ACT I.
(Walter Raleigh, Blount, and Tracy, walking along shore see boat of the Queen.)
Blount: See, the Queen's barge lies at the stairs. We had best put back and tell the Earl what we have seen.
Raleigh: Tell the Earl what we have seen! Let us do his errand, and tell him what the Queen says in reply.
Blount: Do, I pray you, my dear Walter, let us take the boat and return.
Raleigh: Not till I see the Queen come forth.
(Queen comes, Raleigh removes his hat and stands close to Queen as she approaches with her court. She hesitates to pass miry spot. Raleigh takes coat from shoulder and lays it on the ground. Queen looks at Raleigh and passes on).
Blount: Come along, Sir Coxcomb, your gay mantle will need the brush today, I wot.
Raleigh: This cloak shall never be brushed while in my possession.
Blount: That will not be long, if you learn not a little more economy.
(Member of court comes after Raleigh. Queen and court at water's edge, waiting).
Courtier: I was sent to bring a gentleman who has no coat, you, sir, I think. Please follow me.
Blount: He is in attendance on me, the noble Earl of Sussex, Master of Horse.
Courtier: I have nothing to say to that. My orders are from her Majesty.
(Walter and man walk toward Queen).
Blount: Who in the world would have thought it!
(Raleigh is brought to Queen, who laughs, and talks to attendants).
Queen: You have this day spoiled a gay mantle in our service. We thank you for your service, though the manner of offering was something bold.
Raleigh: In a sovereign's need, it is each man's duty to be bold.
Queen: (Speaking to attendant). That is well said, my lord. (To Raleigh) Well, young man, your gallantry shall not go unrewarded. Thou shalt have a suit, and that of the newest cut.
Raleigh: May it please your majesty, but if it became me to choose—
Queen: Thou wouldst have gold? Fie, young man. Yet, thou mayest be poor. It shall be gold. But thou shall answer to me for the use of it.
Raleigh: I do not wish gold, your majesty.
Queen: How, boy, neither gold nor garment! What then?
Raleigh: Only permission to wear the cloak which did this trifling service.
Queen: Permission to wear thine own cloak, thou silly boy?
Raleigh: It is no longer mine. When your majesty's foot touched it, it became a fit mantle for a prince.
Queen: Heard you ever the like, my Lords? What is thy name and birth?
Raleigh: Raleigh is my name.
Queen: Raleigh? We have heard of you. You may wear thy muddy cloak, and here, I give thee this, to wear at the collar.
(Gives him a jewel of gold, Raleigh kneels, and kisses hand of Queen).