Part 371 (2/2)

MORTIMER.

Depend on me.

ELIZABETH.

When shall my head lie calmly down to sleep?

MORTIMER.

The next new moon will terminate thy fears.

ELIZABETH.

And be the selfsame happy day the dawn Of your preferment--so G.o.d speed you, sir; And be not hurt, if, chance, my thankfulness Should wear the mask of darkness. Silence is The happy suitor's G.o.d. The closest bonds, The dearest, are the works of secrecy.

[Exit.

SCENE VI.

MORTIMER (alone).

Go, false, deceitful queen! As thou deludest The world, e'en so I cozen thee; 'tis right, Thus to betray thee; 'tis a worthy deed.

Look I then like a murderer? Hast thou read Upon my brow such base dexterity?

Trust only to my arm, and keep thine own Concealed--a.s.sume the pious outward show Of mercy 'fore the world, while reckoning In secret on my murderous aid; and thus By gaining time we shall insure her rescue.

Thou wilt exalt me!--show'st me from afar The costly recompense: but even were Thyself the prize, and all thy woman's favor, What art thou, poor one, and what canst thou proffer?

I scorn ambition's avaricious strife, With her alone is all the charm of life, O'er her, in rounds of endless glory, hover Spirits with grace, and youth eternal blessed, Celestial joy is throned upon her breast.

Thou hast but earthly, mortal goods to offer-- That sovereign good, for which all else be slighted, When heart in heart, delighting and delighted; Together flow in sweet forgetfulness;-- Ne'er didst thou woman's fairest crown possess, Ne'er hast thou with thy hand a lover's heart requited.

I must attend Lord Leicester, and deliver Her letter to him--'tis a hateful charge-- I have no confidence in this court puppet-- I can effect her rescue, I alone; Be danger, honor, and the prize my own.

[As he is going, PAULET meets him.

SCENE VII.

MORTIMER, PAULET.

PAULET.

What said the queen to you?

MORTIMER.

'Twas nothing, sir; Nothing of consequence----

PAULET (looking at him earnestly).

Hear, Mortimer!

It is a false and slippery ground on which You tread. The grace of princes is alluring, Youth loves ambition--let not yours betray you.

MORTIMER.

Was it not yourself that brought me to the court?

PAULET.

Oh, would to G.o.d I had not done as much!

The honor of our house was never reaped In courts--stand fast, my nephew--purchase not Too dear, nor stain your conscience with a crime.

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