Mary Stuart: A Tragedy

SCENE VII.

      The QUEEN, the EARL OF KENT.

   ELIZABETH.
   How now, my Lord of Kent? What uproar's this
   I hear without?

   KENT.
            My queen, it is thy people,
   Who, round the palace ranged, impatiently
   Demand to see their sovereign.

   ELIZABETH.
                    What's their wish?

   KENT.
   A panic terror has already spread
   Through London, that thy life has been attempted;
   That murderers commissioned from the pope
   Beset thee; that the Catholics have sworn
   To rescue from her prison Mary Stuart,
   And to proclaim her queen. Thy loyal people
   Believe it, and are mad; her head alone
   Can quiet them; this day must be her last.

   ELIZABETH.
   How! Will they force me, then?

   KENT.
                    They are resolved——