Part 370 (1/2)

ELIZABETH.

This, Walsingham hath written us.

MORTIMER.

Besides, a bull, which from the Vatican Pope Sixtus lately levelled at thy throne, Arrived at Rheims, as I was leaving it; With the next s.h.i.+p we may expect it here.

LEICESTER.

England no more is frightened by such arms.

BURLEIGH.

They're always dangerous in bigots' hands.

ELIZABETH (looking steadfastly at MORTIMER).

Your enemies have said that you frequented The schools at Rheims, and have abjured your faith.

MORTIMER.

So I pretended, that I must confess; Such was my anxious wish to serve my queen.

ELIZABETH (to PAULET, who presents papers to her).

What have you there?

PAULET.

'Tis from the Queen of Scots.

'Tis a pet.i.tion, and to thee addressed.

BURLEIGH (hastily catching at it).

Give me the paper.

PAULET (giving it to the QUEEN).

By your leave, my lord High-treasurer; the lady ordered me To bring it to her majesty's own hands.

She says I am her enemy; I am The enemy of her offences only, And that which is consistent with my duty I will, and readily, oblige her in.

[The QUEEN takes the letter: as she reads it MORTIMER and LEICESTER speak some words in private.

BURLEIGH (to PAULET).

What may the purport of the letter be?

Idle complaints, from which one ought to screen The queen's too tender heart.

PAULET.

What it contains She did not hide from me; she asks a boon; She begs to be admitted to the grace Of speaking with the queen.

BURLEIGH.

It cannot be.

TALBOT.

Why not? Her supplication's not unjust.

BURLEIGH.

For her, the base encourager of murder; Her, who hath thirsted for our sovereign's blood, The privilege to see the royal presence Is forfeited: a faithful counsellor Can never give this treacherous advice.

TALBOT.

And if the queen is gracious, sir, are you The man to hinder pity's soft emotions?