Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

Enter BURLEIGH, LEICESTER, and PAULET.

[LEICESTER remains in the background, without raising his eyes; BURLEIGH, who remarks his confusion, steps between him and the QUEEN.

Burleigh. I come, my Lady Stuart, to receive Your last commands and wishes.

Mary. Thanks, my lord.

Burleigh. It is the pleasure of my royal mistress That nothing reasonable be denied you.

Mary. My will, my lord, declares my last desires; I've placed it in the hand of Sir Amias, And humbly beg that it may be fulfilled.

Paulet. You may rely on this.

Mary. I beg that all My servants unmolested may return To France, or Scotland, as their wishes lead.

Burleigh. It shall be as you wish.

Mary. And since my body Is not to rest in consecrated ground, I pray you suffer this my faithful servant To bear my heart to France, to my relations-- Alas! 'twas ever there.

Burleigh. It shall be done. What wishes else?

Mary. Unto her majesty Of England bear a sister's salutation; Tell her that from the bottom of my heart I pardon her my death; most humbly, too, I crave her to forgive me for the passion With which I spoke to her. May God preserve her And bless her with a long and prosperous reign.

Burleigh. Say, do you still adhere to your resolve, And still refuse assistance from the dean?

Mary. My lord, I've made my peace with God.

[To PAULET.

Good sir, I have unwittingly caused you much sorrow, Bereft you of your age's only stay. Oh, let me hope you do not hate my name.

Paulet. (giving her his hand) The Lord be with you! Go your way in peace.