Part 7 (1/2)

See then: Mary of Scotland, married to your Dauphin, Would make our England, France; Mary of England, joining hands with Spain, Would be too strong for France.

Yea, were there issue born to her, Spain and we, One crown, might rule the world. There lies your fear.

That is your drift. You play at hide and seek.

Show me your faces!

NOAILLES. Madam, I am amazed: French, I must needs wish all good things for France.

That must be pardon'd me; but I protest Your Grace's policy hath a farther flight Than mine into the future. We but seek Some settled ground for peace to stand upon.

MARY. Well, we will leave all this, sir, to our council.

Have you seen Philip ever?

NOAILLES. Only once.

MARY. Is this like Philip?

NOAILLES. Ay, but n.o.bler-looking.

MARY. Hath he the large ability of the Emperor?

NOAILLES. No, surely.

MARY. I can make allowance for thee, Thou speakest of the enemy of thy king.

NOAILLES. Make no allowance for the naked truth.

He is every way a lesser man than Charles; Stone-hard, ice-cold--no dash of daring in him.

MARY. If cold, his life is pure.

NOAILLES. Why (_smiling_), no, indeed.

MARY. Sayst thou?

NOAILLES. A very wanton life indeed (_smiling_).

MARY. Your audience is concluded, sir.

[_Exit_ NOAILLES.

You cannot Learn a man's nature from his natural foe.

_Enter_ USHER.

Who waits?

USHER. The Amba.s.sador of Spain, your Grace.

[_Exit_.

_Enter_ SIMON RENARD.

MARY (_rising to meet him_).

Thou art ever welcome, Simon Renard. Hast thou Brought me the letter which thine Emperor promised Long since, a formal offer of the hand Of Philip?

RENARD. Nay, your Grace, it hath not reach'd me.