Or fall in deep repentance at your feet?

No; the base wretch defied you; he, who was Your bounty"s creature, wished to play your king, [And strove, through fear, to force your inclination.]

Before your eyes he had your favorite singer, Poor Rizzio, murdered; you did but avenge With blood the b.l.o.o.d.y deed----

MARY.

And bloodily, I fear, too soon "twill be avenged on me: You seek to comfort me, and you condemn me.

KENNEDY.

You were, when you consented to this deed, No more yourself; belonged not to yourself; The madness of a frantic love possessed you, And bound you to a terrible seducer, The wretched Bothwell. That despotic man Ruled you with shameful, overbearing will, And with his philters and his h.e.l.lish arts Inflamed your pa.s.sions.

MARY.

All the arts he used Were man"s superior strength and woman"s weakness.

KENNEDY.

No, no, I say. The most pernicious spirits Of h.e.l.l he must have summoned to his aid, To cast this mist before your waking senses.

Your ear no more was open to the voice Of friendly warning, and your eyes were shut To decency; soft female bashfulness Deserted you; those cheeks, which were before The seat of virtuous, blushing modesty, Glowed with the flames of unrestrained desire.

You cast away the veil of secrecy, And the flagitious daring of the man O"ercame your natural coyness: you exposed Your shame, unblushingly, to public gaze: You let the murderer, whom the people followed With curses, through the streets of Edinburgh, Before you bear the royal sword of Scotland In triumph. You begirt your parliament With armed bands; and by this shameless farce, There, in the very temple of great justice, You forced the judges of the land to clear The murderer of his guilt. You went still further-- O G.o.d!

MARY.

Conclude--nay, pause not--say for this I gave my hand in marriage at the altar.

KENNEDY.

O let an everlasting silence veil That dreadful deed: the heart revolts at it.

A crime to stain the darkest criminal!

Yet you are no such lost one, that I know.

I nursed your youth myself--your heart is framed For tender softness: "tis alive to shame, And all your fault is thoughtless levity.

Yes, I repeat it, there are evil spirits, Who sudden fix in man"s unguarded breast Their fatal residence, and there delight To act their dev"lish deeds; then hurry back Unto their native h.e.l.l, and leave behind Remorse and horror in the poisoned bosom.

Since this misdeed, which blackens thus your life, You have done nothing ill; your conduct has Been pure; myself can witness your amendment.

Take courage, then; with your own heart make peace.

Whatever cause you have for penitence, You are not guilty here. Nor England"s queen, Nor England"s parliament can be your judge.

Here might oppresses you: you may present Yourself before this self-created court With all the fort.i.tude of innocence.

MARY.

I hear a step.

KENNEDY.

It is the nephew--In.

SCENE V.

The same. Enter MORTIMER, approaching cautiously.

MORTIMER (to KENNEDY).

Step to the door, and keep a careful watch, I have important business with the queen.

MARY (with dignity).

I charge thee, Hannah, go not hence--remain.

MORTIMER.

Fear not, my gracious lady--learn to know me.

[He gives her a card.

MARY (She examines it, and starts back astonished).

Heavens! What is this?

MORTIMER (to KENNEDY).

Retire, good Kennedy; See that my uncle comes not unawares.

MARY (to KENNEDY, who hesitates, and looks at the QUEEN inquiringly).

Go in; do as he bids you.

[KENNEDY retires with signs of wonder.

SCENE VI.

MARY, MORTIMER.

MARY.

From my uncle In France--the worthy Cardinal of Lorrain?

[She reads.

"Confide in Mortimer, who brings you this; You have no truer, firmer friend in England."

[Looking at him with astonishment.

Can I believe it? Is there no delusion To cheat my senses? Do I find a friend So near, when I conceived myself abandoned By the whole world? And find that friend in you, The nephew of my gaoler, whom I thought My most inveterate enemy?

MORTIMER (kneeling).

Oh, pardon, My gracious liege, for the detested mask, Which it has cost me pain enough to wear; Yet through such means alone have I the power To see you, and to bring you help and rescue.

MARY.

Arise, sir; you astonish me; I cannot So suddenly emerge from the abyss Of wretchedness to hope: let me conceive This happiness, that I may credit it.

MORTIMER.

Our time is brief: each moment I expect My uncle, whom a hated man attends; Hear, then, before his terrible commission Surprises you, how heaven prepares your rescue.

MARY.

You come in token of its wondrous power.

MORTIMER.

Allow me of myself to speak.

MARY.

Say on.