Mary. I came and I can go.

Shakespeare. Mary!  [There is a clatter of hoofs.]

Mary. D’you hear? Horses! What do they seek? You, Marlowe, me?

Shakespeare. This they call conscience.

Mary. Take your hand away! I’ll slip through yet; nor shall you follow me; You had your chance. Listen! A boy was here; One Francis Archer. Say it after me— No woman, but a boy, a stranger to you!

Shakespeare. Strange to me, Mary.

There is a sound of voices in the yard.

Mary. If you hold me now I’ll scream and swear you stabbed him as he slept, They’re drinking still.  [She opens the door.]

Voices [in the outer room]. Hey, boy! Ho, boy! Heel and toe, boy! Who’ll have a drink with me?

Mary. If you should get away. Send me no message, come not near me! Now!