Chastelard, a Tragedy

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

MURRAY.
Speak simply, madam;
I must obey you, being your bounden man.

QUEEN.
Sir, so it is you know what things have been,
Even to the endangering of mine innocent name,
And by no fault, but by men's evil will;
If Chastelard have trial openly,
I am but shamed.

MURRAY.
This were a wound indeed,
If your good name should lie upon his lip.

QUEEN.
I will the judges put him not to plead,
For my fame's sake; he shall not answer them.

MURRAY.
What, think you he will speak against your fame?

QUEEN.
I know not; men might feign belief of him
For hate of me; it may be he will speak;
In brief, I will not have him held to proof.

MURRAY.
Well, if this be, what good is to be done?

QUEEN.
Is there no way but he must speak to them,
Being had to trial plainly?

MURRAY.
I think, none.

QUEEN.
Now mark, my lord; I swear he will not speak.