Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

SCENE II.

      Enter PAULET.

   PAULET.
   Well, have I acted right at last, my lady?
   Do I for once, at least, deserve your thanks?

   MARY.
   How! Do I owe this favor, sir, to you?

   PAULET.
   Why not to me? I visited the court,
   And gave the queen your letter.

   MARY.
                    Did you give it?
   In very truth did you deliver it?
   And is this freedom which I now enjoy
   The happy consequence?

   PAULET (significantly).
               Nor that alone;
   Prepare yourself to see a greater still.

   MARY.
   A greater still! What do you mean by that?

   PAULET.
   You heard the bugle-horns?

   MARY (starting back with foreboding apprehension).
                 You frighten me.

   PAULET.
   The queen is hunting in the neighborhood——

   MARY.
                          What!

   PAULET.
   In a few moments she'll appear before you.

   KENNEDY (hastening towards MARY, and about to fall).
   How fare you, dearest lady? You grow pale.

   PAULET.
   How? Is't not well? Was it not then your prayer?
   'Tis granted now, before it was expected;
   You who had ever such a ready speech,
   Now summon all your powers of eloquence,
   The important time to use them now is come.

   MARY.
   Oh, why was I not told of this before?
   Now I am not prepared for it—not now
   What, as the greatest favor, I besought,
   Seems to me now most fearful; Hannah, come,
   Lead me into the house, till I collect
   My spirits.

   PAULET.
          Stay; you must await her here.
   Yes! I believe you may be well alarmed
   To stand before your judge.