Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

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.