Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

MORTIMER, PAULET.

Paulet. What said the queen to you?

Mortimer. 'Twas nothing, sir; Nothing of consequence----

Paulet. (looking at him earnestly) Hear, Mortimer! It is a false and slippery ground on which You tread. The grace of princes is alluring, Youth loves ambition--let not yours betray you.

Mortimer. Was it not yourself that brought me to the court?

Paulet. Oh, would to God I had not done as much! The honor of our house was never reaped In courts--stand fast, my nephew--purchase not Too dear, nor stain your conscience with a crime.

Mortimer. What are these fears? What are you dreaming of?

Paulet. How high soever the queen may pledge herself To raise you, trust not her alluring words. [The spirit of the world's a lying spirit, And vice is a deceitful, treacherous friend.] She will deny you, if you listen to her; And, to preserve her own good name, will punish The bloody deed, which she herself enjoined.

Mortimer. The bloody deed!----

Paulet. Away, dissimulation!-- I know the deed the queen proposed to you. She hopes that your ambitious youth will prove More docile than my rigid age. But say, Have you then pledged your promise, have you?

Mortimer. Uncle!

Paulet. If you have done so, I abandon you, And lay my curse upon you----

Leicester. (entering) Worthy sir! I with your nephew wish a word. The queen Is graciously inclined to him; she wills That to his custody the Scottish queen Be with full powers intrusted. She relies On his fidelity.

Paulet. Relies!--'tis well----

Leicester. What say you, sir?

Paulet. Her majesty relies On him; and I, my noble lord, rely Upon myself, and my two open eyes.

[Exit.