wmmvM/m, TtEN ELIZ, ^^?S??S^^5^^^M%I ^LISFJMLD'A $^ QUEEN ELIZABETH AND EARL LEICESTER. H Brama in iFivc Hcts. BY WALTER INGLISFIELD. LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G. 1894. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CAIJI ORMA SAM A BARBARA THIS PLAY fs respectfully iebicatcb TO RICHARD T. MIDDLETON, Esq., F.I. Inst., Etc. QUEEN ELIZABETH AND EARL LEICESTEK. Dnimatis iJcrsoiur. Queen Elizabeth. The Earl of Leicester. Burleigh, Prime Mitiister. Charles IX., King of France. Due d'Alen^on. La MoTTE Fenelon, French Ambassador. Bishop Aylmer. Sir Charles Hatton, Vice- Chamberlain. The Earl of Sussex, Lord Chamberlain. Sir Thomas Smith, Am- bassador at the French Court. Walsingham, Ambassador at the French Court. Lord Lincoln. Sir John Melville. Sir Thomas Mole. Whitley, Hatton s scrvattt. Murderer. Catherine de Medicis. Countess of Essex. Countess of Shrewsbury. Kate Ashley. Lady Sheffield. Frances Ho\varo. Lady Lennox. Lady Freeze. Courtiers, Ministers., Getitlemen, Citizens, etc. ACT I. Scene I. — A street in London. Enter Earl of Sussex and Burleigh. Sussex. Hast thou no power to bend her will ? Burleigh. ""Twere easier to bend an iron rod Than her too stubborn will. I know no trick That could accomplish it. The more one tries The stubborner she is; and gentle counsel She changes to entreaty on our knees That we may keep our heads. Sussex. She angers me ! Burleigh. Nay, be not angry, Sussex. 4 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Sussex. Not angry ! My God, her stubborn will incites our anger. Burleigh. Hsh! If anyone should hear thee say such words, I would not give a snapping for thy life. Sussex. My life 1 Dost call this life, ruled by a woman's whims, And we've no power to ope our mouths and say, ' This shall be ' or ' That shall not be ' ? 'Tis not A manly life to hold a silent tongue, And let a foolish woman have her waj'. I'll be a man and utter what I think, E'en if I lose my head. Burleigh. Thou art too rash. I would advise thee put a curb upon Thy tongue, and blunt thy anger, my good lord. The keenest knife needs carefullest handling. Sussex. What use is any knife that's blunt ? We'd be In sorry plight, my friend, if we possessed No grinding stones. Queen ElizahetJi and Earl Leicester 5 Burleigh. Ah, well ! If thou dost know what's best for thee I'll hold My tongue. I'd give my life if I could force The queen to marry. Sussex. She must. If without issue she should die, then woe To England and our blessed Church! Damned Rome Would conquer and enslave us all. Burleigh. Methinks that Leicester is the cause of all This obstinacy. Sussex. Oh, damn the hypocrite ! He's England's curse and scourge. Burleigh. Alas ! [Exeunt Sussex and Burleigh. Enter Two Gentlemen, in conversation. 1ST Gent. If she should die, and leave no heir, the crown Would then revert to Mary, Queen of Scots, A Roman Catholic, and we should see 6 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester The bloody days of Mary's reign once more. O think, my friend, what storm would burst upon Our countr}-, should our gracious majesty Refuse to marry ! 2ND Gent. I see it all, And sorrow heavily. 'Twere better she Should marry Leicester than not wed at all. 1ST Gent. God forbid 1 I'd rather be enslaved to Rome than be A subject to so vile and mean a king. I marvel much her majesty can love A wretch so worthless, 2ND Gent. She loves his handsome face And graceful form. 1ST Gent. Which proves she is a woman, friend, of which So many are in grievous doubt. I would To God she were less true a woman, we Might live in more security than on Deceitful whims. Queen Elizabrth and Earl Leicester 7 Scene II. — \y cdmi)is.tcy : a private apartiiient in tJic Palace. Enter Queen Elizabeth alone. They'd force me marry, would they ? They would yoke My queenly dipi'nities with wifely cares ? God's death ! ril cure them. A husband! 'Sblood ! I'll husband them, and wife them, too ! I'm placed Above all men, and were a fool to share My power with any masculine thing they call A man ! I'll let no husband play the king O'er me. I know their real designs, but will Outwit them all. (A pause ) And yet I would I were A wife. With all its power and dignities, With all its pomp, and show, and splendour, 'tis But hollow mockery. I feed on naught But husks. I envy frequently the wives Of artisans. Though they are poor and mean, They have their husbands' and their children's love. I am no mother to my subjects, so They cannot love me with sweet children's love. I would I knew a deeper love. I am No longer young, but getting old and staid. So cannot hope to find a husband who 8 Quee7i Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Would love me for myself. I'd give my crown For such a love. Enter Leicester. What ! thou rude man ! wouldst dare to enter here ? Go from my presence, or thy head shall p.iy The penalty of thy rash act. Leicester (kneeling). Pray pardon, most beloved majesty. And be not angry with me, for 'twas love That brought my footsteps close to thee. I know, Indeed, thou'rt in no happy mood, and that Hath grieved me more than words can say. I would That thou wouldst let me share thy grief. I long To soothe it with the love I have for thee. Pray, think, beloved majesty, what pain It gives to me, what poignant misery, To know thou art not happy. There's no joy For me when there is none for thee. I know What risk I run by thus intruding here ; But love hath blinded me, and given me stren^^th To place my life in jeopardy. Elizabeth. Ah, Leicester, thou'rt a skilful man, and know'st Too well where my great weakness lies. 'Tis thou Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 9 Alone who canst with safety run the risk Of my displeasure, but e'en thou canst go Too far. I warn thee, let this be thy last Attempt. Another time I shall not be So quickly soothed. Pray go, and flatter thee That I have pardoned thy offence, and with Content that I am far from suffering What hath aroused thy fears. Leicester. Most gracious majesty, I give thee thanks. I'm most unworthy thy great gentleness. And thy too ready pardoning. It will But strengthen my great love for thee, and stir My zeal to serve thee faithfully. {Exit Leicester. Elizabeth. Methinks there's one who hath true love for me. And I love him. Yea, I would marry him If I could face the storm that then would burst And rage all o'er the land. Ofttimes I feel My love would give me strength ; and then I doubt. And fear o'ermasters me. My crown is set With many thorns, nor doth its splendour numb The pain of wearing it. I'm absolute ? I have, indeed, the power o'er life and death. lo Qitee?i Elizabeth and Earl Leicester But not the power to gain that happiness Which those who fear me may enjoy. I am More pitiable than they. I have no power To crush their greatest joys, yet they have means To make me lead a joyless life, and this They use relentlessly. They'd urge me wed A man I do not love ! They shall not. Nay, They shall not. They shall know that though I be A woman and a queen, I have a will That shall defeat their plans. \Exit Elizabeth. Scene III. — The same. A room of state in the Palace. Lords spiritual and temporal, ministers, courtiers, etc., await in groups for the Queen. The throne at one end. Lord Sussex and Sir Charles Hatton are heard conversing. Sussex. Well, Hatton, why this grieving look ? Hatton. I see dark clouds ahead. I fear they'll burst And injure us. Sussex. I see them, too. There's much to spoil in this assembly here. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 1 1 Hatton. Some fragile, dainty bodies, who can stand But little stress of storm. Sussex. Mark Burleigh there. He hath a drooping look. Hattox. Poor man ! He hath most weighty cares to bend his eyes. Sussex. Dost think she'll wed Anjou ? Hatton. I cannot tell. No man has skill to read her changing mind. Sussex. He is a worthy match for her, methinks. He's handsome, young, well-knit in form, and bold. Hatton. In England many are more worthy her. {Theye is now a stir amongst the assembly as the Queen is seen to enter with her attendants. She seats herself on the throne.) 12 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Elizabeth. What is the meaning of this audience ? Lord Bishop, I do bid thee speak, for thou Shouldst have a tend'rer conscience. I behold Sheep's clothing here amongst the rest. Aylmer. Beloved and most gracious sovereign, We, thy most humble subjects, deign to pray, By aid of God's most holy grace, that thou Wouldst in thy queenly wisdom — for, indeed, Thou art most wise above all queens that e'er Have reigned — think it now time to wed. Elizabeth. Ha! Aylmer. Think not, most gracious majesty, that we Presume, and would dictate to thee. I swear By God's most Holy W^rit we do it out Of love for thee and for the Church of which Thou art the worthy head. Thy enemies Rejoice in thy virginity. If thou Wouldst marry, it would crush their fondest hopes, And take their strength away. Think, mighty queen. Of that great empire thou dost rule, whose name Is known, whose power is felt, the wide world o'er. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 13 To thee it owes its mightiness ; ^tis thou Who keep'st intact the sandy atoms which Compose it, and which could with ease be rent Asunder by thy death. Elizabeth. 'Sblood! Speak not to me of death. If thou wouldst have Me listen to thy speech, I counsel thee To preach no funeral harangue. Aylmer. I crave thy pardon, gracious majesty. Elizabeth. I pardon thee With right good will. Thou art an honest man, But art the dupe of others who have used Thy mouth to speak their thoughts. I know their minds. They would coerce me into marriage. Ha ! They think 'twould be more manly to obe\' A king. They like no w'oman rule. They would Forget abroad who governs them at home. They like it not to take commands from one \\'hom they regard inferior to themselves. Sussex {inide to Hatton). She fishes well. 14 Queen Elizabeth and Eai'l Leicester Hatton '^a^idc to Sussex). The holy priest doth recognise the bait. He's tasted it aforetime. Aylmer. Nay, mighty queen, We do rejoice, and thank our God that He Hath sent from heaven a queen so \vise and gentle, So fair and beautiful, whose piety Hath been a good example to us all. No king could be so fit to govern us. 'Tis we who show no worthiness to be The subjects of so great a queen. If thrones Are only made secure if built upon A nation's love and gratitude, then thine Need never fear the fiercest storm. We have For thee the veneration which is due To those most wise. Then, think not, gracious madam, We scorn thee or thy government, and wish To have a king. Nay ! nay ! God knows it is Not so. Thou doest us a grievous wrong. We'd have thee wed, indeed, for thine own sake, And for thy truer happiness. Qucol Elizabeth and harl Leicester 15 Elizabeth. I thank thee, my good lord. Thou speakest welL Thou hast a tongue most eloquent. But I Would bid thee cease, not tire thyself, and store Thy eloquence for thy professional work. \Kxeunt Queen and attendants. Scene l\.— Outside the Palace. Enter Leicester and Burleigh. Leicester. I tell thee she will marry none but me. I know her mind on this too well to fear She'll wed a foreigner. I swear by Heaven She shall not marry any Due d'Anjou. I tell thee, Burleigh, I shall yet be king. And woe to my sworn enemies ! Methinks They'll tremble then and feel their heads quite loose. Burleigh. Thou know'st I am no enemy of thine. Leicester. Thou art too sly, my lord, And hast too great a fondness for thy head, 1 6 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester And for the power thou wield'st. But some are rash, And show their hasty tempers and their spleen ; But I will trip them up, by God ! [Exeunt both. Enter Sussex and Hatton. Sussex. I say she must be saved. She doth refuse To save herself, so we must do it. Hatton. What ! save her when the wolf is at her throat ? Sussex. Yea, even then. Hatton. But she will cling to it. She likes its bite. To-day a man of courage dared to say She sought her death, yet she insulted him. How shall we save her, then ? Sussex. I see a wa3\ She was not in a happy mood to-day. The bishop's weighty words will not be lost, I'll warrant thee. She'll deeply ponder them. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 1 7 Hatton. Pray God she will And find them curing medicine. Re-enter Leicester alone. Sussex. Here comes the traitor. {To Leicester) Thou art the cause, Detested hypocrite, why she hath scorned Our bishop's holy words. Thou art the cause Of her displeasure — thou, whose damned conceit Would have her for thyself. Leicester. Be calm, my lord. This haughty anger is most ill-advised. I thought thou wert a wiser man. Thou hast Not wisdom e'en to save thy head. Sussex. Nor hadst thy father, upstart, and the wisdom Which he did lack, which lopped his head, his son Hath well inherited. Thy father was A fool, but thou'rt a heartless knave. Leicester. But vet a knave too much for Sussex. Ha ! 1 8 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Sussex. Wilt thou dare imitate our gracious queen ! Thou art not fit to tie her blessed shoes. Leicester. But fit to be her husband, so she thinks. Sussex. Thou villain ! cur ! Leicester. My lord will rue these hasty words. I bear thee no ill-will. My happiness Hath eased my temper, sir. Sussex. I'd like to crack thy swollen head. [Exit Leicester. Hatton. He speaks the truth. Thou art too hast}', my good lord. We cannot Defeat the devil by high words. Our wrath Is oft the fire with which he tortures us. Sussex. Oh, damn the cur ! Shall such a villain wed our noble queen ? I'll kill him first. Yea, with my life I'll try To save my country and my queen. \Exeuntboth, Queen ElizabetJi and Earl Leicester 19 Scene V. — Room in the house of the Countess OF Essex. Tlie Countess discovered alone. Countess of Essex. My lord is late, An hour beyond his time. Why should I feel This strange disquietude ? I love him, yea, With all my heart, but can I be his wife ? The queen doth love him, too, and I am sure Would marry Dudle}- if she dared. If she But knew we have these secret interviews Nor he nor I would be alive a day. It is, I fear, the risk we run that makes me feel This dread. Enter Leicester disguised. Ah, thou art come ! Thou'rt late. {He kisses her.) Leicester. And didst thou fear I would not come ? Countess of Essex. Methought Thou wast detained elsewhere. Leicester. Ha! ha! {He caresses her.) 20 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Be not so jealous, love. 'Tvvas not the queen Who made me late, but Sussex, that proud pup, Did bark at me and danced about my heels. Countess of Essex. Methinks he'll trip thee up some day. Leicester. Not till I kick him first. Countess of Essex. What makes him hate thee so ? Leicester. 'Tis jealousy, And from the cause that makes thee jealous. Countess of Essex. He thinks thou'It be above him ? Leicester. Methinks I am already. Countess of Essex. He could not bide thee king. Leicester. Nor couldst thou. He thinks I'll wed the queen. That is thy fear, So why dost thou not hate me, too ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 2 1 Countess of Essex. Because thou lov'st me, but thou hast no love For him. Yet sometimes I'm in grievous doubt Thou lov'st her best. Leicester. Come ! come ! Thou art more beautiful, and hast a heart More soft, a disposition far more sweet. Thou art a woman, she is more a man Than many men. I ofttimes doubt her sex, So masculine is she at times. 'Tis thou, Alone, I love. The fairest in the land Art thou. To think that I would choose the stone Uncut, when I may have the polished gem! Countess of Essex. Thou couldst be tempted to exchange if it Were given with a crown. Leicester. Fear not. She will not marry me. I said she has The courage of a man, but even she Would dread to face her subjects' scorn and wrath. 'Tis wise of me to humour her. I know 2 2 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester She's in my power, and I were a fool To make her free and thus enslave myself. So thou and I must rest content awhile To love and wed in secrecy. Scene VI. — Gii,est-room in the house of the Coun- tess OF Shrewsbury. Guests assembled. Countess of Shrewsbury. Now, Lady Lennox, what hast thou to say ? Thou art a near relation of the queen, And so should know her secret acts. Lady Lennox. Alas ! that I were not so near in blood ! She fears and hates her kin, and seeks excuse To thrust them into prison, as she did me. Countess of Shrewsbury. Come ! come ! No sighing over that. Thou'rt free, and not In prison, wench, nor would she dare again To put thee there. So speak thy mind, and say If this be true of her. Lady Lennox. Alas! How should I know ? I'm never near the court Queeii Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 23 To hear the gossip spoken there. Besides, She never would confess to such a deed To anyone. Countess of Shrewsbury. I am convinced 'tis true. She's done in pubHc what doth not become The lowest woman, let alone a queen, So I am sure in secrecy, with such A man, her modesty would not restrain Her acts. Enter Sir Christopher Hatton. Here comes the man who can confirm the story. Hatton. What is the latest riddle, pray ? Sweet ladies, If I can solve it I'm at your commands. Countess of Shrewsbury. Without parade, it is that Leicester was Observed to come from out the queen's own room. Where no one is allowed to go but she. Hatton. Great God ! And is it come to this ? That he was there To no good purpose is to be inferred, 24 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester But would the queen give countenance to his Deep vice, she who doth set herself to be A type of chaste virginity ? Nay, nay, It cannot be. It is not true. How didst Thou hear of this ? Countess of Shrewsbury. Thou need'st must guess. My ears would not have heard it had there been No cause for it. They are not bhnd at court, Nor are they fools, although her majesty May think them so. Hatton. But they are idle gossipers, and fond Of tattle. They've invented this to serve Some purpose of their own. Perchance they have Some spite against the queen, or, likelier, Against the villain Leicester, for who doth Not hate this man ? The queen is innocent. 'Twas he who forced himself into her presence, For he is bold and bad enough. No doubt, Through love for him she's hushed it up. She is, I'll warrant thee, a chaste and virtuous queen. Countess of Shrewsbury. Ah ! Sir Christopher, If all had faith in her as thou, she'd have Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 25 A merry time of it. I am convinced, From what I know of woman and the queen, That she is not so virtuous as she Would seem to be. My Lady Freeze doth share My thoughts ? {Turns to her.) Lady Freeze. Yea, indeed I could not swear the queen was virtuous. I would not be so vile a hypocrite. The woman who hath secret talks with such A man as Leicester, though she be a queen, Must needs give way to overpow'ring lust. That is the nature of their love. Enter Burleigh. Countess of Shrewsbury. Ha! ha! No longer shall we be in doubt. Here comes A man who can enlighten us. Burleigh. Yea ! yea ! I can enlighten ye. I have some news Which will rejoice ye all. Countess of Shrewsbury. Pray tell it us. 26 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Burleigh. The queen hath sent a letter to the duke To say she will not marry him. So all Is o'er. Our efforts are in vain, and we Must cringe to Leicester's insolence. Hatton. Not I. I will defy him ; yea, by God, I will. Burleigh. We all, with safety, may defy him here ; But in his presence, Chris ? Hatton. I will defy him to his face. I hate The cur, and can no longer bear his yelps. Lady Freeze. But what about her majesty, who loves Him so ? Thou canst not injure him, if he Should screen himself behind her back. Thou wouldst Not sneer at him, but at the queen, and she Would frown on thee, to thy sore grief. Hatton. I care not for the queen. If she will seek the ruin of herself Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicestei' 27 And country, spite of sage advice, then she Must needs incur the scorn of all. Lady Freeze. Tut! Thou know'st her frown hath often made thee ill. Thou'rt ne'er so happy as when she doth smile On thee. Thy joyous face would make us think 'Twas pleasant summer time. Hatton. Thou hast a biting tongue, my Lady Freeze. So sharp a weapon should be used with mercy. Lady Freeze. Nay, nay. It is the only weapon we possess. And that is weak compared with man's great strength Of bod}^ which is used relentlessly On us, to keep us in our place, as he Is wont to say. My counsel to my sex Is this : Until your husband shows ye by Example how ye should be merciful. Treat him with harshness. It will be his cure. 28 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Burleigh. Pray, cease this wrangle. It doth not suit the serious times in which We hve. 'Twere nobler if we set our minds To work to save our country and our queen. We're all like sheep within a fold. There's in Our midst a sly and ravenous wolf, who doth Disturb our peace. He hath his greedy eye Upon our shepherd, whom he hath deceived By conduct meek. It is our duty, then, To watch untiringly his movements, lest He fall on her and ruin all. ACT 11. Scene I. — AparUnent in Westminster Palace. Elizabeth and Kate Ashley discovered. Elizabeth. I would that I were married, Kate. Methinks It is a happier hfe to lead than is The solitude of barren singleness. I oft repent me, wench, that I refused The noble kings who would have married me. I oft have cried myself to sleep, and then Have dreamt of happiness, to wake again To cold and stern reality. Ah, Kate, Be glad thou dost not wear a crown. It is A weighty ornament ; yea, oftentimes A crushing burden unto me. I'd feel So free if it were shared by one who had True love for me. But I am getting old, I know, and have already passed the age For men to fall in love with me. 30 Qtieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Kate Ashley. Na}^ child, Thou art not old. Thou'rt in the prime of life. I'll warrant me no one could guess thy age, So young and fresh thou look'st. I'll warrant me, If thou wouldst only favour them and draw Them on, that many young ones would be pleased To marry thee. Elizabeth. Dost think so, Kate ? Kate Ashley. 'Tis true. I were most blind to question it. Elizabeth. Am I good-looking, Kate ? Kate Ashley. Thy beauty is much envied, child. I know That there are many, even in this court. Who pride themselves upon their loveliness, But yet confess, when thou art by, thou dost Eclipse them all. Thou'rt like the sun, which doth Outshine the moon and stars, and pales their Hght. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 31 Elizabeth. Have they confessed so much ? Kate Ashley. Could they confess aught else ? Elizabeth. I had my charms at one time, Kate. Kate Ashley. When thou wert 3'oung no maiden in the land Was half so beautiful. Before thou worest A crown thou hadst a queenly majesty. Thou wert a picture which made glad the eye, And thrilled the heart to gaze upon. Thy mind Is not less powerful and keen than is Thy body beautiful. Thou art the gift Of bounteous God, who's fashioned thee a queen Most perfectly. Elizabeth. Sweet Kate ! To thee I owe a debt which I can ne'er Repay. Had it not been for thee, my mind Would long ago have lost its vigour. Kate Ashley. Nay, child. The soil in which the seeds are sown must be Quite suitable, or else the seeds will die. 32 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Elizabeth. Those were my happiest days, my wench, when I Would sit and learn the lessons thou didst teach. I would those happy hours would come again. Nay, let me cast aside my cares, and let Me be thy pupil o'er again. Kate Ashley. With all my heart. Elizabeth. Now, Kate, Let's talk of flowers. Thou know'st my love for them Is deep. How glorious looks this rose ! Can aught Be lovelier ? Kate Ashley. Naught, child. Elizabeth. How old is it, As thou wouldst think ? Kate Ashley. But very young. Elizabeth. Some years ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 33 Kate Ashley. Nay, child. A rose's life is counted by the hours. Elizabeth. To-morrow, then, 'twill be near death ? Kate Ashley. Yea. Elizabeth. Like all things on this earth, true loveliness Is only given to youth ? Kate Ashley. 'Tis sadly true. Elizabeth. As age creeps on that beauty fades ? Kate Ashley. True. Elizabeth. How like are flowers to human beings, Kate ! Kate Ashley. They're very like. 34 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester' Elizabeth. Youth is the time of beauty, but old age The time of ughness ? Kate Ashley. I would it were not so. Elizabeth. It is, my wench ? Kate Ashley. Yea ; it is. Elizabeth. Then I am ugly, Kate, for I am old ? Kate Ashley. Nay, nay. Elizabeth. Thou saidst that ugliness did come with age. Kate Ashley. I did? Elizabeth. Thou didst most solemnly. Kate Ashley. But there are cases known when nature's laws Have been reversed. I've heard of miracles. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 35 Elizabeth. But not in our time, Kate. Kate Ashley. In my time, child. Thou art a miracle. Besides, thou art not old, but in the prime Of life. Thou art but thirty-nine, but none Would guess that thou wert twenty-nine. Elizabeth. But thou wilt let them know my age ? Kate Ashley. Nay, never child. I'd cut my tongue out first. \Exeunt both. Scene II. — A street in London. Enter Two Gentlemen iji conversation. 1ST Gent. Come, tell me what thou knowest. 2ND Gent. There's naught to tell. The story can be told in briefest language. 36 Quetn Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 1ST Gent. But thou art far too brief, for thou dost use no words at all. 2ND Gent. Nay, nay. I've clothed it in the language it doth need. 1ST Gent. Well, well, let's see. Thou saidst the queen had quarrelled with her lover Leicester. So far so good, but there thou stay'st. What was the cause of it ? What hath he done to raise her ire? 2ND Gent. How could I tell thee if I knew it not ? 'Tis known he's in disgrace, but why, 'tis known to none. 1ST Gent. 'Tis strange ! Then it must be some secret act of his. 2ND Gent. It may have been a public one for aught the world doth know. 1ST Gent. How doth he seem ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester ^'j 2ND Gent. 'Tis said he takes it very ill. It is a blow which hath quite bent his head, so now, instead of gazing at high heaven, he doth regard the earth as one that loves it. 1ST Gent. How great a change ! Methought he scorned the earth, and did despise it e'en to walk upon. 2ND Gent. Yea, friend, our necks are frail. The strongest can't support the head for long which ever gazes at high heaven. Fatigue doth bend it down that it may rest awhile. 1ST Gent. He'll hold it up again, I fear. 2ND Gent. Pray God, 'tis permanently bent ! [Exeunt Gentlemen. Enter Sussex and Sir Christopher Hatton in conversation. Sussex. I tell thee, Chris, the queen is tired of him. I'm not surprised. His arrogance would tire 2,8 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester And would outrage far gentler sovereigns Than mighty Bess. I'm in a happier mood To-day than I have been for years. Hatton. I would I were. I greatly fear she will o'erlook his fault, Whate'er it is, and will forgive him. Sussex. Ah ! never fear. Rest certain she hath done with him. I know Her nature far too well to fear she will Restore him to her favour. Thou couldst not Have marked the frown with which she looked at him To-day. That is a cloud which ever will In future darken Leicester's path. Yea, more, 'Twill threaten many certain storms. Hatton. I would I had thy sanguine temper, Sussex. Sussex. My nature is no sanguine one, but when I see a thing I can believe my eyes. Qtteen Elisabeth and Eaid Leicester 39 Enter Sir John Melville, Burleigh, and Lincoln. Sussex. Well met, my happy friends ! Thy faces look Most wondrous bright to-day. Melville. Because the sun doth shine, my lord. Sussex. But not on all. Sir John. It hath its dark side, too. (TAry laugh.) Melville. Thou'rt in a merry mood to-day. Sussex. There's cause for it. Art thou not merry too ? Melville. Most merry, friend. I would these happy times were not so rare. Sussex. That is their great defect. Enter Leicester, looking downcast. They all frown on him. Sussex {as he passes). Alas ! crestfallen quite. (Leicester turns and scowls at Sussex.) 40 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Leicester. There was a time when my Lord Sussex would Have bitten out his tongue than said such words. Sussex. Liar! When did I show that I feared thee ? Leicester {turning to the others). Ye all will rue this day. [Exit Leicester. Sussex. Come, friends, let's join in feast, to celebrate This happy day. [Exetmt all. Scene III. — France. A room in the Palace. Enter Catherine de Medicis, alone. I cannot let so fair a country slip From out my grasp. Shall I be foiled ? Nay, shall This paltry Queen of England crush my hopes ? Shall Catherine de Medicis, the queen Of mighty France, whom e'en the Pope doth fear. Be conquered by a giddy girl ? Nay, God ! Thou didst not bring me in the world for that. Queen Elizahelh and Earl Leicester 41 Thou'lt give me England yet. Thou'lt let me bring So heretic a nation back to Thee, And to Th}- own true Church. Thou'lt let her be Espoused to h>ance and governed by those kings Who are the bulwarks of the Catholic faith, The enemies of heresy. She hath Refused two sons of mine, whom I held out As worthy baits. I have a younger son. Who, though he be deformed in body, is A worthy match for her ; yea, worthy also To rule a nation full of clowns and boors. I'll make her marry him. I know a way To cure her obstinacy. Enter King Charles IX. Well, son ? Charles. Well, mother ! Catherine. What means this grieving mood ? Charles. Is there not grievous cause for it ? Catherine. Nay. 42 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Charles, Nay? Catherine. Nay, I say ; There is no grievous cause for it. Charles. Not ruinous and useless wars, whereby We see our country's glory fade ? Catherine. These things are paltry, child. Charles. Nay, do not jest. Pray be more serious. Catherine. I am most serious. Charles. Although I know thee well, I cannot guess What thou dost mean. Catherine. Then listen, boy. Why need we fear our enemies when we Have England on our side ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 43 Charles. This is but jesting. Why, England is our greatest enemy. 'Tis she who long hath dealt us deadly blows ; Nay, but for her all Europe would be ours. Catherine. We'll conquer Europe yet, And England shall assist us. Charles. Nay, mother. Thou knowst there is no ground for such high hopes. Catherine. I have a son that shall rule England yet ! Charles. Pray how ? Catherine. Elizabeth shall be his wife. Charles. Which son ? Catherine. Thy brother, Alen9on. 44 Queen Elizabelh and Barl Leicester Charles. She'll never wed so ill-deformed a man. She hath refused to marry handsome men, Most powerful kings, and I am certain she Would scorn an ill-assorted match. Nay, more, She'd feel insulted, and would seek revenge. 'Tvvould bring a greater breach between us, which No effort on our part would ever bridge. It cannot be. Catherine. I say it shall be. She need not know of his great ugliness. If there are any likely to impart To her the truth, then gold can silence them. Nay, more, it shall be made to hide thy brother's Deformity, and make him look a man Of handsome and attractive form. Ah, gold Will tinsel o'er and change to brilliancy The coarsest things. On it I will rely For sure success. Charles. The secret will leak out, and we are damned. Catherine. 'Tis worth the trial, thou'lt confess, and if It fails there's naught will damn us, son. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 45 Charles. I'll leave it all to thee. Thou art a clever woman, far too deep For man to fathom thee, or woman, either. Thou hast done wondrous things ere now, and hast, No doubt, the faculty to do them still. Catherine. I have the will To do what nature can. I cannot suffer Defeat from anyone, and least of all From woman. \Exeunt both. Scene IV. — London. An apartment in the Queen's Palace. Enter Elizabeth and Burleigh. Elizabeth. Nay, Cecil, urge me not. I cannot steel My heart to murder her. Burleigh. 'Twould not be murder, but a prudent act. Nay, justice would be met by it, and thou Hast great desire to be just. Ye must 46 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Put Mary, Queen of Scots, to death, or else Thou'lt ne'er know peace. Elizabeth. I'd know no peace if I lopped off her head. I cannot, my Lord Burleigh, give consent, So let it rest. Burleigh. It is for love of thee I urge thee thus ; It is the love I bear my country that Dictates my counsel, gracious majesty. I would not see thee killed, my country robbed Of such a wise and virtuous queen, and ruled By blood-stained murderers, the enemies Of God and man. If thou wilt have no thought For thine own self, think of thy subjects' grief If they should lose so good a queen. They know Thy life is placed in jeopardy, and this Doth cause them poignant sorrow, such as thou Canst not conceive. They use my mouth to speak Their inward thoughts, and their one prayer is this — That thou wilt put to most deserved death • This Mary, Queen of Scots. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 47 Elizabeth. Ah, Cecil, well I know thy heart, and thy Great love for me. Thou art an honest man, And wise, but thou art liable to err. Methinks thy judgment's gone astray for once. I see no danger if she lives. She's safe Imprisoned in a castle, whence escape Is difficult ; nay, more, impossible. How can a queen of feeble health, in such A place, and watched with eagle eyes. Concoct a plot to murder me ? "Twould be A miracle, thou must confess. What use A captive bird, whose wings are clipped, to sigh For liberty, if when the door was oped It fell unto the ground ? 'Twere safer in The cage, for there it would not run the risk Of being trampled on. Thou hast my word. I am resolved to let her live. She's not So bad as thou wouldst make her out. Burleigh. The captive bird hath friends. 'Tis they whom thou Must fear. Their love for her hath bred deep hate To thee. They're not confined. Their minds and hands 48 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Are free, and they would die, and count it glory, To aid her cause. It, then, is natural That they should plot to murder thee, and place The one they love upon the throne. If she Were dead they'd risk their lives in vain. Elizabeth. I have decided, my good lord. [Exit Burleigh. An honest and a worthy man, whose zeal Hath blinded him. He cannot see I've not The heart to sign the warrant for her death. It is a task beyond my courage. I know Whilst she doth live my life's in jeopardy, And yet I am not bold enough to make It safe, or to remove the magazine On which my throne is set. But need I fear Whilst it is watched so zealously and with Such loving eyes as Burleigh has ? I know He'll guard me well. Ah ! would I had Around my throne more like my lord. My throne Would then be placed upon a mighty rock, Which storms could never shake. But I must be The tool of hypocrites ! God's death ! I know Their faces well. I'll sift the chaff and find A worthy storehouse for it, too. Queen ElizabetJi and Earl Leicester 49 Enter Leicester. {J^he Queen does not see him. He approaches her and kneels at her feet, his forehead bowed to the ground. She suddenly sees him.) Elizabeth. What beast is crawling here ? Leicester. No beast, beloved majesty, but one Who's nearly dead with grief, who's come to sue For life. Elizabeth. To sue for that which thou dost not deserve ? Thou shouldst be grateful thou dost live, and hast The strength to crawl. But crawl not here ; this is No place for worms. I have a place beside The Thames will suit thee best. Leicester. Nay, mighty queen, most gracious majesty, The world itself is like the Tower to me. It is a prison where I never see The sun which gladdens all. Thou wert my sun. But since thy light was hid from me I've lived In gloom. Pray, pity me, for whom thou hadst 4 50 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester A love which others did not share. It is To me a grievous punishment to know That I have lost that love, but if thou hidest Thy face from me 'twill be my death. Elizabeth. Well, thou wert better dead. Leicester. O God! And canst thou not be merciful ? Elizabeth. Be merciful to thee ? Hast thou shown mercy unto me ? Leicester. I do confess, most gracious majesty, That I have erred and have offended thee. But wilt thou not forgive ? Thou hast forgiven Far deeper crimes than mine, not done in love For thee, as mine. I crave not for thy love — For I have forfeited what's so divine — But for forgiveness. Let me plead my love. 'Twas that that urged my tongue to utter forth In madness feelings that were natural. Yea, natural, for thou didst give me hope That thou wouldst marry me. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 5 1 Elizabeth. I gave thee hope ? Thou Hest, hypocrite. 'Tis true I had Much love for thee, because I thought thou wert A man. But I have found thee out. Thou art A base, deceitful wretch, a crawhng worm. I'd tread on thee if I were merciful, For thou deservest death. Pray, go, vile beast, Nor let thy presence torture me. I'll let Thee live, but if I see thy face again, I'll put thee in a den thou wilt not like, But which will suit thy nature well. {Exit Leicester, crestfallen. Elizabeth, after his dcpartuyc, is for some moments silent.) that I could recall such bitter words ! Too late ! too late ! They've deeply wounded him. Poor Leicester ! thou wilt suffer agony, And I the cause of it ! I do repent. 1 am to blame. I am too hard of heart. I know thy love for me is deep and true, And I've repaid it with ingratitude And angry words. 'Tis I who need forgiveness. Thy grief will give me rest nor day nor night. 52 Qjteen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester would I had a softer heart ! I then Would know (La Motte Fenelon h announced) Monsieur is welcome here. Fenelon. 1 thank thee, great and mighty queen. I feel Most honoured by thy graciousness. Elizabeth. What would my lord ambassador? Fenelon. To tell your majesty the happy news, The Queen of France, the wife of good King Charles, Hath borne a daughter. Elizabeth. A daughter ? Methought it was a son. Fenelon. The rumour spread abroad it was a son, But it was false. Elizabeth. I send them greetings. Go, write unto the noble king and queen Queen Elizabeth and Eaid Leicester 53 That I rejoice with them. The httle princess Will be most welcomed in the world. I pray That God may give her joy and happiness Proportioned to her rank and high descent. Fenelon. I will convey such kind and gracious words To those who'll be most touched by them. \_Exit Fenelon. Elizabeth. How every hour events do hap to tell, In blatant tones, that I'm a barren stock ! That I'm alone, and have not e'en a child To love me and to ease, with prattling talk, My weighty cares ! I'm called on to rejoice With others when they have the sweet delights Denied to me. What mockery ! O God, What hollowness ! They little know the pain Such greetings give to me. Fierce jealousy Doth seem to gnaw my heart and make me hate Such happy mortals. Oh, I envy them ; I envy all, both high and low, who know What children's love is like. I've tasted all The pleasures of this world but that of love. Who loves me ? They who do pretend a love Do hate me in their hearts, for love assumed Is hatred in disguise. They know 'tis well 54 Qncen Elizabeth mid Earl Leicester To humour me. Their welfare doth depend On pleasing me. Dependence is the soil Most fertile for the growth of hate, and that's The soil in which my life is cast. I am The most unenviable of queens. [Exit Elizabeth. Scene V. — Night. A country place. Enter Leicester and Countess of Essex. Countess of Essex. Methinks thou art a deep and wondrous man. The queen is angered, and thy enemies Rejoice o'er thy discomfiture, and boast They'll bring thee further down. Thy hopes And thy ambition have received a blow. Enough to crush thee, yet thou wear'st a smile. And art most light of heart ; nay, full of joy. Thou rather shouldst be in a grievous mood, As other men would be. Leicester, Ha! ha! Thou dost not know me yet. 'Twere time thoa didst, For I am easily read. Queen Elizahetk and Earl Leicester 55 Countess of Essex. Thou'rt not indeed. Thy character is writ in language which Requires no common skill to read. Leicester. Nay, is it so ? Then I may pride myself on this ? Countess of Essex. Thou mayst indeed. Leicester. My character is rare, thou sayst ? Countess of Essex. 'Tis very rare. Leicester. I'm glad on it. Countess of Essex. Glad! Leicester. Ay, glad. Countess of Essex. Pray why ? 56 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Leicester. Dost think I'd have a common nature, love ? My great ambition is to be — pray, guess. Countess of Essex. I am no skilful guesser ; 'tis, no doubt, As strange as is thyself. Leicester. It is, I must confess, But 'tis no foolish one, but one most wise. It is to be unlike the common kind In everything. I wish to stand aloof, To be above them, out of reach of them. They know my handsome form doth make them look Contemptible and mean, and doth attract The favour of the queen. This angers them, As is most natural. I knew not I Possessed so many gifts until this hour. Thy words have cured my sorrow and have fed My heart with hope, for which I thank thee, sweet. Countess of Essex. Then is it I who've filled thee with this joy ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 57 Leicester. 'Tis thou ! And is it not most natural ? To whom Should I, in sorrow, look for sympathy But thee ? Thou art the source of all my joy. Thou art the light which dissipates the gloom In which my life is ofttimes cast. Thou art The sun for which I look in certain hope Through long and tedious nights. It would be strange If thou shouldst bring me grief, or make me live In deeper gloom, or make my life but one Perpetual night. Countess of Essex. Doth it increase thy love for me ? Leicester. My love for thee ! I cannot measure it ; it reaches heights So lofty, and extends to depths profound. The more I see of thee, the more I hear Thy heavenly voice, the more I contemplate Thy wondrous loveliness, the more my love Doth grow, and my desire to wed thee soon. But list ! Who comes this way ? Canst thou not hear ? 58 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Countess of Essex. The tones are harsh and fierce. Leicester. Come, let's conceal ourselves behind yon hedge ; 'Twere best we were not seen. [Leicester and, Countess of Essex retire. Enter Lady Mole [late Freeze) and her husband, Sir Thomas Mole. Mole. Oh that I had not married thee ! Had I Been keen of sight, I would have seen and steered With safety past the iceberg which hath wrecked My Hfe. Lady Mole. But what of me, Thou heartless, godless, and abandoned wretch ? Where hast thou guided me ? To what a place Have I been brought ! O perfect misery ! Away from light, from loveliness, and all That's dear on earth, to dirt, and gloom, and all That is repellent to pure taste. Mole. Pure taste, indeed ! Is it pure taste that forms such ugly words Queen Elizabclh and Earl Leicester 59 As thou dost utter forth ? Is it pure taste That makes thee bawl and shout, that makes thee strive To be a thing inhuman ? I thought pure taste Was that which loved a quiet, happy life, And not a cold and dull, repulsive one. Lady Mole. I utter ugly words ? I bawl and shout ? Yea, I a thing inhuman ? What art thou ? Yea, what must thou be with thy filth and dirt ? What language could describe thee truthfully ? Thou sayst my life is cold and dull. Who's made It so ? Who's kept from me the warmth and light ? Who's brought me this unhappiness ? Yea, who Hath dragged me down to misery ? 'Tis thou ! 'Tis thou, I sa}' ! Thou cold and heartless man ! Thou fiend, worse than the devil himself Mole. Ha, ha I Yea, I'm to blame ! I've brought thee all this grief! I've been a cruel husband ! Yea, thou dost Deserve much sympathy. Henceforth I'll try To be as kind and gentle unto thee As was thy former husband, whom }-e killed. 6o Quee7i Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Poor man ! I pity him ! His end was sad, To leave a wife so loving. Lady Mole. What ! Am I a murderess ? O God, what next ! What will this wicked man accuse me of? Oh, wilt Thou let him live and say such things ? Such lies ? What punishment doth he deserve ? Is there on earth his equal — one so vile ? As full of wickedness and all disease As grapes of honeyed juice ! O wretched me ! Oh, think of it, that I'm to live with him ! O days of darkness yet to come ! O woe ! O perfect wretchedness ! Oh, pity me, A poor defenceless woman, who dost stand In need of sympathy and help ! Mole. Thou need'st not stand in need of it. Thou need'st Not call for sympathy and help. Thou need'st Not live with me. I'd gladly let thee go, Where'er thou wilt, that I might live in peace. Lady Mole. That doth betray thee well — thy cruel heart. Thou wouldst abandon me and let me face, Alone, the cheerless world. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 6i Mole. That would not be a new experience ; For thou wert facing it courageously Before I married thee. Lady Mole. O wretch ! Whate'er I sa}- thou tripp'st nie up. I'll speak My thoughts no more, but act them out. [Exeunt both. Re-enter Leicester and Countess of Essex. Countess of Essex. And dost thou know them, love ? Leicester. I know them welL Such scenes as these were prophesied before They wed. I do not pity him, for he Would marry her in spite of sage advice. He had no lack of friends who warned him well, And would have saved him from this wreck. I could Recount to thee the story of her life. 'Tis full of interest, though not of acts Deserving praise. It's been a varied life, Where virtue's had but little sway. 'Tis true, 62 Qiiee7i Elizabeth and Earl Leicester And is well known, her former husband died Not from excessive love. Couldst thou, my sweet, Be such a wife to me ? Countess of Essex. Nay, Dudley, Thou know'st my love for thee is much too deep And true. I pity him. I think he is Deserving sympathy. Leicester. Nay, let's dismiss all thoughts of both, and talk Of our own joys and of the happiness That is to be when we are man and wife. Countess of Essex. I'd rather think of them awhile, and of The lives they lead. I feel quite sad. Leicester. Come, come ! I cannot let thee brood o'er this. Forget This scene, and bend thy thoughts on me and on The time when I shall marry thee. \Excnnt hoih. Qzieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 6 v5 Scene VI. — France. A garden at the Royal Castle of Blois. Enter Catherine de Medicis Sir Thomas Smith {a very short man), and Walsingham. Catherine. I have great sympathy for her indeed. She's in the midst of scheming enemies, Who seek her ruin. She is not safe, alone. It is not natural that she should guide, Alone, a ship so great, and carrying Such precious souls. It is a treacherous sea O'er which her voyage lies. No woman's strength Could battle with success the fearful storms That constantly and suddenly arise. She needs a captain, bold, experienced, In whom she may, with safety, put her trust. Walsingham. 'Tis very true. I would that she relied less on herself Smith. Nay, if she had a captain, she would want To guide the ship herself. Walsingham. Yea, 'tis very true. 64 Quee7i Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Catherine. But if he were a skilful man, he would Refuse to let her guide. Though she might bawl, It need not loosen his firm hold. There is A way of doing this with gentleness. Walsingham. Ay, true ! Smith. I'd dare to argue thus wdth her — and will ! Catherine. Nay, wilt thou ? Smith. I will, by God ! Catherine. Thou art most brave. I do admire thee. I see thou lov'st thy country and thy queen. Smith. Most^fervently. I'd sell my life to save them both. Walsingham. Nor would I hesitate to lay down mine. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 65 Catherine. Ye both are worthy, noble men. I would Such men were grown in France. Alas, we have Too few ! Is Norfolk executed yet ? Walsingham. Nay, Not that we have learnt. Catherine. BeHke the queen will pardon him ? Walsingham. We cannot tell. Catherine. I would that she were quiet from these broils. Both. I would she were. Catherine. She could be if she chose. Both. Pray, how ? Catherine. By marrying. 66 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Smith. 'Twere well if she would w^ed. Catherine. Dost think that she could fancy marriage with My son, the Due d'Alen9on ? Smith. Madam, Thou knowest me of old. Except I have A certain ground, I dare not say how she Would act in such a case. Walsingham. No man could tell her mind on this. Catherine. Come, tell me, do ye think yourselves that she Could marry one more worthy her ? Though I May justly be considered partial to My son, yet I have heard it stated that The emperor's son, the Archduke Rodolf, or E'en John of Austria, are not so noble, But much inferior to Alengon. Both. We do not doubt it, madam. Queen ElizabctJi and Earl Leicester 67 Catherine. If 3'our most gracious majesty intends To wed, it were a pity much more time Was lost. Smith. We know not that she doth intend to wed. If it pleased God she married and did have A child, these brags and treasons would be soon Appeased, and if its father were thy son, The duke, I would not care, so long as she Were guarded well and safe, Catherine. I would that it were done, for I would then Go o'er and see her, which I much desire. Smith. Yea, if I had As ample a commission now as I Once had for Monsieur le Due d'Aiijou, The thing would soon be at an end. Catherine. Oh, would thou hadst ! Yea, if thou hadst another one, on thy Return to England wouldst thou come to France Airain to execute it ? 68 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Smith. Yea, madam, Most gladly. For so good a purpose would I cross the sea again, if I were never So sick. Walsingham. I would be glad to lend my aid in what I so desire, and which I think would be For our best good. Catherine. I'm glad on it. I hope she will commission ye. Both. I hope so, madam. Smith. If she were wed, all trait'rous hearts would be Discouraged, for one tree alone is soon Cut down, but two or three together take Much longer doing. Catherine. I see no reason why the queen should not Have many children. Smith. I would to God that she had one. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 69 Walsingham. Amen ! Catherine. Nay, two boys, lest the one should die. Smith. Thou thinkst the duke would speed? Catherine (laughing). Je le desire infinitement. I doubt, howe'er, he will not grow so tall As is his brother, le Due d'Anjou. He is not short, indeed, for he's as tall As thou. Smith. That cannot be an obstacle. I make But small account of that, indeed. I have No admiration for tall men, for did Not Pepin bring forth Charlemagne, though he Scarce reached the girdle of his wife ? And then Your Oliver, the Breton constable, According to his tomb he must have been But four feet high, and yet ye worship him For his great deeds. He was a valiant man, And dreaded most by Englishmen. The duke's Short stature's not the thing that thou need'st dread. 70 Qiieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Catherine, I'm glad on it. Perchance thou'lt bring it yet to pass. Smith. We'll try. And have great hopes we shall succeed. Catherine. Pray God ye will. Both. Amen. [Exeunt Smith and Walsingham. Catherine. My bark is sailing with a fav'ring wind. I see fair weather for some time to come. These silly men assist me on my course, Because they think Pll bring them to a place Where's found prosperity. They little know The shoals and sands which they will meet, nor see The rock on which they will be wrecked. Ha ! ha! Pm prospering beyond my fondest hopes. Ah, proud, conceited queen, Fll humble thee ! Pll tumble thee from that proud eminence Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 71 Where thou hast set thyself ! M}- hate for thee Is such that time will ne'er appease it, nor Submission soften it. I know a way To kill thee out, but I prefer to see Thy ling'ring agony. That is a joy I shall experience ere long. Enter the Due o'ALENgoN. Alencon. I see thou'rt happy, mother. Catherine. And thou hast need to be, my son. These men Are safe. They'll urge the marriage on. I know The queen doth put great trust in them, and will Be guided by their counsel ; so thou need'st Must live in hope thou wilt rule England yet. Thou know'st the purport of our talk ? ALENgoN. I heard it all, And marked how well ye managed it and led Them on. I'm proud of thee. Catherine. And thou hast need to be. To me alone thou'lt owe the fortune which Has been denied to others worthier it. 72 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicesttr Howe'er, this is not yet success. There's much To do and much to reason out. Alencon. But naught too difficult for thee. Catherine. God knows, my son. [Exeunt Catherine and Alencon. ACT III. Scene I, — London. An apartment in the Palace at Westminster. Enter Queen Elizabeth reading a letter from the Due d'Alen^on. ' To the beautiful and virtuous Queen of England. ' Most esteemed Majesty, ' O that I had words that could befittingly express my thoughts ! Alas ! I can but feebly write them. O that I could see thy own true self, my eyes, my every organ would utter forth and emphasize the truth of what my heart doth wish to say. I live in hopes, beloved and most gracious majesty, that thou wilt look on me as one who doth deserve to look on thee ; to come quite close to thee ; yea, say the words which love alone inspires. I've heard men speak of thee as one most wondrous fair ; divinely virtuous ; 74 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester possessing wisdom that befits thy mighty rank. My heart doth prompt me, yea, compels me to adore and worship thee ; to love thee ; for thou'rt worthy of the love of any king or prince. Pray let me offer at thy virgin shrine my humble self. as one who would aspire to marry thee and cherish thee with fervent and undying love. ' Devoutly kneeling, I salute with gratitude thy beauteous hand, and live in hope thou'lt favour me. ' Thy humble, faithful servant, ' Alencon.' Elizabeth. The words are sweetly beautiful. Methinks He is a noble and a virtuous prince, Yea, far above my suitors hitherto. Their language was as coarse as was their love, Their sentiments as harsh, as dull, as cold, But here I cannot find a fault. The words Are perfect, full of sweetness, grace, and truth. Could any coarse soul utter them ? Yea, could A man who had no loving, noble heart Express such lovely thoughts ? Could sweetness come From what is sour ? Could flowers spring up in soil Qtieeii Elizabeth and Earl Leicester j ^ That is not favourable to their growth ? Nay, nay. Could loveliness spring forth from barrenness ? Could wisdom speak the words of ignorance ? Could nature change her laws and be untrue ? This prince doth please me well. I like his thoughts And words, and I am sure shall like himself. Enter La Motte Fenelon. Fexelon. Good-morrow, gracious majesty ! Elizabeth, Good-morrow, Fenelon. What wills my lord ambassador ? Fenelon. To pay my true respects unto your majesty. Elizabeth. Ha! Thy countenance doth speak another object. Pray, out with it, for I do hate delay. Fenelon. Thy marvellous gifts have truly read my face. Thou hast an insight into human looks Most wonderful, yet quite consistent with 76 Qtieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Thy other matchless gifts. Then thus it is. I would that thou couldst give an answer to My master's gracious message unto thee. Elizabeth. So soon ? What ! No time to think it o'er ? Come, Fenelon, Thou art not serious ! This is a matter Which should take years to think upon. Dost thou Not know a virgin's heart ? What ! wouldst thou have A woman give her heart to any man, When he doth ask for it, without a thought Of what she doth ? How longer should she think. How exercise more prudence, when she is A queen ? She studies not herself alone, Nor her own heart. It is her subjects' heart, And their souls' welfare which she gives away ; And thou dost seek a speedy answer ! Fie ! I thought thou wert a more considerate man. Fenelon. Forgive me, gracious majesty, if I Have been o'er-hasty. I plead the strong excuse Of my poor master's love for thee. Pray, think Of him, and all the pangs delay will bring Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester yy To him. 'Tis natural his mighty love Should pine for words of hope. It is the food For which he's hungering. I love him so, I would not have him starve and pine, when thou Couldst feed him up with angels' food. Elizabeth. I doubt he hath this love for me. Fenelon. What ! Canst doubt his love ? O God, would all could love As he ! Who could not love thee ? Elizabeth. I've had no proofs of it. Fenelon. No proofs ! I thought thou wert o'erwhelmed with proofs. Elizabeth. A written letter is no proof. Fenelon. I grant it ; yea, I grant it, but I've in my keep a proof 78 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Which must convince thee, or thou ne'er wilt be Convinced. Elizabeth. What is it, pray ? Fenelon. A letter which he wrote some years ago Unto his bosom friend, De Foix. I found This letter 'mongst the papers of his friend, And though Fve no commands to show it thee, I'll let thee read it if thou hast a wish. Elizabeth. With all my heart, And hope I'll find in it the proof I need. Fenelon {handing the letter). Pray God thou wilt. Elizabeth {reads). ' I echo fervently what thou dost say. From all reports she is an angel, though in human form. I count it happiness to worship such a one. How happy must that nation be whose queen she is ! But, oh, how blest and happy must that mortal be to whom she gives a wifely love ! I'd tell her of my love if I could hope she'd deign to marry Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 79 me. But no ! It cannot be. I was not born for such great happiness. She's worthy of a greater and a nobler one. I must content my- self with love and admiration from afar. ' Thy everlasting friend, * Alen(;on.' I must confess 'tis written well. Fenelon. But wilt thou not confess It is a proof of his undying love ? Elizabeth. I do not doubt his love, But my own worthiness to be the wife Of such a noble prince. For I am old, And he is young, and after we've been wed A little time he will despise me. FiiNELON. Nay, canst thou doubt thy worth ? Thou dost thyself A grievous wrong. It is the duke who is Unworthy thee. Nay, as for age, there's no Disparity in that. The difference Is but the trilling one of nineteen years. And as thy charms of person and of mind So Queen ElizabetJi and Eai^l Leicester' Make thee look younger by ten years, and as The manly figure, wisdom, and good grace Of monsieur doth make him look more aged by full Nine years, ye're on equality. Enter Leicester. But I will leave thee, gracious majesty, And live in hopes thou'lt know thy charms, And be less humble. \Exii Fenelon, scowling at Leicester. Elizabeth, What dost thou here ? Leicester. To be in the sun. Elizabeth. But clouds are coming on. Leicester. Nay, gracious majesty ; I hope thou ne'er wilt frown on me again. 'Twill be my death. Elizabeth, Poor man ! I've acted cruelly to thee. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 8i Leicester. Nay, thou hast ever been most kind. Elizabeth. Thou hast deserved my smiles. Leicester. I have deserved thy censure, thou dost mean. Elizabeth. Nay, Leicester, thou hast served me faithfully. Thy love for me hath been the only love On which I could rely. Those who pretend To worship me, who make the most parade Of their great love, are cringing hypocrites. They think I cannot read their lying hearts, But I'll translate their words some day To their discomfiture. How happy should I feel if all my subjects were as true, As loving, and sincere as thou ! But no ; There's but one Leicester in the land, and thou Art he. Leicester. I am not worthy of this flattery. I have but done my duty to my queen, As I do hope all have. 6 82 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Elizabeth. But they have not, as thou well know'st, and I'm Resolved to let them reap the fruit for which They've sown. They flatter me and say I'm wise. And fit to be their queen, but in their hearts They wish me dead, that they might have a king. Leicester. I little thought they were so false. Elizabeth. Canst thou deny it ? Leicester. Thou knowest them more deeply than myself; Long time I have suspected them. Elizabeth. Hast thou had cause for it ? Leicester. I must confess I have. Elizabeth. If in my youth they thought not well of me, What must they think of me when old ? They'll wish More eagerly to have a king. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 83 Leicester. Methinks they will. Elizabeth. O God! W'ouldst Thou would keep old age from me, And let me be avenged on them ! For are They not Thine enemies as well as mine, To spurn Thine own anointed one ? But with Thy help I will defeat them yet. I'll wed, And let them have a king. Yea, they Shall have their wish fulfilled, but it shall be To their most bitter grief. I'll marry him Who loves me for myself, that he may be The instrument I'll use to torture them. Leicester. This were a prudent step to take, and I Commend thee in this wise resolve. Eliz.^beth. Wouldst thou approve of this ? Leicester. There's naught on earth would please me more. Elizabeth. And dost thou think it would be wise ? 84 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Leicester. I'm sure on it. Elizabeth. I'll marry then, b}' God ! Leicester. But whom ? — but when ? Elizabeth. As speedily as matters will allow. Leicester. But thou hast spurned thy suitors and hast none Possessing qualities thou canst admire. Elizabeth. Nay, Dudley, nay. I know there's one on earth who hath a love For me too deep to be untrue ; who hath A noble nature, too. Leicester. I would that I could guess his name. Elizabeth. I'll tell it thee ere many days are o'er. [Exeunt both. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 85 Scene II. — A street in London. Enter Two Gentlemen in conversation. 1ST Gent. I hear that my lord Leicester is very much with her majesty, and that she shows him the great affection she was wont. 2ND Gent. I cannot understand her, friend. She is quite beyond my skill to fathom her. 1ST Gent. She's beyond the skill of any man. I've long ceased to be surprised at anything she does, and am quite calm conversing of her freaks. Not only doth she regard him with the same liking as of yore, but tries to please him more. 2ND Gent. Each day exhibits some new strangeness in her. 1ST Gent. They say that his enemies are greatly discon- certed, and strive in every way to grow into his liking. 86 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 2ND Gent. Theirs is a hard and grievous task. I'd rather Hve in humble circumstances, friend, than be dependent on the treacherous smiles of royalty. 'Tis climbing up a steep and slippery hill. Though we may tread most carefully, we may dislodge some obstacle which lets us down to ruin. An humble life is built on firmer ground, and happiness is often hidden in security. At least, it gives more peace of mind. 1ST Gent. Alas ! these climbing men know little peace of mind. Their lot is sad, their lives are most pre- carious ; nor do I envy them. Thou said'st the queen would pass this way ? 2ND Gent. I said so, friend. These decorations are in honour of her journey through. With what a fondness all regard her ! They worship her as though she were an angel sent from heaven. 1ST Gent. Their love for her is very deep. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 87 2ND Gent. Pray look at them. No sad and rueful face among them all, but beaming o'er with happiness and jo}-. How eagerly they wait her coming! She'll smile on them, and that will be an antidote for all their sorrows for some years to come. {Trumpets sound.) She comes ! Let's stand aside and watch her pass. {Presently enter procession amidst the applause of the populace. At length enters Elizabeth, with Leicester, as Master of Horse, close behind, and all other officers and dignitaries of the State.) Citizens. God bless your gracious majesty ! Long live our blessed queen ! 1ST Citizen. How beautiful she looks ! 2ND Citizen. How graciously she bends to all and smiles ! Citizens. May God preserve your majesty ! (Elizabeth stays the procession.) 88 Qzieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 1ST Citizen. She'll speak to us. 2ND Citizen. She beckons silence, friend. 3RD Citizen. Pray, silence for our gracious queen ! Citizens. Silence ! silence ! The queen would speak to us. Elizabeth. My loving subjects, I thank ye all. I see ye love me well. {Affirmative mimimrs.') I'm not deserving of such honest love. Citizens. Yea, yea ! Our lives are thine, most gracious sovereign. Elizabeth. My life is thine. 'Tis at your service, friends. Command, and I will do. If I have done Aught ill to ye, I ask forgiveness now. 'Twas done in ignorance of what ye wish, Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 89 And I have been deceived. I swear to make Amends if I have done ye harm. Citizens. Thou hast not done a single subject harm, Thou art too kind and good. Elizabeth. ^Tis God who hath directed me, and Him Ye all must thank. Citizens. We will, we will ! We'll thank Him, for He sent thee unto us. Elizabeth. 'Tis true, my loving friends. He placed me on the throne of this great land. He sent me here to be your queen and friend, To save ye from your enemies and His. Yea, ye have foes amongst ye here who would Destroy the Church and throne. But these are safe, For they are built upon your jealous love And piety, foundations which no storm of heresy Can overturn. Ye're prosperous indeed, Because ye serve and do the will of God. I'm happy in such subjects, for I know As long as ye are His your souls are safe. 90 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester The end for which I hourly pray. God bless ye, friends. I leave ye in His keeping. (The procession moves off amidst the enthusiasm and applause of the populace, who run after it. The Two Gentlemen come forward.) 1ST Gent. Methinks she is a godly queen. 2ND Gent. Her thoughts were clothed most piously. Alas ! I have a doubt of their sincerity. 1ST Gent. I have no doubt of any kind. I look On wonders now as things quite natural. [Exeunt Two Gentlemen. Scene HI. — A room in the house of Sir Christo- pher Hatton. Enter Hatton and his servant Whitley. Hatton. Ah, Whitley, thou art happier than I. Whitley. How so, my master ? That can never be. When thou dost grieve, I suffer pain; when thou Art joyous, then I know true happiness. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 91 Hatton. Thy love for me, I know, is very deep, But yet it cannot feel the painful stab Which the ingratitude of queens may give. That is reserved for me. Yea, I alone Must suffer that keen agony. Whitley. Alas ! I suffer thy ingratitude, Which is a grievous pang to me. But yet I know thou lov'st me well, and dost not mean To doubt my love. Hatton. Nay, Whitley, nay. I am as sure of thy great love for me As I am of the queen's ingratitude. There was a time when I was all in all To her, and when she called me her sweet lids, Her sheep, her mutton, and her belwether; But those bright days are gone. The glorious sun Of her sweet face is now obscured by clouds. Alas ! what ruinous and threat'ning clouds ! I fear I ne'er shall look on her again, Or kiss her loving hand. Oh that I could ! There is some comfort, Whitley, that she writes To me. It doth in manner ease my grief. 92 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Whitley. I would my master would forget her. Hatton. Forget her, Whitley ! Nay, upon my life I could not banish her. Whitley. But if thou couldst, 'twould bring more peace to thee. Hatton. More peace! Alas, poor man ! I parted with it long Ago. I ne'er shall look for peace until I die. I'd rather think of her, in spite Of her ingratitude, than never gaze In meditation on her angel face. Methinks I'll write to her. Whitley. I would not ; yea, I would not. Hatton. Pray, why ? Whitley. 'Twould give her cause for mirth. Queen Elizabeth and Ea7d Leicester 93 Hatton. Nay ; rather would it move her heart to pity. Whitley. Thou canst not move a stony heart with words ; But if thou couldst, what wouldst thou get from it ? Naught sweet and nourishing. Hatton. She hath no stony heart. Whitley. Methinks she hath, indeed. To thee she owes More than she ever could repay, and yet She spurns thee off to nurse this viper Leicester. Hatton. 'Tis not her fault. He hath a witch's charm, "Gainst which the queen is powerless. Nay, Whitley, We must not censure her, but rather should We pity her. I'll write to her. Whitley. But thou wilt do it 'gainst my wish. Hatton. I must. 'Twill ease my mind a deal. 94 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Whitley. Well, if thou must, thou must. I say again, Thou wilt repent it. Hatton. My heart constraineth me to write. {He writes.) ' My most esteemed and gracious Lady, ' If I could express my feelings of your gracious letters, I should utter unto you matter of strange effect. In reading of them, with my tears I blot them ; in thinking of them, I feel so great comfort that I find cause, God knoweth, to read them on my knees. Madam, I find the greatest lack that ever poor wretch sustained. I lack that I live by. My spirit and soul, I feel, agreeth with my body and life that to serve thee is a heaven, but to lack thee is more than hell's torment unto them. My heart is full of woe. Pardon my tedious writing ; it doth much diminish my great griefs. Would God I were with you but for one hour ! My wits are overwrought with thoughts. I find myself amazed. Bear with me, my most dear, sweet lady. Passion overcometh me. Shall I utter this dismal word, " Farewell " ? Yea, ten thousand, thousand farewells ! He speaketh it that most dearly loveth 3'ou. I hold Queen Elizabeth and Ea7'l Leicester 95 you too long. Once again I crave pardon, and so bid your own poor " lids " farewell. ' Your bondsman, everlastingly tied, ' Chris. Hatton.' Scene IV. — A street in London. Enter Burleigh cvid John Melville, in con- versation. Burleigh. Ah, John, it is a merry world indeed To lookers-on. 'Tis full of humorous stuff To cause them laughter ; but to those who take A part in this performance, and who help To mix things up — although against their will — It is a serious task. Melville. I know it, Cecil; 3'ea, I've learnt all this To my discomfiture. For what we're born I'm oft in serious doubt. I'm sure 'tis not To make things smooth. It is beyond our skill. The earth itself is made of ups and downs, And so, methinks, our lives must be. Burleigh. I would I could invent a way whereby They could be levelled. 96 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Melville. As long as we are ruled by sovereigns Who know not their own minds, it were lost time To ponder o'er it long. Burleigh. This villain Leicester will disturb us all, I can foresee. His insolence will know No bounds, and when let loose it will befoul The very air we breathe and poison us. Whilst he's alive I dread what's like to happen. Melville. Well, Cecil, to bewail our fate will not Preserve us from it. We will do our duty. And thus enjoy the surer happiness Of doing right. Burleigh. 'Tis not my own fate I lament, but 'tis The nation's. Think of what's in store for it. Melville. Leave it to do its duty, Burleigh. Burleigh. What is its duty to a queen who doth Allow a vain, ambitious, vicious man Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 97 To counsel her ? Thou couldst not blame it, John, If it did murmur loudly. Melville. Ah, Cecil, 'tis a problem far beyond My skill to solve. Burleigh. I hope to God She'll find it out ere long. Melville. AVith all my heart I echo thee. [Exeunt both. Enter Sussex and Lord Lincoln. Sussex. What dost thou fear ? Lincoln. O God! Is there not much to fear? Sussex. Tut! tut! The queen's too changeful nature gives us hope, 'Tis but a passing whim of hers. She'll tire Of him again ere long. He hath not skill 7 98 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester To stand on dizzy heights. His heart gets weak; His mind grows faint ; his head doth whirl, and down He falls. He's skilful in the climbing up, But he doth lose his balance on the top. If needful, there's a way to bring him down With greater certainty. Lincoln. Pray how ? Sussex. To make the height to which he seeks to climb More slippery. Lincoln. I cannot reach thy meaning. Sussex. Why, make the queen suspicious ; tell her how He boasts of conquering her ; of how she fears To do what would displease him ; how he says,. And she doth quickly, gladly do ; yea, how He scorns her in his heart. This is a way That will most surely bring him low — as low As is the grave itself. Lincoln. I'm glad on it. I am more hopeful now. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester c)C) Sussex. Then we may tell her of the nation's tears And murmurings, and prophesy a storm From it that will, with mighty violence, Disturb her throne. Methinks such news as this Would almost cure her of itself. Lincoln. Pray God it will ! [Exeunt both. Re-enter Burleigh, with Leicester. Burleigh. I'm glad that thou art reconciled to her. Leicester. I tell thee, Burleigh, she is in my power. She loves me far more deeply than she did ; Nor would I wonder if she married me. Burleigh. Nay, nor would I. Methinks she will. I've noted with what deep Regard she bends to thee. I would that I Were in thy place. Leicester. No doubt thou dost. And there are many more who have the same lOO Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Deep wish ; yea, many more who envy me And hate me with undying hate. Burleigh. Nay! Leicester. I know them well. The queen doth know them, too. Burleigh. It cannot be. They cannot hate thee so. Leicester. Ha, ha! How innocent thou art ! Burleigh. Perchance thou knowest more than I ? Leicester. Thou know'st a little, too. Burleigh. A little ? yea, 'tis true. Not near so much as thou dost seem to know. How dost thou mean to punish them .'' Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester loi Leicester. I will devise a little torture that Will cure them well. Burleigh. Nay, Thou canst afford to be more merciful. Pray, let me intercede for them. Leicester. I'd counsel thee To intercede for thine own self. \Exeunt both. Scene V. — France. Garden at the Palace at Blois. Enter Catherine de Medicis and Charles IX. in conversation. Catherine. Thou art too faint of heart to be a king. Thou art not bold enough to slay thy foes. Come, pluck up courage, son, and show thyself A man, and fit to rule the mighty France. Charles. It is not courage that I need, but 'tis A cruel heart. I02 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Catherine. Ha, ha! A cruel heart, indeed ! A cruel heart To kill thy enemies ! It is not just To make thyself secure ? to serve thy God ? And to preserve His Church ? 'Tis cruelty ! Thou'lt treat with kindness those who plot thy fall? With gentleness the men who seek thy death ? Nay, thou wouldst aid thy foes to murder thee ? Would draw the dagger to thy breast ? Most strange ! I have a bold and grateful son indeed ; My country has a brave and resolute king ; The Church I love a noble champion. I would I had not given thee birth. Charles. Nay, mother, Thou dost not count the cost of what thou urgest. Catherine. The cost ! What can it cost ? I know the recompense — Glory and peace, and great prosperity. Who are these canting hypocrites ? these foes Of God and man ? these stirrers-up of strife ? What is their mission here ? What is their use Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 103 In this most busy world ? To plot and scheme ; To be the enemies of peace ; to spread Dismay and ruin ; yea, to threaten men Of piety and holiness. To curse, To put to death such serpents, beasts, and worms, Would be a holy act, and would obtain The sanction of our justice-loving God. I urge thee to this deed of justice, son, Because I'd have thee be the instrument To do God's will. When thou and I are dead, Posterity will bless us for this work. Charles. I see it is my duty, mother. Catherine. Thy duty ! yea. Our duty is to seek and know God's will, And to perform it, though it bring us hate. To take deep vengeance on His enemies Is what He seeks from us, and those who have The power to do it are His chosen ones. Thy brother comes this way, and wearing smiles. Enter Alen(;on. Well, son, what means this joyousness ? I04 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Alen(;'on. I have received glad news from Fenelon. Elizabeth is well disposed to me, And speaks in hopeful terms of our betrothal. Is that not cause for joyousness ? Catherine. It is, my son. It gives me wondrous cheer to hear this news. What doth he say ? Alen^on. That she regards me as a noble prince, A brave and valiant man ; that she doth ask For proofs of my affection every day, And reads with no concealed joy my letters. Catherine. 'Tis well. I can assure thee this is evidence That love is growing in her heart. I know Its mode of growth in woman far too well To be deceived. Is there aught else he said ? Alen<;on. That more than all she was impressed by what She thought was written to De Foix. {Laughs. Queen ElizabctJi and Ea7'l Leicester 105 Catherine {smiling). Ah! ah! We will not laugh at such simplicity, But mourn that thou must marry such a one, To glorify thy country and thy Church. Thou speedest well, my son. I see this England, This proud, imperious, yet most silly queen. The slaves of France. I see the Catholic Church Implanted on the soil where heresy Doth thrive. I see beloved France rise up And rule the world, and ye the arbiters 'Tween nations, men, and God Himself. How blest Am I, the mother of such sons ! [Exeunt all. Scene VI. — Westminster. A room in the Palace. Enter Queen Elizabeth and Fenelon in conver- sation Elizabeth. Thou hast not been explicit with me, Fenelon. Fenelon. Nay, madam, I have told thee all I know. io6 Queeji Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Elizabeth. But thou hast not. Fenelon. What have I left unsaid ? Elizabeth. A wondrous deal. Thou hast not said what compensation I Shall have for the injury to his face. Fenelon. Himself, good lady. The hurt is disappearing rapidly, And soon his face will be as clear as thine; And as thine is the loveliest on earth, Thou canst not find a fault with his. Elizabeth. It cannot be. Small-pox is never cured. Fenelon. Pardon, madam. But hast thou evidence of this ? Elizabeth. I have been told by skilful men. Qiieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 107 Fexelon. Then, they have told thee Hes. It is not so. In France it is a common cure, and there Is one who hath attained great skill in this. 'Tis he attends on my good master. Elizabeth. I would that thou couldst bring him over here. Fenelon. I'll try, sweet lady. Thou wilt be pleased with him. Apart from this He is a worthy man. Elizabeth. Thy master, too, is short, and I am tall. Fenelon. 'Tis very well. He cannot be thy master, then, for thou Couldst rule him easily. Elizabeth. 'Tis said he hath a big and ugly mouth. Fenelon. It is a lie. 'Tis true, his mouth is not so beautiful As thine, for thine is perfect, yet it is A mouth that would not sour thy kisses. io8 Quee^i ElizabetJi and Earl Leicester Elizabeth. His legs are crooked, too. Fenelon. I know not, lady, who hath told thee this, But he had crooked eyes. Elizabeth. And, then, he hath a monstrous head. Fenelon. But 'tis not empty, madam, thou'lt confess. Elizabeth. I have my doubts of it. Fenelon. What ! after all he's written to thee ? Thou hast Confessed his thoughts and words are beautiful. Doth beauty grow in barren ground ? Elizabeth. But words are easily writ. Fenelon. True, madam. But 'tis not given to every man to write In language choice and beautiful. It is A gift of bounteous Nature, and of which She's sparing, too. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 109 Elizabeth. I would that I had such a gift ! Fenelon. Thou canst not doubt thy own rare skill, sweet lady! I can assure thee thou art envied greatly By all who long to be admired for Their grace of diction. Elizabeth. This is but flattery. Fenelon. If truth is tiattery, I grant it, lady. If it is flattering the sun to say He doth impart the greatest warmth and light, We speak but truthfully, and so I speak The truth in saying that thy eloquence Is rare and wonderful, and doth entrance The heart of him who hears thee speak and reads The words thou writest. Elizabeth. As I grow old — and I am old, God knows — I feel the skill and beauty I possessed When young are slipping rapidly away. iio Qzteen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Fenelon. It is thy great humility, good lady. Thou art as humble as thou'rt beautiful And wise. It is so in God's world. 'Tis they On whom He hath bestowed the greatest gifts Who are less conscious of their precious worth. In every priceless gift thou shinest, yet Thou art most humble. Were it otherwise, Thou wouldst not be so loved and worshipped. Elizabeth. Yet it is nature's law that beauty fades As age creeps on. Fenelon. Most true ; And that doth evidence that by divine Protecting Providence thou art used kindly. For thee the laws of nature are reversed : The older thou dost get — for thou canst not Expect to live thy youthful days again — More beautiful thou seem'st to be ; so none Can wonder why men love thee so. [Exeunt both. ACT IV. Scene I. — Westminster. A room in the Palace. Enter Queen Elizabeth, alone. Elizabeth. Ah, marriage ! It is a joy that I shall never know. The time for best enjoying it is past. I wear a crown, indeed, but not the crown Of happiness. Eve let the years slip by Of indecision and of playing with the love I could have had, and now I taste the fruit — Most bitter fruit — of what I sowed. They say I am most wise. Ha ! ha ! If I'd been wise, I would have seen old age creep on and gloom. That is not wisdom that doth ever gaze On passing beauty, and doth shut its eyes To Nature's ugliness. They flatter me To say I'm wise. I gaze upon my youth As one doth gaze upon a fairy land 112 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester In dreams : it is receding from m}' view, And in its place a dreary solitude Doth rise, o'er which I have to travel. Alas ! Sweet company could cheer me on. I fear To tread so dark a path alone. O God ! I do repent me now of ill-spent youth. Enter Kate Ashley. Ah, Kate ! thou lov'st me well ? Kate Ashley. What means your majesty ? Thou canst not doubt My love for thee ? Elizabeth. 1 would that all could love me as dost thou ; And yet I cannot hope for it. Ah, Kate ! I may command, and they may not refuse To do. 'Twere wise of them ; but I have not The power to command their love. Alas ! I cannot read their hearts. I would I could, For I should read strange language there. Kate Ashley. Thou canst not make them love thee, it is true, If they prefer to hate thee, yet thou dost Possess the wondrous skill to read their hearts. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester i 1 3 It is a gift which God hath given to thee, Along with other gifts divine. Elizabeth. Thou hast no evidence of this. Kate Ashley. Yea, overwhelming evidence, sweet lady. I've seen and heard thee speak to many men, Who did protest their micjhty love for thee ; And yet thou didst lay ope their very hearts, And found it written there that they had love For no one but themselves. Then I have seen How others would have urged thee to a deed Of monstrous cruelty, because 'twould save Thyself and throne — because 'twas just, indeed. And then most skilfully thou madest them all Confess they sought their own most selfish ends. Yea, many instances I could sum up To prove thy wondrous skill. Elizabeth. I little thought, sweet Kate, I was observed with such intent by thee. Come, tell me, dost thou think that I am loved ? Kate Ashley. I cannot doubt it, madam. Who could not love so kind and sweet a creature? 8 114 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester It were a heart of stone, unnatural, That could not love thee. Yea, I warrant me, Such hearts are rare in England now. It is Confessed by all thou art a worthy queen, And dost deserve to rule a mighty land. Elizabeth. I thank thee, Kate, For such sweet words. They're curing medicine For aching grief. Kate Ashley. Why dost thou grieve ? Elizabeth. Because 'tis natural. Dost think that queens Should never grieve ? Kate Ashley. Alas ! I know that all are heirs to it. Methinks Thou hast enough to make thee grieve. Elizabeth. Indeed, I have, my Kate. I have a heavy weight to bear. Alas ! I often think my strength will not last out. And that 'twill draj/ nie down. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 1 1 5 Kate Ashley. Nay, never fear. Thou hast around thee willing, trusty aids, To help thee bear thy burden. Elizabeth. Nay, Kate, I have suspicion of them all. I'll trust Myself. If I'm too feeble to support My kingdom, they will never prop it up. The legs would be unequal, Kate, and so The kingdom would be bent in many shapes. The longer props would kick the shorter down, Until the whole would fall and ruin them. I'd grieve for thee, sweet Kate, if I should die. Kate Ashley. But thou wilt live for many years. Elizabeth. Pray God I shall ! I would not like to die. Enter Lady Sheffield and Fran'ces Howard. What message bear ye, ladies ? For I see 'Tis burdensome. ii6 Queejt Elizabeth and Ea^d Eeicester Lady Sheffield. It is, sweet lady, for it doth affect The Hfe of one good man, who loves thee well. Frances Howard. Yea, deeper than the loud-toned love of some. Elizabeth. I love all those who truthfully love me. Lady Sheffield. Pray be it so for this poor man, for I Will swear his love is truth itself. Elizabeth. Thou art no feeble advocate, indeed. Come, tell me who it is. Lady Sheffield. Thy noble vice-chamberlain, who's sick to death Because thou wilt not smile on him. Frances Howard. He longs to have a gracious word from thee Before he dies. Elizabeth. Poor lids ! And is he stricken so ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester i i 7 Frances Howard. Yea, lady ; He cannot rise from off his bed. Elizabeth. And all for love of me ? Frances Howard. For love of thee. Elizabeth. Poor sheep ! And doth he feel himself a wanderer, And little cared for ? Lady Sheffield. Yea, lady ; Far from the fold he loves, where he deserves To be, far more than many there. Frances Howard. Where there are many wolves in sheep's disguise. Elizabeth. I'll write to him. I know he loves me truly, though he is A jealous-minded man. I'd grieve most deeply If he should die for want of my sad smiles. ii8 Qneen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Lady Sheffield. Sad smiles, indeed ! Who says thy smiles are sad ? Frances Howard. He hath an evil eye who told thee so. Elizabeth. 'Tis said my smiles are sad. Lady Sheffield. It is not true, sweet lady, for thy smiles Are sorrow-curers, bringers of deep joy. Frances Howard. They lighten dreary lives. Elizabeth. Pray, tell him I forgive him all his rashness, And ask him come again. Both. We thank thee, gracious majesty. [Exeunt ladies. Elizabeth. There's one who loves me, Kate, to whom I've done A cruel wronsf. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 119 Kate Ashley, Nay, thou hast not. He doth deserve it all. Elizabeth. Nay, dost thou think so ? Kate Ashley. He did presume too much upon thy love. Nay, even if ye looked at other men He censured thee. That was not gratitude. He's reaping now what he hath sown, and thou Hast acted wisely. Elizabeth. And dost thou think I've punished him enough ? Kate Ashley. 'Twould do no harm To have him near thee once again. Elizabeth. I'll have him, Kate, For I do sorrow for him much. Kate Ashley. Thou hast a gentle heart. Elizabeth. I would I had a gentler, Kate. 1 20 Quee7i Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Enter La Motte Fenelon. But who comes here ? Pray leave me for awhile. Kate Ashley {aside). I hate this sly ambassador. He hath no goodly mission here. [Exit Kate. Fenelon. Good-morrow, gentle lady. Elizabeth. Good-morrow, Fenelon. 1 hope thou hast good news. Fenelon. Nay, I have not, sweet lady. I bring depressing news. Elizabeth. Well, out with it. Fenelon. My master is aweary of delay. Elizabeth. Ah, sir. He's too impatient : he must curb his love. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 121 Fenelon. Must curb his love ? What dost thou ask ? Can love be curbed ? I thought It was no bridled horse. Elizabeth. Then learn from me It can be curbed. Necessity is that Which Nature's laws may teach. Fenelon. If love is curbed with ease, I doubt its truth. 'Tis very weak, at least. Elizabeth. True love is proved By how it lasts, and how it fights against The stress of circumstance. The longer it Doth love, the greater strength it has. How is thy master ? Fenelon. Quite love-sick, madam. Elizabeth. Such sickness can be easily cured. 122 Q 116671 Elizab6th and Earl L6ic6ster Fenelon. Nay, madam ; He hath a serious attack, indeed, Beyond the skill of man to cure. It is A sickness unto death. 'Tis thou alone Who hath the power to rouse him up. Elizabeth. What power have I ? Am I the only queen in this great world ? Fenelon. Nay, canst thou ask ? Thou art the only queen whom he could love. Thou art the only queen who doth deserve Such love as he can give. Thou art so wise, So beautiful, so virtuous, so gentle, That loving thee is wondrous natural. It seems beyond our power to treat thee other Than worshipping and loving thee. If thus Thy nature doth attract the love of all, Pray think how it would quickly, strongly grow In my poor master's heart. Elizabeth. Ah, Fenelon, Thou art no feeble advocate of thy Poor master. Pray, tell him this from me, that I Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 1 2 Feel sure of his deep love for me ; that I Am grateful for such honest, noble love ; And that it shall not live without reward. Fenelon. I thank thee, lady. Thy message will revive him much, but not To perfect joy. I would that thou couldst give Much surer hope. Elizabeth. Be satisfied with what I've said. I cannot. Fenelon. I will, fair lady. \Exit Fenelon. Elizabeth. Methinks that love is growing in my heart For this wise prince. Nay, I am sure of it. I long to marry him, but that I fear The nation will not sanction it. 'Twould rise In anger 'gainst a prince who hates the Church My subjects love. That is the obstacle I know not how to overcome. My council Would fan the flame into a fearful blaze I dread would scorch my throne. The only way To gain mv ends would be to bribe them all 124 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester With promises of favour and reward. Refusal shall but hurl them to disgrace, Which they will dread more than my marriage with The prince they hate. I'll let no time slip by Ere I commence the task. [Exit. Scene II. — A street in London. Enter Two Gentlemen in conversation. 1ST Gent. I've heard but little of the news; if thou dost know much more, I beg thou wouldst enlighten me. 2ND Gent. Thou know'st that something terrible hath stirred the minds of all, and that the faces thou dost see bespeak some poignant grief ? 1ST Gent. I've never seen the citizens so sorrowful in my time, friend. 2ND Gent. Nor hast thou ever heard of such a fiendish crime. Pray God it is the worst and last ! Qztccn Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 125 1ST Gl'NT. I'll share thy wish if thou wilt give me cause for it. 2ND Gent. I'll give thee most abundant cause for it. The infidel and devilish King and Queen of France did butcher, on St. Bartholomew's day, all the Protestants in their homes. ^Twas done by serpent stealth, when they were helpless and unable to defend themselves. O God ! how canst thou let such fiends live ? 1ST Gent. Thou needst might ask, my friend. His ways are wondrous strange. 2ND Gent. No doubt He'll punish them in time. 1ST Gent. I hope He'll burn them with hell-fire. [Exeunt, Enter Sussex a}id Burleigh. Burleigh. No deed could better serve our ends or damn Their own. They are their own worst enemies. The queen will never countenance so great And deep a crime ; the nation's hate will be 126 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Increased, and less and less they'll be inclined To favour marriage with this ugly prince. The storm I see is rising now will soon Become a whirlwind which she dare not face. For my own part, I'm glad on it. Sussex. And I am deeply sorrowful. Burleigh. And why, my lord ? Sussex. So many murdered innocents is cause For grief. Burleigh. But it will save our country and our queen. Sussex. Salvation based upon a hideous crime Is an unnatural fruit, and shares the fate Of all misgendered things — a useless life And speedy death. Burleigh. Thou'rt in thy quiet, thinking mood to-day. To-morrow thou'lt thmk different. Queen Elizabeth and Barl Leicester [27 Sussex. I'd rather let them wed than have a crime So terrible an obstacle. Burleigh. That he may murder us! Nay, Sussex, nay. Thou art not serious ? Sussex. I am, indeed, Most serious. Burleigh. It is a serious dream. Sussex. We'll see ; we'll see, \_Rxeunt. Scene III. — A room in Sir Christopher Hatton's house. Enter Sir Christopher Hatton and Whitley. Hatton. Ah, I'm a happy man to-day, good Whitley. Whitley. I'm glad thou'rt in a joyous mood, but I've Grave doubts how long 'twill last. 128 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Hatton. Until I die, good man. The clouds of her ill-will have passed away, And now the glorious sun doth shine. Whitley. But other clouds may come. Hatton. Nay, Whitley. I see none coming on. Yea, what I see Is one expanse of brilliant sky. Whitley. And this in spite of her too changeful mood ? Hatton. Yea, in spite of that. Methinks her moods are not so changeable. They may appear so, but when thou dost think Of all the varied natures she must please, She needs must show a varied nature, too. We think she's changeable because she has So many rare and wondrous gifts. Whitley. But didst thou think so when she cast thee off? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 129 Hatton. I own, good Whitley, I was wrong. I own That I deserved such punishment. I am A jealous-minded man, and when I see She favours others whom I think would do Her wrong, my anger urges me to speak My mind. I have no mastery o'er myself, And when too late I grieve. Indeed, I see She hath been merciful to me. If others Had done what I have done ; had shown the spleen That I have shown ; had uttered words that I Have said, they'd be bemoaning in the Tower ; Whereas the greatest punishment that she Hath meted out to me is banishment From her sweet face, although I cannot bear E'en that. But I'm to gaze on it again. And with what joy I'll kiss her hand once more ! How zealous I shall be to please her well ! How sharp a curb I'll keep on jealousy And anger ! How guarded shall my language be! I would not suffer o'er again the days Of sorrow and of gloom which now are o'er ! [Exeunt Hatton and Whitley. 130 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Scene IV. — A room in tJie house of the Countess OF Essex. Enter the Countess of Essex, alone. I sometimes feel he'll never marry me, In spite of that great love he doth protest. He'd risk too much. The queen would banish him Beyond forgiveness ; yea, would hate us both, And thrust us in the Tower to drag our lives Apart. She is a selfish, cruel queen. Ungrateful, undeserving faithful love, For she would never let us know its joy. How many young and hopeful lives hath she Destroyed, because they married 'gainst her wish ! Should we escape her rage and spleen ? Nay, nay! But yet my love would risk it all. Enter Leicester. My queen ! (Kisses her.) Countess of Essex. Am I thy queen indeed ? Nay, hast thou not Mistaken me ? Leicester. Ah, jealous still ? Thou hast no need to be ; I have not given thee cause. Qtieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 131 Countess of Essex. Forgive me, Dudley. Thou canst understand. I hear so much of how she favours thee That I must needs be envious. Leicester. She'd be more envious if she could read My heart. Countess of Essex. What would she read there, Dudley ? Leicester. Dost thou not know ? 'Tis not concealed from thee. Countess of Essex. Nay, I am blind. Pray, read it me. Leicester. That I love none but thee. That thou alone Wilt be my wife. Countess of Essex. Why do they say thou'lt marry the queen ? Leicester. Who say so lie. I'll never marry her. She doth already know the one she'll wed. 132 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Countess of Essex. Pray, whom ? Leicester. The Due d'Alen^on. Nay Countess of Essex. Leicester. She is resolved to marry him. Countess of Essex. I thought she hated ugly men. Leicester. She doth, but somehow she believes he's not So ugly as reports would make him be. Indeed, she says he is a handsome man, A wise and noble prince, and worthy her. La Motte hath filled her mind with all these lies, And she hath great regard for him. Who tries To tell her truth doth run great risk, for she Doth silence him with threats. Countess of Essex. The country will be sorely grieved at this. For it will be in bondage to the Pope. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 133 Leicester. My policy will be To urge this marriage on. 'Twill please the queen, And court the favour of our future king. I'm now resolved to marry thee at once, If thou'lt consent. Countess of Essex. With all my heai t. But wilt thou let her know ? Leicester. Nay, nay ! We'll wed in secrecy, unknown to her. If she had knowledge of it, sweet, the joys Of married life would be but short. Countess of Essex. Alas ! they would. Scene V. — An apartment in the Palace. Enter Elizabeth and Fenelon. Elizabeth. I'm grieved at heart. Wouldst thou extenuate so base a deed ? Thou art as bad as they. 134 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Fenelon. Indeed, sweet lady, Thou canst not be so grieved as I, or they. My king and queen hath done this evil deed, And now are suffering torments terrible ; Yea, such a grief I fear will drive them mad. I pray thee, let this have full weight with thee In judging them. It was excess of zeal, Of love of God, that urged them to remove Whom they regarded as His bitterest foes. Elizabeth. Nay, nay ! They know that God doth never countenance The wholesale slaughter of His children whom He loves. Another motive urged them on. Dost think they would invite the hate and scorn. The horror of the world through love of God ? Alas ! our love for Him is not so deep. True love for God gives birth to deeds of peace. I know thy mistress and thy master well, And know they're both ambitious. Fenelon. And what is their ambition, my good lady ? 'Tis to promote the welfare of the Church Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 135 They love ; to make the country which they rule, The people whom they govern, great and vast. Is that a natural desire for kings And queens ? Is it a selfish one ? Dost thou Not wish to serve thy country well? Indeed, Wouldst thou be fit to govern if thou hadst No hope and wish of such a noble kind ? No man could call thee selfish, nay, could not Describe thee scornfully as most ambitious. Then I would ask thee, lady, not to judge My mistress too untenderly. Elizabeth. I judge them far more tenderly than they Have judged the victims of their rage. Dost think The greatness of a nation is secure When built upon a hideous crime ? Nay, that Prosperity will grow on fetid soil ? Can drinking human blood impart deep joy ? Yea, Fenelon, those are the truest kings And queens who would promote the nation's good ; But they are truer far when they promote And base it on good deeds. Thy mistress sets Her kingdom up on soil in which 'twill sink Much lower down than e'er it was before. 1 36 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Fenei^on. I do confess They have been blind and acted foohshly, But which of us hath never erred, and who Hath never known what bhndness is ? There comes A time in each man's hfe when he is bhnd, And moves in darkness, stumbhng on his way To find the hght. Some chance on it by luck, But others see a glimmer in the gloom For which they steer ; but e'er they reach it down They fall, in deeper darkness still. So hath My mistress been deceived, and so is she Now struggling in the gloom and with the fears That it doth breed. 'Twere nobler if we lent A tender help to bring her forth from there. Than force her further down. Methinks that God Doth make us blind at times, that we may give An opportunity for every man To guide us right, and he who guides us wrong. Or without pity lets us go astray, Doth sin most grievously. Elizabeth. 'Tis truly spoken. I'll think it o'er, yea, I will think it o'er. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 137 I would ye left me now, that I may spend My time in thought. Fenelon. I will, sweet lady. Thy nature is so kind and merciful, That I feel sure thou wilt with tenderness Regard this hasty deed. \Exit Fenelon. Elizabeth. Ah, Fenelon, Thou think'st that thou hast conquered me. 'Tis well ! But thou wilt be deceived e'er long, poor man ! To thy discomfiture. I'll use thee first, Because I find in thee a useful tool ; But when thou'rt done with I can cast thee off. 'Tis thou art blind, though thou dost think, with no Slight scorn of me, that it is I, Fll ope Thy eyes in time, but in a way thou'lt least Expect. I will not quarrel with thy king And queen ! Nay, nay! I know a wiser move. Blind ! He who shuts his eyes, then stabs his foe, Is blind? Dost think I am a child? God's death ! I'll child thee, upstart ! thou wilt find, too late. 138 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Thou hast a queen to deal with, who can shut Her eyes to strike a blow at him she hates. Enter Burleigh. Ha ! my lord Cecil. Burleigh. Thou didst send for me, good lady ? Elizabeth. Come, sit thee down. And let us seriously talk. What dost thou think Of this vile murder done in France ? Burleigh. What dost thou think of it ? Elizabeth. I wish to know thy thoughts, Not tell thee mine. Burleigh. Indeed, fair madam, I know not what to think of it. Elizabeth. Thou dost not know ? Come, speak thy mind, for thou dost surely know How thou dost look on it. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 139 Burleigh. Yea, I know how I do look on it, but what To think on it I do not know. Elizabeth. How dost thou look on it ? Burleigh. With horror, lady. Elizabeth. Most natural, indeed. And so thy thoughts must be allied ? Burleigh. I am divided in my thoughts. Elizabeth. Pray, what divides them, man ? Burleigh. The weakness of mankind. Elizabeth. Nay, is thy brain so weak ? Burleigh. Nay, madam. It is no jesting time. 140 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Elizabeth. Then tell me, Cecil, Have they not done a most unpardonable crime. And thus deserved our hate ? Burleigh. Methinks they have ; A crime I'll never pardon. Elizabeth. Nay, say not so. Burleigh. I'd say it with my dying breath. Elizabeth. Thou couldst not, Cecil. Burleigh. And why, I pray ? Elizabeth. Because thou hast a most forgiving heart. Burleigh. I have, indeed. But not for such a crime. Elizabeth. For such a crime, I say. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicestei' 141 Burleigh. Methinks I never could. Elizabeth. Ha! Thou dost not know of what thou'rt capable ; But I know well. Burleigh. Thou hast more knowledge of my heart than I. Elizabeth. I have, indeed. But I would speak to thee more seriously, Yet in a place more secret than this room ; So come with me. [Exeunt Elizabeth and Burleigh. Enter Lady Sheffield ajid Frances Howard. Frax'ces Howard. Yea, if I knew it I would tell her straight. I'd drag him down. Lady Sheffield. And yet, methinks, he'd never risk it. Frances Howard. Methinks he would. If I were told to-morrow he had married The countess, it would not sur})risc me. 142 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Lady Sheffield. Nay! Frances Howard. The Earl of Leicester, as we know, is sly And crafty, but there is a way to snare The fox. But here conies Kate. EnicY Kate Ashley. Good-morrow, Kate ! Kate Ashley. Good-morrow, ladies ; what's abroad ? Frances Howard. The Earl of Leicester's married. Kate Ashley. Nay! Frances Howard. 'Tis true. Lady Sheffield. Nay, Kate ; 'Tis but a rumour we have heard. Frances Howard. Hut rumours are most often true. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 143 Kate Ashley. Yea, yea. But he would never dare to marry. Frances Howard. What dost thou know he'd dare ? Kate Ashley. I know he'd never dare to vex the queen, As he hath done before. Frances Howard. How could he vex her if she knew it not ? Kate Ashley. True. But if it reaches thee, the world will know, And thus her majesty will hear of it. Frances Howard. I hope she will, indeed. She'll make his joy short-lived. Kate Ashley. Ah! I have no sympathy for him. He is A man who forfeits love. 144 Queen Elisabeth and Earl Leicester Lady Sheffield, He is an overweening wretch, a cur, A puppet ; nor care I who kicks him down. Frances Howard. He will be kicked, ere long, And most ungently, too. \Kxexint the three ladies. Re-enter Elizabeth and Burleigh. Elizabeth. What matter what my subjects think ? Should they Dictate to thee or me our every act ? What use are kings and queens, indeed, if they Must only do what meets their subjects' wish? What can the rabble know or see ? What can They reason out ? Nay, could they tell thee what They fear, if I should wed the duke ? They cry Aloud like children in the dark, because They see a seeming shadow there. I say. They have been taught and urged to make this noise By those whom I've marked out. Nay, I will wed. If only to revenge myself on them. I know thou hast no cowardly fear. I know Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 145 Why thou dost dread my marriage with the prince — Because thou think'st he is not worthy me. Nay, Cecil, rid thyself of such a fear. He is a noble, pious prince and can Become a goodly king. So rest secure, And in the council aid my cause. I will Reward thee as thou wilt deserve. Burleigh. I fear, sweet lady, My task will be a sorry one in face Of such great odds. Elizabeth. The better for thee. Thou'lt have me on thy side ; what matter then Who cries thee down ? I will reward thee first, And make them envious. Burleigh. Nay, nay. They'd scorn me more, indeed. Elizabeth. Well, I will do As thou dost wish. So thou hast promised me To help my marriage on. I'll not forget, And will expect to see thee bravely fight. \Exit Elizabeth. 10 146 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Burleigh. Yea, I am in a sorry plight, indeed. I dread this marriage, and I hate this prince, And yet I'm pledged to favour both. O God ! I would I were a simple subject, not A minister besieged and tossed about By woman's whims ! I daily fall in snares Which she doth cover o'er and make attractive. I would that I were far away from here, And treading on much surer ground. Alas ! I've ventured in this treacherous land, and must Abide it yet awhile. I'll earn the scorn Of all the world. But yet what can I do ? No man could envy me. I am a poor And martyred wretch. \_Exii Burleigh. Scene VI. — France. A garden at the Castle of Blots. Enter Catherine and Charles IX. Catherine. What dost thou fear ? Thou hast a craven heart. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester i^y Charles. Our crime hath met the horror of the world. All Christendom doth look on us with dread And fright, and those who loved us once and our Dear country hate us with undying hate. Catherine. Then let them hate. Our Pope and God doth love us still. Charles. Ah, mother, Thou art an enigma to me. Catherine. To thee, no doubt, Because thou hast not intellect enough To reason out the simplest things. Charles. This murder is no simple thing Catherine. Murder Pray, call it what it is — a pious act. Charli:s. I'll call it, then, a pious act. I well Can see this pious act will drag us down. 148 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester We shall be looked upon by all the world As though we're scorpions. Catherine. Nay. I know the world, my son. I know it well. I knew it would be horrified, but yet Not deeply so. It will ere long forget What we have done. Its selfishness will cure What it doth suffer now ; and when it sees That hatred will not bring prosperity, Nor will preserve it from its enemies, It will return to love. Now, son, what is The worth of all its love or hate ? Is it As true as is the Pope's, as strong and deep As God's ? Is it not hate and selfishness Disguised ? 'Tis cowardice, my son, that would Commit as great a crime if it but had The courage. Here comes thy brother ; he, as I, Doth glory in this deed. Enter Alen^'on. Nay, dost thou not ? Alen^on. What dost thou ask ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 149 Catherine. Thou dost regard it as a glorious deed To rid our country of these heretics ? Alen^on. It is a deed o'er which we may rejoice With most unbounded joy. Why dost thou ask, And doubt my ecstasy ? Catherine. 'Tis but to rouse thy brother up, for he Doth suffer from some nervous fear. Alencon. Come, brother. Why wear such gloomy looks ? Thou shouldst be glad And full of happiness, for thou art rid Of thy most bitter foes. Charles. To make more bitter enemies. Catherine. He's past all cure. I'll physic him no more. No medicine Will make the coward brave. 150 Qzieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Alencon. Nay; Nor will the deed I contemplate remove His gloominess. Catherine. What is it, son ? Alencon. When I am King of England I'll remove By lire and sword those other heretics, Who else will shake my throne, and make my life Too insecure for peace of mind. 'Twill be Another means to serve the Pope and God, And set my country on a firmer base. What matter though they hate us now, and wish To ruin us ? Their hate shall be short-lived. Their foolish, love-sick queen shall be the means Which shall destroy them utterly. Catherine. Bravo, my son ! I would thy brother were as brave as thou, And were as true a king, as bold and fearless A champion of his Church. Yea, thou shalt be Thy country's true deliverer, whom France Shall honour as a God. My noble son ! Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 151 My pious, Christian son ! Yea, I rejoice I gave thee birth, for thou hast blest my womb Which bare thee, which thy brother else had cursed. I would ye left me here awhile. I love The solitude in which my thoughts alone Are my most sweet companions. Alen^on. I know it, mother. I'll go and leave thee to thyself awhile. \Exeunt Charles and Alen(,'on. Catherine. Ah, life is strange and wondrous curious ! It lures us on by holding up far-off Rewards whose glory dazzles us. Alas ! How eager are we all to get them in Our grasp ! Our eyes are fixed on these alone, Nor scarcely see the obstacles which strew The path that leads to them. The paths which some Must tread present far greater obstacles Than hinder others, and demand more strength And will to overcome them with success. Such is my path, and I've displayed, indeed, No common firmness in surmountin^r what 152 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Would hinder me, yet where is my reward ? Where is that dazzhng, brilliant prize I saw When I set out ? As when the sun doth shine And make most objects glisten in its light At distance off, but when we come quite close The brilliance disappears, so hath the prize Which drew me on quite vanished from my view. I thought when I had rid beloved France Of these damned Protestants I should be free, And know true peace of mind. Alas ! the world Seems duller, darker still, nor do I know The peace which once I did enjoy. O Life ! Thy hopes are mere delusions, yea, methinks. The false and treacherous beauty which allures The traveller on, which decks and makes attrac- tive The pitfalls into which he falls at last. {Exit. Scene VII. — A street in London. Enter Sussex and Hatton, in conversation. Sussex. Nay, I am not surprised. Our nature's made of such elastic stuff That those who will may stretch it out to lengths As suit their purpose best. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 153 Hatton. Our nature ? Why dost thou thus inchide thyself and me ? Sussex. Yea, even thou and I are very weak, And if we were in Burleigh's place, no doubt, Would do as he. Hatton. But thou and I both sacrifice a deal To act in opposition to the queen ; And yet we have refused our aid to bring This hateful marriage off. Sussex. I cannot judge him harshly, Chris, for he Hath great excuse. Poor man ! I know how Bess Would wheedle him and touch his gentle heart With strong entreaty and with honeyed words. She knows where he is weak, and where he's strong More deeply than thyself or I. She is A skilful player on the human heart. And Burleigh's is an easy instrument. 154 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Hatton. She cannot play on thine and mine with such Great skill, and so successfully. Sussex. Be not so sure, my friend. I've seen the time when thou thyself hast piped Music both sweet and harsh as she hath bid ; And I confess I've yielded to her skill As uncontrollably. Maybe, at last. We'll urge this marriage on. Hatton. Never, Sussex ! I'd rather see her buried than the spouse Of such an ugly and deformed a wretch. Oh, God ! that she should come to wed the son Of such a monstrous mother ! Think of it, My lord, and say if Heaven could look on it With fav'ring eyes ! Sussex. It could not, Chris ; But yet how many things are done on earth Which please our God ? I dread this marriage — yea. No man could dread it more — and yet I am So weak that I may lend my aid at last. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 155 Hatton. I'm sure thou never wilt. Sussex. I know my weakness best. \_Excunt. ACT V. Scene I. — An apartment in the Palace at West- minster. Elizabeth and Kate Ashley dis- covered. Elizabeth. Ah, Kate, Love plays with us strange pranks. We think we've fixed Our love on one, and placed him on a height Which others could not reach, when, as we gaze, And seem content and sure of our great love, The latter cools we know not how ; we know Not when, indeed, till suddenly it seems Most icy cold. We turn from him we loved With discontent and scorn, almost with hate. It is a law of nature, my sweet Kate, Which greatly puzzles me. Qiiccn Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 157 Kate Ashley (aside). Praise God ! It is confined to thee alone, else love Would breed but universal grief. Elizabeth. Methought I loved the prince with deeper love, But now I could not marry him if he Were perfect. Tell me, Kate, what sa3's the world Of my resolve to have no more of him ? Kate Ashley. It doth rejoice Most merrily. Elizabeth. And is it pleased With what I've done ? Kate Ashley. In every town and village everyone Doth weep for joy and laud thee to the skies. Elizabeth. I'm glad on it. Methinks that even I could weep for joy. What cause do thev assiirn for it ? 15S Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Kate Ashley. They think that thou hast sacrificed thyself For love of them and of thy country. Thus, They almost worship thee. Elizabeth. 'Tis well, my Kate. 'Tis well they cannot guess the truer cause. Kate Ashley {aside). 'Tis well, indeed, And yet 'twere better if it knew thou hadst A mood less changeable. Elizabeth. Go, Kate ; Prepare my room and books for me. Methinks I'll read awhile. [Exit Kate Ashley. Yea, it is well. I'm glad, indeed, to hear that ye rejoice. I grudge it not, although it is not love For ye that gives ye cause. This mirth would cease If ye could know my love for Leicester is As strong as e'er it was ; that I'm resolved To marry him — yea, marry him, in spite Of all your tears and fears and threats. Are ye Qtieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 159 Alone to have this happiness ? Must I Grow old and die, and never know the love Of husband and of child ? Nay, must I love, But, unlike ye, be forced to stifle it ? Is it the penalty of being a queen That I must bear no fruit to beautify And cheer fast-growing age ? It cannot be ; I have not strength or will to make it be. \_Exit Elizabeth. Enter Leicester. A sorry plight ! I'm in no sorry plight. 'Tis true I'm wed, And that's an obstacle which some would count Quite insurmountable, but not to me. ril let no obstacle stand in my way To be the king. I'd risk my life for that. 'Tis true I've been o'er-hasty, yet who thought The queen was not in earnest ? She did seem Most deep in love — so deep, indeed, that I Could never hope to bring her out again. I'll warrant me that none can read her heart. She acts her part so well that none can tell If it is jest or no. Her love for me Is what she never acts. It is too real. Too strong, and hath defied too man}^ storms, To be unsafe to trust. She would have wed Ere now but for this might}- obstacle, i6o Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Which she can never hope to overcome. Though I repent I did not wait to see The certain issue of this later love, Yet I can feel at perfect liberty To wed the queen. {He makes to go out, hut the queen enters and) sees him.) Elizabeth. Nay, stay. I long to speak with thee. Leicester {turning round). Good-morrow, my good lady. Elizabeth. How looks the world outside ? Leicester. Most cheerful, madam. Elizabeth. Nay, very bright and full of hope ? Leicester. I see no speck of cloud to threaten storms. Elizabeth. But clouds must come ere long. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester i6i Leicester. 'Twould be quite natural. Elizabeth. Most threat'ning ones will come from France. Leicester. They'll never burst. Elizabeth. Dost think they'll pass by harmlessly ? Leicester. They cannot do us injury. Elizabeth. Why cannot they ? Leicester. Thy subjects' love would safely shelter thee If they should burst. Elizabeth. But love is not all-powerful. Leicester. It is the powerfullest thing on earth. Elizabeth. Thou hast no proof of it. II 1 62 Qiteen Ehzabeth and Earl Leicester Leicester. I have the proof of my undying love. No storm, however fiercely it did rage, Could crush my love for thee. Nay, think what storms It hath withstood, and have they injured it ? Methinks 'tis stronger now than e'er it was. Elizabeth. I know thou hadst deep love for me, my lord, When I was young ; but now I'm growing old Thy love must be less strong. Leicester. Yea, on my knees, I'll swear it is as true. As strong, as when I knew thee first. Am I Not growing old as thou, and can I hope Once more to enjoy the love of youth ? No maiden in her blushing teens could have Attractions for me now. Why dost thou doubt, After it has been tried these many years, My love for thee is dying out ? Elizabeth. Because love feeds on beauty, and as I Have lost the beauty of my youth, so will Thy love have naught to nurture it. Qiieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 163 Leicester. Love doth not feed on outward loveliness. 'Tis true that fades, but inward beauty lives, And in old age doth reach its perfect state. Love feeds on virtue, truth, and piety, All which thou'rt perfect in. Where these are not True love can not exist. Nor hast thou lost, Indeed, the beauty of thy outward form. It doth improve as age creeps on, My love Need, therefore, never wither for the lack Of blessed food. Elizabeth. We will be seen and heard if we stay here. Come, let us seek a more retired place, And speak our thoughts, nor fear intrusion. Leicester. \\'ith all my heart, sweet madam. [Exeunt Elizabeth and Leicester. Enter La Motte Flnelon and Lord Sussex. Flxelon. No simple girl at school would act as she. They know their minds, at least, and what they like 164 Otteen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester And what they scorn, but your proud queen — alas ! I wonder that ye live, and that she hath The constancy to sit upon a throne. Sussex. Ah, Fenelon, I understand the disappointment that Ye suffer from, and sympathize with ye. No doubt it is a bitter grief to all In France that they have failed in their bold schemes. As doth the gambler feel, when he hath placed At stake his own last coin, and loses it. So must their sorrow be. Methinks they played A far too hazardous game to hope to win. Hate cannot clothe herself in Love's bright robes And look quite natural. She must forget At times she plays a part, and then she doth Reveal unconsciously her decked-out self. Fenelon. Whate'er my master did, he showed he had A purpose in his heart, a constant mind, A firm, determined will — all qualities As rare and admirable as virtue's self. Thy mistress hath not found him out. Her eyes Are far too dull to notice his disguise. Queen ElizabetJi and Earl Leicester 165 Indeed, she doth beheve he loves her yet, But she hath cast him off because she loves A life of coquetry. She's very like The butterfly that flies from flower to flower, In great unrest. This is no quality To rule a country great as England is. Methinks 'twill ruin it. Sussex. Ye need not fear, my lord. She hath no love for human blood. Methinks I'd rather be the subject of a queen Who had too soft a heart to put to death Her rival and her fiercest enemy, Than one who in cold blood, nor with remorse. Could murder innocents and loving subjects, Because they loved the Bible and their God, And longed to know the truth. Fknelon. My lord is ignorant of whom he speaks. He doth not know their love of God and truth Did make them plot against the throne. My mistress Removed in them most dangerous heretics. Who sought to ruin France and kill their king And queen. I knew not truth was best displayed By trait'rous acts. I thank my noble lord 1 66 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester For teaching me. He thus hath shown to me That falsehood is more beautiful than truth. Sussex. Ha! ha! Is that the reason why thou tellest lies ? And yet these falsehoods do not beautify Thy countenance. If I had taught thee this, Thou wouldst not so contort thy face, but look More loving, calm, and pleasant. Ah ! my lord Doth think he can deceive me as he did The queen. Fenelon (aside). Curses on thee ! My God, I'll find a way to trip thee up. I'll make thy face less beautiful, or else I'll scorn myself [Exeunt both. Enter Sir Christopher Hattox. By Jupiter ! I'll round on her. I'll speak My thoughts ; give utterance to the contempt I feel for her, I'll tell her with bold tongue That she's not fit to be a queen. To dangle. And lovingly caress before us all. This upstart Leicester is beyond my stock Of patience to behold composedly I Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 167 And keep a silent tongue. I'll ope my mouth, By God ! and fiery words shall scorch her up. I would that I could burn him, too. I'll wait Until the devil has the task. \Exit Hatton. Scene II. — ^ight. A country place. Enter Leicester {disguised). Ah, Leicester, thou art not so bold a man As thou dost boast thyself to be, or else Why dost thou tremble so ? What makes thee start At every little sound ? what makes thee fear This talking solitude ? Its silence seems To frown on me, and to reproach in tones Of holy innocence my deep-laid crime. I'd hold a parley with it if I dared. But I should fear to hear me speak. And yet I've gone too far to wrest the murderous hand. My wife will be in heaven ere long. The scheme Is too well laid to fear its non-success. And yet I love her ! she is worthy me. She is as virtuous as she is beautiful ; She is, indeed, a paragon of wives. I'd sound her praises with my dying breath. Yet I must kill her, for her living means 1 68 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester A life imprisonment for me, or death. I cannot sacrifice my life for hers, For she would never sacrifice herself For me. Is it not better she were dead, Than be deprived of me and liberty. And live a ling'ring, tortured life within The Tower ? In killing her am I not kind ? She'll die, at least, in painless innocence. For me I see, in spite of all its joys, A weary life. Where is that happy man Who drags a guilty conscience ? Enter Murderer. Thou com'st ! Why dost thou drag thy steps ? Murderer. A heavy weight doth make them slow. Leicester. Come, cheer up, man. Do all thy crimes affect thee thus ? Murderer. Nay, otherwise. Leicester. What dost thou mean ? Murderer. They give me speed. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 169 Leicester. Then, why has this not quickened thee ? Murderer. Because it is not done. Leicester. Not done ! Did courage fail thee at the last ? Murderer. Thou told'st me she would be alone. Leicester. She is ! Murderer. Thou liest ! Leicester. I lie? Whom didst thou see with her ? Murderer. A man. Leicester. Nay! I/O Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leiceste?' Murderer. A man, I say. Leicester. Great God ! And is she false to me ? Yea, she shall die, Though I must do the deed myself. Come, friend, We'll kill them both in their adultery. {Aside) I'm glad on this, for I've a deeper cause Why she should die. Murderer. I will not come with thee. Leicester. Why, coward ? Hast thou not pluck enough to meet a man ? Murderer. I've pluck enough to meet a man, but not An army of them. Leicester. An army ? Pray, speak in simpler words, my friend. {Aside) I fear some plot against my life. Murderer. In short, 'tis this : As I approached, a dozen horsemen reached Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 1 7 r The house, demanding in our sovereign's name Admittance. The door was oped, and in they walked. They stayed inside a grievous time. At last They ushered forth, but with thy screaming wife, With whom they quickly rode away. Leicester. Is that thy tale ? Murderer. It briefl}' pictures what I saw. Leicester. It is a mystery I cannot solve. Didst hear no words by which Thou couldst detect their errand ? Murderer. No word was uttered. Leicester. I'd give my life If I could know these men. Murderer. Methinks thou never wilt. [Exeiuit both. I 72 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Scene III. — A street in London. Enter Fenelon and Lincoln. Fenelon. We have his wife, I say, And surer evidence thou couldst not get. Lincoln. When wilt thou tell the queen He hath a living wife ? Fenelon. Depend on it, I'll choose a time quite suitable. Lincoln. I would the secret were not kept from her For many hours. Fenelon. It shall not, rest assured. Lincoln. O Leicester, thy great fall is near ! Fenelon. 'Twill crush him past all recognising him. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 173 Lincoln. Nay, can he fall from such a height and live ? Fenelon. He hath much life in him. [Exeunt both. Scene IV. — An apavtmcnt in the Palace. Enter Lady Sheffield and Frances Howard. Lady Sheffield. A storm indeed ! ha ! ha ! There'll be the greatest storm these walls have heard. Oh, how her majesty will rave at him ! Frances Howard. Poor Leicester ! Lady Sheffield. And dost thou pity him ? Frances Howard. Did I not smile in uttering it ? Indeed, I've scarcely known a happier day. Lady Sheffield. And yet thou lov'st him ! 174 Qiieen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Frances Howard. And thou art jealous of his wife. It is Her punishment that pleases thee. Lady Sheffield. Yet I have never done what thou hast done. Frances Howard. I've never stooped as thou hast stooped. I've held My head above my knees, indeed. Lady Sheffield. 'Twas but to let him see thy glassy eyes. Frances Howard. If thou hadst shown him thine he would have scorned So vile an imitation. Lady Sheffield. I've heard him laugh at thee. Frances Howard. Because I pleased my lord. When thou cam'st near, His happy look did change to grief. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 175 Lady Sheffield. Thou art a saucy wench. Frances Howard. And thou a fiery one. [Exeunt the two ladies. Enter Elizabeth and Sir Charles Hatton. Elizabeth. 'Tis jealousy disturbing thee again. Some men are overheated with strong wine, But envy hath inflamed thy heart and mind, And made thee use these incoherent words. Hatton. Nay, madam, thou dost wrongly rate me thus. By heaven ! thou dost. My head's as cool as thine. I will confess my heart is warm ; na}^ that It is inflamed. I'll swear by Holy Writ It is not jealousy that heats it thus. 'Tis love for thee ; yea, truest love, sweet lady — No counterfeit, by all that's true. 'Tis love That longs for thy great joy and happiness. Elizabeth. Then, rest assured I am a happy queen. 176 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Hatton. Thou art not ; nay, thou canst not be. Elizabeth. What hinders it ? Hatton. Thou'lt say I'm envious if I tell it thee. Elizabeth. I bid thee speak. Hatton. Thou hast deep love for him who scorns thee. Elizabeth. And v^ho is he ? Hatton. Nay, wilt thou ask ? Elizabeth. Have I not asked ? Hatton. Thou lovest Leicester, who's not worthy thee. Elizabeth. Who says I love him ? Have I said myself ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 177 Hattox. Thou hast not, lady, but thy acts express Deep love for him. Elizabeth. It is thy wilful misinterpretation. Hatton. Not mine alone, sweet lady ; others have Observed, and marked them too, with meaning nods. And wilt thou say they misinterpret thee ? Elizabeth. Who are these men Who watch me thus ? By God ! I'll make them spies ! Hatton. They are not spies. They cannot shut their eyes To what is done before them. They must see, Or else be wilful blind. Elizabeth. I say. They make it their one aim in life to n:iark My acts, to spy me out. I know them well. 12 178 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Dost think I have not marked their frowns and seen Their scornful smiles ? God's death ! I'll see their tears Ere long. Another pastime they shall have, But not where sunshine comes. Hatton. It is their duty, madam. It proves their faithfulness. Elizabeth. What ! Dost take me for a dolt ? This is no sign Of love, my friend. Thou canst not flatter me With such sweet words. I know ambition^s ways. It is a quality that plots and schemes. Thou canst not teach me what it loves. Hatton. Ambition that doth plot to serve its queen, And to preserve herself and throne from those Who seek to ruin them, doth seem to me A worthy spectacle. The greatest nation Is that where such ambition is. Elizabeth. Thou speakest truthfully, Hut that ambition which doth strive — nor minds Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester i 79 The means — to raise itself, and doth regard With jealous e3'e the height which others have Attained, will, if not checked at first, do harm. 'Tis that which hath destroyed the greatest nations. Though they were built upon unselfishness At first. Yea, I must cure such jealousy. I'll have no weeds where liowers may grow. Hatton. Pray, pardon me. Thou dost not doubt my love ? Elizabeth. Well, crush this jealousy, or else I'll look On thee as one who loves thyself with strength That doth not suit humiHty. {Exit Hatton. Go, feeble man, And tempt me not. Oh, God! why am I plagued With such weak-minded men ? Is it a curse Pronounced against unwedded life ? 'Tis they Who are to blame for my unmarried state. 'Tis they who've been the shadows of my life. The threat'ning clouds which have obscured the sun, And made my path a dull, uncertain one. Where'er I go their faces haunt me ; yea, i8o Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester With ugly menace, too. They're cowards all. They know a king would fill their hearts with fear, And so they'd have me be their humble queen. I'll show them yet I can put on the man. I'll make them quake. God's blood ! I'll let them know No feeble woman governs them. \Exit Elizabeth. Enter Sussex and Burleigh. Sussex. I pity him. Her anger will demand his instant death. The blow will be so sudden and so strange That it will crush all womanly tenderness, And make her heart a stone. She'll look on him As on a monster worthy scorn and hate. And this will last for days and weeks, until She doth regain her womanliness and show Repentance and remorse. She then will grieve O'er Leicester's death, and be the constant prey Of melancholy. Burleigh, we must save Our blessed queen. She must not do the deeds Of sudden madness, and suffer the remorse Of sanity regained. Nor do I long For Leicester's death ; I bear him no ill will Of deadly quality. His game is o'er ; Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester i8i His power is crushed. Henceforth he'll be too weak To do our queen and country harm. With that I'll be content. Burleigh. I'd rather see him dead. Nor do I think The queen will suffer all the agony Thou hast depicted. But I long to know, Ere further words are said, what is the scheme Thou dost propose to save his head. Sussex. To use our influence and counsel her To stay the axe. To send him far away. On pain of putting him to death if he Return. 'Twill be a task, I must confess, Of subtlest delicacy and hazard, yet I'm sanguine of success. Burleigh. Thou'rt ever sanguine, Sussex ; yea, too sanguine. I know of none so happy in his hopes Of sure success, yet it doth not have source In ever fruitfulness. I say, we should Incur the queen's displeasure if at such A time we tendered such advice. Yea, far From soothing her, as is thy wish, we would But add more fuel to the fire, in which i82 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester She'd also scorch us up. 'Twere wise of us To keep at distance safe, and let her fury Destroy the cause of it. Sussex. This is no manly talk, my worthy lord. I know thou art not well, or else such words Would never leave thy lips. There is a duty We owe to her which should not dread her ire. I know thou wilt recall thy words, and thus I rest contented thou wilt come. Burleigh. I've said what I intend. This man hath done Already grievous injury to me, And I were mad, indeed, to lift him up That he might strike at me again. Nay, nay. Count not on me to be his advocate. Sussex. How can he injure thee again ? He's down, To rise no more. He'll have no power to strike. Nay, Burleigh, this is no excuse. I say, Thy health hath much enfeebled thee. To- morrow Thou'lt be another man. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 183 Burleigh. I've said what I've resolved. [Exeunt both. Enter Elizabeth with Leicester. Elizabeth. Thou hast thy enemies, but never fear, For I will be thy shield. To see thee fall Would give them thrilling joy. For them such joy Shall never be. Leicester. I thank thee, madam ; Such gracious words do fill my heart with hope. Thou art the staff on which I must depend For life ; yea, life, for if they had their wish I should not now be in thy queenly presence. Elizabeth. I know it, Leicester. I know they wish thee dead ; but whilst I live Thou never need'st fear death from thy base foes. Leicester. Again I thank thee. Thou ever hast been wondrous kind to him Who is not worthy e"en to kneel to thee. 184 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Thou art the only friend I have, sweet lady, Yet thou art more than many. How I long To pay in love and true allegiance The debt I owe to thee ! It is a debt I cannot find fit language to express. I ask thee, do I merit all their hate ? Would they regard me with such jealousy If thou didst frown on me ? Nay, nay ! I'd be A thing contemptible. I feel the brunt Of their displeasure with thy gracious looks And words. Thy graciousness to me hath bred This hatred in their jealous hearts. If they Regard me with this evil eye, they must Assume their fond regards for thee. Elizabeth. I know it. 'Tis all hypocrisy. They hate me too. Yea, I have searched their faithless hearts ere now, And seen the falseness there. Thank God, I know A certain cure for this, which I'll apply Ere many days are o'er. Leicester. 'Twould be most wise. Delay might make the evil past all cure. Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 185 I know they've tried to poison thee with Hes That I have Hkewise been a faithless subject, And I have spent most grievous, painful hours In thinking that to thee their words might bear The stamp of truth. Yet with great joy I've seen That thou hast read their hearts aright, and hast Displayed the wisdom which a loving God Hath blessed thee with. I've heard of foolish queens Who have been led astray by hypocrites And flatterers, who did disguise their hate With the attractive garb of love. But thou Hast vision which can pierce all falsehood's guise, However skilfully it be portrayed. That is the source of thy prosperity, Which none before thee ever knew. Elizabeth. Ah, Leicester, thou didst ever think too well Of me. I am not worthy of such praise. I have some gifts, I know, but not so great As thou dost say I frequently display. I've been deceived e'er now. Leicester. But not for long, sweet lady ; thou hast found Thy error out before great harm was done. 1 86 Queen Elisabeth and Earl Leicester Canst thou or anyone look round and mark The evidence of any fooHsh act ? Can they point finger at the least defect, And say, ' If she had had a keener eye, Or deeper mind, this never would have been ' ? Nay, lady. That's the sum and evidence Of all true wisdom and of intellect. Which thou hast got in perfect measure. Elizabeth. I must not let thee prattle on so fast. Or else thou'lt make me out divine. Leicester. Thou art. I ofttimes think in my most serious moments That God hath sent thee down from heaven to us To rule the country which He loves, that He Might thus reward its faith. Thou art so perfect, Thou scarcely seemest human. Elizabeth. Alas ! I would I were less human. Leicester. I'm glad thou'rt not, indeed. It is a blessing for this mighty land. Thou'lt pardon me — for it will show I have Queen ElizahetJi and Earl Leicester 187 A human weakness — hast thou ever had A doubt of my allegiance to thee ? Elizabeth. Nay, never, Leicester ; No thought of that e'er grieved my heart. Why dost Thou question it ? Leicester. I know not, lady. Except it was to hear from thy sweet lips That thou dost still have trust in me. Elizabeth. Then, be assured I have and will until Leicester. Until Elizabeth. Thou dost deceive me. Leicester. Deceive thee ! Dost think I ever could ? Elizabeth. 'Tis possible. i88 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Leicester. Nay, lady, never. I'd leave my country first. Elizabeth. Pray God thou never wilt. Leicester. Amen ! [Exeunt both. Scene V. — Outside the Palace. Enter Two Gentlemen, meeting. 1ST Gent. Good-morrow, friend. 2ND Gent. Good-morrow, my good sir. 1ST Gent. It is a pleasant morn. 2ND Gent. To some ; to one it is a woful morn. Thou knowest what has happened, friend ? Queen Elizabetli and Earl Leicester 189 1ST Gent. Nay, who can tell ? Storms come so suddenly upon us now, That never have we cause to boast of times Of sunshine, which oft disappears e'en whilst We're praising it. So how can anyone Boast knowledge of events ? 2ND Gent. But one event has happened, friend, which is The topic of all serious talk. Thou sure Hast heard of it ? 1ST Gent. But she hath thrown a lover off ere now. Why take this latest freak so seriously ? 2ND Gent. I see thou hast not learnt the newest thing. I must enlighten thee. Wouldst ever dream That Leicester had a wife ? 1ST Gent. Nay, friend. Restraint so great would ne'er exhaust his lust. A dozen wives would make him virtuous. igo Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 2ND Gent. But he is really wed. 1ST Gent. By parson ? It cannot be. 2ND Gent. By church and ring. 1ST Gent. 2ND Gent. And, pray, why not ? 1ST Gent. The church would fall on him. 2ND Gent. It hath not, friend. 1ST Gent. Then he's not married. 2ND Gent. I tell thee that he is, And I have seen his wife — I mean the queen Hath looked on her. 1ST Gent. How hath she punished her ? Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 191 2ND Gent. She's imprisoned in the Tower. 1ST Gent. Her true deserts. 2ND Gent. Thou hast a cruel heart. 1ST Gent. I have no sympathy for those true fools Who worship such a man. A child could read His lying, vain, and vicious heart. 2ND Gent. The world will never see him more. 1ST Gent. Methinks it will. 2ND Gent. The queen will not o'erlook the deed. 1ST Gent. Who knows her mind ? What skill can read her changing heart ? \Exeimi both. ig2 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Scene VI. — An apartment in the Palace. Enter the Queen and Leicester. Elizabeth, Plead not with me, I say. What canst thou urge t'excuse a trait'rous heart ? What words can blot away the hideous stain On thy false heart ? Thou art as black as hell Is hot, thou perjured hypocrite ! Leicester. When I am dead Thou wilt repent these words. Elizabeth. Repent them, traitor ! Dost thou repent thy lies ? Leicester. I do repent them, lady ; But thou wilt pay no heed to what I say. Elizabeth. No heed ! God's death ! Dost think I'd heed thy falsehoods now ? Alas ! I do repent I ever heeded them. Queen Elizahetk and Earl Leicestei^ 193 Oh, how this man hath made me his scorned tool! How he hath mocked, and laughed, and jeered at me From that proud height to which I mounted him ! The love he did pretend for me was hate ; And I put faith in all his boasted lies ! Ha, fiend ! I have thee now ! Thou'rt safe ! by God, Thou shalt not keep thy wicked head ! Leicester. Why dost thou tie my tongue ? Elizabeth. Oh, would that I had silenced it ere now ! I would have saved m3'self this cruel grief! I would have heard less lies ! This palace would Have been a purer place ! I say, thou hast Polluted it with thy foul breath. To think That I have breathed the air which thou hast breathed ! O God, why didst Thou send this scourge to me. This scorpion, to sting my life ? I'll rid 13 194 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester The world of it, that it may never know The pain of its foul sting again. Enter Burleigh and Hatton, who Ihtcn at a distance. Leicester. Thou art unjust to me. I thought thou wert a fairer queen. Elizabeth. Unjust to thee ! Hast thou been just or fair to me ? Dost thou Deserve for all thy crimes, for all the deeds Of sin that thou hast done, a lenient And pitying regard ? Yea, yea, thou dost ! Thy cowardliness doth seek for pity from The heart it bruised. Thou art a perfect coward, As thou art perfect in hypocrisy. The coward hath a loud and pleading tongue, But bravery a silent, pleading heart. Oh, why was I so blind as not to see Thou didst disguise thyself in bravery's garb ! Leicester. How can I soften thee ? Others conic in and stand at a distance. Qtteen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester 195 Elizabeth. Thou never wilt. Nay, kneeling will more harden me. I'm proof Against all supplicating postures, which Doth evidence thou art an arrant cur. Leicester. I know thou'lt not forgive me, lady ; all I ask is that I may retain my head. I would die whole. I cannot live for long If banished from thy face. In solitude, And far from thee, I'd be as one that's dead, Which is thy wish. Elizabeth. Nay, nay ; I'll be convinced thou'rt dead. I'll see thy corpse And ease my mind. Thou'rt not the man to hide In solitude. Thou wouldst conspire against My life, wouldst plot and scheme to seek revenge. I know thy cowardly heart. If when I smiled On thee thou didst thy best to injure me, How wouldst thou harm me when I frown on thee ! I've trusted thee too long. I do repent I e'er put faith in thee. 196 Queen Elizabeth and Earl Leicester Leicester. Oh, canst thou not be merciful ? Elizabeth. Go, wretch. And let me gaze on thee no more. Leicester. Nay, but one word. Elizabeth. Go! Or 'twill be worse for thee. Leicester. Alas! Thou knowest not thou art thyself to blame. If thou (Elizabeth, in a tempest of wrath, leaves him. The curtain falls on Leicester's discomfiture and prostration.) Elliot Sloc/v, raUrnoster Row Loudon. ^^^ ^v THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara STACK COLLECTION THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. 0m-8.'65(F6447s4)9482 i 3 1205 02043 6075 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACI A A 001 427 115 ',■ -"/', '■"//'■■''//mm //''///I '/ /'I