Part 358 (1/2)

That tongue betokens England's enemy.

KENNEDY.

Sketches of letters to the Queen of England.

PAULET.

I'll be their bearer. Ha! what glitters here?

[He touches a secret spring, and draws out jewels from a private drawer.

A royal diadem enriched with stones, And studded with the fleur-de-lis of France.

[He hands it to his a.s.sistant.

Here, take it, Drury; lay it with the rest.

[Exit DRURY.

[And ye have found the means to hide from us Such costly things, and screen them, until now, From our inquiring eyes?]

KENNEDY.

Oh, insolent And tyrant power, to which we must submit.

PAULET.

She can work ill as long as she hath treasures; For all things turn to weapons in her hands.

KENNEDY (supplicating).

Oh, sir! be merciful; deprive us not Of the last jewel that adorns our life!

'Tis my poor lady's only joy to view This symbol of her former majesty; Your hands long since have robbed us of the rest.

PAULET.

'Tis in safe custody; in proper time 'Twill be restored to you with scrupulous care.

KENNEDY.

Who that beholds these naked walls could say That majesty dwelt here? Where is the throne?

Where the imperial canopy of state?

Must she not set her tender foot, still used To softest treading, on the rugged ground?

With common pewter, which the lowliest dame Would scorn, they furnish forth her homely table.

PAULET.

Thus did she treat her spouse at Stirling once; And pledged, the while, her paramour in gold.

KENNEDY.

Even the mirror's trifling aid withheld.

PAULET.

The contemplation of her own vain image Incites to hope, and prompts to daring deeds.

KENNEDY.

Books are denied her to divert her mind.

PAULET.

The Bible still is left to mend her heart.

KENNEDY.