Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

SCENE I.

      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.