Part 380 (1/2)

SCENE VI.

Enter MORTIMER.

KENNEDY.

Oh, Sir! What an occurrence!

MORTIMER.

I heard all--

[Gives the nurse a sign to repair to her post, and draws nearer; his whole appearance expresses the utmost violence of pa.s.sion.

Thine is the palm;--thou trod'st her to the dust!-- Thou wast the queen, she was the malefactor;-- I am transported with thy n.o.ble courage;-- Yes! I adore thee; like a Deity, My sense is dazzled by thy heavenly beams.

MARY (with vivacity and expectation).

You spoke with Leicester, gave my letter to him.

My present, too?--oh, speak, sir.

MORTIMER (beholding her with glowing looks).

How thy n.o.ble, Thy royal indignation shone, and cast A glory round thy beauty; yes, by heavens, Thou art the fairest woman upon earth!

MARY.

Sir, satisfy, I beg you, my impatience; What says his lords.h.i.+p? Say, sir, may I hope?

MORTIMER.

Who?--he?--he is a wretch, a very coward, Hope naught from him; despise him, and forget him!

MARY.

What say you?

MORTIMER.

He deliver, and possess you!

Why let him dare it:--he!--he must with me In mortal contest first deserve the prize!

MARY.

You gave him not my letter? Then, indeed My hopes are lost!

MORTIMER.

The coward loves his life.

Whoe'er would rescue you, and call you his, Must boldly dare affront e'en death itself!

MARY.

Will he do nothing for me?

MORTIMER.

Speak not of him.

What can he do? What need have we of him?

I will release you; I alone.

MARY.