Part 378 (1/2)

PAULET.

The queen approaches.

[They all draw aside; MARY alone remains, leaning on KENNEDY.

SCENE IV.

The same, ELIZABETH, EARL OF LEICESTER, and Retinue.

ELIZABETH (to LEICESTER).

What seat is that, my lord?

LEICESTER.

'Tis Fotheringay.

ELIZABETH (to SHREWSBURY).

My lord, send back our retinue to London; The people crowd too eager in the roads, We'll seek a refuge in this quiet park.

[TALBOT sends the train away. She looks steadfastly at MARY, as she speaks further with PAULET.

My honest people love me overmuch.

These signs of joy are quite idolatrous.

Thus should a G.o.d be honored, not a mortal.

MARY (who the whole time had leaned, almost fainting, on KENNEDY, rises now, and her eyes meet the steady, piercing look of ELIZABETH; she shudders and throws herself again upon KENNEDY'S bosom).

O G.o.d! from out these features speaks no heart.

ELIZABETH.

What lady's that?

[A general, embarra.s.sed silence.

LEICESTER.

You are at Fotheringay, My liege!

ELIZABETH (as if surprised, casting an angry look at LEICESTER).

Who hath done this, my Lord of Leicester?

LEICESTER.

'Tis past, my queen;--and now that heaven hath led Your footsteps. .h.i.ther, be magnanimous; And let sweet pity be triumphant now.

SHREWSBURY.

Oh, royal mistress! yield to our entreaties; Oh, cast your eyes on this unhappy one Who stands dissolved in anguish.

[MARY collects herself, and begins to advance towards ELIZABETH, stops shuddering at half way: her action expresses the most violent internal struggle.

ELIZABETH.

How, my lords!

Which of you then announced to me a prisoner Bowed down by woe? I see a haughty one By no means humbled by calamity.

MARY.

Well, be it so:--to this will I submit.

Farewell high thought, and pride of n.o.ble mind!