Mary Stuart

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--