LEICESTER.

What"s that to me?

MORTIMER.

They know, too, That the a.s.sa.s.sin----

LEICESTER.

That is your affair-- Audacious wretch! to dare to mix my name In your detested outrage: go; defend Your b.l.o.o.d.y deeds yourself!

MORTIMER.

But only hear me.

LEICESTER (violently enraged).

Down, down to h.e.l.l! Why cling you at my heels Like an infernal spirit! I disclaim you; I know you not; I make no common cause With murderers!

MORTIMER.

You will not hear me, then!

I came to warn you; you too are detected.

LEICESTER.

How! What?

MORTIMER.

Lord Burleigh went to Fotheringay Just as the luckless deed had been attempted; Searched with strict scrutiny the queen"s apartments, And found there----

LEICESTER.

What?

MORTIMER.

A letter which the queen Had just addressed to you----

LEICESTER.

Unhappy woman!

MORTIMER.

In which she calls on you to keep your word, Renews the promise of her hand, and mentions The picture which she sent you.

LEICESTER.

Death and h.e.l.l!

MORTIMER.

Lord Burleigh has the letter.

LEICESTER.

I am lost!

[During the following speech of MORTIMER, LEICESTER goes up and down as in despair.

MORTIMER.

Improve the moment; be beforehand with him, And save yourself--save her! An oath can clear Your fame; contrive excuses to avert The worst. I am disarmed, can do no more; My comrades are dispersed--to pieces fallen Our whole confederacy. For Scotland I To rally such new friends as there I may.

"Tis now your turn, my lord; try what your weight, What bold a.s.surance can effect.

LEICESTER (stops suddenly as if resolved).

I will.

[Goes to the door, opens it, and calls.

Who waits without? Guards! seize this wretched traitor!

[To the officer, who comes in with soldiers.

And guard him closely! A most dreadful plot Is brought to light--I"ll to her majesty.

MORTIMER (stands for a time petrified with wonder; collects himself soon, and follows LEICESTER with his looks expressive of the most sovereign contempt).

Infamous wretch! But I deserve it all.

Who told me then to trust this practised villain?

Now o"er my head he strides, and on my fall He builds the bridge of safety! be it so; Go, save thyself--my lips are sealed forever; I will not join even thee in my destruction; I would not own thee, no, not even in death; Life is the faithless villain"s only good!

[To the officer of the guard, who steps forward to seize him.

What wilt thou, slave of tyranny, with me?

I laugh to scorn thy threatenings; I am free.

[Drawing a dagger.

OFFICER.

He"s armed; rush in and wrest his weapon from him.

[They rush upon him, he defends himself.

MORTIMER (raising his voice).

And in this latest moment shall my heart Expand itself in freedom, and my tongue Shall break this long constraint. Curse and destruction Light on you all who have betrayed your faith, Your G.o.d, and your true sovereign! Who, alike To earthly Mary false as to the heavenly, Have sold your duties to this b.a.s.t.a.r.d queen!

OFFICER.

Hear you these blasphemies? Rush forward--seize him.

MORTIMER.

Beloved queen! I could not set thee free; Yet take a lesson from me how to die.

Mary, thou holy one, O! pray for me!

And take me to thy heavenly home on high.

[Stabs himself, and falls into the arms of the guard.

SCENE V.

The apartment of the Queen.