Part 399 (1/2)

DAVISON.

Into my charge, my liege!

ELIZABETH.

The people urged And baited me to sign it. I perforce Was driven to yield obedience to their will.

I did so; did so on extreme constraint, And in your hands deposited the paper.

To gain time was my purpose; you remember What then I told you. Now, the paper, sir!

SHREWSBURY.

Restore it, sir, affairs have changed since then, The inquiry must be set on foot anew.

DAVISON.

Anew! Eternal mercy!

ELIZABETH.

Why this pause, This hesitation? Where, sir, is the paper?

DAVISON.

I am undone! Undone! My fate is sealed!

ELIZABETH (interrupting him violently).

Let me not fancy, sir----

DAVISON.

Oh, I am lost!

I have it not.

ELIZABETH.

How? What?

SHREWSBURY.

Oh, G.o.d in heaven!

DAVISON.

It is in Burleigh's hands--since yesterday.

ELIZABETH.

Wretch! Is it thus you have obeyed my orders?

Did I not lay my strict injunction on you To keep it carefully?

DAVISON.

No such injunction Was laid on me, my liege.

ELIZABETH.

Give me the lie?

Opprobrious wretch! When did I order you To give the paper into Burleigh's hands?

DAVISON.