Part 379 (1/2)

MARY.

I'm in the hand of heaven. You never will Exert so cruelly the power it gives you.

ELIZABETH.

Who shall prevent me? Say, did not your uncle Set all the kings of Europe the example, How to conclude a peace with those they hate.

Be mine the school of Saint Bartholomew; What's kindred then to me, or nation's laws?

The church can break the bands of every duty; It consecrates the regicide, the traitor; I only practise what your priests have taught!

Say then, what surety can be offered me, Should I magnanimously loose your bonds?

Say, with what lock can I secure your faith, Which by Saint Peter's keys cannot be opened?

Force is my only surety; no alliance Can be concluded with a race of vipers.

MARY.

Oh! this is but your wretched, dark suspicion!

For you have constantly regarded me But as a stranger, and an enemy.

Had you declared me heir to your dominions, As is my right, then grat.i.tude and love In me had fixed, for you, a faithful friend And kinswoman.

ELIZABETH.

Your friends.h.i.+p is abroad, Your house is papacy, the monk your brother.

Name you my successor! The treacherous snare!

That in my life you might seduce my people; And, like a sly Armida, in your net Entangle all our n.o.ble English youth; That all might turn to the new rising sun, And I----

MARY.

O sister, rule your realm in peace; I give up every claim to these domains-- Alas! the pinions of my soul are lamed; Greatness entices me no more: your point Is gained; I am but Mary's shadow now-- My n.o.ble spirit is at last broke down By long captivity:--you've done your worst On me; you have destroyed me in my bloom!

Now, end your work, my sister;--speak at length The word, which to p.r.o.nounce has brought you hither; For I will ne'er believe that you are come, To mock unfeelingly your hapless victim.

p.r.o.nounce this word;--say, ”Mary, you are free: You have already felt my power,--learn now To honor too my generosity.”

Say this, and I will take my life, will take My freedom, as a present from your hands.

One word makes all undone;--I wait for it;-- Oh, let it not be needlessly delayed.

Woe to you if you end not with this word!

For should you not, like some divinity, Dispensing n.o.ble blessings, quit me now, Then, sister, not for all this island's wealth, For all the realms encircled by the deep, Would I exchange my present lot for yours.

ELIZABETH.

And you confess at last that you are conquered: Are all your schemes run out? No more a.s.sa.s.sins Now on the road? Will no adventurer Attempt again for you the sad achievement?

Yes, madam, it is over:--you'll seduce No mortal more. The world has other cares;-- None is ambitious of the dangerous honor Of being your fourth husband--you destroy Your wooers like your husbands.

MARY (starting angrily).

Sister, sister!-- Grant me forbearance, all ye powers of heaven!

ELIZABETH (regards her long with a look of proud contempt).

Those then, my Lord of Leicester, are the charms Which no man with impunity can view, Near which no woman dare to stand?

In sooth, this honor has been cheaply gained; She who to all is common, may with ease Become the common object of applause.

MARY.

This is too much!

ELIZABETH (laughing insultingly).

You show us now, indeed, Your real face; till now 'twas but the mask.