Part 391 (1/2)

Permit me, in this weighty act, to be Your pa.s.sive instrument, without a will:-- Tell me in plain, undoubted terms your pleasure, What with the b.l.o.o.d.y mandate I should do.

ELIZABETH.

Its name declares its meaning.

DAVISON.

Do you, then, My liege, command its instant execution?

ELIZABETH.

I said not that; I tremble but to think it.

DAVISON.

Shall I retain it, then, 'till further orders?

ELIZABETH.

At your own risk; you answer the event.

DAVISON.

I! gracious heavens! Oh, speak, my queen, your pleasure!

ELIZABETH.

My pleasure is that this unhappy business Be no more mentioned to me; that at last I may be freed from it, and that forever.

DAVISON.

It costs you but a word--determine then What shall I do with this mysterious scroll?

ELIZABETH.

I have declared it, plague me, sir, no longer.

DAVISON.

You have declared it, say you? Oh, my queen, You have said nothing. Please, my gracious mistress, But to remember----

ELIZABETH (stamps on the ground).

Insupportable!

DAVISON.

Oh, be indulgent to me! I have entered Unwittingly, not many months ago, Upon this office; I know not the language Of courts and kings. I ever have been reared In simple, open wise, a plain blunt man.

Be patient with me; nor deny your servant A light to lead him clearly to his duty.

[He approaches her in a supplicating posture, she turns her back on him; he stands in despair; then speaks with a tone of resolution.

Take, take again this paper--take it back!

Within my hands it is a glowing fire.

Select not me, my queen; select not me To serve you in this terrible conjecture.

ELIZABETH.

Go, sir;--fulfil the duty of your office.

[Exit.