Whichofyounowwillsethiswilltomine？
Notyou，noryouIthink，nornoneofyou，Nornomanlivingthatloveslivingwell。
Letonestandforthandsmitemewithhishand，Wringmycrownoffandcastitunderfoot，Andheshallgetmyrespitebackofme，Andnomanelse：heshallbidliveordie，Andnomanelse；andheshallbemylord，Andnomanelse。What，willnotonebeking？
Willnotoneherelayholduponmystate？
Iamqueenofyouforallthingscomeandgone。
Nay，mychieflady，andnomeanerone，Thechiefestofmymaidens，shallbearthisAndgiveittomyprisonerforagrace；
Whoshalldenyme？whoshalldomewrong？
BeargreetingtothelordofChastelard，Andthiswithalforrespiteofhislife，Forbymyheadheshalldienosuchway：
Nay，sweet，nowords，buthenceandbackagain。
[ExitMARYBEATON。]
Farewell，dearlords；yehaveshowngracetome，AndsometimeIwillthankyouasImay；
Tillwhenthinkwellofmeandwhatisdone。
ENDOFTHEFOURTHACT。
ACTV。
CHASTELARD。
SCENEI。—BeforeHolyrood。Acrowdofpeople；
amongthemSoldiers，Burgesses，aPreacher，&c。
1STCITIZEN。
Theyarenotoutyet。Haveyouseentheman？
Whatmannerofman？
2DCITIZEN。
Shallhebehangedorno？
TherewasafellowhangedsomethreedaysgoneWeptthewholeway：thinkyouthismanshalldieInbettersort，now？
1STCITIZEN。
Eh，theseshawm—playersThatwalkbeforestrangewomenandmakesongs!
Howshouldtheydiewell？
3DCITIZEN。
IsitsoothmensayOurdamewaswonttokisshimonthefaceInlewdfolk’ssight？
1STCITIZEN。
Yea，saithone，alldaylongHeusedtositandjanglewordsinrhymeTosuitwithshakesoffaintadulteroussoundSomeFrenchlustinmen’sears；shemadesongstoo，Softthingstofeedsin’samorousmouthupon—
Delicatesoundsfordancingatinhell。
4THCITIZEN。
IsitpriestBlackthatheshallhavebyhimWhentheydocome？
3DCITIZEN。
Ah!byGod’sleave，notso；
Iftheknaveshowushispeeledonion’sheadAndthatdamnedflaggingjowlofhis—
2DCITIZEN。
Nay，sirs，Takeheedofwords；moreover，pleaseityou，Thismanhathnopope’spartinhim。
3DCITIZEN。
IsayThatifpriestwhore’sfriendwiththelewdthief’scheekShowhisfoulblinkingfacetoshameallours，Itgoesbackfouler；well，onedayhell’sfireWillburnhimblackindeed。
AWOMAN。
Whatkindofman？
’TisyetgreatpityofhimifhebeGoodlyenowforthisqueen’sparamour。
AFrenchlordoverseas？whatdothhehere，WithScotchfolkhere？
1STCITIZEN。
Fairmistress，IthinkwellHedothsoatsometimesthatIwerefainTodoaswell。
THEWOMAN。
Nay，thenhewillnotdie。
1STCITIZEN。
Why，seeyou，ifoneeatapieceofbreadBakedasitwereacertainprophet’sway，Notuponcoals，now—youshallapprehend—
Ifdefiledbreadbegivenamantoeat，Beingthrustintohismouth，whyheshalleat，Andwithgoodhapshalleat；butifnow，say，Onestealthis，breadandbeastlinessandall，WhenscarcelyforpurehungerfleshandboneCleaveonetoother—why，ifhestealtoeat，Beiteventhefilthiestfeeding—thoughthemanBefamine—flayedoffleshandskin，IsayHeshallbehanged。
3DCITIZEN。
Nay，stolensaidyou，sir？
See，Godbadeeatabominablebread，Andfreelywasiteaten—forasignThis，forasign—anddoubtlessasdidGod，Somaythedevil；bidoneeatfreelyandlive，Notforasign。
2DCITIZEN。
Willyouthinkthusofher？
ButwhereforeshouldtheygetthisfellowslainIfhebecleartowardher？
3DCITIZEN。
Sir，onemustseeThedaycomeswhenawomanshedshersinAsabirdmoults；andshebeingshiftedso，TheoldmateofheroldfeatherpecksatherTogettherightbirdback；thenshebeingstrongerPicksouthiseyes—eh？
2DCITIZEN。
Likeenoughtobe；
Butifitbe—IsnotonepreachingthereWithcertainfolkabouthim？
1STCITIZEN。
Yea，thesameWhopreachedamonthsincefromEzekielConcerningthesetwain—thisourqueenthatisAndherthatwas，andisnotnowsomuchAsqueenoverhell’sworm。
3DCITIZEN。
Ay，saidhenot，ThiswasAholah，thefirstoneofthese，Calledsistersonlyforatype—beingtwain，TwainMaries，nowhitNazarine？thefirstBredoutofEgyptlikethewater—wormWithsidesinwetgreenplacesbakedwithslimeAndfesteredfleshthatsteamsagainstthesun；
Aplagueamongallpeople，andatypeSetasaflakeuponaleper’sfell。
1STCITIZEN。
Yea，saidhe，anduntoherthemenwentin，ThemenofPharaoh’s，beautifulwithredAndwithredgold，fairforeign—footedmen，Thebountifulfairmen，thecourteousmen，Thedelicatemenwithdelicatefeet，thatwentCurlingtheirsmallbeardsAgag—fashion，yeaPruningtheirmouthstonibblewordsbehindWithpeckingatGod’sskirts—smallbrokenoathsFrettedtoshredsbetweenmostdaintylips，AndunderbreathsomepraiseofAshtarothSighedlaughingly。
2DCITIZEN。
WashenotunderguardForthegoodword？
1STCITIZEN。
Yea，butnowforthagain。—
Andofthelattersaidhe—therebeingtwo，ThefirstAholah，whichinterpreted—
3DCITIZEN。
But，ofthislatter？
1STCITIZEN。
Well，ofherhesaidHowshemadelettersforChaldeanfolkAndmenthatcameforthofthewildernessAndallhersister’schosenmen；yea，sheKeptnotherlipfromanysinofhersButmultipliedinwhoredomstowardalltheseThathateGodmightily；forthese，hesaith，ThesearethefairFrenchpeople，andtheseherkinSoughtoutofEnglandwithherlove—lettersTobringthemtoherkissoflove；andthusWithaprayermadethatGodwouldbreaksuchloveEndedsomewhile；thencryingoutforstrongwrathSpakewithagreatvoiceafter：Thisisshe，Yeathelewdwoman，yeathesamewomanThatgatbruisedbreastsinEgypt，whenstrangemenSwartfromgreatsuns，foot—burntwithangrysoilsAndstrewnwithsandofgauntChaldeanmiles，Pouredalltheirloveuponher：sheshalldrinkTheLord’scupofderisionthatisfilledWithdrunkennessandsorrow，greatofsidesAnddeeptodrinkintillthedregdripsout：
Yea，andherselfwiththetwainshardsthereofPluckoffherbreasts；sosaidhe。
4THCITIZEN。
Seethatstir—
Arenottheycome？
3DCITIZEN。
Therewantsanhourofthem。
Drawnearandletushearken；hewillspeakSurelysomewordofthis。
2DCITIZEN。
Whatsaithhenow？
THEPREACHER。
Themercyofaharlotisasword；
Andhermouthsharperthanaflameoffire。
SCENEII。—InPrison。
CHASTELARD。
Soheremytimeshutsup；andthelastlightHasmadethelastshadeintheworldforme。
ThesunbeamthatwasnarrowlikealeafHasturnedahand，andthehandstretchedtoanarm，Andthearmhasreachedthedustonthefloor，andmadeAmazeofmoteswithpaddlingfingers。Well，IknewnowthatamansosuretodieCouldcaresolittle；abride—night’slustinessLeapsinmyveinsaslightfireunderawind：
AsifIfeltakindlingbeyonddeathOfsomenewjoysfaroutsideofmeyet；
Sweetsound，sweetsmellandtouchofthingsfaroutSuretocomesoon。IwonderwilldeathbeEvenallitseemsnow？orthetalkofhellAndwretchedchangesoftheworn—outsoulNailedtodecayingflesh，shallthatbetrue？
OristhisliketheforethoughtofdeepsleepFeltbyatiredman？Sleepweregoodenough—
Shallsleepbeall？ButIshallnotforgetForanysleepthislovebounduponme—
Foranysleeporquietwaysofdeath。
Ah，inmywearydustyspaceofsightHerfacewillfloatwithheavyscentsofhairAndfireofsubtleamorouseyes，andlipsMorehotthanwine，fullofsweetwickedwordsBabbledagainstmineownlips，andlonghandsSpreadout，andpalebrightthroatandpalebrightbreasts，Fittomakeallmenmad。IdobelieveThisfireshallneverquiteburnouttotheashAndleavenoheatandflameuponmydustForwitnesswhereaman’sheartwasburntup。
ForallChrist’sworkthisVenusisnotquelled，Butreddensatthemouthwithbloodofmen，Suckingbetweensmallteeththesapo’theveins，Dabblingwithdeathherlittletenderlips—
Abitterbeauty，poisonous—pearledmouth。
Iamnotfittolivebutforlove’ssake，SoIwerebestdieshortly。Ah，fairlove，FairfearfulVenusmadeofdeadlyfoam，Ishallescapeyousomehowwithmydeath—
YoursplendidsupplebodyandmouthonfireAndPaphianbreaththatbitesthelipswithheat。
Ihadbestdie。
[EnterMARYBEATON。]
What，ismydeath’stimecome，Andyouthefriendtomakedeathkindtome？
’Tissweetlydone；forIwassickforthis。
MARYBEATON。
Nay，butseehere；nay，foryoushallnotdie：
Shehasreprievedyou；look，hernametothat，Apresentrespite；Iwassureofher：
Youarequitesafe：here，takeitinyourhands：
Iamfaintwiththeendofpain。Readthere。
CHASTELARD。
Reprieve？
Whereforereprieve？Whohasdonethistome？
MARYBEATON。
IneverfearedbutGodwouldhaveyoulive，OrIknewwellGodmusthavepunishedme；
ButIfearednothing，hadnosortoffear。
Whatmakesyoustareuponthesealsohard？
Willyounotreadnow？
CHASTELARD。
Areprieveoflife—
Reprievingmefromliving。Nay，byGod，Icountonedeathabitterthingenough。
MARYBEATON。
Seewhatshewrites；youlove；forloveofyou；
Outofherlove；awordtosaveyourlife：
ButIknewthistoothoughyoulovemenot：
Sheisyourlove；Iknewthat：yea，byheaven。
CHASTELARD。
YouknewIhadtoliveandbereprieved：
SayIwerebenttodienow？
MARYBEATON。
Donotdie，Forhersweetlove’ssake；notforpityofme，Youwouldnotbearwithlifeformeonehour；
Butforhersonly。
CHASTELARD。
Nay，Iloveyouwell，Iwouldnothurtyouformorelivesthanone。
Butforthisfair—facedpaperofreprieve，We’llhavenoriddlingtomakedeathshiftsides：
Look，hereendsoneofus。
[Tearingit。]
ForherIlove，Shewillnotangerheavenwithslayingme；
Forme，Iamwellquitoflovingher；
Foryou，Iprayyoubewellcomforted，SeeinginmylifenomangatgoodbymeAndbymydeathnohurtisanyman’s。
MARYBEATON。
AndIthatlovedyou？nay，Ilovedyou；nay，Whyshouldyourlikebepitiedwhentheylove？
Herhardheartisnotyetsohardasyours，NorGod’shardheart。Icarenotifyoudie。
Thesebittermadmenarenotfittolive。
Iwillnothaveyoutouchme，speaktome，Nortakefarewellofyou。Seeyoudiewell，Ordeathwillplaywithshameforyou，andwin，Andlaughyououtoflife。IamrightgladIneveramtoseeyouanymore，ForIshouldcometohateyoueasily；
Iwouldnothaveyoulive。
[Exit。]
CHASTELARD。
Shehascauseenow。
Iwouldthiswretchedwaitinghadanend，ForIwaxfeeblerthanIwas：GodknowsIhadamindoncetohavesavedthisfleshAndmadelifeonewithshame。ItmarvelsmeThisgirlthatlovesmeshoulddesiresomuchTohavemesleepwithshameforbedfellowAwholelife’sspace；shewouldbegladtodieToescapesuchlife。ItmaybetooherloveIsbutanamorousquarrelwithherself，Notloveofmebutherownwilfulsoul；
ThenshewillliveandbemoregladofthisThangirlsoftheirownwillandtheirheart’sloveBeforelovemarsthem：soGodgowithher!
Formineownlove—IwonderwillshecomeSadathermouthalittle，withdrawncheeksAndeyelidswrinkledup？orhotandquickToleanherheadonmineandleaveherlipsDeepinmyneck？Forsurelyshemustcome；
AndIshouldfarethebettertobesureWhatshewilldo。Butasitpleasemysweet；
Forsomesweetthingshemustdoifshecome，SeeinghowIhavetodie。NowthreeyearssinceThishadnotseemedsogoodanendforme；
ButinsomewiseallthingswearroundbetimesAndwindupwell。YetdoubtlessshemighttakeAwilltocomemywayandholdmyhandsAndkissmesomethreekisses，throat，mouth，eyes，Andsaysomesoftthreewordstosoftendeath：
Idonotseehowthisshouldbreakherease。
Nay，shewillcometogetherwarrantback：
Bythisnodoubtsheissorelypenitent，HerfitofangrymercywellblownoutAndherwitscoolagain。ShemusthavechafedAgreatwhilethroughforangertobecomeSolikepurepity；theymusthavefrettedherNightmadforanger：oritmaybemistrust，Sheissofalse；yea，tomydeathIthinkShewillnottrustme；alasthehardsweetheart!
AsifmylipscouldhurtheranywayButbytookeenlykissingofherown。
Ahfalsepoorsweetfairlipsthatkeepnofaith，Theyshallnotcatchminefalseordangerous；
Theymustneedskissmeonegoodtime，albeitTheylovemenotatall。Lo，hereshecomes，Forthebloodleapsandcatchesatmyface；
Theregoherfeetandtreaduponmyheart；
NowshallIseewhatwayIamtodie。
[EntertheQUEEN。]
QUEEN。
What，isonehere？SpeaktomeforGod’ssake：
Whereareyoulain？
CHASTELARD。
Here，madam，atyourhand。
QUEEN。
Sweetlord，whatsorepainhaveIhadforyouAndbeenmostpatient!——Nay，youarenotbound。
Ifyoubegentletome，takemyhand。
Doyounotholdmetheworstheartintheworld？
Nay，youmustneeds；butsaynotyetyoudo。
IamwornsoweakIknownothowIlive：
Reachmeyourhand。
CHASTELARD。
Takecomfortandgoodheart；
Allwillfindend；thisissomegrieftoyou，Butyoushalloverliveit。Come，fairlove；
Beoffaircheer：Isayyouhavedonenowrong。
QUEEN。
Iwillnotbeofcheer：IhavedoneathingThatwillturnfireandburnme。Tellmenot；
Ifyouwilldomecomfort，whetyoursword。
Butifyouhateme，tellmeofsoftthings，ForIhatethese，andbitterly。Lookup；
AmInotmortaltobegazedupon？
CHASTELARD。
Yea，mortal，andnothateful。
QUEEN。
Olostheart!
Givemesomemeantodieby。
CHASTELARD。
Sweet，enough。
Youhavemadenofault；lifeisnotworthaworldThatyoushouldweeptotakeit：wouldminewere，AndImightgiveyouaworld—worthiergiftThanonepoorheadthatlovehasmadeaspoil；
Takeitforjest，andweepnot：letmego，AndthinkIdiedofchanceormalady。
Nay，Idiewell；onediesnotbestabed。
QUEEN，Mywarranttoreprieveyou——thatyousaw？
Thatcamebetweenyourhands？
CHASTELARD。
Yea，notlongsince。
Itseemsyouhavenowilltoletmedie。
QUEEN。
Alas，youknowIwroteitwithmyheart，Outofpurelove；andsinceyouwereinbondsIhavehadsuchgriefforlove’ssakeandmyheart’s——
Yea，bymylifeIhave——IcouldnotchooseButgivelovewayalittle。Takemyhand；
Youknowitwouldhaveprickedmyheart’sbloodoutTowritereprievewith。
CHASTELARD。
Sweet，yourhandsarekind；
Laythemaboutmyneck，uponmyface，Andtellmenotofwriting。
QUEEN。
Nay，byheaven，IwouldhavegivenyoumineownbloodtodrinkIfthatcouldhealyouofyoursoul—sickness。
Yea，theyknowthat，theycursemeforyoursake，Railatmylove——wouldGodtheirheadswereloppedAndwetwainlefttogetherthissidedeath!
Butlookyou，sweet，ifthismywarrantholdYouarebutdeadandshamed；foryoumustdie，AndtheywillslayyoushamefullybyforceEveninmysight。
CHASTELARD。
Faith，Ithinksotheywill。
QUEEN。
Nay，theywouldslaymetoo，caststonesatme，Dragmealive——theyhaveeatenpoisonouswords，Theyaremadandhavenoshame。
CHASTELARD。
Ay，likeenough。
QUEEN。
WouldGodmyheartweregreater；butGodwotIhavenohearttobearwithfearanddie。
Yea，andIcannothelpyou：orIknowIshouldbenobler，bearabetterheart：
Butasthisstands——Iprayyouforgoodlove，Asyouholdhonoracostlierthingthanlife——
CHASTELARD。
Well？
QUEEN。
Nay，Iwouldnotbedeniedforshame；
Inbrief，Iprayyougivemethatagain。
CHASTELARD。
What，myreprieve？
QUEEN。
Evenso；denymenot，Foryoursakemainly：yea，byGodyouknowHowfainIweretodieinyourdeath’sstead。
Foryourname’ssake。Thiswerenoneedtoswear。
Lestwebemockedtodeathwithareprieve，Andsobothdie，beingshamed。What，shallIswear？
What，ifIkissyou？mustIpluckitout？
Youdonotloveme：no，norhonor。ComeIknowyouhaveitaboutyou：giveitme。
CHASTELARD。
Icannotyieldyousuchathingagain；
NotasIhadit。
QUEEN。
Acoward？whatshiftnow？
Dosuchmenmakesuchcravens？
CHASTELARD。
Chidemenot：
PitymethatIcannothelpmyheart。
QUEEN。
Heavenmendmineeyesthattookyouforaman!
What，isitsewnintoyourflesh？takeheed——
Nay，butforshame——whathaveyoudonewithit？
CHASTELARD。
Why，thereitlies，tornup。
QUEEN。
Godhelpme，sir!
Haveyoudonethis？
CHASTELARD。
Yea，sweet；whatshouldIdo？
DidInotknowyoutothebone，mysweet？
Godspeedyouwell!youhaveagoodlylord。
QUEEN。
Mylove，sweetlove，youaremorefairthanhe，Yea，fairermanytimes：Iloveyoumuch，Sir，knowyouthat。
CHASTELARD。
IthinkIknowthatwell。
SitherealittletillIfeelyouthroughInallmybreathandbloodforsomesweetwhile。
Ograciousbodythatminearmshavehad，Andhairmyfacehasfeltonit!graveeyesAndlowthicklidsthatkeepsinceyearsagoneInthebluesweetofeachparticularveinSomespecialprintofme!IamrightgladThatImustneverfeelabittererthingThanyoursoftcurled—upshoulderandamorousarmsFromthistimeforth；nothingcanhaptomeLessgoodthanthisforallmywholelifethrough。
IwouldnothavesomenewpainafterthisComespoilthesavor。O，yourroundbird’sthroat，Moresoftthansleeporsinging；yourcalmcheeks，Turnedbright，turnedwanwithkisseshardandhot；
Thebeautifulcolorofyourdeepcurvedhands，Madeofaredrosethathadchangedtowhite；
Thatmouthmineownholdshalfthesweetnessof，Yea，myheartholdsthesweetnessofit，whenceMylifebeganinme；minethatendshereBecauseyouhavenomercy，nayyouknowYounevercouldhavemercy。Myfairlove，Kissmeagain，Godlovesyounottheless；
Whyshouldonewomanhaveallgoodlythings？
Youhaveallbeauty；letmeanwomen’slipsBepitiful，andspeaktruth：theywillnotbeSuchperfectthingsasyours。BenotashamedThathandsnotmadelikethesethatsnaremen’ssoulsShoulddomengood，givealms，relievemen’spain；
Youhavethebetter，beingmorefairthanthey，Theyarehalffoul，beingrathergoodthanfair；
Youarequitefair：tobequitefairisbest。
Why，twonightshenceIdreamedthatIcouldseeInthroughyourbosomundertheleftflower，Andtherewasaroundhollow，andatheartAlittleredsnakesitting，withoutspot，Thatbit——likethis，andsuckedupsweet——likethis，Andcurleditslithelightbodyrightandleft，Andquiveredlikeawomaninacttolove。
Thentherewassomelowflutteredtalki’thelips，Faintsoundofsoftfiercewordscaressingthem——
Likeafairwoman’swhenherlovegetsway。
Ah，youroldkiss——Iknowthewaysofit：
Letthelipsclingalittle。Takethemoff，AndspeaksomewordorIgomadwithlove。
QUEEN。
Willyounothavemychaplaincometoyou？
CHASTELARD。
Somebetterthingofyours——somehandkerchief，Somefringeofscarftomakeconfessionto——
Youhadsomebookaboutyouthatfellout——
QUEEN。
AlittlewrittenbookofRonsard’srhymes，Hisgift，Iwearinthereforloveofhim——
See，herebetweenourfeet。
CHASTELARD。
Ay，myoldlord’s——
Thesweetchiefpoet，mydearfriendlongsince？
Givemethebook。Loyou，thisverseofhis：
WithcomingliliesinlateAprilcameHerbody，fashionedwhiterfortheirshame；
Androses，touchedwithbloodsinceAdonbled，Fromherfaircolorfilledtheirlipswithred：
Agoodlypraise：Icouldnotpraiseyouso。
Ireadthatwhileyourmarriage—feastwenton。
Leavemethisbook，Iprayyou：IwouldreadThehymnofdeathhereoverereIdie；
IshallknowsoonhowmuchheknewofdeathWhenthatwaswritten。OnethingIknownow，Ishallnotdiewithhalfaheartatleast，Norshiftmyface，norweepmyfaultalive，NorswearifImightliveanddonewdeedsIwoulddobetter。Letmekeepthebook。
QUEEN。
Yea，keepit：aswouldGodyouhadkeptyourlifeOutofmineeyesandhands。Iamwrongtotheheart：
Thishourfeelsdryandbitterinmymouth，Asifitssorrowweremybody’sfoodMorethanmysoul’s。Therearebadthoughtsinme——
MostbitterfanciesbitingmelikebirdsThatteareachother。Supposeyouneednotdie？
CHASTELARD。
YouknowIcannotlivefortwohoursmore。
Ourfatewasmadethusereourdaysweremade：
Willyoufightfortuneforsosmallagrief？
ButforonethingIwerefullfainofdeath。
QUEEN。
Whatthingisthat？
CHASTELARD。
Noneedtonamethething。
Why，whatcandeathdowithmefittofear？
ForifIsleepIshallnotweepawake；
Oriftheirsayingbetrueofthingstocome，Thoughhellbesharp，intheworstacheofitIshallbeeasedsoGodwillgivemebackSometimesonegoldengracioussightofyou——
Theaureolewovenflowerlikethroughyourhair，AndinyourlipsthelittlelaughasredAswhenitcameuponakissandceased，Touchingmymouth。
QUEEN。
AsIdonow，thisway，Withmyheartafter：wouldIcouldshedtears，Tearsshouldnotfailwhentheheartshuddersso。
Butyourbadthought？
CHASTELARD。
Well，suchathoughtasthis：
Itmaybe，longtimeafterIamdead，Forallyouare，youmayseebitterdays；
Godmayforgetyouorbewrothwithyou：
Thenshallyoulackalittlehelpofme，AndIshallfeelyoursorrowtouchingyou，Ahappysorrow，thoughImaynottouch：
Ithatwouldfainbeturnedtofleshagain，Faingetbacklifetogiveuplifeforyou，Toshedmybloodforhelp，thatlongagoYoushedandwerenotholpen：andyourheartWillacheforhelpandcomfort，yeaforlove，Andfindlesslovethanmine——forIdothinkYouneverwillbelovedthusinyourlife。
QUEEN。
Itmaybemanwillneverlovememore；
ForIamsureIshallnotlovemantwice。
CHASTELARD。
Iknownot：menmustloveyouinlife’sspite；
Foryouwillalwayskillthem；manbymanYourlipswillbitethemdead；yea，thoughyouwould，Youshallnotspareone；allwilldieofyou；
Icannottellwhatloveshalldowiththese，ButIforallmyloveshallhavenomightTohelpyoumore，minearmsandhandsnopowerTofastenonyoumore。Thiscleavesmyheart，Thattheyshallnevertouchyourbodymore。
Butforyourgrief——youwillnothavetogrieve；
ForbeinginsuchpooreyessobeautifulItmustneedsbeasGodismorethanI
Somuchmorelovehehathofyouthanmine；
Yea，Godshallnotbebitterwithmylove，Seeingsheissosweet。
QUEEN。
Ahmysweetfool，ThinkyouwhenGodwillruinmeforsinMyfaceofcolorshallprevailsomuchWithhim，sosoftenthetoothediron’sedgeTosavemythroatascar？nay，IamsureIshalldiesomehowsadly。
CHASTELARD。
Thisispuregrief；
Theshadowofyourpityformydeath，Merefoolishnessofpity：allsweetmoodsThrowoutsuchlittleshadowsofthemselves，Leavesuchlightfearsbehind。You，dielikeme？
StretchyourthroatoutthatImaykissallroundWheremineshallbecutthrough：supposemymouthTheaxe—edgetobitesosweetathroatintwainWithbitteriron，shouldnotitturnsoftAslipissofttolip？
QUEEN。
IamquitesureIshalldiesadlysomeday，Chastelard；
Iamquitecertain。
CHASTELARD。
Donotthinksuchthings；
Lestallmynextworld’smemoriesofyoubeAsheavyasthisthought。
QUEEN。
Iwillnotgrieveyou；
Forgivemethatmythoughtsweresickwithgrief。
WhatcanIdotogiveyoueaseatheart？
ShallIkissnow？IprayyouhavenofearButthatIloveyou。
CHASTELARD。
Turnyourfacetome；
Idonotgrudgeyourfacethisdeathofmine；
Itistoofair——byGod，youaretoofair。
Whatnoiseisthat？
QUEEN。
Canthehourbethroughsosoon？
Ibadethemgivemebutalittlehour。
Ah!Idoloveyou!suchbriefspaceforlove!
Iamyoursallthrough，doallyourwillwithme；
Whatifwelayandletthemtakeusfast，Lipsgraspinglips？Idaredoanything。
CHASTELARD。
Showbettercheer：letnomanseeyoumazed；
Makehasteandkissme；coverupyourthroatLestoneseetumbledlaceandprateofit。
[EntertheGuard：MURRAY，DARNLEY，MARY
HAMILTON，MARYBEATON，andotherswiththem。]
DARNLEY。
Sirs，doyourcharge；lethimnothavemuchtime。
MARYHAMILTON。
Peace，lestyouchafethequeen：look，herbrowsbend。
CHASTELARD。
Lords，andallyoucomehitherformysake，IfwhilemylifewaswithmelikeafriendThatImustnowforgetthefriendshipof，Ihavedoneawrongtoanymanofyou，AsitmaybebyfaultofmineIhave；
OfsuchanoneIcraveforcourtesyHewillnowcastitfromhismindandheedLikeadeadthing；consideringmydeadfaultWorthnoremembrancefurtherthanmydeath。
ThisforhisgentlehonorandgoodwillIdobeseechhim，doubtingnottofindSuchkindlinessifhebenoblymadeAndofhisbirthacourteousraceofman。
You，myLordJames，ifyouhaveaughttowardme——
Oryou，LordDarnley——Idarefearnojot，Whate’erthisbewhereinyouwereaggrieved，Butyouwillpardonallforgentleness。
DARNLEY。
Formypart——yea，well，ifthethingstandthus，Asyoumustdie——onewouldnotbearfolkhard——
Andiftherestshallholdithonorable，Why，Idopardonyou。
MURRAY。
Sir，inallthingsWefindnocausetospeakofyoubutwell：
ForallIsee，savethisyourdeadlyfault，Iholdyouforanobleperfectman。
CHASTELARD。
Ithankyou，fairlord，foryournobleness。
Youlikewise，forthecourtesyyouhaveIgiveyouthanks，sir；andtoalltheselordsThathavenothearttoloadmeatmydeath。
Last，IbeseechofthebestqueenofmenAndroyallestfairladyintheworldTopardonmemygrievousmortalsinDoneinsuchgreatoffenceofher：for，sirs，IfeversinceIcamebetweenhereyesShehathbeheldmeotherthanIamOrshownherhonorotherthanitis，Or，saveinroyalfaultlesscourtesies，Usedmewithfavor；ifbyspeechorface，Bysalutationorbytendereyes，Shehathmadeawayformydesiretolive，Giveneartomeorboldnesstomybreath；
IprayGodcastmeforthbeforedayceaseEventotheheaviestplacethereisinhell。
Yea，ifshebenotstainlesstowardallmen，IpraythisaxethatIshalldieuponMaycutmeoffbodyandsoulfromheaven。
Nowformysoul’ssakeIdarepraytoyou；
Forgiveme，madam。
QUEEN。
Yea，Ido，fairsir：
WithallmyheartinallIpardonyou。
CHASTELARD。
Godthankyouforgreatmercies。Lords，sethence；
Iamrightlothtoholdyourpatiencehere；
Imustnotholdmuchlongeranyman’s。
Bringmemywayandbidmefarewellforth。
[AstheypassouttheQUEENstaysMARYBEATON。]
QUEEN。
Harkhither，sweet。GetbacktoHolyroodAndtakeCarmichaelwithyou：gobothupInsomechiefwindowwhencethesquareslieclear——
SeemnottoknowwhatIshalldo——markthat——
Andwatchhowthingsfareunder。Havegoodcheer；
YoudonotthinknowIcanlethimdie？
Nay，thiswereshamefulmadnessifyoudid，AndIshouldhateyou。
MARYBEATON。
Prayyouloveme，madam，Andswearyoulovemeandwillletmelive，ThatImaydiethequicker。
QUEEN。
Nay，sweet，see，Nay，youshallsee，thismustnotseemdevised；
Iwilltakeanymanwithme，andgo；
Yea，forpurehateofthemthathatehim：yea，LayholdupontheheadsmanandbidstrikeHereonmyneck；iftheywillhavehimdie，Why，Iwilldietoo：queenshavediedthiswayForlessthingsthanhisloveis。Nay，IknowTheywantnoblood；IwillbringswordstobootFordearlove’srescuethoughhalfearthwereslain；
Whatshouldmendowithblood？Standfastatwatch；
ForIwillbehisransomifIdie。
[Exeunt。]
SCENEIII。——TheUpperChamberinHolyrood。
MARYBEATONseated；MARYCARMICHAELatawindow。
MARYBEATON。
Doyouseenothing？
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Nay，butswarmsofmenAndtalkingwomengatheredinsmallspace，Flappingtheirgownsandgapingwithfools’eyes：
Andathinringroundonethatseemstospeak，Holdinghishandsouteagerly；nomore。
MARYBEATON。
Why，Ihearmore，IhearmenshoutTheQueen。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Nay，nocriesyet。
MARYBEATON。
Ah，theywillcryoutsoonWhenshecomesforth；theyshouldcryoutonher；
Iheartheircryinginmyheart。Nay，sweet，Donotyouhateher？allmen，ifGodplease，Shallhateheroneday；yea，onedaynodoubtIshallworsehateher。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Prayyou，beatpeace；
Youhurtyourself：shewillbemerciful；
What，couldyouseeatruemanslainforyou？
IthinkIcouldnot；itisnotlikeourheartsTohavesuchhardsidestothem。
MARYBEATON。
O，notyou，AndIcouldnowise；there’ssomebloodinherThatdoesnotruntomercyasoursdoth：
ThatfairfaceandthecursedheartinherMadekeenerthanaknifeformanslayingCanbearstrangethings。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Peace，forthepeoplecome。
Ah——Murray，hoodedoverhalfhisfaceWithplucked—downhat，fewfolkabouthim，eyesLikeamanangered；Darnleyafterhim，HoldingourHamiltonaboveherwrist，Hismouthputnearherhairtowhisperwith——
Andshelaughssoftly，lookingatherfeet。
MARYBEATON。
Shewillnotlivelong；GodhathgivenherFewdaysandevil，fullofhateandlove，Iseewellnow。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Hark，there’stheircry——TheQueen!
Fairlifeandlong，andgooddaystotheQueen!
MARYBEATON。
Yea，butGodknows。IfeelsuchpatiencehereAsIweresureinabriefwhiletodie。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Shebendsandlaughsalittle，graciously，Andturnshalf，talkingtoIknownotwhom——
Abigmanwithgreatshoulders；ah，theface，Yougethisfacenow——wideandduskish，yeaTheyouthburntoutofit。Agoodlyman，Thewedmightilyandsunburnttothebone；
Doubtlesshewasawayinbanishment，Orkeptsomemarchfaroff。
MARYBEATON。
Stillyouseenothing？
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Yea，nowtheybringhimforthwithagreatnoise，ThefolkallshoutingandmenthrustaboutEachwayfromhim。
MARYBEATON。
Ah，LordGod，bearwithme，HelpmetobearalittlewithmyloveForthineownlove，orgivemesomequickdeath。
Donotcomedown；Ishallgetstrengthagain，Onlymybreathfails。Lookshesadorblithe？
NotsadIdoubtyet。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Nay，notsadawhit，ButlikeamanwholosinggoldorlandsShouldloseaheavysorrow；hisfaceset，Theeyesnotcurioustotherightorleft，Andreadinginabook，hishandsunbound，Withshortfleetsmiles。Thewholeplacecatchesbreath，Lookingathim；sheseemsatpointtospeak：
Nowsheliesback，andlaughs，withherbrowsdrawnAndherlipsdrawntoo。Nowtheyreadhiscrime——
Iseethelaughtertighteningherchin：
Whydoyoubendyourbodyanddrawbreath？
Theywillnotslayhiminhersight；IamsureShewillnothavehimslain。
MARYBEATON。
Forth，andfearnot：
Iwasjustprayingtomyself——oneword，AprayerIhavetosayforhertoGodIfhewillmindit。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Nowhelooksherside；
Somethinghesays，ifonecouldhearthusfar：
Sheleansout，lengtheningherthroattohearAndhereyesshining。
MARYBEATON。
Ah，Ihadnohope：
YeathouGodknowestthatIhadnohope。
Letitendquickly。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
NowhiseyesarewideAndhissmilegreat；andlikeanothersmileThebloodfillsallhisface。HercheekandneckWorkfastandhard；shemusthavepardonedhim，Helookssomerrily。NowhecomesforthOutofthatringofpeopleandkneelsdown；
Ah，howthehelveandedgeofthegreataxeTurninthesunlightasthemanshiftshands——
Itmustbeforashow：becauseshesitsAndhardlymovesherheadthisway——IseeHerchinandliftedlips。Nowshestandsup，Putsoutherhand，andtheyfallmuttering；
Ah!
MARYBEATON。
Isitdonenow？
MARYCARMICHAEL。
ForGod’slove，staythere；
Donotlookout。Nay，heisdeadbythis；
Butgatherupyourselffromoffthefloor；
Willshedietoo？Ishutmineeyesandheard——
Sweet，donotbeatyourfaceupontheground。
Nay，heisdeadandslain。
MARYBEATON。
What，slainindeed？
Iknewhewouldbeslain。Ay，throughtheneck：
IknewonemustbesmittenthroughtheneckTodiesoquick：ifonewerestabbedtotheheart，Hewoulddieslower。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Willyoubeholdhimdead？
MARYBEATON。
Yea：mustadeadmannotbelookeduponThatlivingonewasfainof？givemeway。
Loyou，whatsortofhairthisfellowhad；
ThedoomsmangathersitintohishandTograsptheheadbyforallmentosee；
Ineverdidthat。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
ForGod’slove，letmego。
MARYBEATON。
Ithinksometimesshemusthavehelditso，Holdinghisheadback，seeyou，bythehairTokisshisface，stilllyinginhisarms。
Ay，goandweep：itmustbepitifulIfonecouldseeit。Whatisthistheysay？
SoperishtheQueen’straitors!Yea，butsoPerishtheQueen!God，dothusmuchtoherForhissakeonly：yea，forpity’ssakeDothusmuchwithher。
MARYCARMICHAEL。
Pritheecomeinwithme：
Nay，comeatonce。
MARYBEATON。
IfIshouldmeetwithherAndspituponherathercomingin——
ButifIlivethenshallIseeonedayWhenGodwillsmiteherlyingharlot’smouth——
SurelyIshall。Come，Iwillgowithyou；
WewillsitdowntogetherfacetofaceNow，andkeepsilence；forthislifeishard，Andtheendofitisquietnessatlast。
Come，letusgo：hereisnowordtosay。
ANUSHER。
MakewaythereforthelordofBothwell；room——
PlaceformylordofBothwellnextthequeen。
EXPLICIT