undrap ed ,for the Queen of Scots .

E nter MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS

,in deep mourning, two p ages

bearing train . A ll rise. M aster of Ceremonies conducts her

to her seat.

Q . Mary . I see many learned in the law here,but I see none

who appear for me .

Brom. T he Sh eriff will proclaim silence .

Sherifi‘

. Oyez ! Oyez ! By grace of God , E lizabeth,the

high and mighty Queen of E ngland, F rance and Ireland, hathappointed this honorable High Commission to rightfull y hear allmatters that may be lawfully brought before it . T herefore letall keep silence ! Silence !Brom . T he high and mighty and most gracious sovereign,

E lizabeth, Queen Of E ngland , Ireland and F rance , having with

great grief Of m ind been informed that Mary, commonlycalled the Queen of Scots

,heir of James V. of Scotland, hath

conspired the destruction of her,and of E ngland, and the sub

version ofreligion,hath

,out of her Office and duty, and lest she

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172 T HE QUE E N S . [ACT v .

Q . M ary . I do object, my lords, to the legality of thi s proceed ing . You say that I am under the protection of the laws ofE ngland . T hat there are laws I have no doubt, for honorablegentlemen have so informed me, but what manner of laws theybe I know not

,for I am ignorant of all form, and have no knowl

edge vouchsafed to me of what special or general law I amch arged with violating , by being held all these weary years .T here be nothing left for

—

me,my lords

,in justice to myself,

mine ancestry, or my son , the King ofScotland, but to adhere tomy resolve

,and declare that I am no subj ect ; and that the

Queen Of E ngland, my cousin , hath not the right to command meto a ppear before a tribunal that be not ofmy peers , or th at if theydo try me, as by the warrant you do seem determined, I, beingan independent queen

,ought not to be held by your verdict.

E xamine your consciences, my lords ; look to your honor ; Godwill reward you and yours for your j udgment against me .

H atton . You are accused, madam,of conspiring against our

lady and queen anointed ; you are accused, but remember that

you are not condemned . You say you are a queen ; be it so .

But,in a case like this

,royal digni ty is not exempted from answer

ing,either by civi l or common law, nor by the law ofnations , nor

by nature . If you be innocent, you wrong your reputation inavoiding a trial . You protest yourself innocent

,but Queen

E lizabeth thinks otherwise, and that not without grief and sorrow for the same . T o examine

,therefore

,your innocency

, Sh e

has appointed commissioners,most honorable

,prudent

,and up

right men,who are ready to hear you accord ing to equity, with

favor,and will rej oice with al l the ir hearts if you shall clear

yourself from this crime . Believe me,the queen herself wil l be

touched with the greatest j oy . Sh e affirmed to me on my leaving h er, that never had anything more grievous befallen her ,than that you were charged with such a crime . Wherefore, layaside the bootless privilege of royal dignity, which can now beof no use to you ; appear in j udgment and show your innocency,lest , by avoiding a trial , you draw upon yourself suspicion, andlay upon your reputation an eternal blot and aspersion .

Q . M ary . My lords , if I Shall consent to appear before thiscommission, it is not as one who would consent to a trial, but

SCENE IL ] T HE QUE E NS . 173

rather that I may, if happil y I be allowed the opportuni ty,Show mine innocency of the foul slanders objected againstmy good name . I wil l

,therefore

,consent to this much Of your

proceedi ngs as will afford me the Opportuni ty of deni al .Brom. T hat we may proceed regul arly, as by due form of

law provided,I woul d request that the statement Of the charges

against the accused be readA tty Gen l . [Reads ] Greeting . Know all men try these

p resents , that M ary, common ly known as the Queen of Scots ,

heir of James V . of Scotland , now lawfu lly and lega lly detained

and held,and heretofore p rop erly and legally summoned to ap

pear as defendant, i s now by these presents charged , to wi t

T hat sai d M ary, common ly called Queen of Scots, d id , by her

knowledge and by her consent and encouragement, aid and

abet one Anthony Babington , rebel, in a most'

unholy and

rebellious p lot, and attemp ted up rising against the p eace of the

realm and the life of her M aj esty Queen E lieabeth ; and a lso

with a id ing and abetting one Nicodemus H islop ,rebel

,and one

L eop old Savage, rebel, and one George F reefair , and other p er

so ns,subj ects and foreigners, who d id combine

,devise and p lan

against the p eace of the realm and the safety and life of her

M aj esty Queen E lieabeth . And the sa id M ary d id , by her en

couragemen t and knowledge of the acts and p urp oses of the

aforenamed Babington, H islOp ,Savage, F reefair and others,

rebels, became a p arty to and a p articip ant in their rebellious

plots and sed itious p lans .

“ And i t is further charged that the said M ary, commonlycalled Queen of Scots

,d id receive certain letters wri tten by the

said Anthony Babington , rebel, and that she d id return answers

thereto. And further, that the said letters wri tten by An thony

Babington ,rebel

,and the answers wh ich M ary, commonly called

Queen of Scots, d id return thereto,contained rebellious p lots

against the p eace and safety of her M aj esty Queen E l ieabeth,

and sed itious p lans for the overthrow of the realm and against

thep eace and quiet of a ll loyal subj ects .

“ And i t isfurther charged that the said M ary, commonly called

Queen of Scots, d id seek to entice foreign p r inces to [and their

arms and forces within the domain of her maj esty the queen,

1 74 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT v .

against the p eace and quiet of the realm. T h erefore, i t is herebycommanded that the said M ary, commonly called Queen ofScots

, shall app ear before a high commission , herein lny these

p resents named and for thwith app ointed , to answer the charges

herewi th by this warrant made and attested .

Given under my seal and by my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ one thousand fivehundred an d eighty

-six, and of our reign the twenty-sixth .

E LIZABETH,R.

Brom. By this authority, and in Obedience to this investment

,it becomes my Office to proceed as by royal commands we

are di rected.

Q . M ary . My L ord, these are, indeed, serious charges. If Ibe but guilty of the least of them , I am by right held, and byjusti ce contemned . T rue

,my lords and gentlemen, I did seek

aid from foreign princes,making their proffered offers of assist

ance the grounds ofmy hope of liberty. SO long had I beenstraightly kept that I d id seek , as any creature might, to gainmy freedom . I di d not hold for the queen my cousin any bitterness

,save that she di d unlawfully detain me . And that I

might the better seek to remove myself beyond the queen mycous in’s power, I did intercede with friends and allies for theforcible breaking ofmy prison wall s .AS to my connection either by word or thought with the man

Babington , which you have named, and hi swicked plans againstthe life of the queen my cousin , I do deny that I was a partythereto

,or that I did encourage him in any way or manner.

Brom. Mad am,the charges you have heard . T o meet them

it will be necessary to dispute by the introduction of proofs thetruthfulness of the accus e .

Q . M ary . My Lord, it is a right easy thing to charge that alone

,weak woman d id plan and conspire to overthrow a mighty

k ingdom,and seek the l ife of its powerful queen . T his might

be charged against a babe . You do miss the ends ofj ustice, mylords and gentlemen

,and fall far Short Of exact honesty

,if these

charges which are objected against me be not stayed by at

tempts at proof,and Ibe not allowed to meet and answer my

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6 [ACT v.

when you have stayed them with a promise of proffered proof,which shall meet honest scrutiny and command respectful attention .

Burgh. Less boastful straining, madam , for words to assistyour bold brag , would meet better the seriousness of your situation

Q . M ary . If it be brag, my L ord, to attempt to stay thi sflood of vile slander against my good name

,I pray God that I

be more fully endowed with van ter courage, and so employdefiance that I may shame your wicked designs .Brom. T his exhibition Of unseemly ranting, if allowed tocontinue

,would make a mockery of our high Ofii ce

,and set at

naught th e commands of her majesty the queen .

Q . M ary. T he mockery,my Lord

,hath with sore travail pains

been brought farth . All this Show of gaudy pomp , and al l thisarray of learned

,legal talent

,which would assist in its sham

christening , may not make legitimate that which was foul in itsconception and a bastard by birth .

Hatton . Madam,Such fl ippant familiarity with things gros

sier illy becomes a lady, much less one claiming to be a queen .

You do but make more difficul t your task of establishing yourinnocency

,if you indulge in your attempts to traduce your judges

in the language of criminals and the low trickery of a dissimuler. Bethink yourself, madam , rather how you shall meetthese most serious obj ections that have risen up against you .

Q . M ary . If I am but to meet hearsay,I do

,indeed

,well

offset it by replying in such terms as would meet your owngroundless allusions.

Chief Just. My lords, this is, indeed, a hearing, but it requi res much charity of thoughts to dignify it with other appellation than that Of brawl . If we are to consume the time bylistening to vain denials _and boastful tongue -antics, we woulddo well to employ a merry Andrew to sustain with credit ourpart Of the drol lery

Q . M ary . If the froth of speech constituted a verdict,my

lords,you might well return to th e queen my cousin, and say

me guilty after the gustful Speech of you legal d ignitary .

Brom. T o make good the accusations , or to support them by

SCENE IL ] 177

testimony as yet undisputed, I woul d here introduce portions ofthe correspondence heretofore alluded to . I woul d

,therefore

,

call upon the queen’s counsel to read exhibit marked A .

” T hi sis a letter written by Anthony Babington

,rebel

,and is dated

May 16, 1586. T h e counsel will read .

: A tty.-Gen l. [Reade ] T o herM ost GraciousMaj esty, Mary,

Queen of Scotland , E ng land and Ireland :Aylicted and d istressed Sovereign : W i th thefull consent of

your trusted friends , and by the advice of those wise in counsel,we have, through the grace of God , en listed such symp athy and

gained such wi lling hands, that we may now safely regard our

scheme as fully matured . By recent advices from the King ofF rance, and , through him,from the H oly F ather atRome, we have

received full assurance of the hearty symp athy of the noble and

generous Phi lip of Sp ain ,in this our most righteous and holy

cause. After due deliberation aad most careful p lanning , wehave the train so carefu lly laid and fr iends so j ud iciously sta

tioned , that we make no thought offai lure. A s for her who hasrisen as your unj ust keep er, we have most carefully p lanned a

sp eedy removal. It but remains for the signifying of your

p leasure in the counseling of yourfriends to attemp t with us yourliberation and restoration . W i th feelings of the approva l of God

and our own conscience, we trustwe may soon Offer you thefruitsof our exertion, your p ersonal l iberty and full vind ication .

Yours for Christ and Crown ,“ A . B .

Q . M ary. My lords and gentlemen, if this you have read betrue or false I know not

,but this I do know

,I never received

such a missive . If a subject may so far forget himself as to riseup against h is rightful sovereign , he should be punished . If heshould write letters to innocent persons

,who sympathize not in

his dark deeds,and these letters are di scovered

,is it j ust to

hold the person to whom they are wrongfully addressed as p articep s criminis But I claim

,my lords and gentlemen

,that th e

letter just read by the queen’s counsel may not be true,either

as an original,or as a copy . My Lord Bromley , has admitted

that this which you have heard is but a copy . T o hurt my

178 T HE Q UE E NS. [ACT v .

reputation, and befoul my good name, and to ensnare me , perhaps to my death, might not one evilly disposed add to or takefrom that which was written

,whether good or il l ?

My lords and gentlemen, not of kn owledge, but of mine ownOpinion

,I woul d h old t h e poor late Anthony Babington not a

silly ; and yet, ifhe d id write such bil k as this letter you haveheard read

,and so broadl y hint the taking offof my cousin the

queen,he could wel l spare h is empty pate

,for he would have

proven it was a useless noddle , and far too b ig to house h is little thought . Menwith great plans do not thus blab

,ei ther by

mouth or by writing,when they woul d reach and overthrow a

kingdom or set aside a queen . I fear me that in this hatch ing andstrain Of effort to make seeming good proof to deepen my sorryplight

,some over careless hands

,with little love for truth

,have

made attempt to unwind thi s so o eal led secret cipher,which my

L ord Broml ey has SO loudl y commented upon . I have it withinme to discover mine own suspect

,and Speak my mind

,and say

,

that I do feel that the letter just read hath about it a moststriking exh ibit of rank faussete

’ and wicked malignit! .

‘

So

strong is this feeling and such acute suSpicions doth it awakethat I cannot forbear to openly declare that my Lord W alsing

ham was not only privy to this most wicked deceit , but that hed id counsel and assist in the preparing and presenting Of thismost shameful and false letter .

Brom . Madam,this is a most bold and wicked accuse .

W al. Pardon me , my Lord , permit me to speak the force ofmy indignation , and make denial of this wanton draff. Mylords and gentlemen . you will not lay to my door that I do lackpatience

,or that I am a stranger to forbearance ; but the loud

mouthings of this shame - faced ingrate have quickened my denial of her foul slur . If we are

,my lords and gentlemen

,to

l isten alone to the vain stomaching Of th is brazen plotter , wemight with better prudence have lent our ears to fish -wives’

Scand al,or saved this tax upon our good natures to meet the

ends of justice . I do hurl back in my own behalf th is emptycharge against me laid . T here were no need

,my l ords and

gentlemen , to al ter or amend this accursed letter, for, withoutthis, there be such damning proofs ofher full consent, and quick

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180 T HE QUE E N S . [ACT v .

ing of the coming of the true relig ion and your own sweet

liberty shall break.

F ai thfully for God and right,a B

Still another, my lords and gentlemen, dated 9th of July,1586, and upon this hangs the connection with those j ust read ,for it proves

,not only that the accused had full knowledge of

T h e awful plot,but that some of the details were suggested by

herself. T h e Counsel will read .

A tty-Gent. [Reads ]

“ Beloved and gracious Queen , by graceofGod

,p eace. Yours of the 3 d , sanctified by your wishes and blessed

by your p rayers, reached me two days after i ts d isp atch . W e

had fully agreed up on accep ting the p rofiered ai d of Broadbent,but up on the receip t of your letter, which d i sclosed to us your

susp icion of his fai thlessness, I at once d isp atched D wi th

instructions top lay up on his mind,and

,by making p retense of

necessity, d isp atched him foreign, and so hap ly he i s out of the

way . A s to your suggestion as to the best means of surp rising

your guards, Iwi ll say that i t shall be acted up on as you d irect.“ I am p leased to receive your sanction for the p oint of our

scheme. Other matters to your i nterest are p rosp ered of God ,

and for your comfort and safety we ojfer dai ly p rayers .

Yours fai thfully ,U

Brom. My lords and gentlemen , I have little need to continue,A mind without prejudice, that is able to comprehend , must seethat the contents of these letters more than prove all we haveobjected against the accused .

Q. M ary . My L ord, you have but read the letters which youclaim this man Babington forwarded to me . I do deny that Iever received them

,and

,while I admit

,without prejudice to my

case,that this man d id write letters intended for me

,yet I most

earnestly deny that any that had th e fortune to reach me contained any word or sentence in which the life or peace of mycousin the queen was threatened .

Burgh . My lords and g entlemen, is it not more proper thatwe proceed

,and avo id these frequent interruptions? T hus far

we have missed the form intend ed .

SCENE IL ] T H E QUE E NS. 181

Q. Mary . F orm? My lords and gentlemen , you have missedall form in the conception ofyour ideas ofjustice .

Brom . In the great mass of written testimony in possessionOf the crown

,we possess a number of l etters

,notes, dispatches

and messages . After what h as been already read, the counselfor the crown doth not deem it necessary to submit othersamples of this most conclusive proof of the guilt of the accused

,

except one letter written by th e accused herself,and addressed

to the aforesaid Anthony Babington , rebel . As this letter islong , th e counsel will read only that portion in which th e defendant clearly and unmistakably gives her consent to the rebelliousplans and aims Of the aforesaidBabington . T his letter is datedJune 17, 1586, and was sent to D ethick House

,Derbyshire .

T h e Counsel will read extract marked in the margin ofexhibit D .

”

A tty-Gent [Beads ] I d o give, most trusted friend , my

full consent to your suggestion of the second . I would counsel

the greatest care, not only in adhering to the time agreed up on ,

but also to the choice of assistants . You know my abhorrency

for blood -shedd ing . I am aware that so great a move may not

be accomp lished without some d isquiet. It must follow that

there shall be those who may receive from your hands some

d is-ease, but Ip ray you , as you are a Christian , that there be nounnecessary taking of human life.

See to i t that those whose duty sha ll be to strikefor my rescue,

shall temp er boldness wi th mercy, and that those who seek to

prevent the queen my cousin’s interference wi th my restora

tion,be instructed to accomp lish their p urp ose wi th as li ttle

force and harshness asmay be. T o the rest of your p lan Imost

hearti ly agree.

Yours wi th trusting, and hop e, and fai th in God’s eternal

j ustice.MARIE

,R .

”

Q . M ary . My lords and gentlemen, have I not already sustained from your hands indignities enough ? Lest in my towering indignation I forget my denial , I would say once and for all ,that that which you have just heard read is not, nor ever was,either my letter , my composition, or my thought. My LordBromley says th e original was in secret cipher ; if so, this alleged

182 THE QUE E NS. [ACT v.

copy is baser, more false, more devili sh than those you haveheard read as the productions of poor Babington . Shame ! Shame !dignitaries of the law ! Shame ! Shame ! Honorable Kn ightsof the Privy Council ! Shame ! Honorables of high and lowdegree ! Shame on all who have lent themselves to this accursedinvention ! Not content with holding me

,unlawful ly

,a prisoner

for years,and robbing me of my dowry

, you now seek, by barefaced forgery and low

,designing cunn ing

,to so ensnare me that

I may be entrapped to my death , and be to all posterity damnedOf reputation . But look you

,the world shall

,even as God doth

,

judge me,and your dark and devilish inventions Shall avail you

nothing . If I am drawing near to my end,and you ,

my lords ,are to be the promoters ofmy death, my going out shall credi tme more than your cruel and unjust verdict shall you .

As in the beginning I did earnestly’

and plainly state,I am no

subject of the Queen of E ngland, nor am I bound to respect herlaws . I came as one craving an asylum of rest . I came uponthe urging of the queen my cousin , and I do wear to this veryhour upon my finger the ring which she d id send me as an earnest Of her regard, and a pledge of her sincerity . How has thispledge Of friendsh ip been kept? How have I been treated? Ofwhat d oth this ring

,the pledge of a queen

,profit me ?

I ask you, my lords and gentlemen, if you have within you,yet not wholly dead, a spark Of sympathy or a grain of justice

,

to consider my case as one in which rank injustice , cold and unfeeling heartlessness have been , from the first day ofmy landingupon your shores

,my

'

constant companions .I have been dragged from one stronghold to another, deprived

Of my people,and mine attendants driven from me . I have been

forced to submit to every form of indignation and insult . And

what,I pray you

,is my crime? Urged by the wickedness and

weakness of those who should have been friends , I , who am arightful queen , and a royal mother, am d eprived of my throneand forcibly kept from my child . Is this a crime? NO

,my

lords ; I am persecuted because I am not of th e religion as isthe queen my cousin . T his is my only crime ; for th is I sufl

°er

and am h eld a prisoner. Now that your queen my cousin mayfin ish her exquisite tortures , I am summoned before this high

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184 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT v .

Burgh. My lords and gentlemen , the overspeaking of theaccused is not proof. I am tired, as you must be , of this noisyand und ignified mouthing . T h e accused has made statementswhich I cannot

,in j ustice to her maj esty the queen

,let pass at

this time unnoticed,

“

for there may be those who would thinkthat

'

h er majesty has been unmindful in her care of the accused ,and neglected her comfort

,if there should be no positive denial

of her unwarranted accusations .It is the testimony of those who have been with the accused

Since her coming hither, that she has been well treated . T hatshe hath been detained , as was lawful , I make no denial . How

far she has been a prisoner you may judge,my lords and gentle

men,when I state

,as a truth , that when I went , in company

with the proper Officers,to summons her to appear before this

legal and rightfully constituted commission,I found the accused

fully robed,and elegantly mounted

,about starting on a day’s

sport with her protector, Sir Amias Paulet, and attendants , in a

romping hunt over the hills and vales . T h e annals Of the T ower,

or the records of our county gaols, do not mention that prisoners within their keeping were permitted to j oin frolicsomeout-door sports .W hen first this person came 'to our shores

,a fugitive from

justice,pursued by indignant and wronged subj ects

,she brought

in her train upward of seventy people . T hey came w ithoutmeans

,and most of them with but a single shift to their backs .

In such sad straits was the accused herself,that she d id impor

tune'

h er majesty the queen for a change of gown ; and withthat liberali ty and sweet goodness of heart that hath SO gladd ened h er reign, th e queen her majesty sent to her the honorable and most noble Lady Scrope

,with full and abundant

orders to supply the every need of the pursued,and quondam

queen . Sh e complains,my lords and gentlemen

,that she was

dragged from one stronghold to another. How much truththere is in th is

, j ud ge . Sh e was lodged at fi rst with the goodand honorable L ord and Lady Scrope , and her army of attendants was permitted to remain in her company . She had not

been housed in the comfortable and elegant castle of my L ordScrope for a quarter year before she began her quarrelsome

SCENE‘

II . ] THE QUE E NS. 185

complainings, that the situation was unhealthy, and churlishlyd emanded that Sh e be removed . Wi th great patience and

goodness of heart her majesty the queen di d consent to herremoval ; but as the tax was over- great for the maintenance ofso hungry a crowd as sought , by cling ing to the fortunes of theirfallen mistress

,to be nursed by the bounty of her graciOus pro

vider,it was deemed right and proper

,as prudence wi ll

acknowledge,that a part of this mob should be returned to

Scotland. And so this now-grown-fat and impudent herd wasreduced to the number of thirty . T his included the Scot’sprivate chaplain and his assistant

,her own surgeon and his

apothecary,four maids

,her own cook and two scullions

,three

pages, two private secretaries, and fourteen ladies and gentlemen in waiting . T hese have been with her constantly

,with

only such restraint as her own unlawful a cts have forced thoseto use who have acted as her protectors .Sh e has had daily exercise as her own wishes would suggest .

Sh e has al so had full indulgence in all pastimes, including tenni sand the chase . Horses have been at her disposal

,and she has

freely accepted their proffer .As from year to year she persisted in her unlawful acts andseditious intrigues, such watch has been kept upon her as thepeace of the realm and the safety of her majesty the queen demandad . I leave it

-

to you, my lords and gentlemen , from thetestimony already submitted , whether or not it has been conducive to publ ic good to restrain the accused

,and whether

,from

the undisputed evidence of her guilt, and her intentions as to thedestruction of her majesty th e queen she may not be rightfullycondemned and righteously executed .

Q . M ary . 0 justice ! 0 law ! What shame and wrong maynot be enacted in thy name . Power and might are thy weapons ,and cruelty and Oppression thine allies .My l ords and gentlemen, I have never thought to harm thelife of the queen my cousin . I have sought my liberty

,as in na

ture any creature might ; there is naught in this that by rightsshould deprive me ofmy life or make it needful to accuse me ofattempted murder . I have been watched d ay and night . By

night a sentinel has lodged at my chamber door ; by day a paid

186 T HE QUE E N S. [ACT v .

shadow has dogged my steps ; my very breathings have beencounted, and my troubled dreams regarded .

Burgh . Such watching only,my lords and gentlemen

,as

was necessary to circumvent the plottings of the accused wasexercisedBut enough ; I wi ll not tire longer your good sense by denying

her loud stomachings . Let us consider the proofs offered in further testimony of the support of the truthfulness of the lettersalready read in our hearing . As a means to this end

,I would

ask my Lord Bromley to cal l for the reading of the confessions ofthe two secretaries of the accused .

-Q. M ary . Are the statements of my late secretaries madeunder oath ?Bram. Under oath , madam . My lords and gentlemen

,

these men,though foreign, and with no interest save that they

should make their own acts blameless, have made a full and freeconfession of the part taken in the wicked plots and plans of thelate Anthony Babington, rebel , by their mistress. T his, or theseconfessions

,are made under solemn oath .

Q . M ary . My Lord, of what worth is this oath ? Whenthese

,my late secretaries

,did seek employment in my service ,

the usages of court and the requirements of circumstance d idexact from them a solemn oath of secrecy in all matters pertaining to affairs of state, aswell as mine own private correspondence .If they have

,by threat, or even torture, been urged to violate

their most solemn obligation tome,they are no longer worthy to

be believed under any circumstances,for it is shown by your own

statement,my Lord

,that they regard not the binding force of an

oath , and in all courts wherewith I am acquainted, a person whois known to violate h is oath in one instance is held incompetentto give further testimony .

And further,my lord s and gentlemen

,I am told that your

parl iament has lately enacted a law,with the full approval of

the queen,my cousin , that no person shall be condemned as conspiring against the person or life of a prince

,except he be so

condemned on the testimony of two good,competent witnesses ;

and the law plainly reads that the accused shall be brought faceto face with the accusing witnesses .

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188 T HE QUE E NS. [Aer v .

are alike us eless. DO with me as you will but forget not thisGod will hold you accountable for your judgment Of me , andposterity render to my reputation that justice you so shamelesslywithhold .

B'

rom. Does the defendant refus e to continue to answer tothe charges ?

-Q. Mary . My Lord, I have answered the charges as read .

As there are no witnesses present for me t o meet and question,

my further attendance woul d but afford you Opportunity to inflict yet deeper

“

and more painful hurts . In respect, therefore ,to my rank and station

,and that I may preserve my dignity

,I

woul d now declin e to further lend myself to your proceedings .F or

,if Ido continue my presence, I may seem to sanction thi s

unnatural assuetude .

B ram. T h e necessity, my lords and gentlemen, for furthercontinuance of the present hearing need not be pressed . T h e

churlish refusal Of the accused to answer the lawful questions Ofth e coun sel for the crown, and her determination to retire beforeth e full testimony is presented, leaves the commission only thealternative Of proceeding without her

,or adjourning for council

deliberations,as di rected by h er maj esty the queen .

A tty-Geri . We may continue the hearing , my Lord, and by

exhibition of lawful force compel the attendance of the accused .

Burgh . Not wi thout unseemly and harsh means, and the useof such force as would provoke comment

,and invite a question

as to the legality Of our proceedings .Chief J i ts . If undisputed testimony can convict, the ao

cused is, Of truth , condemned . But,were the testimony made

Of non-effect,th e shame -faced confession of the wretched plotter

would,indeed , adjudge her an ungeld.

Q . M ary . Reach no further , my L ord , for terms to wound ;the heart your blows would crush may not feel an added pain .

See T h e woman within my poor nature shrinks at your merciless stabs

,but the queen resents your foul sland ers.

[Queen M ary sp eaks aside wi th Lord Burghley and H atton ,

then exit ]B rom. My lords and gentlemen , the retirement of the defendant should signal the closmg of this assembly . T he further

SCENE III. ] T HE QUE E NS . 189

consideration of the matter may be left to the full council .T herefore , by authority in me invested by her most graciousmaj esty th e queen

,I do hereby declare and announ ce that thi s

sitting is now closed. Al l who have been commanded to ap

pear at this hearing will hold themselves to answer the sum

mons Of the proper Offi cers of her maj esty’s court .M aster of Ger . 0 Yes 0 Yes ! By grace Of God , E lizabeth,the high and mighty queen Of E ngland

,Ireland and F rance

,

does by her rightful ly appointed Officer,hereby declare this as

sembly closed . Let all retire in order ; and may God preserveher gracious maj esty, and confound all enemies .

[Curtain

SCENE III . Audience room, W estminster Palace.

E nter W ALSINGHAM,BURGHLEY

,LEICESTER arid HATTON .

Hatton . My lords, if this matter must be urged, I pray youthat you do sanction my silence . I dare perform any missionthat hath in it the approval of my heart

,but thi s which you

woul d now press upon th e queen her maj esty hath not the ful lapprove ofmy soul ; therefore, my lords, I pray you to grant memy asking.

L ei . My lords and gentlemen, whatever of censure there bein this it wi ll not rest upon us . Parliament h as already votedmeasures urging this most righteous execution . T hey will atthis hour so inform the queen her maj esty .

E nter Keeper .

Keep er . Her gracious maj esty the Queen ! my lords and gentlemen

,the Queen !

E nter QUEEN E LIZABETH .

Q . E liz . My lords and gentlemen , I do attend for such communication as you have to make . I pray you be seated . If youhave come to urgeupon me the necessity Of action that shall cutshort the l ife Of the Scot, I pray that you withhold further urging . Al ready am I broken in sleep and disturbed by day. F oodhath lost its savor, and so sore is my heart with this most awfuland dire distress that I have within me no ease .

Burgh . Most gracious Majesty, I did but yesterday receivefrom your honorable ambassador at the court of F rance

,message

190'

[ACT v.

which doth pertain to the very matter wherewith we would ad

dress you .

‘

Q . E lie . T hat I may not lack in my duty, I would listen tosuch as are prompted by sense of right . Read to me the letterof the ambassador.Burgh . Such portions, your Maj esty, Of the honorable am

bassador’s letter as relates to the business in hand only need beread . [Reads ] Say to her maj esty the queen that I am p er

suaded , both from the knowledge I have gained at this court

and from such as”

reach me from the court of Sp ain ,as well as

from Rome, thatfor her maj esty to longer delay the righteous

execution of the condemned Scottish queen doth endanger her

peace, and thereby the safety of her realm. T oo long a lreadyhath she nursed this she-wolf. T he bigotry of her religion, and

the blindness of her followers, would sanction the darkestmeans,and urge the foulest ends to restore her to liberty, and to re

establish her ci le religion . Say to her maj esty the queen that

not only her own realm ,but the friends of liberty in foreign

lands, look to her that she shall fearlessly p erform her j ust

duty .

”

Q . E lie. My lords and gentlemen , this might have beenmore softly put. It hath in it a tone of curstness little less thanunrespect . Have I grown so weak that I do need this loudproclaiming to teach me my duty I will say to my honorableambassador, that he hath good need to soften h is manners andpoli sh h is expressions .L ei . Your Maj esty has missed the disturb among th e peOple . T h e necessity of this righteous move is strongly felt bythe commons

,and by them the decollation hotly demanded.

Q . E lie . DO my people demand of me this thing ?L ei . T hat

.

they do , your Maj esty , may be the more fullyanswered by th eir representatives . In outer room d oth waitthe committee from Parliament

,who would inform your Majesty

Of their recent and most righteous act .

Q . E lie . If these gentlemen be in attend ance bid them enter.

Keep er . G entlemen, enter by her Majesty’s command .

E nter Committee Of Parliament .

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92 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT v .

speak with you upon this matter as we have before conferred,in

trust and confidence .

Lei . Your Majesty, it doth pain my heart that stress Of thetimes doth demand the settling Of this foul and unhealthy matter . I would

,your Maj esty

,that I mi ght take from your heart

this,the burden Of your necessities . I have wept for you

,and

my own heart aches as onl y yours must have ached in thi s sadand most trying position . I know how much

,your Majes ty, you

dread the shedding of human blood , and how you woul d gladlywithhold your royal seal from the consent Of this execution

,if

you but obeyed the promptings Of your soul .

Q. E lie . Oh my L ord ! How much my heart aches none mayknow save God . Is there not some way to turn this blow aside?Cannot thi s decree be changed ? May not the Scot be yetlonger held in some secure castle, where , by faithful guards shemay be prevented from working further harm?L ei . It is not, your Majesty , so much a question Of securelyholding the rightfully condemned Scot, as it is to prevent themeddlesome interference Of the over zealous and designing . Wemay

,indeed

,securely detain her

,but while she doth remain

alive,she is still a spark around which her hot and unscrupu

lous friends and co-relig ionists may fling their embers Of direattempts

,and so fan and keep alive within your realm a spirit

Of discontent,that shall prevent the sway of peace and the ap

proach Of quiet . Mary dead is peace assured . Mary alive isthe nursing Of broils . Such sweet prosperity hath followedyour gracious reign that you have gained the love Of your subj ects and the praise of sympathizing princes

Q . E liz . 0,that this deed were done , and that I might turn

and by loud denouncing disclaim my sanction of the act .L ei . SO may you , your Maj esty. L eave to me

,I pray you,

the righteous ending Of this sorry affair. I will not only bringyou quiet

,but so silently despatch this business as to satisfy the

people,and in so doing bring to you the full approval Of all

good subj ects .

Q . E lie . Let the secretary bring to me to-morrow the warrant

,I will sign it, but it shal l not have my seal for its execu

tion . I would hold it until th is softness doth congeal . I would

SCE NE Iv . ] T HE QUE E NS . 193

that I might fall asleep, and on awakening find that the will‘

Of

the people had been met .'

Lei . NO longer, I pray you , your Maj esty, keep this sad

pressure on your heart . T he secretary shall attend,and when

you have signed the warrant , it shall be held for your furtherpleasure .

Q. E lie . Oh crown ! Oh throne ! Oh royal birth ! so few thejoys thou bringest

,that he who hath the most Of these hath

most Of pain and least Of easef God , thou King Of kings, T houRuler Of princes, search T hou my heart . Support me with T hystrength , 0 , God , that my fainting soul may not shrink fromduty. [E xeunt.

SCENE IV. Room in E ar l ofL eicester’s H ouse

,London .

E nter PELANGO .

F el. [E xtinguishes light ] Now i s this my Opportuni ty.

T hose papers are in this d rawer once in my possession, h ischurchy lordship must dance to my harping. [ Un locks drawer ,removesp ap ers , conceals them ] F ortune is kind ; I have waitedlong for this

,but it is all the better for waiting . T hese papers

,

like w ine , have improved with age . I have s afe now within mykeeping the compact made between the g ood earl my masterand the pl O ll S Bishop of Ross . T hese show how the good earltrapped the weak Duke Of N orfolk to h is death, and they alsoshow that the good

,loyal earl had his finger in other treasona

ble plots . With these for threats, I may wel l serve myself, andhumble the proud earl a bit. With these I may smooth the wayto an easy end . [F alls over chair .

E nter BARNEY .

Barney . Sure ! By me soul , I heard a din . If there bewith in this room one with less right than I

,sure I’ll work a stay

in his hide . By the powers, there’s a head behind the case !Holy mother ! teach this dag its duty .

[Barney fires; F elangofalls .

By me skill, but I’ve scored him,sure .

E nter LEICESTER .

Lei . HO ! what’s this ? W h o fires “?I3

4 1791 : QUE E N S. [ACT v.

Barney . I,me Lord ; and by me fir ing proved me skill. Sure ,

I discovered the breaker as he was about your lordship’s table,and from h is move I knew h e was thieving ; so, wi th small ad o,I clouted him .

L ei . Know you the man ? Is he dead,or have you but

winged himBarney. W h o he is

,my Lord

,I know not

,save he’s as still

My God , me Lord, it is Signor F elango, and dead, me L ord, dead !Lei . [A side ] T hank heaven

,now am I well delivered. Man

,

you have slain a fell ow creature, you have Spilled human blood;God shall require ofyOu ful l answer for this foul deed .

Barney . If there be foulness,me L ord

,in defending your

property, then I am dirty, ind ad e and,if answer be axed of

me,sure

,I am ready to make it . Sure

,this man hath

,by his

unholy thieving act , brought the judgment Of God upon himself ;and if he hath a sore head

,it be h is own faul t

,for honest men

prowl not in the dark, where dags go Off.

E nter Servants wi th lights .

Lei . T here hath been a robbery here, and my man Barneyhath

,as was his good duty

,defended my house

,and in so doing

the robber hath been shot . GO you, W ellson,and inform the

proper ofii cers that they may view the corse and take it away,

and restore quiet to my house . Bear you the body into anotherroom . [E xeunt Servants wi th F elango

’s body .

Barney,remain in the house . D id the wicked devil open any

Of the cases,or drawers ?

Barney . NO,me Lord

,they be securely locked .

Lei . You may retire now. See to it that you make littlemouth of this affair, until you are questioned by the Offi cers.

T ell butjone tale , and lay to that like the skin on your heel. Mindyou

,this man was trying to break Open my coffers

,and in the

d ark . I have heretofore missed property,now I know this man

was the thief. I trow the Offi cers will find some Of my gil t onh is person even now . [E xi t Barney .

How strange the ways of God , how divinely move h is plans .

T o think that this villain should be thus removed, just as I haddone with him, and he had so many Ofmy sweet secrets that hewas beginning to be dangerous . Ah

,well ! God prospers the

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196 T HE QUE E NS. [Aer v .

losing my admiration for your good draft in the dread of

expose .

Dav. Not you , my L ord, so much as I,have to fear the

dangers Of expose . By this sly forgery I do fix the hour foranother’s death

,with no excuse, save I d o the bidding Of my

betters . I have your promise, my L ord, that if this deal do miscarry

,or bring displeasure from her majesty th e queen , you will

stand between me and royal anger .Lei . One so easily shaken should not have un dertaken sostiff a bus iness . If you feel within you this sick weakness ,even before the warrant hath left your hands

,how think you,

you will hold and control your slim belly when this good papershall have worked the full measure wherefor it was drawn °

l

Dav. T hink not , my L ord, I am weak . I do but use suchexpressions as flow from caution .

L ei . You,nor I

,nor any whose hands are in this reach

,may

now turn and plead excuse , lest we clothe ourselves with shame .

Her majesty wil l privately rej oice when this deed shall be wellover . Publicly she wi ll rave and damn a bit, but we who bowto her majesty in publ ic

,and coddle her in private

,know ful l

well that these queenly storms do lash but for a little ; and so ,with our knowledge of h ow sharp and stiff th e brunt shall be ,we may not shrink from our duties . Has my lord arranged forthe forwardi ng of this good ly quit "?Dav. He has, my Lord . If the messenger miss not h is way

,

and there be no interferences, the E arl Of Kent will receive thewarrant safe .

Lei . GO then, wh ile this stiffness hold you to your part .See to it, as you value your head, that you make no word Of thisto l iving soul . L et not any indulgences l oose your tongue , norlet confidence trap you into blabbing . Say to my Lord Burghleythat I may not meet h im to -n ight . A robbery has taken placein my house this hour, and my trusted agent has been detectedand slain as th e robber.

Dav. It shal l be as you wish , my Lord . I have my own

h and too fast in this matter to now turn back . I wi ll del iveryour message to my Lord Burghley . I heard of the sad kill ing

SCENE v . ] THE QUE E NS. 197

of your agent, and do regret it , as he was a most valuable manto you .

L ei . Accept my thanks for your kind sympathy . Make nofurther allusions to the distressing affair . I wi sh you God’sspeed in the safe delivery Of this important paper .

[E xi t Davi son .

SO shall end at last this checkered life . Sh e did but havefain t gleams Of grandeur ; even these did qui t her company eresh e had basked in the light o’er much . Vain

,O vain

,was all

thy pride, 0 queen . E re the sun shall make another day’s

march,thou

, O crushed beauty, shall be suing at heaven’s gatesfor forg iveness . Ah ! this waiting hath been long

,but the

sweet satisfaction shall be sweeter for all thi s long delay .

T O -morrow shall see E ngland’s enemy,and my proud dis

d ainer meet a qui ck and sure despatch . My prayers have notbeen In vam ,

and what my prayers have lacked,my wit has

supplied . T he hour of my revenge shall date when Mary died .

[E xit

SCE NE V . Queen E lizabeth’s audience chamber , W estminster

Palace.

E nter BURGHLEY, SM ITH and HATTON,and others of the pr ivy

counci l.

Burgh. G entlemen , this , indeed, is a most grievous affair .

T his Italian has been long in the employ Of the E arl of

L eicester,and possessed far too much knowledge for the earl’s

good comfort . I do not accuse that the earl was privy to hismurder , but this I do know, that vi olent deaths have so frequently occurred in the household of th e E arl Of Leicester

,that

it be but prudent now to make deep inquiry touching th is affair .

T he papers that we found on the body of the Italian,and which

he had secured,evidently from the earl’s safe keeping

, and topossess whi ch he was prowling in the library in the dark whenki lled

,are such as my Lord Leicester would not freely expose to

al l eyes .

Hatton . T hese papers, my Lord , relate to agreements andtransactions mad e during the lifetime Of the late Duke of Nor

198 T HE Q UE E NS . [ACT v .

folk ; may not the earl have good excuse for a thi ng so longpast “!Burgh. What matter ; these papers clearly show the designsand attempts - Of the E arl Of L eicester . If circumstances di dprevent the maturing Of his plans, it was the good fortune of therealm

,and not the l oyalty of th e earl that l et this thing pass

from us .

Smi th . Is it your purpose,my L ord

,to acquaint her majesty

the queen with the drift of this affair?Burgh . By oath , we are compelled to lay this matter beforeher majesty . If the E arl Of L eicester hath a good and properexcuse, it were but lawful that he should make h is explanationsto the queen her maj esty . If these letters and de spatches beread aright

,the person implicated by the contents is guilty in

the eyes Of the law of treason . T hat they do relate to past actsdoth not change the case a whit .

E nter LEICESTER .

L ei . My lords and gentlemen, sweet morning to you all . T he

absence of clouds from your faces , and the light of heavenwithin your eyes

,bear good wi tness that the peace of God hath

attended you in your slumbers . As for me,if I do bring gloom

in my face and sadness in my voice,I can but crave your for

bearance,and Offer as excuse

,my lords and gentlemen

,my sore

affliction , and the dire calamity that overtook my agent lastnight . D id not the consolation Of heaven attend me , I mightwell excuse myself from your assembly .

Burgh . It were grace,my L ord, to hold in check your excuses;

if you are not well supplied, the poverty Of your explanationsmay confound you .

L ei . How so , my Lord, what mean you”

?

B urgh . T urn your impatience, my L ord, to forbearance , andsave your inquiries

,that you may forge them into good answers .

T hough ready of speech and soft of word, you may find that allyour long schooling and successful ambling will stand you ingood need .

L ei . You do accuse,my Lord , accuse ! I demand

Burgh . I trust , my Lord , that all demands shall be met .E nter Page .

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200 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT v.

li beration and restoration Of the justly confined Scot . Nor isthis all

,your Majesty, for here are letters, despatches and mes

sages from the King of F rance, Philip Of Spain , and even thepapal court .L ei . Your Majesty, these papers, that my L ord Burghl eydoth so loudly proclaim, are indeed my private papers, and assuch are not fit subjects for council discussion .

Q . E lie . If true, they are indeed , alas, not onl y fit but unfit

for counc il discussion .

L ei . Your Majesty, by your gracious leave, what appears somonstrous may

,when revi ewed in calmness

,prove the stale

results,and records Of loyal attempts

,in years agone

,to serve

faithfully your Majesty’s best interests . T h e letters and des

patches from foreign courts are such as my agent,now dead

,

had secured surreptitiously from the Duke Of Norfolk . I di dbut retain them as matters Of reference, and they onl y came intothe possession Of my agent through my having carelessly leftthem within easy reach after I had used them during the trial ofthe Queen ofScots .

Burgh. Granting, my L ord, that this excuse be true, and Ipray God that it is , there still remains this dark and treasonable compact to which your signature is boldly affixed, in mostglaring and imprudent array , with known and condemnedenemies Of her maj esty the queen .

Q . E lie . Oh,my L ord , turn this from me ; already is my

burden greater than I can bear . Make to me some answer thatshall draw this cruel iron from out my soul . T hou art fickle,but O God ! 0 God ! make not to me the fearful accusation thatthe trusted E arl of L eicester is dishonest Of heart, and proditorious to h is country .

Lei . Most gracious Majesty, you yourself, by your own fairhand

,d id Sign and warrant to me carte blanche in the matter

touch ing the d etect Of the late Duke Of Norfolk . T hat I mightth e better encompass h im,

and fathom h is treasonable acts , Id id assume an interest that I m ight better thus gain h is confidence . And to make the seeming yet more bl ind I d id enterinto an impl ied compact, Of wh ich th e paper held by my Lord-Burghley is a copy thereof. T his I mav not only fully explain ,

Scmm v . ] T HE QUE E NS. 201

but, your Majesty, abundantly prove, if happily I may stay judg ~

ment and restrain envy .

Q. E lie . God grant me strength that I may take up this newburden .

Burgh . T hat he not all , your Majesty .

E nter Keeper .Keep er . Your Majesty , my Lord Walsingham tarries wi thout,and woul d a word with you .

Q . E lie . Admit him .

E nter WALSI NGHAM .

W al . Most gracious Queen, I salute you as one who bringsmost wel come tidings . T h e shifting scenes of life’s earnestdream have brought at last your quiet .

Q . E lie . Quiet, my L ord; so long, alas, have I been a strangerto the fullness of thi s sweet word, that I have need

'to ask yourL ordship that you shall make a better explanation of yourmeaning .

W al . By grace of God , who in h is mercy and sweet providence hath vouchsafed your Maj esty’s eternal peace and welfare

,

I break to your Maj esty the ful l knowledge that the burden Of

your di stress hath been removed .

Q . E lie . Removed ? My Lord, what mean you ?W al ; Peace

,your Majesty

,peace . T hine enemy

,Mary,

Queen of Scotland, is dead . E xecuted th is morning,as was

just .

Q . E lie . Dead ! no ! no ! my L ord , no ! not dead ! Make to meno lies . T ake back these awful words not dead ! Mary dead ?My God , my God ! Who hath done this cruel deed ? Who hathwrongful ly sealed the warrant “.2 My L ord [to L eicester] , this bea devilish trick Ofyours . By your glib, Oily words you d id blindme to sign

, and then,with low fubbery and damned mockery

,

you d id make to me a promise that it should be withheld . L iar !Villain ! Murderer ! Get you hence , accursed of men . You

have put upon my soul this blighting blotch Of blood . GO yourface sickens my very soul . GO ! and on your knees pray G od’sforgiveness— mine shall eternally be withheld . Murderer ! L iar !My God ! Mary d ead ! d ead ! and by my warrant . F arewellpeace

,farewell ! NO more shall quiet rest wi thin my soul . F are

202 T HE QUE E NS . [ACT v .

well innocence ; farewell j oys Of earth . I am now undone . Out,murderers ; out all of you ; remind me no longer ofmy companionship in your foul crime . Out ! Out ! and let me not watchyour going, for your very footsteps have in them the marks Ofblood . [E xeunt Burghley, Smi th, W a lsingham,

H atton and

Leicester . ] [E nter LADY KNOLLYS . ] L eave me ! leave me ! Atthis hour let me intercede with God alone . Iwould have nohuman eyes witness this my weakness . L eave me alone ; leaveme . [E xi t Lady Knollys ] Oh ! my God ! dead ! Mary dead !My Own blood Spilled upon the block . Dead ! Awake

,asleep

,

her poor body shall stalk before me —her bleeding,torn body .

0 , I cannot shut out this foul murder God blind my soul,dull

my eyes. Oh, God ! Have I consented to this murder ? Ha, ha .

See, all is red, red b lood ! E verything is blood . 0,tear away

these draperies ; they have bl ood on them my clothes,my robes,

even my hands are drenched in blood . God ! shall I live throughthi s ? Life

,0 ,what will life be when all sense of peace and in

nocence be gone ? F arewell,farewell , j oys of earth . I am a

queen,but my heart is dead . 0 , Jesu, pray for me ! O , Holy

Moth er,pray for me !

E nter LEICESTER .

Lei . Your Majesty, may I not Offer

Q . E lie . NO no ! back ! Let me not see your awful face ; youdo make all about me blood . Offer me nothing but your absence .

You are all murderers, damned, cruel murderers . Out,I say

,

out. Let not your accursed face add to my m isery . Out,dog !

out ! My God ! I, too, am a murderer . [E xit L eicester . ] W hy,

there is blood here— there— why, it is blood running downeverywhere . My hands, my face , these tears are bloody . Iwalk

in blood. My God My God I am accursed of thee . [F alls

E ND .

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204 GLOSSARY.

Gin , S., if.

Gi lt , O. E, gold .

Gurlv, S.

,i'ough ,

cold (weather)Gowlin

5, S.

, howling, crying .

Greet, wee

Gar, S . , to ma e,to force

,to cause .

Gossie , S., gossip .

Gui d , S. good .

Hempy , S.

, a rogue born to be hung .

Havins, S .

, breeding , good bri nging“ Pet

, S .

, hot.

He’ven

, S .,heaven .

Hooly , S .,slow .

Ho’,s S.

,single stocking .

Harris, S ,

brain s .

aly , S .

,h Ol

Ey .

Havi our, O . E

, behavior .

Hafi'

et, S .,cheek

,side of th e face .

Hae , S . , have .

Hald, S .

,hold .

Hack, S . and O . E .

,common .

In, 0 . E .

,thieves’slang ; to get a per

son in another’8 power.

Ingliss, S , E nglish .

Impeach , O . E .

g,hinder

,to stop .

JO , S.

, sweet-heart.

Knacky , S.,wi tty, funny .

Knoost, S. a large lump from a blow .

Keek, S .

,to peep

,to pry into .

Laits, S .

, manners .

Lane, S .

,alone .

Lugs, S. , ears .

Link-m en, O . E .

,men with li ghts .

Laithful’, S .

,loathful .

Leal, S .

,true , faithful .

Low, S .

,law .

Lud, S .

,lad .

Looe, S .

,love .

Lure, S .

, rather.

Lown , S.

,calm ,

to keep calm .

Lounder, S .

,a smart stroke w ith the

fi st.

Liggs , S .

Hlflzs falsehoods .

Mow sing , S.

, j esting , j oking .

Mou’,S .

,mouth .

Mools,S .

, earth over a grave , a grave .

Mends, S .

,satisfaction , revenge .

Nist, 8 . next.

Nevel,S.

,a sound blow w ith the fi st.

Nive,S .

,th e fi st .

Nae’, S .

,not .

N orsed , S .

,nursed .

Naught, O . E .

,bad

,naugh ty .

Out, 0 . E .,thieves’slang ; to put a per

son out Of the way , to kill .

Orp , S., to weep wi th sobs .

Owk, S .

,a week .

Bu’ed,S . , pul led .

Prets, S .

, tri cks .

Pit, S .

, put .

Pari sh-lantern , O . E .,popular name

for the moon .

Puggy , O . E .

,nasty, thi ck, big

-headed .

Rap , 0 . E .,to trade

,to exchange .

Backless, S.

,reckless .

Rift, S.

,to belch

,the breath .

Raught, S .,sought.

Runyon , O . E a term of contempt appli ed to a strong masculine woman .

Ri’t, S . right.

Stroot,S . stuffed full

,drunk .

Scuds , S. , small ale .

Seid , S .,cunni ng , foxy .

Sair, S .

,sore .

Slabber, O . E . , to drivel , to slobber.

Steek, S .

,to shut tight , to close , to

stop .

Slide S ., slippery .

Swate S . , a mark, a scratch .

Stan S .

,a smart pain soon over.

Sae,

.

,so .

Sib, S., a kin ,

a relative .

Sunkets , S .,something .

Speer, S .

,to ask,

to begSwelt, S .

,to choke .

Sin , S .

,sun .

Spelder, S.

,to stretch , to spread out.

Sta’, S .

,a stall or booth .

Sta’k

, S .

,stock .

Speel , S.,to climb .

Spangin

sg , S .

,to j ump , leaping .

Sain’

sainted .

Sell , S .,self.

Sic, S. such .

Sma’, S.

,small .

Skyt , S .,to move uickly .

Sturtsome, S .

,trou le , disturbance .

Spae , S .

,to guess , to foretel l .

Stent, S .

,to stretch , to strain .

T az, S. , scour 0

,hard task .

Tensome, S.

,tens .

T aikcns , S .

,to ens .

Toom , S.

,empty.

T wa, S.

,two .

Thrane , S.,throne

Taps , S.,heads .

Th ig , S .

,beg .

GL OSSARY. 205

Taul d,S .

,told .

T OOly , S.

,to fight , a fight.

Thi r , S. ,these .

Tarre , O. E .,to urge , to set on .

Tal ler, O. E .,braver, better.

Unco , S. , strange .

Ungeared, O . E .,undressed.

Wyte, S blame .

Weers, S. ,to Oppose , to st0p .

Whi lk , S.,whi ch .

W h a, S.,wh o .

W O W,0 . E .

,w onderful , strange

W ar, S.,worse.

W ad , S.,woul d.

W ud , S., mad .

W i’, S with .

Weel, S.

,w ell .

Wangrace , S.,w i ckedness .

W at, S.

,wisdom.

Woody , S., gallows .

Wyson , S .

, throat.

Yeding , S , contending, quarreling .

Yellowii ess, O . E .

, j ealousy.

Youdith , S.

, youthfulness .

Ye, S .

, you , or your.

Yuke , S , the Itch .

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