Burleigh monologue (Act 4) — Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

Now by mine honor, when I hear my queen, My royal liege, speak such unroyal words, I should betray my office, should betray My country, were I longer to be silent. You say you love your people 'bove yourself, Now prove it. Choose not peace for your own heart, And leave your kingdom to the storms of discord. Think on the church. Shall, with this papist queen The ancient superstition be renewed? The monk resume his sway, the Roman legate In pomp march hither; lock our churches up, Dethrone our monarchs? I demand of you The souls of all your subjects--as you now Shall act, they all are saved, or all are lost! Here is no time for mercy;--to promote Your people's welfare is your highest duty. If Shrewsbury has saved your life, then I Will save both you and England--that is more!