Mary Stuart

SCENE I.

London, a Hall in the Palace of Westminster. The EARL OF KENT

and SIR WILLIAM DAVISON meeting.

DAVISON.

Is that my Lord of Kent? So soon returned?

Is then the tourney, the carousal over?

KENT.

How now? Were you not present at the tilt?

DAVISON.

My office kept me here.

KENT.

Believe me, sir,

You've lost the fairest show which ever state

Devised, or graceful dignity performed:

For beauty's virgin fortress was presented

As by desire invested; the Earl-Marshal,

The Lord-High Admiral, and ten other knights

Belonging to the queen defended it,

And France's cavaliers led the attack.

A herald marched before the gallant troop,

And summoned, in a madrigal, the fortress;

And from the walls the chancellor replied;

And then the artillery was played, and nosegays

Breathing delicious fragrance were discharged

From neat field-pieces; but in vain, the storm

Was valiantly resisted, and desire

Was forced, unwillingly, to raise the siege.

DAVISON.

A sign of evil-boding, good my lord,

For the French Suitors.

KENT.

Why, you know that this

Was but in sport; when the attack's in earnest

The fortress will, no doubt, capitulate.

DAVISON.

Ha! think you so? I never can believe it.

KENT.

The hardest article of all is now

Adjusted and acceded to by France;

The Duke of Anjou is content to hold

His holy worship in a private chapel;

And openly he promises to honor

And to protect the realm's established faith.

Had ye but heard the people's joyful shouts

Where'er the tidings spread, for it has been

The country's constant fear the queen might die

Without immediate issue of her body;

And England bear again the Romish chains

If Mary Stuart should ascend the throne.

DAVISON.

This fear appears superfluous; she goes

Into the bridal chamber; Mary Stuart

Enters the gates of death.

KENT.

The queen approaches.