Part 389 (1/2)

So be the warrant instantly prepared.

[BURLEIGH withdraws; a tumult heard without.

SCENE VII.

The QUEEN, the EARL OF KENT.

ELIZABETH.

How now, my Lord of Kent? What uproar's this I hear without?

KENT.

My queen, it is thy people, Who, round the palace ranged, impatiently Demand to see their sovereign.

ELIZABETH.

What's their wish?

KENT.

A panic terror has already spread Through London, that thy life has been attempted; That murderers commissioned from the pope Beset thee; that the Catholics have sworn To rescue from her prison Mary Stuart, And to proclaim her queen. Thy loyal people Believe it, and are mad; her head alone Can quiet them; this day must be her last.

ELIZABETH.

How! Will they force me, then?

KENT.

They are resolved----

SCENE VIII.

Enter BURLEIGH and DAVISON, with a paper.

ELIZABETH.

Well, Davison?

DAVISON (approaches earnestly).

Your orders are obeyed, My queen----

ELIZABETH.

What orders, sir?

[As she is about to take the paper, she shudders, and starts back.

Oh, G.o.d!

BURLEIGH.

Obey Thy people's voice; it is the voice of G.o.d.

ELIZABETH (irresolute, as if in contest with herself) Oh, my good lord, who will a.s.sure me now That what I hear is my whole people's voice, The voice of all the world! Ah! much I fear, That, if I now should listen to the wish Of the wild mult.i.tude, a different voice Might soon be heard;--and that the very men, Who now by force oblige me to this step, May, when 'tis taken, heavily condemn me!

SCENE IX.

Enter the EARL OF SHREWSBURY (who enters with great emotion).

SHREWSBURY.