Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

SCENE V.

      ELIZABETH, MORTIMER.

   ELIZABETH (having measured him for some time with her eyes in silence).
   You've shown a spirit of adventurous courage
   And self-possession, far beyond your years.
   He who has timely learnt to play so well
   The difficult dissembler's needful task
   Becomes a perfect man before his time,
   And shortens his probationary years.
   Fate calls you to a lofty scene of action;
   I prophesy it, and can, happily
   For you, fulfil, myself, my own prediction.

   MORTIMER.
   Illustrious mistress, what I am, and all
   I can accomplish, is devoted to you.

   ELIZABETH.
   You've made acquaintance with the foes of England.
   Their hate against me is implacable;
   Their fell designs are inexhaustible.
   As yet, indeed, Almighty Providence
   Hath shielded me; but on my brows the crown
   Forever trembles, while she lives who fans
   Their bigot-zeal, and animates their hopes.

   MORTIMER.
   She lives no more, as soon as you command it.

   ELIZABETH.
   Oh, sir! I thought I saw my labors end,
   And I am come no further than at first,
   I wished to let the laws of England act,
   And keep my own hands pure from blood's defilement.
   The sentence is pronounced—what gain I by it?
   It must be executed, Mortimer,
   And I must authorize the execution.
   The blame will ever light on me, I must
   Avow it, nor can save appearances.
   That is the worst——

   MORTIMER.
              But can appearances
   Disturb your conscience where the cause is just?

   ELIZABETH.
   You are unpractised in the world, sir knight;
   What we appear, is subject to the judgment
   Of all mankind, and what we are, of no man.
   No one will be convinced that I am right:
   I must take care that my connivance in
   Her death be wrapped in everlasting doubt.
   In deeds of such uncertain double visage
   Safety lies only in obscurity.
   Those measures are the worst that stand avowed;
   What's not abandoned, is not wholly lost.

   MORTIMER (seeking to learn her meaning).
   Then it perhaps were best——

   ELIZABETH (quick).
                  Ay, surely 'twere
   The best; Oh, sir, my better angel speaks
   Through you;—go on then, worthy sir, conclude
   You are in earnest, you examine deep,
   Have quite a different spirit from your uncle.

   MORTIMER (surprised).
   Have you imparted then your wishes to him?

   ELIZABETH.
   I am sorry that I have.

   MORTIMER.
                Excuse his age,
   The old man is grown scrupulous; such bold
   Adventures ask the enterprising heart
   Of youth——

   ELIZABETH.
   And may I venture then on you——

   MORTIMER.
   My hand I'll lend thee; save then as thou canst
   Thy reputation——

   ELIZABETH.
            Yes, sir; if you could
   But waken me some morning with this news
   "Maria Stuart, your bloodthirsty foe,
   Breathed yesternight her last"——

   MORTIMER.
                    Depend on me.

   ELIZABETH.
   When shall my head lie calmly down to sleep?

   MORTIMER.
   The next new moon will terminate thy fears.

   ELIZABETH.
   And be the selfsame happy day the dawn
   Of your preferment—so God speed you, sir;
   And be not hurt, if, chance, my thankfulness
   Should wear the mask of darkness. Silence is
   The happy suitor's god. The closest bonds,
   The dearest, are the works of secrecy.

                      [Exit.